of_o heathen_a philosopher_n tend_v to_o no_o other_o end_n than_o to_o foment_n their_o pride_n and_o create_v in_o they_o a_o vain_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o wisdom_n and_o merit_n they_o refer_v it_o not_o to_o god_n nor_o employ_v it_o as_o a_o principle_n of_o obedience_n to_o he_o it_o abate_v not_o their_o passion_n reform_v not_o their_o lust_n and_o have_v no_o visible_a influence_n upon_o their_o life_n save_v in_o make_v they_o haughty_a and_o supercilious_a the_o constant_a character_n of_o those_o philosopher_n in_o opposition_n to_o this_o the_o apostle_n will_n that_o we_o express_v the_o divinity_n of_o our_o reâ—…igion_n in_o the_o holiness_n of_o our_o life_n that_o we_o be_v not_o puff_v up_o with_o pride_n nor_o imagine_v it_o to_o be_v the_o product_n either_o of_o our_o own_o merit_n or_o understanding_n that_o we_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o god_n and_o profess_v that_o we_o expect_v either_o to_o be_v save_v or_o damn_v by_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o that_o we_o perpetual_o maintain_v a_o awful_a regard_n of_o the_o command_v of_o our_o almighty_a lawgiver_n and_o set_v ourselves_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o with_o the_o most_o profound_a humility_n and_o submission_n that_o we_o be_v not_o affright_v from_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n by_o the_o great_a threat_n or_o terror_n nor_o be_v betray_v to_o the_o omission_n of_o our_o duty_n by_o supine_n negligence_n and_o want_n of_o consideration_n but_o this_o in_o a_o word_n that_o we_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v we_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n in_o discourse_v of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o these_o two_o head_n which_o natural_o offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o consideration_n i._o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o carry_v sufficient_a evidence_n along_o with_o it_o ii_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a not_o want_v the_o mean_n of_o sufficient_a instruction_n to_o enable_v himself_o to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o his_o faith_n i._o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o apostle_n command_v we_o to_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o plain_o intimate_v that_o a_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v of_o it_o for_o that_o by_o this_o term_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o whole_a system_n of_o our_o faith_n appear_v as_o well_o from_o the_o context_n as_o from_o the_o frequent_a acceptation_n of_o those_o word_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n in_o divers_a place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n this_o religion_n as_o it_o carry_v eminent_a mark_n of_o its_o divinity_n on_o many_o other_o account_n so_o chief_o in_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o evidence_n of_o it_o and_o that_o either_o 1._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o the_o rule_v prescribe_v by_o it_o or_o 2._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o undoubted_a certainty_n of_o its_o have_v be_v reveal_v by_o god_n i._o if_o we_o respect_v the_o nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o life_n and_o worship_n propose_v by_o it_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o exact_o rational_a and_o attend_v with_o the_o great_a evidence_n this_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o many_o consideration_n but_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v insist_v on_o no_o more_o than_o two_o as_o i._o christianity_n propose_v a_o divine_a worship_n most_o consentaneous_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o tend_v most_o effectual_o to_o secure_v his_o honour_n among_o man_n the_o brimary_n end_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o be_v intend_v cither_o to_o pay_v to_o god_n that_o tribute_n of_o adoration_n and_o thanks_o which_o his_o infinite_a majesty_n and_o right_a of_o creation_n redemption_n and_o other_o benefit_n require_v or_o to_o implore_v his_o favour_n in_o pardon_v our_o sin_n supply_v our_o necessity_n or_o confer_v his_o grace_n on_o we_o all_o these_o action_n ought_v to_o be_v direct_v in_o that_o way_n which_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o his_o nature_n and_o may_v best_o express_v the_o perfection_n of_o it_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o require_v to_o be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n our_o soul_n alone_o be_v true_o capable_a of_o religion_n can_v alone_o entertain_v the_o idea_n of_o god_n and_o form_v a_o act_n of_o worship_n all_o outward_a ceremony_n and_o