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and_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o history_n or_o else_o let_v they_o fair_o own_o that_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o their_o make_v a_o doubt_n concern_v these_o book_n rather_o than_o concern_v other_o be_v because_o they_o do_v not_o relish_v the_o matter_n of_o they_o because_o they_o find_v it_o easy_a to_o resist_v that_o strong_a evidence_n that_o be_v give_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o book_n than_o they_o do_v to_o govern_v their_o life_n according_a to_o those_o strict_a rule_n of_o holiness_n and_o purity_n that_o be_v therein_o prescribe_v and_o to_o bring_v their_o will_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n and_o if_o they_o will_v but_o own_o this_o which_o i_o believe_v be_v the_o truth_n their_o prejudice_n and_o partiality_n will_v be_v so_o evident_a to_o all_o that_o it_o may_v be_v reasonable_o hope_v their_o impious_a suggestion_n will_v do_v but_o little_a harm_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o few_o man_n of_o any_o sense_n or_o reason_n will_v be_v so_o foolhardy_a as_o to_o venture_v their_o soul_n and_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o a_o miserable_a eternity_n upon_o so_o many_o and_o such_o very_a improbable_a i_o have_v almost_o say_v such_o impossible_a may_v be_v his_o as_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v if_o indeed_o these_o book_n be_v forge_v and_o counterfeit_a if_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o write_v by_o those_o person_n who_o they_o be_v common_o ascribe_v to_o but_o yield_v this_o point_n may_n the_o atheist_n or_o infidel_n far_o say_v viz._n that_o the_o gospel_n call_v st._n matthew'_v be_v write_v by_o st._n matthew_n and_o that_o of_o st._n mark_v by_o st._n mark_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o book_n which_o be_v ascribe_v to_o any_o other_o certain_a author_n by_o those_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v several_o ascribe_v yet_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n will_v not_o by_o this_o concession_n be_v sufficient_o establish_v for_o of_o some_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o 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have_v not_o much_o mind_n or_o leisure_n or_o opportunity_n to_o read_v book_n to_o hear_v these_o thing_n in_o conversation_n and_o not_o know_v ready_o what_o answer_v to_o make_v to_o they_o to_o be_v somewhat_o stagger_v in_o their_o belief_n thereby_o especial_o if_o they_o be_v such_o who_o loose_a and_o licentious_a way_n of_o live_v make_v they_o easy_a to_o receive_v without_o examination_n any_o notion_n that_o may_v give_v they_o ease_n or_o encouragement_n in_o sin_n for_o these_o reason_n therefore_o i_o think_v it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o especial_o because_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n proper_o belong_v to_o the_o subject_a i_o be_o now_o upon_o and_o because_o i_o have_v some_o time_n leave_v for_o it_o to_o
mention_v as_o brief_o as_o may_v be_v the_o answer_n that_o have_v be_v usual_o give_v to_o these_o objection_n and_o 1._o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o of_o some_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o author_n name_n be_v not_o certain_o know_v as_o namely_o of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n and_o that_o of_o other_o the_o author_n have_v be_v doubt_v particular_o of_o the_o second_o and_o three_o epiâ—tles_n of_o st._n john_n to_o this_o it_o have_v be_v answer_v 1._o that_o the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o book_n depend_v many_o time_n much_o more_o upon_o the_o good_a assurance_n that_o we_o have_v of_o the_o time_n when_o it_o be_v write_v and_o of_o the_o character_n of_o the_o person_n that_o write_v it_o than_o upon_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o his_o name_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a consequence_n whether_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v writâ—en_v by_o st._n paul_n himself_o as_o be_v common_o and_o upon_o â—ery_o probable_a ground_n believe_v or_o as_o some_o have_v conjecture_v by_o st._n luke_n his_o constant_a companion_n or_o as_o other_o by_o st._n clemens_n his_o fellow-labourer_n â—hose_v name_n be_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n 4.3_o phil._n 4.3_o or_o as_o other_o â—y_a st._n barnabas_n his_o assistant_n in_o preach_v the_o goâ—pel_n 14.14_o act_n 14.14_o and_o who_o be_v dignify_v by_o st._n luke_n with_o the_o tiâ—e_n of_o a_o apostle_n and_o so_o neither_o be_v it_o very_o maâ—erial_a whether_o the_o epistle_n call_v the_o second_o and_o three_o epistle_n of_o st._n john_n and_o common_o believe_v to_o be_v write_v by_o the_o same_o person_n that_o write_v the_o first_o be_v indeed_o write_v by_o st._n john_n the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n or_o as_o some_o have_v think_v by_o another_o â—ohn_n who_o be_v make_v bishop_n of_o the_o jewish_a christiansâ—t_n â—t_z ephesus_n by_o he_o for_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o writer_n of_o these_o book_n which_o soever_o they_o be_v of_o the_o person_n beforementioned_a be_v of_o good_a ability_n and_o integrity_n and_o well_o instruct_v in_o that_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n which_o they_o write_v about_o and_o of_o this_o beside_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o ancient_n there_o be_v good_a evidence_n enough_o in_o the_o write_n themselves_o 2._o in_o answer_n to_o this_o and_o to_o all_o other_o objection_n of_o this_o sort_n against_o these_o or_o any_o other_o