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and_o
as_o do_v evident_o appear_v from_o the_o reflection_n before_o lay_v down_o but_o if_o it_o be_v further_o object_v notwithstanding_o the_o evidence_n before_o give_v which_o plain_o prove_v the_o contrary_a that_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o call_v miracle_n will_v have_v happen_v according_a to_o the_o establish_v course_n of_o nature_n at_o the_o time_n and_o in_o the_o manner_n they_o do_v happen_v whether_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v use_v such_o previous_a sign_n as_o make_v they_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o or_o not_o and_o so_o all_o the_o fact_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o other_o natural_a cause_n though_o they_o can_v not_o be_v effect_v by_o man_n if_o this_o i_o say_v shall_v be_v urge_v and_o the_o supposition_n allow_v then_o must_v all_o the_o miracle_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o pretend_a author_n of_o they_o be_v resolve_v into_o prophecy_n and_o that_o will_v amount_v to_o the_o same_o thing_n for_o the_o foretell_v all_o those_o 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bare_a say_v it_o beside_o be_v all_o these_o christian_a doctrine_n relate_v both_o to_o faith_n and_o practice_n find_v out_o by_o mere_a humane_a sagacity_n it_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a to_o imagine_v that_o neither_o the_o contriver_n nor_o publisher_n of_o they_o shall_v any_o where_n in_o their_o preach_a or_o write_v arrogate_v any_o thing_n to_o themselves_o upon_o this_o account_n but_o shall_v constant_o renounce_v the_o honour_n of_o the_o discovery_n and_o never_o betray_v any_o design_n of_o procure_v to_o themselves_o esteem_v or_o any_o other_o advantage_n of_o life_n whatsoever_o for_o oblige_v mankind_n with_o so_o beneficial_a a_o scheme_n of_o thing_n as_o the_o gospel_n propose_v and_o to_o carry_v this_o point_n yet_o far_o if_o it_o be_v so_o very_o hard_o to_o imagine_v how_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o shall_v frame_v such_o notion_n and_o opinion_n to_o themselves_o and_o afterward_o act_v upon_o such_o motive_n and_o observe_v such_o a_o conduct_n in_o the_o publication_n of_o they_o it_o be_v much_o more_o inconceivable_a how_o ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a man_n of_o very_o low_a education_n and_o constant_o employ_v in_o mean_a affair_n shall_v do_v all_o this_o and_o it_o be_v particular_o unaccountable_a how_o jew_n shall_v give_v such_o a_o character_n and_o representation_n of_o their_o messiah_n and_o his_o office_n and_o business_n in_o the_o world_n so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o all_o the_o opinion_n and_o expectation_n of_o that_o whole_a people_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n so_o very_o unlikely_a to_o be_v entertain_v or_o credit_v it_o be_v moreover_o impossible_a to_o conceive_v how_o so_o many_o man_n as_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o preach_a and_o propagate_a christianity_n in_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n at_o the_o same_o time_n shall_v before_o any_o thing_n be_v commit_v to_o write_v all_o agree_v upon_o the_o same_o set_a of_o doctrine_n use_v the_o same_o open_a sincere_a unartful_a method_n of_o 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to_o convince_v they_o that_o there_o be_v at_o present_a other_o strange_a thing_n which_o they_o do_v not_o see_v and_o which_o they_o believe_v their_o sense_n as_o capable_a judge_n of_o as_o of_o those_o which_o they_o do_v see_v but_o whether_o the_o scripture_n be_v believe_v in_o this_o case_n by_o few_o or_o more_o those_o who_o have_v not_o be_v dispose_v to_o like_v they_o will_v have_v have_v great_a and_o more_o unanswerable_a objection_n to_o make_v to_o they_o from_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n than_o our_o present_a unbeliever_n have_v how_o can_v a_o faithful_a christian_a who_o live_v before_o copernicus_n and_o des_n cartes_n have_v defend_v the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o scripture_n against_o such_o as_o reject_v the_o forementioned_a notion_n and_o expose_v they_o as_o ridiculous_a and_o absurd_a the_o bare_a authority_n of_o the_o revelation_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o all_o our_o modern_a experiment_n and_o observation_n will_v have_v be_v less_o 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year_n backward_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v be_v the_o same_o it_o be_v then_o in_o the_o country_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v that_o all_o this_o time_n they_o have_v have_v the_o same_o scripture_n among_o they_o that_o these_o scripture_n have_v constant_o be_v read_v both_o in_o public_a and_o private_a and_o as_o far_o as_o fell_v within_o humane_a cognizance_n as_o constant_o and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n believe_v and_o esteem_v as_o they_o appear_v then_o to_o be_v that_o the_o ceremony_n of_o baptise_v and_o communicate_v have_v be_v always_o universal_o use_v at_o such_o time_n and_o upon_o such_o and_o such_o occasion_n that_o these_o and_o several_a other_o religious_a performance_n as_o read_v the_o scripture_n prayer_n exhortation_n etc._n etc._n have_v be_v constant_o practise_v in_o public_a when_o christian_n be_v assemble_v together_o that_o meeting_n or_o assembly_n for_o these_o purpose_n be_v very_o frequent_a that_o beside_o other_o occasional_a 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over_o all_o christian_n both_o clergy_n and_o laity_n in_o such_o a_o district_n govern_v and_o direct_v they_o all_o in_o religious_a affair_n and_o exercise_v certain_a spiritual_a power_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a future_a influence_n in_o order_n to_o the_o preserve_n and_o enforce_v the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n such_o custom_n and_o action_n as_o these_o in_o all_o which_o every_o bishop_n must_v himself_o have_v bear_v a_o share_n must_v needs_o be_v infallible_o know_v to_o those_o bishop_n assemble_v at_o nice_a who_o be_v of_o age_n enough_o to_o remember_v for_o so_o long_o together_o as_o fifty_o year_n which_o may_v easy_o be_v suppose_v of_o several_a of_o they_o and_o it_o may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n be_v allow_v that_o these_o very_a bishop_n may_v have_v fifty_o year_n before_o their_o meeting_n at_o nice_a converse_v with_o those_o who_o can_v have_v as_o distinct_o remember_v what_o be_v do_v for_o fifty_o year_n further_a backward_o as_o they_o can_v remember_v what_o have_v happen_v since_o the_o time_n we_o suppose_v they_o converse_v with_o they_o from_o who_o they_o may_v have_v be_v certain_o inform_v that_o all_o the_o forementioned_a matter_n of_o fact_n have_v continue_v the_o same_o for_o fifty_o year_n before_o they_o can_v have_v a_o immediate_a knowledge_n of_o they_o themselves_o and_o moreover_o those_o who_o give_v they_o this_o information_n can_v have_v assure_v they_o that_o they_o never_o see_v or_o hear_v of_o any_o body_n that_o live_v since_o their_o time_n who_o know_v it_o otherwise_o and_o this_o with_o the_o same_o allowance_n as_o in_o the_o former_a case_n will_v carry_v the_o thing_n fifty_o year_n high_o still_o and_o so_o far_o i_o think_v however_o uncertain_a tradition_n be_v just_o account_v in_o the_o conveyance_n of_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n the_o tradition_n of_o such_o notorious_a matter_n of_o fact_n as_o these_o so_o easy_o observe_v so_o constant_o present_a so_o general_a and_o so_o concern_v may_v be_v full_o rely_v upon_o to_o make_v this_o plain_a by_o a_o like_a instance_n in_o our_o country_n just_a about_o 150_o year_n ago_o edward_n the_o six_o be_v report_v to_o have_v be_v king_n of_o england_n and_o the_o same_o history_n which_o tell_v we_o so_o which_o i_o will_v suppose_v to_o be_v but_o just_a now_o write_v acquaint_v we_o that_o in_o his_o time_n the_o christian_a religion_n be_v general_o profess_v through_o all_o this_o nation_n and_o much_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n it_o be_v now_o but_o particular_o that_o the_o same_o scripture_n be_v acknowledge_v and_o the_o same_o religious_a custom_n and_o usage_n obtain_v which_o be_v before_o mention_v in_o the_o other_o case_n viz._n baptism_n and_o communion_n observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n ministration_n of_o priest_n government_n of_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n just_a as_o they_o be_v at_o this_o present_a the_o truth_n of_o all_o which_o we_o may_v be_v very_o well_o assure_v of_o if_o there_o be_v no_o history_n or_o other_o monument_n of_o what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o king_n edward_n the_o six_o extant_a down_o from_o his_o time_n to_o this_o because_o by_o the_o former_a supposition_n there_o have_v be_v a_o great_a many_o person_n who_o during_o the_o course_n of_o their_o life_n compute_v at_o no_o uncommon_a length_n may_v have_v converse_v with_o those_o who_o live_v in_o king_n edward_n the_o sixth_n time_n and_o also_o with_o those_o who_o be_v now_o live_v and_o at_o such_o age_n of_o their_o several_a life_n in_o which_o they_o may_v well_o be_v suppose_v capable_a of_o remember_v and_o judge_v of_o what_o they_o see_v and_o hear_v from_o which_o intermediate_v person_n so_o many_o as_o be_v now_o live_v and_o converse_v with_o they_o which_o i_o believe_v be_v a_o great_a many_o may_v have_v have_v sueh_a certain_a information_n