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
character_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v infinite_o more_o excellent_a than_o that_o of_o the_o write_n of_o all_o the_o father_n who_o live_v successive_o from_o the_o apostle_n down_o to_o we_o wherein_o any_o one_o may_v easy_o observe_v a_o strange_a affectation_n a_o particular_a vanity_n of_o show_v their_o part_n and_o learning_n and_o sometime_o much_o heat_n and_o passion_n because_o they_o be_v far_o from_o the_o perfection_n in_o christianity_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v iv._o that_o the_o best_a sort_n of_o godly_a book_n write_v among_o the_o christian_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n down_o to_o we_o i_o mean_v those_o book_n that_o most_o establish_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o public_a society_n and_o chief_o tend_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v write_v in_o imitation_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o which_o they_o have_v their_o material_n to_o compose_v they_o with_o this_o be_v what_o in_o my_o opinion_n be_v very_o sure_a and_o certain_a and_o as_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o if_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o divine_o inspire_v they_o must_v necessary_o be_v impostor_n nay_o such_o abominable_a man_n as_o desire_v only_o to_o dishonour_v their_o nation_n and_o to_o sacrifice_v to_o a_o vain_a flatter_a idea_n of_o glory_n the_o life_n and_o fortune_n of_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n who_o they_o encourage_v to_o suffer_v martyrdom_n let_v we_o now_o see_v whether_o we_o can_v persuade_v ourselves_o that_o the_o most_o excellent_a book_n that_o be_v ever_o know_v i_o mean_v those_o book_n that_o be_v most_o proper_a to_o inspire_v we_o with_o piety_n with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n that_o be_v the_o source_n of_o the_o best_a matter_n that_o ever_o be_v write_v and_o the_o original_n of_o the_o piety_n and_o virtue_n of_o all_o those_o person_n who_o be_v convert_v by_o they_o be_v only_o the_o invention_n of_o the_o most_o wicked_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v certain_o since_o all_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n consider_v this_o book_n as_o divine_a and_o as_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n whereby_o they_o distinguish_v it_o from_o all_o other_o book_n it_o follow_v thence_o that_o all_o the_o christian_n be_v either_o deceive_v in_o the_o essential_o of_o it_o and_o that_o their_o faith_n be_v false_a or_o else_o that_o book_n must_v in_o reality_n be_v of_o a_o divine_a authority_n for_o such_o a_o universal_a tradition_n so_o constant_a and_o so_o necessary_o affix_v to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o religion_n can_v never_o impose_v upon_o we_o it_o have_v be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n as_o we_o have_v already_o observe_v to_o take_v care_n that_o this_o book_n shall_v be_v leave_v to_o we_o as_o entire_a as_o when_o it_o come_v out_o of_o the_o apostle_n hand_n and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o all_o assure_v we_o that_o it_o be_v of_o a_o divine_a authority_n tell_v we_o only_o but_o what_o right_a reason_n oblige_v they_o to_o acknowledge_v and_o we_o as_o well_o as_o they_o for_o the_o word_n preach_v and_o the_o word_n write_v by_o the_o apostle_n differ_v not_o essential_o from_o one_o another_o so_o that_o if_o the_o former_a be_v divine_a the_o latter_a must_v necessary_o be_v so_o too_o and_o who_o doubt_v but_o that_o word_n must_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o divine_a which_o god_n himself_o authorise_v by_o so_o many_o miracle_n perhaps_o some_o will_v reply_v that_o it_o will_v be_v of_o a_o very_a dangerous_a consequence_n to_o reason_n often_o after_o this_o manner_n and_o that_o although_o a_o false_a prophet_n shall_v work_v prodigious_a miracle_n yet_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o follow_v he_o upon_o a_o bare_a supposition_n that_o god_n never_o assist_v a_o impostor_n