to_o employ_v in_o their_o conversion_n rather_o than_o reason_n this_o make_v nothing_o to_o my_o design_n i_o shall_v only_o remark_n that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o bring_v those_o idolatrous_a nation_n to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n proceed_v not_o from_o any_o insidelity_n peculiar_a to_o they_o from_o the_o people_n of_o europe_n they_o be_v upon_o the_o contrary_a the_o most_o credulous_a people_n in_o the_o world_n and_o very_o serious_o embrace_v a_o great_a number_n of_o incredible_a thing_n whereof_o their_o theology_n be_v make_v up_o their_o incredulity_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o gospel_n proceed_v from_o their_o not_o reason_v almost_o at_o all_o except_o about_o thing_n relate_v to_o life_n and_o that_o nothing_o ever_o enter_v into_o their_o mind_n except_v from_o experience_n or_o education_n they_o be_v not_o man_n that_o meditate_v and_o be_v capable_a of_o attentive_o consider_v abstract_v idea_n nor_o of_o compare_v they_o with_o one_o another_o to_o draw_v some_o consequence_n from_o they_o so_o for_o want_n of_o meet_v a_o little_a reason_n in_o these_o people_n one_o be_v extreme_o puzzle_v how_o to_o get_v they_o to_o change_v their_o opinion_n this_o can_v be_v say_v of_o the_o mahometan_n since_o we_o know_v that_o their_o divine_n do_v sometime_o write_v with_o subtlety_n and_o sense_n enough_o against_o some_o of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o the_o missionary_n will_v have_v they_o embrace_v nor_o can_v we_o treat_v they_o as_o infidel_n that_o reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n out_o of_o a_o spirit_n of_o scepticism_n for_o they_o be_v every_o thing_n rather_o than_o pyrrhonian_n see_v they_o most_o hearty_o believe_v all_o the_o alcoran_n nevertheless_o although_o they_o have_v sense_n enough_o as_o i_o say_v to_o make_v objection_n against_o some_o doctrine_n that_o be_v preach_v to_o they_o yet_o they_o have_v not_o enough_o to_o examine_v the_o principle_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n and_o to_o see_v upon_o what_o it_o be_v ground_v they_o do_v so_n much_o as_o understand_v what_o be_v say_v to_o they_o upon_o that_o head_n nor_o the_o reason_n bring_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o if_o the_o missionary_n now_o and_o then_o convert_v some_o of_o they_o it_o be_v not_o from_o any_o reason_n they_o allege_v but_o in_o gain_v their_o love_n and_o esteem_v by_o some_o other_o way_n the_o jew_n be_v much_o in_o the_o same_o condition_n as_o it_o may_v be_v see_v by_o the_o book_n they_o have_v write_v to_o establish_v their_o own_o opinion_n or_o to_o confute_v those_o of_o the_o christian_n this_o may_v be_v easy_o discover_v also_o by_o any_o that_o discourse_n with_o they_o upon_o these_o subject_n but_o between_o they_o and_o the_o mahometan_n there_o be_v this_o difference_n that_o the_o latter_a give_v credit_n to_o a_o book_n full_a of_o impertinency_n and_o falsehood_n whereas_o the_o jew_n ground_n their_o persuasion_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o contain_v a_o true_a revelation_n and_o yet_o they_o can_v reason_v little_o better_o than_o the_o mahometan_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a obstacle_n to_o their_o conversion_n whilst_o they_o be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o mere_a authority_n of_o some_o rabbin_n though_o without_o any_o foundation_n they_o be_v proof_n against_o the_o strong_a reason_n the_o christian_n can_v oppose_v to_o they_o because_o from_o their_o infancy_n they_o be_v wont_v to_o believe_v what_o their_o rabbin_n tell_v they_o and_o be_v never_o teach_v to_o reason_n just_o otherwise_o if_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o a_o condition_n of_o pursue_v a_o argument_n and_o of_o distinguish_v a_o good_a from_o a_o ill_a consequence_n it_o will_v then_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n it_o shall_v be_v only_o needful_a as_o some_o christian_a divine_n have_v late_o do_v to_o put_v they_o upon_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o divine_a mission_n of_o moses_n as_o they_o will_v prove_v it_o to_o a_o heathen_a they_o design_v to_o proselyte_n to_o judaisme_n for_o if_o they_o bring_v any_o solid_a proof_n for_o this_o matter_n it_o may_v be_v easy_o make_v evident_a that_o these_o same_o reason_n be_v incomparable_o strong_a in_o favour_n of_o the_o divine_a mission_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n than_o in_o favour_n of_o that_o of_o moses_n as_o it_o have_v be_v show_v in_o the_o book_n who_o title_n you_o may_v see_v in_o the_o margin_n judaeo_n limborch_fw-mi amica_fw-la collat_n cum_fw-la erudit_fw-la judaeo_n now_o then_o to_o convince_v the_o jew_n and_o other_o infidel_n by_o reason_n they_o must_v be_v first_o teach_v the_o art_n of_o methodical_o digest_v their_o thought_n and_o be_v accustom_v to_o reason_n stric_o upon_o other_o head_n that_o they_o may_v learn_v to_o understand_v the_o force_n of_o the_o proof_n upon_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v found_v but_o this_o be_v what_o all_o the_o missionary_n in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v especial_o to_o those_o insidel_n who_o be_v advance_v in_o year_n it_o be_v injustice_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v only_o among_o infidel_n that_o man_n be_v find_v uncapable_a of_o discern_v the_o goodness_n of_o a_o argument_n and_o who_o upon_o this_o account_n reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n there_o be_v unbeliever_n among_o christian_n themselves_o who_o be_v not_o only_o such_o out_o of_o some_o disposition_n engage_v they_o against_o the_o gospel_n but_o likewise_o out_o of_o downright_a stupidity_n and_o for_o want_v of_o understand_v the_o reason_n whereupon_o christianity_n be_v ground_v there_o be_v some_o people_n who_o from_o their_o childhood_n have_v be_v bring_v up_o to_o some_o trade_n or_o other_o constant_a business_n without_o any_o care_n take_v about_o the_o form_n of_o their_o mind_n or_o even_o of_o instruct_v they_o in_o religion_n and_o who_o be_v moreover_o of_o a_o genius_n not_o very_o proper_a for_o conceive_v of_o thing_n reveal_v though_o haughty_a and_o presumptuous_a have_v grow_v to_o a_o full_a age_n without_o any_o far_a instruction_n or_o be_v cure_v of_o their_o pride_n these_o be_v rare_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n nay_o they_o frequent_o reject_v it_o entire_o or_o at_o least_o in_o part_n not_o only_o because_o they_o know_v not_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o but_o also_o because_o they_o understand_v they_o not_o when_o they_o hear_v they_o from_o those_o that_o do_v know_v they_o these_o unpolished_a and_o ignorant_a creature_n imagine_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o true_a but_o what_o they_o perceive_v by_o their_o sense_n or_o what_o they_o have_v find_v by_o their_o own_o experience_n to_o be_v possible_a or_o in_o a_o word_n what_o they_o find_v conformable_a to_o their_o passion_n thus_o neither_o the_o speculative_a doctrine_n of_o religion_n nor_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o nor_o yet_o the_o history_n of_o those_o who_o teach_v it_o be_v within_o the_o verge_n of_o their_o knowledge_n they_o refuse_v to_o believe_v they_o rather_o out_o of_o brutality_n and_o stupidity_n than_o as_o deceive_v by_o captious_a reason_n if_o they_o reject_v it_o not_o altogether_o it_o be_v certain_a however_o that_o they_o retain_v only_o what_o be_v most_o please_a to_o they_o which_o be_v a_o evident_a demonstration_n that_o they_o be_v not_o persuade_v of_o it_o from_o reason_v and_o knowledge_n because_o the_o proof_n which_o confirm_v a_o part_n of_o it_o be_v the_o same_o that_o show_v the_o whole_a religion_n to_o be_v true_a it_o be_v not_o only_a among_o people_n take_v up_o with_o trade_n and_o business_n that_o this_o sort_n of_o unbeliever_n be_v to_o be_v find_v for_o there_o be_v more_o of_o they_o perhaps_o among_o such_o as_o aspire_v to_o great_a preferment_n among_o soldier_n and_o person_n of_o quality_n it_o may_v be_v say_v indeed_o that_o person_n of_o these_o rank_n have_v have_v a_o better_a education_n than_o other_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n and_o those_o employment_n to_o which_o they_o be_v design_v but_o in_o very_a truth_n it_o be_v as_o common_a a_o thing_n to_o hear_v they_o reason_n as_o wretched_o about_o religion_n as_o the_o most_o ignorant_a among_o the_o populace_n when_o once_o they_o be_v grow_v old_a in_o their_o prejudices_fw-la against_o christianity_n than_o their_o natural_a vanity_n increase_v with_o their_o age_n render_v they_o more_o obstinate_a and_o not_o seldom_o make_v they_o altogether_o inaccessible_a to_o truth_n you_o propose_v the_o most_o cogent_a argument_n to_o they_o in_o vain_a for_o they_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o mere_a sophism_n though_o they_o know_v not_o wherein_o sophistry_n differ_v from_o solid_a reason_v i_o shall_v be_v tell_v perhaps_o that_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v not_o so_o ignorant_a of_o the_o art_n of_o think_v as_o i_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v see_v they_o reason_v not_o so_o
