shall_v not_o shelter_v ourselves_o in_o a_o formal_a outside_n sanctity_n but_o attain_v to_o that_o new-birth_n wherein_o all_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n be_v perfect_o vanquish_v and_o subdue_v and_o no_o life_n stir_v but_o that_o which_o flow_v from_o and_o partake_v of_o god_n spirit_n and_o we_o have_v such_o a_o potent_a assistance_n it_o must_v needs_o enliven_v and_o encourage_v we_o to_o put_v forth_o all_o our_o strength_n in_o mortify_v our_o sin_n and_o corruption_n be_v assure_v that_o through_o the_o mighty_a energy_n of_o this_o divine_a spirit_n we_o shall_v become_v victorious_a over_o all_o our_o enemy_n and_o that_o though_o we_o have_v old_a rebellious_a giant_n within_o we_o powerful_a lust_n like_o the_o son_n of_o anak_n yet_o this_o almighty_a spirit_n if_o we_o be_v not_o treacherous_a and_o false_a to_o his_o inspiration_n be_v able_a and_o certain_o will_v bring_v we_o into_o the_o promise_a land_n and_o that_o we_o have_v no_o great_a success_n in_o the_o mortification_n of_o our_o sin_n proceed_v not_o from_o the_o want_n of_o the_o supply_n of_o god_n spirit_n but_o from_o our_o own_o carelessness_n and_o falseness_n when_o he_o call_v to_o we_o to_o awake_v and_o arise_v from_o the_o dead_a from_o that_o dull_a and_o stupid_a condition_n we_o lie_v in_o under_o our_o sin_n we_o resist_v his_o influence_n and_o shut_v our_o eye_n against_o that_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o upon_o we_o and_o fall_v again_o to_o our_o old_a slumber_n and_o drowziness_n but_o if_o we_o will_v collect_v the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n together_o and_o go_v against_o our_o strong_a vice_n and_o our_o habitual_a and_o customary_a sin_n with_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a resolution_n of_o destroy_v they_o this_o spirit_n will_v never_o be_v want_v to_o we_o but_o we_o shall_v find_v wonder_n wrought_v in_o our_o own_o soul_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o dry_a and_o parch_a soil_n that_o barren_a wilderness_n wherein_o no_o plant_n of_o sincere_a piety_n and_o righteousness_n have_v of_o a_o long_a time_n prosper_v to_o become_v a_o plantation_n of_o god_n and_o fill_v with_o all_o divine_a grace_n and_o virtue_n for_o certain_o god_n have_v not_o afford_v we_o this_o help_n to_o gratify_v our_o idleness_n or_o vanity_n but_o to_o actuate_v our_o diligence_n and_o to_o enliven_v our_o faint_a and_o droop_a spirit_n that_o we_o may_v not_o conceit_v ourselves_o to_o be_v under_o a_o invincible_a infirmity_n and_o imbecility_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o free_v ourselves_o from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n but_o to_o go_v on_o with_o courage_n and_o rest_v assure_v that_o when_o the_o enemy_n come_v in_o like_o a_o flood_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v lift_v up_o a_o standard_n against_o he_o this_o must_v of_o necessity_n bring_v a_o wonderful_a comfort_n to_o a_o man_n under_o his_o strong_a temptation_n and_o in_o his_o sore_a conflict_n with_o sin_n and_o vice_n to_o be_v assure_v not_o only_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v leave_v alone_o and_o forsake_a but_o that_o this_o eternal_a spirit_n shall_v cooperate_v with_o he_o and_o strengthen_v and_o perfect_v he_o in_o the_o inner_a man_n till_o he_o have_v bring_v he_o unto_o glory_n and_o because_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a prop_n and_o encouragement_n of_o a_o christian_a travel_v through_o the_o wilderness_n of_o this_o world_n therefore_o it_o be_v in_o plain_a word_n and_o without_o a_o parable_n declare_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n john_n 14.15_o 16_o 17._o if_o you_o love_v i_o keep_v my_o commandment_n and_o i_o will_v pray_v the_o father_n and_o he_o shall_v give_v you_o another_o comforter_n that_o he_o may_v abide_v with_o you_o for_o ever_o even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n who_o the_o world_n can_v receive_v because_o it_o see_v he_o not_o neither_o know_v he_o but_o you_o know_v he_o for_o he_o dwell_v with_o you_o and_o shall_v be_v in_o you_o 2._o a_o second_o powerful_a motive_n for_o the_o beget_n a_o divine_a life_n and_o nature_n in_o man_n which_o be_v the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o stupendous_a love_n of_o god_n in_o send_v jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n this_o our_o lord_n himself_o signify_v to_o we_o john_n 3.16_o so_o god_n love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n god_n be_v a_o be_v of_o infinite_a love_n and_o goodness_n that_o as_o he_o make_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v happy_a according_a to_o their_o several_a nature_n so_o his_o compassionate_a eye_n can_v not_o behold_v they_o for_o ever_o lose_v and_o involve_v in_o a_o inextricable_a ruin_n though_o through_o their_o own_o fault_n and_o not_o provide_v they_o some_o mean_n of_o recovery_n the_o psalmist_n say_v psal_n 145.9_o that_o the_o tender_a mercy_n of_o god_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n and_o if_o compassion_n and_o mercy_n be_v essential_a attribute_n of_o god_n as_o doubtless_o they_o be_v then_o there_o be_v a_o mighty_a suitableness_n and_o agreeableness_n between_o a_o poor_a and_o undo_v creature_n and_o pity_n and_o compassion_n whereby_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o it_o be_v alone_o the_o infinite_a love_n mercy_n and_o compassion_n of_o god_n that_o move_v he_o to_o rescue_v the_o world_n from_o perish_v for_o ever_o and_o that_o this_o might_n more_o deep_o affect_v our_o heart_n and_o more_o powerful_o draw_v we_o off_o from_o our_o sin_n his_o all-comprehensive_a wisdom_n so_o contrive_v it_o that_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n shall_v take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o and_o be_v the_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n of_o all_o his_o lose_a brethren_n what_o a_o strong_a argument_n now_o be_v this_o to_o reclaim_v the_o most_o stubborn_a offender_n have_v we_o but_o common_a gratitude_n it_o will_v certain_o move_v we_o to_o make_v our_o return_n of_o love_n and_o affection_n in_o some_o degree_n answerable_a to_o so_o infinite_a a_o kindness_n and_o when_o we_o shall_v consider_v further_o that_o all_o this_o provision_n be_v only_o upon_o our_o account_n and_o that_o god_n be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o better_v or_o make_v more_o happy_a by_o our_o salvation_n this_o will_v turn_v it_o into_o admiration_n that_o god_n shall_v take_v such_o pain_n and_o compass_v such_o strange_a design_n and_o all_o for_o his_o enemy_n that_o wilful_o depart_v and_o revolt_v from_o he_o there_o be_v another_o cogent_a argument_n to_o promote_v the_o grand_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o be_v a_o serious_a meditation_n upon_o the_o crucifixion_n and_o death_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a privilege_n grant_v to_o man_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v receive_v