corruption_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v do_v before_o any_o of_o the_o father_n begin_v to_o write_v that_o be_v fifteen_o or_o twenty_o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o we_o need_v only_o recall_v to_o mind_v all_o the_o reason_n that_o persuade_v we_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o forge_v by_o the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o it_o will_v appear_v they_o be_v no_o less_o conclusive_a in_o this_o place_n in_o short_a we_o need_v but_o join_v the_o martyrdom_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o be_v not_o certain_o so_o whimsical_a as_o to_o die_v in_o defence_n of_o their_o fiction_n with_o the_o passion_n the_o people_n have_v for_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o division_n which_o disunited_a the_o church_n immediate_o after_o their_o death_n the_o variety_n of_o translation_n the_o number_n of_o copy_n the_o constant_a and_o perpetual_a tradition_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n the_o connexion_n of_o the_o essential_a matter_n of_o fact_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v such_o that_o he_o that_o admit_v of_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o admit_v of_o the_o other_o too_o as_o he_o that_o believe_v the_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v his_o resurrection_n also_o and_o he_o that_o deny_v those_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v no_o long_o a_o christian_a the_o number_n of_o the_o book_n which_o the_o new_a testament_n consist_v of_o the_o repetition_n of_o the_o same_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o they_o the_o want_n of_o time_n and_o opportunity_n to_o invent_v or_o essential_o corrupt_v they_o the_o impossibility_n of_o it_o unless_o the_o book_n be_v whole_o forge_v the_o prodigious_a multitude_n of_o people_n who_o must_v have_v be_v impose_v upon_o in_o that_o respect_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n they_o must_v have_v be_v make_v to_o believe_v viz._n that_o whole_a society_n have_v receive_v some_o epistle_n from_o the_o apostle_n which_o contain_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v well_o remember_v the_o experience_n of_o time_n past_a which_o evident_o show_v that_o from_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n down_o to_o we_o that_o be_v for_o sixteen_o age_n together_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o essential_o corrupt_v the_o distance_n of_o place_n where_o those_o book_n must_v have_v be_v forge_v or_o corrupt_v together_o with_o the_o impossibility_n of_o make_v many_o fiction_n which_o in_o all_o appearance_n those_o book_n will_v have_v be_v full_a of_o pass_v for_o truth_n and_o that_o so_o soon_o after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n when_o the_o world_n have_v their_o preach_v yet_o fresh_a in_o their_o memory_n the_o silence_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o christian_n on_o that_o account_n who_o never_o mention_v any_o thing_n concern_v that_o pretend_a forgery_n the_o distinction_n the_o primitive_a christian_n make_v at_o first_o between_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n and_o those_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o absolute_a rule_n and_o standard_n of_o their_o faith_n all_o these_o consideration_n i_o say_v put_v together_o plain_o show_v we_o and_o that_o too_o in_o a_o evident_a manner_n that_o it_o will_v argue_v madness_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n long_a to_o entertain_v either_o of_o the_o two_o former_a suspicion_n i_o pass_v on_o therefore_o to_o a_o three_o which_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o compose_v fable_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o master_n but_o since_o this_o be_v the_o most_o considerable_a of_o they_o all_o and_o that_o which_o julian_n mahomet_n and_o almost_o every_o incredulous_a person_n of_o these_o time_n chief_o urge_v against_o we_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a i_o shall_v more_o particular_o and_o thorough_o examine_v it_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n for_o true_o upon_o that_o chief_o depend_v the_o solid_a proof_n of_o our_o religion_n chap._n iii_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o write_v what_o be_v false_a to_o comprehend_v distinct_o that_o the_o author_n we_o speak_v of_o do_v not_o impose_v upon_o we_o in_o their_o write_n it_o be_v fit_a to_o consider_v those_o write_n in_o particular_a one_o after_o another_o they_o consist_v of_o three_o principal_a part_n which_o be_v the_o four_o gospel_n the_o book_n of_o act_n and_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n st._n matthew_n write_v the_o first_o and_o his_o gospel_n be_v quote_v by_o clemens_n bishop_n of_o rome_n disciple_n and_o contemporary_a with_o the_o apostle_n barnabas_n quote_v it_o also_o in_o his_o epistle_n and_o ignatius_n and_o polycarp_n who_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o st._n john_n justin_n iraeneus_n who_o live_v a_o little_a after_o athenagoras_n tertullian_n and_o all_o the_o other_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n which_o succeed_v they_o unanimous_o receive_v it_o there_o be_v not_o only_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o st._n matthew_n concern_v which_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n to_o entertain_v any_o reasonable_a suspicion_n but_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o st._n mark_n be_v also_o a_o while_n after_o write_v for_o a_o second_o support_v of_o our_o belief_n the_o same_o father_n who_o testify_v of_o