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 object_n of_o worship_n and_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o the_o idolatry_n the_o impure_a and_o frivolous_a rite_n the_o cruel_a sacrifice_n of_o the_o heathen_n consider_v philosophy_n be_v ineffectual_a to_o redress_v those_o evil_n judaisme_n consider_v the_o ceremonial_a part_n of_o that_o religion_n contain_v nothing_o moral_o good_a it_o be_v of_o impossible_a performance_n to_o all_o nation_n it_o be_v enjoin_v the_o jew_n for_o special_a reason_n the_o carnal_a law_n be_v to_o expire_v at_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o give_v place_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o be_v all_o life_n and_o spirit_n the_o falseness_n and_o absurdity_n of_o mahometism_n discover_v by_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o author_n and_o its_o nature_n by_o the_o fraudulent_a and_o violent_a mean_n whereby_o it_o be_v propagate_v by_o the_o quality_n of_o those_o who_o receive_v it_o ignorant_a barbarous_a nation_n by_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o reward_n it_o propound_v neither_o become_a god_n to_o bestow_v nor_o man_n to_o desire_v have_v in_o some_o former_a discourse_n establish_v and_o clear_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o raise_v the_o superstructure_n that_o god_n be_v the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n that_o he_o observe_v our_o moral_a action_n and_o will_v require_v a_o account_n of_o they_o in_o the_o future_a state_n and_o distribute_v eternal_a recompense_n according_o have_v be_v prove_v by_o such_o invincible_a evidence_n that_o reason_n can_v resist_v it_o follow_v therefore_o that_o religion_n be_v necessary_a both_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o man._n for_o we_o can_v conceive_v but_o that_o the_o wise_a creator_n in_o make_v all_o thing_n design_v his_o own_o glory_n both_o in_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o own_o perfection_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v acknowledge_v and_o reverence_v love_v and_o praise_v by_o intelligent_a creature_n this_o be_v a_o 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
to_o servitude_n import_v only_o a_o continuance_n to_o the_o jubilee_n so_o that_o those_o ritual_n be_v to_o continue_v in_o their_o vigour_n during_o that_o entire_a period_n and_o to_o be_v determine_v after_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n the_o great_a jubilee_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n be_v most_o evident_a in_o that_o his_o come_n be_v exact_o as_o he_o be_v design_v and_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v that_o he_o have_v the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n to_o authorise_v he_o to_o change_v the_o external_o of_o their_o worship_n and_o service_n brief_o judaisme_n now_o be_v but_o the_o carcase_n of_o a_o dead_a religion_n and_o the_o obstinate_a adherer_n to_o it_o be_v become_v so_o sottish_o blind_a as_o to_o believe_v the_o most_o prodigious_a fable_n as_o divine_a revelation_n their_o talmud_n so_o reverence_v by_o they_o contain_v intolerable_a folly_n nay_o blasphemy_n against_o god_n it_o regulate_v his_o hour_n in_o the_o day_n it_o relate_v that_o he_o spend_v three_o in_o study_v the_o law_n and_o three_o more_o in_o the_o instruct_n child_n that_o die_v in_o their_o minority_n and_o that_o he_o employ_v three_o in_o take_v the_o account_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o three_o last_n divert_v himself_o with_o leviathan_n and_o that_o the_o night_n be_v come_v for_o they_o imagine_v that_o the_o sun_n set_v in_o paradise_n he_o ascend_v a_o chariot_n draw_v by_o the_o swift_a spirit_n the_o cherubim_n and_o visit_v the_o eighteen_o thousand_o world_n he_o create_v i_o shall_v not_o instance_n in_o any_o more_o of_o their_o extravagant_a tale_n not_o to_o be_v defend_v by_o the_o pretence_n of_o solemn_a mystery_n and_o by_o strain_a allegory_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o by_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n for_o their_o reject_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v give_v up_o to_o believe_v lie_n since_o the_o come_n of_o jesus_n christ_n mahumetanism_n have_v overspread_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o barbarous_a world_n but_o this_o carry_v in_o it_o such_o apparent_a and_o certain_a mark_n of_o falsity_n that_o it_o can_v be_v no_o temptation_n to_o any_o person_n in_o who_o there_o be_v but_o a_o spark_n of_o good_a hence_o whether_o we_o consider_v 1._o the_o author_n from_o who_o it_o be_v derive_v a_o robber_n one_o drench_v in_o sensuality_n and_o therefore_o utter_o unqualify_v to_o be_v the_o revealer_n of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o holy_a god_n to_o men._n 2._o the_o quality_n of_o its_o doctrine_n some_o be_v ridiculous_a and_o extravagant_a above_o the_o vanity_n of_o a_o feverish_a dream_n some_o be_v pernicious_a flatter_v both_o the_o low_a appetite_n the_o concupiscible_a by_o lose_v its_o natural_a restraint_n from_o exorbitant_a fleshly_a pleasure_n the_o irascible_a by_o commend_v the_o violent_a oppression_n of_o other_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o religion_n 3._o the_o mean_n by_o which_o it_o have_v its_o rise_n and_o be_v propagate_v it_o spring_v from_o imposture_n mahomet_n erect_v a_o oracle_n in_o his_o own_o fancy_n and_o pretend_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v there_o to_o give_v his_o inspiration_n thus_o he_o seduce_v at_o first_o but_o have_v get_v a_o strong_a party_n force_v succeed_v deceit_n the_o sword_n cut_v its_o way_n through_o many_o country_n and_o be_v it_o strange_a that_o the_o people_n so_o fierce_o teach_v shall_v follow_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o cruel_a conqueror_n thus_o it_o be_v plant_v thus_o it_o increase_v and_o be_v still_o maintain_v by_o the_o same_o cause_n 4._o the_o quality_n of_o those_o who_o receive_v it_o they_o be_v barbarous_a nation_n and_o absolute_o forbid_v to_o make_v a_o inquiry_n into_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o how_o easy_a be_v it_o to_o make_v a_o impression_n on_o the_o rude_a lump_n of_o the_o multitude_n what_o wonder_n be_v