holy_a ghost_n but_o perhaps_o it_o be_v a_o question_n whether_o there_o be_v ever_o any_o christian_a church_n found_v at_o jerusalem_n if_o so_o then_o must_v the_o ancient_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o live_v in_o different_a time_n and_o in_o different_a place_n have_v conspire_v together_o to_o deceive_v we_o in_o this_o respect_n and_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n and_o all_o other_o profess_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o well_o ancient_a as_o modern_a who_o never_o contest_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n must_v utter_o have_v lose_v their_o reason_n in_o a_o word_n suppose_v the_o book_n of_o act_n compose_v long_o after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v when_o there_o can_v be_v no_o long_o any_o flourish_a church_n in_o that_o city_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o point_n gain_v for_o it_o be_v true_a still_o that_o the_o apostle_n set_v down_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o speak_v of_o and_o that_o their_o epistle_n be_v fill_v with_o such_o thing_n as_o visible_o relate_v to_o it_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o further_o add_v that_o the_o book_n of_o act_n mention_n nothing_o of_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o manifest_o show_v that_o it_o be_v compose_v during_o their_o life_n and_o consequent_o in_o a_o time_n wherein_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n flourish_v nor_o that_o it_o mention_n nothing_o of_o the_o last_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o any_o of_o the_o sign_n or_o presage_n of_o it_o which_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o that_o book_n be_v compose_v some_o time_n before_o that_o great_a event_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o author_n who_o compose_v it_o mere_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o the_o incredulous_a undoubted_o imagine_v will_v never_o have_v fail_v to_o have_v insert_v in_o it_o the_o history_n of_o all_o those_o dreadful_a misfortune_n which_o fall_v upon_o the_o jew_n and_o which_o the_o christian_n look_v upon_o as_o the_o effect_n of_o their_o reject_v the_o messiah_n but_o since_o my_o design_n be_v not_o to_o leave_v the_o reader_n the_o least_o shadow_n of_o a_o doubt_n i_o promise_v to_o prove_v by_o and_o by_o that_o the_o apostle_n both_o receive_v and_o impart_v many_o miraculous_a gift_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n till_o the_o method_n i_o have_v prescribe_v to_o myself_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o enter_v upon_o that_o subject_n i_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o make_v some_o few_o reflection_n concern_v the_o success_n of_o the_o apostle_n preach_v which_o be_v that_o essential_a head_n to_o which_o all_o other_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o act_n relate_v chap._n x._o wherein_o we_o shall_v take_v into_o consideration_n what_o success_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o apostle_n have_v this_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v relate_v with_o very_o remarkable_a circumstannce_n as_o i._o that_o those_o man_n who_o first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v fisherman_n that_o be_v gross_a and_o ignorant_a people_n of_o no_o appearance_n or_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n ii_o that_o those_o man_n go_v about_o preach_v that_o they_o have_v see_v jesus_n christ_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o that_o they_o have_v long_o before_o be_v eye-witness_n to_o his_o miracle_n iii_o that_o they_o offend_v by_o their_o preach_v all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o expose_v their_o person_n to_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o danger_n and_o misfortune_n iv._o that_o they_o suffer_v they_o with_o patience_n or_o rather_o with_o joy_n v._o that_o the_o success_n of_o their_o preach_n be_v so_o swift_a and_o sudden_a as_o be_v almost_o inconceivable_a in_o all_o this_o st._n luke_n have_v tell_v we_o nothing_o but_o what_o our_o own_o reason_n will_v tell_v we_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v man_n of_o no_o extraordinary_a birth_n or_o credit_n in_o the_o world_n that_o first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n since_o no_o body_n have_v ever_o say_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o those_o man_n ought_v to_o have_v testify_v that_o they_o have_v see_v jesus_n christ_n work_v many_o miracle_n see_v he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n because_o they_o will_v never_o have_v convert_v so_o many_o nation_n as_o they_o do_v have_v they_o only_o say_v they_o know_v all_o those_o thing_n by_o hear_v say_v and_o beside_o that_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n inform_v we_o that_o that_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o their_o preach_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n persecute_v these_o man_n for_o as_o much_o as_o policy_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o all_o new_a sect_n and_o the_o people_n themselves_o be_v always_o jealous_a of_o their_o religion_n it_o can_v be_v doubt_v neither_o but_o that_o the_o apostle_n very_o courageous_o suffer_v the_o effect_n of_o that_o persecution_n because_o have_v they_o recant_v or_o draw_v back_o for_o fear_n of_o punishment_n their_o design_n will_v have_v miscarry_v in_o its_o very_a beginning_n last_o who_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o success_n of_o their_o preach_n be_v very_o swift_a and_o sudden_a in_o as_o much_o as_o in_o a_o short_a time_n there_o be_v several_a church_n establish_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o know_a world_n this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v never_o contest_v and_o therefore_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o st._n luke_n tell_v we_o all_o these_o thing_n the_o book_n of_o act_n inform_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o they_o be_v so_o which_o utter_o destroy_v the_o suspicion_n we_o may_v entertain_v that_o they_o be_v all_o forge_v or_o invent_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o can_v consider_v all_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n nor_o unite_v they_o together_o and_o observe_v the_o proportion_n they_o have_v one_o with_o another_o without_o present_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o so_o plain_o prove_v and_o establish_v chap._n xi_o wherein_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n though_o the_o ancient_n have_v not_o unanimous_o receive_v the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n though_o clemens_n polycarp_n and_o barnabas_n have_v make_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o observe_v that_o they_o be_v write_v to_o some_o church_n that_o be_v to_o whole_a society_n who_o for_o a_o long_a while_n preserve_v the_o original_n of_o they_o to_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v not_o forge_v it_o be_v then_o our_o concern_n to_o see_v whether_o we_o can_v find_v therein_o any_o character_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o religion_n we_o can_v read_v st._n paul_n epistle_n without_o observe_v therein_o i._o the_o piety_n and_o charity_n of_o that_o apostle_n ii_o his_o impartiality_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n iii_o his_o courage_n in_o endure_a affliction_n which_o instead_o of_o dishearten_v rather_o overjoy_v he_o iv._o a_o continual_a repetition_n of_o the_o testimony_n which_o the_o apostle_n bear_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o lord_n v._o such_o thing_n which_o manifest_o denote_v that_o st._n paul_n have_v receive_v the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o those_o that_o then_o believe_v very_o frequent_o receive_v they_o the_o piety_n of_o that_o apostle_n so_o various_o discover_v itself_o in_o his_o write_n that_o we_o can_v think_v it_o dissemble_v without_o offer_v violence_n to_o our_o understanding_n for_o though_o a_o man_n shall_v constrain_v himself_o upon_o some_o occasion_n yet_o be_v it_o possible_a he_o shall_v after_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n during_o a_o great_a part_n of_o his_o life_n in_o all_o his_o action_n in_o all_o his_o word_n in_o his_o manner_n of_o tell_v of_o thing_n which_o often_o discover_v the_o bottom_n of_o the_o heart_n than_o the_o thing_n he_o speak_v of_o i_o know_v very_o well_o hypocrisy_n cover_v itself_o with_o the_o external_a show_n of_o virtue_n but_o real_o there_o be_v yet_o something_o which_o i_o can_v express_v a_o simple_a and_o natural_a air_n in_o true_a virtue_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o hypocrisy_n or_o rather_o hypocrisy_n be_v neither_o so_o subtle_a nor_o clear_v sight_v but_o that_o it_o discover_v itself_o on_o one_o side_n or_o other_o nay_o often_o it_o let_v drop_v a_o wordwhich_v unmasque_n it_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n however_o i_o be_o willing_a the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n shall_v be_v strict_o examine_v to_o see_v whether_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v very_o natural_a and_o sincere_a can_v be_v find_v
