t to Mankind, have been endu'd with more Zeal and
greater Abilities, than the Professors of the same Religion in after
Ages. And as no Person can doubt, but that the Jewish Religion was much
more perfect in the Days of _Moses_, and those which immediately
succeeded him, than in after Times, when it was obscur'd and mudded by
Pharisaical Inventions and Traditions: So must it also be confess'd,
that the Christian Religion was much more perfect in the Days of the
Apostles, and the Ages immediately succeeding them, than since it has
been obscur'd by the Interest of the Designing on the one hand, and the
Prejudice and Ignorance of the Unlearned on the other. And this is what
is plainly confess'd by the Practice of most contending Parties amongst
the Professors of Christianity; who constantly make their Appeals to the
earliest Writers of the Primitive Christian Church, and use all means to
bring them over to their own Side; which is an evident Concession that
they value their Authority, and look upon them as the most competent
Judges of their Controversies. Now, if I shall make it appear, that
there was no such thing as is contended for by our Enthusiasts, in those
early Times, when the Holy Spirit must be confess'd on all hands to be
more plentifully pour'd out than in the succeeding Ages; I hope it will
appear evidently to any unprejudic'd Person, that it is not at all to be
expected under the Christian Dispensation.

Sec. 12. To begin therefore with our Blessed Saviour himself. It is evident
that he never recommended any such way of worshipping God, as is
contended for by the _Mysticks_, nor promised to reward the most sincere
of his Followers with the _Vision of God_ whilst in this State. As for
his own Life, which is certainly the most perfect Pattern, it was
_Active_ to the greatest Degree; and bating some times of Retirement, to
pray or the like, was wholly spent in Conversation, and doing Good to
others. Then as to the Substance of his Doctrine, it consisted in
acquainting the _Jews_ that he himself was the _Messias_, whose Coming
was so long ago, and so often foretold by the Ancient Prophets. He also
acquainted them with the Nature of his Office and Mediatorship, and
shew'd them how mightily they were mistaken in their Interpretations of
the Prophets concerning him. He let them know, that, contrary to their
Expectation, his Kingdom was not of this World; but that his Business
was to bring Men out of Darkness to Light,