book_n or_o chapter_n or_o paragraph_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o have_v be_v far_o true_o say_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o singular_a in_o these_o book_n that_o there_o be_v no_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n teach_v in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o the_o author_n or_o authority_n of_o which_o there_o have_v ever_o be_v any_o doubt_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o teach_v in_o some_o other_o undoubted_a and_o uncontroverted_a part_n of_o the_o same_o book_n so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o those_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o which_o there_o have_v be_v former_o any_o doubt_n be_v still_o of_o uncertain_a authority_n our_o christianity_n will_v suffer_v no_o real_a loss_n thereby_o only_o give_v up_o these_o controvert_v place_n we_o shall_v sometime_o want_v a_o good_a help_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o understand_v ready_o those_o other_o uncontroverted_a place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n wherein_o the_o same_o doctrine_n be_v but_o perhaps_o more_o brief_o or_o obscure_o deliver_v 2._o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o some_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v be_v reject_v in_o ancient_a time_n this_o be_v grant_v but_o than_o it_o have_v be_v show_v that_o consider_v by_o who_o they_o have_v be_v reject_v and_o under_o what_o notion_n and_o for_o what_o reason_n they_o be_v reject_v this_o objection_n be_v of_o no_o force_n to_o invalidate_v the_o authority_n even_o of_o those_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o have_v be_v so_o reject_v and_o much_o less_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o book_n which_o have_v be_v allow_v by_o all_o thus_o some_o portion_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v be_v reject_v by_o heretic_n because_o they_o contradict_v their_o private_a and_o singular_a notion_n some_o by_o judaize_v christian_n as_o the_o two_o first_o chapter_n of_o st._n matthew_n because_o they_o be_v not_o find_v in_o that_o hebrew_n copy_n of_o that_o gospel_n which_o they_o use_v and_o all_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v likewise_o reject_v by_o the_o same_o person_n but_o not_o as_o not_o write_v by_o st._n paul_n but_o only_o because_o they_o be_v write_v by_o he_o who_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o enemy_n to_o their_o nation_n because_o he_o level_v they_o with_o other_o nation_n and_o as_o too_o averse_a to_o that_o religion_n which_o have_v be_v introduce_v by_o moses_n which_o they_o continue_v so_o wed_v to_o even_o after_o their_o embrace_a christianity_n that_o they_o can_v not_o but_o suspect_v he_o to_o be_v a_o false_a apostle_n who_o have_v so_o plain_o teach_v the_o abrogation_n thereof_o and_o for_o the_o like_a reason_n some_o other_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v be_v likewise_o reject_v by_o some_o few_o man_n that_o be_v not_o because_o they_o want_v the_o same_o attestation_n which_o the_o other_o part_n of_o it_o have_v or_o because_o it_o appear_v by_o credible_a history_n that_o they_o be_v spurious_a but_o only_o because_o they_o contradict_v too_o plain_o some_o notion_n which_o their_o former_a prejudices_fw-la or_o education_n have_v make_v they_o fond_a of_o so_o that_o this_o argument_n against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n take_v from_o the_o rejection_n of_o some_o part_n of_o it_o by_o some_o particular_a man_n or_o sect_n be_v manifest_o of_o no_o strength_n unless_o there_o be_v some_o good_a reason_n for_o their_o reject_v they_o and_o that_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v show_v but_o the_o contrary_n have_v be_v show_v very_o plain_o by_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o several_a book_n write_v by_o they_o in_o confutation_n of_o those_o sect_n and_o heresy_n which_o be_v still_o extant_a and_o 3._o whereas_o it_o be_v further_o say_v that_o some_o book_n which_o be_v now_o receive_v as_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o universal_o receive_v in_o the_o most_o early_a time_n when_o their_o authority_n if_o they_o be_v authentic_a may_v have_v be_v assert_v upon_o more_o certain_a ground_n than_o it_o can_v be_v now_o viz._n the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o epistle_n of_o st._n james_n the_o second_o of_o st._n peter_n the_o second_o and_o 3d._n of_o st._n john_n the_o epistle_n of_o st._n judas_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n this_o be_v likewise_o grant_v but_o in_o answer_n to_o it_o it_o be_v say_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v good_a evidence_n from_o antiquity_n that_o these_o controvert_v book_n be_v receive_v in_o the_o most_o early_a time_n by_o those_o who_o have_v the_o best_a opportunity_n of_o satisfy_v themselves_o of_o the_o author_n and_o authority_n thereof_o viz._n by_o those_o to_o who_o they_o be_v send_v and_o in_o general_a by_o the_o whole_a greek_a church_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o these_o book_n be_v write_v either_o to_o christian_n disperse_v and_o consequent_o only_o publish_v by_o give_v out_o copy_n thereof_o to_o some_o to_o be_v communicate_v as_o there_o be_v opportunity_n to_o other_o or_o else_o to_o private_a person_n live_v perhaps_o at_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o place_n from_o which_o they_o be_v send_v be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o be_v attest_v and_o upon_o that_o account_n be_v not_o at_o first_o so_o general_o receive_v as_o the_o other_o be_v which_o be_v