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the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n prove_v by_o the_o evidence_n of_o reason_n and_o divine_a revelation_n by_o william_n bates_z d._n d._n london_n print_v by_o j._n d._n for_o brabazon_n aylmer_n at_o the_o three_o pigeon_n in_o cornhill_n over_o against_o the_o royal_a exchange_n 1677._o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n prove_v by_o the_o evidence_n of_o reason_n and_o divine_a revelation_n chap._n i._n religion_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o happiness_n of_o man._n among_o the_o variety_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v the_o high_a point_n of_o wisdom_n to_o consider_v which_o be_v please_v to_o god_n god_n alone_o be_v to_o prescribe_v the_o way_n of_o his_o worship_n he_o have_v reveal_v it_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v make_v evident_a by_o compare_v it_o with_o all_o other_o religion_n gentilism_n convince_v of_o falsity_n by_o its_o contradict_v natural_a light_n in_o mistake_v the_o 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natural_a duty_n to_o which_o mankind_n with_o a_o unforced_a consent_n agree_v for_o as_o honour_n in_o the_o general_n be_v the_o homage_n pay_v to_o conspicuous_a excellency_n and_o special_o to_o beneficent_a virtue_n so_o religion_n that_o be_v the_o high_a honour_n be_v just_o due_a to_o god_n the_o most_o sovereign_a be_v in_o all_o perfection_n and_o our_o sovereign_a benefactor_n and_o it_o be_v equal_o clear_a that_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n depend_v on_o religion_n for_o if_o god_n regard_v the_o action_n of_o man_n not_o to_o have_v a_o naked_a speculative_a knowledge_n of_o they_o but_o with_o a_o eye_n of_o providence_n and_o judgement_n if_o he_o will_v accept_v and_o reward_v our_o service_n not_o as_o profitable_a to_o he_o but_o as_o the_o just_a expression_n of_o our_o love_n thankfulness_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o it_o be_v requisite_a our_o prime_a care_n shall_v be_v to_o serve_v he_o in_o this_o the_o great_a duty_n and_o supreme_a interest_n of_o man_n be_v inviolable_o unite_v for_o what_o obligation_n can_v possible_o be_v equal_a to_o that_o of_o please_v our_o maker_n and_o preserver_n and_o what_o be_v comparable_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o eternity_n from_o hence_o there_o be_v a_o general_a inclination_n in_o man_n to_o worship_v the_o deity_n impress_v from_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n but_o the_o way_n be_v diverse_a religion_n change_v its_o shape_n in_o several_a country_n and_o the_o rite_n that_o be_v observe_v by_o some_o nation_n as_o sacred_a be_v reject_v by_o other_o as_o impious_a or_o vain_a now_o in_o this_o variety_n of_o religion_n and_o every_o one_o contrary_a to_o the_o other_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o consider_v which_o be_v that_o special_a way_n of_o serve_v god_n that_o be_v only_o please_v to_o he_o if_o a_o traveller_n be_v distract_v between_o several_a way_n he_o will_v inquire_v which_o lead_v to_o his_o journey_n end_v and_o not_o go_v on_o with_o uncertainty_n and_o be_v it_o not_o infinite_o reasonable_a to_o do_v that_o in_o the_o most_o important_a affair_n which_o any_o person_n will_v do_v in_o the_o most_o ordinary_a to_o be_v indifferent_a in_o a_o matter_n so_o deep_o concern_v we_o be_v prodigious_a above_o all_o wonder_n for_o if_o the_o mean_v we_o use_v to_o obtain_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n provoke_v his_o anger_n our_o misery_n be_v remediless_a but_o alas_o no_o rashness_n be_v so_o common_a as_o that_o of_o man_n prefer_n one_o religion_n before_o another_o how_o many_o false_a religion_n be_v defend_v by_o whole_a nation_n with_o that_o zeal_n as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o most_o assure_a person_n when_o the_o foundation_n of_o their_o belief_n and_o