of_o the_o messiah_n they_o have_v form_v to_o themselves_o mighty_a expectation_n of_o a_o external_a pomp_n and_o secular_a greatness_n wherewith_o their_o messiah_n shall_v enter_v upon_o his_o office_n and_o which_o he_o shall_v communicate_v to_o the_o whole_a nation_n they_o think_v not_o of_o spiritual_a blessing_n reformation_n of_o manner_n removal_n of_o error_n proposal_n of_o a_o pure_a and_o rational_a religion_n and_o assurance_n of_o a_o spiritual_a happiness_n in_o another_o life_n but_o mighty_a army_n and_o continual_a triumph_n wide_a conquest_n and_o inesâ—…imable_a spoil_n they_o expect_v to_o be_v free_v from_o the_o roman_a yoke_n by_o the_o victorious_a arm_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o by_o a_o uninterrupted_a success_n at_o last_o be_v enable_v to_o give_v law_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n these_o fond_a conceit_n be_v now_o entertain_v by_o the_o whole_a jewish_a nation_n and_o tenacious_o maintain_v by_o the_o apostle_n who_o all_o along_o believe_v indeed_o their_o master_n to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o great_a messiah_n but_o withal_o even_o to_o his_o ascension_n continue_v to_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v not_o yet_o enter_v upon_o the_o execution_n of_o this_o glorious_a office_n not_o all_o the_o premonition_n of_o his_o future_a suffering_n not_o the_o experience_n of_o his_o present_a poverty_n and_o disgrace_n or_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o crucifixion_n and_o burial_n can_v remove_v this_o inveterate_a error_n from_o their_o mind_n or_o create_v in_o they_o a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n and_o office_n but_o after_o all_o when_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n they_o ask_v he_o by_o common_a consent_n lord_n will_v thou_o at_o this_o time_n restore_v again_o the_o kingdom_n to_o israel_n will_v thou_o now_o commence_v that_o glorious_a reign_n which_o we_o have_v so_o long_o expect_v the_o want_n of_o this_o external_a pomp_n and_o appearance_n in_o a_o state_n of_o such_o extraordinary_a humility_n total_o hinder_v his_o brethren_n that_o be_v his_o kindred_n from_o believe_v on_o he_o as_o be_v express_v st._n john_n vii_o 5._o and_o can_v not_o divert_v the_o apostle_n who_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n from_o nourish_v vain_a hope_n of_o a_o future_a greatness_n in_o this_o world_n insomuch_o as_o immediate_o after_o christ_n have_v foretell_v they_o in_o the_o x._o of_o st._n mark_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v betray_v deliver_v to_o the_o gentile_n buffet_v scourge_v and_o crucify_a the_o two_o son_n of_o zebedee_n not_o discourage_v by_o all_o these_o calamity_n which_o they_o imagine_v to_o be_v the_o entrance_n into_o a_o great_a temporal_a glory_n request_v of_o he_o that_o one_o may_v fit_v on_o his_o right_a hand_n the_o other_o on_o his_o left_a in_o his_o kingdom_n and_o the_o disciple_n of_o emmaus_n far_o from_o consider_v the_o past_a suffering_n of_o christ_n and_o reflect_v on_o the_o circumstance_n of_o his_o passion_n and_o precedent_a admonition_n of_o it_o which_o may_v just_o have_v refute_v and_o defeat_v their_o foolish_a expectation_n begin_v to_o suspect_v this_o be_v not_o the_o true_a messiah_n since_o he_o have_v not_o bring_v the_o hope_v for_o external_a redemption_n to_o the_o jew_n we_o trust_v that_o it_o have_v be_v he_o which_o shall_v have_v redeem_v israel_n but_o those_o hope_n be_v vanish_v and_o he_o yet_o continue_v in_o his_o grave_n since_o then_o the_o apostle_n continue_v to_o retain_v these_o prejudices_fw-la &_o preconceive_a error_n and_o be_v thereby_o hinder_v from_o conceive_v the_o spirituality_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n which_o be_v the_o first_o and_o great_a principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v right_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n until_o these_o prejudices_fw-la be_v remove_v and_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o kingdom_n introduce_v till_o then_o they_o can_v not_o but_o gross_o mistake_v the_o meaning_n of_o all_o those_o many_o revelation_n which_o he_o impart_v to_o they_o and_o constant_o wrest_v they_o to_o their_o own_o false_a notion_n and_o apprehension_n this_n not_o only_o disable_v they_o from_o understand_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o what_o christ_n be_v please_v to_o reveal_v to_o they_o but_o also_o hinder_v they_o while_o continue_v in_o that_o state_n from_o receive_v any_o more_o clear_a and_o express_a revelation_n this_o our_o saviour_n plain_o tell_v they_o john_n xvi_o 12_o 13._o i_o have_v yet_o many_o thing_n to_o say_v unto_o you_o but_o you_o can_v bear_v they_o now_o howbeit_o when_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n i_o have_v yet_o great_a mystery_n to_o reveal_v to_o you_o and_o which_o will_v seem_v more_o astonish_n to_o you_o but_o the_o indisposition_n of_o your_o understanding_n at_o present_a cloud_v with_o prejudices_fw-la and_o error_n will_v defeat_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o these_o therefore_o i_o leave_v to_o be_v reveal_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o i_o shall_v send_v unto_o you_o who_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a operation_n assist_v your_o understanding_n will_v prepare_v it_o for_o a_o ready_a reception_n of_o all_o those_o truth_n a_o three_o reason_n of_o this_o ignorance_n of_o the_o apostle_n at_o that_o time_n when_o our_o saviour_n speak_v these_o word_n of_o my_o text_n to_o they_o may_v be_v that_o the_o great_a and_o most_o illustrious_a action_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n the_o mystery_n of_o which_o create_v in_o they_o the_o great_a perplexity_n remain_v yet_o to_o be_v perform_v i_o mean_v his_o crucifixion_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n before_o they_o see_v these_o thing_n effect_v they_o can_v not_o imagine_v that_o he_o who_o they_o have_v represent_v to_o themselves_o as_o a_o triumphant_a messiah_n and_o earthly_a king_n shall_v undergo_v they_o and_o therefore_o all_o our_o saviour_n premonition_n concern_v they_o be_v no_o less_o dark_a and_o obscure_a than_o surprise_v to_o they_o but_o afterward_o the_o real_a performance_n of_o they_o awaken_v their_o attention_n and_o give_v they_o occasion_n to_o reflect_v more_o serious_o upon_o the_o reason_n of_o these_o thing_n they_o then_o plain_o perceive_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o every_o prediction_n of_o christ_n when_o they_o see_v the_o event_n of_o the_o thing_n foretell_v and_o view_v the_o circumstance_n of_o all_o these_o action_n can_v not_o but_o discover_v that_o they_o be_v all_o manifest_o foretell_v of_o the_o messiah_n by_o the_o prophet_n and_o be_v consequent_o to_o be_v necessary_o perform_v by_o he_o not_o to_o say_v that_o the_o resurrection_n be_v the_o far_o great_a and_o most_o illustrious_a miracle_n may_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v produce_v a_o great_a effect_n upon_o their_o mind_n than_o any_o precedent_a action_n and_o how_o the_o subsequent_a performance_n of_o action_n and_o mystery_n foretell_v by_o christ_n contribute_v in_o the_o apostle_n to_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o prediction_n and_o mystery_n themselves_o appear_v from_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o gospel_n more_o especial_o from_o those_o two_o passage_n which_o i_o before_o produce_v john_n ii_o 22._o when_o therefore_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a his_o disciple_n remember_v that_o he_o have_v say_v this_o unto_o they_o and_o they_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o again_o john_n xii_o 16._o these_o thing_n understand_v not_o his_o disciple_n at_o the_o first_o but_o when_o jesus_n be_v glorify_v then_o remember_v they_o that_o these_o thing_n â—…ere_v write_v of_o he_o nay_o so_o much_o do_v christ_n himself_o attribute_v to_o the_o cogency_n of_o the_o proof_n which_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o miracle_n of_o his_o resurrection_n that_o to_o the_o jew_n desire_v a_o convictive_a proof_n of_o his_o divine_a mission_n he_o assign_v no_o other_o than_o that_o as_o ionas_n be_v in_o the_o whale_n belly_n three_o day_n and_o three_o night_n so_o the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v continue_v no_o long_o a_o space_n of_o time_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o however_o his_o other_o miracle_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o prophet_n abundant_o demonstrate_v the_o divinity_n of_o his_o mission_n to_o unprejudiced_a person_n yet_o in_o some_o place_n he_o seem_v willing_a to_o pardon_v their_o suspension_n of_o assent_n till_o they_o shall_v see_v this_o grand_a and_o final_a miracle_n perform_v thus_o in_o the_o word_n precede_v my_o text_n assure_v his_o apostle_n that_o though_o he_o depart_v for_o a_o while_n he_o shall_v live_v again_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o at_o that_o day_n the_o day_n of_o his_o resurrection_n you_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o in_o my_o father_n and_o you_o in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o you_o and_o john_n viii_o 28._o dispute_v with_o the_o incredulous_a jew_n and_o not_o be_v able_a to_o convince_v their_o obstinate_a stupidity_n he_o say_v unto_o
to_o be_v found_v by_o the_o messiah_n or_o expect_v from_o he_o which_o so_o long_o cloud_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o hinder_v they_o from_o entertain_v true_a notion_n of_o that_o mystery_n although_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o a_o christian_a and_o orthodox_n church_n we_o suck_v in_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_n even_o from_o our_o infancy_n yet_o the_o prejudices_fw-la which_o arise_v from_o our_o passion_n and_o corrupt_a affection_n be_v no_o less_o violent_a and_o betray_v we_o to_o no_o less_o fatal_a mistake_n these_z not_o only_o defeat_v the_o benefit_n of_o that_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o inquisition_n of_o truth_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o all_o well_o dispose_v person_n who_o right_o ask_v it_o of_o he_o but_o also_o direct_o introduce_v the_o foul_a and_o most_o pernicious_a error_n by_o prompt_v we_o to_o form_v such_o notion_n of_o religion_n as_o may_v be_v most_o adapt_v and_o favourable_a to_o those_o corrupt_a inclination_n and_o this_o diligence_n in_o the_o inquiry_n and_o examination_n of_o our_o religion_n will_v be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o necessary_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n have_v indeed_o provide_v a_o effectual_a remedy_n for_o all_o the_o mistake_v of_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o but_o have_v leave_v we_o to_o the_o ordinary_a emanation_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n which_o will_v lead_v we_o into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n if_o our_o own_o endeavour_n be_v not_o want_v but_o upon_o defect_n of_o those_o or_o any_o other_o due_a disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n will_v not_o only_o not_o produce_v this_o happy_a effect_n but_o also_o depart_v from_o we_o ii_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o great_a and_o inestimable_a benefit_n confer_v this_o day_n upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o then_o upon_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o ourselves_o in_o particular_a aught_o to_o excite_v we_o to_o the_o utmost_a gratitude_n and_o engage_v we_o to_o endeavour_v not_o to_o render_v ourselves_o unworthy_a of_o it_o at_o least_o not_o permit_v ourselves_o to_o be_v ungrateful_a for_o it_o for_o this_o benefit_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o bring_v down_o with_o it_o many_o great_a and_o inestimable_a advantage_n to_o the_o church_n which_o continue_v till_o this_o day_n by_o this_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v receive_v the_o last_o degree_n of_o confirmation_n by_o this_o we_o know_v that_o christ_n have_v real_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o there_o take_v possession_n of_o his_o kingdom_n that_o however_o he_o have_v remove_v his_o corporeal_a presence_n he_o still_o continue_v to_o be_v present_a with_o we_o by_o the_o influence_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o he_o cease_v not_o at_o his_o ascension_n to_o govern_v and_o take_v care_n of_o the_o church_n but_o abundant_o provide_v for_o the_o necessity_n and_o convenience_n of_o it_o by_o send_v the_o three_o person_n of_o the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n who_o may_v actuate_v and_o direct_v it_o and_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o a_o paraclet_n teach_v exhort_v comfort_n and_o intercede_v for_o every_o single_a member_n of_o it_o by_o this_o the_o droop_a spirit_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v erect_v their_o fear_n dispel_v and_o their_o mind_n enlighten_v by_o this_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v put_v past_o all_o dispute_n and_o the_o church_n invigorate_v with_o such_o a_o assurance_n of_o divine_a assistance_n as_o may_v secure_v it_o from_o all_o danger_n and_o place_n it_o beyond_o the_o rage_n of_o man_n or_o fury_n of_o tyrant_n we_o also_o at_o this_o day_n partake_v of_o the_o bless_a effect_n of_o this_o great_a benefit_n we_o share_v in_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o experience_n the_o influence_n of_o that_o divine_a spirit_n by_o this_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o convey_v down_o to_o we_o infallible_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o find_v a_o church_n of_o which_o to_o be_v member_n we_o esteem_v our_o great_a happiness_n by_o this_o spirit_n we_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n to_o christ_n our_o head_n and_o to_o one_o another_o by_o this_o we_o be_v excite_v to_o virtue_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n be_v assist_v in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n be_v comfort_v in_o affliction_n and_o uphold_v in_o danger_n this_o spirit_n our_o saviour_n promise_v ver_fw-la 16._o shall_v abide_v with_o we_o for_o ever_o not_o in_o that_o measure_n indeed_o and_o abundance_n which_o be_v confer_v on_o the_o apostle_n but_o according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o our_o necessity_n and_o the_o improvement_n of_o that_o present_a portion_n which_o be_v already_o confer_v on_o we_o let_v we_o endeavour_v by_o a_o exact_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o daily_a improvement_n in_o piety_n to_o augment_v our_o interest_n in_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o day_n and_o favour_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n at_o least_o let_v we_o take_v care_n least_o by_o our_o negligence_n and_o degenerate_a behaviour_n we_o forfeit_v our_o title_n to_o they_o both_o last_o as_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o admire_v and_o celebrate_v the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n in_o bestow_v upon_o the_o church_n the_o diffusive_a presence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o his_o mission_n as_o upon_o this_o day_n so_o be_v we_o no_o less_o engage_v to_o be_v thankful_a for_o his_o particular_a presence_n in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n since_o this_o not_o only_o give_v we_o a_o firm_a assurance_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o that_o presence_n which_o be_v at_o first_o grant_v as_o so_o great_a a_o blessing_n to_o the_o apostle_n but_o also_o derive_v down_o upon_o all_o worthy_a