most_o holy_a reform_a religion_n of_o our_o church_n which_o be_v indeed_o no_o other_o than_o the_o pure_a and_o genuine_a christianity_n by_o decry_v it_o as_o heretical_a and_o damnable_a to_o obviate_v the_o design_n of_o these_o man_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o effectual_a than_o to_o apply_v ourselves_o diligent_o to_o the_o study_n of_o christianity_n to_o inquire_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n what_o christ_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o and_o to_o search_v the_o design_n and_o mystery_n of_o his_o religion_n this_o be_v become_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o private_a christian_a at_o this_o time_n that_o so_o his_o ignorance_n may_v not_o lay_v he_o open_v to_o the_o attempt_v of_o design_v man_n who_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v and_o betray_v he_o to_o be_v a_o prey_n to_o error_n and_o superstition_n to_o this_o pursuance_n and_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n our_o church_n encourage_v and_o earnest_o entreat_v we_o she_o take_v no_o refuge_n in_o the_o ignorance_n of_o her_o communicant_o nor_o discourage_v they_o from_o examine_v her_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n as_o well_o know_v that_o this_o examination_n will_v end_v in_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o that_o the_o improvement_n of_o our_o knowledge_n in_o divine_a matter_n and_o a_o impartial_a study_n of_o they_o will_v infallible_o secure_v we_o from_o the_o delusion_n of_o her_o enemy_n and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o reason_n why_o every_o private_a christian_n ought_v to_o be_v full_o instruct_v concern_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o faith_n that_o so_o he_o may_v answer_v the_o objection_n and_o escape_v the_o assault_n of_o those_o who_o endeavour_n to_o withdraw_v we_o from_o the_o truth_n or_o seduceus_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o enrour_n ii_o it_o be_v a_o strict_a enquiry_n into_o the_o reason_n and_o argument_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o full_a comprehension_n of_o they_o which_o proper_o make_v faith_n to_o be_v praise_n worthy_a in_o itself_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o capable_a of_o reward_n a_o assent_n to_o christianity_n without_o respect_n to_o the_o argument_n of_o its_o truth_n may_v be_v a_o happiness_n to_o ignorant_a person_n in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o enjoy_v those_o opportunity_n which_o lead_v to_o such_o a_o assent_n such_o as_o be_v education_n in_o a_o christian_a country_n or_o under_o christian_a parent_n or_o master_n whereby_o through_o custom_n or_o respect_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o person_n they_o embrace_v christianity_n and_o be_v lead_v thereby_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n the_o practice_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o dependence_n upon_o the_o merit_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n but_o sure_o we_o can_v imagine_v this_o to_o be_v a_o act_n deserve_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n or_o even_o comparable_a to_o the_o mean_a of_o moral_a virtue_n before_o all_o which_o a_o true_a divine_a faith_n be_v so_o frequent_o and_o so_o eminent_o prefer_v in_o scripture_n for_o since_o such_o a_o disposition_n of_o mind_n i_o mean_v a_o inclination_n to_o follow_v the_o example_n and_o authority_n of_o our_o country_n parent_n or_o master_n in_o assent_v to_o the_o religion_n receive_v by_o they_o may_v and_o do_v equal_o dispose_v man_n to_o the_o embrace_v of_o error_n as_o of_o truth_n it_o be_v to_o be_v account_v a_o thing_n whole_o indifferent_a and_o if_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o a_o wilful_a negligence_n of_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o any_o religion_n when_o mean_n and_o ability_n be_v not_o want_v to_o we_o be_v extreme_o vicious_a but_o no_o otherwise_o laudable_a than_o in_o the_o happy_a consequence_n of_o it_o and_o opportunity_n it_o may_v possible_o minister_v of_o come_v to_o the_o truth_n indeed_o christianity_n be_v so_o admirable_o fit_v to_o the_o perfection_n and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n that_o it_o can_v be_v assent_v to_o upon_o any_o ground_n whatsoever_o even_o by_o the_o most_o ignorant_a person_n without_o a_o precedent_a habit_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v true_o virtuous_a and_o excellent_a and_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n testify_v a_o profound_a obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o god_n in_o the_o person_n assent_v may_v not_o unfit_o be_v think_v to_o qualify_v he_o for_o the_o divine_a favour_n for_o christianity_n propose_v such_o rule_n as_o restrain_v the_o corrupt_a lust_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n teach_v a_o strict_a sobriety_n and_o abstinence_n from_o unlawful_a pleasure_n forbid_v the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o most_o darling_a lust_n and_o command_a man_n to_o deny_v to_o themselves_o what_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o imagine_v a_o extreme_a happiness_n the_o unlimited_a fruition_n of_o all_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o even_o upon_o occasion_n to_o forforsake_v the_o convenience_n of_o life_n itself_o choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n than_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n none_o can_v assent_v to_o a_o religion_n of_o this_o nature_n without_o first_o overcome_v his_o lust_n and_o passion_n and_o be_v thorough_o convince_v that_o all_o these_o aught_o to_o give_v place_n to_o the_o command_n and_o will_n of_o god_n which_o he_o believe_v to_o be_v propose_v to_o he_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n such_o a_o disposition_n be_v true_o excellent_a and_o in_o they_o who_o want_v mean_n of_o attain_v a_o more_o perfect_a knowledge_n be_v reward_v by_o god_n as_o a_o true_a and_o perfect_a act_n of_o faith_n who_o condescend_v to_o the_o imperfection_n of_o mankind_n and_o require_v of_o none_o more_o than_o he_o have_v give_v to_o he_o supply_v by_o his_o mercy_n what_o be_v want_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o then_o such_o a_o disposition_n of_o mind_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o true_a and_o proper_a faith_n that_o it_o may_v consist_v without_o it_o and_o be_v join_v with_o error_n neither_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o faith_n which_o have_v all_o those_o glorious_a and_o particular_a pro_fw-la rise_v of_o reward_n annex_v to_o it_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n consist_v only_o in_o assent_v to_o and_o firm_o believe_v what_o we_o be_v assure_v god_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o for_o that_o we_o can_v but_o do_v none_o ever_o that_o believe_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n dis-believed_n what_o he_o be_v persuade_v to_o have_v be_v reveal_v by_o he_o to_o do_v that_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o god_n can_v err_v or_o lie_v and_o consequent_o be_v not_o god_n such_o a_o assent_n therefore_o be_v necessary_a and_o unavoidable_a be_v not_o capable_a of_o a_o reward_n and_o have_v nothing_o excellent_a in_o it_o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o infidel_n in_o this_o sense_n and_o therefore_o none_o can_v be_v esteem_v faithful_a from_o it_o and_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o to_o have_v only_o moral_a and_o not_o demonstrative_a proof_n be_v so_o far_o from_o prejudice_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n that_o it_o be_v both_o necessary_a and_o advantageous_a to_o it_o for_o if_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n have_v be_v self_n evident_a or_o place_v in_o as_o clear_v a_o light_n as_o the_o sun_n in_o heaven_n assent_n to_o they_o have_v be_v necessary_a and_o no_o act_n of_o choice_n and_o therefore_o incapable_a of_o reward_n whereas_o now_o god_n have_v so_o wise_o contrive_v it_o that_o a_o rational_a afsent_n to_o it_o and_o perfect_a comprehension_n of_o it_o will_v exercise_v the_o diligence_n obedience_n and_o reason_n of_o mankind_n in_o inquire_v into_o whatsoever_o carry_v the_o stamp_n of_o divine_a authority_n in_o submit_v to_o whatsoever_o just_o appear_v to_o bear_v that_o sacred_a character_n in_o use_v aright_o our_o faculty_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o employ_v they_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n all_o these_o act_n and_o habit_n be_v in_o themselves_o praise_v worthy_a and_o reward_v by_o god_n with_o the_o reward_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v with_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n for_o it_o be_v in_o a_o rational_a and_o just_a assent_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o argument_n which_o persuade_v it_o to_o have_v proceed_v from_o the_o divine_a authority_n and_o a_o due_a use_n of_o our_o reason_n in_o discover_v its_o divine_a original_a that_o a_o true_a and_o perfect_a faith_n consist_v for_o upon_o conviction_n of_o its_o have_v be_v reveal_v by_o god_n we_o can_v but_o yield_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o if_o we_o desire_v or_o expect_v to_o attain_v the_o reward_n propose_v by_o it_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o a_o serious_a obedience_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o for_o as_o a_o due_a use_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v no_o less_o difficult_a in_o itself_o and_o advantageous_a to_o we_o than_o of_o our_o will_n so_o we_o ought_v to_o suppose_v that_o god_n will_v no_o less_o favourable_o accept_v it_o and_o no_o less_o high_o reward_v it_o certain_o a_o right_a use_n of_o our_o reason_n