adherence_n be_v so_o weak_a that_o do_v they_o call_v reason_n to_o counsel_n they_o must_v be_v convince_v of_o their_o error_n they_o be_v lead_v by_o vain_a respect_n to_o their_o progenitor_n from_o who_o their_o religion_n be_v derive_v and_o what_o they_o receive_v at_o first_o without_o discern_v they_o never_o distrust_v as_o if_o the_o first_o instruction_n be_v always_o true_a they_o resign_v up_o their_o judgement_n to_o their_o prince_n and_o if_o humane_a authority_n be_v a_o sufficient_a motive_n in_o this_o case_n than_o every_o religion_n will_v be_v save_v in_o the_o country_n where_o it_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n nay_o the_o christian_a religion_n though_o shine_v with_o a_o extraordinary_a lustre_n which_o justify_v it_o to_o every_o one_o that_o will_v but_o open_v his_o eye_n to_o consider_v it_o yet_o be_v as_o injudicious_o and_o careless_o receive_v as_o the_o vain_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n innumerable_a be_v christian_n in_o title_n without_o any_o solid_a conviction_n in_o their_o mind_n or_o divine_a change_n in_o their_o heart_n the_o effect_n of_o its_o truth_n and_o goodness_n they_o be_v disciple_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o turk_n be_v of_o mahomet_n by_o the_o sole_a impression_n of_o example_n in_o the_o discuss_n this_o matter_n i_o shall_v proceed_v upon_o such_o principle_n as_o be_v evident_a to_o the_o humane_a understanding_n it_o be_v a_o common_a principle_n acknowledge_v by_o all_o man_n that_o god_n alone_o be_v to_o prescribe_v that_o way_n and_o order_n of_o service_n wherein_o he_o will_v be_v honour_v for_o this_o reason_n those_o who_o in_o any_o nation_n introduce_v a_o form_n of_o religion_n always_o pretend_v to_o have_v divine-direction_n for_o it_o now_o that_o god_n have_v signify_v his_o will_n to_o man_n in_o this_o most_o important_a matter_n it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v the_o mentap_n philosopher_n observe_v that_o such_o be_v the_o providence_n of_o nature_n that_o the_o most_o necessary_a art_n for_o the_o support_n of_o life_n be_v easy_o learn_v of_o all_o in_o the_o rude_a age_n man_n be_v skilful_a to_o cultivate_v the_o earth_n to_o govern_v their_o flock_n to_o dress_v their_o provision_n for_o food_n but_o those_o art_n that_o be_v only_o for_o delight_n not_o absolute_o useful_a as_o music_n paint_v perfume_a embriodery_n etc._n etc._n require_v more_o study_n and_o skill_n and_o therefore_o be_v more_o modern_a and_o if_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v such_o a_o tender_a care_n of_o man_n as_o to_o make_v the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o thing_n easy_a as_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o temporal_a life_n it_o be_v reason_n to_o believe_v he_o have_v not_o leave_v he_o destitute_a of_o those_o mean_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o obtain_n eternal_a life_n now_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n alone_o be_v true_a will_v full_o appear_v 1._o by_o compare_v it_o with_o other_o religion_n that_o upon_o trial_n be_v convince_v of_o open_a falsity_n or_o that_o they_o be_v infinite_o excel_v by_o the_o christian_a in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o have_v any_o resemblance_n or_o degree_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n 2._o by_o consider_v it_o direct_o as_o to_o its_o intrinsic_a excellency_n and_o those_o external_n supernatural_a
