the_o salvation_n and_o future_a happiness_n of_o a_o christian_a we_o may_v take_v a_o brief_a abstract_n or_o sum_n of_o our_o duty_n which_o be_v this_o to_o love_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o have_v a_o firm_a and_o radicate_v faith_n in_o his_o goodness_n declare_v to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n jesus_n christ_n a_o universal_a abstinence_n from_o all_o wrong_n and_o injustice_n a_o hearty_a love_n and_o goodwill_n to_o all_o man_n whatever_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o to_o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a to_o be_v of_o a_o compassionate_a and_o forgive_a spirit_n and_o if_o we_o have_v receive_v a_o injury_n not_o to_o recompense_v it_o again_o in_o any_o kind_n to_o abstract_n and_o withdraw_v our_o heart_n and_o mind_n from_o earthly_a good_n and_o make_v treasure_n for_o ourselves_o in_o heaven_n and_o to_o be_v no_o more_o solicitous_a for_o worldly_a concernment_n than_o the_o lily_n of_o the_o field_n or_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n but_o that_o have_v food_n and_o raiment_n therewith_o to_o be_v content_a to_o keep_v ourselves_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a not_o only_o from_o outward_a and_o grosser_n but_o inward_a and_o more_o refine_a pollution_n to_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v good_a and_o distribute_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o brethren_n to_o live_v peaceable_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a with_o all_o man_n in_o a_o word_n whatever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatever_o thing_n be_v honest_a just_a lovely_a and_o of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n to_o think_v on_o such_o thing_n what_o can_v be_v plain_a and_o easy_a than_o this_o nor_o be_v the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n any_o derogation_n from_o it_o though_o that_o impious_a epicurean_a celsus_n deride_v it_o upon_o that_o account_n extol_v the_o write_n of_o plato_n above_o the_o scripture_n for_o as_o origen_n acute_o enough_o reply_n celsum_fw-la the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o make_v man_n good_a and_o virtuous_a it_o be_v necessary_a the_o precept_n tend_v to_o that_o end_n shall_v be_v deliver_v plain_o and_o perspicuous_o suitable_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o illiterate_a vulgar_a who_o be_v better_a allure_v and_o win_v by_o a_o common_a and_o usual_a form_n of_o speech_n than_o by_o the_o artificial_a decking_n and_o gay_a scheme_n of_o rhetoric_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o therefore_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v much_o more_o advance_v that_o which_o be_v their_o chief_a aim_n the_o life_n and_o nature_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n by_o that_o as_o celsus_n call_v it_o rude_a and_o rustical_a manner_n of_o speak_v than_o all_o the_o elegant_a write_n of_o plato_n which_o if_o they_o ever_o be_v advantageous_a for_o the_o rectify_v and_o amend_v the_o life_n of_o man_n it_o be_v only_o to_o such_o who_o intellectual_a faculty_n be_v raise_v and_o elevate_v above_o the_o plebeian_n strain_n therefore_o do_v the_o holy_a jesus_n on_o purpose_n make_v choice_n of_o ignorant_a and_o illiterate_a person_n that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o speak_v be_v not_o in_o the_o word_n which_o man_n wisdom_n teach_v 1.27_o but_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v and_o that_o by_o the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n god_n may_v confound_v the_o wise_a and_o by_o the_o weak_a destroy_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v mighty_a object_n but_o you_o will_v say_v to_o what_o purpose_n be_v that_o intricacy_n and_o perplexity_n which_o be_v find_v in_o many_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o wherefore_o be_v many_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o its_o doctrine_n involve_v in_o such_o darkness_n and_o obscurity_n answ_n 1._o it_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n requisite_a that_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v obscure_a to_o conciliate_v reverence_n and_o to_o beget_v a_o great_a esteem_n of_o its_o worth_n and_o dignity_n for_o the_o gospel_n be_v often_o call_v a_o mystery_n which_o suppose_v something_o venerable_a and_o secret_a and_o hide_a from_o the_o eye_n of_o vulgar_a person_n and_o god_n as_o in_o nature_n he_o have_v hide_v many_o precious_a thing_n in_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o can_v be_v obtain_v without_o great_a labour_n and_o diligence_n in_o like_a manner_n have_v he_o veil_v many_o inestimable_a treasure_n in_o the_o