it_o that_o pleasant_a folly_n shall_v usurp_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o ignorant_a vulgar_a 5._o it_o promise_v in_o the_o future_a life_n a_o paradise_n fit_a for_o swine_n most_o unworthy_a the_o glorious_a rewarder_n god_n and_o the_o excellence_n of_o man._n this_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o avicen_n a_o saracen_n philosopher_n and_o mahometan_a in_o profession_n speak_v with_o abhorence_n of_o those_o dreggy_a low_a delight_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a assert_n that_o the_o height_n of_o happiness_n be_v in_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o soul_n unite_v to_o god_n and_o thus_o virtual_o condemn_v their_o faith_n as_o repugnant_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o clear_a reason_n chap._n ii_o the_o christian_a religion_n direct_o consider_v previous_a consideration_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o jesus_n christ_n who_o converse_v in_o the_o world_n and_o institute_v that_o religion_n be_v most_o credible_a from_o the_o uniform_a testimony_n of_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n it_o be_v equal_o certain_a the_o book_n contain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v transmit_v without_o material_a alteration_n the_o proof_n of_o christian_a religion_n though_o not_o equal_a in_o clearness_n to_o sense_n or_o science_n yet_o be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v unprejudiced_a mind_n of_o its_o truth_n the_o intrinsic_a excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n consider_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n illustrate_v natural_a truth_n concern_v god_n and_o reveal_v what_o be_v further_a necessary_a for_o his_o glory_n and_o man_n happiness_n the_o entire_a agreement_n between_o they_o the_o gospel_n discover_v the_o misery_n of_o man_n in_o its_o cause_n and_o degree_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o his_o recovery_n it_o represent_v a_o full_a and_o glorious_a image_n of_o god_n perfection_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o restoration_n therefore_o it_o be_v worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n the_o christian_a religion_n set_v before_o we_o a_o rule_n pure_a and_o perspicuous_a in_o nothing_o superfluous_a or_o defective_a the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v worthy_a of_o god_n and_o suitable_a to_o the_o want_n and_o desire_n of_o men._n they_o offer_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n upon_o the_o condition_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n the_o supernatural_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o supply_n of_o our_o temporal_a want_n and_o support_v under_o affliction_n the_o reward_n of_o eternal_a life_n i_o will_v now_o consider_v the_o christian_a religion_n direct_o in_o itself_o it_o have_v this_o noble_a prerogative_n above_o the_o rest_n the_o more_o one_o search_n into_o it_o the_o more_o its_o divinity_n appear_v whereas_o other_o religion_n may_v please_v a_o sudden_a eye_n but_o can_v endure_v a_o serious_a trial_n some_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v premise_v 1._o i_o shall_v suppose_v it_o as_o a_o principle_n above_o all_o doubt_n there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o jesus_n christ_n who_o converse_v in_o the_o world_n consign_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o they_o it_o be_v convey_v to_o we_o in_o the_o new-testament_n for_o in_o assert_v it_o we_o have_v the_o uniform_a deposition_n of_o all_o that_o profess_v this_o religion_n from_o its_o rise_n till_o the_o present_a age_n and_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n though_o in_o other_o thing_n of_o different_a opinion_n yet_o they_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v their_o founder_n now_o who_o can_v better_a know_v the_o author_n of_o a_o institution_n ecclesiastical_a or_o secular_a than_o those_o who_o be_v admit_v into_o its_o beginning_n and_o those_o who_o have_v succeed_v in_o that_o order_n from_o age_n to_o age_n without_o interruption_n beside_o we_o have_v the_o consent_n and_o constant_a testimony_n of_o jew_n and_o heathen_n the_o obstinate_a opposer_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o its_o name_n as_o well_o as_o original_a be_v derive_v from_o christ._n we_o may_v with_o more_o reason_n suspect_v there_o be_v never_o such_o philosopher_n as_o plato_n and_o aristotle_n or_o that_o the_o book_n which_o from_o their_o time_n by_o universal_a persevere_v fame_n have_v be_v attribute_v to_o they_o be_v make_v by_o other_o and_o put_v forth_o under_o false_a title_n than_o to_o question_v what_o be_v so_o general_o receive_v concern_v the_o author_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o folly_n and_o madness_n to_o oppose_v such_o evidence_n 2._o it_o be_v equal_o certain_a that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n be_v transmit_v to_o we_o in_o their_o original_a purity_n without_o any_o material_a alteration_n for_o it_o be_v incredible_a that_o the_o society_n of_o christian_n shall_v neglect_v the_o preserve_n incorrupt_a and_o entire_a those_o write_n which_o they_o esteem_v a_o most_o sacred_a treasure_n on_o which_o they_o build_v their_o hope_n of_o eternal_a blessedness_n it_o can_v be_v suppose_v they_o will_v transmit_v they_o to_o their_o child_n who_o salvation_n must_v have_v be_v dear_a to_o they_o than_o the_o
