shall_v not_o shelter_v ourselves_o in_o a_o formal_a outside_n sanctity_n but_o attain_v to_o that_o new-birth_n wherein_o all_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n be_v perfect_o vanquish_v and_o subdue_v and_o no_o life_n stir_v but_o that_o which_o flow_v from_o and_o partake_v of_o god_n spirit_n and_o we_o have_v such_o a_o potent_a assistance_n it_o must_v needs_o enliven_v and_o encourage_v we_o to_o put_v forth_o all_o our_o strength_n in_o mortify_v our_o sin_n and_o corruption_n be_v assure_v that_o through_o the_o mighty_a energy_n of_o this_o divine_a spirit_n we_o shall_v become_v victorious_a over_o all_o our_o enemy_n and_o that_o though_o we_o have_v old_a rebellious_a giant_n within_o we_o powerful_a lust_n like_o the_o son_n of_o anak_n yet_o this_o almighty_a spirit_n if_o we_o be_v not_o treacherous_a and_o false_a to_o his_o inspiration_n be_v able_a and_o certain_o will_v bring_v we_o into_o the_o promise_a land_n and_o that_o we_o have_v no_o great_a success_n in_o the_o mortification_n of_o our_o sin_n proceed_v not_o from_o the_o want_n of_o the_o supply_n of_o god_n spirit_n but_o from_o our_o own_o carelessness_n and_o falseness_n when_o he_o call_v to_o we_o to_o awake_v and_o arise_v from_o the_o dead_a from_o that_o dull_a and_o stupid_a condition_n we_o lie_v in_o under_o our_o sin_n we_o resist_v his_o influence_n and_o shut_v our_o eye_n against_o that_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o upon_o we_o and_o fall_v again_o to_o our_o old_a slumber_n and_o drowziness_n but_o if_o we_o will_v collect_v the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n together_o and_o go_v against_o our_o strong_a vice_n and_o our_o habitual_a and_o customary_a sin_n with_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a resolution_n of_o destroy_v they_o this_o spirit_n will_v never_o be_v want_v to_o we_o but_o we_o shall_v find_v wonder_n wrought_v in_o our_o own_o soul_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o dry_a and_o parch_a soil_n that_o barren_a wilderness_n wherein_o no_o plant_n of_o sincere_a piety_n and_o righteousness_n have_v of_o a_o long_a time_n prosper_v to_o become_v a_o plantation_n of_o god_n and_o fill_v with_o all_o divine_a grace_n and_o virtue_n for_o certain_o god_n have_v not_o afford_v we_o this_o help_n to_o gratify_v our_o idleness_n or_o vanity_n but_o to_o actuate_v our_o diligence_n and_o to_o enliven_v our_o faint_a and_o droop_a spirit_n that_o we_o may_v not_o conceit_v ourselves_o to_o be_v under_o a_o invincible_a infirmity_n and_o imbecility_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o free_v ourselves_o from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n but_o to_o go_v on_o with_o courage_n and_o rest_v assure_v that_o when_o the_o enemy_n come_v in_o like_o a_o flood_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v lift_v up_o a_o standard_n against_o he_o this_o must_v of_o necessity_n bring_v a_o wonderful_a comfort_n to_o a_o man_n under_o his_o strong_a temptation_n and_o in_o his_o sore_a conflict_n with_o sin_n and_o vice_n to_o be_v assure_v not_o only_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v leave_v alone_o and_o forsake_a but_o that_o this_o eternal_a spirit_n shall_v cooperate_v with_o he_o and_o strengthen_v and_o perfect_v he_o in_o the_o inner_a man_n till_o he_o have_v bring_v he_o unto_o glory_n and_o because_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a prop_n and_o encouragement_n of_o a_o christian_a travel_v through_o the_o wilderness_n of_o this_o world_n therefore_o it_o be_v in_o plain_a word_n and_o without_o a_o parable_n declare_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n john_n 14.15_o 16_o 17._o if_o you_o love_v i_o keep_v my_o commandment_n and_o i_o will_v pray_v the_o father_n and_o he_o shall_v give_v you_o another_o comforter_n that_o he_o may_v abide_v with_o you_o for_o ever_o even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n who_o the_o world_n can_v receive_v because_o it_o see_v he_o not_o neither_o know_v he_o but_o you_o know_v he_o for_o he_o dwell_v with_o you_o and_o shall_v be_v in_o you_o 2._o a_o second_o powerful_a motive_n for_o the_o beget_n a_o divine_a life_n and_o nature_n in_o man_n which_o be_v the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o stupendous_a love_n of_o god_n in_o send_v jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n this_o our_o lord_n himself_o signify_v to_o we_o john_n 3.16_o so_o god_n love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n god_n be_v a_o be_v of_o infinite_a love_n and_o goodness_n that_o as_o he_o make_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v