communicant_n as_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o they_o the_o same_o gift_n and_o grace_n which_o the_o first_o descent_n of_o it_o procure_v to_o the_o apostle_n by_o this_o mean_n we_o may_v not_o only_o commemorate_v but_o act_n anew_o and_o experience_n in_o ourselves_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o this_o day_n by_o receive_v into_o our_o soul_n a_o plentiful_a effusion_n of_o the_o same_o spirit_n but_o then_o as_o several_a previous_a disposition_n be_v require_v in_o the_o apostle_n to_o qualify_v they_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n so_o must_v we_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o the_o participation_n of_o so_o great_a a_o mystery_n with_o no_o less_o diligence_n and_o caution_n that_o as_o they_o firm_o believe_v and_o constant_o expect_v the_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n although_o he_o have_v remove_v his_o corporeal_a presence_n from_o they_o so_o we_o shall_v without_o any_o fluctuation_n believe_v the_o certain_a performance_n of_o all_o those_o grace_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o all_o worthy_a communicant_n and_o that_o however_o his_o natural_a body_n be_v absent_a from_o we_o yet_o he_o be_v real_o present_a in_o the_o element_n by_o the_o efficacy_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o as_o they_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o a_o entire_a resignation_n of_o their_o will_n to_o his_o influence_n and_o direction_n so_o we_o shall_v fit_v our_o soul_n for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o all_o those_o grace_n confer_v in_o the_o sacrament_n by_o a_o perfect_a resignation_n of_o ourselves_o to_o god_n and_o steady_a resolution_n of_o perform_v his_o command_n and_o that_o as_o they_o in_o order_n to_o obtain_v the_o promise_a mission_n of_o a_o comforter_n meet_v all_o together_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o house_n so_o we_o in_o order_n to_o receive_v the_o mighty_a benefit_n of_o this_o sacrament_n shall_v be_v unite_v in_o perfect_a charity_n to_o one_o another_o if_o any_o of_o these_o due_a qualification_n be_v want_v we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o obtain_v any_o share_n in_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o day_n or_o commemorate_n as_o we_o ought_v the_o wonderful_a mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o we_o shall_v forfeit_v our_o title_n to_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o do_v despite_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n now_o to_o god_n the_o father_n god_n the_o son_n etc._n etc._n the_o second_o sermon_n preach_v septemb_n 16_o 1688._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n philip._n ii_o 5._o let_v this_o mind_n be_v in_o you_o which_o be_v also_o in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v not_o only_o reveal_v to_o we_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n in_o relation_n to_o mankind_n and_o thereby_o give_v to_o we_o a_o most_o excellent_a and_o true_o divine_a religion_n but_o also_o set_v we_o a_o most_o perfect_a example_n of_o holiness_n and_o universal_a righteousness_n in_o the_o whole_a conduct_n of_o his_o life_n therein_o exceed_v all_o other_o lawgiver_n
st._n martin_n and_o now_o most_o reverend_a archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n who_o have_v in_o his_o hand_n a_o manuscript_n concern_v the_o incurable_a scepticism_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n write_v in_o latin_a and_o after_o a_o scholastical_a manner_n by_o mr._n john_n placet_fw-la of_o hamburgh_n desire_a mr._n wharton_n to_o epitomise_v it_o in_o a_o plain_a way_n of_o argumentation_n and_o to_o translate_v it_o into_o english_a which_o be_v in_o a_o very_a short_a time_n perform_v by_o he_o not_o long_o after_o this_o he_o be_v by_o the_o same_o eminent_a person_n recommend_v to_o the_o lord_n arundel_n of_o trerice_n as_o a_o fit_a tutor_n for_o the_o education_n of_o his_o only_a son_n in_o which_o trust_v he_o acquit_v himself_o to_o the_o great_a satisfaction_n of_o that_o noble_a lord_n who_o give_v he_o a_o very_a honourable_a allowance_n while_o with_o he_o and_o ever_o after_o retain_v a_o particular_a esteem_n for_o he_o as_o long_o as_o he_o live_v though_o he_o be_v 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wonderful_a miracle_n shall_v be_v wrought_v by_o he_o and_o some_o such_o extraordinary_a action_n be_v require_v to_o excite_v the_o jew_n to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o quality_n and_o character_n of_o the_o person_n who_o wrought_v they_o if_o the_o action_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v deficient_a in_o any_o one_o point_n of_o conformity_n to_o the_o precedent_a prophecy_n it_o have_v be_v irrational_a as_o well_o as_o unlawful_a for_o the_o jew_n to_o have_v admit_v his_o revelation_n although_o confirm_v by_o the_o great_a miracle_n imaginable_a since_o they_o must_v have_v own_v thereby_o the_o falsity_n of_o those_o prophecy_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o they_o be_v abundant_o convince_v as_o be_v confirm_v to_o they_o by_o a_o equal_a authority_n of_o miracle_n but_o not_o only_o do_v the_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n demonstrate_v this_o truth_n the_o practice_n and_o example_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n evident_o manifest_v it_o the_o 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and_o such_o a_o motive_n as_o can_v not_o be_v reject_v without_o disow_v and_o destroy_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o thus_o he_o dispute_v in_o the_o vth._n of_o st._n john_n verse_n 39_o 46_o 47._o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o for_o have_v you_o believe_v moses_n you_o will_v have_v believe_v i_o for_o he_o write_v of_o i_o but_o if_o you_o believe_v not_o his_o write_n how_o shall_v you_o believe_v my_o word_n no_o other_o method_n do_v he_o make_v use_n of_o to_o convince_v his_o disciple_n walk_v to_o emmaus_n that_o all_o those_o calamity_n which_o have_v befall_v his_o person_n ought_v necessary_o to_o be_v inflict_v on_o the_o messiah_n all_o those_o glorious_a miracle_n of_o which_o themselves_o have_v be_v witness_n prove_v unsuccessful_a and_o can_v not_o secure_v their_o faith_n from_o a_o shameful_a fluctuation_n until_o christ_n begin_v at_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n expound_v unto_o they_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n the_o thing_n concern_v himself_o and_o open_v their_o understanding_n that_o they_o may_v understand_v the_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v thus_o write_v and_o that_o it_o thus_o behove_v christ_n to_o suffer_v and_o to_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o three_o day_n if_o the_o constant_a companion_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n can_v be_v draw_v to_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o he_o by_o no_o other_o argument_n than_o a_o full_a and_o plain_a interpretation_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o vain_a do_v we_o hope_v that_o any_o other_o argument_n can_v convince_v the_o remain_a jew_n who_o be_v less_o acquaint_v with_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o life_n and_o greatness_n of_o his_o miracle_n in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v choose_v by_o christ_n and_o use_v as_o the_o inseparable_a companion_n of_o his_o life_n not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o train_v up_o in_o the_o necessary_a qualification_n of_o preacher_n who_o may_v propagate_v the_o gospel_n after_o the_o departure_n of_o their_o master_n as_o to_o be_v witness_n and_o spectactor_n of_o his_o action_n and_o conversation_n which_o they_o may_v afterward_o testify_v to_o the_o world_n and_o thereby_o convince_v mankind_n that_o they_o be_v entire_o conformable_a to_o the_o ancient_a prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n that_o the_o former_a can_v not_o be_v the_o end_n or_o intention_n of_o their_o accompany_v christ_n through_o the_o whole_a discharge_n of_o his_o prophetic_a office_n appear_v plain_o from_o their_o ignorance_n both_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n and_o their_o own_o duty_n at_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n crucifixion_n yet_o can_v we_o not_o suppose_v but_o that_o christ_n obtain_v his_o chief_a aim_n which_o he_o propose_v to_o himself_o in_o select_v certain_a person_n for_o the_o companion_n of_o his_o life_n this_o end_n therefore_o can_v indeed_o be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o which_o i_o have_v already_o assign_v of_o witness_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n the_o action_n of_o christ_n who_o reasonableness_n and_o agreement_n to_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v and_o determine_v by_o every_o private_a man._n for_o we_o no_o where_o find_v that_o the_o apostle_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o miracle_n which_o be_v not_o inferior_a to_o those_o of_o christ_n himself_o pretend_v to_o set_v up_o themselves_o for_o infallible_a judge_n or_o exercise_v a_o arbitrary_a command_n over_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o men._n they_o may_v indeed_o much_o more_o just_o have_v claim_v such_o a_o privilege_n than_o any_o ever_o since_o their_o time_n as_o be_v personal_o infallible_a and_o endue_v with_o the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n yet_o they_o never_o endeavour_v to_o command_v the_o assent_n of_o their_o hearer_n before_o they_o have_v inform_v and_o satisfy_v their_o understanding_n but_o proceed_v in_o a_o more_o rational_a method_n and_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o their_o master_n choose_v rather_o to_o convince_v their_o judgement_n with_o argument_n who_o attention_n they_o have_v before_o excite_v by_o miracle_n these_o argument_n when_o direct_v to_o the_o jew_n be_v chief_o take_v from_o the_o old_a testament_n who_o prophecy_n they_o demonstrate_v to_o have_v plain_o soretold_v and_o describe_v the_o action_n and_o suffering_n of_o christ_n of_o which_o action_n themselves_o be_v witness_n thus_o we_o find_v st._n peter_n in_o his_o sermon_n make_v to_o the_o jew_n upon_o this_o day_n to_o have_v use_v no_o other_o method_n and_o not_o so_o much_o to_o have_v urge_v the_o illustrious_a miracle_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n new_o confer_v on_o they_o as_o the_o conformity_n of_o that_o and_o all_o other_o action_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o ancient_a prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n his_o sermon_n in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n proceed_v from_o the_o same_o foundation_n and_o st._n stephen_n in_o the_o vii_o chap._n st._n paul_n in_o the_o xiii_o use_v no_o other_o argument_n when_o dispute_v against_o the_o jew_n from_o a_o clear_a interpretation_n of_o the_o prophecy_n in_o scripture_n concern_v the_o messiah_n philip_n convince_v the_o eunuch_n who_o be_v a_o jewish_a proselyte_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n act_n viii_o and_o act_v xviii_o apollo_n be_v say_v to_o have_v mighty_o convince_v the_o jew_n and_o that_o public_o show_v by_o the_o scripture_n that_o jesus_n be_v christ._n st._n paul_n plead_v before_o king_n agrippa_n endeavour_v before_o all_o thing_n to_o prove_v that_o he_o stand_v there_o to_o be_v judge_v for_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o promise_v make_v by_o god_n unto_o the_o father_n act_n xxvi_o 6._o and_o ver_fw-la 27._o appeal_v to_o the_o prophet_n and_o ask_v agrippa_n whether_o he_o believe_v not_o they_o insinuate_v that_o if_o he_o true_o believe_v the_o prophet_n and_o understand_v their_o genuine_a sense_n he_o can_v not_o but_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n last_o to_o say_v no_o more_o his_o dispute_n with_o the_o jew_n at_o rome_n be_v employ_v in_o expound_v and_o testify_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n persuade_v they_o concern_v jesus_n both_o out_o of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o out_o of_o the_o prophet_n from_o morning_n till_o evening_n act_v xxviii_o 23._o it_o appear_v then_o that_o the_o chief_a reason_n of_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o a_o familiar_a conversation_n with_o our_o saviour_n before_o his_o ascension_n be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o they_o may_v thereby_o be_v enable_v to_o testify_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n his_o action_n miracle_n and_o suffering_n which_o be_v receive_v from_o they_o may_v then_o by_o every_o private_a man_n be_v examine_v and_o compare_v with_o the_o
they_o when_o you_o have_v lift_v up_o the_o son_n of_o man_n then_o shall_v you_o know_v that_o i_o be_o he._n and_o this_o in_o some_o measure_n mitigate_v and_o excuse_v the_o present_a ignorance_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o see_v the_o completion_n of_o the_o last_o and_o great_a act_n of_o christ_n particular_o his_o resurrection_n last_o to_o say_v no_o more_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o yet_o pour_v forth_o of_o these_o gift_n none_o of_o the_o least_o be_v a_o due_a preparation_n of_o will_n and_o penetration_n of_o judgement_n to_o conceive_v right_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o all_o divine_a revelation_n and_o mystery_n this_o be_v afterward_o plentiful_o pour_v down_o upon_o the_o apostle_n as_o upon_o this_o day_n but_o before_o that_o time_n be_v not_o confer_v on_o they_o that_o the_o want_n of_o this_o extraordinary_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o main_a cause_n of_o their_o ignorance_n be_v plain_o insinuate_v by_o all_o those_o text_n wherein_o christ_n promise_v to_o the_o apostle_n the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o dispel_v their_o ignorance_n and_o enlighten_v their_o understanding_n as_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n and_o john_n xv._n 26._o but_o when_o the_o comforter_n be_v come_v who_o i_o will_v send_v unto_o you_o from_o the_o father_n even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o father_n he_o shall_v testify_v of_o i_o and_o when_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n the_o ordinary_a assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n have_v indeed_o all_o along_o accompany_v the_o apostle_n which_o have_v be_v abundant_o sufficient_a when_o add_v to_o the_o motive_n of_o faith_n and_o advantage_n of_o instruction_n which_o they_o receive_v from_o christ_n to_o inform_v they_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a consider_v as_o private_a person_n if_o they_o have_v remove_v all_o prejudices_fw-la and_o use_v due_a attention_n and_o reason_n but_o the_o extraordinary_a inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o necessary_a be_v not_o yet_o confer_v on_o they_o for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o yet_o give_v because_o jesus_n be_v not_o yet_o glorify_v st._n john_n vii_o 39_o these_o be_v the_o principal_a cause_n of_o that_o ignorance_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o we_o propose_v to_o inquire_v into_o of_o that_o misapprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o saviour_n office_n and_o design_n which_o so_o eminent_o appear_v in_o the_o context_n as_o we_o before_o explain_v it_o which_o disable_v they_o from_o consider_v the_o consequence_n of_o his_o miracle_n for_o their_o heart_n be_v harden_v mark_v vi_o 52._o by_o reason_n of_o which_o they_o understand_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n his_o passion_n and_o resurrection_n and_o this_o say_n be_v