corporeal_a modes_n of_o worship_n be_v no_o otherwise_o holy_a or_o to_o be_v account_v of_o than_o as_o they_o tend_v to_o show_v the_o inward_a devotion_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o declare_v its_o thought_n and_o motion_n when_o vehement_a and_o intense_a by_o external_a indication_n all_o other_o voluntary_a external_a act_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v not_o the_o natural_a effect_n and_o sign_n of_o a_o inward_a zeal_n and_o warmth_n of_o devotion_n serve_v only_o to_o gratify_v a_o foolish_a superstition_n and_o relate_v no_o more_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n than_o any_o other_o irregular_a motion_n of_o the_o body_n if_o we_o real_o employ_v the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o admire_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o adore_v his_o majesty_n love_v his_o goodness_n and_o fear_v his_o justice_n these_o affection_n of_o the_o mind_n will_v natural_o discover_v themselves_o in_o outward_a act_n and_o gesture_n and_o can_v be_v suppress_v these_o external_a action_n declare_v to_o other_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o thereby_o tend_v to_o manifest_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o publish_v his_o glory_n but_o deserve_v no_o otherwise_o to_o be_v regard_v either_o by_o god_n or_o man_n than_o as_o they_o be_v the_o sign_n and_o effect_n of_o a_o inward_a piety_n and_o hence_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o excellency_n of_o our_o religion_n without_o consider_v the_o evidence_n of_o its_o revelation_n if_o it_o be_v chief_o employ_v in_o external_a show_n and_o ceremony_n and_o make_v the_o performance_n of_o they_o without_o any_o inward_a motion_n of_o the_o soul_n a_o act_n of_o worship_n if_o it_o represent_v the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o perfection_n by_o corporeal_a symbol_n rather_o than_o noble_a conception_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o desire_v god_n to_o accept_v of_o that_o mean_a and_o imperfect_a service_n instead_o of_o a_o near_a conformity_n to_o himself_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n such_o a_o religion_n may_v perhaps_o be_v true_a but_o neither_o agrceable_a to_o the_o excellency_n of_o god_n nor_o answer_v to_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n god_n may_v accept_v it_o or_o even_o command_v it_o for_o a_o time_n in_o compassion_n to_o the_o blindness_n and_o infirmity_n of_o mankind_n not_o capable_a under_o some_o circumstance_n of_o a_o more_o noble_a and_o spiritual_a religion_n but_o can_v never_o intend_v to_o continue_v it_o any_o long_o than_o till_o he_o shall_v please_v to_o make_v a_o more_o full_a and_o open_a revelation_n of_o himself_o and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n for_o the_o heathen_n deserve_v not_o here_o to_o be_v consider_v among_o who_o religious_a worship_n consist_v whole_o in_o external_a rite_n and_o action_n and_o those_o ofttimes_o such_o as_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n unlawful_a the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n however_o institute_v by_o god_n be_v chief_o employ_v in_o outward_a rite_n and_o observance_n in_o wash_n and_o abstinence_n from_o certain_a meat_n in_o observation_n of_o time_n and_o tedious_a ceremony_n which_o although_o they_o serve_v to_o typefie_v the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o with_o he_o the_o revelation_n of_o a_o more_o perfect_a religion_n yet_o do_v not_o direct_o signify_v any_o inward_a act_n of_o reverence_n piety_n or_o devotion_n nor_o be_v necessary_o accompany_v by_o they_o the_o perpetual_a offering_n of_o carnal_a sacrifice_n alone_o argue_v the_o imperfection_n of_o their_o worship_n since_o therein_o the_o sacrificer_n desire_v of_o god_n to_o accept_v the_o life_n of_o beast_n instead_o of_o a_o more_o holy_a and_o reasonable_a sacrifice_n the_o devote_v their_o own_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o his_o service_n it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a honour_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o a_o manner_n agreeable_a to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o his_o nature_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n in_o this_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v alone_o respect_v no_o ceremonial_a observance_n impose_v on_o we_o nor_o indeed_o any_o external_a act_n of_o worship_n save_v only_o those_o foederal_n rite_n i_o mean_v the_o two_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_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 not_o be_v evident_o distinguish_v without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o both_o those_o