then_o must_v that_o person_n do_v or_o rather_o what_o must_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n do_v who_o utter_o renounce_v all_o thing_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o gospel_n iii_o there_o have_v be_v find_v some_o who_o have_v counterfeit_v book_n of_o humane_a learning_n but_o none_o ever_o know_v that_o be_v willing_a to_o die_v in_o defence_n of_o their_o forgery_n now_o none_o here_o can_v be_v suspect_v to_o have_v forge_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o only_o those_o who_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o consequent_o to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n on_o which_o chistianity_n itself_o be_v found_v iv._o a_o man_n may_v very_o well_o counterfeit_a a_o book_n of_o humane_a learning_n but_o not_o always_o nor_o in_o all_o circumstance_n and_o it_o will_v be_v very_o ridiculous_a in_o a_o man_n to_o forge_v letter_n that_o must_v have_v be_v write_v not_o long_o ago_o to_o whole_a society_n or_o epistle_n that_o must_v have_v be_v deposit_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n and_o in_o very_a many_o different_a place_n now_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v affirm_v of_o all_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o make_v up_o a_o very_a considerable_a part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o how_o can_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v possible_o be_v make_v to_o believe_v that_o st._n paul_n write_v a_o epistle_n to_o she_o or_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n that_o she_o have_v receive_v two_o epistle_n from_o he_o and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n unless_o it_o have_v be_v so_o v._o this_o argument_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o considerable_a since_o he_o that_o grant_v one_o point_n in_o this_o matter_n unavoidable_o grant_v the_o whole_a and_o if_o you_o shall_v agree_v with_o i_o that_o perhaps_o one_o single_a epistle_n among_o all_o those_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o forge_v you_o must_v grant_v the_o same_o thing_n of_o they_o all_o or_o at_o least_o it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o the_o incredulous_a to_o to_o cavil_v thereupon_o for_o what_o if_o i_o shall_v grant_v the_o four_o gospel_n to_o be_v forge_v do_v not_o the_o book_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n contain_v nay_o do_v it_o not_o necessary_o suppose_v the_o same_o essential_a matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n shall_v i_o grant_v the_o same_o of_o the_o book_n of_o act_n be_v not_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n sufficient_a to_o inform_v we_o that_o jesus_n christ_n wrought_v several_a miracle_n rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v upon_o the_o disciple_n on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n and_o that_o be_v as_o much_o as_o i_o desire_v in_o a_o word_n shall_v i_o grant_v all_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o be_v the_o work_n of_o another_o man_n i_o need_v but_o receive_v those_o of_o st._n peter_n or_o those_o of_o st._n john_n to_o prove_v the_o same_o thing_n there_o be_v never_o a_o epistle_n in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o what_o mention_n or_o imply_v those_o essential_a matter_n of_o fact_n without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n let_v we_o now_o see_v whether_o we_o can_v persuade_v ourselves_o that_o all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n without_o except_v one_o fragment_n or_o single_a epistle_n among_o they_o be_v forge_v and_o whether_o we_o can_v entertain_v such_o a_o suspicion_n which_o no_o heretic_n no_o impious_a or_o incredulous_a person_n ever_o entertain_v but_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a all_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v forge_v since_o they_o must_v have_v be_v commit_v to_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n as_o they_o be_v real_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n and_o since_o tertullian_n tell_v we_o that_o in_o his_o time_n they_o careful_o preserve_v in_o several_a church_n the_o original_n of_o those_o epistle_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v write_v to_o they_o again_o in_o what_o time_n and_o on_o what_o occasion_n can_v this_o forgery_n have_v be_v make_v be_v it_o during_o