into_o favour_n after_o their_o heinous_a rebellion_n against_o god._n but_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o this_o privilege_n be_v not_o buy_v or_o procure_v for_o they_o by_o such_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a thing_n as_o silver_n and_o gold_n for_o which_o yet_o we_o know_v that_o thing_n of_o great_a worth_n pertain_v to_o this_o life_n may_v be_v have_v but_o by_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o immaculate_a lamb_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o pet._n 1.18_o 19_o this_o make_v it_o still_o more_o wonderful_a for_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o price_n by_o which_o any_o privilege_n or_o liberty_n be_v purchase_v for_o any_o man_n it_o be_v a_o high_a engagement_n upon_o he_o to_o improve_v this_o benefit_n to_o the_o utmost_a as_o well_o for_o his_o behoof_n who_o have_v make_v the_o purchase_n for_o he_o as_o for_o his_o own_o and_o what_o treasure_n be_v there_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n more_o valuable_a than_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o he_o willing_o offer_v this_o for_o the_o world_n that_o he_o may_v disengage_v man_n from_o their_o sin_n and_o persuade_v they_o to_o follow_v holiness_n which_o shall_v be_v for_o their_o eternal_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n to_o illustrate_v this_o by_o a_o familiar_a similitude_n suppose_v some_o dear_a friend_n shall_v part_v with_o his_o life_n to_o redeem_v another_o from_o some_o certain_a danger_n which_o otherwise_o will_v ruin_v he_o and_o shall_v only_o condition_n with_o he_o to_o perform_v some_o easy_a command_n which_o yet_o shall_v tend_v to_o his_o unspeakable_a good_a and_o advantage_n can_v such_o a_o man_n slight_a so_o great_a a_o love_n or_o ever_o think_v himself_o too_o punctual_a in_o observe_v those_o light_a injunction_n which_o his_o die_a friend_n have_v lay_v upon_o he_o sure_o if_o it_o be_v but_o for_o his_o own_o gain_n and_o profit_n he_o will_v never_o disregard_n they_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o with_o we_o
teach_v all_o man_n that_o be_v to_o speak_v reverent_o of_o what_o god_n do_v and_o to_o have_v honourable_a thought_n of_o his_o work_n but_o for_o the_o further_a confirmation_n of_o this_o point_n and_o for_o the_o build_n of_o we_o up_o more_o firm_o in_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n i_o shall_v consider_v what_o be_v the_o main_a cause_n of_o shame_n and_o upon_o what_o ground_n we_o may_v just_o be_v ashamed_a of_o any_o doctrine_n deliver_v to_o we_o and_o then_o show_v that_o in_o none_o of_o these_o respect_n we_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o christian_a religion_n 1._o a_o first_o cause_n of_o shame_n be_v if_o that_o which_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o be_v not_o true_a if_o a_o man_n shall_v confident_o entertain_v a_o opinion_n that_o be_v false_a and_o which_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o credibility_n for_o and_o shall_v expose_v his_o life_n and_o fortune_n to_o hazard_v and_o danger_n for_o it_o he_o will_v have_v great_a reason_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o his_o levity_n and_o rashness_n and_o all_o man_n beside_o himself_o will_v conclude_v he_o guilty_a of_o a_o unpardonable_a folly_n 2._o we_o may_v just_o be_v ashamed_a if_o the_o thing_n propound_v to_o we_o be_v not_o rational_a that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o those_o common_a notion_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n which_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o our_o soul_n 3._o we_o have_v sufficient_a cause_n of_o shame_n and_o confusion_n if_o the_o doctrine_n offer_v to_o we_o for_o our_o faith_n and_o belief_n be_v not_o intelligible_a i._n e._n easy_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o all_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v propound_v for_o if_o christianity_n be_v make_v up_o of_o a_o company_n of_o intricate_a and_o dark_a riddle_n only_o to_o amuse_v the_o world_n and_o to_o puzzle_v our_o understanding_n i_o do_v not_o see_v but_o that_o a_o wise_a and_o sober_a person_n may_v have_v ground_n enough_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o 4._o if_o it_o be_v not_o useful_a to_o the_o world_n but_o contain_v only_o some_o poor_a and_o trivial_a thing_n that_o be_v of_o no_o benefit_n to_o men._n if_o religion_n have_v indeed_o be_v thus_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o may_v have_v be_v ashamed_a to_o have_v make_v such_o a_o stir_n in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o christian_n that_o follow_v they_o will_v have_v be_v extreme_o out_o of_o countenance_n when_o they_o have_v see_v so_o little_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o all_o that_o which_o be_v yet_o deliver_v as_o god_n will_n and_o wherein_o he_o have_v show_v such_o a_o wonderful_a piece_n of_o art_n and_o wisdom_n but_o now_o when_o we_o look_v upon_o religion_n and_o find_v that_o it_o be_v most_o true_o and_o certain_o the_o will_n of_o god_n deliver_v to_o the_o world_n that_o it_o come_v from_o heaven_n and_o be_v attest_v by_o all_o the_o evidence_n and_o argument_n that_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o that_o god_n have_v a_o immediate_a hand_n in_o it_o and_o that_o all_o its_o authority_n be_v undoubted_o derive_v from_o he_o again_o when_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o christianity_n but_o what_o be_v high_o rational_a and_o agreeable_a to_o our_o intellectual_a faculty_n and_o for_o which_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o make_v the_o most_o reasonable_a apology_n and_o defence_n and_o further_o when_o christianity_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v in_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v indispensable_o necessary_a to_o every_o man_n salvation_n so_o that_o the_o most_o ordinary_a capacity_n may_v apprehend_v what_o be_v god_n will_n and_o meaning_n in_o it_o and_o what_o he_o will_v have_v he_o to_o do_v and_o last_o when_o we_o shall_v see_v that_o religion_n be_v a_o thing_n of_o no_o mean_a and_o low_a concernment_n but_o a_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n that_o ever_o be_v communicate_v to_o mankind_n when_o its_o great_a end_n and_o design_n shall_v be_v discover_v only_o to_o make_v man_n everlasting_o happy_a in_o another_o life_n when_o these_o thing_n put_v together_o shall_v appear_v with_o irresistible_a evidence_n and_o clearness_n sure_o that_o man_n must_v be_v bereave_v of_o his_o wit_n and_o understanding_n that_o can_v be_v ashamed_a of_o a_o doctrine_n that_o have_v all_o these_o qualification_n in_o the_o first_o place_n then_o to_o make_v it_o manifest_a that_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v a_o doctrine_n worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n and_o of_o which_o there_o may_v be_v make_v the_o best_a defence_n in_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v show_v