different_a country_n who_o speak_v different_a language_n do_v all_o understand_v my_o speech_n there_o can_v certain_o be_v no_o illusion_n in_o that_o the_o validity_n of_o a_o testimony_n be_v no_o long_o incertain_a when_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o witness_n be_v not_o himself_o deceive_v and_o second_o that_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o deceive_v other_o now_o this_o might_n easy_o be_v verify_v concern_v the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n for_o first_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n upon_o which_o their_o deposition_n be_v found_v be_v so_o evident_a and_o notorious_a that_o none_o can_v ever_o be_v deceive_v in_o relation_n to_o they_o thus_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o the_o eye_n shall_v think_v they_o see_v what_o they_o do_v not_o real_o see_v that_o the_o ear_n shall_v agree_v to_o witness_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o eye_n that_o the_o hand_n shall_v touch_v that_o which_o both_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o ear_n perceive_v not_o once_o only_o but_o several_a time_n not_o the_o eye_n the_o ear_n and_o the_o hand_n of_o one_o single_a man_n but_o of_o several_a man_n together_o that_o they_o shall_v unanimous_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o extraordinary_a power_n and_o that_o too_o of_o work_a miracle_n unless_o they_o themselves_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o it_o but_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v a_o man_n so_o whimsical_a as_o to_o impose_v upon_o himself_o after_o that_o prodigious_a rate_n yet_o sure_o we_o can_v not_o without_o extravagance_n imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v utter_o lose_v their_o sense_n by_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o madness_n that_o this_o madness_n begin_v exact_o after_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o spread_a of_o the_o gospel_n over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o universe_n be_v a_o wonderful_a contrivance_n of_o the_o same_o that_o it_o be_v join_v to_o that_o morality_n which_o be_v so_o excellent_a so_o sublime_a and_o yet_o so_o just_a and_o pious_a in_o itself_o that_o the_o very_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n always_o reverence_v it_o and_o last_o that_o all_o manner_n of_o virtue_n derive_v their_o original_n from_o such_o pretend_a madness_n which_o work_v a_o change_n upon_o the_o world_n sanctify_v mankind_n and_o exact_o fulfil_v all_o those_o oracle_n which_o foretell_v the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n but_o if_o it_o appear_v that_o those_o man_n do_v not_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o much_o less_o ought_v they_o to_o be_v suspect_v of_o have_v have_v the_o will_n to_o deceive_v other_o because_o their_o simplicity_n and_o mean_a education_n allow_v they_o not_o to_o frame_v any_o such_o design_n and_o beside_o the_o confusion_n they_o be_v in_o to_o see_v themselves_o frustrate_v of_o their_o hope_n by_o the_o unexpected_a death_n of_o their_o master_n will_v whole_o have_v divert_v they_o from_o it_o their_o temporal_a concern_v too_o can_v not_o admit_v of_o it_o and_o their_o shame_n to_o show_v themselves_o to_o the_o world_n after_o what_o have_v happen_v be_v of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o hinder_v they_o from_o it_o moreover_o their_o conscience_n will_v have_v check_v they_o for_o their_o superstitious_a fondness_n of_o the_o vain_a shadow_n of_o a_o messiah_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o can_v ever_o have_v agree_v together_o so_o as_o to_o contrive_v that_o strange_a and_o notorious_a imposture_n but_o suppose_v they_o undertake_v it_o the_o torment_v inflict_v on_o they_o will_v have_v make_v they_o repent_v such_o a_o rash_a design_n and_o the_o confession_n of_o one_o single_a person_n among_o they_o will_v have_v sufficient_o discover_v they_o all_o last_o their_o shame_n and_o poverty_n the_o gaol_n and_o the_o chain_n the_o stripe_n the_o fire_n and_o the_o sword_n that_o be_v use_v against_o they_o to_o make_v they_o recant_v sufficient_o warrant_v we_o that_o they_o never_o intend_v to_o deceive_v the_o world_n and_o if_o one_o single_a person_n so_o dispose_v be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o unheard_a of_o prodigy_n how_o much_o more_o unlikely_a be_v it_o that_o a_o whole_a society_n can_v have_v conceive_v such_o a_o extravagant_a design_n if_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o disciple_n be_v false_a we_o can_v choose_v but_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o mad_a man_n or_o rather_o as_o rascal_n nay_o perhaps_o as_o both_o and_o yet_o their_o preach_v sufficient_o show_v the_o glory_n of_o their_o innocence_n and_o wisdom_n to_o confound_v both_o these_o calumny_n let_v any_o man_n but_o read_v over_o the_o book_n of_o those_o admirable_a writer_n and_o there_o he_o will_v to_o his_o satisfaction_n find_v that_o honesty_n sincerity_n and_o self_n denial_n be_v inseparable_o interweave_v with_o the_o most_o pure_a and_o most_o judicious_a morality_n that_o ever_o be_v but_o this_o reflection_n put_v i_o in_o mind_n that_o i_o must_v now_o hasten_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n not_o to_o see_v whether_o they_o be_v human_a or_o divine_a for_o that_o will_v be_v consider_v in_o its_o own_o proper_a place_n but_o whether_o they_o be_v forge_v or_o not_o for_o if_o once_o we_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o forge_v we_o need_v only_o read_v they_o over_o to_o know_v the_o testimony_n the_o disciple_n bear_v of_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o and_o because_o that_o truth_n will_v serve_v for_o a_o confirmation_n of_o what_o we_o have_v already_o say_v we_o shall_v begin_v the_o follow_a section_n with_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o section_n ii_o wherein_o we_o shall_v prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o examine_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n chap._n i._n wherein_o we_o shall_v prove_v that_o those_o book_n can_v never_o be_v supposititious_a when_o i_o examine_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n all_o the_o doubt_n i_o strive_v to_o raise_v concern_v they_o amount_v only_o to_o these_o three_o i._n whether_o those_o book_n be_v not_o compose_v by_o some_o impostor_n who_o probable_o may_v have_v ascribe_v they_o to_o the_o apostle_n ii_o whether_o those_o book_n suppose_v they_o be_v compose_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o afterward_o corrupt_v by_o the_o christian_n iii_o whether_o the_o apostle_n the_o pretend_a author_n of_o those_o book_n do_v not_o themselves_o fill_v they_o up_o with_o many_o fiction_n for_o their_o master_n honour_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o their_o religion_n it_o be_v but_o just_a we_o shall_v examine_v whether_o these_o three_o suspicion_n be_v well_o ground_v or_o no._n and_o first_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o take_v away_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o overthrow_v that_o of_o all_o other_o book_n and_o call_v in_o question_n the_o account_n of_o all_o thing_n past_a for_o who_o will_v warrant_v i_o that_o cicero_n oration_n be_v his_o own_o if_o i_o can_v reasonable_o assure_v myself_o that_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v write_v by_o st._n paul_n himself_o but_o hold_v perhaps_o it_o be_v easy_a or_o more_o advantageous_a to_o counterfeit_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o those_o of_o humane_a learning_n this_o be_v what_o we_o must_v a_o little_a inquire_v into_o and_o i._o the_o facility_n there_o be_v in_o counterfeit_v the_o the_o work_n of_o a_o author_n whole_o depend_v upon_o the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o time_n place_n and_o person_n upon_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o that_o book_n the_o temper_n of_o man_n mind_n their_o different_a notion_n and_o their_o various_a interest_n which_o must_v be_v carry_v on_o in_o it_o now_o to_o counterfeit_a book_n of_o humane_a learning_n seem_v infinite_o more_o easy_a in_o all_o these_o respect_n than_o to_o counterfeit_v those_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n i._o because_o they_o who_o counterfeit_v a_o book_n of_o humane_a learning_n may_v take_v as_o much_o time_n as_o they_o please_v for_o it_o but_o here_o we_o know_v not_o what_o time_n can_v be_v imagine_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v forge_v in_o if_o we_o look_v back_o from_o age_n to_o age_n we_o find_v the_o christian_n have_v those_o book_n continual_o before_o their_o eye_n and_o that_o they_o be_v quote_v by_o the_o most_o ancient_a father_n who_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o sacred_a and_o divine_a ii_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o counterfeit_v book_n of_o humane_a learning_n because_o there_o be_v general_o but_o few_o people_n that_o interess_n themselves_o at_o all_o in_o they_o at_o least_o but_o very_o indifferent_o but_o it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n to_o counterfeit_v those_o book_n which_o compel_v man_n to_o suffer_v martyrdom_n as_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v if_o a_o man_n that_o lend_v out_o his_o money_n seek_v the_o best_a security_n he_o can_v for_o it_o what_o