the_o life_n of_o the_o apostle_n no_o for_o can_v the_o world_n consider_v those_o book_n as_o sacred_a and_o divine_a which_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o forge_v be_v it_o then_o immediate_o after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n do_v we_o owe_v it_o to_o clemens_n polycarp_n and_o the_o other_o doctor_n of_o that_o age_n by_o no_o mean_n for_o those_o disciple_n of_o the_o apostle_n separate_v themselves_o as_o soon_o as_o those_o great_a light_n of_o the_o world_n be_v extinguish_v polycarp_n go_v to_o rome_n to_o decide_v a_o controversy_n with_o a_o bishop_n of_o rome_n occasion_v in_o the_o church_n about_o the_o time_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o celebrate_v the_o feast_n of_o the_o christian_a resurrection_n or_o passover_n those_o two_o great_a man_n differ_v much_o in_o that_o point_n but_o yet_o they_o both_o agree_v unanimous_o to_o receive_v the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o true_a standard_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o manner_n moreover_o what_o probability_n be_v there_o that_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o church_n can_v have_v be_v induce_v to_o receive_v so_o many_o false_a epistle_n so_o soon_o after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o person_n yet_o live_v who_o have_v converse_v with_o they_o in_o truth_n this_o be_v so_o extravagant_a a_o notion_n that_o we_o hold_v ourselves_o not_o at_o all_o oblige_a to_o refute_v it_o but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n question_v the_o authority_n of_o some_o epistle_n such_o as_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n who_o author_n be_v never_o certain_o know_v the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n that_o of_o st._n judas_n etc._n etc._n i_o grant_v it_o but_o then_o i_o presume_v that_o this_o consideration_n make_v for_o we_o since_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v that_o the_o ancient_a primitive_a christian_n shall_v dispute_v so_o long_o about_o some_o epistle_n in_o particular_a have_v the_o rest_n altogether_o be_v as_o liable_a to_o suspicion_n but_o may_v we_o not_o reasonable_o imagine_v that_o during_o those_o strange_a disorder_n which_o follow_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n some_o christian_n either_o perfect_a cheat_n or_o but_o partly_o persuade_v of_o that_o faith_n may_v have_v compose_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o so_o after_o have_v insert_v in_o they_o whatever_o story_n they_o please_v ascribe_v they_o to_o the_o apostle_n to_o gain_v the_o great_a veneration_n and_o respect_n for_o their_o fiction_n no_o certain_o because_o the_o devastation_n of_o jerusalem_n hinder_v not_o but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v very_o numerous_a church_n at_o rome_n at_o antioch_n at_o thessalonica_n philippi_n etc._n etc._n who_o it_o will_v have_v be_v impossible_a to_o have_v persuade_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v write_v they_o some_o epistle_n which_o must_v have_v be_v already_o deposit_v in_o their_o hand_n and_o beside_o that_o it_o appear_v plain_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v compose_v before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n because_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o church_n establish_v at_o jerusalem_n be_v often_o mention_v therein_o without_o the_o least_o hint_n that_o jerusalem_n be_v then_o utter_o destroy_v beside_o how_o can_v it_o come_v into_o any_o man_n mind_n to_o forge_v such_o book_n after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n who_o design_n be_v only_o to_o humble_v the_o pride_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o induce_v they_o no_o long_o to_o hate_v the_o heathen_n as_o be_v stranger_n and_o to_o persuade_v they_o that_o though_o god_n as_o yet_o suffer_v the_o carnal_a worship_n of_o their_o law_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o expect_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o that_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o especial_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o seem_v earnest_o to_o desire_v to_o unite_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o two_o nation_n and_o heaven_n have_v sufficient_o declare_v itself_o against_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o destruction_n of_o their_o city_n the_o confusion_n of_o their_o tribe_n and_o family_n and_o that_o general_a dispersion_n which_o make_v they_o tributary_n to_o all_o other_o nation_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o further_a reason_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o the_o only_a nation_n call_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o this_o proof_n be_v evident_o write_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o the_o just_a punishment_n of_o that_o people_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o observe_v