to_o be_v found_v by_o the_o messiah_n or_o expect_v from_o he_o which_o so_o long_o cloud_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o hinder_v they_o from_o entertain_v true_a notion_n of_o that_o mystery_n although_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o a_o christian_a and_o orthodox_n church_n we_o suck_v in_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_n even_o from_o our_o infancy_n yet_o the_o prejudices_fw-la which_o arise_v from_o our_o passion_n and_o corrupt_a affection_n be_v no_o less_o violent_a and_o betray_v we_o to_o no_o less_o fatal_a mistake_n these_z not_o only_o defeat_v the_o benefit_n of_o that_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o inquisition_n of_o truth_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o all_o well_o dispose_v person_n who_o right_o ask_v it_o of_o he_o but_o also_o direct_o introduce_v the_o foul_a and_o most_o pernicious_a error_n by_o prompt_v we_o to_o form_v such_o notion_n of_o religion_n as_o may_v be_v most_o adapt_v and_o favourable_a to_o those_o corrupt_a inclination_n and_o this_o diligence_n in_o the_o inquiry_n and_o examination_n of_o our_o religion_n will_v be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o necessary_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n have_v indeed_o provide_v a_o effectual_a remedy_n for_o all_o the_o mistake_v of_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o but_o have_v leave_v we_o to_o the_o ordinary_a emanation_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n which_o will_v lead_v we_o into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n if_o our_o own_o endeavour_n be_v not_o want_v but_o upon_o defect_n of_o those_o or_o any_o other_o due_a disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n will_v not_o only_o not_o produce_v this_o happy_a effect_n but_o also_o depart_v from_o we_o ii_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o great_a and_o inestimable_a benefit_n confer_v this_o day_n upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o then_o upon_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o ourselves_o in_o particular_a aught_o to_o excite_v we_o to_o the_o utmost_a gratitude_n and_o engage_v we_o to_o endeavour_v not_o to_o render_v ourselves_o unworthy_a of_o it_o at_o least_o not_o permit_v ourselves_o to_o be_v ungrateful_a for_o it_o for_o this_o benefit_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o bring_v down_o with_o it_o many_o great_a and_o inestimable_a advantage_n to_o the_o church_n which_o continue_v till_o this_o day_n by_o this_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v receive_v the_o last_o degree_n of_o confirmation_n by_o this_o we_o know_v that_o christ_n have_v real_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o there_o take_v possession_n of_o his_o kingdom_n that_o however_o he_o have_v remove_v his_o corporeal_a presence_n he_o still_o continue_v to_o be_v present_a with_o we_o by_o the_o influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o he_o cease_v not_o at_o his_o ascension_n to_o govern_v and_o take_v care_n of_o the_o church_n but_o abundant_o provide_v for_o the_o necessity_n and_o convenience_n of_o it_o by_o send_v the_o three_o person_n of_o the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n who_o may_v actuate_v and_o direct_v it_o and_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o a_o paraclet_n teach_v exhort_v comfort_n and_o intercede_v for_o every_o single_a member_n of_o it_o by_o this_o the_o droop_a spirit_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v erect_v their_o fear_n dispel_v and_o their_o mind_n enlighten_v by_o this_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v put_v past_o all_o dispute_n and_o the_o church_n invigorate_v with_o such_o a_o assurance_n of_o divine_a assistance_n as_o may_v secure_v it_o from_o all_o danger_n and_o place_n it_o beyond_o the_o rage_n of_o man_n or_o fury_n of_o tyrant_n we_o also_o at_o this_o day_n partake_v of_o the_o bless_a effect_n of_o this_o great_a benefit_n we_o share_v in_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o experience_n the_o influence_n of_o that_o divine_a spirit_n by_o this_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o convey_v down_o to_o we_o infallible_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o find_v a_o church_n of_o which_o to_o be_v member_n we_o esteem_v our_o great_a happiness_n by_o this_o spirit_n we_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n to_o christ_n our_o head_n and_o to_o one_o another_o by_o this_o we_o be_v excite_v to_o virtue_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n be_v assist_v in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n be_v comfort_v in_o affliction_n and_o uphold_v in_o danger_n this_o spirit_n our_o saviour_n promise_v ver_fw-la 16._o shall_v abide_v with_o we_o for_o ever_o not_o in_o that_o measure_n indeed_o and_o abundance_n which_o be_v confer_v on_o the_o apostle_n but_o according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o our_o necessity_n and_o the_o improvement_n of_o that_o present_a portion_n which_o be_v already_o confer_v on_o we_o let_v we_o endeavour_v by_o a_o exact_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o daily_a improvement_n in_o piety_n to_o augment_v our_o interest_n in_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o day_n and_o favour_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n at_o least_o let_v we_o take_v care_n least_o by_o our_o negligence_n and_o degenerate_a behaviour_n we_o forfeit_v our_o title_n to_o they_o both_o last_o as_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o admire_v and_o celebrate_v the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n in_o bestow_v upon_o the_o church_n the_o diffusive_a presence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o his_o mission_n as_o upon_o this_o day_n so_o be_v we_o no_o less_o engage_v to_o be_v thankful_a for_o his_o particular_a presence_n in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n since_o this_o not_o only_o give_v we_o a_o firm_a assurance_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o that_o presence_n which_o be_v at_o first_o grant_v as_o so_o great_a a_o blessing_n to_o the_o apostle_n but_o also_o derive_v down_o upon_o all_o worthy_a communicant_n as_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o they_o the_o same_o gift_n and_o grace_n which_o the_o first_o descent_n of_o it_o procure_v to_o the_o apostle_n by_o this_o mean_n we_o may_v not_o only_o commemorate_v but_o act_n anew_o and_o experience_n in_o ourselves_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o this_o day_n by_o receive_v into_o our_o soul_n a_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n but_o then_o as_o several_a previous_a disposition_n be_v require_v in_o the_o apostle_n to_o qualify_v they_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n so_o must_v we_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o the_o participation_n of_o so_o great_a a_o mystery_n with_o no_o less_o diligence_n and_o caution_n that_o as_o they_o firm_o believe_v and_o constant_o expect_v the_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n although_o he_o have_v remove_v his_o corporeal_a presence_n from_o they_o so_o we_o shall_v without_o any_o fluctuation_n believe_v the_o certain_a performance_n of_o all_o those_o grace_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o all_o worthy_a communicant_n and_o that_o however_o his_o natural_a body_n be_v absent_a from_o we_o yet_o he_o be_v real_o present_a in_o the_o element_n by_o the_o efficacy_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o as_o they_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o a_o entire_a resignation_n of_o their_o will_n to_o his_o influence_n and_o direction_n so_o we_o shall_v fit_v our_o soul_n for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o all_o those_o grace_n confer_v in_o the_o sacrament_n by_o a_o perfect_a resignation_n of_o ourselves_o to_o god_n and_o steady_a resolution_n of_o perform_v his_o command_n and_o that_o as_o they_o in_o order_n to_o obtain_v the_o promise_a mission_n of_o a_o comforter_n meet_v all_o together_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o house_n so_o we_o in_o order_n to_o receive_v the_o mighty_a benefit_n of_o this_o sacrament_n shall_v be_v unite_v in_o perfect_a charity_n to_o one_o another_o if_o any_o of_o these_o due_a qualification_n be_v want_v we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o obtain_v any_o share_n in_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o day_n or_o commemorate_n as_o we_o ought_v the_o wonderful_a mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o we_o shall_v forfeit_v our_o title_n to_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o do_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n now_o to_o god_n the_o father_n god_n the_o son_n etc._n etc._n the_o second_o sermon_n preach_v septemb_n 16_o 1688._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n philip._n ii_o 5._o let_v this_o mind_n be_v in_o you_o which_o be_v also_o in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v not_o only_o reveal_v to_o we_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n in_o relation_n to_o mankind_n and_o thereby_o give_v to_o we_o a_o most_o excellent_a and_o true_o divine_a religion_n but_o also_o set_v we_o a_o most_o perfect_a example_n of_o holiness_n and_o universal_a righteousness_n in_o the_o whole_a conduct_n of_o his_o life_n therein_o exceed_v all_o other_o lawgiver_n
of_o the_o messiah_n they_o have_v form_v to_o themselves_o mighty_a expectation_n of_o a_o external_a pomp_n and_o secular_a greatness_n wherewith_o their_o messiah_n shall_v enter_v upon_o his_o office_n and_o which_o he_o shall_v communicate_v to_o the_o whole_a nation_n they_o think_v not_o of_o spiritual_a blessing_n reformation_n of_o manner_n removal_n of_o error_n proposal_n of_o a_o pure_a and_o rational_a religion_n and_o assurance_n of_o a_o spiritual_a happiness_n in_o another_o life_n but_o mighty_a army_n and_o continual_a triumph_n wide_a conquest_n and_o inesâ—…imable_a spoil_n they_o expect_v to_o be_v free_v from_o the_o roman_a yoke_n by_o the_o victorious_a arm_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o by_o a_o uninterrupted_a success_n at_o last_o be_v enable_v to_o give_v law_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n these_o fond_a conceit_n be_v now_o entertain_v by_o the_o whole_a jewish_a nation_n and_o tenacious_o maintain_v by_o the_o apostle_n who_o all_o along_o believe_v indeed_o their_o master_n to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o great_a messiah_n but_o withal_o even_o to_o his_o ascension_n continue_v to_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v not_o yet_o enter_v upon_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o glorious_a office_n not_o all_o the_o premonition_n of_o his_o future_a suffering_n not_o the_o experience_n of_o his_o present_a poverty_n and_o disgrace_n or_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o crucifixion_n and_o burial_n can_v remove_v this_o inveterate_a error_n from_o their_o mind_n or_o create_v in_o they_o a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n and_o office_n but_o after_o all_o when_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n they_o ask_v he_o by_o common_a consent_n lord_n will_v thou_o at_o this_o time_n restore_v again_o the_o kingdom_n to_o israel_n will_v thou_o now_o commence_v that_o glorious_a reign_n which_o we_o have_v so_o long_o expect_v