operation_n that_o be_v the_o express_a character_n of_o god_n hand_n which_o afford_v a_o infallible_a testimony_n of_o his_o approve_v it_o before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n into_o the_o world_n there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o religion_n gentilism_n and_o judaisme_n the_o first_o be_v utter_o exclude_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o gross_a and_o palpable_a contrariety_n to_o the_o principle_n of_o sound_a reason_n 1._o by_o a_o fundamental_a error_n in_o the_o object_n of_o worship_n idolatry_n then_o spread_v through_o all_o the_o region_n under_o both_o the_o hemisphere_n now_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o reason_n there_o be_v but_o one_o true_a god_n a_o infinite_a be_v the_o maker_n and_o governor_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o have_v alone_o divine_a excellency_n in_o himself_o and_o a_o divine_a empire_n over_o we_o and_o consequent_o be_v alone_o worthy_a of_o supreme_a honour_n and_o what_o great_a indignity_n can_v be_v offer_v to_o he_o than_o the_o place_n of_o idol_n in_o 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for_o the_o serve_v of_o god_n this_o will_v appear_v by_o take_v a_o short_a general_a view_n of_o the_o way_n of_o worship_n in_o practice_n among_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o polite_a heathen_n the_o grecian_n and_o roman_n have_v plin._n more_o art_n and_o improvement_n than_o the_o rest_n yet_o how_o frivolous_a and_o extravagant_a nay_o how_o impious_a be_v their_o solemn_a mystery_n the_o eleusinia_n sacra_fw-la the_o rite_n of_o cybele_n the_o floralia_fw-la etc._n etc._n be_v mixture_n of_o folly_n and_o filthiness_n their_o augury_n by_o the_o flight_n of_o bird_n their_o presage_n by_o inspect_v the_o svo_fw-la entrails_n of_o beast_n and_o the_o smoke_n of_o the_o incense_n be_v so_o fantastic_a that_o if_o one_o have_v design_v to_o invent_v thing_n ridiculous_a without_o the_o least_o show_n of_o reason_n it_o have_v not_o be_v possible_a to_o exceed_v they_o they_o be_v very_o curious_a about_o trifle_n and_o careless_a of_o real_a virtue_n and_o what_o be_v more_o unworthy_a of_o god_n than_o to_o imagine_v that_o he_o be_v please_v with_o little_a senseless_a observance_n solemn_o perform_v they_o be_v afraid_a to_o soil_n themselves_o with_o imaginary_a pollution_n and_o insensible_a of_o the_o deep_a defilement_n their_o most_o sacred_a mystery_n be_v a_o covert_n for_o protrept_v uncleanness_n and_o under_o the_o mask_n of_o religion_n the_o base_a villainy_n be_v disguise_v but_o i_o will_v not_o rake_v in_o those_o sink_v of_o filthiness_n now_o what_o be_v more_o impious_a than_o to_o imagine_v that_o god_n be_v please_v with_o the_o most_o sordid_a lust_n that_o can_v be_v name_v without_o violate_v modesty_n nor_o think_v of_o without_o defile_v the_o mind_n with_o their_o infamous_a idea_n but_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o such_o pollution_n be_v esteem_v religious_a rite_n for_o they_o attribute_v to_o their_o god_n such_o action_n as_o be_v most_o unworthy_a a_o virtuous_a man._n the_o poet_n be_v the_o chief_a doctor_n in_o their_o church_n their_o tale_n of_o the_o rape_n and_o incest_n and_o secret_a amour_n of_o their_o repute_a deity_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o what_o a_o pernicious_a influence_n this_o kind_n of_o belief_n have_v upon_o they_o and_o how_o dishonourable_a it_o be_v to_o their_o god_n the_o wise_a sort_n then_o discover_v it_o be_v cicero_n just_a censure_n of_o homer_n that_o whereas_o he_o shall_v have_v raise_v up_o earth_n to_o heaven_n instruct_v man_n to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o god_n he_o force_v down_o heaven_n to_o earth_n and_o make_v the_o god_n to_o live_v like_o man_n in_o this_o region_n of_o impurity_n it_o be_v the_o high_a glory_n of_o man_n to_o be_v make_v the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o moral_a excellency_n and_o it_o be_v the_o vile_a contumely_n to_o god_n to_o fashion_v he_o to_o be_v the_o image_n of_o man_n vicious_a affection_n add_v further_o that_o man_n be_v a_o sinner_n and_o under_o the_o righteous_a displeasure_n of_o heaven_n all_o be_v compel_v to_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o sting_n of_o conscience_n but_o what_o miserable_a work_n have_v be_v make_v from_o the_o ignorance_n and_o