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therefore_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a so_o certain_a that_o it_o need_v not_o be_v try_v that_o any_o other_o mean_v proper_a for_o god_n to_o use_v to_o reclaim_v we_o will_v be_v alike_o unsuccessful_a if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a this_o be_v the_o last_o reply_n that_o abraham_n make_v to_o the_o rich_a man_n request_n and_o it_o be_v the_o three_o of_o those_o three_o point_n which_o i_o at_o first_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o but_o which_o i_o must_v reserve_v for_o the_o subject_a of_o my_o next_o discourse_n finis_fw-la new_a revelation_n will_v probable_o be_v unsuccesful_a a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n november_n four_o 1700._o be_v the_o eight_o for_o the_o year_n 1700_o of_o the_o lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o offspring_n blackall_n d._n d._n rector_n of_o st._n marry_o aldermary_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v by_o j._n leake_n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._o st._n luke_n xvi_o 29_o 30_o 31._o abraham_n say_v unto_o he_o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o he_o say_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a in_o discourse_v on_o these_o word_n i_o have_v already_o do_v these_o two_o thing_n i._o i_o have_v show_v that_o the_o present_a stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o repentance_n if_o they_o be_v not_o unreasonable_o blind_a and_o obstinate_a this_o be_v intimate_v in_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o the_o text_n they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o ii_o i_o have_v likewise_o show_v that_o have_v already_o such_o good_a ground_n of_o faith_n such_o full_a direction_n for_o practice_n and_o such_o strong_a motive_n to_o repentance_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o desire_v more_o this_o be_v what_o the_o rich_a man_n have_v do_v at_o the_o 27_o and_o 28_o verse_n and_o which_o he_o still_o continue_v to_o do_v in_o the_o 2d_o verse_n of_o the_o text_n even_o after_o abraham_n have_v tell_v he_o that_o the_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v sufficient_a nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v he_o say_v it_o positive_o they_o will_v repent_v he_o speak_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n that_o no_o doubt_n can_v be_v make_v of_o in_o answer_n to_o which_o therefore_o abraham_n tell_v he_o in_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o 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very_o few_o or_o none_o of_o those_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o be_v not_o bring_v to_o repentance_n by_o the_o preach_a and_o stand_v revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v persuade_v by_o this_o mean_n if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n i_o add_v nor_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o will_n i_o suppose_v sufficient_o appear_v if_o these_o follow_a thing_n be_v consider_v 1._o that_o we_o can_v have_v better_a or_o strong_a motive_n to_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n than_o be_v already_o offer_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o persuade_v we_o 2._o that_o the_o proof_n and_o evidence_n already_o give_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v such_o as_o can_v be_v fair_o except_v against_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o proof_n thereof_o that_o can_v be_v offer_v but_o what_o be_v liable_a to_o cavil_n and_o unreasonable_a 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we_o from_o sin_n than_o intolerable_a and_o everlasting_a misery_n if_o not_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v he_o be_v send_v to_o we_o or_o indeed_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v there_o be_v any_o new_a revelation_n at_o all_o for_o these_o thing_n be_v already_o promise_v and_o threaten_v clear_o enough_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n life_n and_o immortality_n be_v already_o full_o bring_v to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o if_o the_o dread_a of_o everlasting_a and_o intolerable_a torment_n will_v not_o persuade_v we_o nothing_o certain_o will_n or_o can_v persuade_v we_o all_o that_o i_o think_v can_v in_o any_o new_a revelation_n be_v add_v to_o that_o encouragement_n that_o be_v already_o give_v we_o in_o scripture_n to_o virtue_n and_o godliness_n or_o to_o that_o discouragement_n that_o be_v therein_o give_v as_o to_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n will_v be_v a_o assurance_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v always_o as_o remarkable_a a_o difference_n make_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n in_o this_o world_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o scripture_n there_o will_v be_v by_o his_o righteous_a judgement_n in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o a_o good_a assurance_n give_v we_o of_o this_o by_o some_o new_a revelation_n confirm_v by_o our_o own_o constant_a observation_n that_o it_o be_v always_o well_o with_o the_o righteous_a and_o ill_a with_o the_o wicked_a in_o this_o world_n we_o may_v think_v perhaps_o will_v do_v much_o more_o towards_o the_o reformation_n of_o mankind_n than_o only_o those_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o future_a happiness_n or_o misery_n that_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o scripture_n have_v do_v or_o be_v ever_o like_a to_o do_v and_o this_o indeed_o may_v be_v but_o then_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o a_o new_a revelation_n to_o this_o effect_n will_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n and_o will_v frustrate_v the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o send_v we_o into_o this_o world_n which_o be_v to_o prove_v and_o try_v we_o to_o see_v whether_o we_o love_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n whether_o we_o can_v believe_v he_o for_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v not_o see_v and_o whether_o we_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o prefer_v a_o great_a future_a good_n before_o a_o less_o that_o be_v present_a a_o bless_a and_o glorious_a immortality_n after_o this_o life_n before_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o season_n for_o if_o the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o vice_n be_v always_o visible_a and_o present_a there_o will_v be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o faith_n in_o god_n which_o be_v a_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o promise_n and_o threaten_n though_o we_o do_v not_o see_v a_o present_a performance_n of_o they_o 11.1_o heb._n 11.1_o faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n define_v it_o be_v the_o substance_n or_o loc._n or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hom._n in_o loc._n confident_a expectation_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o the_o evidence_n or_o 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d