shall_v we_o goithou_a have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n chap._n iii_o the_o external_n proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n consider_v miracle_n be_v only_o perform_v by_o god_n why_o christianity_n be_v confirm_v by_o they_o the_o number_n of_o christ_n miracle_n the_o manner_n of_o his_o perform_v they_o and_o their_o certainty_n consider_v the_o miracle_n do_v by_o christ_n to_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n be_v a_o authentic_a testimony_n that_o god_n approve_v it_o the_o pretence_n of_o libertine_n that_o the_o heathen_a religion_n be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n clear_o disprove_v the_o rational_a assurance_n we_o have_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v sincere_a and_o certain_a of_o the_o miraculous_a thing_n relate_v by_o they_o of_o jesus_n christ._n his_o resurrection_n attest_v by_o sufficient_a evidence_n we_o be_v next_o to_o consider_v those_o external_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n the_o work_n of_o god_n himself_o that_o seal_v our_o full_a assurance_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v instance_n in_o two_o miracle_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o prophecy_n 1._o a_o miracle_n be_v a_o supernatural_a work_n that_o require_v a_o extraordinary_a divine_a power_n to_o effect_v it_o for_o none_o can_v derogate_v from_o the_o universal_a law_n of_o nature_n prescribe_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o thing_n and_o time_n but_o the_o author_n of_o it_o indeed_o we_o do_v not_o exact_o know_v the_o compass_n of_o that_o circle_n wherein_o the_o spirit_n of_o darkness_n excercise_n their_o power_n they_o may_v by_o the_o application_n of_o natural_a mean_n unknown_a to_o we_o produce_v thing_n that_o may_v astonish_v or_o by_o lie_v wonder_n deceive_v man_n but_o a_o true_a miracle_n be_v a_o work_n reserve_v to_o god_n and_o possible_o to_o no_o less_o than_o infinite_a power_n whether_o it_o be_v a_o first_o or_o second_o creation_n the_o form_v a_o new_a eye_n or_o the_o give_v a_o visive_a power_n to_o that_o that_o be_v natural_o blind_a it_o can_v only_o be_v do_v by_o his_o hand_n if_o we_o respect_v omipotency_n there_o be_v the_o same_o facility_n if_o the_o thing_n do_v there_o be_v the_o same_o difficulty_n in_o the_o performance_n if_o the_o devil_n have_v such_o a_o power_n they_o may_v create_v a_o separate_a kingdom_n and_o reign_v there_o now_o miraculous_a testimony_n be_v give_v to_o confirm_v christianity_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o just_a correspondence_n between_o its_o doctrine_n and_o their_o proof_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o their_o existence_n be_v above_o all_o natural_a power_n and_o in_o their_o belief_n above_o the_o natural_a understanding_n all_o that_o nature_n can_v do_v or_o know_v do_v not_o make_v they_o credible_a therefore_o it_o be_v requisite_a those_o thing_n shall_v be_v confirm_v by_o the_o divine_a power_n that_o transcend_v the_o comprehension_n of_o humane_a reason_n beside_o as_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v sublime_a so_o the_o reward_n be_v future_a and_o that_o the_o gentile_n may_v not_o pretend_v that_o the_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n feign_v another_o world_n and_o a_o heaven_n and_o a_o hell_n wherein_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v glorify_v or_o torment_v according_a to_o their_o action_n in_o this_o life_n supernatural_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o promise_n and_o threaten_n be_v necessary_a in_o short_a herein_o the_o divine_a goodness_n appear_v that_o as_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o man_n so_o it_o be_v discernible_a by_o such_o sign_n as_o may_v convince_v all_o for_o upon_o the_o sight_n of_o those_o divine_a work_n the_o simple_a people_n be_v lead_v by_o the_o outward_a sense_n to_o a_o inward_a firm_a faith_n in_o jesus_n christ._n these_o thing_n be_v premise_v i_o will_v take_v a_o brief_a view_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o give_v faith_n to_o his_o doctrine_n it_o be_v record_v of_o moses_n who_o be_v a_o type_n of_o christ_n that_o after_o his_o familiar_a converse_n with_o god_n as_o a_o man_n with_o his_o friend_n descend_v from_o the_o mount_n his_o face_n shine_v with_o such_o a_o excessive_a brightness_n as_o it_o be_v by_o reflection_n from_o the_o face_n of_o god_n that_o come_v to_o the_o israelite_n to_o deliver_v to_o they_o the_o divine_a law_n he_o be_v fain_o to_o cover_v it_o with_o a_o vail_n yet_o some_o ray_n of_o that_o miraculous_a splendour_n be_v visible_a through_o that_o mysterious_a veil_n to_o assure_v they_o it_o be_v moses_n himself_o that_o direct_v and_o govern_v they_o according_a to_o god_n will._n thus_o when_o the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v down_o from_o the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n to_o instruct_v the_o world_n he_o shade_v the_o light_n of_o the_o deity_n with_o a_o vail_n of_o flesh_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o so_o absolute_o conceal_v under_o his_o humanity_n but_o that_o from_o time_n to_o time_n some_o beam_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n appear_v in_o work_n so_o proper_a to_o god_n that_o the_o apostle_n say_v we_o see_v his_o glory_n as_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o representation_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n by_o the_o evangelist_n we_o may_v consider_v their_o number_n and_o variety_n his_o manner_n of_o perform_v they_o and_o the_o certainty_n of_o they_o 1._o their_o number_n and_o variety_n he_o go_v about_o all_o galilee_n heal_v all_o manner_n of_o sickness_n and_o disease_n even_o the_o most_o incurable_a the_o blind_a the_o deaf_a the_o lame_a the_o paralitic_a the_o hydropic_a the_o leprous_a the_o lunatic_n be_v cure_v he_o raise_v the_o dead_a and_o cast_v out_o devil_n beside_o his_o miraculous_a feed_n so_o many_o thousand_o his_o command_v the_o enrage_a wind_n and_o sea_n to_o be_v still_o and_o a_o great_a calm_a follow_v his_o transfiguration_n before_o his_o disciple_n when_o the_o beauty_n of_o heaven_n descend_v on_o his_o countenance_n to_o be_v there_o more_o beautiful_a discover_v the_o sensible_a presence_n of_o the_o deity_n in_o he_o 2._o the_o manner_n of_o his_o perform_v they_o be_v very_o considerable_a they_o be_v do_v in_o a_o instant_n by_o absolute_a dominion_n over_o nature_n thus_o when_o he_o say_v to_o the_o leper_n i_o will_v be_v thou_o clean_a immediate_o his_o leprosy_n be_v cleanse_v thus_o when_o the_o faithful_a centurion_n address_v himself_o to_o he_o only_o speak_v the_o word_n and_o my_o servant_n shall_v be_v heal_v he_o answer_v be_v it_o do_v unto_o thou_o as_o thou_o believe_v and_o his_o servant_n be_v heal_v etc._n etc._n both_o expression_n of_o command_n and_o empire_n and_o his_o word_n to_o the_o blindman_n receive_v thy_o sight_n have_v the_o same_o create_a efficacy_n with_o those_o let_v there_o be_v light_n and_o