these_o qualification_n as_o we_o have_v also_o see_v take_v away_o all_o cause_n of_o suspicion_n that_o the_o prophet_n either_o be_v deceive_v or_o have_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o in_o their_o prophecy_n and_o beside_o that_o either_o by_o prediction_n or_o miracle_n they_o give_v such_o evidence_n of_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n as_o can_v possible_o come_v from_o none_o but_o god_n and_o therefore_o in_o motive_n of_o credibility_n a_o word_n of_o prophecy_n do_v far_o exceed_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n because_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o air_n may_v deceive_v we_o with_o something_o like_o it_o or_o the_o pretend_a hearer_n of_o it_o be_v it_o may_v be_v themselves_o deceive_v or_o have_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o since_o than_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o we_o have_v large_o prove_v be_v a_o sort_n of_o prophet_n that_o most_o eminent_o have_v all_o the_o qualification_n requisite_a to_o the_o spirit_n 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philosophy_n yet_o be_v we_o not_o permit_v to_o be_v such_o virtuosâ—_n in_o religion_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o thing_n in_o themselves_o uncapable_a of_o a_o demonstration_n be_v reveal_v with_o a_o command_n to_o believe_v and_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o make_v they_o a_o râ—morâ—_n to_o our_o belief_n for_o as_o after_o all_o our_o search_n into_o nature_n and_o great_a discovery_n of_o thing_n therein_o we_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v there_o may_v be_v more_o in_o her_o dark_a bosom_n than_o we_o can_v discover_v and_o we_o on_o that_o account_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o nature_n so_o also_o in_o thing_n reveal_v if_o after_o all_o our_o hard_a study_n we_o can_v comprehend_v they_o we_o thereupon_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o they_o because_o god_n who_o have_v make_v may_v also_o reveal_v thing_n that_o pass_v our_o understanding_n if_o therefore_o there_o be_v evidence_n sufficient_a to_o convince_v the_o understanding_n as_o in_o the_o case_n now_o before_o we_o there_o be_v that_o the_o revelation_n come_v from_o god_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n on_o the_o account_n of_o its_o mystery_n to_o reject_v it_o and_o indeed_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n be_v so_o far_o from_o give_v just_a occasion_n of_o unbelief_n as_o that_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n in_o it_o for_o the_o gospel_n teach_v we_o to_o glorify_v god_n in_o 20._o our_o spirit_n as_o well_o as_o body_n it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a and_o convenient_a that_o it_o shall_v require_v we_o to_o honour_v he_o by_o the_o submission_n of_o our_o understanding_n to_o indemonstrable_v revelation_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o obedience_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n unto_o his_o law_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v fit_v for_o we_o to_o obey_v the_o divine_a law_n though_o our_o will_n reluct_v never_o so_o much_o against_o it_o so_o also_o be_v it_o for_o we_o to_o believe_v whatever_o god_n have_v reveal_v think_v never_o so_o improbable_a to_o our_o understanding_n for_o unless_o we_o do_v so_o we_o shall_v undoubted_o fall_v short_a of_o our_o duty_n which_o in_o this_o case_n without_o dispute_n be_v to_o tread_v in_o the_o step_n of_o our_o father_n abraham_n who_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n by_o be_v so_o strong_a in_o faith_n as_o to_o believe_v that_o that_o be_v impossible_a in_o nature_n and_o therefore_o incredible_a unto_o reason_n if_o we_o will_v believe_v no_o more_o than_o what_o we_o can_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v true_a our_o assent_n be_v not_o faith_n but_o science_n for_o it_o be_v not_o build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n testimony_n but_o on_o demonstration_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n testify_v and_o so_o it_o honour_v not_o god_n at_o all_o because_o it_o receive_v not_o the_o truth_n for_o his_o sake_n but_o he_o for_o the_o truth_n sake_n and_o so_o it_o pay_v no_o respect_n to_o his_o word_n but_o only_o to_o our_o own_o ratiocination_n but_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o mind_n assent_v to_o testimony_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n and_o the_o divine_a prerogative_n extend_v itself_o to_o the_o whole_a man_n that_o religion_n that_o become_v god_n and_o it_o be_v suitable_a to_o man_n must_v have_v something_o in_o it_o to_o exercise_v this_o his_o innate_a power_n about_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n ought_v to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o motive_n to_o believe_v rather_o than_o to_o reject_v it_o for_o be_v there_o no_o mystery_n in_o it_o we_o shall_v have_v some_o reason_n to_o entertain_v a_o temptation_n to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v not_o of_o god_n because_o whatsoever_o else_o we_o be_v assure_v there_o be_v have_v something_o in_o it_o that_o exceed_v the_o reach_n of_o our_o reason_n yea_o and_o conjecture_n too_o for_o if_o we_o contemplate_v the_o work_n of_o creation_n thing_n that_o we_o daily_o see_v and_o handle_v which_o â—eem_v to_o lie_v level_a with_o our_o understanding_n yet_o after_o our_o most_o accurate_a researche_n into_o their_o nature_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o most_o pierce_a judgement_n or_o profound_a reason_n be_v not_o able_a to_o solve_v all_o the_o phaenomena_n or_o attain_v to_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o who_o be_v there_o that_o observe_v well_o the_o dispensation_n of_o divine_a providence_n but_o may_v therein_o find_v such_o riddle_n as_o his_o reason_n can_v unfold_v such_o mystery_n as_o baffle_v his_o understanding_n and_o confound_v his_o curiosity_n in_o his_o inquire_n after_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o the_o end_n and_o reason_n of_o god_n proceed_n with_o man_n although_o always_o most_o just_a and_o righteous_a yet_o very_o often_o be_v so_o secret_a and_o hide_a as_o that_o they_o convince_v we_o his_o judgement_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o and_o from_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n result_v a_o natural_a religion_n the_o chief_a principle_n whereof_o we_o know_v be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o be_v infinite_a in_o all_o perfection_n this_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o conscience_n yet_o reason_n can_v fathom_v the_o depth_n of_o it_o for_o it_o have_v only_o a_o negative_a conception_n of_o infinity_o and_o whatever_o there_o be_v that_o it_o have_v no_o conception_n of_o do_v undoubted_o surpass_v its_o reach_n and_o comprehension_n so_o that_o natural_a theology_n as_o well_o as_o reveal_v have_v its_o mystery_n if_o therefore_o christianity_n have_v none_o how_o unlike_a will_v it_o be_v to_o all_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v god_n for_o their_o author_n how_o just_a a_o prejudice_n will_v this_o be_v to_o the_o reception_n of_o it_o as_o divine_a truth_n and_o revelation_n who_o will_v believe_v it_o to_o be_v of_o god_n when_o he_o see_v nothing_o that_o surpass_v man_n in_o it_o how_o decent_a then_o and_o useful_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n since_o they_o make_v it_o like_v to_o all_o thing_n else_o of_o god_n make_v they_o beautify_v and_o adorn_v it_o with_o fair_a character_n than_o otherwise_o it_o will_v have_v of_o god_n image_n on_o it_o and_o the_o fair_a the_o character_n of_o his_o image_n be_v upon_o it_o the_o more_o legible_a be_v his_o truth_n in_o it_o for_o infiniteness_n of_o truth_n be_v inseparable_a from_o right_a reason_n idea_n of_o deity_n and_o where_o there_o be_v infiniteness_n of_o truth_n there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o a_o lie_n mistake_v or_o deceit_n and_o where_o these_o be_v exclude_v there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o hesitance_n or_o doubt_v but_o the_o strong_a reason_n imaginable_a to_o believe_v since_o therefore_o our_o christian_a faith_n have_v the_o impression_n of_o god_n image_n on_o it_o and_o the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n reveal_v it_o it_o be_v most_o high_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v it_o sect._n 5._o
