two_o 13._o and_o it_o be_v not_o only_o threaten_v that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v suffer_v eternal_a punishment_n but_o it_o be_v likewise_o express_o foretell_v that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v sentence_v to_o everlasting_a fire_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v go_v away_o into_o everlasting_a punishment_n matth._n twenty-five_o 41_o 46._o to_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o hope_n of_o any_o end_n or_o abatement_n of_o the_o punishment_n we_o have_v our_o saviour_n express_a declaration_n that_o the_o sentence_n shall_v be_v pass_v according_a to_o the_o threaten_v and_o that_o the_o everlasting_a punishment_n which_o be_v threaten_v shall_v be_v certain_o execute_v upon_o the_o wicked_a our_o judge_n have_v beforehand_o declare_v what_o sentence_n he_o will_v pass_v the_o term_n whereof_o be_v therefore_o as_o unalterable_a as_o if_o it_o be_v already_o pronounce_v he_o have_v declare_v that_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o wicked_a as_o well_o as_o the_o reward_n of_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v eternal_a as_o direct_o and_o positive_o as_o he_o have_v say_v any_o thing_n else_o relate_v to_o the_o last_o judgement_n or_o concern_v any_o other_o part_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o we_o have_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o imagine_v that_o his_o express_a and_o repeat_v affirmation_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o reserve_v mean_v in_o this_o particular_a as_o in_o any_o other_o matter_n whatsoever_o some_o of_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o be_v consequent_a to_o the_o punishment_n of_o this_o world_n be_v precedent_n to_o those_o of_o the_o next_o here_o man_n be_v punish_v for_o their_o own_o amendment_n or_o for_o the_o advantage_n and_o security_n of_o other_o or_o for_o both_o in_o the_o next_o world_n the_o actual_a inflict_v of_o punishment_n be_v not_o for_o these_o end_n but_o they_o be_v threaten_v for_o these_o and_o they_o must_v be_v inflict_v when_o they_o have_v be_v once_o threaten_v and_o declare_v by_o god_n who_o can_v lie_v it_o be_v for_o the_o repentance_n of_o sinner_n and_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o good_a man_n in_o preserve_v they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n and_o secure_v they_o from_o the_o pride_n and_o malice_n of_o the_o wicked_a that_o hell_n shall_v be_v threaten_v but_o because_o it_o be_v the_o final_a and_o eternal_a state_n of_o the_o wicked_a it_o can_v be_v for_o their_o amendment_n after_o the_o execution_n of_o its_o torment_n upon_o they_o and_o good_a man_n be_v once_o out_o of_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n and_o place_v beyond_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o wicked_a can_v no_o long_o have_v any_o protection_n or_o advantage_n from_o the_o punishment_n dehounce_v against_o impenitent_a sinner_n but_o whether_o the_o advantage_n arise_v from_o punishment_n be_v before_o or_o after_o the_o inflict_a of_o punishment_n there_o be_v the_o same_o necessity_n for_o the_o appoint_v and_o consequent_o for_o the_o inflict_v they_o viz._n the_o good_a of_o mankind_n in_o keep_v man_n from_o sin_n and_o leave_v those_o without_o excuse_n who_o will_v not_o be_v restrain_v from_o it_o and_o work_v out_o their_o own_o salvation_n but_o another_o end_n of_o punishment_n be_v that_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n may_v be_v make_v to_o the_o supreme_a authority_n which_o be_v despise_v and_o affront_v by_o it_o and_o the_o vindication_n of_o god_n honour_n and_o authority_n and_o of_o his_o truth_n and_o holiness_n in_o his_o hatred_n and_o detestation_n of_o sin_n and_o his_o indignation_n against_o sinner_n be_v manifest_v by_o the_o actual_a punishment_n of_o the_o damn_a and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o contrary_a to_o all_o this_o if_o they_o be_v threaten_v and_o not_o inflict_v and_o the_o number_n of_o person_n to_o be_v thus_o punish_v do_v not_o alter_v the_o case_n but_o only_o show_v that_o many_o be_v concern_v in_o it_o and_o if_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o the_o justice_n must_v be_v the_o same_o too_o though_o the_o person_n be_v never_o so_o many_o upon_o who_o it_o be_v execute_v that_o which_o be_v just_o towards_o one_o or_o merciful_a towards_o one_o be_v just_a or_o merciful_a towards_o never_o so_o many_o thousand_o for_o justice_n and_o mercy_n consist_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n not_o in_o the_o great_a or_o lesser_a number_n of_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v extend_v and_o though_o multitude_n of_o criminal_n be_v apt_a to_o move_v compassion_n in_o man_n yet_o this_o proceed_v partly_o from_o the_o sympathy_n and_o frailty_n of_o human_a nature_n which_o be_v mighty_o sway_v by_o number_n and_o multitude_n to_o do_v either_o good_a or_o evil_a partly_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o human_a affair_n for_o to_o destroy_v multitude_n will_v depopulate_v city_n and_o country_n and_o will_v be_v a_o affliction_n to_o multitude_n of_o innocent_a person_n their_o friend_n and_o relation_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o the_o present_a case_n there_o will_v be_v no_o want_n of_o number_n in_o heaven_n and_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v everlasting_o happy_a and_o shall_v perceive_v no_o diminution_n of_o their_o happiness_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o damnation_n of_o such_o as_o be_v never_o so_o dear_a to_o they_o in_o this_o world_n and_o mercy_n and_o pity_n be_v not_o a_o passion_n in_o god_n as_o it_o be_v in_o man_n but_o a_o perfection_n it_o be_v the_o highst_a reason_n and_o equity_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o misery_n of_o sinner_n be_v never_o so_o severe_a and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o miserable_a never_o so_o great_a yet_o when_o the_o equity_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o case_n do_v not_o require_v it_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o move_v god_n for_o their_o relief_n because_o he_o act_n by_o the_o stand_a rule_n of_o reason_n and_o wisdom_n not_o by_o any_o fondness_n and_o weakness_n of_o passion_n 2._o i_o come_v now_o to_o show_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o his_o inflict_a eternal_a torment_n upon_o sinner_n strict_a justice_n have_v a_o severe_a aspect_n and_o it_o may_v seem_v hard_a for_o frail_a man_n to_o abide_v the_o sentence_n that_o he_o may_v in_o strictness_n of_o justice_n deserve_v but_o from_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n it_o be_v natural_a for_o we_o to_o appeal_v to_o his_o mercy_n and_o thither_o he_o allow_v we_o to_o appeal_v but_o not_o so_o as_o to_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v so_o merciful_a as_o not_o to_o be_v just_a or_o shall_v forget_v that_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n whilst_o he_o extend_v his_o mercy_n to_o the_o offend_a and_o criminal_a part_n of_o it_o punishment_n be_v necessary_a to_o all_o government_n and_o god_n as_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n must_v inflict_v punishment_n and_o what_o these_o be_v to_o be_v it_o belong_v to_o his_o sovereign_a wisdom_n to_o appoint_v and_o eternal_a torment_n be_v appoint_v for_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n not_o only_o out_o of_o a_o very_a just_a but_o even_o out_o of_o a_o gracious_a design_n because_o nothing_o less_o than_o the_o threaten_n of_o they_o will_v keep_v man_n from_o sin_n and_o from_o that_o misery_n which_o be_v the_o unavoidable_a consequence_n of_o it_o and_o so_o bring_v they_o to_o heaven_n it_o be_v a_o ancient_n and_o true_a observation_n which_o edit_n which_o chrysad_a stagir_n lib._n 1._o tom_n 6._o sau._n edit_n st._n chrysostom_n have_v make_v that_o there_o be_v mercy_n even_o in_o the_o threat_n of_o eternal_a vengeance_n because_o nothing_o less_o can_v have_v bring_v many_o man_n to_o heaven_n for_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o many_o will_v be_v there_o who_o shall_v have_v cause_n to_o thank_v god_n for_o this_o as_o the_o thing_n which_o first_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o move_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o thereby_o bring_v they_o to_o bliss_n and_o glory_n and_o the_o same_o mercy_n be_v extend_v to_o those_o that_o perish_v and_o will_v not_o make_v the_o same_o use_n of_o it_o which_o if_o they_o have_v do_v they_o have_v never_o perish_v though_o heaven_n and_o hell_n 7._o hell_n chrys_n ad_fw-la â—op_n antioch_n de_fw-fr sâ—â—tuis_fw-la hom._n 7._o say_v st._n chrysostom_n be_v contrary_a to_o each_o other_o yet_o they_o both_o aim_n at_o the_o same_o end_n the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n invite_v man_n to_o it_o and_o the_o fear_n of_o hell_n force_v those_o to_o heaven_n who_o otherwise_o will_v be_v regardless_o of_o their_o own_o happiness_n god_n have_v use_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o prevail_a mean_n to_o convince_v sinner_n of_o their_o danger_n and_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o escape_v it_o and_o obtain_v salvation_n we_o have_v everlasting_a reward_n and_o everlasting_a punishment_n propose_v to_o our_o choice_n we_o be_v exhort_v with_o the_o great_a earnestness_n and_o move_v and_o assist_v with_o the_o continual_a influence_n
mediation_n and_o intercession_n of_o christ_n for_o we_o be_v of_o great_a power_n and_o efficacy_n than_o any_o can_v have_v be_v if_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v not_o become_v man_n to_o die_v for_o our_o sake_n there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n 1_o tim._n two_o 5._o he_o be_v to_o be_v man_n as_o well_o as_o god_n that_o come_v with_o divine_a power_n and_o authority_n and_o yet_o with_o the_o affability_n and_o accessibleness_n of_o a_o man_n he_o may_v in_o all_o respect_n be_v full_o qualify_v to_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o a_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man._n if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v god_n he_o can_v not_o have_v come_v with_o absolute_a authority_n to_o offer_v we_o term_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o unless_o he_o have_v be_v man_n he_o can_v not_o have_v treat_v with_o man_n in_o so_o familiar_a and_o condescend_v a_o way_n upon_o these_o term_n and_o the_o right_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n mediation_n and_o intercession_n in_o behalf_n of_o sinner_n be_v found_v upon_o his_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o this_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v both_o god_n and_o man_n man_n that_o he_o may_v suffer_v and_o die_v for_o we_o and_o god_n that_o his_o divine_a nature_n may_v give_v a_o infinite_a value_n to_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n and_o render_v they_o satisfactory_a for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n though_o it_o shall_v be_v suppose_v which_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v that_o god_n in_o his_o mercy_n may_v have_v pardon_v sinner_n without_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n yet_o if_o in_o mercy_n he_o may_v have_v forgive_v he_o may_v in_o justice_n have_v punish_v they_o unless_o satisfaction_n have_v be_v make_v and_o nothing_o can_v have_v make_v satisfaction_n to_o his_o justice_n but_o the_o suffering_n of_o his_o son_n the_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n of_o no_o create_v be_v can_v have_v be_v of_o that_o value_n as_o to_o make_v satisfaction_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o no_o creature_n can_v have_v redeem_a man_n or_o have_v become_v mediator_n for_o he_o upon_o the_o term_n of_o his_o own_o merit_n in_o man_n behalf_n so_o as_o to_o plead_v the_o price_n of_o redemption_n lay_v down_o for_o he_o god_n may_v grant_v the_o request_n of_o angel_n and_o man_n out_o of_o his_o free_a mercy_n and_o bounty_n but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o necessary_a force_n and_o efficacy_n in_o intercession_n where_o there_o be_v no_o precedent_a merit_n and_o satisfaction_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o intercessor_n but_o christ_n plead_v his_o merit_n on_o our_o account_n and_o mediate_v our_o cause_n with_o his_o father_n upon_o the_o term_n of_o strict_a justice_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o ransom_n of_o his_o own_o blood_n and_o be_v so_o powerful_a a_o intercessor_n for_o we_o that_o not_o only_o the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n but_o even_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n can_v deny_v his_o intercession_n it_o be_v the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n to_o send_v his_o son_n to_o suffer_v in_o our_o stead_n but_o since_o he_o be_v please_v to_o admit_v of_o this_o commutation_n of_o the_o punishment_n which_o we_o have_v deserve_v and_o to_o tranferr_v it_o upon_o his_o own_o son_n his_o death_n be_v a_o full_a perfect_a and_o sufficient_a