be_v true_a or_o false_a as_o they_o be_v favourable_a or_o disagree_v to_o they_o carnal_a person_n fortify_v every_o objection_n that_o may_v render_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n unlikely_a and_o incredible_a and_o will_v be_v partial_a for_o sensuality_n of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o great_a instance_n in_o the_o first_o rejection_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o jew_n expect_v the_o messiah_n will_v come_v with_o pompous_a wonder_n and_o external_a magnificence_n that_o he_o will_v deliver_v they_o from_o the_o roman_a yoke_n and_o find_v a_o universal_a monarchy_n for_o they_o and_o according_a to_o those_o carnal_a fancy_n they_o will_v understand_v the_o promise_n concern_v he_o now_o though_o jesus_n christ_n approve_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o true_a messiah_n by_o the_o sanctity_n of_o his_o life_n the_o rectitude_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o miracle_n yet_o for_o the_o poverty_n and_o meanness_n of_o his_o condition_n be_v without_o any_o sensible_a show_n of_o greatness_n and_o glory_n they_o despise_v he_o as_o most_o unworthy_a that_o divine_a relation_n and_o office_n though_o in_o he_o all_o the_o character_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v conspicuous_a and_o the_o scripture_n declare_v express_o that_o the_o messiah_n the_o prince_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o but_o not_o for_o himself_o but_o to_o make_v reconciliation_n for_o iniquity_n and_o to_o bring_v in_o everlasting_a righteousness_n yet_o they_o be_v so_o prepossess_v with_o the_o idea_n of_o a_o terrene_a felicity_n that_o they_o will_v interpret_v all_o the_o scripture_n by_o that_o measure_n as_o if_o the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o repair_v no_o other_o ruin_n but_o of_o their_o temporal_a state_n and_o liberty_n therefore_o they_o speak_v of_o he_o with_o scornful_a title_n as_o for_o this_o fellow_n we_o know_v not_o from_o whence_o he_o be_v and_o be_v not_o this_o the_o carpenter_n shall_v the_o glorious_a prophecy_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v accomplish_v in_o he_o shall_v he_o have_v dominion_n from_o sea_n to_o sea_n and_o from_o the_o river_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v all_o king_n bow_v down_o before_o he_o and_o all_o nation_n serve_v he_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o satisfy_v their_o sight_n in_o his_o outward_a appearance_n and_o retinue_n and_o his_o miraculous_a condescension_n so_o much_o below_o their_o expectation_n be_v more_o powerful_a to_o harden_v they_o in_o unbelief_n than_o all_o his_o supernatural_a operation_n to_o induce_v they_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o as_o the_o jew_n from_o their_o affection_n to_o secular_a thing_n be_v enemy_n to_o the_o gospel_n so_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n from_o spiritual_a pride_n for_o they_o vain_o affect_v the_o praise_n of_o knowledge_n and_o virtue_n as_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o the_o product_n of_o their_o own_o will_n they_o do_v not_o consider_v god_n as_o the_o fountain_n of_o truth_n and_o whether_o the_o ray_n of_o his_o knowledge_n come_v direct_o and_o immediate_o into_o we_o or_o by_o reflection_n from_o other_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o be_v entire_o due_a to_o he_o beside_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n not_o be_v suitable_a to_o their_o first_o opinion_n be_v reject_v with_o disdain_n as_o foolish_a impossibility_n and_o in_o every_o age_n since_o even_o in_o the_o pale_a of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v some_o secret_a infidel_n that_o esteem_v the_o gospel_n a_o fable_n and_o some_o who_o peremtory_o deny_v the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o christianity_n those_o who_o be_v slave_n to_o their_o eye_n and_o appetite_n will_v raise_v cloud_n to_o obscure_v that_o truth_n that_o forbid_v their_o dear_a lust_n upon_o pain_n of_o damnation_n the_o pretend_a difficulty_n of_o belief_n be_v but_o a_o thin_a transparent_a pretence_n the_o difficulty_n of_o practice_n be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o their_o reject_v the_o gospel_n they_o will_v not_o have_v the_o precept_n of_o it_o to_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o therefore_o be_v unwilling_a to_o acknowledge_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o to_o be_v true_a and_o those_o who_o set_v up_o a_o tribunal_n in_o their_o own_o understanding_n to_o which_o divine_a revelation_n must_v submit_v will_v not_o believe_v what_o be_v above_o their_o presumptuous_a reason_n but_o that_o the_o soul_n exempt_v from_o passion_n and_o prejudice_n have_v no_o just_a temptation_n to_o disbeleive_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v evident_a in_o that_o so_o many_o person_n in_o who_o the_o concurrence_n of_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n be_v equal_o flourish_v and_o excellent_a after_o the_o most_o exact_a discussion_n embrace_v it_o as_o the_o heavenly_a truth_n if_o there_o be_v falseness_n in_o its_o principle_n or_o weakness_n in_o its_o proof_n how_o can_v it_o escape_v their_o discovery_n and_o that_o they_o be_v sincere_a in_o their_o belief_n be_v above_o all_o doubt_n for_o they_o willing_o sacrifice_v all_o that_o be_v valuable_a and_o dear_a in_o this_o life_n for_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o now_o be_v it_o ever_o know_v that_o any_o person_n will_v know_o choose_v a_o error_n so_o destructive_a the_o will_v seduce_v by_o sense_n embrace_v sometime_o that_o that_o be_v condemn_v by_o reason_n but_o it_o never_o adhere_v to_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v contrary_a both_o to_o reason_n and_o sense_n by_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o infidelity_n have_v no_o just_a plea_n from_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o have_v full_o satisfy_v the_o wise_a the_o most_o considerate_a and_o sincere_a part_n of_o mankind_n a_o corrupt_a heart_n be_v the_o spring_n and_o principle_n of_o the_o illusion_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o thing_n that_o concern_v salvation_n 2._o the_o gospel_n propound_v to_o we_o the_o most_o proper_a and_o powerful_a motive_n of_o love_n to_o god_n in_o the_o visible_a world_n there_o be_v a_o representation_n so_o conspicuous_a and_o full_a of_o his_o divine_a majesty_n power_n &_o wisdom_n that_o form_v and_o regulate_v all_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a but_o the_o attentive_a regard_v of_o it_o will_v make_v impression_n of_o reverence_n and_o fear_n will_v raise_v our_o esteem_n and_o admiration_n but_o those_o be_v dead_a sentiment_n without_o love_n and_o that_o in_o the_o guilty_a creature_n fearful_a of_o god_n wrath_n must_v be_v first_o excite_v by_o the_o hope_n of_o his_o pardon_v mercy_n now_o the_o love_n and_o kindness_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n appear_v to_o man_n in_o his_o redemption_n in_o the_o most_o eminent_a manner_n though_o in_o that_o bless_a work_n the_o divine_a perfection_n be_v relucent_a in_o various_a effect_n wisdom_n design_v it_o power_n accomplish_v it_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n be_v glorious_o declare_v in_o it_o yet_o as_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o benefit_n of_o man_n it_o be_v the_o sole_a effect_n of_o wise_a almighty_a holy_a tender_a love_n mercy_n soften_v god_n bowel_n open_v heaven_n send_v down_o his_o son_n to_o be_v one_o with_o we_o in_o nature_n that_o he_o may_v exchange_v his_o merit_n and_o blessedness_n for_o our_o guilt_n and_o misery_n miraculous_a love_n to_o make_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n our_o brother_n to_o humble_v he_o to_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o servant_n that_o we_o most_o unworthy_a to_o be_v his_o servant_n shall_v be_v advance_v to_o be_v his_o child_n nay_o to_o expose_v he_o to_o the_o death_n of_o a_o malefactor_n equal_o ignominious_a and_o painful_a that_o we_o malefactor_n may_v obtain_v life_n and_o glory_n if_o ever_o love_v deserve_v the_o