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
to_o look_v upon_o that_o word_n as_o divine_v which_o those_o tongue_n have_v preach_v we_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o those_o write_n as_o divine_a in_o which_o that_o word_n itself_o be_v contain_v i_o hope_v that_o whosoever_o shall_v serious_o reflect_v on_o the_o connexion_n of_o all_o these_o principle_n will_v full_o be_v persuade_v that_o their_o union_n be_v not_o to_o be_v dissolve_v if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o book_n as_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o day_n of_o clemens_n polycarp_n and_o of_o the_o primitive_a father_n as_o without_o dispute_n there_o be_v that_o book_n can_v never_o have_v be_v forge_v if_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v not_o have_v be_v forge_v it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o certain_a public_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v insert_v in_o that_o book_n as_o be_v public_o know_v by_o all_o the_o christian_n be_v true_a and_o if_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v true_a it_o can_v never_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o apostle_n receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n if_o the_o apostle_n do_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n certain_o their_o write_n must_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o divine_a i_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o these_o principle_n only_o among_o several_a other_o which_o i_o have_v establish_v but_o lest_o any_o one_o shall_v imagine_v that_o they_o subsist_v mere_o by_o their_o connexion_n i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o remember_v that_o i_o have_v prove_v each_o of_o they_o apart_o by_o themselves_o after_o several_a different_a way_n it_o be_v very_o true_a therefore_o that_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o well_o as_o our_o religion_n be_v divine_a for_o these_o two_o truth_n be_v proper_o one_o and_o the_o same_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v be_v divine_a if_o the_o word_n or_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o ruleof_o the_o faith_n of_o its_o professor_n be_v humane_a and_o the_o scripture_n can_v never_o be_v divine_a unless_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v of_o a_o heavenly_a original_a and_o proceed_v from_o god_n but_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o difficulty_n that_o be_v oppose_v against_o this_o grand_a principle_n chap._n fourteen_o wherein_o we_o shall_v examine_v those_o difficulty_n which_o may_v probable_o be_v raise_v against_o the_o forego_n truth_n truth_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o all_o shift_n and_o trick_n let_v we_o therefore_o brief_o consider_v what_o doubt_n we_o may_v possible_o entertain_v in_o the_o forego_n truth_n let_v we_o give_v full_a scope_n to_o our_o imagination_n to_o frame_v what_o suspicion_n we_o can_v as_o to_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n their_o miracle_n the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o the_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v impart_v to_o mankind_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o i._o to_o begin_v with_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v some_o who_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o essene_n and_o that_o he_o borrow_v from_o that_o sect_n the_o purity_n of_o his_o moral_n and_o the_o soundness_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o indeed_o it_o appear_v from_o the_o description_n which_o philo_n and_o josephus_n give_v we_o of_o that_o sect_n that_o the_o essenes_n live_v among_o themselves_o in_o a_o perfect_a union_n that_o they_o possess_v all_o thing_n in_o common_a that_o they_o look_v upon_o one_o another_o as_o