with_o his_o infinite_a power_n but_o this_o i_o own_o and_o affirm_v also_o that_o we_o ought_v strict_o to_o examine_v both_o his_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n to_o find_v out_o by_o that_o comparison_n the_o true_a original_a of_o both_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v this_o advantage_n that_o we_o not_o only_o find_v here_o such_o miracle_n as_o excel_v all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n such_o as_o for_o example_n the_o raise_v a_o man_n from_o the_o dead_a but_o that_o this_o doctrine_n also_o visible_o bear_v all_o the_o character_n of_o one_o that_o proceed_v from_o heaven_n those_o miracle_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n so_o great_a and_o numerous_a that_o the_o people_n cry_v out_o sure_o this_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n take_v away_o all_o suspicion_n of_o the_o falsity_n and_o pernicious_a consequence_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o confirm_v because_o the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o usual_o employ_v in_o favour_n of_o a_o imposture_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v so_o holy_a and_o so_o perfect_o tend_v to_o the_o union_n and_o welfare_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v so_o worthy_a of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o man_n sufficient_o warrant_v we_o that_o the_o miracle_n whereby_o it_o be_v confirm_v proceed_v not_o in_o the_o least_o from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n as_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n seem_v to_o believe_v hell_n never_o concern_v itself_o either_o to_o unite_v or_o sanctify_v mankind_n all_o the_o apostle_n express_o declare_v that_o the_o word_n which_o they_o preach_v proceed_v not_o from_o themselves_o but_o god_n but_o i_o certify_v you_o brethren_n say_v st._n paul_n in_o his_o epist_n to_o the_o galatian_n chap._n 1._o v._n 11._o that_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v preach_v of_o i_o be_v not_o after_o man_n for_o i_o neither_o receive_v of_o man_n neither_o be_v i_o teach_v it_o but_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n thus_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v assemble_v together_o at_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o first_o council_n that_o ever_o be_v hold_v and_o write_v to_o some_o chnrche_n concern_v several_a question_n that_o be_v then_o in_o agitation_n they_o make_v use_v of_o this_o manner_n of_o speak_v for_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o act._n 15._o 28._o it_o appear_v then_o that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v by_o the_o order_n and_o revelation_n of_o god_n which_o be_v give_v several_a way_n viz._n sometime_o by_o vision_n as_o when_o st._n peter_n see_v a_o certain_a vessel_n descend_v from_o heaven_n as_o it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a sheet_n knit_v by_o the_o four_o corner_n wherein_o be_v all_o kind_n of_o unclean_a beast_n and_o he_o be_v command_v say_v peter_n kill_v and_o eat_v act._n 10._o 13._o on_o purpose_n to_o signify_v that_o he_o ought_v to_o preach_v â—he_v gospel_n to_o the_o gentile_n who_o be_v no_o long_o a_o unclean_a nation_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n sometime_o by_o dream_n as_o when_o a_o certain_a macedonian_a appear_v unto_o st._n paul_n command_v he_o to_o go_v into_o macedonia_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n there_o sometime_o by_o ecstasy_n as_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o st._n paul_n be_v catch_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n but_o yet_o much_o often_o by_o the_o inward_a dictate_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n form_v as_o it_o be_v â—n_v their_o soul_n as_o when_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o peter_n concern_v the_o man_n which_o cornelius_n send_v to_o inquire_v for_o he_o go_v thou_o with_o they_o doubt_v nothing_o for_o i_o â—ave_n send_v they_o act._n 10._o 20._o it_o be_v true_a one_o may_v very_o well_o suspect_v these_o