proof_n and_o indeed_o such_o a_o arbitrary_a command_n of_o a_o blind_a assent_n to_o any_o revelation_n confirm_v by_o miracle_n without_o a_o previous_a examination_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o be_v so_o absurd_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o law_n of_o reason_v that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v use_v by_o christ_n himself_o even_o in_o respect_n of_o heathen_n for_o such_o a_o resignation_n of_o the_o understanding_n can_v rational_o be_v make_v to_o no_o other_o authority_n than_o a_o authority_n found_v upon_o argument_n of_o great_a credibility_n than_o can_v be_v find_v in_o any_o other_o case_n but_o such_o be_v not_o the_o authority_n derive_v from_o miracle_n for_o all_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o necessary_a deduction_n from_o reason_n include_v at_o least_o a_o equal_a many_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o credibility_n i_o mean_v not_o hereby_o that_o any_o truth_n whatsoever_o can_v have_v a_o great_a certainty_n than_o
the_o natural_a reason_n and_o sense_n of_o mankind_n be_v most_o perfective_a of_o it_o as_o have_v be_v already_o in_o some_o measure_n show_v neither_o be_v they_o contrary_a to_o any_o precedent_a revelation_n for_o although_o they_o tend_v to_o abolish_v and_o destroy_v the_o mosaic_a institution_n this_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o derogate_a from_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o mosaic_a law_n by_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o be_v fit_v only_o for_o the_o nonage_n of_o revelation_n and_o to_o continue_v no_o long_o than_o till_o the_o time_n of_o reformation_n shall_v come_v but_o which_o clear_v the_o matter_n beyond_o all_o doubt_n god_n have_v express_o foretell_v to_o the_o jew_n that_o he_o will_v put_v a_o end_n to_o their_o dispensation_n and_o institute_v a_o new_a and_o more_o perfect_a covenant_n infinite_a place_n to_o this_o purpose_n may_v be_v allege_v out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n i_o shall_v name_v but_o one_o in_o the_o aforementioned_a passage_n of_o jeremy_n god_n tell_v they_o behold_v the_o day_n come_v that_o i_o will_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o with_o the_o house_n of_o judah_n not_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n which_o i_o make_v with_o their_o father_n in_o the_o day_n that_o i_o take_v they_o by_o the_o hand_n to_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n but_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o covenant_n which_o i_o will_v make_v with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n the_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o only_o not_o contradict_v the_o jewish_a revelation_n but_o also_o receive_v infinite_a confirmation_n from_o it_o god_n by_o foretell_v the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o have_v abundant_o provide_v that_o when_o he_o shall_v come_v unless_o a_o fatal_a blindness_n and_o stupidity_n intervene_v he_o shall_v not_o be_v reject_v by_o those_o for_o who_o sake_n he_o come_v god_n have_v promise_v his_o come_n to_o our_o first_o parent_n have_v assure_v abraham_n that_o in_o he_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o carth_n shall_v be_v bless_v have_v reveal_v to_o jacob_n that_o before_o the_o departure_n of_o the_o sceptre_n from_o judah_n shiloh_n shall_v come_v and_o have_v declare_v to_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o moses_n that_o he_o will_v raise_v up_o a_o prophet_n from_o among_o they_o like_v unto_o he_o who_o they_o shall_v be_v bind_v to_o hear_v in_o all_o thing_n but_o all_o this_o be_v inconsiderable_a in_o respect_n of_o that_o full_a and_o more_o clear_a manifestation_n give_v by_o god_n in_o after_o age_n the_o most_o wise_a god_n choose_v to_o prefigure_v he_o by_o more_o express_a character_n according_a as_o the_o time_n of_o his_o come_n draw_v more_o near_o in_o the_o psalm_n and_o prophet_n the_o manner_n and_o place_n of_o his_o birth_n the_o nature_n of_o his_o office_n the_o meanness_n of_o his_o condition_n the_o manner_n and_o bitterness_n of_o his_o suffering_n the_o triumph_n of_o his_o resurrection_n in_o a_o word_n all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o his_o life_n and_o death_n be_v so_o plain_o point_v out_o and_o relate_v that_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o perverse_a blindness_n can_v doubt_v of_o the_o person_n design_v by_o they_o among_o the_o latter_a prophet_n daniel_n foretell_v that_o he_o shall_v come_v at_o the_o end_n of_o seventy_o week_n of_o year_n and_o malachi_n the_o last_o of_o all_o that_o he_o shall_v come_v before_o the_o second_o temple_n be_v destroy_v and_o