so_o many_o brethren_n and_o that_o they_o have_v very_o rational_a and_o sound_a idea_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n all_o this_o pretty_a well_o agree_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o chistianity_n beside_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o jesus_n christ_n ever_o oppose_v their_o doctrine_n when_o he_o pronounce_v so_o many_o woe_n against_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o jesus_n christ_n borrow_v his_o doctrine_n from_o that_o sect_n we_o shall_v have_v less_o reason_n to_o be_v surprise_v at_o his_o extraordinary_a morality_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n but_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o refute_v this_o notion_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o sect_n as_o that_o of_o the_o essenes_n in_o galilee_n which_o be_v the_o native_a country_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o essenes_n avoid_v all_o correspondence_n with_o other_o man_n as_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o impure_a and_o profane_a and_o for_o that_o reason_n dwell_v not_o in_o any_o great_a city_n whereas_o jesus_n christ_n traverse_v town_n and_o village_n teach_v multitude_n preach_v in_o the_o synagogue_n etc._n etc._n beside_o the_o essenes_n abhor_a matrimony_n whereas_o jesus_n christ_n make_v choice_n of_o such_o disciple_n as_o be_v marry_v and_o last_o that_o he_o have_v several_a fisherman_n to_o attend_v he_o but_o none_o of_o they_o be_v essenes_n but_o ii_o may_v we_o not_o think_v that_o jesus_n christ_n owe_v his_o knowledge_n to_o his_o education_n but_o how_o can_v that_o be_v for_o as_o much_o as_o he_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o shop_n of_o a_o carpenter_n as_o his_o enemy_n themselves_o confess_v in_o their_o reproach_n of_o he_o iii_o some_o will_v object_v that_o it_o be_v out_o of_o spite_n to_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o other_o ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o he_o first_o exclaim_v so_o much_o against_o they_o and_o after_o invent_v on_o purpose_n to_o thwart_v they_o a_o religion_n quite_o opposite_a to_o they_o but_o what_o have_v the_o son_n of_o mary_n to_o do_v with_o all_o those_o teacher_n since_o he_o neither_o be_v priest_n nor_o levite_n nor_o pretend_v to_o any_o such_o dignity_n what_o shall_v make_v he_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o they_o beside_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o assert_v that_o jesus_n christ_n seem_v very_o much_o exasperate_v against_o their_o doctrine_n and_o behaviour_n it_o must_v also_o be_v consider_v whether_o he_o have_v not_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v so_o iu._n it_o be_v object_v that_o perhaps_o he_o be_v ambitious_a of_o be_v think_v a_o prophet_n or_o it_o may_v be_v not_o right_o understand_v certain_a oracle_n which_o seem_v to_o determine_v at_o that_o time_n the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n he_o real_o think_v himself_o to_o be_v that_o messiah_n but_o nothing_o of_o this_o be_v true_a for_o jesus_n christ_n can_v not_o have_v think_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n out_o of_o mere_a simplicity_n and_o ignorance_n nor_o have_v endeavour_v to_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v it_o out_o of_o malice_n or_o deceit_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o former_a if_o we_o consider_v his_o morality_n and_o doctrine_n and_o his_o holiness_n of_o life_n give_v we_o no_o occasion_n to_o imagine_v the_o latter_a the_o incredulous_a will_n soon_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o evident_a absurdity_n if_o they_o assert_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o most_o ignorant_a or_o most_o wicked_a of_o man_n the_o most_o ignorant_a if_o he_o think_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n without_o be_v real_o so_o or_o the_o most_o wicked_a if_o he_o endeavour_v to_o make_v other_o man_n believe_v it_o when_o he_o believe_v it_o not_o himself_o because_o one_o must_v be_v wilful_o blind_a not_o to_o perceive_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n proceed_v both_o from_o a_o very_a clear_a principle_n and_o a_o good_a foundation_n too_o v._n but_o may_v we_o not_o say_v the_o same_o of_o mahomet_n the_o incredulous_a compare_v they_o often_o together_o they_o pretend_v that_o jesus_n christ_n and_o