shall_v we_o goithou_a have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n chap._n iii_o the_o external_n proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n consider_v miracle_n be_v only_o perform_v by_o god_n why_o christianity_n be_v confirm_v by_o they_o the_o number_n of_o christ_n miracle_n the_o manner_n of_o his_o perform_v they_o and_o their_o certainty_n consider_v the_o miracle_n do_v by_o christ_n to_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n be_v a_o authentic_a testimony_n that_o god_n approve_v it_o the_o pretence_n of_o libertine_n that_o the_o heathen_a religion_n be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n clear_o disprove_v the_o rational_a assurance_n we_o have_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v sincere_a and_o certain_a of_o the_o miraculous_a thing_n relate_v by_o they_o of_o jesus_n christ._n his_o resurrection_n attest_v by_o sufficient_a evidence_n we_o be_v next_o to_o consider_v those_o external_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n the_o work_n of_o god_n himself_o that_o seal_v our_o full_a assurance_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v instance_n in_o two_o miracle_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o prophecy_n 1._o a_o miracle_n be_v a_o supernatural_a work_n that_o require_v a_o extraordinary_a divine_a power_n to_o effect_v it_o for_o none_o can_v derogate_v from_o the_o universal_a law_n of_o nature_n prescribe_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o thing_n and_o time_n but_o the_o author_n of_o it_o indeed_o we_o do_v not_o exact_o know_v the_o compass_n of_o that_o circle_n wherein_o the_o spirit_n of_o darkness_n excercise_n their_o power_n they_o may_v by_o the_o application_n of_o natural_a mean_n unknown_a to_o we_o produce_v thing_n that_o may_v astonish_v or_o by_o lie_v wonder_n deceive_v man_n but_o a_o true_a miracle_n be_v a_o work_n reserve_v to_o god_n and_o possible_o to_o no_o less_o than_o infinite_a power_n whether_o it_o be_v a_o first_o or_o second_o creation_n the_o form_v a_o new_a eye_n or_o the_o give_v a_o visive_a power_n to_o that_o that_o be_v natural_o blind_a it_o can_v only_o be_v do_v by_o his_o hand_n if_o we_o respect_v omipotency_n there_o be_v the_o same_o facility_n if_o the_o thing_n do_v there_o be_v the_o same_o difficulty_n in_o the_o performance_n if_o the_o devil_n have_v such_o a_o power_n they_o may_v create_v a_o separate_a kingdom_n and_o reign_v there_o now_o miraculous_a testimony_n be_v give_v to_o confirm_v christianity_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o just_a correspondence_n between_o its_o doctrine_n and_o their_o proof_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o their_o existence_n be_v above_o all_o natural_a power_n and_o in_o their_o belief_n above_o the_o natural_a understanding_n all_o that_o nature_n can_v do_v or_o know_v do_v not_o make_v they_o credible_a therefore_o it_o be_v requisite_a those_o thing_n shall_v be_v confirm_v by_o the_o divine_a power_n that_o transcend_v the_o comprehension_n of_o humane_a reason_n beside_o as_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v sublime_a so_o the_o reward_n be_v future_a and_o that_o the_o gentile_n may_v not_o pretend_v that_o the_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n feign_v another_o world_n and_o a_o heaven_n and_o a_o hell_n wherein_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v glorify_v or_o torment_v according_a to_o their_o action_n in_o this_o life_n supernatural_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o promise_n and_o threaten_n be_v necessary_a in_o short_a herein_o the_o divine_a goodness_n appear_v that_o as_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o man_n so_o it_o be_v discernible_a by_o such_o sign_n as_o may_v convince_v all_o for_o upon_o the_o sight_n of_o those_o divine_a work_n the_o simple_a people_n be_v lead_v by_o the_o outward_a sense_n to_o a_o inward_a firm_a faith_n in_o jesus_n christ._n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v i_o will_v take_v a_o brief_a view_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o give_v faith_n to_o his_o doctrine_n it_o be_v record_v of_o moses_n who_o be_v a_o type_n of_o christ_n that_o after_o his_o familiar_a converse_n with_o god_n as_o a_o man_n with_o his_o friend_n descend_v from_o the_o mount_n his_o face_n shine_v with_o such_o a_o excessive_a brightness_n as_o it_o be_v by_o reflection_n from_o the_o face_n of_o god_n that_o come_v to_o the_o israelite_n to_o deliver_v to_o they_o the_o divine_a law_n he_o be_v fain_o to_o cover_v it_o with_o a_o vail_n yet_o some_o ray_n of_o that_o miraculous_a splendour_n be_v visible_a through_o that_o mysterious_a veil_n to_o assure_v they_o it_o be_v moses_n himself_o that_o direct_v and_o govern_v they_o according_a to_o god_n will._n thus_o when_o the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v down_o from_o the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n to_o instruct_v the_o world_n he_o shade_v the_o light_n of_o the_o deity_n with_o a_o vail_n of_o flesh_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o so_o absolute_o conceal_v under_o his_o humanity_n but_o that_o from_o time_n to_o time_n some_o beam_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n appear_v in_o work_n so_o proper_a to_o god_n that_o the_o apostle_n say_v we_o see_v his_o glory_n as_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o representation_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n by_o the_o evangelist_n we_o may_v consider_v their_o number_n and_o variety_n his_o manner_n of_o perform_v they_o and_o the_o certainty_n of_o they_o 1._o their_o number_n and_o variety_n he_o go_v about_o all_o galilee_n heal_v all_o manner_n of_o sickness_n and_o disease_n even_o the_o most_o incurable_a the_o blind_a the_o deaf_a the_o lame_a the_o paralitic_a the_o hydropic_a the_o leprous_a the_o lunatic_n be_v cure_v he_o raise_v the_o dead_a and_o cast_v out_o devil_n beside_o his_o miraculous_a feed_n so_o many_o thousand_o his_o command_v the_o enrage_a wind_n and_o sea_n to_o be_v still_o and_o a_o great_a calm_a follow_v his_o transfiguration_n before_o his_o disciple_n when_o the_o beauty_n of_o heaven_n descend_v on_o his_o countenance_n to_o be_v there_o more_o beautiful_a discover_v the_o sensible_a presence_n of_o the_o deity_n in_o he_o 2._o the_o manner_n of_o his_o perform_v they_o be_v very_o considerable_a they_o be_v do_v in_o a_o instant_n by_o absolute_a dominion_n over_o nature_n thus_o when_o he_o say_v to_o the_o leper_n i_o will_v be_v thou_o clean_a immediate_o his_o leprosy_n be_v cleanse_v thus_o when_o the_o faithful_a centurion_n address_v himself_o to_o he_o only_o speak_v the_o word_n and_o my_o servant_n shall_v be_v heal_v he_o answer_v be_v it_o do_v unto_o thou_o as_o thou_o believe_v and_o his_o servant_n be_v heal_v etc._n etc._n both_o expression_n of_o command_n and_o empire_n and_o his_o word_n to_o the_o