of_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o nation_n during_o the_o reign_n of_o that_o king_n that_o they_o can_v possible_o call_v in_o question_n and_o if_o all_o these_o agree_v in_o their_o several_a report_n without_o concert_v with_o one_o another_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o same_o matter_n of_o fact_n they_o thus_o agree_v in_o will_v be_v as_o strong_a with_o respect_n to_o we_o who_o inquire_v these_o thing_n of_o they_o and_o much_o strong_a than_o to_o any_o of_o they_o themselves_o in_o particular_a who_o have_v not_o make_v the_o same_o observation_n concern_v the_o agreement_n of_o other_o before_o they_o it_o will_v be_v no_o unreasonable_a supposition_n to_o imagine_v that_o there_o be_v some_o now_o live_v who_o have_v immediate_o converse_v with_o those_o who_o live_v in_o edward_n the_o sixth_n time_n but_o these_o be_v so_o few_o and_o of_o so_o unusual_a a_o age_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v upon_o a_o proof_n that_o may_v be_v make_v that_o way_n but_o the_o other_o case_n i_o have_v mention_v be_v easy_a and_o common_a and_o lie_v open_a to_o every_o body_n without_o a_o particular_a computation_n of_o time_n upon_o which_o i_o shall_v further_o observe_v that_o those_o who_o testimony_n be_v allow_v sufficient_a for_o the_o form_n and_o kind_a of_o religion_n profess_v in_o england_n under_o edward_n the_o six_o be_v so_o far_o as_o that_o period_n reach_v as_o good_a and_o capable_a witness_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o its_o be_v with_o respect_n either_o to_o its_o original_a then_o or_o any_o considerable_a alteration_n or_o intermission_n in_o it_o at_o any_o time_n since_o whether_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v first_o introduce_v into_o this_o country_n by_o edward_n the_o six_o or_o any_o body_n else_o in_o his_o time_n all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o it_o have_v immediate_o before_o be_v jew_n heathen_n or_o mahometan_n or_o whether_o it_o have_v be_v receive_v and_o profess_v here_o before_o he_o come_v to_o the_o throne_n must_v have_v be_v equal_o know_v and_o in_o like_a manner_n convey_v down_o by_o those_o from_o who_o we_o derive_v the_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n with_o which_o this_o be_v suppose_v cotemporary_a and_o if_o any_o considerable_a change_n in_o the_o main_a branch_n or_o general_a and_o public_a usage_n of_o it_o such_o as_o be_v before_o instance_a in_o or_o any_o intermission_n either_o of_o the_o whole_a profession_n or_o of_o some_o of_o those_o public_a custom_n and_o manner_n of_o worship_n or_o discipline_n shall_v have_v happen_v at_o any_o time_n since_o these_o being_n more_o remarkable_a fact_n than_o the_o uninterrupted_a continuance_n of_o the_o same_o state_n and_o form_n of_o religion_n and_o fall_v late_a than_o the_o first_o date_n of_o what_o we_o allow_v to_o be_v distinct_o know_v and_o remember_v must_v be_v grant_v to_o be_v as_o easy_o and_o sure_o deliver_v down_o to_o we_o as_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o fall_v early_o and_o yet_o come_v safe_a to_o our_o hand_n now_o to_o apply_v all_o this_o to_o the_o former_a case_n these_o bishop_n in_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a who_o come_v from_o such_o or_o such_o a_o particular_a province_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n may_v be_v as_o full_o assure_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v profess_v 150_o year_n before_o in_o that_o province_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n found_v upon_o the_o same_o scripture_n and_o attend_v with_o the_o same_o custom_n as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o assemble_v at_o nice_a as_o we_o of_o this_o country_n can_v be_v assure_v that_o our_o religion_n scripture_n and_o religious_a custom_n be_v the_o same_o now_o that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o edward_n the_o six_o king_n of_o england_n what_o particular_a christian_a custom_n i_o mean_v in_o both_o instance_n have_v be_v sufficient_o express_v already_o but_o what_o those_o scripture_n be_v which_o i_o suppose_v the_o nicene_n bishop_n unanimous_o acknowledge_v for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o believe_v to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o the_o first_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o consequent_o to_o have_v be_v the_o same_o 150_o year_n before_o they_o meet_v in_o council_n as_o they_o be_v then_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v declare_v and_o by_o what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o council_n do_v not_o certain_o appear_v but_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o manner_n of_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o they_o be_v the_o very_a same_o which_o now_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o whether_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n which_o be_v the_o first_o that_o make_v any_o canon_n concern_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v before_o this_o council_n of_o nice_a as_o some_o imagine_v or_o about_o forty_o year_n after_o as_o other_o more_o probable_o conclude_v we_o have_v argument_n and_o authority_n enough_o to_o convince_v we_o that_o all_o the_o book_n
of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o nicene_n father_n and_o most_o of_o they_o by_o all_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o all_o the_o public_a decision_n and_o order_n of_o the_o council_n that_o they_o be_v ground_v upon_o some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n now_o in_o our_o hand_n if_o they_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v write_v before_o that_o time_n and_o that_o they_o be_v eusebius_n one_o of_o the_o bishop_n of_o this_o council_n be_v a_o sufficient_a witness_n who_o in_o a_o history_n he_o have_v leave_v we_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v all_o writ_n and_o the_o author_n they_o be_v write_v by_o which_o be_v another_o very_a good_a argument_n that_o most_o of_o the_o nicene_n bishop_n have_v the_o same_o bible_n for_o eusebius_n be_v not_o only_o present_a among_o and_o converse_v with_o several_a of_o they_o but_o have_v a_o great_a share_n in_o the_o management_n of_o the_o 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and_o several_a of_o they_o at_o such_o a_o distance_n as_o to_o have_v have_v no_o communication_n with_o one_o another_o since_o that_o time_n such_o a_o consent_n i_o say_v as_o this_o whensoever_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n be_v first_o determine_v in_o a_o general_a meeting_n be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o establish_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o book_n that_o be_v doubt_v of_o and_z according_o the_o whole_a canon_n we_o now_o have_v be_v afterward_o universal_o acknowledge_v since_o therefore_o we_o find_v that_o all_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v universal_o receive_v some_o time_n after_o the_o nicene_n council_n and_o since_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o canon_n and_o universal_a submission_n to_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o general_a tradition_n so_o faithful_o preserve_v in_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o christian_a church_n that_o all_o other_o christian_n be_v full_o satisfy_v of_o it_o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o nicene_n bishop_n must_v own_v the_o same_o scripture_n we_o do_v now_o because_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v do_v but_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o this_o we_o will_v consider_v only_o those_o scripture_n which_o be_v never_o doubt_v of_o by_o any_o christian_n and_o consequent_o must_v have_v be_v receive_v by_o the_o whole_a council_n of_o nice_a these_o be_v according_a to_o eusebius_n who_o in_o his_o history_n give_v we_o a_o catalogue_n of_o they_o the_o four_o gospel_n act_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o thirteen_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n which_o have_v his_o name_n to_o they_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o peter_n and_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o john_n and_o eusebius_n can_v not_o say_v this_o have_v he_o know_v of_o any_o of_o his_o fellow-bishop_n of_o the_o council_n who_o deny_v either_o the_o authority_n or_o general_a reception_n of_o any_o of_o these_o book_n suppose_v therefore_o that_o these_o be_v the_o 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be_v with_o much_o enquiry_n and_o examination_n establish_v this_o every_o one_o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o and_o a_o free_a disquisition_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v every_o where_o to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o ancient_a writer_n then_o as_o to_o the_o persecution_n they_o be_v so_o many_o they_o continue_v so_o long_o together_o be_v so_o wide_o spread_v be_v attend_v with_o so_o vast_a a_o number_n of_o very_o new_a and_o remarkalbe_n fact_n and_o so_o many_o of_o the_o writer_n live_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o they_o and_o have_v so_o large_a a_o share_n and_o concern_v in_o they_o themselves_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o account_n they_o give_v of_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v most_o of_o they_o at_o least_o very_o true_a the_o four_o observation_n i_o have_v to_o make_v upon_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n