other_o christian_n be_v in_o of_o be_v reduce_v under_o the_o slavery_n of_o this_o mortal_a and_o common_a enemy_n so_o that_o how_o prosperous_a soever_o the_o christian_a arm_n be_v or_o have_v be_v we_o be_v still_o in_o great_a danger_n than_o ever_o of_o be_v ruin_v by_o the_o legion_n of_o these_o infidel_n not_o those_o of_o their_o spahi_n or_o janissary_n but_o by_o those_o of_o another_o order_n far_o more_o mischievous_a forasmuch_o as_o they_o fight_v under_o our_o own_o colour_n and_o pretend_v to_o be_v of_o our_o party_n such_o enemy_n be_v ever_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o most_o dangerous_a for_o they_o be_v rare_o discover_v till_o they_o have_v give_v the_o mortal_a blow_n now_o these_o be_v the_o socinian_o a_o sect_n which_o though_o explode_v the_o world_n above_o a_o thousand_o year_n ago_o under_o the_o appellation_n of_o arian_n be_v in_o these_o our_o day_n rise_v again_o from_o the_o grave_a and_o like_a spectrum_n appear_v every_o where_n in_o the_o dark_a in_o deny_v therefore_o the_o divinity_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o do_v with_o the_o mahometan_n not_o only_o deny_v the_o trinity_n the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n or_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n satisfaction_n but_o also_o baptism_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n together_o with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o original_a sin_n so_o many_o fatal_a error_n do_v follow_v one_o upon_o the_o neck_n of_o another_o by_o deny_v that_o one_o fundamental_a truth_n which_o christ_n himself_o be_v please_v to_o call_v the_o basis_n of_o his_o church_n viz._n that_o glorious_a confession_n of_o st._n peter_n thou_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o socinian_o we_o all_o know_v be_v a_o mongrel_n brood_n half_a christian_n half_a turk_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o they_o swarm_v so_o much_o in_o poland_n hungary_n and_o transylvania_n and_o be_v find_v at_o this_o day_n to_o fight_v open_o for_o the_o crescent_n against_o the_o cross_n this_o argument_n be_v too_o great_a and_o weighty_a to_o be_v discourse_v upon_o under_o the_o method_n i_o be_o engage_v to_o it_o will_v require_v a_o volume_n though_o we_o can_v but_o hope_n that_o as_o the_o pen_n of_o pious_a and_o learned_a man_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o pursue_v and_o stab_v their_o error_n so_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o magistrate_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o find_v out_o their_o person_n chap._n xxvii_o of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o immortality_n of_o man_n soul_n be_v a_o point_n of_o high_a concernment_n and_o come_v next_o to_o be_v consider_v of_o for_o as_o much_o as_o all_o our_o reliance_n upon_o god_n providential_a order_n as_o also_o all_o the_o hope_n and_o reward_n which_o depend_v upon_o our_o faith_n with_o whatsoever_o else_o relate_v to_o our_o christian_a practice_n be_v all_o build_v upon_o this_o persuasion_n viz._n that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n or_o source_n of_o all_o his_o action_n be_v of_o a_o incorruptible_a nature_n and_o survive_v the_o body_n but_o before_o we_o proceed_v to_o proof_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o clear_v some_o doubt_n which_o seem_v to_o obstruct_v we_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o argument_n the_o first_o grand_a difficulty_n be_v from_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o if_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v so_o great_a a_o truth_n and_o so_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v we_o find_v no_o mention_n of_o it_o in_o all_o the_o jewish_a writer_n of_o old_a in_o all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n there_o be_v no_o place_n to_o be_v find_v where_o there_o be_v so_o much_o as_o