we_o but_o in_o all_o probability_n it_o have_v a_o good_a effect_n upon_o very_a many_o as_o we_o find_v it_o have_v in_o one_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o a_o little_a maid_n who_o be_v take_v captive_a be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o cure_n of_o naaman_n leprosy_n and_o of_o his_o conversion_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n who_o before_o be_v know_v to_o he_o by_o his_o name_n jehovah_n 2_o king_n v._o 11._o the_o prophet_n elisha_n be_v well_o know_v by_o the_o syrian_n to_o be_v a_o prophet_n and_o benhadad_a send_v to_o inquire_v of_o the_o lord_n by_o he_o chap._n viij_o 8._o rabshakeh_fw-it speak_v in_o the_o jew_n language_n and_o pretend_v a_o commission_n from_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v from_o jehovah_n the_o god_n of_o the_o jew_n when_o he_o come_v against_o jerusalem_n isa_n xxxvi_o 10_o 11._o god_n himself_o appeal_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o sennacherib_n king_n of_o assyria_n have_v thou_o not_o hear_v long_o ago_o how_o i_o have_v do_v it_o and_o of_o ancient_a time_n that_o i_o have_v form_v it_o isa_n xxxvii_o 26._o and_o rabbi_n shemaiah_n and_o rabbi_n abtalion_n be_v 612._o be_v lightfoot_n harm_n luke_n four_o 15._o p._n 612._o say_v to_o have_v be_v proselyte_n of_o righteousness_n of_o the_o posterity_n of_o sennacherib_n pharaoh_n necho_n king_n of_o egypt_n allege_v god_n command_n when_o he_o come_v to_o fight_v against_o carchemish_n 2_o chron._n xxxv_o 21_o 22._o but_o our_o present_a enquiry_n be_v not_o so_o much_o what_o the_o effect_n be_v as_o what_o mean_n be_v afford_v of_o salvation_n for_o though_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o the_o true_a reveal_v religion_n shall_v be_v publish_v to_o the_o world_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o religion_n to_o show_v that_o obstinate_a man_n have_v take_v notice_n of_o it_o so_o far_o as_o to_o consider_v and_o believe_v it_o because_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v force_v his_o law_n upon_o man_n but_o only_o that_o he_o shall_v discover_v they_o and_o afford_v man_n sufficient_a mean_n to_o know_v they_o and_o become_v the_o better_a for_o they_o to_o proceed_v then_o the_o philistine_n be_v in_o a_o wonderful_a consternation_n when_o they_o understand_v that_o the_o ark_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o camp_n 1_o sam._n four_o 7_o 8._o and_o when_o it_o be_v take_v by_o they_o it_o be_v more_o terrible_a to_o they_o than_o the_o enemy_n if_o he_o have_v conquer_v they_o can_v have_v be_v they_o be_v torment_v with_o disease_n and_o plague_n wheresoever_o the_o ark_n be_v carry_v and_o their_o god_n be_v so_o little_a able_a to_o help_v they_o that_o he_o fall_v down_o before_o it_o and_o be_v break_v in_o piece_n whereof_o they_o retain_v a_o memorial_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o he_o ever_o after_o in_o not_o tread_v upon_o the_o threshold_n of_o dagon_n in_o ashdod_n because_o he_o have_v lose_v the_o palm_n of_o his_o hand_n by_o fall_v upon_o it_o 1_o sam._n v._o 4_o 5._o the_o philistine_n at_o last_o receive_v a_o miraculous_a overthrow_n by_o thunder_n 1_o sam._n seven_o 10._o and_o these_o be_v so_o remarkable_a judgement_n that_o they_o must_v be_v leave_v without_o all_o excuse_n who_o do_v not_o forsake_v their_o idolatry_n and_o turn_v to_o the_o live_a god_n who_o have_v thus_o manifest_v himself_o among_o they_o the_o vrim_fw-he and_o thummim_n 8._o thummim_n judge_n i._n 1._o &_o xx_o 18_o 23_o 26._o 1_o sam._n xviii_o 6._o &_o xxiii_o 9_o &_o thirty_o 7_o 8._o be_v consult_v upon_o any_o great_a undertake_n whereby_o god_n return_v his_o answer_n and_o oftentime_o before_o the_o battle_n give_v assurance_n of_o victory_n which_o be_v so_o well_o know_v among_o the_o heathen_a that_o they_o call_v it_o the_o oracle_n 10._o oracle_n joseph_n antiq._n l._n 3._o c._n 10._o josephus_n say_v the_o answer_n be_v return_v by_o the_o shine_a of_o the_o stone_n in_o the_o high-priest_n breastplate_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o it_o be_v visible_a to_o all_o the_o people_n stand_v by_o the_o miraculous_a victory_n of_o saul_n and_o jonathan_n and_o david_n and_o david_n stay_n with_o achish_a king_n of_o the_o philistine_n at_o gath_n and_o the_o favour_n and_o confidence_n which_o he_o gain_v with_o that_o king_n give_v the_o canaanite_n still_o repeat_v opportunity_n and_o motive_n to_o conversion_n and_o repentance_n and_o we_o may_v observe_v achish_a in_o discourse_n with_o david_n mention_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o jehovah_n and_o swear_v by_o his_o name_n 1_o sam._n xxix_o 6._o which_o show_v the_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o compassion_n of_o god_n towards_o this_o people_n devote_v to_o destruction_n in_o that_o he_o will_v not_o take_v they_o away_o sudden_o but_o by_o little_a and_o little_a give_v they_o space_n for_o repentance_n and_o turn_v that_o which_o may_v seem_v to_o rash_a judge_n a_o hard_a fate_n into_o a_o mean_n of_o salvation_n both_o to_o themselves_o and_o other_o david_n extend_v his_o conquest_n far_o and_o near_o and_o be_v renown_v throughout_o all_o those_o country_n and_o the_o fame_n of_o david_n go_v out_o into_o all_o land_n and_o the_o lord_n bring_v the_o fear_n of_o he_o upon_o all_o nation_n 1_o chron._n fourteen_o 17._o and_o when_o god_n have_v deliver_v he_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o his_o enemy_n he_o make_v this_o resolution_n therefore_o i_o will_v give_v thanks_o to_o thou_o o_o lord_n among_o the_o heathen_a and_o will_v sing_v praise_n unto_o thy_o name_n 2_o sam._n xxii_o 50._o psal_n xviii_o 49._o declare_v his_o glory_n among_o the_o heathen_a his_o wonder_n among_o all_o people_n say_v among_o the_o heathen_a that_o the_o lord_n be_v king_n psal_n xcvi_o 3_o 10._o he_o know_v this_o to_o be_v the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o according_o he_o make_v this_o use_n of_o it_o with_o so_o good_a effect_n that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o solomon_n reign_n the_o stranger_n or_o proselyte_n in_o the_o land_n be_v find_v to_o be_v a_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o thousand_o and_o three_o thousand_o and_o six_o hundred_o 2_o chron._n two_o 17._o in_o solomon_n reign_n the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n become_v yet_o more_o famous_a and_o flourish_a hiram_n king_n of_o tyre_n hold_v great_a correspondence_n with_o he_o and_o kimchi_n after_o he_o dr._n lightfoot_n 311._o lightfoot_n lightfoot_n chorograph_n decad_n on_o st._n mark_n c._n 6._o §_o 2._o p._n 311._o understand_v by_o 2_o chron._n viij_o 2._o that_o hiram_n give_v city_n to_o solomon_n in_o his_o own_o land_n who_o place_v israclites_n in_o they_o and_o he_o in_o like_a manner_n give_v city_n to_o hiram_n in_o galilee_n 1_o king_n ix_o 11._o in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o league_n between_o they_o the_o letter_n which_o pass_v between_o solomon_n and_o hiram_n 254._o hiram_n theoph._n add_v autâ—lyc_a l._n 3._o p._n 254._o be_v extant_a in_o the_o time_n of_o josephus_n and_o from_o his_o time_n down_o to_o theophilus_n antiochenus_fw-la hiram_n bless_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n that_o make_v heaven_n and_o â—arth_n 2_o chron._n two_o 12._o 1_o king_n v._o 7._o which_o show_v that_o he_o have_v a_o true_a notion_n and_o sense_n of_o religion_n and_o tyre_n be_v a_o place_n of_o great_a trade_n and_o commerce_n ezek._n xxvii_o from_o whence_o the_o jew_n be_v afterward_o sell_v to_o the_o grecian_n joel_n iii._o 6._o there_o be_v no_o place_n of_o great_a traffic_n nor_o that_o send_v out_o more_o colony_n or_o great_a or_o into_o more_o distant_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o none_o can_v be_v more_o proper_a to_o establish_v a_o correspondence_n with_o from_o whence_o religion_n may_v be_v better_o propagate_v the_o queen_n of_o sheba_n come_v to_o see_v the_o glory_n of_o solomon_n kingdom_n 1_o king_n ix_o 10._o and_o bless_v the_o lord_n his_o god_n chap._n x._o 9_o who_o according_a to_o 6._o to_o joseph_n antiq._n l._n â—_o c._n 6._o josephus_n be_v queen_n both_o of_o egypt_n and_o aethiopia_n his_o wisdom_n be_v every_o where_o magnify_v ard_n there_o câ—me_v of_o all_o people_n to_o hear_v the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n from_o all_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o have_v hear_v of_o his_o wisdom_n chap._n four_o 34._o all_o the_o earth_n seek_v to_o solomon_n to_o hear_v his_o wisdom_n which_o god_n have_v put_v in_o his_o heart_n chap._n x._o 24._o his_o dominion_n be_v exceed_o great_a he_o reign_v over_o all_o the_o king_n from_o the_o river_n euphrates_n even_o unto_o the_o land_n of_o the_o philistine_n and_o to_o the_o border_n of_o egypt_n 2_o chron._n ix_o 26._o the_o trade_n and_o correspondence_n of_o the_o israelite_n with_o foreign_a nation_n be_v mighty_o advance_v in_o his_o time_n their_o trade_n extend_v as_o far_o as_o tarshish_n and_o ophir_n tarshish_n
vii_o of_o the_o obscurity_n of_o some_o place_n in_o the_o scripture_n particular_o of_o the_o type_n and_o prophecy_n here_o it_o must_v in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v remember_v that_o it_o have_v be_v a_o common_a and_o true_a observation_n that_o all_o author_n be_v rather_o perplex_v and_o obscure_v than_o explain_v by_o a_o multitude_n of_o commentator_n and_o this_o be_v so_o true_a of_o no_o book_n as_o of_o the_o scripture_n for_o as_o none_o have_v have_v so_o many_o gloss_n and_o comment_n put_v upon_o it_o by_o man_n of_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n so_o most_o of_o they_o endeavour_n to_o find_v out_o some_o new_a explication_n or_o to_o serve_v a_o cause_n and_o maintain_v some_o particular_a opinion_n by_o their_o exposition_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n that_o any_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v clear_a after_o volume_n have_v be_v write_v i_o may_v true_o say_v upon_o every_o text_n rather_o than_o that_o difficulty_n shall_v be_v find_v in_o they_o but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o we_o find_v it_o declare_v in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o that_o there_o be_v place_n of_o difficulty_n in_o they_o which_o make_v it_o but_o so_o much_o the_o more_o unreasonable_a that_o this_o shall_v be_v urge_v as_o a_o objection_n against_o they_o for_o what_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o profess_v must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v with_o a_o design_n and_o for_o some_o good_a reason_n and_o the_o reason_n and_o design_n ought_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o before_o this_o be_v use_v as_o a_o objection_n st_o peter_n speak_v of_o christ_n come_v to_o judgement_n say_v that_o st_n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n have_v deliver_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o st_n paul_n himself_o intimate_v that_o there_o have_v be_v mistake_n concern_v what_o he_o have_v write_v in_o this_o matter_n 2_o thess_n two_o 1_o 2_o 3._o st_o peter_n on_o this_o occasion_n say_v that_o it_o so_o happen_v not_o only_o to_o st_n paul_n epistle_n but_o to_o other_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n through_o the_o ignorance_n and_o rashness_n of_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a man_n 2_o pet._n three_o 16._o and_o it_o happen_v more_o especial_o in_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v concern_v thing_n of_o this_o nature_n or_o contain_v whatever_o prophecy_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v therefore_o i_o shall_v i._o give_v a_o account_n how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o scripture_n in_o general_n ii_o i_o shall_v in_o particular_a consider_v the_o obscurity_n of_o prophecy_n and_o shall_v prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o type_n make_v use_v of_o by_o the_o prophet_n and_o show_v that_o there_o be_v great_a force_n and_o evidence_n in_o the_o argument_n bring_v from_o they_o iii_o i_o shall_v prove_v that_o the_o obscurity_n of_o some_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o they_o nor_o to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o they_o i._o i_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n in_o general_a how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v 1._o some_o doctrine_n which_o it_o mighty_o concern_v we_o to_o be_v acquaint_v withal_o can_v not_o be_v deliver_v in_o so_o plain_a a_o manner_n but_o that_o they_o must_v needs_o have_v great_a difficulty_n in_o they_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o of_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n there_o be_v several_a thing_n which_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v and_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v of_o which_o yet_o we_o can_v have_v so_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a a_o knowledge_n but_o that_o something_o of_o they_o will_v still_o remain_v unknown_a to_o we_o as_o there_o be_v no_o object_n more_o visible_a or_o better_o know_v to_o we_o than_o the_o sun_n be_v but_o to_o calculate_v the_o dimension_n and_o the_o distance_n of_o the_o sun_n from_o we_o to_o know_v how_o its_o light_n be_v communicate_v and_o sudden_o spread_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v thing_n of_o great_a difficulty_n and_o can_v never_o perhaps_o be_v full_o account_v for_o in_o like_a manner_n what_o the_o scripture_n deliver_v to_o we_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v must_v needs_o have_v difficulty_n in_o it_o though_o we_o be_v never_o so_o well_o assure_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o future_a state_n because_o these_o be_v thing_n above_o our_o understanding_n we_o may_v perfect_o understand_v that_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n but_o can_v have_v no_o full_a and_o clear_a conception_n of_o all_o that_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o concern_v they_o nothing_o can_v be_v make_v plain_a to_o we_o than_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v it_o or_o than_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o the_o portion_n our_o faculty_n bear_v to_o it_o will_v allow_v god_n be_v incomprehensible_a whatever_o be_v deliver_v concern_v he_o can_v never_o be_v without_o all_o difficulty_n and_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n we_o can_v never_o understand_v the_o state_n of_o the_o next_o so_o full_o as_o we_o shall_v do_v hereafter_o and_o these_o be_v difficulty_n which_o must_v be_v unless_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o our_o own_o nature_n be_v different_a from_o what_o it_o be_v nevertheless_o the_o great_a mystery_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v reveal_v and_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v require_v to_o be_v know_v by_o we_o contain_v no_o inexplicable_a difficulty_n but_o if_o we_o will_v needs_o know_v more_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n than_o be_v reveal_v and_o more_o than_o be_v require_v to_o be_v know_v no_o wonder_n if_o we_o meet_v with_o difficulty_n what_o be_v meaut_n for_o instance_n by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v very_o well_o understand_v as_o the_o opposer_n of_o this_o doctrine_n must_v own_v unless_o they_o will_v confess_v that_o they_o oppose_v they_o know_v not_o what_o he_o that_o say_v a_o thing_n be_v not_o true_a know_v what_o it_o be_v which_o he_o pretend_v not_o to_o be_v true_a if_o he_o understand_v what_o he_o say_v the_o thing_n than_o be_v know_v though_o there_o be_v difficulty_n in_o the_o explication_n but_o the_o explication_n concern_v the_o manner_n of_o existence_n not_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o for_o that_o may_v certain_o be_v and_o we_o may_v certain_o know_v it_o to_o be_v which_o yet_o we_o know_v not_o how_o it_o shall_v be_v and_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o only_o be_v reveal_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v not_o any_o particular_a explication_n of_o it_o and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o be_v understand_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o this_o doctrine_n as_o it_o be_v deliver_v in_o scripture_n this_o show_v the_o plainness_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n though_o divers_a thing_n relate_v to_o this_o doctrine_n be_v difficult_a to_o be_v explain_v because_o the_o doctrine_n be_v plain_o enough_o and_o intelligible_o deliver_v so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v require_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o believe_v several_a art_n and_o science_n which_o be_v very_o difficult_a and_o abstruse_a in_o the_o theory_n be_v easy_a in_o the_o practice_n and_o a_o man_n may_v very_o well_o unsterstand_v what_o the_o theorem_fw-la itself_o be_v which_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v though_o he_o be_v altogether_o uncapable_a of_o understand_v the_o proof_n of_o it_o now_o what_o god_n say_v be_v as_o certain_a as_o any_o demonstration_n can_v be_v and_o what_o he_o have_v plain_o deliver_v be_v plain_a as_o well_o as_o certain_a and_o it_o be_v never_o the_o less_o certain_a or_o plain_a because_o we_o can_v make_v out_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o nor_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v how_o it_o can_v be_v it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a in_o this_o doctrine_n so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v concern_v to_o know_v it_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o shall_v be_v plain_a in_o all_o the_o controversy_n which_o may_v be_v raise_v about_o it_o when_o we_o know_v the_o meaning_n we_o must_v take_v god_n word_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o distinction_n of_o person_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o essence_n in_o the_o godhead_n be_v not_o require_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o the_o thing_n and_o we_o know_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v so_o because_o god_n himself_o have_v say_v it_o though_o
equivalent_a to_o the_o distinction_n of_o person_n among_o men._n that_o there_o be_v this_o unity_n and_o this_o distinction_n we_o learn_v from_o the_o scripture_n but_o what_o kind_n of_o distinction_n this_o be_v or_o how_o far_o it_o be_v to_o be_v reconcile_v with_o our_o notion_n of_o person_n among_o man_n and_o after_o what_o manner_n it_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n the_o scripture_n have_v not_o tell_v we_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o determine_v ii_o other_o thing_n be_v and_o must_v be_v believe_v by_o we_o which_o be_v as_o little_o understand_v as_o this_o doctrine_n our_o knowledge_n at_o the_o best_a concern_v finite_a thing_n be_v very_o imperfect_a which_o be_v so_o general_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o man_n of_o wisdom_n and_o experience_n that_o it_o be_v esteem_v a_o great_a point_n of_o wisdom_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v true_o sensible_a of_o his_o own_o ignorance_n and_o it_o be_v the_o character_n which_o solomon_n himself_o give_v of_o the_o fool_n that_o he_o rage_v and_o be_v confident_a prov._n fourteen_o 16._o but_o when_o we_o consider_v thing_n infinite_a we_o be_v much_o more_o at_o a_o loss_n that_o there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v something_o eternal_a must_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o who_o understand_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n even_o those_o that_o be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n yet_o must_v believe_v something_o else_o to_o be_v eternal_a they_o must_v believe_v that_o there_o always_o be_v something_o because_o if_o ever_o there_o have_v be_v nothing_o there_o never_o can_v have_v be_v any_o thing_n for_o how_o can_v any_o thing_n have_v be_v produce_v by_o nothing_o out_o of_o nothing_o it_o may_v but_o then_o there_o must_v have_v be_v something_o to_o produce_v it_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a therefore_o of_o nothing_o if_o we_o be_v not_o sure_a of_o this_o that_o there_o be_v something_o eternal_a the_o atheist_n himself_o can_v deny_v it_o unless_o he_o be_v so_o stupid_a as_o not_o to_o know_v what_o it_o mean_v and_o yet_o what_o apparent_a contradiction_n may_v he_o fancy_v to_o himself_o in_o the_o notion_n of_o eternity_n for_o what_o be_v eternal_a can_v never_o be_v capable_a of_o either_o a_o short_a or_o a_o long_a duration_n than_o it_o always_o have_v so_o that_o million_o of_o age_n hence_o it_o will_v not_o have_v continue_v long_o than_o it_o have_v do_v as_o many_o million_o of_o age_n past_a and_o how_o strange_a and_o contradictory_n do_v this_o seem_v to_o be_v that_o not_o only_o three_o age_n and_o one_o age_n shall_v be_v the_o same_o but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o difference_n between_o one_o hour_n or_o moment_n and_o never_o so_o many_o age_n in_o respect_n of_o eternity_n and_o there_o be_v no_o avoid_v this_o difficulty_n if_o a_o man_n be_v of_o any_o religion_n or_o no_o religion_n let_v he_o but_o apprehend_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o eternity_n and_o he_o must_v own_v both_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n and_o that_o he_o be_v utter_o unable_a to_o explain_v it_o here_o then_o be_v a_o unaswerable_a difficulty_n in_o a_o thing_n which_o all_o the_o world_n must_v believe_v if_o they_o have_v it_o but_o so_o propose_v to_o they_o as_o to_o be_v make_v understand_v what_o it_o be_v and_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n imaginable_a in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n which_o can_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v great_a than_o that_o which_o be_v inseparable_a from_o this_o notion_n which_o all_o must_v of_o necessity_n hold_v and_o if_o we_o do_v but_o observe_v it_o in_o finite_a thing_n which_o be_v usual_a and_o familiar_a to_o we_o and_o the_o object_n of_o our_o sense_n every_o day_n we_o believe_v what_o we_o very_o little_o understand_v or_o be_v capable_a of_o understanding_n our_o knowledge_n indeed_o be_v so_o very_o imperfect_a concern_v the_o nature_n of_o most_o thing_n that_o i_o may_v almost_o venture_v to_o say_v that_o if_o we_o will_v but_o be_v content_v for_o the_o present_a to_o believe_v what_o god_n have_v deliver_v concern_v his_o own_o nature_n we_o may_v hereafter_o know_v god_n himself_o as_o plain_o as_o now_o we_o know_v many_o thing_n here_o for_o now_o we_o see_v through_o a_o glass_n dark_o but_o then_o face_n to_o face_n now_o i_o know_v in_o part_n but_o then_o shall_v i_o know_v even_o as_o also_o i_o be_o know_v 1_o cor._n xiii_o 12._o if_o it_o be_v think_v unreasonable_a however_o that_o such_o abstruse_a mystery_n shall_v be_v make_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v pronounce_v that_o whosoever_o will_v be_v save_v must_v thus_o think_v of_o the_o trinity_n and_o that_o all_o who_o do_v not_o thus_o think_v and_o believe_v shall_v without_o doubt_n perish_v everlasting_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o in_o all_o religion_n whether_o natural_a or_o reveal_v there_o must_v be_v something_o believe_v which_o be_v above_o all_o humane_a comprehension_n and_o which_o can_v be_v know_v no_o further_o than_o in_o order_n to_o be_v believe_v there_o can_v be_v no_o faith_n without_o all_o knowledge_n but_o knowledge_n if_o it_o be_v complete_a will_v exclude_v faith_n which_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v knowledge_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o it_o be_v general_a and_o imperfect_a or_o as_o it_o be_v particular_a and_o adequate_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n know_v we_o must_v have_v a_o general_a knowledge_n of_o whatever_o be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n but_o if_o we_o have_v a_o particular_a and_o adequate_a knowledge_n of_o it_o there_o can_v remain_v nothing_o of_o it_o unknown_a to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n the_o difference_n between_o science_n and_o faith_n be_v not_o that_o we_o be_v less_o certain_a of_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n than_o of_o the_o object_n of_o science_n but_o that_o we_o know_v less_o of_o they_o for_o certainty_n depend_v upon_o our_o general_a knowledge_n as_o that_o god_n be_v true_a and_o therefore_o what_o he_o have_v reveal_v be_v as_o certain_a as_o if_o we_o see_v it_o or_o can_v demonstrate_v it_o in_o every_o particular_a and_o this_o general_a knowledge_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o faith_n be_v in_o natural_a religion_n attain_v to_o by_o reason_n and_o in_o reveal_v religion_n from_o revelation_n thus_o we_o attain_v to_o such_o a_o general_a knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n by_o rational_a evidence_n as_o to_o be_v convince_v that_o infinite_a power_n and_o goodness_n and_o truth_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o infinite_a perfection_n belong_v to_o it_o but_o we_o believe_v the_o divine_a perfection_n without_o any_o particular_a comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o they_o in_o like_a manner_n from_o revelation_n we_o attain_v to_o this_o general_a knowledge_n that_o the_o divine_a nature_n consist_v of_o three_o person_n in_o one_o undivided_a essence_n but_o we_o believe_v these_o three_o person_n to_o be_v one_o god_n without_o any_o particular_a and_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o so_o great_a a_o mystery_n for_o than_o it_o will_v no_o long_o be_v a_o mystery_n and_o faith_n will_v be_v no_o more_o faith_n i_o will_v therefore_o ask_v the_o adversary_n of_o this_o doctrine_n whether_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n omnipresent_v eternal_a almighty_a omniscient_a infinite_o holy_a just_a and_o merciful_a be_v not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n no_o rational_a man_n can_v deny_v it_o i_o inquire_v further_o whether_o insant_n and_o idiot_n be_v oblige_v necessary_o under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o this_o belief_n they_o must_v certain_o answer_v no_o because_o none_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o impossibility_n i_o demand_v then_o again_o whether_o if_o one_o or_o more_o of_o these_o attribute_n or_o the_o agreement_n of_o they_o one_o with_o another_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v understand_v with_o a_o general_n and_o imperfect_a knowledge_n by_o any_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v and_o believe_v the_o rest_n the_o ignorance_n of_o these_o article_n which_o be_v above_o their_o understanding_n even_o as_o to_o this_o general_a and_o imperfect_a way_n of_o knowledge_n can_v be_v destructive_a of_o their_o salvation_n they_o must_v needs_o say_v it_o can_v because_o god_n can_v require_v nothing_o impossible_a of_o any_o man._n and_o the_o very_a same_o answer_v apply_v to_o the_o cavil_n against_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o silence_n they_o that_o creed_n contain_v such_o truth_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n but_o necessary_a to_o particular_a person_n so_o far_o only_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v they_o in_o order_n to_o believe_v they_o he_o that_o will_v be_v save_v must_v thus_o think_v of_o the_o trinity_n but_o this_o suppose_v he_o capable_a of_o think_v
of_o nature_n or_o that_o their_o superstition_n have_v make_v it_o customary_a to_o register_v all_o the_o eclipse_n which_o happen_v the_o dumbness_n of_o zacharias_n till_o the_o circumciston_n of_o his_o son_n john_n the_o baptist_n be_v a_o notorious_a public_a thing_n and_o the_o people_n who_o wait_v for_o he_o and_o marvel_v that_o he_o tarry_v so_o long_o in_o the_o temple_n perceive_v at_o his_o come_n out_o that_o he_o have_v see_v a_o vision_n and_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o that_o history_n be_v noise_v abroad_o through_o all_o the_o hill_n country_n of_o judea_n luke_n i_o 21._o that_o the_o wise_a man_n come_v from_o the_o east_n at_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o star_n that_o herod_n hear_v of_o this_o and_o be_v trouble_v at_o it_o and_o all_o jerusalem_n with_o he_o that_o he_o gather_v all_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o scribe_n together_o and_o demand_v of_o they_o where_o christ_n shall_v be_v bear_v and_o that_o they_o answer_v at_o bethlehem_n of_o judea_n cite_v the_o prophecy_n of_o micah_n that_o herod_n when_o he_o have_v inquire_v of_o the_o wise_a man_n concern_v the_o star_n and_o enjoin_v they_o to_o bring_v he_o word_n where_o the_o young_a child_n be_v be_v disappoint_v by_o their_o return_v home_o another_o way_n slay_v all_o the_o child_n that_o be_v in_o bethlehem_n and_o in_o all_o the_o coast_n thereof_o from_o two_o year_n old_a and_o under_o these_o be_v thing_n of_o that_o public_a nature_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v feign_v when_o st._n matthew_n gospel_n be_v first_o publish_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v true_a thousand_o must_v have_v be_v able_a to_o contradict_v they_o and_o discover_v the_o salsehood_n of_o they_o when_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v relate_v with_o so_o many_o manifest_a and_o public_a circumstance_n it_o be_v a_o appeal_n to_o the_o world_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v write_v and_o no_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n will_v contrive_v a_o false_a story_n with_o such_o public_a circumstance_n as_o that_o every_o reader_n may_v be_v able_a to_o disprove_v it_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v affirm_v that_o in_o such_o a_o city_n or_o village_n in_o england_n at_o the_o command_n of_o such_o a_o king_n and_o at_o such_o a_o time_n within_o our_o memory_n all_o the_o infant_n from_o two_o year_n old_a and_o under_o be_v murder_v he_o must_v scarce_o expect_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o to_o confirm_v any_o thing_n else_o he_o have_v to_o deliver_v by_o such_o a_o fiction_n to_o introduce_v it_o the_o triumphant_a shout_n and_o hosanna_n of_o the_o multitude_n at_o christ_n entrance_n into_o jerusalem_n whereby_o all_o the_o city_n be_v move_v matt._n xxi_o 10_o 11._o immediate_o before_o the_o passover_n when_o there_o be_v the_o great_a concourse_n of_o people_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o can_v not_o soon_o be_v forget_v at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o drive_v out_o all_o that_o sell_v and_o buy_v in_o the_o temple_n and_o overthrow_v the_o table_n of_o the_o money_n changer_n and_o when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o temple_n the_o blind_a and_o the_o lame_a come_v to_o he_o and_o he_o heal_v they_o and_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o scribe_n see_v the_o wonderful_a thing_n that_o he_o do_v and_o the_o child_n cry_v in_o the_o temple_n hosannah_n to_o the_o son_n of_o david_n and_o they_o be_v sore_o displease_v at_o it_o the_o evangelist_n will_v never_o have_v bring_v in_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o scribe_n themselves_o with_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o vast_a number_n of_o jew_n and_o proselyte_n out_o of_o all_o nation_n assemble_v at_o the_o passover_n as_o spectator_n and_o witness_n of_o these_o thing_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v so_o certain_a of_o they_o as_o to_o appeal_v to_o they_o all_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o relate_v so_o late_o and_o so_o solemn_o and_o public_o do_v the_o darkness_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n for_o three_o hour_n together_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o day_n the_o veil_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v be_v rent_n from_o the_o top_n to_o the_o bottom_n the_o earthquake_n and_o the_o rend_n of_o the_o rock_n and_o the_o open_n of_o the_o grave_n be_v thing_n that_o must_v have_v be_v general_o know_v and_o can_v not_o be_v feign_v or_o if_o any_o man_n can_v be_v so_o vain_a as_o to_o imagine_v they_o may_v let_v he_o but_o consider_v whether_o such_o thing_n can_v now_o be_v impose_v upon_o any_o people_n by_o the_o writing_n of_o a_o few_o man_n as_o do_v in_o the_o metropolis_n of_o a_o nation_n at_o a_o solemn_a time_n within_o the_o memory_n of_o thousand_o yet_o live_v who_o be_v able_a to_o contradict_v they_o from_o their_o own_o certain_a knowledge_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v pretend_v that_o but_o a_o few_o year_n ago_o in_o the_o chief_a city_n of_o any_o kingdom_n or_o nation_n one_o part_n of_o the_o principal_a church_n be_v rend_v from_o the_o bottom_n to_o the_o top_n by_o a_o earthquake_n which_o tear_v asunder_o the_o rock_n and_o open_v the_o grave_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o moon_n be_v in_o that_o position_n that_o the_o sun_n can_v fuffer_v no_o eclipe_n the_o sun_n be_v darken_v from_o twelve_o at_o noon_n to_o three_o in_o the_o afternoon_n can_v he_o hope_v to_o gain_v any_o credit_n or_o belief_n to_o any_o doctrine_n he_o have_v to_o propagate_v by_o feign_v such_o circumstance_n as_o will_v put_v it_o into_o the_o power_n of_o every_o man_n that_o hear_v of_o they_o to_o disprove_v he_o will_v not_o this_o be_v the_o ready_a and_o the_o most_o effectual_a way_n he_o can_v possible_o invent_v to_o expose_v himself_o and_o his_o cause_n the_o death_n of_o judas_n and_o the_o cause_n and_o manner_n of_o it_o which_o be_v so_o clear_a a_o vindication_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o so_o plain_a a_o proof_n that_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n be_v know_v unto_o all_o the_o dweller_n of_o jerusalem_n insomuch_o as_o that_o field_n be_v call_v in_o their_o proper_a tongue_n aceldama_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o field_n of_o blood_n act_v i_o 19_o matt._n xxvii_o 8._o if_o this_o field_n have_v not_o be_v so_o call_v and_o this_o have_v not_o be_v well_o know_v at_o jerusalem_n will_v any_o man_n have_v write_v in_o this_o manner_n and_o beside_o the_o xii_o apostle_n and_o the_o lxx_o disciple_n who_o all_o believe_v and_o attest_v the_o truth_n contain_v in_o the_o evangelist_n many_o person_n of_o authority_n and_o note_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v mention_v who_o will_v have_v find_v themselves_o concern_v to_o disprove_v what_o be_v relate_v if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a nicodemus_n be_v say_v to_o have_v come_v to_o christ_n by_o night_n who_o be_v a_o pharisee_n and_o a_o ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n john_n iii._o 2._o seven_o 50._o nineteeen_o 39_o and_o to_o put_v this_o mark_n upon_o he_o three_o several_a time_n that_o he_o come_v to_o jesus_n by_o night_n and_o dare_v not_o own_o his_o come_n to_o he_o be_v no_o flatter_a character_n or_o such_o as_o may_v engage_v nicademus_n or_o his_o friend_n to_o dissemble_v the_o injury_n if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v true_a that_o nicodemus_n be_v his_o disciple_n the_o like_a be_v say_v of_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n a_o rich_a man_n and_o a_o honourable_a counsellor_n matt._n xxvii_o 57_o mark_v xv_o 43._o that_o he_o be_v disciple_n of_o jesus_n but_o sâ—retly_o for_o fear_v of_o the_o jew_n john_n nineteeen_o 38._o herod_n and_o pontius_n pilate_n annas_n and_o caiaphas_n and_o several_a other_o person_n particular_o name_v and_o most_o of_o they_o with_o no_o commendation_n but_o with_o that_o character_n which_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n require_v will_v be_v concern_v themselves_o or_o their_o friend_n and_o relation_n for_o they_o after_o their_o decease_n to_o expose_v any_o falsehood_n that_o can_v have_v be_v discover_v in_o the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o other_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v explicatory_a and_o consequential_a to_o the_o gospel_n or_o history_n of_o christ_n and_o beside_o they_o contain_v many_o memorable_a and_o public_a fact_n as_o the_o speak_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o language_n and_o work_v all_o kind_n of_o miracle_n at_o the_o solemn_a feast_n of_o pentecost_n and_o the_o conversion_n of_o many_o thousand_o thereby_o the_o frequent_a examination_n of_o the_o apostle_n before_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n their_o preach_n and_o miracle_n in_o the_o most_o public_a place_n as_o in_o the_o temple_n in_o the_o street_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v thing_n that_o can_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o world_n in_o that_o very_a place_n and_o in_o defiance_n of_o that_o very_a people_n before_o who_o they_o be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v do_v gamaliel_n dionysius_n the_o