writer_n be_v that_o there_o be_v so_o 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to_o practise_v or_o animadversion_n and_o reproof_n for_o error_n and_o offence_n all_o which_o be_v write_v under_o the_o form_n of_o oration_n or_o apology_n letter_n disputation_n comment_n etc._n etc._n now_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o all_o these_o write_n that_o the_o several_a author_n of_o they_o be_v thorough_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n this_o appear_v from_o the_o zeal_n and_o warmth_n with_o which_o many_o of_o they_o write_v upon_o several_a occasion_n to_o one_o another_o and_o to_o heretic_n the_o readiness_n they_o testify_v to_o quit_v all_o they_o have_v and_o to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n rather_o than_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o their_o profession_n the_o concern_v they_o express_v for_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o fellow-christians_a in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o the_o conversion_n of_o other_o to_o christianity_n the_o boldness_n and_o courage_n they_o show_v to_o person_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n when_o 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several_a other_o remark_n and_o observation_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o write_n of_o those_o christian_n call_v orthodox_n but_o these_o be_v sufficient_a for_o what_o i_o design_n to_o prove_v by_o they_o and_o so_o i_o pass_v on_o to_o consider_v what_o we_o have_v write_v by_o heretiek_n jew_n and_o heathen_n with_o relation_n to_o christianity_n a_o great_a many_o thing_n be_v write_v by_o person_n of_o these_o several_a denomination_n in_o the_o three_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a aera_fw-la but_o very_o little_a of_o they_o that_o express_o concern_v christianity_n remain_v now_o and_o a_o great_a many_o of_o these_o write_n be_v lose_v in_o eusebius_n time_n so_o that_o almost_o all_o we_o know_v of_o they_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o orthodox_n writer_n in_o many_o of_o which_o there_o be_v several_a considerable_a fragment_n yet_o to_o be_v find_v and_o account_n of_o what_o be_v lose_v from_o all_o which_o we_o may_v collect_v that_o none_o of_o the_o enemy_n 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endeavour_v to_o evince_v that_o several_a testimony_n of_o the_o prophet_n which_o he_o quote_v be_v cut_v out_o of_o the_o bible_n by_o the_o jew_n which_o charge_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a prove_v thus_o much_o that_o the_o jew_n have_v no_o other_o way_n of_o resist_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o by_o deny_v or_o in_o some_o manner_n evade_n the_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n here_o they_o place_v the_o chief_a strength_n of_o their_o cause_n and_o not_o in_o the_o confutation_n of_o the_o christian_a history_n the_o great_a part_n of_o which_o be_v plain_o grant_v in_o the_o argument_n they_o make_v use_v of_o to_o overthrow_v the_o faith_n build_v upon_o it_o and_o the_o inference_n draw_v from_o it_o particular_o josephus_n do_v comfirm_v the_o truth_n of_o several_a of_o the_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o such_o as_o necessary_o determine_v the_o oririginal_a of_o christianity_n the_o like_a
prediction_n be_v fulfil_v and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o true_a prophecy_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o know_v that_o jerusalem_n be_v destroy_v and_o the_o jewish_a people_n drive_v out_o of_o their_o country_n whatever_o way_n this_o come_v about_o but_o to_o know_v that_o such_o a_o man_n be_v well_o or_o such_o another_o alive_a or_o that_o the_o one_o have_v be_v sick_a and_o the_o other_o to_o all_o appearance_n dead_a be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o convince_v a_o man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n in_o either_o case_n and_o a_o person_n who_o do_v not_o see_v the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n in_o which_o each_o of_o these_o fact_n be_v do_v can_v receive_v no_o assurance_n of_o they_o afterward_o but_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o because_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a remain_n and_o footstep_n of_o the_o miracle_n leave_v after_o the_o action_n be_v over_o whereas_o in_o the_o other_o instance_n of_o prophecy_n the_o event_n be_v constant_o the_o same_o it_o be_v at_o first_o and_o equal_o convince_a at_o all_o time_n to_o every_o one_o that_o will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o satisfy_v himself_o and_o further_o if_o a_o considerable_a time_n intervene_v between_o the_o prediction_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n and_o the_o record_n of_o the_o prediction_n be_v very_o public_a before_o the_o thing_n happen_v the_o person_n who_o live_v after_o the_o accomplishment_n and_o so_o be_v immediate_a witness_n of_o neither_o part_n of_o the_o prophecy_n may_v be_v more_o easy_o and_o full_o satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o particular_a prophecy_n than_o of_o a_o particular_a miracle_n they_o be_v not_o witness_n of_o themselves_o because_o both_o the_o prediction_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n be_v common_a fact_n consider_v in_o themselves_o without_o any_o relation_n to_o one_o another_o be_v less_o liable_a to_o suspicion_n than_o unusual_a event_n of_o a_o more_o surprise_a nature_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o latter_a fact_n be_v 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that_o be_v bring_v for_o they_o which_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v illustrate_v and_o confirm_v by_o a_o vast_a variety_n of_o particular_a observation_n but_o my_o intend_a method_n not_o allow_v i_o to_o make_v such_o inlargment_n i_o shall_v conclude_v the_o proof_n i_o be_v upon_o with_o this_o general_n reflection_n from_o the_o account_n that_o be_v give_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n there_o record_v and_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o convert_v people_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o plain_o appear_v that_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a motive_n upon_o which_o any_o person_n believe_v in_o christ_n and_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n be_v some_o miracle_n they_o themselves_o be_v actual_a witness_n of_o for_o miracle_n be_v then_o so_o common_a every_o where_n that_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o christian_n even_o among_o the_o gentile_a convert_v for_o above_o threescore_o year_n after_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o christ_n but_o be_v himself_o a_o witness_n of_o some_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o other_o so_o that_o though_o they_o may_v be_v further_o confirm_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o what_o be_v teach_v they_o by_o the_o character_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o testimony_n of_o jewish_a christian_n who_o upon_o the_o several_a persecution_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o judea_n be_v scatter_v and_o disperse_v among_o the_o gentile_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o prophecy_n write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o they_o know_v to_o have_v be_v write_v before_o the_o event_n happen_v yet_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a ground_n of_o their_o assent_n to_o the_o miracle_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v some_o miraculous_a power_n they_o have_v themselves_o be_v witness_n of_o when_o therefore_o we_o consider_v the_o vast_a number_n of_o convert_v that_o be_v make_v to_o christianity_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o consequent_o the_o vast_a multitude_n of_o seem_a miracle_n that_o must_v have_v be_v continual_o wrought_v for_o their_o conversion_n in_o all_o place_n together_o with_o the_o steady_a and_o invincible_a perseverance_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o faith_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o variety_n of_o suffering_n they_o endure_v for_o believe_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o imagine_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o whole_a age_n of_o delusion_n and_o deceit_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o long_a continue_a train_n and_o series_n of_o mere_a empty_a appearance_n without_o any_o reality_n under_o they_o which_o produce_v such_o real_a effect_n as_o remain_v till_o this_o day_n and_o effect_n of_o such_o a_o extraordinory_n nature_n as_o in_o a_o very_a short_a time_n give_v a_o new_a turn_n to_o the_o whole_a scheme_n of_o affair_n in_o the_o most_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o world_n since_o therefore_o all_o the_o common_a matter_n of_o fact_n mention_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o we_o find_v it_o deliver_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v true_a as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o and_o consequent_o that_o among_o the_o rest_n that_o the_o miracle_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v believe_v according_a to_o the_o relation_n there_o give_v of_o they_o it_o necessary_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o there_o be_v such_o fact_n as_o those_o in_o appearance_n at_o least_o otherwise_o there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o ground_n for_o believe_v they_o in_o