i_o have_v fight_v with_o beast_n at_o ephesus_n what_o advantage_v it_o i_o if_o the_o dead_a rise_v not_o let_v we_o eat_v and_o drink_v for_o to_o morrow_n we_o die_v since_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n man_n of_o worldly_a mind_n and_o carnal_a appetite_n who_o aim_v only_o at_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n have_v always_o argue_v thus_o and_o indeed_o they_o will_v have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n in_o argue_v thus_o and_o pursue_v their_o reason_n be_v there_o no_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a chap._n xvi_o 21._o the_o salutation_n of_o i_o paul_n with_o my_o own_o hand_n if_o any_o man_n love_v not_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n let_v he_o be_v anathema_n maranatha_n he_o begin_v still_o and_o end_v with_o christ_n which_o evident_o show_v the_o strong_a persuasion_n of_o his_o mind_n second_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n i._n 8_o 9_o for_o we_o will_v not_o brethren_n have_v you_o ignorant_a of_o our_o trouble_n etc._n etc._n that_o we_o shall_v not_o trust_v in_o ourselves_o but_o in_o god_n which_o raise_v the_o dead_a by_o these_o word_n we_o perceive_v what_o trouble_v they_o undergo_v and_o what_o hope_n they_o have_v to_o sustain_v they_o in_o their_o suffering_n chap._n ii_o 14_o 15_o 16._o now_o thanks_o be_v unto_o god_n which_o always_o cause_v we_o to_o triumph_v in_o christ_n and_o make_v manifest_v the_o savour_n of_o his_o knowledge_n by_o we_o in_o every_o place_n for_o we_o be_v unto_o god_n a_o sweet_a savour_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n to_o the_o one_o we_o be_v the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n and_o to_o the_o other_o the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n and_o who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n and_o who_o be_v sufficient_a to_o express_v all_o the_o force_n and_o energy_n of_o these_o word_n unlike_o the_o false_a charm_n of_o humane_a eloquence_n yet_o such_o as_o be_v easy_o discern_v by_o a_o heart_n right_o dispose_v chap._n iu._n 6._o for_o god_n who_o command_v the_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n have_v shine_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ._n the_o eloquence_n of_o man_n which_o be_v general_o above_o the_o thing_n it_o represent_v have_v usual_o but_o one_o idea_n to_o represent_v one_o single_a object_n but_o if_o that_o idea_n be_v a_o complex_fw-la one_o than_o it_o be_v compose_v of_o several_a other_o proportionable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o it_o there_o cant_v well_o be_v in_o this_o sort_n of_o eloquence_n a_o mixture_n of_o various_a idea_n and_o different_a metaphor_n together_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o period_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o eloquence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v always_o inferior_a to_o those_o object_n it_o lay_v before_o we_o make_v use_n of_o several_a different_a image_n and_o idea_n at_o once_o because_o a_o single_a one_o can_v not_o express_v what_o it_o endeavour_v to_o represent_v as_o for_o instance_n in_o these_o expression_n 78._o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n with_o the_o heal_n of_o his_o wing_n have_v visit_v we_o through_o his_o tender_a mercy_n as_o also_o in_o this_o place_n where_o the_o apostle_n think_v he_o can_v never_o say_v enough_o this_o be_v a_o light_n which_o shine_v which_o shine_v into_o the_o heart_n which_o give_v the_o light_n the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ._n for_o a_o man_n to_o express_v himself_o thus_o he_o must_v real_o be_v very_o strong_o persuade_v of_o what_o he_o can_v say_v the_o orator_n of_o this_o world_n be_v usual_o master_n of_o their_o own_o thought_n but_o this_o writer_n here_o be_v as_o it_o be_v fill_v and_o whole_o take_v up_o with_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o object_n he_o be_v about_o to_o represent_v verse_n 15._o for_o all_o thing_n be_v for_o your_o sake_n that_o the_o abundant_a grace_n may_v through_o the_o thanksgiving_n of_o many_o redound_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n thanksgiving_n gratefulness_n acknowledgement_n glory_n of_o god_n charity_n confession_n of_o their_o frailty_n prayer_n exhortation_n etc._n etc._n be_v the_o only_a subject_n that_o all_o the_o write_n of_o those_o pretend_a impostor_n be_v full_a of_o verse_n 17._o for_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n no_o writer_n ever_o speak_v with_o so_o much_o energy_n because_o no_o writer_n be_v so_o strong_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o deliver_v chap._n v._o 17._o therefore_o if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n what_o teacher_n ever_o require_v such_o thing_n of_o their_o disciple_n what_o mean_v these_o word_n and_o this_o strange_a exhortation_n chap._n vi_o 1_o 4_o 5_o 6._o we_o then_o as_o worker_n together_o with_o he_o beseech_v you_o also_o that_o you_o receive_v not_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a etc._n etc._n but_o in_o all_o thing_n approve_v ourselves_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n in_o much_o patience_n in_o affliction_n in_o necessity_n in_o distress_n in_o stripe_n in_o imprisonment_n in_o tumult_n in_o labour_n in_o watch_n in_o fasting_n by_o pureness_n by_o knowledge_n by_o long-suffering_a by_o kindness_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o love_n unfeigned_a do_v such_o exhortation_n usual_o come_v from_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n or_o rather_o do_v they_o not_o proceed_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o chap._n viii_o 18._o and_o we_o have_v send_v with_o he_o the_o brother_n who_o praise_n be_v in_o the_o gospel_n throughout_o all_o the_o church_n he_o speak_v of_o st._n luke_n in_o this_o place_n and_o what_o he_o say_v of_o he_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o understand_v that_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o st._n luke_n be_v read_v even_o in_o those_o day_n in_o all_o the_o christian_n churchès_fw-fr which_o overthrow_v all_o suspicion_n that_o that_o gospel_n have_v be_v fill_v with_o shame_n story_n of_o certain_a matter_n of_o fact_n in_o a_o time_n when_o every_o body_n have_v yet_o fresh_a in_o their_o remembrance_n all_o that_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o those_o day_n chap._n xii_o 12._o true_o the_o sign_n of_o a_o apostle_n be_v wrought_v among_o you_o in_o all_o patience_n in_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o mighty_a deed_n st._n paul_n write_v these_o thing_n to_o several_a numerous_a church_n and_o to_o whole_a society_n and_o can_v we_o suppose_v he_o can_v persuade_v they_o that_o he_o wrought_v so_o many_o wonder_n and_o sign_n among_o they_o when_o he_o wrought_v none_o chap._n xiii_o 5._o examine_v yourselves_o etc._n etc._n prove_v your_o own_o self_n etc._n etc._n how_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o you_o what_o mean_v these_o expession_n we_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o we_o and_o whence_o come_v they_o who_o first_o establish_v such_o a_o strange_a language_n and_o who_o do_v the_o apostle_n learn_v this_o style_n from_o a_o style_n till_o then_o unknown_a to_o the_o world_n have_v man_n ever_o say_v before_o that_o time_n cesar_n be_v in_o we_o no_o sure_o because_o they_o have_v never_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o cesar_n but_o the_o disciple_n have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n chap._n iii_o 4_o 5._o o_o foolish_a galatian_n etc._n etc._n have_v you_o suffer_v so_o many_o thing_n in_o vain_a if_o it_o be_v yet_o in_o vain_a he_o therefore_o that_o minister_v to_o you_o the_o spirit_n and_o work_v miracle_n among_o you_o do_v he_o it_o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n or_o by_o the_o hear_n of_o faith_n what_o mean_v this_o interrogation_n if_o the_o miracle_n and_o the_o miraculous_a and_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v be_v only_o mere_a fiction_n be_v it_o possible_a we_o shall_v not_o perceive_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o matter_n of_o fact_n by_o the_o ingenuous_a simplicity_n wherewith_o this_o author_n take_v it_o for_o grant_v when_o he_o make_v it_o a_o principle_n of_o his_o argument_n and_o take_v a_o occasion_n from_o thence_o to_o censure_v the_o galatian_n after_o so_o sharp_a and_o severe_a a_o manner_n chap._n vi_o 12_o 14_o 15._o as_o many_o as_o desire_v to_o make_v a_o fair_a show_n in_o the_o flesh_n they_o constrain_v you_o to_o be_v circumcise_a only_a lest_o they_o shall_v suffer_v persecution_n for_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n but_o god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v glory_n save_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o the_o world_n be_v crucify_v unto_o i_o and_o i_o unto_o the_o world_n for_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o