blindman_n receive_v thy_o sight_n have_v the_o same_o create_a efficacy_n with_o those_o let_v there_o be_v light_n and_o there_o be_v light_n thus_o with_o authority_n he_o command_v the_o unclean_a spirit_n even_o the_o most_o furious_a and_o obstinate_a and_o they_o be_v expel_v from_o those_o mansion_n wherein_o they_o have_v revel_v a_o long_a time_n thus_o by_o the_o mere_a act_n of_o his_o will_n he_o reverse_v the_o order_n of_o nature_n when_o the_o widow_n son_n be_v carry_v to_o the_o grave_a he_o only_o say_v young_a man_n i_o say_v unto_o thou_o arise_v and_o he_o that_o be_v dead_a sit_v up_o and_o begin_v to_o speak_v now_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o power_n of_o miracle_n in_o jesus_n christ_n be_v transcendent_a above_o that_o that_o either_o moses_n or_o the_o prophet_n or_o the_o apostle_n have_v it_o be_v derive_v to_o they_o by_o favour_n and_o commission_n from_o a_o extrinsic_a superior_a principle_n the_o omnipotence_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v inherent_a in_o his_o person_n the_o natural_a proper_a attribute_n of_o his_o deity_n and_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o lord_n of_o nature_n visible_a in_o humane_a flesh_n in_o all_o place_n this_o bless_a virtue_n proceed_v from_o he_o 3._o the_o certainty_n of_o his_o perform_v they_o be_v so_o great_a that_o no_o shadow_n of_o suspicion_n can_v remain_v about_o it_o vitruvius_n the_o master_n of_o architect_n give_v advice_n to_o those_o who_o build_v temple_n to_o aesculapius_n 2._o or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o heathen_a deity_n that_o be_v invocate_v by_o the_o sick_a that_o they_o shall_v choose_v such_o place_n as_o be_v open_a to_o the_o most_o favourable_a aspect_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o heaven_n where_o there_o be_v a_o well-tempered_a soil_n clear_a air_n pure_a spring_n of_o water_n that_o diseased-person_n come_v from_o unhealthyplace_n may_v obtain_v recovery_n and_o what_o be_v the_o benefit_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v attribute_v to_o the_o divine_a virtue_n of_o aesculapius_n thus_o that_o idolater_n counsel_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o false_a go_n but_o in_o this_o he_o judge_v aright_o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o deity_n be_v believe_v
and_o honour_v by_o man_n proportionable_o to_o the_o cure_n that_o be_v receive_v from_o he_o how_o much_o more_o when_o do_v by_o a_o undoubted_a miracle_n of_o this_o the_o people_n the_o numerous_a spectator_n be_v so_o convince_v that_o they_o say_v when_o christ_n come_v the_o expect_a deliverer_n will_v he_o do_v more_o miracle_n than_o these_o which_o this_o man_n have_v do_v the_o pharisee_n themselves_o can_v not_o deny_v the_o effect_n but_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o true_a cause_n envy_n be_v more_o powerful_a in_o their_o breast_n than_o the_o clear_a evidence_n therefore_o to_o invalidate_v his_o authority_n they_o ascribe_v some_o of_o his_o wonderful_a work_n to_o the_o prince_n of_o devil_n but_o this_o pretence_n be_v so_o void_a of_o all_o reason_n and_o full_a of_o impiety_n that_o nothing_o but_o inveterate_a malice_n can_v suggest_v it_o for_o will_v the_o devil_n destroy_v his_o own_o kingdom_n be_v he_o such_o a_o lover_n of_o holiness_n as_o to_o authorise_v the_o most_o perfect_a master_n of_o it_o by_o a_o compliance_n with_o his_o will_n those_o proud_a spirit_n be_v servile_a only_o in_o appearance_n and_o when_o they_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v command_v by_o man_n it_o be_v always_o with_o design_n to_o establish_v and_o increase_v their_o own_o dominion_n therefore_o the_o most_o famous_a sorcerer_n observe_v some_o rite_n by_o the_o devil_n prescription_n and_o in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o acknowledge_v his_o power_n but_o our_o saviour_n have_v a_o sovereign_a empire_n over_o they_o and_o eject_v they_o not_o only_o from_o the_o body_n but_o from_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n subdue_a by_o his_o holy_a doctrine_n the_o power_n of_o sin_n wherein_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n consist_v from_o hence_o he_o argue_v if_o i_o by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n cast_v out_o devil_n then_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n come_v unto_o you_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o he_o charge_v they_o with_o self-condemning_a obstinancy_n for_o if_o the_o gentile_n be_v inexcusable_a for_o not_o acknowledge_v and_o honour_v god_n so_o clear_o manifest_v in_o the_o work_v of_o nature_n the_o jew_n be_v as_o inexcusable_a for_o reject_v jesus_n christ_n so_o powerful_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o supernatural_a operation_n add_v further_o that_o in_o his_o low_a state_n when_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v utter_o forsake_v of_o god_n yet_o than_o his_o innocency_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o person_n be_v miraculous_o testify_v for_o at_o his_o death_n even_o insensible_a nature_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v capable_a of_o knowledge_n and_o affection_n be_v in_o the_o most_o astonish_a disorder_n as_o resent_v the_o passion_n of_o its_o lord_n the_o sun_n be_v eclipse_v in_o a_o time_n and_o place_n against_o all_o possibility_n of_o nature_n for_o the_o moon_n be_v then_o in_o opposition_n to_o it_o and_o manner_n in_o its_o full_a and_o in_o a_o instant_n past_o a_o half_a circle_n of_o the_o heaven_n to_o interpose_v between_o the_o body_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o earth_n that_o the_o air_n at_o noon_n day_n be_v darken_a as_o at_o midnight_n this_o compel_v the_o roman_a centurion_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o that_o suffer_v be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o grave_n be_v a_o visible_a argument_n to_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n for_o that_o god_n will_v not_o exert_v his_o extraordinary_a power_n to_o confirm_v a_o false_a doctrine_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o infinite_a moment_n that_o so_o near_o concern_v his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n there_o be_v sufficient_a assurance_n from_o his_o wisdom_n truth_n &_o goodness_n be_v there_o ever_o any_o prince_n that_o will_v permit_v a_o usurper_n in_o his_o own_o presence_n to_o make_v use_n of_o his_o royal_a seal_n to_o authorise_v by_o commission_n his_o subject_n to_o rebel_v against_o he_o and_o will_v god_n have_v suffer_v a_o deceiver_n to_o work_v miracle_n and_o thereby_o obtain_v divine_a honour_n from_o man_n the_o incommunicable_a right_n of_o the_o deity_n nay_o it_o have_v not_o be_v a_o bare_a permission_n but_o a_o positive_a act_n of_o god_n himself_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o other_o shall_v do_v they_o or_o will_v god_n who_o be_v the_o prime_a verity_n work_v miracle_n