honour_v it_o with_o his_o presence_n so_o that_o all_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n tend_v most_o effectual_o to_o establish_v the_o christian_a faith_n not_o only_o because_o all_o the_o character_n assign_v by_o the_o prophet_n to_o denote_v the_o future_a messiah_n meet_v most_o exact_o in_o the_o person_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o because_o they_o can_v meet_v in_o no_o one_o else_o for_o the_o time_n prefix_v for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n be_v plain_o expire_v and_o yet_o no_o other_o person_n have_v yet_o appear_v to_o who_o the_o character_n of_o the_o messiah_n can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v apply_v so_o that_o either_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v whole_o false_a or_o the_o christian_a infallible_o true_a then_o as_o for_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o imagine_v any_o more_o wonderful_a in_o their_o operation_n more_o beneficial_a in_o their_o nature_n more_o convictive_a of_o their_o divine_a original_a or_o better_o attest_v than_o they_o be_v so_o great_a and_o stupendous_a that_o they_o force_v even_o his_o adversary_n to_o confess_v that_o no_o man_n ever_o do_v such_o work_n as_o he_o convince_v the_o multitude_n that_o even_o when_o the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v he_o can_v not_o do_v great_a work_n than_o those_o and_o induce_v the_o roman_a centurion_n watch_v at_o his_o cross_n even_o at_o the_o low_a ebb_n of_o his_o fortune_n and_o after_o he_o have_v lose_v his_o life_n by_o a_o ignominious_a punishment_n to_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n they_o be_v not_o perform_v once_o or_o twice_o but_o frequent_o upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o for_o many_o year_n together_o by_o himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n not_o in_o corner_n or_o before_o a_o few_o confident_n but_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o public_a street_n before_o vast_a multitude_n and_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n they_o tend_v not_o so_o much_o to_o raise_v the_o amazement_n and_o astonishment_n of_o spectator_n as_o all_o false_a miracle_n do_v as_o to_o relieve_v the_o infirmity_n cure_v the_o disease_n and_o procure_v the_o benefit_n of_o some_o part_n at_o least_o of_o mankind_n and_o therein_o by_o a_o wonderful_a mixture_n of_o wisdom_n serve_v no_o less_o to_o declare_v the_o goodness_n than_o the_o power_n of_o god_n that_o the_o history_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o life_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o it_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v true_a we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v these_o book_n be_v write_v by_o person_n who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o what_o they_o relate_v or_o at_o lest_o who_o receive_v instruction_n from_o such_o they_o have_v all_o the_o advantage_n which_o can_v possible_o be_v require_v of_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o so_o can_v not_o be_v mistake_v in_o their_o relation_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v wilful_o deceive_v we_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v we_o may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n call_v in_o doubt_n and_o disbelieve_v all_o the_o relation_n of_o former_a history_n which_o depend_v upon_o no_o other_o authority_n than_o that_o of_o their_o writer_n yet_o shall_v we_o just_o esteem_v he_o mad_a who_o shall_v doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v ever_o such_o person_n as_o caesar_n and_o alexander_n in_o the_o world_n and_o we_o daily_o regulate_v our_o action_n and_o find_v our_o concern_v upon_o matter_n attest_v with_o no_o better_a proof_n but_o to_o our_o comfort_n and_o entire_a conviction_n christianity_n have_v yet_o much_o great_a evidence_n the_o writer_n of_o these_o book_n be_v know_v to_o have_v be_v person_n of_o unquestioned_a integrity_n who_o far_o from_o manage_v any_o worldly_a design_n or_o interest_n in_o this_o matter_n quit_v all_o the_o convenience_n of_o life_n undergo_v the_o most_o toilsome_a labour_n and_o misery_n suffer_v punishment_n contempt_n and_o scorn_n and_o at_o last_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n in_o attestation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o have_v relate_v not_o to_o say_v that_o they_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o report_n by_o miracle_n while_o alive_a and_o that_o their_o holiness_n sincerity_n and_o miraculous_a power_n be_v in_o like_a manner_n attest_v for_o some_o age_n after_o by_o many_o pious_a and_o learned_a person_n who_o 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suffer_v