guilty_a fear_n of_o the_o heathen_n to_o render_v the_o deity_n propitious_a be_v manifest_a in_o several_a instance_n and_o especial_o in_o their_o cruel_a sacrifice_n of_o men._n this_o be_v their_o practice_n in_o extreme_a danger_n to_o purge_v their_o city_n and_o avert_v divine_a judgement_n as_o if_o some_o eminent_a act_n of_o sin_n have_v the_o virtue_n of_o expiation_n in_o short_a the_o design_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o procure_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o sanctify_v man_n both_o which_o be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o his_o blessedness_n but_o how_o in_o sufficient_a gentilism_n be_v for_o these_o great_a effect_n be_v manifest_a nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a such_o a_o prodigious_a mixture_n of_o folly_n and_o wickedness_n make_v it_o sad_o evident_a that_o the_o variety_n of_o religion_n among_o the_o heathen_n be_v but_o several_a way_n of_o dishonour_v god_n and_o perish_v for_o ever_o it_o be_v further_a to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o philosopher_n of_o great_a reputation_n admire_v as_o oracle_n of_o more_o than_o humane_a wisdom_n do_v not_o cure_v these_o destructive_a evil_n they_o shall_v have_v express_v a_o heroic_a magnanimity_n to_o which_o they_o vain_o pretend_v in_o resist_v the_o dreadful_a torrent_n of_o idolatry_n that_o everflow_v the_o world_n but_o they_o base_o temporise_v with_o the_o vulgar_a heathen_a it_o be_v their_o declare_a principle_n that_o a_o wise_a man_n shall_v follow_v the_o religion_n of_o his_o country_n and_o conform_v in_o his_o external_a practice_n with_o establish_a custom_n if_o he_o reserve_v his_o mind_n free_a for_o philosophy_n thus_o they_o extinguish_v the_o most_o radiant_a beam_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o robe_v he_o of_o his_o most_o glorious_a attribute_n the_o unity_n of_o his_o essence_n and_o by_o this_o we_o may_v judge_v how_o unfit_a they_o be_v to_o instruct_v and_o correct_v the_o degenerate_a world_n and_o make_v it_o true_o better_a when_o they_o suffer_v religion_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o virtue_n to_o be_v corrupt_v and_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n the_o prime_a and_o chief_a part_n of_o piety_n to_o be_v give_v not_o only_o to_o inferior_a object_n but_o to_o evil_a spirit_n miserable_a physician_n who_o care_n be_v apply_v to_o redress_v some_o lesser_a evil_n that_o concern_v society_n and_o neglect_v this_o mortal_a wound_n in_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v a_o kill_a aggravation_n of_o their_o connivance_n and_o compliance_n with_o ignorant_a idolater_n that_o they_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o when_o they_o know_v god_n they_o glorify_v he_o not_o as_o god_n but_o change_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o incorruptible_a nature_n into_o a_o image_n make_v like_a to_o corruptible_a man_n and_o bird_n and_o fourfooted_a
error_n do_v not_o lessen_v its_o benign_a influence_n still_o it_o shine_v and_o cause_v the_o spring_n and_o autumn_n it_o be_v of_o little_a importance_n that_o a_o philosopher_n be_v deceive_v in_o his_o search_n after_o the_o principle_n of_o mix_a body_n for_o notwithstanding_o his_o mistake_n animal_n still_o live_v and_o move_v and_o perform_v all_o the_o function_n suitable_a to_o their_o nature_n but_o in_o judgement_n that_o respect_v matter_n of_o fact_n if_o the_o truth_n can_v be_v know_v by_o testimony_n the_o civil_a felicity_n can_v long_o subsist_v for_o the_o unjust_a distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v necessary_o ruinous_a to_o the_o be_v of_o the_o state_n and_o be_v it_o credible_a the_o divine_a providence_n that_o reach_v to_o the_o small_a part_n of_o the_o world_n in_o such_o a_o admirable_a manner_n shall_v leave_v the_o conduct_n of_o humane_a affair_n even_o of_o the_o great_a moment_n to_o a_o