to_o give_v credit_n to_o a_o lie_n and_o violate_v the_o honour_n of_o his_o eternal_a most_o perfect_a veracity_n or_o be_v it_o consistent_a with_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n to_o make_v a_o delusion_n so_o strong_a that_o the_o most_o sincere_a will_v be_v in_o great_a danger_n to_o be_v overcome_v by_o it_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n urge_v it_o as_o a_o uncontrollable_a argument_n of_o our_o saviour_n divine_a mission_n you_o man_n of_o israel_n hear_v these_o word_n jesus_n of_o nazareth_n a_o man_n approve_v of_o god_n among_o you_o by_o miracle_n and_o wonder_n and_o sign_n which_o god_n do_v by_o he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o you_o as_o you_o yourselves_o also_o know_v these_o be_v proof_n of_o the_o great_a vigour_n to_o induce_v the_o world_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n to_o make_v know_v his_o counsel_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o lose_v undo_v mankind_n it_o be_v say_v by_o libertine_n that_o the_o heathen_n tell_v miraculous_a story_n to_o confirm_v their_o religion_n that_o their_o hero_n descend_v in_o a_o right_a line_n from_o some_o deity_n and_o not_o to_o instance_n in_o many_o particular_n they_o boast_v of_o apollonius_n tyanaeus_n as_o one_o that_o vie_v with_o christ_n himself_o in_o wonderful_a work_n but_o this_o objection_n be_v easy_o refute_v for_o if_o paganism_n have_v a_o miraculous_a power_n attend_v it_o why_o do_v it_o not_o make_v use_n of_o it_o to_o discredit_v that_o power_n that_o authorize_v christianity_n in_o the_o time_n it_o make_v fierce_a war_n against_o it_o if_o equal_a to_o it_o in_o divine_a power_n and_o incomparable_o superior_a in_o humane_a aid_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o weak_a prove_v victorious_a and_o the_o strong_a be_v put_v to_o flight_n it_o be_v evident_a therefore_o the_o pretend_a miracle_n of_o paganism_n be_v work_n of_o the_o devil_n not_o to_o be_v compare_v with_o what_o be_v do_v by_o a_o almighty_a hand_n if_o it_o be_v again_o object_v that_o the_o relation_n of_o the_o miracle_n as_o perform_v by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v from_o his_o disciple_n who_o favour_v his_o person_n and_o cause_n and_o therefore_o may_v be_v just_o suspect_v i_o answer_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o pretence_n be_v apparent_a for_o if_o they_o have_v artificial_o frame_v a_o narrative_a of_o extraordinary_a thing_n as_o do_v by_o he_o in_o that_o time_n wherein_o they_o write_v and_o in_o the_o view_n of_o many_o how_o easy_a have_v it_o be_v to_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o just_a scorn_n and_o hatred_n of_o all_o for_o their_o notorious_a falsehood_n and_o infatuate_v impudence_n but_o they_o be_v never_o accuse_v of_o this_o nay_o such_o be_v the_o number_n clearness_n and_o greatness_n of_o his_o miracle_n that_o the_o uncontrolled_a fame_n of_o they_o force_v his_o enemy_n in_o after-age_n to_o acknowledge_v their_o truth_n the_o jew_n in_o their_o talmud_n confess_v he_o do_v wonder_n but_o give_v such_o a_o ridiculous_a account_n of_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o they_o be_v do_v as_o betray_v the_o weakness_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o malice_n against_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n with_o their_o successor_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n wrought_v miracle_n so_o frequent_o in_o the_o face_n of_o many_o nation_n that_o those_o who_o be_v most_o obstinate_o averse_a from_o submit_v to_o it_o can_v not_o deny_v what_o be_v visible_a to_o thousand_o and_o that_o miraculous_a power_n they_o always_o ascribe_v to_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o colour_n for_o jealousy_n as_o if_o his_o miracle_n record_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o true_a but_o because_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o great_a principle_n upon_o which_o all_o christian_a hope_n depend_v i_o will_v show_v that_o we_o have_v all_o the_o rational_a assurance_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n do_v many_o age_n past_a be_v to_o be_v prove_v by_o testimony_n and_o first_o it_o be_v worthy_a of_o observation_n that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v to_o authorise_v this_o manner_n of_o proof_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o preserve_a humane_a society_n it_o be_v of_o little_a importance_n whether_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n be_v discover_v in_o speculative_a science_n or_o the_o appearance_n of_o it_o deceive_v the_o inquirer_n it_o be_v no_o wrong_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n that_o a_o astronomer_n mistake_v in_o his_o dimension_n of_o the_o magnitude_n of_o the_o sun_n for_o his_o
the_o mournful_a remembrance_n of_o his_o lose_a felicity_n and_o harden_v in_o despair_n 1._o the_o christian_a religion_n give_v a_o full_a account_n of_o the_o depravation_n and_o misery_n of_o humane_a nature_n in_o its_o first_o cause_n the_o heathen_n feel_v a_o insuperable_a permanent_a discord_n in_o man_n between_o the_o upper_a faculty_n and_o the_o low_a appetite_n but_o be_v utter_o ignorant_a of_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o now_o the_o scripture_n reveal_v that_o man_n in_o the_o original_a frame_n of_o his_o nature_n be_v regular_a and_o holy_a a_o piece_n of_o workmanship_n worthy_a the_o perfection_n of_o his_o creator_n but_o he_o abuse_v his_o liberty_n to_o break_v the_o first_o command_n which_o be_v give_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o obedience_n he_o yield_v to_o the_o enticement_n of_o a_o fall_v spirit_n who_o be_v a_o liar_n that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o murderer_n and_o by_o his_o revolt_n from_o god_n lose_v his_o holiness_n and_o make_v a_o forfeiture_n of_o all_o the_o privilege_n of_o his_o happy_a state_n thus_o the_o fountain_n be_v taint_v and_o who_o can_v bring_v a_o clean_a thing_n out_o of_o a_o unclean_a by_o the_o offence_n of_o one_o judgement_n come_v upon_o all_o to_o condemnation_n every_o man_n be_v now_o bear_v a_o slave_n of_o sin_n a_o tributary_n of_o death_n from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o most_o deform_a monster_n in_o villainy_n the_o most_o fierce_a enemy_n of_o religion_n serve_v to_o confirm_v its_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o the_o most_o eminent_a saint_n these_o show_v the_o virtue_n of_o redemption_n by_o the_o sanctity_n of_o their_o life_n the_o other_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n by_o their_o obstinate_a wickedness_n 2._o the_o christian_a religion_n instruct_v we_o that_o god_n send_v his_o own_o son_n into_o the_o world_n in_o the_o humane_a nature_n that_o he_o may_v offer_v up_o himself_o a_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n to_o restore_v they_o to_o his_o favour_n this_o be_v a_o mystery_n above_o the_o flight_n