the_o one_o testify_v also_o of_o the_o other_o papias_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n justin_n speak_v of_o it_o and_o st._n iraeneus_n relate_v that_o mark_v the_o disciple_n of_o st._n peter_n compose_v his_o gospel_n of_o those_o matter_n he_o have_v hear_v the_o latter_a speak_v of_o st._n luke_n who_o accompany_v st._n paul_n in_o all_o his_o travel_n write_v a_o three_o gospel_n which_o the_o ancient_a father_n have_v also_o receive_v last_o st._n john_n the_o last_o of_o the_o apostle_n compose_v a_o four_o gospel_n towards_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o his_o day_n as_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n tell_v we_o and_o this_o apostle_n declare_v at_o the_o end_n of_o it_o that_o he_o himself_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o disciple_n say_v he_o which_o testify_v of_o these_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v see_v chap._n 21._o 24._o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v first_o of_o all_o that_o the_o four_o evangelist_n who_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o plainness_n and_o ingenuity_n which_o appear_v in_o their_o relation_n have_v nevertheless_o a_o very_a different_a stile_n from_o one_o another_o thus_o st._n john_n express_v himself_o after_o a_o very_a simple_a manner_n if_o compare_v with_o that_o of_o st._n luke_n who_o be_v a_o physician_n aught_o to_o have_v write_v in_o a_o more_o lofty_a stile_n than_o st._n john_n who_o be_v original_o a_o fisherman_n and_o this_o consideration_n remove_v the_o suspicion_n we_o may_v entertain_v that_o all_o those_o gospel_n be_v compose_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o author_n second_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o although_o these_o writer_n agree_v essential_o in_o the_o matter_n they_o relate_v there_o be_v nevertheless_o some_o small_a difference_n betwixt_o they_o which_o very_o sensible_o show_v we_o that_o they_o compose_v their_o gospel_n separately_z divine_a providence_n have_v so_o order_v it_o the_o better_a to_o confirm_v ouâ—_n faith_n yet_o our_o incredulous_a adversary_n will_v not_o stand_v to_o this_o assertion_n they_o will_v perhaps_o imagine_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n have_v get_v together_o at_o jerusalem_n after_o the_o death_n of_o their_o master_n take_v certain_a measure_n to_o make_v man_n believe_v certain_a suppositition_n matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o very_o exact_o and_o precise_o set_v down_o lest_o they_o shall_v contradict_v themselves_o in_o the_o testimony_n they_o shall_v give_v of_o they_o and_o that_o after_o have_v found_v several_a church_n by_o then_o preach_v some_o of_o they_o take_v special_a care_n to_o digest_v those_o very_a matter_n of_o fact_n in_o write_v which_o they_o have_v preach_v throughout_o the_o world_n after_o have_v invent_v they_o i_o think_v this_o be_v the_o most_o plausible_a objection_n of_o they_o that_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v raise_v against_o this_o subject_n but_o in_o order_n to_o confute_v this_o imagination_n it_o may_v perhaps_o suffice_v to_o call_v to_o mind_n what_o i_o have_v before_o mention_v the_o absurdity_n there_o be_v in_o suppose_v that_o a_o few_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a fisherman_n deject_v by_o the_o death_n of_o their_o master_n undeceive_v of_o the_o opinion_n they_o have_v entertain_v that_o he_o be_v their_o messiah_n and_o so_o fearful_a that_o they_o flee_v when_o he_o be_v seize_v upon_o in_o order_n to_o his_o crucifixion_n shall_v contrive_v among_o themselves_o how_o to_o deceive_v other_o man_n when_o they_o themselves_o be_v so_o miserable_o delude_v that_o they_o shall_v dare_v to_o invent_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o will_v certain_o fix_v a_o eternal_a blot_n and_o scandal_n upon_o their_o nation_n by_o make_v the_o jew_n be_v look_v
that_o by_o show_v that_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v compose_v before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n i_o show_v also_o that_o it_o be_v as_o ancient_a as_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o which_o afford_v we_o one_o determination_n very_o advantageous_a to_o our_o cause_n so_o that_o this_o objection_n be_v very_o favourable_a to_o instead_o of_o prove_v any_o thing_n against_o we_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o we_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o second_o suspicion_n we_o be_v willing_a to_o entertain_v concern_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n chap._n ii_o prove_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v never_o corrupt_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n to_o we_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v ever_o look_v upon_o as_o sacred_a and_o not_o to_o be_v corrupt_v without_o impiety_n and_o irreligion_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v reason_n or_o prejudice_n that_o make_v it_o so_o esteem_v by_o the_o christian_n i_o shall_v now_o examine_v it_o be_v enough_o that_o the_o esteem_v man_n have_v of_o it_o seem_v as_o ancient_a as_o the_o book_n itself_o it_o be_v be_v consider_v as_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o our_o hope_n and_o the_o original_n of_o heavenly_a revelation_n its_o be_v read_v and_o order_v to_o be_v read_v in_o public_a and_o private_a from_o the_o age_n of_o clemens_n polycarp_n justin_n and_o iraeneus_n to_o we_o i_o say_v all_o this_o show_v that_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v corrupt_v in_o its_o essential_o but_o this_o truth_n very_o well_o