seem_v to_o have_v be_v pen_v by_o so_o many_o different_a author_n as_o appear_v not_o only_o from_o several_a way_n and_o manner_n of_o expression_n observable_a in_o each_o of_o they_o but_o also_o from_o the_o subject_a which_o be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o and_o most_o of_o the_o same_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v repeat_v in_o each_o gospel_n some_o of_o which_o be_v tell_v with_o such_o a_o diversity_n of_o circumstance_n as_o occasion_n some_o difficulty_n to_o reconcile_v together_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o any_o one_o man_n will_v write_v so_o many_o account_n of_o the_o same_o story_n so_o little_a different_a from_o one_o another_o in_o the_o main_a branch_n and_o so_o much_o in_o some_o lesser_a particular_n the_o narration_n in_o all_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v very_o short_a naked_a and_o simple_a nothing_o but_o bare_a matter_n of_o fact_n be_v relate_v just_a as_o they_o happen_v without_o any_o interposition_n of_o the_o author_n there_o be_v no_o preparation_n of_o event_n no_o artful_a transition_n or_o connexion_n no_o set_a character_n of_o person_n to_o be_v introduce_v or_o reflection_n upon_o past_a action_n and_o the_o author_n of_o they_o no_o excuse_n or_o apology_n for_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o writer_n may_v probable_o foresee_v will_v shock_v or_o disturb_v his_o reader_n no_o colour_n artifices_fw-la or_o argument_n to_o set_v off_o a_o doubtful_a action_n and_o reconcile_v it_o to_o some_o other_o or_o to_o the_o character_n of_o the_o person_n that_o do_v it_o the_o fault_n and_o infirmity_n of_o those_o person_n the_o author_n will_v seem_v to_o recommend_v be_v fair_o record_v without_o any_o mitigation_n or_o abatement_n and_o the_o crime_n of_o their_o enemy_n bare_o tell_v without_o any_o aggravation_n the_o epistle_n appear_v to_o be_v write_v with_o a_o great_a air_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n and_o the_o author_n of_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v act_v by_o as_o warm_v and_o steady_a zeal_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n and_o to_o speak_v with_o mighty_a assurance_n from_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n they_o so_o earnest_o press_v and_o recommend_v whether_o any_o of_o they_o be_v write_v by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o historical_a book_n and_o which_o of_o they_o be_v and_o which_o not_o we_o have_v nothing_o in_o the_o write_n themselves_o to_o judge_v by_o but_o the_o difference_n of_o style_n which_o seem_v very_o distinguishable_a in_o some_o of_o they_o but_o i_o shall_v not_o lay_v much_o stress_n upon_o that_o because_o it_o may_v be_v dispute_v by_o pretender_n to_o criticism_n the_o last_o epistle_n which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v plain_o of_o a_o different_a character_n from_o all_o the_o other_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n though_o say_v to_o be_v write_v by_o one_o who_o be_v author_n of_o a_o gospel_n and_o some_o other_o epistle_n which_o difference_n arise_v whole_o from_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o conveyance_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o writer_n upon_o this_o supposion_n it_o may_v easy_o be_v allow_v to_o belong_v to_o the_o same_o author_n that_o write_v some_o other_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o a_o different_a style_n from_o that_o of_o the_o revelation_n which_o be_v altogether_o figurative_a and_o mysterious_a all_o the_o several_a book_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n except_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n have_v name_n of_o person_n prefix_v to_o they_o as_o the_o repute_a author_n of_o they_o who_o be_v all_o the_o same_o that_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n either_o as_o immediate_a apostle_n of_o christ_n or_o such_o as_o be_v choose_v and_o direct_v by_o those_o that_o be_v so_o but_o neither_o by_o the_o title_n nor_o by_o any_o thing_n say_v in_o the_o book_n themselves_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o any_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v by_o christ_n himself_o or_o that_o he_o write_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o i_o have_v these_o thing_n further_a to_o observe_v of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o general_a that_o there_o be_v in_o divers_a place_n of_o they_o a_o great_a many_o particular_a remarkable_a note_n of_o time_n to_o distinguish_v when_o the_o several_a action_n therein_o relate_v happen_v all_o which_o be_v within_o the_o space_n contain_v betwixt_o the_o death_n of_o julius_n caesar_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o name_n of_o person_n and_o place_n concern_v in_o these_o action_n the_o great_a part_n of_o which_o be_v jewish_a greek_a and_o roman_a and_o that_o most_o of_o the_o chief_a matter_n of_o fact_n and_o doctrine_n mention_v in_o any_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v suppose_v by_o the_o several_a writer_n of_o they_o to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v before_o those_o book_n be_v write_v the_o two_o former_a of_o these_o observation_n be_v very_o evident_a upon_o the_o first_o and_o most_o transient_a read_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o a_o very_a small_a degree_n of_o attention_n will_v serve_v to_o satisfy_v we_o of_o the_o latter_a all_o the_o epistle_n be_v very_o absurd_a and_o unintelligible_a without_o this_o supposition_n for_o first_o the_o argument_n and_o exhortation_n there_o make_v use_n of_o with_o which_o they_o abound_v be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n inference_n from_o matter_n of_o fact_n take_v for_o grant_v and_o not_o new_o tell_v as_o appear_v from_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n in_o which_o they_o be_v mention_v the_o fact_n be_v allude_v to_o only_a and_o imperfect_o hint_v at_o not_o relate_v with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n necessary_a to_o inform_v those_o that_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o they_o before_o then_o the_o form_n of_o blessing_n and_o salutation_n we_o find_v there_o and_o the_o title_n the_o writer_n give_v themselves_o and_o those_o they_o write_v to_o all_o necessary_o imply_v the_o same_o thing_n beside_o there_o be_v several_a direct_a expression_n in_o many_o place_n of_o they_o which_o do_v formal_o and_o in_o plain_a term_n assert_v that_o the_o person_n these_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o have_v be_v before_o instruct_v in_o all_o the_o principal_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v plain_a also_o from_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o well_o as_o the_o epistle_n that_o church_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n before_o any_o of_o these_o book_n be_v write_v the_o manner_n and_o way_n of_o their_o establishment_n be_v the_o