conviction_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v and_o if_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n both_o of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o the_o next_o be_v the_o certain_a portion_n of_o virtue_n and_o all_o the_o evil_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v suffer_v both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o the_o other_o be_v the_o certain_a and_o never-failing_a consequence_n of_o sin_n there_o will_v be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o a_o virtuous_a and_o wise_a choice_n nay_o indeed_o there_o will_v be_v hardly_o matter_n for_o choice_n at_o all_o for_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v that_o a_o creature_n that_o have_v understanding_n and_o a_o power_n of_o choose_v and_o refuse_v shall_v know_o choose_v all_o misery_n rather_o than_o all_o happiness_n such_o a_o revelation_n as_o this_o be_v therefore_o so_o evident_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n and_o with_o the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o send_v we_o into_o this_o world_n can_v be_v expect_v and_o i_o say_v that_o bate_v this_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o add_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o scripture_n revelation_n from_o whence_o therefore_o it_o plain_o follow_v that_o such_o as_o be_v not_o persuade_v by_o the_o gospel_n motive_n to_o repentance_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v persuade_v by_o any_o such_o motive_n as_o consistent_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n and_o virtue_n can_v be_v offer_v to_o they_o and_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o any_o true_a divine_a revelation_n shall_v ever_o offer_v any_o motive_n to_o persuade_v we_o that_o be_v not_o such_o but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v perhaps_o that_o though_o better_a or_o strong_a motive_n to_o repentance_n can_v be_v offer_v by_o any_o new_a revelation_n than_o be_v offer_v already_o in_o holy_a scripture_n yet_o we_o may_v by_o a_o new_a revelation_n have_v better_a assurance_n give_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n motive_n and_o that_o if_o we_o have_v it_o be_v very_o like_a they_o will_v be_v then_o more_o prevail_a than_o they_o now_o be_v and_o this_o likewise_o i_o believe_v must_v be_v grant_v but_o then_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n and_o of_o that_o state_n of_o trial_n which_o we_o be_v now_o in_o require_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o reasonable_a boundary_a set_v to_o the_o clearness_n of_o that_o evidence_n that_o be_v give_v to_o man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o motive_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o be_v persuade_v as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o force_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o motive_n themselves_o because_o as_o i_o note_v in_o my_o last_o discourse_n such_o very_a clear_a
no_o reason_n to_o desire_v new_a revelation_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n october_n seven_o 1700._o be_v the_o seven_o for_o the_o year_n 1700_o of_o the_o lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o offspring_n blackall_n d._n d._n rector_n of_o st._n marry_o aldermary_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v by_o j._n leake_n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._o st._n luke_n xvi_o 29_o 30_o 31._o abraham_n say_v unto_o he_o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o he_o say_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a when_o i_o first_o begin_v to_o discourse_n on_o these_o word_n i_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o these_o three_o point_n i._o to_o show_v that_o the_o present_a stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o repentance_n if_o they_o be_v not_o unreasonable_o blind_a and_o obstinate_a they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n i_o add_v they_o have_v also_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o ii_o to_o show_v that_o have_v already_o such_o good_a ground_n of_o faith_n such_o full_a direction_n for_o practice_n and_o such_o strong_a motive_n to_o repentance_n it_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a request_n to_o desire_v more_o nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o iii_o last_o to_o show_v that_o in_o case_n god_n shall_v condescend_v to_o gratify_v man_n in_o this_o unreasonable_a desire_n work_v every_o day_n new_a miracle_n before_o their_o eye_n or_o send_v their_o decease_a friend_n to_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a to_o assure_v they_o of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o to_o warn_v they_o to_o prepare_v for_o it_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o very_o few_o or_o none_o of_o those_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o be_v not_o bring_v to_o repentance_n by_o the_o preach_a and_o stand_v revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v persuade_v by_o this_o mean_n if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n nor_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o first_o of_o these_o have_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o several_a former_a discourse_n the_o second_o i_o design_n to_o speak_v to_o at_o this_o time_n viz._n ii_o to_o show_v that_o have_v already_o such_o good_a ground_n of_o faith_n such_o full_a direction_n for_o practice_n and_o such_o strong_a motive_n to_o repentance_n as_o i_o have_v show_v we_o have_v in_o that_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a request_n to_o desire_v more_o nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o the_o request_n which_o the_o rich_a man_n here_o make_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o his_o brethren_n viz._n that_o god_n will_v be_v please_v to_o send_v one_o from_o the_o dead_a to_o preach_v to_o they_o or_o in_o general_a how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v for_o man_n now_o a-days_o to_o desire_v or_o look_v for_o more_o mean_n of_o conversion_n or_o motive_n to_o repentance_n than_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o afford_v we_o in_o the_o stand_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o follow_a thing_n 1._o that_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o motive_n to_o repentance_n which_o we_o have_v already_o be_v well_o ground_v upon_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o have_v be_v once_o already_o sufficient_o prove_v and_o attest_v it_o be_v altogether_o needless_a that_o any_o fresh_a or_o further_a proof_n shall_v be_v give_v of_o they_o and_o it_o be_v what_o we_o never_o think_v reasonable_a to_o desire_v in_o other_o the_o like_a case_n that_o when_o god_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n and_o send_v a_o special_a messenger_n to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o his_o will_n he_o shall_v grant_v to_o this_o messenger_n such_o testimonial_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v reasonable_a man_n that_o