disciple_n of_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o all_o place_n that_o not_o only_a jesus_n of_o nazareth_n who_o the_o jew_n have_v crucify_v do_v work_v numberless_a miracle_n whilst_o he_o dwell_v among_o man_n but_o that_o he_o also_o leave_v the_o same_o power_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o that_o in_o effect_n they_o wrought_v miracle_n every_o day_n what_o can_v be_v say_v more_o to_o excite_v the_o curiosity_n of_o the_o jew_n they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o epicurean_o who_o think_v no_o miracle_n be_v to_o be_v wrought_v nor_o do_v they_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v send_v they_o no_o more_o prophet_n to_o work_v any_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o expect_v the_o messiah_n the_o great_a of_o all_o the_o prophet_n and_o notwithstanding_o they_o give_v so_o little_a heed_n to_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o the_o chief_a of_o their_o nation_n never_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o use_v they_o ill_o without_o examine_v in_o the_o least_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o doctrine_n we_o have_v two_o jewish_a author_n who_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n namely_o philo_n and_o joseph_n but_o nevertheless_o they_o do_v not_o vouchsafe_v to_o inform_v themselves_o about_o these_o matter_n as_o may_v be_v see_v by_o their_o write_n philo_z write_v a_o great_a many_o book_n whereof_o the_o most_o part_n be_v allegorical_a discourse_n upon_o the_o old_a testament_n now_o in_o some_o of_o these_o he_o have_v a_o thousand_o occasion_n to_o mention_v the_o gospel_n if_o he_o have_v any_o idea_n of_o it_o if_o he_o disbelieved_a the_o truth_n of_o it_o he_o shall_v at_o least_o have_v endeavour_v to_o confute_v it_o somewhere_o but_o he_o say_v not_o a_o word_n for_o or_o against_o it_o which_o be_v sign_n enough_o that_o he_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v i_o know_v very_o well_o how_o eusebius_n therapeutes_fw-gr eusebius_n hist_o ecclesiast_fw-la l._n 2._o c._n 17._o see_v jos_n scaliger_n l._n 7._o de_fw-la emendat_fw-la temp._n valesius_fw-la upon_o eusebius_n and_o thomas_n brown_a in_o his_o dissertation_n concern_v the_o therapeutes_fw-gr and_o some_o learned_a man_n after_o he_o pretend_v that_o the_o therapeutes_fw-gr of_o alexandria_n who_o encomium_n be_v write_v by_o philo_n in_o one_o of_o his_o piece_n be_v christian_n but_o nothing_o except_o a_o desire_n of_o confound_v the_o jew_n by_o their_o own_o author_n can_v discover_v christian_n to_o eusebius_n and_o those_o that_o follow_v he_o in_o the_o description_n of_o the_o therapeutes_fw-gr where_o one_o syllable_n be_v not_o speak_v of_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o where_o all_o that_o philo_n say_v do_v perfect_o quadrate_n to_o some_o of_o the_o essean_n who_o form_v as_o it_o be_v well_o know_v a_o particular_a sect_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o desire_n of_o convince_a infidel_n shall_v not_o induce_v we_o to_o make_v use_n of_o weak_a proof_n against_o they_o for_o certain_o such_o method_n must_v needs_o render_v they_o more_o averse_a to_o christianity_n what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v will_v be_v easy_o grant_v i_o by_o man_n of_o any_o tolerable_a read_n or_o judgement_n but_o it_o may_v be_v dispute_v with_o respect_n to_o 8._o to_o antiq._n jud._n l._n 18._o c._n 4_o &_o 8._o joseph_n by_o reason_n of_o a_o passage_n or_o two_o produce_v out_o of_o he_o wherein_o he_o speak_v of_o jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v not_o the_o place_n to_o examine_v these_o passage_n which_o learned_a man_n letter_n man_n see_v le_fw-fr feure_n in_o his_o critical_a letter_n believe_v be_v insert_v by_o some_o christian_a into_o the_o text_n of_o joseph_n but_o be_v this_o as_o it_o will_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o joseph_n say_v nothing_o of_o the_o slaughter_n of_o the_o child_n whereof_o st._n matthew_n speak_v nor_o of_o most_o part_n of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n nor_o of_o his_o doctrine_n nor_o can_v he_o be_v suppose_v by_o any_o to_o have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o christianity_n except_o by_o such_o as_o never_o read_v his_o work_n have_v he_o know_v a_o part_n of_o the_o discourse_n and_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n he_o will_v not_o have_v be_v content_a to_o mention_v he_o only_o en_fw-fr passant_a and_o in_o so_o few_o word_n he_o will_v be_v large_a upon_o that_o subject_a no_o doubt_n as_o it_o well_o deserve_v it_o may_v be_v therefore_o positive_o affirm_v that_o joseph_n how_o exact_a soever_o repute_v to_o be_v in_o other_o matter_n do_v shameful_o neglect_v inform_v himself_o about_o the_o christian_a religion_n although_o nothing_o can_v have_v be_v more_o easy_a for_o he_o nor_o can_v any_o excuse_v be_v plead_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o heathen_n who_o live_v at_o that_o time_n or_o a_o little_a after_o and_o that_o notwithstanding_o their_o acquaintance_n with_o some_o christian_n yet_o never_o desire_v to_o know_v what_o christianity_n itself_o be_v 44._o be_v annak_n l._n 15._o c._n 44._o tacitus_n 10._o tacitus_n ep._n l._n 10._o plinius_n and_o 25._o and_o in_o claud._n c._n 25._o suetonius_n have_v speak_v of_o it_o and_o want_v not_o opportunity_n to_o understand_v it_o though_o it_o appear_v they_o do_v not_o they_o be_v polite_a and_o learned_a man_n and_o have_v spend_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o those_o age_n a_o great_a deal_n of_o time_n in_o the_o study_n of_o the_o greek_a philosophy_n now_o this_o philosophy_n be_v not_o upon_o any_o account_n comparable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n or_o moral_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o can_v the_o learned_a of_o rome_n neglect_v these_o thing_n only_o because_o barbarian_n as_o the_o grecian_n speak_v have_v declare_v they_o for_o they_o well_o know_v that_o the_o most_o famous_a sage_n of_o greece_n have_v undertake_v long_a voyage_n to_o the_o barbarian_n to_o learn_v their_o opinion_n what_o make_v they_o contemn_v the_o christian_n then_o we_o need_v not_o seek_v for_o any_o other_o reason_n but_o a_o scandalous_a neglect_n proceed_v from_o the_o predominant_a passion_n of_o most_o people_n for_o ordinary_o they_o apply_v themselves_o only_o to_o what_o be_v esteem_v in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o may_v contribute_v to_o have_v they_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o place_n of_o their_o abide_v the_o literature_n and_o philosophy_n of_o the_o laertius_n the_o see_v the_o preface_n of_o diogen_n laertius_n greek_n be_v for_o a_o long_a time_n in_o great_a repute_n at_o rome_n and_o person_n of_o the_o first_o quality_n do_v value_v themselves_o upon_o these_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n but_o the_o gospel_n be_v unknown_a there_o because_o it_o contain_v not_o any_o doctrine_n proper_a to_o add_v more_o lustre_n to_o such_o as_o do_v aspire_v to_o the_o great_a dignity_n something_o of_o this_o nature_n make_v the_o athenian_n neglect_v the_o opportunity_n they_o have_v in_o their_o hand_n of_o understand_v the_o gospel_n when_o st._n paul_n be_v in_o their_o city_n to_o preach_v it_o if_o they_o will_v hear_v he_o and_o questionless_a they_o will_v have_v hear_v he_o have_v they_o as_o much_o good_a sense_n as_o they_o have_v vanity_n at_o the_o very_a first_o they_o call_v he_o a_o babbler_n 22._o act_n 17.18_o 22._o and_o after_o listen_v a_o while_n to_o he_o about_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a some_o of_o they_o laugh_v at_o he_o other_o put_v he_o off_o till_o some_o other_o time_n and_o there_o be_v but_o a_o small_a number_n of_o they_o that_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o preach_v to_o they_o this_o proceed_v in_o part_n from_o a_o unblamable_a neglect_n that_o will_v not_o let_v they_o inform_v themselves_o thorough_o about_o what_o st._n paul_n declare_v although_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o athenian_n and_o the_o stranger_n who_o follow_v their_o study_n there_o be_v man_n of_o much_o leisure_n and_o great_a lover_n of_o news_n 21._o ver._n 21._o but_o the_o apostle_n not_o teach_v his_o doctrine_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o philosopher_n they_o be_v wont_a to_o hear_v whether_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o method_n or_o the_o elocution_n they_o be_v out_o of_o conceit_n with_o his_o discourse_n let_v we_o suppose_v with_o they_o that_o the_o outward_a appearance_n of_o s._n paul_n be_v not_o so_o take_v as_o that_o of_o their_o philosopher_n but_o shall_v this_o extinguish_v their_o curiosity_n be_v truth_n always_o necessary_o accompany_v with_o eloquence_n none_o of_o they_o dare_v maintain_v such_o a_o thing_n notwithstanding_o s._n paul_n be_v there_o do_v they_o no_o good_a and_o they_o neglect_v acquaint_v themselves_o with_o his_o doctrine_n which_o be_v infinite_o more_o reasonable_a than_o that_o of_o their_o philosopher_n they_o lose_v a_o world_n of_o time_n in_o the_o study_n of_o very_o ridiculous_a doctrine_n as_o be_v the_o physics_n of_o all_o their_o philosopher_n without_o except_v any_o and_o the_o moral_n of_o the_o great_a part_n