happy_a according_a to_o their_o several_a nature_n so_o his_o compassionate_a eye_n can_v not_o behold_v they_o for_o ever_o lose_v and_o involve_v in_o a_o inextricable_a ruin_n though_o through_o their_o own_o fault_n and_o not_o provide_v they_o some_o mean_n of_o recovery_n the_o psalmist_n say_v psal_n 145.9_o that_o the_o tender_a mercy_n of_o god_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n and_o if_o compassion_n and_o mercy_n be_v essential_a attribute_n of_o god_n as_o doubtless_o they_o be_v then_o there_o be_v a_o mighty_a suitableness_n and_o agreeableness_n between_o a_o poor_a and_o undo_v creature_n and_o pity_n and_o compassion_n whereby_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o it_o be_v alone_o the_o infinite_a love_n mercy_n and_o compassion_n of_o god_n that_o move_v he_o to_o rescue_v the_o world_n from_o perish_v for_o ever_o and_o that_o this_o might_n more_o deep_o affect_v our_o heart_n and_o more_o powerful_o draw_v we_o off_o from_o our_o sin_n his_o all-comprehensive_a wisdom_n so_o contrive_v it_o that_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n shall_v take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o and_o be_v the_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n of_o all_o his_o lose_a brethren_n what_o a_o strong_a argument_n now_o be_v this_o to_o reclaim_v the_o most_o stubborn_a offender_n have_v we_o but_o common_a gratitude_n it_o will_v certain_o move_v we_o to_o make_v our_o return_n of_o love_n and_o affection_n in_o some_o degree_n answerable_a to_o so_o infinite_a a_o kindness_n and_o when_o we_o shall_v consider_v further_o that_o all_o this_o provision_n be_v only_o upon_o our_o account_n and_o that_o god_n be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o better_v or_o make_v more_o happy_a by_o our_o salvation_n this_o will_v turn_v it_o into_o admiration_n that_o god_n shall_v take_v such_o pain_n and_o compass_v such_o strange_a design_n and_o all_o for_o his_o enemy_n that_o wilful_o depart_v and_o revolt_v from_o he_o there_o be_v another_o cogent_a argument_n to_o promote_v the_o grand_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o be_v a_o serious_a meditation_n upon_o the_o crucifixion_n and_o death_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a privilege_n grant_v to_o man_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v receive_v into_o favour_n after_o their_o heinous_a rebellion_n against_o god._n but_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o this_o privilege_n be_v not_o buy_v or_o procure_v for_o they_o by_o such_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a thing_n as_o silver_n and_o gold_n for_o which_o yet_o we_o know_v that_o thing_n of_o great_a worth_n pertain_v to_o this_o life_n may_v be_v have_v but_o by_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o immaculate_a lamb_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o pet._n 1.18_o 19_o this_o make_v it_o still_o more_o wonderful_a for_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o price_n by_o which_o any_o privilege_n or_o liberty_n be_v purchase_v for_o any_o man_n it_o be_v a_o high_a engagement_n upon_o he_o to_o improve_v this_o benefit_n to_o the_o utmost_a as_o well_o for_o his_o behoof_n who_o have_v make_v the_o purchase_n for_o he_o as_o for_o his_o own_o and_o what_o treasure_n be_v there_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n more_o valuable_a than_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o he_o willing_o offer_v this_o for_o the_o world_n that_o he_o may_v disengage_v man_n from_o their_o sin_n and_o persuade_v they_o to_o follow_v holiness_n which_o shall_v be_v for_o their_o eternal_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n to_o illustrate_v this_o by_o a_o familiar_a similitude_n suppose_v some_o dear_a friend_n shall_v part_v with_o his_o life_n to_o redeem_v another_o from_o some_o certain_a danger_n which_o otherwise_o will_v ruin_v he_o and_o shall_v only_o condition_n with_o he_o to_o perform_v some_o easy_a command_n which_o yet_o shall_v tend_v to_o his_o unspeakable_a good_a and_o advantage_n can_v such_o a_o man_n slight_a so_o great_a a_o love_n or_o ever_o think_v himself_o too_o punctual_a in_o observe_v those_o light_a injunction_n which_o his_o die_a friend_n have_v lay_v upon_o he_o sure_o if_o it_o be_v but_o for_o his_o own_o gain_n and_o profit_n he_o will_v never_o disregard_n they_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o with_o we_o