christian_a mystery_n which_o be_v only_o attainable_a by_o the_o diligent_a search_n and_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o pious_a man_n for_o shall_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n have_v display_v at_o once_o all_o the_o glory_n and_o beauty_n of_o this_o sacred_a and_o recondite_v method_n of_o recover_a soul_n it_o will_v appear_v contemptible_a and_o worthless_a as_o be_v the_o easy_a purchase_n of_o every_o profane_a and_o impious_a person_n 2._o the_o reason_n of_o the_o obscurity_n of_o christianity_n lie_v not_o so_o much_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o as_o in_o the_o incongruity_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o understanding_n with_o so_o high_a and_o raise_v a_o object_n the_o eye_n can_v behold_v the_o sun_n unless_o it_o have_v some_o resemblance_n and_o similitude_n of_o it_o within_o itself_o for_o like_a be_v know_v by_o its_o like_a and_o if_o man_n mind_n be_v not_o purify_v and_o bring_v into_o some_o cognation_n and_o likeness_n with_o the_o truth_n offer_v to_o they_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v ever_o have_v any_o true_a and_o genuine_a apprehension_n of_o they_o there_o be_v a_o learning_n and_o know_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n in_o that_o godlike_a meek_a and_o resign_v spirit_n and_o till_o man_n temper_n be_v plain_v and_o smooth_v from_o the_o ruggedness_n of_o their_o passion_n and_o the_o stubborn_a asperity_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o win_v to_o the_o embrace_v of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o in_o that_o christ-like_a nature_n of_o humility_n and_o self-denial_n they_o may_v fill_v their_o head_n with_o sapless_a and_o lean_a notion_n windy_a and_o turgent_fw-la fancy_n but_o never_o nourish_v up_o their_o soul_n with_o solid_a and_o substantial_a knowledge_n the_o true_a sense_n of_o religion_n and_o christianity_n arise_v out_o of_o a_o mind_n devoid_a of_o passion_n and_o in_o which_o the_o life_n of_o god_n have_v take_v deep_a root_n and_o flourish_n and_o spread_v itself_o throughout_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n give_v a_o tincture_n relish_n and_o savour_n of_o itself_o to_o every_o thought_n word_n and_o deed_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o a_o man_n life_n and_o without_o this_o purify_a sense_n we_o feed_v upon_o nothing_o but_o the_o husk_n and_o shell_n of_o religion_n and_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o shadow_n instead_o of_o last_v and_o durable_a substance_n and_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o itself_o 1_o cor._n two_o 14._o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v there_o be_v require_v a_o spiritual_a sense_n a_o life_n of_o holiness_n and_o justice_n of_o benignity_n and_o righteousness_n to_o the_o true_a discrimination_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n and_o further_a to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n of_o divine_a mystery_n there_o be_v necessary_o require_v the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o that_o almighty_a and_o omnipresent_v spirit_n who_o by_o his_o foster_a incubation_n bring_v into_o be_v the_o goodly_a frame_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o that_o this_o holy_a spirit_n of_o truth_n may_v begin_v the_o efformation_n of_o the_o new_a and_o heavenly_a nature_n a_o considerable_a part_n of_o which_o be_v divine_a and_o spiritual_a wisdom_n there_o must_v be_v some_o previous_a preparation_n and_o man_n must_v be_v moral_o good_a and_o virtuous_a or_o else_o they_o will_v be_v perfect_o incapable_a of_o the_o illapse_n of_o his_o celestial_a influence_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n if_o to_o brutish_a and_o immoral_a person_n the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n be_v hide_v and_o obscure_a 3._o that_o there_o may_v be_v something_o still_o reserve_v for_o the_o gratification_n of_o all_o degree_n of_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n there_o be_v both_o weak_a and_o strong_a christian_n some_o that_o be_v babe_n in_o christ_n and_o be_v feed_v with_o milk_n other_o that_o be_v of_o full_a age_n and_o have_v a_o discriminate_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n for_o the_o one_o there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o rudimental_a way_n of_o instruction_n whereby_o man_n be_v lead_v as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o hand_n through_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n intimate_v heb._n vi_fw-la where_o the_o first_o thing_n require_v