either_o write_v to_o particular_a church_n to_o which_o the_o author_n hand_n and_o the_o messenger_n that_o bring_v they_o be_v well_o know_v or_o which_o be_v first_o publish_v and_o receive_v in_o the_o same_o place_n where_o they_o be_v write_v and_o 3._o that_o even_o those_o church_n which_o do_v for_o some_o time_n doubt_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o book_n be_v persuade_v at_o last_o to_o receive_v they_o as_o the_o authentic_a write_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o other_o inspire_a men._n if_o therefore_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o while_o they_o doubt_v of_o these_o book_n they_o have_v reason_n for_o their_o doubt_n that_o be_v that_o they_o do_v it_o because_o they_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o full_o satisfy_v that_o they_o be_v apostolical_a write_n which_o the_o objector_n i_o believe_v will_v ready_o enough_o grant_v it_o may_v be_v very_o reasonable_o presume_v that_o they_o have_v afterward_o great_a reason_n to_o lay_v aside_o their_o doubt_n and_o that_o when_o they_o do_v receive_v
disprove_v but_o that_o there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o history_n can_v with_o certainty_n be_v affirm_v this_o therefore_o say_v they_o be_v our_o unhappiness_n that_o though_o we_o have_v a_o good_a cause_n we_o be_v destitute_a of_o mean_n to_o support_v it_o and_o be_v in_o the_o condition_n that_o the_o israelite_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v in_o in_o the_o day_n of_o saul_n 13.22_o 1_o sam._n 13.22_o when_o they_o have_v war_n with_o the_o philistine_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o day_n of_o battle_n there_o be_v neither_o sword_n nor_o spear_n find_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o any_o of_o the_o people_n but_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o why_o the_o philistine_n have_v disarm_v they_o 19_o ver._n 19_o they_o have_v take_v away_o the_o weapon_n they_o have_v before_o and_o will_v not_o permit_v more_o to_o be_v make_v and_o this_o say_v the_o infidel_n be_v exact_o our_o case_n in_o the_o war_n we_o have_v now_o with_o the_o christian_n we_o be_v force_v to_o fight_v without_o sword_n or_o spear_n and_o though_o for_o other_o good_a reason_n we_o be_v confident_a the_o gospel_n history_n be_v false_a and_o be_v resolve_v never_o to_o believe_v it_o and_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o in_o former_a time_n it_o have_v be_v oppose_v and_o contradict_v yet_o in_o this_o the_o christian_n have_v be_v too_o hard_a and_o too_o cunning_a for_o we_o that_o while_o they_o have_v keep_v their_o own_o weapon_n they_o have_v sly_o take_v away_o we_o for_o they_o have_v be_v careful_a to_o preserve_v the_o ancient_a book_n that_o be_v write_v by_o those_o of_o their_o own_o party_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o superstition_n but_o the_o book_n of_o their_o adversary_n they_o have_v be_v as_o careful_a to_o suppress_v and_o destroy_v and_o they_o have_v have_v such_o good_a success_n in_o it_o that_o of_o all_o the_o book_n or_o discourse_n of_o the_o ancient_a champion_n of_o judaisme_n paganism_n or_o deism_n trypho_n celsus_n porphyry_n julian_n and_o other_o great_a name_n not_o much_o be_v now_o remain_v beside_o fragment_n and_o those_o perhaps_o imperfect_o or_o false_o cite_v to_o be_v pick_v up_o out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o those_o who_o have_v write_v answer_n to_o they_o who_o we_o may_v well_o presume_v take_v notice_n only_o of_o those_o passage_n therein_o which_o they_o think_v be_v easy_a to_o be_v answer_v but_o this_o be_v no_o unusual_a thing_n for_o the_o powerful_a and_o prevail_a party_n to_o stifle_v that_o evidence_n which_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o disprove_v and_o to_o suppress_v those_o book_n which_o they_o can_v answer_v and_o â—his_fw-la say_v they_o we_o take_v for_o a_o good_a argument_n that_o â—here_o be_v something_o very_o considerable_a in_o these_o book_n â—nd_v not_o easy_o to_o be_v answer_v because_o otherwise_o the_o christian_n of_o former_a time_n will_v have_v be_v more_o willing_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v preserve_v and_o transmit_v â—o_o after_o time_n that_o so_o posterity_n upon_o a_o fair_a hear_v â—f_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v on_o both_o side_n may_v be_v â—ble_n to_o pass_v a_o right_a judgement_n upon_o the_o case_n and_o eiâ—her_o to_o choose_v or_o to_o reject_v the_o profession_n of_o christiaâ—ity_n with_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n this_o be_v what_o have_v be_v sometime_o suggest_v by_o â—he_n enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o indeed_o i_o know_v not_o â—hat_n else_o can_v well_o be_v say_v to_o invalidate_v that_o proof_n of_o â—he_n gospel_n history_n which_o i_o be_o now_o upon_o but_o what_o â—ender_a ground_n there_o be_v for_o this_o suggestion_n and_o how_o â—ery_o little_a the_o christian_a cause_n be_v affect_v by_o it_o a_o few_o word_n will_v suffice_v to_o show_v for_o 1._o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o though_o indeed_o there_o â—â—e_v no_o history_n now_o in_o be_v whereby_o the_o gospel_n history_n can_v be_v disprove_v it_o be_v possible_a however_o there_o â—ay_v have_v former_o be_v several_a narrative_n extant_a that_o be_v perfect_o contradictory_n to_o it_o and_o those_o too_o perhaps_o better_o attest_v and_o confirm_v than_o the_o gospel_n history_n be_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v never_o allow_v to_o be_v a_o good_a proof_n that_o a_o thing_n be_v to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a it_o