that_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v believe_v and_o if_o there_o be_v all_o those_o appearance_n of_o something_o do_v i_o shall_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v for_o the_o reason_n just_a before_o give_v that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o true_a real_a fact_n and_o if_o the_o miracle_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v real_a the_o prophecy_n must_v be_v so_o too_o as_o be_v free_a from_o all_o suspicion_n 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where_o every_o body_n be_v as_o capable_a and_o certain_a a_o judge_n of_o the_o cheat_n as_o they_o be_v not_o there_o such_o a_o man_n as_o christ_n do_v he_o not_o in_o all_o appearance_n maintain_v such_o a_o character_n do_v he_o not_o pretend_v to_o such_o discovery_n and_o wonderful_a work_n and_o do_v he_o not_o real_o suffer_v such_o thing_n upon_o account_n of_o his_o pretence_n as_o we_o find_v record_v in_o those_o book_n call_v the_o gospel_n all_o this_o must_v be_v grant_v in_o the_o present_a supposition_n which_o fix_v the_o real_a publication_n of_o that_o religion_n we_o now_o profess_v at_o the_o same_o date_n we_o find_v mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o if_o it_o be_v allow_v that_o these_o fact_n be_v true_a then_o do_v it_o certain_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o pretence_n of_o christ_n be_v real_a for_o otherwise_o they_o can_v never_o have_v be_v believe_v as_o have_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v already_o and_o will_v more_o full_o appear_v under_o another_o head_n where_o i_o shall_v show_v the_o necessary_a connexion_n betwixt_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o common_a and_o the_o extraordinary_a fact_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o if_o these_o common_a matter_n of_o fact_n just_a now_o instance_a in_o be_v false_a as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o then_o must_v the_o whole_a story_n be_v much_o more_o ridiculous_a and_o incredible_a if_o the_o forgery_n be_v date_v about_o forty_o year_n low_a at_o some_o time_n near_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o must_v we_o take_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o other_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n into_o our_o account_n which_o will_v render_v the_o difficulty_n of_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n much_o great_a for_o here_o we_o have_v abundance_n of_o new_a matter_n of_o fact_n to_o believe_v as_o strange_a as_o those_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o as_o easy_a to_o be_v know_v and_o disprove_v but_o vast_o more_o numerous_a and_o more_o 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matter_n of_o fact_n so_o that_o if_o the_o history_n of_o christianity_n or_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v false_a the_o whole_a religion_n must_v fall_v and_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o fact_n it_o be_v build_v upon_o be_v such_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o body_n to_o believe_v they_o at_o any_o distance_n from_o the_o time_n in_o which_o they_o be_v affirm_v to_o happen_v if_o they_o be_v then_o first_o invent_v when_o he_o be_v require_v to_o believe_v they_o for_o let_v we_o fix_v the_o period_n when_o we_o will_v how_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o the_o history_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testamen_fw-la shall_v be_v believe_v by_o those_o who_o be_v suppose_v to_o live_v after_o the_o time_n of_o all_o the_o transaction_n therein_o mention_v and_o yet_o who_o have_v never_o before_o hear_v or_o read_v of_o any_o of_o they_o can_v it_o possible_o be_v think_v that_o any_o people_n will_v 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be_v not_o those_o strange_a fact_n believe_v by_o those_o that_o be_v the_o immediate_a witness_n of_o they_o if_o they_o be_v and_o if_o the_o christian_a religion_n spread_v and_o increase_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o they_o as_o be_v affirm_v and_o if_o the_o miracle_n be_v true_a must_v needs_o be_v allow_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o neither_o we_o nor_o our_o forefather_n ever_o hear_v of_o these_o thing_n and_o that_o we_o have_v no_o history_n or_o monument_n of_o they_o remain_v how_o shall_v such_o a_o new_a religion_n as_o this_o establish_v upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n and_o propagate_v by_o vast_a multitude_n of_o professor_n be_v quite_o lose_v and_o wear_v out_o of_o the_o memory_n of_o man_n already_o how_o come_v you_o that_o publish_v it_o to_o be_v the_o only_a person_n that_o can_v recover_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o what_o reason_n have_v you_o now_o to_o believe_v what_o have_v be_v lay_v aside_o by_o those_o who_o by_o be_v near_o the_o 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the_o scene_n be_v lay_v within_o the_o immediate_a cognizance_n of_o all_o the_o people_n to_o who_o the_o relation_n be_v direct_v and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o pretender_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o think_v there_o shall_v be_v any_o people_n so_o stupid_a as_o to_o believe_v they_o themselves_o see_v and_o hear_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v never_o say_v or_o do_v among_o they_o and_o this_o pure_o upon_o the_o information_n of_o other_o without_o which_o they_o have_v remain_v entire_o ignorant_a of_o they_o from_o whence_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o christian_a scheme_n can_v not_o be_v publish_v at_o the_o time_n it_o be_v date_v at_o if_o it_o be_v mere_a forgery_n and_o invention_n it_o be_v likewise_o very_o ridiculous_a and_o irrational_a to_o imagine_v that_o a_o long_a series_n of_o public_a notorious_a fact_n say_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o great_a multitude_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n in_o different_a country_n and_o nation_n the_o 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and_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o concern_v they_o yet_o be_v the_o account_n they_o give_v we_o of_o such_o a_o nature_n and_o write_v at_o such_o time_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v ever_o have_v be_v believe_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v true_a from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o history_n of_o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v true_a and_o the_o doctrine_n they_o contain_v give_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n though_o the_o person_n that_o record_v the_o wonderful_a work_n and_o revelation_n of_o god_n be_v not_o divine_o assist_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n in_o the_o write_n as_o they_o themselves_o or_o other_o they_o write_v of_o be_v in_o the_o first_o preach_v and_o publish_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o to_o the_o remain_a objection_n to_o scripture_n viz._n ridiculous_a and_o improbable_a story_n absurd_a law_n and_o injunction_n impertinent_a reason_n and_o argument_n low_a and_o unartful_a expression_n all_o those_o will_v admit_v of_o one_o 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say_v in_o general_n what_o have_v be_v before_o unanswerable_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o holy_a write_n upon_o which_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o religion_n therein_o contain_v be_v found_v be_v beyond_o all_o exception_n true_a for_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o will_v bear_v down_o and_o over-rule_v all_o other_o seem_a difficulty_n that_o occur_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o manifest_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o our_o knowledge_n upon_o which_o all_o our_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n be_v ground_v there_o be_v several_a relation_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o most_o approve_a book_n which_o i_o shall_v not_o believe_v so_o ready_o if_o they_o be_v not_o support_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o rest_n but_o when_o i_o have_v unquestionable_a proof_n of_o the_o veracity_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o writer_n in_o some_o thing_n i_o can_v easy_o 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shock_v my_o belief_n do_v twelve_o man_n of_o know_a integrity_n to_o i_o affirm_v they_o hear_v a_o ass_n or_o serpent_n speak_v or_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v record_v in_o scriture_n i_o shall_v believe_v they_o without_o any_o manner_n of_o scruple_n or_o hesitation_n and_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o importance_n of_o what_o be_v say_v i_o shall_v judge_v it_o proceed_v either_o from_o the_o secret_a force_n of_o nature_n or_o from_o evil_a spirit_n or_o from_o god_n if_o therefore_o we_o be_v satisfy_v by_o undeniable_a argument_n that_o the_o substance_n and_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o scripture-history_n be_v true_a and_o consequent_o that_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o questionable_a place_n of_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o such_o a_o solution_n as_o be_v very_o consistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o design_n of_o god_n and_o with_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o reason_n though_o we_o shall_v 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and_o now_o if_o we_o take_v a_o just_a view_n of_o