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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 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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 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relate_v such_o thing_n as_o at_o first_o shock_n our_o thought_n and_o which_o impious_a man_n chief_o insist_v upon_o such_o as_o this_o complaint_n of_o jesus_n christ_n my_o god_n my_o god_n etc._n etc._n beside_o this_o the_o circumstance_n with_o which_o they_o relate_v all_o the_o action_n of_o their_o master_n will_v sufficient_o convince_v we_o of_o their_o sincerity_n for_o be_v it_o probable_a the_o evangelist_n shall_v have_v invent_v or_o forge_v the_o murmur_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o reproach_v they_o say_v why_o do_v you_o eat_v and_o drink_v with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o controversy_n betwixt_o the_o ambitious_a disciple_n on_o who_o account_n it_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v take_v up_o a_o little_a child_n tell_v they_o they_o must_v be_v like_o that_o child_n if_o they_o will_v qualify_v themselves_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n a_o wonderful_a discourse_n indeed_o both_o for_o its_o 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in_o that_o respect_n thus_o the_o truth_n appear_v on_o all_o side_n and_o i_o sensible_o perceive_v it_o as_o soon_o as_o i_o frame_v any_o idea_n to_o myself_o of_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o jesus_n christ_n yet_o i_o be_o willing_a however_o that_o the_o incredulous_a shall_v not_o whole_o conform_v their_o judgement_n to_o i_o and_o if_o this_o argument_n do_v not_o move_v and_o convince_v they_o as_o much_o as_o it_o do_v i_o they_o need_v only_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o other_o chap._n viii_o of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o will_v perhaps_o be_v much_o more_o affect_v with_o the_o prophecy_n that_o occur_v in_o the_o gospel_n several_a of_o which_o be_v very_o express_o deliver_v but_o among_o the_o rest_n we_o shall_v make_v choice_n of_o one_o which_o we_o shall_v particular_o examine_v it_o be_v that_o concern_v the_o final_a destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n we_o may_v easy_o perceive_v how_o clear_o it_o be_v set_v down_o by_o the_o evangelist_n who_o bring_v in_o jesus_n christ_n foretel_v it_o and_o how_o exact_o it_o be_v afterward_o fulfil_v the_o word_n of_o the_o prophecy_n be_v these_o and_o jesus_n answer_v say_v unto_o he_o see_v thou_o these_o 2._o â—reat_a building_n there_o shall_v not_o be_v leave_v one_o â—tone_n upon_o another_o that_o shall_v not_o be_v throw_v down_o etc._n etc._n and_o when_o you_o shall_v hear_v of_o war_n and_o rumour_n of_o war_n be_v you_o not_o trouble_v for_o all_o these_o thing_n must_v come_v to_o pass_v but_o the_o end_n be_v not_o yet_o for_o nation_n shall_v rise_v against_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n against_o kingdom_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v earthquake_n in_o divers_a place_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v famine_n and_o trouble_n for_o all_o these_o be_v but_o the_o beginning_n of_o sorrow_n etc._n etc._n when_o you_o therefore_o shall_v see_v the_o abomination_n of_o desolation_n speak_v of_o by_o daniel_n the_o prophet_n stand_v where_o it_o ought_v not_o whoso_o read_v let_v he_o understand_v then_o let_v they_o which_o be_v in_o judea_n flee_v into_o the_o mountain_n let_v he_o which_o be_v on_o the_o house_n top_n not_o come_v down_o to_o take_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o his_o house_n etc._n etc._n but_o woe_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v with_o child_n and_o to_o they_o that_o give_v suck_v in_o those_o day_n for_o in_o those_o day_n shall_v be_v affliction_n such_o as_o be_v not_o since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o creation_n which_o god_n create_v unto_o this_o time_n neither_o shall_v be_v again_o and_o except_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v shorten_v those_o day_n no_o flesh_n shall_v be_v save_v but_o for_o the_o elect_v sake_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v say_v