sacrifice_n oblation_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o the_o death_n of_o no_o creature_n can_v have_v be_v and_o therefore_o not_o create_v be_v can_v have_v become_v our_o mediator_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o own_o merit_n and_o have_v satisfy_v the_o utmost_a justice_n of_o god_n much_o less_o can_v any_o creature_n have_v merit_v the_o assistance_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o glory_n for_o we_o iv_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o excite_v in_o we_o faith_n and_o hope_v and_o charity_n and_o unfeigned_a love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n the_o love_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o dispose_v and_o engage_v we_o to_o all_o virtue_n and_o piety_n the_o son_n of_o god_n assume_v our_o nature_n give_v we_o the_o great_a assurance_n of_o his_o compassion_n for_o our_o infirmity_n and_o his_o desire_n of_o our_o happiness_n god_n be_v infinite_o merciful_a in_o his_o own_o divine_a nature_n but_o he_o never_o can_v give_v such_o a_o instance_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o love_n towards_o we_o as_o by_o take_v it_o upon_o himself_o god_n be_v essential_a truth_n and_o holiness_n and_o yet_o willing_a more_o abundant_o to_o show_v to_o the_o heir_n of_o promise_n the_o immutability_n of_o his_o counsel_n he_o confirm_v it_o with_o a_o oath_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n in_o the_o present_a case_n god_n be_v willing_a to_o give_v we_o all_o the_o ground_n for_o faith_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o that_o can_v be_v imagine_v take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o that_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n in_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o deceive_v we_o may_v have_v a_o strong_a consolation_n both_o from_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o from_o the_o tenderness_n and_o compassion_n of_o our_o own_o for_o we_o have_v not_o a_o highpriest_n who_o can_v be_v touch_v with_o the_o feel_n of_o our_o infirmity_n and_o therefore_o be_v exhort_v in_o this_o confidence_n to_o come_v bold_o unto_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n heb._n four_o 15_o 16._o vi_fw-la 17_o 18._o we_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o have_v the_o great_a concern_v for_o that_o nature_n which_o he_o have_v take_v into_o a_o personal_a union_n with_o himself_o and_o continual_o present_v before_o his_o father_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o and_o we_o be_v likewise_o assure_v of_o the_o father_n love_n towards_o we_o for_o now_o we_o know_v that_o he_o love_v we_o see_v he_o have_v not_o withhold_v his_o son_n his_o only_a son_n from_o we_o but_o send_v he_o into_o the_o world_n to_o die_v for_o our_o salvation_n he_o that_o spare_v not_o his_o own_o son_n but_o deliver_v he_o up_o for_o we_o all_o how_o shall_v he_o not_o with_o he_o also_o free_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n who_o shall_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o god_n elect_n it_o be_v god_n that_o justifi_v who_o be_v he_o that_o condemn_v it_o be_v christ_n that_o die_v yea_o rather_o that_o be_v rise_v again_o who_o be_v even_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n who_o also_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o rom._n viij_o 32_o 33_o 34._o and_o as_o the_o manifestation_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n be_v peculiar_o adapt_v and_o design_v to_o raise_v our_o faith_n and_o hope_n and_o trust_v and_o confidence_n and_o dependence_n upon_o god_n so_o it_o be_v above_o all_o the_o most_o prevail_a motive_n to_o engage_v our_o love_n the_o infinite_a love_n of_o christ_n in_o die_v for_o we_o must_v needs_o require_v and_o even_o extort_v from_o we_o all_o possible_a return_n of_o love_n and_o praise_n and_o adoration_n 7._o adoration_n chrysost_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d tom._n 7._o st._n chrysostome_n give_v this_o as_o one_o reason_n why_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v incarnate_a to_o become_v the_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n of_o mankind_n because_o if_o it_o have_v be_v possible_a for_o a_o creature_n to_o undertake_v and_o effect_v our_o redemption_n man_n will_v never_o have_v think_v they_o can_v have_v have_v esteem_n enough_o for_o he_o or_o have_v make_v due_a expression_n of_o their_o gratitude_n unless_o they_o have_v deify_v he_o and_o commit_v idolatry_n in_o worship_v he_o and_o pay_v he_o all_o divine_a honour_n and_o to_o prevent_v this_o in_o moses_n who_o be_v but_o a_o temporal_a deliverer_n and_o but_o a_o type_n of_o christ_n his_o sepulchre_n be_v conceal_v from_o the_o israelite_n so_o dear_o be_v the_o memory_n of_o great_a and_o generous_a benefactor_n wont_a to_o be_v that_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v they_o never_o can_v be_v sufficient_o grateful_a to_o they_o unless_o they_o even_o adore_v and_o worship_v they_o which_o be_v one_o chief_a occasion_n of_o idolatry_n among_o the_o heathen_n therefore_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o can_v belong_v only_o to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o who_o all_o love_n and_o reverence_n all_o worship_n and_o adoration_n be_v due_a and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a aim_n and_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o obey_v god_n upon_o principle_n of_o love_n the_o foundation_n of_o it_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o nothing_o can_v be_v conceive_v which_o can_v have_v so_o powerful_o prevail_v upon_o man_n to_o love_n god_n as_o the_o incarnation_n of_o his_o son_n
and_o love_v be_v the_o only_a principle_n of_o obedience_n which_o can_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n this_o must_v be_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o sit_v dispensation_n which_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o excite_v in_o we_o the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o power_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n have_v be_v manifest_v before_o in_o the_o creation_n and_o preservation_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o many_o signal_n judgement_n upon_o sinner_n the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n be_v likewise_o visible_a in_o the_o daily_a blessing_n bestow_v upon_o mankind_n but_o the_o exceed_a riches_n of_o his_o grace_n be_v make_v know_v in_o his_o kindness_n towards_o we_o through_o christ_n jesus_n ephes_n two_o 7._o and_o as_o this_o must_v cause_v we_o to_o love_n god_n so_o â—t_a must_v make_v we_o if_o any_o thing_n can_v do_v it_o to_o have_v love_n one_o for_o another_o god_n incarnate_a be_v the_o head_n and_o vital_a principle_n the_o common_a bond_n of_o life_n and_o union_n 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himself_o belove_a say_v st._n john_n if_o god_n so_o love_v we_o we_o ought_v also_o to_o love_v one_o another_o 1_o joh._n four_o 11._o and_o this_o be_v st._n paul_n argument_n to_o the_o corinthian_n to_o excite_v they_o to_o charity_n towards_o their_o poor_a brethren_n for_o you_o know_v the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o though_o he_o be_v rich_a yet_o for_o your_o sake_n he_o become_v poor_a that_o you_o through_o his_o poverty_n may_v be_v rich_a 2_o cor._n viij_o 9_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n must_v likewise_o cause_v we_o to_o have_v the_o great_a hatred_n and_o detestation_n of_o sin_n as_o be_v that_o which_o be_v most_o displease_v to_o god_n and_o that_o which_o occasion_v the_o death_n of_o his_o only_a son_n to_o atone_v for_o it_o and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o who_o neglect_n so_o great_a salvation_n must_v expect_v the_o heavy_a punishment_n for_o so_o heinous_a a_o contempt_n and_o provocation_n if_o we_o will_v be_v gain_v by_o any_o method_n of_o love_n christ_n have_v do_v all_o that_o be_v possible_a to_o effect_v it_o but_o if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v move_v by_o all_o the_o kindness_n and_o compassion_n of_o love_n itself_o we_o can_v hope_v for_o no_o further_a favour_n if_o the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v to_o die_v for_o we_o and_o we_o will_v not_o regard_v it_o so_o as_o to_o be_v make_v the_o better_a by_o it_o nothing_o more_o can_v be_v look_v for_o but_o wrath_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n so_o that_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o flesh_n be_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o fit_a mean_n to_o work_v upon_o the_o love_n and_o fear_v and_o hope_v and_o all_o the_o passion_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o produce_v all_o those_o grace_n in_o we_o which_o the_o gospel_n require_v it_o be_v the_o best_a fit_v both_o to_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o other_o mean_n have_v be_v possible_a yet_o none_o that_o we_o can_v conceive_v can_v have_v be_v so_o effectual_a to_o procure_v the_o salvation_n of_o men._n chap._n xxi_o of_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n or_o the_o time_n appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n since_o we_o have_v so_o great_a evidence_n to_o satisfy_v we_o that_o christ_n do_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o die_v for_o we_o it_o will_v be_v the_o great_a ingratitude_n and_o folly_n as_o well_o as_o impiety_n to_o reject_v he_o though_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o give_v any_o exact_a account_n concern_v the_o reason_n for_o the_o time_n of_o his_o come_n it_o be_v not_o for_o we_o to_o know_v the_o time_n or_o the_o season_n which_o the_o father_n have_v put_v in_o his_o own_o power_n act_v i_o 7._o these_o thing_n be_v in_o god_n disposal_n and_o unless_o we_o can_v be_v content_v to_o leave_v the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o our_o salvation_n to_o his_o wisdom_n we_o only_o show_v how_o little_o we_o deserve_v his_o mercy_n and_o how_o unwilling_a we_o be_v to_o believe_v they_o and_o to_o accept_v of_o they_o but_o though_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a cavil_v to_o dispute_v the_o come_n of_o christ_n upon_o a_o bare_a circumstance_n and_o nicety_n concern_v the_o reason_n for_o the_o particular_a time_n of_o his_o incarnation_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o give_v such_o a_o account_n of_o the_o time_n appoint_v for_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n as_o may_v serve_v to_o silence_v all_o objection_n against_o it_o and_o to_o desire_v to_o know_v any_o further_a of_o it_o be_v a_o useless_a and_o unwarrantable_a curiosity_n for_o all_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o god_n may_v have_v the_o best_a and_o wise_a reason_n for_o his_o dispensation_n which_o yet_o we_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v and_o which_o it_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o to_o know_v the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v bear_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n when_o all_o thing_n be_v fulfil_v and_o accomplish_v in_o order_n to_o it_o and_o the_o world_n be_v in_o a_o due_a readiness_n and_o preparation_n for_o his_o come_n 1._o god_n have_v beforehand_o use_v all_o other_o mean_n to_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o send_v his_o son_n at_o last_o for_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v send_v but_o upon_o necessity_n and_o it_o be_v fit_a they_o to_o who_o he_o be_v send_v shall_v be_v sensible_a of_o that_o necessity_n that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o know_v how_o to_o value_v the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o in_o send_v his_o only_a son_n to_o be_v bear_v and_o to_o die_v for_o they_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o at_o the_o repeople_a it_o after_o the_o flood_n revelation_n be_v so_o frequent_a and_o the_o will_n and_o command_n of_o god_n so_o well_o know_v and_o his_o promise_n to_o send_v his_o son_n so_o clear_o understand_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o necessity_n that_o christ_n shall_v be_v 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the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o robert_n jenkin_n chaplain_n to_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o earl_n of_o exeter_z and_o late_a fellow_n of_o st._n john_n college_n in_o cambridge_n the_o second_o edition_n enlarge_v london_n print_v for_o p._n b._n and_o r._n wellington_n at_o the_o dolphin_n and_o crown_n the_o west-end_n of_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a john_n earl_n of_o exeter_z may_v it_o please_v your_o lordship_n the_o general_a decay_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n among_o we_o have_v make_v i_o think_v that_o i_o can_v not_o better_o employ_v the_o leisure_n which_o by_o your_o lordship_n favour_n i_o enjoy_v than_o in_o use_v my_o best_a endeavour_n to_o show_v the_o excellency_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o and_o what_o i_o have_v do_v be_v here_o humble_o present_v to_o