teach_v all_o man_n that_o be_v to_o speak_v reverent_o of_o what_o god_n do_v and_o to_o have_v honourable_a thought_n of_o his_o work_n but_o for_o the_o further_a confirmation_n of_o this_o point_n and_o for_o the_o build_n of_o we_o up_o more_o firm_o in_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n i_o shall_v consider_v what_o be_v the_o main_a cause_n of_o shame_n and_o upon_o what_o ground_n we_o may_v just_o be_v ashamed_a of_o any_o doctrine_n deliver_v to_o we_o and_o then_o show_v that_o in_o none_o of_o these_o respect_n we_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o christian_a religion_n 1._o a_o first_o cause_n of_o shame_n be_v if_o that_o which_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o be_v not_o true_a if_o a_o man_n shall_v confident_o entertain_v a_o opinion_n that_o be_v false_a and_o which_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o credibility_n for_o and_o shall_v expose_v his_o life_n and_o fortune_n to_o hazard_v and_o danger_n for_o it_o he_o will_v have_v great_a reason_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o his_o levity_n and_o rashness_n and_o all_o man_n beside_o himself_o will_v conclude_v he_o guilty_a of_o a_o unpardonable_a folly_n 2._o we_o may_v just_o be_v ashamed_a if_o the_o thing_n propound_v to_o we_o be_v not_o rational_a that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o those_o common_a notion_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n which_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o our_o soul_n 3._o we_o have_v sufficient_a cause_n of_o shame_n and_o confusion_n if_o the_o doctrine_n offer_v to_o we_o for_o our_o faith_n and_o belief_n be_v not_o intelligible_a i._n e._n easy_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o all_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v propound_v for_o if_o christianity_n be_v make_v up_o of_o a_o company_n of_o intricate_a and_o dark_a riddle_n only_o to_o amuse_v the_o world_n and_o to_o puzzle_v our_o understanding_n i_o do_v not_o see_v but_o that_o a_o wise_a and_o sober_a person_n may_v have_v ground_n enough_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o 4._o if_o it_o be_v not_o useful_a to_o the_o world_n but_o contain_v only_o some_o poor_a and_o trivial_a thing_n that_o be_v of_o no_o benefit_n to_o men._n if_o religion_n have_v indeed_o be_v thus_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o may_v have_v be_v ashamed_a to_o have_v make_v such_o a_o stir_n in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o christian_n that_o follow_v they_o will_v have_v be_v extreme_o out_o of_o countenance_n when_o they_o have_v see_v so_o little_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o all_o that_o which_o be_v yet_o deliver_v as_o god_n will_n and_o wherein_o he_o have_v show_v such_o a_o wonderful_a piece_n of_o art_n and_o wisdom_n but_o now_o when_o we_o look_v upon_o religion_n and_o find_v that_o it_o be_v most_o true_o and_o certain_o the_o will_n of_o god_n deliver_v to_o the_o world_n that_o it_o come_v from_o heaven_n and_o be_v attest_v by_o all_o the_o evidence_n and_o argument_n that_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o that_o god_n have_v a_o immediate_a hand_n in_o it_o and_o that_o all_o its_o authority_n be_v undoubted_o derive_v from_o he_o again_o when_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o christianity_n but_o what_o be_v high_o rational_a and_o agreeable_a to_o our_o intellectual_a faculty_n and_o for_o which_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o make_v the_o most_o reasonable_a apology_n and_o defence_n and_o further_o when_o christianity_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v in_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v indispensable_o necessary_a to_o every_o man_n salvation_n so_o that_o the_o most_o ordinary_a capacity_n may_v apprehend_v what_o be_v god_n will_n and_o meaning_n in_o it_o and_o what_o he_o will_v have_v he_o to_o do_v and_o last_o when_o we_o shall_v see_v that_o religion_n be_v a_o thing_n of_o no_o mean_a and_o low_a concernment_n but_o a_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n that_o ever_o be_v communicate_v to_o mankind_n when_o its_o great_a end_n and_o design_n shall_v be_v discover_v only_o to_o make_v man_n everlasting_o happy_a in_o another_o life_n when_o these_o thing_n put_v together_o shall_v appear_v with_o irresistible_a evidence_n and_o clearness_n sure_o that_o man_n must_v be_v bereave_v of_o his_o wit_n and_o understanding_n that_o can_v be_v ashamed_a of_o a_o doctrine_n that_o have_v all_o these_o qualification_n in_o the_o first_o place_n then_o to_o make_v it_o manifest_a that_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v a_o doctrine_n worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n and_o of_o which_o there_o may_v be_v