there_o be_v light_n thus_o with_o authority_n he_o command_v the_o unclean_a spirit_n even_o the_o most_o furious_a and_o obstinate_a and_o they_o be_v expel_v from_o those_o mansion_n wherein_o they_o have_v revel_v a_o long_a time_n thus_o by_o the_o mere_a act_n of_o his_o will_n he_o reverse_v the_o order_n of_o nature_n when_o the_o widow_n son_n be_v carry_v to_o the_o grave_a he_o only_o say_v young_a man_n i_o say_v unto_o thou_o arise_v and_o he_o that_o be_v dead_a sit_v up_o and_o begin_v to_o speak_v now_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o power_n of_o miracle_n in_o jesus_n christ_n be_v transcendent_a above_o that_o that_o either_o moses_n or_o the_o prophet_n or_o the_o apostle_n have_v it_o be_v derive_v to_o they_o by_o favour_n and_o commission_n from_o a_o extrinsic_a superior_a principle_n the_o omnipotence_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v inherent_a in_o his_o person_n the_o natural_a proper_a attribute_n of_o his_o deity_n and_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o lord_n of_o nature_n visible_a in_o humane_a flesh_n in_o all_o place_n this_o bless_a virtue_n proceed_v from_o he_o 3._o the_o certainty_n of_o his_o perform_v they_o be_v so_o great_a that_o no_o shadow_n of_o suspicion_n can_v remain_v about_o it_o vitruvius_n the_o master_n of_o architect_n give_v advice_n to_o those_o who_o build_v temple_n to_o aesculapius_n 2._o or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o heathen_a deity_n that_o be_v invocate_v by_o the_o sick_a that_o they_o shall_v choose_v such_o place_n as_o be_v open_a to_o the_o most_o favourable_a aspect_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o heaven_n where_o there_o be_v a_o well-tempered_a soil_n clear_a air_n pure_a spring_n of_o water_n that_o diseased-person_n come_v from_o unhealthyplace_n may_v obtain_v recovery_n and_o what_o be_v the_o benefit_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v attribute_v to_o the_o divine_a virtue_n of_o aesculapius_n thus_o that_o idolater_n counsel_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o false_a go_n but_o in_o this_o he_o judge_v aright_o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o deity_n be_v believe_v
and_o honour_v by_o man_n proportionable_o to_o the_o cure_n that_o be_v receive_v from_o he_o how_o much_o more_o when_o do_v by_o a_o undoubted_a miracle_n of_o this_o the_o people_n the_o numerous_a spectator_n be_v so_o convince_v that_o they_o say_v when_o christ_n come_v the_o expect_a deliverer_n will_v he_o do_v more_o miracle_n than_o these_o which_o this_o man_n have_v do_v the_o pharisee_n themselves_o can_v not_o deny_v the_o effect_n but_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v the_o true_a cause_n envy_n be_v more_o powerful_a in_o their_o breast_n than_o the_o clear_a evidence_n therefore_o to_o invalidate_v his_o authority_n they_o ascribe_v some_o of_o his_o wonderful_a work_n to_o the_o prince_n of_o devil_n but_o this_o pretence_n be_v so_o void_a of_o all_o reason_n and_o full_a of_o impiety_n that_o nothing_o but_o inveterate_a malice_n can_v suggest_v it_o for_o will_v the_o devil_n destroy_v his_o own_o kingdom_n be_v he_o such_o a_o lover_n of_o holiness_n as_o to_o authorise_v the_o most_o perfect_a master_n of_o it_o by_o a_o compliance_n with_o his_o will_n those_o proud_a spirit_n be_v servile_a only_o in_o appearance_n and_o when_o they_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v command_v by_o man_n it_o be_v always_o with_o design_n to_o establish_v and_o increase_v their_o own_o dominion_n therefore_o the_o most_o famous_a sorcerer_n observe_v some_o rite_n by_o the_o devil_n prescription_n and_o in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o acknowledge_v his_o power_n but_o our_o saviour_n have_v a_o sovereign_a empire_n over_o they_o and_o eject_v they_o not_o only_o from_o the_o body_n but_o from_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n subdue_a by_o his_o holy_a doctrine_n the_o power_n of_o sin_n wherein_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n consist_v from_o hence_o he_o argue_v if_o i_o by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n cast_v out_o devil_n then_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n come_v unto_o you_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o he_o charge_v they_o with_o self-condemning_a obstinancy_n for_o if_o the_o gentile_n be_v inexcusable_a for_o not_o acknowledge_v and_o honour_v god_n so_o clear_o manifest_v in_o the_o work_v of_o nature_n the_o jew_n be_v as_o inexcusable_a for_o reject_v jesus_n christ_n so_o powerful_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o supernatural_a operation_n add_v further_o that_o in_o his_o low_a state_n when_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v utter_o forsake_v of_o god_n yet_o than_o his_o innocency_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o person_n be_v miraculous_o testify_v for_o at_o his_o death_n even_o insensible_a nature_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v capable_a of_o knowledge_n and_o affection_n be_v in_o the_o most_o astonish_a disorder_n as_o resent_v the_o passion_n of_o its_o lord_n the_o sun_n be_v eclipse_v in_o a_o time_n and_o place_n against_o all_o possibility_n of_o nature_n for_o the_o moon_n be_v then_o in_o opposition_n to_o it_o and_o manner_n in_o its_o full_a and_o in_o a_o instant_n past_o a_o half_a circle_n of_o the_o heaven_n to_o interpose_v between_o the_o body_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o earth_n that_o the_o air_n at_o noon_n day_n be_v darken_a as_o at_o midnight_n this_o compel_v the_o roman_a centurion_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o that_o suffer_v be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o grave_n be_v a_o visible_a argument_n to_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n for_o that_o god_n will_v not_o exert_v his_o extraordinary_a power_n to_o confirm_v a_o false_a doctrine_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o infinite_a moment_n that_o so_o near_o concern_v his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n there_o be_v sufficient_a assurance_n from_o his_o wisdom_n truth_n &_o goodness_n be_v there_o ever_o any_o prince_n that_o will_v