unto_o you_o lo_o here_o be_v christ_n or_o lo_o he_o be_v there_o believe_v it_o not_o for_o there_o shall_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n to_o seduce_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a even_o the_o elect._n but_o take_v you_o heed_n behold_v i_o have_v foretell_v you_o all_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o requisite_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v very_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o jewish_a history_n to_o know_v that_o this_o prophecy_n be_v exact_o fulfil_v those_o who_o doubt_v it_o may_v consult_v the_o history_n josephus_n write_v of_o it_o there_o they_o will_v hear_v of_o trouble_n of_o war_n rumour_n of_o war_n of_o famine_n earthquake_n from_o place_n to_o place_n which_o precede_v for_o some_o year_n the_o final_a destruction_n of_o judea_n therein_o they_o will_v find_v jerusalem_n surround_v with_o army_n and_o tread_v down_o by_o the_o gentile_n there_o they_o will_v read_v of_o a_o time_n wherein_o it_o be_v much_o better_a for_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o miserable_a country_n to_o forsake_v their_o abode_n in_o the_o city_n and_o to_o flee_v to_o the_o mountain_n there_o they_o will_v see_v the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n burn_v down_o and_o demolish_v without_o have_v one_o stone_n leave_v upon_o another_o and_o sure_o be_v convince_v that_o there_o be_v never_o tribulation_n like_a unto_o the_o tribulation_n of_o those_o day_n they_o will_v be_v no_o long_o ignorant_a of_o the_o abomination_n of_o desolation_n set_v up_o in_o the_o holy_a place_n which_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n speak_v of_o when_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o jew_n rush_v into_o the_o temple_n and_o there_o cut_v one_o another_o throat_n on_o a_o solemn_a feast_n day_n but_o if_o they_o will_v further_o consult_v our_o ecclesiastical_a historian_n or_o the_o primitive_a father_n they_o will_v find_v they_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o relation_n that_o the_o faithful_a disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n flee_v to_o a_o little_a city_n call_v pella_n after_o have_v be_v forewarn_v of_o it_o by_o the_o spirit_n and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o long_o reason_n to_o think_v these_o word_n of_o jesus_n christ_n obscure_a but_o pray_v you_o that_o your_o flight_n be_v not_o in_o the_o winter_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v few_o people_n but_o what_o perceive_v the_o exact_a conformity_n of_o this_o prophecy_n with_o its_o event_n and_o we_o need_v not_o at_o all_o question_n the_o certainty_n of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o very_o certain_a that_o it_o be_v not_o compose_v after_o the_o event_n and_o it_o will_v concern_v we_o to_o inquire_v into_o it_o it_o appear_v then_o first_o that_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o it_o be_v relate_v be_v compose_v before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n because_o st._n luke_n write_v not_o the_o book_n of_o act_n till_o some_o time_n after_o he_o have_v compose_v his_o gospel_n as_o he_o testify_v himself_o in_o these_o word_n the_o former_a treatise_n have_v i_o make_v o_o theophilus_n of_o all_o that_o jesus_n begin_v both_o to_o do_v and_o to_o teach_v etc._n etc._n act_v 1._o 1._o beside_o it_o seem_v that_o st._n luke_n have_v write_v the_o book_n of_o act_n before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n because_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o speak_v of_o that_o event_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o speak_v of_o jerusalem_n as_o of_o a_o city_n that_o be_v still_o in_o be_v and_o wherein_o there_o be_v a_o flourish_a christian_a church_n but_o perhaps_o this_o be_v not_o so_o much_o insist_v upon_o it_o may_v be_v further_o ask_v whether_o that_o prophecy_n may_v not_o have_v be_v insert_v in_o the_o gospel_n by_o some_o zealous_a christian_n who_o have_v see_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n may_v have_v take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o to_o honour_v their_o master_n by_o pretend_v he_o have_v foretell_v it_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o doubt_n we_o shall_v observe_v first_o that_o though_o this_o prophecy_n be_v the_o same_o in_o substance_n in_o the_o three_o gospel_n wherein_o it_o be_v relate_v yet_o it_o be_v express_v after_o a_o very_a different_a