deserve_v a_o more_o strict_a consideration_n i_o say_v then_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v have_v unanimous_o conspire_v to_o corrupt_v this_o book_n for_o though_o one_o single_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v attempt_v it_o yet_o the_o rest_n will_v certain_o have_v oppose_v it_o though_o all_o the_o christian_a doctor_n disperse_v up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n shall_v have_v agreeed_o to_o it_o yet_o the_o people_n will_v never_o have_v consent_v to_o it_o though_o the_o doctor_n and_o the_o people_n together_o shall_v have_v be_v inclinable_a to_o it_o yet_o sure_o their_o adversary_n will_v not_o have_v fail_v to_o reproach_v they_o with_o it_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n who_o only_a aim_n be_v to_o cry_v down_o their_o religion_n will_v never_o have_v conceal_v it_o julian_n porphirius_fw-la and_o all_o other_o particular_a enemy_n of_o the_o christian_n will_v have_v draw_v some_o advantage_n from_o it_o in_o a_o word_n though_o the_o silence_n of_o their_o adversary_n have_v favour_v so_o strange_a a_o enterprise_n yet_o the_o different_a party_n and_o various_a heresy_n which_o soon_o after_o spring_v up_o among_o the_o christian_n be_v a_o invincible_a obstacle_n to_o it_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o immediate_o after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o church_n be_v strange_o disturb_v by_o several_a various_a controversy_n for_o not_o to_o speak_v here_o of_o the_o gnostic_n that_o abominable_a sect_n which_o deserve_v not_o the_o honourable_a name_n of_o christian_n certain_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o millenarian_o which_o papias_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o author_n of_o found_v upon_o the_o apostolical_a tradition_n fifteen_o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o st._n john_n the_o controversy_n which_o soon_o after_o happen_v concern_v the_o christian_a passover_n together_o with_o the_o dispute_n of_o the_o orthodox_n against_o the_o origenist_n concern_v the_o resurrection_n and_o several_a other_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n i_o say_v these_o dispute_n may_v easy_o have_v divide_v the_o christian_n in_o the_o first_o century_n of_o the_o church_n next_o to_o they_o succeed_v the_o famous_a dispute_n of_o the_o orthodox_n with_o the_o arrian_n and_o with_o what_o heat_n and_o animosity_n they_o be_v carry_v on_o be_v sufficient_o know_v to_o all_o the_o world_n but_o however_o fatal_a all_o those_o controversy_n be_v to_o the_o church_n yet_o they_o produce_v that_o good_a effect_n by_o the_o direction_n of_o providence_n which_o order_v every_o thing_n to_o some_o good_a end_n that_o they_o preserve_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n pure_a and_o entire_a and_o at_o present_a strengthen_v our_o belief_n against_o all_o suspicion_n we_o may_v probable_o entertain_v in_o this_o respect_n for_o though_o the_o millenarian_o the_o origenist_n and_o the_o arian_n shall_v have_v attempt_v to_o corrupt_v the_o scripture_n yet_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o the_o orthodox_n which_o be_v so_o exasperate_v against_o they_o shall_v have_v suffer_v it_o to_o be_v do_v or_o that_o if_o the_o orthodox_n have_v have_v any_o such_o design_n their_o adversary_n which_o be_v so_o incense_v shall_v have_v agree_v with_o they_o in_o the_o same_o intention_n shall_v i_o further_o grant_v this_o mutual_a agreement_n possible_a doubtless_o the_o almost_o infinite_a number_n of_o copy_n of_o edition_n and_o translation_n make_v at_o first_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n render_v the_o execution_n of_o that_o design_n impossible_a for_o though_o a_o man_n have_v corrupt_v one_o single_a copy_n among_o all_o those_o copy_n or_o translate_v those_o book_n false_a yet_o how_o can_v he_o corrupt_v all_o the_o other_o copy_n of_o they_o which_o be_v disperse_v in_o the_o world_n or_o how_o can_v he_o alter_v so_o many_o other_o translation_n which_o have_v be_v make_v of_o they_o in_o different_a time_n and_o in_o different_a place_n but_o suppose_v this_o be_v feasible_a if_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v ever_o corrupt_v it_o must_v have_v be_v either_o in_o their_o essential_o or_o in_o thing_n of_o little_a importance_n i_o mean_v by_o their_o essential_o those_o miraculous_a matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o well_o as_o all_o those_o other_o which_o if_o true_a demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n now_o if_o those_o write_n be_v not_o corrupt_v in_o their_o essential_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o they_o contain_v several_a true_a matter_n of_o fact_n sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n but_o if_o they_o be_v alter_v in_o their_o essential_o there_o must_v have_v be_v add_v to_o they_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o resurrection_n ascension_n into_o heaven_n the_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o apostle_n on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n the_o power_n the_o apostle_n have_v of_o speak_v strange_a language_n and_o of_o impart_v miraculous_a gift_n to_o other_o now_o i_o affirm_v that_o all_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n can_v not_o have_v be_v add_v to_o the_o new_a testament_n unless_o the_o whole_a book_n be_v forge_v because_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n consist_v of_o nothing_o else_o but_o of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o if_o you_o will_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o