by_o exhortation_n and_o encouragement_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o admonitition_n and_o threaten_n on_o the_o other_o but_o to_o force_v man_n to_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o profession_n will_v be_v to_o lay_v aside_o these_o term_n and_o to_o render_v the_o motive_n and_o argument_n which_o religion_n propose_v useless_a and_o to_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n by_o which_o it_o be_v enjoin_v there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o reason_n that_o god_n shall_v constrain_v man_n to_o have_v right_a notion_n of_o religion_n than_o that_o he_o shall_v force_v they_o to_o obey_v those_o notion_n and_o put_v they_o in_o practice_n or_o that_o he_o shall_v restrain_v man_n from_o heresy_n and_o schism_n that_o be_v from_o such_o sin_n as_o more_o direct_o and_o immediate_o concern_v religion_n rather_o than_o from_o any_o other_o sin_n but_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o because_o this_o will_v make_v religion_n itself_o useless_a and_o insignificant_a by_o take_v away_o the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o by_o destroy_v the_o liberty_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o all_o act_n of_o religion_n for_o he_o that_o act_v by_o necessity_n can_v act_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n which_o advise_v and_o command_v man_n to_o refuse_v the_o evil_a and_o choose_v the_o good_n difference_n in_o religion_n can_v not_o be_v prevent_v without_o overrule_a all_o the_o passion_n and_o hinder_v all_o the_o vice_n of_o man_n and_o without_o frustrate_v the_o command_n and_o precept_n and_o contradict_v the_o design_n and_o institution_n of_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o rather_o than_o suffer_v difference_n in_o religion_n god_n shall_v so_o check_v and_o restrain_v man_n as_o not_o to_o leave_v they_o at_o liberty_n to_o act_n upon_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n but_o upon_o mere_a force_n and_o necessity_n if_o man_n be_v permit_v to_o err_v and_o to_o sin_n they_o will_v err_v and_o sin_n in_o matter_n relate_v to_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o and_o to_o debar_v man_n unavoidable_o from_o sin_n and_o error_n will_v be_v to_o proceed_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n both_o of_o reason_n and_o religion_n and_o to_o offer_v violence_n not_o only_o to_o human_a nature_n but_o to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n in_o his_o dispensation_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n not_o to_o force_v man_n upon_o do_v good_a but_o to_o bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o if_o man_n will_v resolve_v to_o commit_v sin_n and_o will_v not_o be_v prevail_v upon_o by_o all_o that_o god_n have_v say_v and_o do_v to_o withdraw_v they_o from_o it_o then_o to_o make_v their_o worst_a action_n instrumental_a to_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o to_o the_o salvation_n of_o other_o men._n and_o there_o be_v this_o good_a effect_n from_o the_o most_o pernicious_a heresy_n and_o schism_n that_o those_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a by_o they_o that_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o good_a christian_a may_v appear_v and_o that_o the_o disguise_n may_v be_v take_v off_o from_o hypocrite_n that_o they_o may_v be_v no_o long_o able_a to_o seduce_v man_n by_o a_o show_n of_o godliness_n it_o be_v a_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o unrepent_v sinner_n to_o let_v they_o fall_v from_o one_o wickedness_n to_o another_o and_o not_o come_v into_o his_o righteousness_n to_o punish_v secret_a sin_n by_o suffer_v man_n to_o run_v into_o public_a and_o notorious_a crime_n whereby_o they_o discover_v and_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o world_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o those_o heretic_n of_o who_o st._n paul_n speak_v they_o profess_v that_o they_o know_v god_n but_o in_o work_n they_o deny_v he_o be_v abominable_a and_o disobedient_a and_o to_o every_o good_a work_n reprobate_a tit._n i._n 16._o and_o give_v a_o full_a and_o lamentable_a description_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o conclusion_n he_o say_v but_o they_o shall_v proceed_v no_o far_o for_o their_o folly_n shall_v be_v manifest_a to_o all_o man_n 2_o tim._n three_o 9_o they_o be_v permit_v to_o come_v to_o such_o horrid_a and_o frightful_a degree_n of_o wickedness_n and_o blasphemy_n as_o that_o all_o man_n who_o mean_v well_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o avoid_v they_o and_o to_o depart_v from_o they_o and_o of_o those_o who_o join_v themselves_o with_o such_o man_n and_o go_v over_o to_o they_o st._n john_n declare_v they_o go_v out_o from_o we_o but_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v of_o we_o they_o will_v no_o doubt_n have_v continue_v with_o we_o but_o they_o go_v out_o that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o of_o we_o 1_o john_n two_o 19_o and_o when_o these_o and_o such_o like_a heresy_n break_v loose_a and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n this_o make_v all_o sincere_a christian_n more_o careful_a and_o diligent_a to_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n and_o earnest_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v too_o careless_a and_o unconcerned_a about_o religion_n when_o they_o meet_v with_o no_o opposition_n but_o when_o the_o faith_n be_v deny_v and_o the_o term_n of_o salvation_n be_v dispute_v against_o this_o will_v stir_v up_o and_o actuate_v a_o mighty_a zeal_n in_o all_o who_o have_v any_o regard_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o men._n from_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o most_o heresy_n have_v be_v of_o no_o long_a continuance_n but_o appear_v and_o show_v themselves_o be_v disprove_v become_v odious_a and_o after_o a_o while_o be_v hardly_o know_v but_o from_o the_o book_n of_o such_o as_o confute_v they_o and_o those_o point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v contradict_v become_v so_o much_o the_o better_o establish_v and_o the_o more_o firm_o believe_v for_o the_o future_a heresy_n be_v but_o the_o trial_n of_o religion_n as_o danger_n be_v of_o courage_n it_o stand_v to_o the_o honour_n and_o evidence_n of_o truth_n to_o be_v exercise_v and_o encompass_v with_o error_n which_o fall_v before_o it_o and_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o no_o hurt_n so_o that_o difference_n in_o religion_n be_v suffer_v by_o almighty_a god_n as_o all_o other_o sin_n be_v because_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o religion_n not_o to_o compel_v man_n but_o to_o persuade_v and_o exhort_v they_o and_o to_o permit_v they_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n whilst_o it_o offer_v the_o most_o prevail_a argument_n and_o motive_n against_o it_o and_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n and_o heresy_n among_o the_o rest_n and_o these_o be_v temptation_n and_o trial_n to_o good_a man_n and_o often_o serve_v as_o judgement_n upon_o the_o wicked_a to_o punish_v one_o wickedness_n with_o another_o and_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o world_n for_o hypocrite_n and_o impostor_n and_o they_o serve_v to_o confirm_v the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o hereby_o become_v the_o more_o thorough_o examine_v and_o the_o more_o full_o explain_v and_o these_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n why_o god_n shall_v not_o by_o his_o almighty_a power_n hinder_v those_o difference_n in_o religion_n which_o must_v of_o necessity_n happen_v by_o the_o sin_n and_o folly_n man_n unless_o he_o shall_v miraculous_o and_o irresistible_o interpose_v to_o prevent_v they_o iii_o these_o difference_n how_o great_a and_o how_o many_o soever_o they_o may_v be_v even_o the_o worst_a of_o schism_n and_o heresy_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o religion_n religion_n be_v our_o direction_n our_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n but_o will_v any_o man_n say_v that_o because_o there_o be_v many_o wrong_a way_n therefore_o there_o be_v none_o right_a this_o be_v beneath_o the_o discretion_n of_o every_o ordinary_a traveller_n who_o if_o the_o way_n be_v difficult_a resolve_v to_o use_v the_o more_o care_n and_o diligence_n in_o find_v it_o out_o but_o never_o conclude_v with_o himself_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o way_n and_o no_o such_o place_n as_o that_o which_o he_o intend_v to_o go_v for_o a_o man_n to_o argue_v from_o the_o multitude_n of_o heresy_n and_o schism_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v as_o if_o he_o will_v prove_v that_o because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o curve_v line_n therefore_o there_o can_v be_v none_o right_o when_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n we_o must_v conclude_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o straightness_n or_o else_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o crooked_a for_o we_o can_v have_v no_o notion_n of_o one_o without_o the_o
the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o robert_n jenkin_n chaplain_n to_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o earl_n of_o exeter_z and_o late_a fellow_n of_o st._n john_n college_n in_o cambridge_n the_o second_o edition_n enlarge_v london_n print_v for_o p._n b._n and_o r._n wellington_n at_o the_o dolphin_n and_o crown_n the_o west-end_n of_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a john_n earl_n of_o exeter_z may_v it_o please_v your_o lordship_n the_o general_a decay_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n among_o we_o have_v make_v i_o think_v that_o i_o can_v not_o better_o employ_v the_o leisure_n which_o by_o your_o lordship_n favour_n i_o enjoy_v than_o in_o use_v my_o best_a endeavour_n to_o show_v the_o excellency_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o and_o what_o i_o have_v do_v be_v here_o humble_o present_v to_o your_o lordship_n as_o of_o right_a and_o upon_o many_o account_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o honour_n and_o the_o satisfaction_n which_o i_o have_v often_o have_v to_o hear_v your_o lordship_n speak_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n encourage_v i_o to_o hope_n that_o a_o performance_n though_o but_o such_o as_o this_o upon_o that_o subject_a may_v obtain_v your_o acceptance_n and_o the_o name_n only_o of_o a_o person_n of_o your_o lordship_n honour_n and_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o world_n may_v perhaps_o be_v of_o more_o advantage_n to_o the_o cause_n i_o undertake_v than_o any_o thing_n i_o have_v be_v able_a to_o write_v religion_n may_v seem_v by_o descent_n and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o inheritance_n to_o belong_v to_o your_o lordship_n care_n the_o wisdom_n and_o piety_n of_o your_o great_a ancestor_n appear_v to_o distant_a age_n in_o the_o reformation_n which_o through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n be_v in_o so_o great_a a_o measure_n by_o his_o mean_n establish_v in_o this_o kingdom_n and_o i_o have_v with_o joy_n often_o think_v that_o i_o can_v observe_v the_o spirit_n and_o genius_n of_o my_o lord_n treasurer_n burghley_n now_o exert_v itself_o more_o than_o ever_o in_o your_o noble_a family_n from_o whence_o methinks_v we_o may_v presage_v happiness_n to_o the_o nation_n and_o may_v yet_o expect_v to_o see_v a_o true_a sense_n of_o religion_n revive_v and_o may_v hope_v that_o even_o in_o our_o day_n christianity_n among_o englishman_n shall_v be_v more_o than_o a_o name_n which_o be_v every_o where_o speak_v against_o a_o eminent_a virtue_n be_v a_o public_a good_a there_o be_v a_o powerful_a and_o command_a force_n in_o great_a example_n to_o countenance_v virtue_n and_o discourage_v vice_n and_o profaneness_n to_o make_v irreligion_n appear_v as_o it_o be_v base_a and_o contemptible_a in_o the_o world_n to_o degrade_v it_o and_o thrust_v it_o down_o among_o the_o low_a and_o untaught_a part_n of_o mankind_n much_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v from_o the_o school_n and_o from_o the_o gown_n under_o such_o contempt_n and_o discouragement_n but_o the_o great_a and_o the_o honourable_a have_v it_o in_o their_o power_n to_o do_v great_a thing_n thing_n worthy_a of_o themselves_o and_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o god_n glory_n person_n of_o high_a birth_n and_o both_o by_o nature_n and_o education_n fit_v for_o the_o high_a undertake_n who_o virtue_n shall_v flourish_v with_o their_o year_n and_o add_v new_a lustre_n to_o their_o hereditary_a honour_n may_v yet_o regain_v a_o due_a esteem_n to_o religion_n and_o adorn_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v a_o proper_a object_n for_o the_o ambition_n of_o generous_a aspire_a mind_n to_o express_v their_o gratitude_n to_o he_o who_o have_v place_v they_o so_o much_o above_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o when_o they_o find_v themselves_o happy_a now_o to_o disdain_v to_o aim_v at_o any_o thing_n less_o than_o everlasting_a happiness_n hereafter_o to_o be_v miserable_a after_o happiness_n be_v a_o aggravation_n of_o misery_n but_o to_o receive_v eternal_a blessing_n as_o the_o fruit_n and_o improvement_n of_o such_o as_o be_v temporal_a be_v the_o privilege_n of_o those_o who_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o distinguish_v from_o other_o by_o his_o mercy_n and_o who_o distinguish_v themselves_o by_o a_o regard_n to_o his_o honour_n and_o service_n all_o that_o know_v burghley_n and_o who_o be_v there_o almost_o that_o do_v not_o know_v it_o be_v surprise_v with_o wonder_n and_o delight_n to_o observe_v what_o art_n can_v do_v and_o to_o behold_v the_o splendour_n and_o the_o magnificence_n of_o foreign_a country_n in_o our_o own_o but_o the_o glory_n and_o reward_n of_o virtue_n shall_v continue_v when_o burghley_n itself_o and_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o and_o will_v make_v death_n but_o a_o passage_n and_o a_o advancement_n from_o one_o palace_n from_o one_o honour_n to_o another_o and_o a_o removal_n only_o from_o the_o uncertain_a riches_n and_o imperfect_a felicity_n of_o this_o life_n to_o the_o mansion_n of_o eternal_a bliss_n in_o heaven_n that_o these_o my_o endeavour_n may_v prove_v but_o in_o any_o measure_n serviceable_a to_o the_o end_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o thereby_o to_o the_o glory_n and_o happiness_n of_o your_o honourable_a family_n in_o this_o and_o a_o better_a world_n be_v my_o lord_n the_o unfeigned_a desire_n and_o prayer_n of_o your_o lordship_n be_v most_o humble_a and_o most_o obedient_a servant_n and_o chaplain_n r._n jenkin_n the_o preface_n i_o be_o sensible_a that_o the_o publication_n of_o a_o treatise_n of_o this_o nature_n will_v be_v liable_a to_o exception_n from_o those_o for_o who_o use_n and_o benefit_n it_o be_v chief_o design_v who_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o lay_v hold_n of_o all_o pretence_n to_o avoid_v the_o be_v convince_v of_o what_o they_o have_v so_o little_a mind_n to_o believe_v they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o say_v that_o if_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o certain_a and_o so_o evident_a as_o it_o be_v maintain_v to_o be_v there_o can_v be_v little_a need_n of_o so_o many_o discourse_n upon_o this_o argument_n for_o it_o be_v no_o sign_n of_o certainty_n when_o though_o such_o a_o number_n of_o book_n be_v publish_a of_o this_o kind_n that_o so_o many_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o part_n have_v write_v upon_o the_o subject_a yet_o other_o it_o seem_v be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o their_o performance_n but_o be_v continual_o offer_v something_o new_a upon_o it_o they_o will_v likewise_o object_v that_o many_o of_o the_o professor_n and_o minister_n of_o religion_n do_v not_o live_v as_o if_o they_o believe_v themselves_o at_o least_o not_o as_o if_o they_o be_v so_o very_o certain_a of_o what_o they_o teach_v and_o that_o if_o there_o be_v so_o great_a certainty_n there_o never_o can_v be_v so_o many_o unbeliever_n but_o all_o who_o have_v hear_v of_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v convince_v by_o such_o evidence_n i_o shall_v therefore_o show_v here_o that_o the_o number_n of_o book_n write_v on_o this_o subject_a do_v not_o prove_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o religion_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a and_o that_o the_o ill_a life_n of_o man_n be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o religion_n they_o profess_v and_o then_o i_o shall_v inquire_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o a_o religion_n which_o carry_v so_o plain_a and_o convince_a evidence_n along_o with_o it_o shall_v yet_o by_o too_o many_o be_v disbelieved_a or_o disregard_v 1._o to_o the_o first_o thing_n it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o say_v that_o the_o number_n of_o writer_n be_v a_o great_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n since_o as_o many_o as_o have_v undertake_v the_o proof_n of_o it_o have_v always_o agree_v in_o the_o main_a evidence_n and_o differ_v only_o in_o method_n or_o in_o the_o management_n of_o particular_a argument_n and_o though_o all_o have_v not_o write_v with_o equal_a strength_n and_o clearness_n yet_o there_o be_v not_o i_o believe_v one_o author_n but_o have_v bring_v sufficient_a argument_n to_o confute_v the_o adversary_n of_o religion_n they_o be_v please_v indeed_o to_o think_v otherwise_o but_o they_o may_v at_o least_o take_v notice_n how_o obvious_a it_o be_v that_o if_o this_o objection_n prove_v any_o thing_n it_o must_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o certainty_n in_o the_o world_n because_o there_o be_v no_o art_n nor_o science_n concern_v which_o divers_a treatise_n be_v not_o daily_a publish_a but_o be_v therefore_o the_o nature_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n uncertain_a be_v it_o the_o less_o certain_a whether_o justice_n temperance_n and_o common_a honesty_n be_v virtue_n or_o whether_o murder_n adultery_n and_o theft_n be_v crime_n because_o law_n be_v make_v and_o sermon_n daily_o preach_v concern_v these_o thing_n or_o can_v any_o man_n doubt_v that_o these_o crime_n often_o meet_v with_o severe_a punishment_n even_o in_o this_o
world_n though_o man_n will_v take_v no_o warn_v by_o never_o so_o many_o example_n but_o have_v need_n of_o continual_a advice_n and_o exhortation_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o commission_n of_o they_o be_v there_o the_o less_o certainty_n in_o the_o mathematics_n because_o euclid_n apollonius_n and_o innumerable_a other_o of_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n have_v put_v forth_o book_n and_o system_n of_o mathematics_n in_o several_a form_n and_o method_n when_o many_o write_v upon_o the_o same_o subject_a it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o excellency_n and_o vsefulness_n of_o it_o not_o that_o they_o be_v dissatisfy_v in_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v by_o other_o but_o that_o they_o think_v more_o may_v be_v say_v or_o that_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v prove_v more_o clear_o in_o another_o method_n with_o more_o advantage_n to_o some_o capacity_n and_o with_o great_a probability_n of_o remove_v the_o scruple_n of_o some_o men._n it_o be_v undoubted_o very_o fit_a that_o all_o necessary_a doctrine_n upon_o which_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o mankind_n depend_v shall_v be_v treat_v of_o in_o all_o kind_n of_o way_n and_o method_n and_o they_o can_v be_v too_o often_o discourse_v of_o nor_o by_o too_o many_o man_n that_o no_o objection_n may_v remain_v unanswered_a nor_o scruple_n unobserved_a though_o a_o little_a may_v be_v sufficient_a upon_o a_o plain_a matter_n to_o wise_a man_n yet_o too_o much_o can_v be_v say_v upon_o a_o subject_a wherein_o all_o man_n be_v concern_v and_o it_o be_v the_o great_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o have_v engage_v so_o many_o author_n in_o this_o cause_n beside_o the_o primitive_a father_n and_o apologist_n man_n of_o the_o great_a learning_n and_o ability_n in_o latter_a age_n have_v undertake_v this_o subject_a have_v make_v it_o their_o study_n and_o business_n to_o consider_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o i_o think_v few_o will_v pretend_v to_o more_o judgement_n to_o discover_v truth_n or_o to_o more_o integrity_n to_o declare_v it_o than_o such_o author_n who_o have_v have_v no_o particular_a interest_n or_o profession_n in_o reference_n to_o religion_n but_o be_v under_o only_a the_o common_a obligation_n of_o all_o christian_n which_o if_o they_o have_v value_v as_o little_a as_o some_o other_o they_o can_v with_o as_o much_o wit_n and_o learning_n have_v appear_v in_o the_o cause_n of_o irreligion_n as_o any_o that_o ever_o undertake_v it_o many_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a in_o all_o profession_n and_o calling_n have_v be_v the_o most_o zealous_a assertor_n of_o religion_n as_o i_o may_v show_v by_o particular_a example_n which_o be_v in_o every_o man_n memory_n indeed_o i_o believe_v few_o man_n have_v so_o vain_a a_o opinion_n of_o themselves_o as_o to_o think_v they_o understand_v their_o several_a study_n and_o profession_n better_o than_o such_o person_n who_o have_v give_v undoubted_a evidence_n of_o their_o unfeigned_a belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n man_n of_o the_o great_a sagacity_n and_o judgement_n have_v not_o be_v move_v with_o such_o objection_n as_o other_o so_o much_o stumble_v at_o but_o have_v live_v and_o die_v the_o glory_n of_o their_o age_n and_o a_o honour_n to_o their_o religion_n such_o be_v the_o learned_a prince_n of_o mirandula_n and_o that_o learned_a french_a nobleman_n mornaeus_n such_o be_v grotius_n sir_n matthew_n hales_n dr._n willis_n and_o many_o beside_o both_o of_o our_o own_o and_o other_o nation_n i_o shall_v mention_v but_o one_o more_o who_o indeed_o be_v so_o eminent_a that_o i_o scarce_o need_v mention_v he_o for_o he_o must_v be_v already_o in_o every_o reader_n be_v thought_n i_o mean_v the_o honourable_a mr._n boyle_n who_o be_v as_o inquisitive_a and_o as_o unwilling_a to_o be_v impose_v upon_o and_o know_v as_o much_o of_o nature_n perhaps_o as_o ever_o any_o man_n not_z inspire_a do_v and_o have_v withal_o as_o steadfast_a a_o belief_n and_o as_o awful_a apprehension_n of_o reveal_v religion_n which_o he_o endeavour_v to_o establish_v and_o propagate_v not_o only_o by_o his_o own_o write_n but_o by_o the_o labour_n of_o other_o which_o he_o engage_v and_o reward_v by_o his_o last_o will_n and_o testament_n 2._o but_o man_n do_v not_o always_o live_v answerable_o to_o what_o they_o profess_v to_o believe_v it_o be_v hearty_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o there_o have_v never_o be_v any_o occasion_n give_v for_o this_o objection_n for_o though_o it_o be_v very_o inconsiderable_a in_o itself_o yet_o it_o do_v i_o believe_v the_o most_o mischief_n of_o any_o because_o man_n natural_o govern_v themselves_o more_o by_o the_o example_n than_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o or_o even_o than_o by_o their_o own_o reason_n but_o if_o we_o will_v judge_v aright_o the_o example_n of_o one_o man_n who_o live_v according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n aught_o to_o be_v of_o more_o weight_n with_o we_o than_o the_o example_n of_o never_o so_o many_o who_o live_v contrary_a to_o their_o profession_n because_o when_o man_n profess_v one_o thing_n and_o act_v another_o their_o action_n be_v sure_o as_o little_a to_o be_v regard_v as_o their_o profession_n and_o if_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v their_o profession_n against_o their_o action_n why_o shall_v we_o regard_v their_o example_n against_o their_o avow_a principle_n and_o profession_n it_o be_v in_o all_o other_o case_n esteem_v a_o good_a argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n when_o man_n confess_v it_o against_o themselves_o and_o the_o motive_n and_o temptation_n be_v visible_a by_o which_o they_o be_v lead_v aside_o from_o their_o own_o declare_a faith_n and_o judgement_n this_o pleasure_n or_o that_o profit_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o which_o every_o man_n can_v point_v to_o but_o when_o he_o who_o live_v conformable_o to_o his_o principle_n deny_v himself_o when_o he_o lose_v and_o suffer_v by_o it_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v in_o great_a earnest_n whereas_o the_o other_o be_v apparent_o bribe_v to_o forsake_v that_o in_o practice_n which_o notwithstanding_o they_o can_v but_o own_o in_o the_o theory_n and_o principle_n this_o be_v a_o old_a prejudice_n against_o philosophy_n that_o the_o philosopher_n do_v not_o observe_v their_o own_o precept_n but_o it_o be_v reject_v by_o wise_a man_n as_o no_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o vsefulness_n of_o philosophy_n it_o be_v a_o great_a objection_n against_o the_o man_n but_o sure_o it_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o thing_n themselves_o that_o they_o be_v disregard_v by_o those_o who_o understand_v their_o worth_n and_o pretend_v to_o have_v a_o due_a value_n and_o esteem_v for_o they_o and_o whoever_o renounce_v the_o faith_n or_o take_v up_o principle_n of_o irreligion_n because_o of_o any_o ill_a practice_n of_o other_o too_o plain_o declare_v either_o that_o in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n he_o never_o have_v any_o or_o that_o he_o be_v very_o willing_a to_o part_v with_o his_o religion_n all_o man_n make_v some_o pretence_n to_o reason_n and_o those_o man_n most_o of_o all_o who_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o decry_v religion_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o many_o who_o profess_v to_o believe_v it_o do_v not_o always_o live_v up_o to_o its_o rule_n and_o instruction_n but_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o man_n general_o act_v as_o much_o against_o reason_n as_o against_o relgion_n and_o that_o therefore_o this_o objection_n if_o it_o can_v signify_v any_o thing_n must_v banish_v all_o reason_n and_o good_a sense_n out_o of_o the_o world_n if_o there_o be_v no_o true_a religion_n because_o so_o few_o practice_n it_o as_o they_o ought_v there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a reason_n neither_o because_o the_o life_n of_o so_o many_o man_n contradict_v it_o and_o some_o perhaps_o will_v be_v content_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o true_a religion_n rather_o than_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o true_a reason_n because_o than_o they_o must_v be_v no_o long_o allow_v to_o be_v able_a to_o reason_n against_o religion_n but_o if_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o thing_n depend_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o man_n than_o the_o same_o religion_n may_v be_v true_a and_o false_a at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o may_v be_v true_a in_o one_o age_n and_o false_a in_o another_o or_o true_a in_o one_o country_n and_o false_a in_o the_o next_o and_o must_v be_v more_o or_o less_o true_a or_o false_a in_o the_o same_o proportion_n as_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o its_o professor_n be_v more_o or_o less_o virtuous_a or_o vicious_a indeed_o this_o be_v so_o unreasonable_a and_o unjust_a a_o prejudice_n against_o religion_n though_o it_o be_v grow_v a_o very_a common_a one_o that_o methinks_v every_o man_n shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o especial_o man_n of_o reason_n
be_v it_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o wise_a and_o good_a god_n will_v create_v man_n only_o to_o abuse_v themselves_o and_o one_o another_o to_o live_v a_o while_n in_o sin_n and_o folly_n here_o and_o some_o of_o they_o in_o the_o most_o extravagant_a and_o brutal_a wickedness_n and_o then_o go_v down_o to_o the_o grave_a and_o so_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o end_n of_o they_o for_o ever_o what_o be_v there_o worthy_a of_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o so_o poor_a a_o design_n as_o this_o do_v not_o the_o voice_n of_o nature_n itself_o teach_v we_o and_o have_v it_o not_o be_v the_o general_a belief_n and_o expectation_n of_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n that_o the_o prosperous_a sinner_n who_o be_v subtle_a and_o powerful_a to_o do_v mischief_n must_v suffer_v in_o another_o world_n for_o what_o he_o have_v do_v amiss_o here_o and_o that_o all_o be_v not_o to_o pass_v away_o with_o we_o in_o sport_n and_o extravagance_n in_o laughter_n and_o noise_n in_o riot_n or_o in_o violence_n and_o cruelty_n as_o some_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o believe_v as_o if_o the_o world_n be_v make_v for_o the_o wicked_a and_o they_o to_o abuse_v it_o it_o appear_v likewise_o from_o the_o common_a belief_n and_o experience_n of_o mankind_n that_o as_o there_o be_v a_o god_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o holiness_n so_o there_o be_v wicked_a and_o malicious_a spirit_n which_o be_v ever_o contrive_v the_o mischief_n and_o ruin_n of_o men._n for_o beside_o the_o evidence_n of_o this_o from_o scripture_n which_o we_o must_v be_v allow_v here_o to_o allege_v in_o the_o nature_n at_o least_o of_o a_o history_n it_o be_v folly_n to_o imagine_v that_o all_o the_o oracle_n and_o prodigy_n of_o the_o heathen_n can_v be_v mere_a forgery_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n nor_o foundation_n for_o such_o a_o belief_n as_o universal_o obtain_v in_o all_o nation_n and_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o for_o the_o custom_n and_o practice_n which_o follow_v upon_o this_o belief_n that_o there_o be_v daemon_n or_o spirit_n of_o a_o evil_a and_o malicious_a disposition_n and_o power_n i_o shall_v instance_n only_o in_o the_o unnatural_a cruelty_n which_o the_o heathen_a world_n even_o the_o greek_n and_o roman_n themselves_o be_v continual_o put_v upon_o by_o the_o instigation_n of_o these_o malicious_a and_o wicked_a spirit_n for_o the_o heathen_a nation_n offer_v up_o multitude_n of_o innocent_a man_n and_o woman_n and_o even_o their_o own_o child_n in_o sacrifice_n to_o their_o false_a god_n which_o be_v as_o sure_a a_o evidence_n that_o there_o be_v such_o being_n which_v require_v these_o cruelty_n from_o they_o as_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v tyrant_n and_o persecutor_n when_o they_o cause_v innocent_a man_n to_o be_v murder_v and_o child_n to_o be_v tear_v from_o the_o arm_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o slay_v in_o their_o sight_n and_o though_o the_o dominion_n of_o satan_n be_v now_o restrain_v by_o the_o overrule_a power_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o have_v as_o great_a evidence_n from_o all_o history_n that_o there_o be_v such_o being_n as_o devil_n as_o we_o have_v for_o any_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n whatsoever_o there_o have_v be_v indeed_o many_o false_a story_n concern_v spirit_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o matter_n of_o history_n but_o do_v this_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v none_o true_a or_o can_v the_o historian_n of_o all_o time_n and_o place_n be_v perpetual_o impose_v upon_o or_o conspire_v to_o impose_v upon_o other_o there_o be_v no_o ancient_a history_n but_o give_v some_o instance_n or_o other_o of_o these_o thing_n and_o all_o the_o modern_a history_n of_o heathen_a nation_n be_v full_a of_o such_o relation_n as_o confirm_v this_o truth_n to_o we_o and_o even_o among_o christian_n those_o who_o have_v by_o unlawful_a art_n put_v themselves_o under_o the_o power_n of_o wicked_a spirit_n have_v be_v convince_v that_o there_o be_v such_o being_n which_o be_v prove_v not_o only_o by_o the_o public_a confession_n of_o witch_n in_o all_o nation_n but_o by_o the_o private_a 1._o private_a see_v mr._n boyle_n excellency_n of_o theology_n etc._n etc._n §_o 1._o acknowledgement_n of_o divers_a learned_a man_n both_o physician_n and_o other_o who_o have_v make_v attempt_n to_o discover_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n in_o different_a place_n and_o be_v person_n neither_o timorous_a nor_o superstitious_a but_o the_o apparition_n of_o spirit_n be_v preternatural_a and_o therefore_o that_o good_a spirit_n who_o live_v in_o perfect_a obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o in_o conformity_n to_o the_o order_n of_o their_o nature_n shall_v appear_v be_v now_o no_o more_o to_o be_v expect_v than_o any_o other_o miracle_n but_o there_o be_v frequent_a apparition_n of_o bad_a spirit_n in_o country_n where_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o receive_v and_o where_o it_o be_v receive_v they_o appear_v to_o such_o as_o be_v willing_a to_o comâ—_n under_o their_o power_n but_o very_o rare_o to_o other_o and_o if_o the_o devil_n after_o so_o much_o humane_a blood_n as_o he_o have_v cause_v to_o be_v spill_v in_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o after_o so_o many_o oracle_n and_o imposture_n can_v yet_o persuade_v same_o man_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o be_v this_o be_v one_o of_o his_o subtle_a stratagem_n of_o all_o and_o prove_v how_o great_a power_n though_o in_o a_o different_a kind_n and_o manner_n he_o still_o retain_v over_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n since_o therefore_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o be_v of_o insinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n and_o goodness_n and_o that_o there_o be_v likewise_o a_o malicious_a cruel_a spirit_n ever_o watchful_a and_o industrious_a to_o abuse_v and_o destroy_v mankind_n it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o a_o be_v of_o such_o infinite_a perfection_n after_o he_o have_v create_v man_n will_v communicate_v himself_o to_o he_o will_v set_v he_o a_o rule_n by_o which_o he_o ought_v to_o live_v and_o prescribe_v he_o law_n whereby_o he_o may_v answer_v the_o end_v of_o his_o creation_n and_o attain_v to_o that_o happiness_n which_o he_o be_v make_v capable_a of_o and_o design_v for_o by_o his_o maker_n we_o can_v suppose_v that_o the_o god_n of_o all_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n will_v create_v man_n and_o then_o leave_v he_o to_o himself_o to_o follow_v his_o own_o invention_n and_o to_o live_v at_o random_n without_o any_o law_n or_o direction_n to_o frame_v his_o action_n by_o and_o to_o be_v expose_v to_o all_o the_o assault_n of_o a_o implacable_a subtle_a enemy_n without_o any_o caution_n and_o instruction_n give_v he_o or_o any_o help_n and_o assistance_n afford_v for_o his_o defence_n man_n in_o his_o innocence_n be_v not_o thus_o to_o be_v leave_v to_o himself_o and_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v though_o we_o have_v not_o the_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n for_o it_o that_o the_o god_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n will_v not_o disregard_n this_o corrupt_a state_n of_o mankind_n but_o will_v use_v some_o mean_n to_o reclaim_v they_o from_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o knowledge_n of_o themselves_o and_o of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o inform_v they_o of_o their_o duty_n and_o direct_v they_o to_o happiness_n how_o man_n become_v so_o prone_a to_o all_o evil_a we_o can_v know_v only_o by_o revelation_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o reject_v all_o revelation_n must_v suppose_v that_o man_n be_v first_o create_v in_o this_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n which_o be_v a_o very_a heinous_a imputation_n upon_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n but_o to_o suppose_v he_o place_v in_o this_o condition_n without_o all_o help_n or_o remedy_n be_v to_o charge_n god_n still_o more_o foolish_o but_o how_o man_n become_v so_o be_v not_o here_o the_o matter_n of_o enquiry_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o man_n be_v of_o himself_o in_o a_o miserable_a and_o helpless_a condition_n and_o consider_v the_o great_a ignorance_n and_o wickedness_n which_o have_v be_v from_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n visible_a continual_o in_o the_o word_n and_o still_o reign_v in_o it_o consider_v i_o say_v the_o notorious_a wickedness_n and_o gross_a ignorance_n of_o man_n which_o from_o the_o early_a record_n of_o antiquity_n have_v continue_v down_o to_o our_o own_o time_n nothing_o be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o to_o think_v that_o a_o be_v of_o infinite_a perfection_n will_v take_v some_o care_n to_o rectify_v the_o mistake_v and_o reform_v the_o manner_n of_o men._n can_v we_o believe_v it_o consistent_a with_o infinite_a truth_n never_o to_o manifest_v itself_o in_o the_o world_n but_o to_o suffer_v all_o sort_n of_o man_n of_o all_o nation_n to_o be_v expose_v to_o all_o the_o design_n and_o delusion_n of_o impostor_n
and_o of_o seduce_v and_o apostate_n spirit_n without_o any_o sufficient_a mean_n afford_v they_o to_o undeceive_v and_o rescue_v themselves_o can_v we_o suppose_v that_o god_n of_o infinite_a majesty_n and_o power_n and_o who_o be_v a_o jealous_a god_n and_o will_v not_o give_v his_o honour_n to_o another_o shall_v suffer_v the_o world_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n to_o make_v themselves_o god_n of_o wood_n and_o stone_n nay_o to_o offer_v their_o son_n and_o their_o daughter_n unto_o devil_n and_o to_o commit_v all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o false_a god_n and_o make_v murder_n and_o adultery_n and_o the_o worst_a of_o vice_n not_o only_o their_o practice_n but_o their_o religion_n can_v we_o imagine_v that_o the_o true_a god_n will_v behold_v all_o this_o for_o so_o many_o age_n among_o so_o many_o people_n and_o yet_o not_o concern_v himself_o to_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o so_o much_o wickedness_n and_o to_o vindicate_v his_o own_o honour_n and_o restore_v the_o sense_n and_o practice_n of_o virtue_n upon_o earth_n i_o shall_v in_o due_a place_n prove_v at_o large_a that_o mankind_n have_v in_o all_o age_n have_v the_o great_a necessity_n for_o a_o revelation_n to_o direct_v and_o reform_v they_o and_o that_o the_o philosopher_n themselves_o teach_v abominable_o wicked_a doctrine_n who_o yet_o be_v the_o best_a teacher_n and_o instructor_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n and_o we_o have_v no_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n if_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v a_o god_n of_o infinite_a power_n and_o knowledge_n and_o holiness_n and_o mercy_n and_o truth_n and_o yet_o we_o may_v as_o well_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o god_n at_o all_o as_o imagine_v that_o the_o god_n of_o infinite_a knowledge_n shall_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o what_o be_v do_v here_o below_o that_o infinite_a power_n shall_v suffer_v itself_o to_o be_v affront_v and_o despise_v without_o require_v any_o satisfaction_n that_o infinite_a holiness_n shall_v behold_v the_o whole_a world_n lie_v in_o wickedness_n and_o find_v out_o no_o way_n to_o remedy_v it_o and_o that_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n and_o all_o the_o tyranny_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n shall_v enslave_v and_o torment_v the_o body_n and_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o compassion_n in_o infinite_a mercy_n nor_o any_o care_n over_o a_o erroneous_a and_o delude_a world_n in_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n will_v a_o wise_a and_o good_a father_n see_v his_o child_n run_v on_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o folly_n and_o extravagancy_n and_o take_v no_o care_n to_o reclaim_v they_o nor_o give_v they_o any_o advice_n but_o leave_v they_o whole_o to_o themselves_o to_o pursue_v their_o own_o ruin_n and_o if_o this_o be_v unworthy_a to_o suppose_v of_o natural_a parent_n how_o much_o more_o unreasonable_a be_v it_o to_o imagine_v this_o of_o god_n himself_o who_o we_o can_v but_o represent_v to_o ourselves_o with_o all_o the_o compassion_n of_o the_o tender_a father_n or_o mother_n without_o the_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n that_o accompany_v they_o in_o humane_a parent_n how_o unreasonable_a be_v it_o to_o entertain_v such_o a_o thought_n of_o almighty_a god_n infinite_a in_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n as_o to_o suspect_v that_o he_o will_v suffer_v mankind_n to_o make_v themselves_o as_o miserable_a as_o they_o can_v both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o without_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o so_o fatal_a a_o course_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n or_o interpose_v any_o thing_n for_o their_o direction_n to_o show_v they_o the_o way_n to_o escape_v destruction_n and_o to_o obtain_v happiness_n the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n be_v know_v to_o we_o only_o by_o revelation_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v into_o consideration_n when_o we_o argue_v upon_o the_o mere_a principle_n of_o reason_n but_o i_o consider_v mankind_n as_o we_o find_v it_o in_o fact_n set_v aside_o the_o advantage_n of_o revelation_n wicked_a and_o abandon_v to_o wickedness_n in_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n take_v captive_a by_o he_o at_o his_o will_n unable_a to_o work_v out_o their_o own_o salvation_n lose_v and_o undo_v without_o power_n or_o strength_n without_o any_o help_n or_o remedy_n and_o in_o this_o state_n of_o the_o world_n however_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v be_v there_o no_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o infinite_a goodness_n shall_v take_v some_o course_n and_o not_o disregard_n all_o mankind_n lie_v in_o this_o condition_n the_o great_a argument_n of_o the_o scoffer_n of_o the_o last_o day_n st._n peter_n tell_v we_o will_v be_v this_o that_o all_o thing_n go_v on_o in_o their_o constant_a course_n and_o that_o god_n do_v not_o meddle_v or_o concern_v himself_o with_o they_o where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_v for_o since_o the_o father_n fall_v asleep_a all_o thing_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v from_o the_o creation_n 2_o pet._n three_o 4._o and_o if_o no_o promise_n have_v ever_o be_v make_v they_o will_v have_v have_v some_o reason_n in_o their_o argue_n for_o that_o which_o render_v the_o heathen_a without_o excuse_n be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o the_o natural_a knowledge_n that_o they_o have_v of_o god_n to_o lead_v they_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o reveal_v will_n which_o they_o have_v frequent_a opportunity_n of_o become_v acquaint_v withal_o and_o have_v many_o memorial_n of_o it_o among_o they_o in_o every_o nation_n but_o they_o do_v not_o like_a to_o retain_v god_n in_o their_o knowledge_n and_o this_o be_v the_o force_n of_o st._n paul_n argument_n act._n xvii_o &_o rom._n i._n unless_o this_o latter_a chapter_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o dr._n hammond_n interpret_v it_o of_o the_o gnostick_n heretic_n that_o the_o gentile_n ought_v not_o to_o pervert_v and_o stifle_v those_o natural_a notion_n which_o god_n have_v implant_v in_o their_o mind_n but_o from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o proceed_v to_o find_v out_o the_o write_a law_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o bound_n of_o the_o habitation_n of_o other_o nation_n be_v determine_v and_o appoint_v by_o god_n according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o they_o may_v seek_v the_o lord_n and_o may_v be_v able_a to_o find_v and_o discover_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n among_o that_o people_n to_o who_o he_o have_v reveal_v himself_o deut._n xxxii_o 8._o act._n xvii_o 26_o 27._o they_o may_v have_v be_v less_o vicious_a than_o they_o be_v without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o revelation_n and_o therein_o they_o be_v inexcusable_a that_o though_o they_o can_v not_o free_v themselves_o from_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n yet_o they_o may_v not_o have_v give_v themselves_o so_o whole_o up_o to_o it_o as_o to_o become_v exclude_v from_o the_o grace_n and_o salvation_n to_o be_v obtain_v by_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o when_o god_n have_v reveal_v himself_o all_o who_o will_v not_o use_v the_o mean_n and_o by_o a_o due_a improvement_n of_o their_o reason_n endeavour_n from_o natural_a religion_n to_o arrive_v at_o reveal_v become_v inexcusable_a for_o their_o negligence_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o the_o abuse_n of_o those_o talent_n and_o endowment_n which_o god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o they_o for_o when_o god_n have_v once_o give_v man_n warning_n and_o direct_v they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o they_o will_v not_o regard_v it_o they_o must_v be_v wilful_o ignorant_a if_o they_o will_v not_o consider_v that_o one_o day_n be_v with_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o thousand_o year_n and_o a_o thousand_o year_n as_o one_o day_n and_o it_o be_v argument_n of_o his_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a that_o he_o do_v not_o bring_v speedy_a vengeance_n upon_o a_o disobedient_a and_o rebellious_a world_n the_o lord_n be_v not_o slack_a concern_v his_o promise_n as_o some_o man_n count_v slackness_n but_o be_v long-suffering_a to_o we_o ward_n not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n but_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v come_v as_o a_o thief_n in_o the_o night_n now_o this_o be_v very_o well_o consistent_a and_o exceed_o agreeable_a with_o all_o the_o divine_a perfection_n that_o he_o shall_v give_v man_n warn_v of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o sin_n and_o afterward_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o choice_n whether_o they_o will_v be_v righteous_a and_o happy_a or_o wicked_a and_o miserable_a and_o than_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o take_v the_o first_o opportunity_n to_o punish_v they_o nor_o lie_v hold_v of_o any_o advantage_n against_o they_o but_o give_v they_o time_n for_o second_o thought_n and_o space_n for_o consideration_n and_o repentance_n but_o if_o they_o abuse_v so_o much_o patience_n and_o lovingkindness_n that_o he_o shall_v at_o last_o come_v