he_o be_v no_o impostor_n but_o a_o teacher_n send_v from_o god_n be_v indeed_o a_o thing_n that_o may_v fair_o be_v expect_v and_o if_o god_n shall_v not_o do_v thus_o we_o shall_v be_v excusable_a in_o not_o harken_v to_o such_o a_o messenger_n because_o we_o can_v not_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v a_o true_a or_o a_o false_a prophet_n and_o god_n do_v not_o require_v neither_o indeed_o be_v it_o reasonable_a that_o we_o shall_v believe_v every_o pretender_n to_o revelation_n and_o the_o clear_a proof_n of_o any_o man_n be_v be_v send_v from_o god_n to_o teach_v we_o any_o thing_n be_v a_o power_n of_o do_v such_o miracle_n and_o mighty_a work_n as_o be_v manifest_o above_o the_o skill_n and_o strength_n of_o a_o man_n to_o do_v it_o be_v therefore_o high_o requisite_a and_o what_o may_v reasonable_o be_v look_v for_o that_o god_n shall_v grant_v such_o a_o power_n as_o this_o to_o all_o those_o who_o he_o have_v ever_o inspire_v with_o new_a light_n and_o commission_v to_o make_v any_o new_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o mankind_n and_o this_o he_o have_v always_o do_v he_o give_v this_o power_n to_o moses_n in_o a_o large_a measure_n because_o the_o matter_n that_o man_n be_v to_o trust_v he_o for_o be_v many_o and_o very_o considerable_a he_o give_v it_o also_o to_o some_o of_o the_o succeed_a prophet_n but_o in_o a_o less_o measure_n because_o their_o business_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v only_o to_o interpret_v or_o to_o press_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o have_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v before_o and_o he_o give_v it_o in_o the_o large_a measure_n of_o all_o to_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n because_o the_o revelation_n make_v by_o they_o be_v of_o truth_n very_o mysterious_a some_o of_o they_o above_o the_o reach_n and_o comprehension_n of_o humane_a reason_n it_o be_v also_o a_o revelation_n in_o a_o manner_n whole_o new_a even_o to_o the_o jew_n themselves_o and_o much_o more_o to_o the_o gentile_n and_o beside_o it_o be_v a_o revelation_n in_o many_o point_n to_o appearance_n contrary_a to_o a_o former_a divine_a revelation_n inasmuch_o as_o it_o order_v the_o abolition_n of_o many_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v before_o enjoin_v by_o divine_a authority_n viz._n all_o the_o ritual_a and_o ceremonial_a law_n of_o moses_n and_o therefore_o to_o gain_v credit_n to_o their_o testimony_n that_o they_o be_v inspire_v and_o send_v by_o god_n to_o teach_v such_o thing_n it_o be_v very_o requisite_a that_o they_o shall_v produce_v more_o and_o more_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a testimonial_n of_o their_o divine_a mission_n than_o moses_n himself_o have_v do_v and_o such_o testimonial_n they_o have_v such_o they_o do_v produce_v work_v more_o miracle_n and_o those_o as_o i_o may_v say_v more_o wonderful_a and_o miraculous_a than_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n together_o have_v wrought_v before_o but_o when_o these_o testimonial_n have_v be_v once_o fair_o produce_v and_o examine_v and_o by_o all_o reasonable_a man_n allow_v to_o be_v true_a and_o sufficient_a and_o when_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v make_v and_o publish_v all_o that_o revelation_n which_o they_o be_v commissioned_n to_o make_v and_o when_o to_o prevent_v all_o misunderstanding_n of_o it_o or_o mistake_v concern_v it_o they_o have_v commit_v it_o all_o to_o write_v and_o the_o man_n that_o live_v in_o those_o time_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o the_o book_n say_v to_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n be_v indeed_o they_o and_o contain_v in_o substance_n all_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o no_o other_o which_o they_o have_v before_o declare_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n after_o this_o i_o say_v when_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v thus_o once_o at_o the_o first_o publish_v of_o it_o so_o full_o confirm_v there_o be_v no_o need_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v prove_v any_o more_o and_o all_o other_o proof_n thereof_o will_v have_v be_v superfluous_a because_o the_o whole_a matter_n both_o doctrine_n and_o proof_n be_v once_o faithful_o record_v and_o those_o record_n well_o attest_v there_o can_v afterward_o be_v no_o reasonable_a cause_n to_o call_v it_o
any_o proposition_n in_o euclid_n or_o as_o the_o shine_a of_o the_o sun_n at_o noon_n for_o that_o can_v be_v and_o i_o have_v already_o give_v reason_n why_o if_o it_o may_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o but_o it_o be_v as_o clear_a as_o such_o a_o matter_n be_v capable_a to_o be_v and_o i_o dare_v be_v bold_a to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o proof_n of_o religion_n fit_a to_o be_v offer_v or_o reasonable_o to_o be_v desire_v to_o which_o a_o sceptic_a may_v not_o make_v as_o just_a and_o plausible_a exception_n as_o he_o can_v to_o the_o stand_a proof_n of_o christianity_n for_o one_o single_a miracle_n do_v in_o his_o own_o presence_n will_v be_v nothing_o near_o so_o convince_a as_o the_o many_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v of_o some_o or_o other_o of_o which_o there_o be_v more_o than_o ten_o thousand_o witness_n and_o if_o he_o can_v suppose_v that_o so_o many_o be_v deceive_v in_o plain_a matter_n of_o sense_n he_o may_v much_o rather_o suppose_v that_o he_o a_o single_a man_n may_v be_v impose_v upon_o and_o a_o apparition_n of_o a_o decease_a friend_n will_v be_v a_o matter_n wherein_o any_o one_o man_n may_v be_v more_o probable_o cheat_v or_o be_v more_o easy_o persuade_v that_o he_o be_v cheat_v than_o the_o apostle_n can_v be_v in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n when_o he_o be_v see_v by_o they_o very_o frequent_o and_o sometime_o by_o a_o great_a company_n of_o they_o meet_v together_o by_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o day_n and_o a_o single_a miracle_n that_o be_v over_o as_o soon_o as_o do_v can_v not_o make_v such_o a_o deep_a and_o last_a impression_n upon_o a_o man_n mind_n as_o that_o constant_a power_n of_o work_a miracle_n and_o especial_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n which_o last_v a_o whole_a life_n must_v needs_o do_v upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o that_o live_v in_o their_o time_n who_o be_v either_o partaker_n of_o these_o gift_n themselves_o or_o constant_a witness_n thereof_o in_o other_o in_o short_a whatever_o miracle_n we_o can_v desire_v may_v be_v wrought_v for_o our_o conviction_n either_o they_o must_v be_v see_v by_o we_o with_o our_o own_o eye_n or_o else_o they_o must_v be_v receive_v by_o testimony_n from_o other_o and_o though_o they_o shall_v be_v see_v by_o we_o with_o our_o own_o eye_n yet_o so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v against_o our_o inclination_n or_o inconsistent_a with_o that_o love_n which_o we_o bear_v to_o the_o world_n or_o to_o our_o sin_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v true_a miracle_n we_o shall_v easy_o be_v apt_a to_o