chief_a subject_n of_o that_o book_n call_v the_o act_n as_o the_o fix_v and_o confirm_v they_o in_o the_o faith_n be_v the_o chief_a design_n of_o the_o epistle_n nor_o be_v it_o less_o manifest_a from_o the_o gospel_n that_o they_o all_o suppose_v the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v of_o christ_n and_o most_o of_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o he_o to_o have_v be_v know_v and_o believe_v by_o a_o great_a many_o at_o the_o the_o time_n when_o these_o gospel_n be_v write_v and_o in_o the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v publish_v the_o manner_n of_o begin_v each_o gospel_n be_v a_o very_a good_a proof_n of_o this_o truth_n st._n luke_n plain_o in_o express_a word_n affirm_v that_o the_o person_n for_o who_o he_o more_o particular_o write_v his_o gospel_n have_v be_v before_o instruct_v in_o those_o thing_n he_o be_v about_o to_o give_v he_o a_o account_n of_o in_o order_n and_o that_o those_o thing_n which_o other_o have_v before_o he_o set_v forth_o a_o declaration_n of_o be_v such_o as_o be_v most_o sure_o believe_v among_o they_o even_o as_o they_o deliver_v they_o unto_o they_o which_o from_o the_o beginning_n be_v eye-witness_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o other_o gospel_n begin_v so_o abrupt_o and_o fall_v so_o immediate_o into_o the_o story_n of_o christ_n without_o any_o introduction_n or_o preface_n concern_v the_o character_n of_o the_o person_n who_o history_n they_o write_v or_o the_o time_n or_o design_n of_o their_o writing_n that_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v they_o will_v address_v themselves_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n to_o person_n who_o be_v perfect_a stranger_n to_o the_o name_n and_o history_n of_o christ_n but_o beside_o this_o way_n of_o beginning_n we_o have_v several_a account_n in_o the_o body_n of_o each_o gospel_n of_o multitude_n of_o people_n that_o follow_v christ_n that_o hear_v his_o sermon_n and_o be_v witness_n of_o his_o miracle_n of_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n who_o be_v convert_v by_o his_o discourse_n and_o of_o a_o great_a many_o that_o oppose_a and_o prosecute_v christ_n and_o object_v several_a thing_n to_o his_o
of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o nicene_n father_n and_o most_o of_o they_o by_o all_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o all_o the_o public_a decision_n and_o order_n of_o the_o council_n that_o they_o be_v ground_v upon_o some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n now_o in_o our_o hand_n if_o they_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v write_v before_o that_o time_n and_o that_o they_o be_v eusebius_n one_o of_o the_o bishop_n of_o this_o council_n be_v a_o sufficient_a witness_n who_o in_o a_o history_n he_o have_v leave_v we_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v all_o writ_n and_o the_o author_n they_o be_v write_v by_o which_o be_v another_o very_a good_a argument_n that_o most_o of_o the_o nicene_n bishop_n have_v the_o same_o bible_n for_o eusebius_n be_v not_o only_o present_a among_o and_o converse_v with_o several_a of_o they_o but_o have_v a_o great_a share_n in_o the_o management_n of_o the_o controversy_n they_o come_v to_o decide_v and_o be_v of_o a_o doubtful_a faith_n in_o the_o main_a point_n determine_v by_o they_o or_o as_o some_o suspect_n a_o favourer_n of_o the_o side_n condemn_v must_v have_v have_v occasion_n either_o in_o public_a debate_n or_o private_a conversation_n to_o have_v cite_v most_o of_o the_o book_n he_o acknowledge_v for_o scripture_n and_o have_v any_o doubt_n arisen_a concern_v the_o authority_n of_o they_o such_o a_o considerable_a and_o important_a controversy_n as_o will_v have_v spring_v from_o thence_o will_v have_v produce_v a_o determination_n of_o the_o council_n upon_o it_o or_o to_o be_v sure_a have_v be_v as_o much_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o as_o faithful_o record_v as_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v do_v there_o beside_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o history_n we_o have_v of_o this_o council_n by_o cotemporary_n and_o other_o of_o the_o age_n immediate_o follow_v that_o some_o scripture_n be_v appeal_v to_o their_o authority_n acknowledge_v form_n of_o expression_n draw_v from_o thence_o a_o difficulty_n make_v of_o depart_v from_o scripture-term_n till_o other_o equivalent_a expression_n be_v find_v necessary_a to_o distinguish_v those_o who_o believe_v scripture_n in_o a_o right_a sense_n from_o those_o who_o interpret_v it_o wrong_n and_o therefore_o if_o eusebius_n or_o athanasius_n who_o be_v present_a at_o the_o council_n or_o any_o other_o writer_n cotemporary_a or_o near_o in_o time_n to_o it_o say_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n he_o must_v be_v judge_v to_o mean_v that_o the_o same_o scripture_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o nicene_n council_n which_o he_o himself_o own_v so_o that_o if_o eusebius_n or_o athanasius_n own_a all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o we_o do_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o when_o he_o talk_v of_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o account_n he_o give_v of_o the_o nicene_n council_n he_o must_v mean_v the_o same_o that_o he_o do_v when_o he_o mention_n they_o upon_o any_o other_o occasion_n and_o the_o like_a will_v hold_v of_o other_o writer_n but_o further_a to_o put_v this_o matter_n past_o all_o doubt_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n be_v some_o time_n or_o other_o afterward_o fix_v as_o we_o find_v it_o now_o with_o all_o the_o same_o book_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o we_o have_v at_o present_a the_o occasion_n of_o make_v such_o a_o canon_n be_v because_o it_o be_v doubt_v of_o some_o of_o the_o book_n whether_o they_o be_v the_o genuine_a work_n of_o those_o who_o name_n they_o bear_v and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o whether_o they_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o rest_n now_o the_o way_n that_o be_v take_v to_o remove_v all_o objection_n and_o fix_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o scripture_n which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o unalterable_a standard_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v by_o examine_v the_o general_a tradition_n of_o all_o the_o different_a church_n where_o christianity_n be_v profess_v upon_o which_o examination_n when_o it_o be_v certain_o know_v that_o such_o and_o such_o book_n which_o be_v doubt_v of_o by_o some_o because_o they_o have_v be_v but_o late_o receive_v among_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o province_n and_o church_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v have_v be_v constant_o acknowledge_v under_o the_o same_o style_n and_o character_n with_o the_o rest_n by_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o other_o church_n of_o christian_n these_o be_v likewise_o as_o