character_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v infinite_o more_o excellent_a than_o that_o of_o the_o write_n of_o all_o the_o father_n who_o live_v successive_o from_o the_o apostle_n down_o to_o we_o wherein_o any_o one_o may_v easy_o observe_v a_o strange_a affectation_n a_o particular_a vanity_n of_o show_v their_o part_n and_o learning_n and_o sometime_o much_o heat_n and_o passion_n because_o they_o be_v far_o from_o the_o perfection_n in_o christianity_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v iv._o that_o the_o best_a sort_n of_o godly_a book_n write_v among_o the_o christian_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n down_o to_o we_o i_o mean_v those_o book_n that_o most_o establish_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o public_a society_n and_o chief_o tend_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v write_v in_o imitation_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o which_o they_o have_v their_o material_n to_o compose_v they_o with_o this_o be_v what_o in_o my_o opinion_n be_v very_o sure_a and_o certain_a and_o as_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o if_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o divine_o inspire_v they_o must_v necessary_o be_v impostor_n nay_o such_o abominable_a man_n as_o desire_v only_o to_o dishonour_v their_o nation_n and_o to_o sacrifice_v to_o a_o vain_a flatter_a idea_n of_o glory_n the_o life_n and_o fortune_n of_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n who_o they_o encourage_v to_o suffer_v martyrdom_n let_v we_o now_o see_v whether_o we_o can_v persuade_v ourselves_o that_o the_o most_o excellent_a book_n that_o be_v ever_o know_v i_o mean_v those_o book_n that_o be_v most_o proper_a to_o inspire_v we_o with_o piety_n with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n that_o be_v the_o source_n of_o the_o best_a matter_n that_o ever_o be_v write_v and_o the_o original_n of_o the_o piety_n and_o virtue_n of_o all_o those_o person_n who_o be_v convert_v by_o they_o be_v only_o the_o invention_n of_o the_o most_o wicked_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v certain_o since_o all_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n consider_v this_o book_n as_o divine_a and_o as_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n whereby_o they_o distinguish_v it_o from_o all_o other_o book_n it_o follow_v thence_o that_o all_o the_o christian_n be_v either_o deceive_v in_o the_o essential_o of_o it_o and_o that_o their_o faith_n be_v false_a or_o else_o that_o book_n must_v in_o reality_n be_v of_o a_o divine_a authority_n for_o such_o a_o universal_a tradition_n so_o constant_a and_o so_o necessary_o affix_v to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o religion_n can_v never_o impose_v upon_o we_o it_o have_v be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n as_o we_o have_v already_o observe_v to_o take_v care_n that_o this_o book_n shall_v be_v leave_v to_o we_o as_o entire_a as_o when_o it_o come_v out_o of_o the_o apostle_n hand_n and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o all_o assure_v we_o that_o it_o be_v of_o a_o divine_a authority_n tell_v we_o only_o but_o what_o right_a reason_n oblige_v they_o to_o acknowledge_v and_o we_o as_o well_o as_o they_o for_o the_o word_n preach_v and_o the_o word_n write_v by_o the_o apostle_n differ_v not_o essential_o from_o one_o another_o so_o that_o if_o the_o former_a be_v divine_a the_o latter_a must_v necessary_o be_v so_o too_o and_o who_o doubt_v but_o that_o word_n must_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o divine_a which_o god_n himself_o authorise_v by_o so_o many_o miracle_n perhaps_o some_o will_v reply_v that_o it_o will_v be_v of_o a_o very_a dangerous_a consequence_n to_o reason_n often_o after_o this_o manner_n and_o that_o although_o a_o false_a prophet_n shall_v work_v prodigious_a miracle_n yet_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o follow_v he_o upon_o a_o bare_a supposition_n that_o god_n never_o assist_v