the_o want_n of_o this_o external_a pomp_n and_o appearance_n in_o a_o state_n of_o such_o extraordinary_a humility_n total_o hinder_v his_o brethren_n that_o be_v his_o kindred_n from_o believe_v on_o he_o as_o be_v express_v st._n john_n vii_o 5._o and_o can_v not_o divert_v the_o apostle_n who_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n from_o nourish_v vain_a hope_n of_o a_o future_a greatness_n in_o this_o world_n insomuch_o as_o immediate_o after_o christ_n have_v foretell_v they_o in_o the_o x._o of_o st._n mark_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v betray_v deliver_v to_o the_o gentile_n buffet_v scourge_v and_o crucify_a the_o two_o son_n of_o zebedee_n not_o discourage_v by_o all_o these_o calamity_n which_o they_o imagine_v to_o be_v the_o entrance_n into_o a_o great_a temporal_a glory_n request_v of_o he_o that_o one_o may_v fit_v on_o his_o right_a hand_n the_o other_o on_o his_o left_a in_o his_o kingdom_n and_o the_o disciple_n of_o emmaus_n far_o from_o consider_v the_o past_a suffering_n of_o christ_n and_o reflect_v on_o the_o circumstance_n of_o his_o passion_n and_o precedent_a admonition_n of_o it_o which_o may_v just_o have_v refute_v and_o defeat_v their_o foolish_a expectation_n begin_v to_o suspect_v this_o be_v not_o the_o true_a messiah_n since_o he_o have_v not_o bring_v the_o hope_v for_o external_a redemption_n to_o the_o jew_n we_o trust_v that_o it_o have_v be_v he_o which_o shall_v have_v redeem_v israel_n but_o those_o hope_n be_v vanish_v and_o he_o yet_o continue_v in_o his_o grave_n since_o then_o the_o apostle_n continue_v to_o retain_v these_o prejudices_fw-la &_o preconceive_a error_n and_o be_v thereby_o hinder_v from_o conceive_v the_o spirituality_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n which_o be_v the_o first_o and_o great_a principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v right_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n until_o these_o prejudices_fw-la be_v remove_v and_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o kingdom_n introduce_v till_o then_o they_o can_v not_o but_o gross_o mistake_v the_o meaning_n of_o all_o those_o many_o revelation_n which_o he_o impart_v to_o they_o and_o constant_o wrest_v they_o to_o their_o own_o false_a notion_n and_o apprehension_n this_n not_o only_o disable_v they_o from_o understand_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o what_o christ_n be_v please_v to_o reveal_v to_o they_o but_o also_o hinder_v they_o while_o continue_v in_o that_o state_n from_o receive_v any_o more_o clear_a and_o express_a revelation_n this_o our_o saviour_n plain_o tell_v they_o john_n xvi_o 12_o 13._o i_o have_v yet_o many_o thing_n to_o say_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o can_v bear_v they_o now_o howbeit_o when_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n i_o have_v yet_o great_a mystery_n to_o reveal_v to_o you_o and_o which_o will_v seem_v more_o astonish_n to_o you_o but_o the_o indisposition_n of_o your_o understanding_n at_o present_a cloud_v with_o prejudices_fw-la and_o error_n will_v defeat_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o these_o therefore_o i_o leave_v to_o be_v reveal_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o i_o shall_v send_v unto_o you_o who_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a operation_n assist_v your_o understanding_n will_v prepare_v it_o for_o a_o ready_a reception_n of_o all_o those_o truth_n a_o three_o reason_n of_o this_o ignorance_n of_o the_o apostle_n at_o that_o time_n when_o our_o saviour_n speak_v these_o word_n of_o my_o text_n to_o they_o may_v be_v that_o the_o great_a and_o most_o illustrious_a action_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n the_o mystery_n of_o which_o create_v in_o they_o the_o great_a perplexity_n remain_v yet_o to_o be_v perform_v i_o mean_v his_o crucifixion_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n before_o they_o see_v these_o thing_n effect_v they_o can_v not_o imagine_v that_o he_o who_o they_o have_v represent_v to_o themselves_o as_o a_o triumphant_a messiah_n and_o earthly_a king_n shall_v undergo_v they_o and_o therefore_o all_o our_o saviour_n premonition_n concern_v they_o be_v no_o less_o dark_a and_o obscure_a than_o surprise_v to_o they_o but_o afterward_o the_o real_a performance_n of_o they_o awaken_v their_o attention_n and_o give_v they_o occasion_n to_o reflect_v more_o serious_o upon_o the_o reason_n of_o these_o thing_n they_o then_o plain_o perceive_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o every_o prediction_n of_o christ_n when_o they_o see_v the_o event_n of_o the_o thing_n foretell_v and_o view_v the_o circumstance_n of_o all_o these_o action_n can_v not_o but_o discover_v that_o they_o be_v all_o manifest_o foretell_v of_o the_o messiah_n by_o the_o prophet_n and_o be_v consequent_o to_o be_v necessary_o perform_v by_o he_o not_o to_o say_v that_o the_o resurrection_n be_v the_o far_o great_a and_o most_o illustrious_a miracle_n may_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v produce_v a_o great_a effect_n upon_o their_o mind_n than_o any_o precedent_a action_n and_o how_o the_o subsequent_a performance_n of_o action_n and_o mystery_n foretell_v by_o christ_n contribute_v in_o the_o apostle_n to_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o prediction_n and_o mystery_n themselves_o appear_v from_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o gospel_n more_o especial_o from_o those_o two_o passage_n which_o i_o before_o produce_v john_n ii_o 22._o when_o therefore_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a his_o disciple_n remember_v that_o he_o have_v say_v this_o unto_o they_o and_o they_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o again_o john_n xii_o 16._o these_o thing_n understand_v not_o his_o disciple_n at_o the_o first_o but_o when_o jesus_n be_v glorify_v then_o remember_v they_o that_o these_o thing_n â—…ere_v write_v of_o he_o nay_o so_o much_o do_v christ_n himself_o attribute_v to_o the_o cogency_n of_o the_o proof_n which_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o miracle_n of_o his_o resurrection_n that_o to_o the_o jew_n desire_v a_o convictive_a proof_n of_o his_o divine_a mission_n he_o assign_v no_o other_o than_o that_o as_o ionas_n be_v in_o the_o whale_n belly_n three_o day_n and_o three_o night_n so_o the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v continue_v no_o long_o a_o space_n of_o time_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o however_o his_o other_o miracle_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o prophet_n abundant_o demonstrate_v the_o divinity_n of_o his_o mission_n to_o unprejudiced_a person_n yet_o in_o some_o place_n he_o seem_v willing_a to_o pardon_v their_o suspension_n of_o assent_n till_o they_o shall_v see_v this_o grand_a and_o final_a miracle_n perform_v thus_o in_o the_o word_n precede_v my_o text_n assure_v his_o apostle_n that_o though_o he_o depart_v for_o a_o while_n he_o shall_v live_v again_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o at_o that_o day_n the_o day_n of_o his_o resurrection_n you_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o in_o my_o father_n and_o you_o in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o you_o and_o john_n viii_o 28._o dispute_v with_o the_o incredulous_a jew_n and_o not_o be_v able_a to_o convince_v their_o obstinate_a stupidity_n he_o say_v unto_o
they_o when_o you_o have_v lift_v up_o the_o son_n of_o man_n then_o shall_v you_o know_v that_o i_o be_o he._n and_o this_o in_o some_o measure_n mitigate_v and_o excuse_v the_o present_a ignorance_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o see_v the_o completion_n of_o the_o last_o and_o great_a act_n of_o christ_n particular_o his_o resurrection_n last_o to_o say_v no_o more_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o yet_o pour_v forth_o of_o these_o gift_n none_o of_o the_o least_o be_v a_o due_a preparation_n of_o will_n and_o penetration_n of_o judgement_n to_o conceive_v right_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o all_o divine_a revelation_n and_o mystery_n this_o be_v afterward_o plentiful_o pour_v down_o upon_o the_o apostle_n as_o upon_o this_o day_n but_o before_o that_o time_n be_v not_o confer_v on_o they_o that_o the_o want_n of_o this_o extraordinary_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o main_a cause_n of_o their_o ignorance_n be_v plain_o insinuate_v by_o all_o those_o text_n wherein_o christ_n promise_v to_o the_o apostle_n the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o dispel_v their_o ignorance_n and_o enlighten_v their_o understanding_n as_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n and_o john_n xv._n 26._o but_o when_o the_o comforter_n be_v come_v who_o i_o will_v send_v unto_o you_o from_o the_o father_n even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o father_n he_o shall_v testify_v of_o i_o and_o when_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n the_o ordinary_a assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n have_v indeed_o all_o along_o accompany_v the_o apostle_n which_o have_v be_v abundant_o sufficient_a when_o add_v to_o the_o motive_n of_o faith_n and_o advantage_n of_o instruction_n which_o they_o receive_v from_o christ_n to_o inform_v they_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a consider_v as_o private_a person_n if_o they_o have_v remove_v all_o prejudices_fw-la and_o use_v due_a attention_n and_o reason_n but_o the_o extraordinary_a inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o necessary_a be_v not_o yet_o confer_v on_o they_o for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o yet_o give_v because_o jesus_n be_v not_o yet_o glorify_v st._n john_n vii_o 39_o these_o be_v the_o principal_a cause_n of_o that_o ignorance_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o we_o propose_v to_o inquire_v into_o of_o that_o misapprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o saviour_n office_n and_o design_n which_o so_o eminent_o appear_v in_o the_o context_n as_o we_o before_o explain_v it_o which_o disable_v they_o from_o consider_v the_o consequence_n of_o his_o miracle_n for_o their_o heart_n be_v harden_v mark_v vi_o 52._o by_o reason_n of_o which_o they_o understand_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n his_o passion_n and_o resurrection_n and_o this_o say_n be_v hide_v from_o they_o neither_o know_v they_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v speak_v luc._n xviii_o 34._o which_o cause_v the_o word_n of_o the_o woman_n relate_v to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n to_o seem_v to_o they_o as_o idle_a tale_n and_o incredible_a fable_n luc._n