by_o a_o few_o argument_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o god_n send_v his_o son_n jesus_n to_o communicate_v this_o as_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n and_o that_o he_o will_v have_v all_o the_o world_n to_o live_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o it_o they_o that_o will_v have_v more_o full_a and_o ample_a satisfaction_n upon_o this_o subject_a may_v consult_v that_o excellent_a treatise_n of_o grotius_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n translate_v into_o english_a by_o dr._n patrick_n now_o the_o reverend_a bishop_n of_o ely_n now_o to_o this_o purpose_n let_v we_o consider_v that_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n upon_o which_o christian_n religion_n be_v build_v it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o probable_a either_o 1._o that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v deceive_v or_o 2._o that_o they_o shall_v deceive_v other_o 1._o it_o be_v not_o likely_a the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v deceive_v because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o relation_n which_o they_o deliver_v by_o here-say_a but_o be_v constant_a attendant_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o see_v he_o work_v his_o miracle_n when_o he_o cure_v disease_n raise_v the_o dead_a and_o cast_v out_o devil_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o apostle_n choose_v another_o into_o the_o room_n of_o judas_n there_o be_v this_o reason_n give_v for_o it_o act_n 1.21.22_o wherefore_o of_o these_o man_n which_o have_v company_v with_o we_o all_o the_o time_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n go_v in_o and_o out_o among_o we_o begin_v from_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n unto_o that_o same_o day_n that_o he_o be_v take_v up_o from_o we_o must_v one_o be_v ordain_v to_o be_v a_o witness_n with_o we_o of_o his_o resurrection_n here_o be_v one_o who_o together_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o assert_v upon_o his_o own_o knowledge_n the_o action_n of_o jesus_n his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o st._n luke_n chap._n 1.2_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o write_v be_v such_o as_o be_v deliver_v by_o they_o who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d eye-witness_n of_o they_o and_o doubtless_o there_o can_v be_v no_o better_a testimony_n in_o the_o world_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n than_o from_o a_o eye-witness_n of_o it_o according_a to_o that_o common_a say_n pluris_fw-la est_fw-la unus_fw-la ocularis_fw-la testis_fw-la quam_fw-la auriti_fw-la decem_fw-la one_o ocular_a demonstration_n be_v worth_a ten_o hearsays_a and_o this_o be_v the_o answer_n that_o peter_n and_o john_n give_v to_o the_o great_a council_n of_o the_o jew_n act_n 4.20_o we_o can_v but_o speak_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v but_o that_o we_o may_v not_o run_v over_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n i_o shall_v content_v myself_o with_o that_o one_o which_o be_v the_o confirmation_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n that_o be_v his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a for_o as_o st._n paul_n speak_v 1_o cor._n 15.14_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o rise_v than_o our_o preach_a be_v vain_a and_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n be_v likewise_o vain_a the_o preach_v of_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v be_v vain_a because_o they_o exhort_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o command_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o hope_n of_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n and_o that_o their_o labour_n and_o pain_n shall_v be_v reward_v by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o their_o body_n to_o eternal_a life_n whereas_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o rise_v there_o be_v then_o no_o reward_n for_o believer_n and_o the_o great_a noise_n and_o talk_v of_o the_o joy_n and_o felicity_n of_o pious_a soul_n after_o this_o life_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o dream_n of_o melancholic_a person_n to_o amuse_v the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n if_o christ_n be_v yet_o in_o the_o grave_a and_o under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n will_v be_v as_o empty_a and_o vain_a because_o it_o be_v build_v upon_o
falsehood_n as_o they_o see_v will_v draw_v vast_a multitude_n to_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n more_o contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o christ_n religion_n which_o not_o only_o banish_v all_o lie_v and_o deceit_n as_o hateful_a crime_n but_o enjoin_v such_o a_o sincere_a and_o universal_a love_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o one_o another_o if_o man_n can_v be_v so_o wicked_a as_o upon_o self-end_n to_o broach_v a_o falsehood_n yet_o if_o we_o attend_v to_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n we_o must_v necessary_o conclude_v that_o he_o will_v long_o ever_o this_o have_v discover_v the_o forgery_n for_o christianity_n be_v so_o frame_v that_o the_o most_o innocent_a and_o harmless_a person_n in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v the_o most_o sincere_a in_o their_o love_n to_o god_n and_o man_n be_v the_o most_o easy_o take_v with_o it_o and_o therefore_o if_o it_o have_v be_v build_v upon_o a_o falsehood_n and_o a_o untruth_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v high_o concern_v to_o detect_v the_o imposture_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v those_o who_o endeavour_v to_o serve_v he_o in_o the_o best_a manner_n they_o can_v to_o be_v so_o fatal_o entangle_v with_o a_o error_n that_o will_v expose_v they_o to_o inevitable_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n now_o that_o i_o may_v complete_a this_o argument_n against_o all_o objection_n and_o cavil_n whatsoever_o i_o shall_v further_o add_v that_o the_o apostle_n give_v as_o full_a and_o high_a a_o testimony_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o give_v for_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o the_o world_n to_o which_o purpose_n i_o shall_v borrow_v some_o few_o particular_n from_o a_o late_a ingenious_a author_n we_o must_v consider_v say_v he_o what_o those_o circumstance_n be_v deist_n which_o be_v most_o common_o requisite_a to_o make_v humane_a testimony_n credible_a and_o receive_v by_o all_o the_o world_n as_o true_a 1._o the_o first_o thing_n be_v if_o man_n testify_v nothing_o but_o what_o they_o see_v 2._o if_o they_o testify_v it_o at_o no_o long_a distance_n of_o time_n from_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o thing_n do_v 3._o if_o their_o witness_n and_o testimony_n be_v plain_a and_o deliver_v without_o ambiguous_a and_o doubtful_a expression_n 4._o if_o a_o great_a number_n shall_v agree_v in_o testify_v the_o same_o thing_n 5._o last_o if_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o