of_o any_o create_a understanding_n yet_o it_o be_v so_o temper_v and_o frame_v there_o be_v such_o a_o uniformity_n of_o wisdom_n in_o all_o its_o part_n it_o present_v such_o a_o full_a and_o glorious_a image_n of_o the_o deity_n in_o all_o his_o perfection_n that_o it_o cause_v the_o high_a admiration_n and_o command_v belief_n in_o those_o who_o due_o consider_v it_o the_o whole_a oeconomy_n become_v the_o majesty_n the_o goodness_n the_o holiness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n his_o supreme_a majesty_n appear_v in_o his_o pardon_v the_o guilty_a for_o the_o suffering_n of_o another_o for_o this_o be_v a_o infallible_a proof_n that_o he_o be_v above_o law_n and_o his_o inconceiveable_a mercy_n be_v the_o only_a principle_n and_o fountain_n of_o our_o pardon_n for_o man_n be_v absolute_o uncapable_a to_o merit_v the_o favour_n or_o to_o repair_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n so_o injure_v by_o his_o inexcusable_a disobedience_n repentance_n can_v produce_v such_o great_a effect_n what_o merit_n can_v there_o be_v in_o the_o sorrowful_a sense_n and_o confession_n of_o that_o which_o deserve_v eternal_a death_n beside_o a_o extreme_a hatred_n of_o sin_n a_o ardent_a love_n of_o holiness_n serious_a resolution_n to_o follow_v it_o what_o ever_o it_o cost_v which_o be_v the_o best_a part_n of_o repentance_n be_v due_a to_o god_n before_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n therefore_o can_v be_v satisfaction_n so_o that_o pure_a mercy_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o forgiveness_n moreover_o god_n to_o glorify_v his_o holiness_n in_o declare_v his_o vehement_a and_o irreconcilable_a hatred_n to_o sin_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o right_n of_o justice_n be_v please_v to_o appoint_v a_o all-sufficient_a mediator_n capable_a to_o offer_v himself_o a_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o sin_n and_o to_o give_v a_o infinite_a value_n to_o it_o this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o flesh_n and_o blood_n he_o take_v of_o our_o humanity_n be_v make_v divine_a by_o union_n with_o he_o and_o offer_v on_o the_o cross_n be_v full_a payment_n for_o our_o offence_n thus_o justice_n and_o mercy_n triumph_v with_o equal_a glory_n be_v equal_o victorious_a for_o what_o be_v more_o honourable_a to_o justice_n than_o satisfaction_n equal_a to_o the_o offence_n and_o what_o can_v more_o commend_v mercy_n than_o the_o most_o free_a and_o undeserved_a bestow_v the_o high_a price_n requisite_a for_o it_o thus_o the_o gospel_n afford_v to_o we_o a_o just_a and_o complete_a idea_n of_o the_o divine_a excellency_n in_o the_o redemption_n of_o man._n the_o design_n manner_n and_o the_o effect_n be_v most_o worthy_a of_o god_n where_o may_v such_o a_o contrivance_n of_o wisdom_n be_v frame_v but_o in_o the_o divine_a mind_n where_o can_v such_o a_o excess_n of_o compassion_n be_v find_v but_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o god_n thus_o it_o become_v god_n who_o be_v love_n to_o magnify_v his_o love_n to_o advance_v his_o dear_a glory_n and_o overcome_v our_o guilty_a disaffection_n to_o himself_o for_o while_o terrible_a apprehension_n of_o the_o deity_n possess_v the_o heart_n it_o be_v freeze_v with_o a_o stony_a rigour_n which_o the_o hope_n of_o mercy_n only_o can_v dissolve_v thus_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n 2._o the_o christian_a religion_n set_v before_o we_o a_o rule_n of_o life_n pur_fw-mi and_o perspicuous_a in_o nothing_o superfluous_a or_o defective_a but_o comprehend_v the_o entire_a duty_n of_o man._n this_o be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o his_o recovery_n for_o in_o his_o fall_a state_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v active_a in_o some_o thing_n but_o dormant_a in_o other_o the_o best_a moral_n of_o the_o heathen_n be_v dash_v with_o impure_a permission_n but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n it_o forbid_v all_o sin_n in_o all_o its_o degree_n not_o only_o the_o consummation_n of_o it_o in_o the_o act_n but_o the_o first_o conception_n of_o it_o in_o the_o thought_n and_o desire_n which_o argue_v that_o the_o lawgiver_n be_v more_o than_o a_o man_n have_v a_o inspection_n into_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v only_o visible_a to_o god_n and_o only_a accountable_a to_o he_o it_o teach_v we_o to_o worship_n god_n the_o supreme_a and_o pure_a spirit_n with_o the_o high_a esteem_n and_o with_o purity_n of_o affection_n it_o enjoin_v all_o relative_a duty_n to_o man_n in_o a_o most_o perfect_a manner_n what_o thing_n we_o will_v have_v other_o to_o do_v unto_o we_o suppose_v ourselves_o in_o their_o circumstance_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v to_o they_o this_o one_o law_n of_o christ_n eminent_o contain_v all_o other_o that_o respect_v society_n this_o be_v the_o primitive_a rule_n of_o commerce_n and_o direct_v our_o carriage_n towards_o all_o person_n with_o justice_n and_o equity_n kindness_n and_o decence_n the_o gospel_n also_o with_o respect_n to_o ourselves_o give_v a_o perfect_a rule_n to_o make_v we_o holy_a and_o bless_a it_o teach_v we_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n the_o valuation_n of_o heaven_n the_o restraint_n of_o corrupt_a sense_n and_o the_o angelical_a exercise_n of_o our_o affection_n in_o short_a it_o command_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v aspire_v to_o the_o most_o eminent_a degree_n in_o they_o but_o especial_o it_o enjoin_v humility_n and_o love_n to_o god_n the_o foundation_n and_o perfection_n of_o all_o virtue_n of_o which_o the_o precept_n of_o philosophy_n take_v little_a notice_n humility_n that_o be_v a_o lively_a deep_a sense_n that_o nothing_o be_v proper_o we_o but_o sin_n and_o misery_n arise_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o absolute_a dependence_n upon_o god_n for_o our_o be_v and_o all_o the_o benefit_n we_o enjoy_v in_o nature_n or_o grace_n from_o hence_o gratitude_n spring_v it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a that_o our_o life_n shall_v be_v a_o continual_a expression_n of_o obedience_n from_o a_o noble_a and_o free_a principle_n of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o be_v design_v for_o his_o honour_n and_o that_o for_o all_o our_o advantage_n temporal_a or_o spiritual_a we_o shall_v only_o glory_v in_o he_o in_o this_o philosopher_n be_v very_o defective_a they_o consider_v man_n with_o respect_n to_o himself_o or_o to_o other_o creature_n without_o he_o and_o according_o the_o product_n of_o their_o precept_n be_v a_o certain_a moral_a honesty_n to_o do_v nothing_o unbecoming_a the_o reasonable_a nature_n nor_o to_o break_v the_o civil_a peace_n but_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v due_o his_o relation_n to_o the_o creator_n in_o who_o he_o live_v move_v and_o have_v his_o be_v from_o who_o proceed_v every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n and_o by_o