to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o universal_a design_n of_o it_o for_o they_o be_v equal_o adapt_v to_o awaken_v the_o attention_n and_o command_v the_o assent_n of_o man_n of_o all_o condition_n and_o capacity_n they_o be_v obvious_a to_o the_o most_o ignorant_a and_o may_v satisfy_v the_o wise_a and_o confute_v or_o silence_v the_o cavil_n of_o the_o most_o captious_a or_o contentious_a and_o this_o be_v what_o all_o the_o world_n ever_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v himself_o to_o man_n by_o work_v somewhat_o above_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n all_o mankind_n have_v believe_v that_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o intercourse_n between_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o therefore_o there_o never_o be_v any_o of_o the_o false_a religion_n but_o it_o be_v pretend_v to_o have_v be_v confirm_v by_o something_o miraculous_a we_o may_v appeal_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o nation_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o miracle_n to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n for_o whenever_o any_o thing_n happen_v extraordinary_a they_o always_o imagine_v something_o supernatural_a in_o it_o they_o expect_v that_o miracle_n shall_v be_v wrought_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v but_o the_o name_n of_o religion_n and_o no_o false_a religion_n can_v have_v gain_v belief_n and_o credit_n in_o any_o age_n or_o nation_n but_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o they_o the_o only_a difficulty_n therefore_o will_v be_v to_o know_v how_o to_o distinguish_v true_a miracle_n from_o false_a or_o those_o which_o have_v be_v wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n from_o such_o as_o have_v be_v do_v or_o be_v pretend_v to_o have_v be_v do_v in_o behalf_n of_o false_a religion_n but_o here_o it_o must_v be_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a in_o this_o controversy_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o determine_v what_o the_o power_n of_o spirit_n be_v or_o how_o far_o it_o extend_v and_o what_o work_n can_v proceed_v only_o from_o the_o immediate_a power_n of_o god_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o we_o know_v that_o god_n precide_v over_o all_o that_o good_a spirit_n act_v in_o constant_a subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o that_o evil_a spirit_n act_v for_o evil_a end_n that_o good_a spirit_n will_v not_o impose_v upon_o man_n and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o evil_a to_o do_v it_o under_o any_o pretence_n of_o his_o own_o authority_n without_o afford_v mean_n to_o discover_v the_o delusion_n and_o the_o question_n here_o be_v not_o concern_v any_o strange_a work_n whereof_o god_n be_v not_o allege_v to_o be_v the_o author_n but_o concern_v such_o as_o be_v wrought_v with_o a_o profess_a design_n to_o establish_v religion_n in_o his_o name_n suppose_v then_o that_o there_o have_v be_v many_o wonder_n wrought_v in_o the_o world_n which_o exceed_v all_o humane_a power_n and_o which_o yet_o we_o know_v not_o to_o what_o other_o power_n to_o ascribe_v this_o make_v no_o difficulty_n in_o the_o present_a case_n because_o here_o not_o only_o the_o work_n themselves_o but_o the_o design_n and_o tendency_n of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v for_o instance_n whether_o the_o miracle_n report_v to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o vespasian_n be_v true_a or_o false_a by_o a_o divine_a or_o a_o diabolical_a power_n they_o be_v of_o no_o consequence_n to_o we_o he_o establish_v no_o new_a doctrine_n and_o pretend_v to_o no_o divine_a authority_n but_o doubt_v the_o possibility_n of_o his_o work_v they_o and_o suppose_v they_o true_a and_o by_o a_o divine_a power_n the_o most_o that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o they_o be_v that_o as_o god_n mention_v cyrus_n by_o name_n to_o be_v the_o deliverer_n of_o the_o jew_n so_o he_o may_v by_o miracle_n signalise_v this_o prince_n who_o be_v to_o destroy_v they_o but_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v wrought_v with_o this_o declare_a purpose_n and_o design_n that_o they_o be_v to_o give_v evidence_n to_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o be_v send_v from_o god_n to_o introduce_v as_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n have_v premise_v this_o i_o must_v resume_v what_o be_v before_o observe_v concern_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o false_a prophecy_n may_v be_v detect_v it_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n and_o it_o have_v be_v show_v that_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n be_v the_o most_o fit_a and_o proper_a way_n of_o revelation_n and_o that_o way_n which_o man_n have_v ever_o expect_v to_o receive_v revelation_n by_o if_o then_o there_o have_v be_v false_a prophecy_n and_o miracle_n they_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v either_o before_o or_o at_o the_o same_o time_n or_o after_o those_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n by_o which_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v deliver_v if_o before_o or_o at_o the_o same_o time_n than_o the_o same_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o oblige_v god_n to_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n must_v oblige_v he_o to_o take_v care_n that_o the_o imposture_n of_o those_o false_a prophecy_n and_o miracle_n by_o some_o mean_n may_v have_v be_v discover_v but_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o true_a revelation_n shall_v be_v first_o make_v to_o man_n before_o god_n will_v suffer_v they_o to_o be_v tempt_v with_o false_a one_o and_o if_o the_o false_a be_v after_o the_o true_a revelation_n than_o the_o true_a revelation_n themselves_o be_v that_o by_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o judge_v of_o all_o other_o but_o to_o speak_v more_o particular_o of_o miracle_n which_o be_v the_o present_a subject_n it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o infinite_a truth_n and_o honour_n and_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o suffer_v man_n to_o be_v delude_v by_o false_a miracle_n wrought_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o his_o own_o authority_n without_o any_o possibility_n of_o discover_v the_o imposture_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v there_o have_v past_o any_o time_n before_o the_o discovery_n of_o his_o will_n to_o mankind_n he_o can_v not_o suffer_v man_n but_o through_o their_o own_o fault_n to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o such_o miracle_n but_o either_o by_o the_o false_a and_o wicked_a doctrine_n which_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o promote_v and_o establish_v as_o idolatry_n uncleanness_n murder_n etc._n etc._n or_o by_o some_o other_o token_n of_o imposture_n they_o may_v have_v be_v undeceive_v and_o both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n god_n have_v give_v we_o warn_v against_o false_a miracle_n deut._n xiii_o 1._o mat._n xxiv_o 24._o gal._n i_o 8._o so_o that_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o we_o be_v to_o give_v no_o credit_n to_o any_o miracle_n that_o can_v be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v any_o other_o doctrine_n than_o what_o we_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o we_o can_v but_o be_v certify_v that_o they_o be_v true_a miracle_n which_o give_v testimony_n and_o evidence_n to_o they_o we_o need_v concern_v ourselves_o about_o no_o other_o and_o the_o miracle_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v confirm_v and_o authorise_a must_v be_v true_a because_o there_o be_v no_o precedent_n divine_a revelation_n which_o they_o contradict_v nor_o any_o immoral_a or_o false_a doctrine_n which_o they_o deliver_v nor_o any_o thing_n else_o contain_v in_o they_o whereby_o they_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a and_o in_o this_o case_n that_o which_o all_o the_o wit_n and_o understanding_n of_o man_n can_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a must_v be_v true_a or_o else_o god_n will_v suffer_v his_o own_o name_n and_o authority_n to_o be_v usurp_v and_o abuse_v and_o mankind_n to_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o a_o thing_n of_o infinite_a consequence_n without_o any_o possibility_n of_o discover_v the_o imposture_n which_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n for_o he_o to_o permit_v but_o either_o by_o the_o work_v themselves_o or_o by_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o they_o or_o by_o some_o mean_n or_o other_o the_o honour_n and_o wisdom_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v to_o detect_v all_o such_o imposture_n if_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o introduce_v the_o worship_n of_o other_o god_n beside_o he_o who_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o scripture_n assure_v we_o to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a god_n if_o they_o be_v do_v to_o seduce_v man_n to_o immoral_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n if_o they_o be_v perform_v to_o contradict_v the_o religion_n already_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n in_o which_o nothing_o of_o this_o nature_n can_v possible_o be_v discover_v if_o never_o so_o astonish_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v for_o such_o ill_a design_n as_o these_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v but_o reject_v with_o that_o constancy_n which_o become_v a_o man_n who_o will_v act_v according_a to_o the_o
condemnation_n and_o it_o be_v not_o only_o just_a but_o merciful_a for_o he_o to_o withhold_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o reveal_v will_v from_o those_o who_o he_o forefee_n will_v reject_v it_o and_o abuse_v the_o opportunity_n which_o shall_v be_v offer_v they_o to_o the_o aggravation_n of_o their_o own_o gild_n and_o punishment_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v observe_v 2._o that_o as_o to_o particular_a person_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n who_o by_o so_o wonderful_a a_o providence_n have_v take_v care_n that_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n may_v have_v the_o true_a religion_n preach_v in_o it_o and_o who_o have_v the_o whole_a world_n at_o his_o disposal_n and_o order_n all_o thing_n with_o great_a regard_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n we_o have_v abundant_a cause_n to_o think_v that_o he_o will_v by_o some_o of_o the_o various_a method_n of_o his_o providence_n or_o even_o by_o miracle_n bring_v such_o man_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n who_o live_v according_a to_o their_o present_a knowledge_n with_o a_o sincere_a and_o honest_a endeavour_n to_o improve_v it_o when_o st._n peter_n be_v by_o revelation_n send_v to_o cornelius_n he_o make_v this_o inference_n from_o it_o of_o a_o truth_n i_o perceive_v that_o god_n be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n but_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v with_o he_o act._n x._o 34_o 35._o from_o whence_o what_o less_o can_v we_o conclude_v than_o that_o every_o man_n in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v sincere_o good_a and_o pious_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o his_o duty_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v know_v to_o he_o shall_v rather_o by_o a_o express_a revelation_n have_v the_o rest_n discover_v to_o he_o as_o in_o the_o instance_n of_o cornelius_n which_o give_v occasion_n to_o these_o word_n of_o s._n peter_n than_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o perish_v for_o want_v of_o a_o true_a faith_n and_o sufficient_a knowledge_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o punish_v those_o heathen_n who_o sin_n without_o any_o reveal_v law_n for_o their_o sin_n against_o natural_a reason_n and_o conscience_n and_o for_o neglect_v to_o use_v and_o improve_v their_o reason_n and_o to_o embrace_v the_o opportunity_n afford_v they_o of_o become_v christian_n we_o may_v likewise_o be_v certain_a that_o beside_o natural_a reason_n and_o conscience_n god_n in_o his_o goodness_n be_v not_o want_v to_o afford_v such_o inward_a motion_n and_o conviction_n of_o mind_n to_o such_o of_o the_o heathen_a as_o be_v not_o wilful_o blind_a and_o stupefy_v by_o their_o vice_n as_o may_v prepare_v they_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o by_o his_o providence_n he_o give_v they_o so_o many_o opportunity_n of_o become_v acquaint_v withal_o and_o if_o once_o they_o do_v discern_v the_o defect_n and_o fault_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n which_o be_v so_o gross_o against_o natural_a reason_n and_o conscience_n they_o may_v make_v enquiry_n of_o christian_n concern_v their_o religion_n as_o some_o of_o the_o american_n do_v of_o cortes_n and_o the_o christian_n some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o however_o negligent_a they_o be_v in_o propagate_a it_o will_v never_o refuse_v to_o instruct_v they_o in_o it_o and_o it_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o among_o those_o who_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o true_a religion_n yet_o many_o point_n be_v teach_v and_o believe_v which_o have_v their_o original_a from_o revelation_n as_o be_v evident_a not_o only_o of_o the_o mahometan_n but_o of_o several_a heathen_a nation_n which_o point_n be_v so_o many_o step_v and_o preparative_n towards_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o whole_a truth_n if_o they_o be_v not_o want_v to_o themselves_o in_o pursue_v they_o in_o their_o immediate_a tendency_n and_o consequence_n i_o shall_v not_o say_v that_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v extend_v to_o those_o who_o in_o the_o integrity_n of_o their_o heart_n die_v under_o a_o invincible_a ignorance_n of_o it_o i_o believe_v rather_o that_o god_n suffer_v no_o man_n so_o qualify_v and_o dispose_v to_o remain_v in_o invincible_a ignorance_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o vindicate_v god_n justice_n and_o goodness_n that_o all_o nation_n have_v have_v such_o opportunity_n of_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o great_a allowance_n may_v be_v make_v at_o the_o last_o day_n for_o the_o ignorance_n and_o unhappy_a circumstance_n of_o particular_a men._n it_o be_v well_o say_v that_o when_o god_n have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o tell_v we_o how_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o deal_v with_o such_o person_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o we_o to_o tell_v he_o how_o he_o ought_v to_o deal_v with_o they_o but_o if_o it_o be_v difficult_a for_o we_o now_o to_o think_v how_o it_o will_v please_v god_n to_o deal_v with_o the_o heathen_a it_o will_v be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o difficult_a to_o conceive_v how_o the_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a god_n can_v govern_v and_o judge_v the_o world_n if_o all_o mankind_n be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o heathen_n without_o any_o divine_a revelation_n what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o heathen_a as_o to_o their_o eternal_a state_n be_v not_o the_o subject_a of_o this_o discourse_n nor_o do_v it_o concern_v we_o to_o know_v some_o of_o they_o will_v have_v more_o to_o plead_v for_o themselves_o in_o point_n of_o ignorance_n than_o other_o can_v have_v and_o they_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o merciful_a creator_n and_o saviour_n of_o mankind_n and_o there_o we_o must_v leave_v they_o but_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v much_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o reveal_v his_o will_n and_o to_o give_v so_o many_o opportunity_n to_o the_o world_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o it_o though_o never_o so_o many_o shall_v neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n than_o it_o be_v to_o suppose_v he_o to_o take_v no_o care_n to_o reduce_v mankind_n to_o the_o sense_n and_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n but_o to_o let_v they_o continue_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o idolatry_n and_o wickedness_n without_o give_v they_o any_o warning_n against_o it_o i_o have_v not_o speak_v in_o secret_a in_o a_o dark_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n look_v unto_o i_o and_o be_v you_o save_v all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o i_o be_o god_n and_o there_o be_v none_o else_o come_v you_o near_o unto_o i_o hear_v you_o this_o i_o have_v not_o speak_v in_o secret_a from_o the_o beginning_n from_o the_o time_n that_o it_o be_v there_o be_o i_o isa_n xlv_o 19_o 22._o &_o xlviii_o 16._o have_v prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n want_v nothing_o requisite_a to_o a_o divine_a revelation_n in_o regard_n either_o of_o the_o antiquity_n or_o promulgation_n i_o proceed_v to_o show_v that_o they_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n both_o by_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n in_o proof_n of_o their_o authority_n this_o evidence_n depend_v upon_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o concern_v either_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n themselves_o in_o their_o several_a circumstance_n as_o we_o find_v they_o stand_v record_v or_o the_o life_n and_o personal_a qualification_n of_o those_o by_o who_o they_o be_v perform_v or_o by_o who_o they_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o if_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v both_o that_o they_o be_v true_o relate_v and_o that_o if_o they_o be_v do_v as_o they_o be_v relate_v they_o can_v proceed_v from_o none_o but_o a_o divine_a power_n we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o can_v be_v have_v for_o a_o revelation_n chap._n iii_o of_o moses_n and_o aaron_n that_o moses_n be_v a_o very_a great_a and_o wise_a man_n be_v relate_v by_o several_a of_o the_o most_o eminent_a heathen_a writer_n and_o i_o think_v it_o have_v never_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o man._n but_o it_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a that_o he_o be_v likewise_o a_o very_a good_a and_o pious_a man._n he_o frequent_o declare_v his_o own_o fail_n and_o infirmity_n exod._n iii._o 11._o &_o four_o 1_o 10_o 13._o num._n xi_o 10._o &_o xx_o 12._o &_o xxvii_o 14._o and_o never_o speak_v any_o thing_n tend_v to_o his_o own_o praise_n but_o upon_o a_o just_a and_o necessary_a occasion_n when_o it_o may_v become_v a_o prudent_a and_o modest_a man_n especial_o one_o divine_o inspire_v for_o all_o the_o praise_n of_o such_o a_o one_o do_v not_o terminate_v in_o himself_o but_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n who_o instrument_n and_o servant_n he_o be_v and_o in_o such_o case_n where_o god_n honour_n be_v concern_v it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o set_v forth_o the_o favour_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o though_o some_o honour_n do_v redound_v
the_o law_n and_o that_o so_o many_o shall_v die_v rather_o than_o depart_v from_o it_o upon_o the_o revolt_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n jeroboam_n will_v certain_o have_v discover_v it_o if_o he_o have_v but_o suspect_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o imposture_n or_o can_v but_o have_v hope_v to_o make_v the_o people_n believe_v that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v not_o of_o divine_a institution_n but_o of_o humane_a invention_n and_o contrivance_n but_o he_o suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o its_o divine_a original_a whilst_o he_o tempt_v the_o people_n to_o the_o transgression_n of_o it_o behold_v thy_o god_n o_o israel_n which_o bring_v thou_o up_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n 1_o king_n twelve_o 28._o he_o suppose_v they_o bring_v out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o bring_v out_o by_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o endeavour_n to_o persuade_v they_o that_o the_o two_o calf_n which_o he_o have_v set_v up_o in_o dan_n and_o bethel_n be_v the_o god_n who_o deliver_v they_o and_o by_o who_o authority_n the_o law_n be_v give_v they_o and_o that_o therefore_o either_o of_o those_o place_n be_v as_o proper_a to_o sacrifice_v in_o as_o jerusalem_n which_o however_o absurd_v it_o be_v yet_o he_o do_v not_o think_v so_o absurd_a as_o to_o endeavour_v to_o make_v they_o believe_v that_o their_o law_n itself_o be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o imposture_n he_o have_v some_o hope_n to_o succeed_v in_o this_o project_n and_o the_o event_n show_v he_o understand_v the_o temper_n and_o principle_n of_o the_o people_n he_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o but_o the_o other_o be_v too_o gross_a for_o he_o to_o attempt_v the_o true_a prophet_n of_o israel_n be_v ever_o as_o zealous_a for_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o the_o prophet_n of_o judah_n and_o the_o false_a pophet_n of_o either_o kingdom_n never_o dare_v deny_v its_o authority_n these_o false_a prophet_n affront_v and_o contradict_v the_o prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o they_o ever_o own_v the_o law_n and_o pretend_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o that_o god_n who_o have_v deliver_v it_o to_o moses_n and_o this_o division_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n make_v it_o impossible_a afterward_o for_o either_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n or_o of_o judah_n to_o make_v any_o alteration_n in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n because_o there_o be_v so_o great_a emulation_n and_o enmity_n betwixt_o the_o two_o kingdom_n that_o they_o can_v never_o have_v agree_v to_o insert_v the_o same_o corruption_n and_o if_o either_o of_o they_o have_v attempt_v such_o a_o thing_n it_o will_v soon_o have_v be_v discover_v by_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o the_o agreement_n of_o the_o samaritan_n with_o the_o hebrew_n pentateuch_n be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o they_o be_v but_o different_a copy_n of_o the_o same_o book_n and_o that_o it_o be_v undoubted_o genuine_a the_o child_n of_o israel_n notwithstanding_o their_o great_a proneness_n to_o idolatry_n never_o cast_v off_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o they_o will_v certain_o have_v do_v be_v so_o often_o bring_v into_o bondage_n by_o their_o neighbour-nation_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o law_n which_o they_o transgress_v but_o they_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o law_n by_o the_o oppression_n of_o jolatrous_a nation_n they_o hope_v for_o deliverance_n upon_o their_o repentance_n according_a to_o the_o promise_v make_v in_o it_o and_o can_v by_o no_o temptation_n or_o torment_n be_v persuade_v or_o force_v to_o renounce_v it_o but_o the_o long_a captivity_n in_o babylon_n wrought_v a_o perfect_a cure_n in_o the_o jew_n as_o to_o their_o inclination_n to_o idolatry_n which_o can_v never_o have_v be_v unless_o by_o their_o own_o experience_n in_o see_v the_o prophecy_n fulfil_v and_o by_o other_o argument_n they_o have_v be_v sully_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n beyond_o all_o other_o if_o it_o have_v be_v of_o their_o own_o invention_n the_o people_n will_v have_v make_v their_o law_n in_o every_o respect_n more_o favourable_a to_o themselves_o they_o will_v not_o have_v cloy_v it_o with_o burden_n some_o ceremony_n to_o distinguish_v themselves_o from_o the_o neighbour-nation_n who_o idolatry_n they_o be_v so_o long_o prone_a to_o and_o which_o these_o ceremony_n be_v design_v to_o restrain_v they_o from_o they_o who_o be_v for_o a_o long_a time_n so_o fond_a of_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o heathen_a will_v never_o have_v invent_v law_n so_o uneasy_a to_o themselves_o and_o so_o contrary_a and_o odious_a to_o other_o nation_n they_o will_v never_o have_v frame_v they_o themselves_o and_o then_o have_v pretend_v a_o divine_a revelation_n for_o those_o law_n which_o they_o be_v so_o little_o please_v with_o they_o will_v never_o have_v expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n through_o all_o age_n as_o a_o stubborn_a and_o rebellious_a people_n notwithstanding_o so_o many_o and_o so_o convince_a miracle_n so_o long_o wrought_v among_o they_o the_o miracle_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v be_v most_o of_o they_o judgement_n upon_o the_o israelite_n for_o their_o disobedience_n and_o they_o will_v never_o have_v set_v down_o these_o miracle_n but_o will_v rather_o have_v lest_o they_o out_o though_o they_o be_v true_a as_o disgraceful_a to_o their_o nation_n for_o thus_o josephus_n have_v omit_v some_o thing_n to_o avoid_v the_o scandal_n which_o he_o be_v a_o ware_n will_v have_v be_v give_v to_o the_o heathen_a by_o a_o full_a and_o punctual_a relation_n of_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o it_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o they_o can_v be_v as_o little_a ignorant_a as_o josephus_n what_o will_v prove_v disgraceful_a to_o they_o and_o what_o will_v make_v for_o their_o honour_n and_o renown_n and_o when_o the_o design_n of_o these_o suppose_a forgery_n and_o falsification_n must_v have_v be_v to_o advance_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n they_o will_v never_o have_v make_v such_o as_o these_o no_o if_o they_o have_v make_v any_o alteration_n it_o will_v have_v be_v to_o strike_v out_o those_o numerous_a passage_n which_o be_v so_o reproachful_a to_o their_o nation_n and_o to_o have_v insert_v other_o which_o may_v raise_v the_o fame_n and_o glory_n of_o themselves_o and_o of_o their_o ancestor_n and_o to_o have_v change_v those_o ceremony_n that_o be_v so_o burdensome_a and_o so_o singular_a for_o those_o which_o will_v have_v be_v more_o easy_a to_o themselves_o and_o may_v have_v recommend_v they_o to_o the_o good_a opinion_n and_o esteem_n of_o the_o neighbour_n nation_n but_o when_o so_o refractory_a a_o people_n become_v so_o zealous_a for_o such_o a_o law_n so_o uneasy_a at_o first_o and_o so_o distasteful_a to_o they_o it_o be_v a_o undeniable_a argument_n that_o they_o have_v the_o great_a assurance_n of_o its_o divine_a original_a and_o that_o they_o will_v neither_o falsify_v it_o themselves_o nor_o sufter_o other_o to_o falsify_v it_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v unanimous_a to_o a_o man_n in_o the_o make_v these_o law_n if_o they_o be_v of_o their_o own_o make_n for_o if_o any_o one_o have_v dissent_v he_o can_v not_o fail_v of_o argument_n to_o draw_v other_o after_o he_o in_o make_v law_n the_o interest_n and_o conveniency_n of_o the_o lawmaker_n be_v always_o the_o motive_n for_o the_o enact_v they_o and_o beside_o the_o public_a honour_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o nation_n which_o too_o often_o be_v less_o consider_v the_o particular_a interest_n of_o every_o single_a man_n will_v have_v make_v he_o concern_v to_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o such_o law_n no_o people_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o consent_v to_o the_o make_v law_n by_o which_o they_o be_v forbid_v to_o sow_v their_o land_n every_o seven_o year_n and_o be_v command_v to_o leave_v their_o habitation_n and_o go_v up_o to_o the_o capital_a city_n from_o every_o part_n of_o their_o country_n thrice_o in_o a_o year_n no_o people_n can_v agree_v to_o enact_v such_o law_n of_o their_o own_o contrivance_n because_o none_o can_v subsist_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o they_o without_o a_o miracle_n how_o can_v we_o conceive_v it_o possible_a for_o any_o people_n to_o subsist_v by_o such_o law_n if_o they_o have_v be_v of_o their_o own_o make_n or_o that_o any_o nation_n shall_v agree_v in_o the_o enact_v such_o law_n as_o must_v provoke_v all_o their_o neighbour_n nation_n to_o make_v war_n against_o they_o nay_o by_o which_o they_o actual_o declare_v a_o irreconcilable_a war_n against_o seven_o nation_n at_o once_o for_o one_o nation_n to_o distinguish_v themselves_o by_o their_o law_n and_o constitution_n from_o all_o other_o people_n to_o lay_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o their_o government_n in_o the_o disgrace_n and_o infamy_n of_o all_o their_o neighbour_n
christ_n be_v rise_v by_o the_o omnipotent_a power_n of_o god_n beside_o st._n matthew_n write_v that_o the_o grave_n be_v open_v and_o many_o body_n of_o saint_n which_o sleep_v arise_v and_o appear_v unto_o many_o mat._n xxvii_o 52_o 53._o many_o see_v they_o who_o be_v appeal_v to_o as_o witness_n of_o their_o resurrection_n and_o the_o miraculous_a event_n at_o the_o death_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o be_v so_o many_o certain_a presage_n and_o forerunner_n of_o his_o resurrection_n as_o the_o earthquake_n and_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o sun_n for_o three_o hour_n together_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o day_n contrary_a to_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n the_o moon_n be_v in_o the_o full_a the_o rend_a the_o veil_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o like_a these_o be_v thing_n which_o must_v be_v notorious_a and_o which_o can_v not_o have_v be_v pretend_v to_o have_v happen_v but_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o the_o jew_n must_v be_v appeal_v to_o as_o witness_n of_o they_o and_o it_o be_v a_o custom_n for_o the_o deputy_n of_o province_n to_o certify_v the_o emperor_n of_o whatever_o happen_v considerable_a under_o their_o government_n the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n with_o the_o miracle_n which_o accompany_v it_o be_v so_o remarkable_a that_o pontius_n pilate_n give_v a_o account_n both_o of_o his_o miracle_n and_o his_o resurrection_n to_o the_o emperor_n tiberius_n who_o thereupon_o propose_v it_o to_o the_o senate_n to_o have_v he_o take_v into_o the_o number_n of_o their_o god_n and_o make_v it_o punishable_a to_o accuse_v any_o man_n for_o be_v a_o christian_n during_o his_o reign_n and_o this_o information_n of_o pontius_n pilate_n be_v enter_v upon_o record_n at_o rome_n to_o which_o justin_n martyr_n appeal_v in_o his_o apology_n to_o the_o emperor_n antoninus_n pius_n and_o the_o senate_n and_o tertullian_n in_o his_o apology_n which_o be_v likewise_o present_v to_o the_o senate_n of_o rome_n or_o at_o least_o to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o province_n they_o both_o live_v in_o the_o next_o age_n and_o be_v both_o educate_v in_o a_o different_a religion_n and_o upon_o these_o and_o such_o like_a proof_n become_v christian_n and_o they_o be_v man_n of_o excellent_a learning_n and_o judgement_n but_o no_o man_n who_o can_v write_v a_o apology_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v so_o much_o confidence_n and_o so_o little_a understanding_n as_o to_o appeal_v to_o that_o account_n which_o pilate_n send_v to_o tiberius_n concern_v the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n in_o apology_n dedicate_v and_o present_v to_o the_o roman_a emperor_n himself_o and_o to_o the_o senate_n or_o the_o chief_a magistrate_n of_o the_o empire_n if_o no_o such_o account_n have_v ever_o be_v send_v or_o none_o have_v be_v then_o extant_a to_o be_v produce_v but_o by_o the_o special_a providence_n of_o god_n both_o the_o birth_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v insert_v into_o the_o public_a record_n at_o rome_n and_o be_v to_o be_v see_v there_o for_o a_o long_a time_n after_o and_o the_o heathen_n in_o who_o custody_n they_o be_v be_v desire_v by_o the_o primitive_a christian_n to_o consult_v they_o for_o they_o be_v content_a to_o put_v the_o matter_n upon_o this_o issue_n xxi_o issue_n justin_n apol._n two_o tertul._n apol_n c._n iii._o &_o xxi_o that_o if_o they_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o believe_v what_o the_o christian_n say_v yet_o they_o will_v at_o least_o credit_n their_o own_o record_n upon_o these_o proof_n and_o reason_n by_o the_o clear_a evidence_n and_o power_n of_o truth_n the_o word_n of_o god_n mighty_o grow_v and_o prevail_v against_o all_o that_o prejudice_n and_o malice_n and_o every_o vice_n can_v do_v to_o oppose_v it_o in_o rome_n and_o in_o jerusalem_n itself_o for_o in_o this_o very_a city_n where_o our_o saviour_n have_v be_v crucify_a and_o where_o it_o have_v be_v impossible_a to_o have_v make_v proselyte_n if_o his_o resurrection_n have_v not_o be_v evident_o prove_v beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o a_o confutation_n great_a number_n be_v daily_o add_v to_o the_o church_n a_o church_n be_v forthwith_o sound_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o a_o bishop_n appoint_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o both_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n and_o their_o 5._o their_o euseb_n hist_o lib._n 4._o c._n 5._o bishop_n be_v xv_o in_o number_n to_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o adrian_n be_v jew_n by_o nation_n we_o see_v then_o that_o as_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v in_o itself_o beyond_o all_o exception_n so_o it_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o to_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o deceive_v if_o they_o have_v intend_v it_o but_o indeed_o no_o man_n can_v have_v proceed_v in_o that_o manner_n or_o will_v have_v endeavour_v it_o who_o have_v have_v any_o intention_n to_o deceive_v and_o the_o event_n show_v that_o it_o be_v the_o direct_a and_o plain_a evidence_n and_o force_v of_o truth_n which_o support_v itself_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o advantage_n which_o its_o worst_a adversary_n have_v against_o it_o chap._n xv._o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n the_o principal_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v matter_n of_o fact_n as_o the_o passion_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o christ_n upon_o which_o the_o rest_n depend_v the_o great_a thing_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o be_v whether_o the_o apostle_n have_v all_o the_o qualification_n requisite_a to_o become_v witness_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n this_o have_v be_v already_o show_v as_o to_o the_o resurrection_n and_o if_o in_o general_a we_o examine_v whether_o we_o may_v safe_o rely_v upon_o that_o credibility_n wherewith_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o world_n the_o enquiry_n will_v fall_v under_o these_o head_n i._o whether_o they_o be_v man_n of_o sufficient_a ability_n to_o discern_v and_o understand_v what_o they_o testify_v ii_o whether_o they_o have_v sufficient_a mean_n and_o opportunity_n to_o know_v it_o iii_o whether_o they_o be_v man_n of_o integrity_n that_o without_o artifice_n or_o design_n true_o declare_v what_o they_o know_v i._o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v man_n of_o sufficient_a understanding_n to_o become_v witness_n of_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v never_o doubt_v by_o any_o one_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v question_v by_o such_o as_o peruse_v their_o write_n and_o indeed_o who_o be_v there_o of_o any_o common_a sense_n that_o be_v not_o a_o competent_a witness_n of_o what_o he_o see_v and_o hear_v and_o have_v the_o experience_n of_o for_o so_o long_a time_n together_o for_o ii_o by_o their_o conversation_n with_o our_o saviour_n both_o before_o his_o passion_n and_o after_o his_o resurrection_n the_o apostle_n have_v such_o opportunity_n of_o know_v what_o they_o attest_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v deceive_v in_o any_o part_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a qualification_n of_o all_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v converse_v with_o our_o saviour_n before_o his_o death_n and_o have_v see_v he_o after_o his_o resurrection_n for_o when_o one_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v in_o the_o room_n of_o judas_n to_o be_v a_o witness_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n he_o be_v to_o be_v one_o that_o have_v company_v with_o they_o all_o the_o time_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n go_v in_o and_o out_o among_o they_o begin_v from_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n unto_o that_o same_o day_n that_o he_o be_v take_v up_o from_o they_o act._n i._n 21_o 22._o they_o see_v his_o miracle_n and_o hear_v his_o doctrine_n and_o know_v his_o manner_n of_o life_n and_o have_v all_o the_o opportunity_n and_o use_v all_o the_o mean_n to_o inform_v themselves_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o do_v they_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o majesty_n 2_o pet._n i_o 16._o they_o have_v hear_v and_o see_v with_o their_o eye_n and_o have_v look_v upon_o or_o behold_v and_o discern_v for_o a_o long_a time_n together_o and_o their_o hand_n have_v handle_v that_o which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o their_o testimony_n 1_o joh._n i_o 1_o 2_o 3._o they_o have_v make_v all_o the_o search_n into_o it_o and_o have_v use_v all_o the_o exactness_n that_o can_v be_v and_o be_v as_o distrustful_a and_o as_o hard_a of_o belief_n as_o any_o man_n can_v have_v be_v who_o be_v most_o suspicious_a and_o jealous_a of_o be_v impose_v upon_o and_o of_o these_o apostle_n two_o write_v the_o life_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o all_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o these_o write_v and_o preach_v the_o same_o thing_n where_o ever_o they_o come_v of_o the_o two_o other_o evangelist_n st._n mark_n have_v his_o information_n from_o st._n peter_n who_o disciple_n and_o companion_n he_o be_v and_o st._n luke_n write_v his_o gospel_n from_o the_o account_n