mahomet_n may_v have_v be_v animate_v both_o with_o the_o same_o spirit_n but_o of_o all_o the_o shift_n of_o the_o incredulous_a this_o be_v certain_o their_o weak_a and_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o they_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o idea_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o speak_v of_o when_o they_o insist_v upon_o this_o comparison_n for_o we_o can_v here_o produce_v several_a essential_a difference_n betwixt_o jesus_n christ_n and_o mahomet_n mahomet_n never_o pretend_v to_o establish_v his_o religion_n by_o work_a miracle_n although_o several_a have_v be_v impute_v to_o he_o whereas_o jesus_n christ_n desire_v no_o belief_n but_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o extraordinary_a miracle_n be_v willing_a thereby_o to_o convince_v the_o eye_n and_o sense_n of_o his_o disciple_n by_o sensible_a matter_n of_o fact_n and_o such_o miracle_n as_o he_o give_v they_o also_o power_n to_o work_v themselves_o when_o he_o send_v they_o forth_o to_o preach_v abroad_o his_o resurrection_n and_o miracle_n at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o threaten_v they_o with_o death_n and_o eternal_a damnation_n in_o case_n they_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o deceive_v any_o body_n with_o fiction_n or_o even_o disguise_v the_o truth_n itself_o mahomet_n leave_v no_o such_o prophecy_n behind_o he_o as_o have_v be_v accomplish_v whereas_o we_o have_v several_a of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o have_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
shell_n and_o bark_n if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o examine_v all_o those_o argument_n that_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o external_a testimony_n which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n give_v of_o it_o and_o by_o consider_v their_o natural_a capacity_n the_o discovery_n that_o be_v make_v to_o they_o their_o prejudices_fw-la the_o peculiar_a frame_n of_o their_o mind_n their_o martyrdom_n and_o the_o reason_n that_o induce_v they_o to_o suffer_v it_o etc._n etc._n and_o all_o this_o before_o we_o proceed_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new-testament_n ii_o we_o shall_v consider_v these_o write_n themselves_o and_o inquire_v whether_o they_o be_v forge_v or_o not_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o subject-matter_n of_o they_o and_o endeavour_n both_o to_o defend_v they_o against_o the_o suspicion_n of_o the_o incredulous_a by_o show_v that_o they_o contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v certain_o true_a and_o to_o evince_v the_o divinity_n of_o they_o by_o the_o character_n of_o those_o thing_n they_o contain_v iii_o and_o last_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o very_a substance_n and_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n by_o discover_v the_o excellence_n use_n advantage_n the_o end_n genius_n and_o in_o general_a all_o the_o beauty_n which_o be_v proper_a and_o natural_a to_o it_o and_o this_o be_v what_o we_o design_v to_o treat_v of_o in_o the_o follow_a section_n whereof_o this_o second_o part_n be_v compose_v but_o since_o our_o adversary_n by_o their_o prejudices_fw-la may_v be_v incline_v to_o fear_v lest_o we_o shall_v impose_v upon_o they_o by_o make_v they_o believe_v such_o doctrine_n as_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o reason_n and_o since_o it_o be_v much_o for_o our_o advantage_n to_o remove_v all_o such_o suspicion_n we_o will_v for_o a_o while_o doubt_v of_o every_o thing_n with_o they_o and_o raise_v ourselves_o by_o degree_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o establish_v christianity_n itself_o admit_v of_o nothing_o for_o truth_n but_o so_o far_o as_o appear_v evident_a chap._n i._n where_o we_o shall_v inquire_v whence_o the_o christian_n have_v their_o original_a and_o what_o their_o profession_n be_v by_o look_v back_o into_o the_o first_o age_n wherein_o they_o appear_v in_o order_n to_o which_o we_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v now_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n and_o there_o have_v not_o always_o be_v such_o from_o this_o i_o gather_v that_o i_o must_v look_v back_o into_o past_a age_n to_o find_v out_o the_o original_a of_o my_o religion_n in_o this_o search_n i_o pass_v therefore_o from_o age_n to_o age_n till_o i_o come_v to_o constantine_n