can_v admit_v of_o no_o demonstration_n but_o that_o of_o the_o spirit_n and_o this_o indeed_o be_v make_v à _fw-la posteriori_fw-la yet_o not_o from_o the_o constant_a and_o ordinary_a phaenomena_n of_o nature_n but_o from_o thing_n novel_a and_o anomalous_a such_o as_o prediction_n and_o miracle_n purposely_o design_v for_o that_o end_n and_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o prove_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v divine_a far_o more_o decent_a and_o proper_a than_o any_o other_o because_o it_o become_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o conciliate_n authority_n to_o his_o word_n by_o make_v 5._o our_o faith_n to_o stand_v not_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o on_o the_o power_n of_o god_n now_o to_o show_v that_o this_o demonstration_n be_v abundant_o make_v by_o the_o spirit_n in_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o this_o treatise_n which_o be_v write_v on_o a_o occasion_n of_o a_o command_n lay_v on_o i_o by_o your_o lordship_n be_v by_o i_o humble_o offer_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o your_o lordship_n view_n and_o have_v attain_v thereunto_o your_o lordship_n it_o seem_v be_v please_v to_o condescend_v so_o far_o as_o to_o read_v over_o as_o much_o as_o your_o lordship_n time_n will_v give_v leave_n and_o then_o to_o return_v it_o with_o many_o thanks_o to_o i_o for_o my_o good_a pain_n as_o your_o lordship_n be_v please_v to_o call_v they_o wise_o place_v on_o so_o worthy_a a_o theme_n together_o with_o such_o other_o expression_n of_o your_o lordship_n approbation_n as_o neither_o i_o do_v expect_v nor_o as_o i_o fear_v do_v the_o treatise_n deserve_v but_o i_o submit_v to_o your_o lordship_n judgement_n and_o have_v i_o not_o so_o do_v this_o treatise_n have_v be_v bury_v in_o obscurity_n with_o its_o author_n but_o have_v that_o encouragement_n i_o think_v myself_o sufficient_o arm_v against_o all_o elation_n or_o dejection_n of_o mind_n at_o the_o various_a censure_n that_o may_v possible_o be_v pass_v upon_o it_o if_o it_o shall_v come_v abroad_o because_o i_o neither_o know_v nor_o be_o like_a to_o mâ—et_v with_o any_o more_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o such_o matter_n or_o impartial_a in_o judge_v than_o your_o lordship_n hereupon_o i_o give_v my_o consent_n to_o its_o be_v make_v public_a and_o for_o its_o free_a passage_n among_o man_n in_o this_o decline_a age_n of_o christianity_n i_o be_o humble_o bold_a to_o let_v the_o world_n know_v that_o your_o lordship_n be_v thus_o far_o concern_v therein_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o contend_v for_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n which_o be_v at_o this_o day_n god_n be_v thank_v most_o excellent_o establish_v and_o most_o merciful_o preserve_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n whereof_o also_o your_o lordship_n very_o deserve_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a minister_n with_o all_o humble_a confidence_n i_o persuade_v myself_o that_o for_o so_o do_v your_o lordship_n will_v either_o not_o be_v offend_v at_o or_o will_v easy_o pardon_v your_o lordship_n very_a much_o oblige_v in_o all_o duty_n and_o humble_a observance_n w._n h._n to_o the_o reader_n in_o this_o treatise_n you_o will_v find_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n put_v together_o in_o one_o proposition_n the_o meaning_n whereof_o be_v not_o either_o that_o our_o bless_a lord_n jesus_n be_v no_o more_o nor_o no_o other_o than_o a_o prophet_n or_o that_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ_n have_v no_o high_a a_o degree_n than_o the_o apostle_n have_v of_o immediate_a illumination_n for_o be_v hypostatical_o unite_v to_o the_o divine_a it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v it_o have_v such_o communication_n of_o knowledge_n therefrom_o as_o be_v vouchsase_v to_o no_o other_o man_n whatever_o but_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n have_v gracious_o be_v please_v to_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o make_v of_o a_o woman_n make_v under_o the_o law_n to_o redeem_v they_o that_o be_v under_o the_o law_n find_v it_o expedient_a in_o order_n to_o this_o end_n for_o he_o to_o execute_v the_o office_n of_o a_o prophet_n and_o to_o inspire_v his_o apostle_n with_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n that_o so_o he_o do_v lie_v we_o know_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n whoever_o believe_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v of_o god_n do_v in_o a_o sort_n suppose_v it_o and_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v for_o whatever_o religion_n be_v divine_a must_v needs_o be_v either_o natural_a or_o reveal_v if_o reveal_v than_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o it_o be_v prophet_n because_o prophecy_n be_v the_o only_a way_n whereby_o reveal_v truth_n either_o be_v or_o can_v be_v dispense_v unto_o we_o for_o very_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o the_o positive_a truth_n of_o god_n beside_o or_o above_o what_o be_v natural_a can_v no_o way_n be_v make_v know_v unto_o we_o but_o by_o a_o free_a influx_n of_o the_o divine_a mind_n upon_o we_o since_o therefore_o as_o all_o agree_v that_o though_o christianity_n do_v most_o high_o befriend_v natural_a theology_n yet_o itself_o if_o it_o be_v of_o god_n be_v reveal_v it_o must_v be_v conclude_v that_o christ_n the_o author_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o first_o preacher_n of_o it_o be_v prophet_n yet_o among_o the_o many_o good_a book_n that_o have_v either_o heretofore_o or_o late_o be_v write_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n i_o have_v neither_o see_v nor_o ever_o hear_v of_o any_o purposely_o write_v and_o direct_o design_v to_o make_v good_a this_o principle_n i_o can_v not_o but_o somewhat_o wonder_v at_o it_o and_o wish_v it_o be_v well_o do_v and_o this_o my_o desire_n do_v at_o length_n vent_v itself_o in_o a_o sermon_n on_o the_o text_n you_o find_v prefix_v to_o this_o treatise_n and_o this_o sermon_n i_o resolve_v on_o a_o occasion_n give_v i_o by_o a_o person_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n to_o transcribe_v and_o enlarge_v in_o that_o method_n which_o be_v there_o propose_v and_o you_o will_v find_v here_o observe_v from_o this_o undertake_n the_o slenderness_n of_o my_o acquaintance_n with_o oriental_a language_n and_o learning_n do_v a_o long_a time_n deter_v i_o but_o consider_v that_o beside_o my_o own_o satisfaction_n and_o diversion_n from_o less_o please_a employment_n i_o write_v it_o only_o for_o his_o lordship_n perusal_n who_o i_o know_v have_v goodness_n enough_o to_o pardon_v my_o defect_n as_o well_o as_o learning_n to_o discover_v they_o i_o reassume_v my_o former_a resolution_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o i_o look_v more_o narrow_o than_o former_o i_o have_v do_v into_o those_o book_n which_o i_o have_v that_o be_v likely_a to_o acquaint_v i_o with_o the_o custom_n and_o method_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o trial_n of_o prophet_n and_o by_o so_o do_v have_v i_o hope_v find_v and_o pitch_v upon_o the_o principal_a mean_n and_o method_n observe_v by_o that_o people_n in_o that_o affair_n and_o this_o way_n of_o procedure_v even_o before_o i_o have_v that_o idea_n of_o it_o which_o you_o will_v find_v in_o this_o treatise_n i_o do_v conjecture_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o rational_a because_o it_o be_v not_o only_o project_v but_o practise_v and_o that_o as_o far_o as_o we_o find_v without_o control_n for_o many_o age_n among_o god_n peculiar_a people_n and_o that_o i_o be_v not_o mistake_v in_o this_o conjecture_n the_o five_o chapter_n of_o this_o treatise_n do_v i_o hope_v make_v manifest_a by_o show_v the_o strength_n and_o force_n of_o the_o precede_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v prophet_n now_o if_o any_o man_n ask_v what_o degree_n of_o prophecy_n it_o be_v which_o i_o ascribe_v unto_o they_o he_o may_v be_v please_v to_o know_v his_o curiosity_n exceed_v i_o yet_o for_o a_o answer_n i_o refer_v he_o to_o that_o prophecy_n of_o moses_n wherein_o he_o tell_v the_o jew_n that_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n will_v raise_v up_o unto_o thou_o a_o prophet_n from_o the_o midst_n of_o thou_o of_o thy_o brethren_n like_v 5._o unto_o i_o unto_o he_o shall_v you_o hearken_v this_o 22._o prophecy_n i_o find_v by_o st._n peter_n apply_v to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o particular_a and_o by_o st._n stephen_n 37._o to_o the_o evangelical_n state_n in_o general_a and_o from_o thence_o perhaps_o we_o may_v gather_v not_o only_o that_o this_o prediction_n do_v more_o especial_o pertain_v to_o the_o day_n of_o the_o messiah_n but_o also_o that_o it_o speak_v not_o of_o one_o single_a person_n only_o but_o of_o a_o order_n of_o prophet_n like_v unto_o moses_n and_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v most_o eminent_o fulfil_v in_o christ_n yet_o be_v it_o also_o accomplish_a in_o those_o that_o he_o send_v as_o the_o father_n have_v send_v he_o viz._n the_o 21._o apostle_n whether_o
