first_o promulgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v confirm_v from_o heaven_n by_o such_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o mighty_a work_n which_o can_v not_o have_v be_v wrought_v but_o by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n attest_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v once_o sufficient_o confirm_v god_n expect_v now_o that_o man_n shall_v rest_v satisfy_v with_o that_o evidence_n which_o he_o then_o give_v and_o be_v convey_v down_o to_o we_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o be_v witness_n of_o those_o miracle_n and_o mighty_a work_n with_o which_o it_o be_v then_o attest_v nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o god_n shall_v now_o work_v miracle_n to_o convince_v the_o obstinate_a since_o the_o evidence_n he_o have_v already_o give_v be_v sufficient_a for_o those_o who_o be_v humble_a and_o teachable_a and_o will_v render_v the_o obstinate_a inexcusable_a man_n may_v therefore_o if_o they_o please_v dispute_v themselves_o out_o of_o their_o religion_n upon_o i_o know_v not_o what_o vain_a surmise_n and_o set_v up_o for_o wit_n and_o man_n of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a reach_n not_o to_o be_v impose_v on_o by_o any_o historical_a narration_n though_o never_o so_o well_o attest_v but_o in_o the_o end_n they_o will_v find_v how_o far_o this_o perverse_a and_o arrogant_a humour_n fall_v short_a of_o true_a wisdom_n when_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o they_o reject_v the_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a doctrine_n which_o if_o careful_o attend_v to_o and_o obey_v be_v able_a to_o save_v their_o soul_n by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o understand_v how_o necessary_a a_o qualification_n humility_n be_v in_o order_n to_o our_o enquiry_n after_o truth_n and_o how_o effectual_a it_o be_v to_o make_v we_o fit_a for_o the_o reception_n of_o it_o 4._o a_o four_o branch_n of_o duty_n very_o advantageous_a to_o we_o to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o divine_a knowledge_n be_v calmness_n of_o temper_n and_o moderation_n of_o passion_n he_o that_o come_v to_o inquire_v after_o truth_n must_v bring_v with_o he_o a_o quiet_a and_o sedate_v temper_n he_o must_v be_v willing_a to_o hear_v patient_o what_o can_v be_v say_v on_o both_o side_n and_o by_o no_o mean_n engage_v his_o passion_n on_o either_o part_n till_o he_o have_v first_o satisfy_v his_o reason_n about_o it_o our_o passion_n be_v then_o very_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o we_o when_o they_o promote_v our_o vigour_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v virtuous_a and_o praiseworthy_a and_o when_o they_o encourage_v we_o to_o make_v a_o bold_a resistance_n against_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v wicked_a and_o unworthy_a of_o we_o but_o then_o that_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o our_o passion_n be_v due_o exercise_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o our_o reason_n shall_v have_v first_o thorough_o consider_v of_o the_o matter_n and_o give_v in_o its_o impartial_a sentence_n before_o we_o suffer_v our_o passion_n to_o interpose_v in_o our_o examination_n of_o truth_n for_o when_o once_o our_o affection_n be_v engage_v on_o any_o side_n they_o do_v certain_o bias_n the_o judgement_n and_o make_v it_o admit_v of_o every_o small_a appearance_n or_o shadow_n of_o truth_n which_o seem_v to_o favour_v the_o opinion_n we_o have_v a_o fancy_n for_o and_o to_o reject_v with_o disdain_n the_o strong_a reason_n when_o they_o be_v oppose_v to_o what_o we_o desire_v shall_v be_v true_a man_n do_v not_o then_o sincere_o seek_v for_o truth_n but_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o true_a which_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o and_o though_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v mistake_v they_o will_v not_o then_o endure_v to_o be_v better_o inform_v and_o be_v impatient_a of_o any_o contradiction_n and_o this_o be_v account_v one_o great_a reason_n why_o among_o so_o many_o writer_n of_o controversy_n so_o few_o have_v ever_o change_v the_o opinion_n they_o at_o first_o maintain_v or_o have_v yield_v the_o cause_n when_o they_o have_v be_v fair_o and_o full_o answer_v alas_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o they_o to_o renounce_v those_o belove_a notion_n which_o have_v be_v impress_v on_o their_o mind_n in_o their_o young_a year_n and_o they_o have_v rather_o take_v hold_v of_o any_o shift_n or_o evasion_n then_o grant_v they_o have_v be_v in_o a_o error_n but_o if_o they_o find_v their_o own_o reason_n