universal_o receive_v as_o the_o other_o and_o their_o authority_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n allow_v the_o consent_n of_o so_o many_o different_a church_n in_o the_o same_o opinion_n concern_v certain_a book_n and_o agreeable_o to_o their_o opinion_n in_o the_o same_o careful_a preservation_n of_o they_o unaltered_a most_o of_o which_o church_n have_v continue_v separate_a and_o independent_a one_o of_o another_o ever_o since_o the_o date_n they_o ascribe_v to_o those_o write_n and_o several_a of_o they_o at_o such_o a_o distance_n as_o to_o have_v have_v no_o communication_n with_o one_o another_o since_o that_o time_n such_o a_o consent_n i_o say_v as_o this_o whensoever_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n be_v first_o determine_v in_o a_o general_a meeting_n be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o establish_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o book_n that_o be_v doubt_v of_o and_z according_o the_o whole_a canon_n we_o now_o have_v be_v afterward_o universal_o acknowledge_v since_o therefore_o we_o find_v that_o all_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v universal_o receive_v some_o time_n after_o the_o nicene_n council_n and_o since_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o canon_n and_o universal_a submission_n to_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o general_a tradition_n so_o faithful_o preserve_v in_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o christian_a church_n that_o all_o other_o christian_n be_v full_o satisfy_v of_o it_o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o nicene_n bishop_n must_v own_v the_o same_o scripture_n we_o do_v now_o because_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v do_v but_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o this_o we_o will_v consider_v only_o those_o scripture_n which_o be_v never_o doubt_v of_o by_o any_o christian_n and_o consequent_o must_v have_v be_v receive_v by_o the_o whole_a council_n of_o nice_a these_o be_v according_a to_o eusebius_n who_o in_o his_o history_n give_v we_o a_o catalogue_n of_o they_o the_o four_o gospel_n act_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o thirteen_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n which_o have_v his_o name_n to_o they_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o peter_n and_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o john_n and_o eusebius_n can_v not_o say_v this_o have_v he_o know_v of_o any_o of_o his_o fellow-bishop_n of_o the_o council_n who_o deny_v either_o the_o authority_n or_o general_a reception_n of_o any_o of_o these_o book_n suppose_v therefore_o that_o these_o be_v the_o only_a scripture_n acknowledge_v by_o all_o the_o nicene_n bishop_n then_o what_o be_v say_v before_o concern_v several_a religious_a custom_n and_o practice_n there_o mention_v will_v hold_v in_o like_a manner_n of_o those_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o such_o or_o such_o a_o particular_a bishop_n that_o be_v present_a at_o this_o council_n may_v himself_o by_o a_o short_a easy_a and_o unquestionable_a way_n of_o conveyance_n be_v assure_v that_o for_o 150_o year_n last_o pass_v the_o same_o scripture_n have_v be_v acknowledge_v as_o well_o as_o the_o same_o religious_a custom_n practise_v in_o that_o church_n and_o province_n from_o whence_o he_o come_v and_o consequent_o that_o the_o main_a scheme_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o it_o have_v be_v all_o that_o time_n the_o same_o now_o if_o we_o apply_v the_o forego_n observation_n to_o all_o the_o several_a bishop_n of_o this_o council_n and_o suppose_v they_o all_o satisfy_v of_o the_o constant_a tradition_n of_o the_o same_o scripture_n &_o custom_n as_o be_v before_o specify_v in_o the_o several_a church_n and_o province_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v as_o the_o history_n of_o these_o time_n relate_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o have_v be_v then_o be_v the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o all_o these_o bishop_n a_o infallible_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o testify_v and_o if_o there_o have_v not_o be_v such_o a_o constant_a tradition_n in_o any_o of_o these_o church_n or_o province_n as_o we_o suppose_v than_o the_o original_a introduction_n or_o intermission_n of_o any_o of_o those_o scripture_n or_o custom_n within_o the_o same_o compass_n of_o time_n will_v have_v be_v in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o manner_n and_o with_o the_o same_o certainty_n know_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o those_o church_n and_o province_n where_o such_o introduction_n or_o intermission_n happen_v and_o what_o be_v first_o introduce_v
that_o be_v but_o 150_o year_n before_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a the_o same_o it_o be_v then_o and_o if_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v as_o far_o spread_v in_o the_o time_n of_o trajan_n as_o it_o be_v sixty_o year_n afterward_o the_o same_o will_v hold_v as_o to_o all_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o it_o must_v be_v derive_v to_o those_o province_n that_o want_v it_o from_o those_o where_o it_o be_v profess_v which_o amount_v to_o the_o same_o thing_n for_o if_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o time_n of_o trajan_n be_v not_o the_o same_o it_o be_v sixty_o year_n afterward_o no_o account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o so_o general_a and_o wide_a a_o agreement_n then_o in_o so_o many_o different_a province_n as_o have_v already_o be_v prove_v the_o same_o christian_a religion_n be_v profess_v in_o at_o that_o time_n in_o all_o which_o the_o religion_n then_o profess_v must_v be_v suppose_v different_a from_o the_o original_a it_o be_v derive_v from_o sixty_o year_n before_o even_o in_o those_o very_a province_n where_o it_o have_v be_v so_o long_o ago_o establish_v as_o well_o as_o in_o those_o where_o it_o be_v late_a entertain_v which_o be_v absurd_a to_o imagine_v and_o further_o since_o by_o the_o account_n we_o have_v of_o these_o time_n it_o plain_o appear_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v very_o far_o spread_v under_o the_o reign_n of_o trajan_n and_o consequent_o publish_v long_o before_o and_o since_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v then_o spread_v it_o be_v the_o same_o it_o be_v sixty_o year_n afterward_o when_o as_o we_o have_v already_o prove_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o general_a form_n or_o scheme_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v profess_v at_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a and_o in_o the_o same_o religious_a institution_n and_o practice_n as_o be_v then_o in_o use_n it_o follow_v from_o hence_o and_o from_o what_o have_v be_v before_o advance_v that_o the_o christian_n we_o find_v in_o nero_n time_n be_v of_o the_o same_o religion_n and_o faith_n with_o those_o that_o live_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a