part_v with_o all_o that_o be_v valuable_a to_o mankind_n rather_o than_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o have_v testify_v now_o where_o all_o these_o meet_a and_o agree_v it_o be_v mere_a frowardness_n and_o humour_n to_o expect_v any_o further_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n let_v we_o examine_v then_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v christ_n resurrection_n by_o these_o rule_n 1._o the_o apostle_n witness_v nothing_o but_o what_o they_o themselves_o see_v they_o behold_v our_o saviour_n divers_a time_n after_o his_o resurrection_n they_o eat_v and_o drink_v with_o he_o nor_o be_v they_o hasty_a and_o rash_a in_o their_o belief_n but_o suspend_v their_o assent_n till_o after_o the_o most_o full_a and_o convictive_a evidence_n that_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o their_o sense_n which_o testimony_n when_o right_o circumstantiate_v be_v infallible_o true_a as_o may_v easy_o be_v demonstrate_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n appeal_v to_o they_o as_o one_o sure_a evidence_n against_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o dispute_n 1_o john_n 1.1_o that_o which_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v which_o we_o have_v see_v with_o our_o eye_n which_o we_o have_v look_v upon_o and_o our_o hand_n have_v handle_v 2._o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o stay_v any_o long_a time_n before_o they_o make_v this_o their_o testimony_n but_o soon_o after_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o while_o all_o the_o circumstance_n be_v lively_a and_o fresh_a in_o their_o memory_n and_o by_o this_o their_o early_a and_o timely_a witness_n they_o prevent_v the_o cavil_n of_o their_o enemy_n who_o will_v have_v be_v ready_a to_o have_v object_v have_v they_o stay_v any_o long_a time_n if_o the_o thing_n they_o now_o avouch_v be_v true_a why_o have_v they_o not_o discover_v they_o soon_o therefore_o upon_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n which_o be_v but_o a_o few_o day_n after_o our_o saviour_n christ_n ascension_n into_o heaven_n the_o apostle_n in_o a_o full_a assembly_n declare_v christ_n resurrection_n those_o very_a man_n that_o put_v he_o to_o death_n be_v alive_a and_o in_o be_v which_o they_o constant_o afterward_o and_o bold_o assert_v in_o the_o open_a face_n of_o the_o world_n 3._o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v have_v a_o mind_n to_o deceive_v when_o they_o affirm_v that_o christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v without_o question_n have_v speak_v it_o in_o such_o doubtful_a term_n that_o their_o meaning_n shall_v not_o present_o have_v be_v understand_v and_o whenever_o the_o thing_n shall_v be_v examine_v and_o narrow_o look_v into_o they_o may_v secure_o escape_v by_o the_o favour_n and_o benefit_n of_o some_o ambiguous_a expression_n which_o may_v cunning_o be_v draw_v to_o different_a sense_n and_o acceptation_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o apostle_n give_v their_o testimony_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n in_o open_a plain_a and_o direct_a term_n on_o purpose_n that_o no_o body_n shall_v mistake_v their_o meaning_n act_v 2.32.36_o this_o jesus_n he_o who_o before_o he_o have_v tell_v they_o they_o have_v take_v and_o by_o wicked_a hand_n crucify_a and_o slay_a have_v god_n raise_v up_o whereof_o we_o all_o be_v witness_n therefore_o let_v all_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n know_v assure_o that_o god_n have_v make_v that_o same_o jesus_n who_o you_o have_v crucify_a both_o lord_n and_o christ_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o this_o very_a same_o apostle_n divers_a year_n afterward_o with_o great_a integrity_n and_o sincerity_n make_v this_o open_a profession_n 2_o pet._n 1.16_o 17_o 18._o for_o we_o have_v not_o follow_v cunning_o devise_v fable_n when_o we_o make_v know_v unto_o you_o the_o power_n and_o come_v of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o majesty_n for_o he_o receive_v from_o god_n the_o father_n honour_n and_o glory_n when_o there_o come_v such_o a_o voice_n to_o he_o from_o the_o excellent_a glory_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v and_o this_o voice_n which_o come_v from_o heaven_n we_o hear_v when_o we_o be_v with_o he_o in_o the_o holy_a mount_n 4._o if_o there_o have_v be_v but_o one_o single_a witness_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n the_o world_n will_v have_v be_v apt_a to_o have_v suspect_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o testimony_n but_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n upon_o which_o the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n lie_v it_o be_v confident_o affirm_v by_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n as_o in_o the_o forementioned_a place_n of_o this_o we_o all_o be_v witness_n say_v st._n peter_n neither_o be_v the_o apostle_n only_a witness_n of_o our_o lord_n resurrection_n but_o above_o five_o hundred_o more_o who_o at_o one_o time_n see_v jesus_n after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n 15.6_o and_o among_o all_o this_o company_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o think_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v none_o so_o honest_a as_o to_o discover_v the_o cheat_n if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o especial_o when_o the_o free_a and_o open_a profession_n of_o it_o be_v every_o way_n attend_v with_o so_o much_o danger_n infamy_n and_o disgrace_n 5._o last_o that_o which_o complete_v the_o credibility_n of_o this_o testimony_n be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o one_o of_o the_o apostle_n nor_o scarce_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n but_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o hazard_n and_o danger_n of_o lose_v all_o that_o be_v dear_a and_o valuable_a to_o they_o rather_o than_o they_o will_v deny_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o witness_v if_o these_o thing_n have_v happen_v in_o a_o careless_a and_o drowsy_a age_n when_o people_n have_v be_v so_o indifferent_a about_o religion_n as_o never_o to_o matter_n what_o be_v propound_v to_o they_o it_o be_v possible_a than_o that_o man_n may_v have_v go_v on_o so_o long_o in_o a_o lie_n till_o they_o have_v get_v interest_n enough_o to_o propagate_v it_o for_o a_o truth_n but_o the_o apostle_n no_o soon_o appear_v witness_v these_o thing_n but_o they_o meet_v with_o a_o early_a and_o vigorous_a opposition_n and_o that_o from_o the_o chief_a man_n in_o power_n who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o suppress_v they_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v set_v against_o they_o and_o they_o have_v no_o other_o favour_n show_v they_o but_o this_o
mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v also_o one_o of_o christ_n witness_n than_o the_o sin_n become_v deadly_a because_o the_o last_o mean_n be_v use_v and_o the_o full_a proof_n of_o credibility_n give_v that_o can_v be_v expect_v for_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o be_v there_o be_v every_o thing_n do_v which_o may_v procure_v belief_n in_o a_o disinterest_v person_n and_o therefore_o for_o any_o obstinate_o to_o contradict_v this_o be_v quite_o to_o prescind_v his_o own_o hope_n and_o shut_v the_o door_n against_o himself_o by_o wilful_o reject_v all_o those_o argument_n which_o may_v and_o ought_v to_o have_v gain_v belief_n i_o pray_v god_n open_v the_o eye_n of_o those_o who_o slight_a and_o undervalue_v christianity_n as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 4.9_o a_o faithful_a and_o true_a word_n and_o every_o way_n worthy_a to_o be_v receive_v that_o they_o may_v timely_o see_v and_o repent_v of_o their_o error_n and_o through_o a_o sincere_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n may_v be_v eternal_o save_v a_o defence_n of_o reveal_v religion_n sermon_n ii_o rome_n i._o 16._o for_o i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v show_v from_o these_o word_n that_o the_o history_n of_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n his_o death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n be_v true_a and_o be_v so_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o our_o religion_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o these_o thing_n truth_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o none_o need_v to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o because_o it_o be_v a_o perfection_n a_o ray_n and_o beam_n that_o descend_v from_o god_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o truth_n now_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n depend_v upon_o the_o veracity_n of_o those_o that_o write_v it_o we_o show_v that_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o be_v deceive_v because_o they_o be_v present_a and_o eye-witness_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o set_v down_o and_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o suspect_v they_o will_v deceive_v other_o because_o they_o may_v have_v be_v discover_v and_o beside_o have_v no_o self-end_n nor_o design_n in_o broach_v a_o falsehood_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a be_v ready_a to_o sacrifice_v their_o own_o life_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o say_v and_o last_o that_o they_o give_v as_o high_a a_o testimony_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n on_o which_o all_o his_o other_o miracle_n depend_v as_o possible_o can_v be_v give_v by_o man_n to_o any_o thing_n or_o matter_n in_o the_o world_n 2._o the_o next_o cause_n of_o shame_n be_v if_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v to_o we_o be_v not_o rational_a therefore_o we_o come_v now_o to_o show_v that_o christianity_n or_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v rational_a that_o be_v agreeable_a with_o those_o common_a notion_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n which_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o indeed_o if_o we_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v true_a and_o come_v from_o god_n it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o contain_v in_o it_o that_o be_v unreasonable_a forasmuch_o as_o god_n be_v the_o high_a reason_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v unreasonable_a for_o than_o he_o will_v be_v the_o author_n of_o something_o unlike_o himself_o and_o that_o have_v no_o analogy_n or_o correspondence_n with_o any_o of_o his_o attribute_n and_o therefore_o to_o affirm_v that_o god_n can_v propound_v to_o we_o what_o be_v altogether_o irrational_a and_o bear_v no_o harmony_n or_o agreement_n with_o any_o of_o our_o faculty_n be_v to_o make_v he_o the_o author_n of_o nonsense_n contradiction_n and_o impossibility_n reason_n be_v that_o light_n and_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o have_v set_v up_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o guide_v they_o safe_a from_o error_n falsehood_n and_o delusion_n and_o when_o we_o say_v a_o thing_n be_v reasonable_a we_o say_v that_o it_o have_v a_o conformity_n with_o those_o intellectual_a principle_n the_o sovereign_a author_n of_o our_o being_n have_v plant_v in_o we_o there_o be_v a_o suitableness_n and_o agreeableness_n of_o such_o thing_n with_o the_o rational_a frame_n and_o make_v of_o our_o own_o soul_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n call_v our_o conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n which_o he_o term_v rom._n 12.1_o a_o present_v our_o body_n a_o live_a sacrifice_n holy_a and_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n a_o reasonable_a service_n that_o be_v such_o a_o worship_n as_o if_o we_o understand_v ourselves_o be_v fit_v and_o accommodate_v to_o our_o natural_a faculty_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o st._n peter_n bid_v we_o to_o be_v ready_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o give_v a_o answer_n or_o make_v a_o apology_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v we_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o i_o e._n he_o will_v have_v we_o prepare_v to_o give_v a_o satisfactory_a and_o rational_a account_n why_o we_o be_v christian_n but_o now_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o christian_a religion_n that_o be_v unreasonable_a what_o apology_n can_v be_v make_v for_o it_o or_o how_o shall_v any_o man_n defend_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v whole_o contrary_a to_o that_o light_n which_o god_n have_v set_v up_o in_o his_o soul_n to_o discern_v between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n so_o that_o if_o there_o lie_v a_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n than_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a there_o be_v no_o part_n of_o it_o unreasonable_a but_o here_o we_o must_v note_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v some_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n above_o humane_a reason_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o say_v they_o be_v unreasonable_a or_o contrary_a to_o sound_v reason_n the_o frame_n of_o christianity_n itself_o be_v call_v by_o st._n paul_n 1_o tim._n 3.16_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o great_a mystery_n and_o a_o mystery_n we_o know_v must_v have_v something_o hide_a and_o recondit_fw-la in_o it_o which_o be_v discern_v only_o by_o capable_a mind_n and_o there_o may_v be_v and_o doubtless_o be_v some_o sacred_a and_o hide_a doctrine_n in_o christian_a religion_n above_o humane_a reason_n in_o this_o sense_n viz._n that_o our_o reason_n can_v never_o have_v light_v upon_o they_o or_o find_v they_o out_o without_o a_o divine_a revelation_n but_o notwithstanding_o these_o mysterious_a truth_n be_v very_o agreeable_a with_o our_o reason_n now_o they_o be_v discover_v and_o there_o be_v a_o rational_a defence_n to_o be_v make_v for_o they_o and_o a_o satisfactory_a account_n to_o be_v give_v of_o every_o one_o of_o they_o we_o can_v never_o by_o the_o bare_a help_n of_o reason_n have_v