evident_o relate_v to_o they_o and_o which_o will_v certain_o be_v false_a if_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v false_a but_o let_v we_o join_v experience_n to_o reason_n and_o consider_v that_o if_o the_o christian_n have_v corrupt_v the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n will_v now_o be_v quite_o different_a from_o what_o they_o be_v in_o the_o former_a age_n and_o that_o have_v be_v continual_o alter_v from_o that_o time_n until_o now_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o apparent_a than_o such_o a_o alteration_n yet_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o perceive_v the_o contrary_a and_o it_o evident_o appear_v by_o a_o almost_o infinite_a number_n of_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n quote_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o father_n that_o there_o never_o be_v a_o book_n that_o suffer_v less_o alteration_n by_o the_o revolution_n of_o year_n than_o that_o do_v there_o be_v but_o two_o thing_n in_o my_o opinion_n that_o may_v be_v answer_v to_o this_o argument_n the_o first_o be_v 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character_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v infinite_o more_o excellent_a than_o that_o of_o the_o write_n of_o all_o the_o father_n who_o live_v successive_o from_o the_o apostle_n down_o to_o we_o wherein_o any_o one_o may_v easy_o observe_v a_o strange_a affectation_n a_o particular_a vanity_n of_o show_v their_o part_n and_o learning_n and_o sometime_o much_o heat_n and_o passion_n because_o they_o be_v far_o from_o the_o perfection_n in_o christianity_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v iv._o that_o the_o best_a sort_n of_o godly_a book_n write_v among_o the_o christian_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n down_o to_o we_o i_o mean_v those_o book_n that_o most_o establish_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o public_a society_n and_o chief_o tend_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v write_v in_o imitation_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o which_o they_o have_v their_o material_n to_o compose_v they_o with_o this_o be_v what_o in_o my_o opinion_n be_v very_o sure_a and_o 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the_o use_n of_o his_o tongue_n whilst_o he_o be_v in_o the_o temple_n that_o all_o the_o people_n be_v eye-witness_n of_o it_o and_o that_o he_o remain_v speechless_a till_o the_o time_n be_v come_v wherein_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o give_v a_o name_n to_o that_o wonderful_a child_n which_o god_n have_v give_v he_o in_o his_o old_a age_n notwithstanding_o the_o barrenness_n of_o his_o wife_n suppose_v the_o gospel_n wherein_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v relate_v be_v compose_v long_o after_o that_o event_n still_o it_o be_v true_a that_o st._n luke_n compose_v his_o gospel_n before_o his_o book_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o that_o he_o compose_v the_o book_n of_o act_n sometime_o before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o we_o have_v in_o another_o place_n already_o observe_v and_o as_o it_o be_v without_o doubt_n true_a then_o suppose_v also_o forty_o fifty_o or_o sixty_o year_n if_o you_o will_v have_v past_a since_o all_o these_o thing_n have_v happen_v and_o before_o st._n luke_n compose_v his_o gospel_n can_v forty_o fifty_o or_o sixty_o year_n be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v several_a thousand_o of_o people_n nay_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o great_a and_o flourish_a city_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o they_o have_v see_v either_o with_o their_o own_o eye_n or_o that_o their_o forefather_n have_v see_v one_o of_o their_o priest_n whole_o deprive_v of_o the_o use_n of_o his_o tongue_n because_o he_o have_v see_v a_o vision_n in_o the_o holy_a place_n and_o yet_o that_o he_o recover_v it_o precise_o and_o exact_o at_o the_o time_n he_o be_v oblige_v to_o give_v a_o name_n to_o his_o child_n certain_o have_v none_o but_o zachariah_n relation_n be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o event_n of_o those_o thing_n yet_o it_o will_v have_v argue_v rashness_n in_o any_o man_n to_o invent_v any_o thing_n false_a concern_v they_o for_o what_o a_o extravagance_n will_v it_o have_v be_v in_o any_o one_o to_o pretend_v to_o invent_v it_o 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zachariah_n after_o the_o name_n of_o his_o father_n and_o his_o mother_n answer_v and_o say_v not_o so_o but_o he_o shall_v be_v call_v john_n and_o they_o say_v unto_o she_o there_o be_v none_o of_o thy_o kindred_n that_o be_v call_v by_o that_o name_n and_o they_o make_v sign_n to_o his_o father_n how_o he_o will_v have_v he_o call_v and_o he_o ask_v for_o a_o write_v table_n and_o write_v say_v his_o name_n be_v john_n and_o they_o marvel_v all_o and_o his_o mouth_n be_v open_v immediate_o and_o his_o tongue_n loose_v and_o he_o speak_v and_o praise_v god_n and_o fear_n come_v on_o all_o that_o dwell_v round_o about_o they_o and_o all_o these_o say_n be_v noise_v abroad_o throughout_o all_o the_o country_n of_o judea_n luke_n 1._o 59_o 60_o 61_o 62_o 63_o 64_o 65._o thus_o it_o appear_v this_o history_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v know_v to_o all_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o other_o be_v spread_v abroad_o throughout_o all_o the_o country_n of_o judea_n and_o certain_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a any_o one_o shall_v have_v in_o the_o least_o design_v to_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n in_o