hide_v from_o they_o neither_o know_v they_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v speak_v luc._n xviii_o 34._o which_o cause_v the_o word_n of_o the_o woman_n relate_v to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n to_o seem_v to_o they_o as_o idle_a tale_n and_o incredible_a fable_n luc._n xxiv_o 11._o and_o the_o indignation_n of_o which_o draw_v from_o christ_n that_o sharp_a exprobration_n o_o you_o of_o little_a faith_n mattâ—…_n viii_o 26._o that_o this_o ignorance_n ought_v not_o in_o the_o least_o to_o surprise_v we_o or_o induce_v we_o to_o entertain_v any_o thought_n prejudicial_a to_o christianity_n itself_o appear_v from_o the_o reason_n which_o i_o have_v already_o assign_v to_o it_o but_o will_v more_o full_o be_v manifest_v in_o consider_v the_o second_o head_n propose_v which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o permission_n of_o this_o ignorance_n till_o the_o send_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o repugnant_a to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n or_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o will_v evident_o appear_v from_o these_o two_o consideration_n i._o that_o it_o will_v be_v incongruous_a to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n to_o use_v any_o extraordinary_a method_n in_o remove_v the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o perfect_o inform_v their_o understanding_n until_o such_o information_n not_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v obtain_v by_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o instruction_n shall_v become_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o church_n ii_o that_o such_o a_o perfect_a and_o plenary_a information_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o apostle_n till_o after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ._n the_o first_o of_o these_o proposition_n natural_o follow_v from_o that_o know_a truth_n and_o receive_v principle_n that_o god_n never_o work_v miracle_n without_o necessity_n nor_o recur_v to_o extraordinary_a cause_n while_o natural_a and_o ordinary_a will_v suffice_v however_o full_o to_o evince_v this_o matter_n and_o clear_v all_o remain_a doubt_n i_o will_v consider_v all_o the_o possible_a method_n of_o perfect_o instruct_v the_o apostle_n before_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n when_o the_o natural_a and_o ordinary_a mean_n fail_v and_o demonstrate_v that_o god_n can_v not_o use_v any_o one_o of_o they_o without_o be_v injurious_a to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o honour_n these_o extraordinary_a method_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n first_o god_n by_o his_o almighty_a power_n may_v have_v overrule_v their_o understanding_n and_o without_o expect_v the_o assent_n of_o the_o will_n violent_o imprint_v a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o his_o revelation_n in_o it_o or_o even_o force_v the_o will_n to_o assent_v to_o it_o although_o it_o have_v not_o yet_o discover_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o nothing_o can_v be_v imagine_v more_o injurious_a to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n than_o a_o proceed_n of_o this_o kind_n to_o prepare_v the_o way_n for_o religion_n by_o violate_v those_o privilege_n of_o reason_v and_o free_a will_n which_o he_o at_o first_o confer_v on_o they_o which_o be_v in_o truth_n to_o make_v mankind_n happy_a by_o destroy_v their_o nature_n second_o our_o saviour_n have_v already_o abundant_o convince_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o mission_n and_o consequent_o of_o his_o infallibility_n may_v have_v plain_o and_o open_o reveal_v to_o they_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o future_a action_n to_o be_v yet_o perform_v and_o require_v their_o immediate_a assent_n to_o they_o without_o take_v care_n to_o satisfy_v they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o such_o revelation_n by_o their_o conformity_n to_o all_o precedent_a revelation_n or_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o this_o also_o be_v irrational_a in_o itself_o and_o consequent_o unworthy_a of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o may_v just_o have_v be_v esteem_v unsatisfactory_a by_o the_o apostle_n for_o as_o they_o be_v full_o convince_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o divine_a person_n so_o be_v they_o no_o less_o that_o all_o the_o precedent_a revelation_n be_v deliver_v by_o inspire_a man_n and_o consequent_o deserve_v the_o same_o degree_n of_o assent_n which_o his_o can_v do_v so_o that_o if_o the_o least_o repugnance_n between_o the_o doctrine_n or_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n can_v have_v be_v difcover_v they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o oblige_v to_o assent_v unto_o they_o nay_o to_o a_o full_a and_o unexceptionable_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o revelation_n it_o be_v not_o only_o necessary_a that_o no_o repugnance_n between_o they_o and_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v discover_v but_o also_o that_o a_o entire_a conformity_n shall_v appear_v since_o the_o true_a messiah_n be_v by_o god_n design_v to_o the_o jew_n under_o those_o two_o character_n of_o extraordinary_a miracle_n and_o perfect_a agreement_n of_o life_n action_n and_o doctrine_n to_o the_o precedent_a prediction_n and_o revelation_n and_o consequent_o can_v 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great_a certainty_n than_o
authority_n of_o his_o example_n and_o direct_v we_o by_o the_o clearness_n of_o it_o but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o the_o apostle_n have_v once_o convert_v man_n to_o the_o belief_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ_n think_v no_o argument_n more_o powerful_a to_o persuade_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o christian_a grace_n than_o the_o example_n of_o their_o divine_a master_n this_o they_o urge_v upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o with_o this_o they_o recommend_v their_o precept_n and_o counsel_n particular_o st_n peter_n 1_o pet._n ii_o exhort_v all_o christian_n to_o patience_n under_o suffering_n and_o a_o constant_a resolution_n to_o endure_v the_o most_o grievous_a affliction_n and_o even_o death_n itself_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o religion_n a_o duty_n which_o may_v just_o be_v account_v the_o great_a and_o most_o difficult_a of_o christianity_n give_v this_o reason_n for_o it_o ver._n 21._o for_o even_o hereunto_o be_v you_o call_v because_o christ_n also_o suffer_v 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the_o eye_n witness_n of_o his_o life_n and_o action_n may_v convince_v mankind_n that_o he_o be_v in_o all_o respect_v a_o divine_a person_n and_o when_o once_o convince_v may_v engage_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o direct_v they_o in_o it_o by_o the_o lustre_n of_o his_o own_o example_n that_o this_o not_o the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o grand_a design_n of_o his_o triennial_a ministry_n may_v be_v conclude_v from_o the_o gross_a ignorance_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v those_o thing_n not_o only_o during_o that_o time_n but_o even_o after_o his_o resurrection_n insomuch_o as_o they_o ask_v their_o lord_n be_v now_o ready_a to_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n lord_n will_v thou_o at_o this_o time_n restore_v again_o the_o kingdom_n to_o israel_n act_n i._o 6._o they_o lay_v not_o aside_o their_o prejudices_fw-la and_o false_a expectation_n of_o a_o temporal_a mefsias_n till_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o enlighten_v their_o mind_n and_o dispel_v their_o ignorance_n now_o if_o the_o complete_a instruction_n of_o his_o disciple_n have_v be_v the_o chief_a design_n of_o our_o saviour_n while_n on_o earth_n we_o can_v without_o injury_n to_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n imagine_v that_o he_o shall_v so_o far_o fall_v short_a of_o his_o aim_n and_o not_o be_v able_a to_o effect_v his_o purpose_n so_o that_o the_o great_a intention_n of_o this_o triennial_a office_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o give_v abundant_a proof_n of_o his_o divine_a mission_n by_o miracle_n and_o the_o completion_n of_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n to_o finish_v the_o great_a work_n of_o our_o redemption_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o exhibit_v in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o example_n of_o most_o perfect_a holiness_n that_o so_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v after_o his_o ascension_n testify_v to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o apostle_n the_o former_a may_v serve_v for_o the_o conviction_n the_o latter_a for_o the_o direction_n of_o mankind_n and_o according_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o â—…he_a apostle_n confult_v about_o choose_v one_o into_o their_o number_n in_o the_o room_n of_o judas_n the_o traitor_n require_v before_o all_o thing_n this_o qualification_n in_o the_o person_n to_o be_v ohosen_v act_n i._o 21._o that_o he_o shall_v be_v one_o of_o those_o which_o have_v accompany_v with_o they_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 they_o by_o which_o phrase_n the_o jew_n be_v wont_n to_o design_n the_o moral_a conversation_n life_n and_o conduct_v of_o any_o man._n even_o the_o miraâ—…les_n of_o our_o saviour_n tend_v no_o less_o to_o demonstrate_v his_o admirable_a virtue_n than_o almighty_a power_n they_o all_o carry_v evident_a character_n of_o his_o love_n beneficence_n and_o charity_n to_o mankind_n and_o be_v employ_v in_o cure_v the_o disease_n heal_v the_o infirmity_n and_o relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o man_n that_o 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imitation_n his_o deportment_n be_v grave_a and_o compose_v his_o piety_n plain_a and_o unaffected_a his_o devotion_n sober_a and_o rational_a we_o may_v discover_v far_o more_o evident_a stroke_n of_o austerity_n and_o mortification_n in_o the_o life_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n not_o that_o the_o virtue_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v less_o perfect_a but_o more_o humane_a such_o extraordinary_a act_n of_o apparent_a religion_n be_v necessary_a to_o john_n the_o baptist_n to_o excite_v the_o attention_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o his_o message_n and_o preach_v for_o since_o he_o come_v not_o invest_v with_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n somewhat_o be_v necessary_a to_o he_o to_o fix_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n upon_o he_o and_o create_v a_o belief_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o he_o be_v a_o divine_a prophet_n to_o this_o end_n it_o be_v require_v that_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o elias_n that_o be_v not_o only_o possess_v the_o same_o zeal_n for_o the_o divine_a honour_n and_o use_v the_o same_o unwearied_a diligence_n for_o restore_v decay_a religion_n among_o the_o jew_n but_o also_o practise_v the_o same_o rigour_n and_o maceration_n of_o his_o body_n and_o procure_v to_o himself_o respect_v by_o the_o same_o character_n of_o external_a holiness_n not_o that_o these_o unusual_a austerity_n have_v any_o thing_n excellent_a in_o themselves_o or_o be_v any_o certain_a indication_n of_o a_o more_o refine_a virtue_n but_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o he_o for_o the_o end_n before_o mention_v and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n who_o want_v no_o such_o recommendation_n his_o divine_a mission_n be_v abundant_o testify_v by_o his_o miracle_n and_o who_o life_n be_v to_o be_v the_o stand_a rule_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n to_o all_o age_n exercise_v no_o such_o wonderful_a austerity_n but_o give_v we_o a_o more_o easy_a and_o natural_a example_n which_o may_v not_o surpass_v the_o common_a reach_n
conception_n dark_a and_o unaccountable_a above_o the_o understanding_n and_o capacity_n of_o the_o common_a people_n fit_v only_o for_o the_o contemplation_n of_o philosopher_n and_o after_o all_o no_o other_o than_o the_o product_n of_o a_o volatile_a fancy_n so_o little_o adapt_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o vulgar_a or_o indeed_o intend_v for_o their_o benefit_n that_o they_o be_v studious_o conceal_v under_o the_o venerable_a name_n of_o mystery_n and_o impart_v only_o to_o confident_n among_o the_o jew_n all_o imaginable_a care_n be_v take_v to_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o all_o necessary_a duty_n relate_v to_o god_n themselves_o and_o their_o neighbour_n but_o even_o the_o more_o learned_a of_o they_o know_v not_o the_o reason_n of_o those_o many_o ceremony_n and_o legal_a observation_n impose_v on_o they_o they_o know_v in_o general_a that_o many_o of_o they_o typify_v the_o come_n of_o a_o future_a messiah_n who_o shall_v institute_v a_o more_o excellent_a religion_n and_o be_v the_o author_n of_o signal_n benefit_n to_o their_o nation_n but_o alas_o this_o knowledge_n be_v lame_a and_o imperfect_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o infinite_o unsatisfactory_a to_o they_o who_o desire_v to_o know_v somewhat_o more_o certain_a yet_o still_o continue_v to_o wander_v in_o the_o dark_a without_o any_o certain_a guide_n this_o appear_v from_o the_o write_n of_o those_o learned_a jew_n who_o live_v about_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n come_n these_o employ_v their_o labour_n in_o find_v out_o the_o hide_a meaning_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n and_o discover_v the_o reason_n of_o all_o those_o ceremonial_a institution_n but_o so_o unsuccessful_o that_o they_o plain_o mistake_v the_o design_n of_o their_o divine_a lawgiver_n and_o by_o turn_v all_o his_o ritual_a precept_n into_o allegory_n and_o obscure_a mystery_n defeat_v their_o institution_n and_o corrupt_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n with_o false_a notion_n and_o interpretation_n and_o no_o wonder_n indeed_o for_o the_o veil_n be_v not_o yet_o take_v from_o they_o nor_o to_o be_v remove_v but_o by_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n disperse_v the_o dark_a cloud_n of_o ignorance_n and_o give_v light_n unto_o the_o world_n he_o alone_o have_v make_v a_o full_a discovery_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n render_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o easy_a to_o all_o and_o thereby_o make_v the_o ignorance_n of_o necessary_a truth_n to_o be_v inexcusable_a herein_o complete_n the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n xxxi_o 33_o 34._o after_o those_o day_n say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o they_o shall_v teach_v no_o more_o every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n and_o every_o man_n his_o brother_n say_v know_v the_o lord_n for_o they_o shall_v all_o know_v i_o from_o the_o least_o of_o they_o unto_o the_o great_a of_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n yet_o must_v we_o not_o imagine_v that_o in_o propose_v this_o plain_a and_o easy_a religion_n god_n intend_v to_o supercede_v all_o labour_n of_o mankind_n and_o imprint_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o even_o violent_o upon_o our_o mind_n he_o have_v deal_v with_o we_o as_o rational_a creature_n propose_v the_o truth_n clear_o to_o we_o enforce_v it_o with_o the_o most_o persuasive_a argument_n fit_v it_o to_o our_o capacity_n and_o afford_v we_o easy_a mean_n of_o obtain_v a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o it_o after_o such_o abundant_a provision_n for_o the_o free_a entertainment_n of_o it_o in_o our_o