deceitful_a light_n and_o that_o after_o the_o most_o diligent_a search_n and_o caution_n have_v be_v use_v the_o result_n shall_v be_v only_o waver_v conjecture_n this_o imagination_n be_v extreme_o injurious_a to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n in_o particular_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o number_n and_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o witness_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o their_o testimony_n we_o shall_v have_v so_o clear_a conviction_n of_o its_o truth_n as_o may_v induce_v we_o most_o firm_o to_o believe_v it_o i_o do_v not_o now_o speak_v of_o a_o divine_a faith_n that_o supernatural_a light_n that_o make_v we_o acquiesce_v in_o thing_n because_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o but_o of_o a_o rational_a humane_a faith_n ground_v on_o just_a and_o powerful_a motive_n which_o be_v preparatory_a for_o the_o divine_a 1._o the_o law_n admit_v two_o witness_n as_o a_o competent_a number_n in_o cause_n of_o great_a moment_n of_o this_o there_o be_v many_o the_o approve_a integrity_n of_o a_o witness_n 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christian_n that_o the_o pagan_a epist._n judge_n themselves_o be_v constrain_v to_o acknowledge_v it_o certain_o they_o be_v find_v more_o eminent_o in_o those_o by_o who_o doctrine_n and_o example_n they_o form_v themselves_o and_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o possess_v this_o virtue_n so_o strict_o unite_v to_o justice_n in_o a_o excellent_a degree_n without_o have_v all_o the_o other_o so_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o be_v adorn_v with_o all_o moral_a virtue_n for_o their_o life_n be_v above_o the_o least_o reproach_n and_o charge_n of_o their_o implacable_a enemy_n so_o that_o they_o be_v fain_o to_o make_v express_a law_n against_o their_o profession_n to_o render_v they_o guilty_a in_o appearance_n beside_o the_o circumstance_n of_o their_o testimony_n make_v it_o very_o valuable_a 1._o it_o be_v not_o build_v on_o the_o report_n of_o other_o mere_a hear-say_n be_v very_o deceitful_a and_o often_o like_o a_o contagion_n pass_v from_o ear_n to_o ear_n and_o blast_v the_o 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objection_n to_o be_v mere_a cavil_n and_o effect_n of_o malice_n 3._o there_o be_v no_o motive_n to_o corrupt_v they_o for_o the_o humane_a will_n be_v natural_o move_v either_o by_o attraction_n of_o some_o good_a or_o aversion_n from_o some_o evil._n a_o fiction_n be_v not_o maintain_v for_o pure_a love_n of_o itself_o but_o with_o respect_n to_o either_o of_o those_o object_n whether_o real_a or_o in_o appearance_n the_o roman_a history_n report_n that_o julius_n proculus_n solemn_o swear_v that_o he_o see_v romulus_n ascend_v to_o heaven_n but_o the_o motive_n of_o his_o imposture_n be_v visible_a for_o it_o be_v to_o prevent_v a_o great_a disorder_n among_o the_o people_n but_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o nothing_o desirable_a in_o the_o world_n have_v the_o least_o influence_n upon_o the_o apostle_n nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a whatever_o be_v terrible_a to_o nature_n discourage_v they_o they_o suffer_v all_o temporal_a evil_n even_o death_n itself_o for_o this_o testimony_n and_o this_o last_o proof_n confirm_v all_o the_o other_o they_o be_v call_v martyr_n by_o way_n of_o excellency_n who_o have_v seal_v the_o truth_n with_o their_o blood_n now_o what_o can_v be_v add_v to_o give_v we_o full_a and_o entire_a faith_n in_o their_o testimony_n in_o great_a and_o difficult_a case_n suspect_a person_n be_v put_v to_o torture_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o truth_n the_o apostle_n be_v try_v by_o the_o sharp_a suffering_n yet_o declare_v the_o resurrection_n of_o their_o divine_a master_n with_o unfainting_a perseverance_n what_o shadow_n of_o doubt_n can_v remain_v after_o such_o clear_a evidence_n of_o their_o