the_o other_o scale_n to_o overbalance_v it_o but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v and_o we_o must_v rest_v content_a to_o believe_v those_o object_n which_o make_v we_o thus_o renounce_v that_o which_o we_o actual_o see_v and_o shall_v they_o be_v never_o so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o common_a sense_n yet_o faith_n and_o not_o reason_n ought_v chief_o to_o induce_v we_o to_o receive_v they_o now_o the_o same_o principle_n that_o set_v the_o heart_n at_o variance_n with_o the_o law_n that_o impose_v on_o it_o the_o necessity_n of_o act_v after_o that_o manner_n the_o same_o principle_n i_o say_v make_v reason_n oppose_v revelation_n which_o lay_v upon_o it_o a_o invincible_a necessity_n of_o believe_v what_o it_o can_v comprehend_v it_o be_v certain_a however_o that_o this_o command_n of_o god_n be_v very_o conformable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n very_o suitable_a to_o our_o present_a condition_n necessary_a to_o our_o sanctification_n and_o useful_a for_o the_o advancement_n of_o god_n glory_n we_o must_v not_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o the_o dispensation_n of_o faith_n shall_v precede_v that_o of_o sight_n since_o we_o daily_o observe_v darkness_n to_o precede_v light_n by_o a_o natural_a order_n and_o that_o we_o be_v child_n before_o we_o come_v to_o be_v men._n both_o experience_n and_o reason_n tell_v we_o that_o our_o knowledge_n be_v very_o imperfect_a in_o this_o life_n wherein_o the_o soul_n be_v as_o it_o be_v press_v down_o by_o the_o clog_n of_o the_o body_n that_o we_o may_v walk_v more_o secure_a by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o those_o heathen_n who_o attempt_v to_o go_v beyoud_a it_o wander_v blind_o about_o and_o lose_v their_o way_n there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o irregularity_n in_o man_n which_o produce_v all_o his_o other_o disorder_n pride_n and_o voluptuousness_n the_o latter_a of_o which_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o most_o inferior_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o be_v chief_o produce_v by_o the_o sense_n but_o pride_n be_v proper_o a_o defect_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o therefore_o there_o have_v not_o be_v find_v hitherto_o a_o better_a remedy_n against_o voluptuousness_n than_o that_o of_o afflict_v the_o sense_n by_o deny_v they_o those_o pleasure_n they_o so_o earnest_o thirst_v after_o so_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v there_o have_v be_v as_o yet_o a_o better_a mean_n think_v of_o to_o remove_v the_o pride_n of_o the_o mind_n than_o to_o humble_v it_o by_o restrain_v those_o speculation_n of_o knowledge_n which_o puff_v it_o up_o beyond_o measure_n and_o mortify_v it_o by_o require_v it_o to_o sacrifice_v all_o its_o weak_a conjecture_n and_o vain_a reason_n to_o faith_n and_o indeed_o this_o sacrifice_n of_o ourselves_o be_v deserve_o owe_v to_o god_n since_o there_o be_v as_o much_o reason_n for_o submit_v our_o willby_n our_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n as_o there_o be_v for_o subject_v our_o mind_n to_o he_o by_o faith_n for_o by_o the_o former_a of_o these_o act_n we_o own_v he_o for_o our_o lord_n that_o have_v a_o right_a to_o command_v we_o and_o by_o the_o latter_a we_o ready_o confess_v his_o veracity_n and_o that_o we_o need_v not_o fear_v be_v impose_v upon_o when_o we_o receive_v those_o thing_n he_o command_v we_o to_o observe_v thus_o man_n who_o have_v lose_v himself_o in_o his_o desire_n of_o infinite_a knowledge_n be_v bind_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o expiate_v his_o crime_n in_o not_o desire_v to_o know_v any_o thing_n by_o himself_o he_o have_v attempt_v to_o get_v as_o clear_v a_o knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n as_o god_n himself_o but_o now_o he_o refuse_v to_o know_v any_o thing_n but_o from_o god_n he_o be_v blind_a whilst_o he_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o now_o he_o must_v see_v clear_a in_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o faith_n for_o after_o that_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o world_n by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v 1_o cor._n 1._o 21._o it_o be_v certain_a shall_v god_n familiar_o and_o frequent_o reveal_v himself_o unto_o man_n by_o sensible_a and_o continue_a miracle_n we_o shall_v then_o walk_v by_o sight_n and_o not_o by_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o if_o the_o object_n of_o revelation_n be_v not_o in_o some_o sort_n obscure_a there_o will_v be_v no_o endeavour_n no_o difficulty_n no_o sacrifice_n of_o reason_n make_v to_o believe_v they_o the_o difficulty_n that_o mystery_n be_v attend_v with_o have_v almost_o the_o same_o influence_n over_o our_o understanding_n as_o affliction_n have_v upon_o our_o heart_n for_o as_o these_o bring_v the_o latter_a in_o subjection_n so_o the_o other_o serve_v to_o try_v the_o constancy_n of_o the_o former_a and_o since_o god_n almighty_n be_v please_v to_o increase_v our_o patience_n by_o two_o different_a sort_n of_o suffering_n the_o one_o which_o he_o himself_o inflict_v immediate_o upon_o we_o and_o the_o other_o he_o permit_v worldly_a mind_v and_o sinful_a man_n to_o inflict_v upon_o we_o so_o in_o like_a manner_n he_o be_v please_v to_o exercise_v our_o faith_n by_o two_o different_a sort_n of_o difficulty_n some_o whereof_o spring_n immediate_o from_o god_n himself_o and_o other_o proceed_v from_o the_o very_a heart_n and_o understanding_n of_o men._n for_o we_o must_v distinguish_v betwixt_o that_o obscurity_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o mystery_n which_o proceed_v from_o god_n and_o that_o which_o proceed_v from_o the_o understanding_n of_o men._n the_o first_o be_v either_o necessary_a as_o all_o those_o difficulty_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o essential_a disproportion_n between_o infinite_a object_n such_o as_o those_o of_o revelation_n and_o a_o finite_a understanding_n like_o we_o or_o else_o voluntary_a and_o so_o enter_v into_o the_o very_a plan_n and_o design_n of_o religion_n itself_o and_o these_o again_o may_v be_v distinguish_v according_a to_o that_o diversity_n which_o in_o our_o manner_n of_o conceive_v thing_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o suppose_v in_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n himself_o there_o be_v some_o which_o proceed_v from_o the_o council_n of_o his_o wisdom_n other_o from_o that_o of_o his_o justice_n other_o from_o that_o of_o his_o majesty_n and_o last_o from_o that_o of_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n thus_o divine_a wisdom_n be_v please_v to_o intermix_v some_o sort_n of_o darkness_n amid_o the_o most_o express_a prophecy_n we_o have_v lest_o that_o too_o clear_a a_o evidence_n of_o they_o shall_v destroy_v their_o event_n to_o this_o principle_n also_o must_v we_o refer_v all_o those_o shadow_n type_n parabolical_a representation_n that_o mixture_n of_o sensible_a object_n with_o spiritual_a benefit_n that_o of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o state_n of_o israel_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o general_o all_o those_o other_o mean_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v use_v of_o partly_o to_o cover_v those_o event_n he_o have_v declare_v to_o man_n many_o age_n before_o their_o completion_n god_n draw_v a_o veil_n over_o the_o most_o essential_a truth_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n such_o as_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o trinity_n the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n etc._n etc._n that_o a_o distinct_a revelation_n from_o all_o these_o object_n may_v be_v a_o undeniable_a character_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o that_o his_o disciple_n may_v bold_o affirm_v that_o life_n be_v manifest_v in_o jesus_n christ_n that_o grace_n have_v appear_v unto_o all_o men._n for_o no_o man_n have_v see_v god_n at_o any_o time_n the_o only_o beget_v son_n which_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n he_o have_v declare_v he_o john_n 1._o 18._o to_o this_o wisdom_n of_o god_n also_o must_v be_v refer_v that_o conduct_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o inspire_v the_o patriarch_n thereby_o to_o reveal_v a_o better_a life_n to_o they_o and_o make_v they_o cry_v out_o upon_o their_o deathbed_n lord_n i_o have_v wait_v for_o thy_o salvation_n but_o withal_o give_v they_o but_o a_o faint_a prospect_n of_o that_o object_n by_o such_o obscure_a thought_n and_o dark_a notion_n as_o they_o be_v not_o able_a of_o themselves_o to_o solve_v defer_v to_o give_v a_o more_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o his_o mystery_n till_o that_o time_n which_o he_o have_v set_v apart_o for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o his_o oracle_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o he_o that_o be_v to_o be_v the_o author_n and_o end_n of_o christian_a religion_n for_o this_o cause_n therefore_o there_o be_v hardly_o mention_v make_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n but_o of_o temporal_a promise_n and_o threaten_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o when_o dispute_v against_o the_o sadducee_n prove_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a but_o by_o
shell_n and_o bark_n if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o examine_v all_o those_o argument_n that_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o external_a testimony_n which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n give_v of_o it_o and_o by_o consider_v their_o natural_a capacity_n the_o discovery_n that_o be_v make_v to_o they_o their_o prejudices_fw-la the_o peculiar_a frame_n of_o their_o mind_n their_o martyrdom_n and_o the_o reason_n that_o induce_v they_o to_o suffer_v it_o etc._n etc._n and_o all_o this_o before_o we_o proceed_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new-testament_n ii_o we_o shall_v consider_v these_o write_n themselves_o and_o inquire_v whether_o they_o be_v forge_v or_o not_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o subject-matter_n of_o they_o and_o endeavour_n both_o to_o defend_v they_o against_o the_o suspicion_n of_o the_o incredulous_a by_o show_v that_o they_o contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v certain_o true_a and_o to_o evince_v the_o divinity_n of_o they_o by_o the_o character_n of_o those_o thing_n they_o contain_v iii_o and_o last_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o very_a substance_n and_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n by_o discover_v the_o excellence_n use_n advantage_n the_o end_n genius_n and_o in_o general_a all_o the_o beauty_n which_o be_v proper_a and_o natural_a to_o it_o and_o this_o be_v what_o we_o design_v to_o treat_v of_o in_o the_o follow_a section_n whereof_o this_o second_o part_n be_v compose_v but_o since_o our_o adversary_n by_o their_o prejudices_fw-la may_v be_v incline_v to_o fear_v lest_o we_o shall_v impose_v upon_o they_o by_o make_v they_o believe_v such_o doctrine_n as_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o reason_n and_o since_o it_o be_v much_o for_o our_o advantage_n to_o remove_v all_o such_o suspicion_n we_o will_v for_o a_o while_o doubt_v of_o every_o thing_n with_o they_o and_o raise_v ourselves_o by_o degree_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o establish_v christianity_n itself_o admit_v of_o nothing_o for_o truth_n but_o so_o far_o as_o appear_v evident_a chap._n i._n where_o we_o shall_v inquire_v whence_o the_o christian_n have_v their_o original_a and_o what_o their_o profession_n be_v by_o look_v back_o into_o the_o first_o age_n wherein_o they_o appear_v in_o order_n to_o which_o we_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v now_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n and_o there_o have_v not_o always_o be_v such_o from_o this_o i_o gather_v that_o i_o must_v look_v back_o into_o past_a age_n to_o find_v