may_v be_v and_o beside_o if_o this_o surmise_n or_o suggestion_n of_o a_o thing_n bare_o possible_a be_v a_o good_a objection_n against_o the_o gospel_n history_n it_o be_v as_o much_o a_o objection_n against_o all_o other_o ancient_a history_n if_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o gospel_n history_n be_v not_o credible_a no_o other_o history_n be_v so_o for_o there_o be_v no_o ancient_a history_n in_o the_o world_n now_o extant_a which_o we_o can_v be_v sure_o be_v never_o contradict_v by_o some_o other_o as_o ancient_a history_n that_o be_v not_o extant_a but_o 2._o as_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n that_o the_o gospel_n history_n be_v contradict_v when_o it_o be_v first_o publish_v that_o be_v when_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a it_o may_v most_o easy_o have_v be_v disprove_v so_o there_o be_v on_o the_o other_o side_n as_o good_a evidence_n as_o such_o a_o matter_n be_v capable_a of_o that_o it_o never_o be_v thus_o contradict_v or_o disprove_v because_o if_o the_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o evangelical_n history_n have_v be_v then_o deny_v or_o disprove_v by_o any_o competent_a and_o credible_a witness_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o be_v ground_v upon_o and_o chief_o establish_v by_o these_o fact_n shall_v ever_o have_v spread_v so_o fast_o as_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o party_n it_o do_v from_o the_o time_n that_o it_o begin_v to_o be_v preach_v by_o the_o apostle_n nothing_o but_o the_o strong_a evidence_n that_o there_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n history_n and_o strong_a it_o can_v be_v account_v if_o there_o be_v strong_a and_o better_a evidence_n on_o the_o other_o side_n can_v have_v support_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n when_o it_o have_v nothing_o tâ—_n recommend_v itself_o by_o but_o its_o purity_n and_o truth_n against_o that_o violent_a opposition_n which_o it_o meet_v with_o every_o where_o in_o the_o world_n and_o 3._o whereas_o it_o be_v further_o suggest_v that_o the_o loss_n of_o those_o ancient_a book_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v write_v to_o disprove_v the_o gospel_n history_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o power_n and_o subtlety_n of_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o early_a time_n who_o think_v it_o best_a to_o stifle_v that_o evidence_n which_o they_o can_v not_o gainsay_v or_o refute_v this_o suggestion_n be_v manifest_o as_o groundless_a as_o it_o be_v malicious_a for_o many_o book_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o of_o all_o side_n have_v perish_v by_o accident_n or_o be_v wear_v out_o by_o time_n without_o any_o formal_a design_n of_o any_o party_n or_o person_n to_o suppress_v and_o destroy_v they_o and_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o these_o book_n write_v in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o gospel_n history_n if_o indeed_o any_o such_o be_v ever_o write_v may_v not_o have_v perish_v one_o of_o these_o way_n as_o well_o as_o many_o other_o book_n have_v do_v or_o if_o a_o reason_n must_v needs_o be_v give_v why_o some_o book_n and_o why_o these_o in_o particular_a have_v be_v lose_v while_o other_o of_o the_o same_o or_o great_a antiquity_n have_v be_v preserve_v i_o think_v the_o little_a value_n that_o man_n general_o have_v for_o those_o book_n that_o be_v lose_v be_v the_o best_a reason_n that_o can_v be_v give_v why_o they_o be_v suffer_v to_o perish_v and_o that_o the_o most_o probable_a cause_n of_o man_n have_v so_o little_a value_n for_o they_o be_v because_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v so_o evident_o false_a or_o the_o reason_v of_o they_o so_o manifest_o weak_a and_o fallacious_a that_o no_o man_n think_v it_o worth_a his_o while_n to_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n or_o charge_n of_o get_v they_o transcribe_v or_o if_o the_o man_n we_o be_v now_o argue_v with_o will_v not_o allow_v this_o to_o be_v a_o good_a account_n of_o the_o loss_n of_o such_o very_a valuable_a book_n as_o they_o think_v these_o anti-gospel_n history_n be_v let_v they_o find_v out_o a_o better_a but_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o that_o before_o suggest_v by_o they_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v by_o design_n the_o first_o christian_n purposely_o abolish_n and_o destroy_v all_o testimony_n and_o record_n that_o make_v against_o they_o be_v a_o much_o worse_a account_n of_o it_o and_o infinite_o more_o improbable_a than_o that_o which_o i_o have_v give_v for_o it_o must_v be_v suppose_v either_o that_o these_o anti-gospel_n history_n be_v write_v very_o early_o as_o soon_o almost_o as_o the_o gospel_n history_n be_v publish_v by_o the_o preach_a or_o write_v
of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v write_v by_o those_o person_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o 2._o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o they_o in_o their_o relation_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o have_v record_v and_o 3._o that_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a they_o be_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v therein_o teach_v these_o thing_n therefore_o i_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a but_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v for_o brevity_n sake_n confine_v my_o discourse_n only_o to_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n partly_o because_o these_o be_v the_o book_n wherein_o our_o christian_a religion_n be_v chief_o teach_v and_o especial_o because_o i_o think_v there_o be_v none_o who_o