in_o these_o earthly_a habitation_n a_o very_a efficacious_a principle_n of_o life_n and_o virtue_n within_o he_o which_o though_o shut_v up_o and_o constrain_v by_o the_o encumbrance_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n yet_o shine_v through_o the_o veil_n and_o sometime_o break_v forth_o into_o pure_a light_n and_o glory_n wherefore_o through_o the_o plenitude_n and_o perfection_n of_o this_o high_a and_o exalt_a life_n it_o so_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o converse_n with_o mortal_n before_o his_o death_n he_o be_v not_o see_v alike_o and_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n by_o all_o but_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n and_o model_n of_o their_o frail_a capacity_n and_o some_o such_o thing_n judas_n who_o betray_v he_o seem_v to_o intimate_v by_o give_v a_o sign_n to_o the_o apprehender_n of_o jesus_n to_o know_v he_o when_o yet_o it_o be_v true_a what_o christ_n say_v that_o he_o be_v daily_o with_o they_o teach_v in_o the_o temple_n and_o certain_o we_o can_v but_o think_v something_o extraordinary_a to_o be_v in_o the_o bless_a jesus_n when_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n be_v not_o able_a to_o behold_v the_o glorious_a visage_n even_o of_o moses_n when_o he_o descend_v from_o his_o converse_n with_o god_n in_o the_o mount_n although_o then_o in_o the_o frailty_n of_o his_o flesh_n when_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o have_v not_o yet_o spoil_v principality_n and_o power_n nor_o die_v for_o sin_n he_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v see_v of_o all_o yet_o when_o he_o have_v break_v the_o power_n of_o hell_n and_o rise_v as_o a_o triumphant_a conqueror_n from_o his_o bed_n of_o darkness_n the_o grave_a he_o be_v not_o then_o the_o object_n of_o every_o man_n sight_n his_o divinity_n be_v more_o refulgent_a when_o the_o oeconomy_n he_o undertake_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v finish_v but_o to_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o his_o presence_n he_o appear_v and_o show_v himself_o alive_a to_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v their_o faith_n and_o yet_o spare_v their_o imbecility_n and_o imperfection_n by_o stay_v but_o a_o little_a with_o they_o at_o a_o time_n for_o even_o his_o apostle_n be_v not_o all_o capable_a of_o behold_v he_o at_o all_o time_n and_o therefore_o he_o select_a peter_n james_n and_o john_n who_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v that_o glorious_a spectacle_n of_o his_o transfiguration_n and_o behold_v moses_n and_o elias_n in_o their_o celestial_a robe_n and_o hear_v not_o only_o their_o discourse_n but_o the_o voice_n which_o come_v to_o they_o from_o the_o cloud_n and_o hence_o we_o gather_v that_o he_o will_v not_o appear_v to_o those_o who_o insult_v over_o he_o in_o his_o misery_n and_o be_v the_o author_n of_o his_o ignominious_a death_n out_o of_o compassion_n towards_o they_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v strike_v with_o blindness_n as_o the_o wicked_a sodomite_n who_o seek_v to_o abuse_v those_o angelical_a personage_n that_o be_v hospitable_o receive_v into_o the_o house_n of_o lot_n and_o thus_o we_o read_v that_o saul_n in_o his_o journey_n to_o damascus_n be_v strike_v blind_a by_o that_o excellent_a glory_n which_o yet_o become_v a_o innocuous_a and_o recreate_v splendour_n to_o st._n stephen_n a_o little_a before_o his_o death_n chap._n iii_o that_o christianity_n contain_v nothing_o light_a and_o trivial_a but_o grave_n and_o sober_a truth_n deliver_v in_o that_o decorous_a and_o become_a majesty_n as_o well_o suit_v with_o that_o bless_a spirit_n which_o inspire_v the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n the_o three_o particular_a to_o be_v prove_v in_o order_n to_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n be_v that_o it_o treat_v of_o no_o small_a and_o trifle_a thing_n but_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o great_a importance_n in_o the_o world_n for_o what_o be_v more_o noble_a and_o generous_a than_o that_o which_o concern_v the_o happiness_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n what_o more_o sublime_a and_o excellent_a than_o that_o which_o tend_v to_o the_o unmask_a the_o cloudy_a and_o obscure_a face_n of_o providence_n and_o discover_v the_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o harmonious_a order_n and_o symmetry_n of_o the_o world_n but_o to_o descend_v more_o particular_o 1._o the_o gospel_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a felicity_n of_o mankind_n be_v the_o participation_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v in_o a_o undue_a and_o wrong_a estate_n in_o this_o world_n that_o be_v that_o their_o nature_n be_v by_o some_o mean_n or_o other_o corrupt_v and_o vitiate_a and_o force_v