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assent_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o argument_n which_o persuade_v it_o to_o have_v proceed_v from_o the_o divine_a authority_n and_o a_o due_a use_n of_o our_o reason_n in_o discover_v its_o divine_a original_a that_o a_o true_a and_o perfect_a faith_n consist_v for_o upon_o conviction_n of_o its_o have_v be_v reveal_v by_o god_n we_o can_v but_o yield_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o if_o we_o desire_v or_o expect_v to_o attain_v the_o reward_n propose_v by_o it_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o a_o serious_a obedience_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o for_o as_o a_o due_a use_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v no_o less_o difficult_a in_o itself_o and_o advantageous_a to_o we_o than_o of_o our_o will_n so_o we_o ought_v to_o suppose_v that_o god_n will_v no_o less_o favourable_o accept_v it_o and_o no_o less_o high_o reward_v it_o certain_o a_o right_a use_n of_o our_o reason_n
into_o those_o mansion_n of_o which_o they_o have_v be_v by_o he_o sufficient_o inform_v at_o this_o thomas_z far_o from_o acknowledge_v any_o suchinformation_n complain_v in_o the_o 5_o verse_n that_o they_o be_v ignorant_a both_o of_o the_o place_n and_o the_o way_n to_o it_o our_o saviour_n answer_v that_o the_o place_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o society_n of_o his_o father_n who_o they_o have_v sufficient_o know_v by_o converse_v with_o he_o this_o far_a from_o remove_v the_o mistake_v of_o the_o apostle_n give_v occasion_n to_o the_o discovery_n of_o a_o far_o great_a ignorance_n in_o they_o for_o in_o the_o 8_o verse_n philip_n desire_v he_o to_o show_v the_o father_n to_o they_o thereby_o manifest_v how_o wide_o he_o have_v hitherto_o mistake_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o gross_a notion_n of_o the_o father_n he_o entertain_v so_o strange_a a_o ignorance_n draw_v a_o sharp_a expostulation_n from_o our_o saviour_n have_v i_o be_v so_o long_a time_n with_o you_o and_o yet_o have_v thou_o not_o knoâ—…n_v i_o philip_n ver_fw-la 9_o thereupon_o declare_v unto_o he_o what_o sufficient_a mean_n he_o have_v already_o give_v they_o of_o know_v the_o father_n and_o promise_v to_o enable_v they_o yet_o further_o to_o a_o more_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o he_o by_o send_v the_o comforter_n the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n he_o assure_v they_o of_o a_o more_o clear_a and_o express_a revelation_n of_o this_o matter_n at_o his_o resurrection_n by_o manifest_v himself_o and_o consequent_o the_o father_n to_o pious_o dispose_v person_n who_o love_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n although_o he_o intend_v not_o to_o manifest_v himself_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n and_o manner_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n at_o this_o judas_n lebbaeus_n seem_v to_o be_v astonish_v and_o in_o a_o passionate_a exclamation_n which_o include_v somewhat_o of_o despair_n in_o it_o say_v unto_o he_o ver_fw-la 22._o lord_n how_o be_v it_o that_o thou_o will_v manifest_v thyself_o unto_o we_o and_o not_o unto_o the_o world_n as_o imagine_v this_o illustrious_a manifestation_n to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o take_v possession_n in_o a_o solemn_a and_o magnificent_a manner_n of_o that_o glorious_a worldly_a kingdom_n which_o himself_o with_o the_o other_o apostle_n in_o vain_a expect_v to_o be_v found_v by_o their_o master_n such_o strange_a mistake_n of_o which_o the_o mean_a christian_n will_v be_v ashamed_a in_o the_o present_a constitution_n of_o the_o church_n may_v just_o be_v admire_v to_o have_v proceed_v from_o those_o who_o be_v the_o familiar_a attendant_n of_o christ_n through_o a_o triennial_n preach_v acquaint_v with_o all_o his_o discourse_n and_o honour_v with_o a_o familiar_a conversation_n if_o we_o inquire_v not_o more_o narrow_o into_o the_o cause_n of_o thing_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o divine_a dispensation_n oursaviour_n himself_o seem_v not_o in_o the_o least_o to_o be_v surprise_v at_o it_o but_o only_o after_o a_o short_a answer_n to_o lebbaeus_n his_o question_n hence_o take_v occasion_n to_o renew_v the_o promise_n of_o that_o remedy_n which_o he_o have_v ever_o design_v and_o often_o before_o promise_v i_o mean_v the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o these_o word_n these_o thing_n have_v i_o speak_v unto_o you_o be_v yet_o present_a with_o you_o but_o the_o comforter_n which_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o the_o father_n will_v send_v in_o my_o name_n he_o shall_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n to_o your_o remembrance_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v say_v unto_o you_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v these_o answer_n i_o have_v brief_o give_v to_o