to_o the_o church_n tradition_n concern_v those_o of_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n for_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o he_o who_o grant_v this_o power_n to_o his_o disciple_n shall_v want_v it_o himself_o and_o next_o to_o a_o impossibility_n it_o be_v that_o in_o his_o circumstance_n he_o shall_v never_o make_v use_n of_o it_o nor_o be_v it_o at_o all_o probable_a that_o he_o will_v confer_v it_o on_o his_o mean_a disciple_n in_o private_a capacity_n and_o that_o when_o his_o gospel_n be_v every_o where_o plant_v and_o deny_v or_o withhold_v it_o from_o the_o chief_a of_o his_o follower_n those_o who_o he_o choose_v to_o be_v his_o witness_n and_o founder_n of_o his_o faith_n throughout_o all_o nation_n that_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o oeconomy_n of_o his_o dispensation_n it_o be_v a_o astonishment_n to_o reason_n to_o imagine_v but_o that_o it_o be_v not_o be_v most_o high_o agreeable_a insomuch_o that_o with_o confidence_n we_o may_v conclude_v there_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o fact_n whatever_o although_o of_o a_o far_o less_o distance_n of_o who_o truth_n we_o have_v more_o or_o indeed_o so_o much_o reason_n to_o be_v persuade_v as_o we_o have_v of_o the_o church_n tradition_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v many_o and_o great_a miracle_n yet_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v st._n austin_n that_o he_o who_o still_o require_v prodigy_n that_o he_o may_v believe_v be_v himself_o sup_v a_o great_a prodigy_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v there_o be_v more_o than_o a_o few_o such_o prodigy_n in_o our_o age_n for_o a_o admire_a author_n ask_v the_o question_n how_o can_v one_o that_o say_v those_o thing_n he_o say_v or_o teachâ—th_v be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n be_v believe_v unless_o that_o he_o also_o himself_o have_v do_v a_o miracle_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o question_n such_o as_o it_o be_v he_o subjoin_v in_o another_o for_o if_o a_o private_a man_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v without_o a_o miracle_n why_o among_o those_o 3_o that_o teach_v diverse_a thing_n be_v one_o to_o be_v believe_v rather_o than_o another_o because_o there_o be_v other_o motive_n of_o credibility_n beside_o miracle_n why_o else_o shall_v this_o unlucky_a author_n be_v believe_v in_o any_o thing_n he_o say_v that_o be_v different_a from_o other_o but_o whether_o it_o be_v fit_a he_o shall_v or_o no_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o inquire_v but_o only_o observe_v first_o that_o miracle_n have_v be_v do_v may_v be_v believe_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o testimony_n without_o the_o do_n of_o any_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v it_o the_o possibility_n of_o miracle_n i_o now_o take_v for_o grant_v and_o so_o also_o i_o may_v this_o observation_n have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o this_o author_n sly_a insinuation_n that_o without_o the_o do_n of_o a_o miracle_n it_o can_v appear_v credible_a that_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o but_o why_o so_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o miracle_n that_o render_v the_o attestation_n of_o it_o incredible_a it_o seem_v not_o for_o the_o same_o author_n else_o where_o define_v a_o miracle_n to_o be_v a_o work_n of_o god_n beside_o his_o operation_n by_o the_o way_n of_o nature_n ordain_v in_o the_o creation_n do_v for_o the_o make_v manifest_a to_o his_o elect_a the_o mission_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a minister_n for_o their_o salvation_n 37._o whether_o a_o miracle_n be_v a_o work_n of_o god_n only_o beside_o and_o not_o also_o above_o his_o operation_n by_o the_o way_n of_o nature_n ordain_v in_o the_o creation_n and_o what_o precious_a one_o this_o author_n elect_n be_v it_o do_v not_o at_o present_a concern_v i_o to_o inquire_v but_o only_o to_o observe_v that_o whosoever_o they_o be_v the_o design_a end_n of_o a_o miracle_n according_a to_o he_o be_v to_o make_v manifest_a unto_o they_o the_o mission_n of_o some_o extraordinary_a minister_n for_o their_o salvation_n be_v it_o so_o that_o this_o as_o in_o part_n at_o least_o it_o undoubted_o be_v the_o end_n and_o scope_n of_o real_a and_o true_a miracle_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v of_o this_o author_n how_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v incredible_a can_v make_v manifest_a a_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o the_o mission_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a minister_n although_o not_o hasty_o to_o be_v believe_v yet_o be_v not_o incredible_a but_o a_o miracle_n it_o seem_v be_v how_o then_o can_v it_o make_v it_o manifest_v but_o if_o this_o be_v impossible_a or_o unintelligible_a whence_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o god_n make_v choice_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n to_o make_v manifest_a another_o do_v this_o author_n think_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n so_o short_a or_o his_o power_n so_o weak_a as_o to_o lay_v and_o effect_v his_o design_n no_o better_o if_o so_o he_o may_v change_v apprehension_n with_o epicurus_n 14._o as_o wretched_a as_o he_o think_v he_o and_o yet_o be_v no_o loose_a by_o the_o bargain_n but_o whatever_o he_o think_v of_o god_n i_o can_v think_v he_o so_o void_a of_o reason_n as_o to_o deny_v that_o that_o which_o make_v manifest_a must_v itself_o be_v more_o manifest_a than_o that_o which_o it_o make_v so_o manifest_a therefore_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v that_o if_o the_o end_n of_o miracle_n be_v to_o make_v manifest_a they_o themselves_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o and_o if_o manifest_a then_o credible_a and_o if_o credible_a why_o may_v they_o not_o be_v do_v before_o credible_a witness_n and_o why_o may_v not_o those_o witness_n report_v they_o true_o to_o other_o credible_a person_n and_o why_o may_v not_o this_o report_n be_v transmit_v to_o posterity_n and_o why_o may_v not_o posterity_n believe_v it_o as_o well_o as_o it_o do_v those_o concern_v alexander_n julius_n câ—â—sar_n &_o c_o what_o impossibility_n immorality_n or_o imprudence_n be_v there_o in_o so_o do_v if_o there_o be_v none_o then_o second_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o demand_v the_o do_v of_o miracle_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o have_v be_v some_o do_v the_o reason_n be_v manifest_a because_o this_o assent_n may_v be_v build_v upon_o another_o foundation_n viz._n testimony_n of_o credible_a witness_n transmit_v or_o deliver_v down_o throughout_o all_o age_n to_o posterity_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o this_o foundation_n to_o bear_v that_o superstructure_n will_v be_v evident_a by_o the_o firm_a assent_n that_o man_n build_v upon_o less_o credible_a testimony_n whereof_o they_o give_v evidence_n in_o almost_o all_o affair_n of_o humane_a life_n the_o nobleman_n claim_v his_o peerage_n the_o gentleman_n his_o estate_n the_o merchant_n venture_v his_o money_n and_o the_o traveller_n take_v his_o journey_n the_o honest_a lawyer_n plead_v and_o the_o just_a judge_n pronounce_v sentence_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o testimony_n and_o such_o be_v the_o necessity_n of_o testimony_n as_o that_o the_o child_n can_v learn_v his_o letter_n nor_o the_o scholar_n attain_v his_o knowledge_n in_o the_o science_n nor_o the_o mechanic_n skill_n in_o his_o trade_n nor_o indeed_o can_v we_o ourselves_o know_v our_o own_o name_n without_o assent_v to_o testimony_n yet_o so_o firm_a a_o assent_n do_v we_o yield_v unto_o it_o as_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o ridiculous_a and_o hardly_o accomplish_v than_o persuasion_n of_o we_o out_o of_o our_o name_n most_o firm_a assent_n therefore_o we_o see_v be_v yield_v to_o testimony_n and_o that_o such_o as_o be_v not_o more_o perhaps_o less_o credible_a than_o that_o whereby_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n miracle_n be_v convey_v unto_o we_o for_o it_o have_v not_o antiquity_n universality_n and_o consent_v of_o all_o party_n as_o this_o have_v to_o avouch_v its_o credibility_n most_o firm_a assent_v therefore_o may_v and_o in_o reason_n ought_v to_o be_v give_v to_o it_o for_o where_o there_o be_v certain_a credibility_n in_o the_o matter_n propound_v and_o also_o in_o the_o testimony_n that_o propound_v it_o there_o do_v arise_v upon_o man_n a_o obligation_n to_o believe_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n concern_v converse_n which_o will_v serve_v to_o very_o little_a or_o no_o purpose_n if_o the_o motive_n of_o credibility_n do_v not_o induce_v a_o obligation_n to_o believe_v it_o seem_v therefore_o that_o the_o testimony_n or_o tradition_n whereby_o we_o understand_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v many_o and_o great_a miracle_n we_o not_o only_o may_v but_o also_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v because_o there_o be_v a_o certainty_n of_o credibility_n both_o in_o the_o matter_n propound_v and_o also_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o proposition_n to_o our_o consideration_n and_o if_o this_o render_v it_o a_o duty_n to_o believe_v then_o three_o it_o be_v both_o wicked_a and_o absurd_a to_o demand_v a_o miracle_n to_o induce_v our_o assent_n unto_o it_o it_o be_v wicked_a because_o it_o not_o only_o hinder_v the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n but_o also_o mere_o to_o gratify_v