from_o their_o proper_a bend_a and_o inclination_n needs_o no_o other_o confirmation_n than_o the_o great_a inquietude_n and_o dissatisfaction_n they_o find_v in_o the_o best_a terrestrial_a joy_n and_o delight_n and_o their_o diligent_a and_o indefatigable_a inquisition_n after_o some_o noble_a and_o permanent_a good_a which_o may_v be_v commensurate_a with_o the_o vastness_n of_o their_o capacity_n and_o desire_n and_o although_o as_o man_n come_v into_o the_o world_n their_o animal_n power_n and_o faculty_n who_o proper_a object_n be_v the_o result_v of_o sense_n and_o corporeal_a motion_n be_v full_o awake_a and_o usurp_v the_o throne_n of_o reason_n and_o intellect_n yet_o those_o lordly_a power_n like_o a_o oppress_a prince_n still_o lay_v claim_n to_o the_o sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n and_o whenever_o any_o due_a occasion_n be_v offer_v give_v a_o evident_a proof_n of_o their_o heavenly_a birth_n and_o extraction_n and_o strive_v to_o free_v themselves_o from_o their_o unjust_a captivity_n and_o regain_v their_o native_a liberty_n and_o command_n and_o if_o by_o a_o favourable_a assistance_n and_o timely_a aid_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n conquer_v and_o suppress_v the_o rebellious_a passion_n and_o desire_n of_o the_o mortal_a body_n and_o become_v in_o any_o measure_n healthy_a and_o strong_a to_o relish_v their_o proper_a food_n and_o nourishment_n and_o amid_o all_o the_o flatter_a appearance_n and_o fine_a show_v present_v to_o they_o from_o this_o outward_a world_n discriminate_a between_o real_a good_a and_o evil_a and_o select_v true_a and_o substantial_a from_o false_a and_o adulterate_a joy_n they_o behold_v with_o pleasure_n and_o enravishment_n a_o perfect_a union_n and_o harmony_n between_o whatever_o truth_n shall_v due_o be_v propound_v to_o they_o and_o their_o rational_a nature_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v in_o their_o general_a stricture_n and_o lineament_n intellectual_a it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o their_o high_a felicity_n and_o true_a accomplishment_n must_v flow_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o high_a and_o more_o immaterial_a power_n and_o the_o more_o spiritualise_v and_o refine_v they_o be_v from_o base_a alloy_n the_o more_o tender_a and_o apprehensive_a be_v they_o of_o whatever_o be_v noble_a and_o excellent_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o purity_n of_o their_o nature_n albeit_o therefore_o our_o faculty_n be_v deprave_v and_o debase_v as_o we_o appear_v upon_o the_o stage_n of_o this_o world_n yet_o there_o be_v in_o we_o a_o strong_a propension_n to_o return_v to_o our_o first_o and_o primitive_a state_n out_o of_o which_o we_o be_v force_v by_o the_o unjust_a usurpation_n of_o iniquity_n and_o sin_n truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o all_o those_o beautiful_a form_n and_o idea_n which_o shine_v in_o our_o soul_n before_o their_o unhappy_a lapse_n and_o revolt_n from_o the_o bless_a law_n and_o government_n of_o god_n own_o life_n will_v upon_o a_o congruous_a proposal_n renew_v their_o ancient_a league_n and_o friendship_n and_o conspire_v the_o utter_a subversion_n of_o all_o irregular_a appetite_n and_o desire_n and_o reduce_v the_o whole_a man_n into_o a_o strict_a obedience_n and_o observance_n of_o the_o dictate_v and_o prescription_n of_o that_o holy_a and_o exalt_a principle_n of_o life_n which_o be_v once_o full_o seat_v and_o radicate_v in_o our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n be_v alone_o able_a to_o make_v we_o perfect_o happy_a and_o bless_a for_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v not_o devoid_a of_o innate_a knowledge_n but_o be_v essential_o store_v through_o the_o gracious_a bounty_n and_o liberality_n of_o the_o first_o and_o bless_a author_n of_o all_o thing_n with_o the_o principle_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o science_n and_o wisdom_n whatever_o and_o hence_o can_v but_o embrace_v and_o receive_v every_o thing_n that_o have_v any_o cognation_n and_o affinity_n with_o those_o first_o inscription_n on_o their_o nature_n now_o the_o great_a happiness_n delight_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o every_o degree_n of_o life_n in_o the_o world_n consist_v in_o and_o arise_v from_o the_o kindly_a and_o agreeable_a act_n of_o its_o chief_a and_o best_a faculty_n and_o capacity_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a be_v make_v up_o of_o such_o principle_n as_o be_v