permit_v a_o usurper_n in_o his_o own_o presence_n to_o make_v use_n of_o his_o royal_a seal_n to_o authorise_v by_o commission_n his_o subject_n to_o rebel_v against_o he_o and_o will_v god_n have_v suffer_v a_o deceiver_n to_o work_v miracle_n and_o thereby_o obtain_v divine_a honour_n from_o man_n the_o incommunicable_a right_n of_o the_o deity_n nay_o it_o have_v not_o be_v a_o bare_a permission_n but_o a_o positive_a act_n of_o god_n himself_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o other_o shall_v do_v they_o or_o will_v god_n who_o be_v the_o prime_a verity_n work_v miracle_n to_o give_v credit_n to_o a_o lie_n and_o violate_v the_o honour_n of_o his_o eternal_a most_o perfect_a veracity_n or_o be_v it_o consistent_a with_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n to_o make_v a_o delusion_n so_o strong_a that_o the_o most_o sincere_a will_v be_v in_o great_a danger_n to_o be_v overcome_v by_o it_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n urge_v it_o as_o a_o uncontrollable_a argument_n of_o our_o saviour_n divine_a mission_n you_o man_n of_o israel_n hear_v these_o word_n jesus_n of_o nazareth_n a_o man_n approve_v of_o god_n among_o you_o by_o miracle_n and_o wonder_n and_o sign_n which_o god_n do_v by_o he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o you_o as_o you_o yourselves_o also_o know_v these_o be_v proof_n of_o the_o great_a vigour_n to_o induce_v the_o world_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n to_o make_v know_v his_o counsel_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o lose_v undo_v mankind_n it_o be_v say_v by_o libertine_n that_o the_o heathen_n tell_v miraculous_a story_n to_o confirm_v their_o religion_n that_o their_o hero_n descend_v in_o a_o right_a line_n from_o some_o deity_n and_o not_o to_o instance_n in_o many_o particular_n they_o boast_v of_o apollonius_n tyanaeus_n as_o one_o that_o vie_v with_o christ_n himself_o in_o wonderful_a work_n but_o this_o objection_n be_v easy_o refute_v for_o if_o paganism_n have_v a_o miraculous_a power_n attend_v it_o why_o do_v it_o not_o make_v use_n of_o it_o to_o discredit_v that_o power_n that_o authorize_v christianity_n in_o the_o time_n it_o make_v fierce_a war_n against_o it_o if_o equal_a to_o it_o in_o divine_a power_n and_o incomparable_o superior_a in_o humane_a aid_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o weak_a prove_v victorious_a and_o the_o strong_a be_v put_v to_o flight_n it_o be_v evident_a therefore_o the_o pretend_a miracle_n of_o paganism_n be_v work_n of_o the_o devil_n not_o to_o be_v compare_v with_o what_o be_v do_v by_o a_o almighty_a hand_n if_o it_o be_v again_o object_v that_o the_o relation_n of_o the_o miracle_n as_o perform_v by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v from_o his_o disciple_n who_o favour_v his_o person_n and_o cause_n and_o therefore_o may_v be_v just_o suspect_v i_o answer_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o pretence_n be_v apparent_a for_o if_o they_o have_v artificial_o frame_v a_o narrative_a of_o extraordinary_a thing_n as_o do_v by_o he_o in_o that_o time_n wherein_o they_o write_v and_o in_o the_o view_n of_o many_o how_o easy_a have_v it_o be_v to_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o just_a scorn_n and_o hatred_n of_o all_o for_o their_o notorious_a falsehood_n and_o infatuate_v impudence_n but_o they_o be_v never_o accuse_v of_o this_o nay_o such_o be_v the_o number_n clearness_n and_o greatness_n of_o his_o miracle_n that_o the_o uncontrolled_a fame_n of_o they_o force_v his_o enemy_n in_o after-age_n to_o acknowledge_v their_o truth_n the_o jew_n in_o their_o talmud_n confess_v he_o do_v wonder_n but_o give_v such_o a_o ridiculous_a account_n of_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o they_o be_v do_v as_o betray_v the_o weakness_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o malice_n against_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n with_o their_o successor_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n wrought_v miracle_n so_o frequent_o in_o the_o face_n of_o many_o nation_n that_o those_o who_o be_v most_o obstinate_o averse_a from_o submit_v to_o it_o can_v not_o deny_v what_o be_v visible_a to_o thousand_o and_o that_o miraculous_a power_n they_o always_o ascribe_v to_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o colour_n for_o jealousy_n as_o if_o his_o miracle_n record_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o true_a but_o because_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o great_a principle_n upon_o which_o all_o christian_a hope_n depend_v i_o will_v show_v that_o we_o have_v all_o the_o rational_a assurance_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n do_v many_o age_n past_a be_v to_o be_v prove_v by_o testimony_n and_o first_o it_o be_v worthy_a of_o observation_n that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v to_o authorise_v this_o manner_n of_o proof_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o preserve_a humane_a society_n it_o be_v of_o little_a importance_n whether_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n be_v discover_v in_o speculative_a science_n or_o the_o appearance_n of_o it_o deceive_v the_o inquirer_n it_o be_v no_o wrong_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n that_o a_o astronomer_n mistake_v in_o his_o dimension_n of_o the_o magnitude_n of_o the_o sun_n for_o his_o
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 give_v weight_n to_o his_o testimony_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o know_a liar_n forfeit_v his_o credit_n so_o entire_o that_o he_o be_v not_o believe_v when_o he_o speak_v true_a when_o demades_n the_o orator_n address_v himself_o to_o the_o athenian_n i_o call_v all_o the_o god_n and_o goddess_n to_o witness_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o shall_v say_v the_o athenian_n often_o abuse_v by_o his_o impudent_a lie_n present_o interrupt_v he_o and_o we_o call_v all_o the_o god_n and_o goddess_n to_o witness_v we_o will_v not_o believe_v you_o the_o bare_a word_n of_o a_o honest_a man_n in_o a_o important_a matter_n persuade_v more_o than_o the_o most_o exquisite_a oath_n and_o far-fetched_a imprecation_n by_o which_o a_o liar_n will_v give_v credit_n to_o his_o imposture_n now_o we_o have_v strong_a proof_n of_o the_o integrity_n of_o the_o apostle_n if_o a_o inflexible_a fidelity_n and_o constant_a truth_n be_v quality_n so_o remarkable_a in_o the_o community_n of_o the_o primitive_a 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