out_o the_o original_a of_o my_o religion_n in_o this_o search_n i_o pass_v therefore_o from_o age_n to_o age_n till_o i_o come_v to_o constantine_n without_o be_v able_a to_o clear_v this_o doubt_n but_o here_o we_o must_v make_v a_o little_a stop_n the_o prosperity_n of_o this_o prince_n give_v at_o first_o some_o occasion_n of_o suspicion_n and_o we_o easy_o mistrust_v a_o man_n who_o be_v master_n of_o the_o most_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o world_n seem_v probable_o to_o have_v establish_v the_o christian_a religion_n therein_o either_o by_o force_n or_o policy_n look_v perhaps_o upon_o it_o as_o more_o proper_a than_o that_o of_o the_o heathen_n to_o carry_v on_o his_o design_n yet_o that_o suspicion_n soon_o vanish_v since_o we_o be_v assure_v there_o be_v christian_n in_o the_o world_n before_o constantine_n time_n all_o the_o heathen_a writer_n who_o live_v before_o he_o speak_v of_o they_o and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a historian_n be_v whole_o employ_v in_o describe_v their_o suffering_n but_o suppose_v that_o these_o historian_n live_v in_o the_o day_n of_o constantine_n or_o after_o he_o they_o must_v needs_o have_v either_o lose_v the_o use_n of_o their_o reason_n themselves_o or_o have_v imagine_v that_o the_o man_n of_o their_o age_n have_v lose_v they_o when_o they_o give_v they_o the_o history_n of_o the_o christian_n church_n down_o from_o the_o apostle_n to_o constantine_n if_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o have_v not_o be_v christian_n in_o the_o world_n before_o that_o prince_n and_o therefore_o this_o must_v be_v too_o extravagant_a a_o suspicion_n to_o be_v entertain_v long_o but_o here_o be_v something_o still_o more_o observable_a viz._n that_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o christian_n who_o live_v before_o constantine_n be_v then_o possess_v of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n and_o on_o the_o other_o that_o those_o very_a christian_n be_v so_o strong_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n of_o his_o miracle_n of_o the_o pour_v out_o the_o holy_a spirit_n on_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o all_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o establish_v the_o christian_a religion_n that_o they_o hardly_o speak_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o their_o book_n be_v full_a of_o they_o and_o their_o doctrine_n be_v altogether_o build_v upon_o this_o foundation_n and_o therefore_o if_o constantine_n invent_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o establish_v christianity_n he_o must_v not_o only_o have_v forge_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n but_o also_o the_o write_n of_o clemens_n justin_n iraeneus_n athenagoras_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n tertullian_n origen_n and_o in_o general_a of_o all_o the_o father_n who_o live_v before_o he_o because_o every_o one_o of_o their_o write_n have_v a_o essential_a relation_n to_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o shall_v we_o go_v up_o a_o little_a high_o than_o the_o reign_n of_o constantine_n we_o shall_v hear_v of_o christian_n that_o be_v afflict_v during_o the_o three_o first_o century_n of_o the_o church_n and_o persecute_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o punish_v with_o most_o barbarous_a and_o new_a invent_v torment_n they_o be_v put_v to_o death_n upon_o wheel_n and_o scaffold_n torture_v by_o fire_n their_o flesh_n tear_v with_o pincer_n their_o body_n be_v mangle_v by_o cut_v off_o limb_n one_o after_o another_o they_o be_v throw_v into_o river_n and_o cast_v into_o the_o sea_n and_o expose_v to_o wild_a beast_n wrap_v up_o in_o garment_n dip_v in_o sulphur_n to_o serve_v for_o torch_n and_o set_v up_o to_o light_a passenger_n in_o their_o way_n in_o fine_a it_o be_v never_o know_v that_o man_n so_o universal_o agree_v in_o any_o one_o thing_n as_o in_o their_o design_n of_o torment_v the_o christian_n in_o so_o much_o that_o the_o ordinary_a people_n who_o have_v general_o some_o compassion_n for_o the_o great_a malefactor_n upon_o the_o scaffold_n conduct_v the_o christian_n to_o the_o place_n of_o execution_n with_o acclamation_n of_o joy_n certain_o it_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n to_o restrain_v one_o curiosity_n so_o much_o as_o not_o to_o desire_v a_o more_o particular_a knowledge_n of_o a_o people_n persecute_v by_o the_o world_n with_o so_o much_o rage_n and_o malice_n for_o to_o see_v the_o whole_a world_n so_o strange_o incense_v against_o one_o sect_n of_o man_n one_o will_v easy_o think_v they_o the_o common_a enemy_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o the_o offspring_n of_o hell_n itself_o bear_v for_o a_o common_a plague_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n apolog._n what_o then_o be_v the_o great_a crime_n these_o christian_n be_v guilty_a of_o they_o be_v accuse_v of_o impiety_n murder_n and_o incest_n it_o be_v pretend_v that_o they_o violate_v the_o respect_n due_a to_o the_o god_n that_o they_o murder_v their_o own_o child_n which_o they_o scruple_v not_o to_o eat_v up_o after_o have_v kill_v they_o and_o last_o that_o they_o lie_v promiscuous_o together_o the_o brother_n with_o the_o sister_n and_o the_o son_n with_o the_o mother_n but_o first_o of_o all_o there_o be_v little_a likelihood_n that_o the_o christian_n shall_v suffer_v death_n and_o torment_n worse_o than_o death_n itself_o in_o defence_n of_o a_o religion_n which_o engage_v they_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o such_o infamous_a action_n that_o steadfast_a constancy_n they_o show_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o torment_n and_o which_o their_o enemy_n themselves_o acknowledge_v suit_n very_o ill_o with_o the_o voluptuousness_n and_o enormity_n they_o be_v accuse_v of_o beside_o be_v they_o question_v concern_v these_o crime_n which_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o clear_v themselves_o of_o they_o will_v produce_v in_o their_o behalf_n the_o apology_n of_o justin_n athenagoras_n and_o tertullian_n wherein_o they_o earnest_o desire_v the_o senate_n and_o roman_a emperor_n that_o they_o will_v make_v a_o strict_a enquiry_n into_o their_o life_n and_o inflict_v upon_o they_o such_o torment_n as_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n if_o possible_o more_o cruel_a than_o those_o they_o have_v already_o endure_v if_o they_o be_v real_o guilty_a of_o what_o they_o be_v accuse_v they_o will_v show_v we_o likewise_o a_o letter_n from_o pliny_n to_o trajan_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o authentic_a monument_n of_o their_o innocence_n since_o pliny_n there_o inform_v
husbandman_n after_o have_v destroy_v they_o as_o so_o maâ—y_v unfaithful_a servant_n another_o while_n that_o the_o king_n â—ho_fw-mi have_v invite_v they_o to_o the_o marriage_n of_o his_o son_n will_v â—nd_v his_o soldier_n to_o destroy_v they_o and_o burn_v up_o their_o city_n but_o not_o to_o go_v so_o far_o off_o one_o of_o the_o mark_n whereby_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v know_v that_o the_o event_n which_o esus_fw-la christ_n have_v foretell_v draw_v nigh_o be_v that_o the_o gentiles_n be_v to_o be_v call_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o â—ue_v god_n this_o be_v express_o deliver_v in_o the_o place_n â—e_v have_v already_o quote_v he_o therefore_o that_o insertâ—_n this_o prophecy_n in_o the_o gospel_n must_v have_v imaginâ—_n that_o in_o his_o time_n the_o gentile_n have_v already_o be_v â—lled_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o since_o â—ere_z be_v then_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o christian_n diserse_v throughout_o world_n since_o a_o infinite_a number_n â—_o person_n have_v the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o assession_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a either_o to_o alter_v or_o â—d_a thereto_o several_a parable_n and_o chapter_n nay_o to_o irrupt_v three_o gospel_n in_o three_o essential_a place_n if_o ch_z a_o thing_n have_v be_v do_v in_o asia_n how_o can_v it_o afterward_o have_v be_v receive_v in_o europe_n where_o there_o must_v necessary_o have_v be_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o copy_n of_o that_o gospel_n for_o of_o all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o gospel_n be_v first_o compose_v and_o now_o do_v not_o the_o incredulous_a as_o yet_o perceive_v that_o truth_n overthrow_v more_o scruple_n than_o they_o be_v able_a to_o raise_v against_o it_o that_o they_o continual_o offer_v violence_n to_o thelr_v reason_n by_o resist_v the_o truth_n which_o appear_v so_o strong_a and_o invincible_a on_o all_o hand_n and_o that_o though_o their_o reason_n be_v sometime_o pervert_v and_o blind_v by_o their_o passion_n so_o that_o they_o can_v see_v thing_n in_o their_o due_a light_n yet_o the_o object_n the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v immutable_a never_o shift_v or_o turn_v a_o side_n to_o follow_v the_o foolish_a fancy_n of_o their_o understanding_n or_o the_o perverse_a inclination_n of_o their_o heart_n chap._n ix_o wherein_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o matter_n contain_v iâ—_n the_o book_n of_o acts._n the_o matter_n of_o this_o book_n may_v be_v reduce_v tâ—_n these_o three_o head_n viz._n the_o ascension_n of_o jesuâ—_n christ_n the_o come_n down_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o thâ—_n apostles_n and_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o christiaâ—_n church_n by_o the_o successful_a preach_n of_o the_o apostle_n all_o these_o thing_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o can_v noâ—_n possible_o be_v forge_v the_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v relate_v with_o toâ—_n many_o circumstance_n to_o leave_v we_o any_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o disciple_n themselves_o be_v deceiveâ—_n therein_o the_o author_n express_o affirm_v that_o jesâ—_n converse_v the_o space_n of_o forty_o day_n with_o his_o disciple_n after_o his_o resurrection_n that_o he_o promise_v they_o theâ—_n shall_v be_v baptize_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o command_v they_o to_o wait_v at_o jerusalem_n for_o the_o effect_n of_o that_o promise_n that_o he_o carry_v they_o to_o the_o mount_n of_o olive_n that_o he_o be_v take_v up_o in_o a_o cloud_n which_o carry_v he_o out_o of_o their_o sight_n and_o that_o as_o they_o steadfast_o look_v up_o towards_o heaven_n as_o he_o go_v up_o two_o