revelation_n if_o one_o single_a man_n boast_v of_o have_v have_v â—hem_fw-mi impart_v to_o he_o but_o here_o we_o have_v several_a god_n do_v not_o reveal_v himself_o to_o they_o after_o one_o single_a manner_n but_o after_o divers_a they_o assert_v not_o only_o â—hat_n god_n have_v reveal_v some_o thing_n to_o they_o in_o order_n â—o_o induce_v mankind_n to_o believe_v it_o but_o they_o wrought_v many_o miracle_n speak_v divers_a language_n impart_v â—hose_v gift_n to_o other_o thereby_o convert_v the_o world_n â—nd_v exact_o fulfil_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n that_o spirit_n which_o fill_v they_o and_o be_v necessary_o to_o fill_v â—hem_fw-mi because_o the_o time_n of_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentilesâ—as_v â—as_z come_v be_v outward_o produce_v by_o such_o effect_n â—s_v undoubted_o will_v confound_v the_o incredulous_a if_o they_o â—eflect_v upon_o they_o certain_o if_o it_o be_v true_a as_o it_o be_v that_o god_n pour_v down_o his_o spirit_n upon_o the_o apostle_n on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n it_o be_v only_a that_o they_o may_v preach_v unto_o man_n by_o their_o ministry_n unless_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o the_o tongue_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v exalt_v after_o a_o supernatural_a manner_n so_o far_o as_o to_o speak_v all_o sort_n of_o language_n be_v to_o confine_v themselves_o to_o that_o particular_a employ_v and_o not_o to_o reveal_v unto_o man_n the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o if_o we_o ought_v
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
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
shell_n and_o bark_n if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o examine_v all_o those_o argument_n that_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o external_a testimony_n which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n give_v of_o it_o and_o by_o consider_v their_o natural_a capacity_n the_o discovery_n that_o be_v make_v to_o they_o their_o prejudices_fw-la the_o peculiar_a frame_n of_o their_o mind_n their_o martyrdom_n and_o the_o reason_n that_o induce_v they_o to_o suffer_v it_o etc._n etc._n and_o all_o this_o before_o we_o proceed_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new-testament_n ii_o we_o shall_v consider_v these_o write_n themselves_o and_o inquire_v whether_o they_o be_v forge_v or_o not_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o subject-matter_n of_o they_o and_o endeavour_n both_o to_o defend_v they_o against_o the_o suspicion_n of_o the_o incredulous_a by_o show_v that_o they_o contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v certain_o true_a and_o to_o evince_v the_o divinity_n of_o they_o by_o the_o character_n of_o those_o thing_n they_o contain_v iii_o and_o last_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o very_a substance_n and_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n by_o discover_v the_o excellence_n use_n advantage_n the_o end_n genius_n and_o in_o general_a all_o the_o beauty_n which_o be_v proper_a and_o natural_a to_o it_o and_o this_o be_v what_o we_o design_v to_o treat_v of_o in_o the_o follow_a section_n whereof_o this_o second_o part_n be_v compose_v but_o since_o our_o adversary_n by_o their_o prejudices_fw-la may_v be_v incline_v to_o fear_v lest_o we_o shall_v impose_v upon_o they_o by_o make_v they_o believe_v such_o doctrine_n as_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o reason_n and_o since_o it_o be_v much_o for_o our_o advantage_n to_o remove_v all_o such_o suspicion_n we_o will_v for_o a_o while_o doubt_v of_o every_o thing_n with_o they_o and_o raise_v ourselves_o by_o degree_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o establish_v christianity_n itself_o admit_v of_o nothing_o for_o truth_n but_o so_o far_o as_o appear_v evident_a chap._n i._n where_o we_o shall_v inquire_v whence_o the_o christian_n have_v their_o original_a and_o what_o their_o profession_n be_v by_o look_v back_o into_o the_o first_o age_n wherein_o they_o appear_v in_o order_n to_o which_o