mention_v make_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n â—â—_o of_o a_o future_a 〈◊〉_d after_o death_n have_v the_o patriarch_n and_o prophet_n believe_v any_o such_o thing_n they_o must_v needs_o have_v mention_v it_o some_o time_n or_o other_o as_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a concern_v to_o they_o and_o the_o best_a support_n against_o the_o misfortune_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n and_o above_o all_o david_n must_v needs_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o it_o have_v such_o frequent_a occasion_n give_v he_o for_o it_o from_o the_o whole_a course_n and_o variable_a occurrence_n of_o his_o life_n nay_o even_o at_o his_o death_n his_o discourse_n with_o solomon_n be_v very_o copious_a about_o settle_v the_o temporal_a affair_n of_o his_o kingdom_n but_o not_o a_o word_n of_o the_o place_n where_o he_o be_v go_v to_o nor_o do_v we_o find_v that_o abraham_n jacob_n moses_n samuel_n or_o any_o of_o the_o patriarch_n and_o prophet_n to_o who_o god_n so_o large_o and_o familiar_o reveal_v his_o will_n ever_o touch_v upon_o this_o important_a point_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o their_o death_n only_o we_o read_v that_o they_o sleep_v with_o their_o father_n and_o be_v gather_v to_o their_o people_n and_o there_o be_v a_o end_n and_o though_o we_o read_v oft_o time_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o of_o hell_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n yet_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o by_o hell_n be_v understand_v nothing_o but_o death_n or_o the_o grave_a as_o by_o the_o soul_n also_o be_v understand_v no_o more_o but_o the_o animal_n life_n and_o sometimes_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n be_v indeed_o mention_v by_o job_n and_o daniel_n but_o that_o be_v another_o point_n but_o no_o proof_n can_v be_v produce_v which_o speak_v of_o the_o soul_n as_o of_o a_o immaterial_a and_o spiritual_a substance_n subsist_v after_o death_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o so_o silent_a touch_v the_o soul_n immortality_n but_o that_o there_o be_v ground_n enough_o even_o from_o scripture_n to_o make_v the_o matter_n dubious_a for_o most_o divine_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o it_o be_v samuel_n real_a soul_n which_o god_n suffer_v the_o witch_n to_o raise_v the_o night_n before_o saul_n death_n which_o can_v not_o be_v have_v it_o not_o survive_v the_o body_n and_o even_o in_o ecclesiastes_n which_o book_n seem_v even_o in_o a_o manner_n to_o determine_v man_n felicity_n in_o temporal_a enjoyment_n upon_o the_o sum_n of_o the_o matter_n we_o be_v tell_v by_o solomon_n that_o the_o body_n shall_v return_v to_o the_o dust_n but_o the_o spirit_n to_o god_n that_o give_v it_o though_o much_o either_o way_n can_v be_v conclude_v from_o the_o passage_n of_o this_o book_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o collection_n of_o observation_n make_v by_o solomon_n under_o his_o two_o capacity_n natural_a and_o divine_a or_o a_o miscellany_n of_o aphorism_n as_o they_o be_v dictate_v by_o the_o natural_a man_n and_o wisdom_n but_o whatever_o it_o be_v this_o be_v certain_a that_o if_o the_o book_n of_o tobit_n and_o of_o wisdom_n be_v of_o any_o credit_n with_o we_o as_o i_o know_v not_o but_o they_o shall_v there_o be_v enough_o for_o our_o purpose_n be_v tell_v cap._n 2._o and_o 3._o of_o wisdom_n that_o god_n create_v man_n to_o be_v immortal_a and_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o righteous_a be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o there_o shall_v no_o torment_n touch_v they_o and_o a_o little_a after_o he_o say_v that_o though_o they_o be_v punish_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n yet_o be_v their_o hope_n full_a of_o immortality_n tobit_n also_o in_o his_o prayer_n cap._n 3._o desire_n of_o god_n that_o he_o may_v be_v