a_o vindication_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n against_o the_o objection_n of_o all_o modern_a opposer_n part_n ii_o write_a in_o french_a by_o james_n abbadie_n d._n d._n render_v into_o english_a by_o henry_n lussan_n m._n a._n of_o new_a college_n in_o oxford_n london_n print_v for_o j._n wyatt_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o r._n wilkin_n at_o the_o kings-head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n mdcxcviii_o the_o content_n section_n i._n contain_v some_o argument_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n draw_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o be_v the_o first_o publisher_n of_o it_o the_o design_n of_o this_o work_n page_n 1_o chap._n i._o 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 p._n 3_o chap._n ii_o where_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o martyrdom_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n p._n 7_o chap._n iii_o in_o which_o we_o further_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n by_o several_a undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n p._n 10_o chap._n iu_o where_o we_o yet_o further_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o several_a undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n p._n 14_o chap._n v._o which_o demonstrate_v that_o all_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v never_o be_v forge_v p._n 17_o section_n ii_o wherein_o we_o shall_v prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o examine_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n chap._n i._n where_o we_o shall_v prove_v that_o those_o book_n can_v never_o be_v supposititious_a p._n 33_o chap._n ii_o prove_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v never_o corrupt_v p._n 39_o chap._n iii_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o write_v what_o be_v false_a p._n 44_o chap._n iv._o that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n can_v not_o impose_v upon_o man_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o write_n or_o preach_v p._n 49_o chap._n v._o where_o we_o shall_v more_o particular_o examine_v whether_o the_o apostle_n have_v the_o power_n or_o the_o will_n to_o deceive_v mankind_n p._n 53_o chap._n vi_o where_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o see_v whether_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o illusion_n or_o imposture_n p._n 58_o chap._n vii_o of_o the_o holiness_n of_o life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n p._n 63_o chap._n viii_o of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n p._n 71_o chap._n ix_o wherein_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o acts._n p._n 82_o chap._n x._o wherein_o we_o shall_v take_v into_o consideration_n what_o success_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o apostle_n have_v p._n 86_o 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 p._n 88_o chap._n xii_o wherein_o we_o further_o examine_v the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n p._n 102_o 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 p._n 107_o 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 p._n 113_o chap._n xv._n where_o we_o further_o examine_v the_o objection_n of_o the_o incredulous_a p._n 119_o chap._n xvi_o where_o we_o further_o examine_v those_o difficulty_n which_o may_v be_v raise_v against_o our_o principle_n p._n 126_o chap._n xvii_o where_o we_o further_o answer_v the_o objection_n of_o the_o incredulous_a p._n 133_o section_n iii_o wherein_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o carry_v even_o to_o a_o demonstration_n the_o proof_n draw_v from_o the_o external_n evidence_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o inward_a sense_n we_o have_v of_o they_o chap._n i._o of_o the_o natural_a temper_n disposition_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o disciple_n and_o what_o sort_n of_o prejudices_fw-la they_o be_v possess_v with_o when_o jesus_n christ_n manifest_v himself_o to_o they_o p._n 143_o chap._n ii_o the_o first_o centre_n of_o truth_n a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n p._n 162_o chap._n iii_o the_o second_o centre_n of_o truth_n a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n p._n 184_o chap._n iu_o the_o three_o centre_n of_o truth_n a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n p._n 200_o chap._n v._o the_o four_o centre_n of_o truth_n a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o disciple_n p._n 213_o chap._n vi_o wherein_o we_o shall_v join_v all_o the_o miraculous_a matter_n of_o fact_n together_o and_o form_n thereby_o a_o full_a and_o perfect_a demonstration_n of_o they_o p._n 220_o some_o reflection_n on_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o st._n matthew_n p._n 242_o chap._n vii_o wherein_o we_o shall_v further_o produce_v out_o of_o the_o other_o gospel_n several_a place_n very_o proper_a to_o make_v we_o true_o sensible_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n p._n 258_o chap._n viii_o wherein_o we_o shall_v further_o produce_v from_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n several_a place_n very_o proper_a to_o make_v we_o true_o sensible_a of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n p._n 274_o chap._n ix_o wherein_o we_o shall_v yet_o far_o produce_v from_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n st._n peter_n and_o st._n john_n several_a text_n very_o proper_a to_o make_v we_o true_o sensible_a of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n p._n 282_o section_n iu._n wherein_o we_o shall_v prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o its_o nature_n and_o property_n several_a portraiture_n in_o which_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v page_n 300_o i_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o multitude_n of_o testimony_n give_v in_o favour_n of_o it_o p._n 301_o two_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o all_o other_o religion_n p._n 307_o iii_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o its_o effect_n p._n 320_o iv_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o consider_v in_o the_o purity_n of_o its_o end_n p._n 325_o five_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o its_o suitableness_n to_o the_o necessity_n of_o mankind_n p._n 329_o vi_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o relation_n it_o bear_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n p._n 341_o vii_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o its_o morality_n p._n 344_o viii_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o its_o mystery_n p._n 360_o ix_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o the_o conformity_n of_o its_o mystery_n to_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n p._n 399_o x_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o the_o proportion_n it_o bear_v to_o the_o jewish_a religion_n p._n 420_o xi_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o proportion_n it_o bear_v to_o natural_a