be_v govern_v only_o by_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o corrupt_a and_o lawless_a will_n and_o the_o whole_a earth_n be_v fill_v with_o violence_n and_o oppression_n and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n become_v so_o brutish_a in_o their_o imagination_n that_o they_o make_v themselves_o god_n of_o gold_n and_o silver_n wood_n and_o stone_n and_o serve_v the_o creature_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d beside_o the_o creator_n who_o be_v god_n bless_v for_o ever_o 4._o wherefore_o when_o this_o way_n prove_v unserviceable_a and_o ineffectual_a for_o man_n restauration_n god_n enter_v upon_o a_o new_a dispensation_n and_o reveal_v himself_o more_o plain_o to_o the_o jew_n choose_v jacob_n for_o his_o portion_n and_o israel_n for_o the_o lot_n of_o his_o inheritance_n and_o communicate_v to_o they_o law_n and_o statute_n and_o judgement_n fence_v and_o hedge_v in_o the_o impure_a eruption_n of_o their_o nature_n by_o judicial_a decree_n and_o besiege_v vice_n and_o iniquity_n by_o the_o actual_a promulgation_n of_o a_o law_n but_o this_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n lie_v altogether_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o external_a duty_n in_o type_n and_o outward_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v not_o able_a to_o perfect_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o bring_v he_o to_o that_o happy_a state_n he_o be_v possess_v of_o before_o his_o fall_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o rom._n fourteen_o 17._o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n consist_v not_o in_o meat_n and_o drink_n but_o which_o be_v far_o more_o valuable_a in_o true_a righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o man_n be_v a_o man_n by_o his_o soul_n and_o not_o by_o his_o body_n it_o be_v plain_a both_o that_o the_o religion_n who_o grand_a purpose_n and_o intent_n be_v to_o instruct_v and_o perfect_v the_o mind_n be_v much_o superior_a to_o that_o which_o concern_v the_o body_n and_o also_o that_o there_o be_v some_o degree_n of_o perfection_n that_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o which_o be_v not_o attainable_a by_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o be_v some_o other_o way_n sound_v out_o to_o recover_v all_o mankind_n from_o that_o sad_a and_o calamitous_a condition_n of_o vice_n and_o sin_n they_o now_o lie_v under_o for_o we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n consist_v of_o a_o perceptive_a and_o plastic_a part_n which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o st._n paul_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o inner_a and_o outward_a man_n and_o the_o judaical_a oeconomy_n be_v whole_o fit_v for_o the_o gratification_n of_o the_o plastical_a or_o animal_n life_n it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v refine_v and_o purify_v that_o more_o spiritual_a part_n of_o man_n or_o in_o the_o scripture-phrase_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d make_v he_o perfect_a that_o do_v the_o service_n 5._o wherefore_o when_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n come_v and_o man_n mind_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n prepare_v for_o the_o reception_n of_o so_o heavenly_a a_o doctrine_n almighty_a god_n resolve_v to_o put_v in_o execution_n his_o last_o and_o most_o perfect_a determination_n which_o be_v to_o send_v down_o his_o belove_a son_n into_o the_o world_n who_o shall_v by_o a_o plain_a and_o familiar_a way_n teach_v and_o instruct_v mankind_n and_o recover_v the_o lapse_v world_n to_o a_o state_n of_o righteousness_n and_o truth_n now_o then_o god_n walk_v no_o more_o at_o a_o distance_n nor_o hide_v himself_o any_o long_o under_o the_o obscurity_n of_o type_n and_o shadow_n but_o have_v dispel_v the_o cloud_n and_o adumbration_n of_o the_o legal_a service_n by_o the_o full_a and_o bright_a approach_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n who_o have_v pitch_v his_o tabernacle_n among_o we_o and_o teach_v we_o his_o will_n by_o a_o way_n of_o condescend_v wisdom_n suit_v and_o proportion_v himself_o to_o the_o most_o shallow_a capacity_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n i_o 21._o call_v the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v wherein_o god_n have_v stoop_v down_o to_o we_o clothe_v himself_o in_o the_o frailty_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o adapt_a the_n result_v of_o his_o will_n to_o our_o narrow_a and_o weak_a apprehension_n and_o this_o be_v that_o oeconomy_n which_o in_o dan._n ix_o 24._o be_v call_v a_o everlasting_a righteousness_n which_o the_o messiah_n shall_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n for_o when_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o various_a scheme_n and_o exterior_a dispensation_n of_o religion_n wax_v old_a pass_v away_o and_o vanish_v this_o shall_v remain_v for_o ever_o and_o never_o