your_o lordship_n as_o of_o right_a and_o upon_o many_o account_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o honour_n and_o the_o satisfaction_n which_o i_o have_v often_o have_v to_o hear_v your_o lordship_n speak_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n encourage_v i_o to_o hope_n that_o a_o performance_n though_o but_o such_o as_o this_o upon_o that_o subject_a may_v obtain_v your_o acceptance_n and_o the_o name_n only_o of_o a_o person_n of_o your_o lordship_n honour_n and_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o world_n may_v perhaps_o be_v of_o more_o advantage_n to_o the_o cause_n i_o undertake_v than_o any_o thing_n i_o have_v be_v able_a to_o write_v religion_n may_v seem_v by_o descent_n and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o inheritance_n to_o belong_v to_o your_o lordship_n care_n the_o wisdom_n and_o piety_n of_o your_o great_a ancestor_n appear_v to_o distant_a age_n in_o the_o reformation_n which_o through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n be_v in_o so_o great_a a_o measure_n by_o his_o mean_n establish_v in_o this_o kingdom_n and_o i_o have_v with_o joy_n often_o think_v 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life_n to_o the_o mansion_n of_o eternal_a bliss_n in_o heaven_n that_o these_o my_o endeavour_n may_v prove_v but_o in_o any_o measure_n serviceable_a to_o the_o end_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o thereby_o to_o the_o glory_n and_o happiness_n of_o your_o honourable_a family_n in_o this_o and_o a_o better_a world_n be_v my_o lord_n the_o unfeigned_a desire_n and_o prayer_n of_o your_o lordship_n be_v most_o humble_a and_o most_o obedient_a servant_n and_o chaplain_n r._n jenkin_n the_o preface_n i_o be_o sensible_a that_o the_o publication_n of_o a_o treatise_n of_o this_o nature_n will_v be_v liable_a to_o exception_n from_o those_o for_o who_o use_n and_o benefit_n it_o be_v chief_o design_v who_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o lay_v hold_n of_o all_o pretence_n to_o avoid_v the_o be_v convince_v of_o what_o they_o have_v so_o little_a mind_n to_o believe_v they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o say_v that_o if_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o certain_a and_o so_o evident_a as_o 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book_n write_v on_o this_o subject_a do_v not_o prove_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o religion_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a and_o that_o the_o ill_a life_n of_o man_n be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o religion_n they_o profess_v and_o then_o i_o shall_v inquire_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o a_o religion_n which_o carry_v so_o plain_a and_o convince_a evidence_n along_o with_o it_o shall_v yet_o by_o too_o many_o be_v disbelieved_a or_o disregard_v 1._o to_o the_o first_o thing_n it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o say_v that_o the_o number_n of_o writer_n be_v a_o great_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n since_o as_o many_o as_o have_v undertake_v the_o proof_n of_o it_o have_v always_o agree_v in_o the_o main_a evidence_n and_o differ_v only_o in_o method_n or_o in_o the_o management_n of_o particular_a argument_n and_o though_o all_o have_v not_o write_v with_o equal_a strength_n and_o clearness_n yet_o there_o be_v not_o i_o believe_v one_o author_n but_o have_v bring_v sufficient_a argument_n to_o confute_v the_o adversary_n of_o religion_n they_o be_v please_v indeed_o to_o think_v otherwise_o but_o they_o may_v at_o least_o take_v notice_n how_o obvious_a it_o be_v that_o if_o this_o objection_n prove_v any_o thing_n it_o must_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o certainty_n in_o the_o world_n because_o there_o be_v no_o art_n nor_o science_n concern_v which_o divers_a treatise_n be_v not_o daily_a publish_a but_o be_v therefore_o the_o nature_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n uncertain_a be_v it_o the_o less_o certain_a whether_o justice_n temperance_n and_o common_a honesty_n be_v virtue_n or_o whether_o murder_n adultery_n and_o theft_n be_v crime_n because_o law_n be_v make_v and_o sermon_n daily_o preach_v concern_v these_o thing_n or_o can_v any_o man_n doubt_v that_o these_o crime_n often_o meet_v with_o severe_a punishment_n even_o in_o this_o
apply_v his_o own_o song_n or_o poem_n exod._n xv_o deut._n xxxii_o if_o it_o be_v think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o write_n before_o the_o flood_n because_o there_o be_v no_o account_n of_o the_o invention_n of_o it_o though_o the_o inventor_n of_o other_o infeferior_a art_n be_v mention_v this_o rather_o prove_v the_o contrary_a and_o that_o it_o be_v coaeval_fw-fr with_o mankind_n or_o be_v the_o invention_n of_o adam_n it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o in_o so_o long_a a_o life_n he_o shall_v find_v out_o nothing_o for_o the_o use_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o posterity_n though_o no_o invention_n be_v attribute_v to_o he_o and_o write_v be_v so_o necessary_a that_o the_o world_n can_v very_o ill_o subsist_v without_o it_o for_o above_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n the_o grecian_n and_o other_o nation_n have_v record_v the_o first_o inventor_n as_o they_o suppose_v of_o letter_n as_o those_o who_o best_o deserve_v a_o memorial_n in_o history_n and_o since_o there_o be_v no_o other_o mention_n among_o the_o ancient_a jewish_a writer_n but_o that_o they_o be_v before_o the_o flood_n some_o of_o they_o also_o ascribe_v they_o to_o adam_n this_o imply_v that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o great_a antiquity_n and_o the_o time_n of_o their_o invention_n be_v no_o more_o know_v than_o that_o of_o plough_v and_o sow_v and_o other_o necessary_a art_n which_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n but_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v suppose_v that_o before_o the_o flood_n they_o have_v not_o the_o same_o conveniency_n for_o preserve_v the_o remembrance_n of_o thing_n past_a that_o we_o have_v have_v since_o yet_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n can_v never_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n and_o if_o they_o have_v less_o mean_n of_o convey_v thing_n pass_v to_o posterity_n they_o have_v few_o thing_n to_o convey_v and_o all_o their_o history_n be_v concern_v the_o ancestor_n of_o their_o own_o family_n they_o be_v easy_o remember_v and_o however_o short_a and_o imperfect_a they_o can_v not_o be_v so_o defective_a as_o that_o man_n shall_v general_o be_v so_o gross_o ignorant_a as_o to_o swallow_v such_o imposture_n they_o have_v one_o day_n in_o seven_o purposely_o set_v apart_o for_o the_o praise_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o commemoration_n of_o his_o mercy_n vouchsafe_v to_o mankind_n and_o they_o who_o have_v proverbial_a remembrance_n of_o nimrod_n the_o three_o from_o noah_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o noah_n himself_o and_o of_o the_o flood_n in_o his_o time_n in_o so_o few_o generation_n of_o man_n as_o have_v past_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o long_a life_n of_o the_o patriarch_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o moses_n to_o impose_v upon_o those_o of_o his_o own_o age_n in_o thing_n so_o memorable_a as_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flood_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n etc._n etc._n but_o when_o so_o long_o after_o the_o flood_n the_o son_n of_o noah_n be_v disperse_v into_o so_o far_o distant_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o their_o manner_n and_o custom_n be_v different_a and_o their_o life_n short_a it_o become_v necessary_a that_o a_o true_a and_o last_a account_n of_o those_o thing_n shall_v stand_v record_v in_o a_o book_n of_o infallible_a credit_n and_o authority_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o future_a age_n lest_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o remembrance_n of_o they_o shall_v become_v obscure_a and_o confuse_a and_o fabulous_a story_n shall_v be_v impose_v upon_o the_o world_n for_o truth_n in_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n for_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o divers_a learned_a man_n that_o the_o most_o ancient_a history_n as_o well_o as_o the_o philosophy_n and_o theology_n of_o the_o heathen_n contain_v many_o thing_n concern_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o first_o propagation_n mankind_n the_o flood_n and_o other_o particular_n which_o have_v so_o plain_a a_o agreement_n with_o what_o we_o read_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n that_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v take_v out_o of_o it_o but_o they_o be_v obscure_v and_o disguise_v under_o other_o name_n and_o character_n to_o conceal_v from_o whence_o they_o be_v original_o take_v and_o to_o gain_v they_o the_o better_a acceptance_n among_o those_o for_o who_o use_n the_o book_n contain_v they_o be_v design_v by_o their_o author_n and_o when_o the_o remembrance_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o past_a age_n begin_v to_o fail_v and_o the_o way_n of_o humane_a conveyance_n be_v so_o uncertain_a it_o be_v requisite_a that_o some_o infallible_a account_n shall_v be_v give_v of_o god_n dispensation_n and_o his_o communication_n of_o himself_o in_o the_o first_o age_n which_o may_v be_v transmit_v down_o to_o posterity_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n chap._n ii_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o a_o revelation_n from_o heaven_n must_v be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v know_v and_o promulge_v in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o revelation_n which_o have_v be_v know_v to_o most_o nation_n and_o far_a divulge_v carry_v another_o evidence_n of_o its_o divine_a authority_n for_o since_o it_o be_v necessary_a there_o shall_v be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v likewise_o necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v design_v and_o it_o be_v reveal_v not_o to_o be_v conceal_v or_o confine_v to_o a_o few_o person_n but_o to_o rectify_v the_o mistake_v and_o regulate_v the_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o that_o which_o have_v be_v most_o know_v and_o far_a propagate_v we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v to_o be_v a_o true_a revelation_n if_o every_o thing_n else_o concur_v to_o prove_v it_o true_a the_o very_a promulgation_n of_o it_o be_v a_o considerable_a evidence_n in_o proof_n of_o its_o divine_a authority_n because_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o god_n will_v either_o suffer_v his_o own_o revelation_n to_o be_v so_o stifle_v and_o surpress_v as_o to_o become_v of_o little_a or_o no_o use_n and_o benefit_n to_o the_o world_n or_o that_o he_o will_v permit_v false_a revelation_n to_o be_v more_o know_v and_o divulge_v either_o of_o which_o will_v very_o ill_o consist_v with_o the_o intention_n of_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n it_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v himself_o to_o every_o man_n in_o particular_a and_o it_o can_v not_o be_v requisite_a that_o he_o shall_v afford_v a_o constant_a and_o stand_a revelation_n in_o all_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o if_o mankind_n be_v sufficient_o provide_v for_o in_o the_o necessary_n of_o salvation_n this_o be_v all_o which_o in_o reason_n can_v be_v expect_v from_o a_o just_a and_o good_a god_n to_o sinful_a and_o perverse_a man._n if_o man_n be_v put_v in_o the_o ready_a way_n of_o salvation_n and_o have_v sufficient_a mean_n allow_v they_o to_o attain_v it_o all_o beyond_o this_o be_v the_o mere_a arbitrary_a effect_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n be_v more_o than_o we_o can_v promise_v ourselves_o from_o his_o justice_n or_o by_o reason_n foresee_v from_o his_o mercy_n itself_o and_o his_o wisdom_n so_o order_n and_o dispose_v the_o effect_n and_o emanation_n of_o his_o mercy_n as_o to_o render_v they_o consistent_a with_o his_o justice_n and_o honour_n as_o he_o be_v governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o if_o in_o the_o first_o age_n revelation_n be_v frequent_a and_o general_o know_v among_o all_o mankind_n till_o by_o their_o own_o fault_n and_o neglect_n they_o be_v withheld_a from_o they_o it_o be_v the_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n afterward_o to_o continue_v to_o those_o nation_n who_o have_v despise_v and_o reject_v he_o a_o opportunity_n of_o know_v his_o will_n reveal_v to_o other_o and_o this_o god_n be_v please_v to_o do_v by_o appoint_v a_o choose_a seed_n and_o select_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n to_o bear_v his_o name_n before_o the_o nation_n and_o by_o the_o various_a dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n he_o so_o dispose_v of_o that_o people_n that_o all_o nation_n may_v be_v instruct_v in_o the_o thing_n reveal_v and_o deliver_v to_o they_o first_o then_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n be_v know_v to_o all_o mankind_n second_o that_o in_o succeed_a age_n there_o have_v still_o be_v sufficient_a mean_n and_o frequent_a opportunity_n for_o all_o nation_n to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o 1._o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n be_v know_v to_o all_o mankind_n and_o here_o we_o must_v have_v