make_v the_o best_a defence_n in_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v show_v by_o a_o few_o argument_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o god_n send_v his_o son_n jesus_n to_o communicate_v this_o as_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n and_o that_o he_o will_v have_v all_o the_o world_n to_o live_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o it_o they_o that_o will_v have_v more_o full_a and_o ample_a satisfaction_n upon_o this_o subject_a may_v consult_v that_o excellent_a treatise_n of_o grotius_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n translate_v into_o english_a by_o dr._n patrick_n now_o the_o reverend_a bishop_n of_o ely_n now_o to_o this_o purpose_n let_v we_o consider_v that_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n upon_o which_o christian_n religion_n be_v build_v it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o probable_a either_o 1._o that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v deceive_v or_o 2._o that_o they_o shall_v deceive_v other_o 1._o it_o be_v not_o likely_a the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v deceive_v because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o relation_n which_o they_o deliver_v by_o here-say_a but_o be_v constant_a attendant_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o see_v he_o work_v his_o miracle_n when_o he_o cure_v disease_n raise_v the_o dead_a and_o cast_v out_o devil_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o apostle_n choose_v another_o into_o the_o room_n of_o judas_n there_o be_v this_o reason_n give_v for_o it_o act_n 1.21.22_o wherefore_o of_o these_o man_n which_o have_v company_v with_o we_o all_o the_o time_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n go_v in_o and_o out_o among_o we_o begin_v from_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n unto_o that_o same_o day_n that_o he_o be_v take_v up_o from_o we_o must_v one_o be_v ordain_v to_o be_v a_o witness_n with_o we_o of_o his_o resurrection_n here_o be_v one_o who_o together_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o assert_v upon_o his_o own_o knowledge_n the_o action_n of_o jesus_n his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o st._n luke_n chap._n 1.2_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o write_v be_v such_o as_o be_v deliver_v by_o they_o who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d eye-witness_n of_o they_o and_o doubtless_o there_o can_v be_v no_o better_a testimony_n in_o the_o world_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n than_o from_o a_o eye-witness_n of_o it_o according_a to_o that_o common_a say_n pluris_fw-la est_fw-la unus_fw-la ocularis_fw-la testis_fw-la quam_fw-la auriti_fw-la decem_fw-la one_o ocular_a demonstration_n be_v worth_a ten_o hearsays_a and_o this_o be_v the_o answer_n that_o peter_n and_o john_n give_v to_o the_o great_a council_n of_o the_o jew_n act_n 4.20_o we_o can_v but_o speak_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v but_o that_o we_o may_v not_o run_v over_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n i_o shall_v content_v myself_o with_o that_o one_o which_o be_v the_o confirmation_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n that_o be_v his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a for_o as_o st._n paul_n speak_v 1_o cor._n 15.14_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o rise_v than_o our_o preach_a be_v vain_a and_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n be_v likewise_o vain_a the_o preach_v of_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v be_v vain_a because_o they_o exhort_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o command_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o hope_n of_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n and_o that_o their_o labour_n and_o pain_n shall_v be_v reward_v by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o their_o body_n to_o eternal_a life_n whereas_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o rise_v there_o be_v then_o no_o reward_n for_o believer_n and_o the_o great_a noise_n and_o talk_v of_o the_o joy_n and_o felicity_n of_o pious_a soul_n after_o this_o life_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o dream_n of_o melancholic_a person_n to_o amuse_v the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n if_o christ_n be_v yet_o in_o the_o grave_a and_o under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n will_v be_v as_o empty_a and_o vain_a because_o it_o be_v build_v upon_o
mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v also_o one_o of_o christ_n witness_n than_o the_o sin_n become_v deadly_a because_o the_o last_o mean_n be_v use_v and_o the_o full_a proof_n of_o credibility_n give_v that_o can_v be_v expect_v for_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o be_v there_o be_v every_o thing_n do_v which_o may_v procure_v belief_n in_o a_o disinterest_v person_n and_o therefore_o for_o any_o obstinate_o to_o contradict_v this_o be_v quite_o to_o prescind_v his_o own_o hope_n and_o shut_v the_o door_n against_o himself_o by_o wilful_o reject_v all_o those_o argument_n which_o may_v and_o ought_v to_o have_v gain_v belief_n i_o pray_v god_n open_v the_o eye_n of_o those_o who_o slight_a and_o undervalue_v christianity_n as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 4.9_o a_o faithful_a and_o true_a word_n and_o every_o way_n worthy_a to_o be_v receive_v that_o they_o may_v timely_o see_v and_o repent_v of_o their_o error_n and_o through_o a_o sincere_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n may_v be_v eternal_o save_v a_o defence_n of_o reveal_v religion_n sermon_n ii_o rome_n i._o 16._o for_o i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v show_v from_o these_o word_n that_o the_o history_n of_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n his_o death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n be_v true_a and_o be_v so_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o our_o religion_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o these_o thing_n truth_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o none_o need_v to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o because_o it_o be_v a_o perfection_n a_o ray_n and_o beam_n that_o descend_v from_o god_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o truth_n now_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n depend_v upon_o the_o veracity_n of_o those_o that_o write_v it_o we_o show_v that_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o be_v deceive_v because_o they_o be_v present_a and_o eye-witness_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o set_v down_o and_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o suspect_v they_o will_v deceive_v other_o because_o they_o may_v have_v be_v discover_v and_o beside_o have_v no_o self-end_n nor_o design_n in_o broach_v a_o falsehood_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a be_v ready_a to_o sacrifice_v their_o own_o life_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o say_v and_o last_o that_o they_o give_v as_o high_a a_o testimony_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n on_o which_o all_o his_o other_o miracle_n depend_v as_o possible_o can_v be_v give_v by_o man_n to_o any_o thing_n or_o matter_n in_o the_o world_n 2._o the_o next_o cause_n of_o shame_n be_v if_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v to_o we_o be_v not_o rational_a therefore_o we_o come_v now_o to_o show_v that_o christianity_n or_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v rational_a that_o be_v agreeable_a with_o those_o common_a notion_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n which_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o indeed_o if_o we_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v true_a and_o come_v from_o god_n it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o contain_v in_o it_o that_o be_v unreasonable_a forasmuch_o as_o god_n be_v the_o high_a reason_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v unreasonable_a for_o than_o he_o will_v be_v the_o author_n of_o something_o unlike_o himself_o and_o that_o have_v no_o analogy_n or_o correspondence_n with_o any_o of_o his_o attribute_n and_o therefore_o to_o affirm_v that_o god_n can_v propound_v to_o we_o what_o be_v altogether_o irrational_a and_o bear_v no_o harmony_n or_o agreement_n with_o any_o of_o our_o faculty_n be_v to_o make_v he_o the_o author_n of_o nonsense_n contradiction_n and_o impossibility_n reason_n be_v that_o light_n and_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o have_v set_v up_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o guide_v they_o safe_a from_o error_n falsehood_n and_o delusion_n and_o when_o we_o say_v a_o thing_n be_v reasonable_a we_o say_v that_o it_o have_v a_o conformity_n with_o those_o intellectual_a principle_n the_o sovereign_a author_n of_o our_o being_n have_v plant_v in_o we_o there_o be_v a_o suitableness_n and_o agreeableness_n of_o such_o thing_n with_o the_o rational_a frame_n and_o make_v of_o our_o own_o soul_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n call_v our_o conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n which_o he_o term_v rom._n 12.1_o a_o present_v