and_o since_o such_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o we_o have_v most_o firm_o to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v teach_v we_o such_o also_o we_o have_v most_o steadfast_o to_o hope_v in_o the_o promise_n that_o they_o have_v make_v we_o for_o hope_n be_v the_o expectation_n and_o wait_v of_o faith_n arise_v out_o of_o it_o and_o have_v itâ—_n growth_n with_o it_o although_o the_o object_n of_o hope_n be_v some_o difficultly_a attainable_a future_a good_a thing_n yet_o faith_n receive_v the_o promise_n of_o it_o put_v we_o upon_o expect_v and_o wait_v for_o it_o if_o therefore_o it_o be_v reasonable_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v also_o reasonable_a for_o we_o to_o hope_v for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v not_o like_o our_o golden_a dream_n which_o vanish_v when_o we_o awake_v but_o it_o be_v such_o a_o expectation_n of_o good_a thing_n not_o see_v as_o will_v endure_v the_o test_n of_o the_o severe_a reason_n for_o it_o be_v found_v on_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o these_o promise_n make_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n in_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v little_a or_o nothing_o else_o but_o declaration_n of_o what_o god_n will_v do_v for_o the_o good_a of_o man_n and_o since_o they_o declare_v his_o purpose_n they_o open_v to_o we_o a_o part_n of_o that_o external_a law_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v set_v for_o himself_o to_o work_v by_o they_o therefore_o be_v and_o must_v needs_o be_v as_o immutable_a as_o that_o law_n and_o that_o law_n be_v as_o immutable_a as_o god_n himself_o because_o it_o be_v his_o external_a wisdom_n and_o herein_o there_o can_v be_v no_o variableness_n or_o shadow_n of_o turn_v because_o 13._o his_o understanding_n be_v infinite_a on_o this_o account_n i_o suppose_v it_o be_v that_o st._n paul_n insinuate_v it_o as_o possible_a for_o god_n to_o deny_v himself_o as_o to_o fail_v of_o perform_v his_o promise_n in_o they_o therefore_o we_o may_v have_v hope_n without_o despair_n and_o confidence_n without_o diffidence_n obj._n but_o hereunto_o some_o perhaps_o suspend_v their_o assent_n because_o as_o they_o think_v their_o experience_n confute_v the_o christian_n faith_n the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o that_o 8._o godliness_n be_v profitable_a unto_o all_o thing_n have_v promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o â—ow_o be_v and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v but_o we_o find_v that_o all_o thing_n come_v alike_o to_o all_o there_o be_v no_o more_o care_n take_v of_o the_o most_o pious_a christian_a than_o of_o the_o lewd_a among_o man_n we_o can_v therefore_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o think_v it_o safe_a to_o put_v our_o trust_n in_o they_o if_o they_o deceive_v our_o expectation_n in_o thing_n that_o fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o experience_n what_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o give_v credit_n or_o to_o take_v heed_n unto_o they_o in_o those_o that_o do_v not_o anâ—_n if_o our_o expectation_n have_v be_v deceive_v it_o be_v most_o rational_a as_o well_o as_o pious_a to_o resolve_v the_o deceit_n not_o into_o god_n promise_n but_o into_o our_o own_o misunderstand_a of_o they_o but_o such_o usual_o be_v the_o peevish_a worldly-mindedness_a of_o those_o that_o be_v use_v to_o make_v such_o as_o this_o objection_n as_o that_o they_o take_v the_o dirt_n of_o their_o own_o ignorance_n and_o misapprehension_n and_o throw_v it_o in_o the_o face_n of_o god_n promise_n for_o very_o easy_a it_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o this_o and_o all_o such_o like_a objection_n be_v found_v upon_o a_o opinion_n that_o god_n promise_n concern_v the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v do_v import_n that_o those_o who_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o they_o shall_v enjoy_v such_o a_o uninterrupted_a series_n of_o worldly_a prosperity_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v afflict_v like_o other_o folk_n but_o this_o certain_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n for_o affliction_n and_o trouble_n be_v so_o inseparable_o annex_v to_o christian_a piety_n as_o that_o if_o any_o man_n will_v 27._o come_v after_o christ_n he_o must_v deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o and_o unless_o he_o do_v so_o he_o can_v be_v his_o disciple_n it_o seem_v therefore_o that_o those_o grim_a duty_n of_o self-denial_n and_o mature_a resolution_n of_o bear_v the_o cross_n be_v so_o essential_o unite_v to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o christianity_n as_o there_o be_v no_o be_v a_o good_a christian_n without_o they_o impossible_a therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v design_v to_o evacuate_v the_o necessity_n or_o frustrate_v the_o use_n of_o these_o essential_a part_n of_o christianity_n and_o for_o this_o cause_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a if_o not_o certain_a that_o the_o importance_n of_o its_o promise_n concern_v thing_n temporal_a be_v that_o they_o who_o seek_v those_o that_o be_v eternal_a shall_v have_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o such_o destract_a care_n about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n as_o render_v they_o unable_a acceptable_o to_o mind_v the_o concern_v of_o the_o other_o that_o this_o be_v the_o design_n and_o scope_n of_o they_o we_o have_v methinks_v a_o demonstration_n in_o that_o grand_a promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v 33._o be_v add_v to_o they_o that_o seek_v first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n for_o be_v a_o part_n of_o his_o sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n wherein_o he_o give_v his_o disciple_n a_o abstract_n of_o christian_a philosophy_n it_o be_v to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o standard_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o take_v the_o measure_n of_o other_o promise_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n in_o our_o interpretation_n of_o they_o and_o if_o so_o than_o the_o design_n and_o intendment_n of_o they_o all_o must_v needs_o be_v not_o to_o raise_v our_o hope_n to_o a_o expectation_n of_o freedom_n from_o affliction_n but_o to_o keep_v our_o soul_n from_o sink_v into_o dispondence_n and_o distrust_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o provide_v for_o we_o for_o this_o manifest_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o our_o saviour_n promise_n now_o under_o consideration_n and_o that_o be_v as_o ample_a as_o any_o or_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o pronounce_v by_o our_o lord_n own_o mouth_n when_o he_o be_v deliver_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o his_o practical_a doctrine_n may_v most_o just_o be_v think_v to_o show_v we_o their_o importance_n and_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v so_o to_o do_v i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o the_o experience_n of_o good_a christian_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o what_o though_o they_o be_v sometime_o reduce_v to_o such_o strait_o and_o difficulty_n as_o a_o natural_a man_n can_v see_v no_o way_n out_o of_o yet_o even_o than_o their_o trust_n in_o the_o promise_n do_v buoy_v up_o their_o hope_n that_o they_o shall_v find_v away_o to_o escape_v and_o i_o dare_v i_o say_v appeal_v to_o their_o experience_n whether_o or_o no_o divine_a providence_n if_o on_o a_o impartial_a scrutiny_n they_o can_v find_v that_o they_o themselves_o have_v omit_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o promise_n have_v not_o so_o far_o fulfil_v they_o as_o to_o let_v they_o see_v that_o god_n so_o care_v for_o they_o as_o in_o due_a time_n to_o do_v it_o and_o if_o they_o can_v say_v but_o that_o though_o in_o this_o sea_n of_o trouble_n god_n promise_v of_o temporal_a blessing_n do_v not_o keep_v they_o from_o storm_n yet_o they_o cast_v out_o such_o a_o anchor_n oâ—_n hope_v unto_o they_o as_o secure_v they_o from_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o billow_n of_o sorrow_n or_o split_v upon_o the_o rock_n of_o desperation_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o they_o sufficient_o do_v the_o work_n for_o which_o they_o be_v intend_v and_o if_o so_o they_o do_v there_o certain_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o stagger_v at_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n through_o unbelief_n but_o much_o rather_o to_o give_v he_o glory_n by_o be_v therein_o strong_a in_o faith_n especial_o consider_v moreover_o that_o the_o great_a inducement_n we_o have_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n viz_o the_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v it_o do_v also_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o infallible_a truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o its_o promise_n for_o blessedness_n we_o know_v be_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o all_o that_o they_o can_v import_n or_o we_o can_v hope_v ro_o enjoy_v and_o that_o this_o we_o shall_v have_v if_o we_o be_v not_o offend_v in_o christ_n be_v his_o own_o inference_n from_o his_o miracle_n and_o that_o the_o premise_n will_v very_o well_o bear_v the_o conclusion_n will_v be_v evident_a to_o any_o one_o who_o impartial_o consider_v that_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n or_o at_o least_o some_o of_o they_o