man_n stand_v by_o they_o in_o white_a apparel_n and_o promise_v they_o that_o jesus_n christ_n will_v come_v again_o in_o like_a manner_n as_o they_o have_v see_v he_o go_v into_o heaven_n so_o that_o â—t_a be_v no_o long_o a_o question_n whether_o the_o disciple_n be_v deceive_v in_o this_o respect_n but_o rather_o whether_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o deceive_v other_o by_o a_o false_a relation_n of_o so_o chimerical_a a_o event_n for_o the_o perfect_a understanding_n of_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o observe_v the_o time_n in_o which_o the_o disciple_n begin_v to_o declare_v it_o and_o when_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n be_v full_o come_v say_v st._n luke_n they_o be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n and_o sudden_o there_o come_v a_o sound_n from_o heaven_n as_o of_o a_o rush_v mighty_a wind_n and_o it_o fill_v all_o the_o house_n where_o they_o be_v sit_v and_o there_o appear_v unto_o they_o cleave_a tongue_n like_v as_o of_o fire_n and_o it_o â—at_a upon_o each_o of_o they_o and_o they_o be_v all_o fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o begin_v to_o speak_v with_o other_o tongue_n as_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o utterance_n and_o there_o be_v dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n jew_n devout_a man_n out_o of_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n now_o when_o this_o be_v noise_v abroad_o the_o multitude_n come_v together_o and_o be_v confound_v because_o that_o every_o man_n hear_v they_o speak_v in_o his_o own_o language_n etc._n etc._n but_o peter_n stand_v up_o with_o the_o eleven_o lift_v â—p_v his_o voice_n and_o say_v etc._n etc._n then_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v his_o word_n be_v baptize_v and_o the_o same_o day_n there_o be_v add_v unto_o they_o about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n etc._n etc._n and_o fear_n come_v upon_o every_o soul_n and_o many_o wonder_n and_o sign_n be_v do_v by_o the_o apostle_n act_n chap._n 2._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 14_o 41_o 43._o that_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v not_o invent_v appear_v by_o the_o bare_a consideration_n of_o it_o because_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n as_o must_v have_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v at_o jerusalem_n upon_o a_o solemn_a feast_n day_n before_o man_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o nation_n and_o as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o the_o universe_n and_o which_o consequent_o be_v such_o as_o can_v not_o possible_o have_v be_v forge_v or_o invent_v what_o then_o can_v be_v object_v to_o shake_v the_o certainty_n of_o this_o history_n can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v insert_v in_o the_o write_n of_o st_n luke_n long_o after_o the_o death_n of_o that_o author_n but_o than_o it_o must_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v confess_v that_o the_o whole_a book_n be_v forge_v because_o that_o be_v a_o essential_a and_o fundamental_a matter_n of_o fact_n on_o which_o the_o other_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o act_n altogether_o depend_v thus_o for_o instance_n the_o preach_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o success_n of_o it_o whole_o depend_v upon_o it_o whatever_o be_v contain_v in_o their_o epistle_n absolute_o relate_v to_o it_o and_o last_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v forge_v if_o the_o come_n down_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o the_o apostle_n be_v a_o mere_a invention_n shall_v i_o believe_v that_o st._n luke_n himself_o invent_v this_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o that_o no_o one_o ever_o speak_v of_o it_o before_o he_o if_o so_o what_o be_v it_o the_o apostle_n say_v to_o those_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o what_o do_v they_o ground_v their_o preach_n upon_o but_o only_o on_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n what_o other_o right_a but_o that_o have_v they_o to_o preach_v do_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o to_o deceive_v mankind_n pretend_v that_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o be_v the_o only_a plausible_a suspicion_n the_o incredulous_a can_v entertain_v yet_o for_o all_o that_o it_o be_v absurd_a for_o when_o be_v it_o they_o make_v this_o pretention_n it_o must_v necessary_o be_v either_o after_o they_o have_v found_v a_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n or_o some_o time_n before_o if_o it_o be_v after_o they_o have_v found_v a_o church_n therein_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a this_o church_n shall_v have_v be_v afterward_o persuade_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o they_o have_v public_o speak_v all_o sort_n of_o language_n and_o that_o their_o preach_v attend_v with_o several_a strange_a prodigy_n have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o form_v that_o church_n but_o if_o the_o apostle_n pretend_v they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n before_o there_o be_v ever_o any_o christian_a church_n establish_v in_o jerusalem_n nay_o if_o it_o be_v by_o a_o false_a attestation_n of_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o many_o other_o such_o that_o they_o found_v this_o church_n the_o apostle_n must_v of_o necessity_n have_v learn_v all_o the_o language_n in_o the_o world_n since_o the_o death_n of_o their_o master_n and_o together_o with_o that_o the_o secret_a of_o make_v the_o lame_a walk_n and_o heal_v the_o sick_a because_o these_o be_v what_o they_o call_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o
that_o persuasion_n so_o deep_o root_v in_o their_o mind_n that_o their_o law_n be_v to_o be_v eternal_a and_o yet_o that_o a_o few_o year_n shall_v persuade_v that_o great_a multitude_n of_o disciple_n convert_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o all_o those_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v become_v invalid_a by_o the_o death_n of_o a_o man_n who_o the_o sanhedrin_n have_v condemn_v to_o be_v execute_v as_o a_o malefactor_n without_o any_o extraordinary_a or_o supernatural_a accident_n intervening_a which_o shall_v occasion_v the_o frame_n to_o themselves_o such_o idea_n so_o particular_a and_o so_o contrary_a to_o their_o first_o prejudices_fw-la certain_o we_o may_v very_o well_o affirm_v that_o our_o incredulous_a adversary_n have_v too_o great_a a_o value_n for_o imposture_n and_o ignorance_n when_o they_o imagine_v that_o a_o universal_a delusion_n and_o unanimous_a consent_n to_o a_o lie_n can_v convert_v nation_n sanctify_v mankind_n and_o spread_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n throughout_o the_o world_n according_a as_o it_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o scripture_n or_o that_o a_o few_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a fisherman_n who_o knowledge_n extend_v no_o further_a than_o their_o employment_n shall_v discover_v the_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o introduce_v instead_o of_o it_o a_o spiritual_a worship_n as_o real_o more_o conformable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o more_o worthy_a of_o man_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o more_o worthy_a of_o man_n who_o be_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n that_o those_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a man_n shall_v discover_v the_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o law_n to_o be_v only_a type_n of_o the_o death_n of_o a_o man_n who_o be_v condemn_v to_o be_v execute_v as_o a_o malefactor_n that_o they_o shall_v attribute_v this_o thought_n to_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o make_v he_o express_v it_o only_o in_o these_o word_n behold_v the_o lamb_n of_o god_n that_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n john_n 1._o 29._o word_n so_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a that_o they_o contain_v the_o whole_a sum_n of_o christian_n religion_n and_o last_o that_o they_o shall_v invent_v mystery_n so_o very_o different_a from_o man_n ordinary_a thought_n and_o conjecture_n and_o so_o far_o above_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o most_o judicious_a and_o learned_a that_o it_o may_v deserve_o be_v say_v of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v such_o thing_n which_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v they_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 9_o last_o experience_n tell_v we_o how_o difficult_a it_o be_v for_o person_n already_o advance_v in_o year_n to_o renounce_v the_o common_a practice_n general_o approve_v of_o in_o the_o world_n especial_o when_o authorise_v by_o religion_n and_o education_n how_o hard_o will_v it_o be_v for_o we_o christian_n to_o live_v as_o the_o jew_n and_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v more_o difficult_a for_o they_o to_o live_v as_o we_o do_v because_o we_o look_v upon_o all_o their_o custom_n as_o thing_n very_o indifferent_a in_o themselves_o whereas_o they_o always_o look_v upon_o our_o practice_n as_o scandalous_a and_o unlawful_a how_o then_o be_v it_o that_o not_o only_o one_o or_o two_o jew_n but_o thousand_o who_o have_v embrace_v christianity_n no_o long_o in_o the_o least_o scruple_v to_o converse_v with_o the_o gentile_n nay_o to_o to_o live_v with_o heathen_n who_o before_o be_v a_o abomination_n in_o their_o eye_n you_o will_v say_v this_o be_v not_o without_o many_o considerable_a difficulty_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o several_a great_a animosity_n and_o dispute_n i_o grant_v it_o but_o yet_o it_o appear_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n be_v utter_o abolish_v present_o after_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n the_o apostle_n have_v determine_v that_o it_o have_v be_v accomplish_v in_o his_o death_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o join_v the_o carnal_a ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n with_o the_o spiritual_a worship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o i_o say_v that_o have_v not_o the_o apostle_n both_o testify_v the_o miracle_n and_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o wrought_v very_o great_a wonder_n themselves_o it_o be_v natural_o impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v execute_v so_o great_a a_o design_n especial_o in_o so_o small_a a_o