our_o body_n a_o live_a sacrifice_n holy_a and_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n a_o reasonable_a service_n that_o be_v such_o a_o worship_n as_o if_o we_o understand_v ourselves_o be_v fit_v and_o accommodate_v to_o our_o natural_a faculty_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o st._n peter_n bid_v we_o to_o be_v ready_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o give_v a_o answer_n or_o make_v a_o apology_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v we_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o i_o e._n he_o will_v have_v we_o prepare_v to_o give_v a_o satisfactory_a and_o rational_a account_n why_o we_o be_v christian_n but_o now_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o christian_a religion_n that_o be_v unreasonable_a what_o apology_n can_v be_v make_v for_o it_o or_o how_o shall_v any_o man_n defend_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v whole_o contrary_a to_o that_o light_n which_o god_n have_v set_v up_o in_o his_o soul_n to_o discern_v between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n so_o that_o if_o there_o lie_v a_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n than_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a there_o be_v no_o part_n of_o it_o unreasonable_a but_o here_o we_o must_v note_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v some_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n above_o humane_a reason_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o say_v they_o be_v unreasonable_a or_o contrary_a to_o sound_v reason_n the_o frame_n of_o christianity_n itself_o be_v call_v by_o st._n paul_n 1_o tim._n 3.16_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o great_a mystery_n and_o a_o mystery_n we_o know_v must_v have_v something_o hide_a and_o recondit_fw-la in_o it_o which_o be_v discern_v only_o by_o capable_a mind_n and_o there_o may_v be_v and_o doubtless_o be_v some_o sacred_a and_o hide_a doctrine_n in_o christian_a religion_n above_o humane_a reason_n in_o this_o sense_n viz._n that_o our_o reason_n can_v never_o have_v light_v upon_o they_o or_o find_v they_o out_o without_o a_o divine_a revelation_n but_o notwithstanding_o these_o mysterious_a truth_n be_v very_o agreeable_a with_o our_o reason_n now_o they_o be_v discover_v and_o there_o be_v a_o rational_a defence_n to_o be_v make_v for_o they_o and_o a_o satisfactory_a account_n to_o be_v give_v of_o every_o one_o of_o they_o we_o can_v never_o by_o the_o bare_a help_n of_o reason_n have_v know_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o union_n of_o god_n with_o humane_a nature_n nor_o discover_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n nor_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o body_n nor_o the_o joy_n and_o felicity_n of_o heaven_n if_o god_n have_v not_o reveal_v these_o thing_n to_o we_o but_o now_o that_o they_o be_v make_v a_o part_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o can_v show_v that_o none_o of_o they_o be_v contradictory_n to_o the_o principle_n of_o sound_a reason_n if_o therefore_o there_o be_v any_o unreasonableness_n in_o christianity_n it_o must_v arise_v either_o 1._o from_o the_o frame_n and_o contexture_n of_o it_o or_o 2._o from_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o that_o there_o be_v no_o unreasonableness_n or_o incongruity_n in_o the_o frame_n of_o christianity_n will_v appear_v thus_o the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o release_v and_o free_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n from_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o evil_a into_o which_o they_o have_v unhappy_o plunge_v themselves_o and_o to_o recover_v they_o into_o a_o holy_a blameless_a and_o heavenly_a life_n and_o nature_n that_o behave_v themselves_o harmless_o and_o unblamable_o as_o the_o child_n of_o god_n though_o encompass_v with_o many_o hardship_n and_o affliction_n which_o they_o meet_v withal_o in_o their_o passage_n through_o the_o wilderness_n of_o this_o world_n they_o may_v at_o last_o through_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n arrive_v by_o orderly_a step_n and_o degree_n to_o the_o land_n of_o righteousness_n their_o ancient_a inheritance_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n this_o be_v the_o free_a counsel_n and_o determination_n of_o almighty_a god_n which_o flow_v only_o from_o his_o immense_a and_o boundless_a love_n now_o the_o method_n and_o way_n which_o god_n have_v make_v choice_n of_o to_o bring_v this_o great_a design_n about_o be_v such_o so_o fit_v and_o adapt_v to_o to_o our_o case_n and_o condition_n and_o so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n