this_o i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o because_o i_o will_v here_o speak_v somewhat_o large_o of_o the_o three_o sort_n of_o supernatural_a knowledge_n viz._n that_o that_o be_v so_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o degree_n or_o measure_n the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n do_v not_o only_o reveal_v those_o thing_n all_o knowledge_n whereof_o be_v utter_o unattainable_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o moreover_o it_o do_v ofttimes_o illustrate_v those_o thing_n whereof_o man_n have_v some_o obscure_a conception_n without_o it_o thus_o the_o be_v and_o attribute_n of_o god_n although_o they_o may_v in_o some_o measure_n be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v yet_o much_o more_o clear_o by_o those_o that_o be_v reveal_v now_o that_o knowledge_n which_o do_v clear_a up_o and_o elucidate_v the_o principle_n of_o natural_a theology_n beyond_o the_o possibility_n of_o study_n and_o industry_n be_v that_o which_o i_o mean_v by_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a knowledge_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o degree_n or_o measure_n and_o this_o be_v that_o knowledge_n which_o ought_v in_o all_o reason_n among_o the_o jew_n to_o have_v be_v honour_v with_o the_o name_n of_o wisdom_n if_o they_o be_v so_o prodigal_a of_o that_o honourable_a 16._o title_n as_o to_o bestow_v it_o on_o the_o puny_a art_n of_o arithmetic_n astrology_n and_o the_o like_a in_o justice_n methinks_v they_o ought_v much_o rather_o to_o have_v give_v it_o to_o theology_n and_o so_o indeed_o we_o find_v that_o they_o do_v for_o among_o 1._o they_o it_o be_v better_o know_v almost_o by_o no_o name_n than_o that_o of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o well_o may_v it_o be_v so_o call_v because_o not_o only_o the_o object_n but_o also_o the_o teacher_n of_o it_o be_v divine_a for_o they_o be_v the_o man_n of_o god_n or_o the_o prophet_n from_o who_o they_o first_o learn_v it_o probable_a therefore_o it_o be_v that_o in_o the_o trial_n of_o pretender_n to_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n especial_a sâ—arch_n be_v make_v after_o this_o wisdom_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n it_o will_v now_o be_v my_o business_n to_o inquire_v whether_o or_o no_o on_o the_o account_n of_o this_o wisdom_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v think_v wise_a this_o question_v it_o be_v true_a be_v deny_v by_o many_o in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o flesh_n and_o seem_v hardly_o believe_v by_o more_o than_o a_o few_o now_o in_o we_o and_o among_o those_o that_o affirm_v it_o in_o their_o word_n there_o be_v many_o that_o deny_v it_o in_o their_o deed_n as_o if_o there_o be_v wisdom_n in_o the_o profession_n but_o foolishness_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o religion_n i_o fear_v therefore_o it_o will_v be_v no_o needless_a or_o unseasonable_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o demonstrate_v their_o superlative_a wisdom_n in_o this_o kind_n which_o it_o seem_v be_v so_o transcendent_a as_o that_o justine_n martyr_n after_o all_o his_o hard_a study_n and_o travel_v in_o almost_o all_o sort_n of_o humane_a learning_n find_v christianity_n to_o be_v the_o only_a sure_a and_o useful_a philosophy_n try_n we_o can_v except_v against_o his_o judgement_n as_o that_o of_o a_o party_n because_o this_o be_v his_o experience_n before_o his_o conversion_n yet_o because_o those_o that_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n will_v not_o see_v with_o he_o we_o shall_v submit_v our_o cause_n to_o a_o trial_n at_o the_o bar_n of_o its_o adversary_n jew_n and_o heathen_n the_o jew_n we_o know_v rest_v in_o the_o law_n and_o make_v their_o boast_n of_o god_n that_o they_o know_v his_o will_n and_o approve_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o excellent_a be_v instruct_v out_o of_o the_o law_n on_o this_o account_n they_o be_v confident_a that_o they_o be_v guide_n of_o the_o blind_a light_n of_o they_o which_o be_v in_o darkness_n instructer_n of_o the_o foolish_a and_o teacher_n 2._o of_o babe_n and_o although_o their_o theology_n be_v grievous_o corrupt_v by_o their_o tradition_n yet_o those_o that_o be_v learned_a in_o their_o law_n be_v on_o that_o account_n so_o conceit_a and_o insolent_a as_o that_o they_o do_v almost_o whole_o engross_v the_o name_n of_o wise_a man_n to_o themselves_o this_o they_o do_v with_o such_o a_o matchless_a pride_n and_o contempt_n of_o other_o as_o will_v even_o tempt_v one_o to_o think_v that_o at_o least_o in_o their_o opinion_n there_o be_v â—â—arce_o any_o wisdom_n in_o any_o thing_n but_o theology_n methinks_v then_o if_o they_o have_v understand_v it_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v so_o disingenuous_o partial_a as_o to_o have_v deny_v the_o title_n of_o wisdom_n to_o christianity_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o it_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o theology_n far_o more_o excellent_a than_o their_o own_o and_o that_o in_o a_o threefold_a reference_n namely_o to_o our_o faith_n our_o hope_n and_o our_o practice_n for_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v more_o clear_o reveal_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n than_o by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n for_o very_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o not_o only_o the_o trinity_n of_o person_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n the_o person_n and_o office_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v more_o full_o discover_v but_o also_o the_o very_a attribute_n of_o god_n be_v most_o auspicious_o assert_v and_o illustrate_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n no_o man_n have_v see_v god_n at_o any_o 18._o time_n the_o only_o beget_v son_n which_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n he_o have_v declare_v he_o our_o mind_n may_v apprehend_v god_n but_o our_o eye_n can_v see_v he_o we_o can_v therefore_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o he_o but_o by_o ratiocination_n or_o revelation_n the_o former_a we_o have_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o latter_a by_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n which_o sure_o be_v apt_a and_o able_a to_o advance_v our_o knowledge_n above_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o mere_a nature_n for_o to_o that_o end_n among_o the_o jew_n it_o speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o after_o they_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o they_o have_v bless_v the_o world_n with_o the_o great_a illustration_n 5._o that_o ever_o yet_o be_v make_v of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n which_o it_o seem_v according_a to_o the_o jew_n be_v distinguish_v into_o two_o sort_n viz._n fundamental_a and_o practical_a the_o former_a be_v those_o who_o foundation_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o god_n itself_o such_o as_o power_n wisdom_n holiness_n etc._n etc._n the_o latter_a be_v such_o as_o have_v relation_n and_o reference_n to_o the_o work_n of_o god_n in_o and_o about_o his_o creature_n such_o as_o mercy_n goodness_n truth_n etc._n etc._n whether_o this_o distinction_n be_v orthodox_n and_o adequate_a i_o will_v not_o now_o inquire_v but_o sure_o i_o be_o that_o divine_a attribute_n of_o both_o sort_n be_v most_o evident_o illustrate_v by_o the_o gospel_n for_o its_o doctrine_n do_v not_o only_o teach_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v powerful_a wise_a and_o holy_a merciful_a just_a and_o true_a but_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n therein_o make_v know_v do_v demonstrate_v that_o he_o be_v so_o where_o can_v we_o find_v so_o magnificent_a a_o demonstration_n of_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n as_o in_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a wherein_o be_v god_n holiness_n and_o mercy_n his_o justice_n and_o goodness_n so_o conspicuous_a as_o in_o the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o christ_n and_o where_o do_v divine_a truth_n and_o veracity_n shine_v so_o bright_o as_o in_o the_o completion_n of_o prophecy_n in_o and_o by_o our_o saviour_n from_o his_o birth_n to_o his_o burial_n yea_o from_o his_o conception_n to_o his_o ascension_n it_o seem_v then_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o be_v not_o only_o more_o clear_o reveal_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n than_o by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o also_o that_o part_n thereof_o wherein_o they_o be_v most_o distinct_a and_o clear_a be_v illustrious_o demonstrate_v by_o the_o gospel_n nor_o have_v they_o therein_o provide_v worse_o for_o our_o hope_n than_o they_o have_v for_o our_o faith_n but_o as_o in_o the_o object_n of_o that_o so_o also_o of_o this_o the_o gospel_n far_o excel_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o their_o master_n moses_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o their_o religion_n either_o promise_v they_o nothing_o beyond_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n or_o if_o he_o do_v it_o be_v cover_v with_o such_o cloud_n and_o wrap_v up_o in_o such_o obscurity_n as_o that_o none_o but_o the_o most_o pierce_a eye_n can_v see_v it_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o 9_o a_o great_a and_o learned_a part_n of_o his_o follower_n viz._n the_o sadducee_n do_v reject_v all_o hope_n