title_n of_o excess_n it_o be_v this_o for_o though_o not_o without_o reason_n yet_o it_o be_v without_o all_o bound_n and_o measure_n it_o be_v so_o far_o above_o our_o thought_n that_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o have_v a_o firm_a belief_n of_o it_o what_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o the_o temporal_a deliverance_n of_o the_o church_n be_v more_o just_o applicable_a to_o its_o spiritual_a eternal_a deliverance_n when_o the_o lord_n turn_v again_o the_o captivity_n of_o zion_n we_o be_v like_a to_o they_o that_o dream_n as_o if_o a_o poor_a man_n fancy_v in_o a_o dream_n that_o he_o be_v a_o king_n adorn_v with_o the_o ensign_n of_o royalty_n and_o between_o hope_n and_o fear_n shall_v inquire_v of_o himself_o be_o i_o awake_v and_o in_o my_o right_a mind_n be_v this_o sceptre_n this_o robe_n this_o crown_n real_a or_o be_v it_o all_o the_o pleasant_a deceit_n of_o imagination_n and_o how_o can_v we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o amaze_a grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n but_o such_o thought_n will_v arise_v be_v it_o true_a that_o god_n do_v not_o spare_v his_o most_o innocent_a and_o dear_a son_n to_o absolve_v we_o guilty_a rebel_n do_v he_o die_v for_o his_o father_n enemy_n and_o his_o own_o unparalleled_a love_n only_o to_o be_v full_o conceive_v by_o a_o
to_o servitude_n import_v only_o a_o continuance_n to_o the_o jubilee_n so_o that_o those_o ritual_n be_v to_o continue_v in_o their_o vigour_n during_o that_o entire_a period_n and_o to_o be_v determine_v after_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n the_o great_a jubilee_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n be_v most_o evident_a in_o that_o his_o come_n be_v exact_o as_o he_o be_v design_v and_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v that_o he_o have_v the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n to_o authorise_v he_o to_o change_v the_o external_o of_o their_o worship_n and_o service_n brief_o judaisme_n now_o be_v but_o the_o carcase_n of_o a_o dead_a religion_n and_o the_o obstinate_a adherer_n to_o it_o be_v become_v so_o sottish_o blind_a as_o to_o believe_v the_o most_o prodigious_a fable_n as_o divine_a revelation_n their_o talmud_n so_o reverence_v by_o they_o contain_v intolerable_a folly_n nay_o blasphemy_n against_o god_n it_o regulate_v his_o hour_n in_o the_o day_n it_o relate_v that_o he_o spend_v three_o in_o study_v the_o law_n and_o three_o more_o in_o the_o instruct_n child_n that_o die_v in_o their_o minority_n and_o that_o he_o employ_v three_o in_o take_v the_o account_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o three_o last_n divert_v himself_o with_o leviathan_n and_o that_o the_o night_n be_v come_v for_o they_o imagine_v that_o the_o sun_n set_v in_o paradise_n he_o ascend_v a_o chariot_n draw_v by_o the_o swift_a spirit_n the_o cherubim_n and_o visit_v the_o eighteen_o thousand_o world_n he_o create_v i_o shall_v not_o instance_n in_o any_o more_o of_o their_o extravagant_a tale_n not_o to_o be_v defend_v by_o the_o pretence_n of_o solemn_a mystery_n and_o by_o strain_a allegory_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o by_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n for_o their_o reject_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v give_v up_o to_o believe_v lie_n since_o the_o come_n of_o jesus_n christ_n mahumetanism_n have_v overspread_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o barbarous_a world_n but_o this_o carry_v in_o it_o such_o apparent_a and_o certain_a mark_n of_o falsity_n that_o it_o can_v be_v no_o temptation_n to_o any_o person_n in_o who_o there_o be_v but_o a_o spark_n of_o good_a hence_o whether_o we_o consider_v 1._o the_o author_n from_o who_o it_o be_v derive_v a_o robber_n one_o drench_v in_o sensuality_n and_o therefore_o utter_o unqualify_v to_o be_v the_o revealer_n of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o holy_a god_n to_o men._n 2._o the_o quality_n of_o its_o doctrine_n some_o be_v ridiculous_a and_o extravagant_a above_o the_o vanity_n of_o a_o feverish_a dream_n some_o be_v pernicious_a flatter_v both_o the_o low_a appetite_n the_o concupiscible_a by_o lose_v its_o natural_a restraint_n from_o exorbitant_a fleshly_a pleasure_n the_o irascible_a by_o commend_v the_o violent_a oppression_n of_o other_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o religion_n 3._o the_o mean_n by_o which_o it_o have_v its_o rise_n and_o be_v propagate_v it_o spring_v from_o imposture_n mahomet_n erect_v a_o oracle_n in_o his_o own_o fancy_n and_o pretend_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v there_o to_o give_v his_o inspiration_n thus_o he_o seduce_v at_o first_o but_o have_v get_v a_o strong_a party_n force_v succeed_v deceit_n the_o sword_n cut_v its_o way_n through_o many_o country_n and_o be_v it_o strange_a that_o the_o people_n so_o fierce_o teach_v shall_v follow_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o cruel_a conqueror_n thus_o it_o be_v plant_v thus_o it_o increase_v and_o be_v still_o maintain_v by_o the_o same_o cause_n 4._o the_o quality_n of_o those_o who_o receive_v it_o they_o be_v barbarous_a nation_n and_o absolute_o forbid_v to_o make_v a_o inquiry_n into_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o how_o easy_a be_v it_o to_o make_v a_o impression_n on_o the_o rude_a lump_n of_o the_o multitude_n what_o wonder_n be_v it_o that_o pleasant_a folly_n shall_v usurp_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o ignorant_a vulgar_a 5._o it_o promise_v in_o the_o future_a life_n a_o paradise_n fit_a for_o swine_n most_o unworthy_a the_o glorious_a rewarder_n god_n and_o the_o excellence_n of_o man._n this_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o avicen_n a_o saracen_n philosopher_n and_o mahometan_a in_o profession_n speak_v with_o abhorence_n of_o those_o dreggy_a low_a delight_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a assert_n that_o the_o height_n of_o happiness_n be_v in_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o soul_n unite_v to_o god_n and_o thus_o virtual_o condemn_v their_o faith_n as_o repugnant_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o clear_a reason_n chap._n ii_o the_o christian_a religion_n direct_o consider_v previous_a consideration_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o jesus_n christ_n who_o converse_v in_o the_o world_n and_o institute_v that_o religion_n be_v most_o credible_a from_o the_o uniform_a testimony_n of_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n it_o be_v equal_o certain_a the_o book_n contain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v transmit_v without_o material_a alteration_n the_o proof_n of_o christian_a religion_n though_o not_o equal_a in_o clearness_n to_o sense_n or_o science_n yet_o be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v unprejudiced_a mind_n of_o its_o truth_n the_o intrinsic_a excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n consider_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n illustrate_v natural_a truth_n concern_v god_n and_o reveal_v what_o be_v further_a necessary_a for_o his_o glory_n and_o man_n happiness_n the_o entire_a agreement_n between_o they_o the_o gospel_n discover_v the_o misery_n of_o man_n in_o its_o cause_n and_o degree_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o his_o recovery_n it_o represent_v a_o full_a and_o glorious_a image_n of_o god_n perfection_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o restoration_n therefore_o it_o be_v worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n the_o christian_a religion_n set_v before_o we_o a_o rule_n pure_a and_o perspicuous_a in_o nothing_o superfluous_a or_o defective_a the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v worthy_a of_o god_n and_o suitable_a to_o the_o want_n and_o desire_n of_o men._n they_o offer_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n upon_o the_o condition_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n the_o supernatural_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o supply_n of_o our_o temporal_a want_n and_o support_v under_o affliction_n the_o reward_n