nature_n will_v lead_v they_o to_o that_o they_o can_v be_v so_o wicked_a as_o they_o will_v be_v for_o fear_v and_o sense_n of_o pain_n have_v a_o great_a force_n upon_o our_o mind_n in_o this_o earthly_a state_n than_o the_o strong_a and_o most_o refine_a deduction_n of_o reason_n we_o can_v but_o see_v how_o weak_a and_o ineffectual_a those_o humane_a law_n be_v which_o have_v no_o punishment_n annex_v for_o the_o transgressor_n and_o by_o how_o much_o the_o great_a the_o penalty_n be_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o cautious_a it_o render_v the_o action_n of_o men._n now_o as_o no_o humane_a law_n do_v direct_o intend_v punishment_n so_o neither_o do_v the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o this_o severe_a penalty_n be_v add_v as_o a_o fence_n and_o security_n and_o serve_v to_o fright_v man_n out_o of_o the_o arm_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o be_v a_o powerful_a bar_n against_o the_o wild_a excursion_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v now_o so_o full_o manifest_v that_o christianity_n have_v nothing_o unreasonable_a in_o it_o whether_o we_o look_v upon_o the_o frame_n and_o make_v of_o it_o in_o general_n or_o whether_o we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o we_o may_v draw_v some_o few_o inference_n from_o hence_o as_o 1._o that_o every_o christian_a according_a to_o his_o capacity_n ought_v to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o his_o duty_n to_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o his_o faith_n it_o be_v the_o apostle_n advice_n 1_o pet._n 3.15_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o and_o again_o 1_o thess_n 5.21_o prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a for_o since_o god_n have_v so_o far_o comply_v with_o our_o weakness_n as_o to_o suit_v the_o whole_a business_n of_o religion_n to_o our_o measure_n and_o capacity_n and_o yet_o make_v all_o its_o command_n and_o doctrine_n to_o bear_v so_o grateful_a and_o please_a a_o harmony_n with_o our_o rational_a frame_n he_o expect_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o say_v more_o for_o it_o than_o a_o jew_n for_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n or_o a_o turk_n for_o the_o alcoran_n or_o a_o pagan_a for_o his_o ancient_a superstition_n and_o yet_o so_o supine_o negligent_a be_v the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v christianity_n that_o they_o can_v give_v no_o better_a account_n why_o they_o be_v christian_n than_o that_o it_o be_v the_o religion_n which_o their_o forefather_n live_v and_o die_v in_o or_o because_o it_o be_v that_o which_o by_o law_n be_v establish_v among_o they_o and_o they_o have_v be_v train_v up_o from_o their_o infancy_n in_o such_o a_o persuasion_n which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o multitude_n of_o the_o great_a heretic_n have_v have_v to_o plead_v for_o themselves_o whereas_o christian_a religion_n bear_v in_o its_o face_n the_o evident_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o the_o eternal_a reason_n must_v sure_o admit_v of_o a_o better_a apology_n and_o the_o great_a cause_n why_o we_o do_v not_o discern_v the_o beauty_n and_o agreeableness_n of_o it_o must_v be_v attribute_v to_o our_o slothfulness_n and_o negligence_n and_o to_o the_o prevalency_n of_o those_o naughty_a affection_n that_o we_o suffer_v to_o lead_v we_o about_o for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o mind_n that_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o pride_n and_o vainglory_n that_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o world_n and_o earthly_a vanity_n that_o be_v sink_v down_o and_o drown_v in_o bodily_a pleasure_n be_v in_o no_o fit_a disposition_n to_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o religion_n than_o a_o blind_a man_n to_o difference_n and_o distinguish_v colour_n 2._o from_o hence_o we_o see_v that_o god_n do_v not_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v without_o give_v we_o good_a ground_n and_o reason_n for_o god_n in_o the_o structure_n of_o christianity_n adapt_a it_o so_o far_o to_o the_o imbecility_n and_o imperfection_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o take_v all_o possible_a care_n for_o our_o satisfaction_n that_o we_o may_v not_o believe_v blindfold_a without_o inquire_v or_o ask_v a_o reason_n it_o be_v a_o sure_a sign_n that_o he_o will_v have_v we_o make_v use_n of_o those_o faculty_n that_o he_o have_v give_v we_o and_o moreover_o the_o great_a cognation_n there_o be_v between_o the_o law_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o primitive_a inscription_n of_o our_o