as_o make_v we_o with_o david_n to_o have_v respect_n to_o all_o god_n commandment_n and_o careful_a to_o keep_v they_o as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v although_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o honour_n of_o his_o law_n for_o the_o patefaction_n of_o his_o most_o holy_a nature_n and_o most_o just_a dominion_n over_o we_o i_o say_v that_o although_o for_o these_o and_o such_o like_a great_a end_n the_o gospel_n have_v make_v the_o most_o perfect_a unsinning_a obedience_n to_o be_v our_o duty_n yet_o not_o that_o but_o only_o sincere_a obedience_n be_v indispensable_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n for_o three_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v real_o inavoidable_a the_o gospel_n do_v not_o impute_v to_o we_o for_o our_o condemnation_n i_o will_v not_o be_v mistake_v that_o that_o i_o say_v be_v that_o though_o according_a to_o the_o rigour_n and_o severity_n of_o the_o law_n as_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n the_o wage_n of_o every_o sin_n be_v death_n yet_o such_o be_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n as_o that_o those_o sin_n which_o to_o we_o be_v real_o and_o true_o inavoidable_a shall_v not_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o for_o our_o condemnation_n hereof_o one_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o gospel_n put_v we_o into_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o probation_n in_o this_o life_n in_o reference_n to_o another_o after_o it_o sure_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o inavoidable_a guilt_n thereby_o charge_v upon_o we_o to_o our_o eternal_a condemnation_n it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a it_o shall_v so_o tantaliâ—e_v we_o with_o hope_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o confine_n and_o power_n of_o hell_n however_o evident_a it_o be_v four_o that_o the_o gospel_n do_v promise_v that_o our_o know_a sin_n as_o well_o as_o other_o how_o heinous_a soever_o they_o be_v either_o in_o their_o nature_n or_o their_o aggravation_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v timely_o retract_v by_o true_a repentance_n and_o humiliation_n contrition_n and_o confession_n change_n of_o mind_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n they_o shall_v be_v forgive_v we_o no_o man_n sin_n be_v either_o so_o many_o in_o number_n or_o so_o heinous_a in_o their_o quality_n but_o on_o these_o term_n they_o may_v be_v forgive_v insomuch_o that_o to_o i_o it_o seem_v most_o probable_a that_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v impardonable_a not_o for_o want_v of_o grace_n in_o the_o gospel_n but_o for_o want_v of_o repentance_n in_o the_o sinner_n let_v then_o our_o modern_a scoffer_n add_v these_o thing_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o that_o against_o which_o they_o level_v their_o objection_n and_o then_o let_v they_o tell_v we_o what_o impossibility_n there_o be_v in_o obey_v the_o gospel_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v it_o impossible_a to_o do_v what_o we_o can_v or_o to_o repent_v when_o we_o have_v do_v amiss_o i_o suppose_v not_o especial_o while_o we_o have_v those_o motive_n and_o assistâ—nces_n which_o the_o gospel_n give_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o commandment_n since_o the_o nature_n of_o reasonable_a â—_z be_v to_o be_v draw_v by_o the_o alliciency_n of_o those_o proâ—itâ—râ—icks_n that_o present_v themselves_o to_o it_o we_o may_v well_o wonder_v at_o our_o own_o disobedience_n for_o so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a be_v the_o motive_n the_o gospel_n give_v to_o keep_v its_o commandment_n as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o active_a virtue_n in_o we_o but_o may_v receive_v the_o high_a incitement_n therefrom_o what_o entertainment_n so_o fit_a for_o the_o mind_n as_o truth_n and_o what_o truth_n so_o sweet_a as_o that_o that_o be_v eternal_a what_o so_o desirable_a to_o the_o will_n as_o goodness_n and_o what_o goodness_n so_o great_a as_o that_o that_o be_v infinite_a and_o where_o can_v you_o find_v eternal_a truth_n and_o infinite_a goodness_n so_o clear_o reveal_v as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o gospel_n where_o can_v the_o affection_n have_v the_o like_a motive_n to_o set_v we_o a_o do_v have_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o life_n the_o high_a majesty_n and_o authority_n instamp_v on_o it_o be_v we_o not_o promise_v the_o great_a reward_n that_o can_v be_v desire_v in_o case_n we_o walk_v by_o it_o and_o be_v we_o not_o threaten_v with_o the_o great_a evil_n that_o can_v be_v fear_v in_o case_n we_o neglect_v it_o be_v we_o not_o assure_v of_o a_o suâ—â—iciency_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n and_o spiritual_a grace_n in_o this_o world_n if_o we_o will_v seek_v first_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n i._n e_o for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n in_o the_o other_o be_v it_o not_o then_o strange_a that_o be_v thus_o besiege_v with_o motive_n to_o do_v well_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o prone_a to_o do_v ill_a although_o we_o know_v very_o well_o the_o commandment_n be_v such_o as_o that_o it_o be_v not_o more_o our_o duty_n than_o our_o interest_n to_o do_v they_o we_o promote_v our_o own_o good_a as_o much_o as_o god_n glory_n by_o obedience_n to_o they_o for_o they_o be_v apt_a not_o only_o to_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n and_o perfect_a our_o understanding_n to_o refine_v our_o nature_n and_o sublimate_v our_o gross_a affection_n to_o amend_v our_o life_n and_o purify_v our_o conversation_n but_o also_o to_o preserve_v our_o estate_n and_o advance_v our_o fortune_n to_o secure_v our_o reputation_n and_o promote_v our_o honour_n and_o that_o in_o all_o condition_n and_o capacity_n whatever_o insomuch_o that_o their_o own_o goodness_n may_v be_v their_o own_o eternal_a obligation_n how_o admirable_a then_o be_v that_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o goodness_n which_o impose_v they_o on_o we_o and_o require_v obedience_n of_o we_o especial_o consider_v the_o assistance_n provide_v for_o we_o to_o have_v in_o well-doing_n and_o true_o it_o be_v more_o than_o a_o little_a we_o do_v or_o shall_v receive_v in_o our_o childhood_n by_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o nurture_n and_o admonition_n of_o 4._o the_o lord_n for_o a_o child_n be_v lead_v by_o little_a of_o itself_o but_o a_o chain_n of_o imagination_n education_n have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o natural_a agent_n rather_o than_o a_o moral_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o child_n of_o the_o same_o parent_n be_v sometime_o lib._n like_o lycurgus_n his_o whelp_n of_o the_o same_o litter_n whereas_o one_o run_v to_o his_o dish_n the_o other_o after_o the_o hare_n because_o he_o have_v bring_v they_o up_o so_o to_o do_v which_o experiment_n he_o make_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o subject_n on_o purpose_n to_o teach_v they_o to_o train_v their_o child_n in_o the_o way_n they_o shall_v go_v and_o that_o when_o they_o be_v old_a 6._o they_o will_v not_o depart_v from_o it_o but_o if_o they_o do_v the_o gospel_n have_v sufficient_o provide_v for_o their_o reduction_n for_o it_o do_v not_o only_o encourage_v brotherly_a admonition_n and_o oblige_v we_o to_o pray_v for_o each_o other_o but_o it_o have_v also_o ordain_v a_o sacred_a function_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o sâ—ints_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o 13._o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n now_o not_o only_a man_n on_o earth_n but_o also_o the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n be_v oblige_v to_o afford_v we_o their_o assistance_n be_v they_o not_o all_o minister_a spirit_n send_v forth_o to_o minister_v for_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n and_o beside_o the_o assistance_n of_o 4_o angel_n we_o may_v have_v that_o of_o the_o eternal_a spirit_n also_o to_o help_v we_o for_o the_o father_n of_o flesh_n here_o on_o earth_n be_v not_o so_o ready_a to_o give_v good_a gift_n unto_o their_o child_n as_o our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v to_o give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o and_o this_o it_o seem_v he_o do_v 8._o so_o abundant_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o that_o it_o be_v call_v by_o his_o name_n and_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n which_o make_v man_n free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n whereby_o it_o seem_v that_o though_o the_o history_n 2_o and_o outward_a communication_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o we_o in_o scriptis_fw-la yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o mere_a piece_n of_o book-learning_n but_o as_o a_o vital_a quicken_a thing_n able_a to_o give_v life_n to_o those_o that_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n to_o beget_v they_o again_o in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o to_o form_v divine_a goodness_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o by_o so_o do_v to_o help_v their_o