a_o impostor_n with_o his_o infinite_a power_n but_o this_o i_o own_o and_o affirm_v also_o that_o we_o ought_v strict_o to_o examine_v both_o his_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n to_o find_v out_o by_o that_o comparison_n the_o true_a original_a of_o both_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v this_o advantage_n that_o we_o not_o only_o find_v here_o such_o miracle_n as_o excel_v all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n such_o as_o for_o example_n the_o raise_v a_o man_n from_o the_o dead_a but_o that_o this_o doctrine_n also_o visible_o bear_v all_o the_o character_n of_o one_o that_o proceed_v from_o heaven_n those_o miracle_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n so_o great_a and_o numerous_a that_o the_o people_n cry_v out_o sure_o this_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n take_v away_o all_o suspicion_n of_o the_o falsity_n and_o pernicious_a consequence_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o confirm_v because_o the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o usual_o employ_v in_o favour_n of_o a_o imposture_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v so_o holy_a and_o so_o perfect_o tend_v to_o the_o union_n and_o welfare_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v so_o worthy_a of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o man_n sufficient_o warrant_v we_o that_o the_o miracle_n whereby_o it_o be_v confirm_v proceed_v not_o in_o the_o least_o from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n as_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n seem_v to_o believe_v hell_n never_o concern_v itself_o either_o to_o unite_v or_o sanctify_v mankind_n all_o the_o apostle_n express_o declare_v that_o the_o word_n which_o they_o preach_v proceed_v not_o from_o themselves_o but_o god_n but_o i_o certify_v you_o brethren_n say_v st._n paul_n in_o his_o epist_n to_o the_o galatian_n chap._n 1._o v._n 11._o that_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v preach_v of_o i_o be_v not_o after_o man_n for_o i_o neither_o receive_v of_o man_n neither_o be_v i_o teach_v it_o but_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n thus_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v assemble_v together_o at_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o first_o council_n that_o ever_o be_v hold_v and_o write_v to_o some_o chnrche_n concern_v several_a question_n that_o be_v then_o in_o agitation_n they_o make_v use_v of_o this_o manner_n of_o speak_v for_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o act._n 15._o 28._o it_o appear_v then_o that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v by_o the_o order_n and_o revelation_n of_o god_n which_o be_v give_v several_a way_n viz._n sometime_o by_o vision_n as_o when_o st._n peter_n see_v a_o certain_a vessel_n descend_v from_o heaven_n as_o it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a sheet_n knit_v by_o the_o four_o corner_n wherein_o be_v all_o kind_n of_o unclean_a beast_n and_o he_o be_v command_v say_v peter_n kill_v and_o eat_v act._n 10._o 13._o on_o purpose_n to_o signify_v that_o he_o ought_v to_o preach_v â—he_v gospel_n to_o the_o gentile_n who_o be_v no_o long_o a_o unclean_a nation_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n sometime_o by_o dream_n as_o when_o a_o certain_a macedonian_a appear_v unto_o st._n paul_n command_v he_o to_o go_v into_o macedonia_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n there_o sometime_o by_o ecstasy_n as_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o st._n paul_n be_v catch_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n but_o yet_o much_o often_o by_o the_o inward_a dictate_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n form_v as_o it_o be_v â—n_v their_o soul_n as_o when_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o peter_n concern_v the_o man_n which_o cornelius_n send_v to_o inquire_v for_o he_o go_v thou_o with_o they_o doubt_v nothing_o for_o i_o â—ave_n send_v they_o act._n 10._o 20._o it_o be_v true_a one_o may_v very_o well_o suspect_v these_o revelation_n if_o one_o single_a man_n boast_v of_o have_v have_v â—hem_fw-mi impart_v to_o he_o but_o here_o we_o have_v several_a god_n do_v not_o