corruption_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v do_v before_o any_o of_o the_o father_n begin_v to_o write_v that_o be_v fifteen_o or_o twenty_o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o we_o need_v only_o recall_v to_o mind_v all_o the_o reason_n that_o persuade_v we_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o forge_v by_o the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o it_o will_v appear_v they_o be_v no_o less_o conclusive_a in_o this_o place_n in_o short_a we_o need_v but_o join_v the_o martyrdom_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o be_v not_o certain_o so_o whimsical_a as_o to_o die_v in_o defence_n of_o their_o fiction_n with_o the_o passion_n the_o people_n have_v for_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o division_n which_o disunited_a the_o church_n immediate_o after_o their_o death_n the_o variety_n of_o translation_n the_o number_n of_o copy_n the_o constant_a and_o perpetual_a tradition_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n the_o connexion_n of_o the_o essential_a matter_n of_o fact_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v such_o that_o he_o that_o admit_v of_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o admit_v of_o the_o other_o too_o as_o he_o that_o believe_v the_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v his_o resurrection_n also_o and_o he_o that_o deny_v those_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v no_o long_o a_o christian_a the_o number_n of_o the_o book_n which_o the_o new_a testament_n consist_v of_o the_o repetition_n of_o the_o same_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o they_o the_o want_n of_o time_n and_o opportunity_n to_o invent_v or_o essential_o corrupt_v they_o the_o impossibility_n of_o it_o unless_o the_o book_n be_v whole_o forge_v the_o prodigious_a multitude_n of_o people_n who_o must_v have_v be_v impose_v upon_o in_o that_o respect_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n they_o must_v have_v be_v make_v to_o believe_v viz._n that_o whole_a society_n have_v receive_v some_o epistle_n from_o the_o apostle_n which_o 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the_o father_n and_o those_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o absolute_a rule_n and_o standard_n of_o their_o faith_n all_o these_o consideration_n i_o say_v put_v together_o plain_o show_v we_o and_o that_o too_o in_o a_o evident_a manner_n that_o it_o will_v argue_v madness_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n long_a to_o entertain_v either_o of_o the_o two_o former_a suspicion_n i_o pass_v on_o therefore_o to_o a_o three_o which_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o compose_v fable_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o master_n but_o since_o this_o be_v the_o most_o considerable_a of_o they_o all_o and_o that_o which_o julian_n mahomet_n and_o almost_o every_o incredulous_a person_n of_o these_o time_n chief_o urge_v against_o we_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a i_o shall_v more_o particular_o and_o thorough_o examine_v it_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n for_o true_o upon_o that_o chief_o depend_v the_o solid_a proof_n of_o our_o religion_n chap._n iii_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o write_v what_o be_v false_a to_o comprehend_v distinct_o that_o the_o author_n we_o speak_v of_o do_v not_o impose_v upon_o we_o in_o their_o write_n it_o be_v fit_a to_o consider_v those_o write_n in_o particular_a one_o after_o another_o they_o consist_v of_o three_o principal_a part_n which_o be_v the_o four_o gospel_n the_o book_n of_o act_n and_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n st._n matthew_n write_v the_o first_o and_o his_o gospel_n be_v quote_v by_o clemens_n bishop_n of_o rome_n disciple_n and_o contemporary_a with_o the_o apostle_n barnabas_n quote_v it_o also_o in_o his_o epistle_n and_o ignatius_n and_o polycarp_n who_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o st._n john_n justin_n iraeneus_n who_o live_v a_o little_a after_o athenagoras_n tertullian_n and_o all_o the_o other_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n which_o succeed_v they_o unanimous_o receive_v it_o there_o be_v not_o only_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o st._n matthew_n concern_v which_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n to_o entertain_v any_o reasonable_a suspicion_n but_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o st._n mark_n be_v also_o a_o while_n after_o write_v for_o a_o second_o support_v of_o our_o belief_n the_o same_o father_n who_o testify_v of_o the_o one_o testify_v also_o of_o the_o other_o papias_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n justin_n speak_v of_o it_o and_o st._n iraeneus_n relate_v that_o mark_v the_o disciple_n of_o st._n peter_n compose_v his_o gospel_n of_o those_o matter_n he_o have_v hear_v the_o latter_a speak_v of_o st._n luke_n who_o accompany_v st._n paul_n in_o all_o his_o travel_n write_v a_o three_o gospel_n which_o the_o ancient_a father_n have_v also_o receive_v last_o st._n john_n the_o last_o of_o the_o apostle_n compose_v a_o four_o gospel_n towards_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o his_o day_n as_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n tell_v we_o and_o this_o apostle_n declare_v at_o the_o end_n of_o it_o that_o he_o himself_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o disciple_n say_v he_o which_o testify_v of_o these_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v see_v chap._n 21._o 24._o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v first_o of_o all_o that_o the_o four_o evangelist_n who_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o plainness_n and_o ingenuity_n which_o appear_v in_o their_o relation_n have_v nevertheless_o a_o very_a different_a stile_n from_o one_o another_o thus_o st._n john_n express_v himself_o after_o a_o very_a simple_a manner_n if_o compare_v with_o that_o of_o st._n luke_n who_o be_v a_o physician_n aught_o to_o have_v write_v in_o a_o more_o lofty_a stile_n than_o st._n john_n who_o be_v original_o a_o fisherman_n and_o this_o consideration_n remove_v the_o suspicion_n we_o may_v entertain_v that_o all_o those_o gospel_n be_v compose_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o author_n second_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o although_o these_o writer_n agree_v essential_o in_o the_o matter_n they_o relate_v there_o be_v nevertheless_o some_o small_a difference_n betwixt_o they_o which_o very_o sensible_o show_v we_o that_o they_o compose_v their_o gospel_n separately_z divine_a providence_n have_v so_o order_v it_o the_o better_a to_o confirm_v ouâ—_n faith_n yet_o our_o incredulous_a adversary_n will_v not_o stand_v to_o this_o assertion_n they_o will_v perhaps_o imagine_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n have_v get_v together_o at_o jerusalem_n after_o the_o death_n of_o their_o master_n take_v certain_a measure_n to_o make_v man_n believe_v certain_a suppositition_n matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o very_o exact_o and_o precise_o set_v down_o lest_o they_o shall_v contradict_v themselves_o in_o the_o testimony_n they_o shall_v give_v of_o they_o and_o that_o after_o have_v found_v several_a church_n by_o then_o preach_v some_o of_o they_o take_v special_a care_n to_o digest_v those_o very_a matter_n of_o fact_n in_o write_v which_o they_o have_v preach_v throughout_o the_o world_n after_o have_v invent_v they_o i_o think_v this_o be_v the_o most_o plausible_a objection_n of_o they_o that_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v raise_v against_o this_o subject_n but_o in_o order_n to_o confute_v this_o imagination_n it_o may_v perhaps_o suffice_v to_o call_v to_o mind_n what_o i_o have_v before_o mention_v the_o absurdity_n there_o be_v in_o suppose_v that_o a_o few_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a fisherman_n deject_v by_o the_o death_n of_o their_o master_n undeceive_v of_o the_o opinion_n they_o have_v entertain_v that_o he_o be_v their_o messiah_n and_o so_o fearful_a that_o they_o flee_v when_o he_o be_v seize_v upon_o in_o order_n to_o his_o crucifixion_n shall_v contrive_v among_o themselves_o how_o to_o deceive_v other_o man_n when_o they_o themselves_o be_v so_o miserable_o delude_v that_o they_o shall_v dare_v to_o invent_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o will_v certain_o fix_v a_o eternal_a blot_n and_o scandal_n upon_o their_o nation_n by_o make_v the_o jew_n be_v look_v
preach_v a_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n ii_o will_v you_o know_v the_o time_n it_o be_v in_o the_o space_n of_o three_o year_n that_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n be_v bring_v to_o pass_v and_o a_o few_o week_n after_o the_o ascension_n the_o apostle_n begin_v to_o preach_v public_o in_o jerusalem_n iii_o will_v you_o know_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o can_v produce_v a_o great_a number_n of_o person_n who_o both_o live_v and_o converse_v with_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o iv._o will_v you_o fain_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n here_o attest_v we_o show_v you_o that_o they_o be_v very_o evident_a and_o singular_a one_o that_o the_o sick_a be_v heal_v the_o wind_n and_o sea_n hush_v the_o dead_a raise_v a_o man_n put_v to_o death_n who_o converse_v with_o his_o disciple_n and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n v._o if_o you_o will_v know_v their_o number_n we_o can_v show_v that_o the_o whole_a life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v but_o one_o continual_a series_n of_o miracle_n vi_o last_o will_v you_o know_v the_o proof_n of_o all_o this_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o boast_v of_o have_v receive_v miraculous_a gift_n and_o that_o too_o by_o a_o good_a title_n as_o we_o shall_v show_v in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o work_n in_o the_o interim_n do_v but_o unite_v all_o these_o circumstance_n together_o and_o see_v what_o a_o irresistible_a evidence_n arise_v from_o their_o union_n how_o can_v the_o apostle_n persuade_v so_o many_o person_n concern_v in_o this_o thing_n so_o many_o that_o have_v both_o know_v and_o see_v jesus_n christ_n will_v they_o not_o soon_o have_v lose_v all_o credit_n if_o search_n have_v be_v make_v into_o