sincerity_n let_v sober_a reason_n judge_v whether_o the_o matter_n be_v capable_a of_o proof_n more_o strong_a and_o convince_a if_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v deceive_v with_o a_o illusion_n either_o be_v distemper_v or_o in_o a_o dream_n both_o the_o pretence_n be_v most_o absurd_a and_o incredible_a for_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o external_n sense_n may_v be_v infallible_o discern_v by_o their_o proper_a character_n from_o those_o of_o the_o imagination_n indeed_o if_o the_o mind_n be_v in_o disorder_n either_o from_o some_o more_o fix_v and_o tenacious_a cause_n or_o from_o sleep_n the_o influence_n of_o reason_n be_v suspend_v or_o only_o some_o faint_a ray_n appear_v and_o be_v sudden_o extingush_v so_o that_o it_o can_v make_v no_o true_a judgement_n of_o thing_n in_o this_o state_n the_o imagination_n draw_v all_o the_o vigour_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o itself_o and_o the_o phantasm_n be_v make_v so_o bright_a by_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o brain_n that_o those_o paint_a scene_n seem_v to_o be_v as_o real_a as_o the_o substantial_a object_n we_o see_v hear_v and_o touch_v but_o sound_a reason_n can_v reflect_v upon_o itself_o and_o extend_v its_o view_n to_o the_o operation_n of_o all_o the_o other_o faculty_n and_o observe_v the_o just_a and_o certain_a difference_n between_o chimera_n in_o the_o imagination_n and_o thing_n real_o existant_fw-la it_o comprehend_v distinct_o and_o with_o assurance_n that_o it_o be_v not_o disturb_v and_o that_o the_o internal_a and_o external_n sense_n be_v dispose_v for_o their_o regular_a operation_n it_o consider_v that_o the_o pageant_n of_o fancy_n move_v in_o a_o dream_n vanish_v in_o a_o moment_n upon_o wake_v but_o real_a effect_n perceive_v by_o the_o sense_n in_o their_o full_a exercise_n be_v more_o constant_a and_o durable_a one_o may_v be_v wound_v in_o a_o dream_n yet_o feel_v not_o loss_n of_o blood_n or_o strength_n when_o he_o be_v awake_a but_o the_o wound_n receive_v in_o a_o combat_n be_v sometime_o rebellious_a against_o the_o most_o potent_a remedy_n now_o to_o apply_v this_o to_o the_o present_a subject_n be_v it_o in_o the_o least_o degree_n probable_a that_o a_o vain_a shadow_n in_o a_o dream_n shall_v make_v a_o indelible_a impression_n on_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o wake_a thought_n shall_v
perfect_a humility_n to_o the_o world_n it_o be_v the_o special_a character_n of_o his_o religion_n that_o distinguish_v it_o from_o all_o other_o institution_n that_o it_o preserve_v the_o divine_a glory_n entire_a that_o it_o make_v the_o profound_a impression_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n of_o their_o meanness_n and_o vanity_n and_o inspire_v they_o with_o a_o humble_a sense_n of_o their_o infinite_a distance_n from_o god_n and_o for_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o life_n i_o shall_v produce_v a_o testimony_n that_o can_v be_v liable_a to_o no_o exception_n it_o be_v of_o porphiry_n a_o platonic_a philosopher_n who_o excel_v as_o in_o learning_n and_o eloquence_n so_o in_o malignity_n the_o most_o furious_a enemy_n of_o christianity_n yet_o he_o be_v by_o irresistible_a evidence_n compel_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o most_o pious_a and_o excellent_a person_n and_o that_o after_o his_o death_n he_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o be_v it_o credible_a that_o the_o same_o person_n who_o life_n be_v a_o glorious_a example_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o most_o transcendent_a wickedness_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o a_o unprejudiced_a mind_n to_o entertain_v such_o a_o suspicion_n 4._o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v here_o below_o in_o a_o mean_a state_n that_o he_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o most_o cruel_a and_o ignominious_a