your_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n such_o as_o the_o shortness_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o time_n will_v permit_v which_o still_o remain_v to_o i_o to_o be_v spend_v in_o your_o company_n i_o have_v before_o sufficient_o explain_v all_o these_o mystery_n to_o you_o provide_v your_o mind_n by_o removal_n of_o all_o prejudices_fw-la by_o ordinary_a endowment_n of_o right_a apprehension_n and_o use_v due_a diligence_n have_v be_v right_o dispose_v to_o receive_v they_o but_o since_o you_o still_o continue_v ignorant_a of_o those_o great_a truth_n and_o infinite_o mistake_v my_o doctrine_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o suffer_v yourselves_o to_o be_v possess_v with_o terror_n and_o amazement_n at_o the_o news_n of_o my_o departure_n i_o will_v not_o forsake_v you_o or_o leave_v you_o destitute_a of_o the_o mean_n either_o of_o consolation_n or_o better_a instruction_n but_o abundant_o provide_v for_o both_o by_o send_v to_o you_o after_o my_o ascension_n another_o comforter_n even_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o the_o father_n at_o my_o intercession_n and_o for_o my_o sake_n will_v send_v unto_o you_o he_o shall_v erect_v your_o droop_a spirit_n and_o remove_v your_o grief_n by_o administer_a consolation_n to_o you_o and_o dispel_v your_o ignorance_n by_o enlighten_v your_o mind_n with_o clear_a notion_n and_o true_a interpretation_n of_o whatsoever_o i_o have_v teach_v unto_o you_o and_o recall_v into_o your_o mind_n all_o those_o doctrine_n and_o lesson_n of_o i_o which_o you_o may_v have_v forget_v these_o word_n be_v thus_o explain_v represent_v to_o we_o i._o the_o promise_n of_o send_v a_o comforter_n ii_o the_o person_n to_o be_v send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n iii_o the_o office_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o send_v which_o however_o various_a be_v perfect_o include_v either_o in_o the_o diverse_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o comforter_n which_o may_v be_v take_v as_o a_o advocate_n a_o monitor_n or_o a_o consolator_n or_o in_o the_o annex_v action_n of_o teach_v thâ—…m_o all_o thing_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n into_o their_o remembrance_n whatsoever_o christ_n have_v say_v unto_o they_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v consider_v no_o more_o than_o the_o latter_a branch_n of_o the_o three_o point_n that_o be_v the_o office_n of_o teach_v the_o apostle_n which_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o in_o handle_v this_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o first_o place_n inquire_v what_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o reason_n of_o this_o prodigious_a ignorance_n of_o the_o apostle_n after_o so_o long_a and_o so_o excellent_a instruction_n second_o i_o shall_v prove_v that_o the_o permission_n of_o this_o ignorance_n till_o the_o send_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o repugnant_a to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n or_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n three_o i_o shall_v draw_v some_o few_o conclusion_n from_o both_o first_o then_o the_o cause_n and_o reason_n of_o this_o so_o long_o continue_v ignorance_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o these_o i_o take_v the_o chief_a and_o most_o fundamental_a one_o to_o have_v be_v their_o ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o better_a explain_v of_o this_o cause_n i_o will_v premise_v some_o few_o observation_n as_o 1._o the_o conformity_n of_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n the_o best_a and_o principal_a argument_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n of_o his_o divine_a mission_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o revelation_n miracle_n indeed_o may_v create_v a_o great_a probability_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o article_n but_o such_o a_o conformity_n alone_o can_v demonstrate_v it_o since_o miracle_n be_v common_a to_o inferâ—…our_v prophet_n and_o sometime_o even_o to_o false_a prophet_n but_o a_o entire_a agreement_n of_o the_o precedent_a prophecy_n be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o sole_a person_n of_o the_o true_a messiah_n this_o appear_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o end_n of_o write_v it_o which_o take_v in_o all_o its_o part_n be_v chief_o design_v to_o point_n out_o the_o future_a messiah_n by_o certain_a plain_a note_n and_o indication_n whereby_o he_o may_v easy_o be_v discover_v to_o the_o jew_n the_o historical_a book_n be_v employ_v in_o describe_v his_o genealogy_n the_o psalm_n and_o prophet_n in_o foretell_v the_o time_n of_o his_o come_n the_o manner_n of_o his_o life_n his_o passion_n resurrection_n and_o doctrine_n now_o it_o will_v be_v high_o injurious_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v profess_o cause_v so_o many_o book_n to_o be_v write_v chief_o to_o design_n the_o messiah_n and_o yet_o design_v he_o by_o such_o character_n as_o shall_v not_o be_v proper_a to_o he_o alone_o but_o may_v be_v common_a to_o other_o person_n so_o that_o the_o agreement_n of_o those_o prophecy_n to_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o most_o demonstrative_a proof_n that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n miracle_n indeed_o be_v in_o their_o respect_n also_o necessary_a to_o he_o but_o that_o chief_o because_o it_o be_v before_o prophesy_v of_o the_o messiah_n that_o great_a and_o