fancy_n that_o they_o be_v only_o melancholy_a delusion_n or_o trick_n put_v upon_o we_o by_o design_v man_n which_o our_o first_o fright_a or_o amazement_n hinder_v we_o from_o discover_v the_o fraud_n of_o and_o so_o they_o will_v probable_o have_v no_o effect_n at_o all_o upon_o we_o long_o than_o till_o our_o fright_a or_o amazement_n be_v well_o wear_v off_o but_o if_o we_o shall_v only_o have_v a_o account_n of_o they_o by_o testimony_n from_o other_o they_o will_v be_v yet_o less_o likely_a to_o persuade_v we_o because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o testimony_n concern_v any_o such_o matter_n of_o fact_n more_o clear_a and_o unexceptionable_a than_o that_o which_o we_o have_v already_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n miracle_n so_o that_o if_o we_o believe_v not_o this_o we_o shall_v hardly_o believe_v any_o other_o testimony_n because_o we_o can_v scarce_o have_v so_o good_a assurance_n of_o any_o man_n truth_n as_o we_o have_v of_o the_o sincerity_n and_o veracity_n of_o all_o those_o who_o be_v the_o present_a witness_n to_o our_o religion_n and_o we_o can_v hardly_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o hear_v any_o man_n who_o we_o know_v speak_v to_o we_o than_o we_o be_v that_o we_o hear_v the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o therefore_o i_o think_v it_o plain_o follow_v as_o i_o far_o note_v that_o the_o same_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n and_o the_o same_o unwillingness_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o now_o dispose_v man_n to_o infidelity_n and_o prompt_v they_o to_o study_v and_o make_v exception_n to_o the_o proof_n already_o give_v we_o of_o the_o christian_a faith_n will_v work_v the_o same_o effect_n if_o other_o proof_n and_o evidence_n be_v give_v of_o it_o and_o that_o man_n will_v then_o quick_o make_v as_o good_a exception_n to_o that_o as_o they_o do_v now_o to_o these_o for_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o think_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o if_o man_n do_v not_o see_v the_o truth_n when_o it_o be_v place_v in_o so_o clear_a a_o light_n as_o it_o be_v in_o already_o the_o reason_n must_v be_v because_o they_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n or_o else_o be_v so_o blind_v by_o a_o love_n of_o this_o world_n or_o of_o their_o sinful_a lust_n that_o if_o the_o light_n be_v ten_o time_n bright_a than_o it_o be_v they_o will_v see_v no_o more_o than_o they_o do_v now_o and_o it_o will_v be_v to_o as_o little_a purpose_n in_o order_n to_o the_o conviction_n of_o such_o perverse_a and_o obstinate_a man_n to_o add_v any_o more_o or_o strong_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n as_o it_o will_v be_v to_o light_v up_o abundance_n of_o torch_n to_o a_o man_n that_o be_v quite_o blind_a for_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o true_a cause_n why_o man_n will_v not_o hear_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n why_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n testify_v the_o certainty_n of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o other_o truth_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v not_o i_o say_v because_o there_o be_v any_o just_a exception_n to_o their_o testimony_n but_o because_o they_o do_v not_o like_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o and_o so_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o believe_v they_o love_v their_o sin_n so_o well_o that_o they_o can_v upon_o no_o account_n be_v persuade_v to_o part_v with_o they_o and_o be_v so_o resolve_v it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o cavil_v at_o any_o motive_n or_o argument_n that_o be_v urge_v to_o persuade_v they_o to_o it_o see_v they_o will_v not_o see_v and_o hear_v they_o will_v not_o hear_v nor_o understand_v and_o to_o man_n so_o obstinate_o resolve_v against_o conviction_n no_o proof_n can_v be_v convince_a enough_o and_o this_o be_v the_o sad_a effect_n of_o love_n to_o sin_n it_o viciate_n the_o judgement_n of_o man_n so_o that_o they_o can_v distinguish_v between_o thing_n that_o differ_v most_o vast_o it_o darken_v their_o understanding_n so_o that_o the_o plain_a proposition_n or_o the_o clear_a consequence_n in_o the_o world_n if_o it_o be_v against_o the_o interest_n of_o sin_n seem_v dark_a and_o obscure_a to_o they_o and_o it_o render_v their_o mind_n so_o averse_a to_o religion_n that_o they_o can_v with_o any_o patience_n so_o much_o as_o hear_v the_o argument_n that_o be_v offer_v to_o prove_v it_o and_o be_v a_o reason_n never_o so_o good_a it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v hope_v it_o shall_v be_v convince_a to_o a_o man_n who_o will_v not_o hear_v it_o or_o who_o will_v not_o allow_v himself_o calm_o to_o consider_v it_o from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v therefore_o upon_o this_o head_n it_o plain_o appear_v that_o the_o proper_a cure_n of_o infidelity_n be_v not_o the_o addition_n of_o more_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n but_o a_o right_a prepaartion_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n to_o consider_v well_o the_o proof_n thereof_o that_o be_v offer_v which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v and_o persuade_v all_o those_o that_o have_v a_o love_n of_o truth_n and_o a_o will_n dispose_v to_o virtue_n the_o cause_n of_o infidelity_n must_v be_v first_o remove_v and_o then_o the_o cure_n of_o it_o will_v be_v easy_a by_o those_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v provide_v and_o direct_v we_o to_o use_v and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o his_o work_a miracle_n for_o man_n conviction_n but_o till_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o be_v remove_v it_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v cure_a even_o by_o a_o miracle_n but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v perhaps_o that_o though_o fresh_a revelation_n and_o new_a miracle_n may_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v all_o they_o may_v however_o convince_v some_o because_o there_o be_v several_a degree_n in_o the_o perverseness_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o man_n some_o indeed_o there_o may_v be_v who_o no_o such_o proof_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v give_v we_o in_o this_o state_n of_o trial_n will_v persuade_v who_o case_n therefore_o must_v be_v give_v over_o as_o desperate_a but_o then_o there_o be_v other_o 26.28_o act_n 26.28_o who_o as_o king_n agrippa_n be_v be_v almost_o persuade_v to_o