receive_v the_o new_a testament_n as_o of_o divine_a authority_n that_o do_v or_o â—ndeed_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n reject_v the_o old_a 1._o then_o i_o be_o to_o show_v that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o particular_a be_v write_v by_o those_o person_n that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o this_o indeed_o be_v a_o point_n that_o it_o do_v not_o proper_o lie_v upon_o we_o to_o make_v any_o proof_n of_o for_o as_o a_o man_n possession_n of_o a_o estate_n be_v alone_o a_o good_a and_o a_o sufficient_a title_n to_o it_o till_o a_o better_a be_v show_v by_o the_o person_n that_o endeavour_v to_o eject_v he_o so_o it_o be_v here_o these_o book_n be_v general_o receive_v as_o write_v by_o such_o and_o such_o person_n these_o author_n have_v the_o name_n these_o have_v as_o it_o be_v â—he_v possession_n of_o they_o and_o that_o be_v title_n enough_o if_o no_o other_o can_v be_v produce_v so_o long_o as_o no_o evidence_n be_v offer_v to_o show_v that_o any_o other_o person_n have_v a_o better_a title_n â—o_o they_o it_o lie_v on_o they_o therefore_o who_o deny_v that_o the_o book_n be_v they_o to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o what_o they_o say_v â—ither_o by_o allege_v some_o special_a matter_n out_o of_o the_o book_n themselves_o whereby_o it_o may_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o can_v â—ot_n be_v of_o their_o write_n or_o by_o produce_v some_o credible_a and_o authentic_a history_n testify_v that_o they_o be_v write_v by_o some_o other_o person_n and_o not_o by_o they_o and_o â—ill_v they_o can_v and_o shall_v do_v this_o which_o i_o be_o persuade_v â—an_v never_o be_v do_v we_o may_v very_o well_o refuse_v to_o produce_v any_o positive_a evidence_n to_o affirm_v or_o prove_v their_o title_n their_o possession_n be_v a_o good_a title_n enough_o till_o a_o better_a appear_v and_o a_o tenant_n may_v with_o as_o good_a reason_n refuse_v to_o pay_v rend_v to_o the_o person_n of_o who_o he_o â—ook_v the_o estate_n and_o to_o who_o he_o have_v ever_o hitherto_o â—aid_v rent_n and_o who_o right_a to_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o controvert_v until_o he_o shall_v suffer_v his_o write_n to_o be_v peruse_v and_o examine_v and_o by_o they_o make_v it_o plain_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v the_o lawful_a landlord_n as_o any_o man_n can_v now_o refuse_v to_o give_v that_o credit_n to_o these_o book_n as_o write_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o have_v be_v give_v hitherto_o and_o be_v still_o give_v by_o all_o christian_n unless_o he_o may_v have_v now_o as_o good_a positive_a evidence_n of_o their_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o may_v have_v be_v give_v thereof_o at_o first_o and_z as_o it_o may_v be_v presume_v be_v give_v before_o their_o title_n to_o they_o be_v so_o universal_o acknowledge_v but_o nevertheless_o what_o a_o man_n be_v not_o under_o any_o obligation_n to_o do_v for_o the_o assert_v of_o his_o right_n he_o may_v do_v wise_o enough_o for_o his_o own_o satisfaction_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o satisfaction_n and_o pleasure_n to_o a_o man_n although_o his_o title_n to_o his_o estate_n be_v not_o at_o present_a controvert_v if_o in_o look_v over_o the_o write_n and_o evidence_n of_o it_o he_o see_v plain_o how_o it_o descend_v to_o he_o by_o a_o lineal_a succession_n from_o father_n to_o son_n for_o many_o generation_n past_a and_o how_o it_o come_v at_o first_o to_o his_o ancestor_n by_o a_o clear_a and_o fair_a purchase_n from_o the_o former_a possessor_n or_o by_o donation_n from_o the_o prince_n in_o the_o division_n of_o a_o waist_n or_o conquer_a country_n and_o if_o he_o also_o find_v ancient_a terrier_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o measure_n and_o bounding_n and_o exact_o describe_v the_o same_o estate_n which_o he_o now_o possess_v and_o if_o moreover_o look_v far_o back_o he_o see_v that_o upon_o some_o dispute_n or_o lawsuit_n that_o have_v former_o be_v concern_v it_o judgement_n have_v be_v always_o give_v on_o his_o side_n it_o can_v but_o please_v he_o i_o say_v that_o upon_o such_o a_o search_n into_o antiquity_n he_o find_v that_o he_o be_v so_o very_o well_o provide_v to_o make_v out_o his_o title_n if_o there_o shall_v ever_o be_v any_o occasion_n for_o it_o although_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o long_a and_o quiet_a possession_n that_o he_o and_o his_o ancestor_n before_o he_o time_n out_o of_o mind_n have_v have_v of_o it_o he_o have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o fear_n he_o shall_v ever_o meet_v â—ith_o any_o disturbance_n and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o these_o write_n the_o book_n of_o â—he_n new_a testament_n be_v general_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v â—ritten_v by_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o authority_n be_v at_o present_a uncontested_a it_o may_v therefore_o reasonable_o be_v presume_v especial_o by_o those_o who_o have_v â—ot_n part_n or_o learning_n or_o leisure_n to_o examine_v into_o the_o â—easons_n of_o such_o thing_n that_o they_o will_v not_o have_v â—â—en_o so_o universal_o acknowledge_v and_o reverence_v as_o â—â—ey_n be_v upon_o this_o account_n but_o upon_o very_o good_a ground_n though_o what_o the_o ground_n thereof_o be_v they_o â—â—ve_v not_o yet_o inquire_v their_o be_v in_o possession_n be_v â—one_n reason_n enough_o to_o acknowledge_v and_o assert_v their_o â—â—tle_n it_o lie_v upon_o they_o that_o deny_v these_o book_n to_o 〈◊〉_d they_o to_o produce_v satisfactory_a evidence_n of_o their_o â—ing_n forge_v or_o counterfeit_a and_o till_o