reveal_v himself_o to_o they_o after_o one_o single_a manner_n but_o after_o divers_a they_o assert_v not_o only_o â—hat_n god_n have_v reveal_v some_o thing_n to_o they_o in_o order_n â—o_o induce_v mankind_n to_o believe_v it_o but_o they_o wrought_v many_o miracle_n speak_v divers_a language_n impart_v â—hose_v gift_n to_o other_o thereby_o convert_v the_o world_n â—nd_v exact_o fulfil_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n that_o spirit_n which_o fill_v they_o and_o be_v necessary_o to_o fill_v â—hem_fw-mi because_o the_o time_n of_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentilesâ—as_v â—as_z come_v be_v outward_o produce_v by_o such_o effect_n â—s_v undoubted_o will_v confound_v the_o incredulous_a if_o they_o â—eflect_v upon_o they_o certain_o if_o it_o be_v true_a as_o it_o be_v that_o god_n pour_v down_o his_o spirit_n upon_o the_o apostle_n on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n it_o be_v only_a that_o they_o may_v preach_v unto_o man_n by_o their_o ministry_n unless_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o the_o tongue_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v exalt_v after_o a_o supernatural_a manner_n so_o far_o as_o to_o speak_v all_o sort_n of_o language_n be_v to_o confine_v themselves_o to_o that_o particular_a employ_v and_o not_o to_o reveal_v unto_o man_n the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o if_o we_o ought_v
the_o use_n of_o his_o tongue_n whilst_o he_o be_v in_o the_o temple_n that_o all_o the_o people_n be_v eye-witness_n of_o it_o and_o that_o he_o remain_v speechless_a till_o the_o time_n be_v come_v wherein_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o give_v a_o name_n to_o that_o wonderful_a child_n which_o god_n have_v give_v he_o in_o his_o old_a age_n notwithstanding_o the_o barrenness_n of_o his_o wife_n suppose_v the_o gospel_n wherein_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v relate_v be_v compose_v long_o after_o that_o event_n still_o it_o be_v true_a that_o st._n luke_n compose_v his_o gospel_n before_o his_o book_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o that_o he_o compose_v the_o book_n of_o act_n sometime_o before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o we_o have_v in_o another_o place_n already_o observe_v and_o as_o it_o be_v without_o doubt_n true_a then_o suppose_v also_o forty_o fifty_o or_o sixty_o year_n if_o you_o will_v have_v past_a since_o all_o these_o thing_n have_v happen_v and_o before_o st._n luke_n compose_v his_o gospel_n can_v forty_o fifty_o or_o sixty_o year_n be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v several_a thousand_o of_o people_n nay_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o great_a and_o flourish_a city_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o they_o have_v see_v either_o with_o their_o own_o eye_n or_o that_o their_o forefather_n have_v see_v one_o of_o their_o priest_n whole_o deprive_v of_o the_o use_n of_o his_o tongue_n because_o he_o have_v see_v a_o vision_n in_o the_o holy_a place_n and_o yet_o that_o he_o recover_v it_o precise_o and_o exact_o at_o the_o time_n he_o be_v oblige_v to_o give_v a_o name_n to_o his_o child_n certain_o have_v none_o but_o zachariah_n relation_n be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o event_n of_o those_o thing_n yet_o it_o will_v have_v argue_v rashness_n in_o any_o man_n to_o invent_v any_o thing_n false_a concern_v they_o for_o what_o a_o extravagance_n will_v it_o have_v be_v in_o any_o one_o to_o pretend_v to_o invent_v it_o against_o the_o public_a knowledge_n of_o a_o whole_a and_o very_o numerous_a nation_n so_o solemn_o assemble_v together_o and_o so_o intent_n upon_o that_o event_n nay_o so_o surprise_v at_o that_o prodigy_n or_o if_o you_o will_v according_a to_o the_o incredulous_a so_o full_o satisfy_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o a_o vain_a chimaera_n and_o delusion_n and_o the_o people_n say_v the_o historian_n wait_v for_o zacharias_n and_o marvel_v that_o he_o tarry_v so_o long_o in_o the_o temple_n and_o when_o he_o come_v out_o he_o can_v not_o speak_v unto_o they_o and_o they_o perceive_v that_o he_o have_v see_v a_o vision_n in_o the_o temple_n for_o he_o beckon_v unto_o they_o and_o remain_v speechless_a