religion_n p._n 432_o a_o treatise_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n part_n ii_o wherein_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v prove_v by_o its_o own_o proper_a character_n section_n i._n contain_v some_o argument_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n draw_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o be_v the_o first_o publisher_n of_o it_o the_o design_n of_o this_o work_n in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o work_n we_o take_v our_o rise_n from_o this_o proposition_n there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o from_o thence_o we_o prove_v that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n be_v the_o messiah_n who_o be_v to_o come_v we_o shall_v now_o take_v a_o contrary_a course_n and_o begin_v with_o this_o proposition_n there_o be_v at_o present_a christian_n in_o the_o world_n and_o from_o thence_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o have_v be_v please_v to_o manifest_v himself_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o religion_n there_o we_o have_v have_v but_o a_o faint_a prospect_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o revelation_n of_o moses_n here_o we_o shall_v as_o it_o be_v draw_v the_o curtain_n and_o discover_v jesus_n christ_n with_o that_o brightness_n of_o truth_n and_o fullness_n of_o light_n as_o will_v wonderful_o illustrate_v both_o the_o religion_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o nature_n and_o in_o a_o excellent_a manner_n confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o which_o we_o shall_v do_v these_o three_o thing_n i._o we_o shall_v consider_v the_o
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
holy_a ghost_n but_o perhaps_o it_o be_v a_o question_n whether_o there_o be_v ever_o any_o christian_a church_n found_v at_o jerusalem_n if_o so_o then_o must_v the_o ancient_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o live_v in_o different_a time_n and_o in_o different_a place_n have_v conspire_v together_o to_o deceive_v we_o in_o this_o respect_n and_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n and_o all_o other_o profess_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o well_o ancient_a as_o modern_a who_o never_o contest_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n must_v utter_o have_v lose_v their_o reason_n in_o a_o word_n suppose_v the_o book_n of_o act_n compose_v long_o after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v when_o there_o can_v be_v no_o long_o any_o flourish_a church_n in_o that_o city_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o point_n gain_v for_o it_o be_v true_a still_o that_o the_o apostle_n set_v down_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o speak_v of_o and_o that_o their_o epistle_n be_v fill_v with_o such_o thing_n as_o visible_o relate_v to_o it_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o further_o add_v that_o the_o book_n of_o act_n mention_n nothing_o of_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o manifest_o show_v that_o it_o be_v compose_v during_o their_o life_n and_o consequent_o in_o a_o time_n wherein_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n flourish_v nor_o that_o it_o mention_n nothing_o of_o the_o last_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o any_o of_o the_o sign_n or_o presage_n of_o it_o which_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o that_o book_n be_v compose_v some_o time_n before_o that_o great_a event_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o author_n who_o compose_v it_o mere_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o the_o incredulous_a undoubted_o imagine_v will_v never_o have_v fail_v to_o have_v insert_v in_o it_o the_o history_n of_o all_o those_o dreadful_a misfortune_n which_o fall_v upon_o the_o jew_n and_o which_o the_o christian_n look_v upon_o as_o the_o effect_n of_o their_o reject_v the_o messiah_n but_o since_o my_o design_n be_v not_o to_o leave_v the_o reader_n the_o least_o shadow_n of_o a_o doubt_n i_o promise_v to_o prove_v by_o and_o by_o that_o the_o apostle_n both_o receive_v and_o impart_v many_o miraculous_a gift_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n till_o the_o method_n i_o have_v prescribe_v to_o myself_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o enter_v upon_o that_o subject_n i_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o make_v some_o few_o reflection_n concern_v the_o success_n of_o the_o apostle_n preach_v which_o be_v that_o essential_a head_n to_o which_o all_o other_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o act_n relate_v chap._n x._o wherein_o we_o shall_v take_v into_o consideration_n what_o success_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o apostle_n have_v this_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v relate_v with_o very_o remarkable_a circumstannce_n as_o i._o that_o those_o man_n who_o first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v fisherman_n that_o be_v gross_a and_o ignorant_a people_n of_o no_o appearance_n or_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n ii_o that_o those_o man_n go_v about_o preach_v that_o they_o have_v see_v jesus_n christ_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o that_o they_o have_v long_o before_o be_v eye-witness_n to_o his_o miracle_n iii_o that_o they_o offend_v by_o their_o preach_v all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o expose_v their_o person_n to_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o danger_n and_o misfortune_n iv._o that_o they_o suffer_v they_o with_o patience_n or_o rather_o with_o joy_n v._o that_o the_o success_n of_o their_o preach_n be_v so_o swift_a and_o sudden_a as_o be_v almost_o inconceivable_a in_o all_o this_o st._n luke_n have_v tell_v we_o nothing_o but_o what_o our_o own_o reason_n will_v tell_v we_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v man_n of_o no_o extraordinary_a birth_n or_o credit_n in_o the_o world_n that_o first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n since_o no_o body_n have_v ever_o say_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o those_o man_n ought_v to_o have_v testify_v that_o they_o have_v see_v jesus_n christ_n work_v many_o miracle_n see_v he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n because_o they_o will_v never_o have_v convert_v so_o many_o nation_n as_o they_o do_v have_v they_o only_o say_v they_o know_v all_o those_o thing_n by_o hear_v say_v and_o beside_o that_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n inform_v we_o that_o that_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o their_o preach_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n persecute_v these_o man_n for_o as_o much_o as_o policy_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o all_o new_a sect_n and_o the_o people_n themselves_o be_v always_o jealous_a of_o their_o religion_n it_o can_v be_v doubt_v neither_o but_o that_o the_o apostle_n very_o courageous_o