they_o shall_v proâ—â—ce_v some_o evidence_n thereof_o that_o have_v a_o show_n and_o appearance_n of_o truth_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v stagger_v in_o our_o belief_n by_o their_o bare_a however_o bold_a and_o confident_a denial_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o much_o â—s_n shall_v we_o need_v to_o give_v our_o reason_n for_o our_o reâ—â—ving_v they_o as_o write_v by_o the_o apostle_n till_o our_o adversary_n shall_v offer_v some_o reason_n why_o we_o ought_v not_o 〈◊〉_d receive_v they_o as_o such_o but_o nevertheless_o because_o we_o see_v there_o be_v some_o in_o â—s_n incredulous_a age_n that_o show_v a_o good_a will_n to_o deny_v 〈◊〉_d authority_n of_o these_o sacred_a book_n and_o who_o inâ—est_n it_o will_v be_v to_o prove_v they_o spurious_a and_o beâ—se_o we_o can_v tell_v what_o unwarrantable_a practice_n â—ir_a inclination_n and_o interest_n may_v put_v they_o upon_o 〈◊〉_d what_o write_n or_o evidence_n plausible_o forge_a 〈◊〉_d counterfeit_v they_o may_v hereafter_o produce_v it_o can_v be_v amiss_o for_o we_o to_o inquire_v and_o see_v and_o it_o can_v but_o be_v a_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o we_o who_o hold_v our_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n chief_o by_o these_o write_n to_o find_v and_o consider_v how_o well_o provide_v we_o be_v to_o detect_v and_o disprove_v any_o such_o forgery_n if_o they_o shall_v be_v offer_v by_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v in_o opposition_n thereto_o as_o good_a positive_a proof_n that_o these_o book_n be_v genuine_a as_o such_o a_o matter_n be_v capable_a of_o much_o better_a than_o i_o believe_v can_v be_v produce_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o other_o book_n of_o the_o like_a antiquity_n and_o it_o give_v we_o some_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o belief_n wâ—_n have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o that_o these_o be_v the_o genuiâ—â—_n book_n of_o the_o author_n to_o who_o they_o be_v ascribe_v tâ—_n find_v that_o they_o be_v receive_v as_o such_o not_o by_o a_o smaâ—â—_n party_n of_o man_n not_o by_o that_o church_n and_o nation_n only_o to_o which_o we_o belong_v but_o by_o all_o christian_n disperseâ—_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o likewise_o that_o they_o aâ—_n agree_v with_o we_o in_o the_o same_o testimony_n viz._n that_o theâ—_n receive_v then_o as_o such_o from_o their_o father_n for_o thâ—â—_n these_o book_n shall_v be_v thus_o general_o receive_v anâ—_n acknowledge_v
by_o so_o many_o different_a and_o far_o distant_a nation_n without_o some_o good_a ground_n be_v not_o conceivable_a because_o it_o can_v neither_o be_v imagine_v that_o thâ—_n christian_n of_o the_o present_a age_n disperse_v in_o all_o countriâ—_n shall_v combine_v together_o to_o say_v that_o they_o receiv'â—_n these_o book_n from_o their_o father_n as_o the_o genuine_a writing_n of_o the_o apostle_n if_o they_o have_v not_o so_o receive_v they_o nor_o that_o their_o forefather_n in_o any_o of_o the_o age_n paâ—â—_n shall_v have_v all_o agree_v together_o to_o put_v a_o cheat_n upoâ—_n their_o posterity_n by_o deliver_v down_o to_o they_o theâ—â—_n book_n as_o write_v by_o the_o apostle_n when_o they_o themselves_o have_v no_o good_a reason_n to_o believe_v they_o so_o or_o whâ—â—_n they_o know_v the_o contrary_n it_o be_v a_o further_a satisfaction_n to_o we_o to_o observe_v and_o consider_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o book_n be_v as_o well_o prove_v as_o it_o can_v be_v not_o only_o by_o oral_n but_o also_o by_o the_o best_a write_a tradition_n the_o christian_a writer_n of_o all_o age_n cite_v they_o as_o they_o have_v occasion_n as_o the_o genuine_a write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o as_o well_o before_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v define_v and_o declare_v by_o council_n as_o since_o and_o last_o it_o give_v we_o very_o good_a satisfaction_n that_o these_o book_n be_v the_o genuine_a write_n of_o the_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v ascribe_v that_o we_o do_v not_o find_v they_o be_v ever_o except_v against_o as_o spurious_a and_o counterfeit_a in_o those_o time_n when_o it_o will_v have_v be_v most_o proper_a to_o have_v make_v the_o exception_n and_o by_o those_o person_n who_o cause_n and_o interest_n it_o will_v have_v serve_v very_o much_o to_o have_v prove_v they_o spurious_a if_o it_o can_v have_v be_v do_v for_o the_o proper_a time_n to_o have_v make_v this_o exception_n to_o these_o write_n be_v when_o or_o soon_o after_o they_o be_v first_o publish_v when_o it_o will_v have_v be_v easy_a to_o have_v prove_v they_o spurious_a if_o they_o have_v be_v so_o and_o no_o less_o easy_a to_o have_v bring_v positive_a evidence_n of_o their_o be_v genuine_a if_o indeed_o they_o be_v genuine_a either_o by_o the_o live_a testimony_n of_o the_o author_n themselves_o or_o of_o other_o that_o know_v their_o write_n or_o by_o produce_v the_o original_a copy_n under_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o therefore_o their_o be_v then_o receive_v as_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n by_o those_o who_o be_v best_a able_a to_o know_v who_o write_n they_o be_v and_o their_o being_n not_o for_o aught_o appear_v except_v against_o upon_o this_o account_n at_o that_o time_n â—s_v a_o very_a good_a argument_n that_o there_o be_v no_o just_a ground_n for_o any_o such_o exception_n and_o the_o most_o likely_a person_n they_o who_o cause_n and_o interest_n it_o will_v have_v serve_v most_o to_o deny_v that_o these_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o repute_a author_n thereof_o be_v