know_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o union_n of_o god_n with_o humane_a nature_n nor_o discover_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n nor_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o body_n nor_o the_o joy_n and_o felicity_n of_o heaven_n if_o god_n have_v not_o reveal_v these_o thing_n to_o we_o but_o now_o that_o they_o be_v make_v a_o part_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o can_v show_v that_o none_o of_o they_o be_v contradictory_n to_o the_o principle_n of_o sound_a reason_n if_o therefore_o there_o be_v any_o unreasonableness_n in_o christianity_n it_o must_v arise_v either_o 1._o from_o the_o frame_n and_o contexture_n of_o it_o or_o 2._o from_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o that_o there_o be_v no_o unreasonableness_n or_o incongruity_n in_o the_o frame_n of_o christianity_n will_v appear_v thus_o the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o release_v and_o free_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n from_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o evil_a into_o which_o they_o have_v unhappy_o plunge_v themselves_o and_o to_o recover_v they_o into_o a_o holy_a blameless_a and_o heavenly_a life_n and_o nature_n that_o behave_v themselves_o harmless_o and_o unblamable_o as_o the_o child_n of_o god_n though_o encompass_v with_o many_o hardship_n and_o affliction_n which_o they_o meet_v withal_o in_o their_o passage_n through_o the_o wilderness_n of_o this_o world_n they_o may_v at_o last_o through_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n arrive_v by_o orderly_a step_n and_o degree_n to_o the_o land_n of_o righteousness_n their_o ancient_a inheritance_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n this_o be_v the_o free_a counsel_n and_o determination_n of_o almighty_a god_n which_o flow_v only_o from_o his_o immense_a and_o boundless_a love_n now_o the_o method_n and_o way_n which_o god_n have_v make_v choice_n of_o to_o bring_v this_o great_a design_n about_o be_v such_o so_o fit_v and_o adapt_v to_o to_o our_o case_n and_o condition_n and_o so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n
and_o through_o their_o gross_a infidelity_n they_o shall_v not_o give_v that_o reverence_n and_o ready_a compliance_n that_o be_v due_a to_o so_o great_a a_o majesty_n beside_o the_o reiterate_v this_o voice_n at_o two_o other_o time_n before_o unsuspected_a witness_n god_n endue_v our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n with_o such_o a_o miraculous_a power_n as_o no_o man_n ever_o have_v before_o so_o that_o it_o be_v true_o say_v of_o he_o by_o the_o multitude_n upon_o the_o cast_n out_o of_o a_o devil_n mat._n 9.33_o that_o it_o be_v never_o so_o see_v in_o israel_n here_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n to_o prove_v that_o christ_n be_v send_v from_o god._n but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v nothing_o want_v to_o give_v the_o high_a certainty_n that_o so_o great_a a_o truth_n be_v capable_a of_o after_o the_o jew_n have_v put_v jesus_n to_o death_n as_o a_o deceiver_n god_n open_o vindicate_v his_o innocency_n by_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a by_o which_o we_o have_v all_o the_o assurance_n imaginable_a that_o what_o our_o lord_n speak_v and_o do_v in_o his_o life-time_n he_o act_v by_o divine_a designation_n and_o appointment_n 2._o it_o appear_v very_o reasonable_a that_o this_o person_n who_o god_n entrust_v with_o the_o delivery_n of_o his_o will_n shall_v show_v we_o by_o his_o own_o example_n what_o kind_n of_o life_n it_o be_v that_o god_n require_v of_o we_o and_o which_o will_v at_o last_o procure_v our_o happiness_n for_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o example_n prevail_v with_o man_n than_o naked_a precept_n and_o persuasion_n by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o will_v this_o divine_a person_n consult_v our_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n who_o be_v with_o great_a easiness_n allure_v to_o walk_v in_o that_o path_n wherein_o we_o have_v see_v another_o go_v before_o we_o and_o such_o a_o course_n as_o this_o will_v give_v great_a ease_n and_o relief_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o god_n require_v no_o impossibility_n of_o they_o when_o they_o see_v one_o dwell_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o surround_v with_o the_o same_o infirmity_n and_o yet_o live_v up_o exact_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o that_o divine_a life_n he_o prescribe_v to_o other_o and_o in_o this_o example_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o double_a convenience_n 1._o here_o we_o be_v teach_v in_o a_o familiar_a way_n by_o one_o of_o the_o same_o flesh_n and_o blood_n with_o ourselves_o when_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v deliver_v upon_o mount_n sinai_n to_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v in_o such_o a_o terrible_a and_o amaze_a manner_n that_o the_o people_n be_v affright_v and_o astonish_v at_o it_o as_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o all_o unusual_a and_o terrible_a thing_n to_o cause_v a_o horror_n and_o dread_n in_o weak_a and_o frail_a mortal_n therefore_o it_o be_v infinite_o more_o agreeable_a and_o desirable_a that_o god_n shall_v manifest_v his_o will_n in_o the_o mild_a sweet_a and_o most_o attractive_a manner_n which_o can_v no_o better_a way_n be_v do_v than_o that_o this_o person_n who_o come_v from_o he_o shall_v be_v clothe_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n for_o hereby_o our_o weakness_n be_v consult_v and_o we_o have_v a_o mighty_a comfort_n in_o our_o great_a straits_n and_o necessity_n be_v assure_v as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v heb._n 4.15_o 16._o that_o we_o have_v not_o such_o a_o high_a priest_n that_o can_v be_v touch_v with_o the_o feel_n of_o our_o infirmity_n but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v in_o all_o point_v tempt_v as_o we_o be_v though_o without_o sin_n and_o because_o through_o a_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o guiltiness_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o dare_v not_o approach_v unto_o he_o now_o that_o he_o condescend_v to_o visit_v we_o in_o our_o own_o likeness_n and_o instruct_v we_o by_o one_o of_o our_o brethren_n we_o come_v bold_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v obtain_v mercy_n and_o find_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d grace_n for_o seasonable_a relief_n 2._o in_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n we_o see_v what_o little_a regard_n be_v have_v of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o carnal_a and_o sensual_a man_n so_o much_o prize_n and_o value_v and_o that_o the_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a life_n be_v no_o part_n of_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n such_o as_o pride_n and_o vain_a glory_n worldly_a power_n and_o dominion_n covetousness_n and_o a_o immoderate_a desire_n and_o hanker_a after_o