time_n for_o certain_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o disciple_n as_o bear_a jew_n they_o must_v necessary_o have_v be_v very_o much_o devote_v to_o their_o own_o law_n if_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o poor_a and_o mean_a people_n they_o can_v not_o but_o have_v be_v passionate_o fond_a of_o that_o law_n which_o give_v such_o wonderful_a precept_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n and_o the_o relief_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o poor_a if_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a man_n they_o can_v not_o but_o have_v a_o blind_a love_n and_o obedience_n for_o their_o law_n as_o all_o ignorant_a people_n have_v for_o the_o external_a object_n of_o religion_n last_o shall_v we_o consider_v they_o as_o prepossess_v with_o the_o usual_a prejudices_fw-la of_o their_o nation_n they_o must_v necessary_o have_v expect_v a_o glorious_a and_o triumphant_a messiah_n who_o instead_o of_o abolish_n the_o law_n of_o moses_n shall_v have_v establish_v it_o throughout_o the_o world_n yet_o we_o need_v only_o consider_v the_o event_n to_o clear_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n we_o shall_v not_o insist_v upon_o all_o the_o reflection_n we_o may_v easy_o make_v hereupon_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o those_o thing_n by_o the_o by_o because_o they_o may_v serve_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o illustrate_v the_o particular_a examination_n we_o shall_v make_v of_o the_o miracle_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o have_v already_o consider_v they_o in_o general_a sufficient_o to_o convince_v all_o reasonable_a person_n but_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o insist_v more_o particular_o on_o they_o that_o we_o may_v confound_v the_o obstinate_a and_o incredulous_a and_o make_v they_o at_o least_o true_o sensible_a of_o their_o error_n though_o perhaps_o we_o can_v reclaim_v they_o from_o it_o to_o do_v this_o better_o we_o shall_v lay_v down_o four_o miraculous_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o shall_v be_v as_o so_o many_o centre_n of_o the_o truth_n we_o inquire_v into_o because_o there_o be_v several_a line_n and_o degree_n of_o evidence_n and_o light_n which_o necessary_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o each_o of_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v join_v they_o all_o together_o the_o better_a to_o form_v a_o full_a and_o perfect_a demonstration_n of_o they_o chap._n ii_o the_o first_o centre_n of_o truth_n a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n we_o dare_v say_v that_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o miracle_n that_o the_o composer_n of_o the_o gospel_n dare_v not_o can_v not_o will_v not_o have_v forge_v they_o have_v they_o be_v real_o false_a i_o say_v they_o dare_v not_o because_o they_o can_v not_o but_o have_v be_v public_o know_v to_o prove_v this_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o four_o example_n of_o they_o which_o be_v i._o the_o history_n of_o zachariah_n the_o father_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n ii_o the_o history_n of_o the_o massacre_n of_o the_o young_a child_n of_o bethlehem_n iii_o the_o miraculous_a feed_n of_o several_a thousand_o at_o several_a time_n in_o the_o wilderness_n with_o a_o few_o loaf_n and_o some_o small_a fish_n iu._n and_o last_o the_o supernatural_a prodigy_n which_o happen_v at_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o as_o to_o the_o first_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o subject_a upon_o who_o this_o great_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v be_v a_o priest_n a_o priest_n who_o daily_o perform_v the_o function_n of_o his_o ministerial_a office_n and_o be_v then_o actual_o burn_v incense_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n at_o a_o very_a remarkable_a time_n during_o which_o the_o people_n who_o expect_v he_o be_v very_a intent_n at_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n in_o the_o outward_a part_n or_o porch_n of_o the_o temple_n whilst_o he_o himself_o be_v in_o the_o holy_a place_n now_o though_o the_o historian_n have_v observe_v only_o concern_v the_o birth_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n that_o zachariah_n and_o elizabeth_n his_o wife_n be_v far_o advance_v in_o year_n and_o that_o the_o latter_a till_o then_o be_v think_v barren_a yet_o that_o event_n will_v have_v employ_v something_o so_o extraordinary_a and_o surprise_a that_o one_o may_v have_v be_v almost_o positive_a that_o the_o evangelist_n dare_v not_o have_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o forge_v it_o against_o the_o public_a knowledge_n which_o all_o the_o jew_n must_v then_o have_v have_v of_o it_o how_o then_o dare_v any_o one_o have_v affirm_v that_o zachariah_n whole_o lose_v
have_v for_o ever_o divide_v now_o the_o christian_a religion_n restore_v the_o society_n of_o nature_n for_o by_o unite_n man_n so_o strict_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o charity_n it_o far_o strengthen_v that_o natural_a love_n which_o we_o call_v humanity_n it_o destroy_v too_o the_o society_n of_o interest_n and_o ambition_n because_o it_o extirpate_v such_o inordinate_a desire_n as_o be_v not_o true_a principle_n of_o union_n and_o good_a understanding_n one_o among_o another_o it_o also_o strengthen_v civil_a society_n by_o command_v we_o to_o obey_v our_o superior_n and_o teach_v we_o to_o render_v unto_o cesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n and_o unto_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v go_n last_o it_o establish_v such_o a_o society_n as_o restore_v the_o equality_n of_o nature_n among_o we_o and_o whereas_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n till_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n a_o society_n of_o man_n external_o indeed_o unite_v by_o the_o bond_n of_o civil_a law_n government_n and_o the_o degree_n of_o proximity_n of_o blood_n but_o internal_o divide_v by_o their_o irregular_a passion_n christ_n show_v we_o a_o society_n of_o man_n external_o divide_v by_o the_o distance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n and_o the_o disparity_n of_o their_o condition_n but_o internal_o unite_v by_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n the_o same_o hope_n and_o the_o same_o charity_n nor_o be_v these_o mere_a idea_n or_o speculation_n for_o beside_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n visible_o relate_v whole_o to_o the_o design_n of_o make_v man_n holy_a and_o pure_a and_o dedicate_a they_o to_o god_n beside_o that_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v the_o end_n of_o their_o preach_v direct_v themselves_o in_o their_o epistle_n to_o those_o that_o be_v call_v to_o be_v saint_n and_o to_o the_o spiritual_a israel_n and_o declare_v concern_v apostate_n that_o they_o go_v from_o they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o they_o beside_o that_o jesus_n christ_n on_o all_o occasion_n make_v the_o very_a same_o distinction_n refuse_v to_o own_v they_o for_o his_o disciple_n that_o shall_v be_v whole_o take_v up_o with_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n and_o give_v this_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o those_o who_o he_o own_v for_o his_o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o the_o world_n hate_v they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o world_n joh._n 17._o 14._o i_o say_v beside_o all_o this_o we_o have_v this_o satisfaction_n that_o we_o can_v produce_v a_o society_n of_o holy_a man_n that_o yield_v not_o to_o any_o power_n of_o the_o world_n but_o withstand_v the_o most_o rigorous_a trial_n of_o persecution_n and_o renounce_v the_o entice_a charm_n of_o the_o world_n the_o better_a to_o adhere_v to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n a_o society_n victorious_a in_o temptation_n that_o overcome_v vice_n and_o delude_v the_o indefatigable_a endeavour_n of_o tyrant_n a_o society_n compose_v of_o mortal_a man_n yet_o not_o to_o be_v exstinguish_v by_o death_n that_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n yet_o encourage_v with_o motive_n supernatural_a that_o converse_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o despise_v it_o that_o be_v disperse_v in_o several_a different_a time_n and_o place_n yet_o always_o unite_v in_o the_o same_o thought_n and_o opinion_n that_o be_v continual_o attack_v by_o different_a passion_n yet_o constant_o surmount_v they_o in_o a_o word_n a_o society_n that_o still_o flourish_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o persecution_n increase_v the_o more_o as_o often_o as_o it_o be_v defeat_v and_o raise_v itself_o out_o of_o it_o be_v own_o ruin_n certain_o he_o must_v have_v read_v but_o little_a of_o ecclesiastical_a history_n that_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o all_o these_o truth_n and_o he_o must_v be_v wilful_o blind_a and_o purposely_o impose_v upon_o himself_o that_o acknowledge_v not_o the_o efficacy_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o those_o wonderful_a effect_n and_o it_o be_v proper_o in_o that_o society_n of_o holy_a man_n or_o in_o the_o church_n itself_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o seek_v for_o the_o fruit_n of_o religion_n for_o there_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o ancient_a prophecy_n which_o promise_v to_o show_v we_o the_o sheep_n feed_v with_o the_o bear_n and_o the_o leopard_n with_o the_o lamb_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n can_v not_o be_v leave_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o its_o enemy_n without_o work_v several_a wonder_n among_o they_o which_o even_o those_o infidel_n be_v sensible_a of_o so_o the_o christian_a church_n can_v continue_v in_o the_o world_n without_o produce_v such_o remarkable_a effect_n in_o it_o which_o the_o most_o incredulous_a themselves_o can_v call_v in_o question_n for_o let_v they_o tell_v we_o if_o they_o can_v how_o come_v the_o oracle_n of_o the_o heathen_n to_o be_v immediate_o silence_v when_o the_o apostle_n first_o preach_v the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n and_o by_o what_o power_n the_o sound_n of_o those_o man_n be_v go_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n make_v those_o oracle_n eternal_o cease_v which_o have_v so_o long_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v and_o so_o force_v the_o heathenish_a writer_n as_o plutarch_n and_o