our_o reason_n to_o take_v place_n if_o we_o wilful_o shut_v not_o our_o eye_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o embolden_v our_o mind_n against_o the_o influence_n of_o it_o when_o discover_v we_o can_v but_o repent_v to_o harden_v the_o heart_n be_v to_o act_n against_o the_o conviction_n of_o a_o man_n be_v own_o conscience_n and_o against_o the_o dictate_v of_o truth_n clear_o and_o full_o manifest_v thus_o pharaoh_n be_v often_o in_o scripture_n say_v to_o have_v harden_v his_o heart_n when_o he_o refuse_v to_o let_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n go_v he_o be_v abundant_o convince_v that_o the_o dismission_n of_o they_o be_v command_v by_o god_n he_o know_v very_o well_o that_o moses_n be_v a_o true_a prophet_n he_o experience_v the_o power_n of_o god_n in_o the_o dreadful_a plague_n inflict_v upon_o his_o kingdom_n and_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v the_o true_a god_n by_o recur_v to_o he_o and_o implore_v his_o mercy_n and_o pardon_n as_o often_o as_o he_o desire_v the_o plague_n to_o be_v remove_v yet_o for_o all_o this_o he_o perverse_o refuse_v to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o be_v therefore_o make_v a_o example_n of_o the_o terrible_a justice_n of_o god_n even_o in_o this_o world_n we_o have_v yet_o a_o near_a instance_n of_o this_o kind_n in_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o the_o psalmist_n in_o these_o word_n particular_o reflect_v on_o harden_n not_o your_o heart_n as_o in_o the_o provocation_n in_o the_o day_n of_o temptation_n in_o the_o wilderness_n when_o your_o father_n tempt_v i_o prove_v i_o and_o see_v my_o work_n they_o be_v a_o people_n peculiar_o choose_v by_o god_n and_o oblige_v by_o the_o most_o amaze_a temporal_a benefit_n that_o ever_o be_v confer_v on_o any_o feed_v with_o a_o constant_a miracle_n lead_v by_o a_o prophet_n and_o confirm_v by_o continual_a miracle_n wrought_v in_o favour_n of_o they_o here_o be_v sufficient_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o that_o god_n they_o worship_v of_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o obligation_n lay_v upon_o they_o and_o the_o reason_n they_o have_v to_o yield_v a_o entire_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n yet_o we_o find_v frequent_a defection_n in_o they_o contempt_n of_o his_o precept_n vilify_a of_o his_o benefit_n and_o disbelief_n of_o his_o promife_n which_o enforce_v god_n in_o indignation_n to_o say_v of_o they_o how_o long_o will_v this_o people_n provoke_v i_o and_o how_o long_o will_v it_o be_v ever_o they_o believe_v on_o i_o for_o all_o the_o sign_n which_o i_o have_v show_v among_o they_o i_o will_v smite_v they_o with_o the_o pestilence_n and_o disinherit_v they_o etc._n etc._n numb_a fourteen_o 11_o 12._o so_o then_o to_o harden_v the_o heart_n be_v to_o act_n against_o the_o conviction_n and_o impulse_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n a_o sin_n of_o the_o high_a enormity_n against_o which_o god_n express_v the_o great_a indignation_n and_o on_o which_o he_o inflict_v the_o most_o severe_a punishment_n this_o we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v this_o we_o willing_o confess_v we_o wonder_v at_o the_o impudence_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o pharaoh_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o conceive_v indignation_n and_o pronounce_v sentence_n against_o he_o when_o we_o read_v or_o hear_v his_o history_n we_o abhor_v the_o ingratitude_n and_o baseness_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o be_v astonish_v to_o think_v that_o they_o shall_v after_o so_o many_o signal_n miracle_n wrought_v in_o favour_n of_o they_o rebel_n against_o god_n slight_a his_o favour_n and_o endeavour_v to_o stone_n his_o prophet_n and_o their_o own_o deliverer_n we_o condemn_v the_o folly_n and_o unreasonable_a conduct_n of_o both_o and_o be_v prone_a to_o conclude_v with_o ourselves_o have_v we_o then_o be_v in_o the_o place_n of_o pharaoh_n or_o in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o jew_n far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v imitate_v his_o obstinacy_n or_o their_o perverseness_n but_o let_v we_o not_o deceive_v ourselves_o or_o flatter_v ourselves_o with_o a_o vain_a opinion_n of_o behave_v ourselves_o better_a in_o such_o circumstance_n let_v we_o reflect_v upon_o our_o own_o behaviour_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o repentance_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o omission_n of_o it_o to_o be_v in_o no_o less_o a_o degree_n a_o harden_v of_o the_o heart_n than_o be_v the_o crime_n either_o of_o pharaoh_n or_o of_o the_o jew_n for_o our_o conviction_n be_v no_o less_o than_o be_v that_o of_o