they_o and_o consider_v they_o all_o together_o we_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o make_v the_o follow_a conclusion_n 1._o that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o thing_n discover_v or_o so_o much_o as_o suspect_v to_o be_v a_o imposture_n that_o have_v so_o many_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o truth_n upon_o it_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v 2._o that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o true_a matter_n of_o fact_n so_o well_o attest_v or_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o such_o a_o proof_n as_o the_o christian_a fact_n be_v there_o be_v no_o ancient_a fact_n which_o have_v so_o many_o sensible_a monument_n and_o effect_n of_o they_o leave_v and_o in_o the_o proof_n of_o which_o mankind_n be_v so_o near_o and_o necessary_o concern_v 3._o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v or_o frame_v any_o notion_n how_o or_o in_o what_o manner_n the_o christian_a religion_n may_v possible_o have_v be_v a_o imposture_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o 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it_o or_o however_o it_o may_v be_v think_v to_o differ_v from_o or_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o demonstration_n use_v in_o other_o matter_n that_o we_o be_v utter_o inexcusable_a if_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o it_o and_o god_n may_v just_o condemn_v we_o for_o our_o disbelief_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n 1._o because_o we_o believe_v other_o matter_n of_o fact_n upon_o less_o evidence_n and_o 2._o because_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v such_o fact_n as_o have_v these_o appearance_n of_o truth_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v though_o they_o shall_v real_o be_v false_a 1._o that_o we_o believe_v matter_n of_o fact_n upon_o less_o evidence_n than_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v receive_v upon_o be_v manifest_a by_o what_o have_v be_v before_o prove_v that_o no_o matter_n of_o fact_n have_v or_o be_v capable_a of_o so_o great_a and_o therefore_o to_o confirm_v this_o point_n i_o shall_v only_o bring_v that_o one_o 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belief_n or_o disbelief_n of_o which_o our_o utmost_a happiness_n or_o misery_n seem_v to_o depend_v and_o we_o shall_v prefer_v a_o mere_a suspicion_n to_o all_o the_o appear_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o truth_n god_n may_v as_o just_o punish_v we_o for_o disbelieve_v a_o real_a error_n upon_o such_o ground_n as_o for_o reject_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o whether_o our_o opinion_n be_v true_a or_o false_a but_o whether_o we_o have_v judge_v well_o or_o ill_o that_o we_o be_v accountable_a for_o neither_o in_o matter_n of_o mere_a speculation_n be_v it_o of_o much_o concern_v whether_o we_o judge_v well_o or_o ill_o because_o it_o be_v of_o no_o great_a moment_n whether_o we_o judge_v at_o all_o but_o it_o be_v not_o indifferent_a to_o we_o whether_o we_o will_v be_v happy_a or_o no_o happiness_n be_v and_o must_v be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o our_o thought_n and_o the_o govern_v principle_n of_o our_o life_n upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v as_o we_o have_v see_v in_o a_o 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believe_v in_o god_n be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n also_o since_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v a_o great_a many_o extraordinary_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o truth_n to_o recommend_v it_o and_o be_v press_v upon_o our_o belief_n under_o the_o consideration_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o misery_n and_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o oppose_v to_o all_o the_o appear_a evidence_n it_o be_v build_v upon_o but_o bare_o a_o suspicion_n that_o notwithstanding_o what_o appear_v to_o we_o it_o may_v possible_o be_v false_a the_o two_o first_o of_o these_o assertion_n be_v manifest_a and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o latter_a will_v be_v very_o visible_a to_o any_o one_o that_o will_v give_v himself_o the_o trouble_n of_o consider_v all_o the_o objection_n that_o have_v ever_o be_v make_v to_o the_o christian_a revelation_n which_o take_v altogether_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o make_v out_o the_o mere_a possibility_n of_o the_o christian_a scheme_n be_v false_a but_o amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o something_o else_o like_o something_o contain_v in_o the_o history_n of_o christianity_n have_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a therefore_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o imposture_n for_o all_o that_o have_v ever_o be_v urge_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v in_o short_a but_o this_o that_o history_n have_v be_v false_a prophecy_n and_o miracle_n have_v be_v counterfeit_a there_o have_v be_v false_a pretence_n to_o revelation_n book_n have_v be_v forge_v strange_a thing_n have_v be_v say_v and_o do_v by_o man_n and_o stranger_n by_o evil_a spirit_n but_o it_o can_v no_o more_o be_v infer_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o christian_a history_n and_o revelation_n and_o all_o the_o christian_a prophecy_n and_o miracle_n be_v false_a and_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v forge_v than_o it_o can_v be_v conclude_v that_o all_o man_n be_v mad_a or_o asleep_a because_o there_o have_v be_v several_a in_o these_o condition_n that_o have_v think_v themselves_o awake_a and_o in_o their_o sense_n or_o that_o all_o the_o argument_n and_o proof_n make_v use_v of_o in_o mathematical_a knowledge_n be_v false_a because_o some_o pretend_a demonstration_n have_v be_v undemonstrate_v and_o confute_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o utmost_a defence_n that_o infidelity_n can_v make_v for_o itself_o as_o have_v before_o be_v more_o particular_o show_v wherefore_o they_o be_v utter_o inexcusable_a whoever_o they_o be_v who_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o all_o those_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o and_o yet_o reject_v so_o plain_a and_o evident_a a_o revelation_n of_o himself_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v but_o there_o be_v very_o few_o i_o believe_v of_o this_o character_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o those_o among_o we_o who_o will_v not_o have_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o reign_v over_o they_o have_v as_o little_a regard_n for_o the_o father_n that_o send_v he_o and_o that_o if_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n nor_o be_v persuade_v by_o one_o that_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a neither_o will_v they_o understand_v the_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o our_o modern_a deist_n and_o unbeliever_n if_o their_o mind_n be_v blind_v and_o their_o foolish_a heart_n darken_v to_o such_o a_o degree_n that_o they_o can_v perceive_v god_n in_o any_o of_o the_o other_o way_n he_o have_v take_v of_o reveal_v himself_o to_o they_o we_o must_v leave_v they_o to_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o last_o revelation_n that_o will_v be_v make_v of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o believe_v and_o tremble_v finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o tho._n bennet_n folio_n thuidides_n greek_n and_o latin_a collate_v with_o five_o entire_a mannscript_a copy_n and_o all_o the_o edition_n extant_a also_o illustrate_v with_o map_n large_a annotation_n and_o index_n by_o j._n hudson_n m._n a._n and_o fellow_n of_o university_n coll._n oxon._n to_o which_o be_v add_v a_o exact_a chronology_n by_o the_o learned_a hen._n dodwell_n never_o before_o publish_v print_v at_o the_o theatre_n oxon._n octavo_fw-la and_o twelves_o sermon_n and_o discourse_n upon_o several_a occasion_n by_o dr._n stradling_n dean_n of_o chichester_n together_o with_o a_o account_n of_o the_o author_n by_o james_n harrington_n esq_n sermon_n and_o discourse_n upon_o several_a occasion_n by_o dr._n meggot_n dean_n of_o chichester_n the_o meditation_n of_o marcus_n aurelius_n antonius_n the_o roman_a emperor_n translate_v out_o of_o greek_a into_o english_a by_o dr._n causabon_n with_o note_n to_o this_o edition_n be_v add_v the_o life_n of_o the_o emperor_n with_o a_o account_n of_o stoic_a philosophy_n as_o also_o remark_n on_o the_o meditation_n all_o new_o write_v by_o monsieur_n and_o madam_n dacier_n the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n assert_v and_o explain_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o six_o letter_n of_o inspiration_n from_o holland_n etc._n etc._n by_o mr._n l._n moth._n the_o certainty_n and_o necessity_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n etc._n etc._n the_o content_n introduction_n show_v the_o design_n of_o the_o discourse_n and_o the_o method_n in_o which_o it_o be_v prosecute_v page_n 1._o a_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v religion_n p._n 9_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n p._n 16._o of_o the_o relation_n there_o be_v betwixt_o god_n and_o man._n p._n 18._o a_o direct_a proof_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n p._n 19_o consider_v as_o possible_a p._n 20._o consider_v as_o probable_a p._n 26._o consider_v as_o certain_a p._n 40._o the_o certainty_n of_o god_n existence_n prove_v