the_o place_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o affirm_v strict_o examine_v or_o rather_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o whilst_o they_o venture_v to_o publish_v such_o thing_n in_o the_o very_a place_n where_o they_o must_v necessary_o have_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v the_o jew_n shall_v not_o have_v stop_v the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o discover_v to_o the_o world_n so_o visible_a and_o evident_a a_o imposture_n for_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o publish_v only_o one_o single_a matter_n of_o fact_n of_o this_o nature_n they_o affirm_v also_o that_o their_o master_n have_v raise_v lazarus_n from_o the_o dead_a together_o with_o the_o son_n of_o the_o widow_n of_o naim_n and_o the_o daughter_n of_o jairus_n that_o he_o have_v heal_v almost_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o people_n possess_v with_o the_o devil_n deaf_a blind_a and_o sick_a of_o the_o palsy_n and_o that_o his_o fame_n have_v spread_v throughout_o all_o syria_n nor_o be_v the_o apostle_n content_v bare_o to_o preach_v all_o these_o thing_n they_o put_v they_o also_o down_o in_o writing_n and_o their_o write_n be_v disperse_v throughout_o all_o the_o world_n therefore_o they_o hide_v not_o themselves_o but_o be_v willing_a every_o one_o shall_v know_v the_o certainty_n of_o what_o they_o testify_v and_o examine_v as_o much_o as_o they_o please_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n they_o relate_v they_o give_v they_o out_o to_o the_o world_n and_o expose_v they_o to_o be_v search_v all_o manner_n of_o way_n but_o suppose_v i_o shall_v grant_v those_o book_n to_o be_v write_v forty_o fifty_o or_o sixty_o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n still_o be_v it_o evident_a that_o before_o that_o time_n there_o be_v a_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n found_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o apostle_n have_v declare_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n the_o miracle_n and_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v the_o essential_a matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o those_o book_n for_o how_o can_v they_o otherwise_o persuade_v the_o world_n to_o worship_v a_o crucify_a man_n or_o convince_v they_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a the_o christian_n shall_v look_v upon_o that_o book_n as_o divine_a which_o go_v upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o what_o be_v never_o do_v by_o what_o kind_n of_o agreement_n shall_v four_z person_n who_o write_v in_o different_a time_n and_o place_n and_o copy_v not_o one_o another_o write_n as_o be_v plain_a if_o we_o read_v they_o over_o with_o never_o so_o little_a attention_n and_o consider_v their_o different_a manner_n of_o relate_v the_o same_o thing_n i_o say_v by_o what_o kind_n of_o agreement_n shall_v they_o have_v conspire_v to_o inform_v we_o of_o the_o same_o matter_n of_o fact_n if_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o first_o of_o all_o unanimous_o and_o universal_o publish_v they_o how_o can_v the_o apostle_n have_v persuade_v man_n to_o turn_v christian_n have_v they_o not_o declare_v the_o miracle_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n since_o christianity_n can_v subsist_v without_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n thus_o we_o see_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o impostor_n to_o disguise_v themselves_o for_o all_o their_o shift_n and_o trick_n serve_v only_o to_o discover_v they_o chap._n v._n where_o we_o shall_v more_o particular_o examine_v whether_o the_o apostle_n have_v the_o power_n or_o the_o will_n to_o deceive_v mankind_n those_o man_n who_o have_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v the_o world_n must_v have_v more_o skill_n wit_n and_o cunning_a than_o other_o which_o skill_n wit_n and_o cunning_a will_v appear_v in_o their_o work_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o their_o art_n and_o subtlety_n but_o when_o i_o strict_o examine_v those_o author_n who_o we_o call_v sacred_a i_o neither_o find_v cunning_a wit_n nor_o affectation_n in_o their_o book_n every_o thing_n they_o contain_v seem_v to_o i_o very_o simple_a naked_a and_o open_a they_o all_o exact_o relate_v their_o own_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n they_o do_v not_o conceal_v their_o true_a birth_n and_o extraction_n they_o discover_v their_o ambition_n in_o their_o controversy_n who_o among_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o great_a in_o the_o flourish_a kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n their_o gross_a ignorance_n in_o the_o question_n they_o ask_v their_o master_n and_o one_o another_o viz._n what_o mean_v this_o to_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a their_o cowardice_n in_o betake_v themselves_o to_o flight_n at_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o soldier_n that_o come_v to_o take_v away_o their_o master_n and_o their_o incredulity_n in_o those_o scruple_n they_o raise_v concern_v his_o resurrection_n all_o these_o thing_n plain_o discover_v the_o great_a sincerity_n and_o impartiality_n but_o yet_o there_o arise_v here_o a_o certain_a scruple_n which_o seem_v not_o altogether_o inconsiderable_a and_o may_v deserve_v a_o little_a consideration_n who_o know_v perhaps_o some_o will_v object_v but_o that_o this_o be_v a_o affect_a sincerity_n which_o prepossess_v our_o mind_n in_o their_o behalf_n only_o to_o deceive_v we_o the_o more_o secure_o in_o order_n to_o overthrow_v this_o notion_n i_o shall_v not_o assert_v that_o the_o writer_n we_o speak_v of_o be_v original_o fisherman_n and_o publican_n and_o that_o it_o will_v seem_v very_o strange_a that_o man_n of_o that_o birth_n and_o education_n shall_v affect_v simplicity_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o so_o refine_a apiece_o of_o policy_n of_o which_o there_o can_v hardly_o be_v give_v a_o example_n among_o the_o most_o able_a politician_n that_o ever_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o deceive_v mankind_n neither_o shall_v i_o say_v that_o since_o the_o four_o evangelist_n compose_v their_o write_n apart_o it_o will_v be_v very_o surprise_v that_o they_o shall_v all_o concur_v in_o the_o design_n of_o impose_v upon_o the_o credulity_n of_o man_n by_o write_v after_o so_o simple_a and_o ingenuous_a a_o manner_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v entire_o conformable_a to_o one_o another_o in_o this_o respect_n but_o also_o shall_v agree_v with_o the_o other_o writer_n of_o 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but_o take_v you_o heed_n behold_v i_o have_v foretell_v you_o all_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o requisite_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v very_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o jewish_a history_n to_o know_v that_o this_o prophecy_n be_v exact_o fulfil_v those_o who_o doubt_v it_o may_v consult_v the_o history_n josephus_n write_v of_o it_o there_o they_o will_v hear_v of_o trouble_n of_o war_n rumour_n of_o war_n of_o famine_n earthquake_n from_o place_n to_o place_n which_o precede_v for_o some_o year_n the_o final_a destruction_n of_o judea_n therein_o they_o will_v find_v jerusalem_n surround_v with_o army_n and_o tread_v down_o by_o the_o gentile_n there_o they_o will_v read_v of_o a_o time_n wherein_o it_o be_v much_o better_a for_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o miserable_a country_n to_o forsake_v their_o abode_n in_o the_o city_n and_o to_o flee_v to_o the_o mountain_n there_o they_o will_v see_v the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n burn_v down_o and_o demolish_v without_o have_v one_o stone_n leave_v upon_o another_o and_o sure_o be_v convince_v that_o there_o be_v never_o tribulation_n like_a unto_o the_o tribulation_n of_o those_o day_n they_o will_v be_v no_o long_o ignorant_a of_o the_o abomination_n of_o desolation_n set_v up_o in_o the_o holy_a place_n which_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n speak_v of_o when_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o jew_n rush_v into_o the_o temple_n and_o there_o cut_v one_o another_o throat_n on_o a_o solemn_a feast_n day_n but_o if_o they_o will_v further_o consult_v our_o ecclesiastical_a historian_n or_o the_o primitive_a father_n they_o will_v find_v they_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o relation_n that_o the_o faithful_a disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n flee_v to_o a_o little_a city_n call_v pella_n after_o have_v be_v forewarn_v of_o it_o by_o the_o spirit_n and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o long_o reason_n to_o think_v these_o word_n of_o jesus_n christ_n obscure_a but_o pray_v you_o that_o your_o flight_n be_v not_o in_o the_o winter_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v few_o people_n but_o what_o perceive_v the_o exact_a conformity_n of_o this_o prophecy_n with_o its_o event_n and_o we_o need_v not_o at_o all_o question_n the_o certainty_n of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o very_o certain_a that_o it_o be_v not_o compose_v after_o the_o event_n and_o it_o will_v concern_v we_o to_o inquire_v into_o it_o it_o appear_v then_o first_o that_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o it_o be_v relate_v be_v compose_v before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n because_o st._n luke_n write_v not_o the_o book_n of_o act_n till_o some_o time_n after_o he_o have_v compose_v his_o gospel_n as_o he_o testify_v himself_o in_o these_o word_n the_o former_a treatise_n have_v i_o make_v o_o theophilus_n of_o all_o that_o jesus_n begin_v both_o to_o do_v and_o to_o teach_v etc._n etc._n act_v 1._o 1._o beside_o it_o seem_v that_o st._n luke_n have_v write_v the_o book_n of_o act_n before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n because_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o speak_v of_o that_o event_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o speak_v of_o jerusalem_n as_o of_o a_o city_n that_o be_v still_o in_o be_v and_o wherein_o there_o be_v a_o flourish_a christian_a church_n but_o perhaps_o this_o be_v not_o so_o much_o insist_v upon_o it_o may_v be_v further_o ask_v whether_o that_o prophecy_n may_v not_o have_v be_v insert_v in_o the_o gospel_n by_o some_o zealous_a christian_n who_o have_v see_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n may_v have_v take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o to_o honour_v their_o master_n by_o pretend_v he_o have_v foretell_v it_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o doubt_n we_o shall_v observe_v first_o that_o though_o this_o prophecy_n be_v the_o same_o in_o substance_n in_o the_o three_o gospel_n wherein_o it_o be_v relate_v yet_o it_o be_v express_v after_o a_o very_a different_a