the_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n the_o jew_n or_o the_o heathen_n who_o neither_o of_o they_o want_v either_o malice_n or_o wit_n to_o allege_v any_o fact_n that_o they_o can_v have_v justify_v the_o truth_n of_o in_o disproof_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v therefore_o no_o small_a satisfaction_n to_o we_o to_o observe_v that_o they_o never_o argue_v against_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o this_o topic_n that_o they_o never_o deny_v that_o the_o book_n which_o the_o christian_n receive_v as_o write_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v genuine_a nay_o that_o julian_n himself_o one_o of_o the_o subtle_a as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o bitter_a adversary_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n do_v yet_o express_o own_o that_o the_o book_n read_v by_o the_o christian_n as_o the_o book_n of_o peter_n paul_n matthew_n mark_n and_o luke_n be_v indeed_o they_o after_o all_o indeed_o it_o must_v be_v own_v that_o we_o have_v not_o such_o demonstration_n that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o be_v self-evident_a and_o can_v possible_o be_v contradict_v for_o the_o matter_n itself_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o such_o demonstration_n but_o we_o have_v such_o demonstration_n of_o it_o as_o can_v be_v contradict_v with_o any_o reason_n we_o have_v as_o good_a assurance_n of_o it_o as_o we_o have_v or_o can_v have_v of_o any_o matter_n of_o that_o kind_n we_o have_v as_o good_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o as_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v true_a we_o can_v have_v of_o it_o and_o more_o than_o this_o can_v be_v desire_v we_o be_v as_o moral_o certain_a that_o these_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o author_n to_o who_o they_o be_v ascribe_v as_o we_o be_v that_o any_o other_o ancient_a book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o person_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o there_o be_v no_o argument_n by_o which_o it_o be_v or_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o any_o ancient_a book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o person_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o which_o do_v not_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o these_o book_n rather_o more_o strong_o than_o it_o do_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o other_o book_n and_o there_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v urge_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o book_n which_o may_v not_o with_o as_o good_a reason_n be_v urge_v to_o disprove_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o other_o book_n of_o the_o like_a antiquity_n nay_o indeed_o of_o all_o the_o book_n in_o the_o world_n ancient_a or_o modern_a the_o author_n of_o which_o be_v not_o now_o live_v or_o of_o who_o write_v the_o book_n ascribe_v to_o they_o no_o live_v evidence_n can_v be_v produce_v for_o what_o be_v there_o that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o disprove_v or_o to_o render_v suspect_v the_o authority_n of_o these_o book_n but_o only_o that_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n that_o thing_n may_v not_o be_v as_o we_o believe_v they_o 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alone_o present_o reject_v either_o of_o they_o but_o we_o inquire_v which_o of_o they_o be_v in_o the_o best_a capacity_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o which_o of_o they_o be_v the_o least_o liable_a to_o the_o suspicion_n of_o falsehood_n and_o which_o story_n be_v the_o most_o probable_o relate_v and_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o that_o we_o incline_v if_o therefore_o there_o be_v any_o man_n that_o think_v there_o be_v any_o truth_n in_o history_n and_o who_o do_v give_v credit_n to_o other_o history_n and_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o do_v so_o and_o yet_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o allow_v that_o the_o gospel_n history_n be_v very_o credible_a which_o contain_v a_o relation_n only_o of_o such_o matter_n of_o sense_n as_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o cheat_n or_o deceit_n in_o and_o in_o which_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o deceit_n or_o mistake_v it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v discover_v and_o disprove_v and_o which_o yet_o neither_o be_v now_o nor_o ever_o be_v contradict_v by_o any_o history_n of_o competent_a antiquity_n and_o good_a credit_n i_o think_v we_o may_v very_o well_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v not_o reason_n or_o judgement_n but_o prejudice_n or_o interest_n or_o the_o love_n of_o some_o vice_n or_o lust_n that_o make_v he_o a_o infidel_n the_o end_n of_o the_o four_o sermon_n the_o five_o sermon_n st._n luke_n xvi_o 29_o 30_o 31._o abraham_n say_v unto_o he_o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o he_o say_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o subject_n i_o be_v upon_o in_o my_o last_o discourse_n on_o these_o word_n and_o which_o i_o leave_v unfinished_a be_v to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o the_o author_n of_o the_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o their_o relation_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o have_v record_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o which_o i_o propose_v these_o follow_a thing_n to_o be_v consider_v 1_o the_o nature_n condition_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o matter_n they_o have_v record_v and_o of_o the_o history_n its_o self_n 2_o the_o good_a capacity_n they_o