suffer_v the_o effect_n of_o that_o persecution_n because_o have_v they_o recant_v or_o draw_v back_o for_o fear_n of_o punishment_n their_o design_n will_v have_v miscarry_v in_o its_o very_a beginning_n last_o who_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o success_n of_o their_o preach_n be_v very_o swift_a and_o sudden_a in_o as_o much_o as_o in_o a_o short_a time_n there_o be_v several_a church_n establish_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o know_a world_n this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v never_o contest_v and_o therefore_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o st._n luke_n tell_v we_o all_o these_o thing_n the_o book_n of_o act_n inform_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o they_o be_v so_o which_o utter_o destroy_v the_o suspicion_n we_o may_v entertain_v that_o they_o be_v all_o forge_v or_o invent_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o can_v consider_v all_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n nor_o unite_v they_o together_o and_o observe_v the_o proportion_n they_o have_v one_o with_o another_o without_o present_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o so_o plain_o prove_v and_o establish_v chap._n xi_o wherein_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n though_o the_o ancient_n have_v not_o unanimous_o receive_v the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n though_o clemens_n polycarp_n and_o barnabas_n have_v make_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o observe_v that_o they_o be_v write_v to_o some_o church_n that_o be_v to_o whole_a society_n who_o for_o a_o long_a while_n preserve_v the_o original_n of_o they_o to_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v not_o forge_v it_o be_v then_o our_o concern_n to_o see_v whether_o we_o can_v find_v therein_o any_o character_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o religion_n we_o can_v read_v st._n paul_n epistle_n without_o observe_v therein_o i._o the_o piety_n and_o charity_n of_o that_o apostle_n ii_o his_o impartiality_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n iii_o his_o courage_n in_o endure_a affliction_n which_o instead_o of_o dishearten_v rather_o overjoy_v he_o iv._o a_o continual_a repetition_n of_o the_o testimony_n which_o the_o apostle_n bear_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o lord_n v._o such_o thing_n which_o manifest_o denote_v that_o st._n paul_n have_v receive_v the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o those_o that_o then_o believe_v very_o frequent_o receive_v they_o the_o piety_n of_o that_o apostle_n so_o various_o discover_v itself_o in_o his_o write_n that_o we_o can_v think_v it_o dissemble_v without_o offer_v violence_n to_o our_o understanding_n for_o though_o a_o man_n shall_v constrain_v himself_o upon_o some_o occasion_n yet_o be_v it_o possible_a he_o shall_v after_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n during_o a_o great_a part_n of_o his_o life_n in_o all_o his_o action_n in_o all_o his_o word_n in_o his_o manner_n of_o tell_v of_o thing_n which_o often_o discover_v the_o bottom_n of_o the_o heart_n than_o the_o thing_n he_o speak_v of_o i_o know_v very_o well_o hypocrisy_n cover_v itself_o with_o the_o external_a show_n of_o virtue_n but_o real_o there_o be_v yet_o something_o which_o i_o can_v express_v a_o simple_a and_o natural_a air_n in_o true_a virtue_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o hypocrisy_n or_o rather_o hypocrisy_n be_v neither_o so_o subtle_a nor_o clear_v sight_v but_o that_o it_o discover_v itself_o on_o one_o side_n or_o other_o nay_o often_o it_o let_v drop_v a_o wordwhich_v unmasque_n it_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n however_o i_o be_o willing_a the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n shall_v be_v strict_o examine_v to_o see_v whether_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v very_o natural_a and_o sincere_a can_v be_v find_v
different_a country_n who_o speak_v different_a language_n do_v all_o understand_v my_o speech_n there_o can_v certain_o be_v no_o illusion_n in_o that_o the_o validity_n of_o a_o testimony_n be_v no_o long_o incertain_a when_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o witness_n be_v not_o himself_o deceive_v and_o second_o that_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o deceive_v other_o now_o this_o might_n easy_o be_v verify_v concern_v the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n for_o first_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n upon_o which_o their_o deposition_n be_v found_v be_v so_o evident_a and_o notorious_a that_o none_o can_v ever_o be_v deceive_v in_o relation_n to_o they_o thus_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o the_o eye_n shall_v think_v they_o see_v what_o they_o do_v not_o real_o see_v that_o the_o ear_n shall_v agree_v to_o witness_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o eye_n that_o the_o hand_n shall_v touch_v that_o which_o both_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o ear_n perceive_v not_o once_o only_o but_o several_a time_n not_o the_o eye_n the_o ear_n and_o the_o hand_n of_o one_o single_a man_n but_o of_o several_a man_n together_o that_o they_o shall_v unanimous_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o extraordinary_a power_n and_o that_o too_o of_o work_a miracle_n unless_o they_o themselves_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o it_o but_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v a_o man_n so_o whimsical_a as_o to_o impose_v upon_o himself_o after_o that_o prodigious_a rate_n yet_o sure_o we_o can_v not_o without_o extravagance_n imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v utter_o lose_v their_o sense_n by_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o madness_n that_o this_o madness_n begin_v exact_o after_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o spread_a of_o the_o gospel_n over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o universe_n be_v a_o wonderful_a contrivance_n of_o the_o same_o that_o it_o be_v join_v to_o that_o morality_n which_o be_v so_o excellent_a so_o sublime_a and_o yet_o so_o just_a and_o pious_a in_o itself_o that_o the_o very_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n always_o reverence_v it_o and_o last_o that_o all_o manner_n of_o virtue_n derive_v their_o original_n from_o such_o pretend_a madness_n which_o work_v a_o change_n upon_o the_o world_n sanctify_v mankind_n and_o exact_o fulfil_v all_o those_o oracle_n which_o foretell_v the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n but_o if_o it_o appear_v that_o those_o man_n do_v not_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o much_o less_o ought_v they_o to_o be_v suspect_v of_o have_v have_v the_o will_n to_o deceive_v other_o because_o their_o simplicity_n and_o mean_a education_n allow_v they_o not_o to_o frame_v any_o such_o design_n and_o beside_o the_o confusion_n they_o be_v in_o