matthew_n only_o have_v write_v it_o of_o himself_o for_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n not_o only_o of_o eusebius_n 9_o eusebius_n euseb_n demonst_a lib._n iii._o c._n 5._o orig._n contra_fw-la cell_n lib._n i_o heraci_fw-la apud_fw-la clem._n alex._n stro_fw-la lib._n 4._o grot._fw-la ad_fw-la mat._n ix_o 9_o but_o of_o origen_n and_o of_o heracleon_n that_o st._n matthew_n and_o levi_n mention_v mark_v two_o 14._o luke_n v._n 27._o be_v two_o different_a person_n and_o grotius_n be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n or_o if_o matthew_n and_o levi_n be_v the_o same_o person_n st._n mark_n write_v that_o jesus_n sit_v at_o meat_n in_o levi's_fw-la house_n and_o st._n luke_n that_o levi_n make_v he_o a_o great_a feast_n in_o his_o own_o house_n but_o st._n matthew_n say_v only_o as_o jesus_n sit_v at_o meat_n in_o the_o house_n not_o mention_v in_o who_o house_n though_o he_o omit_v nothing_o that_o the_o other_o set_v down_o but_o the_o mention_n of_o his_o own_o hospitality_n in_o st._n mark_n be_v gospel_n 5._o gospel_n tertull_n adv_fw-la marc._n lib._n four_o c._n 5._o which_o be_v write_v from_o the_o account_n that_o that_o evangelist_n have_v from_o st._n peter_n when_o st._n peter_n answer_v our_o saviour_n that_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n no_o further_o be_v say_v of_o our_o saviour_n reply_n but_o that_o he_o charge_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v tell_v no_o man_n of_o he_o mark_v viij_o 30._o st._n peter_n omit_v that_o honourable_a character_n give_v he_o by_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o key_n bestow_v upon_o that_o occasion_n which_o be_v at_o large_a relate_v by_o st._n matthew_n mat._n xuj_o 16._o but_o immediate_o after_o st._n peter_n behaviour_n towards_o our_o saviour_n be_v full_o relate_v which_o be_v so_o unseemly_a as_o that_o he_o begin_v even_o to_o rebuke_n christ_n for_o speak_v of_o his_o suffering_n and_o extort_a that_o severe_a rebuke_n from_o meekness_n itself_o get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n this_o st._n peter_n have_v leave_v write_v of_o himself_o by_o st._n mark_n who_o write_v by_o the_o approbation_n and_o direction_n of_o st._n peter_n but_o the_o honourable_a part_n be_v pass_v over_o in_o silence_n though_o belong_v to_o the_o same_o time_n and_o place_n so_o again_o the_o denial_n of_o st._n peter_n be_v relate_v in_o all_o its_o circumstance_n of_o aggravation_n by_o st._n mark_v as_o well_o as_o by_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n john_n matt._n xxvi_o mark_v fourteen_o john_n xviii_o he_o acquaint_v we_o that_o without_o any_o torment_n or_o menace_n or_o the_o least_o compulsion_n at_o the_o bare_a question_n of_o a_o poor_a maid_n he_o deny_v his_o master_n and_o that_o he_o deny_v he_o thrice_o and_o the_o last_o time_n even_o with_o oath_n and_o imprecation_n a_o man_n that_o deliver_v these_o thing_n of_o himself_o plain_o show_v that_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o all_o vanity_n and_o seek_v his_o own_o praise_n that_o he_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v no_o other_o aim_n or_o design_n but_o to_o declare_v the_o truth_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n though_o it_o prove_v to_o be_v never_o so_o much_o to_o his_o own_o disgrace_n and_o they_o relate_v that_o as_o soon_o as_o our_o saviour_n be_v apprehend_v all_o his_o disciple_n forsake_v he_o and_o flee_v when_o they_o may_v have_v be_v able_a to_o have_v witness_v in_o his_o behalf_n and_o to_o have_v confront_v judas_n who_o they_o may_v well_o believe_v will_v have_v turn_v his_o accuser_n after_o he_o have_v betray_v he_o but_o st._n peter_n soon_o repent_v and_o both_o he_o and_o st._n john_n take_v courage_n and_o return_v to_o see_v what_o become_v of_o their_o master_n and_o both_o st._n peter_n denial_n and_o their_o leave_v their_o master_n thus_o in_o his_o distress_n may_v never_o have_v be_v know_v unless_o they_o have_v discover_v it_o themselves_o the_o reproof_n and_o sometime_o very_o severe_a reprehension_n which_o be_v give_v they_o by_o christ_n can_v never_o have_v come_v to_o our_o knowledge_n but_o by_o their_o own_o information_n as_o that_o they_o be_v blame_v for_o have_v little_a faith_n matt._n xuj_o 8._o no_o faith_n mark_v ix_o 19_o that_o our_o saviour_n upbraid_v they_o with_o unbelief_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n mark_n vi_fw-la 52._o viij_o 17._o xuj_o 14._o for_o be_v foolish_a and_o slow_a of_o heart_n to_o believe_v all_o that_o the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v luke_n xxiv_o 25._o they_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v ambitious_a and_o emulous_a and_o fond_a of_o temporal_a honour_n that_o they_o have_v very_o wrong_a notion_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n and_o they_o set_v forth_o at_o large_a how_o timorous_a and_o how_o difficult_a they_o be_v of_o belief_n and_o how_o very_o scrupulous_a and_o diffident_a of_o christ_n resurrection_n st._n paul_n the_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n as_o st._n peter_n be_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o circumcision_n by_o his_o disciple_n and_o companion_n st._n luke_n have_v likewise_o leave_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o which_o none_o but_o a_o sincere_a honest_a man_n regardless_o of_o his_o own_o praise_n will_v ever_o have_v suffer_v to_o be_v give_v of_o he_o st._n luke_n say_v that_o the_o witness_n against_o st._n stephen_n lay_v down_o their_o clothes_n at_o a_o young_a man_n foot_n who_o name_n be_v saul_n act_v seven_o 58._o and_o that_o he_o be_v consent_v to_o st._n stephen_n death_n which_o he_o repeat_v twice_o and_o once_o from_o st._n paul_n own_o mouth_n in_o his_o speech_n to_o the_o jew_n act_n viij_o 1._o xxii_o 20._o he_o say_v that_o st._n paul_n make_v havoc_n of_o the_o church_n act_v viij_o 3._o and_o breathe_a ouâ—_n threaten_n and_o slaughter_n against_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o lord_n go_v unto_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o desire_v of_o he_o letter_n to_o damascus_n act_v ix_o 1._o these_o be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o one_o that_o have_v a_o design_n to_o dissemble_v or_o extenuate_v in_o favour_n of_o any_o one_o and_o out_o of_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o this_o offence_n though_o it_o be_v commit_v ignorant_o in_o unbelief_n st._n paul_n declare_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o least_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o not_o meet_v to_o be_v call_v a_o apostle_n because_o he_o have_v persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n xv_o 9_o and_o at_o another_o time_n style_v himself_o less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o all_o saint_n eph._n iii._o 8._o and_o chief_a of_o sinner_n 1_o tim._n i_o 15._o ascribe_v all_o to_o the_o power_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n st._n luke_n relate_v that_o there_o be_v a_o sharp_a contention_n between_o st._n paul_n and_o st._n barnabas_n act_v xv_o 39_o and_o st._n paul_n tell_v the_o galatian_n that_o he_o have_v withstand_v st._n peter_n to_o the_o face_n gal._n two_o 11_o 14._o so_o plain_a it_o be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o act_v by_o any_o confederacy_n between_o themselves_o and_o that_o the_o truth_n be_v dear_a to_o they_o than_o any_o thing_n beside_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o apostle_n have_v leave_v behind_o they_o little_a or_o no_o account_n of_o their_o journeying_n and_o labour_n and_o suffering_n only_a st._n paul_n mention_n some_o thing_n of_o himself_o upon_o a_o necessary_a occasion_n the_o rest_n we_o have_v from_o st._n luke_n and_o he_o speak_v chief_o of_o st._n paul_n and_o of_o he_o only_o till_o his_o first_o come_v to_o rome_n and_o of_o st._n peter_n very_o little_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n scarce_o any_o thing_n in_o particular_a so_o little_a design_n have_v they_o of_o propagate_a themselves_o a_o name_n to_o posterity_n st._n paul_n use_v all_o lawful_a compliance_n and_o he_o who_o when_o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n be_v concern_v make_v so_o stout_a opposition_n to_o st._n peter_n himself_o at_o other_o time_n when_o he_o may_v safe_o do_v it_o become_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n and_o he_o join_v other_o together_o with_o himself_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o many_o of_o his_o epistle_n 1_o cor._n i_o 1.2_o cor._n i_o 1._o gal._n i_o 1._o colos_n i._o 1._o 1_o thess_n i._o 1.2_o thess_n i._o 1._o philemon_n i._n which_o be_v a_o great_a condescension_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o communicate_v his_o authority_n to_o they_o who_o he_o take_v as_o it_o be_v into_o commission_n with_o himself_o but_o when_o through_o the_o malice_n and_o insinuation_n of_o false_a apostle_n he_o be_v force_v to_o speak_v in_o his_o own_o defence_n he_o do_v it_o with_o great_a unwillingness_n and_o call_v it_o folly_n and_o confidence_n of_o boast_v 2_o cor._n xi_o 1_o 17._o and_o if_o he_o must_v needs_o glory_v he_o will_v glory_v in_o the_o thing_n which_o concern_v his_o infirmity_n 2_o cor._n xi_o 30._o and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o confess_v there_o be_v
but_o thus_o much_o in_o this_o place_n shall_v suffice_v all_o particular_n have_v be_v large_o insist_v upon_o in_o their_o proper_a place_n and_o since_o as_o sure_a as_o there_o be_v a_o god_n there_o must_v be_v a_o reveal_v religion_n if_o any_o man_n will_v dispute_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n let_v he_o instance_n in_o any_o other_o religion_n that_o can_v make_v a_o better_a plea_n and_o have_v more_o certainty_n that_o it_o come_v from_o god_n let_v he_o produce_v any_o other_o religion_n that_o have_v more_o visible_a character_n of_o divinity_n in_o it_o and_o we_o will_v not_o scruple_n to_o be_v of_o it_o but_o if_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o show_v any_o such_o as_o have_v be_v prove_v than_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v of_o this_o since_o there_o must_v be_v some_o reveal_v religion_n and_o if_o that_o religion_n which_o have_v more_o evidence_n for_o it_o than_o any_o other_o religion_n can_v be_v pretend_v to_o have_v and_o all_o that_o it_o can_v be_v requisite_a for_o it_o to_o have_v suppose_v it_o true_a and_o which_o it_o be_v therefore_o impossible_a to_o discover_v to_o be_v false_a if_o it_o be_v so_o if_o this_o religion_n be_v not_o true_a god_n must_v be_v want_v to_o mankind_n in_o what_o concern_v their_o eternal_a interest_n and_o happiness_n he_o must_v be_v want_v to_o himself_o and_o to_o his_o own_o attribute_n of_o goodness_n justice_n and_o truth_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o upon_o a_o due_a examination_n of_o all_o the_o reason_n and_o motive_n to_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o christian_n can_v be_v no_o better_o than_o a_o atheist_n if_o he_o discern_v the_o consequence_n of_o thing_n and_o will_v hold_v to_o his_o own_o principle_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o medium_fw-la if_o we_o right_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o as_o sure_a as_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o certain_a the_o gospel_n be_v reveal_v by_o he_o chap._n ii_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n have_v prove_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o our_o religion_n i_o shall_v in_o the_o last_o place_n upon_o these_o principle_n give_v a_o resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o subject_n that_o have_v cause_v such_o unnecessary_a and_o unhappy_a dispute_n among_o christian_n in_o these_o latter_a age_n for_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n this_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o controversy_n as_o indeed_o it_o can_v not_o then_o and_o ought_v not_o now_o to_o be_v 1._o consider_v the_o scripture_n only_o as_o a_o history_n contain_v the_o action_n and_o doctrine_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n we_o have_v the_o great_a humane_a testimony_n that_o can_v be_v of_o man_n who_o have_v all_o the_o opportunity_n of_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o miracle_n etc._n etc._n which_o give_v evidence_n and_o authority_n to_o the_o doctrine_n as_o reveal_v from_o god_n and_o who_o can_v have_v no_o interest_n to_o deceive_v other_o but_o expose_v themselves_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o danger_n and_o infamy_n and_o torment_n by_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n whereas_o imposture_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v invent_v not_o to_o incur_v such_o suffering_n but_o to_o avoid_v they_o or_o to_o obtain_v the_o advantage_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n and_o so_o this_o testimony_n amount_v to_o a_o moral_a certainty_n or_o as_o it_o be_v proper_o enough_o call_v by_o some_o to_o a_o moral_a infallibility_n because_o it_o imply_v a_o moral_a impossibility_n of_o our_o be_v deceive_v by_o it_o such_o a_o certainty_n it_o be_v as_o that_o nothing_o with_o any_o reason_n can_v be_v object_v against_o it_o we_o can_v have_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o doubt_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v and_o suffer_v and_o teach_v what_o the_o scripture_n relate_v of_o they_o in_o jerusalem_n antioch_n etc._n etc._n as_o that_o there_o ever_o be_v such_o place_n in_o the_o world_n nay_o we_o have_v that_o much_o better_o attest_v than_o this_o for_o many_o man_n have_v die_v in_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o ii_o this_o testimony_n be_v consider_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n testify_v as_o it_o concern_v eternal_a salvation_n which_o be_v of_o the_o great_a concernment_n to_o all_o mankind_n it_o appear_v that_o god_n veracity_n and_o goodness_n be_v engage_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v deceive_v inevitable_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o consequence_n so_o that_o this_o moral_a infallibility_n become_v hereby_o absolute_a infallibility_n and_o that_o which_o be_v before_o but_o humane_a faith_n become_v divine_a be_v ground_v not_o upon_o humane_a testimony_n but_o upon_o the_o divine_a attribute_n which_o do_v attest_v and_o confirm_v that_o humane_a testimony_n and_o so_o divine_a testimony_n be_v the_o ultimate_a ground_n why_o i_o believe_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v no_o particular_a reveal_v testimony_n indeed_o but_o that_o which_o be_v equivalent_a to_o it_o viz._n the_o constant_a attestation_n of_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n for_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o god_n to_o let_v man_n be_v deceive_v without_o any_o possible_a help_n or_o remedy_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o importance_n and_o so_o we_o have_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n absolute_o infallible_a because_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o divine_a attribute_n that_o god_n do_v confirm_v this_o humane_a testimony_n by_o his_o own_o iii_o the_o argument_n than_o proceed_v thus_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v false_a it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o discover_v they_o to_o be_v so_o and_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o almighty_a god_n to_o suffer_v a_o deceit_n of_o this_o nature_n to_o pass_v upon_o mankind_n without_o any_o possibility_n of_o a_o discovery_n therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v not_o false_a here_o be_v 1._o the_o object_n or_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v viz._n that_o the_o revelation_n deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v from_o god_n 2._o the_o motive_n or_o evidence_n to_o induce_v our_o belief_n viz._n humane_a testimony_n 3._o a_o confirmation_n of_o that_o testimony_n or_o the_o formal_a principle_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o belief_n viz._n the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o truth_n the_o object_n therefore_o or_o thing_n believe_v be_v the_o same_o to_o we_o that_o it_o be_v to_o those_o who_o see_v the_o miracle_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n stand_v confirm_v viz._n the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o our_o belief_n be_v the_o same_o that_o they_o be_v viz._n the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o truth_n whereby_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v miracle_n to_o be_v wrought_v in_o his_o own_o name_n according_a to_o prophecy_n former_o deliver_v and_o with_o all_o other_o circumstance_n of_o credibility_n only_o to_o confirm_v a_o lye_n the_o only_a difference_n then_o between_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n in_o we_o and_o in_o the_o christian_n who_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v this_o that_o though_o we_o believe_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o reason_n with_o they_o yet_o we_o have_v not_o the_o same_o immediate_a motive_n or_o evidence_n to_o induce_v our_o belief_n or_o to_o satisfy_v we_o in_o these_o reason_n and_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v upon_o these_o ground_n that_o be_v to_o satisfy_v and_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v final_o resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o be_v as_o well_o certify_v to_o we_o as_o his_o divine_a attribute_n can_v render_v it_o for_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o this_o from_o what_o their_o own_o sense_n receive_v but_o we_o have_v our_o assurance_n of_o it_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o the_o question_n therefore_o will_v be_v whether_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n for_o this_o belief_n in_o we_o or_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o become_v assure_v that_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o as_o sufficient_a to_o produce_v a_o divine_a faith_n in_o we_o and_o to_o establish_v our_o faith_n upon_o the_o divine_a authority_n as_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n which_o those_o have_v who_o live_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o see_v their_o miracle_n can_v be_v to_o produce_v that_o faith_n in_o they_o which_o resolve_v itself_o into_o the_o divine_a authority_n and_o this_o enquiry_n will_v depend_v upon_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o whether_o
we_o may_v not_o be_v assure_v of_o some_o thing_n as_o certain_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o as_o from_o our_o own_o sense_n 2._o whether_o this_o be_v not_o the_o present_a case_n relate_v to_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n i_o shall_v therefore_o consider_v in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o certainty_n which_o we_o have_v for_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n by_o which_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v prove_v and_o confirm_v to_o we_o compare_v with_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n and_o will_v then_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n i._o in_o many_o case_n man_n seem_v general_o agree_v that_o there_o be_v as_o much_o cause_n to_o believe_v what_o they_o know_v from_o other_o as_o what_o they_o see_v and_o experience_n themselves_o for_o there_o may_v be_v such_o circumstance_n of_o credibility_n as_o equal_v the_o evidence_n even_o of_o sense_n itself_o no_o evidence_n can_v satisfy_v sense_n so_o much_o indeed_o nor_o perhaps_o so_o much_o affect_v the_o passion_n as_o that_o of_o sense_n but_o there_o may_v be_v other_o evidence_n which_o may_v give_v as_o clear_a conviction_n and_o altogether_o as_o good_a satisfaction_n to_o our_o reason_n as_o that_o which_o be_v immediate_o derive_v from_o our_o sense_n concern_v the_o be_v of_o object_n or_o the_o truth_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n thus_o those_o who_o never_o travel_v to_o the_o indies_n do_v as_o little_a doubt_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n as_o those_o who_o have_v be_v never_o so_o often_o there_o and_o all_o man_n believe_v there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o julius_n caesar_n with_o as_o little_a scruple_n as_o if_o they_o have_v live_v in_o his_o time_n and_o have_v see_v and_o speak_v with_o he_o i_o suppose_v no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n make_v any_o more_o doubt_n but_o there_o be_v such_o place_n as_o judoea_n and_o jerusalem_n from_o the_o constant_a report_n of_o historian_n and_o traveller_n than_o if_o he_o have_v be_v in_o those_o place_n himself_o and_o have_v live_v the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o life_n there_o and_o the_o great_a infidel_n that_o i_o know_v of_o never_o pretend_v yet_o to_o disbelieve_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o our_o saviour_n christ_n but_o all_o man_n think_v themselves_o as_o well_o assure_v of_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o other_o as_o if_o they_o have_v see_v they_o themselves_o for_o how_o doubtful_a and_o intricate_a soever_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v for_o want_v of_o knowledge_n or_o credit_n in_o the_o relater_n yet_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n deliver_v with_o that_o agreement_n and_o certainty_n on_o all_o hand_n that_o to_o doubt_v of_o they_o will_v be_v as_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o doubt_v of_o what_o we_o ourselves_o see_v and_o hear_v and_o if_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n for_o instance_n be_v of_o this_o nature_n we_o can_v with_o as_o little_a reason_n doubt_n of_o it_o as_o if_o we_o have_v live_v at_o that_o time_n and_o have_v converse_v with_o he_o after_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a but_o we_o have_v as_o great_a assurance_n that_o he_o be_v alive_a again_o after_o his_o crucifixion_n as_o that_o he_o ever_o live_v at_o all_o and_o we_o have_v at_o least_o all_o the_o assurance_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o christ_n that_o we_o can_v have_v that_o there_o once_o live_v any_o other_o man_n at_o that_o distance_n of_o time_n from_o we_o we_o can_v no_o more_o doubt_n that_o our_o saviour_n be_v bear_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o augustus_n caesar_n and_o be_v crucify_a under_o tiberius_n than_o that_o there_o be_v once_o such_o emperor_n in_o the_o world_n nay_o we_o have_v it_o much_o better_o attest_v that_o christ_n be_v bear_v and_o be_v crucify_a and_o rise_v again_o than_o that_o there_o ever_o be_v such_o prince_n as_o these_o two_o emperor_n for_o no_o man_n ever_o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o go_v about_o the_o world_n to_o certify_v this_o and_o to_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o at_o his_o death_n but_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o their_o disciple_n and_o convert_v and_o innumerable_a other_o ever_o since_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n have_v assert_v the_o particular_n of_o the_o life_n and_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n under_o all_o danger_n and_o torment_n and_o death_n and_o have_v make_v it_o their_o great_a aim_n and_o design_n both_o live_a and_o die_v to_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o doubt_v of_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o ever_o be_v do_v before_o his_o own_o time_n or_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o he_o as_o doubt_v of_o these_o fundamental_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o think_v himself_o as_o certain_a of_o some_o thing_n at_o least_o which_o be_v do_v a_o long_a time_n ago_o or_o a_o great_a way_n off_o as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v at_o the_o do_v of_o they_o himself_o indeed_o in_o some_o respect_n we_o seem_v to_o have_v more_o evidence_n than_o these_o can_v have_v that_o live_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n for_o they_o can_v see_v but_o some_o miracle_n we_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o all_o they_o rely_v upon_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o upon_o the_o sense_n of_o such_o as_o they_o know_v and_o converse_v with_o we_o upon_o the_o sense_n of_o innumerable_a people_n who_o successive_o behold_v they_o for_o the_o space_n of_o divers_a hundred_o year_n together_o so_o that_o whoever_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o scripture_n neither_o will_v he_o believe_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a that_o be_v though_o the_o great_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v for_o his_o conviction_n this_o be_v say_v of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o therefore_o may_v with_o great_a reason_n be_v say_v of_o that_o and_o the_o new_a both_o and_o we_o have_v beside_o one_o sort_n of_o evidence_n which_o those_o that_o live_v at_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o christianity_n can_v not_o have_v for_o we_o see_v many_o of_o those_o prophecy_n fulfil_v which_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v concern_v his_o church_n we_o know_v how_o it_o spring_v up_o and_o flourish_v and_o from_o what_o small_a unlikely_a beginning_n it_o have_v spread_v itself_o into_o all_o corner_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o continue_v to_o this_o day_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n to_o root_v it_o out_o and_o destroy_v it_o the_o continuance_n and_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n under_o so_o improbable_a circumstance_n be_v matter_n of_o faith_n chiefâ—y_n to_o the_o first_o christian_n but_o to_o we_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n they_o see_v the_o work_n indeed_o prosper_v in_o their_o hand_n but_o their_o faith_n only_o can_v tell_v they_o that_o it_o shall_v flourish_v for_o so_o many_o age_n as_o we_o know_v it_o have_v already_o do_v this_o be_v a_o stand_n and_o invincible_a proof_n to_o we_o at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n and_o have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o twofold_a argument_n the_o one_o of_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n the_o other_o of_o prophecy_n we_o know_v that_o a_o miraculous_a power_n have_v be_v manifest_v in_o conquer_a all_o opposition_n and_o in_o a_o wonderful_a manner_n bring_v those_o thing_n to_o pass_v which_o to_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o power_n be_v altogether_o impossible_a and_o the_o fulfil_n hereby_o of_o prophecy_n be_v a_o visible_a confirmation_n to_o we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o we_o believe_v to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o the_o prophet_n who_o prophecy_n we_o see_v fulfil_v and_o since_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o thing_n may_v be_v so_o well_o attest_v that_o we_o may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o own_o sense_n as_o of_o the_o authority_n by_o which_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o must_v turn_v sceptic_n or_o worse_o if_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v they_o we_o may_v conclude_v as_o well_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o these_o prophecy_n which_o we_o ourselves_o see_v fulfil_v as_o upon_o all_o other_o account_n that_o the_o historical_a evidence_n in_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n amount_v to_o all_o the_o certainty_n that_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v capable_a of_o not_o except_v even_o that_o of_o sense_n itself_o ii_o let_v we_o now_o apply_v all_o this_o to_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n and_o give_v a_o account_n how_o a_o divine_a and_o infallible_a faith_n may_v be_v produce_v in_o we_o humane_a testimony_n be_v the_o motive_n by_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o contain_v god_n reveal_v will_n this_o certify_v we_o that_o such_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v
and_o such_o prophecy_n deliver_v as_o give_v to_o the_o scripture_n the_o full_a evidence_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n if_o therefore_o it_o be_v inquire_v why_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o answer_n be_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n which_o concur_v with_o all_o other_o circumstance_n requisite_a in_o a_o revelation_n confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v how_o we_o know_v that_o these_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n be_v true_a and_o effectual_a and_o not_o feign_v or_o insufficient_a i_o answer_v because_o we_o have_v they_o so_o relate_v and_o attest_v that_o consider_v bare_o as_o matter_n of_o fact_n they_o have_v all_o the_o credibility_n that_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o therefore_o may_v as_o safe_o be_v rely_v upon_o as_o any_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v ourselves_o see_v or_o hear_v if_o it_o be_v further_o urge_v that_o for_o all_o this_o i_o may_v be_v deceive_v since_o all_o man_n be_v fallible_a and_o no_o man_n be_v infallible_o assure_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n as_o rome_n who_o never_o see_v it_o though_o no_o man_n neither_o can_v any_o more_o doubt_n of_o it_o than_o he_o can_v doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n as_o london_n who_o live_v in_o it_o i_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o bare_a possibility_n of_o be_v deceive_v in_o all_o humane_a evidence_n but_o yet_o i_o deny_v that_o we_o can_v possible_o be_v deceive_v in_o this_o case_n because_o though_o the_o evidence_n itself_o be_v humane_a yet_o the_o thing_n which_o it_o concern_v be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o god_n will_v never_o suffer_v the_o world_n to_o be_v thus_o long_o impose_v upon_o in_o they_o without_o all_o possibility_n of_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n so_o that_o here_o we_o resolve_v our_o faith_n into_o the_o divine_a authority_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o same_o miracle_n by_o reason_n whereof_o the_o eye_n witness_n of_o they_o do_v resolve_v they_o into_o it_o but_o they_o believe_v these_o miracle_n as_o see_v by_o themselves_o and_o we_o believe_v they_o as_o see_v and_o witness_v by_o other_o but_o both_o they_o and_o we_o believe_v they_o as_o the_o work_n of_o god_n himself_o it_o may_v have_v be_v allege_v if_o we_o have_v see_v those_o miracle_n that_o we_o may_v possible_o be_v decive_v and_o so_o indeed_o we_o may_v if_o we_o can_v not_o have_v secure_o rely_v upon_o god_n truth_n and_o goodness_n that_o they_o be_v design_v by_o he_o to_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o they_o be_v wrought_v and_o we_o may_v with_o equal_a security_n rely_v upon_o the_o same_o truth_n and_o goodness_n for_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o history_n of_o they_o as_o we_o can_v have_v do_v for_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o they_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o which_o they_o be_v wrought_v though_o they_o have_v be_v perform_v in_o our_o sight_n since_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a to_o find_v out_o any_o deceit_n in_o the_o account_n give_v of_o they_o as_o it_o will_v have_v be_v for_o we_o to_o find_v any_o in_o the_o miracle_n themselves_o at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o performance_n humane_a testimony_n be_v the_o conveyance_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o deliver_v the_o truth_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n down_o to_o we_o and_o we_o who_o can_v neither_o see_v the_o miracle_n nor_o hear_v the_o doctrine_n at_o the_o first_o hand_n have_v at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n the_o truth_n of_o they_o ascertain_v by_o a_o continue_a successive_a testimony_n till_o we_o arrive_v at_o such_o as_o be_v immediate_a witness_n of_o they_o now_o those_o that_o see_v and_o hear_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n can_v not_o esteem_v their_o sense_n infallible_a but_o they_o notwithstanding_o believe_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n to_o be_v so_o of_o who_o yet_o their_o sense_n only_o can_v give_v they_o mean_n of_o assurance_n that_o they_o be_v infallible_a they_o know_v their_o sense_n may_v deceive_v they_o or_o that_o they_o may_v be_v mistake_v concern_v the_o object_n of_o sense_n but_o nevertheless_o they_o believe_v that_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o deceive_v they_o upon_o this_o only_a ground_n that_o their_o sense_n or_o their_o reason_n by_o deduction_n from_o sense_n tell_v they_o so_o there_o be_v not_o one_o man_n of_o they_o perhaps_o but_o have_v often_o observe_v his_o sense_n misrepresent_v object_n to_o he_o and_o yet_o in_o this_o case_n upon_o the_o sole_a testimony_n of_o their_o sense_n they_o ground_v a_o infallible_a faith_n because_o though_o their_o sense_n have_v misrepresent_v object_n yet_o it_o be_v in_o a_o wrong_a medium_n at_o a_o undue_a distance_n or_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o indisposition_n of_o the_o sense_n itself_o and_o still_o their_o sense_n or_o rather_o their_o reason_n by_o the_o help_n of_o their_o sense_n discover_v that_o their_o sense_n have_v lead_v they_o into_o mistake_n but_o in_o the_o present_a case_n when_o the_o object_n be_v place_v in_o open_a and_o frequent_a view_n to_o the_o great_a advantage_n when_o it_o be_v public_a and_o expose_v to_o multitude_n when_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o opinion_n concern_v it_o and_o when_o the_o matter_n be_v of_o infinite_a importance_n here_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o the_o god_n who_o frame_v their_o sense_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v so_o hurtful_a to_o they_o as_o they_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v if_o they_o have_v be_v deceive_v by_o they_o in_o like_a manner_n in_o the_o testimony_n which_o descend_v to_o we_o from_o former_a age_n we_o see_v with_o other_o man_n eye_n and_o hear_v with_o other_o man_n ear_n and_o though_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o may_v often_o fail_v we_o and_o be_v subject_a to_o a_o double_a inconveniency_n through_o the_o incapacity_n and_o unfaithfulness_n of_o witness_n yet_o as_o in_o the_o former_a case_n so_o here_o when_o all_o circumstance_n be_v weigh_v and_o consider_v and_o after_o the_o utmost_a trial_n no_o reason_n can_v be_v find_v to_o withhold_v our_o assent_n but_o all_o thing_n stand_v undisprove_v and_o no_o just_a scruple_n appear_v but_o only_o a_o bare_a possibility_n of_o be_v deceive_v and_o this_o arise_v not_o from_o any_o defect_n but_o that_o of_o humane_a nature_n itself_o here_o god_n goodness_n and_o his_o truth_n must_v needs_o interpose_v to_o take_v away_o that_o only_a impediment_n which_o otherwise_o must_v unavoidable_o hinder_v any_o thing_n from_o ever_o be_v know_v to_o be_v infallible_a the_o only_a certainty_n which_o we_o can_v have_v that_o our_o sense_n be_v true_a be_v this_o that_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v deceive_v where_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o medium_n and_o distance_n of_o the_o object_n and_o all_o other_o circumstance_n be_v right_o qualify_v because_o that_o will_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o his_o attribute_n of_o justice_n goodness_n and_o truth_n but_o it_o will_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o these_o attribute_n not_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o our_o body_n for_o they_o will_v be_v provide_v for_o as_o well_o though_o our_o sense_n be_v delude_v we_o shall_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o taste_v just_a as_o we_o do_v now_o though_o we_o be_v never_o so_o much_o deceive_v in_o these_o sensation_n therefore_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v engage_v not_o to_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v deceive_v in_o respect_n to_o our_o soul_n not_o in_o regard_n to_o our_o body_n and_o if_o we_o have_v no_o certainty_n that_o our_o sense_n do_v not_o deceive_v we_o but_o because_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v such_o a_o cheat_n to_o be_v put_v upon_o we_o as_o we_o be_v intelligent_a and_o rational_a being_n we_o have_v the_o same_o and_o much_o great_a reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o lie_v under_o such_o a_o delusion_n in_o reference_n to_o our_o eternal_a interest_n if_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v our_o mind_n unavoidable_o to_o lie_v under_o a_o temporal_a delusion_n of_o no_o great_a consequence_n have_v we_o not_o much_o more_o reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o unavoidable_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o any_o mean_n whatsoever_o in_o reference_n to_o our_o eternal_a interest_n for_o in_o this_o case_n to_o be_v deceive_v be_v to_o be_v destroy_v and_o to_o suffer_v it_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n worse_o than_o if_o he_o shall_v suffer_v all_o mankind_n at_o once_o not_o only_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o their_o sense_n but_o to_o be_v poison_v by_o that_o deceit_n and_o therefore_o the_o special_a providence_n and_o particular_a care_n of_o god_n must_v be_v concern_v to_o prevent_v it_o
last_o day_n of_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n p._n 388._o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n mean_v by_o the_o last_o day_n p._n 389._o st._n paul_n do_v not_o suppose_v that_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n be_v approach_v in_o his_o time_n p._n 391._o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o suppose_v that_o the_o last_o judgement_n must_v be_v confine_v to_o one_o day_n p._n 393._o chap._n xxiii_o of_o sacrament_n the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o sacrament_n p._n 396._o 1._o they_o be_v outward_a and_o visible_a sign_n of_o our_o entrance_n into_o covenant_n with_o god_n or_o of_o our_o renew_v our_o covenant_n with_o he_o ib._n 2._o they_o be_v token_n and_o pledge_n to_o we_o of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n p._n 402._o 3._o they_o be_v mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n p._n 404._o 4._o they_o be_v federal_n rite_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n as_o a_o visible_a society_n and_o of_o our_o union_n with_o it_o as_o such_o p._n 406._o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n full_o answer_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o sacrament_n p._n 407._o chap._n xxiv_o of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n in_o this_o mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n p._n 412_o the_o distinction_n of_o the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o deity_n p._n 413._o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n p._n 414._o the_o difference_n between_o the_o divine_a person_n and_o humane_a person_n 417._o other_o thing_n be_v and_o must_v be_v believe_v by_o we_o which_o be_v as_o little_o understand_v as_o this_o doctrine_n p._n 421._o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o doctrine_n explain_v and_o defend_v p._n 423._o this_o doctrine_n exceed_o tend_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o the_o life_n and_o conversation_n of_o man_n p._n 427._o chap._n xxv_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a god_n be_v certain_o able_a to_o raise_v the_o dead_a p._n 431._o body_n after_o their_o corruption_n and_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o part_n which_o compose_v they_o may_v be_v restore_v to_o life_n by_o the_o reunion_n of_o these_o part_n again_o p._n 436._o we_o may_v rise_v again_o with_o the_o same_o body_n which_o we_o have_v here_o notwithstanding_o any_o change_n or_o flux_n of_o the_o part_n of_o our_o body_n while_o we_o live_v or_o any_o accident_n after_o death_n p._n 437._o it_o be_v not_o only_o credible_a and_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n can_v but_o likewise_o that_o he_o will_v raise_v the_o dead_a p._n 443._o chap._n xxvi_o of_o the_o reason_n why_o christ_n do_v not_o show_v himself_o to_o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n after_o his_o resurrection_n there_o be_v reason_n peculiar_a to_o this_o dispensation_n of_o his_o resurrection_n why_o christ_n shall_v not_o show_v himself_o to_o all_o the_o people_n after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a p._n 449._o it_o have_v not_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o other_o dispensation_n of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n for_o he_o to_o have_v do_v it_o p._n 451_o great_a number_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v give_v over_o to_o hardness_n of_o heart_n will_v not_o have_v believe_v though_o they_o have_v see_v christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n p._n 452._o if_o the_o jew_n have_v believe_v in_o christ_n their_o conversion_n have_v not_o be_v a_o great_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n than_o their_o unbelief_n have_v be_v p._n 453._o the_o power_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n manifest_v in_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n bestow_v upon_o the_o apostle_n be_v as_o great_a a_o proof_n of_o his_o resurrection_n as_o the_o personal_a appearance_n of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o can_v have_v be_v p._n 454._o chap._n xxvii_o of_o the_o forty_o day_n in_o which_o christ_n remain_v upon_o the_o earth_n after_o his_o â—â—â—surrection_n and_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o ascension_n many_o thing_n in_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n before_o his_o passion_n omit_v by_o the_o evangelist_n p._n 459._o and_o likewise_o after_o his_o resurrection_n p._n 461._o what_o may_v be_v conclude_v from_o that_o which_o we_o read_v of_o his_o converse_v with_o his_o disciple_n after_o it_o p._n 463._o the_o manner_n of_o his_o ascension_n p._n 465._o chap._n xxviii_o why_o some_o work_n of_o nature_n be_v more_o especial_o ascribe_v to_o god_n why_o mean_n be_v sometime_o use_v in_o the_o work_v of_o miracle_n and_o why_o faith_n be_v sometime_o require_v of_o those_o upon_o who_o or_o before_o who_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v all_o creature_n act_v with_o a_o constant_a dependence_n upon_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o influence_n but_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v more_o especial_o to_o be_v do_v by_o god_n himself_o whereby_o upon_o some_o extraordinary_a occasion_n his_o power_n and_o his_o will_n be_v more_o particular_o manifest_v or_o his_o promise_n fulfil_v p._n 469._o miracle_n be_v more_o peculiar_o the_o work_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v wrought_v without_o the_o concurrence_n or_o subserviency_n of_o natural_a mean_n ib_n mean_v use_v as_o circumstance_n to_o render_v miracle_n more_o observable_a not_o as_o concur_v to_o the_o production_n of_o the_o effect_n 470._o christ_n have_v give_v undeniable_a proof_n of_o his_o miraculous_a power_n before_o he_o require_v faith_n as_o a_o condition_n in_o such_o as_o come_v to_o see_v his_o miracle_n and_o to_o receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o p._n 471._o whether_o he_o require_v faith_n of_o any_o before_o his_o work_n of_o a_o miracle_n who_o have_v not_o already_o see_v he_o work_v miracle_n p._n 481._o great_a reason_n that_o no_o miracle_n shall_v be_v purposely_o wrought_v for_o the_o captious_a and_o malicious_a p._n 482._o the_o case_n of_o his_o own_o countryman_n be_v particular_a ib._n the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o come_v to_o desire_v his_o help_n p._n 487._o our_o saviour_n hereby_o signify_v that_o he_o require_v the_o same_o faith_n of_o those_o who_o have_v not_o see_v his_o miracle_n as_o he_o do_v of_o those_o who_o have_v see_v they_o p._n 489._o chap._n xxix_o of_o the_o cease_n of_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n the_o antiquity_n of_o prophecy_n add_v to_o their_o force_n and_o evidence_n p._n 491._o the_o cessation_n of_o miracle_n we_o read_v of_o no_o miraculous_a power_n bestow_v upon_o any_o man_n before_o moses_n p._n 492._o neither_o prophecy_n nor_o miracle_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n for_o more_o than_o four_o hundred_o year_n before_o christ_n p._n 495._o miracle_n if_o common_a will_v lose_v the_o design_n and_o nature_n of_o miracle_n p._n 498._o man_n will_v pretend_v to_o frame_v hypothesis_n to_o solve_v they_o p._n 499._o a_o constant_a power_n of_o miracle_n will_v occasion_v imposture_n ib._n they_o will_v occasion_v pride_n in_o those_o that_o wrought_v they_o p._n 501._o no_o more_o reason_n for_o miracle_n to_o prove_v the_o christian_a religion_n among_o christian_n than_o there_o be_v need_n of_o they_o to_o prove_v a_o god_n ib._n a_o divine_a power_n be_v notwithstanding_o evident_a among_o christian_n live_v in_o heathen_a country_n p._n 502._o chap._n xxx_o of_o the_o cause_n why_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n reject_v christ_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n asupernatural_a grace_n necessary_a to_o true_a faith_n p._n 504._o jew_n and_o proselyte_n be_v convert_v in_o great_a number_n p._n 508._o many_o dare_v not_o own_o christ_n other_o have_v their_o heart_n harden_v p._n 511._o they_o have_v violent_a prejudidice_n against_o the_o gospel_n p._n 512._o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n of_o false_a prophet_n a_o cause_n of_o the_o infidelity_n of_o the_o jew_n p._n 514._o the_o unbelief_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n be_v a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o gospel_n p._n 515._o great_a number_n of_o the_o heathen_n convert_v p._n 516._o the_o cause_n of_o unbelief_n in_o the_o philosopher_n ib._n of_o epictetus_n and_o seneca_n p._n 518._o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o gentile_n p._n 521._o they_o will_v not_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n right_o to_o understand_v the_o christian_a religion_n p._n 522._o oracle_n have_v foretell_v that_o it_o shall_v not_o last_v above_o 365_o year_n p._n ib._n heresy_n and_o schism_n give_v great_a scandal_n p._n 523._o many_o heathen_n however_o have_v more_o favourable_a and_o just_a thought_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n p._n 524._o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o heathen_n against_o it_o p._n 528._o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a jew_n confirm_v it_o p._n 530._o chap._n xxxi_o that_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n of_o false_a religion_n and_o their_o willingness_n to_o suffer_v for_o they_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o martyr_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n more_o