death_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o great_a end_n of_o his_o condescend_v goodness_n it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v most_o worthy_a of_o he_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o in_o the_o perverse_a mind_n of_o infidel_n for_o first_o he_o be_v to_o redeem_v the_o world_n not_o in_o the_o way_n of_o majesty_n but_o by_o humble_a obedience_n and_o suffering_n thus_o it_o be_v order_v by_o divine_a wisdom_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n attribute_n and_o government_n now_o if_o he_o have_v appear_v in_o sensible_a glory_n the_o design_n of_o his_o come_n have_v be_v frustrate_v who_o will_v have_v dare_v to_o condemn_v he_o to_o the_o infamous_a death_n of_o the_o cross_n who_o will_v have_v shed_v his_o blood_n the_o price_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o our_o saviour_n make_v no_o use_n of_o his_o supernatural_a power_n when_o the_o do_v a_o miracle_n before_o herod_n will_v have_v strike_v he_o with_o the_o reverence_n of_o he_o as_o a_o divine_a man_n and_o may_v have_v preserve_v he_o from_o death_n nay_o when_o the_o glitter_a host_n of_o heaven_n all_o the_o order_n of_o angel_n be_v in_o arm_n ready_a upon_o his_o least_o call_v to_o have_v come_v swift_a than_o lightning_n for_o his_o rescue_n yet_o he_o meek_o yield_v himself_o up_o a_o bloody_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n and_o a_o ignominious_a spectacle_n to_o men._n for_o thus_o it_o become_v he_o to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n second_o another_o great_a end_n of_o his_o come_v be_v to_o found_v a_o spiritual_a eternal_a kingdom_n he_o be_v constitute_v a_o new_a adam_n to_o regenerate_a man_n to_o a_o holy_a bless_a life_n that_o be_v condemn_v in_o the_o first_o adam_n to_o death_n and_o misery_n therefore_o his_o life_n be_v a_o continual_a exercise_n of_o self-denial_n a_o pattern_n of_o innocence_n and_o patience_n of_o do_v good_a and_o suffer_a evil_n thus_o he_o convince_v we_o that_o nothing_o be_v valuable_a in_o god_n account_n but_o holiness_n thus_o by_o his_o own_o example_n he_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o divine_a philosophy_n to_o despise_v the_o good_a and_o evil_a thing_n here_o in_o order_n to_o our_o everlasting_a happiness_n he_o ascend_v to_o heaven_n by_o the_o way_n of_o suffering_n and_o call_v we_o to_o follow_v he_o the_o fruit_n of_o blessedness_n be_v ingraft_v on_o the_o thorn_n of_o poverty_n and_o persecution_n for_o his_o namesake_n the_o law_n of_o his_o kingdom_n be_v inscribe_v on_o the_o body_n of_o his_o cross_n and_o must_v be_v copy_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o subject_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n when_o the_o apostle_n who_o after_o his_o resurrection_n have_v some_o relic_n of_o their_o carnal_a conceit_n that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n shall_v come_v with_o observation_n for_o its_o external_a splendour_n ask_v he_o lord_n will_v thou_o at_o this_o time_n restore_v the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n to_o raise_v their_o thought_n and_o affection_n above_o earthly_a thing_n he_o answer_v the_o holy-ghost_n shall_v come_v upon_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v witness_n of_o i_o both_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o judea_n and_o in_o samaria_n and_o unto_o the_o utmost_a end_n of_o the_o earth_n their_o preach_v his_o life_n and_o death_n shall_v be_v attend_v with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o dispense_v a_o vigorous_a influence_n into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n for_o his_o imitation_n and_o certain_o his_o example_n be_v of_o admirable_a use_n and_o profit_n for_o thus_o he_o sweeten_v and_o make_v honourable_a those_o virtue_n the_o exercise_n of_o which_o be_v very_o difficult_a and_o unpleasing_a either_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o