husbandman_n after_o have_v destroy_v they_o as_o so_o maâ—y_v unfaithful_a servant_n another_o while_n that_o the_o king_n â—ho_fw-mi have_v invite_v they_o to_o the_o marriage_n of_o his_o son_n will_v â—nd_v his_o soldier_n to_o destroy_v they_o and_o burn_v up_o their_o city_n but_o not_o to_o go_v so_o far_o off_o one_o of_o the_o mark_n whereby_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v know_v that_o the_o event_n which_o esus_fw-la christ_n have_v foretell_v draw_v nigh_o be_v that_o the_o gentiles_n be_v to_o be_v call_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o â—ue_v god_n this_o be_v express_o deliver_v in_o the_o place_n â—e_v have_v already_o quote_v he_o therefore_o that_o insertâ—_n this_o prophecy_n in_o the_o gospel_n must_v have_v imaginâ—_n that_o in_o his_o time_n the_o gentile_n have_v already_o be_v â—lled_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o since_o â—ere_z be_v then_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o christian_n diserse_v throughout_o world_n since_o a_o infinite_a number_n â—_o person_n have_v the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o assession_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a either_o to_o alter_v or_o â—d_a thereto_o several_a parable_n and_o chapter_n nay_o to_o irrupt_v three_o gospel_n in_o three_o essential_a place_n if_o ch_z a_o thing_n have_v be_v do_v in_o asia_n how_o can_v it_o afterward_o have_v be_v receive_v in_o europe_n where_o there_o must_v necessary_o have_v be_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o copy_n of_o that_o gospel_n for_o of_o all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o gospel_n be_v first_o compose_v and_o now_o do_v not_o the_o incredulous_a as_o yet_o perceive_v that_o truth_n overthrow_v more_o scruple_n than_o they_o be_v able_a to_o raise_v against_o it_o that_o they_o continual_o offer_v violence_n to_o thelr_v reason_n by_o resist_v the_o truth_n which_o appear_v so_o strong_a and_o invincible_a on_o all_o hand_n and_o that_o though_o their_o reason_n be_v sometime_o pervert_v and_o blind_v by_o their_o passion_n so_o that_o they_o can_v see_v thing_n in_o their_o due_a light_n yet_o the_o object_n the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v immutable_a never_o shift_v or_o turn_v a_o side_n to_o follow_v the_o foolish_a fancy_n of_o their_o understanding_n or_o the_o perverse_a inclination_n of_o their_o heart_n chap._n ix_o wherein_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o matter_n contain_v iâ—_n the_o book_n of_o acts._n the_o matter_n of_o this_o book_n may_v be_v reduce_v tâ—_n these_o three_o head_n viz._n the_o ascension_n of_o jesuâ—_n christ_n the_o come_n down_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o thâ—_n apostles_n and_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o christiaâ—_n church_n by_o the_o successful_a preach_n of_o the_o apostle_n all_o these_o thing_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o can_v noâ—_n possible_o be_v forge_v the_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v relate_v with_o toâ—_n many_o circumstance_n to_o leave_v we_o any_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o disciple_n themselves_o be_v deceiveâ—_n therein_o the_o author_n express_o affirm_v that_o jesâ—_n converse_v the_o space_n of_o forty_o day_n with_o his_o disciple_n after_o his_o resurrection_n that_o he_o promise_v they_o theâ—_n shall_v be_v baptize_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o command_v they_o to_o wait_v at_o jerusalem_n for_o the_o effect_n of_o that_o promise_n that_o he_o carry_v they_o to_o the_o mount_n of_o olive_n that_o he_o be_v take_v up_o in_o a_o cloud_n which_o carry_v he_o out_o of_o their_o sight_n and_o that_o as_o they_o steadfast_o look_v up_o towards_o heaven_n as_o he_o go_v up_o two_o man_n stand_v by_o they_o in_o white_a apparel_n and_o promise_v they_o that_o jesus_n christ_n will_v come_v again_o in_o like_a manner_n as_o they_o have_v see_v he_o go_v into_o heaven_n so_o that_o â—t_a be_v no_o long_o a_o question_n whether_o the_o disciple_n be_v deceive_v in_o this_o respect_n but_o rather_o whether_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o deceive_v other_o by_o a_o false_a relation_n of_o so_o chimerical_a a_o event_n for_o the_o perfect_a understanding_n of_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o observe_v the_o time_n in_o which_o the_o disciple_n begin_v to_o declare_v it_o and_o when_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n be_v full_o come_v say_v st._n luke_n they_o be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n and_o sudden_o there_o come_v a_o sound_n from_o heaven_n as_o of_o a_o rush_v mighty_a wind_n and_o it_o fill_v all_o the_o house_n where_o they_o be_v sit_v and_o there_o appear_v unto_o they_o cleave_a tongue_n like_v as_o of_o fire_n and_o it_o â—at_a upon_o each_o of_o they_o and_o they_o be_v all_o fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o begin_v to_o speak_v with_o other_o tongue_n as_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o utterance_n and_o there_o be_v dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n jew_n devout_a man_n out_o of_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n now_o when_o this_o be_v noise_v abroad_o the_o multitude_n come_v together_o and_o be_v confound_v because_o that_o every_o man_n hear_v they_o speak_v in_o his_o own_o language_n etc._n etc._n but_o peter_n stand_v up_o with_o the_o eleven_o lift_v â—p_v his_o voice_n and_o say_v etc._n etc._n then_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v his_o word_n be_v baptize_v and_o the_o same_o day_n there_o be_v add_v unto_o they_o about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n etc._n etc._n and_o fear_n come_v upon_o every_o soul_n and_o many_o wonder_n and_o sign_n be_v do_v by_o the_o apostle_n act_n chap._n 2._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 14_o 41_o 43._o that_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v not_o invent_v appear_v by_o the_o bare_a consideration_n of_o it_o because_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n as_o must_v have_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v at_o jerusalem_n upon_o a_o solemn_a feast_n day_n before_o man_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o nation_n and_o as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o the_o universe_n and_o which_o consequent_o be_v such_o as_o can_v not_o possible_o have_v be_v forge_v or_o invent_v what_o then_o can_v be_v object_v to_o shake_v the_o certainty_n of_o this_o history_n can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v insert_v in_o the_o write_n of_o st_n luke_n long_o after_o the_o death_n of_o that_o author_n but_o than_o it_o must_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v confess_v that_o the_o whole_a book_n be_v forge_v because_o that_o be_v a_o essential_a and_o fundamental_a matter_n of_o fact_n on_o which_o the_o other_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o act_n altogether_o depend_v thus_o for_o instance_n the_o preach_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o success_n of_o it_o whole_o depend_v upon_o it_o whatever_o be_v contain_v in_o their_o epistle_n absolute_o relate_v to_o it_o and_o last_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v forge_v if_o the_o come_n down_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o the_o apostle_n be_v a_o mere_a invention_n shall_v i_o believe_v that_o st._n luke_n himself_o invent_v this_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o that_o no_o one_o ever_o speak_v of_o it_o before_o he_o if_o so_o what_o be_v it_o the_o apostle_n say_v to_o those_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o what_o do_v they_o ground_v their_o preach_n upon_o but_o only_o on_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n what_o other_o right_a but_o that_o have_v they_o to_o preach_v do_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o to_o deceive_v mankind_n pretend_v that_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o be_v the_o only_a plausible_a suspicion_n the_o incredulous_a can_v entertain_v yet_o for_o all_o that_o it_o be_v absurd_a for_o when_o be_v it_o they_o make_v this_o pretention_n it_o must_v necessary_o be_v either_o after_o they_o have_v found_v a_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n or_o some_o time_n before_o if_o it_o be_v after_o they_o have_v found_v a_o church_n therein_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a this_o church_n shall_v have_v be_v afterward_o persuade_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o they_o have_v public_o speak_v all_o sort_n of_o language_n and_o that_o their_o preach_v attend_v with_o several_a strange_a prodigy_n have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o form_v that_o church_n but_o if_o the_o apostle_n pretend_v they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n before_o there_o be_v ever_o any_o christian_a church_n establish_v in_o jerusalem_n nay_o if_o it_o be_v by_o a_o false_a attestation_n of_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o many_o other_o such_o that_o they_o found_v this_o church_n the_o apostle_n must_v of_o necessity_n have_v learn_v all_o the_o language_n in_o the_o world_n since_o the_o death_n of_o their_o master_n and_o together_o with_o that_o the_o secret_a of_o make_v the_o lame_a walk_n and_o heal_v the_o sick_a because_o these_o be_v what_o they_o call_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o