begin_v to_o waver_v be_v in_o part_n convince_v by_o the_o force_n of_o contrary_a reason_n they_o fly_v for_o refuge_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o other_o and_o fortify_v themselves_o with_o this_o consideration_n that_o such_o and_o such_o man_n be_v man_n of_o note_a learning_n and_o piety_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v all_o of_o this_o opinion_n and_o yet_o doubtless_o they_o understand_v the_o force_n of_o those_o argument_n better_o than_o we_o do_v and_o will_v have_v yield_v to_o they_o have_v they_o think_v they_o convince_a thus_o when_o reason_n of_o itself_o will_v yield_v yet_o their_o affection_n to_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o man_n that_o maintain_v it_o make_v they_o hold_v out_o still_o and_o though_o they_o have_v a_o glimpse_n of_o truth_n they_o dare_v not_o they_o can_v receive_v it_o but_o the_o passion_n i_o intend_v principal_o to_o speak_v of_o as_o be_v a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o our_o receive_v the_o truth_n be_v that_o of_o anger_n which_o be_v a_o boisterous_a unruly_a passion_n and_o disorder_v all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n and_o make_v they_o whole_o unfit_a for_o any_o impression_n of_o truth_n a_o man_n that_o be_v angry_a and_o impatient_a will_v not_o allow_v his_o adversary_n leave_v to_o speak_v out_o half_a a_o argument_n but_o present_o he_o be_v provoke_v and_o then_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v a_o reasonable_a defence_n though_o he_o shall_v have_v the_o truth_n on_o his_o side_n he_o do_v not_o then_o consider_v what_o be_v most_o fit_a and_o proper_a to_o be_v say_v but_o cast_v out_o at_o random_n what_o his_o passion_n first_o suggest_v to_o he_o all_o his_o thought_n be_v then_o in_o commotion_n and_o like_o the_o trouble_a wave_n will_v not_o receive_v any_o perfect_a image_n of_o thing_n and_o you_o may_v as_o well_o hope_v to_o convince_v a_o mad_a man_n as_o he_o now_o this_o heat_n of_o passion_n as_o it_o make_v man_n very_o unfit_a to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o other_o so_o it_o common_o suggest_v to_o we_o very_o improper_a way_n of_o argue_v when_o we_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v they_o who_o differ_v from_o we_o this_o temper_n of_o mind_n produce_v those_o sharp_a and_o satirical_a treatise_n whereby_o some_o man_n endeavour_v if_o not_o to_o convince_v yet_o to_o shame_n and_o silence_v their_o adversary_n by_o expose_v their_o person_n and_o represent_v they_o to_o the_o world_n under_o odious_a character_n now_o certain_o what_o ever_o these_o man_n may_v hope_v this_o method_n of_o rail_v and_o revile_v though_o the_o person_n they_o accuse_v may_v real_o deserve_v all_o that_o be_v say_v of_o they_o yet_o i_o say_v this_o be_v not_o a_o fit_a method_n for_o the_o propagation_n of_o truth_n for_o as_o the_o piety_n of_o one_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v no_o defence_n or_o security_n for_o his_o error_n so_o neither_o aught_o it_o to_o be_v any_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n that_o it_o be_v defend_v by_o a_o bad_a man_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o argument_n that_o be_v level_v against_o the_o person_n of_o our_o adversary_n be_v whole_o beside_o the_o purpose_n they_o tend_v only_o to_o the_o breach_n of_o charity_n not_o to_o the_o convince_a any_o man_n judgement_n that_o differ_v from_o we_o and_o certain_o our_o bless_a saviour_n when_o he_o give_v we_o so_o many_o precept_n of_o meekness_n and_o charity_n towards_o all_o man_n when_o he_o so_o often_o require_v we_o not_o to_o judge_v and_o condemn_v our_o brethren_n over_o who_o we_o have_v no_o jurisdiction_n when_o he_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o danger_n of_o uncharitable_a speech_n s._n matt._n v._n 22._o whosoever_o shall_v say_v to_o his_o brother_n raca_n shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o the_o council_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v say_v thou_o fool_n shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o hell-fire_n when_o our_o saviour_n so_o often_o inculcate_n these_o and_o the_o like_a precept_n require_v so_o humble_a and_o charitable_a demeanour_n towards_o our_o brethren_n both_o in_o thought_n &_o word_n he_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o give_v the_o least_o permission_n to_o his_o disciple_n to_o endeavour_v to_o propagate_v or_o defend_v any_o part_n of_o his_o doctrine_n by_o reproachful_a and_o contumelious_a usage_n of_o the_o person_n they_o contend_v with_o sure_o i_o be_o his_o own_o example_n be_v infinite_o different_a from_o what_o man_n practise_v in_o these_o day_n our_o saviour_n have_v certain_o more_o