numerous_a than_o the_o sufferer_n for_o any_o other_o p._n 531._o zeal_n for_o falsehood_n no_o prejudice_n to_o truth_n p._n 532._o the_o preference_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n before_o all_o other_o p._n 534._o the_o proper_a notion_n of_o martyrdom_n p._n 535._o chap._n xxxii_o that_o difference_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o difference_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n must_v be_v unless_o god_n shall_v miraculous_o and_o irresistible_o interpose_v to_o prevent_v they_o p._n 539._o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v thus_o interpose_v p._n 544._o nor_o expedient_a p._n 546._o these_o difference_n how_o great_a and_o how_o many_o soever_o they_o may_v be_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o religion_n p._n 549._o all_o party_n be_v agree_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o particular_a p._n 551._o it_o be_v not_o religion_n about_o which_o man_n dispute_v but_o there_o be_v nothing_o beside_o in_o which_o man_n have_v not_o disagree_v p._n 555._o prophecy_n be_v hereby_o fullfil_v p._n 557._o chap._n xxxiii_o though_o all_o objection_n can_v not_o be_v answer_v yet_o this_o will_v be_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n a_o true_a revelation_n may_v contain_v great_a difficulty_n and_o if_o the_o argument_n in_o proof_n of_o the_o scripture_n remain_v in_o their_o full_a force_n notwithstanding_o any_o objection_n and_o no_o positive_a and_o direct_a proof_n be_v bring_v that_o they_o be_v insufficient_a the_o objection_n must_v proceed_v from_o some_o mistake_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o insignificant_a p._n 559._o this_o be_v show_v in_o particular_n p._n 561._o the_o way_n of_o reason_v which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o disprove_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n consider_v in_o case_n of_o another_o nature_n p._n 563._o difficulty_n can_v never_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n p._n 566._o chap._n xxxiv_o the_o conclusion_n contain_v a_o exhortation_n to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n both_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o learned_a man_n and_o from_o the_o infinite_a importance_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o as_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n as_o any_o that_o ever_o live_v in_o the_o world_n have_v suffer_v persecution_n and_o martyrdom_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n p._n 568._o the_o cause_n of_o unbelief_n among_o christian_n immorality_n a_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n and_o singularity_n of_o opinion_n p._n 569._o it_o be_v at_o every_o man_n be_v own_o peril_n if_o he_o make_v a_o rash_a and_o partial_a judgement_n p._n 570._o this_o be_v too_o serious_a a_o subject_a to_o jest_v and_o trifle_v withal_o p._n 574._o the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n book_n ii_o chap._n i._o of_o humane_a reason_n have_v in_o the_o former_a book_n prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o proceed_v in_o this_o to_o clear_v such_o point_n as_o be_v common_o think_v most_o liable_a to_o exception_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o propose_v some_o consideration_n which_o may_v serve_v to_o remove_v such_o prejudices_fw-la and_o obviate_v such_o cavil_n as_o be_v usual_o raise_v against_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o before_o man_n venture_v upon_o make_v objection_n against_o the_o scripture_n they_o will_v do_v well_o first_o to_o consider_v the_o compass_n and_o strength_n of_o their_o own_o part_n and_o faculty_n and_o to_o observe_v in_o how_o many_o thing_n they_o daily_o find_v themselves_o deceive_v how_o many_o man_n there_o be_v who_o understand_v much_o more_o than_o themselves_o and_o how_o much_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n there_o be_v in_o the_o wise_a man_n those_o common_o that_o raise_v objection_n against_o the_o scripture_n be_v as_o confident_a in_o the_o management_n of_o they_o as_o if_o they_o understand_v all_o thing_n beside_o and_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o must_v needs_o be_v false_a which_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v not_o consider_v how_o very_o reasonable_a it_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v command_v and_o reveal_v many_o thing_n the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o which_o we_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v this_o must_v be_v grant_v by_o every_o man_n who_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v infinite_o wise_a but_o do_v not_o think_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o and_o acknowledge_v god_n sovereignty_n over_o he_o for_o as_o he_o be_v infinite_o wise_a he_o may_v reveal_v thing_n above_o our_o capacity_n and_o as_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n he_o may_v command_v we_o what_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n he_o shall_v see_v fit_v though_o we_o may_v not_o perceive_v the_o reason_n and_o design_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o utmost_a that_o upon_o a_o due_a examination_n many_o of_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n amount_v to_o that_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n in_o they_o of_o which_o some_o man_n think_v no_o clear_a account_n can_v be_v give_v and_o other_o which_o seem_v to_o they_o unworthy_a of_o god_n now_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o way_n of_o object_v and_o where_o lie_v the_o force_n of_o such_o argument_n but_o in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v conceive_v that_o god_n will_v reveal_v or_o command_v any_o thing_n with_o which_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v or_o which_o they_o can_v perfect_o understand_v this_o be_v all_o the_o strength_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o objection_n there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o they_o do_v not_o contain_v thing_n which_o these_o man_n in_o their_o great_a wisdom_n think_v shall_v not_o be_v there_o if_o they_o be_v his_o word_n which_o be_v to_o make_v their_o own_o understanding_n the_o measure_n and_o criterion_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o some_o have_v turn_v sceptic_n for_o as_o good_a reason_n and_o other_o have_v be_v atheist_n upon_o the_o same_o principle_n find_v as_o much_o fault_n with_o the_o system_fw-la of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o order_n and_o contrivance_n of_o the_o part_n of_o it_o as_o the_o deist_n do_v with_o the_o scripture_n they_o have_v renounce_v all_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n upon_o which_o he_o disbelieve_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o convince_v man_n therefore_o of_o the_o narrowness_n and_o weakness_n of_o humane_a reason_n i_o shallshew_v i._o that_o in_o some_o thing_n each_o side_n of_o a_o contradiction_n seem_v to_o be_v â—demonstrable_a ii_o that_o very_a man_n believe_v and_o experience_n several_a thing_n which_o in_o the_o theory_n and_o speculative_a notion_n of_o they_o will_v seem_v as_o incredible_a as_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v iii_o that_o those_o who_o reject_v the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n must_v believe_v thing_n much_o more_o incredible_a i._o in_o some_o thing_n each_o side_n of_o a_o contradiction_n seem_v to_o we_o demonstrable_a several_a instance_n may_v be_v give_v of_o this_o i_o shall_v instance_n only_o in_o the_o divisibility_n of_o matter_n nothing_o seem_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o divisibility_n be_v essential_a to_o matter_n and_o that_o therefore_o all_o matter_n be_v divisible_a so_o that_o the_o least_o part_n of_o matter_n be_v as_o divisible_a as_o the_o big_a because_o the_o least_o particle_n of_o matter_n be_v matter_n that_o be_v it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o essence_n with_o the_o whole_a and_o all_o matter_n differ_v only_o in_o bulk_n or_o figure_n or_o place_n or_o rest_v or_o motion_n it_o be_v then_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o matter_n to_o be_v divisible_a it_o must_v ever_o be_v divisible_a though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o often_o divide_v since_o it_o can_v never_o be_v so_o divide_v as_o to_o lose_v it_o own_o nature_n or_o cease_v to_o be_v matter_n on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v demonstrable_a that_o matter_n can_v be_v infinite_o divisible_a because_o whatever_o be_v divisible_a be_v divisible_a into_o part_n and_o no_o part_n can_v be_v infinite_a because_o no_o number_n can_v be_v so_o for_o all_o number_n be_v necessary_o in_o itself_o capable_a of_o be_v count_v or_o number_v though_o no_o finite_a be_v may_v be_v able_a to_o number_v it_o a_o numberless_a number_n be_v a_o contradiction_n it_o be_v a_o number_n which_o be_v no_o number_n therefore_o all_o number_n must_v be_v even_o or_o odd_a and_o must_v be_v capable_a of_o addition_n and_o substraction_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o infinite_a for_o what_o be_v less_o or_o great_a have_v certain_a bound_n or_o limit_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v
gift_n any_o one_o have_v receive_v he_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o and_o may_v not_o presume_v to_o pretend_v to_o another_o which_o he_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o of_o the_o interpretation_n of_o tongue_n be_v so_o particular_o distinguish_v this_o must_v imply_v that_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v have_v all_o the_o gift_n which_o other_o have_v but_o in_o part_n be_v guide_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o their_o word_n and_o expression_n since_o those_o who_o speak_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v unable_a to_o interpret_v without_o a_o particular_a gift_n for_o no_o interpretation_n be_v sufficient_a but_o such_o as_o render_v the_o sense_n with_o infallible_a truth_n and_o exactness_n and_o if_o this_o exactness_n of_o word_n be_v requisite_a in_o their_o assembly_n it_o must_v be_v much_o rather_o necessary_a in_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n among_o other_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v reckon_v the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n and_o the_o word_n of_o knowledge_n 1_o cor._n 12.8_o the_o former_a grotius_n understand_v of_o speak_v wise_a say_n and_o the_o latter_a of_o knowledge_n in_o history_n and_o to_o the_o rest_n be_v add_v the_o gift_n of_o discern_v of_o spirit_n v._o 10._o and_o as_o there_o be_v several_a gift_n so_o there_o be_v several_a office_n in_o the_o church_n ephes_n 4.11_o 12._o now_o the_o several_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o all_o bestow_v ordinary_o upon_o the_o same_o person_n but_o such_o as_o be_v necessary_a for_o that_o office_n and_o employment_n which_o he_o be_v to_o execute_v but_o as_o the_o apostolical_a power_n comprehend_v in_o it_o the_o power_n of_o every_o other_o office_n so_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o they_o shall_v possess_v the_o gift_n proper_a for_o the_o performance_n of_o whatever_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o they_o and_o when_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n and_o disposal_n of_o thing_n give_v the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n occasion_n of_o write_v upon_o such_o and_o such_o subject_n and_o to_o such_o and_o such_o person_n or_o church_n he_o by_o his_o spirit_n inward_o excite_v and_o assist_v they_o in_o it_o bestow_v upon_o they_o the_o gift_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o of_o writing_n and_o speak_v either_o in_o their_o own_o or_o any_o other_o language_n in_o which_o they_o be_v require_v to_o write_v or_o speak_v for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o suppose_v that_o any_o gift_n be_v bestow_v upon_o other_o and_o yet_o deny_v to_o they_o to_o who_o they_o be_v most_o useful_a and_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o deliver_n of_o that_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o stand_a rule_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o salvation_n to_o all_o christian_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n when_o other_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o speak_v and_o interpret_n strange_a language_n it_o can_v be_v conceive_v that_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n shall_v be_v refuse_v that_o necessary_a assistance_n in_o the_o language_n in_o which_o they_o write_v that_o may_v preserve_v they_o from_o error_n and_o if_o any_o without_o the_o gift_n proper_a for_o it_o have_v undertake_v any_o office_n or_o ministration_n the_o gift_n of_o discern_v of_o spirit_n be_v a_o security_n to_o the_o church_n from_o any_o hurt_n that_o may_v ensue_v by_o the_o pretence_n of_o such_o undertaker_n we_o may_v be_v certain_a that_o all_o the_o gift_n which_o be_v bestow_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n be_v as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v needful_a vouchsafe_v more_o especial_o to_o all_o such_o as_o be_v to_o leave_v behind_o they_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n a_o account_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o term_n of_o the_o salvation_n to_o be_v obtain_v thereby_o and_o that_o no_o such_o guidance_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v want_v as_o may_v preserve_v they_o from_o error_n in_o any_o particular_a for_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a but_o it_o will_v fall_v under_o some_o one_o of_o those_o gift_n which_o be_v bestow_v upon_o the_o first_o disciple_n they_o be_v not_o necessary_o to_o write_v in_o a_o exact_a and_o elegant_a style_n but_o in_o such_o as_o be_v secure_v from_o error_n in_o whatever_o they_o deliver_v to_o what_o purpose_n else_o have_v be_v so_o many_o several_a gift_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o gross_a error_n and_o fundamental_a mistake_n there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o need_n of_o such_o a_o variety_n of_o gift_n but_o when_o every_o sort_n of_o error_n which_o man_n be_v prone_a to_o have_v a_o remedy_n provide_v to_o prevent_v it_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o no_o error_n be_v suffer_v in_o those_o write_n which_o be_v the_o most_o important_a work_n of_o the_o apostolical_a function_n and_o design_v for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n not_o in_o one_o age_n and_o nation_n only_o but_o throughout_o all_o age_n and_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n ii_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o make_v such_o inference_n as_o may_v afford_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o the_o objection_n allege_v upon_o this_o subject_n 1._o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o exclude_v humane_a mean_n such_o as_o information_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n either_o by_o their_o own_o sense_n or_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o or_o reason_v from_o their_o own_o notion_n and_o observation_n but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n guide_v they_o infallible_o in_o the_o use_n of_o all_o such_o mean_n 2._o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n do_v not_o exclude_v the_o use_n of_o their_o own_o word_n and_o style_n and_o as_o they_o may_v be_v permit_v the_o use_n of_o these_o so_o they_o may_v be_v permit_v or_o in_o some_o case_n direct_v to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o other_o many_o thing_n deliver_v in_o one_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v likewise_o deliver_v in_o another_o and_o some_o thing_n be_v repeat_v in_o the_o same_o word_n that_o god_n reveal_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o in_o the_o same_o express_a word_n at_o different_a time_n and_o by_o different_a person_n may_v make_v the_o revelation_n of_o they_o the_o more_o evident_a and_o remarkable_a for_o that_o in_o which_o several_a inspire_a person_n concur_v be_v the_o more_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o become_v the_o more_o observe_v as_o a_o thing_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n the_o reason_n why_o the_o dream_n be_v double_v unto_o pharaoh_n twice_o be_v because_o the_o thing_n be_v establish_v by_o god_n and_o god_n will_v short_o bring_v it_o to_o pass_v gen_n 41.32_o it_o be_v in_o this_o as_o it_o be_v in_o all_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v expedient_a that_o in_o matter_n of_o great_a concernment_n there_o shall_v be_v the_o more_o solemnity_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o often_o repeat_v and_o the_o more_o insist_v upon_o and_o if_o they_o be_v express_v in_o the_o same_o word_n this_o imply_v that_o those_o word_n carry_v more_o than_o ordinary_a weight_n in_o they_o and_o therefore_o not_o only_o all_o the_o divine_a writer_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o design_n and_o testiâ—â—ie_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o to_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o religion_n but_o some_o prophet_n have_v foretell_v the_o same_o thing_n even_o in_o the_o same_o word_n with_o other_o as_o isai_n 2.2_o 3_o 4._o mic._n 4.1_o â—_o 3._o and_o several_a law_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v repeat_v in_o word_n which_o be_v very_o near_o the_o same_o 3._o though_o some_o thing_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n indefinite_o and_o without_o any_o positive_a assertion_n or_o determination_n this_o be_v no_o proof_n against_o their_o be_v write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n for_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o the_o penman_n of_o those_o passage_n be_v uncertain_a and_o doubtful_a in_o the_o particular_n so_o express_v because_o the_o thing_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o speak_v precise_o of_o they_o as_o when_o st_n john_n say_v jo._n 21.8_o they_o be_v not_o far_o from_o land_n but_o as_o it_o be_v two_o hundred_o cubit_n it_o can_v from_o hence_o be_v conclude_v that_o the_o evangelist_n be_v ignorant_a how_o far_o they_o be_v from_o land_n for_o it_o be_v not_o material_a to_o his_o design_n to_o be_v more_o particular_a in_o a_o circumstance_n of_o that_o nature_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v about_o two_o hundred_o cubit_n off_o at_o sea_n and_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o all_o writer_n to_o omit_v fraction_n and_o insert_v only_o whole_a number_n when_o it_o be_v not_o material_a to_o their_o purpose_n to_o insist_v upon_o every_o minute_n circumstance_n it_o
move_v to_o any_o alteration_n of_o judgement_n by_o it_o his_o soul_n be_v grieve_v for_o the_o misery_n of_o israel_n judg._n 10.16_o or_o it_o be_v shorten_v as_o the_o hebrew_n word_n be_v literal_o translate_v in_o the_o margin_n that_o be_v according_a to_o 24._o to_o maimon_n more_n nevoch_n part_n 1._o c._n 41_o 47._o part._n 3._o c._n 24._o maimonides_n the_o lord_n mind_n be_v shorten_v from_o afflict_v they_o or_o he_o have_v no_o long_o a_o mind_n to_o punish_v they_o when_o god_n be_v say_v to_o see_v the_o meaning_n be_v that_o he_o know_v what_o be_v do_v when_o he_o be_v say_v to_o hear_v this_o signify_v that_o he_o understand_v what_o be_v say_v 6._o say_v non_fw-la enim_fw-la aliquid_fw-la ignorat_fw-la deus_fw-la ut_fw-la examinando_fw-la cognosâ—â—â—_n â—ed_v sciat_fw-la deus_fw-la ita_fw-la dixit_fw-la beatus_fw-la job_n ut_fw-la scire_fw-la alios_fw-la faciat_fw-la secundum_fw-la illud_fw-la tentat_fw-la vos_fw-la deus_fw-la dominus_fw-la ut_fw-la sciat_fw-la uâ—rum_fw-la diligatis_fw-la eum_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la scire_fw-la caeteros_fw-la faciat_fw-la hieron_n in_o job_n c._n 31_o 6._o now_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o fear_v god_n gen._n 22.12_o that_o be_v now_o i_o have_v have_v the_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o have_v make_v it_o evident_a that_o i_o know_v it_o to_o prove_v thou_o to_o know_v what_o be_v in_o thy_o heart_n deut._n 8.2_o be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o make_v that_o appear_v and_o become_v know_v which_o i_o know_v to_o be_v in_o thy_o heart_n gen._n 11.5_o the_o lord_n be_v say_v to_o come_v down_o to_o see_v the_o city_n and_o tower_n of_o babel_n and_o gen._n 18.20_o because_o the_o cry_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n be_v great_a and_o because_o their_o sin_n be_v very_o grievous_a i_o will_v go_v down_o now_o and_o see_v whether_o they_o have_v do_v altogether_o according_a to_o the_o cry_n of_o it_o which_o be_v come_v unto_o i_o and_o if_o not_o i_o will_v know_v which_o imply_v that_o god_n be_v not_o forward_o or_o willing_a to_o punish_v but_o that_o he_o proceed_v as_o man_n do_v in_o thing_n about_o which_o they_o use_v most_o care_n and_o deliberation_n god_n be_v represent_v as_o a_o good_a governor_n who_o be_v unwilling_a to_o believe_v ill_a report_n and_o will_v make_v a_o full_a enquiry_n and_o inspection_n into_o the_o case_n before_o he_o punish_v offender_n or_o in_o short_a here_o be_v a_o illustration_n in_o fact_n of_o that_o adorable_a character_n which_o god_n proclaim_v of_o himself_o the_o lord_n the_o lord_n god_n merciful_a and_o gracious_a long-suffering_a and_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n exod._n 34.6_o god_n say_v that_o he_o can_v not_o destroy_v sodom_n till_o lot_n be_v escape_v out_o of_o it_o gen._n 19.22_o and_o to_o moses_n he_o say_v now_o therefore_o let_v i_o alone_o that_o my_o wrath_n may_v wax_v hot_a against_o they_o and_o that_o i_o may_v consume_v they_o exod._n 32.10_o but_o we_o must_v not_o imagine_v that_o the_o reason_n and_o motive_n which_o moses_n there_o represent_v to_o god_n in_o his_o prayer_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n can_v prevail_v more_o with_o he_o than_o his_o own_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n or_o that_o he_o can_v not_o have_v preserve_v lot_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o sodom_n as_o well_o as_o he_o deliver_v shadrach_n meshach_n and_o abednego_n out_o of_o the_o fiery_a furnace_n but_o these_o thing_n be_v thus_o express_v for_o a_o encouragement_n in_o righteousness_n and_o to_o teach_v we_o dependence_n upon_o god_n for_o the_o righteous_a have_v power_n with_o god_n as_o well_o as_o with_o man_n and_o shall_v prevail_v gen._n 32.28_o it_o be_v a_o exercise_n and_o trial_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o charity_n of_o moses_n and_o be_v propose_v as_o a_o example_n of_o faith_n and_o charity_n to_o all_o who_o shall_v read_v that_o account_n of_o he_o beside_o he_o be_v a_o type_n of_o christ_n and_o as_o such_o be_v to_o make_v intercession_n and_o atonement_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n exod._n 32.30_o for_o christ_n before_o his_o come_n in_o the_o flesh_n exercise_v his_o mediatory_a power_n as_o to_o the_o visible_a administration_n of_o it_o by_o those_o who_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v his_o type_n and_o representative_n here_o upon_o earth_n which_o may_v give_v a_o satisfactory_a account_n of_o that_o power_n which_o abraham_n jacob_n and_o moses_n and_o other_o be_v say_v to_o have_v have_v with_o god_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v that_o to_o give_v the_o more_o force_n and_o life_n to_o the_o discourse_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o to_o render_v they_o the_o more_o effectual_a to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v design_v god_n who_o be_v by_o the_o infinite_a excellency_n of_o his_o nature_n uncapable_a of_o any_o passion_n be_v please_v to_o be_v represent_v as_o subject_v to_o love_n and_o anger_n and_o hatred_n and_o all_o the_o passion_n of_o humanity_n and_o he_o who_o know_v perfect_o all_o event_n from_o eternity_n be_v content_v even_o to_o seem_v sometime_o to_o doubt_v of_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o design_n and_o proposal_n and_o of_o the_o event_n of_o humane_a action_n to_o show_v as_o 11.5_o as_o origen_n philocal_a c._n 23._o hieron_n &_o theodoret_n ad_fw-la ezek._n 11.5_o origen_n st._n jerom_n and_o theodoret_n have_v observe_v the_o freedom_n of_o man_n and_o to_o declare_v that_o their_o destruction_n be_v from_o themselves_o he_o speak_v to_o we_o in_o the_o language_n of_o man_n and_o assume_v to_o himself_o all_o the_o passion_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o by_o any_o mean_n sinner_n may_v be_v persuade_v to_o turn_v to_o he_o he_o be_v describe_v as_o angry_a and_o grieve_v at_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o as_o one_o who_o rejoice_v at_o their_o repentance_n not_o that_o the_o divine_a nature_n can_v be_v capable_a of_o anger_n or_o grief_n or_o rejoice_v which_o imply_v change_v and_o imperfection_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v impossible_a in_o the_o most_o absolute_o perfect_v be_v but_o because_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v angry_a when_o they_o punish_v and_o to_o be_v grieve_v when_o those_o do_v amiss_o who_o they_o will_v have_v do_v well_o and_o be_v wont_a to_o rejoice_v when_o they_o begin_v to_o reform_v therefore_o to_o set_v forth_o that_o god_n will_v certain_o punish_v unrepent_v sinner_n and_o receive_v the_o return_v penitent_a and_o reward_v the_o righteous_a both_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v explain_v in_o such_o term_n as_o may_v most_o move_v and_o affect_v man_n to_o show_v that_o the_o punishment_n he_o inflict_v will_v in_o the_o end_n be_v as_o grievous_a as_o if_o he_o receive_v some_o loss_n and_o disappointment_n by_o the_o obstinacy_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o that_o he_o will_v as_o bountiful_o reward_v the_o good_a as_o if_o they_o have_v do_v he_o some_o great_a benefit_n and_o kindness_n and_o have_v make_v some_o addition_n to_o his_o own_o joy_n and_o happiness_n which_o be_v infinite_a and_o eternal_a and_o therefore_o uncapable_a of_o any_o 3._o the_o decorum_n or_o suitableness_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o the_o stile_n of_o scripture_n this_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o person_n the_o occasion_n and_o time_n and_o country_n the_o rule_n of_o decency_n be_v variable_a according_a to_o circumstance_n not_o fix_v and_o immutable_a as_o the_o precept_n of_o morality_n be_v 8._o be_v more_n nevoch_n par._n 3._o c._n 8._o maimonides_n have_v observe_v that_o the_o holy_a tongue_n have_v no_o word_n to_o express_v thing_n obscene_a and_o it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o in_o those_o rude_a age_n as_o they_o be_v common_o reckon_v the_o hebrew_n have_v peculiar_a form_n of_o decency_n in_o their_o expression_n upon_o all_o occasion_n which_o require_v they_o and_o to_o know_v in_o that_o signification_n which_o it_o have_v gen._n 4.1_o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v likewise_o use_v by_o the_o greek_n and_o be_v particular_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o 11._o by_o hermog_n de_fw-fr invent._n lib._n 4._o c._n 11._o hermogenes_n for_o the_o modesty_n of_o it_o we_o find_v the_o hero_n of_o 1._o of_o vid._n athenae_n lib._n 1._o c._n 4._o cum_fw-la casaub_n animad_fw-la de_fw-fr antiquis_fw-la illustrissimus_fw-la cuique_fw-la pastor_n erat_fw-la ut_fw-la ostend_v it_o greca_fw-la &_o latina_n lingua_n &_o veteres_fw-la poetae_fw-la varro_n de_fw-fr re_fw-mi rustic_a lib._n 2._o c._n 1._o homer_n employ_v in_o as_o mean_a office_n as_o the_o patriarch_n and_o 137._o and_o herodot_n 6._o c._n 137._o herodotus_n declare_v that_o in_o ancient_a time_n the_o greek_n have_v no_o servant_n but_o do_v their_o own_o work_n themselves_o or_o have_v no_o other_o help_n but_o that_o of_o their_o child_n and_o it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o their_o manner_n of_o speech_n shall_v be_v suitable_a to_o their_o way_n of_o live_v
the_o greek_n as_o the_o scripture_n mention_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o other_o greek_a author_n say_v the_o child_n of_o the_o physician_n as_o the_o scripture_n say_v the_o child_n of_o the_o bride-chamber_n and_o the_o child_n of_o light_n initio_fw-la light_n grot._fw-la ad_fw-la 4._o reg._n 19.2_o &_o ad_fw-la ezech._n initio_fw-la grotius_n compare_v isaiah_n to_o demosthenes_n a_o sublime_a but_o a_o most_o natural_a and_o judicious_a writer_n the_o same_o author_n compare_v ezekiel_n to_o homer_n for_o the_o beauty_n and_o nobleness_n of_o his_o style_n 34._o style_n pref._n to_o pindaric_a ode_n and_o note_n upon_o pind._n ode_n â—n_n isai_n 34._o mr_n cowley_n compare_v the_o prophet_n especial_o isaiah_n to_o pindar_n but_o of_o pindar_n he_o say_v that_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v undertake_v to_o translate_v he_o word_n for_o word_n it_o will_v be_v think_v that_o one_o mad_a man_n have_v translate_v another_o for_o which_o he_o give_v this_o reason_n that_o we_o must_v consider_v in_o pindar_n the_o great_a difference_n of_o time_n betwixt_o his_o age_n and_o we_o which_o change_v we_o in_o picture_n at_o least_o the_o colour_n of_o poetry_n the_o no_o less_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o religion_n and_o custom_n of_o our_o country_n and_o a_o thousand_o particularity_n of_o place_n person_n and_o manner_n which_o do_v but_o confuse_o appear_v to_o our_o eye_n at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n and_o last_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o our_o ear_n be_v stranger_n to_o the_o music_n of_o his_o number_n which_o sometime_o especial_o in_o song_n and_o ode_n almost_o without_o any_o thing_n else_o make_v a_o excellent_a poet._n and_o of_o david_n he_o observe_v that_o the_o best_a translator_n have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o do_v honour_n or_o at_o least_o justice_n to_o that_o divine_a poet_n that_o methinks_v say_v he_o they_o revile_v he_o worse_o than_o shimei_n and_o buchanan_n himself_o come_v in_o his_o opinion_n no_o less_o short_a of_o david_n than_o his_o country_n do_v of_o judea_n yet_o isaiah_n and_o the_o râ—â—â—_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o psalm_n be_v translate_v into_o our_o language_n word_n for_o word_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o one_o language_n to_o be_v thus_o render_v into_o another_o and_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o difference_n of_o time_n and_o place_n and_o custom_n and_o person_n no_o sensible_a man_n read_v they_o in_o the_o english_a tongue_n but_o he_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o their_o style_n with_o all_o these_o disadvantage_n be_v true_o great_a and_o excellent_a whereas_o euseb_n whereas_o quod_fw-la sicui_fw-la non_fw-la videtur_fw-la linguae_fw-la gratiam_fw-la interpretatione_n mutari_fw-la homerum_fw-la ad_fw-la verbum_fw-la exprimat_fw-la in_o latinum_fw-la plus_fw-fr aliquid_fw-la dicam_fw-la eundem_fw-la in_o fuâ_fw-la linguâ_fw-la prosae_fw-la verbis_fw-la interpretetur_fw-la videbit_fw-la ordinem_fw-la ridiculum_fw-la &_o poetam_fw-la eloquentissimum_fw-la vix_fw-la loquentem_fw-la hieron_n praef._n in_o chron._n euseb_n there_o be_v none_o of_o the_o heathen_a author_n that_o be_v so_o much_o esteem_v which_o if_o they_o be_v literal_o translate_v as_o the_o scripture_n be_v will_v bear_v the_o read_n but_o they_o will_v appear_v ridiculous_a and_o impossible_a to_o be_v understand_v for_o the_o spirit_n and_o genius_n and_o peculiar_a idiom_n of_o most_o tongue_n be_v so_o very_o different_a one_o from_o another_o and_o depend_v upon_o the_o custom_n and_o humour_n of_o the_o people_n of_o several_a country_n it_o be_v the_o evident_a care_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o cause_v great_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n though_o write_v by_o so_o many_o different_a man_n and_o at_o such_o distant_a time_n and_o some_o book_n of_o they_o in_o the_o early_a age_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v pen_v in_o such_o a_o language_n and_o style_n as_o be_v most_o natural_a and_o which_o without_o any_o want_n of_o art_n exceed_v the_o most_o artificial_a and_o study_a eloquence_n in_o sublime_a and_o noble_a thought_n and_o expression_n and_o in_o all_o the_o beauty_n and_o ornament_n of_o speech_n and_o yet_o which_o in_o all_o the_o necessary_a point_n of_o salvation_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v understand_v under_o all_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o a_o verbal_a translation_n by_o man_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n who_o live_v so_o many_o age_n after_o the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n can_v be_v read_v or_o hear_v or_o think_v of_o without_o be_v move_v by_o they_o with_o what_o life_n then_o with_o what_o zeal_n and_o flame_n must_v they_o have_v be_v deliver_v and_o what_o a_o mighty_a blessing_n be_v such_o a_o prophet_n to_o his_o own_o age_n and_o to_o all_o succeed_a generation_n of_o royal_a blood_n and_o of_o a_o style_n and_o behaviour_n suitable_a to_o his_o birth_n of_o divine_a virtue_n and_o of_o divine_a eloquence_n he_o declare_v thing_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v fulfil_v till_o many_o age_n afterward_o as_o plain_o as_o if_o he_o have_v see_v they_o before_o his_o eye_n and_o will_v make_v all_o other_o to_o see_v they_o he_o speak_v of_o christ_n as_o clear_o as_o if_o with_o simeon_n he_o have_v have_v his_o saviour_n in_o his_o arm_n or_o with_o the_o wise_a man_n have_v be_v kneel_v down_o before_o he_o and_o present_v he_o with_o more_o precious_a gift_n than_o any_o they_o have_v to_o offer_v and_o describe_v his_o passion_n as_o full_o as_o if_o he_o have_v follow_v he_o through_o every_o part_n of_o it_o and_o have_v be_v crucify_a with_o he_o have_v be_v just_a enter_v with_o he_o into_o paradise_n if_o this_o be_v think_v a_o digression_n from_o my_o subject_n i_o hope_v it_o may_v easy_o be_v excuse_v for_o who_o can_v speak_v of_o isaiah_n without_o a_o digression_n when_o man_n choose_v the_o food_n of_o swine_n and_o trample_v upon_o pearl_n as_o thing_n of_o no_o value_n as_o if_o he_o and_o the_o other_o prophet_n have_v always_o the_o hard_a fate_n to_o preach_v to_o the_o ruler_n of_o sodom_n and_o the_o people_n of_o gomorrha_n but_o if_o the_o style_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o in_o all_o place_n alike_o excellent_a and_o exact_a let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o 1._o the_o same_o stile_n be_v not_o suitable_a to_o all_o subject_n and_o the_o stile_n and_o dialect_n be_v different_a according_a to_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o matter_n or_o of_o the_o person_n for_o who_o use_n it_o be_v immediate_o design_v what_o concern_v the_o assyrian_a monarchy_n in_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n be_v in_o the_o chaldee_n tongue_n and_o what_o relate_v direct_o to_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o the_o hebrew_n part_v of_o ezra_n be_v in_o chaldee_n be_v a_o relation_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o chaldee_n chronicle_n and_o jer._n 10.11_o be_v in_o the_o same_o tongue_n that_o the_o jew_n may_v reject_v the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o chaldean_n in_o their_o language_n and_o open_o profess_v their_o own_o abhorrence_n of_o it_o and_o as_o upon_o these_o occasion_n the_o language_n of_o scripture_n be_v change_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o subject_n and_o the_o person_n concern_v so_o the_o style_n must_v be_v sometime_o alter_v upon_o the_o same_o account_n 2._o artificial_a strain_n of_o rhetoric_n whereby_o the_o passion_n be_v move_v to_o the_o utmost_a height_n be_v very_o necessary_a to_o gain_v a_o present_a point_n and_o carry_v a_o cause_n by_o a_o violent_a and_o sudden_a transport_n before_o reason_n can_v interpose_v but_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v propound_v upon_o reasonable_a motive_n there_o can_v be_v no_o need_n of_o rhetoric_n when_o the_o evidence_n of_o those_o miracle_n by_o which_o it_o be_v establish_v afford_v so_o many_o other_o more_o certain_a and_o powerful_a mean_n of_o persuasion_n the_o scripture_n be_v not_o write_v in_o the_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n but_o in_o truth_n and_o simplicity_n and_o therefore_o may_v well_o have_v be_v without_o any_o advantage_n of_o eloquence_n as_o need_v no_o such_o help_n to_o recommend_v they_o to_o serious_a and_o impartial_a mind_n and_o though_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o condescend_v so_o far_o to_o the_o infirmity_n of_o man_n as_o to_o convey_v very_o much_o of_o his_o reveal_v will_v to_o we_o in_o such_o a_o style_n as_o for_o its_o own_o sake_n be_v high_o to_o be_v esteem_v and_o admire_v yet_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o other_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n shall_v have_v the_o bare_a force_n and_o evidence_n of_o truth_n only_o to_o convince_v man_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o our_o religion_n be_v propagate_v not_o by_o any_o art_n of_o humane_a eloquence_n but_o by_o its_o own_o worth_a and_o excellency_n for_o eloquence_n be_v not_o use_v where_o it_o will_v have_v be_v most_o necessary_a if_o any_o humane_a mean_n can_v be_v so_o in_o assert_v and_o propagate_a the_o divine_a truth_n in_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n all_o the_o