condemnation_n and_o it_o be_v not_o only_o just_a but_o merciful_a for_o he_o to_o withhold_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o reveal_v will_v from_o those_o who_o he_o forefee_n will_v reject_v it_o and_o abuse_v the_o opportunity_n which_o shall_v be_v offer_v they_o to_o the_o aggravation_n of_o their_o own_o gild_n and_o punishment_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v observe_v 2._o that_o as_o to_o particular_a person_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n who_o by_o so_o wonderful_a a_o providence_n have_v take_v care_n that_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n may_v have_v the_o true_a religion_n preach_v in_o it_o and_o who_o have_v the_o whole_a world_n at_o his_o disposal_n and_o order_n all_o thing_n with_o great_a regard_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n we_o have_v abundant_a cause_n to_o think_v that_o he_o will_v by_o some_o of_o the_o various_a method_n of_o his_o providence_n or_o even_o by_o miracle_n bring_v such_o man_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n who_o live_v according_a to_o their_o present_a knowledge_n with_o a_o sincere_a and_o honest_a endeavour_n to_o improve_v it_o when_o st._n peter_n be_v by_o revelation_n send_v to_o cornelius_n he_o make_v this_o inference_n from_o it_o of_o a_o truth_n i_o perceive_v that_o god_n be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n but_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v with_o he_o act._n x._o 34_o 35._o from_o whence_o what_o less_o can_v we_o conclude_v than_o that_o every_o man_n in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v sincere_o good_a and_o pious_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o his_o duty_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v know_v to_o he_o shall_v rather_o by_o a_o express_a revelation_n have_v the_o rest_n discover_v to_o he_o as_o in_o the_o instance_n of_o cornelius_n which_o give_v occasion_n to_o these_o word_n of_o s._n peter_n than_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o perish_v for_o want_v of_o a_o true_a faith_n and_o sufficient_a knowledge_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o punish_v those_o heathen_n who_o sin_n without_o any_o reveal_v law_n for_o their_o sin_n against_o natural_a reason_n and_o conscience_n and_o for_o neglect_v to_o use_v and_o improve_v their_o reason_n and_o to_o embrace_v the_o opportunity_n afford_v they_o of_o become_v christian_n we_o may_v likewise_o be_v certain_a that_o beside_o natural_a reason_n and_o conscience_n god_n in_o his_o goodness_n be_v not_o want_v to_o afford_v such_o inward_a motion_n and_o conviction_n of_o mind_n to_o such_o of_o the_o heathen_a as_o be_v not_o wilful_o blind_a and_o stupefy_v by_o their_o vice_n as_o may_v prepare_v they_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o by_o his_o providence_n he_o give_v they_o so_o many_o opportunity_n of_o become_v acquaint_v withal_o and_o if_o once_o they_o do_v discern_v the_o defect_n and_o fault_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n which_o be_v so_o gross_o against_o natural_a reason_n and_o conscience_n they_o may_v make_v enquiry_n of_o christian_n concern_v their_o religion_n as_o some_o of_o the_o american_n do_v of_o cortes_n and_o the_o christian_n some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o however_o negligent_a they_o be_v in_o propagate_a it_o will_v never_o refuse_v to_o instruct_v they_o in_o it_o and_o it_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o among_o those_o who_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o true_a religion_n yet_o many_o point_n be_v teach_v and_o believe_v which_o have_v their_o original_a from_o revelation_n as_o be_v evident_a not_o only_o of_o the_o mahometan_n but_o of_o several_a heathen_a nation_n which_o point_n be_v so_o many_o step_v and_o preparative_n towards_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o whole_a truth_n if_o they_o be_v not_o want_v to_o themselves_o in_o pursue_v they_o in_o their_o immediate_a tendency_n and_o consequence_n i_o shall_v not_o say_v that_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v extend_v to_o those_o who_o in_o the_o integrity_n of_o their_o heart_n die_v under_o a_o invincible_a ignorance_n of_o it_o i_o believe_v rather_o that_o god_n suffer_v no_o man_n so_o qualify_v and_o dispose_v to_o remain_v in_o invincible_a ignorance_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o vindicate_v god_n justice_n and_o goodness_n that_o all_o nation_n have_v have_v such_o opportunity_n of_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o great_a allowance_n may_v be_v make_v at_o the_o last_o day_n for_o the_o ignorance_n and_o unhappy_a circumstance_n of_o particular_a men._n it_o be_v well_o say_v that_o when_o god_n have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o tell_v we_o how_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o deal_v with_o such_o person_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o we_o to_o tell_v he_o how_o he_o ought_v to_o deal_v with_o they_o but_o if_o it_o be_v difficult_a for_o we_o now_o to_o think_v how_o it_o will_v please_v god_n to_o deal_v with_o the_o heathen_a it_o will_v be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o difficult_a to_o conceive_v how_o the_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a god_n can_v govern_v and_o judge_v the_o world_n if_o all_o mankind_n be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o heathen_n without_o any_o divine_a revelation_n what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o heathen_a as_o to_o their_o eternal_a state_n be_v not_o the_o subject_a of_o this_o discourse_n nor_o do_v it_o concern_v we_o to_o know_v some_o of_o they_o will_v have_v more_o to_o plead_v for_o themselves_o in_o point_n of_o ignorance_n than_o other_o can_v have_v and_o they_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o merciful_a creator_n and_o saviour_n of_o mankind_n and_o there_o we_o must_v leave_v they_o but_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v much_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o reveal_v his_o will_n and_o to_o give_v so_o many_o opportunity_n to_o the_o world_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o it_o though_o never_o so_o many_o shall_v neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n than_o it_o be_v to_o suppose_v he_o to_o take_v no_o care_n to_o reduce_v mankind_n to_o the_o sense_n and_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n but_o to_o let_v they_o continue_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o idolatry_n and_o wickedness_n without_o give_v they_o any_o warning_n against_o it_o i_o have_v not_o speak_v in_o secret_a in_o a_o dark_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n look_v unto_o i_o and_o be_v you_o save_v all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o i_o be_o god_n and_o there_o be_v none_o else_o come_v you_o near_o unto_o i_o hear_v you_o this_o i_o have_v not_o speak_v in_o secret_a from_o the_o beginning_n from_o the_o time_n that_o it_o be_v there_o be_o i_o isa_n xlv_o 19_o 22._o &_o xlviii_o 16._o have_v prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n want_v nothing_o requisite_a to_o a_o divine_a revelation_n in_o regard_n either_o of_o the_o antiquity_n or_o promulgation_n i_o proceed_v to_o show_v that_o they_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n both_o by_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n in_o proof_n of_o their_o authority_n this_o evidence_n depend_v upon_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o concern_v either_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n themselves_o in_o their_o several_a circumstance_n as_o we_o find_v they_o stand_v record_v or_o the_o life_n and_o personal_a qualification_n of_o those_o by_o who_o they_o be_v perform_v or_o by_o who_o they_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o if_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v both_o that_o they_o be_v true_o relate_v and_o that_o if_o they_o be_v do_v as_o they_o be_v relate_v they_o can_v proceed_v from_o none_o but_o a_o divine_a power_n we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o can_v be_v have_v for_o a_o revelation_n chap._n iii_o of_o moses_n and_o aaron_n that_o moses_n be_v a_o very_a great_a and_o wise_a man_n be_v relate_v by_o several_a of_o the_o most_o eminent_a heathen_a writer_n and_o i_o think_v it_o have_v never_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o man._n but_o it_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a that_o he_o be_v likewise_o a_o very_a good_a and_o pious_a man._n he_o frequent_o declare_v his_o own_o fail_n and_o infirmity_n exod._n iii._o 11._o &_o four_o 1_o 10_o 13._o num._n xi_o 10._o &_o xx_o 12._o &_o xxvii_o 14._o and_o never_o speak_v any_o thing_n tend_v to_o his_o own_o praise_n but_o upon_o a_o just_a and_o necessary_a occasion_n when_o it_o may_v become_v a_o prudent_a and_o modest_a man_n especial_o one_o divine_o inspire_v for_o all_o the_o praise_n of_o such_o a_o one_o do_v not_o terminate_v in_o himself_o but_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n who_o instrument_n and_o servant_n he_o be_v and_o in_o such_o case_n where_o god_n honour_n be_v concern_v it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o set_v forth_o the_o favour_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o though_o some_o honour_n do_v redound_v
they_o be_v forsake_v of_o all_o their_o former_a hope_n of_o the_o redemption_n of_o israel_n by_o he_o luke_n xxiv_o 21._o which_o before_o they_o have_v imagine_v to_o themselves_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o his_o raise_n himself_o from_o that_o meanness_n to_o a_o throne_n not_o by_o his_o restore_a himself_o to_o life_n again_o after_o he_o have_v be_v bury_v three_o day_n the_o notion_n which_o the_o jew_n have_v of_o a_o resurrection_n be_v only_a that_o of_o the_o last_o day_n john_n xi_o 24._o and_o whatever_n be_v say_v of_o any_o other_o resurrection_n they_o look_v upon_o it_o to_o be_v mean_v only_o in_o allusion_n to_o that_o they_o question_v one_o with_o another_o what_o the_o rise_n from_o the_o dead_a shall_v mean_v they_o understand_v not_o that_o say_n and_o be_v afraid_a to_o ask_v he_o mark_v ix_o 10_o 32._o the_o apostle_n therefore_o and_o other_o disciple_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v credulous_a or_o forward_o to_o believe_v the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o inquisitive_a and_o careful_a not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o but_o they_o be_v exceed_o diffident_a the_o woman_n that_o go_v to_o the_o sepulchre_n be_v so_o far_o from_o expect_v to_o find_v he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a that_o they_o carry_v with_o they_o a_o preparation_n of_o spice_n to_o embalm_v his_o corpse_n mar._n xuj_o 1._o and_o not_o find_v the_o body_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n they_o be_v much_o perplex_v at_o it_o not_o remember_v the_o word_n which_o jesus_n have_v speak_v to_o they_o concern_v the_o resurrection_n till_o the_o two_o man_n who_o stand_v by_o they_o in_o shine_a garment_n have_v put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o they_o luke_n xxiv_o 4.8_o but_o when_o they_o return_v from_o the_o sepulchre_n and_o tell_v all_o these_o thing_n to_o the_o eleven_o and_o to_o all_o the_o rest_n their_o word_n seem_v to_o they_o as_o idle_a tale_n and_o they_o believe_v they_o not_o verse_n 9_o 11._o and_o mary_n magdalen_n herself_o though_o she_o have_v see_v this_o vision_n yet_o go_v to_o they_o with_o this_o complaint_n they_o have_v take_v away_o the_o lord_n out_o of_o the_o sepulchre_n and_o we_o know_v not_o where_o they_o have_v lay_v he_o jo._n xx_o 2._o then_o peter_n run_v unto_o the_o sepulchre_n and_o stoop_v down_o behold_v the_o linen_n clòth_v lay_v by_o themselves_o and_o depart_v wonder_v in_o himself_o at_o that_o which_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v luke_n xxiv_o 12._o st._n john_n run_v to_o the_o sepulchre_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o go_v into_o it_o see_v and_o believe_v but_o he_o declare_v that_o as_o yet_o they_o know_v not_o the_o scripture_n that_o he_o must_v rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a jo._n xx_o 8_o 9_o marry_o magdalen_n stand_v without_o still_o weep_v and_o complain_v to_o the_o two_o angel_n who_o ask_v she_o the_o cause_n they_o have_v take_v away_o my_o lord_n and_o i_o know_v not_o where_o they_o have_v lay_v he_o v._o 13._o and_o again_o to_o our_o saviour_n himself_o not_o know_v he_o but_o suppose_v he_o to_o have_v be_v the_o gardener_n sir_n if_o thou_o have_v bear_v he_o hence_o tell_v i_o where_o thou_o haste_v lay_v he_o and_o i_o will_v take_v he_o away_o v._o 15._o and_o after_o