error_n do_v not_o lessen_v its_o benign_a influence_n still_o it_o shine_v and_o cause_v the_o spring_n and_o autumn_n it_o be_v of_o little_a importance_n that_o a_o philosopher_n be_v deceive_v in_o his_o search_n after_o the_o principle_n of_o mix_a body_n for_o notwithstanding_o his_o mistake_n animal_n still_o live_v and_o move_v and_o perform_v all_o the_o function_n suitable_a to_o their_o nature_n but_o in_o judgement_n that_o respect_v matter_n of_o fact_n if_o the_o truth_n can_v be_v know_v by_o testimony_n the_o civil_a felicity_n can_v long_o subsist_v for_o the_o unjust_a distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v necessary_o ruinous_a to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o state_n and_o be_v it_o credible_a the_o divine_a providence_n that_o reach_v to_o the_o small_a part_n of_o the_o world_n in_o such_o a_o admirable_a manner_n shall_v leave_v the_o conduct_n of_o humane_a affair_n even_o of_o the_o great_a moment_n to_o a_o deceitful_a light_n and_o that_o after_o the_o most_o diligent_a search_n and_o caution_n have_v be_v use_v the_o result_n shall_v be_v only_o waver_v conjecture_n this_o imagination_n be_v extreme_o injurious_a to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n in_o particular_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o number_n and_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o witness_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o their_o testimony_n we_o shall_v have_v so_o clear_a conviction_n of_o its_o truth_n as_o may_v induce_v we_o most_o firm_o to_o believe_v it_o i_o do_v not_o now_o speak_v of_o a_o divine_a faith_n that_o supernatural_a light_n that_o make_v we_o acquiesce_v in_o thing_n because_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o but_o of_o a_o rational_a humane_a faith_n ground_v on_o just_a and_o powerful_a motive_n which_o be_v preparatory_a for_o the_o divine_a 1._o the_o law_n admit_v two_o witness_n as_o a_o competent_a number_n in_o cause_n of_o great_a moment_n of_o this_o there_o be_v many_o the_o approve_a integrity_n of_o a_o witness_n give_v weight_n to_o his_o testimony_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o know_a liar_n forfeit_v his_o credit_n so_o entire_o that_o he_o be_v not_o believe_v when_o he_o speak_v true_a when_o demades_n the_o orator_n address_v himself_o to_o the_o athenian_n i_o call_v all_o the_o god_n and_o goddess_n to_o witness_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o shall_v say_v the_o athenian_n often_o abuse_v by_o his_o impudent_a lie_n present_o interrupt_v he_o and_o we_o call_v all_o the_o god_n and_o goddess_n to_o witness_v we_o will_v not_o believe_v you_o the_o bare_a word_n of_o a_o honest_a man_n in_o a_o important_a matter_n persuade_v more_o than_o the_o most_o exquisite_a oath_n and_o far-fetched_a imprecation_n by_o which_o a_o liar_n will_v give_v credit_n to_o his_o imposture_n now_o we_o have_v strong_a proof_n of_o the_o integrity_n of_o the_o apostle_n if_o a_o inflexible_a fidelity_n and_o constant_a truth_n be_v quality_n so_o remarkable_a in_o the_o community_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n that_o the_o pagan_a epist._n judge_n themselves_o be_v constrain_v to_o acknowledge_v it_o certain_o they_o be_v find_v more_o eminent_o in_o those_o by_o who_o doctrine_n and_o example_n they_o form_v themselves_o and_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o possess_v this_o virtue_n so_o strict_o unite_v to_o justice_n in_o a_o excellent_a degree_n without_o have_v all_o the_o other_o so_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o be_v adorn_v with_o all_o moral_a virtue_n for_o their_o life_n be_v above_o the_o least_o reproach_n and_o charge_n of_o their_o implacable_a enemy_n so_o that_o they_o be_v fain_o to_o make_v express_a law_n against_o their_o profession_n to_o render_v they_o guilty_a in_o appearance_n beside_o the_o circumstance_n of_o their_o testimony_n make_v it_o very_o valuable_a 1._o it_o be_v not_o build_v on_o the_o report_n of_o other_o mere_a hear-say_n be_v very_o deceitful_a and_o often_o like_o a_o contagion_n pass_v from_o ear_n to_o ear_n and_o blast_v the_o reputation_n of_o the_o innocent_a with_o easy_a and_o credulous_a person_n but_o a_o testimony_n from_o sight_n make_v impression_n on_o the_o belief_n of_o wise_a consider_v men._n now_o we_o have_v undoubted_a assurance_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n from_o the_o clear_a and_o concurrent_a deposition_n of_o their_o sense_n what_o we_o have_v hear_v and_o what_o we_o have_v see_v with_o our_o eye_n and_o what_o we_o have_v handle_v of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n say_v the_o apostle_n st._n john_n 2._o the_o uniformity_n of_o their_o testimony_n render_v it_o convince_a if_o any_o material_a contradiction_n be_v between_o witness_n it_o be_v a_o infallible_a mark_n of_o their_o forgery_n but_o the_o apostle_n agree_v not_o only_o in_o the_o substance_n but_o in_o the_o particularity_n of_o the_o fact_n in_o vain_a porphiry_n and_o julian_n rack_v their_o wit_n to_o find_v some_o contrariety_n in_o their_o relation_n a_o impartial_a inquirer_n must_v acknowledge_v all_o their_o objection_n to_o be_v mere_a cavil_n and_o effect_n of_o malice_n 3._o there_o be_v no_o motive_n to_o corrupt_v they_o for_o the_o humane_a will_n be_v natural_o move_v either_o by_o attraction_n of_o some_o good_a or_o aversion_n from_o some_o evil._n a_o fiction_n be_v not_o maintain_v for_o pure_a love_n of_o itself_o but_o with_o respect_n to_o either_o of_o those_o object_n whether_o real_a or_o in_o appearance_n the_o roman_a history_n report_n that_o julius_n proculus_n solemn_o swear_v that_o he_o see_v romulus_n ascend_v to_o heaven_n but_o the_o motive_n of_o his_o imposture_n be_v visible_a for_o it_o be_v to_o prevent_v a_o great_a disorder_n among_o the_o people_n but_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o nothing_o desirable_a in_o the_o world_n have_v the_o least_o influence_n upon_o the_o apostle_n nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a whatever_o be_v terrible_a to_o nature_n discourage_v they_o they_o suffer_v all_o temporal_a evil_n even_o death_n itself_o for_o this_o testimony_n and_o this_o last_o proof_n confirm_v all_o the_o other_o they_o be_v call_v martyr_n by_o way_n of_o excellency_n who_o have_v seal_v the_o truth_n with_o their_o blood_n now_o what_o can_v be_v add_v to_o give_v we_o full_a and_o entire_a faith_n in_o their_o testimony_n in_o great_a and_o difficult_a case_n suspect_a person_n be_v put_v to_o torture_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o truth_n the_o apostle_n be_v try_v by_o the_o sharp_a suffering_n yet_o declare_v the_o resurrection_n of_o their_o divine_a master_n with_o unfainting_a perseverance_n what_o shadow_n of_o doubt_n can_v remain_v after_o such_o clear_a evidence_n of_o their_o sincerity_n let_v sober_a reason_n judge_v whether_o the_o matter_n be_v capable_a of_o proof_n more_o strong_a