ínContríbíng 9; tin' laebentptíon. 403 wasnot afhamed ofthe Gofpel ofChri1t, it being the Power Z173Tr. ofGod to Salvation to all that believe, to the Jewfarff, and t,m..) alfa to the Greek. Andheprays for the Ephelans, That E. hef. r. xs, the eyes of their underflandings being enligh tened, they 19P , 20. might knowwhat is the exceedinggreatnefs ofhis Power to uswardwho believe, according to the working ofhis migh- ty Power whichHe wroughtin Chri,t whenHe raifed him from the dead, and fet him at his own right hand in the Heavenlyplaces. He ufes various and lofty expreflions, as ifone had been infufficient to fignifie the extent and efficacy of that Power which produc'd the Faith of Chrift in the Heathens. And ifwe duly confider things it will appear, thatthe terms ofthe Apoftle are not too flrong and hyperbolical, but juft and equal to the degree ofPower requifite for the accomplifhment ofthat great work. For the underftandingof this, I will confider three things. i. The numerous and great difficulties that obftruted the receivingof the Gofpel. 2. The qualityof themeans by which 'twas conveyed and be- came fuccefsful. 3. The eminent, fudden, univerfal and falling changemadeby it in the World. 1. Thenumerous and greatdifficulties that obftru-- cd the receivingofthe Gofpel. This will appear by re- prefenting the Rate and difpofitionoftheWorld,at that time when it was firft preached. Firfl ; Ignorance wasUniverfal ; a deep thick dark- nefs cover'd the face ofthe Earth. And the confequents ofthat grofs palpable Ignorance, were execrable Idola- try and themolt notorious depravation ofManners. i . Execrable Idolatry : for as in the night Spec-res walk,fo in the times of Ignorance, the Princeof dark- nefs made his progrefs in the Earth. He reignd in the hearts of Men, and in the places of their Devotion. Thewhole World was fill'd with Idols of feveral Forms and Myfteries, Tome amiable, others terrible according Fffa to
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