of_o eternal_a life_n i_o will_v now_o consider_v the_o christian_a religion_n direct_o in_o itself_o it_o have_v this_o noble_a prerogative_n above_o the_o rest_n the_o more_o one_o search_n into_o it_o the_o more_o its_o divinity_n appear_v whereas_o other_o religion_n may_v please_v a_o sudden_a eye_n but_o can_v endure_v a_o serious_a trial_n some_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v premise_v 1._o i_o shall_v suppose_v it_o as_o a_o principle_n above_o all_o doubt_n there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o jesus_n christ_n who_o converse_v in_o the_o world_n consign_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o they_o it_o be_v convey_v to_o we_o in_o the_o new-testament_n for_o in_o assert_v it_o we_o have_v the_o uniform_a deposition_n of_o all_o that_o profess_v this_o religion_n from_o its_o rise_n till_o the_o present_a age_n and_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n though_o in_o other_o thing_n of_o different_a opinion_n yet_o they_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v their_o founder_n now_o who_o can_v better_a know_v the_o author_n of_o a_o institution_n ecclesiastical_a or_o secular_a than_o those_o who_o be_v admit_v into_o its_o beginning_n and_o those_o who_o have_v succeed_v in_o that_o order_n from_o age_n to_o age_n without_o interruption_n beside_o we_o have_v the_o consent_n and_o constant_a testimony_n of_o jew_n and_o heathen_n the_o obstinate_a opposer_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o its_o name_n as_o well_o as_o original_a be_v derive_v from_o christ._n we_o may_v with_o more_o reason_n suspect_v there_o be_v never_o such_o philosopher_n as_o plato_n and_o aristotle_n or_o that_o the_o book_n which_o from_o their_o time_n by_o universal_a persevere_v fame_n have_v be_v attribute_v to_o they_o be_v make_v by_o other_o and_o put_v forth_o under_o false_a title_n than_o to_o question_v what_o be_v so_o general_o receive_v concern_v the_o author_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o folly_n and_o madness_n to_o oppose_v such_o evidence_n 2._o it_o be_v equal_o certain_a that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n be_v transmit_v to_o we_o in_o their_o original_a purity_n without_o any_o material_a alteration_n for_o it_o be_v incredible_a that_o the_o society_n of_o christian_n shall_v neglect_v the_o preserve_n incorrupt_a and_o entire_a those_o write_n which_o they_o esteem_v a_o most_o sacred_a treasure_n on_o which_o they_o build_v their_o hope_n of_o eternal_a blessedness_n it_o can_v be_v suppose_v they_o will_v transmit_v they_o to_o their_o child_n who_o salvation_n must_v have_v be_v dear_a to_o they_o than_o the_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
spread_v abroad_o this_o happy_a and_o stupendous_a success_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n consider_v in_o itself_o be_v a_o unanswerable_a proof_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n come_v from_o heaven_n for_o it_o be_v only_o possible_a to_o the_o divine_a power_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n the_o religion_n of_o mahomet_n extend_v and_o establish_v its_o conquest_n in_o many_o country_n for_o that_o seducer_n persuade_v the_o barbarous_a people_n by_o force_n of_o arm_n they_o must_v be_v his_o disciple_n or_o slave_n and_o can_v the_o mind_n form_n a_o clear_a judgement_n or_o the_o will_v make_v a_o free_a choice_n when_o under_o a_o tyrannous_a necessity_n of_o compliance_n or_o lose_v all_o the_o comfort_n of_o life_n can_v violence_n and_o cruelty_n produce_v a_o rational_a faith_n that_o may_v force_v they_o to_o a_o counterfeit_a compliance_n but_o can_v make_v man_n sincere_o believe_v it_o be_v apt_a to_o breed_v form_n without_o and_o atheism_n within_o now_o that_o a_o persecute_a religion_n shall_v live_v and_o flourish_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o flame_n be_v as_o true_o admirable_a as_o if_o a_o little_a stream_n shall_v pass_v through_o a_o arm_n of_o the_o ocean_n retain_v its_o freshness_n and_o purity_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o salt_n and_o turbid_v water_n that_o when_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v prepossess_v with_o inveterate_a opinion_n contrary_a to_o its_o supernatural_a mystery_n and_o their_o will_n overrule_v by_o carnal_a affection_n utter_o averse_a from_o its_o holy_a precept_n the_o world_n be_v captive_v to_o the_o belief_n and_o obedience_n of_o it_o be_v the_o most_o noble_a effect_n of_o omnipotence_n for_o other_o miracle_n though_o above_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n yet_o be_v on_o the_o low_a order_n of_o creature_n without_o life_n and_o sense_n but_o this_o internal_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v on_o the_o mind_n and_o heart_n of_o men._n to_o raise_v the_o dead_a to_o calm_v a_o storm_n to_o suspend_v the_o force_n of_o fire_n to_o change_v water_n into_o blood_n be_v not_o so_o glorious_a a_o work_n as_o the_o convert_n rebellious_a soul_n to_o god_n and_o make_v they_o a_o willing_a people_n to_o his_o holy_a law_n and_o if_o we_o further_o consider_v the_o prophecy_n so_o many_o age_n before_o concern_v it_o and_o observe_v the_o harmony_n betwixt_o the_o work_n and_o word_n of_o god_n there_o result_v a_o demonstration_n as_o clear_v and_o strong_a as_o be_v possible_a the_o prediction_n and_o accomplishment_n be_v equal_o divine_a the_o success_n justify_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o prophecy_n justify_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n the_o heathen_n be_v turn_v from_o idol_n to_o the_o service_n of_o one_o god_n the_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n not_o only_o as_o a_o thing_n that_o shall_v arrive_v but_o to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o ascribe_v then_o this_o glorious_a work_n to_o humane_a artifice_n as_o if_o his_o providence_n have_v be_v prevent_v by_o other_o from_o do_v that_o that_o he_o promise_v shall_v be_v do_v by_o his_o own_o power_n be_v so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o his_o truth_n that_o common_a reason_n abhor_v the_o thought_n of_o it_o therefore_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v divine_a have_v god_n for_o its_o author_n thus_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v victorious_a over_o the_o jewish_a or_o the_o profane_a infidel_n it_o may_v be_v argue_v against_o the_o jew_n that_o their_o god_n foretell_v his_o messiah_n shall_v convert_v the_o nation_n no_o other_o but_o one_o authorise_v from_o above_o can_v do_v it_o jesus_n christ_n have_v do_v it_o therefore_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o consequent_o they_o be_v either_o blind_a with_o prejudice_n or_o malicious_o deny_v the_o know_a truth_n to_o profane_a infidel_n it_o may_v be_v urge_v none_o but_o the_o divine_a providence_n can_v foretell_v so_o great_a and_o marvellous_a a_o change_n of_o the_o world_n none_o but_o the_o divine_a power_n can_v effect_v it_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o true_a god_n that_o make_v the_o project_n and_o event_n so_o exact_o to_o correspond_v in_o all_o thing_n add_v further_o that_o by_o compare_v the_o prophecy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n with_o their_o accomplishment_n the_o two_o sort_n of_o enemy_n against_o the_o gospel_n be_v make_v useful_a to_o convince_v one_o another_o the_o pagan_n by_o the_o jew_n that_o these_o thing_n be_v foretell_v the_o jew_n by_o the_o pagan_n that_o these_o thing_n be_v fulfil_v divers_a st._n austin_n relate_v that_o the_o heathen_n see_v the_o exact_a agreement_n between_o the_o prophecy_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n so_o clear_a in_o word_n and_o their_o accomplishment_n in_o the_o new_a so_o clear_a in_o the_o effect_n have_v nothing_o to_o reply_v but_o that_o they_o be_v write_v after_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v and_o feign_v to_o be_v prediction_n of_o ancient_a date_n as_o virgil_n weave_v fable_n of_o aeneas_n feign_v he_o to_o be_v in_o the_o elysian_a field_n and_o to_o receive_v from_o anchises_n a_o prediction_n of_o his_o descendants_n in_o a_o long_a