deliver_v out_o of_o his_o distress_n and_o go_v into_o the_o everlasting_a place_n in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o be_v notwithstanding_o probable_a that_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o conceal_v the_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o this_o as_o also_o of_o other_o important_a mystery_n of_o religion_n such_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o of_o the_o incarnation_n with_o some_o truth_n of_o this_o nature_n from_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o render_v the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n more_o glorious_a by_o the_o new_a discovery_n it_o be_v to_o bring_v along_o with_o it_o and_o this_o be_v what_o saint_n paul_n tell_v we_o express_o 2_o tim._n c._n 1._o viz._n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v abolish_v death_n and_o bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_n through_o the_o gospel_n though_o it_o be_v pious_a also_o to_o believe_v that_o many_o of_o the_o holy_a patriarch_n and_o prophet_n under_o the_o moysaicall_a institution_n have_v some_o secret_a dawning_n of_o this_o light_n even_o by_o the_o shadow_n it_o reflect_v their_o wander_n in_o the_o wilderness_n represent_v their_o instability_n hardship_n and_o error_n of_o life_n all_o which_o be_v to_o end_v in_o caanan_n the_o place_n of_o everlasting_a rest_n their_o jubelees_n also_o and_o sabbath_n be_v type_n also_o of_o the_o same_o everlasting_a rest_n as_o st._n
there_o be_v such_o a_o general_n decay_n of_o piety_n and_o christian_a virtue_n in_o these_o people_n who_o now_o groan_n under_o the_o mahometan_a yoke_n at_o such_o time_n as_o they_o become_v its_o vassal_n be_v notorious_o evident_a in_o all_o monument_n of_o antiquity_n nor_o do_v mahomet_n promise_n blessing_n and_o mercy_n to_o his_o follower_n but_o upon_o such_o condition_n as_o be_v before_o mention_v viz._n beleif_n repentance_n and_o goodworks_a in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v great_a apostasy_n from_o the_o faith_n and_o that_o there_o shall_v arise_v great_a seducer_n and_o false_a prophet_n or_o antichrist_n who_o shall_v deceive_v many_o and_o introduce_v new_a and_o damnable_a doctrine_n be_v what_o christ_n foretell_v and_o caution_v those_o who_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n to_o beware_v of_o it_o so_o that_o the_o event_n be_v so_o far_o from_o weaken_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o it_o do_v fortify_v the_o same_o by_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o what_o jesus_n foretold_v in_o the_o three_o place_n such_o a_o breach_n in_o the_o christian_a body_n be_v no_o diminution_n of_o christ_n power_n and_o goodness_n the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o world_n be_v in_o a_o state_n militant_a expose_v to_o continual_a fatigue_n and_o danger_n and_o sometime_o to_o defeat_n and_o to_o captivity_n this_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o christ_n also_o foretell_v in_o his_o gospel_n and_o what_o he_o himself_o suffer_v now_o here_o indeed_o be_v the_o power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n make_v manifest_a that_o maugre_o all_o the_o barbarity_n and_o artifice_n of_o turkish_a gorvernment_n the_o number_n of_o christian_n throughout_o their_o dominion_n far_o exceed_v that_o of_o those_o who_o hold_v they_o in_o subjection_n nor_o have_v the_o turk_n introduce_v among_o the_o greek_n any_o doctrine_n of_o their_o own_o which_o may_v poison_v the_o christian_a faith_n so_o that_o however_o their_o temporal_a estate_n may_v suffer_v by_o god_n wonderful_a providence_n and_o goodness_n they_o be_v not_o in_o any_o subjection_n as_o to_o their_o soul_n all_o which_o serve_v to_o wean_v man_n from_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n and_o to_o settle_v their_o thought_n upon_o a_o future_a state_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o