mind_n he_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o liberty_n of_o our_o will_n whether_o we_o will_v embrace_v or_o reject_v it_o to_o deal_v otherwise_o with_o we_o be_v to_o suppose_v we_o mere_a brute_n and_o machine_n not_o capable_a of_o entertain_v any_o religion_n and_o unfit_a to_o receive_v either_o reward_n or_o punishment_n it_o 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we_o consider_v with_o how_o great_a zeal_n and_o vehemency_n both_o the_o magistrate_n and_o philosopher_n of_o those_o time_n oppose_v it_o and_o undertake_v the_o extirpation_n of_o it_o they_o apply_v themselves_o to_o this_o design_n with_o the_o utmost_a diligence_n and_o fervour_n and_o leave_v no_o stone_n unturned_a whereby_o they_o may_v either_o discover_v any_o imposture_n in_o it_o or_o stop_v the_o progress_n of_o it_o but_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n assist_v with_o the_o divine_a providence_n bear_v down_o all_o opposition_n the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n become_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n and_o its_o learned_a adversary_n be_v force_v to_o confess_v its_o doctrine_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o the_o founder_n of_o it_o a_o extraordinary_a person_n last_o that_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n be_v the_o same_o which_o we_o now_o possess_v under_o their_o name_n and_o be_v convey_v uncorrupted_a through_o all_o age_n appear_v not_o 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objection_n bring_v against_o our_o religion_n by_o the_o adversary_n of_o it_o i_o will_v not_o say_v that_o such_o a_o perfect_a and_o complete_a knowledge_n be_v absolute_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o private_a christian_a so_o that_o he_o can_v be_v save_v without_o it_o god_n require_v of_o no_o man_n any_o thing_n beyond_o his_o natural_a strength_n or_o capacity_n or_o which_o he_o have_v no_o opportunity_n nor_o mean_n to_o attain_v unto_o we_o know_v how_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n overrun_v with_o tyranny_n and_o oppression_n have_v insensible_o fall_v into_o a_o deplorable_a ignorance_n these_o we_o can_v in_o reason_n condemn_v as_o want_v all_o mean_n of_o better_a instruction_n but_o rather_o applaud_v their_o constancy_n and_o pray_v for_o their_o delivery_n we_o know_v also_o how_o great_a a_o society_n of_o christian_n labour_n under_o miserable_a ignorance_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o its_o gross_a erroâ—…s_n by_o the_o artifice_n and_o contrivance_n of_o their_o guide_n who_o deny_v to_o they_o the_o use_n of_o the_o seripture_n and_o teach_v they_o to_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o implieit_n faith_n these_o also_o we_o will_v not_o in_o charity_n condemn_v to_o their_o own_o master_n they_o either_o stand_v or_o fall_v last_o we_o be_v not_o insensible_a how_o many_o member_n of_o our_o own_o communion_n either_o through_o want_n of_o leisute_n or_o natural_a imbecility_n of_o understanding_n through_o default_n of_o education_n or_o other_o accidental_a defect_n unforeseen_a and_o unprovided_a for_o be_v but_o mean_o instruct_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o to_o we_o who_o want_v neither_o mean_n of_o instruction_n nor_o capacity_n of_o receive_v they_o no_o excuse_n be_v leave_v if_o we_o do_v not_o improve_v they_o to_o a_o full_a comprehension_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n whereby_o we_o may_v both_o obtain_v a_o rational_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o ourselves_o and_o be_v enable_v to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n from_o the_o contradiction_n of_o foolish_a and_o unreasonable_a men._n christianity_n indeed_o iâ—…_n not_o in_o our_o age_n oppose_v with_o that_o open_a and_o barefaced_a confidence_n wherewith_o it_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n when_o it_o be_v force_v to_o wrestle_v with_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o spiritual_a wickedness_n in_o high_a place_n the_o unite_a force_n of_o a_o victorious_a and_o learned_a empire_n yet_o we_o want_v not_o secret_a impugner_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n who_o if_o by_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o reason_n and_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n they_o he_o restrain_v from_o profess_v their_o secret_a atheism_n and_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n yet_o stick_v not_o to_o oppose_v all_o reveal_v religion_n and_o especial_o christianity_n because_o most_o contrary_a to_o their_o belove_a lust_n in_o defence_n of_o which_o only_o they_o maintain_v their_o impious_a opinion_n it_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o these_o man_n that_o christianity_n shall_v be_v false_a that_o so_o the_o licentious_a practice_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n may_v not_o be_v abbridge_v to_o they_o and_o the_o expectation_n of_o eternal_a punishment_n embitter_v all_o their_o pleasure_n for_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o christianity_n be_v it_o say_v that_o in_o these_o latter_a age_n it_o have_v have_v no_o enemy_n but_o man_n of_o profligate_v and_o debauch_v life_n who_o either_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n or_o live_v as_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n however_o the_o conviction_n of_o these_o man_n be_v far_o more_o difficult_a than_o ancient_o of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n of_o who_o many_o sincere_o search_v after_o the_o truth_n which_o common_o end_v in_o the_o discovery_n of_o it_o and_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n whereas_o these_o dispute_n only_o for_o the_o love_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o sensual_a pleasure_n be_v thence_o transport_v with_o violent_a prejudices_fw-la wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o truth_n cast_v the_o word_n of_o convicton_n behind_o they_o and_o hate_v to_o be_v reform_v to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n of_o christ_n and_o our_o religion_n against_o the_o blasphemy_n of_o such_o man_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a in_o his_o place_n and_o station_n and_o as_o opportunity_n be_v minister_v to_o he_o nor_o be_v there_o want_v those_o among_o we_o who_o open_o and_o with_o great_a excess_n of_o apparent_a zeal_n seek_v to_o withdraw_v we_o from_o our_o most_o holy_a religion_n endeavour_v to_o impose_v upon_o we_o the_o belief_n of_o pernicious_a error_n and_o superstition_n they_o oppose_v not_o direct_o indeed_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n but_o corrupt_v it_o with_o error_n and_o false_a opinion_n rend_v in_o sunder_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n by_o promote_a and_o persuade_v a_o schifmatical_a departure_n from_o it_o and_o open_o impugn_v the_o
tend_v no_o less_o effectual_o to_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n than_o a_o due_a command_n of_o our_o will._n for_o god_n be_v no_o less_o dishonour_v by_o mean_a and_o unworthy_a apprehension_n of_o he_o by_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n by_o deny_v his_o existence_n or_o debase_v his_o attribute_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o misguide_a reason_n than_o by_o a_o open_a violation_n of_o his_o know_a precept_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o will._n and_o thus_o it_o appear_v that_o a_o full_a enquiry_n into_o the_o reason_n and_o argument_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o not_o only_o contribute_v exceed_o but_o in_o person_n have_v mean_n to_o attain_v it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o beget_v a_o true_a and_o perfect_a faith_n and_o secure_a to_o we_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o iii_o a_o distinct_a and_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o our_o religion_n will_v afford_v to_o we_o many_o and_o great_a motive_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a prerogative_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o the_o more_o we_o search_v into_o the_o reason_n and_o constitution_n of_o it_o the_o more_o full_o the_o divinity_n of_o it_o will_v appear_v every_o new_a discovery_n will_v give_v we_o fresh_a occasion_n to_o admire_v the_o wisdom_n goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n eminent_o conspire_v in_o the_o revelation_n of_o it_o this_o will_v excite_v in_o we_o if_o we_o be_v not_o insensible_a a_o profound_a veneration_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n a_o ardent_a love_n of_o his_o excellency_n and_o the_o most_o intense_a degree_n of_o gratitude_n it_o will_v manifest_v to_o we_o the_o misery_n of_o man_n and_o his_o lose_a condition_n without_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o cross_n which_o may_v expiate_v for_o his_o sin_n and_o mediate_v his_o pardon_n and_o hereby_o will_v increase_v our_o sense_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n will_v enhance_v the_o value_n of_o that_o inestimable_a sacrifice_n teach_v we_o to_o adore_v love_n and_o devote_v ourselves_o to_o our_o saviour_n to_o resign_v up_o our_o belief_n to_o his_o revelation_n as_o to_o our_o prophet_n to_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o expiation_n of_o our_o sin_n once_o make_v and_o intercession_n for_o we_o always_o continue_v by_o he_o as_o of_o our_o high_a priest_n to_o yield_v a_o entire_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o precept_n as_o to_o our_o king_n can_v we_o view_v the_o love_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n manifest_v in_o our_o redemption_n the_o wonderful_a contrivance_n of_o providence_n both_o to_o secure_v the_o divine_a justice_n and_o honour_n and_o yet_o give_v pardon_n to_o sinful_a man_n and_o not_o be_v wind_v up_o into_o a_o ecstasy_n of_o love_n and_o admiration_n can_v we_o consider_v the_o most_o wise_a method_n whereby_o god_n bring_v this_o wonderful_a design_n to_o perfection_n and_o trace_v the_o footstep_n of_o it_o through_o all_o age_n can_v we_o think_v upon_o the_o majesty_n of_o he_o who_o condescend_v to_o suffer_v for_o we_o and_o the_o unworthiness_n of_o man_n to_o receive_v so_o great_a a_o favour_n without_o fill_v our_o understanding_n with_o awful_a and_o reverend_a conception_n of_o he_o our_o will_n with_o a_o passionate_a desire_n of_o union_n with_o he_o and_o enlarge_a all_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o approach_v his_o presence_n and_o receive_v his_o influence_n or_o can_v we_o hope_v to_o raise_v our_o soul_n to_o a_o worthy_a sense_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n and_o benefit_n and_o carry_v up_o our_o affection_n to_o a_o gratitude_n not_o inferior_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o they_o without_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o their_o design_n and_o excellency_n sure_o the_o admonition_n of_o the_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o even_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a which_o so_o earnest_o press_v we_o to_o the_o study_n of_o divine_a truth_n command_v we_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v commend_v those_o who_o be_v conversant_a in_o they_o above_o all_o other_o person_n yet_o how_o small_a a_o part_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v the_o infinite_o great_a part_n of_o it_o serve_v only_o to_o declare_v the_o extraordinary_a act_n of_o his_o providence_n to_o the_o church_n and_o testimony_n of_o his_o love_n to_o mankind_n to_o celebrate_v his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n and_o induce_v we_o by_o manifold_a argument_n to_o our_o duty_n yet_o these_o also_o have_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n think_v necessary_a to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o instruction_n of_o man_n and_o sure_o not_o without_o reason_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o worthy_a of_o man_n more_o perfective_a of_o his_o nature_n or_o conduce_v to_o enstate_v he_o in_o the_o great_a happiness_n than_o to_o comprehend_v the_o riches_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n to_o entertain_v noble_a conception_n of_o his_o creator_n and_o by_o a_o constant_a meditation_n and_o exalt_a knowledge_n raise_v his_o affection_n to_o a_o vehement_a love_n of_o he_o by_o this_o we_o anticipate_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o begin_v to_o possess_v they_o even_o before_o we_o be_v receive_v into_o they_o for_o both_o reason_n and_o revelation_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o fruition_n of_o celestial_a happiness_n consist_v in_o a_o constant_a and_o unwearied_a contemplation_n and_o love_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n the_o study_n of_o these_o sacred_a matter_n be_v esteem_v the_o best_a indication_n of_o a_o pious_a mind_n and_o the_o most_o certain_a method_n of_o attain_v the_o utmost_a degree_n of_o happiness_n upon_o earth_n even_o under_o the_o old_a law_n when_o god_n have_v not_o yet_o make_v a_o full_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o divine_a oeconomy_n be_v obscure_a and_o hide_v under_o a_o veil_n of_o ceremony_n and_o ritual_a observation_n for_o proof_n of_o this_o to_o go_v no_o far_o than_o the_o cxix_o psalm_n wherein_o such_o inimitable_a strain_n of_o piety_n devotion_n and_o a_o ardent_a love_n of_o god_n appear_v the_o holy_a psalmist_n every_o where_o ascribe_v his_o proficiency_n in_o virtue_n and_o the_o inward_a satisfaction_n and_o happiness_n of_o his_o mind_n to_o the_o assiduous_a study_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n i_o will_v thank_v thou_o with_o a_o unfeigned_a heart_n when_o i_o shall_v have_v learn_v the_o judgement_n of_o thy_o righteousness_n open_v thou_o my_o eye_n that_o i_o may_v see_v the_o wondrous_a thing_n of_o thy_o law_n for_o i_o remember_v thy_o everlasting_a judgement_n o_o lord_n and_o receive_v comfort_n lord_n what_o love_n have_v i_o unto_o thy_o law_n all_o the_o day_n long_o be_v my_o study_n in_o it_o o_o how_o sweet_a be_v thy_o word_n unto_o my_o throâ—…_n yea_o sweet_a than_o honey_n unto_o my_o mouth_n thy_o word_n be_v a_o lantern_n unto_o my_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n unto_o my_o path_n for_o thy_o testimony_n be_v my_o delight_n and_o my_o counselor_n see_v all_o the_o mark_n of_o a_o soul_n big_a with_o devotion_n and_o fill_v with_o transport_n of_o joy_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o excellency_n manifest_v under_o the_o mosaic_a law_n but_o alas_o how_o inconsiderable_a be_v this_o if_o compare_v to_o that_o great_a light_n which_o christianity_n have_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n what_o satisfaction_n and_o advantage_n may_v not_o we_o now_o hope_v for_o from_o the_o study_n and_o contemplation_n of_o the_o more_o perfect_a law_n of_o christ_n that_o have_v reveal_v to_o we_o the_o mystery_n which_o have_v be_v hide_v from_o age_n and_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o divine_a goodness_n not_o under_o a_o veil_n and_o shadow_n but_o in_o its_o full_a dimension_n the_o ancient_a christian_n be_v true_o sensible_a of_o this_o who_o place_v their_o happiness_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n in_o this_o holy_a study_n choose_v rather_o to_o part_v with_o their_o life_n than_o bibles_n and_o brand_v those_o who_o deliver_v they_o up_o to_o their_o persecutor_n although_o in_o exchange_n for_o their_o dear_a blood_n with_o the_o name_n of_o traditores_fw-la or_o traitor_n and_o in_o the_o last_o age_n our_o forefather_n give_v eminent_a instance_n of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n and_o resolution_n when_o great_a number_n of_o they_o venture_v their_o life_n to_o enjoy_v the_o advantage_n of_o read_v the_o scripture_n in_o their_o mother_n tongue_n and_o rather_o than_o forego_v that_o benefit_n choose_v to_o forfeit_v their_o life_n to_o the_o persecution_n of_o a_o church_n who_o interest_n it_o be_v that_o those_o divine_a truth_n shall_v not_o be_v know_v it_o be_v our_o