his_o good_a spirit_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o understand_v and_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o and_o to_o lead_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v this_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o though_o god_n will_v infuse_v the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a truth_n by_o a_o miracle_n but_o that_o those_o that_o will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v blessed_v by_o he_o in_o the_o diligent_a use_n of_o those_o ordinary_a mean_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o their_o instruction_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o old_a oeconomy_n the_o jew_n be_v refer_v to_o moses_n for_o their_o instruction_n what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o under_o the_o gospel_n god_n have_v give_v some_o apostle_n some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o these_o man_n and_o their_o successor_n we_o must_v have_v recourse_n in_o order_n to_o instruction_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o these_o themselves_o we_o may_v have_v recourse_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o they_o have_v leave_v behind_o they_o as_o a_o certain_a guide_n to_o we_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o to_o their_o successor_n we_o have_v recourse_n in_o our_o attendance_n upon_o the_o public_a ministry_n who_o derive_v their_o commission_n by_o a_o continue_a succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v impower_v by_o christ_n to_o ordain_v other_o for_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o office_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o these_o person_n thus_o impower_v all_o private_a christian_n ought_v to_o apply_v themselves_o with_o humility_n and_o diligence_n for_o their_o instruction_n and_o in_o the_o diligent_a use_n of_o those_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n abovementioned_a he_o that_o will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n 3._o this_o condition_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n imply_v further_a that_o in_o our_o search_n after_o divine_a truth_n and_o in_o our_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n which_o god_n have_v afford_v we_o we_o must_v propose_v to_o ourselves_o the_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o our_o knowledge_n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v more_o particular_o express_v in_o the_o text._n many_o there_o be_v who_o be_v very_o inquisitive_a after_o truth_n but_o they_o have_v ofttimes_o very_o different_a and_o undue_a end_n in_o their_o enquiry_n sometime_o they_o do_v it_o to_o gratify_v their_o curiosity_n sometime_o that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o maintain_v their_o party_n they_o be_v engage_v in_o with_o some_o plausible_a show_n of_o reason_n sometime_o they_o do_v it_o for_o ostentation_n and_o vainglory_n that_o they_o may_v appear_v wise_a and_o more_o learned_a than_o their_o neighbour_n and_o sometime_o they_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n as_o other_o man_n do_v their_o merchandise_n that_o they_o may_v make_v a_o gain_n of_o it_o and_o provide_v for_o their_o subsistence_n in_o the_o world_n now_o now_o all_o these_o several_a sort_n of_o enquirer_n may_v possible_o attain_v the_o several_a end_n they_o propose_v to_o themselves_o they_o may_v grow_v learned_a and_o wise_a in_o the_o ordinary_a account_n of_o man_n they_o may_v grow_v rich_a and_o gain_v esteem_n and_o applause_n among_o man_n and_o in_o this_o they_o have_v their_o reward_n but_o still_o they_o may_v want_v the_o true_a knowledge_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o speak_v of_o which_o be_v not_o attainable_a by_o any_o that_o do_v not_o intend_v and_o resolve_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n according_a to_o their_o knowledge_n this_o alone_a make_v they_o capable_a of_o a_o full_a and_o sensible_a conviction_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n and_o excellency_n of_o those_o revelation_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o it_o be_v not_o every_o one_o that_o can_v talk_v superficial_o about_o religious_a matter_n or_o that_o can_v give_v a_o tolerable_a account_n of_o the_o rational_a ground_n upon_o which_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o not_o every_o one_o that_o can_v dispute_v learned_o about_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o decide_v controverfy_v not_o every_o one_o that_o be_v thus_o