indirect_o and_o negative_o by_o show_v that_o none_o of_o those_o supposition_n which_o exclude_v the_o be_v of_o god_n can_v be_v true_a p._n 57_o matter_n alone_o consider_v at_o rest_n can_v not_o be_v eternal_a and_o in_o time_n produce_v the_o present_a frame_n of_o the_o world_n p._n 59_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o account_v for_o the_o production_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o atheist_n hypothesis_n of_o move_a atom_n p._n 61._o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o suppose_v that_o the_o world_n have_v exi_v eternal_o under_o the_o same_o form_n we_o now_o behold_v it_o without_o a_o god_n p._n 64._o the_o eternal_a coexistence_n of_o matter_n and_o mind_n improbable_a p._n 71._o suppose_v it_o probable_a neither_o matter_n alone_o nor_o matter_n and_o motion_n nor_o the_o present_a constitution_n of_o thing_n can_v have_v be_v eternal_a independent_o of_o god_n p._n 77._o the_o original_a of_o all_o thing_n from_o god_n further_o evince_v from_o general_a reflection_n p._n 81._o a_o positive_a and_o direct_a proof_n of_o religion_n draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o man_n and_o the_o relation_n there_o be_v betwixt_o they_o p._n 91._o of_o the_o nature_n and_o ground_n of_o obligation_n together_o with_o the_o right_n and_o power_n of_o oblige_v ib._n that_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o order_v his_o life_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v prove_v p._n 102._o from_o the_o natural_a judgement_n we_o make_v concern_v our_o action_n p._n 105._o from_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o god_n in_o make_v we_o which_o appear_v by_o several_a token_n and_o indication_n p._n 117._o in_o the_o frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o our_o mind_n p._n 118._o and_o in_o the_o oeconomy_n and_o constitution_n of_o humane_a society_n p._n 125._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n itself_o a_o regular_a practice_n of_o which_o conduce_v to_o the_o great_a happiness_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o life_n p._n 129._o and_o from_o the_o certainty_n of_o a_o future_a state_n which_o be_v prove_v p._n 137._o from_o the_o defect_n of_o a_o general_n and_o regular_a practice_n of_o religion_n here_o p._n 138._o and_o from_o the_o general_n want_v necessity_n and_o imperfection_n of_o our_o present_a nature_n p._n 141._o from_o all_o which_o consideration_n it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v more_o for_o our_o happiness_n to_o live_v religious_o then_o otherwise_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o live_v so_o p._n 146._o the_o certainty_n and_o necessity_n of_o religion_n further_o show_v from_o the_o pernicious_a effect_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o irreligion_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n p._n 149._o the_o absurdity_n and_o folly_n of_o all_o the_o ground_n and_o pretence_n of_o irreligion_n and_o whatever_o be_v allege_v in_o defence_n of_o it_o p._n 181._o irreligion_n not_o capable_a of_o any_o direct_a proof_n p._n 183._o the_o usual_a way_n and_o method_n of_o defend_v it_o improper_a and_o insufficient_a p._n 187._o ridicul_v religion_n prove_v nothing_o against_o it_o ib._n require_v a_o more_o certain_a and_o mathematical_a proof_n of_o it_o unreasonable_a p._n 188._o scheme_n and_o hypothesis_n to_o account_v for_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n without_o god_n and_o religion_n absurd_a and_o inconsistent_a p._n 192._o the_o chief_a and_o most_o common_a objection_n against_o religion_n answer_v viz._n p._n 200._o mystery_n seem_v inconsistency_n and_o absurdity_n in_o scripture_n p._n 201._o extravagant_a notion_n and_o pernicious_a doctrine_n maintain_v under_o the_o name_n of_o religion_n p._n 202._o variety_n of_o opinion_n among_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n p._n 204._o foolish_a and_o ridiculous_a argument_n urge_v in_o defence_n of_o it_o p._n 205._o scandalous_a life_n of_o great_a pretender_n to_o piety_n and_o virtue_n p._n 206._o religion_n the_o effect_n of_o fear_n and_o education_n p._n 209._o religion_n a_o politic_a contrivance_n p._n 211._o the_o absurdity_n and_o folly_n of_o irreligious_a principle_n and_o practice_n demonstrate_v from_o general_a reflection_n upon_o the_o different_a ground_n and_o foundation_n religion_n and_o irreligion_n stand_v upon_o and_o the_o different_a conduct_n of_o those_o that_o act_n under_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o p._n 213._o irreligion_n further_o expose_v from_o the_o cause_n and_o reason_n that_o induce_v man_n to_o take_v up_o atheistical_a and_o profane_a opinion_n p._n 227._o the_o chief_a cause_n of_o atheism_n show_v to_o be_v these_o two_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o after_o reckon_v for_o a_o wicked_a life_n and_o the_o vanity_n of_o appear_v great_a and_o wise_a than_o other_o men._n p._n 230._o the_o doctrine_n of_o irreligion_n the_o sole_a result_n of_o prejudice_n and_o not_o deliberate_a reason_v more_o plain_o make_v out_o p._n 239._o from_o the_o character_n and_o capacity_n of_o the_o atheist_n ib._n from_o the_o manner_n and_o process_n of_o their_o infidelity_n p._n 242._o and_o from_o the_o confession_n of_o several_a atheist_n themselves_o p._n 246._o a_o account_n of_o the_o notion_n of_o atheism_n and_o deism_n and_o how_o they_o be_v to_o be_v distinguish_v p._n 249._o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a revelation_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v it_o etc._n etc._n the_o content_n the_o connexion_n of_o this_o discourse_n with_o the_o former_a page_n 1._o the_o method_n lay_v down_o for_o the_o establish_n the_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a revelation_n p._n 3._o a_o abstract_n or_o summary_n of_o the_o christian_a scheme_n as_o it_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n p._n 8._o the_o general_n subject_a of_o the_o several_a book_n or_o volume_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n p._n 9_o the_o character_n of_o jesus_n christ_n p._n 19_o a_o short_a account_n of_o his_o doctrine_n or_o gospel_n p._n 31._o the_o character_n of_o those_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o that_o assist_v he_o in_o the_o publishing_n and_o propagate_a his_o gospel_n p._n 42._o the_o character_n of_o those_o that_o persecute_v he_o and_o his_o disciple_n and_o oppose_v the_o establishment_n of_o his_o religion_n p._n 50._o the_o way_n and_o manner_n in_o which_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v with_o all_o the_o important_a circumstance_n which_o refer_v to_o the_o form_n and_o composition_n of_o those_o write_n p._n 51._o all_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n show_v to_o be_v true_a by_o a_o plain_a direct_a proof_n according_a to_o this_o distinction_n of_o they_o premise_v viz_o common_a matter_n of_o fact_n miracle_n and_o prophecy_n divine_a assistance_n and_o revelation_n p._n 59_o the_o common_a historical_a fact_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n prove_v to_o be_v true_a in_o the_o follow_a manner_n p._n 60._o the_o original_a of_o christianity_n right_o assign_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n p._n 61._o a_o survey_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n p._n 70._o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o same_o in_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n as_o it_o be_v at_o and_o immediate_o after_o the_o first_o publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n p._n 74._o this_o proposition_n make_v out_o from_o the_o constant_a tradition_n of_o such_o a_o belief_n together_o with_o many_o sensible_a infallible_a effect_n of_o it_o p._n 75._o and_o from_o many_o other_o extrinsic_a sign_n and_o monument_n remain_v at_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a under_o constantine_n p._n 105._o such_o as_o be_v several_a custom_n and_o usage_n p._n 107._o relic_n building_n and_o other_o the_o like_a monnment_n p._n 108._o book_n and_o write_a record_n of_o several_a kind_n viz._n p._n 109._o copy_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n p._n 110._o public_a act_n and_o record_n belong_v to_o society_n p._n 113._o genuine_a write_n of_o orthodox_n christian_n p._n 119._o book_n write_v by_o heretic_n p._n 132._o jewish_a and_o pagan_a book_n p._n 133._o forge_v and_o suppositious_a write_n of_o uncertain_a author_n p._n 137._o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n show_v to_o be_v true_a fact_n according_a to_o the_o relation_n there_o give_v of_o they_o p._n 140._o a_o account_n by_o way_n of_o introduction_n of_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n in_o this_o place_n p._n 141._o and_o what_o kind_n of_o evidence_n these_o fact_n be_v capable_a of_o p._n 143._o the_o miracle_n consider_v by_o themselves_o according_a to_o the_o different_a period_n in_o which_o they_o be_v do_v and_o the_o different_a person_n they_o be_v do_v by_o p._n 144._o the_o prophecy_n consider_v apart_o according_a to_o the_o same_o distinction_n of_o time_n and_o person_n p._n 158._o the_o truth_n of_o these_o extraordinary_a fact_n call_v miracle_n and_o prophecy_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o those_o