sensual_a pleasure_n these_o be_v thing_n that_o debase_v inebriate_a and_o intoxicate_a the_o carnal_a mind_n and_o from_o which_o luscious_a and_o powerful_a inescation_n our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n come_v to_o loose_v and_o set_v we_o free_a and_o therefore_o our_o lord_n choose_v not_o to_o be_v bear_v in_o a_o splendid_a manner_n but_o of_o a_o poor_a virgin_n that_o have_v but_o a_o pair_n of_o turtle-dove_n to_o offer_v for_o his_o redemption_n and_o to_o be_v cradle_v in_o a_o manger_n among_o the_o mean_a of_o his_o creature_n and_o as_o his_o birth_n be_v humble_a and_o mean_a so_o all_o his_o life-time_n he_o refuse_v all_o earthly_a splendour_n and_o glory_n to_o instruct_v we_o that_o the_o true_a advancement_n and_o perfection_n of_o our_o soul_n consist_v in_o the_o low_a and_o most_o humble_a resignation_n of_o themselves_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god._n and_o that_o the_o more_o unaffected_a a_o man_n live_v to_o the_o complacency_n and_o delight_n of_o the_o animal_n life_n the_o more_o he_o spiritualize_v his_o soul_n and_o make_v it_o capable_a of_o enjoy_v communion_n with_o god._n our_o most_o holy_a lord_n never_o covet_v after_o earthly_a riches_n and_o possession_n that_o he_o may_v lead_v our_o mind_n from_o this_o dunghill_n to_o the_o fair_a mansion_n of_o heaven_n and_o show_v we_o that_o man_n live_v not_o by_o bread_n alone_o but_o by_o every_o word_n that_o proceed_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n be_v a_o continue_a contradiction_n of_o the_o flatter_a pleasure_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o a_o perpetual_a slight_n and_o undervalue_v all_o that_o which_o the_o world_n call_v happiness_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o true_a divine_a life_n though_o it_o be_v not_o accompany_v with_o any_o earthly_a advantage_n such_o as_o honour_n and_o wealth_n and_o power_n be_v more_o dear_a and_o valuable_a in_o god_n eye_n than_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o whole_a comprehension_n of_o nature_n beside_o 3._o it_o seem_v further_o mighty_a agreeable_a and_o consentaneous_a to_o reason_n that_o since_o mankind_n have_v so_o foul_o revolt_v from_o god_n and_o lapse_v so_o deep_o from_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o righteousness_n there_o shall_v be_v some_o effectual_a course_n find_v out_o whereby_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o anger_n and_o displeasure_n of_o god_n conceive_v against_o sin_n and_o withal_o to_o reconcile_v the_o world_n unto_o himself_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o it_o be_v no_o breach_n of_o law_n or_o justice_n for_o a_o person_n to_o recede_v from_o his_o right_n yet_o god_n be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n if_o he_o shall_v have_v pardon_v sin_n upon_o no_o term_n or_o upon_o such_o as_o have_v be_v light_n and_o trifle_a it_o will_v have_v embolden_v man_n in_o their_o wickedness_n since_o they_o can_v obtain_v their_o pardon_n at_o such_o a_o cheap_a and_o easy_a rate_n therefore_o god_n in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n that_o he_o may_v show_v his_o extreme_a hatred_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o evil_a and_o the_o most_o powerful_o wind_v off_o man_n from_o it_o he_o take_v this_o way_n viz._n that_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n shall_v offer_v up_o his_o life_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o his_o death_n shall_v be_v a_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o all_o man_n sin_n whereby_o god_n both_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o ugly_a and_o pollute_a nature_n of_o sin_n and_o his_o just_a displeasure_n against_o it_o in_o that_o strange_a way_n he_o have_v take_v to_o punish_v it_o by_o the_o death_n and_o passion_n of_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n and_o withal_o take_v away_o all_o jealous_a and_o misgive_a thought_n out_o of_o our_o mind_n and_o quiet_v our_o conscience_n by_o show_v that_o he_o be_v no_o adamantine_a and_o rocky_a no_o implacable_a and_o inexorable_a be_v that_o be_v for_o ever_o deaf_a to_o the_o piteous_a complaint_n of_o the_o miserable_a and_o calamitous_a but_o will_v take_v we_o again_o into_o grace_n and_o favour_n upon_o our_o submission_n and_o repentance_n moreover_o in_o this_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o manifest_a condescension_n and_o purpose_a compliance_n with_o that_o early_a persuasion_n so_o universal_o root_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o the_o offend_v numen_fw-la be_v only_o to_o be_v appease_v by_o sacrifice_n and_o this_o
particular_a object_n 1._o it_o may_v here_o be_v say_v if_o the_o gospel_n i._n e._n christian_n religion_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o fit_v to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n why_o be_v it_o then_o call_v a_o mystery_n now_o a_o mystery_n be_v a_o sacred_a and_o hide_a piece_n of_o wisdom_n contain_v under_o it_o some_o great_a and_o excellent_a truth_n and_o such_o be_v the_o gospel_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v eph._n 3.4_o 5._o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n which_o in_o other_o age_n be_v not_o make_v know_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n as_o it_o be_v now_o reveal_v unto_o his_o holy_a apostle_n and_o prophet_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o again_o coloss_n 1.26_o it_o be_v call_v the_o mystery_n which_o be_v hide_v from_o age_n and_o generation_n but_o now_o be_v make_v manifest_a to_o the_o saint_n now_o if_o as_o we_o see_v the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o the_o gospel_n be_v such_o a_o mysterious_a thing_n how_o come_v it_o to_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o obvious_a as_o we_o have_v say_v to_o every_o vulgar_a capacity_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o christian_a religion_n be_v indeed_o a_o mystery_n and_o it_o be_v deserve_o call_v so_o by_o the_o apostle_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o open_a in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n we_o shall_v therefore_o first_o show_v the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v call_v a_o mystery_n and_o that_o it_o be_v very_o requisite_a it_o shall_v be_v so_o i._n e._n that_o there_o shall_v be_v something_o hide_a and_o reserve_v in_o it_o that_o shall_v not_o present_o be_v discern_v by_o every_o oscitant_fw-la and_o careless_a person_n and_o then_o make_v it_o appear_v further_o that_o it_o be_v not_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o every_o christian_n salvation_n now_o beside_o that_o the_o apostle_n express_o affirm_v christianity_n to_o be_v a_o mystery_n there_o be_v many_o instance_n which_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v so_o there_o be_v many_o doctrine_n which_o be_v very_o obscure_a and_o difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v such_o as_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n