grand_a scope_n and_o method_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o as_o this_o be_v the_o method_n with_o the_o church_n in_o general_n so_o likewise_o be_v it_o with_o every_o true_a christian_a in_o particular_a and_o although_o at_o first_o sight_n it_o may_v seem_v something_o harsh_a that_o christ_n who_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o redeem_v man_n from_o sin_n shall_v notwithstanding_o suffer_v the_o same_o devil_n to_o tempt_v we_o to_o sin_n and_o to_o ravish_v infinite_a number_n of_o soul_n daily_o out_o of_o the_o arm_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o even_o in_o this_o particular_a he_o verify_v his_o own_o doctrine_n for_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v call_v a_o crown_n now_o a_o crown_n or_o garland_n through_o all_o antiquity_n be_v ever_o hold_v a_o military_a reward_n such_o be_v their_o civil_a moral_a and_o other_o crown_n so_o famous_a among_o the_o ancient_n so_o that_o the_o very_a reward_n do_v suppose_v a_o victory_n and_o victory_n a_o fight_n and_o fight_v a_o enemy_n conformable_a hereunto_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o wrestle_v not_o with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n that_o be_v with_o our_o own_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o passion_n but_o with_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o spiritual_a wickedness_n in_o high_a place_n that_o be_v with_o devil_n who_o yet_o retain_v some_o kind_n of_o government_n and_o be_v in_o subordination_n to_o one_o another_o resemble_v the_o hierarchy_n of_o the_o bless_a angel_n which_o be_v describe_v also_o by_o the_o like_a character_n of_o throne_n dominion_n principality_n and_o power_n and_o be_v always_o at_o hand_n to_o relieve_v and_o defend_v the_o elect_a against_o temporal_a danger_n and_o the_o assault_n of_o those_o black_a legion_n as_o be_v every_o where_o most_o abundant_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n now_o if_o man_n for_o a_o corruptible_a crown_n venture_v so_o much_o he_o certain_o do_v not_o deserve_v one_o which_o be_v eternal_a and_o incorruptible_a who_o will_v not_o suffer_v hardship_n and_o combat_v the_o enemy_n who_o oppose_v he_o nor_o have_v christ_n leave_v the_o member_n of_o his_o church_n abandon_v and_o destitute_a for_o beside_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o bless_a angel_n the_o assistance_n of_o his_o sacrament_n together_o with_o his_o own_o example_n precept_n and_o promise_n he_o have_v for_o our_o far_a encouragement_n promise_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o adorn_v we_o with_o many_o singular_a grace_n and_o to_o direct_v his_o church_n into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n to_o all_o which_o whosoever_o have_v a_o true_a regard_n and_o live_v a_o virtuous_a life_n can_v but_o have_v a_o solid_a assurance_n of_o be_v eternal_o happy_a in_o the_o last_o place_n the_o progress_n which_o the_o mahometan_a superstition_n have_v make_v be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o what_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o do_v pretend_v they_o never_o meet_v with_o any_o philosopher_n to_o dispute_v with_o they_o nor_o prince_n to_o persecute_v they_o so_o that_o like_a weed_n in_o a_o fruitful_a soil_n be_v neglect_v they_o soon_o grow_v up_o and_o overrun_v the_o good_a ground_n what_o opposition_n the_o christian_a religion_n meet_v with_o in_o its_o birth_n and_o infancy_n we_o have_v already_o speak_v of_o as_o also_o that_o the_o christian_n after_o all_o their_o calamity_n far_o exceed_v the_o mahometan_n in_o number_n throughout_o all_o the_o grand_a signior_n dominion_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o discourse_n i_o put_v it_o thus_o to_o the_o mahometan_a mahomet_n in_o the_o table_n alcoran_n c._n of_o the_o table_n alcoran_n bring_v in_o god_n thus_o