ancient_a prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n concern_v the_o messiah_n and_o if_o so_o than_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o christ_n shall_v careful_o instruct_v his_o disciple_n before_o his_o ascension_n in_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n concern_v he_o or_o elaborate_o explain_v to_o they_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o incarnation_n passion_n and_o ascension_n since_o this_o conduce_v not_o direct_o to_o the_o end_n before_o mention_v and_o may_v more_o convenient_o be_v effect_v when_o it_o shall_v become_v necessary_a after_o his_o ascension_n by_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o according_o we_o find_v not_o our_o saviour_n in_o all_o his_o private_a discourse_n and_o instruction_n to_o his_o apostle_n profess_o explain_v the_o scripture_n to_o they_o before_o his_o resurrection_n he_o frequent_o admonish_v they_o of_o the_o danger_n and_o affliction_n they_o shall_v undergo_v in_o execute_v their_o mission_n of_o the_o courage_n patience_n and_o other_o virtue_n wherewith_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v endue_v and_o the_o perpetual_a assistance_n which_o they_o may_v expect_v from_o he_o but_o seldom_o inculcate_v the_o consideration_n of_o those_o prophecy_n which_o may_v bring_v they_o to_o a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n or_o if_o at_o any_o time_n he_o mention_v and_o explain_v such_o prophecy_n to_o they_o it_o be_v only_o by_o way_n of_o proposal_n without_o any_o such_o extraordinary_a illumination_n of_o mind_n and_o infuse_v capacity_n of_o understand_v they_o as_o be_v afterward_o bestow_v on_o they_o by_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o never_o deny_v to_o they_o indeed_o that_o ordinary_a grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o give_v to_o all_o well_o dispose_v person_n who_o right_o ask_v it_o but_o the_o efficacy_n of_o that_o ordinary_a assistance_n be_v overthrow_v and_o stifle_v by_o the_o more_o potent_a resistance_n of_o inveterate_a prejudices_fw-la and_o false_a preconceive_a opinion_n concern_v the_o messiah_n but_o if_o the_o apostle_n receive_v no_o extraordinary_a instruction_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o their_o master_n before_o his_o resurrection_n we_o can_v hope_v that_o they_o shall_v obtain_v any_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o it_o by_o their_o natuâ—…al_a strength_n or_o acquire_v learning_n mâ—…ny_o reason_n have_v induce_v our_o saviour_n to_o choose_v to_o he_o disciple_n rather_o out_o of_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o people_n than_o from_o the_o learned_a doctor_n and_o expositor_n of_o the_o law_n and_o at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n by_o a_o iâ—…tollerable_a corruption_n of_o discipline_n the_o common_a people_n be_v by_o their_o doctor_n and_o teacher_n studious_o deprive_v of_o the_o mean_n of_o a_o exact_a and_o accurate_a knowledge_n of_o scripture_n they_o be_v deter_v from_o a_o diligent_a search_n of_o scripture_n by_o many_o artifices_fw-la and_o pretence_n by_o amplify_a the_o difficulty_n of_o their_o undertake_n the_o obscurity_n of_o those_o oracle_n and_o rashness_n of_o inquire_v into_o those_o sacred_a mystery_n with_o unwashen_n hand_n that_o be_v as_o themselves_o explain_v it_o without_o a_o tedious_a preparation_n of_o learning_n and_o education_n by_o these_o argument_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n have_v engross_v the_o study_n of_o scripture_n to_o themselves_o and_o take_v away_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n have_v suffer_v none_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o disquisition_n and_o examination_n of_o those_o sacred_a prophecy_n upon_o account_n of_o this_o ignorance_n in_o the_o common_a people_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n in_o the_o vi_o st._n john_n ver_fw-la 39_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v no_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o true_a messiah_n who_o can_v be_v know_v no_o otherwise_o than_o from_o scripture_n but_o this_o people_n who_o know_v not_o the_o law_n be_v curse_v we_o can_v imagine_v the_o apostle_n to_o have_v be_v exempt_a from_o this_o common_a calamity_n but_o rather_o more_o deep_o engage_v in_o it_o than_o other_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o