accomplish_v be_v proper_o say_v to_o know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n in_o our_o saviour_n sense_n no_o he_o that_o be_v resolve_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n absolute_o and_o entire_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v receive_v a_o more_o full_a and_o ample_a satisfaction_n concern_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o he_o than_o can_v be_v gain_v by_o the_o strong_a reason_n and_o most_o convince_a demonstration_n he_o shall_v find_v in_o his_o soul_n a_o lively_a sense_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o those_o truth_n which_o the_o gospel_n deliver_v such_o as_o shall_v leave_v no_o room_n for_o doubtfulness_n or_o dispute_v 4._o we_o must_v not_o only_o intend_v and_o resolve_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o propose_v to_o ourselves_o this_o as_o the_o great_a end_n of_o our_o enquiry_n but_o we_o must_v actual_o endeavour_v to_o discharge_v those_o duty_n we_o already_o know_v if_o we_o hope_v to_o attaim_v to_o a_o sufficient_a satisfaction_n in_o our_o religion_n for_o he_o that_o neglect_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o he_o already_o know_v he_o can_v be_v presume_v to_o have_v a_o sincere_a resolution_n of_o submit_v to_o those_o further_a instruction_n which_o he_o may_v find_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o indeed_o in_o this_o place_n our_o saviour_n may_v well_o be_v understand_v to_o exact_v this_o qualification_n of_o those_o who_o come_v to_o hear_v he_o that_o they_o shall_v practice_v those_o duty_n they_o already_o know_v if_o they_o will_v be_v satisfy_v concern_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o religion_n for_o otherwise_o it_o may_v seem_v a_o improper_a and_o preposterous_a way_n of_o proceed_v to_o persuade_v man_n first_o to_o obey_v the_o gospel_n and_o then_o to_o promise_v they_o satisfaction_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o man_n be_v not_o willing_a to_o enter_v upon_o a_o way_n of_o live_v so_o strict_a and_o severe_a as_o the_o gospel_n enjoin_v without_o be_v satisfy_v before_o hand_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o that_o that_o be_v true_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v there_o require_v and_o that_o it_o be_v their_o great_a duty_n and_o interest_n to_o obey_v it_o nay_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o sad_a experience_n that_o many_o who_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v yet_o very_o backward_o to_o practice_v the_o precept_n of_o it_o but_o how_o much_o more_o unwilling_o will_v they_o undertake_v this_o practice_n if_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o satisfaction_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n till_o they_o have_v obey_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o the_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n here_o speak_v of_o must_v in_o part_n be_v understand_v of_o those_o previous_a instruction_n in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o those_o who_o come_v to_o hear_v our_o saviour_n have_v before_o receive_v the_o jew_n to_o who_o our_o saviour_n here_o direct_v his_o discourse_n have_v the_o instruction_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n from_o who_o they_o may_v have_v understand_v the_o principal_a rule_n of_o good_a live_n and_o their_o obedience_n to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n will_v doubtless_o have_v be_v a_o great_a preparation_n for_o their_o reception_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o then_o for_o those_o enquirer_n after_o truth_n who_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n they_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o their_o duty_n no_o man_n can_v ordinary_o grow_v up_o in_o a_o christian_a society_n to_o a_o age_n capable_a of_o such_o inquiry_n but_o must_v have_v be_v competent_o instruct_v in_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o good_a live_n in_o the_o substantial_a and_o necessary_a part_n of_o religion_n those_o three_o great_a branch_n of_o duty_n which_o s._n paul_n teach_v we_o to_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o live_v righteous_o sober_o and_o godly_a in_o the_o world_n be_v in_o themselves_o of_o so_o evident_a a_o obligation_n that_o no_o man_n who_o have_v come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n especial_o in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o live_v so_o suppose_v we_o then_o a_o man_n competent_o instruct_v in_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o good_a live_n whether_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n write_v in_o his_o