speak_v to_o he_o after_o many_o prophet_n we_o have_v at_o last_o send_v jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n he_o have_v confirm_v the_o ancient_a scripture_n we_o have_v give_v he_o the_o gospel_n full_a of_o light_n to_o conduct_v the_o people_n into_o the_o right_a way_n they_o who_o follow_v the_o gospel_n aught_o to_o judge_n how_o it_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o gospel_n they_o who_o do_v not_o judge_v conformable_o to_o what_o god_n have_v teach_v they_o be_v disobedient_a to_o his_o divine_a majesty_n the_o like_a he_o have_v in_o many_o other_o place_n of_o the_o alcoran_n extol_v also_o the_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n as_o send_v and_o inspire_v by_o god_n moreover_o chap._n of_o wine_n he_o call_v the_o jew_n blasphemer_n of_o wine_n alcor_fw-la cap._n of_o wine_n mary_n when_o they_o boast_v how_o they_o have_v kill_v the_o messiah_n even_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n of_o god_n they_o do_v not_o kill_v he_o nor_o crucify_v he_o but_o they_o crucify_v another_o person_n who_o resemble_v he_o god_n have_v take_v up_o jesus_n to_o himself_o into_o heaven_n moreover_o in_o the_o forecited_a chap._n of_o the_o table_n say_v he_o those_o who_o say_v that_o the_o messiah_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n be_v god_n be_v impious_a now_o let_v we_o see_v how_o these_o say_n of_o mahomet_n can_v hang_v together_o it_o be_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o we_o read_v how_o christ_n the_o word_n be_v god_n or_o the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n also_o that_o he_o be_v crucify_a and_o rose_n again_o it_o be_v in_o the_o gospel_n where_o we_o read_v that_o christ_n teach_v and_o command_v his_o disciple_n to_o baptise_v all_o nation_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o also_o institute_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o leave_v it_o as_o his_o last_o legacy_n or_o pledge_n of_o his_o love_n before_o his_o translation_n now_o if_o the_o gospel_n as_o mahomet_n tell_v we_o be_v full_a of_o light_n and_o leave_v we_o by_o god_n to_o direct_v we_o into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n then_o must_v the_o forementioned_a doctrine_n also_o be_v true_a for_o shall_v the_o gospel_n teach_v we_o a_o falsehood_n it_o can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o be_v full_a of_o light_n and_o to_o direct_v we_o into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n now_o if_o these_o doctrine_n be_v true_a then_o must_v that_o which_o be_v teach_v by_o mahomet_n to_o the_o contrary_n be_v false_a and_o consequent_o that_o mahomet_n in_o so_o teach_v be_v no_o less_o contradictory_n to_o himself_o than_o to_o the_o truth_n and_o be_v therefore_o no_o true_a prophet_n but_o a_o lie_a and_o wicked_a imposture_n but_o before_o i_o take_v my_o leave_n of_o mahomet_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o advertise_v my_o reader_n if_o he_o be_v a_o christian_a of_o the_o danger_n both_o he_o and_o all_o
a_o eternal_a and_o preaexistent_a matter_n then_o must_v that_o matter_n have_v be_v immutable_a for_o though_o the_o thing_n make_v out_o of_o it_o be_v subject_a to_o continual_a vicissitude_n and_o corruption_n yet_o the_o matter_n must_v be_v still_o the_o same_o as_o the_o stone_n and_o timber_n of_o which_o the_o house_n be_v make_v be_v the_o same_o still_o for_o nature_n and_o essence_n as_o it_o be_v before_o now_o if_o that_o out_o of_o which_o the_o world_n be_v make_v be_v immutable_a and_o eternal_a then_o must_v it_o have_v those_o perfection_n of_o which_o the_o divine_a nature_n chief_o do_v consist_v but_o if_o this_o can_v be_v grant_v then_o must_v it_o be_v mutable_a and_o then_o can_v it_o not_o be_v eternal_a for_o what_o be_v eternal_a must_v of_o necessity_n endure_v the_o same_o for_o ever_o but_o to_o proceed_v this_o