meanness_n of_o their_o condition_n the_o nature_n of_o their_o employment_n their_o gross_a and_o perpetual_a mistake_n of_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n and_o till_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n their_o insuperable_a slowness_n of_o understanding_n if_o then_o a_o right_a knowledge_n of_o scripture_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o a_o perfect_a understanding_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o office_n of_o the_o messiah_n if_o the_o apostle_n be_v natural_o devoid_a of_o this_o knowledge_n and_o not_o extraordinary_o endue_v with_o it_o by_o christ_n before_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n all_o which_o we_o have_v already_o prove_v it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o the_o apostle_n before_o the_o reception_n of_o that_o extraordinary_a knowledge_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o mystery_n and_o design_n of_o their_o master_n mission_n and_o according_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o shall_v find_v their_o ignorance_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v assign_v as_o the_o chief_a cause_n of_o their_o mistake_n in_o all_o other_o point_n so_o that_o what_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o the_o jew_n you_o err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n be_v perfect_o true_a of_o they_o thus_o john_n xi_o 22._o our_o saviour_n promise_v to_o raise_v up_o the_o temple_n of_o his_o body_n in_o three_o day_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v dissolve_v his_o apostle_n understand_v not_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o his_o word_n but_o when_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a than_o they_o at_o last_o remember_v that_o he_o have_v say_v this_o unto_o they_o and_o they_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o word_n which_o jesus_n have_v say_v they_o before_o even_o from_o their_o infancy_n believe_v the_o scripture_n in_o general_n that_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o divine_o inspire_v but_o now_o they_o understand_v and_o believe_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n the_o ignorance_n of_o which_o have_v before_o cause_v they_o to_o fall_v into_o error_n again_o s._n john_n xii_o 16._o these_o thing_n understand_v not_o his_o disciple_n at_o the_o first_o but_o when_o jesus_n be_v glorify_v that_o be_v after_o his_o ascension_n then_o remember_v they_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v of_o he_o and_o that_o they_o have_v do_v these_o thing_n unto_o he_o here_o the_o promise_n make_v in_o the_o text_n be_v full_o accomplish_v by_o a_o twofold_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o one_o recall_v into_o the_o remembrance_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o action_n and_o suffering_n of_o christ_n of_o which_o they_o have_v be_v witness_n in_o his_o life_n time_n the_o other_o clear_o propose_v to_o they_o the_o entire_a conformity_n between_o those_o action_n and_o the_o precedent_a prophecy_n which_o be_v write_v of_o he_o in_o like_a manner_n our_o saviour_n reprove_v the_o disciple_n of_o emmaus_n for_o their_o amazement_n and_o despair_n of_o their_o master_n resurrection_n upbraid_v to_o they_o their_o ignorance_n of_o scripture_n o_o fool_n and_o slow_a of_o heart_n to_o believe_v all_o that_o the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v ought_v not_o christ_n to_o have_v suffer_v these_o thing_n and_o to_o enter_v into_o his_o glory_n luc._n xxiv_o 25_o 26._o they_o doubt_v not_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o prophecy_n but_o affix_v false_a interpretation_n to_o they_o have_v pervert_v their_o sense_n and_o thereby_o in_o believe_v they_o assent_v not_o to_o the_o true_a prophefy_v but_o to_o the_o fiction_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n and_o thereby_o be_v hinder_v from_o understand_v the_o necessity_n of_o christ_n suffer_v these_o thing_n and_o enter_v into_o his_o glory_n i_o have_v now_o dispatch_v the_o first_o and_o chief_a reason_n of_o the_o a_o postle_n ignorance_n i_o proceed_v to_o assign_v some_o 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saviour_n entertain_v and_o propagate_v mean_a and_o unworthy_a thought_n
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great_a certainty_n than_o