promise_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n to_o enable_v they_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o holy_a office_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v attend_v to_o with_o such_o reverence_n as_o be_v due_a to_o the_o ambassador_n of_o god_n to_o the_o interpreter_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n not_o that_o the_o true_o humble_a man_n be_v bind_v to_o yield_v a_o blind_a assent_n to_o whatever_o he_o hear_v deliver_v from_o a_o pulpit_n or_o that_o he_o be_v present_o to_o renounce_v his_o own_o reason_n and_o understanding_n whenever_o it_o be_v contradict_v by_o his_o immediate_a pastor_n no_o we_o do_v not_o claim_v this_o dominion_n over_o the_o reason_n and_o conscience_n of_o our_o brethren_n we_o do_v not_o require_v a_o absolute_a assent_n to_o all_o we_o say_v only_o thus_o much_o a_o humble_a man_n will_v and_o aught_o to_o think_v his_o duty_n not_o to_o oppose_v every_o private_a scruple_n of_o his_o own_o to_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o he_o live_v much_o less_o to_o separate_v from_o it_o without_o manifest_a and_o plain_a ground_n he_o ought_v rather_o to_o distrust_v his_o own_o private_a judgement_n when_o it_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o public_a sense_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o use_v all_o possible_a diligence_n for_o further_a information_n before_o he_o be_v positive_a in_o his_o opinion_n he_o ought_v to_o apply_v himself_o with_o all_o humility_n to_o his_o superior_n to_o desire_v satisfaction_n from_o they_o and_o he_o ought_v to_o attend_v to_o they_o with_o patience_n and_o submission_n and_o to_o be_v very_o cautious_a lest_o any_o prejudice_n or_o self-interest_n shall_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o persuasion_n and_o than_o if_o after_o a_o due_a diligence_n he_o find_v himself_o still_o unconvince_v yet_o still_o humility_n will_v oblige_v he_o not_o to_o judge_v those_o who_o differ_v from_o he_o nor_o to_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v of_o he_o as_o a_o condition_n of_o communion_n which_o he_o be_v not_o full_o convince_v to_o be_v be_v unlawful_a now_o he_o that_o proce_v with_o this_o humility_n and_o deliberation_n in_o the_o examination_n of_o those_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n which_o seem_v doubtful_a to_o he_o this_o humble_a temper_n will_v either_o lead_v he_o to_o the_o mean_n of_o satisfaction_n from_o the_o instruction_n of_o his_o superior_n or_o at_o least_o will_v secure_v he_o from_o the_o danger_n and_o malignity_n of_o his_o error_n for_o simple_a error_n be_v not_o dangerous_a in_o itself_o unless_o it_o arise_v from_o a_o culpable_a cause_n or_o unless_o it_o lead_v to_o sin_n or_o disobedience_n and_o this_o a_o humble_a man_n will_v hardly_o be_v tempt_v to_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o private_a opinion_n 4._o a_o humble_a and_o modest_a man_n will_v be_v willing_a to_o yield_v to_o such_o argument_n as_o the_o matter_n he_o inquire_v about_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o will_v not_o require_v great_a evidence_n for_o reveal_v truth_n than_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v admit_v of_o and_o indeed_o the_o want_n of_o this_o temper_n of_o mind_n may_v just_o be_v account_v the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n many_o disputer_n there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n who_o think_v it_o a_o argument_n of_o wit_n and_o part_n to_o be_v able_a to_o defend_v a_o paradox_n and_o to_o stand_v their_o ground_n against_o all_o opposition_n these_o man_n seek_v not_o truth_n but_o victory_n and_o do_v not_o so_o much_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v themselves_o as_o to_o amuse_v other_o and_o therefore_o as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o raise_v a_o objection_n which_o they_o think_v their_o adversary_n can_v answer_v they_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v unanswerable_a and_o think_v that_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o deny_v the_o force_n of_o all_o positive_a argument_n whatsoever_o now_o this_o perverse_a and_o conceit_a way_n of_o dispute_v render_v man_n very_o unfit_a to_o inquire_v after_o truth_n in_o any_o kind_n of_o science_n but_o especial_o in_o religion_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o such_o proof_n but_o that_o a_o perverse_a and_o unteachable_a spirit_n may_v find_v some_o kind_n of_o evasion_n to_o abate_v the_o force_n of_o they_o and_o may_v raise_v some_o kind_n of_o