luke_n 1._o 21_o 22._o but_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o zacharias_n be_v heal_v be_v no_o less_o surprise_v and_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v say_v the_o evangelist_n that_o on_o the_o eight_o day_n they_o come_v to_o circumcise_v the_o child_n and_o they_o call_v he_o zachariah_n after_o the_o name_n of_o his_o father_n and_o his_o mother_n answer_v and_o say_v not_o so_o but_o he_o shall_v be_v call_v john_n and_o they_o say_v unto_o she_o there_o be_v none_o of_o thy_o kindred_n that_o be_v call_v by_o that_o name_n and_o they_o make_v sign_n to_o his_o father_n how_o he_o will_v have_v he_o call_v and_o he_o ask_v for_o a_o write_v table_n and_o write_v say_v his_o name_n be_v john_n and_o they_o marvel_v all_o and_o his_o mouth_n be_v open_v immediate_o and_o his_o tongue_n loose_v and_o he_o speak_v and_o praise_v god_n and_o fear_n come_v on_o all_o that_o dwell_v round_o about_o they_o and_o all_o these_o say_n be_v noise_v abroad_o throughout_o all_o the_o country_n of_o judea_n luke_n 1._o 59_o 60_o 61_o 62_o 63_o 64_o 65._o thus_o it_o appear_v this_o history_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v know_v to_o all_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o other_o be_v spread_v abroad_o throughout_o all_o the_o country_n of_o judea_n and_o certain_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a any_o one_o shall_v have_v in_o the_o least_o design_v to_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n in_o that_o respect_n against_o that_o double_a knowledge_n they_o must_v have_v have_v of_o that_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o then_o the_o evangelist_n will_v have_v take_v away_o all_o possibility_n of_o belief_n from_o his_o narration_n by_o the_o choice_n of_o those_o circumstance_n he_o insert_v into_o his_o history_n now_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v natural_a for_o a_o author_n who_o write_v the_o history_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o miracle_n in_o a_o time_n wherein_o it_o be_v so_o strict_o examine_v and_o the_o follower_n of_o that_o sect_n be_v adjudge_v and_o condemn_v to_o death_n with_o so_o much_o severity_n in_o a_o time_n wherein_o as_o he_o himself_o make_v the_o jew_n of_o rome_n tell_v it_o to_o st._n paul_n speak_v to_o he_o at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o book_n of_o act_n chap._n 28._o v._n 22._o for_o as_o concern_v this_o sect_n we_o know_v that_o every_o where_o it_o be_v speak_v against_o i_o say_v it_o do_v not_o seem_v natural_a that_o that_o same_o author_n who_o know_v it_o â—ay_n observe_v it_o himself_o shall_v have_v publish_v such_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o falsity_n of_o which_o he_o will_v soon_o have_v be_v convince_v of_o by_o twenty_o thousand_o of_o people_n who_o must_v have_v be_v present_a in_o the_o temple_n with_o zachariah_n or_o at_o least_o hear_v it_o relate_v by_o those_o who_o be_v there_o present_a one_o of_o the_o most_o dangerous_a error_n which_o the_o incredulous_a plunge_n themselves_o in_o be_v that_o they_o imagine_v that_o the_o same_o distance_n of_o time_n which_o be_v between_o we_o and_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v to_o we_o be_v also_o to_o be_v find_v between_o those_o very_a matter_n of_o fact_n themselves_o and_o those_o who_o so_o relate_v they_o and_o they_o perceive_v not_o that_o whereas_o with_o respect_n to_o we_o it_o be_v many_o age_n ago_o since_o all_o those_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o little_a while_n since_o these_o thing_n must_v necessary_o have_v happen_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o disciple_n who_o publish_v they_o to_o the_o world_n either_o by_o their_o preach_n or_o write_n now_o for_o st._n luke_n to_o have_v invent_v such_o matter_n of_o fact_n must_v either_o have_v argue_v in_o he_o a_o certain_a droll_a mirth_n and_o pleasant_a gaiety_n of_o spirit_n in_o tell_v such_o story_n so_o grave_o or_o else_o he_o must_v have_v have_v but_o a_o very_a mean_a opinion_n of_o man_n sense_n and_o understanding_n in_o his_o time_n to_o think_v they_o can_v so_o easy_o be_v delude_v and_o impose_v upon_o the_o history_n the_o evangelist_n give_v we_o