that_o respect_n against_o that_o double_a knowledge_n they_o must_v have_v have_v of_o that_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o then_o the_o evangelist_n will_v have_v take_v away_o all_o possibility_n of_o belief_n from_o his_o narration_n by_o the_o choice_n of_o those_o circumstance_n he_o insert_v into_o his_o history_n now_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v natural_a for_o a_o author_n who_o write_v the_o history_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o miracle_n in_o a_o time_n wherein_o it_o be_v so_o strict_o examine_v and_o the_o follower_n of_o that_o sect_n be_v adjudge_v and_o condemn_v to_o death_n with_o so_o much_o severity_n in_o a_o time_n wherein_o as_o he_o himself_o make_v the_o jew_n of_o rome_n tell_v it_o to_o st._n paul_n speak_v to_o he_o at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o book_n of_o act_n chap._n 28._o v._n 22._o for_o as_o concern_v this_o sect_n we_o know_v that_o every_o where_o it_o be_v speak_v against_o i_o say_v it_o do_v not_o seem_v natural_a that_o that_o same_o author_n who_o know_v it_o â—ay_n observe_v it_o himself_o shall_v have_v publish_v such_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o falsity_n of_o which_o he_o will_v soon_o have_v be_v convince_v of_o by_o twenty_o thousand_o of_o people_n who_o must_v have_v be_v present_a in_o the_o temple_n with_o zachariah_n or_o at_o least_o hear_v it_o relate_v by_o those_o who_o be_v there_o present_a one_o of_o the_o most_o dangerous_a error_n which_o the_o incredulous_a plunge_n themselves_o in_o be_v that_o they_o imagine_v that_o the_o same_o distance_n of_o time_n which_o be_v between_o we_o and_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v to_o we_o be_v also_o to_o be_v find_v between_o those_o very_a matter_n of_o fact_n themselves_o and_o those_o who_o so_o relate_v they_o and_o they_o perceive_v not_o that_o whereas_o with_o respect_n to_o we_o it_o be_v many_o age_n ago_o since_o all_o those_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o little_a while_n since_o these_o thing_n must_v necessary_o have_v happen_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o disciple_n who_o publish_v they_o to_o the_o world_n either_o by_o their_o preach_n or_o write_n now_o for_o st._n luke_n to_o have_v invent_v such_o matter_n of_o fact_n must_v either_o have_v argue_v in_o he_o a_o certain_a droll_a mirth_n and_o pleasant_a gaiety_n of_o spirit_n in_o tell_v such_o story_n so_o grave_o or_o else_o he_o must_v have_v have_v but_o a_o very_a mean_a opinion_n of_o man_n sense_n and_o understanding_n in_o his_o time_n to_o think_v they_o can_v so_o easy_o be_v delude_v and_o impose_v upon_o the_o history_n the_o evangelist_n give_v we_o of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o wiseman_n of_o the_o east_n into_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n of_o herod_n suspicious_a concern_v and_o the_o cruel_a caution_n he_o use_v to_o secure_v his_o own_o crown_n by_o command_v all_o the_o young_a child_n that_o be_v in_o the_o city_n of_o bethlehem_n and_o in_o all_o the_o coast_n thereof_o to_o be_v slay_v from_o two_o year_n old_a and_o under_o according_a to_o the_o time_n he_o have_v diligent_o inquire_v of_o the_o wiseman_n i_o say_v this_o history_n be_v much_o of_o the_o same_o stamp_n with_o that_o we_o just_a now_o consider_v have_v the_o evangelist_n only_o tell_v we_o in_o general_a that_o the_o wiseman_n see_v a_o star_n in_o the_o east_n which_o they_o take_v to_o be_v the_o star_n that_o signify_v the_o birth_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o will_v have_v be_v somewhat_o more_o suspicious_a have_v they_o tell_v we_o only_o that_o those_o wiseman_n come_v to_o jerusalem_n that_o will_v not_o positive_o have_v conclude_v much_o but_o when_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o come_v public_o to_o jerusalem_n not_o any_o way_n conceal_v themselves_o or_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o come_n and_o that_o the_o whole_a city_n be_v alarm_v and_o concern_v at_o it_o do_v it_o seem_v natural_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v fancy_v he_o can_v persuade_v so_o great_a a_o city_n as_o jerusalem_n be_v that_o it_o have_v be_v disturb_v and_o surprise_v at_o the_o arrival_n of_o certain_a wiseman_n who_o be_v come_v to_o worship_v the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o a_o man_n who_o have_v propose_v to_o himself_o to_o relate_v certain_a fable_n who_o it_o concern_v that_o they_o shall_v pass_v for_o true_a and_o certain_a matter_n of_o fact_n shall_v yet_o pick_v out_o such_o circumstance_n as_o those_o be_v to_o vent_v abroad_o to_o a_o nation_n that_o know_v so_o very_o well_o the_o falsehood_n of_o they_o for_o if_o we_o consider_v who_o it_o be_v that_o relate_v these_o thing_n it_o be_v