to_o see_v themselves_o frustrate_v of_o their_o hope_n by_o the_o unexpected_a death_n of_o their_o master_n will_v whole_o have_v divert_v they_o from_o it_o their_o temporal_a concern_v too_o can_v not_o admit_v of_o it_o and_o their_o shame_n to_o show_v themselves_o to_o the_o world_n after_o what_o have_v happen_v be_v of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o hinder_v they_o from_o it_o moreover_o their_o conscience_n will_v have_v check_v they_o for_o their_o superstitious_a fondness_n of_o the_o vain_a shadow_n of_o a_o messiah_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o can_v ever_o have_v agree_v together_o so_o as_o to_o contrive_v that_o strange_a and_o notorious_a imposture_n but_o suppose_v they_o undertake_v it_o the_o torment_v inflict_v on_o they_o will_v have_v make_v they_o repent_v such_o a_o rash_a design_n and_o the_o confession_n of_o one_o single_a person_n among_o they_o will_v have_v sufficient_o discover_v they_o all_o last_o their_o shame_n and_o poverty_n the_o gaol_n and_o the_o chain_n the_o stripe_n the_o fire_n and_o the_o sword_n that_o be_v use_v against_o they_o to_o make_v they_o recant_v sufficient_o warrant_v we_o that_o they_o never_o intend_v to_o deceive_v the_o world_n and_o if_o one_o single_a person_n so_o dispose_v be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o unheard_a of_o prodigy_n how_o much_o more_o unlikely_a be_v it_o that_o a_o whole_a society_n can_v have_v conceive_v such_o a_o extravagant_a design_n if_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o disciple_n be_v false_a we_o can_v choose_v but_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o mad_a man_n or_o rather_o as_o rascal_n nay_o perhaps_o as_o both_o and_o yet_o their_o preach_v sufficient_o show_v the_o glory_n of_o their_o innocence_n and_o wisdom_n to_o confound_v both_o these_o calumny_n let_v any_o man_n but_o read_v over_o the_o book_n of_o those_o admirable_a writer_n and_o there_o he_o will_v to_o his_o satisfaction_n find_v that_o honesty_n sincerity_n and_o self_n denial_n be_v inseparable_o interweave_v with_o the_o most_o pure_a and_o most_o judicious_a morality_n that_o ever_o be_v but_o this_o reflection_n put_v i_o in_o mind_n that_o i_o must_v now_o hasten_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n not_o to_o see_v whether_o they_o be_v human_a or_o divine_a for_o that_o will_v be_v consider_v in_o its_o own_o proper_a place_n but_o whether_o they_o be_v forge_v or_o not_o for_o if_o once_o we_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o forge_v we_o need_v only_o read_v they_o over_o to_o know_v the_o testimony_n the_o disciple_n bear_v of_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o and_o because_o that_o truth_n will_v serve_v for_o a_o confirmation_n of_o what_o we_o have_v already_o say_v we_o shall_v begin_v the_o follow_a section_n with_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o section_n ii_o wherein_o we_o shall_v prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o examine_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n chap._n i._n wherein_o we_o shall_v prove_v that_o those_o book_n can_v never_o be_v supposititious_a when_o i_o examine_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n all_o the_o doubt_n i_o strive_v to_o raise_v concern_v they_o amount_v only_o to_o these_o three_o i._n whether_o those_o book_n be_v not_o compose_v by_o some_o impostor_n who_o probable_o may_v have_v ascribe_v they_o to_o the_o apostle_n ii_o whether_o those_o book_n suppose_v they_o be_v compose_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o afterward_o corrupt_v by_o the_o christian_n iii_o whether_o the_o apostle_n the_o pretend_a author_n of_o those_o book_n do_v not_o themselves_o fill_v they_o up_o with_o many_o fiction_n for_o their_o master_n honour_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o their_o religion_n it_o be_v but_o just_a we_o shall_v examine_v whether_o these_o three_o suspicion_n be_v well_o ground_v or_o no._n and_o first_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o take_v away_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o overthrow_v that_o of_o all_o other_o book_n and_o call_v in_o question_n the_o account_n of_o all_o thing_n past_a for_o who_o will_v warrant_v i_o that_o cicero_n oration_n be_v his_o own_o if_o i_o can_v reasonable_o assure_v myself_o that_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v write_v by_o st._n paul_n himself_o but_o hold_v perhaps_o it_o be_v easy_a or_o more_o advantageous_a to_o counterfeit_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o those_o of_o humane_a learning_n this_o be_v what_o we_o must_v a_o little_a inquire_v into_o and_o i._o the_o facility_n there_o be_v in_o counterfeit_v the_o the_o work_n of_o a_o author_n whole_o depend_v upon_o the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o time_n place_n and_o person_n upon_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o that_o book_n the_o temper_n of_o man_n mind_n their_o different_a notion_n and_o their_o various_a interest_n which_o must_v be_v carry_v on_o in_o it_o now_o to_o counterfeit_a book_n of_o humane_a learning_n seem_v infinite_o more_o easy_a in_o all_o these_o respect_n than_o to_o counterfeit_v those_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n i._o because_o they_o who_o counterfeit_v a_o book_n of_o humane_a learning_n may_v take_v as_o much_o time_n as_o they_o please_v for_o it_o but_o here_o we_o know_v not_o what_o time_n can_v be_v imagine_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v forge_v in_o if_o we_o look_v back_o from_o age_n to_o age_n we_o find_v the_o christian_n have_v those_o book_n continual_o before_o their_o eye_n and_o that_o they_o be_v quote_v by_o the_o most_o ancient_a father_n who_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o sacred_a and_o divine_a ii_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o counterfeit_v book_n of_o humane_a learning_n because_o there_o be_v general_o but_o few_o people_n that_o interess_n themselves_o at_o all_o in_o they_o at_o least_o but_o very_o indifferent_o but_o it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n to_o counterfeit_v those_o book_n which_o compel_v man_n to_o suffer_v martyrdom_n as_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v if_o a_o man_n that_o lend_v out_o his_o money_n seek_v the_o best_a security_n he_o can_v for_o it_o what_o