of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o wiseman_n of_o the_o east_n into_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n of_o herod_n suspicious_a concern_v and_o the_o cruel_a caution_n he_o use_v to_o secure_v his_o own_o crown_n by_o command_v all_o the_o young_a child_n that_o be_v in_o the_o city_n of_o bethlehem_n and_o in_o all_o the_o coast_n thereof_o to_o be_v slay_v from_o two_o year_n old_a and_o under_o according_a to_o the_o time_n he_o have_v diligent_o inquire_v of_o the_o wiseman_n i_o say_v this_o history_n be_v much_o of_o the_o same_o stamp_n with_o that_o we_o just_a now_o consider_v have_v the_o evangelist_n only_o tell_v we_o in_o general_a that_o the_o wiseman_n see_v a_o star_n in_o the_o east_n which_o they_o take_v to_o be_v the_o star_n that_o signify_v the_o birth_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o will_v have_v be_v somewhat_o more_o suspicious_a have_v they_o tell_v we_o only_o that_o those_o wiseman_n come_v to_o jerusalem_n that_o will_v not_o positive_o have_v conclude_v much_o but_o when_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o come_v public_o to_o jerusalem_n not_o any_o way_n conceal_v themselves_o or_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o come_n and_o that_o the_o whole_a city_n be_v alarm_v and_o concern_v at_o it_o do_v it_o seem_v natural_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v fancy_v he_o can_v persuade_v so_o great_a a_o city_n as_o jerusalem_n be_v that_o it_o have_v be_v disturb_v and_o surprise_v at_o the_o arrival_n of_o certain_a wiseman_n who_o be_v come_v to_o worship_v the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o a_o man_n who_o have_v propose_v to_o himself_o to_o relate_v certain_a fable_n who_o it_o concern_v that_o they_o shall_v pass_v for_o true_a and_o certain_a matter_n of_o fact_n shall_v yet_o pick_v out_o such_o circumstance_n as_o those_o be_v to_o vent_v abroad_o to_o a_o nation_n that_o know_v so_o very_o well_o the_o falsehood_n of_o they_o for_o if_o we_o consider_v who_o it_o be_v that_o relate_v these_o thing_n it_o be_v
account_n perhaps_o we_o shall_v not_o think_v it_o at_o all_o hard_a to_o conceive_v if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v its_o nature_n a_o little_a more_o clear_o to_o we_o but_o such_o be_v the_o wonderful_a conduct_n of_o god_n who_o be_v resolve_v to_o humble_v we_o and_o not_o to_o satisfy_v our_o vain_a curiosity_n nor_o indulge_v the_o pride_n of_o our_o understanding_n which_o be_v too_o greedy_a of_o knowledge_n 4_o thly_a because_o we_o be_v not_o whole_o destitute_a of_o image_n there_o be_v several_a capable_a to_o illustrate_v that_o object_n though_o never_o so_o incomprehensible_a in_o itself_o thus_o for_o instance_n the_o same_o soul_n be_v a_o understanding_n as_o it_o perceive_v a_o will_n as_o it_o have_v a_o desire_n and_o a_o memory_n as_o it_o recall_v the_o thing_n pass_v to_o the_o mind_n all_o which_o three_o faculty_n be_v comprehend_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o understanding_n in_o like_a manner_n also_o the_o same_o light_n be_v in_o the_o heaven_n a_o sun_n in_o the_o air_n brightness_n and_o in_o the_o cloud_n a_o false_a sun_n 5_o thly_a to_o all_o this_o we_o may_v yet_o further_o add_v that_o the_o great_a difficulty_n of_o this_o mystery_n proceed_v from_o those_o speculation_n in_o which_o school_n divinity_n have_v involve_v it_o to_o the_o great_a scandal_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o eternal_a confusion_n of_o our_o reason_n for_o who_o can_v endure_v the_o liberty_n those_o metaphysical_a divine_n have_v take_v in_o pretend_v to_o form_n and_o decide_v ridiculous_a rash_a and_o impious_a question_n concern_v that_o great_a mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n can_v we_o think_v any_o reasonable_a man_n can_v read_v all_o their_o impertinent_a question_n without_o indignation_n as_o whether_o several_a divine_a person_n can_v take_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o person_n whether_o the_o word_n can_v have_v take_v upon_o he_o in_o a_o hypostatical_a union_n the_o form_n of_o a_o angel_n of_o a_o beast_n of_o a_o woman_n of_o a_o insensible_a be_v of_o a_o accident_n of_o a_o act_n of_o sin_n of_o a_o devil_n so_o that_o if_o these_o proposition_n