well_o as_o christian_n have_v observe_v that_o they_o be_v always_o accompany_v with_o alienation_n and_o abreption_n of_o mind_n but_o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v so_o in_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n who_o so_o absurd_a as_o well_o as_o impudent_a to_o affirm_v in_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n therein_o how_o then_o can_v it_o be_v thought_n that_o they_o be_v deceive_v by_o enthusiasm_n or_o the_o spirit_n of_o divination_n what_o madness_n or_o frenzy_n what_o alienation_n or_o abreption_n of_o mind_n can_v impartial_a reason_n charge_n upon_o they_o where_o can_v we_o find_v such_o admirable_a wisdom_n so_o become_v the_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n so_o transcendent_a to_o other_o and_o coherent_a with_o itself_o as_o in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o where_o be_v wisdom_n ever_o teach_v with_o so_o great_a temper_n and_o moderation_n calmness_n of_o spirit_n and_o presence_n of_o mind_n as_o in_o their_o delivery_n of_o it_o what_o shadow_n than_o of_o enthusiasm_n or_o of_o any_o other_o such_o delusion_n can_v there_o be_v find_v in_o they_o and_o if_o not_o by_o such_o delusion_n much_o less_o probable_a if_o possible_a be_v it_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v deceive_v into_o a_o conceit_n that_o they_o be_v prophet_n by_o the_o persuasion_n of_o other_o it_o seem_v noâ—_n in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o mere_o by_o moâ—al_a suasion_n as_o this_o be_v if_o any_o way_n because_o oppose_v by_o all_o the_o power_n and_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o people_n then_o in_o be_v to_o beat_v it_o into_o the_o head_n of_o wise_a man_n or_o the_o heart_n of_o good_a one_o so_o to_o believe_v that_o they_o themselves_o be_v prophet_n as_o to_o jeopard_v their_o life_n in_o pursuit_n of_o the_o other_o suggestion_n and_o that_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o divine_a revelation_n can_v wisdom_n be_v seduce_v into_o such_o folly_n or_o holiness_n be_v guilty_a of_o such_o lie_n and_o wickedness_n since_o therefore_o they_o be_v wise_a strong_a and_o rich_a in_o contentment_n and_o all_o virtue_n it_o be_v at_o least_o moral_o impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v so_o deceive_v by_o any_o such_o sly_a insinuation_n 3._o hence_o also_o it_o follow_v that_o they_o have_v no_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o wise_a man_n that_o fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_a ever_o to_o consent_v to_o and_o prosecute_v so_o wicked_a and_o improbable_a a_o undertake_n it_o be_v no_o way_n likely_a that_o man_n who_o rejoice_v be_v this_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o conscience_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n not_o with_o fleshly_a wisdom_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n they_o have_v have_v their_o conversation_n in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v i_o say_v very_o unlikely_a if_o not_o impossible_a that_o such_o man_n as_o these_o shall_v be_v impostor_n in_o the_o main_a work_n of_o their_o life_n have_v they_o be_v man_n of_o artifice_n and_o fineness_n of_o lewd_a life_n and_o dissolute_a example_n that_o follow_v cunning_o devise_v fable_n of_o fleshly_a wisdom_n it_o may_v have_v be_v suspect_v that_o they_o contrive_v a_o story_n but_o such_o be_v the_o plainness_n of_o their_o speech_n and_o openness_n of_o their_o carriage_n among_o man_n as_o that_o they_o not_o only_o preach_v but_o live_v down_o deceit_n and_o forgery_n and_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o such_o man_n to_o lay_v out_o their_o life_n against_o their_o conscience_n and_o all_o in_o pursuance_n of_o a_o cheat_n and_o to_o begin_v it_o at_o jerusalem_n where_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o fraud_n it_o best_a might_n and_o certain_o will_v have_v be_v discover_v yea_o and_o there_o to_o be_v so_o confident_a and_o dare_a as_o to_o challenge_v their_o enemy_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o sin_n and_o appeal_v to_o they_o concern_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o avouch_v how_o foolish_a and_o mad_a have_v they_o be_v in_o so_o do_v beyond_o all_o example_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v far_o from_o a_o design_n of_o threaten_v the_o world_n out_o of_o its_o old_a religion_n into_o a_o new_a one_o of_o their_o own_o devise_v but_o by_o the_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n we_o before_o observe_v to_o be_v in_o they_o it_o appear_v without_o shadow_n of_o probability_n that_o they_o will_v have_v engage_v in_o a_o design_n so_o dangerous_a in_o the_o attempt_n and_o so_o unlikely_a to_o take_v effect_n unless_o they_o have_v have_v divine_a warrant_n and_o command_n for_o it_o no_o prudent_a man_n content_v with_o his_o condition_n study_v his_o own_o death_n and_o misery_n it_o be_v hope_n of_o obtain_v some_o good_a or_o avoid_v some_o evil_n which_o make_v man_n expose_v themselves_o to_o danger_n but_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v strip_v of_o all_o manner_n of_o defence_n and_o succour_n from_o wealth_n friend_n or_o honour_n whence_o can_v they_o hope_v for_o any_o such_o thing_n what_o gain_n or_o glory_n what_o ease_n or_o pleasure_n what_o safety_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o allure_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v they_o like_v to_o get_v yea_o rather_o what_o loss_n and_o poverty_n what_o infamy_n and_o disgrace_n what_o hardship_n and_o labour_n what_o peril_n and_o evil_n of_o all_o sort_n do_v they_o not_o foresee_v be_v like_a to_o befall_v they_o in_o their_o enterprise_n yet_o be_v they_o not_o move_v with_o fear_n or_o divert_v from_o it_o but_o all_o their_o day_n they_o pursue_v it_o even_o to_o the_o effusion_n of_o their_o blood_n which_o one_o thing_n to_o a_o impartial_a considerer_n ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o persuade_v he_o that_o since_o they_o be_v wise_a and_o sober_a man_n no_o way_n mislead_v by_o the_o delusion_n of_o enthusiasm_n or_o any_o other_o phanaticism_n it_o be_v the_o force_n of_o conviction_n and_o energy_n of_o the_o prophetic_a spirit_n that_o wrought_v in_o they_o so_o mighty_o what_o else_o can_v possible_o be_v the_o cause_n or_o reason_n of_o their_o admirable_a fortitude_n and_o magnanimity_n in_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o how_o be_v it_o imaginable_a that_o wise_a sober_a and_o prudent_a man_n who_o understanding_n be_v perfect_v and_o advance_v beyond_o example_n both_o of_o former_a and_o latter_a age_n how_o i_o say_v can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o these_o man_n continue_v such_o shall_v be_v so_o rash_a and_o brutish_a as_o to_o live_v contradictious_a to_o the_o propensity_n of_o nature_n and_o injunction_n of_o their_o own_o doctrine_n among_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o nature_n there_o be_v none_o more_o manifest_a than_o that_o it_o dictate_v its_o own_o preservation_n so_o far_o as_o lawful_o it_o may_v and_o among_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o more_o plain_o teach_v 31._o we_o than_o that_o though_o christ_n be_v over_o all_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o yet_o he_o be_v send_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o sinful_a flesh_n not_o that_o he_o so_o take_v the_o likeness_n of_o sinful_a flesh_n as_o if_o he_o have_v assume_v only_o the_o image_n not_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o body_n but_o by_o the_o likeness_n of_o sinful_a flesh_n the_o apostle_n be_v to_o be_v think_v to_o mean_v that_o that_o very_a flesh_n which_o christ_n assume_v although_o in_o he_o it_o be_v innocent_a yet_o be_v it_o like_a to_o that_o which_o in_o 16._o we_o be_v sinful_a like_v it_o in_o the_o kind_n not_o in_o the_o vice_n of_o adam_n and_o consequent_o that_o it_o have_v all_o the_o part_n property_n and_o general_a infirmity_n sin_n only_o except_v of_o our_o mortal_a body_n sure_o therefore_o he_o have_v as_o we_o have_v a_o natural_a appetite_n to_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o other_o support_v of_o human_a nature_n in_o this_o its_o estate_n of_o mortality_n and_o imperfection_n and_o that_o his_o apostle_n be_v man_n of_o the_o like_a necessity_n appetite_n and_o passion_n there_o be_v none_o that_o make_v a_o question_n how_o then_o be_v it_o possible_a but_o that_o nature_n shall_v prompt_v they_o to_o put_v some_o esteem_n on_o those_o person_n thing_n and_o calling_n which_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o supply_v thâ—ir_n natural_a necessity_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o their_o doctrine_n that_o teach_v a_o neglect_n of_o they_o but_o much_o otherwise_o for_o it_o 20._o oblige_v every_o man_n to_o abide_v in_o the_o same_o call_n wherein_o he_o be_v call_v and_o prohibit_v those_o to_o eat_v that_o will_v not_o work_v and_o declare_v that_o they_o walk_v disorderly_a 11._o and_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v withdraw_v from_o now_o it_o be_v no_o way_n probable_a that_o wise_a man_n labour_v under_o the_o natural_a necessity_n and_o common_a infirmitiesof_o human_a nature_n shall_v abandon_v all_o their_o worldly_a interest_n and_o concern_v disoblige_v their_o friend_n and_o forsake_v their_o calling_n throw_v away_o