she_o be_v herself_o convince_v of_o the_o resurrection_n when_o she_o tell_v his_o disciple_n they_o believe_v not_o mark_v xuj_o 11._o when_o our_o saviour_n appear_v to_o the_o two_o disciple_n in_o the_o way_n to_o emaus_n he_o find_v they_o reason_v and_o talk_v together_o of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v happen_v and_o they_o be_v sorrowful_a at_o the_o thought_n of_o they_o and_o when_o he_o inquire_v the_o reason_n they_o give_v he_o such_o a_o account_n as_o show_v the_o doubtful_a and_o despond_v apprehension_n they_o have_v of_o their_o present_a condition_n insomuch_o that_o he_o answer_v they_o with_o a_o severe_a rebuke_n o_o fool_n and_o slow_a of_o heart_n to_o believe_v all_o that_o the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v luke_n xxiv_o 25._o and_o afterward_o when_o these_o two_o be_v convince_v themselves_o and_o tell_v the_o rest_n what_o have_v happen_v neither_o believe_v they_o they_o mark_v xuj_o 13._o and_o when_o immediate_o upon_o this_o jesus_n stand_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o they_o be_v yet_o only_o terrify_v and_o frighten_v and_o suppose_v that_o they_o have_v see_v a_o spirit_n and_o when_o he_o speak_v to_o they_o and_o discourse_v with_o they_o why_o be_v you_o trouble_v and_o why_o do_v thought_n arise_v in_o your_o heart_n behold_v my_o hand_n and_o my_o foot_n that_o it_o be_v i_o myself_o handle_v i_o and_o see_v for_o a_o spirit_n have_v not_o flesh_n and_o bone_n as_o you_o see_v i_o have_v and_o then_o show_v they_o his_o hand_n and_o his_o foot_n yet_o still_o after_o all_o this_o they_o believe_v not_o for_o joy_v but_o wonder_v and_o be_v not_o settle_v in_o their_o belief_n of_o what_o they_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v till_o he_o take_v meat_n and_o do_v eat_v it_o before_o they_o luke_n xxiv_o 36._o and_o then_o he_o open_v their_o understanding_n that_o they_o may_v understand_v the_o scripture_n and_o declare_v they_o the_o witness_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o you_o be_v witness_n of_o these_o thing_n v._o 48._o after_o all_o these_o proof_n st._n thomas_n one_o of_o the_o twelve_o not_o be_v with_o they_o when_o jesus_n have_v appear_v to_o they_o the_o other_o disciple_n tell_v he_o they_o have_v see_v the_o lord_n but_o he_o be_v peremptory_a and_o resolute_a in_o it_o that_o he_o will_v not_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v alive_a again_o except_o he_o shall_v see_v in_o his_o hand_n the_o print_n of_o the_o nail_n and_o put_v his_o finger_n into_o the_o print_n of_o the_o nail_n and_o thrust_v his_o hand_n into_o his_o side_n after_o eight_o day_n jesus_n come_v to_o they_o again_o and_o to_o convince_v st._n thomas_n and_o take_v away_o all_o possible_a pretence_n of_o incredulity_n for_o the_o future_a he_o grant_v he_o the_o satisfaction_n he_o desire_v and_o say_v unto_o he_o reach_v hither_o thy_o finger_n and_o behold_v my_o hand_n and_o reach_v hither_o thy_o hand_n and_o thrust_v it_o into_o my_o side_n and_o be_v not_o faithless_a but_o believe_v and_o st._n thomas_n who_o before_o be_v so_o doubtful_a be_v now_o full_o convince_v by_o this_o infallible_a evidence_n and_o break_v out_o into_o this_o confession_n my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n joh._n xx_o 27_o 28._o thus_o do_v christ_n show_v himself_o alive_a to_o his_o apostle_n after_o his_o passion_n by_o many_o infallible_a proof_n be_v see_v of_o they_o forty_o day_n act._n 1.3_o and_o not_o of_o they_o only_o but_o of_o above_o five_o hundred_o brethren_n at_o once_o 1_o cor._n xv_o 6._o but_o the_o apostle_n be_v his_o choose_a witness_n who_o do_v eat_v and_o drink_v with_o he_o after_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a act._n x._o 41._o and_o when_o he_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n he_o be_v take_v up_o while_o they_o be_v in_o his_o presence_n and_o convey_v in_o a_o cloud_n out_o of_o their_o sight_n and_o whilst_o they_o be_v look_v up_o after_o he_o steadfast_o into_o heaven_n two_o angel_n stand_v by_o they_o and_o assure_v they_o that_o as_o he_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n so_o he_o shall_v in_o like_a manner_n come_v down_o from_o thence_o to_o judge_v the_o world_n and_o he_o afcend_v not_o alone_o but_o with_o a_o great_a multitude_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o heavenly_a host_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o a_o passage_n in_o a_o discourse_n of_o the_o apostle_n ult_n apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d euseb_n hist_o lib._n 1._o c._n ult_n st._n thaddaeus_n preserve_v by_o eusebius_n after_o his_o aseension_n he_o be_v see_v not_o only_o by_o st._n stephen_n to_o comfort_n and_o support_v he_o at_o his_o martyrdom_n but_o by_o s._n paul_n who_o be_v thereby_o stop_v in_o the_o full_a speed_n of_o his_o persecution_n his_o conversion_n be_v so_o sudden_a and_o so_o powerful_a that_o that_o alone_o may_v be_v think_v sufficient_a but_o to_o give_v he_o the_o complete_a qualification_n of_o a_o apostle_n to_o become_v a_o witness_n of_o christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n he_o be_v please_v to_o appear_v to_o he_o from_o thence_o all_o circumstance_n therefore_o concur_v to_o show_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v sufficient_a opportunity_n full_o to_o inform_v themselves_o in_o all_o particular_n that_o they_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o do_v it_o with_o their_o utmost_a care_n and_o diligence_n that_o they_o be_v suspicious_a and_o distructful_a and_o that_o nothing_o but_o the_o clear_a conviction_n of_o all_o their_o sense_n can_v have_v satisfy_v they_o the_o apostle_n have_v converse_v with_o our_o saviour_n for_o some_o year_n
patience_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o man_n that_o be_v to_o declare_v a_o ungrateful_a and_o despise_a truth_n among_o those_o who_o will_v think_v themselves_o so_o much_o concern_v to_o oppose_v and_o suppress_v it_o if_o they_o have_v wrought_v no_o miracle_n their_o courage_n and_o resolution_n may_v have_v pass_v for_o a_o groundless_a confidence_n and_o if_o they_o have_v not_o have_v the_o courage_n to_o stand_v so_o resolute_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v their_o miracle_n themselves_o may_v have_v become_v suspect_v but_o act_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o be_v support_v in_o all_o their_o suffering_n by_o a_o supernatural_a constancy_n and_o greatness_n of_o mind_n and_o be_v so_o sudden_o change_v and_o raise_v above_o themselves_o in_o all_o they_o do_v or_o suffer_v and_o work_v the_o same_o change_n in_o other_o they_o give_v all_o the_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o give_v and_o as_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o apostle_n down_o upon_o their_o disciple_n so_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o patience_n under_o affliction_n communicate_v to_o they_o and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o god_n be_v please_v not_o to_o raise_v up_o any_o christian_a emperor_n till_o above_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n that_o he_o may_v show_v that_o the_o religion_n which_o come_v from_o heaven_n can_v need_v no_o human_a aid_n nor_o be_v suppress_v by_o any_o human_a force_n and_o that_o he_o may_v recommend_v the_o great_a virtue_n of_o meekness_n and_o patience_n to_o the_o world_n by_o the_o example_n man_n as_o eminent_a for_o these_o as_o for_o the_o miracle_n they_o wrought_v and_o may_v instruct_v mankind_n in_o a_o suffer_a religion_n for_o to_o assure_v the_o world_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o he_o will_v not_o grant_v it_o protection_n from_o christian_a emperor_n till_o most_o of_o the_o empire_n be_v become_v christian_a and_o christianity_n have_v diffuse_v itself_o into_o all_o the_o know_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o before_o the_o last_o persecution_n begin_v by_o dioclesian_n 1._o dioclesian_n euseb_n hist_o lib._n viij_o c._n 1._o the_o church_n flourish_v as_o much_o and_o have_v the_o favour_n of_o the_o court_n and_o of_o great_a man_n in_o as_o high_a a_o degree_n almost_o as_o under_o constantine_n himself_o till_o their_o prosperity_n cause_v their_o sin_n and_o these_o bring_v persecution_n but_o at_o last_o the_o persecute_v emperor_n be_v force_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n manifest_v in_o miraculous_a disease_n inflict_v on_o they_o to_o restore_v the_o christian_n to_o their_o former_a liberty_n in_o their_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o so_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n need_v no_o patronage_n of_o man_n for_o god_n will_v compel_v its_o worst_a enemy_n to_o become_v its_o protector_n when_o he_o see_v it_o fit_v and_o 16._o and_o sozom_n lib._n v._o c._n 16._o when_o julian_n make_v it_o his_o great_a aim_n and_o business_n to_o restore_v paganism_n again_o in_o the_o world_n he_o see_v to_o his_o grief_n how_o ineffectual_a all_o his_o endeavour_n prove_v he_o observe_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n still_o retain_v a_o general_a esteem_n and_o approbation_n and_o that_o the_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o servant_n of_o his_o own_o priest_n themselves_o be_v most_o of_o they_o christian_n if_o any_o one_o then_o upon_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o all_o circumstance_n can_v withstand_v the_o conviction_n of_o so_o great_a evidence_n i_o will_v only_o ask_v he_o whether_o he_o believe_v any_o history_n or_o relation_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o he_o never_o see_v and_o desire_v he_o to_o show_v what_o degree_n of_o certainty_n he_o can_v discern_v in_o any_o of_o they_o which_o be_v be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v here_o and_o beside_o to_o consider_v that_o if_o in_o a_o vicious_a and_o subtle_a age_n a_o doctrine_n so_o contrary_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n by_o so_o weak_a and_o incompetent_a mean_n can_v obtain_v so_o universal_o among_o man_n of_o all_o temper_n and_o profession_n and_o interest_n in_o all_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n against_o so_o violent_a opposition_n without_o the_o help_n of_o miracle_n this_o be_v as_o great_a a_o miracle_n as_o can_v be_v conceive_v either_o therefore_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v propagate_v by_o miracle_n or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v than_o the_o miracle_n by_o which_o it_o be_v propagate_v prove_v it_o to_o be_v from_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o propagate_v by_o miracle_n the_o propagation_n itself_o be_v a_o miracle_n and_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v from_o he_o chap._n xvii_o of_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n it_o be_v just_o esteem_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o the_o credibility_n of_o any_o history_n if_o it_o be_v write_v by_o man_n of_o integrity_n man_n who_o have_v no_o suspicion_n upon_o they_o of_o dishonesty_n and_o have_v no_o temptation_n to_o deceive_v and_o who_o relate_v nothing_o but_o of_o their_o own_o time_n and_o within_o their_o own_o knowledge_n though_o the_o author_n never_o suffer_v any_o loss_n nor_o run_v any_o hazard_n in_o assert_v what_o they_o deliver_v but_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n have_v this_o further_a advantage_n that_o many_o of_o the_o most_o considerable_a thing_n in_o it_o be_v do_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o that_o which_o be_v a_o history_n to_o future_a age_n be_v rather_o a_o appeal_n to_o that_o age_n whether_o the_o thing_n relate_v be_v true_a or_o not_o the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n and_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n as_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v be_v attest_v by_o his_o apostle_n to_o the_o face_n of_o his_o very_a crucifier_n and_o they_o all_o remain_v upon_o the_o place_n where_o what_o they_o witness_v have_v be_v do_v for_o several_a year_n afterward_o declare_v and_o preach_v to_o all_o people_n the_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o soon_o after_o his_o ascension_n when_o all_o the_o proceed_n against_o he_o be_v fresh_a in_o memory_n they_o commit_v the_o same_o to_o write_v in_o greek_a which_o be_v the_o most_o common_a language_n and_o general_o know_v at_o that_o time_n st._n matthew_n who_o first_o pen_v his_o gospel_n be_v say_v to_o have_v write_v it_o in_o hebrew_n or_o syriack_n though_o it_o be_v soon_o after_o translate_v into_o greek_n so_o that_o whover_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o understand_v the_o greek_a tongue_n may_v read_v the_o gospel_n in_o their_o own_o language_n not_o long_o after_o the_o other_o gospel_n be_v pen_v and_o they_o be_v all_o in_o a_o short_a time_n disperse_v into_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o translate_v into_o all_o language_n it_o be_v particular_o relate_v ebion_n relate_v eâ—iphan_n haerâ—â—_n ebion_n that_o st._n john_n gospel_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v soon_o translate_v into_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n the_o evangelist_n give_v such_o a_o account_n both_o of_o the_o birth_n and_o death_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o must_v suppose_v they_o record_v at_o rome_n for_o there_o the_o censual_a table_n be_v keep_v where_o by_o st._n luke_n account_n the_o name_n of_o our_o saviour_n must_v have_v be_v register_v and_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n be_v so_o remarkable_a as_o they_o relate_v they_o that_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n use_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o roman_a province_n the_o emperor_n must_v have_v a_o relation_n send_v he_o of_o they_o and_o as_o i_o have_v show_v both_o justin_n martyr_n and_o tertullian_n appeal_v to_o the_o roman_a record_n for_o the_o truth_n both_o of_o the_o birth_n and_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o memory_n of_o the_o massacre_n of_o the_o infant_n by_o herod_n be_v preserve_v to_o we_o by_o a_o say_n of_o augustus_n concern_v herod_n upon_o it_o 4._o it_o macrobius_n saturnal_a lib._n two_o c._n 4._o which_o be_v mention_v in_o macrobius_n a_o heathen_a author_n for_o augustus_n be_v tell_v that_o among_o other_o herod_n have_v cause_v his_o own_o child_n to_o be_v slay_v which_o whether_o true_a or_o no_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o emperor_n to_o make_v this_o observation_n that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o be_v herod_n swine_n than_o his_o son_n tacitus_n mention_n our_o saviour_n suffering_n under_o pontius_n pilate_n and_o tertullian_n in_o his_o 21._o his_o tertul._n apol._n c._n 21._o apology_n tell_v the_o heathen_n that_o the_o miraculous_a eclipse_n of_o the_o sun_n which_o be_v at_o christ_n death_n stand_v upon_o record_n in_o their_o own_o register_n whether_o it_o be_v for_o the_o strangeness_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o course_n