groundless_a suspicion_n that_o possible_o thing_n may_v have_v be_v otherwise_o than_o they_o be_v there_o represent_v the_o evidence_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o these_o day_n do_v in_o great_a measure_n depend_v upon_o the_o historical_a truth_n of_o those_o relation_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v do_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v attest_v by_o as_o credible_a witness_n as_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n ever_o be_v and_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o other_o or_o better_a proof_n than_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o they_o but_o yet_o still_o a_o man_n that_o be_v perverse_a and_o obstinate_a may_v say_v that_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n be_v more_o convince_a than_o that_o of_o witness_n that_o see_v be_v believe_v and_o if_o i_o can_v see_v some_o of_o those_o sign_n and_o wonder_v wrought_v now_o which_o be_v report_v to_o have_v be_v do_v in_o our_o saviour_n time_n i_o will_v believe_v but_o as_o for_o these_o historical_a narration_n if_o either_o the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v themselves_o deceive_v or_o do_v intend_v to_o deceive_v or_o delude_v posterity_n neither_o of_o which_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a if_o either_o of_o these_o thing_n shall_v have_v be_v those_o relation_n be_v no_o evidence_n at_o all_o now_o although_o it_o be_v the_o most_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o suppose_v that_o so_o many_o thousand_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n shall_v lay_v down_o their_o life_n so_o cheerful_o in_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o be_v satisfy_v about_o it_o themselves_o or_o with_o intention_n to_o deceive_v other_o though_o this_o be_v the_o absurde_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o if_o any_o man_n will_v be_v so_o perverse_a as_o to_o think_v so_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o christian_n what_o further_a argument_n can_v be_v use_v to_o convince_v he_o for_o what_o further_a evidence_n can_v we_o expect_v of_o any_o man_n sincerity_n in_o what_o he_o say_v than_o that_o he_o will_v lay_v down_o his_o life_n to_o attest_v it_o as_o they_o do_v and_o then_o for_o their_o knowledge_n in_o these_o thing_n we_o may_v well_o appeal_v to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n wherewith_o they_o speak_v and_o write_v that_o such_o man_n can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o the_o plain_a matter_n yet_o still_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o christian_n be_v not_o so_o great_a evidence_n as_o that_o of_o sense_n though_o it_o be_v as_o great_a as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o therefore_o a_o man_n that_o be_v resolve_v to_o yield_v to_o nothing_o but_o sensible_a demonstration_n must_v expect_v to_o go_v away_o unsatisfied_a as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n because_o it_o be_v not_o now_o capable_a of_o that_o kind_n of_o evidence_n but_o now_o a_o humble_a enquirer_n after_o truth_n that_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n in_o order_n to_o practice_n such_o a_o one_o will_v not_o be_v thus_o obstinate_a and_o refractory_a in_o his_o proceed_n he_o will_v content_v himself_o with_o such_o evidence_n as_o the_o thing_n he_o inquire_v about_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o will_v require_v no_o great_a and_o indeed_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o those_o perverse_a disputer_n who_o be_v not_o content_a with_o that_o rational_a evidence_n we_o have_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v not_o be_v convince_v though_o they_o see_v a_o miracle_n for_o our_o saviour_n have_v plain_o tell_v we_o in_o a_o like_a case_n if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o believe_v though_o one_o arise_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v at_o first_o confirm_v to_o the_o jew_n by_o miracle_n but_o afterward_o they_o be_v to_o be_v content_a with_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o father_n concern_v it_o and_o those_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o moses_n upon_o that_o evidence_n according_a to_o our_o saviour_n judgement_n will_v not_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o great_a miracle_n even_o the_o resurrection_n of_o one_o from_o the_o dead_a the_o case_n be_v now_o the_o same_o with_o we_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n at_o the_o