be_v christian_n and_o when_o the_o scale_n be_v already_o near_o even_o a_o small_a weight_n put_v into_o the_o light_a will_v make_v it_o overbalance_v the_o other_o so_o that_o it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v hope_v that_o some_o small_a addition_n to_o the_o proof_n of_o religion_n no_o more_o than_o may_v be_v make_v to_o it_o without_o destroy_v either_o our_o freedom_n of_o choice_n or_o the_o excellency_n of_o faith_n and_o virtue_n will_v prevail_v with_o these_o half_n christian_n and_o perhaps_o it_o may_v but_o god_n be_v wise_a than_o we_o be_v and_o know_v better_a than_o we_o what_o be_v fit_a for_o he_o to_o do_v towards_o the_o conversion_n of_o men._n we_o ought_v therefore_o to_o conclude_v that_o he_o do_v all_o that_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v though_o we_o do_v not_o see_v but_o that_o he_o may_v do_v more_o but_o this_o it_o may_v be_v will_v not_o be_v take_v for_o a_o answer_n but_o will_v rather_o be_v think_v a_o way_n of_o avoid_v a_o difficulty_n too_o hard_o to_o be_v account_v for_o and_o therefore_o i_o say_v further_o and_o it_o be_v the_o three_o thing_n which_o i_o propose_v to_o be_v consider_v 3._o that_o if_o god_n shall_v gratify_v all_o man_n in_o this_o request_n work_v new_a miracle_n every_o day_n for_o the_o conviction_n of_o particular_a person_n vii_o sermon_n vii_o and_o as_o i_o have_v former_o note_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n why_o any_o one_o man_n shall_v be_v gratify_v in_o this_o request_n rather_o than_o other_o when_o they_o have_v all_o equal_a reason_n and_o equal_v right_o to_o desire_v it_o shall_v god_n i_o say_v gratify_v all_o man_n in_o this_o request_n the_o abundance_n of_o the_o miracle_n that_o must_v then_o be_v wrought_v will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o add_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o christianity_n that_o it_o will_v rather_o lessen_v or_o weaken_v that_o proof_n of_o it_o which_o we_o have_v already_o because_o miracle_n the_o proper_a proof_n of_o a_o public_a divine_a revelation_n will_v not_o be_v then_o so_o convince_a as_o they_o be_v now_o for_o that_o which_o most_o of_o all_o affect_v man_n in_o a_o miracle_n be_v the_o unusualness_n of_o it_o because_o it_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o be_v never_o or_o but_o rare_o before_o ever_o see_v or_o hear_v of_o as_o the_o blind_a man_n that_o have_v be_v cure_a by_o our_o saviour_n well_o observe_v joh._n ix_o 32._o since_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n have_v it_o not_o be_v hear_v that_o any_o man_n have_v open_v the_o eye_n of_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a have_v it_o be_v a_o common_a thing_n it_o will_v have_v be_v no_o miracle_n i_o mean_v it_o will_v not_o have_v appear_v so_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v think_v so_o by_o men._n for_o that_o which_o make_v man_n wonder_v even_o at_o a_o true_a miracle_n be_v not_o so_o much_o because_o it_o be_v such_o a_o operation_n as_o they_o can_v give_v a_o fair_a account_n of_o by_o natural_a cause_n for_o this_o they_o can_v do_v i_o be_o confident_a i_o may_v say_v they_o have_v not_o yet_o do_v it_o of_o many_o of_o the_o work_n and_o production_n of_o nature_n but_o they_o therefore_o conclude_v such_o a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v a_o natural_a operation_n because_o it_o be_v not_o usual_a because_o it_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o be_v never_o before_o know_v to_o be_v do_v and_o if_o the_o same_o thing_n which_o now_o for_o this_o reason_n we_o shall_v account_v a_o miracle_n be_v do_v every_o day_n the_o virtuoso_n will_v present_o set_v themselves_o to_o invent_v and_o will_v quick_o fancy_v they_o have_v find_v out_o some_o natural_a solution_n of_o it_o and_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v not_o many_o miracle_n that_o have_v be_v do_v which_o they_o may_v not_o after_o long_a study_n be_v able_a to_o give_v as_o clear_v and_o probable_a a_o account_n of_o by_o natural_a cause_n as_o they_o have_v do_v of_o gravity_n of_o fire_n of_o the_o loadstone_n of_o vision_n of_o the_o production_n of_o vegetable_n of_o the_o generation_n of_o animal_n and_o of_o many_o other_o thing_n which_o yet_o be_v doubtless_o the_o work_n and_o effect_n of_o natural_a cause_n so_o that_o i_o say_v the_o most_o probable_a consequence_n of_o have_v miracle_n so_o very_o common_a as_o they_o must_v be_v if_o they_o be_v wrought_v for_o the_o conviction_n of_o particular_a man_n will_v be_v this_o that_o they_o will_v cease_v to_o serve_v for_o that_o purpose_n for_o which_o miracle_n be_v design_v because_o be_v common_a they_o will_v be_v disregard_v or_o will_v quick_o be_v look_v upon_o to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o natural_a cause_n only_o there_o will_v not_o be_v want_v those_o that_o will_v offer_v to_o give_v a_o account_n how_o they_o be_v do_v and_o all_o those_o will_v be_v despise_v by_o the_o scorner_n of_o religion_n as_o too_o much_o addict_v to_o superstition_n who_o rather_o than_o attribute_v the_o great_a miracle_n to_o a_o supernatural_a power_n will_v not_o acquiesce_v in_o that_o solution_n how_o silly_a soever_o that_o be_v give_v of_o it_o by_o mere_a matter_n and_o motion_n and_o in_o particular_a i_o question_v not_o but_o that_o if_o it_o be_v a_o common_a thing_n for_o dead_a man_n after_o they_o have_v lie_v in_o their_o grave_n for_o some_o time_n to_o come_v forth_o again_o and_o show_v themselves_o alive_a to_o their_o friend_n this_o wonderful_a effect_n will_v be_v attribute_v by_o a_o great_a many_o to_o some_o vital_a principle_n in_o the_o body_n which_o only_o sleep_v for_o a_o while_n as_o it_o do_v in_o corn_n or_o other_o seed_n while_o they_o be_v keep_v dry_a and_o above_o ground_n but_o afterward_o when_o the_o body_n be_v bury_v a_o while_n be_v excite_v by_o some_o natural_a virtue_n that_o be_v in_o the_o earth_n to_o exert_v itself_o and_o so_o by_o its_o plastic_a power_n form_v the_o body_n into_o the_o same_o shape_n it_o be_v in_o before_o this_o i_o say_v will_v in_o all_o probability_n be_v the_o effect_n that_o the_o great_a miracle_n will_v have_v in_o the_o world_n if_o they_o be_v very_o common_a they_o only_o serve_v to_o set_v the_o philosopher_n wit_n to_o work_v to_o invent_v new_a form_n of_o matter_n and_o new_a law_n of_o motion_n by_o which_o to_o solve_v they_o and_o any_o solution_n of_o they_o though_o never_o so_o improbable_a though_o only_o by_o occult_a quality_n will_v serve_v turn_n and_o be_v think_v better_a than_o to_o recur_v to_o a_o almighty_a power_n the_o consequence_n of_o which_o will_v be_v that_o this_o which_o we_o desire_v as_o a_o additional_a proof_n of_o christianity_n will_v in_o effect_n destroy_v one_o of_o the_o best_a proof_n of_o it_o that_o we_o have_v already_o but_o 4._o last_o if_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o miracle_n will_v still_o be_v think_v miracle_n notwithstanding_o their_o commonness_n yet_o abraham_n may_v well_o deliver_v it_o as_o a_o general_n truth_n to_o which_o there_o be_v none_o or_o very_o few_o exception_n that_o he_o who_o be_v not_o wrought_v upon_o by_o a_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n will_v not_o be_v persuade_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a message_n or_o a_o new_a miracle_n because_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o fast_a and_o experience_n that_o this_o last_o method_n have_v be_v general_o unsuccessful_a upon_o those_o who_o have_v not_o hearken_v to_o nor_o be_v convince_v by_o a_o stand_a revelation_n for_o this_o be_v the_o very_a