be_v we_o not_o assure_v of_o they_o from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o have_v we_o not_o a_o clear_a proof_n in_o the_o complaint_n of_o the_o father_n who_o certain_o be_v not_o so_o extravagant_a as_o public_o to_o complain_v of_o a_o imaginary_a persecution_n when_o it_o be_v so_o dangerous_a to_o complain_v of_o one_o that_o be_v real_a and_o therefore_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o this_o christian_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n be_v which_o make_v man_n so_o patient_o suffer_v and_o abandon_v all_o thing_n but_o to_o my_o great_a amazement_n i_o find_v that_o they_o believe_v that_o a_o certain_a crucify_a man_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o a_o man_n hang_v and_o nail_v on_o a_o cross_n be_v the_o sovereign_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o object_n of_o our_o adoration_n i_o confess_v i_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v some_o supernatural_a power_n in_o all_o this_o for_o though_o man_n of_o as_o mean_a appearance_n as_o those_o who_o first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n may_v without_o any_o miracle_n have_v weigh_v down_o the_o authority_n of_o emperor_n and_o prelate_n and_o all_o the_o magnificence_n and_o glory_n of_o paganism_n object_n very_o suitable_a to_o the_o worldly_a and_o ambitious_a heart_n of_o a_o man_n yet_o how_o can_v we_o conceive_v that_o they_o can_v without_o the_o help_n of_o miracle_n persuade_v man_n to_o believe_v a_o paradox_n so_o offensive_a to_o reason_n and_o which_o appear_v at_o first_o view_n so_o horrible_a as_o this_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v nail_v on_o a_o cross_n we_o can_v never_o persuade_v ourselves_o without_o offer_v violence_n to_o our_o reason_n that_o those_o who_o from_o their_o youth_n represent_v their_o deity_n to_o themselves_o as_o the_o great_a and_o most_o glorious_a being_n they_n can_v imagine_v and_o give_v the_o name_n of_o divine_a to_o whatever_o they_o think_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n beautiful_a and_o magnificent_a shall_v yet_o substitute_v to_o all_o these_o great_a idea_n the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n who_o die_v a_o infamous_a death_n upon_o the_o cross_n that_o not_o one_o alone_a but_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n embrace_v a_o opinion_n that_o immediate_o overthrow_v all_o their_o first_o idea_n of_o a_o god_n that_o this_o great_a change_n be_v not_o gradual_o and_o insensible_o bring_v to_o pass_v or_o in_o the_o compass_n of_o several_a age_n but_o in_o a_o very_a few_o year_n and_o with_o a_o incredible_a swiftness_n by_o the_o mystery_n of_o vile_a and_o contemptible_a person_n of_o no_o power_n or_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o passion_n they_o have_v for_o a_o doctrine_n which_o seem_v at_o first_o so_o monstrous_a to_o man_n induce_v they_o to_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o same_o after_o have_v renounce_v their_o fortune_n reputation_n and_o pleasure_n but_o do_v not_o prejudice_n over-rule_v in_o all_o this_o and_o make_v i_o fancy_n i_o see_v that_o distinct_o which_o i_o perceive_v but_o confuse_o in_o truth_n i_o ought_v yet_o further_o to_o distrust_v myself_o and_o though_o i_o honour_v error_n too_o much_o in_o suspect_v it_o may_v be_v so_o coherent_a so_o unite_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o common_a sense_n and_o involve_v in_o so_o many_o appearance_n of_o truth_n yet_o i_o will_v not_o pass_v by_o any_o scruple_n for_o all_o that_o have_v be_v hitherto_o say_v i_o find_v then_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n a_o hundred_o year_n ago_o i_o know_v that_o the_o christian_n believe_v in_o a_o certain_a jesus_n christ_n crucify_v i_o know_v also_o that_o this_o opinion_n of_o they_o be_v not_o innate_a i_o be_o full_o persuade_v that_o neither_o the_o heathenish_a priest_n nor_o their_o ordinary_a guide_n teach_v they_o this_o doctrine_n because_o they_o be_v the_o profess_a enemy_n of_o it_o i_o be_o compel_v therefore_o in_o despite_n of_o myself_o to_o credit_n at_o least_o in_o some_o respect_n the_o relation_n the_o ancient_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n unanimous_o give_v of_o it_o viz_o that_o some_o person_n call_v apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n go_v about_o the_o world_n preach_v that_o this_o same_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o messiah_n who_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o the_o jew_n but_o these_o fundamental_a truth_n require_v a_o more_o particular_a examination_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v show_v more_o distinct_o whether_o there_o be_v ever_o such_o man_n as_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o world_n what_o their_o original_a be_v what_o doctrine_n they_o preach_v and_o how_o they_o be_v qualify_v this_o we_o shall_v present_o see_v by_o lay_v down_o for_o a_o certain_a principle_n that_o the_o christian_n have_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n in_o their_o possession_n at_o that_o very_a time_n we_o have_v choose_v for_o our_o fix_a point_n i_o shall_v not_o at_o present_a inquire_v whether_o those_o book_n be_v forge_v or_o not_o my_o design_n be_v to_o argue_v some_o time_n without_o enter_v upon_o that_o enquiry_n for_o whether_o they_o be_v forge_v or_o not_o at_o least_o we_o learn_v from_o they_o certain_a undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o will_v wonderful_o illustrate_v all_o our_o follow_a inquiry_n chap._n v._n which_o demonstrate_v that_o all_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v never_o be_v forge_v if_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v forge_v it_o may_v well_o be_v presume_v that_o the_o contriver_n of_o that_o forgery_n who_o certain_o can_v have_v no_o other_o design_n but_o to_o make_v it_o pass_v for_o truth_n endeavour_v to_o ground_v it_o upon_o some_o foundation_n either_o good_a or_o bad_a so_o that_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o though_o they_o shall_v have_v invent_v all_o that_o they_o relate_v at_o least_o they_o invent_v not_o the_o name_n country_n and_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n under_o who_o name_n they_o speak_v and_o to_o who_o they_o ascribe_v the_o establishment_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o be_v it_o probable_a they_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o