they_o appear_v not_o over-mortifyed_a who_o be_v in_o this_o condition_n nor_o will_v i_o set_v about_o to_o show_v the_o absurdity_n of_o scepticism_n i_o shall_v only_o remark_n that_o no_o body_n stop_v at_o a_o mere_a doubt_n in_o religion_n those_o who_o say_v they_o have_v doubt_n be_v not_o content_a to_o look_v upon_o other_o as_o possible_o deceive_v but_o as_o effectual_o so_o they_o consider_v not_o themselves_o as_o person_n who_o may_v well_o be_v in_o a_o error_n but_o as_o have_v find_v the_o true_a secret_n of_o infallibility_n and_o this_o may_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o humane_a pride_n as_o much_o as_o the_o bold_a determination_n let_v they_o have_v a_o great_a care_n therefore_o and_o since_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o to_o doubt_v as_o well_o as_o to_o affirm_v out_o of_o vanity_n be_v expose_v of_o one_o self_n to_o error_n let_v they_o get_v rid_v of_o this_o fallacious_a passion_n or_o at_o least_o suspend_v the_o influence_n of_o it_o whilst_o they_o judge_v of_o religion_n we_o require_v not_o this_o of_o they_o from_o the_o principle_n of_o that_o religion_n whereof_o they_o doubt_v or_o which_o they_o reject_v but_o from_o this_o maxim_n of_o common_a sense_n viz._n that_o a_o passion_n such_o as_o pride_n be_v can_v be_v of_o any_o service_n in_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n chap._n iii_o that_o what_o keep_v unbeliever_n from_o yield_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n partly_o consist_v perhaps_o in_o mere_a prejudices_fw-la which_o all_o the_o while_n may_v be_v false_a be_v i_o write_v against_o the_o pagan_n jew_n or_o mahometan_n and_o shall_v say_v that_o their_o prejudices_fw-la keep_v they_o wed_v to_o the_o religion_n whereof_o they_o make_v profession_n then_o all_o the_o world_n as_o well_o those_o who_o believe_v as_o those_o that_o disbelieve_v christianity_n will_v conclude_v i_o in_o the_o right_n but_o as_o i_o write_v against_o man_n that_o have_v be_v educate_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o be_v not_o persuade_v of_o its_o truth_n it_o may_v be_v ask_v what_o it_o be_v i_o understand_v here_o by_o prejudices_fw-la when_o i_o say_v that_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n perhaps_o why_o unbeliever_n yield_v not_o their_o assent_n to_o it_o they_o be_v bring_v up_o as_o i_o say_v in_o christianity_n which_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v prejudice_v they_o in_o favour_n of_o this_o religion_n but_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o prejudices_fw-la the_o first_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o instruction_n such_o as_o be_v those_o of_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o of_o the_o mahometans_n against_o christianity_n the_o second_o proceed_v from_o a_o particular_a depravation_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n of_o some_o and_o whereof_o it_o be_v somewhat_o difficult_a to_o render_v a_o reason_n these_o people_n do_v easy_o conquer_v sometime_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o their_o education_n but_o after_o slight_o form_v to_o themselves_o other_o notion_n without_o examine_v they_o as_o they_o shall_v they_o afterward_o become_v prejudices_fw-la to_o they_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o life_n and_o it_o be_v of_o these_o prejudices_fw-la i_o design_n to_o treat_v upon_o this_o occasion_n i_o shall_v not_o determine_v how_o they_o be_v form_v because_o they_o owe_v their_o original_a to_o such_o a_o complication_n of_o several_a motive_n and_o to_o circumstance_n so_o different_a that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a it_o may_v be_v to_o distinguish_v they_o right_o it_o be_v enough_o that_o they_o be_v true_a prejudices_fw-la that_o be_v to_o say_v hasty_a conclusion_n which_o serve_v they_o afterward_o instead_o of_o a_o principle_n let_v we_o suppose_v for_o example_n that_o a_o man_n bear_v in_o any_o part_n of_o christendom_n where_o very_o gross_a error_n as_o it_o happen_v but_o too_o often_o be_v mix_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n let_v we_o suppose_v i_o say_v that_o this_o man_n come_v to_o discern_v these_o error_n by_o read_v the_o book_n of_o those_o divine_n who_o be_v of_o the_o contrary_a party_n he_o be_v present_o cure_v of_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o his_o education_n for_o he_o be_v always_o tell_v that_o the_o sentiment_n maintain_v in_o the_o place_n of_o his_o nativity_n be_v true_a it_o may_v notwithstanding_o fall_v out_o that_o a_o person_n capable_a of_o discover_v these_o error_n can_v go_v back_o to_o the_o very_a spring_n and_o examine_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o itself_o such_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n there_o he_o stop_v then_o and_o imagine_v not_o only_o that_o the_o religion_n of_o his_o country_n be_v false_a but_o he_o make_v the_o same_o conclusion_n concern_v all_o religion_n without_o except_v that_o of_o the_o first_o follower_n of_o christ_n he_o may_v entertain_v such_o thought_n a_o great_a while_n before_o he_o can_v find_v any_o body_n to_o who_o he_o dare_v open_v his_o mind_n or_o that_o be_v able_a to_o undeceive_v he_o if_o he_o do_v and_o these_o thought_n may_v take_v such_o deep_a root_n at_o length_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n afterward_o to_o eradicate_v they_o if_o the_o man_n too_o be_v any_o thing_n speculative_a he_o may_v in_o this_o condition_n form_v other_o principle_n upon_o on_o which_o he_o shall_v reason_v all_o his_o life_n though_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o most_o false_a these_o be_v the_o prejudices_fw-la from_o which_o i_o say_v we_o must_v preserve_v ourselves_o and_o that_o may_v contribute_v much_o to_o get_v the_o christian_a religion_n reject_v all_o those_o who_o be_v taint_v with_o they_o be_v not_o equal_o capable_a of_o express_v they_o clear_o and_o beside_o they_o dare_v not_o always_o declare_v they_o free_o to_o those_o with_o who_o they_o discourse_v upon_o the_o subject_a so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o difficult_a business_n to_o examine_v they_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o may_v turn_v to_o their_o advantage_n nevertheless_o it_o may_v be_v say_v in_o general_a of_o all_o judgement_n make_v of_o a_o thing_n from_o principle_n which_o be_v not_o certain_a that_o if_o man_n shall_v thus_o hit_v upon_o the_o truth_n it_o must_v be_v by_o pure_a chance_n and_o consequent_o not_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o 〈◊〉_d this_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o search_n oâ—_n all_o sort_n of_o truth_n how_o much_o more_o be_v it_o to_o be_v regard_v in_o a_o truth_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n as_o religion_n be_v grant_v by_o all_o to_o be_v this_o rule_n than_o be_v ground_v upon_o common_a sense_n and_o no_o body_n can_v disagree_v to_o it_o now_o let_v we_o apply_v it_o to_o a_o prejudice_n very_o common_a among_o those_o who_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n or_o that_o plain_o reject_v it_o they_o can_v they_o say_v believe_v the_o miracle_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v build_v because_o they_o never_o see_v any_o miracle_n nor_o ever_o speak_v to_o any_o person_n worthy_a of_o credit_n who_o assure_v they_o that_o he_o have_v see_v the_o like_a they_o can_v any_o better_o imagine_v that_o this_o earth_n whereupon_o we_o live_v have_v a_o beginning_n or_o that_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o there_o be_v neither_o animal_n nor_o plant_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v because_o they_o have_v always_o remark_v in_o a_o manner_n the_o same_o state_n of_o thing_n and_o have_v never_o speak_v to_o any_o that_o have_v see_v this_o beginning_n i_o maintain_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o this_o be_v a_o mere_a prejudice_n which_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o this_o general_a maxim_n a_o man_n can_v believe_v that_o whereof_o he_o have_v never_o see_v any_o example_n nor_o speak_v to_o any_o eye-witness_n worthy_a of_o credit_n who_o can_v give_v a_o relation_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o this_o be_v very_o far_o from_o a_o geometrical_a axiom_n if_o we_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o what_o have_v persuade_v some_o people_n to_o a_o belief_n of_o this_o principle_n be_v that_o many_o time_n they_o discover_v falsehood_n by_o its_o mean_n some_o ancient_a philosopher_n for_o example_n have_v confute_v the_o fable_n of_o the_o poet_n concern_v the_o centaur_n the_o giant_n the_o monster_n chimaera_n and_o the_o like_a fictitious_a thing_n by_o this_o very_a maxim_n what_o have_v be_v now_o be_v incredibil_n palephat_n de_fw-mi reb_fw-mi incredibil_n and_o shall_v be_v for_o the_o future_a i_o agree_v that_o this_o axiom_n may_v be_v of_o use_n when_o such_o as_o affirm_v unheard-of_a thing_n deserve_v no_o credit_n as_o be_v the_o poet_n who_o own_a they_o have_v invent_v a_o great_a part_n of_o what_o they_o say_v but_o i_o deny_v that_o it_o extend_v general_o to_o all_o thing_n or_o that_o it_o can_v pass_v for_o a_o self-evident_a maxim_n when_o a_o possible_a thing_n be_v attest_v by_o