main_a they_o be_v aâ—â—eed_o and_o whoever_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o consulâ—â—â—em_v may_v be_v great_o confirm_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o prophecy_n upon_o this_o very_a consideration_n that_o there_o be_v less_o difference_n in_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o principal_a prophecy_n than_o there_o be_v in_o the_o comment_n upon_o most_o history_n and_o that_o those_o who_o differ_v in_o other_o matter_n must_v have_v the_o great_a evidence_n for_o that_o in_o which_o they_o do_v agree_v though_o there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n and_o variety_n of_o opinion_n in_o the_o calculation_n of_o the_o precise_a time_n when_o some_o prophecy_n be_v fulfil_v because_o it_o be_v dispute_v where_o the_o computation_n be_v to_o begin_v or_o how_o some_o other_o circumstance_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v yet_o all_o expositor_n be_v agree_v concern_v these_o very_a prophecy_n that_o they_o be_v fulfil_v for_o instance_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o sceptre_n be_v depart_v from_o judah_n whether_o that_o prophecy_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n or_o the_o jewish_a nation_n denominate_v from_o that_o tribe_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o city_n and_o sanctuary_n be_v destroy_v and_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n take_v away_o though_o interpreter_n do_v not_o agree_v about_o the_o precise_a time_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o every_o particular_a plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n show_v that_o the_o prophecy_n be_v fulfil_v and_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n but_o about_o a_o circumstance_n and_o to_o doubt_v of_o the_o fulfil_n of_o prophecy_n because_o we_o do_v not_o certain_o know_v the_o exact_a time_n when_o every_o particular_a be_v fulfil_v though_o we_o certain_o know_v that_o they_o must_v have_v be_v all_o long_a since_o fulfil_v be_v as_o unreasonable_a as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v question_v the_o truth_n of_o history_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o uncertainty_n in_o chronology_n what_o man_n doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o homer_n because_o it_o be_v uncertain_a when_o he_o live_v or_o whether_o there_o ever_o be_v a_o trojan_a war_n because_o the_o time_n of_o the_o take_n of_o troy_n have_v be_v various_o determine_v and_o yet_o be_v there_o not_o as_o much_o reason_n to_o reject_v this_o or_o any_o other_o history_n which_o have_v occasion_v dispute_v in_o point_n of_o time_n as_o there_o can_v be_v to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o daniel_n prediction_n concern_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n because_o there_o may_v be_v matter_n of_o controversy_n in_o explain_v his_o seventy_o week_n the_o prophecy_n itself_o be_v plain_a and_o the_o accomplishment_n certain_a however_o man_n may_v differ_v in_o assign_v the_o epocha_n of_o time_n history_n relate_v what_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v and_o prophecy_n foretell_v what_o shall_v come_v and_o our_o uncertainty_n in_o point_n of_o time_n no_o more_o affect_v the_o credibility_n of_o the_o one_o than_o of_o the_o other_o we_o may_v be_v uncertain_a of_o the_o time_n foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o as_o uncertain_a of_o the_o time_n mention_v by_o the_o historian_n but_o when_o all_o other_o circumstance_n agree_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o our_o uncertainty_n as_o to_o the_o single_a circumstance_n of_o time_n shall_v be_v allege_v against_o the_o credibility_n of_o either_o of_o they_o but_o the_o obscurity_n arise_v from_o the_o difficulty_n in_o chronology_n be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o former_a chapter_n 2._o some_o prophecy_n be_v purposely_o obscure_a because_o they_o do_v not_o so_o near_o concern_v the_o age_n in_o which_o they_o be_v deliver_v but_o be_v design_v not_o so_o much_o for_o the_o information_n of_o precede_a age_n as_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o posterity_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n when_o they_o see_v they_o fulfil_v god_n do_v not_o send_v revelation_n to_o gratify_v the_o curiosity_n of_o man_n in_o acquaint_v they_o with_o what_o shall_v befall_v their_o posterity_n but_o rather_o conceal_v the_o knowledge_n of_o future_a event_n from_o man_n because_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o may_v have_v a_o ill_a effect_n in_o make_v they_o proud_a or_o careless_a and_o negligent_a or_o else_o too_o solicitous_a and_o concern_v about_o what_o be_v to_o befall_v their_o posterity_n the_o judgement_n and_o affliction_n of_o parent_n will_v be_v so_o much_o abate_v if_o they_o have_v a_o clear_a prospect_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o their_o posterity_n that_o they_o will_v lose_v that_o effect_n which_o god_n design_n by_o send_v his_o judgement_n and_o a_o perfect_a view_n of_o the_o misery_n which_o be_v to_o befall_v the_o posterity_n of_o the_o most_o happy_a parent_n will_v render_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n the_o less_o blessing_n to_o they_o so_o that_o both_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o this_o life_n will_v very_o much_o lose_v their_o force_n and_o effect_n if_o prophecy_n be_v less_o obscure_a than_o they_o be_v it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o the_o obscure_a and_o mysterious_a deliver_v of_o some_o prophecy_n that_o they_o thereby_o serve_v to_o prove_v the_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o excite_v the_o care_n and_o watchfulness_n of_o man_n for_o which_o reason_n the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o the_o day_n of_o every_o man_n death_n be_v conceal_v from_o we_o because_o the_o particular_a and_o distinct_a revelation_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v cause_v security_n in_o some_o and_o despair_v in_o other_o and_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o the_o destruction_n of_o church_n and_o nation_n we_o be_v command_v to_o watch_v and_o pray_v watch_v you_o therefore_o lest_o come_v sudden_o he_o find_v you_o sleep_v and_o what_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o say_v unto_o all_o watch_n mark_v xiii_o 35._o which_o in_o the_o direct_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n concern_v jerusalem_n but_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o will_v extend_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o any_o other_o city_n or_o to_o any_o other_o judgement_n which_o god_n have_v foretell_v but_o have_v conceal_v the_o time_n or_o other_o circumstance_n either_o by_o silence_n or_o by_o uncertain_a and_o mysterious_a form_n of_o speech_n a_o full_a prospect_n of_o prosperity_n to_o come_v oftentimes_o have_v prove_v fatal_a to_o man_n jeroboam_n hazael_n and_o jehu_n be_v the_o worse_a probable_o for_o the_o declaration_n make_v to_o they_o as_o achithophel_n if_o it_o have_v be_v foretell_v plain_o what_o will_v befall_v he_o will_v in_o all_o likelihoe_v soon_o have_v hasten_v his_o own_o death_n whether_o therefore_o the_o event_n be_v good_a or_o bad_a and_o whether_o it_o concern_v ourselves_o or_o our_o posterity_n it_o be_v fit_v most_o time_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o because_o this_o will_v in_o great_a measure_n exclude_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o hope_n and_o patience_n in_o man_n under_o their_o present_a condition_n and_o at_o the_o time_n of_o fulfil_v the_o prophecy_n which_o be_v now_o most_o obscure_a such_o a_o continue_a train_n and_o series_n of_o aftair_n with_o all_o their_o circumstance_n and_o particularity_n may_v appear_v in_o so_o full_a and_o undeniable_a evidence_n as_o may_v convince_v infidel_n and_o confirm_v believer_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o prediction_n and_o of_o the_o religion_n teach_v by_o the_o prophet_n by_o who_o the_o event_n be_v foretell_v 3._o obscurity_n be_v necessary_a in_o some_o prophecy_n at_o the_o praef._n the_o euseb_n demonst_a evan._n â—ib_o vi_fw-la 〈…〉_o châ—â—â—â—n_v c._n 〈◊〉_d isai_n 〈◊〉_d theodoret_n in_o ezech_n praef._n father_n observe_v because_o without_o a_o constant_a miracle_n to_o preserve_v they_o they_o will_v otherwise_o have_v be_v lose_v and_o will_v never_o have_v be_v deliver_v down_o to_o posterity_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v some_o of_o those_o prophecy_n which_o relate_v to_o our_o saviour_n state_n of_o humiliation_n his_o poverty_n and_o crucifixion_n and_o death_n to_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o rejection_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o by_o the_o circumstance_n be_v manifest_a to_o we_o in_o the_o accomplishment_n but_o be_v write_v with_o some_o obscurity_n to_o conceal_v they_o from_o the_o obstinate_a and_o malicious_a jew_n that_o see_v they_o may_v see_v and_o not_o perceive_v for_o if_o they_o have_v full_o understand_v the_o scope_n and_o importance_n of_o they_o they_o will_v have_v endeavour_v rather_o to_o have_v suppress_v and_o destroy_v they_o than_o they_o will_v have_v suffer_v they_o to_o remain_v to_o be_v urge_v against_o themselves_o a_o people_n who_o be_v so_o whole_o possess_v with_o the_o notion_n and_o expectation_n of_o a_o temporal_a messiah_n will_v have_v reject_v those_o prophecy_n which_o set_v forth_o his_o humiliation_n and_o crucifixion_n if_o they_o have_v be_v express_v in_o plain_a term_n they_o will_v have_v spare_v christ_n no_o more_o in_o the_o
first_o the_o whole_a design_n and_o contrivance_n and_o method_n and_o style_v of_o it_o not_o to_o criticise_v upon_o some_o difficult_a part_n of_o it_o without_o any_o regard_n have_v to_o the_o rest_n this_o be_v the_o method_n use_v by_o all_o who_o will_v criticise_v with_o judgement_n upon_o any_o author_n and_o some_o passage_n of_o scripture_n be_v explain_v to_o our_o hand_n to_o be_v a_o key_n as_o it_o be_v and_o a_o direction_n to_o we_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o other_o thus_o whereas_o in_o one_o place_n it_o be_v say_v that_o jesus_n baptize_v in_o another_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o baptize_v not_o and_o the_o former_a place_n be_v expaline_v to_o be_v mean_v not_o of_o baptism_n perform_v by_o himself_o but_o by_o his_o disciple_n who_o baptize_v in_o his_o name_n joh._n iii._o 22._o four_o 1_o 2._o iii_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o observe_v whether_o the_o objection_n be_v not_o such_o as_o do_v suppose_n mistake_v which_o a_o man_n who_o can_v write_v such_o a_o discourse_n as_o they_o be_v imagine_v to_o be_v find_v in_o can_v not_o run_v into_o for_o if_o they_o be_v of_o this_o nature_n this_o very_a consideration_n be_v enough_o to_o take_v off_o the_o force_n of_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o book_n and_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o the_o objection_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v answer_v and_o that_o the_o mistake_n lie_v not_o in_o the_o book_n itself_o but_o in_o the_o reader_n who_o without_o sufficient_a skill_n or_o attention_n pass_v a_o rash_a judgement_n upon_o it_o for_o by_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o reason_v a_o objection_n may_v imply_v too_o much_o as_o well_o as_o prove_v too_o little_a to_o be_v of_o any_o force_n and_o the_o common_a rule_n of_o candour_n and_o equity_n will_v prevent_v many_o objection_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v make_v against_o the_o scripture_n for_o if_o we_o will_v but_o suppose_v the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o have_v be_v man_n of_o any_o tolerable_a sense_n even_o without_o inspiration_n they_o can_v never_o have_v commit_v such_o mistake_n as_o some_o will_v fasten_v upon_o they_o we_o read_v exod._n xxxiii_o 11._o and_o the_o lord_n speak_v unto_o moses_n face_n to_o face_n as_o a_o man_n speak_v unto_o his_o friend_n yet_o verse_n 20._o the_o lord_n answer_v moses_n who_o have_v beseech_v god_n to_o show_v he_o his_o glory_n thou_o can_v not_o see_v my_o face_n for_o there_o shall_v no_o man_n see_v i_o and_o live_v will_v it_o not_o be_v impudent_a trifle_a to_o pretend_v any_o contradiction_n in_o these_o two_o verse_n when_o they_o be_v easy_o understand_v in_o a_o consistent_a sense_n and_o no_o man_n of_o any_o judgement_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o write_v contradiction_n and_o lay_v they_o so_o near_o together_o when_o it_o be_v say_v act._n ix_o 7._o that_o the_o man_n who_o journey_v with_o st._n paul_n hear_v a_o voice_n but_o see_v no_o man_n and_o act._n xxii_o 9_o that_o they_o hear_v not_o the_o voice_n of_o he_o that_o speak_v to_o st._n paul_n beside_o the_o explication_n which_o be_v know_v and_o obvious_a to_o reconcile_v these_o text_n those_o who_o who_o will_v not_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o consult_v expositor_n or_o to_o consider_v the_o importance_n of_o the_o word_n may_v be_v please_v to_o observe_v that_o st._n luke_n be_v a_o man_n breed_v to_o learning_n and_o this_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n show_v he_o to_o have_v be_v at_o least_o a_o prudent_a and_o wise_a man_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v never_o have_v write_v so_o palpable_a a_o contradiction_n as_o the_o objection_n must_v suppose_v in_o so_o small_a a_o compass_n concern_v one_o of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a thing_n in_o his_o whole_a history_n relate_v to_o a_o person_n with_o who_o he_o constant_o travel_v and_o converse_v i_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n whether_o if_o he_o have_v meet_v with_o two_o such_o passage_n which_o seem_v to_o contradict_v each_o other_o in_o thucydides_n or_o xenophon_n or_o even_o in_o the_o very_o worst_a historian_n he_o will_v not_o be_v incline_v rather_o to_o seek_v out_o for_o some_o way_n of_o reconcile_a they_o than_o to_o suspect_v that_o he_o can_v so_o soon_o forget_v what_o he_o have_v write_v so_o little_a a_o while_n before_o in_o a_o account_n of_o a_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n be_v that_o difference_n which_o be_v between_o the_o genealogy_n of_o christ_n in_o st._n matthew_n and_o that_o in_o st._n luke_n for_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o genealogy_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v then_o and_o long_o after_o extant_a in_o the_o public_a register_n 9_o register_n ab_fw-la exordio_fw-la adam_n usque_fw-la ad_fw-la extremum_fw-la zorobabel_n omnium_fw-la generationes_fw-la ita_fw-la memoriter_fw-la velociterque_fw-la precur_v runt_n ut_fw-la eos_fw-la suum_fw-la pute_fw-la refer_v nomen_fw-la hieron_n in_o tit._n iii._o 9_o they_o can_v repeat_v they_o by_o heart_n with_o as_o much_o readiness_n as_o they_o can_v their_o own_o name_n and_o to_o insert_v a_o wrong_a genealogy_n have_v be_v to_o give_v up_o all_o the_o argument_n that_o can_v be_v allege_v for_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o christ_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o destructive_a to_o their_o cause_n than_o for_o the_o evangelist_n to_o produce_v a_o false_a pedigree_n when_o the_o true_a one_o may_v be_v so_o easy_o produce_v by_o any_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o disprove_v they_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o cause_n whole_o depend_v upon_o the_o proof_n of_o christ_n descent_n from_o abraham_n and_o david_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o difficulty_n there_o may_v now_o be_v think_v to_o be_v in_o this_o twofold_a genealogy_n it_o be_v certain_o acknowledge_v by_o those_o of_o that_o age_n and_o beyond_o all_o dispute_n or_o else_o it_o will_v never_o have_v be_v produce_v by_o the_o evangelist_n or_o have_v for_o ever_o ruin_v their_o cause_n if_o they_o have_v produce_v it_o some_o crime_n be_v too_o great_a to_o charge_v upon_o man_n of_o any_o credit_n or_o reputation_n and_o some_o error_n be_v so_o notorious_a that_o no_o man_n of_o common_a prudence_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o commit_v they_o and_o therefore_o when_o we_o find_v a_o author_n rational_a and_o consistent_a in_o other_o part_n of_o a_o discourse_n the_o ordinary_a ingenuity_n and_o condor_n of_o mankind_n will_v hinder_v we_o from_o suppose_v he_o to_o commit_v gross_a and_o palpable_a mistake_n and_o it_o be_v great_a disingenuity_n and_o folly_n to_o show_v the_o less_o respect_n to_o any_o author_n because_o he_o be_v at_o least_o believe_v to_o have_v write_v by_o inspiration_n or_o to_o deny_v he_o the_o respect_n due_a to_o a_o man_n because_o god_n have_v enable_v he_o to_o write_v infallible_a truth_n iv_o if_o any_o contradiction_n be_v frame_v or_o force_v from_o the_o various_a readins_n the_o difficulty_n in_o chronology_n or_o whatever_a elsé_fw-fr of_o this_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o dispute_n of_o critic_n they_o prove_v no_o more_o against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o they_o do_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o other_o book_n in_o the_o world_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o these_o difficulty_n can_v not_o happen_v in_o a_o book_n write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n but_o that_o it_o must_v be_v first_o write_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o afford_v no_o occasion_n for_o dispute_n and_o that_o it_o must_v be_v ever_o after_o so_o preserve_v by_o a_o constant_a miracle_n that_o it_o may_v be_v subject_a to_o none_o of_o the_o accident_n and_o casualty_n to_o which_o all_o other_o book_n be_v liable_a on_o the_o contrary_a it_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v that_o god_n may_v not_o permit_v book_n write_v by_o inspiration_n to_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o any_o such_o casualty_n as_o be_v not_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o a_o revelation_n but_o if_o the_o necessary_a point_n of_o doctrine_n be_v preserve_v entire_a and_o the_o evidence_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n in_o confirmation_n of_o that_o doctrine_n all_o lesser_a matter_n may_v be_v lest_o to_o the_o same_o contingency_n which_o befall_v all_o other_o book_n in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o evidence_n be_v very_o clear_a and_o full_a in_o proof_n both_o of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n which_o demonstrate_v to_o we_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v already_o show_v and_o if_o no_o more_o can_v be_v produce_v than_o have_v by_o i_o be_v bring_v to_o prove_v their_o authority_n yet_o unless_o this_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v insufficient_a from_o some_o mistake_n or_o defect_n in_o it_o no_o such_o objection_n can_v invalidate_v it_o because_o no_o man_n can_v prove_v that_o god_n
be_v more_o easy_o observe_v than_o this_o so_o it_o be_v most_o proper_a for_o the_o place_n in_o which_o they_o be_v and_o for_o their_o manner_n of_o life_n and_o state_n of_o innocence_n the_o common_a rule_n and_o law_n of_o morality_n can_v then_o scarce_o have_v any_o place_n but_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o this_o or_o some_o such_o other_o instance_n of_o obedience_n shall_v be_v impose_v theft_n and_o murder_n and_o adultery_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o moral_a duty_n be_v then_o either_o impossible_a to_o be_v commit_v or_o so_o unnatural_a that_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v imagine_v how_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v commit_v when_o there_o be_v yet_o but_o two_o person_n in_o the_o world_n in_o a_o state_n of_o perfect_a innocence_n and_o therefore_o in_o moral_a duty_n there_o can_v be_v no_o trial_n of_o the_o obedience_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n beside_o these_o be_v so_o well_o know_v to_o they_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o command_n concern_v they_o but_o god_n give_v they_o a_o command_n in_o a_o thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n that_o so_o he_o may_v have_v a_o plain_a proof_n of_o their_o obedience_n in_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v both_o indifferent_a of_o itself_o and_o so_o easy_a to_o they_o that_o nothing_o but_o a_o careless_a and_o perverse_a neglect_n can_v betray_v they_o into_o disobedience_n to_o suppose_v good_a and_o evil_a to_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n only_o and_o not_o in_o the_o commandment_n and_o prohibition_n of_o god_n be_v in_o effect_n a_o renounce_n of_o god_n authority_n but_o this_o tree_n be_v the_o tree_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a for_o it_o make_v they_o sensible_a of_o the_o divine_a authority_n upon_o which_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a formal_o depend_v though_o matterial_o they_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n whatever_o god_n be_v please_v to_o command_v or_o forbid_v however_o indifferent_a it_o be_v in_o itself_o be_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v by_o he_o as_o true_o good_a or_o evil_a as_o if_o it_o be_v absolute_o and_o moral_o so_o be_v enact_v by_o the_o same_o divine_a authority_n whereby_o all_o moral_a precept_n become_v obligatory_a as_o law_n to_o we_o for_o all_o moral_a truth_n or_o precept_n or_o rule_n of_o life_n however_o certain_a and_o necessary_a in_o themselves_o yet_o receive_v the_o obligation_n of_o law_n from_o the_o divine_a authority_n this_o be_v the_o most_o certain_a truth_n in_o morality_n and_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n antecedent_n to_o all_o other_o that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v in_o all_o that_o he_o command_v or_o forbid_v but_o the_o divine_a authority_n be_v sole_o and_o pure_o concern_v in_o this_o commandment_n which_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o depend_v mere_o upon_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o transgression_n of_o this_o law_n it_o become_v notorious_a to_o our_o first_o parent_n and_o their_o unhappy_a posterity_n that_o both_o good_a and_o evil_a whatever_o they_o may_v be_v in_o speculation_n and_o abstract_a notion_n yet_o as_o they_o concern_v we_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o life_n be_v to_o be_v resolve_v ultimate_o into_o the_o divine_a authority_n god_n be_v our_o lawgiver_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o law_n to_o we_o but_o by_o his_o enact_v and_o what_o he_o enact_v must_v be_v a_o law_n to_o we_o and_o of_o the_o same_o necessary_a indspensable_a obligation_n so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o enjoin_v it_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o moral_a precept_n or_o only_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n it_o seem_v then_o that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o manifest_v his_o sovereign_a authority_n in_o this_o commandment_n and_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v absolute_a and_o independent_a upon_o moral_a good_a or_o evil_a and_o that_o though_o his_o infinite_a holiness_n and_o goodness_n will_v not_o permit_v he_o to_o command_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o moral_a duty_n nor_o suffer_v he_o not_o to_o command_v moral_a good_a and_o forbid_v moral_a evil_n yet_o his_o authority_n be_v arbitrary_a over_o we_o extend_v as_o far_o beyond_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o morality_n as_o he_o please_v which_o indeed_o be_v only_a truth_n and_o precept_n but_o not_o duty_n to_o we_o but_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o authority_n this_o commandment_n therefore_o be_v give_v in_o assertion_n of_o god_n authority_n who_o it_o be_v always_o and_o in_o every_o thing_n good_a to_o obey_v and_o evil_a to_o disobey_v as_o our_o first_o parent_n find_v by_o sad_a experience_n 2._o experience_n maim_v more_o new_a voeh_n parâ—_n 〈◊〉_d c._n 2._o maimonides_n observe_v that_o they_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n before_o but_o good_a and_o evil_n become_v know_v to_o they_o by_o their_o fall_n whereby_o they_o understand_v the_o value_n of_o that_o good_a which_o they_o have_v lose_v and_o be_v make_v sensible_a of_o the_o misery_n of_o that_o condition_n into_o which_o they_o have_v bring_v themselves_o they_o perceive_v how_o good_a it_o be_v to_o obey_v god_n and_o how_o evil_a to_o be_v disobedient_a to_o he_o in_o any_o thing_n whatsoever_o xxviâ—_n whatsoever_o lib._n 1._o disc_n xxviâ—_n mr._n mede_n have_v observe_v that_o their_o sin_n be_v sacrilege_n god_n have_v reserve_v that_o tree_n as_o holy_a to_o himself_o in_o token_n of_o his_o dominion_n and_o sovereignty_n and_o appoint_v it_o to_o such_o use_n as_o he_o have_v design_v it_o for_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o sacrilegious_a profanation_n to_o eat_v of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o theft_n or_o robbery_n no_o less_o than_o the_o rob_v of_o god_n as_o the_o prophet_n style_v sacrilege_n and_o a_o invasion_n of_o his_o right_n and_o the_o lord_n god_n say_v behold_v the_o man_n be_v become_v as_o one_o of_o we_o to_o know_v good_a and_o evil._n gen._n iii._o 22._o which_o word_n be_v general_o suppose_v to_o have_v be_v speak_v by_o a_o severe_a sarcasm_n or_o with_o a_o upbraid_a anger_n and_o indignation_n but_o they_o seem_v to_o admit_v of_o a_o easy_a sense_n if_o they_o be_v thus_o interpret_v the_o man_n be_v become_v as_o one_o of_o we_o he_o have_v make_v himself_o as_o one_o of_o we_o he_o have_v assume_v to_o himself_o a_o equality_n with_o we_o christ_n think_v it_o not_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n phil._n two_o 6._o to_o be_v equal_a be_v there_o to_o claim_v a_o equality_n and_o so_o to_o become_v as_o one_o of_o we_o be_v to_o challenge_v or_o pretend_v to_o become_v as_o one_o of_o we_o according_a to_o the_o devil_n suggestion_n christ_n know_v it_o to_o be_v no_o injury_n or_o presumption_n in_o himself_o who_o be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o god_n and_o be_v god_n as_o well_o as_o man_n to_o assume_v to_o himself_o a_o equality_n with_o the_o father_n but_o our_o first_o parent_n who_o be_v make_v in_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o after_o his_o likeness_n be_v not_o content_v with_o this_o but_o affect_v something_o high_a than_o the_o perfection_n of_o a_o creature_n and_o aim_v at_o a_o independent_a state_n of_o wisdom_n and_o immortality_n be_v seduce_v by_o the_o serpent_n who_o say_v unto_o the_o woman_n you_o shall_v not_o sure_o die_v you_o shall_v be_v as_o god_n know_v good_a and_o evil._n gen._n iii._o 4_o 5._o this_o be_v a_o most_o heinous_a crime_n to_o believe_v the_o serpent_n rather_o than_o god_n himself_o and_o to_o be_v seduce_v by_o he_o and_o hope_v by_o his_o advice_n to_o procure_v to_o themselves_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o immortal_a happiness_n ii_o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n be_v answerable_a to_o their_o crime_n and_o be_v either_o upon_o themselves_o or_o upon_o their_o posterity_n or_o upon_o the_o serpent_n and_o other_o creature_n i._o the_o curse_n upon_o the_o serpent_n be_v by_o a_o visible_a object_n and_o representation_n to_o denote_v that_o curse_n and_o punishment_n which_o be_v denounce_v against_o the_o tempter_n himself_o who_o assume_v the_o body_n of_o a_o serpent_n the_o serpent_n before_o have_v a_o free_a and_o strong_a motion_n and_o can_v lift_v up_o himself_o and_o reach_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o tree_n but_o be_v since_o confine_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o be_v force_v to_o seek_v his_o food_n in_o the_o dust_n and_o there_o be_v relation_n of_o serpent_n which_o carry_v part_n of_o their_o body_n erect_v this_o before_o the_o curse_n may_v belong_v to_o the_o whole_a kind_a of_o they_o in_o another_o manner_n than_o it_o do_v since_o to_o any_o one_o sort._n the_o basilisk_n be_v say_v to_o go_v with_o his_o head_n and_o breast_n erect_v and_o a_o serpent_n call_v 7._o call_v knexe_n hist_n of_o ceyl_n part_n 1._o
of_o eternal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n as_o well_o as_o christian_n and_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o latter_a be_v the_o great_a impediment_n which_o epicurus_n endeavour_v to_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n to_o the_o free_a enjoyment_n of_o man_n lust_n for_o whatever_o some_o have_v say_v in_o behalf_n of_o epicurus_n his_o own_o word_n produce_v iii._o produce_v tusc_n qu._n lib._n iii._o by_o tully_n too_o plain_a to_o be_v evade_v show_v that_o he_o do_v place_v all_o happiness_n in_o sensual_a pleasure_n only_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o enjoy_v they_o as_o quiet_o and_o secure_o as_o he_o can_v and_o for_o this_o reason_n lay_v down_o divers_a rule_n by_o way_n of_o expedient_a to_o keep_v the_o mind_n in_o peace_n void_a of_o all_o auxiety_n in_o this_o life_n and_o of_o all_o hope_n or_o fear_n of_o a_o future_a state_n the_o prevail_a belief_n of_o the_o eternal_a punishment_n of_o wicked_a man_n after_o death_n be_v enough_o to_o ruin_v all_o his_o philosophy_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o be_v remove_v which_o yet_o he_o be_v never_o able_a to_o effect_v so_o that_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n sufficient_o know_v to_o make_v all_o man_n sensible_a of_o what_o they_o must_v expect_v will_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o sin_n and_o what_o god_n have_v threaten_v so_o long_o before_o and_o have_v give_v man_n time_n and_o opportunity_n and_o ability_n to_o avoid_v they_o can_v fall_v under_o but_o through_o their_o own_o wilfulness_n and_o misbehaviour_n and_o can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o complain_v when_o it_o come_v upon_o they_o 3._o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o sanction_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n shall_v be_v by_o eternal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n the_o sanction_n of_o all_o law_n be_v by_o reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o the_o design_n of_o appoint_v punishment_n be_v to_o affright_v man_n from_o sin_n as_o the_o end_n of_o reward_n be_v to_o invite_v they_o to_o obedience_n the_o only_a true_a measure_n and_o just_a proportion_n therefore_o between_o the_o crime_n and_o the_o punishment_n be_v the_o suitableness_n of_o the_o punishment_n to_o enforce_v obedience_n to_o the_o law_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o be_v due_o observe_v for_o if_o the_o law_n be_v good_a and_o necessary_a and_o can_v be_v so_o well_o and_o so_o effectual_o obey_v without_o a_o very_a severe_a punishment_n to_o enforce_v it_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o punishment_n be_v so_o far_o from_o cruelty_n that_o it_o be_v a_o just_a and_o wise_a provision_n to_o secure_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n and_o procure_v all_o the_o good_a design_v by_o it_o thus_o we_o always_o judge_v in_o humane_a law_n a_o man_n be_v condemn_v to_o lose_v his_o life_n for_o take_v from_o another_o that_o which_o he_o perhaps_o can_v very_o well_o spare_v but_o we_o be_v all_o agree_v in_o the_o justice_n of_o make_v such_o example_n because_o we_o find_v that_o man_n can_v scarce_o be_v secure_a in_o their_o life_n and_o estate_n notwithstanding_o the_o severity_n of_o such_o law_n and_o if_o the_o terror_n of_o everlasting_a torment_n will_v not_o frighten_v man_n from_o sin_n what_o effect_n will_v a_o less_o punishment_n denounce_v have_v have_v upon_o they_o if_o man_n can_v but_o once_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n be_v not_o so_o terrible_a they_o free_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o all_o licentiousness_n and_o we_o know_v how_o fond_a man_n of_o wicked_a life_n be_v of_o such_o doctrine_n god_n therefore_o perfect_o understand_v the_o temper_n and_o inclination_n the_o stubborness_n and_o perverseness_n of_o man_n heart_n so_o prone_a to_o vice_n and_o so_o backward_o to_o all_o that_o be_v good_a foresee_v that_o a_o less_o punishment_n threaten_v will_v not_o prevail_v with_o man_n to_o forsake_v their_o sin_n and_o get_v to_o heaven_n and_o with_o what_o face_n can_v that_o man_n object_n that_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n be_v too_o great_a and_o intolerable_a who_o as_o terrible_a as_o they_o be_v live_v still_o secure_a and_o undisturbed_a in_o his_o sin_n if_o they_o be_v so_o great_a that_o he_o complain_v of_o they_o as_o unjust_a why_o do_v he_o not_o leave_v his_o sin_n if_o he_o do_v not_o forsake_v his_o sin_n they_o be_v not_o too_o great_a since_o they_o have_v not_o attain_v that_o end_n upon_o he_o for_o which_o the_o punishment_n be_v denounce_v viz._n his_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n but_o if_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v their_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o continue_v in_o his_o sin_n this_o show_v how_o necessary_a the_o denounce_v and_o how_o necessary_a the_o belief_n of_o eternal_a punishment_n be_v out_o of_o thy_o own_o mouth_n will_v i_o judge_v thou_o thou_o wicked_a servant_n thou_o know_v that_o i_o be_v a_o austere_a man_n wherefore_o then_o do_v thou_o not_o do_v as_o thou_o be_v command_v 4._o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o eternal_a punishment_n shall_v be_v inflict_v upon_o the_o wicked_a according_a to_o the_o sanction_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n by_o â—ternal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n we_o find_v by_o sad_a experience_n how_o little_a offect_v the_o punishment_n now_o threaten_v have_v upon_o too_o many_o man_n and_o if_o they_o be_v less_o dreadful_a they_o will_v be_v so_o much_o the_o less_o regard_v so_o that_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o appointment_n of_o eternal_a punishment_n be_v but_o necessary_a to_o keep_v man_n from_o sin_n and_o what_o god_n wisdom_n see_v necessary_a to_o appoint_v his_o justice_n and_o truth_n will_v make_v it_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o inflict_v for_o what_o he_o have_v so_o often_o and_o so_o solemn_o declare_v he_o can_v never_o depart_v from_o but_o will_v certain_o execute_v it_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n relate_v this_o life_n be_v conditional_a and_o be_v express_o declare_v to_o be_v so_o jer._n xviii_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o because_o in_o this_o life_n man_n be_v changeable_a from_o good_a to_o bad_a or_o from_o bad_a to_o good_a but_o the_o threaten_n as_o well_o as_o the_o promise_v concern_v the_o other_o life_n must_v be_v absolute_a and_o unconditional_a because_o they_o relate_v to_o a_o unchangeable_a sinal_a state_n which_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o alteration_n either_o in_o the_o wicked_a or_o the_o righteous_a it_o be_v not_o therefore_o because_o god_n can_v recede_v from_o his_o threaten_n rather_o then_o from_o his_o promise_n that_o nineveh_n be_v spare_v but_o because_o all_o threaten_n belong_v to_o the_o state_n of_o this_o life_n imply_v a_o condition_n of_o repentance_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v inflict_v as_o jonah_n and_o the_o ninevite_n themselves_o well_o understand_v but_o then_o all_o promise_v too_o which_o concern_v this_o life_n be_v under_o the_o like_a condition_n and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v perform_v upon_o the_o disobedience_n of_o those_o to_o who_o they_o be_v make_v as_o we_o be_v assure_v by_o god_n express_a declaration_n but_o what_o be_v threaten_v or_o promise_v to_o man_n to_o befall_v they_o after_o this_o life_n be_v promise_v or_o threaten_v to_o befall_v they_o when_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o a_o fix_a unalterable_a state_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v uncapable_a of_o any_o condition_n or_o reserve_v to_o be_v imply_v in_o it_o for_o when_o man_n continue_v the_o same_o they_o be_v at_o the_o time_n when_o god_n promise_n and_o threaten_n be_v declare_v to_o they_o his_o promise_n and_o threaten_n always_o take_v place_n in_o this_o world_n according_a to_o the_o full_a extent_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o word_n in_o which_o they_o be_v deliver_v and_o therefore_o they_o must_v thus_o take_v place_n in_o the_o next_o world_n into_o which_o when_o man_n be_v once_o enter_v they_o must_v for_o ever_o continue_v equal_o fit_a object_n either_o of_o the_o divine_a promise_n or_o threaten_n as_o they_o be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o death_n the_o point_n be_v that_o god_n never_o change_v but_o man_n be_v changeable_a in_o this_o life_n and_o both_o his_o promise_n and_o threaten_n which_o concern_v man_n here_o suppose_v they_o such_o and_o therefore_o reward_n be_v withhold_v or_o punishment_n remit_v in_o this_o world_n as_o man_n fall_v into_o wickedness_n or_o become_v reclaim_v from_o it_o but_o in_o the_o other_o world_n where_o the_o state_n of_o man_n be_v unalterable_a from_o good_a or_o bad_a virtuous_a or_o vicious_a both_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o god_n must_v be_v punctual_o fulfil_v and_o can_v admit_v of_o no_o condition_n or_o reservation_n god_n have_v swear_v that_o those_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v and_o obey_v he_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n heb._n iii._o 1i_fw-la and_o what_o he_o have_v once_o swear_v be_v irrevocable_a heb._n vi_fw-la 17._o if_o we_o believe_v not_o yet_o be_v abide_v faithful_a he_o can_v deny_v himself_o 2_o tim