case_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n the_o parable_n be_v literal_o fulfil_v in_o they_o for_o as_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n testify_v of_o our_o saviour_n so_o neither_o do_v they_o any_o more_o believe_v our_o saviour_n himself_o when_o he_o come_v down_o to_o they_o from_o heaven_n in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o as_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v he_o while_o he_o live_v among_o they_o and_o go_v about_o preach_v and_o do_v miracle_n so_o neither_o do_v they_o believe_v he_o a_o jot_n more_o after_o he_o come_v again_o to_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a never_o be_v there_o such_o sign_n and_o miracle_n wrought_v for_o man_n conviction_n and_o yet_o never_o be_v there_o such_o a_o number_n of_o obstinate_a infidel_n as_o then_o very_o few_o even_n of_o those_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n be_v the_o better_a for_o they_o but_o many_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n worse_o wilful_o blaspheme_v that_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o wrought_v they_o and_o attribute_v those_o operation_n to_o the_o help_n of_o the_o devil_n which_o they_o be_v convince_v in_o their_o own_o judgement_n be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n the_o open_n the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a 12.10_o joh._n 9.39.11.47_o 12.10_o do_v but_o make_v those_o that_o
see_v the_o miracle_n more_o blind_a than_o they_o be_v before_o and_o when_o once_o a_o dead_a lazarus_n do_v come_v forth_o out_o of_o his_o grave_a and_o appear_v to_o they_o which_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o the_o rich_a man_n here_o desire_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o his_o brethren_n as_o be_v in_o his_o judgement_n the_o most_o powerful_a and_o so_o like_a to_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a method_n to_o reclaim_v they_o when_o i_o say_v this_o be_v do_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o great_a number_n so_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n can_v not_o be_v doubt_v and_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o any_o of_o they_o all_o the_o effect_n that_o it_o have_v upon_o those_o obstinate_a and_o incredulous_a man_n be_v only_o that_o it_o make_v they_o enter_v present_o soon_o perhaps_o then_o otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v do_v into_o a_o close_a consultation_n to_o put_v to_o death_n both_o jesus_n and_o lazarus_n too_o some_o example_n indeed_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v there_o be_v on_o the_o other_o side_n for_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o act_n xi_o 41._o of_o a_o great_a number_n about_o three_o thousand_o that_o believe_v upon_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o st._n peter_n and_o sight_n of_o that_o great_a miracle_n the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n wherewith_o the_o apostle_n be_v endue_v but_o than_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o miracle_n that_o convince_v they_o i_o mean_v not_o that_o alone_o for_o many_o that_o be_v then_o present_a 13._o verse_n 13._o and_o hear_v the_o apostle_n speak_v with_o tongue_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v persuade_v thereby_o that_o they_o most_o false_o blaspheme_v that_o as_o they_o have_v do_v all_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n before_o attribute_v the_o fruit_n of_o that_o most_o evident_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o new_a wine_n and_o it_o may_v be_v further_o note_v that_o those_o who_o be_v persuade_v by_o it_o be_v such_o as_o before_o they_o see_v the_o miracle_n be_v in_o a_o good_a disposition_n to_o embrace_v that_o pure_a religion_n that_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o gospel_n or_o else_o that_o miracle_n will_v not_o have_v persuade_v they_o for_o the_o person_n convince_v thereby_o be_v not_o of_o the_o pharisee_n or_o unbelieving_a jew_n that_o have_v reject_v our_o saviour_n before_o 5._o verse_n 5._o but_o they_o be_v devout_a person_n jew_n or_o proselyte_n who_o have_v come_v at_o that_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n from_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o jerusalem_n to_o worship_n and_o who_o have_v probable_o never_o hear_v of_o our_o saviour_n before_o more_o than_o by_o uncertain_a report_n but_o be_v well_o read_v in_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o give_v good_a heed_n to_o they_o be_v convert_v more_o by_o the_o manifest_a accomplishment_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n in_o the_o person_n of_o our_o saviour_n than_o by_o the_o sight_n of_o that_o great_a miracle_n this_o therefore_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o experience_n what_o have_v be_v do_v and_o come_v to_o pass_v already_o that_o new_a miracle_n have_v be_v general_o unsuccessful_a upon_o such_o as_o have_v not_o regard_v a_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n we_o may_v reasonable_o inser_n that_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a if_o not_o certain_a that_o the_o same_o experiment_n try_v over_o again_o will_v have_v no_o better_a success_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o therefore_o be_v this_o such_o as_o be_v as_o st._n luke_n say_v they_o be_v who_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o preach_a and_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n 13.46_o act_n 13.46_o 〈◊〉_d 13.46_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d predisposed_a or_o fit_v for_o eternal_a life_n that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v modest_a and_o teachable_a who_o hear_v without_o prejudice_n and_o judge_v without_o partiality_n and_o have_v no_o interest_n of_o sin_n or_o the_o world_n that_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o their_o desire_n to_o obtain_v everlasting_a happiness_n such_o as_o inquire_v out_o the_o truth_n with_o the_o same_o indifference_n that_o a_o traveller_n do_v his_o way_n who_o have_v no_o inclination_n to_o one_o way_n more_o than_o to_o another_o but_o only_o desire_v to_o be_v direct_v right_a and_o be_v resolve_v to_o take_v that_o way_n which_o he_o be_v persuade_v be_v the_o right_n though_o it_o shall_v not_o prove_v so_o very_o clean_a and_o smooth_a and_o pleasant_a as_o he_o hope_v it_o will_v such_o i_o say_v as_o be_v of_o this_o honest_a and_o docible_a mind_n will_v be_v persuade_v by_o a_o good_a reason_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v as_o good_a as_o the_o matter_n be_v capable_a of_o though_o it_o fall_v short_a of_o demonstration_n and_o if_o there_o be_v reason_n or_o appearance_n of_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n they_o will_v judge_v on_o that_o side_n on_o which_o the_o reason_n seem_v most_o weighty_a and_o for_o the_o conviction_n of_o such_o as_o these_o the_o stand_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o well_o prove_v as_o it_o be_v be_v abundant_o sufficient_a so_o that_o such_o shall_v not_o