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sensual_a pleasure_n be_v thence_o transport_v with_o violent_a prejudices_fw-la wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o truth_n cast_v the_o word_n of_o convicton_n behind_o they_o and_o hate_v to_o be_v reform_v to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n of_o christ_n and_o our_o religion_n against_o the_o blasphemy_n of_o such_o man_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a in_o his_o place_n and_o station_n and_o as_o opportunity_n be_v minister_v to_o he_o nor_o be_v there_o want_v those_o among_o we_o who_o open_o and_o with_o great_a excess_n of_o apparent_a zeal_n seek_v to_o withdraw_v we_o from_o our_o most_o holy_a religion_n endeavour_v to_o impose_v upon_o we_o the_o belief_n of_o pernicious_a error_n and_o superstition_n they_o oppose_v not_o direct_o indeed_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n but_o corrupt_v it_o with_o error_n and_o false_a opinion_n rend_v in_o sunder_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n by_o promote_a and_o persuade_v a_o schifmatical_a departure_n from_o it_o and_o open_o impugn_v the_o
imagine_v that_o pomp_n and_o grandeur_n riches_n and_o majesty_n do_v more_o become_v the_o messiah_n than_o humility_n and_o affliction_n poverty_n and_o contempt_n be_v thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o of_o no_o esteem_n any_o otherwise_o than_o in_o respect_n to_o their_o conducement_n to_o some_o better_a end_n which_o in_o the_o messiah_n be_v the_o instruction_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o reconciliation_n of_o it_o by_o his_o death_n to_o his_o offend_a father_n to_o the_o latter_a contempt_n affliction_n and_o suffer_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o to_o the_o former_a high_o convenient_a for_o since_o our_o lord_n be_v not_o only_o to_o reform_v the_o error_n of_o mankind_n by_o his_o infallible_a doctrine_n and_o atone_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o it_o by_o his_o passion_n but_o also_o to_o deliver_v to_o we_o a_o most_o complete_a pattern_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n in_o his_o own_o person_n it_o be_v high_o expedient_a that_o he_o shall_v suffer_v all_o the_o calamity_n incident_a to_o humane_a nature_n that_o so_o he_o may_v teach_v man_n by_o his_o own_o example_n patient_o to_o endure_v affliction_n undergo_v poverty_n with_o contentment_n and_o not_o be_v affright_v by_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n from_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n no_o persuasion_n be_v necessary_a to_o induce_v man_n to_o admit_v riches_n pleasure_n and_o prosperity_n but_o to_o suffer_v all_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o world_n with_o a_o generous_a and_o unrepining_a mind_n nothing_o less_o than_o the_o example_n of_o god_n incarnate_a can_v persuade_v they_o the_o manner_n wherein_o god_n choose_v to_o reveal_v the_o gospel_n may_v perhaps_o seem_v strange_a to_o the_o jew_n as_o be_v different_a from_o that_o wherein_o the_o law_n be_v reveal_v on_o mount_n sina_n but_o far_o from_o appear_v incredible_a ought_v rather_o to_o have_v seem_v more_o congruous_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n certain_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v which_o be_v matter_n of_o the_o high_a bounty_n and_o clemency_n to_o mankind_n require_v not_o to_o be_v reveal_v in_o such_o a_o terrible_a manner_n as_o the_o law_n which_o be_v employ_v rather_o in_o denounce_v the_o judgement_n than_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n but_o in_o a_o manner_n which_o by_o the_o sweetness_n of_o it_o may_v declare_v the_o clemency_n and_o love_a kindness_n of_o its_o author_n it_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o brutish_a stupidity_n not_o to_o be_v raise_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n any_o otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o power_n and_o justice_n as_o if_o act_n of_o mercy_n do_v not_o equal_o declare_v his_o nature_n and_o lay_v a_o far_o great_a obligation_n of_o obedience_n upon_o we_o or_o if_o act_v of_o power_n must_v be_v employ_v as_o indeed_o they_o be_v high_o necessary_a in_o the_o second_o place_n they_o be_v far_o more_o numerous_a and_o wonderful_a in_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o of_o the_o law_n not_o so_o amaze_a but_o more_o divine_a not_o so_o terrible_a but_o more_o illustrious_a the_o jew_n indeed_o be_v wont_a to_o require_v a_o sign_n as_o the_o last_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o since_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o miracle_n be_v frequent_o wrought_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o faith_n can_v be_v understand_v of_o no_o other_o than_o either_o that_o great_a and_o final_a miracle_n which_o they_o vain_o expect_v from_o the_o messiah_n the_o restitution_n of_o their_o nation_n to_o its_o temporal_a happiness_n or_o perform_v a_o miracle_n as_o often_o as_o every_o single_a person_n shall_v desire_v it_o for_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n or_o else_o rely_v more_o upon_o miracle_n than_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n concern_v christ_n and_o never_o urge_v their_o authority_n to_o the_o jew_n without_o some_o concomitant_a miracle_n in_o whethersoever_o of_o these_o sâ—…nses_n the_o jew_n be_v wont_n obstinate_o to_o require_v a_o sign_n of_o the_o apostle_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a