their_o carnal_a appetite_n have_v conclude_v that_o the_o body_n be_v make_v not_o by_o god_n but_o by_o a_o wicked_a be_v and_o that_o the_o soul_n only_o be_v from_o god_n since_o therefore_o god_n be_v please_v to_o regard_v our_o body_n as_o member_n of_o christ_n and_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o in_o contradiction_n to_o these_o and_o such_o like_a error_n they_o shall_v by_o some_o rite_n or_o sign_n be_v devote_v to_o he_o by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v declare_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o body_n ephes_n v._o 23._o and_o by_o which_o such_o grace_n may_v be_v communicate_v as_o to_o render_v it_o the_o temple_n and_o place_n of_o residence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n set_z apart_z and_o dedicate_v to_o he_o and_o inhabit_v by_o he_o that_o the_o whole_a spirit_n and_o soul_n and_o body_n may_v be_v preserve_v blameless_a unto_o the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 1_o thes_n v._o 23._o it_o be_v the_o great_a and_o gracious_a design_n of_o god_n to_o sanctify_v the_o whole_a man_n and_o therefore_o christ_n take_v not_o only_o a_o humane_a soul_n but_o humane_a flesh_n likewise_o to_o dignify_v it_o in_o the_o assumption_n and_o offer_v it_o upon_o the_o cross_n and_o translate_v it_o into_o glory_n and_o as_o his_o incarnation_n show_v the_o particular_a regard_n he_o have_v for_o the_o body_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n so_o the_o whole_a institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v relation_n to_o both_o 4._o last_o the_o sacrament_n be_v foederal_n rite_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n as_o into_o a_o visible_a society_n and_o of_o our_o union_n with_o it_o as_o such_o for_o we_o can_v be_v admit_v into_o a_o visible_a society_n nor_o communicate_v with_o it_o but_o by_o visible_a and_o outward_a act_n which_o must_v be_v perform_v in_o the_o body_n so_o that_o whatever_o way_n we_o consider_v the_o sacrament_n either_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n or_o of_o ourselves_o or_o of_o other_o there_o be_v a_o necessary_a use_n and_o benefit_n from_o they_o and_o evident_a reason_n for_o their_o institution_n they_o be_v requisite_a as_o symbol_n of_o our_o entrance_n into_o covenant_n with_o god_n or_o of_o the_o renew_n and_o confirmation_n of_o it_o and_o of_o dedicate_a both_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n to_o his_o honour_n and_o service_n they_o be_v instrument_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o pledge_n of_o his_o promise_n make_v to_o we_o by_o covenant_n and_o of_o the_o reward_n and_o happiness_n both_o of_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n at_o the_o resurrection_n and_o be_v visible_a mark_n and_o evidence_n of_o our_o profession_n as_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o it_o and_o our_o communion_n with_o it_o ii_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n full_o answer_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o sacrament_n after_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n by_o he_o it_o be_v of_o no_o long_a use_n or_o continuance_n the_o gospel_n be_v to_o introduce_v a_o spiritual_a service_n by_o teach_v man_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n yet_o there_o be_v need_n of_o some_o external_a ordinance_n or_o sacrament_n the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o the_o state_n of_o this_o world_n require_v they_o but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v as_o few_o as_o possible_a christ_n have_v appoint_v but_o two_o sacrament_n as_o general_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o these_o the_o fit_a and_o most_o expedient_a for_o the_o benefit_n and_o want_n of_o men._n 1._o as_o to_o baptism_n the_o reason_n and_o design_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o sacrament_n be_v all_o visible_a in_o it_o it_o be_v a_o very_a significant_a and_o apt_a representation_n of_o the_o cleanse_n and_o purify_n the_o soul_n from_o sin_n and_o in_o this_o man_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o of_o all_o religion_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v agree_v for_o nothing_o be_v more_o frequent_a among_o the_o heathen_n than_o their_o wash_n and_o purification_n and_o though_o they_o attribute_v a_o great_a deal_n too_o much_o to_o they_o yet_o the_o superstitious_a opinion_n which_o they_o have_v of_o these_o outward_a cleansing_n can_v never_o have_v so_o universal_o prevail_v if_o there_o have_v not_o be_v some_o foundation_n for_o the_o use_n of_o they_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o that_o be_v the_o great_a fitness_n which_o be_v in_o these_o outward_a wash_n to_o excite_v we_o to_o purity_n of_o mind_n and_o to_o represent_v the_o great_a duty_n which_o lie_v upon_o we_o to_o keep_v our_o conscience_n undefiled_a which_o only_o can_v render_v we_o accept_v with_o god_n and_o as_o these_o wash_n and_o purification_n be_v common_a in_o other_o religion_n so_o the_o jewish_a church_n be_v wont_a to_o receive_v proselyte_n or_o convert_v by_o baptism_n for_o which_o custom_n they_o allege_v the_o command_n of_o god_n to_o moses_n exod._n nineteeen_o 10._o but_o 6._o but_o hebr._n &_o talmud_n exercit._n on_o matt._n iii._o 6._o dr._n lightfoot_n set_v it_o high_o and_o think_v it_o be_v begin_v by_o jacob_n gen._n xxxv_o 2._o and_o our_o saviour_n who_o both_o in_o his_o word_n and_o action_n throughout_o the_o whole_a gospel_n condescend_v to_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o custom_n in_o use_n among_o the_o jew_n so_o far_o as_o they_o may_v be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v please_v to_o make_v choice_n of_o baptism_n for_o the_o admission_n of_o person_n to_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o religion_n as_o the_o jew_n use_v it_o for_o the_o admission_n of_o their_o proselyte_n baptism_n be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o plain_a and_o easy_a rite_n and_o have_v a_o natural_a significancy_n of_o that_o purity_n of_o heart_n which_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o promote_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v fit_v to_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o cleanse_n of_o our_o soul_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o purity_n and_o holiness_n which_o be_v convey_v in_o this_o sacrament_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o regeneration_n which_o be_v confer_v by_o it_o john_n three_o 5._o tit._n iii._o 5._o and_o it_o be_v in_o use_n both_o among_o jew_n and_o gentile_n it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o proper_a because_o both_o have_v already_o a_o opinion_n of_o the_o expediency_n of_o it_o christ_n come_v to_o abolish_v the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n and_o the_o vain_a and_o idolatrous_a superstition_n of_o the_o heathen_a worship_n and_o yet_o some_o outward_a rite_n of_o worship_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o dedicate_v the_o body_n as_o well_o as_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n honour_n and_o service_n to_o be_v a_o pledge_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o put_v man_n in_o mind_n of_o that_o integrity_n and_o purity_n of_o life_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v and_o to_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o convey_v it_o and_o to_o admit_v they_o as_o visible_a member_n into_o the_o church_n and_o as_o baptism_n be_v very_o expedient_a to_o be_v institute_v upon_o all_o these_o account_n so_o it_o have_v this_o peculiar_a advantage_n beyond_o any_o other_o rite_n that_o it_o be_v already_o in_o great_a use_n and_o esteem_v and_o can_v seem_v strange_a neither_o to_o jew_n nor_o gentile_n but_o it_o have_v be_v a_o very_a strange_a thing_n to_o both_o and_o very_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n if_o the_o most_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a religion_n that_o can_v be_v on_o this_o side_n heaven_n have_v be_v institute_v without_o any_o external_a rite_n for_o the_o admission_n into_o it_o this_o have_v be_v to_o suppose_v the_o church_n to_o consist_v of_o angel_n and_o not_o of_o man_n who_o have_v need_v of_o assistance_n from_o outward_a object_n in_o their_o high_a act_n of_o religion_n it_o have_v be_v to_o make_v man_n to_o suspect_v that_o the_o body_n as_o some_o heretic_n imagine_v be_v little_o regard_v of_o god_n if_o no_o notice_n have_v be_v take_v of_o it_o at_o our_o reception_n into_o covenant_n with_o he_o and_o it_o beside_o have_v be_v to_o contradict_v the_o notion_n which_o mankind_n have_v ever_o have_v of_o religion_n and_o to_o give_v the_o high_a scandal_n both_o to_o jew_n and_o gentile_n 2._o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v so_o often_o the_o subject_n of_o sermon_n and_o of_o every_o good_a christian_n meditation_n that_o very_o little_a needs_o to_o be_v here_o say_v of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n have_v a_o peculiar_a suitableness_n to_o
life_n have_v be_v the_o soul_n must_v be_v unite_v to_o the_o self_n same_o body_n so_o dispose_v and_o qualify_v to_o affect_v the_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v in_o this_o life_n only_o with_o infinite_o great_a more_o exquisite_a and_o more_o last_a degree_n of_o pain_n or_o of_o joy_n and_o satisfaction_n yet_o without_o any_o mixture_n of_o gross_a and_o sensual_a pleasure_n in_o the_o righteous_a but_o only_o such_o as_o be_v suitable_a to_o spiritual_a body_n and_o this_o disposition_n of_o body_n depend_v upon_o the_o virtuous_a or_o vicious_a action_n and_o habit_n of_o man_n here_o for_o a_o body_n by_o vicious_a practice_n and_o custom_n prone_a to_o rage_v and_o furious_a passion_n insatiable_a appetite_n and_o torment_a inclination_n and_o desire_n without_o any_o thing_n to_o gratify_v or_o assuage_v they_o must_v have_v quite_o another_o effect_n upon_o a_o soul_n than_o a_o body_n subdue_v to_o the_o mild_a and_o calm_a and_o obedient_a temper_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o though_o god_n can_v by_o his_o almighty_a power_n form_v another_o body_n to_o that_o frame_n and_o disposition_n which_o the_o body_n of_o any_o particular_a man_n be_v in_o when_o his_o soul_n depart_v out_o of_o it_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o purity_n by_o his_o immediate_a power_n to_o frame_v a_o new_a body_n to_o the_o deprave_a temper_n and_o inclination_n of_o a_o vicious_a man._n and_o we_o be_v so_o little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n that_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v a_o soul_n can_v be_v unite_v only_o to_o its_o proper_a body_n the_o truth_n be_v we_o know_v nothing_o of_o these_o matter_n but_o from_o the_o scripture_n all_o beside_o be_v only_a conjecture_n but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v probable_a even_o to_o our_o reason_n though_o indeed_o it_o ought_v to_o over-rule_v reason_n especial_o in_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o obscure_a and_o so_o little_o understand_v by_o we_o god_n have_v declare_v that_o he_o will_v raise_v these_o body_n to_o life_n again_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o whatever_o we_o may_v think_v of_o it_o to_o he_o all_o thing_n be_v alike_o easy_a it_o be_v as_o easy_a for_o he_o to_o do_v as_o to_o say_v it_o chap._n xxvi_o of_o the_o reason_n why_o christ_n do_v not_o show_v himself_o to_o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n after_o his_o resurrection_n st_n peter_n speak_v of_o christ_n resurrection_n say_v he_o god_n raise_v up_o the_o three_o day_n and_o show_v he_o open_o not_o to_o all_o the_o people_n but_o unto_o witness_n choose_v before_o of_o god_n even_o to_o we_o who_o do_v eat_v and_o drink_v with_o he_o after_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a act_v x._o 40_o 41._o after_o his_o resurrection_n he_o be_v show_v open_o but_o not_o to_o all_o the_o people_n he_o be_v see_v in_o a_o plain_a and_o open_a manner_n yet_o not_o so_o public_o as_o to_o make_v all_o the_o people_n witness_n of_o his_o resurrection_n the_o will_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o we_o of_o all_o his_o action_n especial_o in_o act_n of_o mercy_n for_o it_o will_v be_v a_o strange_a return_v make_v but_o to_o a_o man_n for_o any_o favour_n receive_v to_o be_v captious_a and_o quarrelsome_a about_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o bestow_n it_o instead_o of_o be_v grateful_a to_o he_o for_o it_o but_o beside_o this_o general_a reason_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v of_o force_n with_o we_o in_o all_o case_n there_o be_v reason_n peculiar_a to_o the_o present_a case_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o even_o according_a to_o our_o own_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n i._o there_o be_v reason_n peculiar_a to_o this_o dispensation_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n why_o christ_n shall_v not_o show_v himself_o to_o all_o the_o people_n after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a ii_o it_o have_v not_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o other_o dispensation_n of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n for_o he_o to_o do_v it_o iii_o great_a number_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v give_v over_o to_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o will_v not_o have_v believe_v though_o they_o have_v see_v christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n iv_o if_o they_o have_v believe_v their_o conversion_n have_v not_o be_v a_o great_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n than_o their_o unbelief_n have_v be_v v._o the_o power_n of_o his_o resurrection_n manifest_v in_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n bestow_v upon_o the_o apostle_n be_v as_o great_a a_o proof_n of_o his_o resurrection_n as_o the_o personal_a appearance_n of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o can_v have_v be_v 1._o there_o be_v reason_n peculiar_a to_o this_o dispensation_n of_o his_o resurrection_n why_o christ_n shall_v not_o show_v himself_o to_o all_o the_o people_n after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n be_v to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n not_o according_a to_o the_o infirmity_n and_o condescension_n of_o the_o humane_a the_o time_n of_o his_o converse_v with_o man_n be_v at_o a_o end_n at_o his_o death_n and_o then_o another_o method_n and_o manner_n of_o dispensation_n be_v to_o begin_v he_o be_v then_o to_o converse_v only_o with_o his_o particular_a friend_n and_o favourite_n to_o satisfy_v they_o of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o to_o instruct_v and_o enable_v they_o both_o by_o their_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n to_o satisfy_v other_o it_o can_v not_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o majesty_n which_o he_o have_v assume_v after_o his_o resurrection_n to_o submit_v himself_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o his_o enemy_n he_o have_v suffer_v enough_o from_o they_o already_o in_o the_o state_n of_o his_o humiliation_n and_o must_v he_o never_o be_v above_o the_o suspicion_n and_o scrutiny_n of_o their_o malice_n shall_v not_o his_o resurrection_n free_v he_o from_o it_o when_o they_o see_v he_o hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n they_o cry_v out_o with_o upbraid_v and_o insolent_a scorn_n that_o they_o will_v believe_v in_o he_o if_o he_o will_v come_v down_o from_o thence_o but_o neither_o do_v they_o deserve_v such_o a_o miracle_n to_o be_v wrought_v at_o their_o pleasure_n who_o thus_o call_v for_o it_o nor_o be_v it_o suitable_a to_o the_o divine_a dispensation_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v wrought_v it_o be_v neither_o fit_v that_o he_o shall_v save_v himself_o from_o death_n nor_o that_o he_o shall_v appear_v to_o they_o after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a he_o be_v to_o die_v for_o our_o redemption_n and_o as_o we_o have_v want_v the_o argument_n from_o his_o resurrection_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n if_o he_o have_v come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n so_o if_o he_o have_v appear_v to_o all_o the_o jew_n we_o have_v want_v other_o evidence_n which_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v at_o least_o amount_n to_o all_o the_o proof_n which_o that_o can_v have_v give_v in_o the_o state_n of_o his_o humiliation_n our_o saviour_n be_v please_v to_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n and_o to_o all_o their_o affront_v and_o injury_n but_o when_o this_o their_o hour_n and_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n be_v once_o past_a they_o be_v to_o see_v he_o no_o more_o but_o with_o confusion_n of_o face_n and_o terror_n of_o mind_n yet_o his_o mercy_n be_v still_o the_o same_o towards_o they_o one_o of_o the_o great_a persecutor_n be_v convert_v by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n the_o son_n of_o man_n speak_v to_o he_o from_o thence_o that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o happy_a instrument_n in_o the_o conversion_n of_o other_o and_o a_o pattern_n to_o they_o of_o the_o long_a suffering_n of_o christ_n 1_o tim._n i_o 16._o but_o his_o manifestation_n of_o himself_o to_o st._n paul_n at_o his_o conversion_n be_v with_o dreadful_a awe_n and_o majesty_n not_o in_o that_o mild_a and_o gracious_a glory_n in_o which_o he_o be_v see_v by_o st._n stephen_n and_o it_o be_v reserve_v for_o those_o who_o persecute_v and_o pierce_v he_o to_o look_v upon_o he_o with_o consternation_n and_o anguish_n at_o the_o last_o day_n rev._n i_o 7._o 2._o it_o have_v not_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o other_o dispensation_n of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n for_o christ_n to_o be_v show_v open_o to_o all_o the_o people_n god_n may_v work_v such_o astonish_a miracle_n and_o strike_v such_o terror_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o to_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o any_o one_o to_o doubt_v of_o his_o existence_n or_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n but_o he_o do_v not_o all_o which_o he_o can_v do_v but_o what_o he_o in_o his_o wisdom_n see_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v he_o do_v not_o use_v all_o the_o
mean_n which_o some_o man_n may_v conceit_n he_o may_v use_v but_o leave_v man_n without_o excuse_n and_o then_o require_v their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n at_o their_o peril_n to_o imagine_v that_o christ_n shall_v have_v appear_v promiscuous_o unto_o all_o be_v as_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v communicate_v himself_o to_o all_o alike_o or_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v speak_v from_o heaven_n to_o man_n without_o the_o message_n and_o ministry_n of_o his_o prophet_n for_o when_o christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a he_o be_v no_o long_o to_o act_v like_o a_o mortal_a man_n but_o as_o in_o his_o glorify_a state_n as_o our_o lord_n and_o king_n and_o as_o god_n in_o our_o humane_a nature_n now_o no_o long_o subject_n to_o any_o of_o its_o imperfection_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v no_o more_o to_o come_v himself_o to_o the_o people_n as_o he_o have_v do_v in_o the_o state_n of_o his_o humiliation_n but_o to_o send_v his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n among_o they_o as_o he_o have_v before_o his_o incarnation_n send_v the_o prophet_n 3._o great_a number_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v give_v up_o to_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o will_v not_o have_v believe_v though_o they_o have_v see_v christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n those_o who_o when_o they_o have_v see_v our_o saviour_n miracle_n have_v vilify_v they_o and_o blaspheme_v the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o who_o they_o be_v wrought_v have_v their_o heart_n harden_v that_o see_v they_o may_v see_v and_o not_o perceive_v and_o be_v convert_v and_o of_o this_o number_n the_o chief_a priest_n and_o elder_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v who_o hire_v the_o solider_n to_o contradict_v and_o stifle_v the_o belief_n of_o his_o resurrection_n with_o a_o false_a story_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n the_o chief_a priest_n before_o have_v consult_v to_o put_v lazarus_n to_o death_n when_o he_o be_v undeniable_o know_v to_o have_v be_v raise_v from_o the_o grave_a john_n twelve_o 10._o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o belief_n in_o christ_n by_o the_o sight_n of_o lazarus_n that_o they_o full_o verify_v that_o say_v that_o there_o be_v some_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a lazarus_n be_v show_v open_o to_o all_o the_o people_n and_o live_v among_o they_o for_o many_o year_n after_o he_o have_v be_v restore_v to_o life_n again_o when_o he_o have_v be_v dead_a four_o day_n and_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v though_o they_o see_v and_o converse_v with_o he_o but_o be_v the_o more_o enrage_a at_o it_o christ_n himself_o therefore_o after_o his_o resurrection_n do_v not_o vouchsafe_v they_o his_o presence_n but_o use_v other_o mean_n which_o be_v more_o proper_a 4._o if_o the_o jew_n have_v believe_v in_o christ_n their_o conversion_n have_v not_o be_v a_o great_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n than_o their_o unbelief_n have_v be_v their_o stubbornness_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n with_o their_o dispersion_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o the_o prediction_n likewise_o of_o the_o prophet_n in_o so_o miraculous_a a_o manner_n not_o only_o at_o a_o distance_n but_o in_o judea_n and_o in_o jerusalem_n itself_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o opposition_n which_o the_o jew_n can_v make_v give_v as_o great_a a_o testimony_n to_o it_o as_o their_o favour_n and_o protection_n can_v have_v do_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n rather_o to_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n than_o to_o use_v such_o further_a method_n with_o they_o as_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o divine_a dispensation_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o will_v either_o have_v only_o harden_v they_o to_o a_o great_a degree_n or_o at_o least_o will_v not_o have_v prove_v more_o effectual_a towards_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n 5._o the_o power_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n manifest_v in_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n bestow_v upon_o the_o apostle_n be_v as_o great_a a_o proof_n of_o his_o resurrection_n as_o the_o personal_a appearance_n of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o can_v have_v be_v our_o saviour_n show_v himself_o to_o witness_n choose_v before_o of_o god_n to_o be_v witness_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v both_o in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o in_o jerusalem_n act_v x._o 39_o 41._o these_o man_n know_v his_o life_n and_o doctrine_n they_o have_v be_v instruct_v by_o he_o and_o have_v forsake_v all_o for_o he_o and_o according_a to_o his_o promise_n be_v endue_v with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a to_o enable_v they_o to_o testify_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o see_v he_o but_o have_v often_o converse_v with_o he_o after_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o one_o of_o their_o chief_a qualification_n be_v that_o they_o be_v but_o a_o few_o poor_a and_o ignorant_a man_n without_o force_n or_o policy_n without_o any_o art_n or_o contrivance_n they_o can_v tell_v a_o plain_a truth_n but_o can_v neither_o feign_v nor_o dissemble_v if_o they_o have_v be_v more_o in_o number_n the_o conversion_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v so_o much_o the_o less_o miraculous_a and_o they_o be_v not_o choose_v out_o of_o the_o scribe_n and_o elder_n who_o have_v be_v use_v to_o artifices_fw-la and_o falshood_n but_o have_v they_o all_o along_o their_o enemy_n and_o oppose_v to_o their_o craft_n and_o power_n a_o honest_a simplicity_n of_o mind_n that_o neither_o know_v what_o belong_v to_o deceit_n nor_o fear_v any_o in_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n nor_o be_v they_o in_o the_o least_o discourage_v to_o see_v their_o own_o and_o all_o other_o nation_n against_o they_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o wise_a and_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o weak_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v mighty_a 1_o cor._n i_o 27._o these_o man_n under_o all_o necessity_n and_o persecution_n and_o danger_n and_o torment_n both_o live_n and_o die_v witness_v that_o they_o have_v see_v christ_n alive_a after_o he_o have_v be_v crucify_a and_o though_o they_o be_v but_o very_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o their_o enemy_n yet_o consider_v as_o witness_n they_o be_v many_o for_o he_o be_v see_v by_o above_o five_o hundred_o at_o once_o which_o be_v a_o vast_a number_n in_o any_o matter_n of_o evidence_n and_o if_o so_o many_o man_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a testimony_n no_o number_n of_o man_n can_v have_v be_v that_o which_o be_v demonstrate_v but_o in_o one_o way_n be_v as_o certain_a as_o if_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a in_o never_o so_o many_o method_n and_o he_o who_o see_v a_o thing_n plain_o with_o his_o two_o eye_n may_v be_v as_o sure_a of_o it_o as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o so_o many_o eye_n to_o see_v it_o withal_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n that_o the_o testimony_n of_o two_o man_n be_v true_a or_o credible_a and_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o for_o truth_n john_n viij_o 17._o and_o it_o be_v the_o law_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o nation_n to_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o small_a number_n of_o sufficient_a witness_n in_o proof_n of_o the_o most_o important_a affair_n and_o if_o these_o witness_n choose_v before_o of_o god_n speak_v and_o act_v and_o suffer_v as_o no_o man_n will_v or_o can_v have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o what_o they_o testify_v and_o assist_v from_o above_o in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v as_o infallible_o deliver_v to_o we_o by_o their_o testimony_n as_o it_o can_v have_v be_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o never_o so_o many_o more_o for_o all_o that_o never_o so_o many_o other_o can_v have_v do_v will_v have_v be_v but_o the_o same_o thing_n over_o again_o which_o these_o man_n certify_v by_o many_o infallible_a proof_n and_o what_o be_v once_o infallible_o prove_v be_v as_o certain_a as_o if_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v agree_v in_o declare_v it_o it_o be_v not_o the_o number_n of_o witness_n but_o the_o character_n and_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n and_o the_o evidence_n itself_o in_o its_o full_a force_n and_o circumstance_n which_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v regard_v in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n if_o but_o a_o few_o man_n can_v make_v it_o sufficient_o appear_v as_o the_o apostle_n do_v by_o undeniable_a miracle_n that_o what_o they_o say_v be_v true_a and_o that_o god_n himself_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o they_o then_o appeal_v to_o every_o man_n be_v own_o sense_n before_o who_o they_o work_v their_o miracle_n and_o make_v every_o one_o that_o see_v they_o a_o
witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n god_n himself_o bear_v witness_n to_o it_o and_o the_o jew_n may_v have_v say_v in_o this_o as_o they_o do_v in_o a_o very_a different_a case_n what_o need_v we_o any_o further_a witness_n for_o we_o ourselves_o have_v hear_v of_o their_o own_o mouth_n in_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o tongue_n or_o see_v it_o with_o our_o own_o eye_n in_o the_o many_o wonderful_a work_n which_o be_v continual_o wrought_v in_o the_o most_o public_a manner_n in_o testimony_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n our_o bless_a saviour_n therefore_o give_v as_o full_a proof_n of_o his_o resurrection_n as_o if_o he_o have_v appear_v in_o the_o temple_n or_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o this_o have_v not_o be_v more_o effectual_a to_o the_o conversion_n of_o most_o of_o they_o nor_o more_o sufficient_a to_o evidence_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o his_o appearance_n to_o his_o disciple_n be_v and_o if_o the_o jew_n have_v unanimous_o believe_v it_o can_v not_o have_v contribute_v more_o to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n than_o their_o unbelief_n have_v do_v he_o send_v his_o apostle_n with_o a_o miraculous_a power_n as_o convince_a as_o his_o own_o appearance_n can_v have_v be_v and_o all_o thing_n consider_v the_o jew_n afford_v we_o as_o full_a evidence_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o oppose_v it_o as_o they_o can_v have_v do_v by_o their_o compliance_n with_o it_o and_o since_o we_o have_v sufficient_a testimony_n to_o resolve_v our_o faith_n into_o the_o divine_a veracity_n the_o certainty_n be_v the_o same_o whether_o the_o witness_n be_v more_o or_o few_o because_o it_o depend_v upon_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n which_o be_v always_o the_o same_o whatever_o the_o mean_n be_v by_o which_o our_o faith_n be_v resolve_v into_o it_o chap._n xxvii_o of_o the_o forty_o day_n in_o which_o christ_n remain_v upon_o earth_n after_o his_o resurrection_n and_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o ascension_n our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v certify_v his_o disciple_n of_o his_o resurrection_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o give_v they_o many_o infallible_a proof_n of_o it_o or_o else_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v infallible_o prove_v and_o that_o which_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o matter_n be_v that_o he_o be_v see_v by_o they_o not_o once_o but_o often_o not_o for_o a_o short_a time_n or_o at_o a_o hasty_a interview_n but_o for_o forty_o day_n together_o and_o then_o he_o perform_v the_o common_a action_n of_o humane_a life_n he_o do_v eat_v and_o drink_v with_o they_o and_o discourse_v with_o they_o of_o the_o thing_n relate_v to_o his_o kingdom_n to_o who_o also_o he_o show_v himself_o alive_a after_o his_o passion_n by_o many_o infallible_a proof_n be_v see_v of_o they_o forty_o day_n and_o speak_v of_o the_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n act_n i_o 3._o that_o which_o i_o here_o design_n be_v to_o make_v some_o observation_n upon_o the_o conversation_n that_o our_o saviour_n have_v with_o his_o disciple_n during_o the_o forty_o day_n between_o his_o resurrection_n and_o his_o ascension_n and_o upon_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o leave_v they_o when_o he_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n 2._o the_o scripture_n acquaint_v we_o that_o our_o saviour_n be_v see_v of_o his_o disciple_n forty_o day_n or_o that_o he_o vouchsafe_v they_o his_o presence_n the_o great_a part_n of_o that_o time_n which_o he_o remain_v upon_o earth_n after_o his_o resurrection_n but_o in_o what_o manner_n all_o that_o time_n be_v spend_v with_o they_o we_o be_v not_o where_o tell_v which_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o we_o consider_v how_o much_o of_o his_o former_a life_n be_v conceal_v from_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n and_o in_o the_o plain_a and_o sincere_a manner_n in_o the_o world_n to_o inform_v we_o of_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n we_o have_v nothing_o take_v notice_n of_o for_o ostentation_n nor_o for_o ornament_n but_o many_o thing_n omit_v in_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v think_v needful_a in_o humane_a author_n to_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a history_n we_o have_v no_o more_o mention_v of_o his_o parentage_n than_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o he_o be_v descend_v from_o david_n and_o bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n as_o the_o prophet_n have_v foretell_v of_o he_o when_o he_o be_v bear_v we_o read_v that_o the_o shepherd_n and_o the_o wiseman_n come_v to_o worship_v he_o that_o he_o be_v circumcise_a that_o he_o be_v bring_v to_o jerusalem_n to_o be_v present_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o he_o be_v carry_v into_o egypt_n to_o avoid_v herod_n cruelty_n and_o hereby_o know_v prophecy_n be_v fulfil_v afterward_o he_o be_v bring_v to_o nazareth_n upon_o the_o death_n of_o herod_n and_o from_o that_o time_n we_o read_v no_o more_o of_o he_o till_o the_o twelve_o year_n of_o his_o age_n when_o he_o dispute_v with_o the_o doctor_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o then_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o he_o go_v down_o to_o nazareth_n and_o be_v subject_a to_o his_o mother_n and_o to_o joseph_n and_o in_o general_a term_n that_o he_o increase_v in_o wisdom_n and_o stature_n and_o in_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o man_n as_o it_o be_v before_o say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o grow_v and_o wax_v strong_a in_o spirit_n fill_v with_o wisdom_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o he_o luke_n two_o 40_o 52._o the_o next_o time_n we_o read_v any_o thing_n of_o he_o be_v when_o he_o be_v about_o thirty_o year_n of_o age_n and_o come_v to_o john_n to_o be_v baptise_a thus_o not_o only_o during_o his_o infancy_n and_o childhood_n there_o be_v little_o relate_v of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n but_o his_o ripe_a year_n be_v pass_v over_o in_o silence_n in_o all_o which_o time_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o there_o be_v no_o speech_n or_o action_n of_o so_o divine_a a_o person_n but_o what_o well_o deserve_v the_o observation_n of_o all_o that_o know_v he_o and_o be_v more_o worthy_a of_o mention_n in_o history_n than_o all_o the_o renown_a adventure_n and_o exploit_n or_o than_o the_o wise_a or_o witty_a say_n which_o adorn_v the_o life_n of_o the_o great_a among_o the_o son_n of_o men._n but_o modesty_n humility_n and_o a_o contempt_n of_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n be_v some_o of_o the_o great_a and_o useful_a doctrine_n in_o which_o he_o come_v to_o instruct_v mankind_n and_o he_o can_v not_o do_v this_o more_o effectual_o than_o by_o his_o own_o example_n in_o lead_v a_o mean_a and_o obscure_a life_n little_o know_v or_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o world_n till_o two_o or_o three_o year_n before_o he_o be_v to_o leave_v it_o by_o a_o cruel_a and_o infamous_a death_n he_o do_v not_o choose_v to_o spend_v his_o time_n in_o place_n of_o public_a resort_v and_o converse_v and_o when_o he_o dispute_v in_o the_o temple_n yet_o nothing_o of_o the_o particular_n be_v mention_v this_o obscure_a and_o unknown_a person_n be_v to_o rebuke_v and_o control_v the_o pride_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o popular_a scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o after_o he_o have_v appear_v in_o the_o world_n very_o much_o of_o his_o life_n be_v spend_v in_o privacy_n and_o retirement_n not_o many_o of_o his_o discourse_n be_v deliver_v down_o to_o we_o and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o action_n be_v omit_v for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v all_o write_v and_o describe_v in_o their_o several_a circumstance_n many_o volume_n must_v have_v be_v take_v up_o in_o the_o narrative_a of_o they_o insomuch_o that_o st._n john_n suppose_v that_o even_o the_o world_n itself_o can_v not_o have_v contain_v the_o book_n that_o shall_v have_v be_v write_v joh._n xxi_o 25._o that_o be_v as_o we_o may_v express_v it_o in_o our_o language_n he_o do_v a_o world_n of_o thing_n more_o than_o these_o which_o be_v relate_v of_o he_o and_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n st._n james_n say_v that_o the_o tongue_n be_v a_o world_n of_o iniquity_n jam._n iii._o 6._o the_o meaning_n of_o st._n john_n be_v that_o hardly_o any_o word_n can_v express_v how_o many_o other_o thing_n be_v do_v by_o our_o saviour_n beside_o those_o which_o he_o have_v set_v down_o christ_n may_v have_v employ_v some_o accurate_a historian_n to_o compose_v the_o annal_n of_o his_o whole_a life_n with_o the_o great_a exactness_n imaginable_a but_o he_o be_v please_v to_o be_v represent_v to_o the_o world_n very_o imperfest_o by_o such_o as_o know_v nothing_o of_o what_o belong_v to_o the_o write_a history_n any_o far_a than_o to_o be_v able_a to_o tell_v the_o strict_a and_o necessary_a truth_n the_o
and_o who_o shall_v betray_v he_o and_o he_o say_v therefore_o say_v i_o unto_o you_o that_o no_o man_n can_v come_v unto_o i_o except_o it_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o of_o my_o father_n john_n vi_fw-la 64_o 65._o so_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v style_v a_o divine_a faith_n not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o object_n but_o of_o its_o efficient_a cause_n in_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n we_o must_v proceed_v upon_o the_o same_o principle_n of_o reason_n by_o which_o we_o proceed_v in_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o any_o other_o truth_n but_o reason_n when_o it_o come_v up_o to_o the_o evidence_n even_o of_o demonstration_n though_o it_o satisfy_v the_o understanding_n yet_o do_v not_o necessary_o gain_v that_o firm_a and_o last_a assent_n of_o the_o will_n which_o be_v require_v in_o faith_n but_o when_o the_o thing_n prove_v to_o be_v true_a be_v unacceptable_a against_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o will_n and_o against_o the_o former_a opinion_n and_o persuasion_n of_o the_o understanding_n the_o present_a conviction_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v soon_o stifle_v and_o overpower_v by_o the_o prevail_a force_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n which_o carry_v the_o mind_n off_o to_o other_o and_o contrary_a object_n which_o it_o have_v be_v wont_a to_o think_v of_o and_o believe_v thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o academic_n and_o sceptic_n they_o can_v not_o but_o have_v the_o same_o sense_n of_o mathematical_a demonstration_n and_o other_o clear_a truth_n which_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n have_v whilst_o they_o think_v of_o they_o and_o attend_v strict_o to_o they_o but_o by_o a_o constant_a practice_n to_o amuse_v themselves_o with_o subtlety_n they_o have_v wrought_v themselves_o to_o a_o persuasion_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v certain_o know_v to_o be_v true_a and_o this_o general_a and_o habitual_a opinion_n soon_o stifle_v the_o evidence_n of_o any_o particular_a truth_n which_o can_v be_v represent_v never_o so_o clear_o to_o their_o mind_n to_o as_o many_o therefore_o as_o lay_v under_o long_a and_o violent_a prejudices_fw-la by_o reason_n of_o their_o former_a opinion_n and_o of_o their_o pride_n and_o vanity_n in_o contend_v for_o they_o or_o by_o reason_n of_o any_o of_o those_o lust_n which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a power_n of_o grace_n be_v necessary_a to_o establish_v they_o in_o the_o faith_n or_o else_o though_o they_o believe_v for_o the_o present_a at_o the_o sight_n of_o some_o miracle_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o last_a or_o wellgrounded_n faith_n john_n two_o 23_o 24._o and_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o faith_n be_v deny_v to_o some_o for_o their_o sin_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v with_o their_o eye_n nor_o understand_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o be_v convert_v john_n twelve_o 40._o so_o that_o man_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o worldly_a wisdom_n may_v still_o continue_v unbeliever_n and_o not_o submit_v to_o all_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o gospel_n because_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o contrary_a to_o their_o habitual_a thought_n and_o inclination_n there_o be_v something_o necessary_a to_o convert_v the_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o to_o subdue_v the_o former_a habit_n which_o have_v be_v root_v in_o their_o mind_n by_o frequent_a act_n and_o length_n of_o time_n and_o which_o be_v too_o strong_a for_o any_o conviction_n of_o the_o understanding_n that_o consist_v but_o in_o transient_a act_n and_o be_v soon_o lose_v and_o vanish_v through_o the_o prevail_a contrary_a habit_n both_o of_o the_o understanding_n and_o will_v and_o affection_n and_o therefore_o faith_n must_v necessary_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o grace_n as_o well_o as_o of_o reason_n and_o where_o because_o of_o former_a sin_n and_o provocation_n this_o grace_n be_v not_o vouchsafe_v there_o can_v be_v no_o faith_n though_o there_o may_v be_v some_o transient_a conviction_n of_o mind_n some_o faint_a glimmering_n which_o be_v soon_o damp_a and_o extinguish_v be_v overpower_v by_o former_a contrary_a persuasion_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n those_o who_o have_v less_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n but_o be_v not_o under_o the_o power_n of_o habitual_a lust_n and_o passion_n and_o therefore_o be_v more_o easy_o persuade_v to_o any_o thing_n of_o the_o truth_n whereof_o they_o be_v once_o convince_v be_v likewise_o the_o more_o easy_o convert_v the_o cause_n why_o the_o word_n become_v unfruitful_a and_o so_o little_o prevail_v with_o many_o man_n be_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sower_n declare_v to_o be_v either_o inconsiderate_a negligence_n and_o ignorance_n and_o the_o advantage_n take_v from_o thence_o by_o satan_n or_o want_v of_o constancy_n in_o time_n of_o tribulation_n and_o persecution_n or_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o other_o thing_n matth._n xiii_o 18._o mark_v four_o 9_o it_o be_v next_o to_o a_o impossibility_n for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n or_o to_o become_v a_o christian_n they_o be_v not_o natural_a so_o much_o as_o moral_a accomplishment_n not_o so_o much_o part_n and_o learning_n as_o a_o honest_a and_o humble_a mind_n which_o be_v the_o requisite_a qualification_n for_o man_n to_o become_v christian_n because_o as_o god_n the_o more_o free_o bestow_v his_o grace_n upon_o man_n thus_o qualify_v so_o they_o be_v the_o better_o dispose_v to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o it_o whereas_o other_o though_o they_o want_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n yet_o have_v less_o vouchsafe_v to_o they_o for_o god_n resist_v the_o proud_a but_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a thus_o much_o in_o the_o general_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o give_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o unbelief_n both_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n i._o since_o there_o be_v so_o great_a evidence_n that_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o true_a christ_n it_o may_v seem_v a_o wonderful_a and_o almost_o a_o incredible_a thing_n that_o the_o jew_n shall_v so_o general_o reject_v he_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n which_o they_o have_v above_o other_o nation_n of_o be_v convert_v but_o 1._o the_o jew_n and_o proselyte_n be_v convert_v in_o vast_a number_n beside_o the_o shepherd_n simon_n and_o anna_n the_o prophetess_n acknowledge_v and_o adore_v our_o saviour_n in_o his_o infancy_n as_o the_o true_a messiah_n luke_n two_o 25_o 36._o and_o it_o be_v probable_o hebr._n probable_o buxtorf_n de_fw-fr abbreu._n hebr._n suppose_v that_o this_o be_v rabban_n simeon_n the_o son_n of_o hillel_n and_o father_n of_o gamaliel_n the_o title_n of_o rabban_n be_v the_o high_a of_o all_o title_n signify_v a_o prince_n rather_o than_o a_o doctor_n or_o teacher_n as_o rabbi_n do_v and_o there_o be_v but_o seven_o of_o the_o posterity_n of_o hillel_n who_o be_v dignify_v with_o it_o nicodemus_n joseph_n of_o arimathea_n and_o many_o other_o of_o note_n and_o eminency_n receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n about_o three_o thousand_o be_v convert_v at_o one_o time_n act_v two_o 41._o great_a number_n be_v convert_v not_o only_o of_o the_o people_n but_o of_o the_o priest_n also_o act_n vi_fw-la 7._o all_o that_o dwell_v at_o lydda_n and_o saron_n act_v ix_o 35._o many_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o religious_a proselyte_n follow_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n act_v xiii_o 43._o at_o iconium_n a_o great_a multitude_n of_o the_o jew_n believe_v act_v fourteen_o 1._o crispus_n chief_a ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n believe_v on_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o his_o house_n act_v xviii_o 8._o and_o sosâ—henes_n another_o chief_a ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n act_v xviii_o 19_o 1_o cor._n i_o 1._o apollo_n a_o eloquent_a man_n and_o mighty_a in_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o christian_a act_n xviii_o 24._o many_o thousand_o or_o myriad_o in_o the_o greek_a act_n xxi_o 20._o and_o the_o number_n of_o they_o which_o be_v seal_v be_v a_o hundred_o and_o forty_o and_o four_o thousand_o of_o all_o the_o tribe_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n rev._n seven_o 4._o the_o people_n be_v general_o well-disposed_a to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o when_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o ruler_n will_v have_v persecute_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n they_o be_v often_o force_v to_o desist_v for_o fear_n of_o the_o people_n and_o if_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o depart_v 18._o depart_v euseb_n hist_o lib._n v._o c._n 18._o from_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o space_n of_o twelve_o year_n as_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o believe_v the_o number_n of_o convert_v in_o all_o that_o time_n must_v needs_o be_v extreme_o great_a the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n flourish_v exceed_o from_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o that_o city_n be_v of_o