we_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v now_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n and_o there_o have_v not_o always_o be_v such_o from_o this_o i_o gather_v that_o i_o must_v look_v back_o into_o past_a age_n to_o find_v out_o the_o original_a of_o my_o religion_n in_o this_o search_n i_o pass_v therefore_o from_o age_n to_o age_n till_o i_o come_v to_o constantine_n without_o be_v able_a to_o clear_v this_o doubt_n but_o here_o we_o must_v make_v a_o little_a stop_n the_o prosperity_n of_o this_o prince_n give_v at_o first_o some_o occasion_n of_o suspicion_n and_o we_o easy_o mistrust_v a_o man_n who_o be_v master_n of_o the_o most_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o world_n seem_v probable_o to_o have_v establish_v the_o christian_a religion_n therein_o either_o by_o force_n or_o policy_n look_v perhaps_o upon_o it_o as_o more_o proper_a than_o that_o of_o the_o heathen_n to_o carry_v on_o his_o design_n yet_o that_o suspicion_n soon_o vanish_v since_o we_o be_v assure_v there_o be_v christian_n in_o the_o world_n before_o constantine_n time_n all_o the_o heathen_a writer_n who_o live_v before_o he_o speak_v of_o they_o and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a historian_n be_v whole_o employ_v in_o describe_v their_o suffering_n but_o suppose_v that_o these_o historian_n live_v in_o the_o day_n of_o constantine_n or_o after_o he_o they_o must_v needs_o have_v either_o lose_v the_o use_n of_o their_o reason_n themselves_o or_o have_v imagine_v that_o the_o man_n of_o their_o age_n have_v lose_v they_o when_o they_o give_v they_o the_o history_n of_o the_o christian_n church_n down_o from_o the_o apostle_n to_o constantine_n if_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o have_v not_o be_v christian_n in_o the_o world_n before_o that_o prince_n and_o therefore_o this_o must_v be_v too_o extravagant_a a_o suspicion_n to_o be_v entertain_v long_o but_o here_o be_v something_o still_o more_o observable_a viz._n that_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o christian_n who_o live_v before_o constantine_n be_v then_o possess_v of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n and_o on_o the_o other_o that_o those_o very_a christian_n be_v so_o strong_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n of_o his_o miracle_n of_o the_o pour_v out_o the_o holy_a spirit_n on_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o all_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o establish_v the_o christian_a religion_n that_o they_o hardly_o speak_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o their_o book_n be_v full_a of_o they_o and_o their_o doctrine_n be_v altogether_o build_v upon_o this_o foundation_n and_o therefore_o if_o constantine_n invent_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o establish_v christianity_n he_o must_v not_o only_o have_v forge_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n but_o also_o the_o write_n of_o clemens_n justin_n iraeneus_n athenagoras_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n tertullian_n origen_n and_o in_o general_a of_o all_o the_o father_n who_o live_v before_o he_o because_o every_o one_o of_o their_o write_n have_v a_o essential_a relation_n to_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o shall_v we_o go_v up_o a_o little_a high_o than_o the_o reign_n of_o constantine_n we_o shall_v hear_v of_o christian_n that_o be_v afflict_v during_o the_o three_o first_o century_n of_o the_o church_n and_o persecute_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o punish_v with_o most_o barbarous_a and_o new_a invent_v torment_n they_o be_v put_v to_o death_n upon_o wheel_n and_o scaffold_n torture_v by_o fire_n their_o flesh_n tear_v with_o pincer_n their_o body_n be_v mangle_v by_o cut_v off_o limb_n one_o after_o another_o they_o be_v throw_v into_o river_n and_o cast_v into_o the_o sea_n and_o expose_v to_o wild_a beast_n wrap_v up_o in_o garment_n dip_v in_o sulphur_n to_o serve_v for_o torch_n and_o set_v up_o to_o light_a passenger_n in_o their_o way_n in_o fine_a it_o be_v never_o know_v