ground_n upon_o which_o the_o first_o christian_n believe_v they_o evince_v from_o general_a reflection_n upon_o the_o scripture-account_n of_o they_o p._n 161._o what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n concern_v divin_n assistance_n and_o revelation_n prove_v to_o be_v true_a p._n 183._o the_o miracle_n prophecy_n and_o doctrine_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v all_o the_o matter_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o under_o this_o head_n do_v certain_o proceed_v from_o god_n p._n 185._o the_o person_n themselves_o who_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o immediate_a author_n of_o they_o may_v be_v infallible_o satisfy_v that_o whatever_o of_o this_o kind_n they_o say_v or_o do_v be_v from_o god_n p._n 186._o other_o may_v be_v likewise_o convince_v of_o the_o same_o truth_n by_o a_o certain_a proof_n of_o the_o follow_a point_n viz._n p._n 194._o that_o the_o miracle_n prophecy_n and_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v not_o be_v the_o work_n and_o contrivance_n of_o mere_a men._n p._n 195._o that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o all_o p._n 222._o and_o that_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o ascribe_v these_o thing_n to_o evil_a spirit_n p._n 242._o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a revelation_n deliver_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n prove_v indirect_o by_o show_v the_o absurdity_n of_o a_o contrary_a supposition_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o all_o the_o objection_n raise_v against_o scripture_n and_o revelation_n in_o general_n p._n 245._o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v not_o possible_o be_v forge_v and_o invent_v p._n 250._o because_o there_o be_v no_o end_n or_o design_n imaginable_a sufficient_a to_o have_v determine_v the_o suppose_a author_n of_o this_o work_n to_o have_v undertake_v it_o and_o because_o further_o if_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n both_o common_a and_o extraordinary_a have_v not_o be_v true_a it_o will_v have_v be_v utter_o impossible_a that_o the_o christian_a religion_n shall_v ever_o have_v be_v believe_v and_o propagate_v in_o the_o world_n p._n 264._o the_o principal_a objection_n against_o revelation_n and_o the_o scripture_n answer_v viz._n p._n 272._o that_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v no_o proof_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n p._n 276._o and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o fault_n observable_a in_o the_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n as_o show_v the_o whole_a to_o be_v a_o pure_a humane_a composure_n p._n 288._o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o proof_n before_o give_v of_o the_o christian_a revelation_n full_o and_o undeniable_o make_v out_o p._n 303._o from_o humane_a testimony_n p._n 305._o from_o the_o connexion_n of_o present_a appearance_n with_o former_a p._n 309._o and_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n in_o general_n and_o the_o particular_a fact_n in_o question_n p_o 317._o the_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n further_o make_v good_a by_o show_v that_o they_o be_v as_o just_a and_o conclude_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o any_o other_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v p._n 332._o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o proof_n before_o give_v be_v such_o that_o god_n may_v just_o condemn_v we_o for_o not_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o it_o p._n 349._o because_o we_o believe_v other_o matter_n of_o fact_n upon_o less_o evidence_n and_o ib._n because_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v such_o fact_n have_v those_o appearance_n of_o truth_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v though_o they_o shall_v real_o be_v false_a p._n 352._o finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o tho._n bennet_n the_o life_n of_o all_o the_o prince_n of_o orange_n from_o william_n the_o great_a founder_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o unite_a province_n to_o which_o be_v add_v the_o life_n of_o his_o present_a majesty_n king_n william_n iii_o from_o his_o birth_n to_o his_o land_n in_o england_n by_o mr._n tho._n brown_n together_o with_o all_o the_o prince_n head_n take_v from_o the_o original_a draught_n by_o mr._n robert_n white_a a_o voyage_n to_o the_o world_n of_o des_n certes_o translate_v from_o the_o french_a by_o t._n taylor_n m._n a._n of_o magd._n coll._n oxon._n thirty_o six_o sermon_n upon_o several_a occasion_n in_o three_o vol._n by_o robert_n south_n d._n d._n the_o second_o edition_n the_o certainty_n and_o necessity_n of_o religion_n in_o general_a or_o the_o first_o ground_n and_o principle_n of_o humane_a duty_n establish_v in_o eight_o sermon_n preach_v at_o st._n martin_n in_o the_o field_n at_o the_o lecture_n for_o the_o year_n 1697._o found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o f._n gastrel_n b._n d._n and_o student_n of_o christ_n church_n coll._n oxon._n
heal_v all_o manner_n of_o infirmity_n by_o his_o miraculous_a power_n and_o when_o his_o disciple_n bring_v he_o meat_n he_o refuse_v it_o say_v he_o have_v meat_n to_o eat_v which_o they_o know_v not_o of_o and_o that_o his_o meat_n be_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o he_o that_o send_v he_o he_o live_v in_o extreme_a poverty_n and_o want_n he_o have_v not_o where_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n and_o be_v destitute_a not_o only_o of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n but_o of_o all_o the_o lesser_a convenience_n of_o this_o life_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v when_o he_o send_v for_o a_o ass_n and_o foal_n to_o ride_v into_o jerusalem_n with_o the_o owner_n let_v they_o go_v and_o when_o he_o order_v to_o have_v such_o a_o room_n prepare_v for_o he_o to_o eat_v his_o last_o supper_n in_o it_o be_v present_o get_v ready_a for_o he_o and_o both_o upon_o the_o bare_a say_v of_o his_o disciple_n that_o the_o master_n have_v need_n of_o they_o his_o meekness_n lowliness_n and_o humility_n be_v very_o conspicuous_a throughout_o his_o whole_a conduct_n and_o behaviour_n and_o in_o several_a particular_a instance_n as_o his_o converse_v free_o with_o person_n of_o the_o mean_a rank_n choose_v such_o to_o be_v his_o constant_a companion_n and_o most_o intimate_a friend_n declare_v that_o he_o come_v to_o minister_v to_o other_o and_o not_o to_o be_v minister_v to_o order_v those_o he_o cure_v not_o to_o publish_v what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o they_o refuse_v to_o be_v king_n when_o the_o people_n will_v have_v make_v he_o so_o wash_v his_o apostle_n foot_n etc._n etc._n notwithstanding_o which_v in_o many_o other_o instance_n he_o discover_v himself_o in_o very_a signal_n character_n of_o greatness_n majesty_n and_o power_n for_o not_o to_o mention_v what_o we_o have_v before_o rank_v under_o the_o style_n of_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n he_o teach_v as_o one_o have_v authority_n so_o that_o not_o only_o the_o people_n but_o their_o ruler_n and_o teacher_n be_v astonish_v at_o his_o doctrine_n he_o reprove_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n with_o boldness_n he_o enter_v into_o jerusalem_n with_o all_o the_o high_a solemnity_n of_o triumph_n and_o drive_v out_o of_o the_o temple_n all_o those_o that_o profane_v that_o holy_a house_n by_o apply_v it_o to_o common_a uses_n he_o speak_v the_o word_n and_o whoever_o he_o call_v immediate_o leave_v all_o they_o have_v and_o follow_v he_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o forgive_v sin_n and_o he_o give_v his_o disciple_n the_o same_o power_n as_o likewise_o a_o power_n against_o unclean_a spirit_n to_o cast_v they_o out_o and_o to_o heal_v all_o manner_n of_o sickness_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o disease_n to_o tread_v on_o serpent_n and_o scorpion_n and_o over_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o enemy_n so_o that_o nothing_o shall_v by_o any_o mean_v hurt_v they_o beside_o all_o which_o and_o many_o other_o mark_v of_o greatness_n power_n and_o authority_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o action_n of_o christ_n the_o thing_n which_o he_o declare_v of_o himself_o and_o which_o be_v attribute_v to_o he_o by_o his_o disciple_n give_v we_o a_o much_o high_a idea_n of_o he_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v great_a than_o the_o prophet_n jonah_n and_o solomon_n he_o prove_v that_o david_n call_v he_o his_o lord_n he_o affirm_v that_o before_o abraham_n be_v he_o be_v that_o abraham_n rejoice_v to_o see_v his_o day_n that_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o messiah_n expect_v and_o prophesy_v of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v deliver_v to_o he_o of_o the_o father_n who_o be_v lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n which_o the_o father_n have_v be_v he_o that_o he_o and_o the_o father_n be_v one_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o father_n and_o the_o father_n in_o he_o that_o he_o come_v forth_o from_o his_o father_n when_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n that_o he_o be_v the_o bread_n of_o life_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n that_o this_o bread_n be_v his_o flesh_n which_o he_o will_v give_v for_o the_o life_n of_o the_o world_n that_o he_o have_v overcome_v the_o world_n that_o no_o man_n take_v his_o life_n from_o he_o but_o that_o he_o lay_v it_o down_o of_o himself_o and_o have_v power_n to_o take_v it_o again_o and_o that_o when_o he_o leave_v the_o world_n he_o go_v to_o his_o father_n he_o own_v that_o he_o be_v a_o king_n but_o that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o all_o power_n be_v give_v to_o he_o both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n that_o hereafter_o he_o shall_v be_v