or_o impertinent_a for_o will_v it_o not_o be_v unworthy_a the_o majesty_n of_o god_n to_o violate_v the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n to_o gratify_v either_o a_o false_a opinion_n or_o a_o fond_a desire_n the_o restitution_n of_o liberty_n be_v never_o promise_v from_o the_o mâ—…ssias_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o therefore_o be_v in_o vain_a expect_v from_o he_o the_o prophecy_n be_v sufficient_o clear_a and_o need_v not_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o constant_a miracle_n and_o to_o gratify_v the_o idle_a curiosity_n of_o every_o petulant_a humour_n by_o work_a miracle_n as_o often_o as_o shall_v be_v require_v will_v be_v such_o a_o trifle_a extravagance_n as_o will_v more_o effectual_o destroy_v the_o authority_n of_o such_o a_o lawgiver_n than_o all_o his_o miracle_n will_v confirm_v it_o or_o if_o a_o constant_a uniform_a miracle_n attend_v the_o publication_n of_o christianity_n will_v satisfy_v such_o man_n as_o sure_o it_o ought_v to_o do_v they_o may_v discover_v one_o in_o that_o very_a circumstance_n which_o they_o use_v to_o enforce_v their_o objection_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v successful_o propagate_v in_o the_o world_n by_o ignorant_a and_o illiterate_a person_n who_o can_v neither_o impose_v upon_o mankind_n by_o the_o crafty_a artifice_n of_o rhetoric_n or_o insinuation_n nor_o delude_v they_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o name_n a_o circumstance_n which_o unanswerable_o argue_v a_o divine_a power_n and_o assistance_n to_o have_v attend_v the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o affect_v the_o mind_n of_o their_o auditor_n and_o then_o what_o great_a argument_n can_v we_o desire_v of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o contrive_v and_o use_v this_o method_n than_o those_o illustrious_a advantage_n which_o it_o administer_v to_o the_o design_a end_n the_o conversion_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n for_o not_o only_a may_v the_o wonderful_a success_n of_o it_o in_o all_o part_n even_o of_o the_o learned_a world_n wrought_v by_o such_o weak_a and_o contemptible_a mean_n convince_v all_o sober_a person_n of_o somewhat_o more_o than_o humane_a direct_v the_o conduct_n of_o it_o but_o also_o this_o method_n admirable_o conduce_v to_o secure_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o destroy_v the_o pride_n and_o ambition_n of_o man_n who_o if_o they_o have_v be_v qualify_v for_o such_o a_o office_n by_o acquire_v learning_n will_v have_v be_v apt_a to_o have_v ascribe_v their_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a matter_n to_o their_o own_o sagacity_n not_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o entitle_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o success_n to_o their_o own_o prudence_n not_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o further_o may_v have_v induce_v man_n to_o have_v attribute_v the_o success_n of_o christianity_n to_o the_o sophistry_n and_o insinuation_n of_o its_o teacher_n not_o the_o power_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o accompany_v it_o and_o the_o providence_n of_o that_o god_n who_o found_v it_o thus_o we_o have_v answer_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o jew_n and_o by_o show_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o employ_v unlearned_a person_n defeat_v a_o like_a objection_n of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n but_o then_o what_o the_o jew_n admit_v that_o supernatural_a revelation_n be_v both_o convenient_a and_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n theseman_n deny_v trust_v to_o the_o suppose_a excellency_n of_o their_o own_o learning_n and_o imagine_v themselves_o able_a by_o the_o sole_a light_n of_o reason_n to_o attain_v the_o high_a perfection_n of_o spiritual_a knowledge_n herein_o put_v themselves_o into_o a_o worse_a condition_n than_o those_o who_o they_o treat_v with_o so_o much_o scorn_n idiot_n and_o barbarian_n for_o these_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o failure_n of_o their_o own_o understanding_n and_o therefore_o willing_o admit_v a_o remedy_n whereas_o those_o disow_v all_o disease_n neglect_v the_o cure_n of_o it_o sure_o no_o great_a reason_n be_v require_v to_o confute_v these_o men._n for_o be_v it_o unworthy_a the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o assist_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o supernatural_a revelation_n even_o although_o it_o may_v although_o not_o without_o great_a difficulty_n attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n necessary_a this_o none_o will_v say_v or_o be_v it_o unbefitting_a the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o unlearned_a person_n by_o revelation_n although_o most_o learned_a man_n may_v not_o want_v it_o this_o can_v be_v doubt_v or_o if_o a_o revelation_n must_v be_v make_v can_v it_o be_v do_v in_o any_o more_o prudent_a and_o rational_a manner_n than_o be_v christianity_n this_o none_o will_v affirm_v so_o then_o the_o extraordinary_a revelation_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v consistent_a with_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o reason_n of_o man_n and_o the_o necessity_n