conclusion_n and_o can_v such_o a_o argumentation_n deceive_v we_o can_v have_v little_a encouragement_n to_o believe_v any_o thing_n upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o faculty_n again_o if_o this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o some_o early_a revelation_n make_v to_o man_n when_o they_o be_v yet_o few_o in_o number_n and_o retain_v in_o the_o dispersion_n of_o nation_n and_o still_o preserve_v notwithstanding_o the_o gross_a ignorance_n they_o fall_v into_o as_o to_o other_o matter_n this_o must_v be_v a_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o clearness_n and_o evidence_n of_o that_o revelation_n at_o first_o and_o must_v consequent_o much_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o this_o truth_n of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v may_v have_v be_v confirm_v to_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n by_o some_o divine_a revelation_n which_o be_v communicate_v to_o all_o and_o thence_o derive_v and_o propagate_v through_o all_o the_o several_a religion_n and_o superstition_n which_o afterward_o be_v entertain_v by_o the_o heathen_a world_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o noah_n understand_v this_o truth_n and_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o instruct_v his_o family_n which_o be_v all_o humane_a soul_n that_o be_v leave_v alive_a in_o so_o necessary_a a_o matter_n which_o may_v have_v so_o great_a influence_n upon_o they_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o obedience_n to_o god_n who_o have_v so_o late_o deliver_v they_o from_o so_o universal_a a_o destruction_n nay_o there_o be_v still_o extant_a the_o remainder_n of_o a_o prophecy_n concern_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v much_o ancient_a than_o the_o flood_n this_o we_o find_v cite_v by_o saint_n judas_n 14._o and_o enoch_n also_o the_o seven_o from_o adam_n prophesy_v say_v behold_v the_o lord_n come_v with_o ten_o thousand_o of_o his_o saint_n to_o execute_v judgement_n upon_o all_o and_o to_o convince_v all_o that_o be_v ungodly_a of_o all_o their_o ungodly_a deed_n which_o they_o have_v ungodly_a commit_v and_o of_o all_o their_o hard_a speech_n which_o ungodly_a sinner_n have_v speak_v against_o he_o and_o this_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o last_o and_o most_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o this_o truth_n 4._o the_o particular_a revelation_n of_o it_o in_o holy_a scripture_n but_o the_o testimony_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o there_o be_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v be_v so_o frequent_a in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n that_o it_o be_v altogether_o needless_a to_o recite_v they_o to_o you_o every_o one_o that_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o gospel_n must_v understand_v that_o be_v one_o chief_a article_n of_o our_o christian_a profession_n nothing_o more_o plain_o reveal_v nothing_o more_o frequent_o inculcate_v than_o that_o we_o must_v all_o appear_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n i_o proceed_v therefore_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v the_o method_n of_o proceed_v at_o that_o day_n every_o one_o shall_v receive_v the_o thing_n do_v in_o his_o body_n according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v do_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a that_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n of_o man_n action_n in_o this_o life_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n according_a to_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v judge_v at_o the_o great_a day_n that_o they_o who_o have_v do_v good_a shall_v receive_v the_o good_a they_o have_v do_v and_o they_o who_o have_v do_v evil_a shall_v receive_v according_a to_o that_o likewise_o be_v a_o truth_n so_o full_o and_o plain_o teach_v in_o holy_a scripture_n that_o one_o will_v think_v man_n can_v not_o easy_o mistake_v or_o deceive_v themselves_o in_o this_o matter_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o no_o other_o way_n of_o proceed_v can_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o purity_n and_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o righteous_a god_n love_v righteousness_n and_o his_o countenance_n will_v behold_v the_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v just_a and_o he_o be_v of_o pure_a eye_n than_o to_o behold_v iniquity_n the_o righteous_a therefore_o and_o they_o only_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o reward_n from_o he_o when_o he_o come_v to_o judge_v the_o earth_n and_o the_o wicked_a and_o unrighteous_a and_o they_o only_o must_v be_v the_o object_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n