not_o immediate_o be_v find_v out_o by_o those_o who_o perfect_o understand_v those_o language_n yet_o how_o can_v there_o be_v other_o who_o expound_v divers_a language_n and_o understand_v man_n of_o all_o nation_n other_o who_o heal_v the_o sick_a other_o who_o by_o faith_n wrought_v miracle_n etc._n etc._n but_o perhaps_o the_o incredulous_a will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v with_o that_o one_o text_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o here_o be_v another_o of_o the_o same_o stamp_n 1_o cor_fw-la 13._o 1_o 2._o though_o i_o speak_v with_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o of_o angel_n etc._n etc._n and_o though_o i_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o understand_v all_o mystery_n etc._n etc._n and_o though_o i_o have_v all_o faith_n so_o that_o i_o can_v remove_v mountain_n etc._n etc._n 1._o cor._n 12._o 29_o 30_o 31._o be_v all_o prophet_n say_v he_o in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n be_v all_o worker_n of_o miracle_n have_v all_o the_o gift_n of_o heal_v do_v all_o speak_v with_o tongue_n do_v all_o interpret_v but_o covet_v earnest_o the_o best_a gift_n and_o yet_o show_v i_o unto_o you_o a_o more_o excellent_a way_n it_o be_v then_o he_o begin_v his_o encomium_n of_o charity_n and_o prefer_v it_o before_o all_o other_o miraculous_a gift_n in_o like_a manner_n he_o speak_v in_o this_o place_n indirect_o and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o by_o of_o those_o gift_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o expression_n manifest_o show_v that_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v public_o know_v but_o if_o they_o shall_v still_o require_v a_o great_a demonstration_n of_o this_o truth_n such_o a_o demonstration_n as_o seem_v to_o i_o above_o all_o subtlety_n of_o cavil_n and_o exception_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o observe_v that_o among_o all_o those_o gift_n that_o of_o tongue_n be_v so_o common_a by_o reason_n it_o be_v very_o often_o impart_v by_o the_o apostle_n imposition_n of_o hand_n that_o there_o arise_v a_o great_a disturbance_n and_o confusion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o it_o because_o all_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v that_o gift_n be_v desirous_a to_o speak_v strange_a language_n in_o the_o church_n the_o congregation_n be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o edify_v by_o it_o and_o it_o oblige_v st._n paul_n to_o write_v to_o they_o very_o sharp_o thereupon_o to_o which_o end_n he_o particular_o design_v the_o 14._o chap._n of_o his_o first_o epist_n to_o the_o corinthian_n i_o will_v say_v he_o to_o they_o v_o 5._o that_o you_o all_o speak_v with_o tongue_n but_o rather_o that_o you_o prophesy_v that_o the_o church_n may_v receive_v edify_v now_o to_o prophecy_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o apostle_n be_v to_o declare_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o expound_v it_o to_o the_o people_n i_o thank_v my_o god_n add_v he_o further_o v_o 18_o 19_o i_o speak_v with_o tongue_n more_o than_o you_o all_o yet_o in_o the_o church_n i_o have_v rather_o speak_v five_o word_n with_o my_o understanding_n that_o by_o my_o voice_n i_o may_v teach_v other_o also_o than_o ten_o thousand_o word_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n wherefore_o add_v he_o a_o little_o further_a v_o 22._o tongue_n be_v for_o a_o sign_n not_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v but_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o but_o prophesy_v serve_v not_o for_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o but_o for_o they_o which_o believe_v that_o be_v as_o any_o one_o may_v easy_o conceive_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n which_o god_n have_v grant_v to_o the_o church_n after_o a_o most_o extraordinary_a and_o wonderful_a manner_n be_v design_v either_o to_o confound_v or_o convert_v the_o infidel_n by_o that_o evident_a testimony_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christianity_n whereas_o the_o gift_n of_o prophesy_v that_o be_v of_o declare_v god_n will_n and_o expound_v it_o to_o the_o people_n have_v be_v whole_o give_v man_n for_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o faithful_a now_o to_o these_o miraculous_a gift_n st._n paul_n certain_o allude_v when_o he_o say_v in_o his_o first_o epist_n to_o the_o thessalonian_n chap._n 5._o v._n 19_o quench_v not_o the_o spirit_n and_o it_o be_v concern_v those_o same_o gift_n and_o signal_n miracle_n that_o he_o say_v to_o the_o galatian_n o_o foolish_a galatian_n etc._n etc._n chap._n 3._o 5._o he_o therefore_o that_o minister_v to_o you_o the_o spirit_n and_o work_v miracle_n among_o you_o do_v he_o it_o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n or_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o faith_n last_o it_o be_v concern_v these_o miraculous_a gift_n that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o sign_n of_o his_o apostleship_n be_v manifest_v among_o the_o corinthian_n in_o all_o patience_n in_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o mighty_a deed_n we_o may_v see_v to_o what_o perplexity_n and_o confusion_n the_o incredulous_a be_v reduce_v and_o how_o angry_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v there_o be_v but_o two_o side_n they_o can_v take_v they_o must_v either_o assert_v that_o st._n paul_n have_v lose_v his_o sense_n when_o he_o write_v those_o thing_n we_o just_o now_o mention_v which_o they_o will_v never_o do_v because_o their_o opinion_n be_v that_o st._n paul_n want_v no_o cunning_a to_o deceive_v a_o great_a many_o person_n or_o they_o must_v confess_v that_o the_o faithful_a very_o frequent_o receive_v many_o miraculous_a gift_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n that_o those_o gift_n be_v various_a that_o there_o have_v actual_o be_v such_o person_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n who_o have_v cause_v some_o kind_n of_o disturbance_n in_o it_o by_o speak_v divers_a language_n as_o they_o be_v inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o consequent_o they_o must_v own_v the_o divinity_n of_o our_o religion_n chap._n xiii_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o a_o divine_a book_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o we_o may_v certain_o find_v several_a unquestionable_a character_n of_o divinity_n in_o that_o book_n for_o not_o to_o repeat_v here_o what_o we_o have_v already_o say_v in_o our_o first_o part_n of_o this_o work_n concern_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o which_o be_v no_o less_o true_a of_o the_o new_a one_o we_o can_v but_o admire_v the_o mutual_a agreement_n of_o those_o author_n with_o moses_n and_o the_o other_o prophet_n we_o can_v but_o be_v surprise_v to_o see_v such_o a_o unanimous_a consent_n among_o those_o writer_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o the_o thing_n they_o relate_v or_o in_o in_o the_o design_n of_o their_o exhortation_n or_o last_o in_o the_o record_n they_o bear_v never_o be_v author_n see_v so_o conformable_a to_o himself_o as_o those_o divine_a author_n be_v to_o one_o another_o in_o the_o essential_o of_o their_o doctrine_n where_o can_v we_o find_v such_o a_o character_n of_o sweetness_n gentleness_n and_o simplicity_n so_o much_o charity_n for_o mankind_n and_o aversion_n to_o vice_n so_o many_o motive_n to_o humiliation_n and_o so_o great_a a_o desire_n to_o glorify_v god_n where_o can_v we_o find_v such_o a_o loftiness_n of_o thought_n and_o yet_o such_o a_o simplicity_n of_o expression_n such_o a_o mixture_n of_o joy_n and_o sorrow_n such_o heroical_a confidence_n in_o a_o forlorn_a state_n of_o misery_n such_o profound_a humility_n and_o such_o presence_n and_o greatness_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o their_o morality_n be_v the_o fine_a that_o ever_o be_v and_o their_o thought_n more_o elevate_v than_o those_o of_o other_o man_n their_o design_n the_o noble_a that_o ever_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n that_o be_v to_o gain_v all_o man_n unto_o god_n have_v no_o self_n interest_n or_o refine_a nicety_n of_o policy_n but_o only_o a_o fervent_a desire_n to_o succeed_v in_o their_o ministry_n i_o know_v that_o this_o here_o be_v matter_n of_o inward_a sense_n rather_o than_o demonstration_n and_o that_o i_o shall_v never_o persuade_v the_o incredulous_a that_o they_o may_v discover_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o loftiness_n of_o thought_n and_o that_o divine_a majesty_n which_o i_o myself_o perceive_v amid_o that_o seem_a rough_a and_o unpleasant_a language_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o bark_n and_o outward_a shell_n of_o it_o but_o yet_o for_o all_o their_o obstinacy_n they_o can_v deny_v these_o four_o follow_a truth_n i._o that_o never_o any_o know_a impostor_n leave_v we_o such_o excellent_a book_n as_o the_o apostle_n no_o not_o even_o mahomet_n himself_o who_o may_v have_v easy_o borrow_v their_o notion_n the_o better_a to_o disguise_v his_o own_o ii_o that_o it_o appear_v that_o their_o write_n be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o free_a from_o all_o passion_n and_o humane_a imperfection_n than_o all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n among_o the_o heathen_n where_o we_o see_v pride_n as_o it_o be_v upon_o her_o throne_n iii_o that_o the_o