without_o be_v able_a to_o clear_v this_o doubt_n but_o here_o we_o must_v make_v a_o little_a stop_n the_o prosperity_n of_o this_o prince_n give_v at_o first_o some_o occasion_n of_o suspicion_n and_o we_o easy_o mistrust_v a_o man_n who_o be_v master_n of_o the_o most_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o world_n seem_v probable_o to_o have_v establish_v the_o christian_a religion_n therein_o either_o by_o force_n or_o policy_n look_v perhaps_o upon_o it_o as_o more_o proper_a than_o that_o of_o the_o heathen_n to_o carry_v on_o his_o design_n yet_o that_o suspicion_n soon_o vanish_v since_o we_o be_v assure_v there_o be_v christian_n in_o the_o world_n before_o constantine_n time_n all_o the_o heathen_a writer_n who_o live_v before_o he_o speak_v of_o they_o and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a historian_n be_v whole_o employ_v in_o describe_v their_o suffering_n but_o suppose_v that_o these_o historian_n live_v in_o the_o day_n of_o constantine_n or_o after_o he_o they_o must_v needs_o have_v either_o lose_v the_o use_n of_o their_o reason_n themselves_o or_o have_v imagine_v that_o the_o man_n of_o their_o age_n have_v lose_v they_o when_o they_o give_v they_o the_o history_n of_o the_o christian_n church_n down_o from_o the_o apostle_n to_o constantine_n if_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o have_v not_o be_v christian_n in_o the_o world_n before_o that_o prince_n and_o therefore_o this_o must_v be_v too_o extravagant_a a_o suspicion_n to_o be_v entertain_v long_o but_o here_o be_v something_o still_o more_o observable_a viz._n that_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o christian_n who_o live_v before_o constantine_n be_v then_o possess_v of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n and_o on_o the_o other_o that_o those_o very_a christian_n be_v so_o strong_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n of_o his_o miracle_n of_o the_o pour_v out_o the_o holy_a spirit_n on_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o all_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o establish_v the_o christian_a religion_n that_o they_o hardly_o speak_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o their_o book_n be_v full_a of_o they_o and_o their_o doctrine_n be_v altogether_o build_v upon_o this_o foundation_n and_o therefore_o if_o constantine_n invent_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o establish_v christianity_n he_o must_v not_o only_o have_v forge_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n but_o also_o the_o write_n of_o clemens_n justin_n iraeneus_n athenagoras_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n tertullian_n origen_n and_o in_o general_a of_o all_o the_o father_n who_o live_v before_o he_o because_o every_o one_o of_o their_o write_n have_v a_o essential_a relation_n to_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o shall_v we_o go_v up_o a_o little_a high_o than_o the_o reign_n of_o constantine_n we_o shall_v hear_v of_o christian_n that_o be_v afflict_v during_o the_o three_o first_o century_n of_o the_o church_n and_o persecute_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o punish_v with_o most_o barbarous_a and_o new_a invent_v torment_n they_o be_v put_v to_o death_n upon_o wheel_n and_o scaffold_n torture_v by_o fire_n their_o flesh_n tear_v with_o pincer_n their_o body_n be_v mangle_v by_o cut_v off_o limb_n one_o after_o another_o they_o be_v throw_v into_o river_n and_o cast_v into_o the_o sea_n and_o expose_v to_o wild_a beast_n wrap_v up_o in_o garment_n dip_v in_o sulphur_n to_o serve_v for_o torch_n and_o set_v up_o to_o light_a passenger_n in_o their_o way_n in_o fine_a it_o be_v never_o know_v that_o man_n so_o universal_o agree_v in_o any_o one_o thing_n as_o in_o their_o design_n of_o torment_v the_o christian_n in_o so_o much_o that_o the_o ordinary_a people_n who_o have_v general_o some_o compassion_n for_o the_o great_a malefactor_n upon_o the_o scaffold_n conduct_v the_o christian_n to_o the_o place_n of_o execution_n with_o acclamation_n of_o joy_n certain_o it_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n to_o restrain_v one_o curiosity_n so_o much_o as_o not_o to_o desire_v a_o more_o particular_a knowledge_n of_o a_o people_n persecute_v by_o the_o world_n with_o so_o much_o rage_n and_o malice_n for_o to_o see_v the_o whole_a world_n so_o strange_o incense_v against_o one_o sect_n of_o