truth_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n make_v such_o deep_a impression_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n through_o all_o age_n that_o 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as_o once_o to_o salute_v jupiter_n in_o short_a whosoever_o shall_v consider_v what_o the_o wise_a of_o the_o heathen_a speak_v concern_v a_o deity_n though_o they_o sometime_o use_v the_o word_n jupiter_n as_o be_v a_o name_n most_o know_v to_o the_o vulgar_a yield_v herein_o as_o i_o have_v say_v to_o the_o style_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o time_n in_o which_o they_o live_v nevertheless_o the_o description_n they_o make_v can_v belong_v to_o none_o but_o to_o the_o only_a true_a and_o immortal_a god_n for_o can_v that_o jupiter_n be_v think_v by_o they_o to_o be_v hominum_fw-la sator_fw-la atque_fw-la deorum_fw-la who_o be_v bear_v in_o crete_n and_o so_o come_v into_o the_o world_n be_v people_v before_o his_o birth_n as_o now_o it_o be_v can_v he_o be_v the_o father_n of_o those_o who_o be_v bear_v before_o himself_o or_o can_v he_o give_v immortality_n and_o divinity_n to_o other_o who_o can_v not_o preserve_v himself_o from_o death_n can_v he_o be_v the_o just_a and_o upright_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n who_o in_o his_o life_n time_n commit_v so_o many_o murder_n rape_n and_o incest_n and_o after_o his_o fictitious_a translation_n cease_v not_o to_o have_v his_o ganymede_n and_o to_o be_v employ_v about_o nothing_o more_o than_o to_o get_v fuel_n for_o his_o lust_n the_o gross_a heathen_a can_v never_o believe_v this_o much_o less_o so_o many_o excellent_a and_o learned_a man_n among_o they_o of_o who_o we_o read_v so_o much_o in_o profane_a story_n some_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o this_o knowledge_n which_o the_o heathen_a have_v of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v not_o from_o any_o instinct_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o from_o divine_a revelation_n first_o to_o the_o patriarch_n and_o from_o they_o by_o way_n of_o tradition_n deliver_v from_o generation_n to_o generation_n the_o ground_n for_o their_o opinion_n be_v this_o the_o most_o ancient_a author_n who_o testimony_n be_v cite_v in_o this_o argument_n be_v zoroastres_n and_o hermes_n 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the_o poet_n from_o orpheus_n so_o that_o the_o near_o they_o be_v to_o the_o original_a the_o better_a always_o be_v their_o copy_n but_o whatsoever_o knowledge_n the_o ancient_n have_v by_o this_o way_n of_o tradition_n certain_a it_o be_v that_o they_o can_v not_o but_o receive_v much_o light_n too_o from_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n for_o reason_n tell_v we_o that_o whatsoever_o have_v a_o beginning_n must_v have_v it_o either_o from_o itself_o or_o from_o some_o other_o not_o from_o itself_o for_o than_o must_v it_o have_v have_v a_o existence_n before_o it_o have_v a_o existence_n the_o thing_n which_o produce_v another_o be_v ever_o before_o that_o which_o be_v produce_v but_o if_o it_o have_v its_o beginning_n from_o something_o else_o and_o that_o from_o another_o and_o so_o on_o we_o must_v either_o make_v a_o infinite_a progress_n in_o natural_a production_n which_o be_v utter_o impossible_a for_o no_o infinite_a can_v actual_o be_v make_v up_o of_o finite_a action_n or_o 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reward_n and_o wicked_a man_n due_a punishment_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n most_o just_a it_o follow_v of_o course_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o how_o far_o this_o belief_n of_o they_o may_v make_v they_o capable_a of_o such_o happiness_n or_o of_o salvation_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v promise_v as_o a_o foundation_n or_o first_o principle_n to_o what_o shall_v follow_v that_o the_o efficient_a or_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o