other_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o that_o so_o sudden_a and_o so_o unexpected_a silence_n for_o to_o object_v with_o julian_n that_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a oracle_n have_v be_v also_o silence_v conclude_v nothing_o because_o the_o apostle_n foretell_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n shall_v cease_v but_o how_o appear_v it_o that_o the_o oracle_n among_o the_o heathen_n declare_v they_o shall_v one_o day_n be_v silence_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o our_o prophecy_n be_v a_o everlasting_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n serve_v we_o instead_o of_o perpetual_a oracle_n but_o what_o accomplishment_n of_o prophecy_n confirm_v the_o pagan_a religion_n no_o less_o wonderful_a a_o effect_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v the_o abundance_n of_o revelation_n which_o bring_v so_o many_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a nation_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n hence_o come_v the_o world_n to_o be_v fill_v with_o wisdom_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o ignorant_a person_n and_o the_o mean_a servant_n to_o have_v more_o noble_a and_o rational_a idea_n of_o the_o deity_n than_o the_o most_o quick_a clearsighted_n philosopher_n and_o that_o too_o by_o the_o proposal_n of_o such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o seem_v indeed_o to_o the_o flesh_n a_o object_n of_o scandal_n and_o horror_n we_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v the_o advantage_n of_o all_o other_o for_o have_v utter_o abolish_v all_o those_o sacrifice_n wherein_o they_o offer_v the_o blood_n of_o man_n neither_o can_v we_o doubt_v but_o that_o this_o cruel_a and_o bloody_a superstition_n be_v sufficient_o advance_v in_o the_o world_n since_o we_o find_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n reproach_n the_o jew_n for_o have_v sacrifice_v their_o child_n to_o moloch_n and_o that_o julius_n cesar_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o commentary_n that_o it_o be_v a_o ancient_a custom_n among_o the_o gaul_n to_o offer_v human_a victim_n to_o their_o pretend_a deity_n i_o confess_v indeed_o the_o roman_n have_v already_o renounce_v such_o a_o barbarous_a and_o cruel_a superstition_n but_o then_o i_o question_v whether_o they_o do_v not_o still_o retain_v some_o spice_n of_o it_o in_o those_o spectacle_n they_o exhibit_v to_o the_o people_n wherein_o they_o be_v extreme_o please_v to_o see_v the_o blood_n of_o their_o gladiatour_n run_v down_o who_o kill_v one_o another_o mere_o to_o make_v they_o sport_n a_o sacrifice_n so_o much_o the_o more_o impious_a because_o dedicate_v rather_o to_o the_o unlawful_a pleasure_n of_o man_n than_o the_o honour_n of_o those_o being_n they_o look_v upon_o as_o go_n and_o what_o but_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v have_v abolish_v all_o those_o bloody_a spectacle_n and_o horrid_a divertisement_n we_o 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this_o necessity_n and_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o allege_v his_o meanness_n and_o wretchedness_n for_o that_o circumstance_n rather_o aggravate_v the_o crime_n than_o excuse_v it_o it_o be_v impudent_a beyond_o all_o pardon_n for_o a_o traitor_n to_o plead_v innocence_n because_o he_o be_v a_o peasant_n and_o not_o a_o lord_n it_o will_v be_v also_o in_o vain_a to_o lay_v the_o fault_n upon_o the_o evil_a temperament_n of_o body_n and_o mind_n for_o if_o either_o submit_v to_o those_o reason_n which_o you_o have_v for_o commit_v no_o indecent_a action_n before_o a_o sovereign_n and_o if_o that_o and_o all_o its_o passion_n be_v calm_a when_o you_o fall_v into_o any_o danger_n or_o expect_v sentence_n of_o death_n there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n that_o the_o presence_n the_o will_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n shall_v have_v the_o same_o effect_n upon_o it_o nor_o will_v ignorance_n be_v any_o excuse_n it_o will_v indeed_o justify_v you_o if_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o bare_a pretence_n as_o it_o do_v brute_n child_n and_o idiot_n but_o what_o man_n know_v not_o his_o duty_n it_o be_v also_o in_o vain_a to_o rely_v on_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n for_o that_o extend_v not_o to_o impenitent_a sinner_n and_o the_o almighty_a save_v only_o those_o that_o desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v save_v last_o it_o be_v mere_a folly_n to_o assert_v that_o eternal_a punishment_n be_v disproportionable_a to_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o nature_n for_o be_v not_o god_n himself_o eternal_a who_o you_o have_v offend_v and_o be_v not_o your_o soul_n also_o eternal_a that_o have_v sin_v against_o he_o self-love_n however_o blind_v think_v not_o life_n eternal_a a_o thing_n disagreeable_a and_o imagine_v nothing_o in_o it_o disproportionable_a to_o our_o condition_n but_o it_o be_v shock_a at_o the_o thought_n of_o everlasting_a pain_n and_o therefore_o willing_a to_o believe_v they_o improbable_a dream_n and_o whimsy_n but_o why_o it_o do_v so_o be_v hard_o to_o be_v imagine_v unless_o we_o suppose_v its_o design_n to_o be_v at_o any_o rate_n to_o impose_v upon_o itself_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n since_o you_o can_v neither_o destroy_v the_o eternity_n of_o god_n or_o the_o soul_n which_o reason_n itself_o force_v you_o to_o acknowledge_v you_o must_v either_o suppose_v that_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o dwell_v eternal_o with_o god_n or_o that_o it_o must_v be_v eternal_o banish_v from_o his_o presence_n that_o be_v that_o it_o must_v live_v or_o die_v eternal_o for_o to_o live_v with_o god_n be_v to_o enjoy_v the_o great_a perfection_n of_o happiness_n and_o to_o be_v banish_v his_o presence_n be_v certain_o the_o great_a misery_n that_o can_v be_v think_v of_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o know_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n that_o the_o soul_n have_v no_o part_n and_o that_o it_o be_v incapable_a of_o any_o dissolution_n that_o its_o nature_n altogether_o distinct_a from_o that_o of_o matter_n can_v be_v bury_v under_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o body_n it_o be_v then_o very_o hard_o for_o we_o to_o oppose_v the_o doctrine_n which_o the_o gospel_n teach_v we_o concern_v the_o state_n of_o the_o soul_n after_o death_n nay_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o impugn_v of_o it_o that_o there_o be_v even_o a_o necessity_n incumbent_n upon_o we_o ready_o to_o embrace_v the_o same_o for_o if_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o wicked_a together_o with_o those_o of_o the_o good_a be_v equal_o to_o be_v banish_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n than_o reason_n nature_n and_o all_o our_o other_o knowledge_n impose_v upon_o we_o in_o give_v we_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n and_o if_o the_o soul_n both_o of_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o good_a be_v to_o enjoy_v alike_o the_o presence_n of_o almighty_a god_n then_o too_o those_o very_a principle_n delude_v we_o in_o make_v we_o dread_v his_o pretend_a judgement_n and_o so_o god_n justice_n and_o veracity_n together_o with_o all_o our_o other_o knowledge_n be_v at_o a_o end_n to_o avoid_v therefore_o fall_v into_o such_o a_o impious_a assertion_n we_o must_v own_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o good_a be_v to_o dwell_v for_o ever_o with_o god_n but_o that_o contrariwise_o those_o of_o the_o wicked_a be_v to_o be_v banish_v his_o presence_n and_o in_o own_v this_o we_o affirmthe_v only_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o all_o our_o knowledge_n and_o most_o visible_o flow_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n themselves_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n excellent_o answer_v his_o liberal_a promise_n and_o the_o formidable_a severity_n of_o his_o punishment_n all_o the_o creature_n of_o this_o visible_a world_n conspire_v together_o to_o do_v we_o good_a and_o beside_o all_o the_o temporal_a blessing_n daily_o confer_v upon_o we_o beside_o the_o whole_a earth_n be_v replenish_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v sanctify_v their_o soul_n comfort_v the_o gospel_n preach_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o son_n of_o god_n die_v for_o our_o offence_n and_o be_v raise_v for_o our_o justification_n our_o crucify_a saviour_n come_v out_o of_o the_o grave_a to_o bring_v we_o peace_n from_o god_n and_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o gospel_n by_o his_o frequent_a apparition_n after_o his_o death_n there_o be_v a_o visible_a and_o frequent_a effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o man_n a_o multitude_n of_o martyr_n send_v from_o god_n to_o reclaim_v the_o world_n by_o their_o example_n and_o conversation_n from_o vice_n and_o idolatrous_a superstition_n all_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v such_o blessing_n as_o be_v wonderful_o suitable_a to_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o god_n and_o full_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o christian_a morality_n have_v as_o many_o object_n to_o exalt_v and_o comfort_v man_n soul_n as_o it_o have_v to_o excite_v and_o terrify_v their_o mind_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n x._o but_o to_o prove_v that_o this_o morality_n be_v not_o a_o mere_a idea_n of_o perfection_n god_n in_o be_v wisdom_n be_v please_v not_o only_o to_o have_v it_o set_v down_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o also_o to_o have_v it_o lively_o paint_v first_o in_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o afterward_o in_o the_o daily_a practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n these_o man_n be_v not_o such_o teacher_n as_o may_v deserve_o be_v accuse_v of_o speak_v well_o but_o do_v ill_a as_o it_o be_v object_v former_o to_o seneca_n who_o compose_v very_o excellent_a discourse_n concern_v poverty_n and_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o good_n of_o fortune_n when_o he_o himself_o be_v rich_a than_o the_o wealthy_a citizen_n of_o rome_n these_o on_o the_o contrary_n confirm_v by_o their_o practice_n what_o they_o teach_v and_o by_o extirpate_v their_o evil_a desire_n form_v such_o a_o society_n as_o be_v conformable_a to_o that_o we_o have_v have_v above_o but_o a_o faint_a prospect_n of_o when_o we_o lay_v down_o the_o idea_n