religion_n which_o be_v see_v in_o the_o world_n it_o can_v be_v doubt_v but_o these_o be_v most_o violent_a prejudices_fw-la against_o some_o christian_a society_n but_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o show_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o involve_v all_o christianity_n in_o general_n first_o unbeliever_n can_v suppose_v without_o examination_n as_o they_o do_v on_o this_o occasion_n that_o the_o notion_n man_n have_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o their_o country_n or_o that_o of_o some_o divine_n who_o they_o have_v read_v be_v real_o the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o its_o founder_n some_o alteration_n may_v have_v by_o degree_n creep_v into_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_n who_o they_o know_v and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v very_o different_a from_o that_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n no_o body_n can_v be_v sure_a of_o the_o contrary_a without_o go_v to_o the_o source_n to_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o stream_n which_o be_v say_v to_o flow_v from_o it_o that_o be_v without_o read_v the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o compare_v their_o doctrine_n with_o that_o which_o be_v now_o pretend_a to_o be_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o founder_n of_o christianity_n this_o unbeliever_n be_v necessary_o oblige_v to_o do_v before_o they_o affirm_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v false_a else_o they_o will_v imitate_v corrupt_a judge_n who_o vouchsafe_v not_o to_o examine_v the_o instrument_n of_o a_o suit_n in_o law_n but_o give_v their_o sentence_n at_o the_o first_o report_n of_o it_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o if_o the_o unbeliever_n of_o the_o abovementioned_a place_n will_v undertake_v that_o examination_n they_o will_v present_o see_v that_o most_o of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o dislike_v be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o consequent_o that_o whatever_o christian_n think_v now_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o they_o the_o same_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v observe_v every_o where_o and_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o judge_n of_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o the_o opinion_n that_o be_v common_o receive_v where_o they_o live_v or_o which_o be_v worse_o to_o condemn_v it_o from_o hear_v a_o silly_a preacher_n who_o represent_v it_o quite_o otherwise_o than_o it_o be_v yet_o there_o be_v many_o people_n who_o entertain_v no_o favourable_a thought_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o explication_n thereof_o which_o they_o hear_v from_o the_o pulpit_n which_o be_v but_o too_o often_o ill_o provide_v a_o great_a many_o thing_n speak_v there_o be_v so_o far_o from_o bear_v a_o severe_a examination_n of_o judicious_a man_n that_o they_o can_v scarce_o be_v allow_v in_o the_o conversation_n of_o any_o person_n not_o altogether_o destitute_a of_o common_a sense_n that_o sort_n of_o discourse_n can_v without_o great_a injustice_n be_v confound_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o there_o be_v some_o who_o affect_v to_o give_v they_o that_o name_n as_o if_o such_o preacher_n be_v inspire_v apostle_n and_o authorise_a with_o miracle_n they_o shall_v have_v a_o great_a respect_n for_o the_o gospel_n than_o to_o call_v such_o meditation_n by_o the_o same_o name_n with_o the_o discourse_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n i_o have_v not_o make_v this_o remark_n be_v it_o not_o that_o such_o expression_n give_v occasion_n to_o unbeliever_n to_o despise_v christianity_n which_o deserve_v as_o much_o to_o be_v admire_v by_o the_o most_o penetrate_a and_o solid_a wit_n as_o many_o sermon_n deserve_v to_o be_v despise_v by_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o illiterate_a person_n as_o no_o body_n can_v bear_v the_o injustice_n of_o that_o man_n who_o shall_v judge_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o a_o author_n by_o the_o discourse_n of_o another_o who_o perhaps_o understand_v they_o not_o and_o who_o interest_n it_o be_v to_o explain_v they_o otherwise_o and_o then_o pretend_v he_o may_v with_o reason_n vent_v his_o explication_n as_o infallible_a so_o unbeliever_n can_v ascribe_v to_o the_o apostle_n the_o opinion_n which_o they_o hear_v preach_v as_o apostolical_a doctrine_n before_o they_o have_v careful_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n unless_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o most_o unjust_a of_o men._n second_o unbeliever_n be_v guilty_a of_o another_o fault_n which_o be_v not_o much_o less_o than_o the_o forego_n when_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o false_a doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v read_v in_o the_o write_n of_o some_o divine_n or_o hear_v they_o preach_v they_o reject_v all_o christianity_n for_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o many_o truth_n may_v be_v mix_v with_o lie_n and_o as_o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o a_o book_n contain_v nothing_o but_o truth_n because_o some_o few_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o it_o so_o it_o can_v be_v affirm_v that_o every_o thing_n in_o it_o be_v false_a because_o some_o lie_n have_v be_v find_v in_o it_o be_v there_o for_o example_n any_o profane_a history_n either_o ancient_a or_o modern_a without_o a_o mixture_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n yet_o no_o body_n say_v that_o history_n contain_v nothing_o that_o be_v true_a and_o certain_a they_o endeavour_v only_o to_o distinguish_v what_o be_v true_a from_o what_o be_v false_a the_o like_a aught_o to_o be_v practise_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o explication_n of_o christian_n doctrine_n which_o we_o read_v or_o hear_v we_o ought_v neither_o whole_o to_o reject_v they_o nor_o embrace_v they_o because_o there_o may_v be_v a_o mixture_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n we_o ought_v as_o i_o say_v before_o to_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o write_n of_o the_o founder_n of_o christianity_n and_o judge_v by_o those_o write_n of_o religion_n itself_o and_o of_o what_o be_v true_a in_o the_o opinion_n of_o modern_a divine_n this_o be_v if_o i_o may_v say_v so_o the_o touchstone_n by_o which_o only_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n can_v be_v know_v three_o unbeliever_n undoubted_o know_v that_o a_o truth_n change_v not_o its_o nature_n for_o be_v ill_o defend_v we_o see_v every_o day_n very_o good_a cause_n ill_o plead_v by_o some_o lawyer_n who_o understand_v not_o their_o profession_n nay_o it_o be_v confess_v among_o all_o christian_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o book_n who_o author_n be_v real_o engage_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o truth_n but_o they_o do_v it_o so_o ill_a that_o it_o will_v certain_o be_v condemn_v if_o it_o have_v no_o better_a support_n many_o people_n for_o example_n who_o have_v not_o study_v well_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o see_v no_o character_n of_o divinity_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o can_v convince_v a_o unbeliever_n of_o it_o but_o nevertheless_o they_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v divine_a with_o as_o great_a a_o certainty_n as_o if_o they_o perceive_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n in_o every_o part_n of_o it_o because_o they_o be_v say_v they_o inward_o persuade_v of_o it_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n without_o know_v why_o that_o be_v the_o cant_n of_o a_o perfect_a fanatic_a who_o equal_v without_o be_v aware_a of_o it_o the_o gospel_n with_o the_o alcoran_n and_o all_o the_o false_a religion_n the_o follower_n whereof_o may_v all_o say_v as_o he_o do_v that_o they_o be_v persuade_v of_o it_o by_o a_o secret_a and_o inward_a operation_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o heart_n but_o the_o apostle_n never_o say_v any_o such_o thing_n all_o their_o preach_a consist_v in_o some_o fact_n and_o in_o good_a reason_n attend_v with_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n they_o have_v and_o it_o be_v by_o such_o mean_v they_o pretend_v to_o prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o their_o doctrine_n so_o that_o we_o shall_v wrong_v they_o very_o much_o shall_v we_o believe_v that_o they_o teach_v their_o doctrine_n can_v not_o be_v embrace_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n but_o by_o a_o mere_a enthusiasm_n other_o to_o do_v the_o christian_a religion_n a_o great_a honour_n ascribe_v to_o the_o apostle_n a_o art_n which_o they_o themselves_o serious_o etc._n serious_o 1_o cor._n 1.17_o &_o 11.4_o 13_o etc._n etc._n say_v they_o have_v not_o they_o set_v forth_o their_o style_n as_o a_o admirable_a pattern_n of_o eloquence_n which_o exceed_v that_o of_o the_o grecian_n and_o roman_n what_o follow_v from_o thence_o unbeliever_n read_v the_o write_n of_o those_o holy_a man_n to_o seek_v what_o they_o be_v tell_v be_v contain_v in_o they_o and_o because_o they_o do_v find_v it_o they_o fancy_v that_o those_o who_o say_v so_o design_v to_o deceive_v they_o and_o thereupon_o be_v exasperate_v against_o they_o who_o ground_v in_o part_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n upon_o their_o wonderful_a style_n they_o whole_o reject_v it_o they_o can_v not_o be_v