man_n one_o will_v easy_o think_v they_o the_o common_a enemy_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o the_o offspring_n of_o hell_n itself_o bear_v for_o a_o common_a plague_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n apolog._n what_o then_o be_v the_o great_a crime_n these_o christian_n be_v guilty_a of_o they_o be_v accuse_v of_o impiety_n murder_n and_o incest_n it_o be_v pretend_v that_o they_o violate_v the_o respect_n due_a to_o the_o god_n that_o they_o murder_v their_o own_o child_n which_o they_o scruple_v not_o to_o eat_v up_o after_o have_v kill_v they_o and_o last_o that_o they_o lie_v promiscuous_o together_o the_o brother_n with_o the_o sister_n and_o the_o son_n with_o the_o mother_n but_o first_o of_o all_o there_o be_v little_a likelihood_n that_o the_o christian_n shall_v suffer_v death_n and_o torment_n worse_o than_o death_n itself_o in_o defence_n of_o a_o religion_n which_o engage_v they_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o such_o infamous_a action_n that_o steadfast_a constancy_n they_o 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inform_v
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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 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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
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
the_o use_n of_o his_o tongue_n whilst_o he_o be_v in_o the_o temple_n that_o all_o the_o people_n be_v eye-witness_n of_o it_o and_o that_o he_o remain_v speechless_a till_o the_o time_n be_v come_v wherein_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o give_v a_o name_n to_o that_o wonderful_a child_n which_o god_n have_v give_v he_o in_o his_o old_a age_n notwithstanding_o the_o barrenness_n of_o his_o wife_n suppose_v the_o gospel_n wherein_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v relate_v be_v compose_v long_o after_o that_o event_n still_o it_o be_v true_a that_o st._n luke_n compose_v his_o gospel_n before_o his_o book_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o that_o he_o compose_v the_o book_n of_o act_n sometime_o before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o we_o have_v in_o another_o place_n already_o observe_v and_o as_o it_o be_v without_o doubt_n true_a then_o suppose_v also_o forty_o fifty_o or_o sixty_o year_n if_o you_o will_v have_v past_a since_o all_o these_o thing_n have_v happen_v and_o before_o st._n luke_n compose_v his_o gospel_n can_v forty_o fifty_o or_o sixty_o year_n be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v several_a thousand_o of_o people_n nay_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o great_a and_o flourish_a city_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o they_o have_v see_v either_o with_o their_o own_o eye_n or_o that_o their_o forefather_n have_v see_v one_o of_o their_o priest_n whole_o deprive_v of_o the_o use_n of_o his_o tongue_n because_o he_o have_v see_v a_o vision_n in_o the_o holy_a place_n and_o yet_o that_o he_o recover_v it_o precise_o and_o exact_o at_o the_o time_n he_o be_v oblige_v to_o give_v a_o name_n to_o his_o child_n certain_o have_v none_o but_o zachariah_n relation_n be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o event_n of_o those_o thing_n yet_o it_o will_v have_v argue_v rashness_n in_o any_o man_n to_o invent_v any_o thing_n false_a concern_v they_o for_o what_o a_o extravagance_n will_v it_o have_v be_v in_o any_o one_o to_o pretend_v to_o invent_v it_o against_o the_o public_a knowledge_n of_o a_o whole_a and_o very_o numerous_a nation_n so_o solemn_o assemble_v together_o and_o so_o intent_n upon_o that_o event_n nay_o so_o surprise_v at_o that_o prodigy_n or_o if_o you_o will_v according_a to_o the_o incredulous_a so_o full_o satisfy_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o a_o vain_a chimaera_n and_o delusion_n and_o the_o people_n say_v the_o historian_n wait_v for_o zacharias_n and_o marvel_v that_o he_o tarry_v so_o long_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o when_o he_o come_v out_o he_o can_v not_o speak_v unto_o they_o and_o they_o perceive_v that_o he_o have_v see_v a_o vision_n in_o the_o temple_n for_o he_o beckon_v unto_o they_o and_o remain_v speechless_a luke_n 1._o 21_o 22._o but_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o zacharias_n be_v heal_v be_v no_o less_o surprise_v and_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v