be_v in_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o have_v relate_v 3_o the_o strong_a obligation_n they_o be_v under_o to_o write_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o knowledge_n or_o information_n 4_o the_o good_a evidence_n that_o we_o have_v of_o their_o honesty_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o 5_o last_o the_o confirmation_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o history_n by_o god_n himself_o the_o last_o discourse_n be_v spend_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o thing_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o viz._n 2._o the_o good_a capacity_n that_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o evangelical_n history_n be_v in_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v relate_v now_o the_o matter_n of_o history_n which_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o epistle_n be_v but_o few_o and_o those_o for_o the_o most_o part_n such_o as_o have_v be_v do_v by_o or_o have_v happen_v to_o either_o the_o person_n that_o write_v they_o or_o the_o church_n or_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v write_v so_o that_o of_o these_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o bulk_n or_o body_n of_o the_o evangelical_n history_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o four_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o author_n of_o these_o book_n there_o be_v no_o controversy_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o if_o they_o be_v write_v by_o the_o repute_a author_n a_o few_o word_n will_v suffice_v to_o show_v that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o very_a good_a capacity_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o have_v record_v much_o better_a than_o most_o other_o ancient_a historian_n who_o relation_n nevertheless_o be_v general_o think_v worthy_a of_o credit_n for_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n john_n two_o of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o twelve_o who_o be_v in_o constant_a attendance_n upon_o our_o lord_n from_o the_o time_n that_o he_o first_o begin_v to_o preach_v and_o to_o make_v disciple_n until_o he_o be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n so_o that_o they_o be_v themselves_o eye_n or_o ear-witness_n of_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v record_v of_o st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n indeed_o the_o same_o can_v be_v say_v neither_o be_v it_o certain_a that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n though_o that_o be_v affirm_v by_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n but_o this_o i_o think_v be_v agree_v to_o by_o all_o that_o st._n mark_n be_v for_o some_o part_n of_o his_o life_n a_o constant_a companion_n of_o st._n peter_n who_o be_v not_o only_o one_o of_o the_o twelve_o but_o most_o probable_o the_o first_o that_o be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n and_o who_o be_v also_o one_o of_o the_o three_o with_o who_o our_o lord_n be_v most_o intimate_a and_o familiar_a for_o we_o often_o read_v that_o peter_n 5.37_o matt._n 17.4.26_o 37._o mark_v 5.37_o and_o james_n and_o john_n be_v single_v from_o the_o rest_n to_o be_v witness_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o private_a transaction_n of_o his_o life_n and_o it_o be_v general_o believe_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n that_o st._n peter_n be_v more_o true_o the_o author_n of_o the_o gospel_n call_v st._n mark_n be_v then_o st._n mark_v himself_o he_o be_v only_o the_o scribe_n or_o amanuensis_fw-la and_o st._n peter_n the_o person_n that_o dictate_v the_o thing_n write_v by_o he_o whence_o also_o this_o gospel_n 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think_v thereon_o he_o weep_v it_o be_v likewise_o agree_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o st._n luke_n if_o not_o one_o of_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n which_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a he_o be_v not_o be_v however_o a_o very_a early_a convert_n to_o christianity_n that_o he_o converse_v frequent_o with_o the_o apostle_n and_o immediate_a disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o be_v a_o constant_a companion_n of_o st._n paul_n for_o a_o good_a while_n in_o his_o preach_a and_o travel_n so_o that_o of_o almost_o all_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o relate_v in_o his_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n he_o may_v be_v and_o of_o much_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a and_o of_o some_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o be_v a_o eye_n or_o earwitness_a so_o then_o there_o be_v three_o of_o the_o five_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o be_v write_v by_o those_o who_o be_v present_a at_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v relate_v viz._n the_o gospel_n of_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n john_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o another_o of_o they_o though_o it_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o st._n mark_v the_o person_n by_o who_o it_o be_v pen_v yet_o if_o it_o be_v as_o have_v be_v general_o believe_v dictate_v by_o st._n peter_n may_v be_v add_v to_o that_o number_n and_o be_v likewise_o reckon_v the_o testimony_n of_o one_o who_o be_v a_o eye_n witness_v of_o the_o thing_n he_o have_v relate_v in_o this_o respect_n therefore_o the_o gospel_n history_n be_v manifest_o as_o credible_a as_o it_o be_v possible_a any_o history_n shall_v be_v for_o no_o historian_n can_v record_v any_o thing_n upon_o better_a assurance_n of_o its_o truth_n than_o the_o