punishment_n god_n have_v take_v away_o all_o the_o mark_n of_o his_o alliance_n with_o they_o no_o distinction_n of_o their_o tribe_n remain_v no_o observance_n of_o their_o legal_a ceremony_n no_o priest_n no_o altar_n no_o sacrifice_n no_o prophet_n nor_o miracle_n in_o short_a there_o be_v no_o true_a worship_n among_o they_o no_o god_n but_o angry_a and_o revenge_a their_o bloody_a impiety_n and_o which_o be_v most_o worthy_a of_o consideration_n the_o roman_n that_o conquer_v they_o have_v lose_v their_o empire_n and_o the_o nation_n which_o be_v subdue_v by_o their_o arm_n have_v recover_v their_o liberty_n but_o the_o jew_n after_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n be_v still_o miserable_a now_o be_v not_o this_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o a_o dreadful_a proof_n of_o the_o extremity_n of_o their_o wickedness_n in_o crucify_a jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o consequent_o he_o be_v as_o he_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o his_o office_n and_o doctrine_n be_v from_o heaven_n never_o fore_o do_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n break_v forth_o in_o such_o a_o fierce_a manner_n against_o a_o sinful_a nation_n therefore_o it_o be_v represent_v under_o the_o image_n of_o the_o final_a doom_n when_o justice_n arm_v with_o flame_n shall_v devour_v the_o ungodly_a and_o the_o whole_a world_n become_v a_o theatre_n of_o terror_n and_o never_o be_v any_o other_o nation_n guilty_a of_o such_o a_o high_a provocation_n for_o the_o son_n of_o god_n descend_v but_o once_o among_o man_n to_o be_v personal_o crucify_v the_o singularity_n of_o the_o punishment_n be_v a_o visible_a instructive_a sign_n of_o their_o transcendent_a crime_n immediate_o upon_o their_o pronounce_v the_o capital_a sentence_n against_o he_o on_o earth_n their_o utter_a ruin_n be_v pronounce_v in_o heaven_n and_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o sentence_n be_v defer_v no_o long_o but_o till_o the_o elect_a of_o that_o people_n be_v bring_v in_o and_o by_o the_o preach_a and_o excellent_a miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v confirm_v and_o thereby_o a_o beginning_n and_o form_n give_v to_o the_o new_a christian_a church_n now_o they_o have_v write_v on_o their_o forehead_n in_o very_o legible_a character_n the_o fatal_a curse_n which_o their_o father_n pronounce_v concern_v jesus_n christ_n his_o blood_n be_v on_o we_o and_o our_o child_n when_o with_o indignation_n for_o their_o idolatry_n break_v the_o table_n of_o the_o law_n god_n reestablish_v they_o but_o when_o for_o a_o great_a guilt_n god_n himself_o break_v they_o there_o be_v no_o possible_a redintegration_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o attribute_v this_o ruin_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o the_o particular_a vengeance_n of_o god_n but_o only_o to_o the_o instability_n of_o humane_a thing_n wherein_o such_o disastrous_a revolution_n sometime_o happen_v i_o answer_v that_o although_o divine_a justice_n be_v so_o visible_a in_o their_o astonish_a destruction_n that_o 6._o titus_n himself_o refuse_v a_o triumphal-crown_n after_o his_o complete_a victory_n declare_v that_o he_o be_v but_o the_o instrument_n of_o god_n anger_n who_o be_v the_o invisible_a emperor_n in_o that_o bloody_a expedition_n yet_o to_o force_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o it_o from_o all_o that_o be_v not_o wilful_o blind_a it_o be_v foretell_v when_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o peace_n and_o their_o kill_v the_o messiah_n specify_v as_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n wherein_o that_o terrible_a effect_n be_v include_v thus_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o husbandman_n and_o vineyard_n after_o they_o have_v put_v to_o death_n the_o master_n son_n he_o add_v what_o shall_v therefore_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o vineyard_n do_v he_o will_v come_v and_o destroy_v the_o husbandman_n and_o give_v the_o vineyard_n to_o other_o and_o upon_o his_o draw_v near_o to_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n he_o weep_v over_o it_o say_v if_o thou_o have_v know_v even_o thou_o at_o least_o in_o this_o thy_o day_n the_o thing_n which_o belong_v unto_o thy_o peace_n but_o now_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o thy_o eye_n for_o the_o day_n shall_v come_v upon_o thou_o that_o thy_o enemy_n shall_v cast_v a_o trench_n about_o thou_o and_o compass_v thou_o round_o and_o keep_v thou_o in_o on_o every_o side_n and_o shall_v lay_v thou_o even_o with_o the_o ground_n and_o shall_v not_o leave_v in_o thou_o one_o stone_n upon_o another_o because_o thou_o know_v not_o the_o time_n of_o thy_o visitation_n this_o be_v also_o foretell_v by_o moses_n in_o all_o the_o terrible_a circumstance_n the_o lord_n shall_v bring_v a_o nation_n against_o thou_o from_o far_o from_o the_o 28._o end_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o swift_a as_o the_o eagle_n fly_v a_o nation_n who_o tongue_n thou_o shall_v not_o understand_v a_o nation_n of_o fierce_a countenance_n which_o shall_v not_o regard_v the_o person_n of_o the_o old_a nor_o show_v favour_n to_o the_o young_a and_o he_o shall_v eat_v the_o fruit_n of_o thy_o cattle_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o thy_o land_n until_o thou_o be_v destroy_v which_o also_o shall_v not_o leave_v thou_o either_o corn_n wine_n or_o oil_n or_o the_o increase_n of_o thy_o cow_n or_o flock_n of_o thy_o sheep_n until_o he_o have_v destroy_v thou_o and_o he_o shall_v besiege_v thou_o in_o all_o thy_o gate_n throughout_o all_o thy_o land_n which_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n have_v give_v thou_o in_o the_o siege_n and_o in_o the_o straitness_n wherewith_o thy_o enemy_n shall_v distress_v thou_o such_o be_v the_o threaten_v and_o the_o event_n be_v correspondent_a in_o all_o the_o degree_n of_o misery_n which_o as_o it_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o