blame_v for_o that_o if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o boast_v of_o their_o eloquence_n but_o see_v they_o say_v quite_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v a_o great_a piece_n of_o injustice_n to_o condemn_v they_o as_o impostor_n upon_o the_o assertion_n of_o those_o who_o ascribe_v to_o they_o what_o they_o never_o have_v nor_o pretend_v to_o have_v the_o true_a character_n of_o the_o apostle_n style_v to_o say_v so_o by_o the_o by_o be_v this_o first_o it_o be_v simple_a and_o plain_a such_o as_o be_v the_o style_n of_o those_o who_o propose_v some_o thing_n of_o which_o they_o be_v full_o persuade_v second_o it_o be_v a_o style_n without_o any_o ornament_n of_o rhetoric_n whether_o it_o be_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o word_n or_o the_o disposition_n if_o a_o thousand_o sublime_a stroke_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o it_o they_o come_v from_o the_o thing_n they_o say_v which_o be_v very_o sublime_a not_o from_o the_o word_n or_o order_n three_o we_o must_v add_v to_o it_o that_o providence_n undoubted_o watch_v over_o their_o manner_n of_o writing_n that_o they_o shall_v always_o say_v truth_n and_o lest_o if_o they_o have_v express_v themselves_o ill_o they_o shall_v be_v misunderstand_v by_o their_o reader_n but_o this_o be_v not_o a_o fit_a place_n to_o treat_v of_o that_o subject_a i_o only_o make_v those_o remark_n to_o hinder_v unbeliever_n from_o take_v advantage_n at_o the_o ill_a rhetoric_n of_o some_o defender_n of_o christianity_n who_o contradict_v the_o apostle_n without_o be_v aware_a of_o it_o it_o be_v manifest_a in_o general_n that_o the_o defect_n of_o those_o who_o defend_v truth_n ought_v not_o to_o prejudice_v it_o and_o i_o declare_v as_o to_o myself_o that_o i_o do_v desire_n at_o all_o to_o be_v believe_v in_o any_o thing_n but_o when_o it_o have_v be_v examine_v and_o compare_v with_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o that_o any_o of_o my_o thought_n shall_v be_v ascribe_v to_o they_o but_o when_o they_o have_v be_v find_v in_o their_o work_n if_o i_o have_v be_v mistake_v in_o any_o thing_n i_o desire_v those_o mistake_v may_v be_v ascribe_v to_o i_o and_o not_o at_o all_o to_o the_o religion_n i_o vindicate_v there_o be_v no_o need_n i_o shall_v say_v here_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v no_o temporal_a interest_n to_o move_v they_o to_o preach_v such_o a_o doctrine_n i_o have_v already_o say_v so_o elsewhere_o and_o i_o will_v prove_v it_o more_o at_o large_a in_o my_o first_o letter_n at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o discourse_n i_o will_v not_o repent_v neither_o that_o they_o pretend_v not_o their_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v receive_v with_o any_o examination_n because_o i_o have_v prove_v it_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o this_o second_o part._n so_o that_o if_o self-interest_n and_o ambition_n be_v often_o the_o reason_n why_o divine_n maintain_v now_o some_o opinion_n and_o after_o a_o manner_n unbecoming_a christianity_n it_o be_v their_o fault_n not_o the_o apostle_n who_o can_v be_v charge_v with_o no_o such_o thing_n after_o those_o general_a observation_n i_o must_v set_v down_o some_o particular_a example_n of_o false_a doctrine_n which_o hinder_v unbeliever_n from_o believe_v the_o gospel_n it_o be_v but_o too_o true_a that_o one_o may_v write_v large_a volume_n about_o that_o matter_n but_o i_o shall_v be_v content_v to_o allege_v three_o or_o four_o example_n of_o doctrine_n which_o offend_v unbeliever_n and_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v some_o people_n now_o who_o pretend_v that_o we_o ought_v scarce_o to_o make_v use_n of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n they_o maintain_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v its_o divinity_n without_o know_v why_o that_o when_o the_o question_n be_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o revelation_n or_o the_o book_n which_o contain_v it_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o reason_n neither_o to_o discover_v it_o and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v even_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o reason_n rather_o than_o forsake_v the_o literal_a sense_n they_o be_v so_o full_a of_o this_o thought_n viz._n that_o reason_n may_v overthrow_v all_o divinity_n if_o those_o who_o apply_v themselves_o to_o it_o be_v allow_v to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o if_o they_o see_v any_o body_n who_o reason_n better_a than_o ordinary_a divine_n do_v or_o have_v any_o principle_n somewhat_o different_a from_o they_o which_o he_o have_v embrace_v by_o use_v his_o reason_n they_o slander_v he_o as_o a_o dangerous_a man_n because_o he_o venture_v to_o reason_n about_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n such_o a_o character_n be_v always_o attend_v with_o hatred_n and_o stir_v ill-affected_a person_n against_o those_o who_o receive_v it_o from_o heaven_n and_o if_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o divine_a to_o live_v quiet_o with_o a_o man_n who_o endeavour_n to_o reason_n well_o and_o ground_n the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o undeniable_a principle_n other_o will_v have_v we_o humble_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o decision_n of_o those_o who_o profession_n it_o be_v public_o to_o explain_v religion_n without_o mistrust_v they_o or_o reason_v at_o all_o because_o we_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o on_o they_o as_o infallible_a though_o we_o have_v no_o proof_n of_o it_o they_o think_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o most_o christian_n to_o examine_v those_o doctrine_n and_o their_o best_a way_n be_v as_o they_o say_v blind_o to_o follow_v their_o guide_n such_o discourse_n which_o be_v common_o to_o be_v hear_v from_o the_o pulpit_n and_o elsewhere_o have_v make_v long_o ago_o a_o great_a many_o unbeliever_n for_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o come_v then_o into_o one_o mind_n be_v that_o those_o who_o speak_v at_o this_o rate_n be_v not_o very_o sure_a of_o what_o they_o say_v and_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o because_o there_o be_v nothing_o though_o never_o so_o false_a and_o absurd_a but_o what_o may_v be_v maintain_v by_o the_o same_o principle_n if_o we_o be_v tell_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o our_o ordinary_a affair_n we_o will_v real_o think_v that_o those_o who_o say_v so_o design_n to_o deceive_v we_o if_o they_o will_v sell_v something_o to_o we_o and_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o we_o must_v not_o examine_v it_o we_o will_v present_o suspect_v that_o they_o design_v to_o cheat_v we_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o thing_n we_o have_v no_o other_o guide_n but_o reason_n to_o distinguish_v a_o false_a religion_n from_o a_o true_a one_o beside_o it_o be_v only_o by_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n we_o can_v find_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n contain_v in_o those_o book_n wherein_o we_o know_v the_o revelation_n be_v nevertheless_o those_o man_n will_v have_v we_o to_o read_v those_o book_n with_o a_o unlimited_a credulity_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v whatever_o we_o be_v tell_v though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o contrary_a to_o all_o our_o notion_n they_o be_v afraid_a as_o soon_o as_o they_o hear_v of_o a_o man_n who_o be_v only_o for_o reason_n and_o who_o insignificant_a word_n and_o a_o ill-grounded_a authority_n can_v satisfy_v unbeliever_n conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o there_o be_v a_o design_n upon_o they_o and_o that_o divine_v very_o well_o perceive_v that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o will_v introduce_v can_v be_v maintain_v see_v they_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v examine_v and_o because_o that_o strange_a doctrine_n be_v cry_v up_o as_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n those_o who_o have_v not_o careful_o read_v the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n fancy_n that_o they_o have_v teach_v it_o and_o involve_v they_o in_o the_o same_o suspicious_a with_o some_o modern_a divine_n when_o divine_n have_v teach_v principle_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n they_o preach_v transubstantiation_n and_o other_o such_o doctrine_n to_o credulous_a man_n which_o they_o insinuate_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o maxim_n of_o not_o reason_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o unbeliever_n fail_v not_o to_o perceive_v the_o falsity_n of_o those_o doctrine_n and_o persist_v the_o more_o in_o their_o thought_n concern_v the_o falsity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o they_o shall_v observe_v that_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o not_o where_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o use_v our_o reason_n to_o examine_v whether_o religion_n be_v true_a or_o not_o or_o to_o know_v the_o sense_n of_o their_o word_n on_o the_o contrary_a they_o suppose_v every_o where_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o examine_v what_o they_o say_v and_o not_o believe_v it_o before_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o they_o say_v nothing_o but_o truth_n they_o also_o suppose_v that_o we_o be_v rational_a creature_n and_o able_a to_o put_v a_o good_a sense_n upon_o their_o word_n by_o observe_v all_o the_o rule_n that_o be_v make_v