xxiv_o 11._o and_o the_o indignation_n of_o which_o draw_v from_o christ_n that_o sharp_a exprobration_n o_o you_o of_o little_a faith_n mattâ—…_n viii_o 26._o that_o this_o ignorance_n ought_v not_o in_o the_o least_o to_o surprise_v we_o or_o induce_v we_o to_o entertain_v any_o thought_n prejudicial_a to_o christianity_n itself_o appear_v from_o the_o reason_n which_o i_o have_v already_o assign_v to_o it_o but_o will_v more_o full_o be_v manifest_v in_o consider_v the_o second_o head_n propose_v which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o permission_n of_o this_o ignorance_n till_o the_o send_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o repugnant_a to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n or_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o will_v evident_o appear_v from_o these_o two_o consideration_n i._o that_o it_o will_v be_v incongruous_a to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n to_o use_v any_o extraordinary_a method_n in_o remove_v the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o perfect_o inform_v their_o understanding_n until_o such_o information_n not_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v obtain_v by_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o instruction_n shall_v become_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n ii_o that_o such_o a_o perfect_a and_o plenary_a information_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o apostle_n till_o after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ._n the_o first_o of_o these_o proposition_n natural_o follow_v from_o that_o know_a truth_n and_o receive_v principle_n that_o god_n never_o work_v miracle_n without_o necessity_n nor_o recur_v to_o extraordinary_a cause_n while_o natural_a and_o ordinary_a will_v suffice_v however_o full_o to_o evince_v this_o matter_n and_o clear_v all_o remain_a doubt_n i_o will_v consider_v all_o the_o possible_a method_n of_o perfect_o instruct_v the_o apostle_n before_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n when_o the_o natural_a and_o ordinary_a mean_n fail_v and_o demonstrate_v that_o god_n can_v not_o use_v any_o one_o of_o they_o without_o be_v injurious_a to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o honour_n these_o extraordinary_a method_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n first_o god_n by_o his_o almighty_a power_n may_v have_v overrule_v their_o understanding_n and_o without_o expect_v the_o assent_n of_o the_o will_n violent_o imprint_v a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o his_o revelation_n in_o it_o or_o even_o force_v the_o will_n to_o assent_v to_o it_o although_o it_o have_v not_o yet_o discover_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o nothing_o can_v be_v imagine_v more_o injurious_a to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n than_o a_o proceed_n of_o this_o kind_n to_o prepare_v the_o way_n for_o religion_n by_o violate_v those_o privilege_n of_o reason_v and_o free_a will_n which_o he_o at_o first_o confer_v on_o they_o which_o be_v in_o truth_n to_o make_v mankind_n happy_a by_o destroy_v their_o nature_n second_o our_o saviour_n have_v already_o abundant_o convince_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o mission_n and_o consequent_o of_o his_o infallibility_n may_v have_v plain_o and_o open_o reveal_v to_o they_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o future_a action_n to_o be_v yet_o perform_v and_o require_v their_o immediate_a assent_n to_o they_o without_o take_v care_n to_o satisfy_v they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o such_o revelation_n by_o their_o conformity_n to_o all_o precedent_a revelation_n or_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o this_o also_o be_v irrational_a in_o itself_o and_o consequent_o unworthy_a of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o may_v just_o have_v be_v esteem_v unsatisfactory_a by_o the_o apostle_n for_o as_o they_o be_v full_o convince_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o divine_a person_n so_o be_v they_o no_o less_o that_o all_o the_o precedent_a revelation_n be_v deliver_v by_o inspire_a man_n and_o consequent_o deserve_v the_o same_o degree_n of_o assent_n which_o his_o can_v do_v so_o that_o if_o the_o least_o repugnance_n between_o the_o doctrine_n or_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n can_v have_v be_v difcover_v they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o oblige_v to_o assent_v unto_o they_o nay_o to_o a_o full_a and_o unexceptionable_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o revelation_n it_o be_v not_o only_o necessary_a that_o no_o repugnance_n between_o they_o and_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v discover_v but_o also_o that_o a_o entire_a conformity_n shall_v appear_v since_o the_o true_a messiah_n be_v by_o god_n design_v to_o the_o jew_n under_o those_o two_o character_n of_o extraordinary_a miracle_n and_o perfect_a agreement_n of_o life_n action_n and_o doctrine_n to_o the_o precedent_a prediction_n and_o revelation_n and_o consequent_o can_v not_o be_v evident_o distinguish_v without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o both_o those_o proof_n and_o indeed_o such_o a_o arbitrary_a command_n of_o a_o blind_a assent_n to_o any_o revelation_n confirm_v by_o miracle_n without_o a_o previous_a examination_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o be_v so_o absurd_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o law_n of_o reason_v that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v use_v by_o christ_n himself_o even_o in_o respect_n of_o heathen_n for_o such_o a_o resignation_n of_o the_o understanding_n can_v rational_o be_v make_v to_o no_o other_o authority_n than_o a_o authority_n found_v upon_o argument_n of_o great_a credibility_n than_o can_v be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o case_n but_o such_o be_v not_o the_o authority_n derive_v from_o miracle_n for_o all_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o necessary_a deduction_n from_o reason_n include_v at_o least_o a_o equal_a many_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o credibility_n i_o mean_v not_o hereby_o that_o any_o truth_n whatsoever_o can_v have_v a_o great_a certainty_n than_o
of_o the_o soul_n otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v vain_a and_o trifle_a to_o find_a piety_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o internal_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o appropriate_v either_o reward_n or_o punishment_n to_o they_o only_o again_o christianity_n direct_v all_o our_o action_n to_o their_o natural_a end_n the_o supreme_a good_a the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o it_o be_v but_o too_o apparent_a and_o have_v be_v plain_o confess_v by_o many_o of_o they_o that_o all_o the_o refine_a morality_n of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n be_v found_v upon_o a_o principle_n of_o vanity_n and_o direct_v rather_o to_o the_o acquisition_n of_o praise_n and_o glory_n than_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n themselves_o and_o their_o neighbour_n whereas_o the_o christian_a faith_n direct_v we_o to_o perform_v all_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n to_o ascribe_v all_o our_o good_a deed_n to_o god_n the_o author_n and_o fountain_n of_o they_o and_o preserve_v a_o awful_a sense_n of_o our_o own_o unworthiness_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o goodness_n hereby_o it_o add_v to_o all_o other_o excellent_a perfection_n and_o crown_n they_o with_o humility_n a_o virtue_n almost_o unknown_a to_o any_o other_o system_v of_o religion_n yet_o natural_o arise_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n last_o this_o religion_n be_v most_o pure_a and_o simple_a equal_o adapt_v to_o all_o order_n and_o rank_n of_o man_n and_o thereby_o may_v just_o be_v account_v most_o agreeable_a to_o their_o nature_n since_o it_o equal_o concern_v and_o include_v all_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o easy_a lay_v level_a with_o the_o mean_a capacity_n and_o place_v beyond_o the_o power_n of_o none_o such_o as_o carry_v their_o conviction_n along_o with_o they_o and_o need_v no_o other_o argument_n than_o to_o be_v propose_v the_o principle_n and_o mystery_n of_o it_o be_v perspicuous_a and_o significant_a such_o as_o may_v create_v a_o right_a sense_n and_o esteem_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o afford_v powerful_a argument_n to_o man_n of_o manifest_v their_o obedience_n to_o god_n in_o a_o word_n nothing_o can_v be_v find_v or_o discover_v in_o it_o unworthy_a of_o god_n or_o not_o agreeable_a to_o man_n nothing_o which_o do_v not_o proclaim_v itself_o owe_v to_o a_o divine_a original_a which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o second_o consideration_n namely_o ii_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v rational_a and_o evident_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o undoubted_a certainty_n of_o its_o have_v be_v reveal_v by_o god_n to_o evince_v this_o we_o have_v already_o make_v no_o inconsiderable_a advance_v in_o show_v it_o to_o be_v most_o worthy_a of_o god_n and_o fit_v to_o the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o mankind_n for_o hereby_o all_o objection_n which_o can_v be_v form_v against_o it_o be_v prevent_v and_o the_o proof_n of_o its_o revelation_n leave_v in_o their_o full_a force_n whereas_o no_o one_o system_v of_o false_a religion_n have_v ever_o obtain_v in_o the_o world_n which_o have_v not_o teach_v somewhat_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n ought_v to_o have_v be_v reject_v without_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o proof_n and_o argument_n whereby_o it_o pretend_v to_o revelation_n the_o falfeness_n of_o the_o pagan_a religion_n discover_v itself_o in_o propose_v the_o worship_n of_o many_o god_n in_o give_v extravagant_a and_o undecent_a notion_n of_o they_o represent_v they_o as_o murderer_n adulterer_n and_o criminal_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n in_o practise_v childish_a and_o ofttimes_o brutish_a superstition_n and_o confine_v all_o religion_n to_o external_a worship_n to_o come_v to_o our_o own_o time_n the_o falseness_n of_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n appear_v in_o the_o most_o absurd_a and_o extravagant_a fable_n which_o it_o relate_v of_o god_n unworthy_a the_o petulancy_n of_o a_o infant_n much_o more_o the_o majesty_n of_o a_o alwise_a be_v but_o chief_o in_o place_v the_o supreme_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o man_n after_o this_o life_n in_o a_o open_a violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n by_o