say_v the_o evangelist_n that_o on_o the_o eight_o day_n they_o come_v to_o circumcise_v the_o child_n and_o they_o call_v he_o zachariah_n after_o the_o name_n of_o his_o father_n and_o his_o mother_n answer_v and_o say_v not_o so_o but_o he_o shall_v be_v call_v john_n and_o they_o say_v unto_o she_o there_o be_v none_o of_o thy_o kindred_n that_o be_v call_v by_o that_o name_n and_o they_o make_v sign_n to_o his_o father_n how_o he_o will_v have_v he_o call_v and_o he_o ask_v for_o a_o write_v table_n and_o write_v say_v his_o name_n be_v john_n and_o they_o marvel_v all_o and_o his_o mouth_n be_v open_v immediate_o and_o his_o tongue_n loose_v and_o he_o speak_v and_o praise_v god_n and_o fear_n come_v on_o all_o that_o dwell_v round_o about_o they_o and_o all_o these_o say_n be_v noise_v abroad_o throughout_o all_o the_o country_n of_o judea_n luke_n 1._o 59_o 60_o 61_o 62_o 63_o 64_o 65._o thus_o it_o appear_v this_o history_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v know_v to_o all_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o other_o be_v spread_v abroad_o throughout_o all_o the_o country_n of_o judea_n and_o certain_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a any_o one_o shall_v have_v in_o the_o least_o design_v to_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n in_o that_o respect_n against_o that_o double_a knowledge_n they_o must_v have_v have_v of_o that_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o then_o the_o evangelist_n will_v have_v take_v away_o all_o possibility_n of_o belief_n from_o his_o narration_n by_o the_o choice_n of_o those_o circumstance_n he_o insert_v into_o his_o history_n now_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v natural_a for_o a_o author_n who_o write_v the_o history_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o miracle_n in_o a_o time_n wherein_o it_o be_v so_o strict_o examine_v and_o the_o follower_n of_o that_o sect_n be_v adjudge_v and_o condemn_v to_o death_n with_o so_o much_o severity_n in_o a_o time_n wherein_o as_o he_o himself_o make_v the_o jew_n of_o rome_n tell_v it_o to_o st._n paul_n speak_v to_o he_o at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o book_n of_o act_n chap._n 28._o v._n 22._o for_o as_o concern_v this_o sect_n we_o know_v that_o every_o where_o it_o be_v speak_v against_o i_o say_v it_o do_v not_o seem_v natural_a that_o that_o same_o author_n who_o know_v it_o â—ay_n observe_v it_o himself_o shall_v have_v publish_v such_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o falsity_n of_o which_o he_o will_v soon_o have_v be_v convince_v of_o by_o twenty_o thousand_o of_o people_n who_o must_v have_v be_v present_a in_o the_o temple_n with_o zachariah_n or_o at_o least_o hear_v it_o relate_v by_o those_o who_o be_v there_o present_a one_o of_o the_o most_o dangerous_a error_n which_o the_o incredulous_a plunge_n themselves_o in_o be_v that_o they_o imagine_v that_o the_o same_o distance_n of_o time_n which_o be_v between_o we_o and_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v to_o we_o be_v also_o to_o be_v find_v between_o those_o very_a matter_n of_o fact_n themselves_o and_o those_o who_o so_o relate_v they_o and_o they_o perceive_v not_o that_o whereas_o with_o respect_n to_o we_o 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command_v all_o the_o young_a child_n that_o be_v in_o the_o city_n of_o bethlehem_n and_o in_o all_o the_o coast_n thereof_o to_o be_v slay_v from_o two_o year_n old_a and_o under_o according_a to_o the_o time_n he_o have_v diligent_o inquire_v of_o the_o wiseman_n i_o say_v this_o history_n be_v much_o of_o the_o same_o stamp_n with_o that_o we_o just_a now_o consider_v have_v the_o evangelist_n only_o tell_v we_o in_o general_a that_o the_o wiseman_n see_v a_o star_n in_o the_o east_n which_o they_o take_v to_o be_v the_o star_n that_o signify_v the_o birth_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o will_v have_v be_v somewhat_o more_o suspicious_a have_v they_o tell_v we_o only_o that_o those_o wiseman_n come_v to_o jerusalem_n that_o will_v not_o positive_o have_v conclude_v much_o but_o when_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o come_v public_o to_o jerusalem_n not_o any_o way_n conceal_v themselves_o or_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o come_n and_o that_o the_o whole_a city_n be_v 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