corruption_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v do_v before_o any_o of_o the_o father_n begin_v to_o write_v that_o be_v fifteen_o or_o twenty_o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o we_o need_v only_o recall_v to_o mind_v all_o the_o reason_n that_o persuade_v we_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o forge_v by_o the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o it_o will_v appear_v they_o be_v no_o less_o conclusive_a in_o this_o place_n in_o short_a we_o need_v but_o join_v the_o martyrdom_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o be_v not_o certain_o so_o whimsical_a as_o to_o die_v in_o defence_n of_o their_o fiction_n with_o the_o passion_n the_o people_n have_v for_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o division_n which_o disunited_a the_o church_n immediate_o after_o their_o death_n the_o variety_n of_o translation_n the_o number_n of_o copy_n the_o constant_a and_o perpetual_a tradition_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n the_o connexion_n of_o the_o essential_a matter_n of_o fact_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v such_o that_o he_o that_o admit_v of_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o admit_v of_o the_o other_o too_o as_o he_o that_o believe_v the_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v his_o resurrection_n also_o and_o he_o that_o deny_v those_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v no_o long_o a_o christian_a the_o number_n of_o the_o book_n which_o the_o new_a testament_n consist_v of_o the_o repetition_n of_o the_o same_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o they_o the_o want_n of_o time_n and_o opportunity_n to_o invent_v or_o essential_o corrupt_v they_o the_o impossibility_n of_o it_o unless_o the_o book_n be_v whole_o forge_v the_o prodigious_a multitude_n of_o people_n who_o must_v have_v be_v impose_v upon_o in_o that_o respect_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n they_o must_v have_v be_v make_v to_o believe_v viz._n that_o whole_a society_n have_v receive_v some_o epistle_n from_o the_o apostle_n which_o contain_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v well_o remember_v the_o experience_n of_o time_n past_a which_o evident_o show_v that_o from_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n down_o to_o we_o that_o be_v for_o sixteen_o age_n together_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o essential_o corrupt_v the_o distance_n of_o place_n where_o those_o book_n must_v have_v be_v forge_v or_o corrupt_v together_o with_o the_o impossibility_n of_o make_v many_o fiction_n which_o in_o all_o appearance_n those_o book_n will_v have_v be_v full_a of_o pass_v for_o truth_n and_o that_o so_o soon_o after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n when_o the_o world_n have_v their_o preach_v yet_o fresh_a in_o their_o memory_n the_o silence_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o christian_n on_o that_o account_n who_o never_o mention_v any_o thing_n concern_v that_o pretend_a forgery_n the_o distinction_n the_o primitive_a christian_n make_v at_o first_o between_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n and_o those_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o absolute_a rule_n and_o standard_n of_o their_o faith_n all_o these_o consideration_n i_o say_v put_v together_o plain_o show_v we_o and_o that_o too_o in_o a_o evident_a manner_n that_o it_o will_v argue_v madness_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n long_a to_o entertain_v either_o of_o the_o two_o former_a suspicion_n i_o pass_v on_o therefore_o to_o a_o three_o which_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o compose_v fable_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o master_n but_o since_o this_o be_v the_o most_o considerable_a of_o they_o all_o and_o that_o which_o julian_n mahomet_n and_o almost_o every_o incredulous_a person_n of_o these_o time_n chief_o urge_v against_o we_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a i_o shall_v more_o particular_o and_o thorough_o examine_v it_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n for_o true_o upon_o that_o chief_o depend_v the_o solid_a proof_n of_o our_o religion_n chap._n iii_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o write_v what_o be_v false_a to_o comprehend_v distinct_o that_o the_o author_n we_o speak_v of_o do_v not_o impose_v upon_o we_o in_o their_o write_n it_o be_v fit_a to_o consider_v those_o write_n in_o particular_a one_o after_o another_o they_o consist_v of_o three_o principal_a part_n which_o be_v the_o four_o gospel_n the_o book_n of_o act_n and_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n st._n matthew_n write_v the_o first_o and_o his_o gospel_n be_v quote_v by_o clemens_n bishop_n of_o rome_n disciple_n and_o contemporary_a with_o the_o apostle_n barnabas_n quote_v it_o also_o in_o his_o epistle_n and_o ignatius_n and_o polycarp_n who_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o st._n john_n justin_n iraeneus_n who_o live_v a_o little_a after_o athenagoras_n tertullian_n and_o all_o the_o other_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n which_o succeed_v they_o unanimous_o receive_v it_o there_o be_v not_o only_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o st._n matthew_n concern_v which_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n to_o entertain_v any_o reasonable_a suspicion_n but_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o st._n mark_n be_v also_o a_o while_n after_o write_v for_o a_o second_o support_v of_o our_o belief_n the_o same_o father_n who_o testify_v of_o the_o one_o testify_v also_o of_o the_o other_o papias_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n justin_n speak_v of_o it_o and_o st._n iraeneus_n relate_v that_o mark_v the_o disciple_n of_o st._n peter_n compose_v his_o gospel_n of_o those_o matter_n he_o have_v hear_v the_o latter_a speak_v of_o st._n luke_n who_o accompany_v st._n paul_n in_o all_o his_o travel_n write_v a_o three_o gospel_n which_o the_o ancient_a father_n have_v also_o receive_v last_o st._n john_n the_o last_o of_o the_o apostle_n compose_v a_o four_o gospel_n towards_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o his_o day_n as_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n tell_v we_o and_o this_o apostle_n declare_v at_o the_o end_n of_o it_o that_o he_o himself_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o disciple_n say_v he_o which_o testify_v of_o these_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v see_v chap._n 21._o 24._o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v first_o of_o all_o that_o the_o four_o evangelist_n who_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o plainness_n and_o ingenuity_n which_o appear_v in_o their_o relation_n have_v nevertheless_o a_o very_a different_a stile_n from_o one_o another_o thus_o st._n john_n express_v himself_o after_o a_o very_a simple_a manner_n if_o compare_v with_o that_o of_o st._n luke_n who_o be_v a_o physician_n aught_o to_o have_v write_v in_o a_o more_o lofty_a stile_n than_o st._n john_n who_o be_v original_o a_o fisherman_n and_o this_o consideration_n remove_v the_o suspicion_n we_o may_v entertain_v that_o all_o those_o gospel_n be_v compose_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o author_n second_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o although_o these_o writer_n agree_v essential_o in_o the_o matter_n they_o relate_v there_o be_v nevertheless_o some_o small_a difference_n betwixt_o they_o which_o very_o