character_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v infinite_o more_o excellent_a than_o that_o of_o the_o write_n of_o all_o the_o father_n who_o live_v successive_o from_o the_o apostle_n down_o to_o we_o wherein_o any_o one_o may_v easy_o observe_v a_o strange_a affectation_n a_o particular_a vanity_n of_o show_v their_o part_n and_o learning_n and_o sometime_o much_o heat_n and_o passion_n because_o they_o be_v far_o from_o the_o perfection_n in_o christianity_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v iv._o that_o the_o best_a sort_n of_o godly_a book_n write_v among_o the_o christian_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n down_o to_o we_o i_o mean_v those_o book_n that_o most_o establish_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o public_a society_n and_o chief_o tend_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v write_v in_o imitation_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o which_o they_o have_v their_o material_n to_o compose_v they_o with_o this_o be_v what_o in_o my_o opinion_n be_v very_o sure_a and_o certain_a and_o as_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o if_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o divine_o inspire_v they_o must_v necessary_o be_v impostor_n nay_o such_o abominable_a man_n as_o desire_v only_o to_o dishonour_v their_o nation_n and_o to_o sacrifice_v to_o a_o vain_a flatter_a idea_n of_o glory_n the_o life_n and_o fortune_n of_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n who_o they_o encourage_v to_o suffer_v martyrdom_n let_v we_o now_o see_v whether_o we_o can_v persuade_v ourselves_o that_o the_o most_o excellent_a book_n that_o be_v ever_o know_v i_o mean_v those_o book_n that_o be_v most_o proper_a to_o inspire_v we_o with_o piety_n with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n that_o be_v the_o source_n of_o the_o best_a matter_n that_o ever_o be_v write_v and_o the_o original_n of_o the_o piety_n and_o virtue_n of_o all_o those_o person_n who_o be_v convert_v by_o they_o be_v only_o the_o invention_n of_o the_o most_o wicked_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v certain_o since_o all_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n consider_v this_o book_n as_o divine_a and_o as_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n whereby_o they_o distinguish_v it_o from_o all_o other_o book_n it_o follow_v thence_o that_o all_o the_o christian_n be_v either_o deceive_v in_o the_o essential_o of_o it_o and_o that_o their_o faith_n be_v false_a or_o else_o that_o book_n must_v in_o reality_n be_v of_o a_o divine_a authority_n for_o such_o a_o universal_a tradition_n so_o constant_a and_o so_o necessary_o affix_v to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o religion_n can_v never_o impose_v upon_o we_o it_o have_v be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n as_o we_o have_v already_o observe_v to_o take_v care_n that_o this_o book_n shall_v be_v leave_v to_o we_o as_o entire_a as_o when_o it_o come_v out_o of_o the_o apostle_n hand_n and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o all_o assure_v we_o that_o it_o be_v of_o a_o divine_a authority_n tell_v we_o only_o but_o what_o right_a reason_n oblige_v they_o to_o acknowledge_v and_o we_o as_o well_o as_o they_o for_o the_o word_n preach_v and_o the_o word_n write_v by_o the_o apostle_n differ_v not_o essential_o from_o one_o another_o so_o that_o if_o the_o former_a be_v divine_a the_o latter_a must_v necessary_o be_v so_o too_o and_o who_o doubt_v but_o that_o word_n must_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o divine_a which_o god_n himself_o authorise_v by_o so_o many_o miracle_n perhaps_o some_o will_v reply_v that_o it_o will_v be_v of_o a_o very_a dangerous_a consequence_n to_o reason_n often_o after_o this_o manner_n and_o that_o although_o a_o false_a prophet_n shall_v work_v prodigious_a miracle_n yet_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o follow_v he_o upon_o a_o bare_a supposition_n that_o god_n never_o assist_v a_o impostor_n with_o his_o infinite_a power_n but_o this_o i_o own_o and_o affirm_v also_o that_o we_o ought_v strict_o to_o examine_v both_o his_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n to_o find_v out_o by_o that_o comparison_n the_o true_a original_a of_o both_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v this_o advantage_n that_o we_o not_o only_o find_v here_o such_o miracle_n as_o excel_v all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n such_o as_o for_o example_n the_o raise_v a_o man_n from_o the_o dead_a but_o that_o this_o doctrine_n also_o visible_o bear_v all_o the_o character_n of_o one_o that_o proceed_v from_o heaven_n those_o miracle_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n so_o great_a and_o numerous_a that_o the_o people_n cry_v out_o sure_o this_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n take_v away_o all_o suspicion_n of_o the_o falsity_n and_o pernicious_a consequence_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o confirm_v because_o the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o usual_o employ_v in_o favour_n of_o a_o imposture_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v so_o holy_a and_o so_o perfect_o tend_v to_o the_o union_n and_o welfare_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v so_o worthy_a of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o man_n sufficient_o warrant_v we_o that_o the_o miracle_n whereby_o it_o be_v confirm_v proceed_v not_o in_o the_o least_o from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n as_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n seem_v to_o believe_v hell_n never_o concern_v itself_o either_o to_o unite_v or_o sanctify_v mankind_n all_o the_o apostle_n express_o declare_v that_o the_o word_n which_o they_o preach_v proceed_v not_o from_o themselves_o but_o god_n but_o i_o certify_v you_o brethren_n say_v st._n paul_n in_o his_o epist_n to_o the_o galatian_n chap._n 1._o v._n 11._o that_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v preach_v of_o i_o be_v not_o after_o man_n for_o i_o neither_o receive_v of_o man_n neither_o be_v i_o teach_v it_o but_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n thus_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v assemble_v together_o at_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o first_o council_n that_o ever_o be_v hold_v and_o write_v to_o some_o chnrche_n concern_v several_a question_n that_o be_v then_o in_o agitation_n they_o make_v use_v of_o this_o manner_n of_o speak_v for_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o act._n 15._o 28._o it_o appear_v then_o that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v by_o the_o order_n and_o revelation_n of_o god_n which_o be_v give_v several_a way_n viz._n sometime_o by_o vision_n as_o when_o st._n peter_n see_v a_o certain_a vessel_n descend_v from_o heaven_n as_o it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a sheet_n knit_v by_o the_o four_o corner_n wherein_o be_v all_o kind_n of_o unclean_a beast_n and_o he_o be_v command_v say_v peter_n kill_v and_o eat_v act._n 10._o 13._o on_o purpose_n to_o signify_v that_o he_o ought_v to_o preach_v â—he_v gospel_n to_o the_o gentile_n who_o be_v no_o long_o a_o unclean_a nation_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n sometime_o by_o dream_n as_o when_o a_o certain_a macedonian_a appear_v unto_o st._n paul_n command_v he_o to_o go_v into_o macedonia_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n there_o sometime_o by_o ecstasy_n as_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o st._n paul_n be_v catch_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n but_o yet_o much_o often_o by_o the_o inward_a dictate_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n form_v as_o it_o be_v â—n_v their_o soul_n as_o when_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o peter_n concern_v the_o man_n which_o cornelius_n send_v to_o inquire_v for_o he_o go_v thou_o with_o they_o doubt_v nothing_o for_o i_o â—ave_n send_v they_o act._n 10._o 20._o it_o be_v true_a one_o may_v very_o well_o suspect_v these_o revelation_n if_o one_o single_a man_n boast_v of_o have_v have_v â—hem_fw-mi impart_v to_o he_o but_o here_o we_o have_v several_a god_n do_v not_o reveal_v himself_o to_o they_o after_o one_o single_a manner_n but_o after_o divers_a they_o assert_v not_o only_o â—hat_n god_n have_v reveal_v some_o thing_n to_o they_o in_o order_n â—o_o induce_v mankind_n to_o believe_v it_o but_o they_o wrought_v many_o miracle_n speak_v divers_a language_n impart_v â—hose_v gift_n to_o other_o thereby_o convert_v the_o world_n â—nd_v exact_o fulfil_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n that_o spirit_n which_o fill_v they_o and_o be_v necessary_o to_o fill_v â—hem_fw-mi because_o the_o time_n of_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentilesâ—as_v â—as_z come_v be_v outward_o produce_v by_o such_o effect_n â—s_v undoubted_o will_v confound_v the_o incredulous_a if_o they_o â—eflect_v upon_o they_o certain_o if_o it_o be_v true_a as_o it_o be_v that_o god_n pour_v down_o his_o spirit_n upon_o the_o apostle_n on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n it_o be_v only_a that_o they_o may_v preach_v unto_o man_n by_o their_o ministry_n unless_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o the_o tongue_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v exalt_v after_o a_o supernatural_a manner_n so_o far_o as_o to_o speak_v all_o sort_n of_o language_n be_v to_o confine_v themselves_o to_o that_o particular_a employ_v and_o not_o to_o reveal_v unto_o man_n the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o if_o we_o ought_v