succession_n and_o order_n of_o man_n and_o time_n which_o be_v the_o story_n of_o what_o be_v actual_o pass_v when_o he_o write_v it_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o pretence_n he_o break_v out_o with_o wonder_n and_o joy_n o_o gloria_fw-la regis_fw-la nostri_fw-la the_o cause_o be_v gain_v and_o the_o victory_n of_o truth_n can_v not_o be_v more_o glorious_a for_o whereas_o the_o many_o nation_n in_o europe_n asia_n africa_n subdue_v by_o the_o arm_n of_o the_o roman_n be_v compel_v to_o observe_v the_o rite_n of_o their_o religion_n the_o jew_n only_o be_v permit_v to_o enjoy_v their_o sacred_a book_n and_o convici_fw-la their_o own_o worship_n and_o be_v disperse_v into_o all_o country_n and_o thus_o by_o the_o admirable_a counsel_n of_o god_n they_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o gospel_n among_o the_o gentile_n for_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o reverence_n they_o bear_v to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n that_o with_o the_o great_a care_n they_o have_v preserve_v they_o as_o the_o most_o precious_a inheritance_n leave_v by_o their_o father_n and_o their_o mortal_a hatred_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n that_o willing_o they_o will_v spend_v their_o blood_n to_o deface_v the_o memorial_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o invincible_a argument_n that_o the_o prediction_n concern_v the_o state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n record_v in_o their_o scripture_n be_v sincere_o deliver_v and_o of_o divine_a authority_n this_o their_o malice_n be_v a_o advantage_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o constraint_n they_o be_v the_o great_a confirmer_n of_o it_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o reduce_v the_o heathen_n to_o silence_n and_o confusion_n and_o the_o pagan_a be_v convince_v by_o the_o book_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o jew_n may_v be_v convince_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o pagan_n for_o if_o the_o record_n so_o jealous_o keep_v by_o that_o nation_n be_v from_o divine_a inspiration_n if_o they_o contain_v ancient_a prophecy_n which_o the_o heathen_n see_v verify_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n why_o do_v not_o the_o jew_n acknowledge_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n if_o the_o veil_n be_v not_o take_v from_o moses_n face_n and_o lay_v on_o their_o heart_n they_o must_v clear_o see_v that_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o israel_n it_o be_v equal_o unreasonable_a to_o doubt_v with_o the_o atheist_n that_o the_o messiah_n be_v ever_o promise_v or_o to_o believe_v with_o the_o jew_n he_o be_v yet_o to_o come_v chap._n v._n the_o testimony_n produce_v by_o st._n john_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o christianity_n brief_o consider_v the_o witness_n from_o heaven_n the_o father_n word_n and_o spirit_n the_o witness_n on_o earth_n the_o spirit_n water_n and_o blood_n conspire_v in_o declare_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o men._n a_o answer_n to_o objection_n against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n the_o divine_a incarnation_n and_o the_o mean_a state_n and_o suffering_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n the_o conclusion_n the_o gospel_n so_o prove_v deserve_v our_o firm_a assent_n and_o adherence_n to_o its_o doctrine_n carnal_a or_o spiritual_a lust_n hinder_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o it_o set_v before_o we_o the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n to_o love_v god_n we_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o strong_a reason_n to_o obey_v its_o precept_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v be_v comprise_v in_o the_o testimony_n that_o st._n john_n produce_v to_o prove_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n
the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n prove_v by_o the_o evidence_n of_o reason_n and_o divine_a revelation_n by_o william_n bates_z d._n d._n london_n print_v by_o j._n d._n for_o brabazon_n aylmer_n at_o the_o three_o pigeon_n in_o cornhill_n over_o against_o the_o royal_a exchange_n 1677._o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n prove_v by_o the_o evidence_n of_o reason_n and_o divine_a revelation_n chap._n i._n religion_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o happiness_n of_o man._n among_o the_o variety_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v the_o high_a point_n of_o wisdom_n to_o consider_v which_o be_v please_v to_o god_n god_n alone_o be_v to_o prescribe_v the_o way_n of_o his_o worship_n he_o have_v reveal_v it_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v make_v evident_a by_o compare_v it_o with_o all_o other_o religion_n gentilism_n convince_v of_o falsity_n by_o its_o contradict_v natural_a light_n in_o mistake_v the_o object_n of_o worship_n and_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o the_o idolatry_n the_o impure_a and_o frivolous_a rite_n the_o cruel_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o heathen_n consider_v philosophy_n be_v ineffectual_a to_o redress_v those_o evil_n judaisme_n consider_v the_o ceremonial_a part_n of_o that_o religion_n contain_v nothing_o moral_o good_a it_o be_v of_o impossible_a performance_n to_o all_o nation_n it_o be_v enjoin_v the_o jew_n for_o special_a reason_n the_o carnal_a law_n be_v to_o expire_v at_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o give_v place_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o be_v all_o life_n and_o spirit_n the_o falseness_n and_o absurdity_n of_o mahometism_n discover_v by_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o author_n and_o its_o nature_n by_o the_o fraudulent_a and_o violent_a mean_n whereby_o it_o be_v propagate_v by_o the_o quality_n of_o those_o who_o receive_v it_o ignorant_a barbarous_a nation_n by_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o reward_n it_o propound_v neither_o become_a god_n to_o bestow_v nor_o man_n to_o desire_v have_v in_o some_o former_a discourse_n establish_v and_o clear_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o raise_v the_o superstructure_n that_o god_n be_v the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n that_o he_o observe_v our_o moral_a action_n and_o will_v require_v a_o account_n of_o they_o in_o the_o future_a state_n and_o distribute_v eternal_a recompense_n according_o have_v be_v prove_v by_o such_o invincible_a evidence_n that_o reason_n can_v resist_v it_o follow_v therefore_o that_o religion_n be_v necessary_a both_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o man._n for_o we_o can_v conceive_v but_o that_o the_o wise_a creator_n in_o make_v all_o thing_n design_v his_o own_o glory_n both_o in_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o own_o perfection_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v acknowledge_v and_o reverence_v love_v and_o praise_v by_o intelligent_a creature_n this_o be_v a_o natural_a duty_n to_o which_o mankind_n with_o a_o unforced_a consent_n agree_v for_o as_o honour_n in_o the_o general_n be_v the_o homage_n pay_v to_o conspicuous_a excellency_n and_o special_o to_o beneficent_a virtue_n so_o religion_n that_o be_v the_o high_a honour_n be_v just_o due_a to_o god_n the_o most_o sovereign_a be_v in_o all_o perfection_n and_o our_o sovereign_a benefactor_n and_o it_o be_v equal_o clear_a that_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n depend_v on_o religion_n for_o if_o god_n regard_v the_o action_n of_o man_n not_o to_o have_v a_o naked_a speculative_a knowledge_n of_o they_o but_o with_o a_o eye_n of_o providence_n and_o judgement_n if_o he_o will_v accept_v and_o reward_v our_o service_n not_o as_o profitable_a to_o he_o but_o as_o the_o just_a expression_n of_o our_o love_n thankfulness_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o it_o be_v requisite_a our_o prime_a care_n shall_v be_v to_o serve_v he_o in_o this_o the_o great_a duty_n and_o supreme_a interest_n of_o man_n be_v inviolable_o unite_v for_o what_o obligation_n can_v possible_o be_v equal_a to_o that_o of_o please_v our_o maker_n and_o preserver_n