nay_o the_o very_a resurrection_n of_o our_o body_n be_v term_v a_o mystery_n as_o contain_v something_o above_o common_a and_o vulgar_a conceit_n and_o apprehension_n and_o when_o we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o different_a sentiment_n and_o persuasion_n of_o man_n about_o these_o thing_n it_o will_v full_o evince_v some_o obscurity_n in_o religion_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o every_o where_o of_o the_o same_o make_v but_o have_v some_o unfathomable_a depth_n as_o well_o as_o shallows_o that_o be_v easy_a and_o obvious_a to_o be_v ford_v and_o understand_v by_o a_o mean_a and_o ordinary_a capacity_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o ever_o so_o many_o division_n about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n so_o many_o sect_n of_o different_a persuasion_n shall_v have_v arisen_a and_o so_o long_o trouble_v and_o vex_v the_o christian_a church_n if_o all_o thing_n have_v be_v at_o first_o sight_n plain_a and_o intelligible_a to_o every_o one_o not_o to_o mention_v the_o many_o prophecy_n utter_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v no_o otherwise_o know_v but_o by_o their_o event_n and_o fulfil_n and_o till_o then_o man_n make_v but_o uncertain_a guess_n and_o conjecture_n about_o they_o and_o that_o this_o obscurity_n in_o some_o thing_n of_o religion_n be_v very_o become_v the_o all-comprehensive_a wisdom_n of_o god_n appear_v to_o be_v very_o reasonable_a 1._o to_o conciliate_v reverence_n and_o esteem_v to_o religion_n shall_v god_n at_o once_o have_v lay_v open_a all_o the_o pearl_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o every_o carnal_a eye_n they_o will_v have_v be_v apt_a to_o have_v contemn_v and_o despise_v they_o since_o it_o be_v the_o common_a guise_n and_o fashion_n of_o the_o world_n to_o esteem_v that_o of_o little_a worth_n and_o value_n that_o cost_v no_o labour_n and_o pain_n to_o come_v at_o whereas_o they_o apprehend_v something_o more_o than_o ordinary_a some_o great_a matter_n to_o be_v contain_v in_o that_o which_o be_v wrap_v up_o and_o keep_v secret_a and_o reserve_v from_o common_a sight_n therefore_o that_o this_o great_a gift_n of_o god_n may_v not_o prove_v despicable_a and_o contemptible_a he_o be_v please_v to_o veil_n it_o in_o a_o good_a measure_n that_o man_n may_v not_o know_v the_o worth_n of_o it_o at_o once_o but_o that_o the_o more_o they_o look_v into_o it_o the_o more_o they_o shall_v admire_v the_o unvaluableness_n and_o richness_n of_o it_o it_o be_v record_v of_o some_o of_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n that_o they_o show_v themselves_o to_o their_o subject_n but_o once_o a_o year_n that_o they_o may_v be_v more_o reverence_v and_o adore_v when_o they_o offer_v themselves_o to_o the_o people_n view_n and_o god_n that_o he_o may_v gain_v more_o reverence_n and_o estimation_n to_o this_o infinite_a treasure_n wherewith_o he_o have_v enrich_v the_o world_n he_o keep_v a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o hide_a and_o be_v not_o win_v without_o many_o prayer_n and_o earnest_a importunity_n accompany_v with_o great_a diligence_n to_o show_v unto_o man_n the_o glorious_a beauty_n of_o it_o 2._o it_o be_v very_o become_v that_o some_o thing_n in_o religion_n shall_v be_v obscure_a and_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o high_a and_o raise_v truth_n above_o the_o level_n of_o common_a understanding_n that_o so_o all_o holy_a person_n may_v find_v matter_n of_o delight_n and_o satisfaction_n according_a to_o their_o several_a stature_n and_o growth_n in_o grace_n hence_o st._n john_n 1_o ep._n 1.13_o speak_v of_o little_a child_n and_o young_a man_n and_o father_n in_o religion_n and_o according_a to_o this_o their_o several_a growth_n and_o stature_n in_o christ_n jesus_n there_o must_v likewise_o be_v a_o difference_n in_o the_o meat_n or_o food_n they_o be_v nourish_v withal_o a_o man_n be_v not_o content_v with_o that_o which_o will_v nourish_v a_o infant_n but_o require_v strong_a meat_n therefore_o st._n paul_n right_o distinguish_v of_o this_o heb._n 5.12_o 13_o 14._o for_o when_o for_o the_o time_n you_o ought_v to_o be_v teacher_n you_o have_v need_v that_o one_o teach_v you_o again_o which_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o be_v become_v such_o as_o have_v need_n of_o milk_n and_o not_o of_o strong_a meat_n for_o every_o one_o that_o use_v milk_n be_v unskilful_a in_o the_o word_n of_o righteousness_n for_o he_o be_v a_o babe_n but_o strong_a meat_n belong_v to_o they_o that_o be_v of_o full_a age_n now_o that_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v fit_v for_o all_o these_o sort_n of_o person_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v furnish_v with_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v plain_a and_o which_o may_v be_v deliver_v in_o a_o catechetical_a way_n as_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o every_o one_o and_o than_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v store_v with_o high_a and_o more_o raise_v doctrine_n for_o the_o gratification_n of_o they_o that_o be_v of_o full_a age_n in_o christ_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o growth_n in_o the_o divine_a life_n have_v their_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v both_o good_a and_o evil._n and_o according_o the_o apostle_n when_o he_o lay_v down_o the_o character_n of_o a_o bishop_n say_z 1_o tim._n 3.6_o that_o he_o must_v not_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o novice_n i._n e._n one_o that_o only_o know_v the_o first_o rudiment_n of_o religion_n but_o be_v not_o able_a to_o pierce_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o it_o 3._o that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o difficulty_n in_o religion_n be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o exercise_v man_n diligence_n in_o search_v after_o these_o hide_a treasure_n of_o wisdom_n for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o the_o careless_a oscitant_fw-la person_n but_o to_o the_o diligent_a and_o inquisitive_a that_o god_n have_v promise_v a_o increase_n of_o wisdom_n he_o that_o will_v attain_v to_o divine_a knowledge_n must_v seek_v she_o as_o silver_n and_o search_v after_o she_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n as_o solomon_n long_o since_o advise_v prov._n 2.4_o and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o a_o parable_n mat._n 13.45_o 46._o likens_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o a_o merchantman_n seek_v goodly_a pearl_n who_o when_o he_o have_v find_v one_o pearl_n of_o great_a price_n he_o go_v and_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o buy_v it_o all_o these_o thing_n denote_v our_o diligent_a search_n and_o careful_a enquiry_n after_o wisdom_n now_o god_n that_o he_o may_v gratify_v the_o innocent_a desire_n of_o man_n after_o knowledge_n and_o likewise_o reward_v their_o pain_n and_o labour_n in_o search_v after_o it_o he_o open_v and_o discover_v to_o they_o such_o treasure_n