pharaoh_n our_o obligation_n great_a than_o be_v that_o of_o the_o jew_n we_o be_v without_o doubt_n full_o satisfy_v that_o our_o god_n be_v the_o true_a god_n that_o he_o have_v a_o just_a right_o to_o lay_v his_o command_n upon_o we_o and_o to_o require_v our_o obedience_n we_o know_v very_o well_o that_o he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o observe_v the_o rule_n of_o holiness_n temperance_n and_o justice_n and_o that_o although_o he_o have_v reserve_v mercy_n and_o pardon_n for_o sinner_n yet_o that_o this_o be_v dispense_v upon_o no_o othercondition_n than_o that_o of_o repentance_n without_o the_o practice_n therefore_o of_o this_o no_o obedience_n to_o god_n can_v consist_v or_o be_v preserve_v and_o then_o may_v not_o he_o just_o be_v say_v to_o have_v harden_v his_o heart_n and_o defy_v the_o divine_a majesty_n who_o acknowledge_v all_o this_o and_o yet_o can_v be_v prevail_v on_o to_o manifest_v his_o obedience_n by_o forsake_v bewail_a and_o amend_v his_o former_a disobedience_n who_o confess_v himself_o to_o be_v his_o creature_n and_o to_o owe_v to_o his_o liberality_n both_o his_o life_n and_o all_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o continue_v to_o profess_v enmity_n to_o he_o by_o retain_v his_o sinful_a habit_n who_o believe_v all_o his_o attribute_n of_o almighty_a power_n wisdom_n and_o omnipresence_n and_o yet_o neither_o dread_v his_o anger_n nor_o reveres_fw-la his_o all-seeing_a eye_n so_o that_o if_o man_n consider_v but_o the_o natural_a obligation_n which_o they_o have_v to_o god_n they_o can_v not_o disobey_v he_o or_o continue_v in_o disobedience_n by_o unrepentance_n without_o either_o the_o constant_a accusation_n of_o their_o conscience_n or_o a_o studious_a stifle_a of_o they_o by_o a_o profligate_n hardness_n of_o heart_n but_o then_o who_o can_v reflect_v upon_o the_o wonderful_a benefit_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n without_o conclude_v impenitent_a christian_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o unparalleled_a obstinacy_n when_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o natural_a light_n of_o mankind_n by_o a_o universal_a decay_n of_o piety_n want_v their_o effect_n and_o fail_v in_o promote_a among_o man_n obedience_n to_o their_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o maker_n god_n contrive_v such_o a_o method_n to_o reduce_v they_o to_o their_o duty_n as_o if_o a_o inexcusable_a ingratitude_n do_v not_o oppose_v can_v not_o miscarry_v he_o invite_v they_o by_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n proclaim_v pardon_n to_o all_o penitent_a sinner_n propose_v infinite_a reward_n to_o sincere_a repentance_n and_o settle_v a_o succession_n of_o pastor_n in_o the_o church_n who_o may_v renew_v these_o promise_n and_o promote_v repentance_n by_o constant_a exhortation_n after_o all_o this_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o corroborate_v or_o add_v to_o the_o obligation_n of_o what_o be_v require_v of_o we_o and_o if_o we_o inquire_v what_o that_o be_v we_o shall_v find_v it_o to_o be_v brief_o comprehend_v in_o repentance_n this_o be_v the_o message_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n send_v to_o prepare_v the_o way_n to_o our_o saviour_n this_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o theapostle_n sermon_n repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v so_o necessary_a be_v it_o to_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n that_o it_o be_v pre-required_n to_o it_o the_o main_a design_n of_o that_o most_o holy_a religion_n be_v to_o promote_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n by_o procure_v a_o just_a esteem_n and_o adoration_n of_o himself_o a_o universal_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o devotion_n to_o his_o will._n none_o of_o which_o can_v take_v place_n until_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n be_v first_o renounce_v and_o change_v into_o a_o steady_a resolution_n of_o submission_n to_o the_o divine_a precept_n if_o then_o neither_o the_o offer_v of_o pardon_n can_v persuade_v we_o nor_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n constrain_v we_o if_o the_o frequent_a exhortation_n of_o faithful_a monitor_n can_v move_v we_o nor_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o engage_v we_o if_o these_o argument_n contrive_v by_o the_o most_o wise_a providence_n of_o god_n become_v fruitless_a and_o ineffectual_a it_o must_v be_v impute_v to_o a_o obduration_n great_a than_o any_o other_o because_o oppose_v reason_n strong_a than_o any_o other_o if_o to_o slight_a and_o overlook_a all_o these_o obligation_n be_v so_o enormous_a a_o obduration_n much_o more_o criminal_a will_v it_o be_v to_o despise_v the_o glorious_a