need_v new_a miracle_n or_o new_a revelation_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n such_o as_o only_o do_v need_v they_o that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v of_o perverse_a mind_n and_o stubborn_a will_n and_o devote_v to_o sin_n will_v not_o hearken_v to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n nor_o to_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n will_v very_o probable_o receive_v no_o benefit_n from_o new_a miracle_n or_o new_a revelation_n for_o nothing_o will_v serve_v to_o convince_v those_o who_o will_v not_o be_v convince_v at_o all_o no_o argument_n can_v be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v a_o man_n to_o that_o which_o he_o be_v strong_o prejudice_v and_o full_o resolve_v against_o and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o all_o those_o who_o do_v not_o hear_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n preach_v to_o they_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o be_v not_o persuade_v by_o 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41.21_o isa_n 41.21_o produce_v your_o cause_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v and_o bring_v forth_o your_o strong_a reason_n by_o they_o it_o may_v be_v if_o you_o propound_v they_o serious_o you_o may_v convince_v we_o that_o we_o be_v in_o a_o mistake_n but_o we_o be_v now_o in_o too_o grave_a a_o humour_n to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o a_o jest_n and_o how_o strong_a soever_o your_o objection_n against_o religion_n be_v by_o a_o light_n and_o trifle_a way_n of_o express_v they_o you_o will_v make_v they_o lose_v all_o their_o force_n but_o indeed_o 3._o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o for_o you_o to_o make_v it_o your_o business_n any_o way_n or_o by_o any_o argument_n to_o endeavour_v to_o proselyte_n man_n to_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n for_o whether_o our_o religion_n be_v true_a or_o false_a it_o be_v better_a for_o you_o as_o well_o as_o for_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v general_o believe_v and_o that_o man_n shall_v think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o precept_n of_o it_o you_o can_v sure_o be_v so_o unacquainted_a with_o the_o world_n if_o you_o have_v live_v any_o time_n in_o it_o or_o read_v any_o thing_n of_o history_n but_o that_o you_o must_v needs_o know_v that_o before_o the_o principle_n of_o atheism_n and_o deism_n prevail_v so_o much_o as_o they_o have_v do_v of_o late_a year_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o truth_n and_o justice_n and_o honesty_n and_o fair_a deal_v in_o the_o world_n than_o there_o be_v now_o so_o that_o if_o you_o shall_v succeed_v in_o your_o endeavour_n if_o you_o shall_v be_v able_a either_o to_o reason_n or_o to_o laugh_v religion_n quite_o out_o of_o the_o world_n the_o most_o probable_a nay_o the_o most_o certain_a consequence_n of_o it_o will_v be_v that_o when_o the_o godly_a man_n cease_v 2._o ps_n 12.1_o 2._o the_o faithful_a will_v also_o fail_v from_o among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n that_o then_o they_o will_v speak_v vanity_n every_o one_o with_o his_o neighbour_n with_o flatter_a lip_n and_o with_o a_o double_a heart_n will_v they_o speak_v that_o then_o strength_n will_v be_v the_o law_n of_o justice_n 2.11_o wisd_v 2.11_o and_o that_o which_o be_v feeble_a will_v be_v find_v nothing_o worth_a if_o therefore_o you_o have_v as_o you_o think_v perhaps_o you_o have_v find_v out_o the_o cheat_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v your_o best_a prudence_n however_o to_o keep_v your_o discovery_n to_o yourselves_o delight_n yourselves_o as_o much_o as_o you_o will_v with_o the_o contemplation_n of_o your_o own_o happiness_n above_o other_o man_n in_o that_o you_o be_v now_o free_v from_o the_o terror_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o another_o world_n by_o mean_n of_o that_o notable_a discovery_n which_o you_o have_v make_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o religion_n please_v yourselves_o as_o much_o as_o you_o will_v with_o think_v that_o you_o be_v not_o now_o as_o other_o be_v tie_v to_o speak_v truth_n when_o it_o be_v 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term_n with_o you_o they_o will_v then_o be_v all_o as_o much_o at_o liberty_n to_o defraud_v oppress_v or_o otherwise_o injure_v you_o as_o you_o be_v now_o to_o defraud_v oppress_v or_o injure_v they_o you_o ought_v not_o therefore_o in_o prudence_n to_o try_v to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o mistake_n though_o you_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v a_o mistake_n for_o why_o shall_v you_o make_v it_o your_o business_n to_o cut_v in_o sunder_o those_o cord_n of_o religion_n by_o which_o they_o be_v now_o tie_v up_o from_o do_v you_o mischief_n in_o a_o word_n either_o religion_n be_v true_a and_o well_o ground_v or_o it_o be_v not_o and_o which_o soever_o it_o be_v it_o be_v better_a both_o for_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o for_o you_o also_o that_o they_o shall_v continue_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o why_o then_o shall_v you_o be_v at_o pain_n only_o to_o do_v mischief_n for_o put_v case_n first_o that_o religion_n be_v vain_a and_o groundless_a it_o must_v be_v confess_v however_o that_o it_o be_v of_o some_o present_a advantage_n to_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v it_o because_o it_o serve_v to_o bear_v they_o up_o under_o the_o unavoidable_a pain_n and_o trouble_n and_o misery_n of_o this_o mortal_a life_n with_o the_o comfortable_a hope_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n and_o it_o will_v be_v no_o disadvantage_n to_o they_o hereafter_o for_o when_o they_o be_v dead_a if_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o life_n after_o this_o they_o will_v be_v as_o if_o they_o have_v never_o be_v they_o will_v not_o be_v then_o in_o a_o capacity_n of_o grieve_v for_o their_o disappointment_n and_o it_o be_v also_o for_o your_o present_a advantage_n that_o they_o that_o be_v mistake_v in_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n shall_v continue_v in_o their_o mistake_n because_o it_o make_v they_o better_o to_o you_o in_o every_o relation_n than_o they_o will_v otherwise_o be_v more_o just_a and_o merciful_a governor_n more_o loyal_a and_o obedient_a 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event_n be_v better_o for_o you_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o endeavour_v to_o pervert_v they_o for_o certain_o if_o there_o be_v a_o hell_n they_o will_v be_v condemn_v to_o the_o hot_a place_n in_o it_o who_o not_o only_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o their_o subjection_n to_o almighty_a god_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o reign_v over_o they_o but_o make_v it_o also_o their_o business_n to_o corrupt_v other_o to_o form_v a_o party_n against_o heaven_n and_o to_o raise_v a_o universal_a rebellion_n against_o god_n these_o thing_n and_o more_o to_o the_o like_a purpose_n i_o will_v say_v to_o the_o atheist_n if_o i_o think_v