matter_n of_o fact_n as_o have_v they_o be_v real_a they_o must_v have_v see_v they_o with_o their_o own_o eye_n chap._n v._o 15._o insomuch_o that_o they_o bring_v forth_o the_o sick_a into_o the_o street_n and_o lay_v they_o on_o bed_n and_o couch_n that_o at_o the_o least_o the_o shadow_n of_o peter_n pass_v by_o may_v overshadow_v some_o of_o they_o behold_v the_o completion_n of_o that_o prophecy_n of_o christ_n who_o foretell_v that_o his_o disciple_n shall_v do_v far_o great_a work_n than_o himself_o verse_n 32._o and_o we_o be_v his_o witness_n of_o those_o thing_n and_o so_o be_v also_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o god_n have_v give_v to_o they_o that_o obey_v christ_n daily_o convince_v the_o unbeliever_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o work_n and_o his_o disciple_n convince_v they_o by_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n impart_v to_o they_o be_v there_o then_o any_o dream_n or_o euthusiasm_n any_o illusion_n or_o distraction_n of_o mind_n any_o mutual_a erroneous_a compact_n in_o all_o this_o or_o rather_o do_v we_o not_o here_o visible_o perceive_v the_o wisdom_n truth_n and_o power_n of_o god_n in_o this_o occasion_n chap._n vii_o 51._o you_o stiff-necked_a and_o uncircumcised_a in_o heart_n and_o ear_n you_o do_v always_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o your_o father_n do_v so_o do_v you_o which_o of_o the_o prophet_n have_v not_o your_o father_n persecute_v all_o deceiver_n and_o impostor_n use_v quite_o another_o method_n to_o flatter_v those_o they_o design_v to_o draw_v over_o to_o their_o side_n verse_n 59_o 60._o and_o they_o stone_v stephen_n call_v upon_o god_n and_o say_v lord_n jesus_n receive_v my_o spirit_n and_o he_o kneel_v down_o and_o cry_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n lord_n lay_v not_o this_o sin_n to_o their_o charge_n stephen_n die_v pray_v to_o god_n for_o his_o enemy_n in_o imitation_n of_o christ_n but_o he_o be_v not_o seize_v with_o sorrow_n anguish_n or_o fear_v he_o cry_v not_o out_o my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o can_v not_o he_o that_o represent_v the_o servant_n so_o courageous_a have_v give_v we_o a_o excellent_a description_n of_o the_o constancy_n of_o the_o master_n but_o that_o he_o have_v propose_v to_o himself_o to_o write_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n chap._n viii_o 14_o 15_o 16._o they_o send_v unto_o they_o peter_n and_o john_n who_o when_o they_o be_v come_v down_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o as_o yet_o he_o be_v fall_v upon_o none_o of_o they_o only_o they_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n by_o these_o word_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o every_o body_n may_v indifferent_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o the_o apostle_n alone_o can_v impart_v it_o to_o other_o a_o distinction_n that_o be_v very_o remarkable_a but_o it_o appear_v yet_o far_o that_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v so_o notable_a and_o visible_a that_o whosoever_o have_v receive_v they_o can_v not_o but_o present_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o and_o though_o this_o discourse_n of_o st._n luke_n may_v be_v whole_o invent_v yet_o it_o may_v well_o be_v suppose_v that_o it_o be_v invent_v upon_o some_o probable_a ground_n and_o reason_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o for_o it_o but_o this_o that_o in_o this_o time_n the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v impart_v to_o the_o faithful_a for_o otherwise_o to_o talk_v thus_o will_v be_v very_o impertinent_a and_o extravagant_a verse_n 20._o but_o peter_n say_v unto_o he_o thy_o money_n perish_v with_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v think_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n may_v be_v purchase_v with_o money_n how_o come_v peter_n to_o deal_v so_o nice_o and_o delicate_o be_v he_o a_o impostor_n indeed_o as_o well_o as_o simon_n magus_n verse_n 22_o 23._o repent_v therefore_o of_o this_o thy_o wickedness_n and_o pray_v god_n if_o perhaps_o the_o thought_n of_o thy_o heart_n may_v be_v forgive_v thou_o for_o i_o perceive_v that_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n how_o different_a be_v these_o expression_n from_o those_o of_o a_o man_n who_o conscience_n accuse_v he_o of_o imposture_n and_o infidelity_n chap._n ix_o 7_o 8_o 9_o and_o the_o man_n which_o journey_v with_o he_o stand_v speechless_a hear_v a_o voice_n but_o see_v no_o man._n but_o they_o lead_v he_o by_o the_o hand_n and_o bring_v he_o unto_o damascus_n and_o he_o be_v there_o three_o day_n without_o sight_n and_o neither_o eat_v nor_o drink_v have_v st._n luke_n design_v to_o impose_v upon_o our_o belief_n in_o this_o rehearsal_n he_o will_v have_v manage_v it_o with_o more_o judgement_n for_o what_o necessity_n be_v there_o of_o his_o relate_n how_o that_o st._n paul_n have_v company_n with_o he_o when_o the_o light_n of_o god_n shine_v round_o about_o he_o what_o make_v he_o quote_v the_o place_n the_o occasion_n and_o the_o witness_n of_o who_o the_o synagogue_n may_v have_v easy_o know_v the_o whole_a truth_n how_o can_v he_o make_v they_o believe_v that_o the_o man_n which_o accompany_v saul_n lead_v he_o by_o the_o hand_n to_o damascus_n and_o that_o he_o continue_v there_o three_o day_n and_o three_o night_n deprive_v of_o his_o sight_n verse_n 16._o for_o i_o will_v show_v he_o how_o great_a thing_n he_o must_v suffer_v for_o my_o name_n sake_n etc._n etc._n the_o whole_a life_n of_o s._n paul_n be_v a_o exact_a accomplishment_n of_o this_o prophecy_n verse_n 31._o then_o have_v the_o church_n rest_n throughout_o all_o judea_n and_o galilee_n and_o samaria_n and_o be_v edify_v and_o walk_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v multiply_v how_o strange_a and_o surprise_a be_v the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o found_v so_o many_o church_n almost_o every_o where_o in_o so_o small_a a_o time_n verse_n 34_o 35._o and_o peter_n say_v unto_o he_o aeneas_n jesus_n christ_n make_v thou_o whole_a arise_v etc._n etc._n and_o all_o that_o dwell_v at_o lydda_n and_o saron_n see_v he_o and_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n doubtless_o those_o man_n here_o mention_v know_v well_o enough_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o miracle_n perform_v and_o those_o church_n which_o consist_v altogether_o of_o proselyte_n who_o must_v necessary_o have_v be_v spectator_n of_o that_o miracle_n can_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o this_o respect_n verse_n 41_o 42._o and_o he_o give_v she_o his_o hand_n and_o lift_v she_o up_o and_o when_o he_o have_v call_v the_o saint_n and_o widow_n present_v her_o alive_a and_o it_o be_v know_v throughout_o all_o joppa_n and_o many_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n this_o be_v a_o miracle_n notorious_a enough_o and_o there_o be_v witness_n sufficient_a to_o contradict_v and_o convince_v the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n suppose_v this_o miracle_n have_v be_v only_o a_o frame_a story_n and_o a_o shame_n upon_o man_n belief_n chap._n x._o 45_o 46_o 47._o and_o they_o of_o the_o circumcision_n which_o believe_v be_v astonish_v as_o many_o as_o come_v with_o peter_n because_o that_o on_o the_o gentile_n also_o be_v pour_v out_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o they_o hear_v they_o speak_v with_o tongue_n and_o magnify_v god_n then_o answer_v peter_n can_v any_o one_o forbid_v water_n that_o these_o shall_v not_o be_v baptize_v which_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o well_o as_o we_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o astonishment_n in_o those_o of_o the_o circumcision_n it_o be_v because_o they_o have_v not_o see_v till_o then_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v impart_v to_o the_o gentile_n the_o very_a mixture_n of_o such_o circumstance_n as_o these_o be_v often_o of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o narration_n chap._n xi_o 18._o when_o they_o hear_v these_o thing_n they_o hold_v their_o peace_n and_o glorify_a god_n say_v then_o have_v god_n also_o to_o the_o gentile_n grant_v repentance_n unto_o life_n this_o indeed_o be_v the_o language_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o perfect_a stile_n of_o god_n and_o the_o very_a expression_n of_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n chap._n xii_o 18_o 19_o now_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v day_n there_o be_v no_o small_a stir_n among_o the_o soldier_n what_o be_v become_v of_o peter_n and_o when_o herod_n have_v seek_v for_o he_o and_o find_v he_o not_o he_o examine_v the_o keeper_n and_o command_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n a_o circumstance_n that_o can_v be_v forge_v and_o which_o excellent_o confirm_v the_o relation_n of_o peter_n be_v miraculous_a deliverance_n chap._n xiii_o 3._o and_o when_o they_o have_v fast_v and_o pray_v they_o lay_v hand_n on_o they_o this_o historian_n who_o