happiness_n to_o enjoy_v that_o advantage_n in_o a_o most_o eminent_a manner_n to_o have_v the_o scripture_n translate_v most_o exact_o into_o our_o own_o language_n to_o read_v they_o secure_o and_o hear_v they_o weekly_o explain_v to_o we_o let_v we_o manifest_v that_o we_o be_v not_o insensible_a of_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n by_o a_o right_a use_n of_o it_o lest_o we_o fall_v into_o the_o condemnation_n of_o those_o who_o abuse_v the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o that_o candlestick_n of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o worthy_a be_v remove_v from_o we_o it_o remain_v that_o we_o brief_o apply_v what_o have_v be_v say_v and_o first_o if_o our_o religion_n be_v so_o excellent_a and_o rational_a attend_v with_o such_o evidence_n and_o conviction_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o maintain_v a_o firm_a and_o constant_a profession_n of_o it_o at_o all_o time_n or_o in_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n to_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o not_o to_o dissemble_v it_o for_o fear_n or_o interest_n much_o less_o betray_v it_o by_o a_o denial_n of_o it_o the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o secure_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o advance_v the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n by_o such_o shameful_a cowardice_n both_o these_o end_n be_v defeat_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v wound_v and_o the_o hope_n of_o happiness_n entire_o destroy_v hereby_o man_n renounce_v all_o dependence_n upon_o god_n disow_v he_o to_o be_v their_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o bid_v defiance_n to_o he_o nor_o may_v we_o flatter_v ourselves_o that_o this_o execrable_a crime_n of_o apostasy_n consist_v only_o in_o deny_v all_o christianity_n and_o whole_o renounce_v our_o saviour_n to_o yield_v up_o the_o least_o truth_n which_o we_o be_v convince_v to_o be_v divine_a to_o assent_v to_o the_o least_o error_n which_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v false_a to_o forsake_v a_o communion_n which_o we_o know_v to_o be_v pure_a and_o lawful_a to_o embrace_v one_o which_o we_o be_v persuade_v be_v corrupt_a and_o erroneous_a be_v no_o less_o true_o the_o sin_n of_o apostasy_n and_o will_v undoubted_o meet_v with_o the_o same_o punishment_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o sin_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o case_n that_o we_o wilful_o recede_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o affront_v the_o divine_a majesty_n by_o prefer_v a_o lie_n to_o his_o revealed_z will._n the_o maintenance_n of_o truth_n and_o direct_v our_o conduct_n by_o the_o dictate_v of_o it_o be_v the_o dignity_n of_o man_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o soul_n to_o betray_v the_o most_o inconsiderable_a truth_n to_o any_o temporal_a consideration_n be_v a_o plain_a confession_n that_o we_o have_v invert_v the_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o subject_v our_o more_o noble_a part_n the_o soul_n to_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o the_o body_n a_o indignity_n unworthy_a a_o rational_a be_v which_o prostitute_n the_o honour_n of_o his_o nature_n rank_n he_o among_o brute_n beast_n and_o from_o be_v the_o head_n of_o all_o visible_a creature_n degrade_n he_o into_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o slave_n to_o dust_n and_o ash_n but_o when_o eternity_n and_o a_o interest_n infinite_o great_a than_o any_o which_o can_v be_v promote_v on_o earth_n by_o such_o apostasy_n lay_v at_o stake_n when_o immortality_n and_o everlasting_a happiness_n be_v destroy_v by_o it_o nay_o when_o the_o utmost_a displeasure_n of_o a_o almighty_a god_n and_o the_o direful_a effect_n of_o it_o eternal_a torment_n be_v the_o consequence_n of_o it_o to_o prefer_v a_o few_o trifle_a pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n disclaim_v all_o hope_n of_o happiness_n in_o another_o life_n and_o incur_v the_o divine_a vengeance_n be_v a_o height_n of_o folly_n which_o all_o the_o affair_n and_o example_n of_o this_o life_n can_v equal_v a_o impiety_n which_o neither_o the_o art_n of_o man_n or_o devil_n can_v exceed_v when_o the_o interest_n of_o truth_n be_v concern_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n engage_v to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n in_o testimony_n of_o the_o one_o and_o vindication_n of_o the_o other_o to_o forego_v all_o the_o convenience_n of_o this_o life_n to_o despise_v all_o worldly_a consideration_n and_o with_o a_o generous_a contempt_n overlook_v all_o the_o solicitation_n and_o threat_n of_o man_n this_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n require_v of_o we_o this_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n oblige_v we_o to_o this_o the_o expectation_n of_o a_o future_a state_n lead_v we_o to_o for_o sure_o we_o be_v no_o long_o deserve_v the_o name_n or_o character_n of_o man_n than_o while_o we_o continue_v rational_a we_o deny_v all_o relation_n to_o god_n when_o we_o sacrifice_v his_o command_n to_o our_o interest_n and_o disclaim_v all_o title_n to_o a_o future_a state_n when_o we_o yield_v up_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o present_a advantage_n yet_o how_o many_o example_n of_o such_o apostasy_n have_v the_o church_n deplore_v in_o all_o age_n and_o i_o wish_v our_o age_n afford_v none_o of_o those_o who_o have_v betray_v the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n i_o will_v not_o say_v to_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n for_o so_o great_a a_o terror_n all_o spirit_n can_v overcome_v and_o we_o of_o this_o nation_n thanks_o be_v to_o god_n do_v not_o suffer_v but_o to_o the_o fear_n of_o poverty_n or_o perhaps_o to_o the_o hope_n of_o continue_v or_o advance_v their_o preferment_n in_o the_o world_n a_o most_o amaze_a wickedness_n that_o man_n shall_v sell_v their_o god_n at_o so_o low_a a_o price_n and_o exchange_v their_o religion_n for_o such_o mean_a consideration_n resign_v to_o i_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o a_o possession_n in_o the_o earth_n give_v i_o up_o your_o soul_n and_o i_o will_v enrich_v your_o body_n deny_v your_o creator_n and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o honour_n among_o your_o fellow-creature_n a_o proposal_n which_o even_o a_o heathen_a philosopher_n will_v entertain_v with_o scorn_n and_o every_o sober_a christian_a with_o a_o pious_a horror_n these_o be_v the_o flattery_n of_o the_o world_n and_o with_o these_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o world_n attempt_v our_o saviour_n all_o these_o thing_n will_v i_o give_v thou_o if_o thou_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v i_o but_o our_o saviour_n immediate_o reject_v such_o base_a proposal_n with_o a_o generous_a disdain_n and_o with_o a_o get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n manifest_v with_o how_o great_a indignation_n he_o have_v receive_v they_o thereby_o give_v we_o a_o example_n how_o we_o ought_v to_o behave_v ourselves_o upon_o such_o occasion_n and_o not_o to_o admit_v even_o the_o thought_n of_o such_o a_o crime_n for_o sure_o in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n even_o to_o deliberate_v with_o ourselves_o whether_o we_o shall_v betray_v it_o or_o no_o be_v a_o degree_n of_o apostasy_n in_o that_o case_n deliberasse_fw-la est_fw-la descivisse_fw-la and_o the_o thought_n of_o foolishness_n be_v sin_n to_o put_v the_o question_n to_o our_o own_o soul_n be_v to_o trifle_v with_o the_o 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communion_n to_o which_o they_o have_v revolt_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o secular_a interest_n and_o advantage_n in_o this_o case_n let_v they_o know_v that_o god_n will_v not_o be_v mock_v and_o that_o to_o force_v our_o understanding_n be_v no_o less_o criminal_a than_o to_o force_v our_o conscience_n god_n have_v propose_v sufficient_a direction_n to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n pardon_v we_o if_o we_o wilful_o shut_v our_o eye_n against_o the_o truth_n we_o need_v not_o go_v any_o far_a than_o the_o word_n of_o my_o text_n for_o this_o direction_n the_o apostle_n command_v all_o christian_n to_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o they_o if_o then_o any_o society_n of_o man_n discourage_v and_o overthrow_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o private_a christian_n
nature_n and_o religion_n to_o perform_v our_o duty_n to_o god_n rather_o out_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o he_o than_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n or_o the_o hope_n of_o reward_n in_o the_o first_o case_n the_o chief_a principle_n of_o all_o our_o action_n will_v be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o the_o latter_a the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o by_o this_o we_o may_v become_v the_o client_n but_o by_o that_o the_o friend_n of_o god_n last_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o this_o forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n will_v not_o endure_v for_o ever_o that_o if_o despise_v it_o shall_v be_v withdraw_v from_o we_o and_o that_o god_n have_v set_v a_o time_n for_o repentance_n beyond_o which_o he_o will_v not_o a_o wait_n nor_o suffer_v his_o goodness_n to_o be_v abuse_v for_o we_o must_v not_o ascribe_v to_o god_n such_o a_o unlimited_a exercise_n of_o mercy_n as_o may_v destroy_v his_o justice_n and_o include_v the_o high_a contradiction_n of_o sinner_n and_o pardon_v offence_n commit_v against_o plain_a conviction_n of_o conscience_n and_o in_o open_a contempt_n of_o all_o mean_n of_o repentance_n afford_v to_o they_o to_o pass_v by_o such_o enormous_a sin_n will_v favour_v of_o a_o childish_a fondness_n debase_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o by_o make_v he_o irrational_a destroy_v his_o nature_n how_o shall_v i_o pardon_v thou_o for_o this_o say_v god_n in_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n v._o 7_o 9_o shall_v not_o i_o visit_v for_o these_o thing_n and_o shall_v not_o my_o soul_n be_v avenge_v on_o such_o a_o nation_n as_o this_o god_n have_v appoint_v his_o mercy_n as_o a_o refuge_n to_o mankind_n for_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n passion_n and_o inadvertency_n not_o as_o a_o sanctuary_n to_o profane_v and_o incorrigible_a sinner_n he_o wink_v indeed_o at_o the_o time_n of_o ignorance_n but_o now_o command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v if_o a_o man_n will_v not_o turn_v he_o will_v whet_v his_o sword_n psal._n vii_o 13._o and_o then_o the_o dreadful_a consequence_n of_o his_o anger_n himself_o tell_v we_o deut._n xxxii_o 40_o 41._o for_o i_o lift_v up_o my_o hand_n to_o heaven_n and_o say_v i_o live_v for_o ever_o if_o i_o wheâ—…_n my_o glitter_a sword_n and_o my_o hand_n take_v hold_v of_o judgement_n i_o will_v render_v vengeaâ—…te_a to_o my_o enemy_n and_o will_v reward_v they_o that_o hatâ—…_n i_o let_v we_o therefore_o perfect_a our_o repentance_n while_o a_o space_n be_v yet_o open_a for_o we_o before_o mercy_n return_v to_o judgement_n and_o the_o door_n be_v shut_v upon_o we_o that_o so_o we_o also_o may_v partake_v of_o the_o goodness_n forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n and_o not_o fall_v into_o their_o condemnation_n who_o despise_v the_o riches_n of_o they_o wâ—…oso_n be_v wise_a will_v pâ—…nder_v these_o thing_n and_o they_o shall_v understand_v the_o love_a kindness_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o six_o sermon_n preach_v december_n 30._o 1688._o at_o lambeth_n chapel_n 1_o cor._n i._n 23._o we_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v unto_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n and_o unto_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n into_o the_o world_n and_o therewith_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n to_o lose_a mankind_n which_o we_o at_o this_o time_n commemorate_v be_v so_o signal_n a_o benefit_n and_o in_o all_o respect_n so_o infinite_a that_o it_o can_v but_o administer_v matter_n of_o admiration_n to_o we_o to_o see_v it_o reject_v deride_v and_o oppose_v by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n it_o may_v just_o seem_v strange_a to_o we_o that_o that_o which_o be_v propose_v by_o god_n to_o rescue_v man_n from_o that_o fatal_a ignorance_n wherein_o they_o be_v involve_v shall_v be_v treat_v with_o scorn_n become_v a_o stumbling-block_n and_o be_v account_v folly_n that_o the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o great_a joy_n to_o man_n shall_v be_v make_v a_o matter_n of_o derision_n and_o be_v receive_v not_o with_o thankfulness_n as_o it_o deserve_v but_o with_o scofts_n and_o contumely_n but_o such_o be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o mankind_n ever_o since_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n that_o their_o understanding_n be_v darken_v with_o ignorance_n as_o well_o as_o their_o will_n corrupt_v with_o passion_n and_o inordinate_a desire_n it_o have_v be_v equal_o difficult_a without_o the_o assistance_n of_o revelation_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n as_o to_o pursue_v the_o dictate_v of_o it_o when_o once_o discover_v such_o be_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o that_o unhappy_a fall_n and_o such_o have_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o in_o all_o age_n but_o then_o whereas_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o will_n can_v not_o be_v deny_v or_o dissemble_v the_o sense_n of_o which_o induce_v man_n to_o seek_v remedy_n for_o they_o the_o fail_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v perceive_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n have_v flatter_v themselves_o into_o a_o opinion_n of_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n and_o believe_v the_o truth_n not_o only_o to_o be_v possess_v by_o they_o but_o their_o own_o understanding_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o it_o they_o have_v frame_v to_o themselves_o a_o system_n of_o religion_n either_o from_o their_o own_o vain_a imagination_n or_o some_o precedent_n mistake_v revelation_n and_o be_v prepossessed_n with_o notion_n derive_v from_o thence_o refuse_v to_o hearken_v to_o any_o doctrine_n different_a from_o they_o they_o false_o imagine_v their_o own_o conception_n to_o be_v infallible_a and_o thereby_o treat_v the_o christian_a religion_n which_o oppose_v they_o as_o a_o erroneous_a and_o ridiculous_a doctrine_n especial_o be_v propose_v with_o that_o unaffected_a simplicity_n to_o which_o themselves_o be_v so_o much_o stranger_n as_o believe_v every_o opinion_n to_o be_v so_o much_o divine_a by_o how_o much_o more_o it_o be_v more_o refine_v and_o place_v beyond_o the_o common_a apprehension_n of_o men._n whereas_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v more_o humane_a and_o easy_a lay_v level_a with_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o mean_a person_n and_o exclude_v not_o the_o most_o illiterate_a from_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o pride_n and_o ostentation_n devoid_a of_o subtlety_n and_o unuseful_a nicety_n and_o resemble_v the_o nakedness_n as_o well_o as_o the_o purity_n of_o paradise_n withal_o teach_v such_o