and_o consequent_o that_o all_o the_o common_a historical_a matter_n of_o fact_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n respect_v the_o original_a of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o place_n where_o it_o first_o appear_v the_o time_n and_o manner_n of_o publishing_n and_o propagate_a it_o the_o character_n of_o those_o concern_v in_o the_o work_n and_o the_o fortune_n that_o attend_v both_o they_o and_o their_o doctrine_n must_v necessary_o be_v true_a as_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v more_o particular_o by_o sum_v up_o the_o whole_a argument_n in_o this_o manner_n it_o have_v be_v prove_v before_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a acknowledge_v all_o the_o same_o scripture_n that_o we_o do_v now_o and_o that_o most_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v universal_o receive_v then_o and_o believe_v by_o all_o christian_n of_o that_o time_n to_o have_v be_v so_o from_o their_o first_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n the_o book_n which_o be_v thus_o universal_o receive_v be_v as_o universal_o think_v to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o those_o author_n to_o who_o they_o be_v ascribe_v and_o to_o have_v be_v all_o write_v by_o their_o several_a author_n at_o several_a time_n between_o the_o end_n of_o caligula_n be_v reign_v and_o the_o beginning_n of_o trajan_n and_o indeed_o if_o they_o believe_v the_o scripture-history_n as_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o christian_n who_o receive_v these_o book_n do_v they_o must_v have_v believe_v likewise_o that_o all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v by_o such_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v be_v write_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o time_n assign_v for_o they_o for_o from_o the_o time_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o publication_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o appear_v that_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v any_o of_o they_o write_v soon_o and_o from_o the_o age_n of_o the_o author_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v work_n of_o a_o late_a date_n this_o be_v the_o general_a faith_n of_o all_o christian_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a must_v likewise_o according_a to_o what_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v the_o universal_a belief_n of_o christian_n 150_o year_n before_o this_o council_n sit_v and_o if_o the_o same_o scripture_n be_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n receive_v and_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n 150_o year_n before_o this_o council_n of_o nice_a they_o must_v have_v be_v general_o know_v and_o receive_v in_o the_o time_n of_o trajan_n as_o far_o as_o the_o christian_a name_n then_o reach_v they_o can_v not_o otherwise_o have_v be_v propagate_v so_o far_o and_o wide_o in_o less_o than_o threescore_o year_n time_n and_o if_o the_o christian_n in_o trajan_n time_n know_v and_o believe_v these_o scripture_n than_o be_v the_o christian_a religion_n under_o trajan_n the_o same_o it_o be_v under_o nero_n for_o in_o every_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o author_n plain_o suppose_v the_o christian_a religion_n establish_v and_o all_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n and_o doctrine_n there_o record_v believe_v before_o he_o write_v and_o therefore_o if_o all_o or_o any_o of_o these_o book_n be_v receive_v at_o rome_n in_o the_o time_n of_o trajan_n as_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n must_v have_v be_v when_o sixty_o year_n afterward_o it_o be_v believe_v by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n to_o have_v be_v send_v to_o they_o then_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o christian_n that_o receive_v they_o must_v have_v certain_o know_v that_o they_o believe_v the_o same_o fact_n and_o doctrine_n which_o they_o find_v in_o those_o book_n ever_o since_o they_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o all_o other_o who_o be_v of_o the_o same_o name_n must_v have_v profess_v to_o believe_v the_o same_o thing_n too_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o religion_n so_o require_v and_o consequent_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n at_o rome_n be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o time_n of_o nero_n it_o be_v then_o the_o neronian_a persecution_n be_v not_o above_o thirty_o five_o year_n before_o the_o reign_n of_o trajan_n which_o be_v so_o short_a a_o period_n that_o several_a christian_n of_o trajan_n time_n may_v have_v be_v christian_n under_o nero_n too_o and_o must_v have_v know_v whether_o christianity_n then_o preach_v to_o they_o be_v the_o same_o with_o what_o they_o find_v write_v suppose_v they_o be_v convert_v before_o they_o have_v see_v any_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o they_o may_v as_o easy_o have_v inform_v themselves_o whether_o that_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a history_n they_o find_v in_o these_o book_n respect_v rome_n and_o particular_o nero_n time_n be_v true_a or_o not_o and_o their_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o these_o book_n necessary_o prove_v they_o satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n there_o give_v now_o if_o most_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v receive_v in_o trajan_n time_n and_o if_o christianity_n be_v the_o same_o under_o nero_n as_o under_o trajan_n and_o the_o same_o preach_v as_o write_a then_o do_v it_o necessary_o follow_v not_o only_o that_o these_o book_n be_v write_v by_o those_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v some_o time_n between_o the_o death_n of_o tiberius_n and_o beginning_n of_o trajan_n reign_n but_o that_o all_o the_o common_a historical_a fact_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o which_o i_o have_v undertake_v to_o prove_v under_o this_o head_n be_v certain_o true_a otherwise_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v so_o general_o and_o firm_o believe_v so_o near_o the_o time_n they_o be_v there_o report_v to_o have_v happen_v in_o for_o the_o christian_n that_o live_v in_o trajan_n time_n and_o receive_v these_o book_n as_o write_v by_o such_o author_n must_v consequent_o believe_v that_o the_o first_o promulgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o christian_a religion_n by_o jesus_n christ_n happen_v but_o seventy_o year_n before_o and_o that_o during_o that_o space_n it_o be_v preach_v throughout_o the_o roman_a empire_n by_o such_o person_n and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v there_o relate_v that_o it_o be_v embrace_v by_o great_a number_n of_o people_n in_o all_o the_o considerable_a province_n and_o city_n of_o it_o establish_v by_o the_o union_n of_o large_a society_n and_o congregation_n under_o the_o same_o common_a form_n of_o discipline_n and_o witness_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o various_a suffering_n of_o the_o first_o