and_o convince_a if_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v deceive_v with_o a_o illusion_n either_o be_v distemper_v or_o in_o a_o dream_n both_o the_o pretence_n be_v most_o absurd_a and_o incredible_a for_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o external_n sense_n may_v be_v infallible_o discern_v by_o their_o proper_a character_n from_o those_o of_o the_o imagination_n indeed_o if_o the_o mind_n be_v in_o disorder_n either_o from_o some_o more_o fix_v and_o tenacious_a cause_n or_o from_o sleep_n the_o influence_n of_o reason_n be_v suspend_v or_o only_o some_o faint_a ray_n appear_v and_o be_v sudden_o extingush_v so_o that_o it_o can_v make_v no_o true_a judgement_n of_o thing_n in_o this_o state_n the_o imagination_n draw_v all_o the_o vigour_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o itself_o and_o the_o phantasm_n be_v make_v so_o bright_a by_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o brain_n that_o those_o paint_a scene_n seem_v to_o be_v as_o real_a as_o the_o substantial_a object_n we_o see_v hear_v and_o touch_v but_o sound_a reason_n can_v reflect_v upon_o itself_o and_o extend_v its_o view_n to_o the_o operation_n of_o all_o the_o other_o faculty_n and_o observe_v the_o just_a and_o certain_a difference_n between_o chimera_n in_o the_o imagination_n and_o thing_n real_o existant_fw-la it_o comprehend_v distinct_o and_o with_o assurance_n that_o it_o be_v not_o disturb_v and_o that_o the_o internal_a and_o external_n sense_n be_v dispose_v for_o their_o regular_a operation_n it_o consider_v that_o the_o pageant_n of_o fancy_n move_v in_o a_o dream_n vanish_v in_o a_o moment_n upon_o wake_v but_o real_a effect_n perceive_v by_o the_o sense_n in_o their_o full_a exercise_n be_v more_o constant_a and_o durable_a one_o may_v be_v wound_v in_o a_o dream_n yet_o feel_v not_o loss_n of_o blood_n or_o strength_n when_o he_o be_v awake_a but_o the_o wound_n receive_v in_o a_o combat_n be_v sometime_o rebellious_a against_o the_o most_o potent_a remedy_n now_o to_o apply_v this_o to_o the_o present_a subject_n be_v it_o in_o the_o least_o degree_n probable_a that_o a_o vain_a shadow_n in_o a_o dream_n shall_v make_v a_o indelible_a impression_n on_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o wake_a thought_n shall_v
and_o the_o redeemer_n of_o the_o world_n this_o i_o will_v brief_o open_v there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v record_n in_o heaven_n the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o these_o three_o be_v one_o and_o there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v witness_n in_o earth_n the_o spirit_n and_o the_o water_n and_o the_o blood_n and_o these_o three_o agree_v in_o one_o all_o the_o divinity_n give_v testimony_n of_o this_o important_a truth_n the_o father_n not_o only_o by_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o his_o power_n to_o confirm_v the_o mission_n of_o christ_n but_o which_o be_v here_o principal_o intend_v by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n first_o at_o his_o baptism_n this_o be_v my_o well-beloved_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v and_o at_o his_o transfiguration_n before_o some_o of_o his_o disciple_n a_o shine_v cloud_n the_o sign_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n encompass_v they_o and_o a_o voice_n come_v forth_o of_o the_o cloud_n this_o be_v my_o well_o belove_a son_n hear_v he_o upon_o this_o glorious_a voice_n they_o be_v strike_v with_o such_o a_o impression_n of_o fear_n that_o they_o fall_v on_o their_o face_n and_o when_o our_o saviour_n near_o his_o passion_n pray_v father_n glorify_v thy_o name_n a_o voice_n come_v from_o heaven_n i_o have_v glorify_v it_o and_o will_v glorify_v it_o now_o can_v there_o remain_v any_o doubt_n after_o such_o a_o high_a attestation_n from_o the_o most_o sovereign_a authority_n the_o son_n also_o beside_o the_o perfect_a holiness_n of_o his_o life_n the_o exquisite_a wisdom_n of_o his_o doctrine_n the_o wonder_n of_o his_o work_n his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a that_o be_v authentic_a proof_n of_o his_o celestial_a person_n and_o call_v after_o his_o ascension_n glorious_o appear_v from_o heaven_n in_o diverse_a vision_n to_o the_o preacher_n of_o his_o gospel_n to_o saul_n in_o his_o journey_n to_o damascus_n call_v to_o he_o saul_n saul_n why_o persecute_v thou_o i_o it_o be_v hard_a for_o thou_o to_o kick_v against_o the_o prick_n this_o be_v a_o unexceptionable_a testimony_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o return_v to_o heaven_n from_o whence_o he_o thus_o discover_v himself_o now_o that_o this_o be_v real_a and_o no_o fantastic_a illusion_n be_v evident_a by_o the_o marvellous_a effect_n of_o it_o those_o who_o be_v companion_n in_o the_o journey_n be_v seize_v with_o great_a terror_n and_o himself_o strike_v blind_a by_o the_o overpower_a splendour_n of_o the_o apparition_n but_o especial_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o upon_o his_o soul_n be_v convince_a who_o it_o be_v that_o speak_v to_o he_o for_o saul_n be_v by_o sect_n a_o pharisee_fw-mi that_o of_o all_o other_o most_o passionate_o adhere_v to_o the_o jewish_a religion_n by_o temper_v hot_a and_o violent_a by_o profession_n a_o persecutor_n of_o the_o christian_n one_o that_o breathe_v forth_o threaten_v and_o slaughter_n that_o excite_v the_o fury_n of_o the_o high-priest_n solicit_v their_o cruelty_n in_o short_a a_o fierce_a spirit_n that_o envy_v nero_n the_o title_n of_o the_o first_o persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o this_o man_n by_o this_o vision_n and_o voice_n from_o heaven_n of_o a_o furious_a persecutor_n in_o a_o instant_n become_v a_o zealous_a apostle_n of_o a_o wolf_n become_v a_o pastor_n he_o present_o express_v his_o entire_a submission_n lord_n what_o will_v thou_o have_v i_o to_o do_v there_o be_v nothing_o so_o hard_a to_o do_v nothing_o so_o dreadful_a to_o suffer_v but_o i_o will_v ready_o undertake_v for_o thy_o honour_n and_o the_o propagate_a thy_o truth_n now_o from_o whence_o come_v this_o change_n so_o strange_a so_o new_a in_o a_o person_n confirm_v in_o the_o opposite_a party_n from_o whence_o this_o resignation_n of_o will_n so_o entire_a and_o perfect_a so_o unexpected_a and_o sudden_a what_o give_v he_o courage_n to_o contradict_v to_o their_o face_n the_o high-priest_n who_o instrument_n he_o be_v and_o declare_v that_o jesus_n who_o they_o call_v a_o deceiver_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o their_o judge_n what_o animate_v he_o to_o appear_v before_o king_n and_o emperor_n to_o testify_v this_o dangerous_a truth_n what_o make_v he_o with_o unparalleled_a activity_n with_o the_o most_o ardent_a affection_n propagate_v the_o gospel_n and_o after_o a_o thousand_o peril_n by_o sea_n and_o land_n a_o thousand_o disgrace_n and_o injury_n at_o last_o to_o confirm_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n with_o his_o blood_n it_o be_v therefore_o past_a all_o