suffer_v our_o reason_n to_o take_v place_n if_o we_o wilful_o shut_v not_o our_o eye_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o embolden_v our_o mind_n against_o the_o influence_n of_o it_o when_o discover_v we_o can_v but_o repent_v to_o harden_v the_o heart_n be_v to_o act_n against_o the_o conviction_n of_o a_o man_n be_v own_o conscience_n and_o against_o the_o dictate_v of_o truth_n clear_o and_o full_o manifest_v thus_o pharaoh_n be_v often_o in_o scripture_n say_v to_o have_v harden_v his_o heart_n when_o he_o refuse_v to_o let_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n go_v he_o be_v abundant_o convince_v that_o the_o dismission_n of_o they_o be_v command_v by_o god_n he_o know_v very_o well_o that_o moses_n be_v a_o true_a prophet_n he_o experience_v the_o power_n of_o god_n in_o the_o dreadful_a plague_n inflict_v upon_o his_o kingdom_n and_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o true_a god_n by_o recur_v to_o he_o and_o implore_v his_o mercy_n and_o pardon_n as_o often_o as_o he_o desire_v the_o plague_n to_o be_v remove_v yet_o for_o all_o this_o he_o perverse_o refuse_v to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o be_v therefore_o make_v a_o example_n of_o the_o terrible_a justice_n of_o god_n even_o in_o this_o world_n we_o have_v yet_o a_o near_a instance_n of_o this_o kind_n in_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o the_o psalmist_n in_o these_o word_n particular_o reflect_v on_o harden_n not_o your_o heart_n as_o in_o the_o provocation_n in_o the_o day_n of_o temptation_n in_o the_o wilderness_n when_o your_o father_n tempt_v i_o prove_v i_o and_o see_v my_o work_n they_o be_v a_o people_n peculiar_o choose_v by_o god_n and_o oblige_v by_o the_o most_o amaze_a temporal_a benefit_n that_o ever_o be_v confer_v on_o any_o feed_v with_o a_o constant_a miracle_n lead_v by_o a_o prophet_n and_o confirm_v by_o continual_a miracle_n wrought_v in_o favour_n of_o they_o here_o be_v sufficient_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o that_o god_n they_o worship_v of_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o obligation_n lay_v upon_o they_o and_o the_o reason_n they_o have_v to_o yield_v a_o entire_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n yet_o we_o find_v frequent_a defection_n in_o they_o contempt_n of_o his_o precept_n vilify_a of_o his_o benefit_n and_o disbelief_n of_o his_o promife_n which_o enforce_v god_n in_o indignation_n to_o say_v of_o they_o how_o long_o will_v this_o people_n provoke_v i_o and_o how_o long_o will_v it_o be_v ever_o they_o believe_v on_o i_o for_o all_o the_o sign_n which_o i_o have_v show_v among_o they_o i_o will_v smite_v they_o with_o the_o pestilence_n and_o disinherit_v they_o etc._n etc._n numb_a fourteen_o 11_o 12._o so_o then_o to_o harden_v the_o heart_n be_v to_o act_n against_o the_o conviction_n and_o impulse_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n a_o sin_n of_o the_o high_a enormity_n against_o which_o god_n express_v the_o great_a indignation_n and_o on_o which_o he_o inflict_v the_o most_o severe_a punishment_n this_o we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v this_o we_o willing_o confess_v we_o wonder_v at_o the_o impudence_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o pharaoh_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o conceive_v indignation_n and_o pronounce_v sentence_n against_o he_o when_o we_o read_v or_o hear_v his_o history_n we_o abhor_v the_o ingratitude_n and_o baseness_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o be_v astonish_v to_o think_v that_o they_o shall_v after_o so_o many_o signal_n miracle_n wrought_v in_o favour_n of_o they_o rebel_n against_o god_n slight_a his_o favour_n and_o endeavour_v to_o stone_n his_o prophet_n and_o their_o own_o deliverer_n we_o condemn_v the_o folly_n and_o unreasonable_a conduct_n of_o both_o and_o be_v prone_a to_o conclude_v with_o ourselves_o have_v we_o then_o be_v in_o the_o place_n of_o pharaoh_n or_o in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o jew_n far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v imitate_v his_o obstinacy_n or_o their_o perverseness_n but_o let_v we_o not_o deceive_v ourselves_o or_o flatter_v ourselves_o with_o a_o vain_a opinion_n of_o behave_v ourselves_o better_a in_o such_o circumstance_n let_v we_o reflect_v upon_o our_o own_o behaviour_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o repentance_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o omission_n of_o it_o to_o be_v in_o no_o less_o a_o degree_n a_o harden_v of_o the_o heart_n than_o