sensible_o show_v we_o that_o they_o compose_v their_o gospel_n separately_z divine_a providence_n have_v so_o order_v it_o the_o better_a to_o confirm_v ouâ—_n faith_n yet_o our_o incredulous_a adversary_n will_v not_o stand_v to_o this_o assertion_n they_o will_v perhaps_o imagine_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n have_v get_v together_o at_o jerusalem_n after_o the_o death_n of_o their_o master_n take_v certain_a measure_n to_o make_v man_n believe_v certain_a suppositition_n matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o very_o exact_o and_o precise_o set_v down_o lest_o they_o shall_v contradict_v themselves_o in_o the_o testimony_n they_o shall_v give_v of_o they_o and_o that_o after_o have_v found_v several_a church_n by_o then_o preach_v some_o of_o they_o take_v special_a care_n to_o digest_v those_o very_a matter_n of_o fact_n in_o write_v which_o they_o have_v preach_v throughout_o the_o world_n after_o have_v invent_v they_o i_o think_v this_o be_v the_o most_o plausible_a objection_n of_o they_o that_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v raise_v against_o this_o subject_n but_o in_o order_n to_o confute_v this_o imagination_n it_o may_v perhaps_o suffice_v to_o call_v to_o mind_n what_o i_o have_v before_o mention_v the_o absurdity_n there_o be_v in_o suppose_v that_o a_o few_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a fisherman_n deject_v by_o the_o death_n of_o their_o master_n undeceive_v of_o the_o opinion_n they_o have_v entertain_v that_o he_o be_v their_o messiah_n and_o so_o fearful_a that_o they_o flee_v when_o he_o be_v seize_v upon_o in_o order_n to_o his_o crucifixion_n shall_v contrive_v among_o themselves_o how_o to_o deceive_v other_o man_n when_o they_o themselves_o be_v so_o miserable_o delude_v that_o they_o shall_v dare_v to_o invent_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o will_v certain_o fix_v a_o eternal_a blot_n and_o scandal_n upon_o their_o nation_n by_o make_v the_o jew_n be_v look_v
preach_v a_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n ii_o will_v you_o know_v the_o time_n it_o be_v in_o the_o space_n of_o three_o year_n that_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n be_v bring_v to_o pass_v and_o a_o few_o week_n after_o the_o ascension_n the_o apostle_n begin_v to_o preach_v public_o in_o jerusalem_n iii_o will_v you_o know_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o can_v produce_v a_o great_a number_n of_o person_n who_o both_o live_v and_o converse_v with_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o iv._o will_v you_o fain_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n here_o attest_v we_o show_v you_o that_o they_o be_v very_o evident_a and_o singular_a one_o that_o the_o sick_a be_v heal_v the_o wind_n and_o sea_n hush_v the_o dead_a raise_v a_o man_n put_v to_o death_n who_o converse_v with_o his_o disciple_n and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n v._o if_o you_o will_v know_v their_o number_n we_o can_v show_v that_o the_o whole_a life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v but_o one_o continual_a series_n of_o miracle_n vi_o last_o will_v you_o know_v the_o proof_n of_o all_o this_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o boast_v of_o have_v receive_v miraculous_a gift_n and_o that_o too_o by_o a_o good_a title_n as_o we_o shall_v show_v in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o work_n in_o the_o interim_n do_v but_o unite_v all_o these_o circumstance_n together_o and_o see_v what_o a_o irresistible_a evidence_n arise_v from_o their_o union_n how_o can_v the_o apostle_n persuade_v so_o many_o person_n concern_v in_o this_o thing_n so_o many_o that_o have_v both_o know_v and_o see_v jesus_n christ_n will_v they_o not_o soon_o have_v lose_v all_o credit_n if_o search_n have_v be_v make_v into_o the_o place_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o affirm_v strict_o examine_v or_o rather_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o whilst_o they_o venture_v to_o publish_v such_o thing_n in_o the_o very_a place_n where_o they_o must_v necessary_o have_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v the_o jew_n shall_v not_o have_v stop_v the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o discover_v to_o the_o world_n so_o visible_a and_o evident_a a_o imposture_n for_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o publish_v only_o one_o single_a matter_n of_o fact_n of_o this_o nature_n they_o affirm_v also_o that_o their_o master_n have_v raise_v lazarus_n from_o the_o dead_a together_o with_o the_o son_n of_o the_o widow_n of_o naim_n and_o the_o daughter_n of_o jairus_n that_o he_o have_v heal_v almost_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o people_n possess_v with_o the_o devil_n deaf_a blind_a and_o sick_a of_o the_o palsy_n and_o that_o his_o fame_n have_v spread_v throughout_o all_o syria_n nor_o be_v the_o apostle_n content_v bare_o to_o preach_v all_o these_o thing_n they_o put_v they_o also_o down_o in_o writing_n and_o their_o write_n be_v disperse_v throughout_o all_o the_o world_n therefore_o they_o hide_v not_o themselves_o but_o be_v willing_a every_o one_o shall_v know_v the_o certainty_n of_o what_o they_o testify_v and_o examine_v as_o much_o as_o they_o please_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n they_o relate_v they_o give_v they_o out_o to_o the_o world_n and_o expose_v they_o to_o be_v search_v all_o manner_n of_o way_n but_o suppose_v i_o shall_v grant_v those_o book_n to_o be_v write_v forty_o fifty_o or_o sixty_o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n still_o be_v it_o evident_a that_o before_o that_o time_n there_o be_v a_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n found_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o apostle_n have_v declare_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n the_o miracle_n and_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v the_o essential_a matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o those_o book_n for_o how_o can_v they_o otherwise_o persuade_v the_o world_n to_o worship_v a_o crucify_a man_n or_o convince_v they_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a the_o christian_n shall_v look_v upon_o that_o book_n as_o divine_a which_o go_v upon_o a_o supposition_n of_o what_o be_v never_o do_v by_o what_o kind_n of_o agreement_n shall_v four_z person_n who_o write_v in_o different_a time_n and_o place_n and_o copy_v not_o one_o another_o write_n as_o be_v plain_a if_o we_o read_v they_o over_o with_o never_o so_o little_a attention_n and_o consider_v their_o different_a manner_n of_o relate_v the_o same_o thing_n i_o say_v by_o what_o kind_n of_o agreement_n shall_v they_o have_v conspire_v to_o inform_v we_o of_o the_o same_o matter_n of_o fact_n if_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o first_o of_o all_o unanimous_o and_o universal_o publish_v they_o how_o can_v the_o apostle_n have_v persuade_v man_n to_o turn_v christian_n have_v