as_o it_o do_v dispose_v we_o to_o action_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n than_o those_o of_o brute_n especial_o those_o of_o religion_n be_v the_o form_n of_o our_o humane_a nature_n this_o be_v it_o that_o do_v constitute_v we_o man_n and_o most_o of_o all_o distinguish_v we_o from_o other_o animal_n and_o well_o may_v the_o honour_n of_o this_o distinction_n be_v cast_v upon_o religion_n rather_o than_o reason_n not_o only_o because_o it_o set_v we_o far_o off_o from_o brute_n than_o that_o do_v without_o it_o but_o also_o because_o it_o be_v as_o inseparable_a from_o our_o nature_n as_o that_o be_v for_o no_o creature_n that_o know_v itself_o to_o be_v so_o can_v be_v reasonable_a without_o own_v itself_o oblige_v to_o love_n reverence_n and_o worship_v its_o creator_n hence_o i_o suppose_v it_o be_v that_o the_o principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o religion_n viz._n the_o be_v of_o a_o deity_n and_o of_o a_o future_a state_n or_o judgement_n be_v so_o firm_o lay_v in_o all_o mankind_n and_o in_o no_o creature_n below_o it_o as_o that_o the_o utmost_a endeavour_n that_o can_v be_v use_v be_v insufficient_a whole_o to_o raze_v they_o out_o or_o utter_o to_o suppress_v their_o energy_n whence_o else_o be_v it_o that_o sometime_o when_o there_o be_v no_o apparent_a danger_n profess_a atheist_n be_v subject_a to_o fear_n as_o well_o as_o other_o man_n or_o whence_o else_o be_v it_o that_o it_o be_v almost_o as_o easy_a to_o find_v a_o nation_n without_o soul_n as_o without_o all_o religion_n these_o thing_n will_v be_v unaccountable_a if_o religion_n be_v not_o essential_a to_o our_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n if_o then_o so_o it_o be_v manifest_v it_o be_v that_o a_o religion_n we_o must_v have_v for_o we_o can_v be_v happy_a because_o our_o soul_n will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v without_o it_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o we_o aim_v at_o some_o good_a as_o our_o end_n in_o all_o our_o action_n and_o those_o of_o religion_n be_v conversant_a not_o about_o the_o little_a low_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n but_o about_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v he_o it_o be_v also_o manifest_a that_o we_o can_v therein_o regular_o aim_v at_o nothing_o less_o than_o some_o good_a or_o perfection_n which_o this_o world_n can_v afford_v and_o god_n only_o can_v give_v and_o what_o can_v this_o be_v but_o the_o supreme_a bliss_n and_o happiness_n whereof_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a this_o then_o be_v it_o which_o we_o except_v to_o obtain_v by_o religion_n and_o difficult_a it_o be_v for_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o pitch_v upon_o a_o religion_n which_o his_o own_o reason_n will_v think_v in_o all_o point_v sufficient_a for_o this_o end_n for_o this_o it_o can_v judge_v any_o religion_n to_o be_v unless_o it_o show_v we_o a_o likely_a way_n to_o happiness_n and_o remove_v the_o impediment_n or_o obstruction_n that_o therein_o be_v unto_o it_o the_o way_n that_o to_o our_o reason_n seem_v likely_a to_o lead_v we_o to_o happiness_n must_v of_o necessity_n lie_v through_o holiness_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o perfect_a righteousness_n and_o integrity_n in_o all_o our_o action_n be_v the_o way_n that_o be_v make_v and_o ordain_v in_o our_o creation_n and_o our_o soul_n retain_v so_o much_o of_o their_o primitive_a constitution_n as_o that_o though_o by_o our_o fall_n we_o be_v so_o bruise_v and_o maim_v as_o that_o we_o can_v walk_v in_o it_o yet_o our_o reason_n can_v full_o assent_v to_o any_o way_n that_o lead_v not_o to_o it_o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o reluctance_n in_o reason_n against_o it_o our_o own_o natural_a conscience_n can_v be_v full_o persuade_v that_o happiness_n can_v be_v attain_v without_o holiness_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o man_n that_o live_v in_o notorious_a wickedness_n by_o the_o wind_n of_o phanaticism_n may_v be_v blow_v up_o into_o a_o opinion_n of_o their_o own_o saintship_n and_o confidence_n of_o their_o salvation_n but_o if_o the_o power_n of_o imagination_n do_v not_o suppress_v their_o reason_n and_o put_v it_o to_o silence_n their_o own_o conscience_n will_v soon_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o can_v advance_v towards_o heaven_n by_o their_o verbal_a religion_n while_o they_o go_v towards_o hell_n by_o wickedness_n of_o live_v the_o way_n therefore_o that_o seem_v likely_a unto_o reason_n to_o carry_v we_o unto_o happiness_n must_v guide_v we_o unto_o and_o keep_v we_o in_o the_o path_n of_o holiness_n yet_o withal_o if_o it_o deal_v impartial_o it_o will_v tell_v we_o that_o we_o can_v therein_o so_o walk_v as_o by_o walk_v to_o attain_v to_o that_o end_n of_o our_o journey_n because_o as_o we_o be_v thereby_o convince_v we_o shall_v stumble_v into_o sin_n and_o by_o so_o do_v shall_v fall_v short_a of_o eternal_a glory_n for_o eternal_a life_n as_o we_o have_v already_o say_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o reward_n that_o in_o justice_n be_v due_a to_o our_o work_n as_o that_o we_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v that_o god_n on_o who_o very_a be_v as_o well_o as_o honour_n we_o have_v make_v most_o odious_a attempt_n by_o our_o sin_n shall_v ever_o be_v please_v without_o atonement_n and_o satisfaction_n either_o to_o give_v or_o again_o to_o proffer_n it_o unto_o we_o and_o indeed_o shall_v our_o own_o self-love_n flatter_v we_o into_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n that_o god_n be_v willing_a we_o shall_v be_v save_v yet_o if_o there_o be_v no_o way_n make_v for_o our_o salvation_n but_o what_o be_v at_o first_o ordain_v in_o our_o creation_n our_o reason_n will_v teach_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v never_o the_o nigh_a for_o our_o soul_n be_v fetter_v to_o that_o that_o be_v fade_v and_o enslave_v to_o divers_a lust_n can_v possible_o enable_v we_o therein_o to_o walk_v to_o eternal_a happiness_n but_o of_o necessity_n we_o shall_v relapse_n into_o our_o former_a state_n of_o nature_n since_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n by_o this_o discourse_n than_o it_o appear_v that_o that_o religion_n which_o we_o rational_o make_v choice_n of_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o supreme_a end_n of_o our_o be_v and_o action_n viz._n eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n must_v of_o necessity_n do_v these_o three_o thing_n for_o we_o viz._n first_o it_o must_v show_v we_o a_o sufficient_a atonement_n or_o satisfaction_n make_v for_o our_o sin_n past_a present_a and_o to_o come_v second_o it_o must_v lead_v we_o unto_o virtue_n and_o all_o holiness_n of_o live_v three_o it_o must_v dispose_v we_o so_o to_o follow_v it_o as_o that_o with_o god_n we_o may_v find_v acceptance_n where_o then_o shall_v we_o find_v a_o religion_n that_o upon_o a_o just_a and_o impartial_a examination_n may_v in_o reason_n be_v judge_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n shall_v we_o seek_v it_o among_o the_o gentile_n alas_o their_o wisdom_n be_v but_o foolishness_n their_o knowledge_n of_o god_n but_o ignorance_n their_o way_n of_o worship_n and_o exercise_v of_o religion_n profaneness_n their_o virtue_n unholiness_n and_o their_o strength_n weakness_n in_o respect_n of_o that_o that_o be_v requisite_a for_o we_o and_o as_o for_o the_o atonement_n and_o satisfaction_n they_o make_v to_o god_n for_o their_o offence_n who_o so_o weak_a sight_v as_o not_o to_o see_v the_o shortness_n and_o vanity_n of_o their_o sacrifice_n and_o lustration_n they_o exceed_v not_o the_o power_n of_o corrupt_a and_o enfeeble_a nature_n which_o by_o these_o mean_n strive_v to_o cast_v off_o the_o burden_n of_o guilt_n that_o it_o groan_v under_o they_o be_v therefore_o at_o best_a but_o imploration_n of_o mercy_n and_o so_o no_o satisfaction_n to_o injure_a justice_n in_o they_o therefore_o man_n can_v reasonable_o put_v no_o confidence_n much_o more_o unlikely_a be_v it_o that_o our_o anxious_a soul_n â—hould_v find_v rest_n among_o the_o turk_n for_o their_o alcoran_n which_o with_o profound_a reuâ—rence_n they_o receive_v as_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n hope_n and_o practice_n be_v indeed_o and_o in_o truth_n but_o a_o rhapsody_n of_o nonsense_n and_o gibberish_n filth_n and_o wickedness_n much_o more_o apt_a though_o blend_v with_o some_o sense_n and_o wholesome_a instruction_n to_o retain_v man_n in_o than_o to_o help_v they_o out_o of_o their_o spiritual_a want_n and_o necessity_n and_o true_o if_o we_o go_v to_o the_o jew_n themselves_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o though_o thâ—ir_a law_n by_o god_n appointment_n have_v a_o shadow_n of_o good_a thing_n to_o come_v and_o their_o prophet_n speak_v by_o inspiration_n of_o they_o yet_o the_o shadow_n be_v so_o dark_a and_o the_o prophet_n prenotion_n of_o they_o so_o obscure_v as_o that_o man_n have_v need_v to_o be_v very_o sharp_a sight_v and_o to_o lay_v their_o eye_n very_o close_o to_o see_v through_o they_o but_o in_o the_o redemption_n we_o have_v by_o christ_n we_o may_v behold_v with_o open_a face_n as_o in_o a_o glass_n