over_o all_o christian_n both_o clergy_n and_o laity_n in_o such_o a_o district_n govern_v and_o direct_v they_o all_o in_o religious_a affair_n and_o exercise_v certain_a spiritual_a power_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a future_a influence_n in_o order_n to_o the_o preserve_n and_o enforce_v the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n such_o custom_n and_o action_n as_o these_o in_o all_o which_o every_o bishop_n must_v himself_o have_v bear_v a_o share_n must_v needs_o be_v infallible_o know_v to_o those_o bishop_n assemble_v at_o nice_a who_o be_v of_o age_n enough_o to_o remember_v for_o so_o long_o together_o as_o fifty_o year_n which_o may_v easy_o be_v suppose_v of_o several_a of_o they_o and_o it_o may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n be_v allow_v that_o these_o very_a bishop_n may_v have_v fifty_o year_n before_o their_o meeting_n at_o nice_a converse_v with_o those_o who_o can_v have_v as_o distinct_o remember_v what_o be_v do_v for_o fifty_o year_n further_a backward_o as_o they_o can_v remember_v what_o have_v happen_v since_o the_o time_n we_o suppose_v they_o converse_v with_o they_o from_o who_o they_o may_v have_v be_v certain_o inform_v that_o all_o the_o forementioned_a matter_n of_o fact_n have_v continue_v the_o same_o for_o fifty_o year_n before_o they_o can_v have_v a_o immediate_a knowledge_n of_o they_o themselves_o and_o moreover_o those_o who_o give_v they_o this_o information_n can_v have_v assure_v they_o that_o they_o never_o see_v or_o hear_v of_o any_o body_n that_o live_v since_o their_o time_n who_o know_v it_o otherwise_o and_o this_o with_o the_o same_o allowance_n as_o in_o the_o former_a case_n will_v carry_v the_o thing_n fifty_o year_n high_o still_o and_o so_o far_o i_o think_v however_o uncertain_a tradition_n be_v just_o account_v in_o the_o conveyance_n of_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n the_o tradition_n of_o such_o notorious_a matter_n of_o fact_n as_o these_o so_o easy_o observe_v so_o constant_o present_a so_o general_a and_o so_o concern_v may_v be_v full_o rely_v upon_o to_o make_v this_o plain_a by_o a_o like_a instance_n in_o our_o country_n just_a about_o 150_o year_n ago_o edward_n the_o six_o be_v report_v to_o have_v be_v king_n of_o england_n and_o the_o same_o history_n which_o tell_v we_o so_o which_o i_o will_v suppose_v to_o be_v but_o just_a now_o write_v acquaint_v we_o that_o in_o his_o time_n the_o christian_a religion_n be_v general_o profess_v through_o all_o this_o nation_n and_o much_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n it_o be_v now_o but_o particular_o that_o the_o same_o scripture_n be_v acknowledge_v and_o the_o same_o religious_a custom_n and_o usage_n obtain_v which_o be_v before_o mention_v in_o the_o other_o case_n viz._n baptism_n and_o communion_n observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n ministration_n of_o priest_n government_n of_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n just_a as_o they_o be_v at_o this_o present_a the_o truth_n of_o all_o which_o we_o may_v be_v very_o well_o assure_v of_o if_o there_o be_v no_o history_n or_o other_o monument_n of_o what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o king_n edward_n the_o six_o extant_a down_o from_o his_o time_n to_o this_o because_o by_o the_o former_a supposition_n there_o have_v be_v a_o great_a many_o person_n who_o during_o the_o course_n of_o their_o life_n compute_v at_o no_o uncommon_a length_n may_v have_v converse_v with_o those_o who_o live_v in_o king_n edward_n the_o sixth_n time_n and_o also_o with_o those_o who_o be_v now_o live_v and_o at_o such_o age_n of_o their_o several_a life_n in_o which_o they_o may_v well_o be_v suppose_v capable_a of_o remember_v and_o judge_v of_o what_o they_o see_v and_o hear_v from_o which_o intermediate_v person_n so_o many_o as_o be_v now_o live_v and_o converse_v with_o they_o which_o i_o believe_v be_v a_o great_a many_o may_v have_v have_v sueh_a certain_a information_n of_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o nation_n during_o the_o reign_n of_o that_o king_n that_o they_o can_v possible_o call_v in_o question_n and_o if_o all_o these_o agree_v in_o their_o several_a report_n without_o concert_v with_o one_o another_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o same_o matter_n of_o fact_n they_o thus_o agree_v in_o will_v be_v as_o strong_a with_o respect_n to_o we_o who_o inquire_v these_o thing_n of_o they_o and_o much_o strong_a than_o to_o any_o of_o they_o themselves_o in_o particular_a who_o have_v not_o make_v the_o same_o observation_n concern_v the_o agreement_n of_o other_o before_o they_o it_o will_v be_v no_o unreasonable_a supposition_n to_o imagine_v that_o there_o be_v some_o now_o live_v who_o have_v immediate_o converse_v with_o those_o who_o live_v in_o edward_n the_o sixth_n time_n but_o these_o be_v so_o few_o and_o of_o so_o unusual_a a_o age_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v upon_o a_o proof_n that_o may_v be_v make_v that_o way_n but_o the_o other_o case_n i_o have_v mention_v be_v easy_a and_o common_a and_o lie_v open_a to_o every_o body_n without_o a_o particular_a computation_n of_o time_n upon_o which_o i_o shall_v further_o observe_v that_o those_o who_o testimony_n be_v allow_v sufficient_a for_o the_o form_n and_o kind_a of_o religion_n profess_v in_o england_n under_o edward_n the_o six_o be_v so_o far_o as_o that_o period_n reach_v as_o good_a and_o capable_a witness_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o its_o be_v with_o respect_n either_o to_o its_o original_a then_o or_o any_o considerable_a alteration_n or_o intermission_n in_o it_o at_o any_o time_n since_o whether_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v first_o introduce_v into_o this_o country_n by_o edward_n the_o six_o or_o any_o body_n else_o in_o his_o time_n all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o it_o have_v immediate_o before_o be_v jew_n heathen_n or_o mahometan_n or_o whether_o it_o have_v be_v receive_v and_o profess_v here_o before_o he_o come_v to_o the_o throne_n must_v have_v be_v equal_o know_v and_o in_o like_a manner_n convey_v down_o by_o those_o from_o who_o we_o derive_v the_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n with_o which_o this_o be_v suppose_v cotemporary_a and_o if_o any_o considerable_a change_n in_o the_o main_a branch_n or_o general_a and_o public_a usage_n of_o it_o such_o as_o be_v before_o instance_a in_o or_o any_o intermission_n either_o of_o the_o whole_a profession_n or_o of_o some_o of_o those_o public_a custom_n and_o manner_n of_o worship_n or_o discipline_n shall_v have_v happen_v at_o any_o time_n since_o these_o being_n more_o remarkable_a fact_n than_o the_o uninterrupted_a continuance_n of_o the_o same_o state_n and_o form_n of_o religion_n and_o fall_v late_a than_o the_o first_o date_n of_o what_o we_o allow_v to_o be_v distinct_o know_v and_o remember_v