they_o not_o declare_v the_o miracle_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n since_o christianity_n can_v subsist_v without_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n thus_o we_o see_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o impostor_n to_o disguise_v themselves_o for_o all_o their_o shift_n and_o trick_n serve_v only_o to_o discover_v they_o chap._n v._n where_o we_o shall_v more_o particular_o examine_v whether_o the_o apostle_n have_v the_o power_n or_o the_o will_n to_o deceive_v mankind_n those_o man_n who_o have_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v the_o world_n must_v have_v more_o skill_n wit_n and_o cunning_a than_o other_o which_o skill_n wit_n and_o cunning_a will_v appear_v in_o their_o work_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o their_o art_n and_o subtlety_n but_o when_o i_o strict_o examine_v those_o author_n who_o we_o call_v sacred_a i_o neither_o find_v cunning_a wit_n nor_o affectation_n in_o their_o book_n every_o thing_n they_o contain_v seem_v to_o i_o very_o simple_a naked_a and_o open_a they_o all_o exact_o relate_v their_o own_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n they_o do_v not_o conceal_v their_o true_a birth_n and_o extraction_n they_o discover_v their_o ambition_n in_o their_o controversy_n who_o among_o they_o shall_v be_v the_o great_a in_o the_o flourish_a kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n their_o gross_a ignorance_n in_o the_o question_n they_o ask_v their_o master_n and_o one_o another_o viz._n what_o mean_v this_o to_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a their_o cowardice_n in_o betake_v themselves_o to_o flight_n at_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o soldier_n that_o come_v to_o take_v away_o their_o master_n and_o their_o incredulity_n in_o those_o scruple_n they_o raise_v concern_v his_o resurrection_n all_o these_o thing_n plain_o discover_v the_o great_a sincerity_n and_o impartiality_n but_o yet_o there_o arise_v here_o a_o certain_a scruple_n which_o seem_v not_o altogether_o inconsiderable_a and_o may_v deserve_v a_o little_a consideration_n who_o know_v perhaps_o some_o will_v object_v but_o that_o this_o be_v a_o affect_a sincerity_n which_o prepossess_v our_o mind_n in_o their_o behalf_n only_o to_o deceive_v we_o the_o more_o secure_o in_o order_n to_o overthrow_v this_o notion_n i_o shall_v not_o assert_v that_o the_o writer_n we_o speak_v of_o be_v original_o fisherman_n and_o publican_n and_o that_o it_o will_v seem_v very_o strange_a that_o man_n of_o that_o birth_n and_o education_n shall_v affect_v simplicity_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o so_o refine_a apiece_o of_o policy_n of_o which_o there_o can_v hardly_o be_v give_v a_o example_n among_o the_o most_o able_a politician_n that_o ever_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o deceive_v mankind_n neither_o shall_v i_o say_v that_o since_o the_o four_o evangelist_n compose_v their_o write_n apart_o it_o will_v be_v very_o surprise_v that_o they_o shall_v all_o concur_v in_o the_o design_n of_o impose_v upon_o the_o credulity_n of_o man_n by_o write_v after_o so_o simple_a and_o ingenuous_a a_o manner_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v entire_o conformable_a to_o one_o another_o in_o this_o respect_n but_o also_o shall_v agree_v with_o the_o other_o writer_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o observe_v that_o they_o sometime_o relate_v such_o thing_n as_o at_o first_o view_n suggest_v those_o notion_n in_o we_o which_o piety_n utter_o reject_v and_o incredulity_n make_v use_v of_o to_o oppose_v the_o christian_a religion_n by_o attacking_z its_o divine_a head_n this_o they_o will_v never_o have_v do_v have_v they_o only_o affect_v a_o ingenuous_a simplicity_n thus_o it_o be_v ask_v why_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v subject_a to_o his_o holy_a and_o ever_o bless_a mother_n according_a to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o evangelist_n shall_v make_v she_o this_o answer_n which_o be_v some_o what_o rough_a and_o severe_a woman_n what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v with_o thou_o my_o hour_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v thus_o julian_n the_o apostate_n celsus_n porphirius_fw-la and_o other_o enemy_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n stick_v not_o to_o say_v that_o jesus_n christ_n give_v
book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v partly_o reducible_a to_o three_o head_n 1_o sy_n to_o a_o general_a preparation_n of_o all_o thing_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o messiah_n who_o be_v to_o come_v 2_o lie_n to_o the_o representation_n of_o his_o office_n and_o oeconomy_n by_o a_o type_n or_o shadow_n 3_o dly_z to_o the_o describe_v of_o he_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o render_v it_o altogether_o impossible_a for_o the_o elect_a soul_n not_o to_o know_v he_o when_o he_o come_v whosoever_o shall_v consider_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n under_o these_o three_o notion_n will_v certain_o discover_v nothing_o in_o they_o that_o can_v perplex_v his_o faith_n but_o he_o will_v find_v that_o every_o thing_n therein_o serve_v to_o increase_v his_o knowledge_n by_o discover_v to_o he_o as_o it_o be_v the_o scheme_n of_o god_n counsel_n and_o his_o great_a plan_n and_o design_n of_o religion_n but_o since_o it_o be_v not_o our_o present_a design_n to_o dive_v into_o the_o unfathomable_a abyss_n of_o the_o justice_n wisdom_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n so_o neither_o shall_v we_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n which_o induce_v he_o to_o permit_v man_n to_o sin_n or_o why_o he_o be_v please_v to_o save_v some_o rather_o than_o other_o or_o upon_o what_o account_n he_o make_v use_v of_o the_o intervention_n of_o a_o mediator_n rather_o than_o of_o any_o other_o mean_n or_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o other_o way_n to_o expiate_v the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n but_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n i_o say_v we_o shall_v not_o trouble_v ourselves_o about_o any_o of_o these_o vain_a and_o fruitless_a inquiry_n and_o since_o it_o be_v but_o just_a we_o shall_v free_o own_v our_o ignorance_n i_o think_v we_o can_v never_o find_v a_o better_a opportunity_n to_o acknowledge_v it_o than_o when_o we_o be_v talk_v about_o the_o secret_a method_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n because_o we_o can_v never_o discover_v the_o bottom_n of_o they_o unless_o we_o cease_v to_o be_v what_o we_o be_v or_o he_o to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v without_o attempt_v then_o to_o search_v into_o the_o manner_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v altogether_o incomprehensible_a to_o we_o and_o of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o speak_v but_o imperfect_o we_o free_o suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o