mystery_n as_o may_v direct_o contribute_v to_o destroy_v the_o pride_n of_o such_o man_n not_o only_o by_o oppose_v their_o opinion_n but_o also_o teach_v the_o mystery_n of_o god_n incarnate_a therein_o humble_v himself_o to_o take_v upon_o he_o a_o humane_a state_n live_v a_o mean_a and_o obscure_a life_n and_o at_o last_o undergo_n the_o shame_n of_o the_o cross_n a_o mystery_n which_o at_o once_o entire_o ruin_v both_o the_o carnal_a and_o spiritual_a pride_n of_o the_o world_n the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n its_o want_n of_o all_o those_o external_a pompous_a argument_n of_o subtlety_n and_o mistake_a learning_n which_o recommend_v other_o system_n together_o with_o its_o opposition_n to_o the_o receive_v false_a opinion_n of_o man_n have_v induce_v some_o christian_n at_o corinth_n who_o live_v among_o the_o learned_a philosopher_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o doctor_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o other_o to_o refine_v it_o into_o a_o system_fw-la of_o mysterious_a and_o subtle_a nicety_n and_o so_o hinder_v many_o from_o become_v christian_n the_o apostle_n therefore_o in_o this_o chapter_n argue_v against_o all_o these_o man_n and_o in_o the_o 17_o verse_n oppose_v to_o these_o new_a refiner_n of_o christianity_n his_o own_o example_n who_o have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n among_o they_o without_o any_o affect_a show_n of_o eloquence_n with_o a_o simplicity_n become_v the_o majesty_n and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n not_o with_o wisdom_n of_o word_n lest_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v make_v of_o none_o effect_n and_o fail_v of_o its_o design_n as_o it_o will_v most_o certain_o do_v if_o propose_v according_a to_o the_o fancy_n of_o those_o man_n who_o turn_v it_o into_o a_o system_fw-la of_o difficult_a and_o elaborate_a contemplation_n for_o hereby_o it_o will_v exceed_v the_o reach_n and_o capacity_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n whereas_o it_o be_v indifferent_o intend_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o all_o and_o it_o will_v want_v that_o powerful_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o that_o be_v propose_v in_o a_o plain_a and_o familiar_a way_n by_o mean_a and_o unlearned_a person_n it_o notwithstanding_o surmount_v the_o pompous_a learning_n of_o the_o school_n and_o synagogue_n and_o gain_v a_o more_o universal_a reception_n in_o the_o world_n that_o therefore_o as_o god_n have_v choose_v to_o contrive_v the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n in_o a_o way_n very_o different_a
who_o set_v upon_o the_o work_n without_o any_o preparation_n of_o learning_n or_o interest_n proceed_v in_o it_o with_o quiet_a and_o simplicity_n and_o in_o treat_v with_o the_o jew_n choose_v rather_o to_o convince_v the_o judgement_n than_o amaze_v their_o senfe_v rather_o to_o argue_v from_o the_o agreement_n of_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n to_o the_o person_n of_o our_o saviour_n than_o from_o the_o performance_n of_o wonderful_a miracle_n although_o those_o be_v not_o want_v upon_o just_a occasion_n such_o be_v the_o prejudices_fw-la conceive_v by_o the_o jew_n against_o christianity_n which_o occasion_v and_o continue_v their_o illusion_n they_o know_v very_o well_o that_o supernatural_a revelation_n be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n by_o which_o man_n shall_v arrive_v to_o happiness_n that_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o majesty_n and_o former_a revelation_n of_o god_n to_o propose_v matter_n of_o belief_n and_o practise_v not_o exceed_v the_o capacity_n of_o the_o mean_a person_n and_o thus_o far_o they_o proceed_v in_o the_o right_a way_n but_o then_o the_o aforemention_v prejudices_fw-la be_v a_o stumbling-block_n in_o their_o way_n which_o occasion_v their_o fall_n and_o hinder_v any_o far_a progress_n the_o gentile_a philosopher_n for_o against_o they_o and_o not_o the_o more_o unlearned_a sort_n of_o heathen_n the_o apostle_n here_o argue_v conceive_v yet_o deep_a prejudices_fw-la against_o christianity_n account_v it_o foolishness_n and_o deride_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o it_o they_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o a_o opinion_n of_o their_o own_o perfect_a knowledge_n or_o at_o least_o ability_n to_o obtain_v the_o perfection_n of_o it_o believe_v it_o therefore_o unnecessary_a for_o god_n to_o reveal_v the_o truth_n to_o they_o which_o they_o can_v discover_v by_o their_o own_o wit_n and_o industry_n or_o if_o god_n shall_v put_v himself_o to_o this_o unnecessary_a trouble_n they_o vain_o suppose_v that_o no_o person_n be_v so_o fit_a to_o be_v employ_v in_o it_o as_o themselves_o who_o be_v endue_v with_o extraordinary_a assistance_n of_o acquire_v learning_n or_o at_o least_o not_o the_o apostle_n of_o all_o man_n who_o confess_v themselves_o to_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o secular_a learning_n and_o appear_v so_o to_o be_v and_o which_o mighty_o add_v to_o their_o prejudice_n be_v by_o birth_n and_o education_n barbarian_n who_o the_o greek_n be_v wont_a to_o treat_v as_o the_o most_o vile_a and_o contemptible_a part_n of_o the_o creation_n devoid_a of_o reason_n and_o not_o much_o superior_a to_o brute_n and_o then_o as_o to_o therevelation_n itself_o the_o christian_a religion_n seem_v to_o they_o to_o be_v naked_a and_o homely_a and_o which_o they_o account_v a_o great_a indecency_n fit_v for_o the_o reception_n of_o all_o man_n not_o the_o contemplation_n of_o themselves_o only_o as_o not_o consist_v of_o abstruse_a mystery_n and_o subtle_a distinction_n which_o by_o their_o intricacy_n and_o difficulty_n may_v entitle_v themselves_o to_o sublimity_n and_o a_o divine_a original_a but_o make_v up_o of_o easy_a natural_a and_o unaffected_a truth_n equal_o obvious_a to_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o man_n equal_o concern_v all_o and_o dispense_n the_o knowledge_n of_o her_o mystery_n to_o all_o such_o be_v the_o reason_n and_o such_o be_v the_o prejudices_fw-la which_o cause_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o become_v a_o scandal_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o folly_n to_o the_o greek_n to_o these_o the_o apostle_n give_v one_o general_a answer_n in_o the_o 25._o verse_n because_o the_o foolishness_n of_o god_n be_v wise_a than_o man_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o god_n be_v strong_a than_o man_n a_o answer_n which_o invincible_o overthrow_v the_o plea_n of_o these_o opposer_n of_o christianity_n as_o who_o proceed_v upon_o a_o arrogant_a opinion_n of_o their_o knowledge_n and_o comprehension_n whereas_o the_o experience_n of_o many_o age_n may_v have_v convince_v they_o how_o 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thing_n which_o pretend_v to_o carry_v that_o sacred_a stamp_n be_v contrary_a to_o sense_n and_o include_v a_o contradiction_n and_o may_v thence_o certain_o conclude_v it_o to_o be_v false_a and_o counterfeit_a but_o may_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n be_v admit_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o conveniency_n or_o inconveniency_n of_o the_o divine_a dispensation_n this_o be_v too_o high_a a_o presumption_n and_o intrench_v upon_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n who_o be_v of_o infinite_a wisdom_n know_v always_o what_o be_v most_o convenient_a and_o know_v it_o do_v effect_v it_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o put_v plausible_a colour_n upon_o this_o or_o that_o model_n of_o religion_n recommend_v it_o with_o abundant_a argument_n and_o pompous_o describe_v the_o convenience_n of_o it_o but_o as_o the_o apostle_n assure_v we_o 1_o cor._n iii_o 19_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v foolishness_n with_o god_n or_o in_o comparison_n of_o his_o great_a and_o infinite_a wisdom_n who_o see_v all_o thing_n and_o their_o tendency_n or_o subservience_n to_o procure_v the_o end_n he_o design_v so_o that_o to_o be_v teach_v or_o command_v by_o he_o be_v the_o most_o certain_a argument_n of_o convenience_n which_o can_v be_v propose_v not_o only_o do_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_n appear_v from_o this_o argument_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o whole_a design_n and_o revelation_n of_o it_o in_o those_o matter_n which_o be_v before_o object_v against_o be_v no_o less_o manifest_a for_o first_o as_o to_o the_o spirituality_n of_o it_o this_o be_v so_o far_o srom_o prejudice_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o that_o if_o just_o consider_v it_o ought_v rather_o to_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o reception_n of_o all_o consider_v person_n be_v the_o most_o express_a character_n of_o divinity_n which_o can_v be_v confer_v on_o any_o system_fw-la of_o religion_n whatsoever_o as_o bear_v thereby_o a_o great_a resemblance_n to_o god_n the_o author_n and_o object_n of_o it_o this_o the_o jew_n themselves_o do_v not_o deny_v only_o they_o pretend_v that_o this_o spiritual_a worship_n oppose_v their_o own_o more_o gross_a and_o corporeal_a worship_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v on_o both_o side_n to_o have_v be_v reveal_v by_o god_n and_o defeat_v their_o hope_n of_o a_o promise_a messiah_n who_o they_o expect_v will_v deliver_v they_o from_o the_o slavery_n of_o other_o nation_n and_o by_o force_n of_o arm_n settle_v they_o in_o a_o quiet_a and_o perpetual_a possession_n of_o all_o temporal_a happiness_n it_o seem_v to_o they_o absurd_a that_o the_o glorious_a messiah_n shall_v live_v a_o obscure_a despise_a and_o ignominious_a life_n and_o at_o last_o die_v a_o shameful_a and_o a_o painful_a death_n a_o error_n indeed_o into_o which_o the_o genius_n of_o their_o religion_n depend_v upon_o temporal_a promise_n and_o reward_n do_v almost_o natural_o lead_v they_o but_o which_o may_v easy_o have_v be_v discover_v if_o they_o will_v have_v wise_o consider_v either_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o condition_n of_o man._n from_o the_o first_o they_o may_v easy_o be_v convince_v that_o a_o spiritual_a way_n of_o worship_n be_v far_o more_o noble_a please_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o if_o their_o former_a religion_n induce_v they_o to_o different_a sentiment_n god_n have_v take_v abundant_a care_n to_o prevent_v their_o mistake_n by_o frequent_a foretell_v to_o they_o in_o the_o prophet_n his_o intention_n of_o change_v their_o religion_n dis-burthening_a they_o of_o the_o imposition_n of_o their_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o reâ—…ining_v it_o into_o a_o spiritual_a worship_n by_o describe_v the_o condition_n and_o office_n of_o the_o messiah_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n acquaint_v with_o grief_n bear_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n heal_v they_o by_o his_o stripe_n and_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o transgressor_n then_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o childish_a fancy_n to_o
imagine_v that_o pomp_n and_o grandeur_n riches_n and_o majesty_n do_v more_o become_v the_o messiah_n than_o humility_n and_o affliction_n poverty_n and_o contempt_n be_v thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o of_o no_o esteem_n any_o otherwise_o than_o in_o respect_n to_o their_o conducement_n to_o some_o better_a end_n which_o in_o the_o messiah_n be_v the_o instruction_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o reconciliation_n of_o it_o by_o his_o death_n to_o his_o offend_a father_n to_o the_o latter_a contempt_n affliction_n and_o suffer_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o to_o the_o former_a high_o convenient_a for_o since_o our_o lord_n be_v not_o only_o to_o reform_v the_o error_n of_o mankind_n by_o his_o infallible_a doctrine_n and_o atone_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o it_o by_o his_o passion_n but_o also_o to_o deliver_v to_o we_o a_o most_o complete_a pattern_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n in_o his_o own_o person_n it_o be_v high_o expedient_a that_o he_o shall_v suffer_v all_o the_o calamity_n incident_a to_o humane_a nature_n that_o so_o he_o may_v teach_v man_n by_o his_o own_o example_n patient_o to_o endure_v affliction_n undergo_v poverty_n with_o contentment_n and_o not_o be_v affright_v by_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n from_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n no_o persuasion_n be_v necessary_a to_o induce_v man_n to_o admit_v riches_n pleasure_n and_o prosperity_n but_o to_o suffer_v all_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o world_n with_o a_o generous_a and_o unrepining_a mind_n nothing_o less_o than_o the_o example_n of_o god_n incarnate_a can_v persuade_v they_o the_o manner_n wherein_o god_n choose_v to_o reveal_v the_o gospel_n may_v perhaps_o seem_v strange_a to_o the_o jew_n as_o be_v different_a from_o that_o wherein_o the_o law_n be_v reveal_v on_o mount_n sina_n but_o far_o from_o appear_v incredible_a ought_v rather_o to_o have_v seem_v more_o congruous_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n certain_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v which_o be_v matter_n of_o the_o high_a bounty_n and_o clemency_n to_o mankind_n require_v not_o to_o be_v reveal_v in_o such_o a_o terrible_a manner_n as_o the_o law_n which_o be_v employ_v rather_o in_o denounce_v the_o judgement_n than_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n but_o in_o a_o manner_n which_o by_o the_o sweetness_n of_o it_o may_v declare_v the_o clemency_n and_o love_a kindness_n of_o its_o author_n it_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o brutish_a stupidity_n not_o to_o be_v raise_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n any_o otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o power_n and_o justice_n as_o if_o act_n of_o mercy_n do_v not_o equal_o declare_v his_o nature_n and_o lay_v a_o far_o great_a obligation_n of_o obedience_n upon_o we_o or_o if_o act_v of_o power_n must_v be_v employ_v as_o indeed_o they_o be_v high_o necessary_a in_o the_o second_o place_n they_o be_v far_o more_o numerous_a and_o wonderful_a in_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o of_o the_o law_n not_o so_o amaze_a but_o more_o divine_a not_o so_o terrible_a but_o more_o illustrious_a the_o jew_n indeed_o be_v wont_a to_o require_v a_o sign_n as_o the_o last_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o since_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o miracle_n be_v frequent_o wrought_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o faith_n can_v be_v understand_v of_o no_o other_o than_o either_o that_o great_a and_o final_a miracle_n which_o they_o vain_o expect_v from_o the_o messiah_n the_o restitution_n of_o their_o nation_n to_o its_o temporal_a happiness_n or_o perform_v a_o miracle_n as_o often_o as_o every_o single_a person_n shall_v desire_v it_o for_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n or_o else_o rely_v more_o upon_o miracle_n than_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n concern_v christ_n and_o never_o urge_v their_o authority_n to_o the_o jew_n without_o some_o concomitant_a miracle_n in_o whethersoever_o of_o these_o sâ—…nses_n the_o jew_n be_v wont_n obstinate_o to_o require_v a_o sign_n of_o the_o apostle_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a or_o impertinent_a for_o will_v it_o not_o be_v unworthy_a the_o majesty_n of_o god_n to_o violate_v the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n to_o gratify_v either_o a_o false_a opinion_n or_o a_o fond_a desire_n the_o restitution_n of_o liberty_n be_v never_o promise_v from_o the_o