of_o man_n duty_n they_o utter_o renounce_v those_o passion_n which_o put_v a_o distinction_n betwixt_o they_o and_o other_o men._n they_o forget_v their_o quality_n and_o condition_n the_o better_a to_o use_v one_o another_o like_a brethren_n the_o same_o interest_n be_v common_a to_o they_o all_o they_o sell_v their_o possession_n to_o ease_v the_o want_v and_o necessity_n of_o those_o that_o suffer_v adversity_n they_o rejoice_v for_o have_v be_v think_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v for_o the_o name_n of_o god_n every_o thing_n conduce_v to_o their_o happiness_n even_o affliction_n themselves_o they_o pray_v for_o those_o that_o despiteful_o use_v they_o and_o as_o charity_n and_o not selflove_o selflove_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o affection_n so_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o their_o heart_n tend_v to_o one_o as_o to_o the_o same_o centre_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o their_o neighbour_n which_o give_v the_o scripture_n occasion_n to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v but_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o soul_n i_o confess_v that_o state_n can_v not_o always_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n permit_v it_o shall_v last_v for_o some_o time_n to_o give_v we_o a_o lively_a image_n and_o idea_n of_o heaven_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o so_o to_o confirm_v by_o the_o excellence_n of_o such_o a_o example_n a_o morality_n already_o support_v by_o so_o many_o great_a and_o powerful_a motive_n viii_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o its_o mystery_n the_o mystery_n god_n have_v reveal_v unto_o we_o in_o his_o word_n be_v like_o the_o cloudy_a pillar_n which_o lead_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n through_o the_o wilderness_n for_o like_o that_o they_o be_v clear_a on_o one_o side_n but_o dark_a and_o obscure_a on_o the_o other_o if_o we_o contemplate_v
must_v renounce_v ourselves_o and_o beg_v of_o almighty_a god_n that_o he_o will_v enlighten_v our_o understanding_n when_o we_o perceive_v that_o such_o a_o sublime_a and_o elevate_a science_n which_o offer_v such_o noble_a and_o magnificent_a object_n to_o our_o consideration_n be_v yet_o conceive_v by_o those_o only_a that_o be_v pure_a in_o heart_n here_o then_o ought_v we_o to_o cry_v out_o what_o a_o divine_a religion_n be_v this_o which_o at_o once_o enlighten_v and_o humble_v we_o which_o amaze_v and_o yet_o clear_v our_o understanding_n which_o lead_v we_o to_o save_a knowledge_n by_o the_o free_a and_o ready_a confession_n of_o our_o own_o ignorance_n and_o take_v away_o all_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o understanding_n by_o make_v it_o submit_v to_o faith_n where_o be_v the_o wise_a where_o be_v the_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n ix_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o the_o conformity_n of_o its_o mystery_n to_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n have_v look_v into_o the_o original_a of_o all_o our_o false_a prejudices_fw-la it_o be_v now_o no_o difficult_a matter_n to_o distinguish_v religion_n from_o superstition_n and_o divinity_n from_o philosophy_n without_o such_o a_o distinction_n we_o must_v inevitable_o fall_v into_o the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o by_o it_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o demonstrate_v that_o religion_n contain_v no_o great_a difficulty_n than_o even_o nature_n itself_o thus_o the_o doctrine_n of_o predestination_n of_o grace_n and_o original_a sin_n be_v such_o unfathomable_a depth_n as_o terrify_v at_o first_o view_v the_o mind_n of_o he_o that_o endeavour_v to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o methinks_v i_o already_o hear_v a_o multitude_n of_o doctor_n cry_v out_o against_o i_o that_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o presume_v to_o dive_v into_o thebottom_n of_o those_o profound_a mystery_n which_o confound_v their_o reason_n the_o more_o attentive_o they_o consider_v and_o reflect_v upon_o they_o but_o i_o beg_v leave_n of_o those_o worthy_a man_n to_o tell_v they_o that_o all_o those_o matter_n will_v seem_v to_o they_o less_o difficult_a than_o they_o do_v be_v they_o less_o philosopher_n than_o they_o be_v and_o i_o will_v have_v they_o always_o remember_v that_o faith_n and_o reason_n divinity_n and_o philosophy_n be_v essential_o distinct_a one_o from_o the_o other_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o former_a bare_o perceive_v the_o object_n itself_o without_o endeavour_v to_o search_v into_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o consist_v in_o that_o submission_n which_o prevent_v its_o further_a inquiry_n pride_n and_o rashness_n be_v contrary_a to_o it_o whereas_o the_o latter_a continual_o endeavour_n to_o know_v both_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o they_o together_o with_o the_o physical_a cause_n of_o they_o have_v no_o great_a enemy_n than_o ignorance_n to_o oppose_v its_o progress_n according_o a_o divine_a aught_o only_o to_o inquire_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o grace_n predestination_n original_a sin_n etc._n etc._n but_o a_o philosopher_n not_o satisfied-with_a a_o bare_a knowledge_n of_o it_o will_v yet_o further_o inquire_v what_o be_v the_o order_n of_o the_o immutable_a decree_n of_o god_n after_o what_o manner_n grace_n determine_v our_o free_a will_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v original_a sin_n be_v transmit_v from_o the_o first_o man_n to_o his_o posterity_n the_o apostle_n who_o be_v the_o true_a and_o indeed_o only_a divine_n that_o confine_v themselves_o within_o the_o due_a limit_n of_o divinity_n have_v very_o large_o instruct_v we_o in_o all_o those_o object_n by_o full_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n and_o necessity_n of_o they_o yet_o have_v not_o let_v fall_v the_o least_o word_n that_o can_v give_v we_o a_o insight_n into_o the_o manner_n of_o they_o but_o the_o succeed_a christian_n apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o platonic_a and_o aristotelian_a philosophy_n real_o think_v the_o knowledge_n of_o salvation_n a_o science_n as_o well_o as_o the_o rest_n and_o thereupon_o frame_v to_o themselves_o many_o fruitless_a and_o unprofitable_a speculative_a system_n which_o in_o many_o place_n be_v repugnant_a to_o piety_n and_o perplex_v our_o divine_a religion_n with_o several_a humane_a difficulty_n it_o will_v be_v injurious_a to_o imagine_v that_o st._n paul_n in_o his_o large_a discourse_n about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o predestination_n aim_v at_o nothing_o else_o but_o to_o gratify_v the_o vain_a curiosity_n of_o those_o he_o address_v himself_o to_o all_o that_o he_o there_o say_v though_o seem_o speculative_a be_v in_o reality_n practical_a the_o question_n be_v whether_o the_o distinction_n that_o be_v between_o the_o jew_n and_o gtntile_n be_v not_o whole_o take_v away_o and_o if_o so_o whether_o the_o gentile_n be_v not_o to_o make_v up_o one_o and_o the_o same_o body_n with_o the_o beliving_a jew_n those_o of_o the_o circumcision_n be_v accustom_v to_o look_v upon_o the_o heathen_n as_o a_o people_n that_o be_v curse_v can_v not_o easy_o imagine_v that_o they_o shall_v ever_o enjoy_v the_o same_o privilege_n with_o they_o but_o st._n paul_n the_o apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n endeavour_n to_o confute_v this_o prejudice_n of_o they_o and_o to_o that_o purpose_n he_o show_v they_o that_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o all_o man_n that_o he_o suffer_v that_o all_o man_n shall_v sin_n that_o he_o may_v thereby_o extend_v his_o grace_n to_o all_o that_o the_o choice_n he_o make_v of_o the_o jew_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n be_v a_o free_a and_o liberal_a election_n that_o it_o be_v by_o by_o faith_n alone_o and_o not_o by_o work_n that_o the_o patriarch_n be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o that_o his_o mercy_n be_v not_o entail_v upon_o the_o posterity_n of_o the_o patriarch_n that_o the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o acceptance_n with_o god_n that_o the_o law_n of_o itself_o can_v not_o have_v that_o effect_n that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o good_a work_n of_o jacob_n that_o his_o posterity_n be_v prefer_v before_o that_o of_o esau_n for_o whilst_o the_o child_n be_v yet_o in_o their_o mother_n womb_n and_o have_v do_v neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a it_o be_v tell_v rebekah_n consult_v the_o divine_a oracle_n about_o they_o that_o the_o elder_a shall_v serve_v the_o young_a now_o the_o reflection_n to_o be_v make_v upon_o this_o doctrine_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v these_o 1._o that_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n there_o be_v then_o to_o treat_v of_o those_o matter_n and_o the_o urgent_a occasion_n that_o oblige_v the_o apostle_n to_o speak_v of_o they_o be_v now_o whole_o at_o a_o end_n for_o there_o be_v none_o among_o the_o christian_n that_o either_o call_v or_o aught_o to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o election_n of_o those_o gentile_n who_o sincere_o believe_v the_o gospel_n so_o that_o if_o we_o happen_v now_o adays_o to_o be_v engage_v in_o any_o eager_a dispute_n about_o those_o matter_n it_o be_v mere_o out_o of_o a_o principle_n of_o vanity_n or_o obstinacy_n or_o a_o rash_a and_o impious_a curiosity_n every_o thing_n be_v practical_a in_o st_n paul_n discourse_n of_o predestination_n whereas_o those_o be_v whole_o speculative_a that_o be_v in_o these_o latter_a day_n compose_v about_o it_o st._n paul_n have_v no_o other_o design_n but_o to_o create_v peace_n and_o charity_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n by_o show_v they_o that_o they_o be_v both_o the_o object_n of_o the_o divine_a election_n but_o now_o this_o doctrine_n be_v change_v into_o speculation_n and_o philosophy_n and_o have_v no_o other_o use_n but_o to_o create_v scandalous_a division_n in_o christian_a society_n 2._o the_o best_a and_o sure_a method_n in_o this_o case_n be_v to_o imitate_v the_o modesty_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o bare_o assert_v the_o thing_n take_v great_a care_v not_o to_o search_v into_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o he_o only_o speak_v of_o election_n in_o general_n and_o when_o his_o curious_a and_o impertinent_a reason_n go_v about_o to_o examine_v the_o performance_n of_o it_o he_o only_o cry_v out_o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n etc._n etc._n it_o must_v be_v confess_v st._n paul_n have_v as_o much_o wit_n as_o any_o modern_a divine_n can_v pretend_v to_o and_o so_o can_v have_v frame_v as_o probable_a system_n of_o the_o consent_n and_o harmony_n of_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n or_o have_v find_v out_o either_o in_o the_o ill_a use_n we_o make_v of_o our_o free_a will_n or_o in_o the_o spring_n of_o our_o soul_n wherewith_o to_o solve_v these_o difficulty_n yet_o he_o never_o attempt_v it_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v he_o be_v a_o true_a divine_a and_o not_o a_o mere_a philosopher_n and_o know_v very_o well_o that_o the_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o faith_n consist_v in_o humble_o cast_v down_o our_o eye_n before_o the_o dark_a side_n of_o the_o mystery_n 3._o but_o because_o we_o be_v