must_v be_v grant_v to_o be_v as_o easy_o and_o sure_o deliver_v down_o to_o we_o as_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o fall_v early_o and_o yet_o come_v safe_a to_o our_o hand_n now_o to_o apply_v all_o this_o to_o the_o former_a case_n these_o bishop_n in_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a who_o come_v from_o such_o or_o such_o a_o particular_a province_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n may_v be_v as_o full_o assure_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v profess_v 150_o year_n before_o in_o that_o province_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n found_v upon_o the_o same_o scripture_n and_o attend_v with_o the_o same_o custom_n as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o assemble_v at_o nice_a as_o we_o of_o this_o country_n can_v be_v assure_v that_o our_o religion_n scripture_n and_o religious_a custom_n be_v the_o same_o now_o that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o edward_n the_o six_o king_n of_o england_n what_o particular_a christian_a custom_n i_o mean_v in_o both_o instance_n have_v be_v sufficient_o express_v already_o but_o what_o those_o scripture_n be_v which_o i_o suppose_v the_o nicene_n bishop_n unanimous_o acknowledge_v for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o believe_v to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o the_o first_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o consequent_o to_o have_v be_v the_o same_o 150_o year_n before_o they_o meet_v in_o council_n as_o they_o be_v then_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v declare_v and_o by_o what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o council_n do_v not_o certain_o appear_v but_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o manner_n of_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o they_o be_v the_o very_a same_o which_o now_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o whether_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n which_o be_v the_o first_o that_o make_v any_o canon_n concern_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v before_o this_o council_n of_o nice_a as_o some_o imagine_v or_o about_o forty_o year_n after_o as_o other_o more_o probable_o conclude_v we_o have_v argument_n and_o authority_n enough_o to_o convince_v we_o that_o all_o the_o book_n
teacher_n and_o multitude_n of_o their_o disciple_n and_o the_o christian_n that_o live_v in_o nero_n time_n must_v have_v believe_v most_o of_o this_o to_o have_v happen_v in_o half_a that_o space_n thus_o by_o the_o help_n of_o mere_a tradition_n only_o do_v it_o plain_o appear_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o same_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a as_o it_o be_v when_o it_o be_v first_o publish_a and_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o that_o all_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n such_o as_o i_o have_v before_o give_v a_o account_n of_o be_v all_o along_o believe_v by_o those_o who_o style_v themselves_o christian_n and_o therefore_o all_o those_o common_a historical_a fact_n the_o certainty_n of_o which_o it_o be_v my_o present_a business_n to_o show_v must_v be_v true_a all_o the_o authority_n i_o have_v make_v use_n of_o to_o strengthen_v this_o tradition_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o some_o heathen_a author_n of_o unquestionable_a credit_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o one_o point_n only_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o person_n style_v christian_n who_o be_v persecute_v for_o what_o they_o believe_v and_o do_v as_o such_o at_o rome_n by_o nero_n and_o in_o other_o remote_a province_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n by_o trajan_n which_o two_o matter_n of_o fact_n happen_v at_o such_o particular_a distance_n from_o the_o suppose_a original_a of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o choose_v to_o mention_v rather_o for_o the_o better_a illustration_n of_o the_o matter_n i_o be_v to_o prove_v than_o for_o any_o distinct_a proof_n of_o it_o for_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v the_o council_n of_o nice_a and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n at_o that_o time_n be_v such_o as_o i_o have_v represent_v and_o allow_v further_o what_o i_o think_v i_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v profess_v in_o most_o if_o not_o all_o the_o same_o place_n from_o whence_o the_o nicene_n bishop_n come_v and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o use_v of_o those_o religious_a custom_n and_o institution_n i_o have_v before_o instance_a in_o 150_o year_n before_o as_o it_o be_v then_o it_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o without_o the_o help_n of_o any_o particular_a testimony_n of_o heathen_a or_o other_o writer_n or_o any_o other_o ancient_a monument_n of_o history_n that_o all_o those_o common_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o head_n must_v needs_o be_v true_a for_o according_a to_o this_o supposition_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n believe_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n 150_o year_n before_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a must_v consequent_o believe_v that_o in_o less_o than_o 150_o year_n before_o that_o time_n the_o christian_a religion_n be_v first_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n at_o jerusalem_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o christian_a before_o and_o that_o within_o that_o space_n of_o time_n down_o from_o the_o first_o publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o their_o present_a belief_n of_o it_o it_o must_v have_v be_v preach_v and_o propagate_v through_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o know_a world_n in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n record_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o that_o the_o same_o person_n who_o preach_v it_o be_v the_o author_n of_o those_o book_n copy_n of_o which_o have_v be_v disperse_v so_o far_o and_o multiply_v to_o so_o great_a great_a a_o variety_n that_o most_o of_o the_o people_n that_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o every_o country_n have_v they_o in_o their_o hand_n which_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o other_o particular_n depend_v upon_o they_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v true_a can_v never_o have_v be_v so_o general_o believe_v at_o a_o time_n so_o near_o that_o in_o which_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o happen_v that_o the_o first_o and_o remote_a of_o all_o be_v not_o 150_o year_n past_a and_o the_o other_o must_v fall_v out_o much_o late_a but_o further_a beside_o this_o proof_n that_o i_o have_v bring_v from_o tradition_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o other_o concurrent_a authority_n which_o do_v not_o only_o confirm_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o tradition_n