the_o continual_a practice_n of_o unbridled_a lust_n and_o indulge_v a_o brutish_a appetite_n in_o all_o sensual_a pleasure_n i_o will_v not_o add_v to_o these_o a_o corrupt_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o teach_v doctrine_n contrary_a both_o to_o sense_n and_o reason_n but_o from_o the_o whole_a we_o may_v draw_v a_o convince_a argument_n of_o a_o alwise_a providence_n preside_v over_o the_o world_n and_o direct_v all_o thing_n to_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n in_o that_o it_o never_o suffer_v any_o false_a religion_n to_o obtain_v which_o do_v not_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o most_o evident_a mark_n of_o its_o falseness_n and_o consequent_o into_o which_o none_o can_v enter_v but_o by_o betray_v their_o reason_n and_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n upon_o the_o truth_n hereby_o the_o plea_n of_o ignorance_n and_o involuntary_a error_n be_v take_v from_o all_o for_o the_o existence_n of_o one_o only_a god_n may_v be_v easy_o discover_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v know_v to_o all_o and_o the_o mean_a idiot_n may_v judge_v of_o sensible_a thing_n by_o their_o sense_n so_o that_o to_o fall_v into_o any_o error_n contradict_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o report_n of_o our_o sense_n may_v just_o be_v account_v wilful_a and_o inexcusable_a thus_o all_o erroneous_a religion_n discover_v themselves_o by_o the_o falseness_n of_o their_o doctrine_n whereas_o christianity_n recommend_v itself_o to_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o man_n by_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o divinity_n of_o its_o doctrine_n to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v that_o some_o reveal_v religion_n be_v plain_o necessary_a to_o mankind_n overwhelm_v with_o a_o universal_a corruption_n of_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n and_o miserable_o subject_v to_o the_o dominion_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o their_o own_o lusts._n but_o as_o none_o more_o excellent_a religion_n than_o this_o can_v be_v propose_v so_o none_o can_v be_v found_v upon_o better_a proof_n for_o since_o all_o revelation_n must_v be_v make_v at_o some_o certain_a time_n to_o some_o certain_a person_n and_o in_o some_o certain_a place_n however_o it_o may_v to_o they_o be_v attest_v with_o the_o great_a and_o most_o contestable_a miracle_n yet_o the_o report_n of_o it_o can_v be_v convey_v to_o person_n distant_a in_o place_n and_o time_n no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v eye-witness_n of_o it_o and_o consequent_o to_o they_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v admit_v not_o demonstrative_a and_o exclude_v all_o doubt_n but_o moral_a and_o exclude_v all_o just_a doubt_n no_o general_a and_o universal_a revelation_n such_o as_o be_v christianity_n can_v be_v make_v in_o any_o other_o manner_n and_o therefore_o to_o expect_v any_o other_o proof_n of_o it_o will_v be_v high_o unreasonable_a although_o these_o it_o possess_v in_o the_o high_a and_o most_o eminent_a manner_n which_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o next_o place_n brief_o to_o show_v miracle_n be_v by_o all_o acknowledge_a to_o be_v the_o peculiar_a effect_n of_o god_n and_o to_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o a_o finite_a be_v that_o wonderful_a and_o unaccountable_a action_n may_v be_v and_o often_o have_v be_v perform_v by_o the_o sleight_n of_o man_n or_o concurrence_n of_o evil_a spirit_n must_v be_v confess_v but_o these_o fail_v not_o to_o carry_v some_o evidence_n of_o deceit_n and_o imposture_n along_o with_o they_o and_o may_v easy_o be_v discern_v by_o judicious_a and_o attentive_a person_n from_o those_o which_o proceed_v from_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o be_v the_o real_a work_n of_o omnipotence_n now_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o god_n will_v exert_v his_o almighty_a power_n in_o work_a miracle_n upon_o slight_a and_o trivial_a occasion_n much_o less_o in_o confirmation_n of_o a_o lie_n or_o any_o pretend_a revelation_n if_o therefore_o any_o prophet_n appear_v invest_v with_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n and_o we_o be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o miracle_n be_v true_a and_o real_a and_o that_o his_o revelation_n neither_o contradict_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n nor_o any_o precedent_a revelation_n we_o must_v own_v his_o divine_a commission_n and_o submit_v to_o his_o revelation_n which_o in_o that_o case_n will_v true_o carry_v along_o with_o they_o a_o divine_a authority_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o moses_n who_o miracle_n be_v unexceptionable_a and_o his_o revelation_n in_o no_o respect_n contrary_a to_o reason_n nor_o yet_o to_o any_o precedent_a revelation_n for_o no_o precedent_n one_o be_v yet_o make_v this_o also_o be_v the_o case_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n but_o in_o a_o more_o eminent_a manner_n his_o revelation_n far_o from_o oppose_v
tend_v no_o less_o effectual_o to_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n than_o a_o due_a command_n of_o our_o will._n for_o god_n be_v no_o less_o dishonour_v by_o mean_a and_o unworthy_a apprehension_n of_o he_o by_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n by_o deny_v his_o existence_n or_o debase_v his_o attribute_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o misguide_a reason_n than_o by_o a_o open_a violation_n of_o his_o know_a precept_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o will._n and_o thus_o it_o appear_v that_o a_o full_a enquiry_n into_o the_o reason_n and_o argument_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o not_o only_o contribute_v exceed_o but_o in_o person_n have_v mean_n to_o attain_v it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o beget_v a_o true_a and_o perfect_a faith_n and_o secure_a to_o we_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o iii_o a_o distinct_a and_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o our_o religion_n will_v afford_v to_o we_o many_o and_o great_a motive_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a prerogative_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o the_o more_o we_o search_v into_o the_o reason_n and_o constitution_n of_o it_o the_o more_o full_o the_o divinity_n of_o it_o will_v appear_v every_o new_a discovery_n will_v give_v we_o fresh_a occasion_n to_o admire_v the_o wisdom_n goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n eminent_o conspire_v in_o the_o revelation_n of_o it_o this_o will_v excite_v in_o we_o if_o we_o be_v not_o insensible_a a_o profound_a veneration_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n a_o ardent_a love_n of_o his_o excellency_n and_o the_o most_o intense_a degree_n of_o gratitude_n it_o will_v manifest_v to_o we_o the_o misery_n of_o man_n and_o his_o lose_a condition_n without_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o cross_n which_o may_v expiate_v for_o his_o sin_n and_o mediate_v his_o pardon_n and_o hereby_o will_v increase_v our_o sense_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n will_v enhance_v the_o value_n of_o that_o inestimable_a sacrifice_n teach_v we_o to_o adore_v love_n and_o devote_v ourselves_o to_o our_o saviour_n to_o resign_v up_o our_o belief_n to_o his_o revelation_n as_o to_o our_o prophet_n to_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o expiation_n of_o our_o sin_n once_o make_v and_o intercession_n for_o we_o always_o continue_v by_o he_o as_o of_o our_o high_a priest_n to_o yield_v a_o entire_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o precept_n as_o to_o our_o king_n can_v we_o view_v the_o love_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n manifest_v in_o our_o redemption_n the_o wonderful_a contrivance_n of_o providence_n both_o to_o secure_v the_o divine_a justice_n and_o honour_n and_o yet_o give_v pardon_n to_o sinful_a man_n and_o not_o be_v wind_v up_o into_o a_o ecstasy_n of_o love_n and_o admiration_n can_v we_o consider_v the_o most_o wise_a method_n whereby_o god_n bring_v this_o wonderful_a design_n to_o perfection_n and_o trace_v the_o footstep_n of_o it_o through_o all_o age_n can_v we_o think_v upon_o the_o majesty_n of_o he_o who_o condescend_v to_o suffer_v for_o we_o and_o the_o unworthiness_n of_o man_n to_o receive_v so_o great_a a_o favour_n without_o fill_v our_o understanding_n with_o awful_a and_o reverend_a conception_n of_o he_o our_o will_n with_o a_o passionate_a desire_n of_o union_n with_o he_o and_o enlarge_a all_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o approach_v his_o presence_n and_o receive_v his_o influence_n or_o can_v we_o hope_v to_o raise_v our_o soul_n to_o a_o worthy_a sense_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n and_o benefit_n and_o carry_v up_o our_o affection_n to_o a_o gratitude_n not_o inferior_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o they_o without_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o their_o design_n and_o excellency_n sure_o the_o admonition_n of_o the_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o even_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a which_o so_o earnest_o press_v we_o to_o the_o study_n of_o divine_a truth_n command_v we_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v commend_v those_o who_o be_v conversant_a in_o they_o above_o all_o other_o person_n yet_o how_o small_a a_o part_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v the_o infinite_o great_a part_n of_o it_o serve_v only_o to_o declare_v the_o extraordinary_a act_n of_o his_o providence_n to_o the_o church_n and_o testimony_n of_o his_o love_n to_o mankind_n to_o celebrate_v his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n and_o induce_v we_o by_o manifold_a argument_n to_o our_o duty_n yet_o these_o also_o have_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n think_v necessary_a to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o instruction_n of_o man_n and_o sure_o not_o without_o reason_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o worthy_a of_o man_n more_o perfective_a of_o his_o nature_n or_o conduce_v to_o enstate_v he_o in_o the_o great_a happiness_n than_o to_o comprehend_v the_o riches_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n to_o entertain_v noble_a conception_n of_o his_o creator_n and_o by_o a_o constant_a meditation_n and_o exalt_a knowledge_n raise_v his_o affection_n to_o a_o vehement_a love_n of_o he_o by_o this_o we_o anticipate_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o begin_v to_o possess_v they_o even_o before_o we_o be_v receive_v into_o they_o