mâ—…ssias_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o therefore_o be_v in_o vain_a expect_v from_o he_o the_o prophecy_n be_v sufficient_o clear_a and_o need_v not_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o constant_a miracle_n and_o to_o gratify_v the_o idle_a curiosity_n of_o every_o petulant_a humour_n by_o work_a miracle_n as_o often_o as_o shall_v be_v require_v will_v be_v such_o a_o trifle_a extravagance_n as_o will_v more_o effectual_o destroy_v the_o authority_n of_o such_o a_o lawgiver_n than_o all_o his_o miracle_n will_v confirm_v it_o or_o if_o a_o constant_a uniform_a miracle_n attend_v the_o publication_n of_o christianity_n will_v satisfy_v such_o man_n as_o sure_o it_o ought_v to_o do_v they_o may_v discover_v one_o in_o that_o very_a circumstance_n which_o they_o use_v to_o enforce_v their_o objection_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v successful_o propagate_v in_o the_o world_n by_o ignorant_a and_o illiterate_a person_n who_o can_v neither_o impose_v upon_o mankind_n by_o the_o crafty_a artifice_n of_o rhetoric_n or_o insinuation_n nor_o delude_v they_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o name_n a_o circumstance_n which_o unanswerable_o argue_v a_o divine_a power_n and_o assistance_n to_o have_v attend_v the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o affect_v the_o mind_n of_o their_o auditor_n and_o then_o what_o great_a argument_n can_v we_o desire_v of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o contrive_v and_o use_v this_o method_n than_o those_o illustrious_a advantage_n which_o it_o administer_v to_o the_o design_a end_n the_o conversion_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n for_o not_o only_a may_v the_o wonderful_a success_n of_o it_o in_o all_o part_n even_o of_o the_o learned_a world_n wrought_v by_o such_o weak_a and_o contemptible_a mean_n convince_v all_o sober_a person_n of_o somewhat_o more_o than_o humane_a direct_v the_o conduct_n of_o it_o but_o also_o this_o method_n admirable_o conduce_v to_o secure_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o destroy_v the_o pride_n and_o ambition_n of_o man_n who_o if_o they_o have_v be_v qualify_v for_o such_o a_o office_n by_o acquire_v learning_n will_v have_v be_v apt_a to_o have_v ascribe_v their_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a matter_n to_o their_o own_o sagacity_n not_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o entitle_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o success_n to_o their_o own_o prudence_n not_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o further_o may_v have_v induce_v man_n to_o have_v attribute_v the_o success_n of_o christianity_n to_o the_o sophistry_n and_o insinuation_n of_o its_o teacher_n not_o the_o power_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o accompany_v it_o and_o the_o providence_n of_o that_o god_n who_o found_v it_o thus_o we_o have_v answer_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o jew_n and_o by_o show_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o employ_v unlearned_a person_n defeat_v a_o like_a objection_n of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n but_o then_o what_o the_o jew_n admit_v that_o supernatural_a revelation_n be_v both_o convenient_a and_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n theseman_n deny_v trust_v to_o the_o suppose_a excellency_n of_o their_o own_o learning_n and_o imagine_v themselves_o able_a by_o the_o sole_a light_n of_o reason_n to_o attain_v the_o high_a perfection_n of_o spiritual_a knowledge_n herein_o put_v themselves_o into_o a_o worse_a condition_n than_o those_o who_o they_o treat_v with_o so_o much_o scorn_n idiot_n and_o barbarian_n for_o these_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o failure_n of_o their_o own_o understanding_n and_o therefore_o willing_o admit_v a_o remedy_n whereas_o those_o disow_v all_o disease_n neglect_v the_o cure_n of_o it_o sure_o no_o great_a reason_n be_v require_v to_o confute_v these_o men._n for_o be_v it_o unworthy_a the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o assist_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o supernatural_a revelation_n even_o although_o it_o may_v although_o not_o without_o great_a difficulty_n attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n necessary_a this_o none_o will_v say_v or_o be_v it_o unbefitting_a the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o unlearned_a person_n by_o revelation_n although_o most_o learned_a man_n may_v not_o want_v it_o this_o can_v be_v doubt_v or_o if_o a_o revelation_n must_v be_v make_v can_v it_o be_v do_v in_o any_o more_o prudent_a and_o rational_a manner_n than_o be_v christianity_n this_o none_o will_v affirm_v so_o then_o the_o extraordinary_a revelation_n of_o divine_a truth_n be_v consistent_a with_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o reason_n of_o man_n and_o the_o necessity_n
of_o it_o to_o all_o person_n without_o distinction_n the_o most_o learned_a as_o well_o as_o ignorant_a be_v no_o less_o apparent_a for_o however_o these_o philosopher_n may_v please_v themselves_o with_o the_o false_a opinion_n of_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n it_o be_v too_o notorious_a that_o their_o pretence_n be_v vain_a and_o trifle_a they_o profess_v indeed_o a_o science_n of_o divine_a matter_n but_o such_o as_o include_v only_o unuseful_a and_o ofttimes_o absurd_a notion_n which_o be_v as_o various_a as_o their_o several_a sect_n and_o those_o as_o numerous_a as_o the_o whimsy_n of_o ambitious_a man_n and_o all_o deride_v by_o a_o powerful_a and_o learned_a sect_n which_o deny_v any_o truth_n to_o be_v in_o thing_n or_o if_o any_o of_o they_o entertain_v right_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o religion_n yet_o be_v it_o rather_o by_o way_n of_o conjecture_n than_o certainty_n which_o therefore_o have_v no_o influence_n upon_o their_o life_n nor_o afford_v any_o other_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a state_n than_o what_o be_v found_v only_o on_o faint_a wish_n and_o uncertain_a desire_n such_o as_o will_v never_o induce_v they_o to_o forego_v their_o life_n or_o any_o part_n of_o their_o temporal_a happiness_n rather_o than_o renounce_v it_o or_o give_v they_o entire_a assurance_n of_o any_o reward_n or_o punishment_n in_o another_o life_n if_o to_o pretend_v that_o revelation_n be_v unnecessary_a and_o unuseful_a to_o they_o be_v frivolous_a and_o irrational_a in_o these_o heathen_a philosopher_n much_o more_o absurd_a be_v it_o to_o arraign_v the_o christian_a religion_n of_o its_o simplicity_n which_o fit_v it_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o mankind_n not_o appropriate_v it_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o philosopher_n only_o by_o propose_v abstruse_a contemplation_n and_o nice_a subtlety_n beyond_o the_o ordinary_a reach_n of_o unlearned_a person_n this_o be_v the_o chief_a reason_n why_o christianity_n be_v by_o they_o account_v folly_n as_o be_v hereby_o become_v the_o portion_n of_o repute_a fool_n as_o well_o as_o the_o science_n of_o those_o who_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o the_o title_n of_o wisdom_n and_o this_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o reason_n why_o we_o ought_v to_o esteem_v it_o the_o most_o excellent_a of_o all_o religion_n and_o condemn_v the_o intolerable_a pride_n and_o superciliousness_n of_o such_o man_n who_o either_o than_o do_v endeavour_v to_o engross_v the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a matter_n or_o now_o do_v true_a belief_n and_o salvation_n to_o themselves_o only_o religion_n be_v intend_v by_o god_n to_o procure_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n not_o of_o any_o sect_n or_o denomination_n of_o man_n much_o less_o of_o a_o small_a inconsiderable_a party_n who_o by_o appropriate_v to_o themselves_o the_o great_a blessing_n of_o heaven_n make_v themselves_o unworthy_a of_o the_o least_o of_o they_o nothing_o therefore_o contribute_v so_o much_o to_o declare_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n or_o be_v so_o befit_v the_o holiness_n and_o beneficence_n of_o his_o nature_n as_o the_o generous_a spirit_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o equal_o admit_v all_o man_n and_o acknowledge_v no_o other_o distinction_n in_o person_n than_o what_o arise_v from_o their_o more_fw-mi or_o less_o perfect_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o this_o end_n it_o be_v admirable_o fit_v by_o the_o simplicity_n of_o it_o impose_v no_o necessary_a duty_n of_o life_n and_o conversation_n but_o what_o be_v command_v even_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o observe_v no_o other_o sacrament_n or_o ceremony_n than_o what_o be_v easy_a and_o significant_a few_o and_o instructive_a and_o if_o this_o must_v be_v account_v a_o prejudice_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n to_o what_o a_o deplorable_a condition_n have_v the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n degenerate_v dislike_a divine_a truth_n because_o rational_a plain_a and_o obvious_a it_o have_v 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if_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n continue_v not_o only_o in_o ignorance_n of_o it_o but_o in_o opposition_n to_o it_o if_o the_o mystery_n of_o it_o appear_v to_o some_o incredible_a and_o the_o manner_n propose_v it_o ridiculous_a this_o ought_v not_o to_o scandalize_v we_o or_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o be_v either_o less_o plain_a or_o less_o certain_a we_o all_o know_v mankind_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o error_n and_o experience_n the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a understanding_n we_o can_v be_v ignorant_a how_o prone_a all_o man_n be_v to_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n and_o than_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o christianity_n oppose_v and_o restrain_v these_o unruly_a passion_n we_o shall_v cease_v to_o wonder_v at_o its_o rejection_n and_o contradiction_n god_n have_v indeed_o set_v his_o reveal_v truth_n in_o as_o clear_v a_o light_n as_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o conviction_n of_o man_n but_o still_o leave_v our_o will_n in_o its_o full_a liberty_n to_o embrace_v or_o reject_v they_o that_o so_o he_o may_v leave_v place_n either_o for_o reward_n of_o belief_n or_o punishment_n of_o the_o contrary_n not_o that_o god_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n incredible_a or_o extraordinary_a not_o that_o we_o merit_v any_o thing_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n by_o be_v more_o credulous_a than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n or_o believe_v those_o thing_n which_o other_o man_n reject_v as_o foolish_a or_o monstrous_a our_o faith_n be_v no_o otherwise_o capable_a of_o a_o reward_n than_o as_o it_o be_v just_a and_o rational_a as_o it_o be_v the_o result_n of_o the_o right_a exercise_n of_o our_o faculty_n and_o a_o demonstration_n of_o readiness_n to_o obey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o acknowledge_v his_o attribute_n of_o veracity_n and_o dominion_n over_o we_o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o strange_a expression_n of_o a_o ancient_a writer_n that_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n certain_a credible_a and_o meritorious_a to_o be_v believe_v because_o they_o be_v foolish_a incredible_a and_o impossible_a that_o in_o this_o consist_v the_o merit_n of_o christian_a confidence_n and_o that_o god_n therefore_o choose_v this_o way_n that_o he_o may_v as_o it_o be_v retaliate_v to_o man_n the_o impudence_n of_o idolatry_n in_o which_o they_o have_v voluntary_o engage_v themselves_o by_o the_o impudence_n of_o faith_n which_o he_o impose_v on_o they_o if_o thing_n be_v so_o just_o may_v christianity_n be_v a_o scandal_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o folly_n to_o the_o greek_n but_o bless_v be_v god_n and_o bless_v be_v that_o holy_a religion_n which_o we_o profess_v nothing_o be_v require_v of_o we_o to_o be_v believe_v but_o what_o be_v entire_o conformable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n and_o which_o will_v be_v our_o duty_n to_o assâ—…nt_v to_o although_o no_o reward_n attend_v the_o assent_n in_o the_o next_o place_n if_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o
common_a or_o unclean_a and_o convince_v he_o that_o his_o favour_n be_v not_o to_o be_v restrain_v according_a to_o the_o mean_a and_o unworthy_a conception_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o the_o extent_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n be_v no_o more_o capable_a of_o limitation_n than_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o and_o that_o the_o condition_n of_o his_o favour_n shall_v not_o as_o his_o country_n man_n have_v hitherto_o vain_o imagine_v be_v descent_n from_o abraham_n and_o observation_n of_o legal_a ceremony_n but_o the_o more_o noble_a and_o universal_a condition_n of_o fear_n and_o righteousness_n convince_v of_o this_o truth_n peter_n open_v his_o mouth_n and_o say_v of_o a_o truth_n i_o perceive_v that_o god_n be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n but_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v by_o he_o in_o which_o word_n we_o may_v observe_v i._o the_o universality_n and_o impartiality_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o favour_n ii_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o which_o be_v fear_v of_o god_n and_o work_n of_o righteousness_n the_o first_o be_v found_v in_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o enjoy_v all_o perfection_n in_o the_o most_o transcendent_a manner_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o want_v that_o which_o above_o all_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o supreme_a judge_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n impartial_a justice_n in_o the_o dispense_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n all_o man_n be_v equal_o create_v by_o god_n and_o if_o we_o respect_v that_o alone_o all_o have_v a_o equal_a right_n to_o his_o favour_n he_o accept_v not_o the_o person_n of_o prince_n say_v job_n xxxiv_o 19_o nor_o regard_v the_o rich_a more_o than_o the_o poor_a for_o they_o be_v all_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n vi_o 7._o he_o make_v the_o small_a and_o the_o great_a and_o do_v equal_o take_v care_n of_o all_o so_o that_o in_o the_o right_n of_o creation_n only_o antecedent_o to_o all_o merit_n or_o demerit_n of_o man_n no_o respect_n be_v have_v to_o the_o person_n of_o men._n otherwise_o we_o can_v not_o but_o conceive_v injustice_n to_o be_v in_o god_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o reconcile_v such_o a_o partial_a conduct_n with_o his_o infinite_a excellency_n and_o therefore_o in_o 2_o chron._n xix_o 7._o the_o reason_n why_o god_n be_v no_o respeâ—…er_n of_o person_n be_v say_v to_o be_v because_o there_o be_v no_o iniquity_n with_o the_o lord_n all_o reasonable_a preference_n of_o one_o person_n to_o another_o must_v necessary_o be_v found_v upon_o some_o just_a cause_n otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v trifle_v and_o fond_a nay_o even_o injust_a and_o foolish_a we_o find_v indeed_o in_o ourselves_o our_o affection_n ofttimes_o excite_v without_o sufficient_a reason_n we_o be_v passionate_o carry_v to_o object_n not_o worthy_a our_o love_n or_o desire_n we_o value_v the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n beyond_o their_o true_a merit_n and_o weigh_v not_o so_o much_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o the_o dictate_v of_o a_o blind_a desire_n yet_o after_o all_o we_o never_o fix_v