and_o what_o be_v comparable_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o eternity_n from_o hence_o there_o be_v a_o general_a inclination_n in_o man_n to_o worship_v the_o deity_n impress_v from_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n but_o the_o way_n be_v diverse_a religion_n change_v its_o shape_n in_o several_a country_n and_o the_o rite_n that_o be_v observe_v by_o some_o nation_n as_o sacred_a be_v reject_v by_o other_o as_o impious_a or_o vain_a now_o in_o this_o variety_n of_o religion_n and_o every_o one_o contrary_a to_o the_o other_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o consider_v which_o be_v that_o special_a way_n of_o serve_v god_n that_o be_v only_o please_v to_o he_o if_o a_o traveller_n be_v distract_v between_o several_a way_n he_o will_v inquire_v which_o lead_v to_o his_o journey_n end_v and_o not_o go_v on_o with_o uncertainty_n and_o be_v it_o not_o infinite_o reasonable_a to_o do_v that_o in_o the_o most_o important_a affair_n which_o any_o person_n will_v do_v in_o the_o most_o ordinary_a to_o be_v indifferent_a in_o a_o matter_n so_o deep_o concern_v we_o be_v prodigious_a above_o all_o wonder_n for_o if_o the_o mean_v we_o use_v to_o obtain_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n provoke_v his_o anger_n our_o misery_n be_v remediless_a but_o alas_o no_o rashness_n be_v so_o common_a as_o that_o of_o man_n prefer_n one_o religion_n before_o another_o how_o many_o false_a religion_n be_v defend_v by_o whole_a nation_n with_o that_o zeal_n as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o most_o assure_a person_n when_o the_o foundation_n of_o their_o belief_n and_o adherence_n be_v so_o weak_a that_o do_v they_o call_v reason_n to_o counsel_n they_o must_v be_v convince_v of_o their_o error_n they_o be_v lead_v by_o vain_a respect_n to_o their_o progenitor_n from_o who_o their_o religion_n be_v derive_v and_o what_o they_o receive_v at_o first_o without_o discern_v they_o never_o distrust_v as_o if_o the_o first_o instruction_n be_v always_o true_a they_o resign_v up_o their_o judgement_n to_o their_o prince_n and_o if_o humane_a authority_n be_v a_o sufficient_a motive_n in_o this_o case_n than_o every_o religion_n will_v be_v save_v in_o the_o country_n where_o it_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n nay_o the_o christian_a religion_n though_o shine_v with_o a_o extraordinary_a lustre_n which_o justify_v it_o to_o every_o one_o that_o will_v but_o open_v his_o eye_n to_o consider_v it_o yet_o be_v as_o injudicious_o and_o careless_o receive_v as_o the_o vain_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n innumerable_a be_v christian_n in_o title_n without_o any_o solid_a conviction_n in_o their_o mind_n or_o divine_a change_n in_o their_o heart_n the_o effect_n of_o its_o truth_n and_o goodness_n they_o be_v disciple_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o turk_n be_v of_o mahomet_n by_o the_o sole_a impression_n of_o example_n in_o the_o discuss_n this_o matter_n i_o shall_v proceed_v upon_o such_o principle_n as_o be_v evident_a to_o the_o humane_a understanding_n it_o be_v a_o common_a principle_n acknowledge_v by_o all_o man_n that_o god_n alone_o be_v to_o prescribe_v that_o way_n and_o order_n of_o service_n wherein_o he_o will_v be_v honour_v for_o this_o reason_n those_o who_o in_o any_o nation_n introduce_v a_o form_n of_o religion_n always_o pretend_v to_o have_v divine-direction_n for_o it_o now_o that_o god_n have_v signify_v his_o will_n to_o man_n in_o this_o most_o important_a matter_n it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v the_o mentap_n philosopher_n observe_v that_o such_o be_v the_o providence_n of_o nature_n that_o the_o most_o necessary_a art_n for_o the_o support_n of_o life_n be_v easy_o learn_v of_o all_o in_o the_o rude_a age_n man_n be_v skilful_a to_o cultivate_v the_o earth_n to_o govern_v their_o flock_n to_o dress_v their_o provision_n for_o food_n but_o those_o art_n that_o be_v only_o for_o delight_n not_o absolute_o useful_a as_o music_n paint_v perfume_a embriodery_n etc._n etc._n require_v more_o study_n and_o skill_n and_o therefore_o be_v more_o modern_a and_o if_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v such_o a_o tender_a care_n of_o man_n as_o to_o make_v the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o thing_n easy_a as_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o temporal_a life_n it_o be_v reason_n to_o believe_v he_o have_v not_o leave_v he_o destitute_a of_o those_o mean_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o obtain_n eternal_a life_n now_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n alone_o be_v true_a will_v full_o appear_v 1._o by_o compare_v it_o with_o other_o religion_n that_o upon_o trial_n be_v convince_v of_o open_a falsity_n or_o that_o they_o be_v infinite_o excel_v by_o the_o christian_a in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o have_v any_o resemblance_n or_o degree_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n 2._o by_o consider_v it_o direct_o as_o to_o its_o intrinsic_a excellency_n and_o those_o external_n supernatural_a
world_n otherwise_o than_o they_o receive_v they_o this_o be_v to_o charge_v they_o with_o the_o most_o supine_n carelessness_n and_o unnatural_a cruelty_n beside_o the_o great_a number_n of_o copy_n disperse_v through_o all_o place_n and_o translate_v into_o many_o language_n and_o read_v in_o all_o christian_a assembly_n make_v the_o attempt_n to_o falsify_v they_o in_o thing_n of_o moment_n to_o be_v moral_o impossible_a this_o will_v be_v more_o clear_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o among_o christian_n there_o have_v be_v so_o many_o person_n wise_a and_o good_a of_o excellent_a learning_n and_o virtue_n and_o of_o diverse_a country_n that_o by_o their_o office_n be_v establish_v the_o depository_n of_o those_o precious_a write_n and_o be_v there_o any_o colourable_a pretence_n to_o imagine_v that_o they_o shall_v suffer_v any_o notable_a alteration_n in_o they_o much_o less_o conspire_v to_o make_v a_o change_n in_o any_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n or_o life_n therein_o deliver_v to_o give_v reputation_n and_o credit_n to_o a_o lie_n intitle_v it_o to_o divine_a revelation_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o eternal_a consequence_n be_v such_o a_o black_a crime_n that_o none_o can_v be_v presume_v capable_a of_o but_o one_o that_o have_v utter_o lose_v his_o conscience_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o urge_v that_o the_o immortal_a providence_n of_o god_n be_v eminent_o interest_v in_o preserve_v the_o scripture_n in_o sufficient_a purity_n it_o be_v a_o vile_a imputation_n upon_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v permit_v they_o to_o be_v undiscernable_o corrupt_v in_o point_n important_a to_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o man_n salvation_n thus_o a_o snare_n will_v be_v lay_v without_o possibility_n of_o prevention_n and_o the_o embrace_a error_n instead_o of_o truth_n will_v be_v innocent_a but_o this_o argument_n though_o incomparable_o the_o best_a suppose_v that_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n descend_v from_o heaven_n the_o proof_n of_o which_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v 3._o i_o will_v not_o insist_v on_o the_o proof_n of_o all_o the_o mysterious_a point_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n single_o consider_v but_o propound_v the_o argument_n that_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n wherein_o they_o be_v express_o and_o clear_o contain_v and_o from_o thence_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v they_o as_o in_o besiege_v a_o town_n the_o assailant_n do_v not_o attack_v every_o particular_a house_n but_o vigorous_o press_v on_o to_o possess_v themselves_o of_o the_o citadel_n that_o command_v the_o whole_a and_o with_o that_o all_o the_o house_n be_v conquer_v that_o divine_a revelation_n be_v infallible_a be_v a_o acknowledge_a principle_n by_o all_o man_n for_o natural_a reason_n dictate_v that_o unerring_a wisdom_n and_o infinite_a goodness_n be_v essential_a perfection_n of_o god_n so_o that_o he_o can_v be_v