they_o be_v here_o to_o hear_v i_o and_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v without_o hope_n that_o although_o what_o be_v say_v before_o in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o cure_v their_o infidelity_n what_o have_v be_v now_o say_v may_v serve_v to_o convince_v they_o that_o it_o be_v the_o wise_a course_n to_o keep_v their_o infidelity_n 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thing_n they_o value_v as_o they_o now_o be_v but_o i_o do_v not_o think_v there_o be_v any_o here_o present_a concern_v in_o this_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n and_o therefore_o shall_v lengthen_v it_o no_o further_o 6.9_o heb._n 6.9_o i_o be_o persuade_v better_a thing_n of_o you_o and_o thing_n that_o accompany_v salvation_n for_o your_o presence_n here_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n make_v it_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o you_o be_v already_o convince_v not_o only_o of_o the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n but_o likewise_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 2._o to_o you_o therefore_o who_o be_v christian_n i_o shall_v now_o turn_v my_o discourse_n 13.22_o heb._n 13.22_o and_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n suffer_v the_o word_n of_o exhortation_n it_o be_v only_o this_o since_o you_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v messenger_n send_v to_o you_o from_o god_n to_o instruct_v you_o in_o his_o will_n receive_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o law_n at_o their_o mouth_n mind_n what_o they_o say_v and_o be_v careful_a to_o follow_v their_o direction_n in_o all_o thing_n for_o even_o we_o who_o have_v the_o scripture_n the_o lively_a oracle_n of_o god_n may_v perish_v for_o want_n of_o knowledge_n as_o well_o as_o they_o that_o have_v they_o not_o unless_o we_o make_v that_o use_v of_o they_o which_o they_o be_v give_v for_o unless_o we_o be_v diligent_a in_o read_v they_o and_o careful_a to_o practice_v what_o they_o teach_v for_o the_o rich_a man_n speak_v of_o in_o this_o parable_n have_v the_o scripture_n but_o his_o mere_a have_v they_o do_v not_o keep_v he_o from_o hell_n and_o his_o five_o survive_a brethren_n have_v likewise_o the_o scripture_n and_o yet_o be_v then_o in_o a_o fair_a way_n of_o follow_v their_o brother_n to_o that_o place_n of_o torment_n they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o they_o do_v not_o hear_v they_o and_o this_o also_o may_v be_v our_o case_n who_o have_v not_o only_o these_o but_o also_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n preach_v to_o we_o if_o we_o do_v not_o hear_v they_o for_o what_o advantage_n can_v it_o be_v to_o we_o to_o have_v good_a instructor_n if_o we_o will_v not_o mind_v what_o they_o say_v if_o we_o stop_v our_o ear_n to_o all_o their_o counsel_n and_o reproof_n no_o man_n be_v ever_o make_v a_o scholar_n only_o by_o have_v a_o good_a library_n in_o his_o possession_n no_o man_n ever_o learn_v any_o art_n or_o science_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o well_o teach_v in_o any_o book_n only_o by_o keep_v the_o book_n in_o his_o chamber_n or_o carry_v it_o about_o in_o his_o pocket_n and_o as_o little_o shall_v we_o be_v the_o wise_a only_o by_o have_v the_o holy_a scripture_n though_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n 3.15_o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o if_o we_o do_v not_o read_v and_o study_v they_o with_o a_o honest_a design_n to_o furnish_v ourselves_o from_o thence_o with_o a_o stock_n of_o useful_a knowledge_n and_o with_o a_o firm_a resolution_n to_o lead_v our_o life_n according_a to_o the_o direction_n which_o they_o give_v we_o nay_o so_o far_o shall_v we_o be_v from_o receive_v any_o advantage_n only_o by_o our_o have_v the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v we_o and_o free_a liberty_n allow_v we_o to_o look_v into_o they_o a_o privilege_n we_o of_o this_o nation_n have_v above_o most_o of_o our_o neighbour_n that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o read_v and_o study_v they_o it_o will_v be_v much_o the_o worse_o for_o we_o our_o condemnation_n will_v be_v the_o great_a and_o our_o destruction_n so_o much_o the_o more_o certain_a for_o the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o offend_v through_o ignorance_n when_o their_o ignorance_n be_v unaffected_a be_v very_o pitiable_a and_o though_o we_o can_v certain_o say_v how_o god_n will_v deal_v with_o those_o who_o have_v no_o clear_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n make_v to_o they_o this_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a of_o that_o god_n who_o be_v a_o merciful_a god_n will_v deal_v merciful_o with_o they_o 15.22_o john_n 15.22_o if_o i_o have_v not_o come_v and_o speak_v unto_o they_o say_v our_o saviour_n they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n but_o the_o case_n will_v be_v quite_o otherwise_o with_o those_o 12.47_o luke_n 12.47_o who_o know_v their_o master_n will_n and_o do_v not_o do_v it_o they_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n and_o it_o will_v be_v all_o one_o if_o they_o do_v not_o know_v it_o if_o their_o ignorance_n of_o it_o be_v occasion_v by_o their_o own_o fault_n in_o neglect_v those_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n which_o god_n have_v afford_v they_o and_o much_o rather_o if_o their_o ignorance_n of_o their_o duty_n be_v affect_v and_o choose_v that_o they_o may_v sin_n with_o less_o disturbance_n of_o mind_n for_o our_o saviour_n judgement_n in_o this_o case_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o it_o be_v his_o judgement_n by_o which_o we_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v to_o all_o eternity_n joh._n iii._o 19_o this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil._n have_v therefore_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o also_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n continual_o preach_v to_o we_o in_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n let_v we_o hear_v they_o this_o be_v both_o our_o duty_n and_o our_o interest_n and_o that_o our_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v with_o good_a success_n and_o we_o may_v thereby_o be_v thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n let_v we_o pray_v as_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o our_o church_n in_o a_o most_o excellent_a collect_v suit_v to_o the_o subject_a i_o have_v be_v discourse_v of_o bless_a lord_n who_o have_v cause_v all_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n advent_n collect_v for_o 2d_o sunday_n in_o advent_n grant_v that_o we_o may_v in_o such_o wise_a hear_v they_o read_z mark_v learn_v and_o inward_o digest_v they_o that_o by_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o thy_o holy_a word_n we_o may_v embrace_v and_o ever_o hold_v fast_o the_o bless_a hope_n of_o everlasting_a life_n which_o thou_o have_v give_v we_o in_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n amen_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la page_n 55._o line_n 10._o for_o some_o read_v same_o