our_o affection_n without_o some_o apparent_a show_n of_o reason_n reason_n indeed_o ofttimes_o false_a and_o frivolous_a yet_o specious_a and_o please_a which_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o nature_n permit_v to_o become_v effectual_a with_o we_o and_o false_o represent_v to_o we_o as_o persuasive_a argument_n but_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o imagine_v any_o such_o imperfection_n to_o be_v in_o god_n in_o he_o be_v no_o variableness_n or_o shadow_n of_o change_n he_o full_o know_v the_o merit_n of_o all_o cause_n and_o can_v never_o be_v deceive_v by_o false_a light_n or_o prejudices_fw-la he_o can_v be_v sway_v by_o passion_n and_o affection_n or_o be_v betray_v into_o erroneous_a judgement_n by_o false_a representation_n he_o ever_o proceed_v upon_o fix_v and_o immovable_a principle_n draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o reason_n of_o cause_n principle_n which_o equal_o serve_v for_o all_o action_n and_o cause_n and_o be_v never_o violate_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o external_a circumstance_n such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v descend_v of_o this_o or_o that_o family_n to_o be_v bear_v in_o this_o or_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n or_o to_o practise_v this_o or_o that_o ceremony_n i_o mean_v not_o as_o a_o religious_a action_n but_o as_o a_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n all_o these_o outward_a circumstance_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v respect_v by_o a_o earthly_a judge_n and_o therefore_o can_v have_v any_o place_n with_o god_n who_o have_v fix_v most_o juft_v and_o impartial_a law_n of_o government_n which_o universal_o affect_v all_o the_o member_n of_o mankind_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o view_v these_o principle_n and_o from_o they_o to_o form_n right_a notion_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n they_o may_v be_v brief_o comprehend_v in_o these_o three_o 1._o god_n can_v create_v man_n on_o purpose_n to_o make_v he_o miserable_a or_o after_o a_o promulgation_n of_o a_o eternal_a covenant_n deny_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o to_o any_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o it_o may_v perhaps_o seem_v offensive_a to_o say_v that_o god_n can_v do_v this_o but_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o can_v lie_v so_o we_o may_v true_o say_v he_o can_v be_v unjust_a but_o what_o great_a injustice_n than_o to_o necessitate_v a_o man_n to_o be_v miserable_a what_o more_o notorious_a respect_v of_o person_n than_o to_o confer_v salvation_n upon_o one_o and_o deny_v it_o to_o another_o use_v equal_a diligence_n to_o attain_v it_o nay_o not_o only_o to_o deny_v this_o to_o he_o but_o to_o punish_v he_o everlasting_o without_o respect_n to_o his_o demerit_n and_o only_o in_o virtue_n of_o a_o arbitrary_a decree_n of_o reprobation_n sure_o those_o who_o will_v persuade_v man_n that_o god_n act_v in_o this_o manner_n contribute_v no_o less_o effectual_o although_o not_o intentional_o to_o the_o extirpation_n of_o religion_n and_o dishonour_n of_o god_n than_o either_o atheist_n or_o the_o most_o gross_a idolater_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v religion_n institute_v reward_n and_o punishment_n propose_v law_n prescribe_v and_o rule_v fix_v if_o after_o all_o judgement_n be_v give_v at_o the_o last_o day_n not_o according_a to_o the_o observation_n of_o they_o but_o the_o unaccountable_a decree_n of_o election_n and_o reprobation_n it_o be_v vain_a to_o pretend_v that_o god_n may_v just_o do_v all_o this_o in_o right_n of_o creation_n for_o this_o can_v still_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v respect_n of_o person_n and_o no_o respect_n of_o person_n can_v be_v just_o in_o god_n beside_o eternal_a damnation_n be_v a_o state_n who_o misery_n far_o surmount_v the_o necessary_a benefit_n flow_v from_o existence_n and_o as_o such_o can_v be_v by_o god_n necessary_o impose_v on_o any_o for_o then_o the_o existence_n which_o he_o give_v they_o will_v not_o compensate_a the_o misery_n which_o he_o cast_v upon_o they_o which_o will_v be_v a_o manifest_a defect_n of_o justice_n if_o any_o believe_v it_o a_o more_o preferable_a state_n to_o be_v infinite_o miserable_a than_o not_o to_o be_v i_o will_v not_o be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o wish_v they_o may_v be_v convince_v by_o their_o own_o experience_n but_o sure_o all_o will_v conclude_v they_o gross_o mistake_v unless_o the_o necessary_a benefit_n of_o existence_n be_v also_o infinite_a which_o none_o will_v say_v 2._o that_o which_o be_v the_o true_a and_o ultimate_a happiness_n of_o man_n i_o mean_v eternal_a salvation_n god_n will_v not_o and_o in_o justice_n can_v confer_v upon_o one_o mere_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o another_o nor_o deny_v to_o one_o only_a for_o default_n of_o another_o none_o be_v capable_a either_o of_o reward_n or_o punishment_n but_o for_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a use_n of_o his_o own_o freewill_n and_o if_o after_o his_o utmost_a diligence_n use_v man_n can_v mif_v his_o intend_a happiness_n through_o default_n of_o another_o or_o gain_v it_o without_o employ_v that_o careful_a diligence_n there_o can_v be_v no_o obligation_n at_o lest_o no_o encouragement_n to_o pursue_v the_o mean_n reason_n direct_v man_n to_o use_v any_o mean_n only_o upon_o assurance_n or_o belief_n of_o their_o subserviency_n to_o the_o acquisition_n of_o the_o end_n propose_v and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o necessary_a connexion_n between_o the_o mean_n and_o the_o end_n it_o will_v be_v unreasonable_a for_o mankind_n to_o employ_v the_o one_o or_o hope_v the_o other_o not_o to_o faith_n that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o inexcusable_a partiality_n to_o bestow_v happinef_n upon_o one_o man_n without_o any_o concurrence_n of_o his_o own_o and_o deny_v even_o the_o possibility_n of_o obtain_v it_o to_o another_o although_o act_v in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n 3._o temporal_a benefit_n and_o worldly_a
and_o not_o break_v loose_a from_o the_o chain_n and_o dominion_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o state_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o church_n be_v indeed_o at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o high_a confusion_n without_o any_o consolation_n or_o apparent_a possibility_n of_o recovery_n yet_o much_o great_a be_v the_o misery_n of_o a_o unrepentant_a sinner_n who_o suffer_v all_o this_o through_o his_o own_o fault_n and_o until_o he_o be_v regenerate_v see_v no_o approach_a delivery_n from_o all_o these_o calamity_n our_o saviour_n and_o his_o church_n be_v rescue_v by_o his_o glorious_a resurrection_n and_o from_o all_o these_o misery_n be_v unhappy_a man_n deliver_v by_o his_o regeneration_n our_o lord_n by_o his_o resurrection_n vindicate_v his_o honour_n from_o the_o blasphemy_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n who_o have_v argue_v against_o his_o divinity_n from_o the_o seem_a imperfection_n of_o his_o suffering_n overthrow_v the_o design_n of_o wicked_a spirit_n endeavour_v to_o defeat_v the_o success_n of_o his_o mission_n by_o the_o ignominy_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o deliver_v his_o church_n from_o that_o disgrace_n and_o despair_n which_o it_o have_v by_o his_o death_n incur_v such_o be_v the_o benefit_n and_o glory_n of_o this_o day_n resurrection_n and_o no_o less_o be_v the_o advantage_n of_o rise_v with_o christ_n from_o sin_n unto_o a_o new_a life_n which_o remove_v that_o stain_n and_o imperfection_n introduce_v into_o our_o nature_n by_o sin_n restore_v it_o to_o that_o primitive_a glory_n which_o it_o obtain_v in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n rescue_v we_o from_o the_o slavery_n of_o the_o devil_n repair_v the_o honour_n and_o integrity_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o render_v we_o infinite_o happy_a by_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a favour_n for_o this_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o argument_n which_o enhance_v the_o glory_n os_fw-la christ_n resurrection_n that_o god_n by_o interpose_v in_o so_o extraordinary_a a_o manner_n in_o his_o behalf_n evident_o manifest_v how_o dear_a he_o be_v unto_o he_o who_o he_o will_v not_o leave_v in_o hell_n in_o a_o state_n of_o disgrace_n nor_o suffer_v to_o see_v corruption_n this_o raise_v he_o beyond_o the_o degree_n of_o all_o mortal_a and_o corruptible_a man_n and_o place_v he_o in_o such_o a_o height_n of_o glory_n as_o can_v be_v resemble_v by_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o regeneration_n of_o a_o christian_a wherein_o god_n interpose_v by_o his_o power_n not_o so_o visible_o indeed_o but_o no_o less_o miraculous_o convert_v assist_v and_o confirm_v he_o by_o his_o grace_n without_o which_o this_o admirable_a change_n can_v be_v effect_v a_o change_n which_o however_o in_o a_o inferior_a degree_n declare_v the_o power_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n who_o produce_v habit_n of_o the_o most_o exalt_a virtue_n in_o a_o soul_n before_o overwhelm_v with_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n for_o resurrection_n denote_v not_o only_o a_o deliverance_n from_o the_o calamity_n of_o death_n and_o corruption_n but_o also_o a_o enable_v any_o one_o to_o renew_v a_o active_a course_n of_o life_n our_o lord_n be_v not_o bare_o content_a to_o rescue_v his_o body_n from_o the_o grave_a and_o the_o insult_v of_o his_o enemy_n but_o he_o carry_v it_o with_o he_o triumphant_o into_o heaven_n and_o there_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n employ_v it_o in_o conjunction_n with_o his_o divine_a nature_n to_o mediate_v continual_o the_o redemption_n of_o man._n if_o then_o we_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n we_o must_v manifest_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o resurrection_n by_o vital_a action_n proper_a to_o a_o new_a and_o spiritual_a life_n which_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o all_o spiritual_a virtue_n and_o a_o strict_a conformity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o that_o new_a society_n with_o heaven_n wherein_o we_o be_v engage_v far_o a_o bare_a recovery_n of_o life_n deserve_v not_o the_o title_n of_o a_o resurrection_n for_o then_o the_o intermediate_v death_n will_v have_v be_v of_o no_o advantage_n at_o least_o it_o reach_v not_o the_o illustrious_a example_n of_o our_o lord_n resurrection_n who_o after_o that_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o far_o more_o glorious_a state_n than_o before_o his_o death_n before_o his_o crucifixion_n he_o be_v subject_a to_o all_o the_o infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n sin_n only_o except_v after_o his_o resurrection_n exempt_v from_o they_o all-before_a his_o passion_n subject_a to_o change_v and_o decay_n after_o his_o resurrection_n instate_v in_o a_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a possession_n of_o glory_n for_o as_o st._n paul_n amplify_v this_o very_a matter_n rom._n vi_o 9_o christ_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a die_v no_o more_o death_n have_v no_o more_o dominion_n over_o he_o his_o life_n precede_v and_o follow_v his_o resurrection_n be_v infinite_o different_a that_o contemptible_a and_o mean_a this_o glorious_a and_o terrible_a that_o common_a with_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n this_o exalt_a above_o all_o the_o infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o our_o saviour_n converse_v not_o open_o among_o the_o jew_n after_o his_o resurrection_n as_o he_o have_v do_v before_o from_o that_o time_n a_o new_a and_o different_a state_n of_o life_n be_v to_o commence_v never_o any_o more_o to_o be_v alter_v or_o relinquish_v whence_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o to_o come_v up_o to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o express_v it_o near_o in_o our_o life_n we_o ought_v to_o exceed_v what_o be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o a_o natural_a state_n and_o improve_v our_o obedience_n far_o than_o be_v exact_v of_o we_o in_o a_o state_n wherein_o no_o more_o than_o temporary_a reward_n be_v promise_v at_o least_o that_o after_o our_o entrance_n into_o a_o new_a life_n after_o our_o profession_n of_o christianity_n we_o walk_v invariable_o whereunto_o we_o have_v attain_v that_o we_o suffer_v not_o ourselves_o to_o relapse_n into_o our_o former_a state_n which_o we_o relinquish_v bydy_v with_o christ_n and_o deprive_v ourselves_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o partake_v in_o his_o resurrection_n by_o a_o similitude_n in_o this_o life_n which_o may_v otherwise_o secure_v to_o we_o a_o near_a imitation_n of_o he_o by_o a_o glorious_a resurrection_n in_o the_o next_o of_o this_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n give_v we_o the_o great_a assurance_n without_o that_o signal_n confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o divine_a promise_n man_n will_v have_v be_v prone_a to_o disbelieve_v they_o it_o seem_v a_o matter_n incredible_a both_o to_o jew_n and_o gentile_n that_o god_n shall_v after_o many_o age_n recollect_v the_o scatter_a part_n of_o a_o dead_a body_n and_o reunite_a they_o into_o their_o former_a frame_n once_o more_o animate_v they_o with_o a_o live_a soul_n this_o to_o some_o seem_v impossible_a to_o other_o improbable_a but_o both_o be_v refute_v by_o the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n resurrection_n which_o be_v to_o that_o purpose_n always_o urge_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o preach_v and_o be_v employ_v by_o st._n paul_n as_o the_o chief_a argument_n against_o the_o incredulity_n of_o the_o corinthian_n in_o the_o 1_o epist._n xv._n chapter_n god_n have_v promise_v as_o well_o to_o raise_v up_o mankind_n at_o the_o last_o day_n as_o to_o raise_v up_o his_o son_n on_o the_o three_o day_n and_o the_o certain_a completion_n of_o this_o latter_a promise_n secure_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o former_a there_o be_v no_o more_o effectual_a argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o rely_v upon_o the_o promise_n of_o future_a benefit_n than_o to_o demonstrate_v to_o they_o how_o all_o precede_a promise_n be_v infallible_o perform_v and_o thus_o in_o some_o sense_n all_o mankind_n may_v be_v say_v to_o rise_v with_o christ_n inasmuch_o as_o christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a be_v become_v the_o first_o fruit_n of_o they_o that_o sleep_v 1_o cor._n xv._n 20._o that_o as_o the_o whole_a mass_n be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o dedication_n of_o the_o first_o fruit_n so_o all_o mankind_n receive_v a_o earnest_n of_o the_o divine_a promise_n concern_v their_o resurrection_n in_o the_o person_n of_o christ._n but_o then_o in_o a_o more_o particular_a and_o proper_a manner_n all_o faithful_a christian_n may_v be_v say_v to_o rise_v with_o christ._n there_o be_v a_o resurrection_n to_o death_n as_o well_o as_o life_n a_o terrible_a as_o well_o as_o a_o desirable_a resurrection_n to_o rise_v therefore_o with_o christ_n be_v the_o happy_a resurrection_n and_o that_o as_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o 1_o epist._n i._n 4._o be_v to_o rise_v to_o a_o inheritance_n incorruptible_a and_o undefiled_a and_o that_o fade_v not_o away_o reserve_v in_o heaven_n for_o we_o that_o this_o will_v be_v the_o reward_n of_o all_o good_a and_o pious_a christian_n the_o resurrection_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n be_v sufficient_a assurance_n to_o they_o to_o such_o christ_n be_v a_o head_n