be_v abolish_v as_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o essential_a prescription_n of_o holiness_n those_o eternal_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n and_o goodness_n that_o be_v found_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o be_v of_o god_n 6._o the_o gospel_n then_o be_v of_o so_o great_a consequence_n and_o inestimable_a benefit_n to_o mankind_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a for_o every_o man_n to_o know_v and_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o belief_n upon_o what_o ground_n he_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o his_o faith_n be_v build_v upon_o a_o solid_a and_o sure_a foundation_n he_o may_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o his_o profession_n but_o according_a to_o the_o holy_a apostle_n advice_n ready_a at_o all_o time_n and_o upon_o every_o occasion_n to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v he_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o he_o 1_o pet._n three_o 15._o now_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n appear_v i._n that_o it_o be_v intelligible_a ii_o that_o it_o be_v true_a iii_o that_o it_o contain_v nothing_o light_a and_o trivial_a but_o grave_n and_o sober_a truth_n deliver_v in_o that_o decorous_a and_o become_a majesty_n as_o well_o suit_v with_o that_o bless_a spirit_n which_o inspire_v the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n iv._o that_o it_o be_v every_o way_n fit_v and_o accommodate_v for_o a_o effectual_a recovery_n of_o lapse_v and_o degenerate_v mankind_n chap._n i._n that_o the_o gospel_n be_v intelligible_a can_v but_o appear_v to_o every_o one_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o for_o though_o there_o may_v be_v some_o thing_n wrap_v in_o cloud_n and_o difficulty_n yet_o they_o be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o so_o near_o relate_v to_o practice_n but_o be_v of_o a_o more_o speculative_a consideration_n but_o as_o for_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n in_o order_n to_o holiness_n and_o a_o good_a and_o pious_a life_n it_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o such_o easy_a and_o plain_a term_n that_o no_o man_n can_v have_v any_o reasonable_a excuse_n for_o himself_o if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v and_o practice_v the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n foresee_v that_o the_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n throughout_o the_o world_n will_v not_o be_v man_n of_o deep_a reason_n but_o rather_o of_o great_a love_n and_o faith_n and_o such_o as_o will_v cordial_o adhere_v to_o their_o saviour_n against_o all_o opposition_n though_o they_o can_v not_o syllogistical_o maintain_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o every_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o profess_v god_n i_o say_v foresee_v this_o have_v suit_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n and_o there_o need_v no_o great_a skill_n to_o be_v a_o good_a christian_a but_o rather_o a_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o what_o be_v so_o full_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o goodness_n of_o almighty_a god_n be_v such_o that_o he_o consider_v the_o several_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o make_v allowance_n for_o those_o who_o his_o providence_n have_v so_o place_v as_o that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o capacity_n of_o attain_v to_o any_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o accept_v of_o the_o constant_a and_o sincere_a inclination_n and_o bend_v of_o their_o will_n in_o practise_v what_o they_o know_v and_o they_o shall_v never_o be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n for_o what_o they_o have_v no_o opportunity_n of_o gain_v and_o although_o he_o that_o know_v much_o and_o apprehend_v the_o reason_n of_o thing_n and_o make_v this_o knowledge_n instrumental_a to_o the_o purify_n and_o purge_v his_o soul_n from_o vice_n be_v far_o more_o excellent_a than_o he_o who_o nature_n have_v make_v of_o a_o slow_a apprehension_n yet_o this_o man_n be_v in_o no_o wise_a contemptible_a but_o dear_a and_o acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n who_o never_o fail_v to_o reward_v honest_a simplicity_n and_o innocency_n and_o to_o recompense_v every_o degree_n of_o hearty_a love_n with_o a_o suitable_a proportion_n of_o glory_n but_o that_o we_o may_v see_v before_o our_o eye_n the_o plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o all_o matter_n that_o concern_v