prophecy_n so_o it_o may_v instruct_v we_o how_o fearful_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n 3._o the_o convert_n of_o the_o gentile_a world_n to_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o god_n by_o the_o messiah_n be_v foretell_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o beam_n of_o this_o glorious_a truth_n be_v gradual_o dispense_v to_o the_o israelite_n as_o their_o weak_a understanding_n can_v sustain_v it_o when_o the_o covenant_n be_v make_v with_o abraham_n god_n declare_v in_o express_a term_n in_o thy_o seed_n shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v bless_v that_o seed_n be_v the_o messiah_n not_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n descend_v from_o abraham_n for_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o universal_a blessing_n to_o the_o world_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o vain_o presume_v that_o god_n for_o their_o sake_n despise_v the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o indeed_o before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v a_o enclose_a garden_n the_o peculiar_a people_n of_o god_n and_o without_o the_o compass_n of_o judea_n sin_n reign_v absolute_o and_o universal_o now_o that_o promise_v clear_o signify_v that_o the_o favour_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n that_o he_o confer_v upon_o abraham_n in_o make_v know_v to_o he_o his_o will_n and_o promise_v to_o be_v his_o god_n and_o of_o his_o posterity_n shall_v one_o day_n be_v extend_v to_o all_o nation_n by_o call_v they_o to_o his_o knowledge_n and_o service_n to_o this_o agree_v the_o prophecy_n of_o jacob_n the_o sceptre_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o juda_n nor_o the_o lawgiver_n 10._o from_o between_o his_o foot_n till_o shilo_n come_v and_o to_o he_o shall_v the_o gather_n of_o the_o people_n be_v that_o be_v the_o gentile_n shall_v be_v convert_v from_o their_o idol_n to_o the_o true_a god_n by_o the_o messiah_n who_o the_o jew_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v signify_v by_o that_o title_n and_o moses_n introduce_v god_n as_o complain_v of_o the_o idolatry_n and_o ingratitude_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o declare_v they_o have_v move_v i_o to_o jealousy_n with_o that_o which_o be_v not_o god_n they_o have_v provoke_v i_o to_o 21._o anger_n with_o their_o vanity_n and_o i_o will_v move_v they_o to_o jealousy_n with_o those_o which_o be_v not_o a_o people_n and_o i_o will_v provoke_v they_o to_o anger_n with_o a_o foolish_a nation_n the_o external_a covenant_n between_o god_n and_o his_o people_n be_v represent_v by_o the_o union_n of_o marriage_n to_o signify_v the_o duty_n they_o owe_v to_o god_n the_o high_a honour_n the_o most_o ardent_a affection_n and_o the_o benefit_n they_o receive_v from_o he_o therefore_o when_o the_o jew_n give_v divine_a adoration_n the_o high_a respect_n of_o religion_n to_o idol_n they_o provoke_v god_n to_o jealousy_n and_o he_o threaten_v he_o will_v break_v his_o alliance_n with_o they_o and_o give_v his_o heart_n and_o love_n to_o those_o which_o be_v not_o a_o people_n and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o counter-passion_n they_o shall_v be_v provoke_v to_o jealousy_n it_o be_v very_o visible_a these_o expression_n signify_v the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o
and_o the_o redeemer_n of_o the_o world_n this_o i_o will_v brief_o open_v there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v record_n in_o heaven_n the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o these_o three_o be_v one_o and_o there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v witness_n in_o earth_n the_o spirit_n and_o the_o water_n and_o the_o blood_n and_o these_o three_o agree_v in_o one_o all_o the_o divinity_n give_v testimony_n of_o this_o important_a truth_n the_o father_n not_o only_o by_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o his_o power_n to_o confirm_v the_o mission_n of_o christ_n but_o which_o be_v here_o principal_o intend_v by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n first_o at_o his_o baptism_n this_o be_v my_o well-beloved_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v and_o at_o his_o transfiguration_n before_o some_o of_o his_o disciple_n a_o shine_v cloud_n the_o sign_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n encompass_v they_o and_o a_o voice_n come_v forth_o of_o the_o cloud_n this_o be_v my_o well_o belove_a son_n hear_v he_o upon_o this_o glorious_a voice_n they_o be_v strike_v with_o such_o a_o impression_n of_o fear_n that_o they_o fall_v on_o their_o face_n and_o when_o our_o saviour_n near_o his_o passion_n pray_v father_n glorify_v thy_o name_n a_o voice_n come_v from_o heaven_n i_o have_v glorify_v it_o and_o will_v glorify_v it_o now_o can_v there_o remain_v any_o doubt_n after_o such_o a_o high_a attestation_n from_o the_o most_o sovereign_a authority_n the_o son_n also_o beside_o the_o perfect_a holiness_n of_o his_o life_n the_o exquisite_a wisdom_n of_o his_o doctrine_n the_o wonder_n of_o his_o work_n his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a that_o be_v authentic_a proof_n of_o his_o celestial_a person_n and_o call_v after_o his_o ascension_n glorious_o appear_v from_o heaven_n in_o diverse_a vision_n to_o the_o preacher_n of_o his_o gospel_n to_o saul_n in_o his_o journey_n to_o damascus_n call_v to_o he_o saul_n saul_n why_o persecute_v thou_o i_o it_o be_v hard_a for_o thou_o to_o kick_v against_o the_o prick_n this_o be_v a_o unexceptionable_a testimony_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o return_v to_o heaven_n from_o whence_o he_o thus_o discover_v himself_o now_o that_o this_o be_v real_a and_o no_o fantastic_a illusion_n be_v evident_a by_o the_o marvellous_a effect_n of_o it_o those_o who_o be_v companion_n in_o the_o journey_n be_v seize_v with_o great_a terror_n and_o himself_o strike_v blind_a by_o the_o overpower_a splendour_n of_o the_o apparition_n but_o especial_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o upon_o his_o soul_n be_v convince_a who_o it_o be_v that_o speak_v to_o he_o for_o saul_n be_v by_o sect_n a_o pharisee_fw-mi that_o of_o all_o other_o most_o passionate_o adhere_v to_o the_o jewish_a religion_n