but_o be_v of_o themselves_o a_o distinct_a and_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n which_o we_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o way_n for_o at_o the_o same_o period_n of_o time_n wherein_o we_o have_v choose_v to_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o from_o whence_o we_o have_v trace_v it_o up_o to_o its_o first_o original_a and_o show_v the_o constancy_n and_o integrity_n of_o the_o conveyance_n viz._n at_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o first_o general_n council_n of_o nice_a we_o find_v a_o great_a many_o fix_v and_o stand_a monument_n of_o several_a age_n and_o different_a place_n that_o every_o body_n may_v have_v recourse_n to_o and_o examine_v when_o they_o please_v all_o which_o do_v very_o exact_o and_o full_o prove_v the_o antiquity_n and_o uninterrupted_a continuance_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n as_o to_o all_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n eusebius_n one_o of_o the_o bishop_n of_o the_o nicene_n council_n before_o mention_v have_v write_v a_o history_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o its_o first_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n down_o to_o his_o own_o time_n and_o the_o book_n be_v now_o extant_a warrant_v to_o be_v his_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o abundance_n of_o succeed_a writer_n and_o question_v by_o none_o now_o in_o this_o history_n he_o give_v we_o a_o very_a large_a and_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o christianity_n in_o all_o the_o several_a place_n of_o the_o world_n wherever_o he_o can_v learn_v it_o have_v be_v entertain_v which_o account_n consist_v of_o a_o vast_a variety_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n beside_o those_o already_o instance_a in_o as_o preserve_v by_o tradition_n the_o memory_n of_o most_o of_o which_o be_v not_o only_o preserve_v the_o same_o way_n but_o be_v further_o secure_v by_o last_a monument_n and_o record_n the_o most_o remarkable_a matter_n in_o he_o which_o i_o think_v sufficient_a to_o my_o present_a purpose_n to_o mention_v for_o the_o further_a confirmation_n of_o those_o truth_n i_o have_v already_o prove_v may_v be_v refer_v to_o these_o three_o head_n custom_n and_o usage_n relic_n building_n and_o other_o such_o like_a monument_n book_n and_o write_v word_n and_o first_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a beside_o those_o religious_a custom_n and_o institution_n before_o instance_a in_o which_o be_v general_a and_o constant_a in_o all_o age_n and_o country_n since_o the_o first_o original_a of_o christianity_n there_o be_v several_a other_o custom_n and_o usage_n then_o practise_v some_o of_o which_o obtain_v as_o general_o as_o the_o former_a do_v and_o other_o be_v confine_v to_o some_o particular_a place_n such_o be_v the_o annual_a feast_n of_o christmas_n easter_n and_o pentecost_n state_v time_n of_o the_o year_n and_o week_n for_o fast_v anniversary_n commemoration_n of_o the_o suffering_n of_o martyr_n and_o often_o meet_v at_o the_o place_n where_o they_o suffer_v use_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n upon_o several_a occasion_n call_v child_n by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o first_o apostle_n and_o saint_n etc._n etc._n these_o and_o many_o other_o such_o like_a custom_n as_o these_o be_v plain_o found_v upon_o and_o suppose_v a_o antecedent_n belief_n of_o christianity_n and_o particular_o those_o principal_a fact_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n upon_o which_o the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n turn_v these_o therefore_o be_v both_o fresh_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o fact_n we_o have_v undertake_v to_o prove_v and_o do_v also_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v the_o tradition_n of_o those_o other_o custom_n and_o institution_n we_o have_v before_o instance_a in_o especial_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o the_o same_o history_n that_o give_v we_o this_o account_n inform_v we_o of_o viz._n that_o the_o christian_a custom_n now_o mention_v be_v not_o look_v upon_o as_o such_o necessary_a part_n of_o that_o religion_n nor_o of_o so_o early_a a_o original_a as_o the_o other_o and_o that_o both_o these_o and_o the_o former_a be_v in_o several_a place_n and_o age_n practise_v after_o several_a manner_n with_o different_a additional_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o general_a reception_n of_o some_o custom_n and_o general_a distinction_n betwixt_o necessary_a and_o unnecessary_a substance_n and_o manner_n in_o all_o that_o be_v receive_v be_v certain_a argument_n of_o a_o sincere_a and_o well-examined_a
their_o faith_n and_o christian_a resolution_n this_o way_n but_o the_o general_a character_n of_o these_o writer_n as_o well_o as_o the_o authority_n of_o what_o they_o say_v will_v be_v further_o make_v out_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o subject_n they_o write_v about_o the_o several_a kind_n and_o sort_n of_o their_o write_n and_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o they_o be_v write_v all_o which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o bring_v under_o one_o view_n and_o raise_v such_o observation_n from_o they_o as_o will_v plain_o confirm_v the_o main_a conclusion_n i_o be_o to_o establish_v the_o common_a subject_n of_o all_o the_o book_n and_o write_n of_o the_o first_o orthodox_n author_n be_v the_o christian_a religion_n though_o in_o several_a way_n and_o method_n discourse_v of_o most_o of_o these_o concern_v the_o history_n of_o christian_a affair_n either_o express_o or_o occasional_o for_o beside_o those_o author_n who_o purposely_o design_v a_o historical_a relation_n either_o of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n or_o of_o some_o particular_a ecclesiastical_a matter_n there_o be_v hardly_o a_o christian_a writer_n within_o the_o time_n of_o our_o present_a enquiry_n but_o have_v some_o occasion_n or_o other_o to_o mention_v several_a historical_a passage_n in_o almost_o every_o book_n that_o he_o write_v in_o order_n to_o some_o further_a end_n he_o propose_v to_o himself_o in_o writing_n now_o concern_v the_o write_n of_o christian_a author_n consider_v under_o this_o character_n of_o historian_n i_o have_v these_o thing_n to_o observe_v first_o that_o they_o do_v manifest_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o those_o tradition_n and_o stand_a monument_n before_o mention_v for_o we_o have_v frequent_a proof_n of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o all_o those_o religious_a custom_n and_o institution_n in_o use_n among_o christian_n in_o eusebius_n time_n and_o the_o general_n tradition_n strengthen_v by_o abundance_n of_o new_a circumstance_n such_o be_v the_o great_a controversy_n and_o quarrel_n about_o some_o christian_a usage_n particular_o baptism_n and_o the_o feast_n of_o easter_n together_o with_o the_o canon_n and_o decree_n that_o be_v make_v and_o