of_o they_o that_o embrace_v christianity_n be_v repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o faith_n towards_o god_n and_o upon_o this_o follow_v baptism_n than_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v catechise_v and_o after_o that_o confirmation_n by_o the_o bishop_n agreeable_a to_o this_o apostolical_a custom_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o after_o baptism_n appoint_v child_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o church-catechism_n and_o then_o bring_v to_o the_o bishop_n to_o receive_v confirmation_n for_o other_o who_o intellectual_a capacity_n be_v fit_a for_o the_o reception_n of_o high_a mystery_n there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o full_a and_o rational_a explication_n of_o the_o several_a dogmata_fw-la of_o christianity_n and_o of_o these_o st._n paul_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v when_o he_o say_v we_o speak_v wisdom_n among_o they_o that_o be_v perfect_a even_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o st._n john_n distinguish_v the_o several_a age_n and_o growth_n of_o christian_n i_o write_v unto_o you_o little_a child_n etc._n because_o your_o sin_n be_v forgive_v you_o for_o his_o name_n sake_n i_o write_v unto_o you_o young_a man_n because_o you_o have_v overcome_v the_o wicked_a one_o i_o write_v unto_o you_o father_n because_o you_o have_v know_v he_o that_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n now_o that_o the_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n may_v give_v every_o one_o his_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n it_o be_v necessary_a there_o shall_v be_v a_o diversity_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o every_o proportion_n and_o degree_n in_o grace_n may_v receive_v something_o which_o may_v both_o strengthen_v and_o gratify_v the_o knower_n a_o man_n be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o that_o which_o will_v nourish_v and_o content_v a_o infant_n and_o and_o he_o that_o be_v well_o grow_v in_o piety_n and_o holiness_n leave_v the_o rudiment_n and_o principle_n of_o christianity_n ascend_v to_o high_a notion_n and_o be_v infinite_o satisfy_v and_o ravish_v with_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n and_o providence_n in_o behold_v the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o wisdom_n in_o the_o manifestation_n of_o that_o mystery_n which_o lie_v hide_v from_o age_n and_o generation_n and_o who_o only_a design_n be_v reveal_v be_v the_o complete_a restauration_n and_o perfection_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o in_o this_o be_v the_o say_v of_o the_o wise_a man_n verify_v eccles_n 2.26_o god_n give_v to_o a_o man_n that_o be_v good_a in_o his_o sight_n wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o joy_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n the_o second_o illustration_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v that_o it_o be_v true_a which_o will_v best_o be_v evidence_v by_o these_o gradation_n 1._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o jesus_n in_o the_o world_n and_o here_o i_o will_v desire_v the_o enemy_n of_o this_o truth_n whether_o jew_n or_o heathen_n to_o give_v i_o liberty_n to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o argument_n they_o themselves_o do_v in_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o history_n for_o how_o be_v they_o assure_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o man_n in_o the_o world_n as_o moses_n and_o aristotle_n if_o they_o say_v they_o have_v it_o from_o a_o constant_a and_o unquestionable_a tradition_n we_o can_v bring_v the_o same_o proof_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o have_v be_v deliver_v successive_o from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o for_o above_o these_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n if_o they_o appeal_v to_o the_o write_n of_o those_o who_o be_v contemporary_a with_o they_o the_o christian_n have_v the_o same_o plea_n for_o the_o very_a enemy_n of_o jesus_n such_o as_o celsus_n the_o epicurean_a and_o julian_n the_o apostate_n never_o question_v his_o existence_n and_o be_v upon_o earth_n the_o word_n of_o celsus_n we_o have_v in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o origen_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o julian_n confess_v as_o much_o as_o we_o find_v by_o cyril_n in_o his_o six_o book_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o may_v here_o bring_v in_o the_o testimony_n of_o tacitus_n pliny_n and_o numenius_n the_o pythagorean_n who_o in_o his_o three_o book_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o origen_n tell_v we_o relate_v a_o certain_a piece_n of_o the_o history_n of_o jesus_n which_o he_o afterward_o allegorize_v celsum_fw-la but_o i_o need_v not_o be_v copious_a in_o this_o the_o jew_n themselves_o who_o