procure_v salvation_n to_o mankind_n can_v be_v no_o other_o but_o jesus_n christ_n who_o by_o his_o obedience_n and_o passion_n have_v redeem_v good_a man_n and_o make_v they_o capable_a of_o eternal_a happiness_n next_o that_o all_o good_a motion_n virtuous_a inclination_n and_o intellectual_a improvement_n be_v not_o acquirable_a by_o any_o natural_a strength_n but_o by_o the_o help_n and_o concurrence_n of_o god_n so_o st._n paul_n say_v express_o rom._n 1._o where_o speak_v of_o the_o heathen_a he_o declare_v how_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o 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the_o old_a testament_n they_o know_v but_o little_a and_o obscure_o of_o another_o life_n as_o we_o have_v also_o before_o spoken-unto_a they_o expect_v a_o deliverer_n or_o messiah_n it_o be_v true_a but_o then_o they_o figure_v he_o to_o be_v a_o temporal_a conqueror_n such_o as_o caesar_n or_o alexander_n who_o shall_v erect_v their_o nation_n also_o into_o a_o vast_a empire_n and_o bring_v the_o world_n under_o their_o subjection_n a_o thing_n indeed_o which_o they_o earnest_o hope_v for_o have_v be_v themselves_o under_o heavy_a oppression_n for_o many_o age_n nay_o so_o deep_o be_v this_o opinion_n root_v in_o the_o jew_n that_o even_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v daily_o teach_v by_o and_o converse_v with_o he_o can_v hardly_o be_v wean_a from_o this_o belief_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o address_n or_o petition_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o zebedee_n child_n that_o they_o may_v sit_v one_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o other_o on_o the_o left_a hand_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o kingdom_n as_o also_o from_o their_o constant_a enquiry_n of_o christ_n when_o he_o will_v restore_v the_o kingdom_n or_o empire_n unto_o israel_n but_o this_o as_o have_v be_v already_o discourse_v of_o and_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o will_v admit_v of_o little_a dispute_n i_o shall_v ready_o leave_v and_o pass_v on_o to_o take_v a_o glance_n of_o mankind_n after_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n they_o who_o have_v have_v the_o happiness_n to_o be_v bear_v within_o the_o church_n where_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v suck_v in_o with_o their_o first_o milk_n and_o grow_v up_o into_o their_o nature_n such_o i_o say_v can_v but_o have_v a_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o what_o the_o christian_a religion_n teach_v concern_v christ_n and_o his_o merit_n so_o that_o if_o they_o do_v not_o act_v suitable_o to_o that_o knowledge_n they_o be_v very_o inexcusable_a but_o then_o for_o those_o who_o never_o have_v such_o a_o education_n nor_o ever_o hear_v of_o christ_n or_o his_o gospel_n and_o yet_o retain_v true_a notion_n of_o the_o nature_n power_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o live_v just_o and_o conformable_o to_o that_o knowledge_n retain_v a_o disposition_n to_o receive_v far_a instruction_n with_o all_o propensity_n to_o virtue_n i_o can_v see_v but_o that_o they_o may_v just_o be_v rank_v with_o those_o great_a and_o wise_a man_n among_o the_o ancient_n whether_o philosopher_n or_o other_o in_o who_o life_n and_o write_n we_o find_v so_o many_o remain_v of_o the_o true_a apprehension_n they_o have_v of_o a_o deity_n together_o with_o their_o great_a pregnancy_n in_o virtue_n now_o of_o both_o these_o sort_n of_o man_n whether_o before_o or_o after_o christ_n the_o question_n will_v be_v the_o same_o for_o as_o much_o as_o both_o be_v under_o the_o same_o state_n and_o guidance_n of_o natural_a illumination_n and_o moral_a virtue_n i_o know_v it_o be_v grant_v and_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n too_o that_o such_o as_o be_v contemporary_n with_o the_o patriarch_n though_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o