deceive_v nor_o deceive_v those_o that_o trust_v in_o his_o word_n 4._o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v of_o a_o moral_a nature_n and_o though_o not_o of_o equal_a clearness_n with_o the_o testimony_n of_o sense_n or_o a_o mathematical_a demonstration_n yet_o be_v so_o pregnant_a and_o convince_a that_o the_o consider_v dispassionate_a spirit_n full_o acquiesce_n in_o they_o a_o mathematical_a demonstration_n bring_v so_o strong_a a_o light_n that_o the_o mind_n can_v suspend_v its_o assent_n but_o be_v present_o overcome_v by_o the_o naked_a propound_v of_o the_o object_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o mathematical_a matter_n there_o be_v neither_o infidel_n nor_o heretic_n but_o the_o motive_n of_o faith_n be_v such_o that_o although_o the_o object_n be_v most_o certain_a yet_o the_o evidence_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a and_o irresistible_a as_o that_o which_o flow_v from_o sense_n or_o a_o demonstration_n and_o it_o be_v the_o excellent_a observation_n christ._n of_o ‖_o grotius_n god_n have_v wise_o appoint_v this_o way_n of_o persuade_v man_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o faith_n may_v be_v accept_v as_o a_o act_n of_o obedience_n from_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n for_o the_o argument_n to_o induce_v belief_n though_o of_o sufficient_a certainty_n yet_o do_v not_o so_o constrain_v the_o mind_n to_o give_v its_o assent_n but_o there_o be_v prudence_n and_o choice_n in_o it_o not_o that_o the_o will_n can_v make_v a_o direct_a impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n that_o it_o shall_v comply_v with_o its_o desire_n and_o see_v what_o it_o do_v not_o see_v it_o can_v make_v a_o obscure_a object_n to_o be_v clear_a to_o its_o perception_n no_o more_o than_o it_o can_v change_v the_o colour_n of_o visible_a thing_n and_o make_v what_o appear_v green_a to_o the_o eye_n to_o seem_v red_a but_o the_o mind_n enlighten_v by_o sufficient_a reason_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v from_o god_n represent_v it_o so_o to_o the_o will_n and_o the_o will_n if_o sincere_a and_o unbiased_a by_o carnal_a affection_n command_v the_o mind_n not_o to_o disguise_v the_o truth_n to_o make_v it_o less_o credible_a nor_o to_o palliate_v with_o spetion_n colour_n the_o pretence_n of_o infidelity_n and_o thus_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o result_v from_o conviction_n and_o love_n this_o moral_a evidence_n be_v as_o convince_a as_n be_v requisite_a to_o make_v we_o steadfast_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n moral_a argument_n produce_v as_o satisfy_a certainty_n though_o not_o so_o palpable_a as_o those_o draw_v from_o sense_n when_o there_o be_v a_o concurrence_n of_o reason_n proper_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o strong_a they_o be_v capable_a of_o by_o their_o unite_a light_n they_o dispel_v all_o doubt_n and_o fear_n of_o the_o contrary_n for_o after_o the_o understanding_n have_v deliberate_o and_o impartial_o compare_v the_o motive_n and_o argument_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o those_o that_o contradict_v it_o and_o find_v the_o most_o weighty_a moment_n of_o reason_n in_o one_o scale_n for_o it_o and_o in_o the_o other_o nothing_o but_o air_n and_o emptiness_n it_o conclude_v without_o hesitation_n or_o suspense_n that_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v real_a and_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o physical_a demonstration_n concern_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o thing_n shall_v be_v deceitful_a because_o the_o two_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n as_o of_o the_o be_v and_o not_o be_v of_o a_o thing_n can_v be_v true_a so_o there_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o equal_a repugnance_n that_o a_o moral_a demonstration_n form_v upon_o the_o best_a argument_n the_o matter_n will_v admit_v shall_v deceive_v the_o mind_n it_o present_v the_o object_n without_o a_o cloud_n so_o that_o the_o understanding_n have_v a_o undoubted_a assurance_n of_o it_o to_o proceed_v the_o intrinsic_a excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n will_v appear_v by_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n precept_n and_o promise_v it_o contain_v which_o be_v the_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o they_o in_o general_n we_o may_v observe_v 1._o the_o gospel_n illustrate_v and_o establish_v all_o the_o natural_a principle_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n that_o be_v common_a to_o mankind_n the_o rule_n of_o moral_a action_n and_o reveal_v all_o supernatural_a thing_n requisite_a for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o supreme_a happiness_n of_o man_n that_o rectify_v reason_n upon_o the_o discovery_n must_v acknowledge_v it_o come_v from_o heaven_n and_o infallible_o lead_v those_o who_o believe_v and_o obey_v it_o to_o heaven_n 2._o there_o be_v such_o a_o entire_a agreement_n between_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o the_o accomplish_n its_o great_a end_n as_o afford_v a_o clear_a conviction_n it_o be_v no_o humane_a invention_n but_o from_o god_n as_o the_o harmonious_a composition_n the_o beautiful_a order_n and_o uniform_a preservation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o sensible_a demonstration_n that_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o most_o wise_a powerful_a and_o good_a cause_n in_o particular_a the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n contain_v beside_o what_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n and_o of_o man_n by_o natural_a light_n two_o principal_a point_n a_o account_n of_o the_o corruption_n and_o misery_n of_o mankind_n in_o its_o first_o cause_n and_o his_o redemption_n effectual_o accomplish_v by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o discovery_n of_o both_o be_v equal_o necessary_a to_o man._n the_o first_o make_v he_o understand_v the_o depth_n of_o his_o guiltiness_n that_o he_o be_v incomparable_o more_o wretched_a than_o he_o feel_v himself_o clear_v the_o purity_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o his_o deal_n with_o man_n and_o prepare_v he_o by_o the_o afflict_a sense_n of_o his_o condition_n for_o mercy_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a redeemer_n powerful_a to_o restore_v he_o be_v as_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o his_o duty_n and_o happiness_n for_o without_o it_o he_o will_v be_v always_o torment_v with_o
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 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
perfect_a humility_n to_o the_o world_n it_o be_v the_o special_a character_n of_o his_o religion_n that_o distinguish_v it_o from_o all_o other_o institution_n that_o it_o preserve_v the_o divine_a glory_n entire_a that_o it_o make_v the_o profound_a impression_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n of_o their_o meanness_n and_o vanity_n and_o inspire_v they_o with_o a_o humble_a sense_n of_o their_o infinite_a distance_n from_o god_n and_o for_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o life_n i_o shall_v produce_v a_o testimony_n that_o can_v be_v liable_a to_o no_o exception_n it_o be_v of_o porphiry_n a_o platonic_a philosopher_n who_o excel_v as_o in_o learning_n and_o eloquence_n so_o in_o malignity_n the_o most_o furious_a enemy_n of_o christianity_n yet_o he_o be_v by_o irresistible_a evidence_n compel_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o most_o pious_a and_o excellent_a person_n and_o that_o after_o his_o death_n he_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o be_v it_o credible_a that_o the_o same_o person_n who_o life_n be_v a_o glorious_a example_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o most_o transcendent_a wickedness_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o a_o unprejudiced_a mind_n to_o entertain_v such_o a_o suspicion_n 4._o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v here_o below_o in_o a_o mean_a state_n that_o he_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o most_o cruel_a and_o ignominious_a death_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o