contradiction_n that_o he_o have_v the_o great_a assurance_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o he_o another_o vision_n of_o the_o word_n from_o heaven_n be_v to_o st._n john_n when_o he_o be_v please_v to_o reveal_v to_o he_o the_o future_a state_n of_o his_o church_n its_o combat_n and_o victory_n he_o than_o appear_v in_o a_o form_n expressive_a of_o his_o majesty_n power_n and_o providence_n requisite_a for_o the_o order_n all_o the_o great_a event_n that_o shall_v befall_v it_o and_o say_v i_o be_o the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o i_o be_o he_o that_o live_v and_o be_v dead_a and_o behold_v i_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o of_o death_n wherein_o he_o appropriate_v to_o himself_o the_o incommunicable_a title_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o then_o declare_v those_o two_o astonish_a miracle_n that_o the_o prince_n of_o life_n that_o have_v a_o eternal_a principle_n of_o it_o in_o himself_o be_v dead_a and_o that_o one_o who_o have_v be_v dead_a be_v alive_a this_o riddle_n the_o gospel_n unfold_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v make_v man_n and_o by_o that_o admirable_a union_n ally_v eternity_n and_o time_n life_n and_o death_n together_o as_o it_o be_v a_o common_a form_n of_o speech_n that_o a_o man_n die_v when_o the_o body_n be_v deprive_v of_o life_n though_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a so_o it_o be_v true_a the_o son_n of_o god_n die_v when_o his_o body_n be_v crucify_v though_o he_o be_v uncapable_a of_o the_o least_o diminution_n of_o his_o divine_a life_n and_o after_o three_o day_n he_o rise_v by_o the_o divine_a power_n to_o enjoy_v a_o immortal_a life_n and_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n the_o irresistible_a force_n of_o death_n all_o man_n must_v yield_v to_o and_o from_o the_o grave_a there_o be_v no_o redemption_n by_o finite_a power_n but_o jesus_n christ_n have_v sovereign_a authority_n and_o power_n to_o open_v the_o grave_a and_o raise_v the_o dead_a to_o a_o happy_a immortality_n this_o glorious_a appearance_n make_v st._n john_n to_o fall_v as_o dead_a at_o his_o foot_n and_o can_v not_o recover_v himself_o till_o assure_v by_o the_o revive_a word_n of_o his_o favour_n the_o spirit_n also_o appear_v from_o heaven_n to_o give_v testimony_n concern_v the_o divine_a person_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n first_o by_o descend_v as_o a_o dove_n on_o he_o when_o he_o be_v baptize_v this_o be_v the_o completion_n of_o the_o prophecy_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o i_o he_o have_v anoint_v i_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o poor_a to_o publish_v deliverance_n to_o the_o captive_n and_o in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n the_o spirit_n descend_v in_o the_o form_n of_o fiery_a tongue_n upon_o the_o apostle_n to_o qualify_v they_o for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v worthy_a of_o observation_n that_o the_o apostle_n be_v before_o this_o very_a defective_a in_o wisdom_n and_o courage_n so_o that_o their_o divine_a master_n though_o goodness_n itself_o yet_o tax_v they_o for_o their_o stupidity_n and_o in_o his_o suffering_n they_o all_o forsake_v he_o but_o after_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o they_o they_o be_v endow_v with_o that_o admirable_a wisdom_n and_o resolution_n that_o nothing_o can_v gainsay_v and_o overcome_v they_o present_o speak_v in_o various_a language_n the_o thing_n concern_v jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o world_n be_v astonish_v and_o many_o convert_v by_o this_o testimony_n from_o god_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o other_o confound_v in_o their_o obstinacy_n now_o since_o this_o miraculous_a descent_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o ratify_v the_o promise_n that_o he_o make_v to_o they_o if_o i_o go_v away_o i_o will_v send_v to_o you_o another_o comforter_n what_o more_o clear_a and_o valuable_a testimony_n can_v we_o have_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n if_o infidelity_n shall_v reply_v if_o we_o have_v hear_v these_o voice_n and_o see_v those_o glorious_a vision_n we_o shall_v be_v convince_v but_o what_o assurance_n have_v we_o there_o be_v no_o deceit_n in_o these_o relation_n i_o answer_v there_o never_o be_v clear_a ground_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o thing_n do_v without_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o own_o sense_n than_o of_o what_o
the_o apostle_n testify_v as_o have_v be_v evident_o prove_v before_o and_o certain_o as_o those_o who_o see_v and_o hear_v those_o thing_n be_v by_o the_o divine_a character_n in_o the_o external_a object_n and_o by_o their_o efficacy_n on_o their_o spirit_n full_o persuade_v they_o be_v not_o deceive_v so_o we_o have_v as_o strong_a proof_n that_o they_o do_v not_o deceive_v we_o in_o their_o report_n i_o shall_v brief_o consider_v the_o other_o testimony_n and_o there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v witness_n in_o earth_n the_o spirit_n and_o the_o water_n and_o the_o blood_n and_o these_o three_o agree_v in_o one_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o two_o different_a manner_n in_o the_o testimony_n attribute_v to_o he_o either_o in_o respect_n of_o those_o representation_n by_o a_o dove_n and_o fiery_a tongue_n or_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o virtue_n and_o influence_n communicate_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o first_o be_v his_o testimony_n from_o heaven_n the_o second_o his_o testimony_n on_o earth_n and_o these_o be_v his_o extraordinary_a gift_n so_o liberal_o dispense_v at_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n to_o one_o be_v give_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n to_o another_o the_o word_n of_o knowledge_n to_o another_o faith_n that_o be_v extraordinary_a confidence_n in_o the_o divine_a power_n for_o the_o produce_v miraculous_a effect_n to_o another_o the_o gift_n of_o healing_n to_o another_o the_o work_n of_o miracle_n to_o another_o prophecy_n to_o another_o discern_v of_o spirit_n to_o another_o divers_a kind_n of_o tongue_n to_o another_o the_o interpretation_n of_o tongue_n now_o because_o these_o operation_n more_o eminent_o declare_v the_o presence_n and_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n than_o his_o ordinary_a grace_n they_o be_v call_v by_o that_o name_n for_o understand_v the_o second_o witness_n the_o water_n two_o thing_n be_v observable_a 1._o that_o in_o the_o ritual_n of_o moses_n frequent_a wash_n be_v enjoin_v for_o the_o purify_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o legal_a pollution_n contract_v by_o they_o and_o as_o those_o corporal_a stain_n be_v resemblance_n of_o the_o vicious_a habit_n of_o the_o mind_n so_o the_o cleanse_n by_o water_n be_v typical_a of_o sanctify_a grace_n that_o purify_v the_o heart_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n