that_o man_n so_o universal_o agree_v in_o any_o one_o thing_n as_o in_o their_o design_n of_o torment_v the_o christian_n in_o so_o much_o that_o the_o ordinary_a people_n who_o have_v general_o some_o compassion_n for_o the_o great_a malefactor_n upon_o the_o scaffold_n conduct_v the_o christian_n to_o the_o place_n of_o execution_n with_o acclamation_n of_o joy_n certain_o it_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n to_o restrain_v one_o curiosity_n so_o much_o as_o not_o to_o desire_v a_o more_o particular_a knowledge_n of_o a_o people_n persecute_v by_o the_o world_n with_o so_o much_o rage_n and_o malice_n for_o to_o see_v the_o whole_a world_n so_o strange_o incense_v against_o one_o sect_n of_o man_n one_o will_v easy_o think_v they_o the_o common_a enemy_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o the_o offspring_n of_o hell_n itself_o bear_v for_o a_o common_a plague_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n apolog._n what_o then_o be_v the_o great_a crime_n these_o christian_n be_v guilty_a of_o they_o be_v accuse_v of_o impiety_n murder_n and_o incest_n it_o be_v pretend_v that_o they_o violate_v the_o respect_n due_a to_o the_o god_n that_o they_o murder_v their_o own_o child_n which_o they_o scruple_v not_o to_o eat_v up_o after_o have_v kill_v they_o and_o last_o that_o they_o lie_v promiscuous_o together_o the_o brother_n with_o the_o sister_n and_o the_o son_n with_o the_o mother_n but_o first_o of_o all_o there_o be_v little_a likelihood_n that_o the_o christian_n shall_v suffer_v death_n and_o torment_n worse_o than_o death_n itself_o in_o defence_n of_o a_o religion_n which_o engage_v they_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o such_o infamous_a action_n that_o steadfast_a constancy_n they_o show_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o torment_n and_o which_o their_o enemy_n themselves_o acknowledge_v suit_n very_o ill_o with_o the_o voluptuousness_n and_o enormity_n they_o be_v accuse_v of_o beside_o be_v they_o question_v concern_v these_o crime_n which_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o clear_v themselves_o of_o they_o will_v produce_v in_o their_o behalf_n the_o apology_n of_o justin_n athenagoras_n and_o tertullian_n wherein_o they_o earnest_o desire_v the_o senate_n and_o roman_a emperor_n that_o they_o will_v make_v a_o strict_a enquiry_n into_o their_o life_n and_o inflict_v upon_o they_o such_o torment_n as_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n if_o possible_o more_o cruel_a than_o those_o they_o have_v already_o endure_v if_o they_o be_v real_o guilty_a of_o what_o they_o be_v accuse_v they_o will_v show_v we_o likewise_o a_o letter_n from_o pliny_n to_o trajan_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o authentic_a monument_n of_o their_o innocence_n since_o pliny_n there_o inform_v
have_v here_o something_o still_o more_o clear_a and_o convince_a than_o all_o this_o to_o offer_v either_o those_o book_n which_o you_o may_v think_v forge_v or_o not_o forge_v spread_v of_o themselves_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n throughout_o the_o world_n after_o they_o have_v be_v carry_v into_o several_a part_n of_o it_o before_o there_o be_v any_o apostle_n to_o preach_v it_o there_o or_o else_o those_o book_n be_v compose_v after_o the_o apostle_n have_v publish_v their_o doctrine_n in_o the_o different_a part_n of_o the_o universe_n i_o see_v no_o medium_n if_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n instruct_v man_n in_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n before_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n have_v preach_v it_o how_o can_v the_o roman_n be_v persuade_v that_o st._n paul_n which_o be_v a_o mere_a name_n have_v write_v a_o epistle_n to_o they_o or_o those_o of_o antioch_n that_o st._n peter_n have_v be_v in_o their_o city_n or_o the_o galatian_n that_o st._n paul_n have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o they_o or_o in_o general_a all_o judea_n and_o galilee_n that_o jesus_n christ_n with_o his_o disciple_n have_v preach_v there_o or_o in_o particular_a the_o