great_a end_n of_o his_o condescend_v goodness_n it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v most_o worthy_a of_o he_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o in_o the_o perverse_a mind_n of_o infidel_n for_o first_o he_o be_v to_o redeem_v the_o world_n not_o in_o the_o way_n of_o majesty_n but_o by_o humble_a obedience_n and_o suffering_n thus_o it_o be_v order_v by_o divine_a wisdom_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n attribute_n and_o government_n now_o if_o he_o have_v appear_v in_o sensible_a glory_n the_o design_n of_o his_o come_n have_v be_v frustrate_v who_o will_v have_v dare_v to_o condemn_v he_o to_o the_o infamous_a death_n of_o the_o cross_n who_o will_v have_v shed_v his_o blood_n the_o price_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o our_o saviour_n make_v no_o use_n of_o his_o supernatural_a power_n when_o the_o do_v a_o miracle_n before_o herod_n will_v have_v strike_v he_o with_o the_o reverence_n of_o he_o as_o a_o divine_a man_n and_o may_v have_v preserve_v he_o from_o death_n nay_o when_o the_o glitter_a host_n of_o heaven_n all_o the_o order_n of_o angel_n be_v in_o arm_n ready_a upon_o his_o least_o call_v to_o have_v come_v swift_a than_o lightning_n for_o his_o rescue_n yet_o he_o meek_o yield_v himself_o up_o a_o bloody_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n and_o a_o ignominious_a spectacle_n to_o men._n for_o thus_o it_o become_v he_o to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n second_o another_o great_a end_n of_o his_o come_v be_v to_o found_v a_o spiritual_a eternal_a kingdom_n he_o be_v constitute_v a_o new_a adam_n to_o regenerate_a man_n to_o a_o holy_a bless_a life_n that_o be_v condemn_v in_o the_o first_o adam_n to_o death_n and_o misery_n therefore_o his_o life_n be_v a_o continual_a exercise_n of_o self-denial_n a_o pattern_n of_o innocence_n and_o patience_n of_o do_v good_a and_o suffer_a evil_n thus_o he_o convince_v we_o that_o nothing_o be_v valuable_a in_o god_n account_n but_o holiness_n thus_o by_o his_o own_o example_n he_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o divine_a philosophy_n to_o despise_v the_o good_a and_o evil_a thing_n here_o in_o order_n to_o our_o everlasting_a happiness_n he_o ascend_v to_o heaven_n by_o the_o way_n of_o suffering_n and_o call_v we_o to_o follow_v he_o the_o fruit_n of_o blessedness_n be_v ingraft_v on_o the_o thorn_n of_o poverty_n and_o persecution_n for_o his_o namesake_n the_o law_n of_o his_o kingdom_n be_v inscribe_v on_o the_o body_n of_o his_o cross_n and_o must_v be_v copy_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o subject_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n when_o the_o apostle_n who_o after_o his_o resurrection_n have_v some_o relic_n of_o their_o carnal_a conceit_n that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n shall_v come_v with_o observation_n for_o its_o external_a splendour_n ask_v he_o lord_n will_v thou_o at_o this_o time_n restore_v the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n to_o raise_v their_o thought_n and_o affection_n above_o earthly_a thing_n he_o answer_v the_o holy-ghost_n shall_v come_v upon_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v witness_n of_o i_o both_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o judea_n and_o in_o samaria_n and_o unto_o the_o utmost_a end_n of_o the_o earth_n their_o preach_v his_o life_n and_o death_n shall_v be_v attend_v with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o dispense_v a_o vigorous_a influence_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n for_o his_o imitation_n and_o certain_o his_o example_n be_v of_o admirable_a use_n and_o profit_n for_o thus_o he_o sweeten_v and_o make_v honourable_a those_o virtue_n the_o exercise_n of_o which_o be_v very_o difficult_a and_o unpleasing_a either_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o quality_n be_v contrary_a to_o fleshly_a lust_n or_o as_o they_o expose_v to_o contempt_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o world_n for_o who_o can_v refuse_v or_o be_v ashamed_a to_o practice_v the_o most_o severe_a self-denial_n when_o in_o that_o he_o be_v make_v a_o copy_n of_o so_o divine_a a_o original_a as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n now_o consider_v what_o a_o influence_n his_o afflict_a state_n have_v to_o procure_v eternal_a happiness_n for_o fall_v man_n and_o to_o prepare_v man_n for_o it_o be_v it_o unbecoming_a he_o to_o descend_v thus_o low_o be_v it_o unbecoming_a that_o god_n love_v as_o god_n that_o as_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o power_n appear_v in_o the_o creation_n so_o infinite_a mercy_n appear_v in_o our_o redemption_n what_o be_v more_o divine_a than_o infinite_o to_o exceed_v all_o the_o idea_n we_o can_v frame_v of_o perfect_a love_n to_o do_v great_a thing_n for_o his_o enemy_n than_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o do_v for_o their_o dear_a friend_n and_o where_o sin_n abound_v that_o grace_n superabound_v thus_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n clear_v by_o revelation_n see_v that_o the_o voluntary_a humiliation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o a_o time_n be_v so_o far_o from_o diminish_v that_o it_o exalt_v his_o majesty_n this_o be_v the_o great_a argument_n and_o motive_n of_o the_o adoration_n and_o solemn_a praise_n that_o reasonable_a creature_n shall_v for_o ever_o pay_v unto_o he_o wherein_o his_o derivative_a glory_n consist_v from_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v we_o may_v see_v the_o just_a ground_n of_o our_o firm_a assent_n and_o perfect_a adherence_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v not_o only_o sufficient_a but_o abundant_a motive_n to_o induce_v our_o belief_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o extreme_a wonder_n that_o any_o to_o who_o it_o be_v reveal_v shall_v not_o see_v the_o truth_n so_o illustrious_o visible_a the_o only_a account_n of_o such_o infidelity_n be_v give_v by_o the_o apostle_n the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o eye_n of_o they_o which_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v upon_o they_o the_o love_n of_o some_o lust_n fleshly_a or_o spiritual_a render_v man_n averse_a from_o receive_v it_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o the_o speculative_a mind_n but_o be_v for_o moral_a end_n to_o regulate_v our_o life_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o cordial_a belief_n of_o they_o very_o much_o depend_v on_o the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o sincere_a humble_a enquirer_n have_v a_o eminent_a advantage_n in_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o spiritual_a excellency_n of_o the_o gospel_n above_o those_o who_o be_v overrule_v by_o corrupt_a habit_n for_o the_o carnal_a heart_n either_o whole_o turn_v the_o mind_n from_o think_v on_o those_o most_o sacred_a and_o concern_v object_n or_o weaken_v its_o intention_n that_o it_o do_v not_o serious_o and_o due_o consider_v they_o man_n will_v studious_o apply_v themselves_o to_o secular_a art_n and_o can_v discern_v the_o truth_n of_o abstruse_a mathematical_a theorem_n that_o be_v not_o distasteful_a to_o their_o evil_a affection_n yet_o though_o the_o principle_n of_o christian_a faith_n be_v as_o unquestionable_a as_o the_o clear_a proposition_n in_o geometry_n they_o will_v not_o ponder_v those_o thing_n that_o may_v convince_v and_o persuade_v they_o to_o believe_v what_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o their_o lusts._n beside_o as_o corrupt_v humour_n vitiate_v the_o palate_n and_o make_v what_o be_v pleasant_a bitter_a to_o the_o taste_n so_o vicious_a desire_n darken_v and_o deprave_v the_o mind_n and_o incline_v it_o to_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n to_o