see_v sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o will_v come_v in_o his_o glory_n and_o all_o the_o holy_a angel_n with_o he_o to_o judge_v the_o world_n that_o then_o he_o shall_v sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o before_o he_o shall_v be_v gather_v all_o nation_n and_o receive_v their_o sentence_n from_o he_o according_a to_o their_o work_n he_o assure_v his_o twelve_o apostle_n that_o he_o will_v send_v the_o comforter_n to_o they_o who_o shall_v teach_v they_o all_o thing_n and_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o show_v they_o thing_n to_o come_v that_o he_o himself_o will_v be_v with_o they_o always_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o whatsoever_o they_o shall_v ask_v the_o father_n in_o his_o name_n that_o he_o will_v do_v that_o he_o will_v prepare_v a_o place_n for_o they_o in_o his_o father_n house_n and_o that_o when_o he_o come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n they_o shall_v sit_v upon_o twelve_o throne_n judge_v the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n to_o all_o those_o that_o labour_n and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v he_o promise_v that_o they_o shall_v find_v rest_n to_o those_o that_o sell_v what_o they_o have_v and_o follow_v he_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v treasure_n in_o heaven_n to_o those_o that_o love_v he_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v love_v of_o his_o father_n and_o that_o his_o father_n and_o he_o will_v come_v and_o make_v their_o abode_n with_o they_o whosoever_o drink_v of_o the_o water_n that_o he_o shall_v give_v he_o he_o say_v shall_v never_o thirst_v but_o that_o water_n shall_v be_v in_o he_o a_o well_o of_o water_n spring_v up_o into_o everlasting_a life_n and_o whoso_o eat_v his_o flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n have_v eternal_a life_n and_o he_o will_v raise_v he_o up_o at_o the_o last_o day_n he_o tell_v one_o of_o the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v with_o he_o that_o day_n in_o paradise_n and_o in_o general_a to_o all_o those_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o obey_v his_o word_n and_o commandment_n he_o give_v assurance_n of_o salvation_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o another_o world_n beside_o many_o other_o occasional_a blessing_n and_o assistance_n in_o this_o and_o those_o that_o will_v not_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o obey_v his_o gospel_n he_o threaten_v with_o eternal_a punishment_n in_o another_o life_n and_o with_o many_o trouble_n and_o calamity_n while_o they_o continue_v here_o agreeable_a to_o which_o declaration_n make_v by_o himself_o be_v the_o language_n and_o practice_n of_o his_o disciple_n to_o he_o and_o of_o he_o in_o his_o life_n time_n and_o after_o his_o death_n they_o call_v he_o lord_n and_o god_n preach_v baptise_v and_o bless_v in_o his_o name_n and_o attribute_v a_o great_a many_o glorious_a thing_n to_o he_o which_o be_v in_o other_o place_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o expression_n attribute_v to_o the_o one_o only_o supreme_a god_n they_o worship_v he_o when_o alive_a with_o all_o the_o external_a sign_n of_o divine_a adoration_n and_o pray_v to_o he_o after_o his_o death_n and_o expect_v all_o manner_n of_o grace_n assistance_n and_o spiritual_a strength_n from_o he_o here_o and_o a_o eternal_a reward_n of_o their_o labour_n suffering_n and_o obedience_n from_o he_o hereafter_o and_o as_o these_o be_v all_o evident_a mark_n and_o token_n of_o a_o amaze_a greatness_n and_o power_n in_o jesus_n christ_n so_o be_v all_o his_o sermon_n and_o discourse_n his_o manner_n of_o preach_v and_o converse_v and_o the_o whole_a scheme_n both_o of_o his_o life_n and_o doctrine_n manifest_a proof_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a kind_n of_o wisdom_n it_o do_v not_o appear_v from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o christ_n have_v read_v any_o other_o book_n but_o the_o old_a testament_n or_o that_o he_o have_v have_v the_o advantage_n of_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o meaning_n and_o sense_n of_o that_o by_o any_o master_n or_o teacher_n whatsoever_o yet_o we_o find_v he_o teach_v reason_v answer_v question_n that_o be_v put_v
to_o he_o and_o expound_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o all_o that_o hear_v he_o be_v astonish_v at_o his_o understanding_n his_o doctrine_n and_o answer_n his_o usual_a way_n of_o teach_v the_o people_n that_o believe_v on_o he_o and_o reprove_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o other_o that_o be_v unbeliever_n and_o seek_v occasion_n to_o find_v fault_n with_o what_o he_o say_v be_v by_o parable_n which_o be_v such_o familiar_a resemblance_n of_o or_o allusion_n to_o the_o common_a and_o most_o observe_v accident_n of_o life_n as_o be_v more_o easy_o apprehend_v by_o ordinary_a capacity_n better_o attend_v to_o and_o remember_v and_o not_o so_o liable_a to_o censure_n and_o misinterpretation_n as_o plain_a and_o proper_a expression_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n that_o be_v deliver_v this_o way_n will_v have_v be_v but_o sometime_o he_o both_o teach_v and_o reprove_v open_o without_o any_o disguise_n or_o reserve_v and_o some_o of_o his_o parable_n be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o understand_v even_o by_o his_o disciple_n till_o he_o be_v please_v in_o private_a to_o show_v they_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o and_o acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o part_n of_o his_o conduct_n his_o answer_n to_o those_o that_o accuse_v he_o of_o any_o crime_n as_o of_o eat_v with_o sinner_n break_v of_o the_o sabbath_n blasphemy_n and_o the_o like_a or_o that_o seek_v to_o entrap_v he_o in_o his_o discourse_n and_o to_o find_v matter_n of_o accusation_n against_o he_o be_v very_o surprise_v and_o unexpected_a and_o such_o as_o always_o silence_v and_o disappoint_v his_o enemy_n his_o exposition_n of_o some_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o inference_n he_o draw_v from_o they_o seem_v whole_o new_a to_o all_o the_o jewish_a teacher_n and_o expositor_n that_o hear_v he_o and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o read_v that_o they_o confute_v or_o so_o much_o as_o oppose_v either_o his_o comment_n or_o his_o argument_n and_o in_o fine_a his_o whole_a behaviour_n and_o conversation_n be_v so_o careful_o and_o wise_o order_v that_o though_o he_o be_v constant_o watch_v and_o observe_v by_o cunning_a and_o malicious_a man_n of_o different_a opinion_n design_n and_o interest_n yet_o no_o man_n be_v ever_o able_a to_o convince_v he_o either_o of_o sin_n or_o ignorance_n as_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o answer_v he_o give_v to_o those_o who_o censure_v or_o despise_v he_o or_o think_v to_o puzzle_v he_o by_o difficult_a question_n and_o from_o the_o whole_a process_n against_o he_o when_o he_o be_v condemn_v to_o die_v thus_o live_v jesus_n christ_n a_o perfect_a pattern_n and_o example_n of_o the_o religion_n he_o establish_v in_o all_o holiness_n and_o unblameableness_n of_o conversation_n show_v in_o all_o the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n record_v of_o he_o a_o entire_a submission_n and_o resignation_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o exceed_v great_a charity_n and_o compassion_n towards_o men._n and_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o which_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n for_o which_o he_o publish_v his_o gospel_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n endure_v the_o contradiction_n and_o persecution_n of_o sinner_n be_v that_o also_o which_o make_v he_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n and_o submit_v to_o all_o the_o indignity_n and_o torment_n that_o accompany_v it_o the_o only_a cause_n motive_n and_o end_v of_o all_o these_o action_n and_o suffering_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o love_n of_o mankind_n as_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n so_o he_o give_v his_o life_n a_o ransom_n for_o many_o to_o free_a man_n from_o eternal_a misery_n render_v they_o capable_a of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o to_o direct_v and_o assist_v they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n be_v his_o sole_a work_n and_o design_n these_o be_v the_o large_a and_o most_o remarkable_a line_n in_o the_o character_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o first_o author_n of_o that_o religion_n we_o profess_v and_o defend_v in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o give_v a_o short_a draught_n or_o representation_n of_o his_o doctrine_n or_o gospel_n or_o as_o we_o now_o call_v it_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v plain_o deliver_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o all_o religion_n as_o every_o one_o know_v consist_v of_o faith_n and_o practice_n thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v in_o consequence_n of_o such_o belief_n i_o shall_v first_o consider_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o afterward_o what_o concern_v the_o practice_n of_o a_o christian_n the_o sum_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v to_o believe_v in_o one_o god_n such_o as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n set_v forth_o to_o we_o and_o in_o jesus_n christ_n his_o only_o beget_v son_n our_o lord_n according_a to_o the_o history_n and_o character_n before_o give_v or_o 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