people_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o he_o be_v there_o condemn_v to_o death_n by_o the_o sanhedrin_n etc._n etc._n but_o if_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o collect_v into_o several_a book_n nor_o compose_v till_o after_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n it_o must_v follow_v from_o thence_o that_o there_o be_v some_o apostle_n before_o that_o time_n and_o a_o certain_a jesus_n christ_n crucify_v who_o be_v repute_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o true_a messiah_n according_a to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n so_o that_o whether_o those_o book_n be_v forge_v or_o not_o still_o i_o be_o certain_a they_o relate_v certain_a fundamental_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v necessary_o true_a for_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o jesus_n christ_n who_o dwell_v in_o nazareth_n and_o be_v at_o last_o crucify_v at_o jerusalem_n it_o be_v also_o as_o certain_a that_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n be_v fisherman_n who_o follow_v he_o out_o of_o galilee_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n after_o his_o death_n in_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n wherefore_o then_o shall_v i_o be_v the_o only_a person_n that_o shall_v question_v a_o thing_n never_o so_o much_o as_o doubt_v of_o among_o the_o christian_n or_o the_o jew_n nay_o which_o the_o incredulous_a themselves_o of_o these_o time_n do_v not_o pretend_v to_o call_v in_o question_n but_o to_o stop_v a_o little_a here_o it_o seem_v that_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n live_v in_o a_o certain_a corner_n of_o judea_n pretend_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o if_o you_o will_v the_o messiah_n it_o be_v very_o strange_a indeed_o that_o a_o man_n of_o so_o mean_v a_o extraction_n who_o all_o his_o life_n time_n follow_v the_o profession_n of_o a_o carpenter_n as_o his_o enemy_n so_o often_o reproach_v he_o to_o have_v do_v shall_v notwithstanding_o pretend_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n who_o be_v to_o have_v be_v according_a to_o the_o profess_a opinion_n of_o that_o age_n surround_v or_o attend_v with_o pomp_n splendour_n and_o temporal_a prosperity_n let_v we_o therefore_o inquire_v a_o little_a into_o it_o this_o jesus_n whoever_o he_o may_v be_v and_o whatever_o idea_n we_o may_v frame_v to_o ourselves_o of_o he_o gather_v together_o a_o company_n of_o disciple_n some_o of_o which_o he_o take_v from_o among_o fisherman_n on_o the_o bank_n of_o the_o lake_n of_o gennesareth_n some_o out_o of_o the_o town_n of_o galilee_n nay_o and_o some_o he_o call_v from_o among_o the_o publican_n themselves_o who_o the_o people_n ever_o have_v in_o 16._o abomination_n as_o the_o first_o enemy_n of_o christian_a religion_n lay_v to_o his_o charge_n those_o man_n which_o thus_o follow_v he_o be_v of_o mean_a education_n and_o birth_n they_o neither_o have_v learning_n nor_o politeness_n they_o neither_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o heart_n nor_o the_o inclination_n of_o man_n neither_o with_o the_o policy_n of_o prince_n nor_o the_o elevate_a moral_n of_o the_o stoic_n nor_o last_o with_o the_o mysterious_a and_o secret_a wisdom_n of_o the_o sage_n but_o they_o be_v mean_a and_o simple_a person_n as_o the_o enemy_n themselves_o of_o christianity_n ready_o acknowledge_v i_o shall_v not_o at_o present_a examine_v what_o reason_n induce_v they_o so_o firm_o to_o adhere_v to_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o what_o convince_a argument_n he_o use_v to_o engage_v they_o to_o follow_v he_o it_o be_v enough_o we_o know_v they_o be_v ignorant_a person_n who_o look_v for_o the_o messiah_n according_a to_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o those_o time_n and_o so_o may_v probable_o be_v think_v to_o have_v be_v impose_v upon_o in_o that_o respect_n but_o here_o i_o can_v but_o admire_v that_o those_o mean_a and_o ignorant_a people_n who_o have_v undoubted_o frame_v to_o themselves_o a_o very_a sublime_a idea_n of_o their_o messiah_n and_o