for_o both_o reason_n and_o revelation_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o fruition_n of_o celestial_a happiness_n consist_v in_o a_o constant_a and_o unwearied_a contemplation_n and_o love_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n the_o study_n of_o these_o sacred_a matter_n be_v esteem_v the_o best_a indication_n of_o a_o pious_a mind_n and_o the_o most_o certain_a method_n of_o attain_v the_o utmost_a degree_n of_o happiness_n upon_o earth_n even_o under_o the_o old_a law_n when_o god_n have_v not_o yet_o make_v a_o full_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o divine_a oeconomy_n be_v obscure_a and_o hide_v under_o a_o veil_n of_o ceremony_n and_o ritual_a observation_n for_o proof_n of_o this_o to_o go_v no_o far_o than_o the_o cxix_o psalm_n wherein_o such_o inimitable_a strain_n of_o piety_n devotion_n and_o a_o ardent_a love_n of_o god_n appear_v the_o holy_a psalmist_n every_o where_o ascribe_v his_o proficiency_n in_o virtue_n and_o the_o inward_a satisfaction_n and_o happiness_n of_o his_o mind_n to_o the_o assiduous_a study_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n i_o will_v thank_v thou_o with_o a_o unfeigned_a heart_n when_o i_o shall_v have_v learn_v the_o judgement_n of_o thy_o righteousness_n open_v thou_o my_o eye_n that_o i_o may_v see_v the_o wondrous_a thing_n of_o thy_o law_n for_o i_o remember_v thy_o everlasting_a judgement_n o_o lord_n and_o receive_v comfort_n lord_n what_o love_n have_v i_o unto_o thy_o law_n all_o the_o day_n long_o be_v my_o study_n in_o it_o o_o how_o sweet_a be_v thy_o word_n unto_o my_o throâ—…_n yea_o sweet_a than_o honey_n unto_o my_o mouth_n thy_o word_n be_v a_o lantern_n unto_o my_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n unto_o my_o path_n for_o thy_o testimony_n be_v my_o delight_n and_o my_o counselor_n see_v all_o the_o mark_n of_o a_o soul_n big_a with_o devotion_n and_o fill_v with_o transport_n of_o joy_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o excellency_n manifest_v under_o the_o mosaic_a law_n but_o alas_o how_o inconsiderable_a be_v this_o if_o compare_v to_o that_o great_a light_n which_o christianity_n have_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n what_o satisfaction_n and_o advantage_n may_v not_o we_o now_o hope_v for_o from_o the_o study_n and_o contemplation_n of_o the_o more_o perfect_a law_n of_o christ_n that_o have_v reveal_v to_o we_o the_o mystery_n which_o have_v be_v hide_v from_o age_n and_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o divine_a goodness_n not_o under_o a_o veil_n and_o shadow_n but_o in_o its_o full_a dimension_n the_o ancient_a christian_n be_v true_o sensible_a of_o this_o who_o place_v their_o happiness_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n in_o this_o holy_a study_n choose_v rather_o to_o part_v with_o their_o life_n than_o bibles_n and_o brand_v those_o who_o deliver_v they_o up_o to_o their_o persecutor_n although_o in_o exchange_n for_o their_o dear_a blood_n with_o the_o name_n of_o traditores_fw-la or_o traitor_n and_o in_o the_o last_o age_n our_o forefather_n give_v eminent_a instance_n of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n and_o resolution_n when_o great_a number_n of_o they_o venture_v their_o life_n to_o enjoy_v the_o advantage_n of_o read_v the_o scripture_n in_o their_o mother_n tongue_n and_o rather_o than_o forego_v that_o benefit_n choose_v to_o forfeit_v their_o life_n to_o the_o persecution_n of_o a_o church_n who_o interest_n it_o be_v that_o those_o divine_a truth_n shall_v not_o be_v know_v it_o be_v our_o
happiness_n to_o enjoy_v that_o advantage_n in_o a_o most_o eminent_a manner_n to_o have_v the_o scripture_n translate_v most_o exact_o into_o our_o own_o language_n to_o read_v they_o secure_o and_o hear_v they_o weekly_o explain_v to_o we_o let_v we_o manifest_v that_o we_o be_v not_o insensible_a of_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n by_o a_o right_a use_n of_o it_o lest_o we_o fall_v into_o the_o condemnation_n of_o those_o who_o abuse_v the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o that_o candlestick_n of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o worthy_a be_v remove_v from_o we_o it_o remain_v that_o we_o brief_o apply_v what_o have_v be_v say_v and_o first_o if_o our_o religion_n be_v so_o excellent_a and_o rational_a attend_v with_o such_o evidence_n and_o conviction_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o maintain_v a_o firm_a and_o constant_a profession_n of_o it_o at_o all_o time_n or_o in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n to_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o not_o to_o dissemble_v it_o for_o fear_n or_o interest_n much_o less_o betray_v it_o by_o a_o denial_n of_o it_o the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o secure_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o advance_v the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n by_o such_o shameful_a cowardice_n both_o these_o end_n be_v defeat_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v wound_v and_o the_o hope_n of_o happiness_n entire_o destroy_v hereby_o man_n renounce_v all_o dependence_n upon_o god_n disow_v he_o to_o be_v their_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o bid_v defiance_n to_o he_o nor_o may_v we_o flatter_v ourselves_o that_o this_o execrable_a crime_n of_o apostasy_n consist_v only_o in_o deny_v all_o christianity_n and_o whole_o renounce_v our_o saviour_n to_o yield_v up_o the_o least_o truth_n which_o we_o be_v convince_v to_o be_v divine_a to_o assent_v to_o the_o least_o error_n which_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v false_a to_o forsake_v a_o communion_n which_o we_o know_v to_o be_v pure_a and_o lawful_a to_o embrace_v one_o which_o we_o be_v persuade_v be_v corrupt_a and_o erroneous_a be_v no_o less_o true_o the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n and_o will_v undoubted_o meet_v with_o the_o same_o punishment_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o sin_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o case_n that_o we_o wilful_o recede_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o affront_v the_o divine_a majesty_n by_o prefer_v a_o lie_n to_o his_o revealed_z will._n the_o maintenance_n of_o truth_n and_o direct_v our_o conduct_n by_o the_o dictate_v of_o it_o be_v the_o dignity_n of_o man_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o betray_v the_o most_o inconsiderable_a truth_n to_o any_o temporal_a consideration_n be_v a_o plain_a confession_n that_o we_o have_v invert_v the_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o subject_v our_o more_o noble_a part_n the_o soul_n to_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o the_o body_n a_o indignity_n unworthy_a a_o rational_a be_v which_o prostitute_n the_o honour_n of_o his_o nature_n rank_n he_o among_o brute_n beast_n and_o from_o be_v the_o head_n of_o all_o visible_a creature_n degrade_n he_o into_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o slave_n to_o dust_n and_o ash_n but_o when_o eternity_n and_o a_o interest_n infinite_o great_a than_o any_o which_o can_v be_v promote_v on_o earth_n by_o such_o apostasy_n lay_v at_o stake_n when_o immortality_n and_o everlasting_a happiness_n be_v destroy_v by_o it_o nay_o when_o the_o utmost_a displeasure_n of_o a_o almighty_a god_n and_o the_o direful_a effect_n of_o it_o eternal_a torment_n be_v the_o consequence_n of_o it_o to_o prefer_v a_o few_o trifle_a pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n disclaim_v all_o hope_n of_o happiness_n in_o another_o life_n and_o incur_v the_o divine_a vengeance_n be_v a_o height_n of_o folly_n which_o all_o the_o affair_n and_o example_n of_o this_o life_n can_v equal_v a_o impiety_n which_o neither_o the_o art_n of_o man_n or_o devil_n can_v exceed_v when_o the_o interest_n of_o truth_n be_v concern_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n engage_v to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n in_o testimony_n of_o the_o one_o and_o vindication_n of_o the_o other_o to_o forego_v all_o the_o convenience_n of_o this_o life_n to_o despise_v all_o worldly_a consideration_n and_o with_o a_o generous_a contempt_n overlook_v all_o the_o solicitation_n and_o threat_n of_o man_n this_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n require_v of_o we_o this_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n oblige_v we_o to_o this_o the_o expectation_n of_o a_o future_a state_n lead_v we_o to_o for_o sure_o we_o be_v no_o long_o deserve_v the_o name_n or_o character_n of_o man_n than_o while_o we_o continue_v rational_a we_o deny_v all_o relation_n to_o god_n when_o we_o sacrifice_v his_o command_n to_o our_o interest_n and_o disclaim_v all_o title_n to_o a_o future_a state_n when_o we_o yield_v up_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o present_a advantage_n yet_o how_o many_o example_n of_o such_o apostasy_n have_v the_o church_n deplore_v in_o all_o age_n and_o i_o wish_v our_o age_n afford_v none_o of_o those_o who_o have_v betray_v the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n i_o will_v not_o say_v to_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n for_o so_o great_a a_o terror_n all_o spirit_n can_v overcome_v and_o we_o of_o this_o nation_n thanks_o be_v to_o god_n do_v not_o suffer_v but_o to_o the_o fear_n of_o poverty_n or_o perhaps_o to_o the_o hope_n of_o continue_v or_o advance_v their_o preferment_n in_o the_o world_n a_o most_o amaze_a wickedness_n that_o man_n shall_v sell_v their_o god_n at_o so_o low_a a_o price_n and_o exchange_v their_o religion_n for_o such_o mean_a consideration_n resign_v to_o i_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o a_o possession_n in_o the_o earth_n give_v i_o up_o your_o soul_n and_o i_o will_v enrich_v your_o body_n deny_v your_o creator_n and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o honour_n among_o your_o fellow-creature_n a_o proposal_n which_o even_o a_o heathen_a philosopher_n will_v entertain_v with_o scorn_n and_o every_o sober_a christian_a with_o a_o pious_a horror_n these_o be_v the_o flattery_n of_o the_o world_n and_o with_o these_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o world_n attempt_v our_o saviour_n all_o these_o thing_n will_v i_o give_v thou_o if_o thou_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v i_o but_o our_o saviour_n immediate_o reject_v such_o base_a proposal_n with_o a_o generous_a disdain_n and_o with_o a_o get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n manifest_v with_o how_o great_a indignation_n he_o have_v receive_v they_o thereby_o give_v we_o a_o example_n how_o we_o ought_v to_o behave_v ourselves_o upon_o such_o occasion_n and_o