soul_n put_v we_o out_o of_o all_o doubt_n that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n and_o result_v of_o mere_a arbitrarious_fw-la will_n but_o the_o product_n of_o immutable_a and_o eternal_a wisdom_n wherefore_o as_o god_n have_v give_v we_o our_o bodily_a eye_n to_o secure_v we_o from_o harm_n and_o danger_n and_o to_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o several_a action_n of_o our_o life_n so_o have_v he_o give_v we_o our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n to_o perform_v the_o same_o office_n for_o our_o soul_n that_o our_o eye_n do_v for_o our_o body_n 3._o last_o there_o be_v no_o man_n can_v despise_v and_o undervalue_v the_o gospel_n but_o he_o must_v be_v give_v over_o to_o a_o profane_a and_o atheistical_a spirit_n for_o since_o there_o appear_v such_o signal_n notice_n and_o characteristical_a mark_n of_o divinity_n all_o along_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o justice_n and_o injustice_n truth_n and_o falsehood_n antecedent_n to_o all_o positive_a law_n whatever_o and_o these_o notion_n engrave_v at_o their_o first_o creation_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n it_o must_v necessary_o argue_v a_o strange_a disease_n and_o distemper_n of_o mind_n to_o contradict_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o symmetrical_a and_o agreeable_a with_o their_o intellectual_a frame_n i_o confess_v there_o be_v some_o who_o as_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o the_o gentile_n or_o pagan_n rom._n 1.18_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d unjust_o detain_v and_o imprison_v the_o truth_n that_o whereas_o their_o natural_a faculty_n suggest_v to_o they_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o that_o this_o all-perfect_a be_v can_v communicate_v his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n to_o we_o mortal_n yet_o will_v rather_o stupefy_v besot_v and_o bedead_o the_o choice_a power_n of_o their_o soul_n than_o suffer_v they_o to_o entertain_v a_o truth_n so_o uncomply_v with_o their_o carnal_a lust_n and_o affection_n and_o this_o the_o same_o apostle_n express_v in_o another_o place_n 2_o thess_n 2.10_o by_o not_o receive_v the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n i._n e._n not_o carry_v such_o a_o pliable_a ductile_a and_o sequacious_a temper_n of_o mind_n as_o aught_o to_o receive_v and_o embrace_v what_o be_v so_o congenerous_a with_o itself_o and_o nothing_o soon_o throw_v the_o soul_n into_o this_o force_a and_o preternatural_a state_n wherein_o it_o lose_v that_o criterion_n that_o shall_v distinguish_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a truth_n and_o falsehood_n than_o sensuality_n and_o the_o love_n of_o the_o animal_n life_n for_o this_o petrefy_v stiffn_v and_o make_v the_o mind_n so_o insensible_a and_o obdurate_a as_o not_o to_o be_v rouse_v up_o and_o awaken_v with_o the_o voice_n of_o thunder_n wherefore_o when_o religion_n be_v make_v so_o full_o unexceptionable_a to_o deride_v and_o scoff_n at_o it_o as_o a_o mean_a jejune_n and_o contemptible_a thing_n against_o all_o the_o sense_n and_o reason_n that_o ever_o mankind_n be_v endue_v withal_o be_v as_o horrid_a a_o piece_n of_o impiety_n as_o any_o one_o can_v be_v guilty_a of_o and_o will_v at_o last_o lead_n to_o the_o uncomfortable_a chamber_n of_o eternal_a destruction_n a_o defence_n of_o reveal_v religion_n sermon_n iu._n rome_n i._o 16._o for_o i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v take_v away_o in_o what_o have_v be_v already_o discourse_v from_o these_o word_n the_o two_o first_o cause_n or_o ground_n which_o may_v induce_v a_o man_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o any_o matter_n or_o doctrine_n propound_v to_o gain_v belief_n to_o it_o and_o they_o be_v if_o it_o be_v neither_o true_a nor_o reasonable_a 3._o the_o three_o be_v if_o it_o be_v not_o intelligible_a i._n e._n if_o it_o be_v not_o deliver_v in_o such_o plain_a and_o easy_a term_n as_o that_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v deliver_v may_v understand_v it_o now_o as_o to_o this_o particular_a we_o shall_v lay_v down_o this_o conclusion_n that_o christian_a religion_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o open_a that_o the_o most_o mean_a and_o vulgar_a sort_n may_v understand_v it_o and_o this_o we_o shall_v prove_v not_o only_o very_o reasonable_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o but_o absolute_o necessary_a and_o can_v not_o be_v otherwise_o and_o that_o upon_o these_o account_n 1._o christianity_n be_v give_v to_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o all_o man_n not_o only_o of_o philosopher_n and_o