be_v true_a god_n be_v a_o sin_n a_o etc._n etc._n whether_o the_o word_n have_v take_v the_o soul_n in_o a_o hypostatical_a union_n rather_o than_o the_o body_n or_o the_o body_n rather_o than_o the_o soul_n whether_o if_o man_n have_v not_o sin_v the_o word_n will_v not_o have_v take_v our_o flesh_n upon_o he_o whether_o humane_a nature_n be_v first_o unite_v to_o the_o essence_n or_o the_o person_n whether_o the_o humane_a nature_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o divine_a by_o several_a union_n whether_o a_o divine_a person_n may_v take_v upon_o itself_o the_o form_n of_o a_o create_a person_n whether_o humanity_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n by_o way_n of_o accident_n or_o of_o substance_n whether_o the_o humane_a and_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v a_o part_n of_o christ_n and_o whether_o christ_n be_v two_o several_a thing_n whether_o christ_n be_v of_o a_o create_v or_o uncreate_v unity_n how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v he_o do_v not_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o very_a individual_a nature_n of_o adam_n whether_o this_o proposition_n christ_n be_v man_n be_v true_a during_o those_o three_o day_n he_o remain_v in_o the_o grave_a last_o whether_o christ_n shall_v have_v die_v of_o old_a age_n have_v he_o not_o be_v crucify_v in_o his_o youth_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v the_o only_a difficulty_n that_o occur_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o for_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v so_o essential_o so_o visible_o and_o so_o necessary_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n that_o we_o can_v but_o wonder_v that_o our_o incredulous_a adversary_n have_v not_o yet_o perceive_v it_o this_o we_o have_v already_o sufficient_o prove_v in_o several_a place_n of_o this_o work_n and_o we_o can_v well_o insist_v further_o upon_o it_o without_o repeat_v again_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v it_o be_v sufficient_a therefore_o to_o observe_v that_o christ_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o nature_n society_n and_o religion_n he_o be_v the_o light_n enlighten_v every_o thing_n without_o which_o we_o shall_v fall_v into_o infinite_a trouble_n and_o perplexity_n christ_n be_v the_o centre_n of_o all_o event_n which_o seem_o relate_v to_o his_o come_n he_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o more_o clear_o reveal_v the_o near_o we_o approach_v he_o the_o centre_n of_o all_o the_o moysaicall_a ceremony_n which_o be_v mere_a extravagance_n in_o themselves_o if_o they_o relate_v not_o to_o he_o the_o centre_n of_o all_o virtue_n which_o have_v no_o sufficient_a force_n or_o motive_n able_a to_o induce_v we_o to_o practice_v they_o but_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o life_n and_o immortality_n reveal_v to_o we_o in_o christ_n the_o centre_n and_o foundation_n of_o the_o inviolable_a rule_n of_o conscience_n which_o will_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o error_n and_o illusion_n if_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v a_o fable_n the_o centre_n of_o all_o those_o character_n of_o wisdom_n visible_o diplay_v in_o all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n since_o nothing_o but_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v lead_v man_n to_o the_o true_a end_n of_o his_o creation_n none_o but_o that_o can_v justify_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o centre_n of_o all_o the_o hope_n of_o man_n for_o what_o be_v there_o that_o he_o can_v hope_v for_o if_o christianity_n be_v a_o lie_n the_o centre_n of_o all_o the_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n that_o be_v in_o our_o knowledge_n for_o what_o be_v there_o that_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o if_o our_o soul_n be_v only_o a_o disposition_n of_o atom_n and_o have_v no_o such_o spirituality_n and_o immortality_n as_o that_o impute_a to_o it_o by_o the_o christian_a religion_n there_o need_v have_v be_v only_o a_o different_a configuration_n of_o part_n to_o form_v first_o notion_n quite_o contrary_a to_o those_o we_o now_o have_v let_v any_o one_o therefore_o close_o 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