not_o to_o admit_v even_o the_o thought_n of_o such_o a_o crime_n for_o sure_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n even_o to_o deliberate_v with_o ourselves_o whether_o we_o shall_v betray_v it_o or_o no_o be_v a_o degree_n of_o apostasy_n in_o that_o case_n deliberasse_fw-la est_fw-la descivisse_fw-la and_o the_o thought_n of_o foolishness_n be_v sin_n to_o put_v the_o question_n to_o our_o own_o soul_n be_v to_o trifle_v with_o the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o dishonour_v our_o religion_n and_o degrade_v our_o nature_n but_o to_o decide_v it_o in_o favour_n of_o our_o luft_n and_o the_o petty_a temptation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o iniquity_n and_o in_o the_o most_o reproachful_a sense_n turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wantonness_n i_o speak_v of_o those_o who_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o religion_n or_o communion_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o forsake_v it_o as_o sor_n those_o who_o may_v pretend_v reason_n of_o conscience_n and_o conviction_n of_o judgement_n for_o their_o departure_n from_o our_o church_n let_v they_o serious_o consider_v whether_o this_o be_v not_o indeed_o a_o pretence_n and_o whether_o they_o can_v real_o answer_v it_o to_o god_n and_o their_o own_o conscience_n let_v they_o examine_v themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v not_o bias_v in_o their_o judgement_n and_o powerful_o prejudice_v in_o favour_n of_o that_o communion_n to_o which_o they_o have_v revolt_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o secular_a interest_n and_o advantage_n in_o this_o case_n let_v they_o know_v that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v and_o that_o to_o force_v our_o understanding_n be_v no_o less_o criminal_a than_o to_o force_v our_o conscience_n god_n have_v propose_v sufficient_a direction_n to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n pardon_v we_o if_o we_o wilful_o shut_v our_o eye_n against_o the_o truth_n we_o need_v not_o go_v any_o far_a than_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n for_o this_o direction_n the_o apostle_n command_v all_o christian_n to_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o they_o if_o then_o any_o society_n of_o man_n discourage_v and_o overthrow_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o private_a christian_n
of_o it_o to_o all_o person_n without_o distinction_n the_o most_o learned_a as_o well_o as_o ignorant_a be_v no_o less_o apparent_a for_o however_o these_o philosopher_n may_v please_v themselves_o with_o the_o false_a opinion_n of_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n it_o be_v too_o notorious_a that_o their_o pretence_n be_v vain_a and_o trifle_a they_o profess_v indeed_o a_o science_n of_o divine_a matter_n but_o such_o as_o include_v only_o unuseful_a and_o ofttimes_o absurd_a notion_n which_o be_v as_o various_a as_o their_o several_a sect_n and_o those_o as_o numerous_a as_o the_o whimsy_n of_o ambitious_a man_n and_o all_o deride_v by_o a_o powerful_a and_o learned_a sect_n which_o deny_v any_o truth_n to_o be_v in_o thing_n or_o if_o any_o of_o they_o entertain_v right_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o religion_n yet_o be_v it_o rather_o by_o way_n of_o conjecture_n than_o certainty_n which_o therefore_o have_v no_o influence_n upon_o their_o life_n nor_o afford_v any_o other_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a state_n than_o what_o be_v found_v only_o on_o faint_a wish_n and_o uncertain_a desire_n such_o as_o will_v never_o induce_v they_o to_o forego_v their_o life_n or_o any_o part_n of_o their_o temporal_a happiness_n rather_o than_o renounce_v it_o or_o give_v they_o entire_a assurance_n of_o any_o reward_n or_o punishment_n in_o another_o life_n if_o to_o pretend_v that_o revelation_n be_v unnecessary_a and_o unuseful_a to_o they_o be_v frivolous_a and_o irrational_a in_o these_o heathen_a philosopher_n much_o more_o absurd_a be_v it_o to_o arraign_v the_o christian_a religion_n of_o its_o simplicity_n which_o fit_v it_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o mankind_n not_o appropriate_v it_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o philosopher_n only_o by_o propose_v abstruse_a contemplation_n and_o nice_a subtlety_n beyond_o the_o ordinary_a reach_n of_o unlearned_a person_n this_o be_v the_o chief_a reason_n why_o christianity_n be_v by_o they_o account_v folly_n as_o be_v hereby_o become_v the_o portion_n of_o repute_a fool_n as_o well_o as_o the_o science_n of_o those_o who_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o the_o title_n of_o wisdom_n and_o this_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o reason_n why_o we_o ought_v to_o esteem_v it_o the_o most_o excellent_a of_o all_o religion_n and_o condemn_v the_o intolerable_a pride_n and_o superciliousness_n of_o such_o man_n who_o either_o than_o do_v endeavour_v to_o engross_v the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a matter_n or_o now_o do_v true_a belief_n and_o salvation_n to_o themselves_o only_o religion_n be_v intend_v by_o god_n to_o procure_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n not_o of_o any_o sect_n or_o denomination_n of_o man_n much_o less_o of_o a_o small_a inconsiderable_a party_n who_o by_o appropriate_v to_o themselves_o the_o great_a blessing_n of_o heaven_n make_v themselves_o unworthy_a of_o the_o least_o of_o they_o nothing_o therefore_o contribute_v so_o much_o to_o declare_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n or_o be_v so_o befit_v the_o holiness_n and_o beneficence_n of_o his_o nature_n as_o the_o generous_a spirit_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o equal_o admit_v all_o man_n and_o acknowledge_v no_o other_o distinction_n in_o person_n than_o what_o arise_v from_o their_o more_fw-mi or_o less_o perfect_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o this_o end_n it_o be_v admirable_o fit_v by_o the_o simplicity_n of_o it_o impose_v no_o necessary_a duty_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n but_o what_o be_v command_v even_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o observe_v no_o other_o sacrament_n or_o ceremony_n than_o what_o be_v easy_a and_o significant_a few_o and_o instructive_a and_o if_o this_o must_v be_v account_v a_o prejudice_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n to_o what_o a_o deplorable_a condition_n have_v the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n degenerate_v dislike_a divine_a truth_n because_o rational_a plain_a and_o obvious_a it_o have_v indeed_o be_v a_o common_a mistake_n to_o despise_v all_o doctrine_n recommend_v with_o these_o excellent_a quality_n and_o because_o lie_v level_a with_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o unlearned_a multitude_n and_o to_o pronounce_v they_o foolish_a as_o the_o greek_a philosopher_n in_o the_o text_n account_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v foolishness_n because_o of_o its_o simplicity_n but_o this_o be_v such_o a_o prejudice_n as_o nothing_o less_o than_o the_o most_o invincible_a ignorance_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o truth_n and_o religion_n can_v excuse_v a_o mistake_v however_o to_o which_o the_o corrupt_a inclination_n of_o humanenature_n be_v so_o prone_a that_o it_o have_v not_o only_o affect_v the_o greek_a philosopher_n but_o also_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n who_o disdain_v the_o profession_n of_o a_o simple_a and_o easy_a religion_n either_o add_v abstruse_a and_o sometime_o incredible_a article_n to_o it_o or_o turn_v it_o into_o a_o artificial_a science_n involve_v in_o the_o most_o perplex_a and_o intricate_a subtlety_n or_o affect_v to_o propose_v and_o deliver_v it_o in_o a_o enthusiastic_a stile_n in_o wild_a and_o undigested_a conception_n it_o remain_v that_o i_o confider_v our_o obligation_n notwithstanding_o all_o these_o objection_n and_o the_o scandal_n derive_v from_o they_o to_o believe_v and_o open_o to_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ._n for_o however_o it_o be_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumbling-block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n we_o still_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v and_o as_o it_o appear_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v have_v reason_n so_o to_o do_v be_v neither_o scandalize_v at_o the_o contradiction_n and_o opposition_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n nor_o delude_v by_o the_o same_o prejudices_fw-la with_o they_o which_o two_o head_n i_o will_v brief_o speak_v to_o first_o then_o if_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumbling-block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n if_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n continue_v not_o only_o in_o ignorance_n of_o it_o but_o in_o opposition_n to_o it_o if_o the_o mystery_n of_o it_o appear_v to_o some_o incredible_a and_o the_o manner_n propose_v it_o ridiculous_a this_o ought_v not_o to_o scandalize_v we_o or_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o be_v either_o less_o plain_a or_o less_o certain_a we_o all_o know_v mankind_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n and_o experience_n the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a understanding_n we_o can_v be_v ignorant_a how_o prone_a all_o man_n be_v to_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n and_o than_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o christianity_n oppose_v and_o restrain_v these_o unruly_a passion_n we_o shall_v cease_v to_o wonder_v at_o its_o rejection_n and_o contradiction_n god_n have_v indeed_o set_v his_o reveal_v truth_n in_o as_o clear_v a_o light_n as_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o conviction_n of_o man_n but_o still_o leave_v our_o will_n in_o its_o full_a liberty_n to_o embrace_v or_o reject_v they_o that_o so_o he_o may_v leave_v place_n either_o for_o reward_n of_o belief_n or_o punishment_n of_o the_o contrary_n not_o that_o god_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n incredible_a or_o extraordinary_a not_o that_o we_o merit_v any_o thing_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n by_o be_v more_o credulous_a than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n or_o believe_v those_o thing_n which_o other_o man_n reject_v as_o foolish_a or_o monstrous_a our_o faith_n be_v no_o otherwise_o capable_a of_o a_o reward_n than_o as_o it_o be_v just_a and_o rational_a as_o it_o be_v the_o result_n of_o the_o right_a exercise_n of_o our_o faculty_n and_o a_o demonstration_n of_o readiness_n to_o obey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v his_o attribute_n of_o veracity_n and_o dominion_n over_o we_o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o strange_a expression_n of_o a_o ancient_a writer_n that_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n certain_a credible_a and_o meritorious_a to_o be_v believe_v because_o they_o be_v foolish_a incredible_a and_o impossible_a that_o in_o this_o consist_v the_o merit_n of_o christian_a confidence_n and_o that_o god_n therefore_o choose_v this_o way_n that_o he_o may_v as_o it_o be_v retaliate_v to_o man_n the_o impudence_n of_o idolatry_n in_o which_o they_o have_v voluntary_o engage_v themselves_o by_o the_o impudence_n of_o faith_n which_o he_o impose_v on_o they_o if_o thing_n be_v so_o just_o may_v christianity_n be_v a_o scandal_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o folly_n to_o the_o greek_n but_o bless_v be_v god_n and_o bless_v be_v that_o holy_a religion_n which_o we_o profess_v nothing_o be_v require_v of_o we_o to_o be_v believe_v but_o what_o be_v entire_o conformable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n and_o which_o will_v be_v our_o duty_n to_o assâ—…nt_v to_o although_o no_o reward_n attend_v the_o assent_n in_o the_o next_o place_n if_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o