to_o concern_v himself_o in_o it_o and_o yet_o he_o can_v but_o know_v every_o thing_n be_v omniscient_a and_o he_o can_v but_o concur_v in_o every_o operation_n of_o natural_a cause_n be_v omnipresent_v and_o wherever_o he_o be_v he_o acts._n it_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o eye_n to_o see_v all_o that_o be_v within_o view_n how_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a soever_o it_o be_v nay_o the_o small_a the_o object_n discern_v be_v the_o more_o perfect_a it_o prove_v the_o sight_n to_o be_v and_o if_o a_o man_n can_v do_v every_o little_a thing_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o he_o do_v thing_n of_o importance_n and_o with_o no_o trouble_n to_o himself_o it_o will_v be_v sure_o more_o perfection_n in_o he_o than_o to_o do_v these_o only_a but_o a_o variety_n of_o business_n be_v troublesome_a to_o man_n and_o small_a affair_n hinder_v and_o call_v they_o off_o from_o those_o of_o moment_n though_o with_o god_n it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o he_o act_v with_o the_o same_o ease_n wherewith_o he_o see_v or_o know_v or_o exist_v he_o know_v all_o thing_n with_o one_o omniscient_a thought_n and_o he_o do_v all_o thing_n by_o one_o omnipotent_a act_n nothing_o can_v be_v in_o the_o least_o difficult_a to_o he_o and_o nothing_o can_v be_v do_v without_o he_o in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v act._n xvii_o 28._o and_o what_o the_o scripture_n deliver_v relate_v to_o the_o creation_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o world_n may_v in_o strictness_n of_o philosophy_n be_v take_v in_o a_o proper_a and_o literal_a sense_n but_o do_v man_n indeed_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v to_o make_v and_o preserve_v a_o world_n when_o they_o pretend_v to_o show_v by_o what_o step_v god_n proceed_v in_o it_o and_o to_o explain_v the_o whole_a process_n as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o operation_n be_v there_o not_o infinite_a wisdom_n require_v to_o know_v what_o infinite_a power_n only_o can_v effect_v and_o after_o all_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a both_o from_o scripture_n and_o from_o reason_n that_o the_o invisible_a and_o immaterial_a part_n of_o the_o creation_n have_v a_o great_a share_n in_o the_o guidance_n and_o conduct_n of_o the_o visible_a and_o material_a part_n of_o it_o than_o be_v common_o suppose_v for_o since_o the_o wonderful_a improvement_n of_o experimental_a philosophy_n and_o the_o various_a hypothesis_n which_o have_v be_v raise_v upon_o it_o man_n have_v be_v apt_a to_o look_v upon_o natural_a philosophy_n not_o only_o as_o a_o distinct_a science_n but_o as_o whole_o separate_v from_o the_o rest_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o subordination_n and_o dependence_n between_o the_o visible_a and_o invisible_a world_n whereas_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o continue_a connexion_n and_o chain_n of_o cause_n in_o the_o operation_n and_o production_n of_o thing_n and_o a_o constant_a influence_n and_o intercourse_n between_o the_o superior_a and_o inferior_a create_a being_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n use_v the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n but_o how_o far_o and_o to_o what_o particular_a purpose_n and_o upon_o what_o occasion_n no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o determine_v however_o those_o who_o have_v be_v the_o most_o curious_a inquirer_n into_o nature_n daily_o meet_v with_o so_o many_o new_a and_o strange_a discovery_n that_o they_o have_v be_v force_v to_o complain_v that_o the_o contriver_n of_o hypothesis_n have_v be_v too_o hasty_a in_o frame_v they_o without_o a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o experiment_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o if_o man_n will_v first_o content_v themselves_o to_o make_v experiment_n in_o order_n to_o give_v a_o true_a history_n of_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o nature_n before_o they_o attempt_v to_o solve_v they_o upon_o their_o own_o principle_n the_o world_n will_v have_v a_o end_n before_o any_o complete_a system_n can_v be_v contrive_v to_o give_v any_o tolerable_a account_n of_o they_o i_o will_v conclude_v this_o chapter_n in_o the_o word_n with_o which_o m._n huygens_n conclude_v his_o conjecture_n concern_v the_o planetary_a world_n for_o my_o part_n say_v he_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o well_o content_v and_o shall_v count_v i_o have_v do_v a_o great_a matter_n if_o i_o can_v but_o come_v to_o any_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n as_o they_o now_o be_v never_o trouble_v my_o head_n about_o their_o beginning_n or_o how_o they_o be_v make_v know_v that_o to_o be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n or_o even_o conjecture_n chap._n x._o of_o other_o habitable_a world_n beside_o this_o earth_n those_o who_o think_v that_o there_o must_v be_v other_o world_n be_v inhabit_v beside_o this_o earth_n where_o we_o dwell_v or_o that_o else_o the_o planet_n will_v be_v useless_a and_o the_o star_n which_o be_v like_o so_o many_o sun_n will_v shine_v to_o little_a purpose_n do_v not_o consider_v that_o i._o it_o be_v as_o easy_a for_o omnipotence_n to_o make_v a_o planet_n or_o star_n as_o it_o be_v to_o make_v the_o least_o thing_n in_o nature_n ii_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n almighty_n in_o manifest_v his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n by_o make_v and_o preserve_v such_o vast_a body_n in_o their_o several_a orb_n and_o motion_n may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o their_o creation_n though_o his_o wisdom_n shall_v see_v it_o fit_v not_o to_o have_v they_o inhabit_v for_o though_o every_o thing_n be_v equal_o easy_a for_o god_n to_o perform_v yet_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o admire_v the_o work_n of_o this_o kind_n most_o they_o employ_v the_o wit_n of_o many_o man_n in_o all_o age_n to_o consider_v their_o end_n and_o nature_n and_o to_o calculate_v their_o distance_n and_o motion_n who_o curiosity_n may_v otherwise_o be_v very_o ill_o employ_v there_o be_v some_o genius_n design_v as_o it_o be_v for_o these_o study_n and_o they_o will_v want_v matter_n to_o work_v upon_o without_o such_o object_n iii_o as_o the_o satellite_n of_o jupiter_n and_o saturn_n and_o many_o of_o the_o fix_a stats_n be_v not_o discover_v till_o the_o invention_n of_o telescope_n so_o there_o be_v admirable_a mark_n of_o wisdom_n in_o many_o other_o part_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v never_o know_v till_o of_o late_a and_o never_o can_v have_v be_v discover_v but_o by_o the_o help_n of_o mycroscope_n but_o man_n be_v not_o the_o only_a creature_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o praise_v and_o magnify_v god_n for_o his_o wonderful_a work_n angel_n who_o know_v they_o more_o perfect_o do_v it_o much_o more_o and_o they_o have_v need_n of_o no_o artificial_a instrument_n to_o make_v discovery_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o power_n iv_o the_o star_n may_v be_v of_o great_a benefit_n and_o usefulness_n in_o the_o world_n though_o they_o neither_o have_v that_o influence_n which_o astrologer_n vain_o suppose_v nor_o be_v as_o sun_n to_o other_o earth_n for_o they_o serve_v to_o keep_v the_o circumjacent_a air_n or_o aether_n in_o motion_n which_o otherwise_o will_v congeal_v or_o stagnate_n and_o to_o maintain_v that_o perpetual_a circulation_n or_o fluid_a matter_n which_o pass_v from_o orb_n to_o orb_n through_o the_o universe_n and_o give_v life_n to_o all_o thing_n v._o though_o this_o earth_n be_v but_o small_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o ambient_fw-la heaven_n yet_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o it_o from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n to_o this_o time_n have_v be_v exceed_o numerous_a and_o may_v be_v still_o vast_o more_o numerous_a before_o the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o we_o must_v consider_v the_o earth_n not_o as_o it_o be_v at_o one_o particular_a time_n but_o as_o it_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o habitation_n of_o all_o generation_n for_o all_o succession_n of_o age_n and_o under_o this_o notion_n the_o earth_n be_v no_o such_o contemptible_a place_n though_o it_o be_v very_o small_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o heaven_n that_o surround_v it_o nor_o be_v it_o strange_a that_o the_o material_a world_n how_o capacious_a soever_o it_o be_v shall_v be_v make_v for_o mankind_n to_o who_o the_o angel_n be_v minister_a spirit_n and_o for_o who_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o be_v please_v to_o die_v vi_o there_o be_v few_o or_o none_o of_o the_o planet_n but_o what_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o too_o near_a or_o too_o remote_a distance_n from_o the_o sun_n seem_v incapable_a of_o be_v inhabit_v m._n huygens_n in_o his_o conjecture_n concern_v the_o planetary_a world_n say_v that_o this_o 1._o this_o lib._n 1._o water_n of_o our_o earth_n will_v in_o saturn_n and_o jupiter_n be_v freeze_v up_o immediate_o and_o in_o venus_n and_o mercury_n it_o will_v be_v evaporate_v and_o he_o conclude_v that_o every_o planet_n must_v have_v its_o water_n of_o such_o a_o temper_n as_o to_o be_v proportion_v to_o its_o heat_n jupiter_n and_o saturn_n must_v