the_o christian_n it_o be_v 97._o be_v ep._n lib._n 10._o ep._n 97._o pliny_n the_o young_a who_o be_v proconsul_n of_o bythinia_n about_o seventy_o year_n after_o pontius_n pilate_n be_v governor_n of_o judea_n search_v out_o by_o trajan_n order_n the_o christian_n who_o be_v in_o his_o province_n and_o will_v know_v what_o opinion_n they_o have_v afterward_o he_o write_v to_o trajan_n about_o it_o in_o a_o letter_n which_o be_v extant_a still_o they_o affirm_v say_v he_o that_o all_o their_o crime_n and_o error_n consist_v in_o their_o use_v to_o meet_v at_o night_n on_o a_o certain_a day_n and_o sing_v together_o a_o hymn_n to_o christ_n as_o to_o a_o god_n that_o they_o bind_v themselves_o by_o a_o oath_n indeed_o not_o to_o perpetrate_v any_o crime_n but_o to_o commit_v no_o theft_n nor_o robbery_n nor_o adultery_n to_o deceive_v no_o body_n to_o deny_v no_o trust_n afterward_o they_o go_v to_o eat_v together_o which_o they_o do_v in_o common_a without_o any_o harm_n but_o that_o they_o have_v leave_v off_o do_v it_o after_o my_o edict_n whereby_o according_a to_o your_o order_n i_o have_v forbid_v all_o sort_n of_o fraternity_n wherefore_o i_o think_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o extort_v the_o truth_n by_o torment_n from_o two_o maid_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v deaconess_n but_o i_o have_v only_o find_v a_o strange_a and_o excessive_a superstition_n pliny_n as_o well_o as_o tacitus_n call_v superstition_n some_o opinion_n contrary_a to_o those_o of_o the_o roman_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o that_o time_n two_o such_o witness_n can_v be_v reject_v who_o certain_o favour_v not_o the_o christian_n and_o the_o first_o whereof_o acknowledge_v some_o fact_n that_o be_v know_v to_o every_o body_n and_o the_o other_o relate_v what_o he_o know_v from_o two_o christian_a woman_n who_o he_o put_v to_o the_o rack_n the_o write_n we_o have_v of_o the_o christian_n who_o live_v from_o the_o time_n of_o pontius_n pilate_n to_o trajan_n tell_v we_o also_o the_o same_o thing_n they_o refer_v the_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n to_o that_o christ_n who_o pilate_n put_v to_o death_n and_o they_o say_v that_o they_o have_v precise_o the_o same_o moral_n this_o we_o see_v not_o only_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n but_o also_o in_o the_o letter_n of_o st._n barnabas_n in_o that_o of_o st._n clemens_n in_o the_o book_n of_o hermas_n and_o the_o genuine_a epistle_n of_o st._n ignatius_n and_o st._n polycarp_n 5._o it_o must_v therefore_o be_v grant_v that_o under_o the_o empire_n of_o tiberius_n there_o be_v a_o man_n in_o judea_n who_o give_v a_o beginning_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o preach_v most_o excellent_a moral_n all_o the_o christian_n who_o live_v since_o attest_v it_o from_o age_n to_o age_n and_o no_o body_n do_v ever_o doubt_v of_o it_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o do_v it_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v certain_a whether_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o primitive_a christian_n be_v sincere_a person_n or_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o reason_n to_o suspect_v their_o honesty_n let_v we_o see_v what_o sort_n of_o man_n they_o be_v let_v we_o examine_v the_o letter_n which_o st._n clemens_n bishop_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n write_v to_o that_o of_o corinth_n about_o forty_o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n or_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o empire_n of_o vespasian_n we_o see_v in_o that_o whole_a epistle_n a_o spirit_n of_o peace_n charity_n humility_n and_o very_o press_v exhortation_n to_o obey_v the_o moral_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o severe_o chide_v those_o who_o observe_v they_o not_o and_o praise_n the_o corinthian_n for_o have_v conform_v their_o action_n to_o its_o precept_n during_o some_o time_n one_o may_v see_v the_o beginning_n of_o his_o epistle_n wherein_o he_o bear_v witness_n 2._o witness_n §._o 2._o to_o the_o christian_n of_o corinth_n that_o they_o have_v labour_v day_n and_o night_n for_o all_o the_o brethren_n that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n may_v be_v preserve_v with_o mercy_n and_o conscience_n that_o they_o have_v be_v sincere_a without_o malice_n and_o without_o remember_v the_o harm_n they_o may_v have_v do_v one_o to_o another_o that_o all_o livision_n and_o schism_n be_v abhor_v by_o they_o that_o they_o be_v sorrowful_a for_o the_o fault_n of_o their_o neighbour_n that_o they_o look_v upon_o their_o want_n as_o their_o own_o that_o they_o never_o repent_v of_o have_v do_v well_o but_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o do_v all_o manner_n of_o good_a work_n that_o in_o their_o conduct_n full_a of_o virtue_n and_o worthy_a of_o respect_n they_o do_v every_o thing_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n who_o command_n be_v write_v in_o their_o heart_n nay_o he_o say_v towards_o the_o end_n that_o he_o know_v many_o christian_n who_o put_v themselves_o in_o chain_n to_o redeem_v other_o and_o that_o many_o have_v sell_v themselves_o to_o be_v slave_n have_v feed_v other_o with_o the_o price_n of_o their_o own_o liberty_n his_o whole_a letter_n be_v full_a of_o the_o like_a expression_n that_o clemens_n have_v for_o his_o master_n the_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n who_o first_o teach_v christianity_n and_o he_o bear_v they_o witness_v of_o a_o great_a piety_n if_o we_o read_v their_o write_n we_o shall_v find_v nothing_o in_o they_o but_o what_o breathe_v a_o great_a respect_n for_o the_o deity_n a_o extreme_a love_n to_o all_o man_n and_o a_o extraordinary_a modesty_n in_o whatever_o relate_v to_o a_o man_n behaviour_n towards_o himself_o let_v any_o of_o these_o write_n be_v pitch_v upon_o nothing_o will_v be_v find_v in_o it_o but_o what_o tend_v to_o piety_n and_o charity_n if_o some_o of_o their_o write_n have_v be_v controvert_v let_v we_o take_v those_o that_o be_v never_o doubt_v of_o or_o if_o you_o please_v those_o which_o be_v quote_v by_o st._n clemens_n st._n luke_n gospel_n and_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o corinthian_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v in_o they_o the_o same_o moral_n which_o they_o endeavour_v to_o infuse_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o their_o disciple_n 6._o the_o apostle_n therefore_o by_o exhort_v all_o those_o that_o will_v hear_v they_o to_o live_v after_o a_o manner_n so_o rational_a and_o so_o advantageous_a to_o human_a society_n can_v not_o be_v suspect_v thereby_o of_o want_n of_o sincerity_n but_o it_o will_v perhaps_o be_v say_v that_o they_o preach_v that_o doctrine_n only_o to_o insinuate_v themselves_o into_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n and_o then_o under_o pretence_n of_o piety_n to_o obtain_v from_o they_o what_o they_o desire_v but_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v i_o that_o this_o be_v a_o mere_a suspicion_n not_o at_o all_o ground_a upon_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v see_v they_o condemn_v alike_o the_o unlawful_a love_n of_o riches_n dignity_n and_o pleasure_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o fraud_n and_o cheat._n not_o one_o place_n of_o their_o write_n can_v be_v quote_v that_o favour_n ambition_n covetousness_n or_o voluptuousness_n this_o be_v so_o that_o suspicion_n can_v be_v ground_v but_o upon_o one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n viz._n either_o that_o the_o apostle_n can_v expect_v some_o advantage_n by_o their_o doctrine_n if_o it_o be_v general_o embrace_v or_o that_o they_o actual_o get_v some_o by_o it_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o begin_v to_o preach_v it_o i_o call_v advantage_n a_o good_a great_a in_o itself_o than_o all_o the_o toil_v and_o danger_n which_o the_o apostle_n expose_v themselves_o to_o by_o preach_v the_o gospel_n or_o at_o lest_o which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v great_a it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o if_o they_o be_v deceiver_n they_o will_v not_o propose_v to_o themselves_o a_o great_a advantage_n than_o the_o trouble_v they_o be_v at_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v look_v upon_o they_o as_o mad_a man_n which_o can_v be_v suppose_v without_o extravagancy_n by_o those_o who_o have_v read_v their_o write_n but_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o expect_v any_o advantage_n from_o their_o doctrine_n but_o on_o supposition_n that_o most_o of_o those_o to_o who_o they_o preach_v it_o will_v embrace_v it_o otherwise_o they_o can_v expect_v but_o a_o perpetual_a persecution_n for_o none_o but_o a_o mad_a man_n will_v have_v expect_v to_o live_v quiet_o among_o man_n extreme_o conceit_v of_o some_o opinion_n contrary_a to_o those_o he_o profess_v who_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v both_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o state_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o their_o religion_n to_o take_v away_o the_o estate_n and_o life_n of_o those_o who_o oppose_v their_o superstition_n such_o as_o be_v general_o the_o roman_n grecian_n and_o jew_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n they_o expect_v then_o that_o their_o preach_v will_v be_v so_o successful_a as_o to_o work_v upon_o the_o great_a part_n of_o
mankind_n but_o this_o they_o can_v not_o expect_v if_o they_o be_v never_o so_o little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o state_n wherein_o those_o nation_n subject_a to_o the_o roman_a empire_n then_o be_v the_o jew_n be_v so_o addict_v to_o their_o tradition_n and_o ceremony_n and_o beside_o so_o time_n so_o see_v josephus_n in_o the_o history_n of_o that_o time_n corrupt_a in_o their_o manner_n that_o there_o be_v no_o likelihood_n of_o free_v they_o from_o their_o prejudices_fw-la and_o vice_n the_o roman_n and_o grecian_n be_v either_o atheist_n or_o superstitious_a and_o general_o so_o give_v to_o their_o pleasure_n so_o covetous_a and_o ambitious_a that_o the_o small_a number_n of_o those_o who_o have_v not_o lose_v all_o sense_n etc._n sense_n vid._n sallust_n in_o bel._n catiline_n senecam_fw-la ep._n 7._o quaest_n nat._n lib._n 4._o praefat._n &_o passim_fw-la juvenal_n persium_n etc._n etc._n of_o virtue_n speak_v with_o horror_n and_o detestation_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o time_n the_o history_n of_o both_o represent_v to_o we_o in_o the_o event_n of_o that_o time_n a_o image_n of_o the_o most_o horrible_a corruption_n that_o ever_o be_v if_o we_o judge_v of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o gospel-notion_n after_o what_o have_v be_v say_v can_v any_o man_n fancy_n that_o the_o apostle_n hope_v to_o get_v their_o opinion_n embrace_v by_o most_o of_o those_o who_o live_v in_o their_o time_n how_o can_v