fit_v to_o receive_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n other_o sin_n there_o be_v which_o may_v consist_v with_o such_o a_o pious_a habit_n of_o soul_n as_o be_v require_v namely_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n and_o infirmity_n the_o first_o sort_n arise_v from_o a_o error_n of_o the_o understanding_n when_o a_o man_n offend_v against_o his_o duty_n because_o he_o know_v it_o not_o the_o second_o spring_n from_o the_o disorder_n of_o the_o sensual_a appetite_n as_o when_o a_o man_n through_o a_o sudden_a fear_n or_o passion_n be_v hurry_v on_o rash_o to_o commit_v a_o sin_n before_o he_o well_o consider_v what_o he_o do_v before_o he_o have_v time_n to_o reflect_v upon_o his_o duty_n or_o to_o consider_v with_o himself_o what_o he_o shall_v or_o shall_v not_o do_v but_o a_o wilful_a sin_n or_o sin_n of_o presumption_n arise_v from_o a_o corruption_n of_o will_n and_o proceed_v upon_o deliberate_a choice_n and_o advise_v resolution_n i_o will_v illustrate_v all_o these_o by_o example_n st._n paul_n persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n not_o know_v it_o to_o be_v his_o church_n although_o he_o be_v all_o the_o while_o ready_a to_o receive_v and_o obey_v the_o truth_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v manifest_v to_o he_o this_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n for_o which_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o receive_v mercy_n because_o he_o do_v it_o in_o unbelief_n if_o this_o ignorance_n shall_v be_v affect_v because_o man_n will_v not_o inquire_v after_o truth_n or_o will_v not_o attend_v to_o it_o the_o mis-carriage_n found_v upon_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v sin_n of_o ignorance_n and_o become_v wilful_a sin_n of_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n st._n peter_n be_v a_o great_a example_n who_o through_o a_o sudden_a fear_n of_o death_n or_o punishment_n be_v betray_v to_o deny_v his_o master_n although_o he_o have_v before_o full_o resolve_v against_o it_o and_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o violence_n of_o his_o fear_n be_v over_o and_o his_o mind_n return_v to_o the_o former_a freedom_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o think_v of_o it_o he_o weep_v bitter_o of_o wilful_a sin_n that_o of_o david_n against_o uriah_n be_v a_o eminent_a instance_n where_o the_o sin_n of_o adultery_n and_o murder_n be_v after_o long_a deliberation_n and_o a_o contrivance_n of_o many_o day_n together_o at_o last_o put_v in_o execution_n by_o he_o and_o for_o this_o it_o be_v that_o nathan_n tell_v he_o he_o have_v deserve_v to_o die_v this_o create_v to_o he_o that_o last_a and_o vehement_a sorrow_n which_o we_o often_o find_v describe_v in_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n and_o this_o stick_v as_o a_o indelible_a blot_n to_o his_o memory_n when_o lesser_a offence_n be_v pass_v by_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v of_o they_o 1_o king_n xv._n 5._o that_o david_n do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o turn_v not_o aside_o from_o any_o thing_n which_o he_o command_v he_o all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n save_v only_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o uriah_n the_o hittite_n we_o read_v of_o many_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n which_o he_o commit_v but_o these_o be_v easy_o pardon_v that_o stick_v close_o to_o he_o and_o can_v not_o be_v wipe_v off_o but_o by_o a_o long_a and_o strict_a repentance_n and_o patient_a endure_v of_o terrible_a calamity_n inflict_v on_o he_o other_o sin_n alter_v not_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o if_o a_o good_a man_n shall_v sudden_o die_v even_o in_o the_o commission_n of_o one_o of_o they_o we_o may_v still_o hope_v for_o mercy_n but_o for_o a_o wilful_a sin_n no_o mercy_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v till_o the_o habit_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v entire_o change_v by_o repentance_n this_o distinction_n of_o sin_n may_v instruct_v you_o in_o the_o necessary_a manner_n of_o form_v your_o repentance_n for_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n and_o infirmity_n a_o general_a repentance_n may_v suffice_v a_o hearty_a sorrow_n for_o have_v offend_v god_n in_o thought_n word_n or_o deed_n a_o humble_a supplication_n of_o pardon_n a_o sincere_a resolution_n of_o endeavour_v to_o avoid_v any_o such_o for_o the_o future_a but_o for_o every_o wilful_a sin_n a_o particular_a repentance_n be_v require_v a_o sad_a reflection_n of_o the_o mind_n upon_o it_o a_o earnest_n and_o continue_a supplication_n for_o pardon_n of_o it_o a_o diligent_a struggle_v with_o the_o corrupt_a inclination_n of_o the_o will_n a_o long_a preparation_n of_o it_o by_o prayer_n by_o resolution_n by_o meditation_n by_o all_o necessary_a act_n of_o mortification_n which_o may_v entire_o change_v the_o bent_n and_o remove_v the_o corruption_n of_o it_o and_o subdue_v it_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n then_o and_o not_o till_o then_o may_v the_o wilful_a sinner_n presume_v of_o pardon_n believe_v himself_o reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o to_o have_v escape_v the_o sentence_n of_o destruction_n pronounce_v in_o the_o text_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v that_o by_o a_o true_a and_o perfect_a repentance_n we_o may_v all_o avoid_v for_o the_o sake_n etc._n etc._n the_o twelve_o sermon_n preach_v april_n 21_o 1689._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n acts._n x._o 34_o 35._o then_o peter_n open_v his_o mouth_n and_o say_v 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 feaâ—…eth_v he_o and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v with_o he_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o ultimate_a ought_v also_o to_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o can_v better_o be_v discover_v than_o from_o its_o most_o perfect_a agreement_n with_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o subservience_n to_o they_o the_o end_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v first_o the_o honour_n and_o service_n of_o god_n and_o then_o the_o good_a of_o men._n the_o first_o be_v promote_v by_o noble_a conception_n of_o god_n and_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n the_o latter_a be_v enhance_v by_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o the_o primary_n attribute_v of_o god_n in_o relation_n to_o we_o be_v his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o that_o consist_v in_o the_o justice_n of_o it_o this_o justice_n appear_v most_o conspicuous_o in_o the_o universal_a diffusion_n of_o his_o benefit_n in_o dispense_n his_o reward_n as_o well_o as_o punishment_n impartial_o to_o all_o order_n and_o rank_n of_o man_n in_o exclude_v none_o from_o his_o favour_n but_o for_o reason_n common_a to_o they_o with_o all_o mankind_n this_o all_o man_n conceive_v to_o be_v a_o perfection_n in_o god_n and_o as_o such_o it_o must_v be_v a_o eternal_a attribute_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n although_o the_o influence_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o may_v be_v more_o manifest_a in_o some_o age_n and_o under_o some_o dispensation_n than_o in_o other_o as_o his_o mercy_n his_o goodness_n and_o his_o power_n be_v from_o all_o age_n equal_a and_o uniform_a but_o more_o open_o declare_v to_o the_o world_n by_o external_a action_n relate_v to_o we_o his_o justice_n be_v always_o impartial_a and_o universal_a yet_o cloud_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n under_o the_o mosaic_a law_n while_o the_o divine_a mercy_n be_v in_o appearance_n appropriate_v to_o a_o small_a division_n of_o mankind_n not_o cloud_v indeed_o direct_o and_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n but_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o fond_a opinion_n of_o man_n who_o from_o the_o peculiar_a favour_n of_o god_n will_v take_v occasion_n to_o fancy_v he_o partial_a in_o their_o behalf_n and_o exclude_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n from_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o same_o happiness_n this_o the_o jew_n in_o a_o most_o gross_a manner_n do_v who_o imagine_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o only_a member_n of_o mankind_n for_o who_o god_n have_v any_o care_n or_o respect_n fancy_v themselves_o dear_a to_o god_n not_o upon_o the_o common_a account_n of_o piety_n and_o obedience_n but_o for_o peculiar_a reason_n as_o their_o descent_n from_o abraham_n their_o separation_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n by_o circumcision_n and_o other_o typical_a rite_n upon_o this_o account_n they_o treat_v all_o other_o person_n as_o profane_a and_o unclean_a allow_v no_o share_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n to_o they_o and_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v utter_o unregarded_a by_o god_n in_o his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n a_o prejudice_n which_o the_o jew_n have_v so_o far_o imbibe_v that_o the_o apostle_n retain_v it_o many_o year_n even_o after_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o gentile_n to_o their_o company_n or_o conversation_n much_o less_o to_o the_o hope_n and_o fellowship_n of_o the_o same_o bless_a call_v until_o god_n by_o a_o extraordinary_a vision_n and_o by_o the_o example_n of_o cornelius_n teach_v st._n peter_n not_o to_o call_v any_o man_n