we_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o question_n but_o god_n permit_v sin_n because_o we_o be_v all_o sinner_n we_o know_v that_o a_o small_a number_n of_o man_n be_v sanctify_v to_o who_o the_o scripture_n make_v several_a great_a and_o sublime_a promise_n and_o we_o be_v also_o teach_v that_o they_o be_v deliver_v from_o their_o sin_n by_o the_o intervention_n of_o a_o mediator_n and_o that_o god_n have_v resolve_v to_o bring_v it_o to_o pass_v by_o such_o mean_n even_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n but_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v how_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n prepare_v and_o dispose_v man_n for_o it_o these_o preparation_n relate_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v manifold_a for_o there_o be_v preparation_n of_o event_n preparation_n of_o ceremony_n preparation_n of_o prophecy_n preparation_n of_o precept_n and_o preparation_n of_o tenet_n as_o for_o the_o event_n they_o all_o relate_v to_o this_o great_a centre_n of_o religion_n have_v abraham_n always_o live_v in_o ur_fw-la of_o the_o chaldee_n he_o must_v necessary_o have_v fall_v into_o idolatry_n as_o well_o as_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o kindred_n or_o he_o can_v never_o have_v preserve_v to_o his_o posterity_n the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o his_o seed_n consequent_o can_v not_o have_v be_v a_o seed_n of_o blessing_n for_o all_o the_o nation_n to_o come_v it_o be_v then_o absolute_o requisite_a he_o shall_v forsake_v his_o country_n as_o well_o as_o his_o kindred_n and_o have_v jacob_n always_o live_v with_o his_o father_n laban_n the_o posterity_n of_o the_o latter_a will_v have_v corrupt_v that_o of_o the_o former_a so_o that_o esau_n have_v already_o mix_v himself_o with_o stranger_n the_o holy_a race_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n avoid_v be_v confound_v with_o the_o profane_a and_o so_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n will_v not_o have_v be_v entail_v upon_o any_o particular_a family_n or_o nation_n because_o in_o succession_n of_o time_n it_o will_v have_v be_v altogether_o impossible_a to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v then_o necessary_a that_o jacob_n shall_v forsake_v his_o father-in-law_n house_n and_o consequent_o live_v apart_o from_o all_o other_o nation_n and_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o the_o protect_a providence_n of_o god_n this_o people_n who_o be_v honour_v with_o his_o covenant_n and_o entrust_v with_o his_o oracle_n will_v have_v absolute_o perish_v in_o egypt_n and_o together_o with_o they_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o promise_a redeemer_n to_o preserve_v therefore_o such_o comfortable_a hope_n they_o be_v necessary_o separate_v from_o all_o other_o nation_n and_o the_o better_a to_o keep_v themselves_o in_o that_o state_n though_o they_o differ_v from_o they_o all_o in_o matter_n of_o policy_n manner_n inclination_n and_o religion_n yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a they_o have_v god_n for_o their_o supreme_a magistrate_n who_o give_v they_o all_o those_o wonderful_a mark_n of_o his_o protection_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n though_o thev_n be_v carry_v away_o captive_n into_o babylon_n for_o their_o sin_n they_o be_v necessary_o gather_v together_o again_o from_o that_o dispersion_n seventy_o year_n after_o lest_o a_o long_a bondage_n shall_v have_v make_v they_o for_o ever_o lose_v the_o mark_n of_o their_o election_n it_o be_v no_o difficult_a matter_n to_o perceive_v that_o it_o be_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o messiah_n only_o that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v so_o many_o distinction_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n can_v not_o be_v entail_v upon_o every_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n he_o set_v apart_o one_o single_a nation_n from_o the_o rest_n purposely_o to_o intrust_v they_o with_o so_o great_a a_o salvation_n and_o because_o it_o be_v absolute_o requisite_a this_o distinction_n shall_v remain_v till_o the_o birth_n of_o that_o redeemer_n so_o for_o that_o end_n he_o appoint_v five_o very_a remarkable_a principle_n of_o that_o separation_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n a_o divine_a character_n of_o the_o election_n of_o that_o people_n and_o a_o privilege_n they_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o be_v infinite_o jealous_a of_o especial_o when_o they_o consider_v what_o profound_a darkness_n ignorance_n and_o superstition_n be_v then_o disperse_v in_o the_o world_n the_o second_o be_v the_o circumcision_n that_o sign_n of_o his_o covenant_n which_o god_n be_v please_v the_o israelite_n shall_v bear_v in_o their_o flesh_n to_o distinguish_v they_o the_o more_o effectual_o from_o all_o other_o nation_n for_o it_o be_v not_o by_o mere_a chance_n or_o out_o of_o any_o fantastical_a humour_n that_o this_o custom_n be_v first_o settle_v among_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v they_o can_v have_v receive_v without_o very_o powerful_a motive_n to_o it_o so_o painful_a and_o difficult_a a_o custom_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o natural_a affection_n of_o mother_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o example_n of_o zeporah_n nay_o which_o even_o seem_v at_o first_o view_n somewhat_o shameful_a and_o obscene_a as_o for_o philo_n and_o other_o man_n reflection_n on_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o circumcision_n they_o be_v very_o pitiful_a the_o three_o principle_n of_o that_o distinction_n be_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n which_o god_n give_v to_o the_o patriarch_n and_o their_o posterity_n after_o they_o though_o he_o do_v not_o give_v they_o immediate_o a_o actual_a possession_n of_o it_o he_o fix_v the_o heart_n of_o that_o people_n upon_o that_o particular_a land_n lest_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v insensible_o disperse_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o the_o patriarch_n upon_o their_o deathbed_n strict_o recommend_v the_o carry_v of_o their_o bone_n into_o it_o the_o better_a to_o fix_v the_o hope_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n upon_o it_o but_o lest_o it_o shall_v have_v happen_v that_o the_o canaanite_n the_o perisite_n the_o jebusite_n etc._n etc._n who_o be_v before_o in_o possession_n of_o that_o land_n shall_v have_v intermix_v themselves_o with_o the_o holy_a generation_n and_o consequent_o corrupt_v they_o by_o their_o superstition_n god_n himself_o consent_v that_o those_o nation_n shall_v in_o this_o life_n undergo_v a_o exemplary_a punishment_n for_o their_o sin_n which_o have_v be_v carry_v on_o to_o the_o utmost_a pitch_n of_o excess_n and_o for_o that_o end_n his_o vengeance_n make_v use_v of_o josuah_n and_o his_o army_n as_o instrument_n to_o destroy_v they_o utter_o the_o four_o be_v the_o tabernacle_n and_o afterward_o the_o