to_o do_v otherwise_o than_o so_o and_o to_o invert_v this_o method_n will_v be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o all_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o to_o all_o the_o method_n whereby_o god_n have_v make_v himself_o know_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n say_v thus_o to_o the_o almighty_a wisd_v xij_o 15._o for_o as_o much_o as_o thou_o be_v righteous_a thyself_o thou_o ordere_v all_o thing_n righteous_o think_v it_o not_o agreeable_a to_o thy_o power_n to_o condemn_v he_o who_o have_v not_o deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v to_o which_o we_o may_v also_o add_v that_o it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o his_o purity_n and_o justice_n to_o reward_v the_o unrighteous_a and_o disobedient_a and_o therefore_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o in_o all_o the_o method_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o the_o son_n of_o man_n he_o have_v all_o along_o declare_v the_o great_a abhorrence_n of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n and_o the_o great_a severity_n against_o those_o that_o continue_v in_o the_o commission_n of_o it_o it_o be_v sin_n only_o that_o bring_v misery_n and_o death_n into_o the_o world_n for_o by_o one_o man_n disobedience_n sin_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n and_o death_n by_o sin_n and_o so_o death_n pass_v upon_o all_o man_n for_o that_o all_o have_v sin_v and_o when_o god_n be_v please_v out_o of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o compassion_n to_o contrive_v the_o way_n of_o our_o recovery_n and_o to_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n for_o our_o redemption_n he_o will_v not_o admit_v we_o to_o term_n of_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n without_o the_o great_a demonstration_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o severity_n against_o sin_n and_o that_o in_o the_o suffering_n of_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n for_o he_o be_v make_v sin_n for_o we_o who_o know_v no_o sin_n he_o bear_v our_o grief_n and_o carry_v our_o sorrow_n he_o be_v wound_v for_o our_o transgression_n he_o be_v bruise_v for_o our_o iniquity_n by_o his_o stripe_n we_o be_v heal_v now_o we_o be_v not_o to_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n in_o our_o stead_n can_v be_v available_a to_o we_o or_o free_v we_o from_o the_o punishment_n of_o our_o sin_n while_o we_o continue_v in_o they_o for_o he_o bear_v our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o body_n on_o the_o tree_n for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o that_o we_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n may_v live_v unto_o righteousness_n that_o so_o be_v save_v from_o our_o sin_n here_o we_o may_v be_v save_v from_o the_o wage_n of_o they_o hereafter_o and_o therefore_o saint_n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n to_o bring_v salvation_n no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o teach_v we_o to_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v righteous_o sober_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n thus_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o his_o deal_n with_o mankind_n we_o can_v but_o expect_v that_o when_o he_o come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n he_o will_v judge_v according_a to_o righteousness_n they_o who_o have_v do_v good_a shall_v be_v reward_v by_o he_o and_o they_o who_o have_v do_v evil_a shall_v receive_v a_o due_a recompense_n of_o their_o evil_a deed_n 2._o this_o be_v further_a evident_a from_o the_o several_a promise_n and_o threaten_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v all_o along_o make_v use_n of_o as_o argument_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n and_o to_o discourage_v and_o dissuade_v we_o from_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n which_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o do_v if_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v be_v due_a to_o any_o but_o upon_o condition_n of_o their_o obedience_n or_o if_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v can_v be_v avoid_v any_o otherwise_o than_o by_o forsake_v those_o sin_n to_o which_o it_o be_v threaten_v thus_o saint_n paul_n argue_v from_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n 2_o cor._n seven_o 1._o have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n dear_o belove_v let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n thus_o again_o s._n peter_n i_o 4._o tell_v that_o by_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o beside_o this_o give_v all_o