in_o so_o few_o generation_n of_o man_n suppose_v it_o have_v ever_o be_v know_v to_o adam_n posterity_n if_o it_o be_v never_o know_v but_o the_o relation_n of_o it_o be_v always_o convey_v down_o in_o metaphor_n and_o allegory_n than_o this_o allegory_n must_v pass_v for_o historical_a truth_n in_o those_o age_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v deliver_v to_o they_o in_o allegory_n must_v be_v because_o that_o manner_n of_o deliver_v it_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o that_o age_n and_o most_o credible_a and_o every_o way_n most_o proper_a and_o if_o it_o be_v most_o fit_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v think_v to_o have_v happen_v so_o this_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n that_o it_o do_v real_o happen_v so_o since_o there_o be_v nothing_o hinder_v but_o it_o may_v so_o have_v happen_v and_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a at_o least_o to_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n that_o it_o do_v so_o come_v to_o pass_v or_o else_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v requisite_a to_o relate_v it_o in_o this_o manner_n 3._o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n bring_v a_o curse_n upon_o their_o posterity_n and_o here_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o god_n may_v bestow_v his_o infinite_a grace_n and_o mercy_n upon_o what_o term_n he_o please_v and_o therefore_o he_o may_v ordain_v that_o the_o happiness_n or_o unhappiness_n of_o their_o posterity_n shall_v depend_v upon_o the_o obedience_n or_o disobedience_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n 1._o god_n may_v ordain_v that_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o posterity_n in_o this_o world_n shall_v depend_v upon_o it_o so_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v immortal_a upon_o their_o obedience_n and_o shall_v become_v mortal_a upon_o their_o disobedience_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v make_v subject_n to_o care_n and_o labour_n to_o disease_n and_o danger_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n from_o which_o otherwise_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v exempt_a this_o be_v esteem_v just_a in_o all_o government_n among_o man_n that_o child_n shall_v be_v reduce_v to_o poverty_n and_o disgrace_n by_o the_o fault_n of_o their_o parent_n from_o who_o riches_n and_o honour_n be_v to_o have_v descend_v upon_o they_o and_o this_o way_n of_o proceed_v be_v just_a both_o in_o humane_a law_n and_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o providence_n because_o god_n and_o our_o country_n have_v a_o antecedent_n right_o and_o interest_n in_o we_o superior_a to_o any_o man_n be_v private_a title_n or_o welfare_n and_o this_o they_o may_v just_o make_v use_n of_o to_o restrain_v man_n from_o those_o crime_n out_o of_o love_n and_o concern_v for_o their_o posterity_n from_o which_o no_o consideration_n of_o themselves_o can_v have_v with_o hold_v they_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n have_v find_v this_o to_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a remedy_n with_o many_o man_n and_o therefore_o the_o wise_a and_o just_a government_n have_v make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o just_a god_n may_v think_v fit_a to_o deal_v in_o this_o manner_n with_o our_o first_o parent_n by_o represent_v to_o they_o that_o the_o happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o their_o posterity_n depend_v upon_o their_o good_a or_o ill_a behaviour_n in_o this_o one_o instance_n of_o their_o duty_n we_o daily_o see_v that_o child_n common_o inherit_v the_o disease_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o a_o extravagant_a and_o vicious_a father_n leave_v his_o son_n heir_n to_o nothing_o but_o the_o name_n and_o shadow_n perhaps_o of_o a_o great_a family_n with_o a_o infirm_a and_o sickly_a constitution_n and_o little_a or_o nothing_o to_o support_v and_o relieve_v it_o now_o if_o these_o misery_n and_o calamity_n have_v be_v entail_v upon_o all_o the_o race_n of_o mankind_n from_o adam_n the_o thing_n will_v have_v be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o nature_n and_o justice_n of_o it_o for_o number_n can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v now_o when_o they_o descend_v upon_o some_o only_o from_o their_o immediate_a parent_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v much_o rather_o just_a that_o the_o fall_v of_o our_o first_o parent_n shall_v make_v their_o whole_a race_n only_o liable_a to_o such_o calamity_n but_o not_o involve_v all_o necessary_o in_o they_o 2._o the_o communication_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o the_o favour_n and_o blessing_n of_o his_o more_o immediate_a presence_n may_v depend_v upon_o the_o behaviour_n of_o the_o first_o parent_n of_o mankind_n he_o may_v send_v they_o out_o of_o paradise_n and_o may_v withdraw_v his_o free_a and_o usual_a communication_n of_o himself_o from_o they_o and_o their_o posterity_n upon_o this_o forfeiture_n by_o their_o disobedience_n 3._o the_o proneness_n which_o we_o can_v but_o observe_v in_o ourselves_o to_o sin_n may_v proceed_v from_o hence_o we_o daily_o see_v and_o feel_v the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n by_o whatsoever_o mean_n we_o become_v subject_a to_o it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o object_v that_o it_o will_v be_v unjust_a that_o all_o mankind_n shall_v be_v involve_v in_o adam_n sin_n for_o the_o condition_n which_o we_o be_v in_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n of_o which_o no_o man_n do_v or_o can_v doubt_v the_o question_n be_v only_o how_o we_o come_v into_o this_o condition_n and_o since_o we_o be_v bear_v in_o it_o and_o it_o be_v our_o natural_a and_o hereditary_a evil_n the_o justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v clear_v and_o vindicate_v by_o assign_v a_o cause_n for_o it_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o such_o as_o must_v acknowledge_v the_o same_o corruption_n of_o nature_n but_o will_v allow_v no_o cause_n or_o reason_n for_o it_o except_o the_o arbitrary_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o creator_n the_o child_n of_o vicious_a parent_n be_v general_o most_v incline_v to_o vice_n and_o if_o man_n may_v partake_v of_o the_o evil_a disposition_n and_o inclination_n of_o their_o more_o immediate_a parent_n why_o may_v not_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o humane_a nature_n in_o our_o first_o parent_n descend_v upon_o all_o their_o posterity_n 4._o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n in_o the_o next_o life_n may_v depend_v upon_o the_o obedience_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n for_o when_o god_n propose_v to_o bestow_v upon_o man_n reward_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n which_o far_o surpass_v any_o pretence_n of_o desert_n or_o claim_v of_o right_n that_o they_o in_o a_o state_n of_o righteousness_n and_o innocency_n can_v have_v be_v able_a to_o make_v since_o the_o promise_n be_v so_o great_a and_o the_o happiness_n so_o far_o exceed_v any_o thing_n to_o which_o man_n can_v pretend_v a_o right_n we_o must_v be_v very_o unreasonable_a unless_o we_o will_v confess_v that_o god_n may_v bestow_v his_o own_o gift_n upon_o his_o own_o term_n he_o may_v therefore_o debar_v man_n from_o heaven_n upon_o the_o transgression_n oâ—_n our_o first_o parent_n because_o the_o promise_n of_o heaven_n be_v â—n_o act_n of_o his_o free_a bounty_n for_o no_o man_n can_v pretend_v that_o a_o innocent_a creature_n which_o preserve_v its_o integrity_n must_v for_o that_o reason_n be_v advance_v to_o the_o unspeakable_a joy_n of_o heaven_n no_o creature_n can_v be_v profitable_a to_o his_o maker_n and_o a_o unprofitable_a servant_n can_v merit_v no_o such_o reward_n and_o what_o god_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o bestow_v though_o man_n continue_v in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n he_o may_v with_o all_o the_o justice_n and_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n refuse_v when_o man_n become_v divest_v of_o their_o innocency_n and_o thereby_o forfeit_v all_o pretence_n to_o that_o happiness_n which_o be_v promise_v upon_o condition_n that_o our_o first_o parent_n have_v continue_v in_o their_o primitive_a and_o original_a state_n of_o righteousness_n 5._o god_n may_v ordain_v that_o all_o man_n shall_v become_v liable_a to_o eternal_a misery_n by_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n and_o that_o those_o who_o will_v not_o accept_v of_o mean_n appoint_v of_o salvation_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o rescue_v they_o from_o it_o shall_v perish_v eternal_o we_o no_o soon_o read_v of_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n but_o christ_n be_v forthwith_o promise_v even_o before_o the_o curse_n be_v denounce_v upon_o adam_n and_o eve_n for_o their_o offence_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n be_v immediate_o promise_v to_o bruise_v the_o sepent_v head_n and_o afterward_o the_o judgement_n be_v denounce_v first_o upon_o eve_n and_o then_o upon_o adam_n for_o their_o transgression_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n bruise_v the_o serpent_n head_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o victory_n over_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n and_o that_o conquest_n which_o shall_v be_v obtain_v over_o death_n and_o hell_n by_o christ_n for_o the_o temporal_a punishment_n which_o be_v to_o befall_v adam_n and_o eve_n and_o their_o posterity_n be_v afterward_o add_v and_o therefore_o this_o promise_n
that_o hear_v prayer_n unto_o thou_o shall_v all_o flesh_n come_v ps_n lxv_o 2._o and_o all_o flesh_n shall_v know_v that_o i_o the_o lord_n be_o thy_o saviour_n and_o thy_o redeemer_n the_o mighty_a one_o of_o jacob_n isa_n xlix_o 26._o all_o flesh_n shall_v come_v to_o worship_n before_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n isa_n lxvi_o 23._o and_o all_o flesh_n shall_v see_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n luke_n iii._o 6._o i_o will_v pour_v out_o of_o my_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flesh_n act_v two_o 17._o joel_n two_o 28._o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v no_o flesh_n be_v justify_v galat._n two_o 16._o and_o we_o say_v in_o our_o own_o language_n any_o body_n think_v or_o any_o body_n understand_v though_o we_o all_o know_v it_o be_v the_o soul_n and_o not_o the_o body_n which_o think_v and_o understand_v it_o be_v very_o usual_a in_o other_o book_n and_o very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o stile_n of_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o common_a speech_n and_o sense_n of_o man_n for_o those_o action_n of_o a_o person_n to_o be_v attribute_v to_o one_o of_o the_o unite_a nature_n which_o can_v be_v perform_v only_o in_o the_o other_o and_o the_o union_n between_o the_o godhead_n and_o the_o manhood_n be_v like_o that_o which_o be_v between_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o body_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v suffer_v and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o have_v come_v down_o from_o heaven_n not_o that_o the_o godhead_n suffer_v or_o that_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o heaven_n before_o his_o incarnation_n but_o according_a to_o the_o usual_a stile_n of_o scripture_n the_o union_n between_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n entitle_v the_o person_n consist_v of_o they_o both_o under_o the_o denomination_n of_o either_o nature_n to_o that_o which_o be_v do_v in_o the_o other_o though_o as_o the_o humane_a nature_n do_v not_o partake_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a so_o neither_o do_v the_o divine_a nature_n partake_v of_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o humane_a but_o both_o nature_n be_v personal_o unite_v the_o person_n be_v sometime_o denote_v by_o one_o and_o sometime_o by_o the_o other_o nature_n all_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n proceed_v upon_o the_o like_a mistake_n with_o they_o who_o be_v apt_a to_o imagine_v that_o it_o be_v unworthy_a of_o god_n to_o be_v every_o where_o and_o in_o all_o place_n to_o behold_v and_o be_v present_a at_o the_o worst_a of_o action_n as_o if_o the_o sun_n brightness_n will_v not_o be_v the_o more_o resplendent_a and_o glorious_a if_o it_o can_v penetrate_v into_o the_o obscure_a corner_n and_o recess_n of_o the_o earth_n or_o as_o if_o his_o ray_n can_v be_v sully_v and_o defile_v by_o the_o foulness_n of_o any_o object_n which_o they_o shine_v upon_o and_o if_o it_o be_v no_o diminution_n to_o god_n infinite_a glory_n and_o majesty_n to_o be_v omnipresent_v it_o can_v be_v none_o to_o be_v more_o near_o and_o even_o personal_o unite_v to_o some_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v unworthy_a of_o god_n to_o be_v so_o unite_v to_o the_o humane_a nature_n to_o manifest_v his_o love_n and_o favour_n and_o extend_v his_o goodness_n to_o mankind_n as_o god_n be_v every_o where_o present_a so_o he_o be_v in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n present_a in_o some_o place_n than_o in_o other_o by_o the_o act_n of_o his_o power_n or_o of_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n and_o he_o have_v vouchsafe_v a_o more_o especial_a presence_n to_o some_o person_n than_o to_o other_o and_o thus_o he_o be_v present_a with_o his_o prophet_n who_o be_v send_v to_o prepare_v for_o and_o foretell_v christ_n come_v but_o he_o be_v personal_o unite_v to_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v the_o high_a honour_n and_o advancement_n to_o our_o nature_n for_o god_n thus_o to_o assume_v it_o but_o it_o can_v be_v no_o diminution_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n because_o god_n continue_v as_o he_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n without_o any_o alteration_n only_o by_o his_o personal_a presence_n and_o union_n with_o our_o humane_a nature_n he_o cause_v all_o the_o performance_n and_o suffering_n of_o it_o to_o be_v meritorious_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v not_o so_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n as_o to_o be_v no_o long_o there_o but_o to_o forsake_v his_o father_n kingdom_n he_o still_o continue_v in_o heaven_n in_o the_o same_o bliss_n and_o glory_n that_o he_o enjoy_v with_o his_o father_n from_o all_o eternity_n though_o he_o so_o manifest_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n as_o to_o come_v and_o abide_v in_o it_o by_o assume_v our_o humane_a nature_n our_o saviour_n tell_v nicodemus_n joh._n iii._o 13._o no_o man_n have_v ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n even_o the_o son_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n he_o who_o fill_v heaven_n and_o earth_n with_o his_o presence_n be_v still_o in_o heaven_n as_o much_o as_o ever_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o godhead_n though_o