imagine_v no_o less_o than_o that_o he_o will_v have_v distribute_v crown_n to_o they_o to_o use_v that_o expression_n since_o this_o be_v always_o a_o strong_a opinion_n among_o the_o jew_n i_o say_v i_o can_v but_o admire_v that_o those_o ignorant_a sort_n of_o people_n shall_v content_v themselves_o with_o the_o outward_a and_o apparent_a meanness_n of_o a_o man_n who_o take_v quite_o another_o form_n upon_o he_o than_o that_o of_o a_o conqueror_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o a_o very_a poor_a and_o mean_a condition_n when_o he_o call_v his_o disciple_n since_o porphirius_fw-la celsus_n and_o julian_n the_o apostate_n reproach_v he_o with_o it_o beside_o this_o be_v such_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o no_o man_n will_v invent_v though_o he_o can_v easy_o have_v do_v it_o and_o which_o he_o can_v not_o easy_o invent_v though_o he_o will_v have_v do_v it_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o jew_n at_o that_o time_n and_o always_o before_o expect_v a_o triumphant_a messiah_n it_o be_v also_o as_o certain_a the_o disciple_n adhere_v to_o jesus_n christ_n notwithstanding_o the_o profess_a opinion_n they_o be_v prepossess_v with_o at_o that_o time_n this_o be_v what_o we_o be_v surprise_v at_o since_o the_o disciple_n find_v not_o in_o jesus_n christ_n all_o the_o glory_n and_o temporal_a power_n they_o be_v strong_o persuade_v their_o messiah_n shall_v have_v be_v invest_v with_o they_o undoubted_o imagine_v that_o what_o their_o master_n do_v not_o then_o actual_o possess_v he_o will_v certain_o enjoy_v some_o time_n after_o they_o do_v not_o at_o all_o question_n but_o that_o he_o be_v to_o re-establish_a the_o monarchy_n of_o israel_n and_o overcome_v the_o enemy_n of_o the_o jew_n this_o make_v they_o to_o dispute_v the_o priority_n among_o themselves_o they_o will_v know_v who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o great_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v in_o the_o flourish_a kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o they_o term_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n nay_o two_o of_o they_o importune_v our_o saviour_n to_o grant_v they_o to_o sit_v the_o one_o on_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o other_o on_o his_o left_a as_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v exalt_v to_o that_o state_n of_o glory_n i_o admit_v not_o of_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n mere_o because_o they_o be_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o because_o they_o be_v very_o conformable_a to_o the_o jewish_a tradition_n and_o reason_n itself_o common_a sense_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o disciple_n adhere_v not_o to_o jesus_n christ_n without_o some_o hope_n or_o other_o now_o what_o can_v they_o hope_v for_o from_o he_o who_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o messiah_n but_o that_o which_o they_o expect_v from_o the_o true_a messiah_n himself_o viz._n a_o temporal_a deliverance_n attend_v with_o the_o like_a prosperity_n but_o not_o to_o advance_v any_o thing_n doubtful_a or_o in_o the_o least_o uncertain_a in_o itself_o i_o affirm_v that_o the_o disciple_n consider_v jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o true_a messiah_n and_o that_o they_o can_v not_o regard_v he_o as_o such_o but_o either_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o jew_n or_o in_o that_o of_o the_o christian_n that_o be_v either_o as_o a_o temporal_a deliverer_n or_o a_o spiritual_a one_o and_o consequent_o that_o whatever_o sense_n we_o take_v it_o in_o still_o be_v they_o to_o hope_v for_o some_o advantage_n or_o other_o from_o he_o but_o let_v we_o see_v how_o far_o this_o twofold_a consideration_n will_v lead_v we_o whilst_o the_o disciple_n be_v strong_o preposess_v with_o the_o thought_n that_o jesus_n be_v their_o messiah_n that_o be_v the_o person_n that_o shall_v have_v raise_v up_o their_o nation_n to_o
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
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 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