under_o the_o new_a covenant_n to_o represent_v the_o sanctification_n of_o christian_n by_o a_o outward_a sign_n baptism_n in_o water_n be_v appoint_v 2._o the_o apostle_n john_n in_o the_o narrative_a of_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n tell_v we_o that_o a_o soldier_n pierce_v his_o side_n with_o a_o spear_n so_o that_o blood_n and_o water_n come_v out_o this_o be_v not_o recite_v by_o s._n john_n mere_o as_o a_o circumstance_n of_o the_o history_n or_o as_o a_o certain_a proof_n of_o his_o death_n but_o the_o follow_a word_n he_o that_o see_v this_o testify_v it_o and_o his_o testimony_n be_v worthy_a of_o belief_n and_o he_o know_v that_o he_o say_v true_a that_o you_o may_v believe_v declare_v it_o to_o be_v of_o singular_a consequence_n and_o according_o he_o say_v that_o our_o saviour_n come_v by_o water_n and_o blood_n with_o respect_n to_o that_o which_o be_v do_v at_o his_o crucifixion_n which_o be_v so_o order_v by_o divine_a wisdom_n for_o high_a end_n that_o be_v the_o water_n issue_v out_o of_o his_o side_n be_v a_o fit_a emblem_n of_o that_o sanctify_a grace_n that_o be_v give_v to_o all_o that_o have_v communion_n with_o he_o in_o his_o death_n 3._o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o blood_n it_o be_v also_o to_o be_v observe_v that_o by_o the_o mosaic_a institution_n daily_a sacrifice_n be_v offer_v up_o and_o a_o most_o solemn_a one_o by_o the_o highpriest_n in_o the_o day_n of_o atonement_n to_o expiate_v the_o guilt_n of_o ceremonial_a uncleanness_n and_o to_o restore_v those_o who_o for_o that_o be_v exclude_v from_o external_a communion_n with_o god_n in_o the_o sanctuary_n now_o as_o that_o legal_a guilt_n arise_v from_o those_o outward_a pollution_n and_o the_o separation_n of_o those_o who_o be_v so_o pollute_v from_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v a_o representation_n of_o the_o moral_a gild_n and_o punishment_n that_o follow_v the_o vicious_a habit_n and_o action_n of_o man_n so_o the_o shed_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o offer_v be_v typical_a of_o the_o true_a propitiation_n that_o be_v to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ._n and_o this_o be_v peculiar_o remark_v by_o the_o apostle_n that_o jesus_n come_v not_o only_o by_o water_n but_o by_o water_n and_o blood_n and_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o testify_v of_o it_o and_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o truth_n by_o which_o we_o must_v understand_v something_o distinct_a from_o the_o former_a i._n e._n that_o the_o flow_a of_o his_o blood_n signify_v the_o reconcile_a efficacy_n of_o his_o death_n by_o satisfy_v divine_a justice_n and_o consequent_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n give_v to_o those_o who_o believe_v in_o he_o now_o brief_o to_o show_v the_o force_n of_o their_o conspire_a testimony_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o our_o redeemer_n these_o thing_n may_v be_v consider_v absolute_o in_o themselves_o or_o as_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n in_o the_o last_o respect_n they_o afford_v we_o a_o great_a assurance_n of_o this_o truth_n for_o all_o be_v express_o foretell_v and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o last_o day_n say_v god_n i_o will_v pour_v out_o of_o my_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flesh_n and_o your_o son_n and_o your_o daughter_n shall_v prophesy_v and_o your_o young_a man_n shall_v see_v vision_n and_o your_o old_a man_n shall_v dream_v dream_n and_o on_o my_o servant_n and_o hand-maiden_n i_o will_v pour_v out_o in_o those_o day_n of_o my_o spirit_n and_o they_o shall_v prophesy_v this_o promise_n be_v universal_o acknowledge_v to_o refer_v to_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n for_o that_o of_o water_n that_o be_v sanctification_n not_o only_o the_o wash_n under_o the_o law_n be_v figure_n of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v also_o clear_o prophesy_v of_o in_o many_o place_n and_o most_o express_o in_o ezekiel_n i_o will_v sprinkle_v clean_a water_n upon_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v clean_o from_o all_o your_o filthiness_n will_v i_o cleanse_v you_o a_o new_a heart_n also_o will_v i_o give_v you_o and_o a_o new_a spirit_n will_v i_o put_v within_o you_o and_o i_o will_v put_v my_o spirit_n within_o you_o and_o cause_v you_o to_o walk_v in_o my_o statute_n and_o for_o the_o three_o testimony_n beside_o that_o the_o typical_a blood_n of_o the_o messiah_n run_v down_o from_o all_o the_o sacrifice_n it_o be_v also_o foretell_v express_o by_o esaiah_n what_o his_o suffering_n shall_v be_v and_o the_o benefit_n accrue_v from_o they_o now_o if_o we_o compare_v the_o oracle_n with_o the_o event_n who_o can_v just_o doubt_v that_o the_o messiah_n be_v come_v but_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o thing_n themselves_o they_o afford_v a_o uncontrollable_a testimony_n of_o christ_n divine_a mission_n compare_v the_o primitive_a church_n either_o with_o the_o jew_n or_o the_o gentile_n and_o see_v the_o difference_n between_o they_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v communicate_v but_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o few_o drop_n to_o the_o jew_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n fall_v in_o a_o main_a shower_n upon_o the_o christian_a church_n enrich_v they_o with_o supernatural_a gift_n some_o favour_v with_o revelation_n of_o sublime_a truth_n above_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o human_a understanding_n some_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v that_o be_v beyond_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o most_o sharp_a sight_a reason_n some_o speak_v diverse_a language_n wherein_o they_o have_v never_o be_v instruct_v some_o have_v such_o a_o extraordinary_a faith_n in_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o goodness_n that_o innumerable_a miracle_n be_v do_v by_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o christ._n if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o state_n of_o the_o gentile_n how_o thick_a and_o prodigious_a be_v the_o darkness_n that_o overspread_v that_o chaos_n of_o impiety_n in_o the_o roman_a empire_n that_o comprise_v the_o flower_n of_o wit_n and_o learning_n what_o foolish_a and_o extravagant_a opinion_n of_o the_o deity_n be_v common_o receive_v what_o idolatry_n what_o impurity_n what_o abomination_n be_v free_o practise_v but_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n how_o clear_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n instruct_v in_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o what_o a_o change_n be_v make_v in_o their_o life_n '_o the_o world_n that_o be_v as_o a_o barren_a desert_n be_v sudden_o change_v into_o a_o paradise_n fruitful_a in_o all_o good_a work_n innocence_n humility_n purity_n justice_n charity_n love_n to_o god_n resignation_n to_o his_o will_n be_v eminent_o visible_a in_o all_o