he_o make_v a_o more_o peculiar_a residence_n than_o he_o have_v before_o do_v on_o earth_n by_o dwell_v in_o our_o nature_n here_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v at_o all_o time_n every_o where_o present_a be_v yet_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n present_a where_o ever_o he_o be_v please_v to_o manifest_v himself_o by_o peculiar_a act_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o power_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o do_v in_o a_o most_o stupendous_a manner_n in_o that_o flesh_n which_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o it_o can_v be_v think_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n to_o actuate_v the_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o be_v join_v in_o the_o most_o strict_a and_o vital_a union_n with_o it_o suppose_v god_n only_o to_o act_v upon_o it_o and_o not_o to_o be_v act_v upon_o by_o it_o nor_o to_o suffer_v the_o misery_n and_o feel_v the_o pain_n which_o the_o humane_a nature_n endure_v which_o will_v be_v blasphemy_n to_o assert_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n of_o christ_n but_o to_o be_v in_o heaven_n still_o in_o his_o full_a power_n and_o majesty_n but_o some_o man_n will_v say_v how_o be_v this_o union_n between_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o christ_n make_v or_o wherein_o do_v it_o consist_v to_o who_o we_o may_v reply_v as_o our_o saviour_n sometime_o do_v to_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n by_o ask_v another_o question_n and_o inquire_v how_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o man_n be_v unite_v or_o how_o god_n be_v present_a in_o all_o place_n and_o how_o in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v and_o if_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v how_o these_o thing_n be_v though_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o they_o than_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o tell_v how_o the_o union_n between_o the_o divine_a and_o the_o humane_a nature_n in_o christ_n be_v make_v or_o in_o what_o it_o consist_v we_o must_v acknowledge_v it_o a_o mystery_n which_o it_o be_v above_o any_o man_n capacity_n to_o explain_v but_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o union_n we_o learn_v from_o the_o scripture_n and_o thither_o we_o appeal_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o the_o put_v such_o question_n argue_v either_o a_o great_a mind_n to_o cavil_v or_o great_a inconsideration_n and_o shortness_n of_o thought_n for_o what_o man_n be_v there_o pretend_v to_o reason_n and_o argument_n of_o so_o little_a observation_n as_o not_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o of_o all_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o daily_o see_v and_o perceive_v to_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o existence_n of_o very_a few_o or_o rather_o of_o none_o of_o they_o be_v full_o understand_v by_o we_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o to_o know_v that_o great_a reason_n may_v be_v give_v for_o this_o dispensation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n incarnate_a and_o that_o no_o material_a objection_n can_v be_v frame_v against_o it_o second_o no_o other_o way_n as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v apprehend_v can_v have_v be_v so_o proper_a and_o expedient_a as_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o procure_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o none_o can_v so_o well_o become_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n the_o proof_n of_o this_o must_v depend_v upon_o the_o reason_n for_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o they_o be_v all_o comprehend_v in_o this_o one_o thing_n the_o abolish_n or_o take_v away_o of_o sin_n and_o you_o know_v that_o he_o be_v manifest_v to_o take_v away_o our_o sin_n and_o in_o he_o be_v no_o sin_n 1_o joh._n three_o 5._o we_o be_v
he_o out_o of_o their_o sight_n he_o be_v not_o snatch_v away_o from_o they_o by_o a_o swift_a and_o violent_a motion_n like_o elijah_n and_o carry_v up_o in_o a_o fiery_a chariot_n which_o may_v dazzle_v their_o sight_n that_o they_o can_v not_o discern_v he_o in_o his_o ascent_n but_o he_o be_v lift_v up_o and_o remove_v from_o they_o leisurely_o and_o by_o degree_n they_o look_v steadfast_o towards_o heaven_n as_o he_o go_v up_o by_o a_o visible_a and_o easy_a motion_n and_o they_o have_v a_o clear_a view_n of_o he_o till_o at_o last_o a_o cloud_n receive_v he_o out_o of_o their_o sight_n it_o be_v probable_a that_o all_o the_o disciple_n to_o the_o number_n of_o about_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o mention_v act_n i_o 15._o be_v present_a to_o behold_v the_o ascent_n of_o our_o saviour_n ult_n saviour_n apud_fw-la euseb_n hist_o lib._n 1._o c._n ult_n the_o apostle_n st._n thaddeus_n declare_v though_o this_o as_o well_o as_o many_o other_o thing_n be_v not_o insert_v into_o the_o scripture_n that_o a_o great_a multitude_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o heavenly_a host_n go_v up_o with_o he_o we_o read_v of_o the_o appearance_n of_o two_o angel_n upon_o this_o occasion_n who_o acquaint_v the_o disciple_n that_o this_o same_o jesus_n who_o they_o have_v thus_o evident_o see_v take_v up_o from_o they_o into_o heaven_n shall_v so_o come_v in_o like_a manner_n as_o they_o have_v see_v he_o go_v into_o heaven_n and_o st._n paul_n inform_v we_o that_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o come_v at_o the_o last_o day_n will_v be_v with_o his_o mighty_a angel_n or_o the_o angel_n of_o his_o power_n 2_o thes_n i._o 7._o from_o whence_o we_o may_v conclude_v according_a to_o the_o account_n of_o st._n thaddeus_n that_o the_o holy_a angel_n visible_o attend_v he_o in_o his_o ascension_n the_o disciple_n be_v all_o much_o surprise_v at_o a_o thing_n so_o wonderful_a and_o stand_v gaze_v up_o into_o heaven_n after_o he_o till_o they_o be_v certify_v not_o only_o by_o their_o own_o sense_n but_o by_o the_o message_n of_o the_o angel_n that_o he_o be_v go_v from_o they_o into_o heaven_n no_o more_o to_o be_v expect_v from_o thence_o till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n we_o have_v therefore_o the_o plain_a and_o full_a evidence_n that_o can_v be_v desire_v both_o of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o our_o saviour_n he_o show_v himself_o alive_a to_o his_o disciple_n after_o his_o passion_n by_o many_o infallible_a proof_n he_o be_v see_v of_o they_o forty_o day_n and_o converse_v and_o discourse_v with_o they_o though_o we_o be_v not_o tell_v after_o what_o manner_n and_o by_o what_o interval_n of_o time_n he_o be_v please_v to_o vouchsafe_v they_o his_o presence_n this_o be_v conceal_v from_o we_o as_o very_o many_o of_o the_o particular_n be_v of_o his_o former_a life_n before_o his_o crucifixion_n but_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o day_n whilst_o he_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o he_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o they_o all_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o they_o distinct_o see_v and_o behold_v he_o and_o keep_v their_o eye_n fix_v upon_o he_o in_o his_o ascension_n and_o a_o vision_n of_o angel_n beside_o inform_v they_o that_o he_o be_v to_o return_v in_o the_o like_a manner_n when_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n chap._n xxviii_o why_o some_o work_n of_o nature_n be_v more_o especial_o ascribe_v to_o god_n why_o mean_n be_v sometime_o use_v in_o the_o work_n of_o miracle_n and_o why_o faith_n be_v sometime_o require_v of_o those_o upon_o who_o or_o before_o who_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v i._o all_z the_o power_n of_o natural_a cause_n proceed_v from_o god_n that_o may_v just_o be_v ascribe_v to_o he_o which_o be_v wrought_v by_o they_o for_o he_o work_v as_o true_o by_o second_o cause_n as_o by_o his_o own_o direct_a and_o immediate_a power_n in_o produce_v any_o effect_n the_o order_n and_o frame_n of_o nature_n be_v original_o by_o his_o appointment_n and_o by_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n and_o influence_n it_o be_v uphold_v and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n ascribe_v the_o effect_n of_o natural_a agent_n to_o god_n as_o the_o author_n of_o they_o because_o these_o can_v do_v nothing_o but_o by_o his_o support_n and_o influence_n and_o the_o continuance_n and_o preservation_n of_o natural_a cause_n in_o the_o production_n of_o their_o effect_n for_o so_o many_o age_n in_o one_o constant_a tenor_n be_v a_o manifest_a and_o wonderful_a demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o wisdom_n but_o those_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v more_o especial_o to_o be_v do_v by_o god_n himself_o whereby_o upon_o some_o extraordinary_a occasion_n his_o power_n and_o his_o will_n be_v more_o particular_o manifest_v or_o his_o promise_n be_v fulfil_v for_o in_o those_o thing_n his_o care_n and_o providence_n be_v more_o concern_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o pass_v and_o therefore_o god_n may_v employ_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a concourse_n to_o sustain_v and_o influence_n the_o power_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o may_v not_o sail_v in_o such_o case_n to_o produce_v their_o effect_n according_a to_o their_o usual_a and_o settle_a course_n ii_o miracle_n be_v more_o peculiar_o the_o work_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v wrought_v without_o the_o concurrence_n or_o subserviency_n of_o natural_a mean_n for_o though_o sometime_o outward_a mean_n be_v use_v in_o the_o miraculous_a cure_v of_o disease_n yet_o they_o be_v such_o as_o can_v have_v no_o effect_n in_o the_o cure_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a as_o when_o the_o man_n that_o be_v bear_v blind_a recover_v his_o sight_n by_o wash_v in_o the_o pool_n of_o siloam_n at_o our_o saviour_n command_n after_o his_o eye_n have_v be_v anoint_v with_o clay_n make_v of_o dust_n and_o spital_n the_o ointment_n make_v of_o dust_n and_o spital_n be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v any_o effect_n towards_o the_o cure_n that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v much_o more_o likely_a to_o have_v put_v out_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o man_n that_o have_v see_v and_o the_o wash_n afterward_o can_v only_o remove_v that_o which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o remedy_n that_o it_o must_v have_v be_v a_o obstruction_n to_o the_o best_a sight_n as_o many_o miraculous_a cure_n be_v wrought_v by_o our_o saviour_n without_o any_o more_o than_o a_o word_n speak_v and_o sometime_o even_o without_o so_o much_o as_o that_o to_o show_v that_o he_o have_v no_o need_n of_o mean_n so_o when_o any_o mean_n be_v use_v they_o be_v such_o as_o apparent_o can_v not_o tend_v to_o the_o cure_n and_o be_v not_o use_v as_o remedy_n but_o as_o circumstance_n in_o the_o work_n his_o miracle_n to_o raise_v the_o attention_n of_o the_o beholder_n to_o imprint_v what_o be_v do_v the_o deep_a upon_o their_o memory_n and_o to_o give_v the_o great_a credibility_n to_o the_o history_n of_o his_o miracle_n for_o all_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v to_o be_v prove_v or_o disprove_v by_o circumstance_n and_o the_o more_o circumstance_n concur_v in_o any_o action_n the_o less_o liable_a it_o be_v to_o mistake_v or_o imposture_n our_o saviour_n therefore_o be_v please_v that_o his_o miracle_n shall_v always_o be_v accompany_v with_o remarkable_a circumstance_n which_o be_v sometime_o of_o one_o kind_n and_o sometime_o of_o another_o the_o better_a to_o work_v upon_o the_o variety_n of_o man_n temper_n and_o disposition_n but_o whatever_o outward_a mean_n be_v at_o any_o time_n use_v by_o he_o it_o can_v have_v the_o nature_n only_o of_o a_o circumstance_n and_o be_v no_o more_o proper_a and_o effectual_a to_o produce_v the_o miracle_n than_o any_o other_o may_v have_v be_v some_o he_o touch_v some_o he_o only_o speak_v to_o and_o other_o he_o send_v to_o the_o highpriest_n that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o witness_n of_o the_o cure_n now_o the_o touch_n the_o speak_n or_o the_o send_n can_v have_v no_o effect_n as_o outward_a mean_n but_o only_o as_o they_o be_v attend_v with_o a_o inward_a and_o divine_a efficacy_n but_o all_o these_o be_v considerable_a circumstance_n to_o excite_v the_o observation_n of_o those_o who_o be_v present_a at_o these_o cure_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o remembrance_n of_o they_o to_o posterity_n iii_o though_o our_o saviour_n have_v the_o most_o absolute_a and_o unconfined_a power_n of_o work_a miracle_n at_o all_o time_n and_o before_o all_o person_n whensoever_o he_o please_v yet_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o he_o sometime_o refuse_v to_o exercise_v it_o for_o though_o he_o can_v always_o do_v his_o marvellous_a work_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v always_o do_v but_o then_o only_o when_o they_o may_v be_v useful_a and_o serviceable_a to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v wrought_v and_o to_o his_o design_n of_o come_v