quality_n be_v contrary_a to_o fleshly_a lust_n or_o as_o they_o expose_v to_o contempt_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o world_n for_o who_o can_v refuse_v or_o be_v ashamed_a to_o practice_v the_o most_o severe_a self-denial_n when_o in_o that_o he_o be_v make_v a_o copy_n of_o so_o divine_a a_o original_a as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n now_o consider_v what_o a_o influence_n his_o afflict_a state_n have_v to_o procure_v eternal_a happiness_n for_o fall_v man_n and_o to_o prepare_v man_n for_o it_o be_v it_o unbecoming_a he_o to_o descend_v thus_o low_o be_v it_o unbecoming_a that_o god_n love_v as_o god_n that_o as_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o power_n appear_v in_o the_o creation_n so_o infinite_a mercy_n appear_v in_o our_o redemption_n what_o be_v more_o divine_a than_o infinite_o to_o exceed_v all_o the_o idea_n we_o can_v frame_v of_o perfect_a love_n to_o do_v great_a thing_n for_o his_o enemy_n than_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o do_v for_o their_o dear_a friend_n and_o where_o sin_n abound_v that_o grace_n superabound_v thus_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n clear_v by_o revelation_n see_v that_o the_o voluntary_a humiliation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o a_o time_n be_v so_o far_o from_o diminish_v that_o it_o exalt_v his_o majesty_n this_o be_v the_o great_a argument_n and_o motive_n of_o the_o adoration_n and_o solemn_a praise_n that_o reasonable_a creature_n shall_v for_o ever_o pay_v unto_o he_o wherein_o his_o derivative_a glory_n consist_v from_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v we_o may_v see_v the_o just_a ground_n of_o our_o firm_a assent_n and_o perfect_a adherence_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v not_o only_o sufficient_a but_o abundant_a motive_n to_o induce_v our_o belief_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o extreme_a wonder_n that_o any_o to_o who_o it_o be_v reveal_v shall_v not_o see_v the_o truth_n so_o illustrious_o visible_a the_o only_a account_n of_o such_o infidelity_n be_v give_v by_o the_o apostle_n the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o eye_n of_o they_o which_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v upon_o they_o the_o love_n of_o some_o lust_n fleshly_a or_o spiritual_a render_v man_n averse_a from_o receive_v it_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o the_o speculative_a mind_n but_o be_v for_o moral_a end_n to_o regulate_v our_o life_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o cordial_a belief_n of_o they_o very_o much_o depend_v on_o the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o sincere_a humble_a enquirer_n have_v a_o eminent_a advantage_n in_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o spiritual_a excellency_n of_o the_o gospel_n above_o those_o who_o be_v overrule_v by_o corrupt_a habit_n for_o the_o carnal_a heart_n either_o whole_o turn_v the_o mind_n from_o think_v on_o those_o most_o sacred_a and_o concern_v object_n or_o weaken_v its_o intention_n that_o it_o do_v not_o serious_o and_o due_o consider_v they_o man_n will_v studious_o apply_v themselves_o to_o secular_a art_n and_o can_v discern_v the_o truth_n of_o abstruse_a mathematical_a theorem_n that_o be_v not_o distasteful_a to_o their_o evil_a affection_n yet_o though_o the_o principle_n of_o christian_a faith_n be_v as_o unquestionable_a as_o the_o clear_a proposition_n in_o geometry_n they_o will_v not_o ponder_v those_o thing_n that_o may_v convince_v and_o persuade_v they_o to_o believe_v what_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o their_o lusts._n beside_o as_o corrupt_v humour_n vitiate_v the_o palate_n and_o make_v what_o be_v pleasant_a bitter_a to_o the_o taste_n so_o vicious_a desire_n darken_v and_o deprave_v the_o mind_n and_o incline_v it_o to_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n to_o