worship_v a_o certain_a jew_n call_v jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n a_o galilean_a too_o who_o be_v crucify_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o have_v several_a disciple_n who_o name_n â—re_n exact_o relate_v if_o the_o jew_n can_v have_v immediate_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o all_o those_o matter_n by_o produce_v the_o testimony_n of_o their_o own_o nation_n who_o will_v have_v throng_v in_o to_o tell_v they_o â—hat_n jesus_n and_o his_o disciple_n be_v only_o fictitious_a â—ames_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o to_o do_v but_o consult_v all_o the_o register_n and_o decree_n wherein_o augustus_n command_v all_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v tax_v in_o the_o day_n of_o cyrenius_n and_o where_o it_o must_v have_v appear_v that_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o person_n be_v also_o tax_v it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v publish_v in_o this_o age_n a_o book_n full_a of_o excellent_a precept_n of_o morality_n intermix_v with_o several_a fictitious_a action_n which_o book_n he_o will_v have_v the_o world_n receive_v as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o some_o divine_a and_o extraordinary_a man_n who_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o age_n raise_v up_o several_a man_n from_o the_o dead_a heal_v all_o sort_n of_o disease_n calm_v the_o wind_n and_o tempest_n of_o the_o sea_n give_v authority_n to_o several_a of_o his_o disciple_n to_o work_v many_o strange_a miracle_n be_v at_o length_n seize_v and_o put_v to_o death_n in_o germany_n and_o who_o disciple_n who_o bear_v such_o and_o such_o name_n and_o be_v bear_v in_o such_o and_o such_o a_o country_n come_v afterward_o into_o france_n disperse_v themselves_o throughout_o the_o other_o part_n of_o europe_n preach_v his_o doctrine_n and_o at_o length_n die_v all_o unanimous_o in_o defence_n of_o it_o what_o think_v you_o of_o this_o tale_n and_o how_o will_v it_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o world_n but_o as_o a_o system_n only_o of_o many_o evident_a and_o palpable_a falsity_n what_o think_v you_o those_o person_n will_v say_v of_o it_o who_o shall_v be_v thus_o accuse_v of_o so_o dreadful_a a_o parricide_n they_o will_v certain_o reply_v that_o that_o fictitious_a book_n be_v purposely_o design_v to_o blast_v their_o reputation_n but_o it_o appear_v the_o jew_n never_o attempt_v to_o clear_v themselves_o after_o that_o manner_n they_o confess_v there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o their_o father_n put_v he_o to_o death_n neither_o do_v they_o deny_v the_o least_o circumstance_n of_o his_o life_n ministry_n or_o death_n except_v those_o which_o may_v probable_o make_v he_o pass_v for_o the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o we_o
different_a country_n who_o speak_v different_a language_n do_v all_o understand_v my_o speech_n there_o can_v certain_o be_v no_o illusion_n in_o that_o the_o validity_n of_o a_o testimony_n be_v no_o long_o incertain_a when_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o witness_n be_v not_o himself_o deceive_v and_o second_o that_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o deceive_v other_o now_o this_o might_n easy_o be_v verify_v concern_v the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n for_o first_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n upon_o which_o their_o deposition_n be_v found_v be_v so_o evident_a and_o notorious_a that_o none_o can_v ever_o be_v deceive_v in_o relation_n to_o they_o thus_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o the_o eye_n shall_v think_v they_o see_v what_o they_o do_v not_o real_o see_v that_o the_o ear_n shall_v agree_v to_o witness_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o eye_n that_o the_o hand_n shall_v touch_v that_o which_o both_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o ear_n perceive_v not_o once_o only_o but_o several_a time_n not_o the_o eye_n the_o ear_n and_o the_o hand_n of_o one_o single_a man_n but_o of_o several_a man_n together_o that_o they_o shall_v unanimous_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o extraordinary_a power_n and_o that_o too_o of_o work_a miracle_n unless_o they_o themselves_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o it_o but_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v a_o man_n so_o whimsical_a as_o to_o impose_v upon_o himself_o after_o that_o prodigious_a rate_n yet_o sure_o we_o can_v not_o without_o extravagance_n imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v utter_o lose_v their_o sense_n by_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o madness_n that_o this_o madness_n begin_v exact_o after_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o spread_a of_o the_o gospel_n over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o universe_n be_v a_o wonderful_a contrivance_n of_o the_o same_o that_o it_o be_v join_v to_o that_o morality_n which_o be_v so_o excellent_a so_o sublime_a and_o yet_o so_o just_a and_o pious_a in_o itself_o that_o the_o very_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n always_o reverence_v it_o and_o last_o that_o all_o manner_n of_o virtue_n derive_v their_o original_n from_o such_o pretend_a madness_n which_o work_v a_o change_n upon_o the_o world_n sanctify_v mankind_n and_o exact_o fulfil_v all_o those_o oracle_n which_o foretell_v the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n but_o if_o it_o appear_v that_o those_o man_n do_v not_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o much_o less_o ought_v they_o to_o be_v suspect_v