they_o expect_v that_o man_n so_o blind_v by_o their_o passion_n and_o harden_v in_o their_o crime_n will_v ever_o embrace_v opinion_n that_o be_v altogether_o contrary_a to_o they_o indeed_o the_o apostle_n open_o say_v after_o their_o master_n that_o they_o expect_v not_o a_o great_a number_n of_o man_n will_v receive_v their_o doctrine_n in_o proportion_n to_o those_o who_o shall_v remain_v in_o their_o unbelief_n but_o suppose_v the_o apostle_n simplicity_n have_v make_v they_o hope_n to_o convert_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n experience_n will_v have_v soon_o undeceive_v they_o see_v after_o have_v preach_v during_o many_o year_n they_o be_v oblige_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v convert_v but_o few_o people_n the_o roman_a history_n plain_o teach_v we_o that_o during_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o the_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n the_o number_n of_o christian_n be_v far_o less_o than_o that_o of_o heathen_n in_o the_o roman_a empire_n thus_o the_o apostle_n be_v necessary_o expose_v to_o a_o cruel_a persecution_n during_o their_o whole_a life_n be_v despise_v and_o hate_v by_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n alike_o they_o can_v have_v no_o reward_n that_o may_v be_v compare_v with_o their_o labour_n and_o the_o danger_n they_o be_v in_o every_o minute_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o 15.19_o they_o 1_o cor._n 15.19_o themselves_o say_v they_o expect_v all_o sort_n of_o misery_n in_o this_o life_n they_o be_v not_o mistake_v see_v after_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o suffering_n they_o be_v cruel_o put_v to_o death_n maintain_v still_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o have_v preach_v 5._o preach_v §._o 5._o it_o be_v out_o of_o a_o unjust_a envy_n say_v clemens_n who_o i_o have_v cite_v already_o that_o peter_n suffer_v not_o one_o or_o two_o but_o several_a pain_n and_o have_v undergo_v martyrdom_n be_v go_v into_o the_o place_n of_o glory_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o it_o be_v out_o of_o envy_n that_o paul_n get_v the_o price_n of_o patience_n have_v be_v put_v seven_o time_n in_o iron_n whip_v and_o stone_v be_v the_o herald_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o east_n and_o west_n he_o make_v his_o faith_n famous_a have_v teach_v the_o whole_a world_n justice_n and_o be_v come_v to_o the_o extremity_n of_o the_o west_n when_o he_o have_v suffer_v martyrdom_n before_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o state_n he_o go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n that_o event_n of_o the_o apostle_n preach_v destroy_v altogether_o the_o second_o thing_n on_o which_o the_o suspicion_n of_o their_o want_n of_o sincerity_n may_v have_v be_v ground_v if_o they_o be_v esteem_v by_o a_o small_a number_n of_o man_n 1.26_o man_n see_v 1_o cor._n 1.26_o most_o of_o they_o of_o a_o low_a condition_n they_o be_v despise_v by_o the_o rest_n of_o man_n jew_n and_o heathen_n ill-treated_n and_o persecute_v suffer_v a_o extreme_a poverty_n and_o at_o last_o die_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o public_a executioner_n as_o i_o have_v show_v by_o clemens_n word_n and_o as_o all_o their_o other_o disciple_n affirm_v it_o one_o of_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o the_o same_o thing_n when_o he_o say_v in_o one_o of_o his_o epistle_n 4.11_o epistle_n 1_o cor._n 4.11_o unto_o this_o present_a hour_n we_o both_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n and_o be_v naked_a and_o be_v buffet_v and_o have_v no_o certain_a dwelling-place_n and_o labour_n work_v with_o our_o own_o hand_n 15.19_o hand_n ib._n c._n 15.19_o if_o in_o this_o life_n only_o we_o have_v hope_n we_o be_v of_o all_o man_n most_o miserable_a certain_o no_o man_n of_o sense_n will_v become_v the_o execration_n of_o most_o man_n by_o maintain_v a_o forgery_n to_o be_v esteem_v by_o some_o few_o who_o have_v no_o credit_n or_o reputation_n nor_o will_v he_o be_v 4.9_o be_v ib._n c._n 4.9_o deal_v with_o as_o those_o that_o be_v appoint_v to_o death_n in_o the_o amphitheatre_n to_o be_v a_o spectate_v to_o the_o people_n a_o man_n may_v be_v move_v with_o the_o desire_n of_o glory_n when_o he_o consider_v that_o most_o of_o those_o among_o who_o he_o live_v will_v applaud_v he_o but_o no_o body_n ever_o think_v fit_a to_o expose_v himself_o to_o long-suffering_n and_o at_o last_o to_o a_o cruel_a and_o shameful_a death_n only_o to_o be_v esteem_v by_o very_a few_o man_n and_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o impious_a or_o mad_a man_n by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o among_o who_o he_o live_v 7._o the_o truth_n of_o those_o fact_n can_v be_v deny_v viz._n that_o the_o apostle_n have_v preach_v the_o doctrine_n we_o read_v in_o their_o book_n which_o christian_n profess_v still_o under_o the_o empire_n of_o tiberius_n and_o some_o follow_a emperor_n that_o they_o live_v in_o sorrow_n and_o affliction_n and_o at_o last_o some_o of_o they_o be_v put_v to_o a_o cruel_a death_n maintain_v the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v during_o many_o year_n if_o we_o suspect_v that_o the_o apostle_n live_v after_o a_o voluptuous_a manner_n and_o altogether_o contrary_a to_o the_o moral_n they_o preach_v we_o shall_v doubt_v of_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o first_o disciple_n who_o in_o imitation_n of_o their_o master_n as_o they_o themselves_o say_v have_v courageous_o expose_v themselves_o to_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o suffering_n without_o get_v any_o advantage_n by_o it_o in_o this_o life_n 6._o life_n §._o 6._o to_o those_o man_n say_v clemens_n speak_v of_o st._n peter_n and_o st._n paul_n who_o live_v after_o a_o divine_a manner_n a_o great_a multitude_n of_o the_o elect_a be_v join_v who_o have_v undergo_v several_a torment_n be_v a_o most_o noble_a example_n among_o we_o it_o will_v be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a absurdity_n to_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n preach_v that_o man_n must_v suffer_v for_o religion_n exhort_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o virtue_n and_o yet_o live_v at_o ease_n without_o care_v to_o practice_v the_o precept_n they_o give_v to_o other_o but_o as_o far_o as_o it_o may_v serve_v to_o cheat_v the_o world_n make_v a_o great_a number_n of_o disciple_n not_o only_o sincere_a imitator_n of_o the_o seem_a virtue_n of_o their_o master_n but_o ready_a to_o die_v and_o who_o real_o die_v for_o a_o doctrine_n for_o which_o those_o of_o who_o they_o learn_v it_o will_v suffer_v nothing_o one_o may_v easy_o conceive_v that_o some_o seduce_v person_n may_v be_v as_o strong_o persuade_v of_o a_o lie_n as_o we_o be_v of_o the_o most_o evident_a truth_n and_o do_v consequent_o to_o maintain_v a_o falsehood_n whatever_o the_o most_o resolute_a man_n can_v do_v for_o the_o most_o important_a truth_n but_o one_o can_v apprehend_v that_o man_n who_o have_v imbibe_v from_o their_o childhood_n some_o opinion_n altogether_o contrary_a to_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v seduce_v so_o that_o after_o they_o embrace_v their_o doctrine_n they_o suffer_v the_o most_o cruel_a torment_n for_o it_o though_o they_o never_o see_v their_o master_n suffer_v any_o thing_n for_o it_o but_o it_o appear_v from_o the_o passage_n i_o have_v quote_v out_o of_o tacitus_n that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n a_o great_a many_o people_n declare_v themselves_o christian_n though_o they_o see_v that_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n shall_v expose_v they_o to_o the_o punishment_n inflict_v upon_o incendiary_n it_o appear_v also_o from_o pliny_n that_o some_o
be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n or_o angel_n one_o may_v easy_o apprehend_v that_o they_o be_v not_o contradictory_n thing_n that_o which_o be_v contradictory_n be_v the_o object_n of_o no_o power_n it_o be_v a_o mere_a nothing_o as_o all_o those_o who_o know_v the_o mean_v of_o that_o word_n will_v grant_v it_o no_o positive_a idea_n can_v be_v form_v of_o it_o and_o every_o contradictory_n proposition_n be_v unintelligible_a in_o itself_o if_o the_o miracle_n mention_v in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v examine_v not_o one_o of_o that_o nature_n will_v be_v find_v among_o they_o there_o be_v none_o but_o what_o may_v be_v express_v in_o intelligible_a proposition_n for_o example_n god_n can_v make_v a_o man_n who_o live_v to_o live_v no_o long_o that_o be_v his_o blood_n shall_v no_o more_o circulate_a and_o all_o his_o member_n shall_v cease_v to_o perform_v their_o function_n on_o the_o contrary_a he_o can_v make_v a_o man_n who_o blood_n be_v settle_v and_o who_o member_n perform_v none_o of_o their_o function_n to_o begin_v to_o live_v again_o as_o it_o do_v before_o those_o proposition_n be_v easy_o apprehend_v but_o to_o make_v a_o man_n to_o live_v and_o not_o to_o live_v at_o the_o same_o time_n take_v the_o word_n to_o live_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o sense_n be_v a_o contradictory_n thing_n which_o be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n god_n never_o wrought_v any_o such_o miracle_n those_o who_o rank_n among_o the_o miracle_n of_o christianity_n that_o whereby_o they_o pretend_v that_o god_n make_v a_o humane_a body_n to_o be_v extend_v and_o not_o extend_v at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o to_o be_v in_o many_o place_n at_o one_o time_n those_o man_n i_o say_v feign_v a_o miracle_n of_o which_o they_o have_v no_o idea_n and_o rest_v content_v with_o word_n