the_o letter_n that_o be_v write_v with_o relation_n to_o these_o affair_n here_o be_v likewise_o mention_v make_v of_o the_o same_o christian_a relic_n and_o momonument_n and_o the_o same_o public_a act_n and_o record_n which_o eusebius_n see_v and_o the_o account_n and_o extract_v of_o they_o in_o several_a author_n agree_v with_o what_o eusebius_n himself_o be_v witness_v of_o in_o the_o next_o place_v it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o they_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o several_a other_o custom_n monument_n and_o public_a act_n and_o abvudance_n of_o other_o particular_a historical_a passage_n beside_o those_o mention_v in_o eusebius_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o or_o the_o antiquity_n of_o their_o fiction_n be_v prove_v they_o be_v so_o many_o new_a argument_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o christian_a tradition_n or_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o fact_n we_o be_v now_o to_o prove_v three_o i_o observe_v that_o most_o of_o these_o author_n consider_v as_o historian_n be_v very_o competent_a judge_n and_o credible_a reporter_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n they_o relate_v for_o either_o they_o be_v actual_a and_o immediate_a witness_n of_o what_o they_o tell_v we_o themselves_o or_o they_o take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o care_n to_o inform_v themselves_o right_a or_o the_o fact_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v though_o they_o do_v not_o examine_v they_o very_o strict_o and_o which_o way_n soever_o they_o come_v by_o they_o they_o be_v faithsul_n and_o sincere_a in_o their_o relation_n several_a thing_n they_o tell_v we_o of_o their_o own_o knowledge_n other_o they_o quote_v their_o author_n for_o and_o other_o they_o deliver_v only_o as_o traditional_a report_n which_o they_o distinguish_v also_o into_o probable_a and_o fabulous_a according_a to_o the_o evidence_n that_o then_o appear_v to_o they_o upon_o a_o diligent_a examination_n and_o several_a of_o they_o have_v give_v great_a mark_n of_o their_o diligence_n and_o care_n in_o inquire_v as_o well_o as_o sincerity_n in_o report_v as_o particular_o hegesippus_n who_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n in_o several_a city_n after_o have_v travel_v through_o they_o and_o converse_v with_o the_o bishop_n of_o they_o clemens_n who_o use_v all_o the_o care_n he_o can_v to_o inform_v himself_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o the_o christian_a tradition_n from_o several_a eminent_a person_n of_o different_a country_n irenoeus_n who_o careful_o remember_v the_o conversation_n he_o have_v with_o eminent_a christian_n in_o his_o youth_n and_o be_v very_o much_o concern_v to_o have_v his_o own_o write_n deliver_v down_o faithful_o to_o posterity_n a_o proof_n of_o which_o first_o remark_n concern_v irenaeus_n we_o have_v in_o a_o epistle_n of_o he_o to_o florinus_n quote_v by_o eusebus_n part_n of_o which_o i_o think_v worth_a the_o transcribe_v when_o reprove_v florinus_n for_o some_o ill_a opinion_n he_o hold_v he_o speak_v to_o he_o in_o this_o manner_n 26._o eus_n ec._n h._n l._n 5._o c._n 26._o these_o opinion_n the_o presbyter_n who_o live_v before_o our_o time_n who_o also_o be_v the_o disciple_n of_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o no_o wise_n deliver_v unto_o thou_o for_o i_o see_v thou_o when_o be_v yet_o a_o child_n i_o be_v in_o the_o low_a asia_n with_o polycarp_n behave_v thyself_o very_o well_o in_o the_o palace_n and_o endeavour_v to_o get_v thyself_o well_o esteem_v of_o by_o he_o for_o i_o remember_v the_o thing_n then_o do_v better_o than_o what_o have_v happen_v of_o late_a for_o what_o we_o learn_v be_v child_n increase_v together_o with_o the_o mind_n itself_o and_o be_v close_o unite_v to_o it_o insomuch_o that_o i_o be_o able_a to_o tell_v where_o the_o bless_a polycarp_n sit_v and_o discourse_v also_o his_o go_n out_o and_o come_n in_o his_o manner_n of_o life_n the_o shape_n of_o his_o body_n the_o discourse_n he_o make_v to_o the_o populace_n the_o familiar_a converse_n which_o he_o say_v he_o have_v with_o john_n and_o with_o those_o who_o have_v see_v the_o lord_n and_o how_o he_o rehearse_v their_o say_n and_o what_o they_o be_v which_o he_o have_v hear_v from_o they_o concern_v the_o lord_n concern_v his_o miracle_n and_o his_o doctrine_n according_a as_o polycarp_n receive_v they_o from_o those_o who_o with_o their_o own_o eye_n behold_v the_o word_n of_o life_n so_o he_o relate_v they_o agree_v in_o all_o thing_n with_o the_o scripture_n these_o thing_n by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n bestow_v upon_o i_o i_o then_o hear_v diligent_o and_o copy_v they_o out_o not_o in_o paper_n but_o in_o my_o heart_n and_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n i_o do_v continual_o and_o sincere_o ruminate_v upon_o they_o and_o the_o same_o irenaeus_n at_o the_o end_n of_o one_o of_o his_o piece_n say_v thus_o i_o adjure_v thou_o who_o shall_v transcribe_v this_o book_n by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n and_o by_o his_o glorious_a come_n to_o judge_n the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a that_o you_o compare_v what_o you_o shall_v transcribe_v and_o correct_v it_o diligent_o according_a to_o that_o copy_n whence_o you_o shall_v transcribe_v and_o that_o in_o like_a manner_n you_o ascribe_v this_o adjuration_n and_o annex_v it_o to_o your_o copy_n which_o concern_v of_o irenaeus_n for_o the_o faithful_a conveyance_n of_o truth_n contain_v in_o his_o own_o write_n to_o posterity_n be_v a_o very_a good_a argument_n of_o his_o care_n in_o examine_v the_o tradition_n and_o write_n that_o come_v down_o to_o he_o from_o elder_a time_n respect_v the_o same_o important_a truth_n a_o great_a many_o other_o such_o like_a instance_n as_o these_o may_v be_v give_v where_o the_o primitive_a christian_a writer_n positive_o and_o express_o declare_v that_o they_o have_v see_v and_o converse_v with_o the_o immediate_a successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o with_o those_o upon_o who_o several_a great_a miracle_n have_v be_v wrought_v by_o they_o &_o have_v themselves_o be_v witness_n of_o a_o great_a many_o wonderful_a gift_n remain_v in_o the_o church_n in_o their_o time_n as_o likewise_o where_o they_o demonstrate_v by_o many_o sensible_a mark_n and_o sign_n the_o great_a care_n and_o diligence_n they_o have_v take_v in_o examine_v the_o information_n they_o receive_v from_o remote_a hand_n and_o all_o other_o concur_v presumption_n arise_v from_o circumstance_n of_o fact_n and_o rational_a inference_n and_o as_o they_o be_v competent_a witness_n and_o careful_a relator_n in_o general_n so_o be_v they_o more_o especial_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o as_o to_o those_o two_o great_a and_o concern_v matter_n of_o fact_n the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o persecution_n of_o christian_n the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n