by_o temper_v hot_a and_o violent_a by_o profession_n a_o persecutor_n of_o the_o christian_n one_o that_o breathe_v forth_o threaten_v and_o slaughter_n that_o excite_v the_o fury_n of_o the_o high-priest_n solicit_v their_o cruelty_n in_o short_a a_o fierce_a spirit_n that_o envy_v nero_n the_o title_n of_o the_o first_o persecutor_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o this_o man_n by_o this_o vision_n and_o voice_n from_o heaven_n of_o a_o furious_a persecutor_n in_o a_o instant_n become_v a_o zealous_a apostle_n of_o a_o wolf_n become_v a_o pastor_n he_o present_o express_v his_o entire_a submission_n lord_n what_o will_v thou_o have_v i_o to_o do_v there_o be_v nothing_o so_o hard_a to_o do_v nothing_o so_o dreadful_a to_o suffer_v but_o i_o will_v ready_o undertake_v for_o thy_o honour_n and_o the_o propagate_a thy_o truth_n now_o from_o whence_o come_v this_o change_n so_o strange_a so_o new_a in_o a_o person_n confirm_v in_o the_o opposite_a party_n from_o whence_o this_o resignation_n of_o will_n so_o entire_a and_o perfect_a so_o unexpected_a and_o sudden_a what_o give_v he_o courage_n to_o contradict_v to_o their_o face_n the_o high-priest_n who_o instrument_n he_o be_v and_o declare_v that_o jesus_n who_o they_o call_v a_o deceiver_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o their_o judge_n what_o animate_v he_o to_o appear_v before_o king_n and_o emperor_n to_o testify_v this_o dangerous_a truth_n what_o make_v he_o with_o unparalleled_a activity_n with_o the_o most_o ardent_a affection_n propagate_v the_o gospel_n and_o after_o a_o thousand_o peril_n by_o sea_n and_o land_n a_o thousand_o disgrace_n and_o injury_n at_o last_o to_o confirm_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n with_o his_o blood_n it_o be_v therefore_o past_a all_o contradiction_n that_o he_o have_v the_o great_a assurance_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o he_o another_o vision_n of_o the_o word_n from_o heaven_n be_v to_o st._n john_n when_o he_o be_v please_v to_o reveal_v to_o he_o the_o future_a state_n of_o his_o church_n its_o combat_n and_o victory_n he_o than_o appear_v in_o a_o form_n expressive_a of_o his_o majesty_n power_n and_o providence_n requisite_a for_o the_o order_n all_o the_o great_a event_n that_o shall_v befall_v it_o and_o say_v i_o be_o the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o i_o be_o he_o that_o live_v and_o be_v dead_a and_o behold_v i_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o of_o death_n wherein_o he_o appropriate_v to_o himself_o the_o incommunicable_a title_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o then_o declare_v those_o two_o astonish_a miracle_n that_o the_o prince_n of_o life_n that_o have_v a_o eternal_a principle_n of_o it_o in_o himself_o be_v dead_a and_o that_o one_o who_o have_v be_v dead_a be_v alive_a this_o riddle_n the_o gospel_n unfold_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v make_v man_n and_o by_o that_o admirable_a union_n ally_v eternity_n and_o time_n life_n and_o death_n together_o as_o it_o be_v a_o common_a form_n of_o speech_n that_o a_o man_n die_v when_o the_o body_n be_v deprive_v of_o life_n though_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a so_o it_o be_v true_a the_o son_n of_o god_n die_v when_o his_o body_n be_v crucify_v though_o he_o be_v uncapable_a of_o the_o least_o diminution_n of_o his_o divine_a life_n and_o after_o three_o day_n he_o rise_v by_o the_o divine_a power_n to_o enjoy_v a_o immortal_a life_n and_o have_v the_o key_n of_o hell_n and_o death_n the_o irresistible_a force_n of_o death_n all_o man_n must_v yield_v to_o and_o from_o the_o grave_a there_o be_v no_o redemption_n by_o finite_a power_n but_o jesus_n christ_n have_v sovereign_a authority_n and_o power_n to_o open_v the_o grave_a and_o raise_v the_o dead_a to_o a_o happy_a immortality_n this_o glorious_a appearance_n make_v st._n john_n to_o fall_v as_o dead_a at_o his_o foot_n and_o can_v not_o recover_v himself_o till_o assure_v by_o the_o revive_a word_n of_o his_o favour_n the_o spirit_n also_o appear_v from_o heaven_n to_o give_v testimony_n concern_v the_o divine_a person_n and_o office_n of_o christ_n first_o by_o descend_v as_o a_o dove_n on_o he_o when_o he_o be_v baptize_v this_o be_v the_o completion_n of_o the_o prophecy_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o i_o he_o have_v anoint_v i_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o poor_a to_o publish_v deliverance_n to_o the_o captive_n and_o in_o the_o second_o of_o the_o act_n the_o spirit_n descend_v in_o the_o form_n of_o fiery_a tongue_n upon_o the_o apostle_n to_o qualify_v they_o for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v worthy_a of_o observation_n that_o the_o apostle_n be_v before_o this_o very_a defective_a in_o wisdom_n and_o courage_n so_o that_o their_o divine_a master_n though_o goodness_n itself_o yet_o tax_v they_o for_o their_o stupidity_n and_o in_o his_o suffering_n they_o all_o forsake_v he_o but_o after_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o they_o they_o be_v endow_v with_o that_o admirable_a wisdom_n and_o resolution_n that_o nothing_o can_v gainsay_v and_o overcome_v they_o present_o speak_v in_o various_a language_n the_o thing_n concern_v jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o world_n be_v astonish_v and_o many_o convert_v by_o this_o testimony_n from_o god_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o other_o confound_v in_o their_o obstinacy_n now_o since_o this_o miraculous_a descent_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o ratify_v the_o promise_n that_o he_o make_v to_o they_o if_o i_o go_v away_o i_o will_v send_v to_o you_o another_o comforter_n what_o more_o clear_a and_o valuable_a testimony_n can_v we_o have_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n if_o infidelity_n shall_v reply_v if_o we_o have_v hear_v these_o voice_n and_o see_v those_o glorious_a vision_n we_o shall_v be_v convince_v but_o what_o assurance_n have_v we_o there_o be_v no_o deceit_n in_o these_o relation_n i_o answer_v there_o never_o be_v clear_a ground_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o thing_n do_v without_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o own_o sense_n than_o of_o what_o