of_o have_v have_v the_o will_n to_o deceive_v other_o because_o their_o simplicity_n and_o mean_a education_n allow_v they_o not_o to_o frame_v any_o such_o design_n and_o beside_o the_o confusion_n they_o be_v in_o to_o see_v themselves_o frustrate_v of_o their_o hope_n by_o the_o unexpected_a death_n of_o their_o master_n will_v whole_o have_v divert_v they_o from_o it_o their_o temporal_a concern_v too_o can_v not_o admit_v of_o it_o and_o their_o shame_n to_o show_v themselves_o to_o the_o world_n after_o what_o have_v happen_v be_v of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o hinder_v they_o from_o it_o moreover_o their_o conscience_n will_v have_v check_v they_o for_o their_o superstitious_a fondness_n of_o the_o vain_a shadow_n of_o a_o messiah_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o can_v ever_o have_v agree_v together_o so_o as_o to_o contrive_v that_o strange_a and_o notorious_a imposture_n but_o suppose_v they_o undertake_v it_o the_o torment_v inflict_v on_o they_o will_v have_v make_v they_o repent_v such_o a_o rash_a design_n and_o the_o confession_n of_o one_o single_a person_n among_o they_o will_v have_v sufficient_o discover_v they_o all_o last_o their_o shame_n and_o poverty_n the_o gaol_n and_o the_o chain_n the_o stripe_n the_o fire_n and_o the_o sword_n that_o be_v use_v against_o they_o to_o make_v they_o recant_v sufficient_o warrant_v we_o that_o they_o never_o intend_v to_o deceive_v the_o world_n and_o if_o one_o single_a person_n so_o dispose_v be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o unheard_a of_o prodigy_n how_o much_o more_o unlikely_a be_v it_o that_o a_o whole_a society_n can_v have_v conceive_v such_o a_o extravagant_a design_n if_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o disciple_n be_v false_a we_o can_v choose_v but_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o mad_a man_n or_o rather_o as_o rascal_n nay_o perhaps_o as_o both_o and_o yet_o their_o preach_v sufficient_o show_v the_o glory_n of_o their_o innocence_n and_o wisdom_n to_o confound_v both_o these_o calumny_n let_v any_o man_n but_o read_v over_o the_o book_n of_o those_o admirable_a writer_n and_o there_o he_o will_v to_o his_o satisfaction_n find_v that_o honesty_n sincerity_n and_o self_n denial_n be_v inseparable_o interweave_v with_o the_o most_o pure_a and_o most_o judicious_a morality_n that_o ever_o be_v but_o this_o reflection_n put_v i_o in_o mind_n that_o i_o must_v now_o hasten_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n not_o to_o see_v whether_o they_o be_v human_a or_o divine_a for_o that_o will_v be_v consider_v in_o its_o own_o proper_a place_n but_o whether_o they_o be_v forge_v or_o not_o for_o if_o once_o we_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o forge_v we_o need_v only_o read_v they_o over_o to_o know_v the_o testimony_n the_o disciple_n bear_v of_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o and_o because_o that_o truth_n will_v serve_v for_o a_o confirmation_n of_o what_o we_o have_v already_o say_v we_o shall_v begin_v the_o follow_a section_n with_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o section_n ii_o wherein_o we_o shall_v prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o examine_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n chap._n i._n wherein_o we_o shall_v prove_v that_o those_o book_n can_v never_o be_v supposititious_a when_o i_o examine_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n all_o the_o doubt_n i_o strive_v to_o raise_v concern_v they_o amount_v only_o to_o these_o 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that_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v write_v by_o st._n paul_n himself_o but_o hold_v perhaps_o it_o be_v easy_a or_o more_o advantageous_a to_o counterfeit_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o those_o of_o humane_a learning_n this_o be_v what_o we_o must_v a_o little_a inquire_v into_o and_o i._o the_o facility_n there_o be_v in_o counterfeit_v the_o the_o work_n of_o a_o author_n whole_o depend_v upon_o the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o time_n place_n and_o person_n upon_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o that_o book_n the_o temper_n of_o man_n mind_n their_o different_a notion_n and_o their_o various_a interest_n which_o must_v be_v carry_v on_o in_o it_o now_o to_o counterfeit_a book_n of_o humane_a learning_n seem_v infinite_o more_o easy_a in_o all_o these_o respect_n than_o to_o counterfeit_v those_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n i._o because_o they_o who_o counterfeit_v a_o book_n of_o humane_a learning_n may_v take_v as_o much_o time_n as_o they_o please_v for_o it_o but_o here_o we_o know_v not_o what_o time_n can_v be_v imagine_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v forge_v in_o if_o we_o look_v back_o from_o age_n to_o age_n we_o find_v the_o christian_n have_v those_o book_n continual_o before_o their_o eye_n and_o that_o they_o be_v quote_v by_o the_o most_o ancient_a father_n who_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o sacred_a and_o divine_a ii_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o counterfeit_v book_n of_o humane_a learning_n because_o there_o be_v general_o but_o few_o people_n that_o interess_n themselves_o at_o all_o in_o they_o at_o least_o but_o very_o indifferent_o but_o it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n to_o counterfeit_v those_o book_n which_o compel_v man_n to_o suffer_v martyrdom_n as_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v if_o a_o man_n that_o lend_v out_o his_o money_n seek_v the_o best_a security_n he_o can_v for_o it_o what_o