lineage_n with_o abraham_n have_v such_o a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n as_o make_v they_o capable_a of_o salvation_n such_o a_o one_o be_v melchisedech_n of_o who_o we_o read_v so_o great_a thing_n such_o a_o one_o also_o job_n who_o live_v probable_o about_o the_o time_n of_o the_o first_o patriarch_n for_o we_o read_v that_o he_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o chaldean_a greatness_n also_o jethro_n the_o father-in-law_n of_o moses_n have_v such_o a_o extraordinary_a and_o infallible_a information_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n from_o the_o mouth_n and_o miracle_n of_o moses_n and_o be_v himself_o also_o a_o person_n of_o great_a conduct_n and_o wisdom_n as_o appear_v from_o scripture_n he_o can_v not_o but_o transmit_v the_o like_a instruction_n to_o his_o posterity_n as_o do_v melchisedech_n and_o job_n without_o all_o question_n the_o same_o likewise_o we_o may_v conclude_v of_o the_o descendants_n from_o abraham_n by_o ishmael_n and_o of_o his_o offspring_n by_o keturah_n nor_o be_v it_o unusual_a in_o those_o day_n whilst_o man_n live_v under_o that_o unpolished_a but_o golden_a age_n for_o god_n to_o manifest_v his_o will_n by_o singular_a revelation_n to_o wise_a man_n even_o long_o after_o the_o covenant_n make_v with_o abraham_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o history_n of_o balaam_n who_o though_o a_o alien_n from_o the_o house_n of_o abraham_n have_v a_o free_a communication_n with_o god_n upon_o occasion_n of_o moment_n and_o prophesy_v as_o clear_o of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n as_o any_o other_o '_o of_o the_o ancient_a patriarch_n and_o prophet_n now_o for_o those_o who_o doctrine_n and_o action_n be_v not_o record_v in_o sacred_a writ_n as_o pythagoras_n socrates_n plato_n solon_n lycurgus_n numa_n and_o among_o they_o i_o know_v not_o why_o i_o may_v not_o reckon_v that_o strenuous_a defender_n of_o his_o country_n liberty_n tullius_n ciccro_n i_o say_v these_o and_o many_o other_o of_o the_o same_o class_n as_o they_o be_v know_v to_o have_v have_v noble_a notion_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o to_o have_v be_v great_a and_o prudent_a master_n in_o matter_n of_o morality_n so_o likewise_o be_v they_o famous_a for_o their_o own_o exemplary_a life_n and_o government_n and_o be_v by_o the_o most_o impartial_a and_o learned_a writer_n hold_v to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n but_o for_o such_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o more_o virtuous_a gentile_n who_o live_v after_o christ_n writer_n general_o seem_v a_o little_a more_o severe_a though_o in_o truth_n the_o same_o reason_n conclude_v favourable_o for_o both_o alike_o it_o be_v no_o less_o difficult_a for_o many_o great_a man_n of_o former_a age_n though_o after_o christ_n to_o know_v the_o history_n and_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n as_o it_o be_v for_o any_o of_o the_o present_a age_n to_o know_v the_o transaction_n in_o the_o dominion_n of_o prester_n john_n or_o of_o the_o emperor_n of_o china_n nay_o much_o more_o difficult_a for_o of_o these_o country_n so_o remote_a as_o they_o be_v we_o have_v by_o the_o help_n of_o navigation_n and_o commerce_n some_o sort_n of_o account_n but_o the_o jew_n as_o they_o be_v to_o the_o roman_n but_o a_o inconsiderable_a part_n of_o their_o government_n so_o the_o roman_n themselves_o hold_v no_o such_o communication_n by_o sea_n as_o now_o a-days_o be_v surround_v with_o german_n dacian_o parthian_n indian_n and_o the_o like_a with_o who_o they_o be_v in_o perpetual_a hostility_n and_o what_o country_n and_o kingdom_n lay_v beyond_o these_o be_v utter_o unknown_a to_o they_o by_o any_o kind_n of_o correspondence_n so_o that_o we_o may_v as_o rational_o conclude_v that_o every_o man_n now_o a-days_o be_v a_o ignorant_a idiot_n who_o do_v not_o know_v perhaps_o some_o new_a and_o great_a