be_v the_o crime_n either_o of_o pharaoh_n or_o of_o the_o jew_n for_o our_o conviction_n be_v no_o less_o than_o be_v that_o of_o pharaoh_n our_o obligation_n great_a than_o be_v that_o of_o the_o jew_n we_o be_v without_o doubt_n full_o satisfy_v that_o our_o god_n be_v the_o true_a god_n that_o he_o have_v a_o just_a right_o to_o lay_v his_o command_n upon_o we_o and_o to_o require_v our_o obedience_n we_o know_v very_o well_o that_o he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o observe_v the_o rule_n of_o holiness_n temperance_n and_o justice_n and_o that_o although_o he_o have_v reserve_v mercy_n and_o pardon_n for_o sinner_n yet_o that_o this_o be_v dispense_v upon_o no_o othercondition_n than_o that_o of_o repentance_n without_o the_o practice_n therefore_o of_o this_o no_o obedience_n to_o god_n can_v consist_v or_o be_v preserve_v and_o then_o may_v not_o he_o just_o be_v say_v to_o have_v harden_v his_o heart_n and_o defy_v the_o divine_a majesty_n who_o acknowledge_v all_o this_o and_o yet_o can_v be_v prevail_v on_o to_o manifest_v his_o obedience_n by_o forsake_v bewail_a and_o amend_v his_o former_a disobedience_n who_o confess_v himself_o to_o be_v his_o creature_n and_o to_o owe_v to_o his_o liberality_n both_o his_o life_n and_o all_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o continue_v to_o profess_v enmity_n to_o he_o by_o retain_v his_o sinful_a habit_n who_o believe_v all_o his_o attribute_n of_o almighty_a power_n wisdom_n and_o omnipresence_n and_o yet_o neither_o dread_v his_o anger_n nor_o reveres_fw-la his_o all-seeing_a eye_n so_o that_o if_o man_n consider_v but_o the_o natural_a obligation_n which_o they_o have_v to_o god_n they_o can_v not_o disobey_v he_o or_o continue_v in_o disobedience_n by_o unrepentance_n without_o either_o the_o constant_a accusation_n of_o their_o conscience_n or_o a_o studious_a stifle_a of_o they_o by_o a_o profligate_n hardness_n of_o heart_n but_o then_o who_o can_v reflect_v upon_o the_o wonderful_a benefit_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n without_o conclude_v impenitent_a christian_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o unparalleled_a obstinacy_n when_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o natural_a light_n of_o mankind_n by_o a_o universal_a decay_n of_o piety_n want_v their_o effect_n and_o fail_v in_o promote_a among_o man_n obedience_n to_o their_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o maker_n god_n contrive_v such_o a_o method_n to_o reduce_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n as_o if_o a_o inexcusable_a ingratitude_n do_v not_o oppose_v can_v not_o miscarry_v he_o invite_v they_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n proclaim_v pardon_n to_o all_o penitent_a sinner_n propose_v infinite_a reward_n to_o sincere_a repentance_n and_o settle_v a_o succession_n of_o pastor_n in_o the_o church_n who_o may_v renew_v these_o promise_n and_o promote_v repentance_n by_o constant_a exhortation_n after_o all_o this_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o corroborate_v or_o add_v to_o the_o obligation_n of_o what_o be_v require_v of_o we_o and_o if_o we_o inquire_v what_o that_o be_v we_o shall_v find_v it_o to_o be_v brief_o comprehend_v in_o repentance_n this_o be_v the_o message_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n send_v to_o prepare_v the_o way_n to_o our_o saviour_n this_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o theapostle_n sermon_n repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v so_o necessary_a be_v it_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n that_o it_o be_v pre-required_n to_o it_o the_o main_a design_n of_o that_o most_o holy_a religion_n be_v to_o promote_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n by_o procure_v a_o just_a esteem_n and_o adoration_n of_o himself_o a_o universal_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o devotion_n to_o his_o will._n none_o of_o which_o can_v take_v place_n until_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n be_v first_o renounce_v and_o change_v into_o a_o steady_a resolution_n of_o submission_n to_o the_o divine_a precept_n if_o then_o neither_o the_o offer_v of_o pardon_n can_v persuade_v we_o nor_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n constrain_v we_o if_o the_o frequent_a exhortation_n of_o faithful_a monitor_n can_v move_v we_o nor_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o engage_v we_o if_o these_o argument_n contrive_v by_o the_o most_o wise_a providence_n of_o god_n become_v fruitless_a and_o ineffectual_a it_o must_v be_v impute_v to_o a_o obduration_n great_a than_o any_o other_o because_o oppose_v reason_n strong_a than_o any_o other_o if_o to_o slight_a and_o overlook_a all_o these_o obligation_n be_v so_o enormous_a a_o obduration_n much_o more_o criminal_a will_v it_o be_v to_o despise_v the_o glorious_a
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