never_o think_v they_o can_v sufficient_o detest_v and_o hate_v the_o name_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n yet_o can_v not_o deny_v but_o he_o once_o live_v among_o they_o and_o therefore_o call_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o lucian_n in_o derision_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o that_o be_v hang_v on_o a_o tree_n 2._o it_o be_v likewise_o as_o unquestionable_a that_o jesus_n wrought_v many_o notable_a miracle_n while_o he_o converse_v with_o man_n and_o they_o be_v such_o as_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o quality_n and_o design_n of_o they_o do_v evident_o prove_v his_o mission_n from_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o that_o all_o man_n ought_v to_o believe_v on_o he_o and_o this_o miraculous_a power_n ought_v to_o have_v convince_v the_o jew_n by_o their_o own_o law_n for_o this_o be_v the_o sign_n or_o token_n leave_v by_o moses_n to_o discern_v between_o the_o true_a and_o false_a prophet_n deut._n xviii_o 21_o 22._o and_o if_o thou_o say_v in_o thy_o heart_n how_o shall_v we_o know_v the_o word_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o speak_v when_o a_o prophet_n speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o the_o thing_n follow_v not_o nor_o come_v to_o pass_v i._n e._n if_o he_o do_v no_o miracle_n that_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o speak_v and_o consequent_o if_o there_o shall_v come_v one_o who_o doctrine_n tend_v to_o the_o establish_v the_o pure_a worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o deliver_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v for_o the_o promotion_n of_o piety_n and_o holiness_n and_o shall_v confirm_v this_o his_o doctrine_n by_o miracle_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n ought_v to_o believe_v in_o he_o but_o if_o any_o one_o come_v and_o seek_v to_o draw_v man_n from_o real_a and_o substantial_a holiness_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o to_o gain_v credit_n to_o his_o pernicious_a design_n shall_v work_v a_o miracle_n we_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v he_o because_o god_n sometime_o permit_v such_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v to_o try_v the_o constancy_n and_o steadfastness_n of_o man_n deut._n xiii_o 1_o 2_o 3._o to_o this_o the_o jew_n object_n and_o say_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n perform_v his_o miracle_n by_o magical_a and_o diabolical_a art_n for_o so_o they_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o cast_v out_o devil_n by_o beelzebub_n the_o prince_n of_o devil_n to_o this_o impious_a cavil_v we_o may_v return_v 1._o the_o answer_n which_o our_o saviour_n make_v they_o mat._n twelve_o 25_o 26._o every_o kingdom_n divide_v against_o itself_o be_v bring_v to_o desolation_n and_o if_o satan_n cast_v out_o satan_n he_o be_v divide_v against_o himself_o how_o shall_v then_o his_o kingdom_n stand_v for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o exact_o opposite_a and_o destructive_a of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o unrighteousness_n and_o darkness_n as_o porphyry_n himself_o acknowledge_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 5._o if_o the_o head_n and_o prince_n of_o this_o wicked_a polity_n shall_v abet_v the_o lord_n christ_n so_o far_o as_o to_o empower_v he_o to_o cast_v out_o his_o associate_n from_o their_o usurp_a habitation_n it_o will_v undoubted_o beget_v a_o intestine_a war_n and_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n will_v be_v at_o a_o eternal_a variance_n and_o dissension_n with_o one_o another_o which_o at_o last_o will_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o kingdom_n 2._o this_o be_v a_o invincible_a tentation_n put_v upon_o mankind_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o sure_a manifestation_n of_o the_o presence_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o deity_n than_o when_o a_o man_n be_v enable_v to_o work_v miracle_n and_o it_o be_v irreconcilable_a with_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o almighty_n god_n to_o suffer_v the_o most_o innocent_a and_o harmless_a person_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v fatal_o and_o inevitable_o delude_v 3._o the_o great_a synedrium_fw-la consist_v of_o the_o high-priest_n the_o elder_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o scribe_n or_o lawyer_n as_o their_o assistant_n who_o office_n and_o right_o it_o be_v to_o try_v the_o prophet_n be_v say_v by_o the_o jew_n to_o be_v skill_v in_o magic_a rite_n for_o the_o better_a and_o sure_a exploration_n of_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v true_a prophet_n but_o wrought_v their_o