set_v all_o their_o affection_n their_o love_n desire_n hope_n joy_n in_o present_a perish_a thing_n and_o not_o in_o everlasting_a to_o come_v to_o labour_v for_o the_o riches_n of_o this_o world_n as_o if_o they_o be_v eternal_a inhabitant_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o not_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n these_o be_v worse_a enemy_n of_o our_o saviour_n than_o the_o heathen_n that_o do_v not_o know_v he_o or_o the_o jew_n that_o deny_v he_o for_o wear_v the_o livery_n of_o his_o servant_n they_o videamur_fw-la defame_v his_o most_o holy_a profession_n obscure_a his_o glory_n and_o blaspheme_v he_o in_o their_o life_n if_o infidel_n that_o never_o hear_v the_o sound_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v see_v their_o conversation_n what_o judgement_n will_v they_o make_v of_o the_o excellence_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o law_n they_o will_v 4._o blaspheme_v his_o goodness_n without_o defence_n unholy_a christian_n be_v the_o most_o guilty_a sinner_n in_o the_o world_n and_o their_o punishment_n will_v be_v heighten_v according_o for_o they_o exasperate_v mercy_n and_o make_v the_o blood_n of_o atonement_n to_o cry_v for_o vengeance_n against_o they_o if_o it_o be_v extreme_a perverseness_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o gospel_n after_o so_o clear_a a_o revelation_n from_o god_n what_o degree_n of_o folly_n and_o wickedness_n be_v it_o for_o those_o who_o believe_v its_o truth_n to_o contradict_v the_o evidence_n and_o design_n of_o it_o in_o their_o life_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n of_o its_o falseness_n finis_fw-la book_n sell_v by_o brabazon_n aylmer_n at_o the_o three_o pigeon_n over_o against_o the_o royal_a exchange_n in_o cornhill_n the_o harmony_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o man_n redemption_n by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n or_o discourse_n wherein_o be_v show_v how_o the_o wisdom_n mercy_n justice_n holiness_n power_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v glorify_v in_o that_o great_a and_o bless_a work_n by_o w._n bates_n d._n d._n in_o quarto_n two_o sermon_n of_o the_o late_a learned_a dr._n isaac_n barrow_n d._n d._n chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n and_o master_n of_o trinity_n college_n in_o cambridg_n the_o reconcilableness_n of_o god_n prescience_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o sincerity_n of_o his_o counsel_n exhortation_n and_o whatsoever_o other_o mean_v he_o use_v to_o prevent_v they_o in_o octavo_n octavo_n arist._n mentap_n tanta_fw-la gentium_fw-la in_o rebus_fw-la frivolis_fw-la plerunque_fw-la religio_fw-la est_fw-la plin._n plin._n magis_fw-la ex_fw-la alieno_fw-la jecore_fw-la sapiebant_fw-la quam_fw-la ex_fw-la svo_fw-la svo_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d clem._n alex._n protrept_v jsa_n 1._o psal._n 50._o psal._n 40._o psal._n 110._o mat._n 22._o 42._o heb._n 5._o 5._o *_o de_fw-fr verit_fw-la rel_n christ._n nullam_fw-la virtus_fw-la aliam_fw-la mer_fw-fr cedem_fw-la laborum_fw-la periculorumque_fw-la desiderat_fw-la praeter_fw-la hanc_fw-la laudis_fw-la &_o gloriae_fw-la quae_fw-la quidem_fw-la detracta_fw-la quid_fw-la est_fw-la quod_fw-la in_o hoc_fw-la tam_fw-la exiguo_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la curriculo_fw-la &_o tam_fw-la brevi_fw-la tantis_fw-la nos_fw-la in_o laboribus_fw-la exerceamus_fw-la cicer._n per_fw-la arch._n vereor_fw-la ne_fw-la ille_fw-la plura_fw-la tribuit_fw-la virtuti_fw-la quam_fw-la natura_fw-la patiatur_fw-la cicer._n lib._n 4._o acad._n quaest._n titus_n imperator_fw-la febrim_fw-la nactus_fw-la cum_fw-la lectica_fw-la transferretur_fw-la suspexisse_fw-la dicitur_fw-la dimotis_fw-la plagulis_fw-la coelum_fw-la multumque_fw-la conquestus_fw-la eripi_fw-la sibi_fw-la vitam_fw-la immerenti_fw-la neque_fw-la enim_fw-la extare_fw-la ullum_fw-la suum_fw-la factum_fw-la poenitendum_fw-la excepto_fw-la duntaxat_fw-la uno_fw-la sueton._n dulces_fw-la voluptales_fw-la epicurus_n interdum_fw-la sic_fw-la extenuat_fw-la ut_fw-la curium_n loqui_fw-la pute_fw-la interdum_fw-la ita_fw-la laudat_fw-la ut_fw-la quid_fw-la praeterea_fw-la sit_fw-la bonum_fw-la neget_fw-la se_fw-la posse_fw-la suspicari_fw-la cic._n lib._n 2._o the_o fin_n fin_n quaedam_fw-la arcana_fw-la apud_fw-la se_fw-la habuisse_fw-la neque_fw-la se_fw-la permittere_fw-la omnibus_fw-la sympos_fw-la ‖_o pet._n mart._n hist._n ind._n cum_fw-la enim_fw-la ex_fw-la pestilenti_fw-la in_o salubrem_fw-la locum_fw-la corpora_fw-la aegra_fw-la translata_fw-la fuerint_fw-la &_o à _fw-la fontibus_fw-la salubribus_fw-la aquarum_fw-la usus_fw-la sub_fw-la ministrabuntur_fw-la celerius_fw-la convalescent_n ita_fw-la efficietur_fw-la ut_fw-la ex_fw-la natura_fw-la loci_fw-la majores_fw-la auctasque_fw-la cum_fw-la dignitate_fw-la divinitas_fw-la excipiat_fw-la opiniones_fw-la lib._n 1._o cap._n 2._o that_o eclipse_n may_v be_v cause_v in_o some_o other_o extraordinary_a unknown_a manner_n manner_n plin._n in_o epist._n praevidens_fw-la dominus_fw-la jesus_n impios_fw-la quosdam_fw-la futuros_fw-la qui_fw-la miraculis_fw-la ejus_fw-la calumnientur_fw-la magicis_fw-la artibus_fw-la tribuendo_fw-la prophetas_fw-la ante_fw-la praemisit_fw-la numquid_fw-la si_fw-la magus_n erat_fw-la &_o magicis_fw-la artibus_fw-la fecit_fw-la ut_fw-la coleretur_fw-la &_o mortuus_fw-la magus_n erat_fw-la antequam_fw-la natus_fw-la o_o homo_fw-la mortue_n &_o vermiscendo_fw-la calumniose_fw-la prophetas_fw-la audi_fw-la propâ—â—tas_fw-la lege_fw-la tract_n in_o joan._n dan._n 9_o 26._o zech._n 11._o 12._o psal._n 22._o isa._n chap._n 52_o 53._o 53._o philost_n vit_fw-mi apoll._n lib._n 6._o deut._n 28._o gen._n 49._o 10._o deut._n 32._o 21._o 21._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chrys._n the_o laad_n paul_n 4._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ibid._n ibid._n aliquando_fw-la pagani_n faciunt_fw-la nobis_fw-la hujusmodi_fw-la quaestionem_fw-la cum_fw-la vident_fw-la quae_fw-la scripta_fw-la sunt_fw-la sic_fw-la impleri_fw-la ut_fw-la negari_fw-la omnino_fw-la non_fw-la possint_fw-la audent_fw-la ut_fw-la dicant_fw-la videstis_fw-la ita_fw-la fieri_fw-la &_o tanquam_fw-la praedicta_fw-la sint_fw-la conscripsistis_fw-la serm._n 67._o divers_a sparsi_fw-la sunt_fw-la ubique_fw-la judaei_n portantes_fw-la codices_fw-la quibus_fw-la christus_fw-la praedicatur_fw-la si_fw-mi enim_fw-la in_o uno_fw-la loco_fw-la essent_fw-la terrarum_fw-la non_fw-la adjuvarent_fw-la testimonio_fw-la praedicationem_fw-la evangelii_n quae_fw-la fructificat_fw-la toto_fw-la orbe_fw-la terrarum_fw-la serm._n 67._o diu._n ambos_fw-la inde_fw-la convinco_fw-la judaeum_n quia_fw-la id_fw-la prophetatum_fw-la et_fw-la impletum_fw-la ego_fw-la cognovi_fw-la paganum_fw-la quia_fw-la ego_fw-la hac_fw-la non_fw-la convici_fw-la aug._n epist._n 5_o volus._n demus_n deum_fw-la aliquid_fw-la posse_fw-la quod_fw-la nos_fw-la fateamur_fw-la investigare_fw-la non_fw-la posse_fw-la in_o talibus_fw-la rebus_fw-la tota_fw-la ratio_fw-la facti_fw-la est_fw-la potentia_fw-la facientis_fw-la facientis_fw-la quare_fw-la quicquam_fw-la nobis_fw-la insolitum_fw-la est_fw-la quia_fw-la naturam_fw-la oculis_fw-la non_fw-la ratione_fw-la comprehendimus_fw-la nec_fw-la cogitamus_fw-la quid_fw-la illa_fw-la facere_fw-la possit_fw-la sed_fw-la tantum_fw-la quid_fw-la fecerit_fw-la nature_n quaest._n lib._n 6._o 6._o aut_fw-la forte_fw-fr qui_fw-la verbum_fw-la est_fw-la significationem_fw-la verbi_fw-la ignoravit_fw-la et_fw-fr qui_fw-la veritas_fw-la est_fw-la loqui_fw-la vera_fw-la nescivit_fw-la et_fw-fr qui_fw-la sapientia_fw-la est_fw-la in_fw-la stultiloquio_fw-la erravit_fw-la &_o qui_fw-la virtus_fw-la est_fw-la in_fw-la ea_fw-la fuit_fw-la infirmitate_fw-la ut_fw-la non_fw-la possit_fw-la eloqui_fw-la quae_fw-la vellet_fw-la intelligi_fw-la hilar._n lib._n 8._o de_fw-la trinit_fw-la paulin._n arist._n rhet._n rhet._n quae_fw-la cum_fw-la ita_fw-la sint_fw-la magna_fw-la videlicet_fw-la praerogativa_fw-la de_fw-la nomine_fw-la christianitatis_fw-la blandiri_fw-la possumus_fw-la quia_fw-la ita_fw-la agimus_fw-la ac_fw-la vivimus_fw-la ut_fw-la hoc_fw-la ipsum_fw-la quod_fw-la christianus_n populus_fw-la esse_fw-la dicimur_fw-la opprobrium_fw-la christi_fw-la esse_fw-la videamur_fw-la videamur_fw-la aestimari_fw-la de_fw-la cultoribus_fw-la suis_fw-la potest_fw-la ille_fw-la qui_fw-la colitur_fw-la quomodo_fw-la enim_fw-la bone_fw-la magister_fw-la est_fw-la cujus_fw-la tam_fw-la malos_fw-la videmus_fw-la discipulos_fw-la 2_o salu._n de_fw-fr gubern_n lib._n 4._o