they_o understand_v not_o they_o ascribe_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n a_o mystery_n absurd_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o clear_a light_n to_o reason_n and_o revelation_n what_o i_o say_v concern_v miracle_n have_v no_o relation_n with_o that_o and_o i_o pretend_v not_o to_o defend_v any_o such_o thing_n my_o design_n be_v to_o show_v wherein_o miracle_n consist_v to_o make_v unbeliever_n apprehend_v that_o they_o be_v very_o possible_a that_o they_o can_v be_v assault_v but_o by_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o impossibility_n in_o the_o miraculous_a fact_n on_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v ground_v there_o be_v beside_o another_o sort_n of_o miracle_n which_o though_o perhaps_o they_o happen_v every_o day_n can_v be_v of_o any_o use_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n because_o they_o be_v not_o sensible_a god_n can_v very_o often_o do_v either_o by_o himself_o or_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n a_o infinite_a number_n of_o thing_n without_o the_o intervention_n of_o natural_a cause_n when_o he_o think_v fit_a or_o good_a man_n pray_v he_o to_o do_v it_o but_o because_o one_o can_v perceive_v whether_o a_o supernatural_a cause_n act_n or_o not_o on_o those_o occasion_n because_o what_o happen_v be_v not_o in_o itself_o above_o the_o strength_n of_o natural_a cause_n and_o it_o be_v not_o know_v whether_o they_o intervene_v it_o can_v be_v affirm_v that_o a_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v for_o example_n a_o sick_a man_n who_o remedy_n can_v not_o natural_o cure_v be_v restore_v by_o the_o prayer_n of_o his_o relation_n because_o god_n or_o angel_n supply_v what_o be_v want_v in_o the_o natural_a virtue_n of_o remedy_n but_o this_o can_v be_v affirm_v without_o a_o revelation_n hereupon_o it_o be_v ask_v how_o we_o come_v to_o suppose_v that_o god_n who_o work_v no_o more_o sensible_a miracle_n according_a to_o we_o perform_v every_o day_n some_o invisible_a one_o such_o as_o that_o which_o i_o have_v describe_v and_o why_o he_o shall_v be_v desire_v to_o work_v this_o kind_n of_o miracle_n not_o those_o which_o strike_v our_o sense_n in_o answer_n to_o that_o i_o say_v that_o we_o can_v know_v nothing_o of_o god_n conduct_v but_o by_o sensible_a effect_n or_o a_o revelation_n wherefore_o see_v we_o see_v no_o more_o such_o miracle_n as_o strike_v our_o sense_n we_o ought_v to_o say_v that_o god_n will_v work_v no_o more_o any_o such_o miracle_n and_o if_o we_o can_v give_v some_o reason_n of_o it_o which_o be_v not_o unworthy_a of_o god_n wisdom_n nothing_o can_v hinder_v we_o from_o allege_v they_o 6._o they_o part_n ii_o ch_z 6._o as_o i_o have_v do_v elsewhere_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n revelation_n command_v we_o to_o offer_v prayer_n to_o god_n in_o our_o necessity_n and_o assure_v we_o that_o if_o what_o we_o ask_v be_v true_o advantageous_a to_o we_o if_o we_o ask_v it_o as_o we_o ought_v and_o it_o we_o obey_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o shall_v obtain_v what_o we_o pray_v for_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o suppose_v that_o god_n will_v interpose_v after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n if_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o hear_v our_o prayer_n because_o he_o promise_v it_o but_o why_o will_v it_o be_v say_v do_v god_n make_v such_o promise_n which_o suppose_v that_o he_o work_v still_o some_o miracle_n of_o this_o latter_a sort_n see_v he_o will_v no_o more_o do_v sensible_a one_o i_o have_v show_v already_o why_o he_o work_v no_o more_o miracle_n that_o fall_v under_o our_o sense_n and_o there_o be_v no_o need_n i_o shall_v repeat_v what_o i_o have_v say_v about_o it_o as_o for_o the_o other_o they_o be_v a_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o god_n providence_n which_o consist_v not_o only_o in_o have_v give_v some_o law_n to_o nature_n according_a to_o which_o it_o act_n but_o in_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o those_o law_n and_o make_v such_o exception_n to_o they_o as_o god_n think_v fit_a see_v therefore_o providence_n exist_v not_o less_o now_o than_o it_o do_v former_o no_o body_n ought_v to_o wonder_v that_o god_n work_v miracle_n of_o that_o kind_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o that_o be_v unworthy_a of_o he_o and_o see_v he_o promise_v it_o it_o can_v be_v doubt_v whether_o he_o do_v it_o and_o man_n have_v reason_n to_o pray_v to_o he_o on_o that_o supposition_n it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o impossible_a thing_n and_o prove_v thereby_o that_o our_o prayer_n be_v useless_a i_o think_v i_o have_v undeniable_o show_v it_o by_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o make_v the_o world_n and_o be_v consequent_o the_o author_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o there_o be_v some_o other_o intelligent_a being_n who_o can_v do_v what_o be_v above_o the_o power_n of_o men._n i_o prove_v the_o first_o thing_n in_o the_o last_o chapter_n of_o the_o 2d_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n concern_v incredulity_n and_o the_o other_o can_v be_v doubt_v of_o if_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n confirm_v with_o undeniable_a miracle_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n may_v have_v make_v their_o doctrine_n to_o be_v admire_v with_o mere_a reason_n as_o we_o do_v now_o but_o their_o business_n be_v not_o only_o to_o show_v that_o they_o say_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n they_o teach_v not_o their_o doctrine_n as_o mere_a philosopher_n or_o divine_n but_o as_o man_n authorise_a by_o heaven_n they_o be_v therefore_o to_o convince_v man_n that_o they_o be_v send_v from_o god_n to_o prove_v it_o undeniable_o there_o be_v no_o better_a way_n than_o to_o do_v some_o thing_n above_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v sensible_a sign_n of_o god_n approve_v their_o doctrine_n and_o whereby_o they_o undeniable_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v his_o messenger_n if_o they_o have_v do_v or_o say_v nothing_o but_o what_o other_o man_n may_v have_v do_v of_o say_v they_o will_v have_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o divine_n or_o philosopher_n who_o vent_v their_o own_o thought_n but_o when_o man_n see_v that_o after_o they_o have_v appeal_v to_o the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o say_v that_o there_o happen_v at_o their_o prayer_n some_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o the_o power_n of_o all_o man_n and_o all_o natural_a cause_n they_o can_v not_o doubt_v but_o god_n declare_v himself_o in_o their_o behalf_n especial_o if_o they_o consider_v that_o the_o doctrine_n they_o preach_v be_v most_o worthy_a of_o he_o so_o that_o the_o fine_a doctrine_n that_o ever_o be_v attend_v with_o unheard-of_a miracle_n aught_o to_o excite_v the_o attention_n of_o all_o those_o who_o be_v not_o altogether_o blind_v by_o their_o vice_n and_o prejudices_fw-la and_o make_v they_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o true_a minister_n of_o that_o god_n who_o create_v the_o world_n this_o be_v sir_n what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v to_o you_o concern_v miracle_n not_o to_o exhaust_v the_o matter_n but_o only_o to_o show_v the_o possibility_n and_o truth_n of_o those_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n i_o hearty_o pray_v god_n that_o it_o may_v contribute_v to_o reclaim_v those_o who_o out_o of_o ignorance_n or_o otherwise_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o be_o etc._n etc._n finis_fw-la book_n late_o print_v for_o awnsham_n and_o john_n churchill_n a_o short_a discourse_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n to_o which_o be_v add_v some_o passage_n in_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n and_o its_o vindication_n with_o some_o animadversion_n on_o mr._n edwards_n reflection_n on_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n and_o on_o his_o book_n entitle_v socinianism_n vnmasque_v by_o samuel_n bold_a rector_n of_o steeple_n dorset_n 8o._o prince_n arthur_n a_o heroic_a poem_n in_o 10_o book_n by_o richard_n blackmore_n m._n d._n and_o fellow_n of_o the_o college_n of_o physician_n in_o london_n several_a paper_n relate_v to_o money_n interest_n and_o trade_n etc._n etc._n write_v upon_o several_a occasion_n and_o publish_v at_o different_a time_n by_o john_n lock_v esq_n 8o._o mr._n talent_n chronological_a table_n or_o a_o view_n of_o universal_a history_n from_o the_o creation_n to_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 1695._o wherein_o the_o most_o memorable_a person_n and_o thing_n in_o the_o know_a kingdom_n and_o country_n of_o the_o world_n be_v set_v down_o in_o several_a column_n by_o way_n of_o synchronism_n according_a to_o their_o proper_a century_n and_o year_n in_o 16_o copper_n plate_n notitia_fw-la monastica_fw-la or_o a_o short_a view_n of_o the_o religious_a house_n in_o england_n and_o wales_n etc._n etc._n by_o thomas_n tanner_n a._n b._n 8o._o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o same_o body_n assert_v etc._n etc._n by_o hump._n hody_n d._n d._n the_o gentleman_n religion_n with_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o 12o._o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n as_o deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n with_o a_o vindication_n against_o mr._n edwards_n exception_n by_o the_o same_o hand_n 8o._o a_o abridgement_n of_o mr._n lock_n be_v essay_n of_o human_a understanding_n by_o mr._n john_n wynne_n of_o jesus_n college_n oxford_n 8o._o