well_o assure_v of_o that_o in_o which_o they_o agree_v that_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o particular_a as_o to_o the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o it_o the_o difference_n among_o christian_n may_v serve_v to_o prove_v to_o we_o divine_a authority_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o scripture_n which_o contain_v it_o since_o christian_n agree_v in_o assert_v their_o divine_a authority_n and_o have_v never_o be_v so_o much_o at_o unity_n among_o themselves_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o agree_v to_o corrupt_v they_o but_o have_v certain_o deliver_v they_o down_o entire_a to_o we_o 2._o it_o be_v not_o religion_n only_o which_o man_n dispute_v about_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o beside_o in_o which_o they_o have_v not_o disagree_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o want_v of_o experience_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o world_n lead_v man_n into_o more_o inconvenience_n than_o want_v of_o part_n and_o ability_n and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o a_o thorough_a knowledge_n of_o the_o debate_n and_o contention_n in_o philosophy_n will_v soon_o cure_v most_o man_n of_o their_o infidelity_n than_o any_o argument_n can_v do_v those_o who_o raise_v objection_n against_o religion_n if_o they_o will_v but_o consider_v that_o almost_o every_o thing_n else_o have_v as_o great_a difficulty_n will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o reject_v religion_n upon_o pretence_n which_o if_o they_o hold_v must_v force_v they_o to_o reject_v all_o other_o thing_n with_o it_o and_o to_o believe_v just_a nothing_o at_o all_o there_o have_v be_v dispute_n in_o all_o age_n concern_v light_n and_o motion_n the_o wind_n and_o sea_n and_o other_o wonder_n of_o nature_n but_o it_o will_v be_v absurd_a for_o this_o reason_n to_o question_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o light_n and_o motion_n and_o whatever_o beside_o man_n have_v dispute_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v more_o absurd_a if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o allow_v that_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n against_o religion_n but_o against_o nothing_o else_o if_o the_o sun_n yield_v his_o light_n and_o nature_n go_v on_o in_o her_o constant_a course_n though_o man_n differ_v never_o so_o much_o in_o their_o philosophy_n about_o it_o what_o can_v religion_n be_v the_o worse_a for_o their_o dispute_n no_o body_n think_v that_o he_o see_v ever_o the_o less_o for_o any_o difficulty_n which_o have_v be_v urge_v concernning_a vision_n and_o why_o shall_v we_o be_v ever_o the_o less_o incline_v to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n by_o reason_n of_o any_o controversy_n in_o it_o man_n may_v dispute_v any_o thing_n and_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n but_o it_o have_v be_v dispute_v but_o nothing_o be_v the_o less_o credible_a for_o be_v dispute_v unless_o it_o can_v be_v disprove_v but_o be_v rather_o confirm_v and_o advance_v by_o it_o truth_n be_v nevertheless_o truth_n for_o meeting_n with_o opposition_n but_o be_v the_o more_o try_v and_o the_o more_o approve_a as_o strength_n and_o courage_n be_v by_o the_o sharp_a conflict_n since_o than_o there_o will_v be_v vice_n as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v man_n in_o this_o world_n and_o difference_n and_o dissension_n in_o religion_n as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v vice_n since_o they_o can_v be_v hinder_v but_o by_o the_o omnipotent_a power_n of_o god_n and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o he_o shall_v not_o interpose_v to_o prevent_v they_o since_o difference_n in_o religion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o imply_v any_o uncertainty_n in_o religion_n that_o they_o rather_o prove_v a_o confirmation_n of_o it_o and_o be_v in_o divers_a respect_n make_v useful_a and_o expedient_a to_o the_o edification_n of_o christian_n it_o must_v be_v great_a inconsideration_n and_o weakness_n to_o produce_v they_o as_o a_o objection_n against_o religion_n there_o must_v be_v heresy_n and_o the_o spirit_n speak_v express_o that_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n some_o shall_v depart_v from_o the_o faith_n give_v heed_n to_o seduce_v spirit_n and_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n speak_v lie_n in_o hypocrisy_n have_v their_o conscience_n sear_v with_o a_o hot_a iron_n 1_o tim._n four_o 12._o the_o scripture_n can_v not_o be_v true_a unless_o these_o thing_n shall_v happen_v which_o be_v foretell_v in_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n behold_v say_v our_o saviour_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o matt._n xxiv_o 25._o it_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o new_a nor_o surprise_v thing_n to_o christian_n to_o see_v heresy_n arise_v though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o wicked_a and_o abominable_a because_o we_o be_v forewarn_v to_o expect_v they_o and_o they_o serve_v to_o give_v a_o kind_n of_o testimony_n to_o the_o true_a religion_n in_o fulfil_v the_o prediction_n of_o it_o they_o help_v to_o prove_v the_o religion_n which_o they_o will_v destroy_v for_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o heresy_n that_o religion_n can_v not_o be_v true_a which_o have_v foretell_v they_o but_o since_o there_o be_v heresy_n our_o religion_n be_v at_o least_o so_o far_o true_a as_o to_o contain_v express_a prophecy_n concern_v they_o which_o we_o see_v daily_o fulfil_v and_o as_o they_o evident_o prove_v our_o religion_n true_a in_o this_o particular_a so_o they_o invalidate_v it_o in_o no_o other_o which_o be_v the_o dial._n the_o just_a mart._n dial._n answer_n that_o the_o christian_n ancient_o return_v to_o the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n when_o they_o make_v this_o objection_n against_o it_o let_v we_o follow_v the_o plain_a the_o know_v and_o and_o confess_v duty_n of_o religion_n humility_n temperance_n righteousness_n and_o charity_n and_o when_o once_o we_o have_v no_o temptation_n to_o wish_v religion_n untrue_a upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o plain_a precept_n and_o direction_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v never_o suspect_v it_o to_o be_v so_o by_o reason_n of_o any_o controversy_n in_o it_o for_o if_o man_n will_v impartial_o consider_v thing_n that_o religion_n which_o have_v now_o for_o so_o many_o age_n stand_v out_o all_o the_o assault_n and_o attempt_n with_o enemy_n from_o without_o and_o party_n within_o can_v make_v against_o it_o and_o have_v approve_v it_o much_o better_o and_o more_o glorious_o than_o it_o can_v have_v do_v if_o there_o never_o have_v be_v either_o heresy_n or_o schism_n let_v we_o therefore_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_a be_v assure_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n that_o be_v all_o the_o power_n and_o stratagem_n of_o satan_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o shall_v only_o serve_v to_o add_v to_o its_o victory_n and_o adorn_v its_o triumph_n the_o malice_n o_o lord_n and_o fierceness_n of_o man_n shall_v turn_v to_o thy_o praise_n and_o the_o fierceness_n of_o they_o shall_v thou_o refrain_v ps_n lxxvi_o 10._o chap._n xxxiii_o though_o all_o objection_n can_v not_o be_v answer_v yet_o this_o will_v be_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n all_o objection_n which_o can_v with_o any_o colour_n or_o pretence_n be_v allege_v have_v be_v consider_v and_o answer_v by_o divers_a man_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o judgement_n and_o several_a objection_n which_o have_v make_v most_o noise_n in_o the_o world_n as_o that_o about_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o ark_n and_o other_o have_v be_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v groundless_a and_o frivolous_a but_o though_o all_o difficulty_n can_v not_o be_v account_v for_o yet_o this_o will_v be_v no_o just_a or_o sufficient_a cause_n why_o we_o shall_v reject_v the_o scripture_n because_o objection_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v impertinent_a to_o the_o purpose_n for_o which_o they_o be_v design_v and_o do_v not_o at_o all_o effect_n the_o evidence_n which_o be_v bring_v in_o proof_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o they_o be_v pertinent_a yet_o unless_o they_o can_v confute_v that_o evidence_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o determine_v we_o against_o they_o he_o that_o with_o a_o honest_a and_o sincere_a desire_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o a_o revelation_n inquire_v into_o it_o shall_v first_o consider_v impartial_o what_o can_v be_v allege_v for_o it_o and_o afterward_o consider_v the_o objection_n raise_v against_o it_o that_o so_o he_o may_v compare_v the_o argument_n in_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o the_o objection_n together_o and_o determine_v himself_o on_o that_o side_n which_o appear_v to_o have_v most_o reason_n for_o it_o but_o to_o insist_v upon_o particular_a objection_n collect_v out_o of_o difficult_a place_n of_o scripture_n though_o they_o will_v likewise_o observe_v the_o answer_n that_o have_v be_v give_v which_o few_o of_o our_o objector_n have_v patience_n to_o do_v but_o run_v away_o with_o the_o objection_n without_o stay_v for_o a_o answer_n i_o say_v to_o allege_v particular_a objection_n without_o attend_v to_o the_o main_a ground_n and_o motive_n
thing_n else_o be_v of_o the_o same_o colour_n or_o taste_n which_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v of_o because_o they_o can_v amuse_v themselves_o with_o difficulty_n and_o they_o be_v too_o much_o philosopher_n to_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n that_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v though_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o sense_n and_o experience_n of_o all_o mankind_n they_o be_v rational_a man_n and_o it_o be_v below_o they_o to_o believe_v their_o sense_n unless_o their_o reason_n be_v convince_v and_o that_o be_v too_o acute_a to_o be_v convince_v as_o long_o as_o any_o difficulty_n that_o can_v be_v start_v remain_v unanswered_a and_o thus_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n they_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o scorn_n and_o derision_n of_o all_o who_o have_v but_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o man_n without_o the_o art_n and_o subtlety_n of_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o effect_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o scripture_n come_v confirm_v down_o to_o we_o by_o all_o the_o way_n of_o confirmation_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o revelation_n at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n can_v be_v expect_v to_o have_v if_o it_o real_o be_v what_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v why_o then_o do_v some_o man_n doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v authentic_a can_v they_o disprove_v the_o argument_n which_o be_v bring_v in_o defence_n of_o they_o can_v they_o produce_v any_o other_o revelation_n more_o authentic_a or_o be_v it_o more_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n shall_v not_o reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n than_o that_o this_o revelation_n shall_v be_v he_o no_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n but_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o they_o think_v will_v not_o be_v in_o they_o if_o they_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v never_o disbelieve_v a_o thing_n for_o any_o objection_n make_v against_o it_o which_o do_v not_o reach_v the_o point_n nor_o touch_v these_o argument_n by_o which_o it_o be_v prove_v to_o he_o it_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a that_o that_o may_v be_v most_o true_a which_o may_v have_v many_o exception_n frame_v against_o it_o but_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o reject_v that_o as_o incredible_a which_o come_v recommend_v by_o our_o belief_n by_o such_o evidence_n as_o can_v be_v disprove_v till_o this_o be_v do_v all_o which_o can_v be_v say_v beside_o only_o show_v that_o there_o be_v difficulty_n to_o be_v meet_v withal_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v never_o deny_v by_o those_o who_o most_o firm_o and_o steadfast_o believe_v they_o but_o difficulty_n can_v never_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o make_v that_o which_o be_v true_a to_o become_v false_a there_o be_v no_o science_n without_o its_o difficulty_n and_o it_o be_v not_o pretend_v that_o theology_n be_v without_o they_o there_o be_v many_o great_a and_o inexplicable_a difficulty_n in_o the_o mathematics_n but_o shall_v we_o therefore_o reject_v this_o as_o a_o science_n of_o no_o value_n nor_o certainty_n and_o believe_v no_o demonstration_n in_o euclid_n to_o be_v true_a unless_o we_o can_v square_a the_o circle_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o reasonable_a as_o it_o be_v not_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n unless_o we_o can_v explain_v all_o the_o vision_n in_o ezekiel_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o st._n john_n we_o must_v believe_v nothing_o and_o know_v nothing_o if_o we_o must_v disbelieve_v and_o reject_v every_o thing_n which_o be_v liable_a to_o difficulty_n we_o must_v not_o believe_v we_o have_v a_o soul_n unless_o we_o can_v give_v a_o account_n of_o all_o its_o operation_n nor_o that_o we_o have_v a_o body_n unless_o we_o can_v tell_v all_o the_o part_n and_o motion_n and_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o composition_n of_o it_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v our_o sense_n till_o there_o be_v nothing_o relate_v to_o sensation_n but_o what_o we_o perfect_o understand_v nor_o that_o there_o be_v any_o object_n in_o the_o world_n till_o we_o know_v the_o exact_a manner_n how_o we_o perceive_v they_o and_o can_v solve_v all_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v raise_v concern_v they_o and_o if_o a_o man_n can_v be_v incredulous_a to_o this_o degree_n it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o he_o shall_v believe_v the_o scripture_n but_o till_o he_o be_v come_v to_o this_o height_n of_o folly_n and_o stupidity_n if_o he_o will_v be_v consistent_a with_o himself_o and_o true_a to_o those_o principle_n of_o reason_n from_o which_o he_o argue_v in_o all_o other_o case_n he_o can_v reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o any_o difficulty_n that_o he_o find_v in_o they_o whilst_o the_o argument_n by_o which_o they_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n remain_v unanswered_a and_o all_o the_o objection_n which_o can_v be_v invent_v against_o the_o scripture_n can_v seem_v near_o so_o absurd_a to_o a_o consider_v man_n as_o to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v not_o at_o all_o reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n or_o that_o the_o heathen_a oracle_n or_o mahomet_n alcoran_n shall_v be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n chap._n xxxiv_o the_o conclusion_n contain_v a_o exhortation_n to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n both_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o learned_a man_n and_o from_o the_o infinite_a importance_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o as_o wise_a and_o as_o learned_a man_n as_o any_o that_o ever_o live_v in_o the_o world_n have_v die_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n when_o they_o have_v no_o interest_n to_o engage_v they_o to_o it_o and_o many_o of_o they_o have_v lead_v their_o life_n under_o pesecution_n and_o have_v at_o last_o be_v put_v to_o death_n rather_o than_o they_o will_v renounce_v that_o faith_n which_o the_o scripture_n declare_v to_o we_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o have_v be_v man_n of_o as_o great_a learning_n and_o as_o great_a number_n of_o they_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o have_v be_v of_o all_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n indeed_o all_o manner_n of_o art_n and_o science_n have_v be_v more_o improve_v by_o christian_n than_o by_o all_o other_o sort_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o and_o all_o rational_a and_o solid_a learning_n be_v confine_v as_o i_o may_v say_v within_o christendom_n for_o beside_o the_o idolatrous_a worship_n and_o other_o impiety_n notorious_a among_o they_o whatsoever_o learning_n be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o chinese_n or_o other_o heathen_a nation_n their_o notion_n of_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o they_o differ_v from_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o obscure_a and_o confuse_a at_o the_o best_a and_o so_o groundless_a that_o that_o christian_a must_v be_v very_o weary_a of_o his_o religion_n who_o can_v think_v of_o change_v it_o for_o such_o uncertainty_n and_o no_o man_n that_o profess_a and_o call_v himself_o a_o christian_a ever_o disbelieved_a the_o scripture_n but_o there_o be_v visible_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o than_o these_o which_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v afford_v it_o be_v apparent_a in_o his_o life_n that_o he_o wish_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v false_a before_o he_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v himself_o that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a some_o be_v possess_v with_o that_o intolerable_a spirit_n of_o pride_n and_o contradiction_n that_o mere_a vanity_n and_o a_o conceit_n of_o be_v wise_a than_o other_o make_v they_o find_v fault_n with_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v general_o receive_v and_o the_o great_a fault_n which_o these_o man_n can_v find_v with_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v that_o they_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o make_v heavy_a complaint_n of_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n and_o the_o hindrance_n which_o ingenuous_a mind_n labour_v under_o from_o the_o influence_n of_o it_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o truth_n and_o these_o man_n perhaps_o may_v have_v talk_v as_o much_o and_o to_o as_o much_o purpose_n for_o christianity_n as_o they_o now_o talk_v against_o it_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v bear_v among_o christian_n and_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n they_o scorn_v to_o be_v the_o better_a for_o their_o education_n and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o nothing_o more_o than_o to_o believe_v and_o think_v like_o other_o man_n and_o they_o may_v almost_o be_v persuade_v to_o be_v christian_n still_o if_o they_o can_v but_o be_v singular_a in_o be_v so_o for_o the_o mere_a affectation_n of_o singularity_n make_v they_o despise_v and_o dispute_v against_o any_o thing_n which_o other_o allow_v and_o esteem_v but_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o find_v any_o learned_a man_n of_o tolerable_a modesty_n and_o virtue_n and_o
for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v go_v on_o in_o their_o wicked_a course_n still_o and_o will_v have_v deny_v god_n in_o their_o life_n though_o their_o understanding_n be_v never_o so_o clear_o and_o full_o convince_v of_o his_o will_n and_o commandment_n as_o well_o as_o of_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n for_o as_o st._n paul_n testify_v the_o heathen_a themselves_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n but_o when_o they_o know_v god_n they_o glorify_v he_o not_o as_o god_n no_o man_n can_v be_v more_o certain_a of_o any_o inspiration_n which_o he_o can_v receive_v than_o he_o be_v of_o the_o be_v of_o that_o god_n from_o who_o he_o receive_v it_o and_o therefore_o he_o who_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n must_v by_o consequence_n deny_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o such_o inspiration_n unless_o it_o have_v that_o powerful_a impulse_n upon_o his_o mind_n as_o both_o to_o convince_v he_o and_o force_v he_o to_o a_o acknowledgement_n at_o once_o of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n upon_o his_o soul_n and_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o any_o inspiration_n which_o do_v not_o over-rule_v the_o will_n and_o affection_n as_o well_o as_o convince_v the_o understanding_n shall_v be_v of_o more_o efficacy_n upon_o the_o mind_n and_o life_n of_o such_o man_n than_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n be_v for_o if_o man_n can_v so_o stifle_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n in_o their_o mind_n as_o to_o doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o god_n or_o no_o or_o at_o least_o to_o act_v as_o if_o there_o be_v none_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o they_o may_v not_o as_o well_o act_n against_o any_o conviction_n which_o they_o may_v receive_v by_o inspiration_n or_o any_o other_o way_n of_o immediate_a revelation_n unless_o it_o have_v a_o irresistible_a effect_n upon_o they_o and_o either_o take_v it_o all_o for_o fancy_n and_o delusion_n or_o else_o so_o harden_v themselves_o against_o it_o as_o not_o to_o be_v reclaim_v by_o it_o and_o of_o this_o we_o have_v balaam_n for_o a_o example_n who_o notwithstanding_o the_o revelation_n he_o receive_v from_o god_n love_v the_o wage_n of_o vnrighteousness_n 2_o pet._n two_o 15._o but_o above_o all_o man_n the_o profane_a and_o obstinate_a unbeliever_n can_v have_v least_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v vouchsafe_v they_o a_o immediate_a revelation_n 8._o revelation_n vid._n smith_n of_o prophecy_n c._n 8._o the_o jew_n have_v observe_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n rest_v only_o upon_o man_n of_o regular_a and_o pure_a affection_n of_o gentle_a and_o meek_a and_o tractable_a disposition_n for_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o tempt_v he_o not_o and_z sheweth_z himself_o to_o such_o as_o do_v not_o distrust_v he_o for_o froward_a thought_n separate_v from_o god_n into_o a_o malicious_a soul_n wisdom_n shall_v not_o enter_v nor_o dwell_v in_o the_o body_n that_o be_v subject_a unto_o sin_n for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o discipline_n will_v flee_v deceit_n and_o remove_v from_o thought_n that_o be_v without_o understanding_n and_o will_v not_o abide_v when_o vnrighteousness_n come_v in_o wisd_v 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n 404._o purpose_n quis_fw-la rerum_fw-la divinarum_fw-la haeres_fw-la sit_fw-la philo_z p._n 404._o philo_n speak_v and_o for_o this_o reason_n when_o joseph_n have_v the_o interpretation_n of_o dream_n reveal_v to_o he_o 19_o he_o see_v dr._n hammond_n on_o psal_n cv_o 19_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v say_v to_o try_v he_o or_o to_o purge_v to_o clear_v and_o justify_v he_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o god_n will_v not_o in_o that_o manner_n inspire_v one_o who_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o crime_n which_o joseph_n be_v accuse_v of_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v further_o reveal_v himself_o to_o all_o such_o in_o particular_a by_o a_o immediate_a inspiration_n who_o have_v reject_v all_o the_o manifestation_n which_o he_o have_v make_v of_o himself_o in_o the_o creation_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n but_o that_o he_o will_v reserve_v these_o immediate_a revelation_n as_o peculiar_a favour_n to_o his_o faithful_a and_o obedient_a servant_n god_n have_v sometime_o indeed_o make_v use_v of_o wicked_a man_n baalam_n caiaphas_n etc._n etc._n as_o his_o instrument_n both_o in_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n to_o show_v that_o they_o be_v at_o his_o disposal_n and_o proceed_v from_o his_o bounty_n not_o from_o any_o worth_a or_o merit_n of_o man_n and_o that_o he_o can_v over-rule_v the_o design_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n and_o make_v they_o serviceable_a to_o he_o even_o against_o their_o will_n whenever_o he_o please_v but_o then_o these_o be_v peculiar_a case_n in_o which_o these_o gift_n be_v afford_v for_o particular_a end_n and_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o other_o and_o the_o man_n themselves_o be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o they_o but_o as_o for_o the_o disobedient_a st._n paul_n acquaint_v we_o how_o in_o the_o general_a dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n god_n deal_v with_o they_o god_n give_v they_o over_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n rom._n i._n 28._o and_o he_o there_o set_v down_o a_o catalogue_n of_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o reprobation_n the_o apostle_n all_o along_o maintain_v that_o they_o have_v so_o much_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o to_o render_v they_o without_o excuse_n and_o that_o they_o will_v make_v no_o improvement_n of_o it_o to_o the_o attain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n first_o and_o then_o of_o his_o reveal_v will_n and_o it_o be_v the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n to_o give_v they_o up_o to_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n to_o abandon_v they_o to_o the_o tyranny_n of_o their_o sin_n since_o they_o will_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o his_o work_n and_o will_v not_o abide_v his_o counsel_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v high_o inconsistent_a to_o send_v immediate_a revelation_n or_o afford_v particular_a inspiration_n to_o all_o such_o man_n as_o be_v there_o describe_v god_n spirit_n will_v not_o always_o strive_v with_o man_n but_o he_o withdraw_v his_o ordinary_a grace_n from_o those_o that_o abuse_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o can_v never_o be_v presume_v he_o shall_v confer_v high_a favour_n upon_o they_o if_o man_n will_v believe_v upon_o reasonable_a motive_n they_o have_v sufficient_a mean_n of_o salvation_n allow_v they_o but_o if_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v without_o some_o immediate_a revelation_n they_o be_v never_o like_a to_o have_v that_o in_o this_o world_n but_o in_o the_o next_o god_n will_v reveal_v himself_o with_o terror_n and_o vengeance_n upon_o all_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n god_n do_v both_o by_o nature_n and_o by_o revelation_n provide_v for_o the_o necessity_n for_o the_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n but_o never_o for_o the_o humour_n and_o peevishness_n of_o man_n and_o those_o who_o will_v not_o be_v save_v but_o according_a to_o some_o new_a way_n and_o method_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n must_v be_v miserable_a without_o remedy_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o great_a infidel_n will_v own_v that_o if_o christ_n shall_v personal_o speak_v to_o they_o in_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n or_o appear_v to_o they_o upon_o earth_n and_o grant_v they_o that_o conviction_n which_o he_o once_o grant_v to_o st._n thomas_n or_o st._n paul_n they_o will_v believe_v in_o he_o as_o these_o apostle_n do_v but_o they_o will_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v what_o reason_n there_o can_v be_v why_o so_o much_o favour_n shall_v be_v show_v to_o those_o who_o reject_v with_o scorn_n and_o derision_n all_o the_o tender_v of_o grace_n and_o mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o what_o obligation_n god_n can_v be_v under_o to_o save_v they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o themselves_o shall_v prescribe_v who_o will_v not_o be_v save_v in_o his_o way_n and_o according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o god_n shall_v vouchsafe_v to_o make_v some_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o himself_o to_o these_o insolent_a offender_n and_o blasphemer_n of_o his_o name_n and_o authority_n how_o can_v we_o be_v assure_v that_o they_o will_v be_v convert_v will_v they_o not_o rather_o find_v out_o some_o pretence_n to_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o it_o be_v no_o real_a revelation_n but_o the_o effect_n of_o natural_a agent_n or_o of_o melancholy_a and_o of_o a_o disturb_a imagination_n for_o those_o who_o have_v so_o long_v not_o only_o reject_v that_o be_v a_o modest_a thing_n but_o deride_v and_o revile_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n nay_o the_o apostle_n and_o our_o saviour_n himself_o will_v not_o believe_v though_o one_o shall_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a they_o may_v be_v terrify_v perhaps_o for_o the_o present_a but_o they_o will_v soon_o stifle_v
those_o apprehension_n with_o their_o accustom_a argument_n for_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n i_o hope_v to_o prove_v in_o this_o discourse_n that_o all_o but_o atheist_n must_v he_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n deliver_v down_o to_o we_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n if_o they_o will_v but_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o consider_v they_o and_o atheist_n can_v never_o be_v convince_v of_o any_o revelation_n whatsoever_o for_o man_n must_v first_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n before_o they_o can_v believe_v that_o he_o reveal_v himself_o either_o to_o themselves_o or_o other_o but_o beside_o their_o be_v ineffectual_a and_o never_o to_o be_v expect_v by_o such_o as_o this_o conceit_n must_v be_v calculate_v for_o this_o supposition_n of_o immediate_a revelation_n to_o every_o man_n in_o particular_a will_v fill_v the_o world_n with_o continual_a imposture_n and_o delusion_n for_o if_o every_o one_o have_v a_o revelation_n make_v to_o himself_o every_o one_o may_v pretend_v to_o other_o what_o he_o please_v and_o we_o know_v from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o be_v send_v to_o prophesy_v against_o the_o altar_n at_o bethel_n that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v delude_v by_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o revelation_n make_v to_o another_o against_o a_o express_a revelation_n make_v to_o himself_o and_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o this_o will_v often_o happen_v from_o what_o we_o every_o day_n experience_n for_o if_o man_n can_v be_v pervert_v by_o the_o art_n and_o insinuation_n of_o other_o against_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n they_o may_v as_o well_o be_v prevail_v upon_o to_o act_v against_o a_o revelation_n make_v to_o they_o though_o revelation_n be_v as_o common_a and_o familiar_a a_o thing_n among_o man_n as_o reason_n itself_o be_v so_o that_o immediate_a revelation_n to_o every_o particular_a man_n will_v have_v be_v needless_a and_o superfluous_a they_o will_v have_v be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o majesty_n and_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o they_o will_v have_v be_v ineffectual_a to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v design_v and_o will_v have_v give_v many_o more_o pretence_n to_o imposture_n than_o there_o be_v now_o in_o the_o world_n but_o there_o be_v many_o consideration_n even_o in_o a_o wicked_a world_n to_o move_v the_o compassion_n of_o infinite_a mercy_n towards_o mankind_n though_o all_o be_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n and_o unable_a of_o themselves_o to_o become_v righteous_a yet_o some_o be_v more_o wicked_a than_o other_o great_a number_n of_o man_n be_v carry_v away_o to_o commit_v heinous_a impiety_n through_o their_o own_o ignorance_n and_o the_o example_n of_o other_o and_o though_o the_o heathen_a be_v never_o without_o excuse_n yet_o they_o be_v chief_o inexcusable_a because_o god_n have_v always_o a_o reveal_v will_n which_o he_o will_v by_o some_o mean_n or_o other_o have_v bring_v they_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o if_o they_o have_v live_v according_a to_o their_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o he_o and_o of_o their_o duty_n towards_o he_o and_o though_o the_o heathen_a have_v many_o opportunity_n of_o become_v acquaint_v with_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n yet_o much_o allowance_n be_v to_o be_v make_v for_o the_o time_n of_o ignorance_n before_o the_o gospel_n god_n be_v please_v to_o reveal_v himself_o from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o at_o last_o by_o the_o gospel_n in_o a_o more_o wonderful_a and_o evident_a manner_n than_o ever_o he_o have_v do_v before_o and_o to_o afford_v man_n full_a mean_n of_o conviction_n and_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n to_o comply_v with_o it_o and_o work_v out_o their_o own_o salvation_n and_o god_n have_v make_v these_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n by_o indue_a certain_a man_n with_o a_o power_n of_o prophesy_v and_o work_a miracle_n who_o be_v to_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o other_o and_o to_o certify_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v indeed_o his_o will_n and_o commandment_n which_o they_o deliver_v and_o this_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a method_n and_o most_o worthy_a of_o god_n for_o as_o i_o have_v prove_v god_n will_v not_o create_v mankind_n and_o then_o take_v no_o further_a care_n of_o they_o since_o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n they_o better_o deserve_v his_o care_n and_o have_v ever_o after_o stand_v in_o so_o much_o need_n of_o it_o and_o can_v at_o no_o time_n be_v happy_a either_o in_o this_o world_n or_o the_o next_o without_o it_o and_o it_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n be_v object_v by_o those_o who_o have_v never_o so_o great_a a_o mind_n to_o cavil_v at_o the_o term_n and_o mean_n of_o salvation_n by_o the_o gospel_n that_o god_n shall_v apply_v himself_o to_o every_o person_n by_o a_o particular_a revelation_n both_o because_o so_o much_o condescension_n and_o indulgence_n will_v be_v ill_o bestow_v upon_o those_o who_o have_v so_o little_o deserve_v it_o and_o because_o it_o will_v have_v no_o better_a effect_n than_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n have_v have_v towards_o the_o conversion_n of_o man_n but_o a_o very_a ill_a one_o in_o afford_v pretence_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o imposture_n and_o where_o two_o several_a mean_n be_v alike_o suitable_a to_o any_o end_n no_o man_n sure_o will_v presume_v to_o prescribe_v to_o almighty_a god_n and_o say_v that_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v use_v one_o rather_o than_o the_o other_o much_o less_o when_o one_o be_v inconvenient_a and_o the_o other_o the_o only_a proper_a mean_n to_o be_v use_v ii_o i_o proceed_v therefore_o to_o show_v that_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n be_v the_o most_o sit_v and_o proper_a mean_n for_o god_n to_o discover_v and_o reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n by_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o be_v not_o accompany_v with_o those_o inconvenience_n with_o which_o immediate_a revelation_n will_v have_v be_v there_o be_v no_o prophecy_n nor_o miracle_n but_o it_o have_v the_o design_v effect_n upon_o many_o person_n the_o majesty_n and_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v not_o expose_v to_o the_o scorn_n of_o every_o profane_a and_o obstinate_a offender_n and_o there_o be_v as_o effectual_a care_n take_v to_o prevent_v imposture_n as_o possible_o can_v have_v be_v and_o as_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n have_v none_o of_o the_o inconvenience_n which_o immediate_a revelation_n will_v have_v have_v so_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o they_o have_v all_o the_o advantage_n and_o usefulness_n which_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o immediate_a revelation_n will_v have_v have_v if_o they_o have_v be_v grant_v to_o every_o person_n in_o particular_a all_o that_o any_o immediate_a revelation_n can_v do_v be_v to_o afford_v man_n the_o mean_n of_o conviction_n and_o assurance_n that_o the_o revelation_n proceed_v from_o god_n as_o certain_o as_o that_o god_n himself_o be_v and_o this_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n do_v 1._o concern_v prophecy_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o oracle_n and_o lie_a divination_n with_o which_o the_o devil_n have_v impose_v upon_o the_o world_n show_v that_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o man_n to_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v himself_o by_o prophecy_n which_o make_v they_o so_o prone_a to_o receive_v false_a prophecy_n from_o their_o false_a go_n and_o this_o may_v teach_v we_o that_o true_a prophecy_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v from_o the_o true_a god_n many_o prophecy_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o none_o but_o god_n omniscient_a can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o and_o these_o in_o their_o accomplishment_n must_v carry_v a_o indisputable_a evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n along_o with_o they_o such_o be_v the_o prediction_n of_o thing_n to_o be_v fulfil_v many_o age_n afterward_o which_o in_o the_o fulfil_n depend_v upon_o the_o counsel_n and_o determination_n of_o free_a agent_n and_o prediction_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n which_o they_o can_v not_o be_v determine_v to_o but_o by_o their_o own_o choice_n it_o be_v above_o the_o capacity_n of_o humane_a understanding_n to_o conceive_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o thing_n shall_v be_v foresee_v so_o long_o before_o either_o the_o action_n or_o the_o agent_n themselves_o have_v any_o existence_n or_o how_o contingency_n can_v be_v the_o object_n of_o infallible_a prescience_n and_o therefore_o for_o god_n to_o foretell_v thing_n of_o this_o nature_n by_o his_o prophet_n be_v a_o most_o proper_a and_o certain_a way_n of_o revelation_n because_o it_o be_v above_o the_o power_n of_o any_o finite_a be_v to_o do_v the_o like_a it_o be_v the_o prerogative_n of_o he_o that_o form_v the_o mountain_n and_o creat_v the_o wind_n to_o declare_v unto_o man_n what_o be_v his_o thought_n the_o lord_n the_o god_n of_o host_n be_v his_o name_n amos_n four_o 13._o for_o which_o reason_n the_o false_a god_n be_v challenge_v to_o foretell_v these_o thing_n show_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o