book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v partly_o reducible_a to_o three_o head_n 1_o sy_n to_o a_o general_a preparation_n of_o all_o thing_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o messiah_n who_o be_v to_o come_v 2_o lie_n to_o the_o representation_n of_o his_o office_n and_o oeconomy_n by_o a_o type_n or_o shadow_n 3_o dly_z to_o the_o describe_v of_o he_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o render_v it_o altogether_o impossible_a for_o the_o elect_a soul_n not_o to_o know_v he_o when_o he_o come_v whosoever_o shall_v consider_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n under_o these_o three_o notion_n will_v certain_o discover_v nothing_o in_o they_o that_o can_v perplex_v his_o faith_n but_o he_o will_v find_v that_o every_o thing_n therein_o serve_v to_o increase_v his_o knowledge_n by_o discover_v to_o he_o as_o it_o be_v the_o scheme_n of_o god_n counsel_n and_o his_o great_a plan_n and_o design_n of_o religion_n but_o since_o it_o be_v not_o our_o present_a design_n to_o dive_v into_o the_o unfathomable_a abyss_n of_o the_o justice_n wisdom_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n so_o neither_o shall_v we_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n which_o induce_v he_o to_o permit_v man_n to_o sin_n or_o why_o he_o be_v please_v to_o save_v some_o rather_o than_o other_o or_o upon_o what_o account_n he_o make_v use_v of_o the_o intervention_n of_o a_o mediator_n rather_o than_o of_o any_o other_o mean_n or_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o other_o way_n to_o expiate_v the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n but_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n i_o say_v we_o shall_v not_o trouble_v ourselves_o about_o any_o of_o these_o vain_a and_o fruitless_a inquiry_n and_o since_o it_o be_v but_o just_a we_o shall_v free_o own_v our_o ignorance_n i_o think_v we_o can_v never_o find_v a_o better_a opportunity_n to_o acknowledge_v it_o than_o when_o we_o be_v talk_v about_o the_o secret_a method_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n because_o we_o can_v never_o discover_v the_o bottom_n of_o they_o unless_o we_o cease_v to_o be_v what_o we_o be_v or_o he_o to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v without_o attempt_v then_o to_o search_v into_o the_o manner_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v altogether_o incomprehensible_a to_o we_o and_o of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o speak_v but_o imperfect_o we_o free_o suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o we_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o question_n but_o god_n permit_v sin_n because_o we_o be_v all_o sinner_n we_o know_v that_o a_o small_a number_n of_o man_n be_v sanctify_v to_o who_o the_o scripture_n make_v several_a great_a and_o sublime_a promise_n and_o we_o be_v also_o teach_v that_o they_o be_v deliver_v from_o their_o sin_n by_o the_o intervention_n of_o a_o mediator_n and_o that_o god_n have_v resolve_v to_o bring_v it_o to_o pass_v by_o such_o mean_n even_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n but_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v how_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n prepare_v and_o dispose_v man_n for_o it_o these_o preparation_n relate_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v manifold_a for_o there_o be_v preparation_n of_o event_n preparation_n of_o ceremony_n preparation_n of_o prophecy_n preparation_n of_o precept_n and_o preparation_n of_o tenet_n as_o for_o the_o event_n they_o all_o relate_v to_o this_o great_a centre_n of_o religion_n have_v abraham_n always_o live_v in_o ur_fw-la of_o the_o chaldee_n he_o must_v necessary_o have_v fall_v into_o idolatry_n as_o well_o as_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o kindred_n or_o he_o can_v never_o have_v preserve_v to_o his_o posterity_n the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o his_o seed_n consequent_o can_v not_o have_v be_v a_o seed_n of_o blessing_n for_o all_o the_o nation_n to_o come_v it_o be_v then_o absolute_o requisite_a he_o shall_v forsake_v his_o country_n as_o well_o as_o his_o kindred_n and_o have_v jacob_n always_o live_v with_o his_o father_n laban_n the_o posterity_n of_o the_o latter_a will_v have_v corrupt_v that_o of_o the_o former_a so_o that_o esau_n have_v already_o mix_v himself_o with_o stranger_n the_o holy_a race_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n avoid_v be_v confound_v with_o the_o profane_a and_o so_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n will_v not_o have_v be_v entail_v upon_o any_o particular_a family_n or_o nation_n because_o in_o succession_n of_o time_n it_o will_v have_v be_v altogether_o impossible_a to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v then_o necessary_a that_o jacob_n shall_v forsake_v his_o father-in-law_n house_n and_o consequent_o live_v apart_o from_o all_o other_o nation_n and_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o the_o protect_a providence_n of_o god_n this_o people_n who_o be_v honour_v with_o his_o covenant_n and_o entrust_v with_o his_o oracle_n will_v have_v absolute_o perish_v in_o egypt_n and_o together_o with_o they_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o promise_a redeemer_n to_o preserve_v therefore_o such_o comfortable_a hope_n they_o be_v necessary_o separate_v from_o all_o other_o nation_n and_o the_o better_a to_o keep_v themselves_o in_o that_o state_n though_o they_o differ_v from_o they_o all_o in_o matter_n of_o policy_n manner_n inclination_n and_o religion_n yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a they_o have_v god_n for_o their_o supreme_a magistrate_n who_o give_v they_o all_o those_o wonderful_a mark_n of_o his_o protection_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n though_o thev_n be_v carry_v away_o captive_n into_o babylon_n for_o their_o sin_n they_o be_v necessary_o gather_v together_o again_o from_o that_o dispersion_n seventy_o year_n after_o lest_o a_o long_a bondage_n shall_v have_v make_v they_o for_o ever_o lose_v the_o mark_n of_o their_o election_n it_o be_v no_o difficult_a matter_n to_o perceive_v that_o it_o be_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o messiah_n only_o that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v so_o many_o distinction_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n can_v not_o be_v entail_v upon_o every_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n he_o set_v apart_o one_o single_a nation_n from_o the_o rest_n purposely_o to_o intrust_v they_o with_o so_o great_a a_o salvation_n and_o because_o it_o be_v absolute_o requisite_a this_o distinction_n shall_v remain_v till_o the_o birth_n of_o that_o redeemer_n so_o for_o that_o end_n he_o appoint_v five_o very_a remarkable_a principle_n of_o that_o separation_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n a_o divine_a character_n of_o the_o election_n of_o that_o people_n and_o a_o privilege_n they_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o be_v infinite_o jealous_a of_o especial_o when_o they_o consider_v what_o profound_a darkness_n ignorance_n and_o superstition_n be_v then_o disperse_v in_o the_o world_n the_o second_o be_v the_o circumcision_n that_o sign_n of_o his_o covenant_n which_o god_n be_v please_v the_o israelite_n shall_v bear_v in_o their_o flesh_n to_o distinguish_v they_o the_o more_o effectual_o from_o all_o other_o nation_n for_o it_o be_v not_o by_o mere_a chance_n or_o out_o of_o any_o fantastical_a humour_n that_o this_o custom_n be_v first_o settle_v among_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v they_o can_v have_v receive_v without_o very_o powerful_a motive_n to_o it_o so_o painful_a and_o difficult_a a_o custom_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o natural_a affection_n of_o mother_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o example_n of_o zeporah_n nay_o which_o even_o seem_v at_o first_o view_n somewhat_o shameful_a and_o obscene_a as_o for_o philo_n and_o other_o man_n reflection_n on_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o circumcision_n they_o be_v very_o pitiful_a the_o three_o principle_n of_o that_o distinction_n be_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n which_o god_n give_v to_o the_o patriarch_n and_o their_o posterity_n after_o they_o though_o he_o do_v not_o give_v they_o immediate_o a_o actual_a possession_n of_o it_o he_o fix_v the_o heart_n of_o that_o people_n upon_o that_o particular_a land_n lest_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v insensible_o disperse_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o the_o patriarch_n upon_o their_o deathbed_n strict_o recommend_v the_o carry_v of_o their_o bone_n into_o it_o the_o better_a to_o fix_v the_o hope_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n upon_o it_o but_o lest_o it_o shall_v have_v happen_v that_o the_o canaanite_n the_o perisite_n the_o jebusite_n etc._n etc._n who_o be_v before_o in_o possession_n of_o that_o land_n shall_v have_v intermix_v themselves_o with_o the_o holy_a generation_n and_o consequent_o corrupt_v they_o by_o their_o superstition_n god_n himself_o consent_v that_o those_o nation_n shall_v in_o this_o life_n undergo_v a_o exemplary_a punishment_n for_o their_o sin_n which_o have_v be_v carry_v on_o to_o the_o utmost_a pitch_n of_o excess_n and_o for_o that_o end_n his_o vengeance_n make_v use_v of_o josuah_n and_o his_o army_n as_o instrument_n to_o destroy_v they_o utter_o the_o four_o be_v the_o tabernacle_n and_o afterward_o the_o