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and_o
i_o mean_v such_o as_o be_v as_o well_o attest_v to_o have_v be_v do_v as_o those_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o can_v no_o more_o be_v account_v for_o without_o the_o power_n of_o god_n than_o they_o can_v many_o of_o which_o i_o will_v allow_v to_o have_v be_v do_v upon_o other_o occasion_n without_o any_o application_n of_o they_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o those_o that_o perform_v they_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n may_v have_v be_v wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o false_a doctrine_n and_o may_v have_v deceive_v many_o who_o simplicity_n and_o bigotry_n to_o the_o cause_n they_o make_v for_o dispose_v to_o entertain_v they_o but_o we_o have_v no_o record_n of_o any_o such_o ill-intended_n miracle_n leave_v which_o by_o the_o nature_n circumstance_n effect_n or_o attestation_n of_o they_o can_v dispose_v a_o rational_a man_n to_o ascribe_v they_o to_o god_n and_o whatever_o pretence_n of_o this_o kind_n there_o 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etc._n etc._n what_o if_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o spinoza_n observe_v the_o knowledge_n which_o these_o angry_a cheerful_a etc._n etc._n prophet_n of_o lively_a imagination_n have_v of_o future_a thing_n must_v be_v allow_v to_o come_v from_o god_n in_o a_o different_a manner_n from_o that_o whereby_o they_o receive_v all_o their_o other_o knowledge_n as_o spinoza_n himself_o plain_o own_v and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o it_o be_v a_o very_a good_a argument_n that_o the_o doctrine_n preach_v by_o those_o prophet_n be_v deliver_v to_o they_o by_o god_n also_o in_o the_o same_o way_n that_o their_o prophecy_n be_v which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o enforce_v the_o obligation_n of_o they_o upon_o we_o whatever_o natural_a cause_n god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o revelation_n and_o that_o be_v all_o we_o contend_v for_o or_o be_v concern_v to_o maintain_v this_o be_v all_o that_o either_o the_o ancient_n or_o modern_a enemy_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v or_o can_v have_v to_o object_n to_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n record_v in_o the_o bible_n except_v what_o have_v be_v already_o answer_v in_o the_o direct_a proof_n that_o be_v give_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o the_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n be_v charge_v with_o almost_o all_o the_o fault_n which_o any_o humane_a write_n be_v capable_a of_o viz._n contradiction_n to_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n contradiction_n of_o one_o part_n to_o another_o mistake_v as_o to_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n connexion_n of_o the_o part_n chronology_n geography_n etc._n etc._n ridiculous_a and_o improbable_a story_n absurd_a and_o irrational_a law_n and_o injunction_n trifle_a and_o impertinent_a reason_n and_o argument_n low_o and_o unartful_a language_n the_o injustice_n of_o which_o objection_n i_o shall_v show_v very_o brief_o as_o sie_v very_o open_a and_o obvious_a as_o to_o contradiction_n to_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n pretend_v to_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n no_o 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heal_v all_o manner_n of_o infirmity_n by_o his_o miraculous_a power_n and_o when_o his_o disciple_n bring_v he_o meat_n he_o refuse_v it_o say_v he_o have_v meat_n to_o eat_v which_o they_o know_v not_o of_o and_o that_o his_o meat_n be_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o he_o that_o send_v he_o he_o live_v in_o extreme_a poverty_n and_o want_n he_o have_v not_o where_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n and_o be_v destitute_a not_o only_o of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n but_o of_o all_o the_o lesser_a convenience_n of_o this_o life_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v when_o he_o send_v for_o a_o ass_n and_o foal_n to_o ride_v into_o jerusalem_n with_o the_o owner_n let_v they_o go_v and_o when_o he_o order_v to_o have_v such_o a_o room_n prepare_v for_o he_o to_o eat_v his_o last_o supper_n in_o it_o be_v present_o get_v ready_a for_o he_o and_o both_o upon_o the_o bare_a say_v of_o his_o disciple_n that_o the_o master_n have_v need_n of_o they_o his_o meekness_n lowliness_n and_o humility_n be_v 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his_o doctrine_n he_o reprove_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n with_o boldness_n he_o enter_v into_o jerusalem_n with_o all_o the_o high_a solemnity_n of_o triumph_n and_o drive_v out_o of_o the_o temple_n all_o those_o that_o profane_v that_o holy_a house_n by_o apply_v it_o to_o common_a uses_n he_o speak_v the_o word_n and_o whoever_o he_o call_v immediate_o leave_v all_o they_o have_v and_o follow_v he_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o forgive_v sin_n and_o he_o give_v his_o disciple_n the_o same_o power_n as_o likewise_o a_o power_n against_o unclean_a spirit_n to_o cast_v they_o out_o and_o to_o heal_v all_o manner_n of_o sickness_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o disease_n to_o tread_v on_o serpent_n and_o scorpion_n and_o over_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o enemy_n so_o that_o nothing_o shall_v by_o any_o mean_v hurt_v they_o beside_o all_o which_o and_o many_o other_o mark_v of_o greatness_n power_n and_o authority_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o action_n of_o christ_n the_o thing_n 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and_o that_o his_o father_n and_o he_o will_v come_v and_o make_v their_o abode_n with_o they_o whosoever_o drink_v of_o the_o water_n that_o he_o shall_v give_v he_o he_o say_v shall_v never_o thirst_v but_o that_o water_n shall_v be_v in_o he_o a_o well_o of_o water_n spring_v up_o into_o everlasting_a life_n and_o whoso_o eat_v his_o flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n have_v eternal_a life_n and_o he_o will_v raise_v he_o up_o at_o the_o last_o day_n he_o tell_v one_o of_o the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v with_o he_o that_o day_n in_o paradise_n and_o in_o general_a to_o all_o those_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o obey_v his_o word_n and_o commandment_n he_o give_v assurance_n of_o salvation_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o another_o world_n beside_o many_o other_o occasional_a blessing_n and_o assistance_n in_o this_o and_o those_o that_o will_v not_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o obey_v his_o gospel_n he_o threaten_v with_o eternal_a punishment_n in_o 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sell_v they_o and_o bring_v the_o price_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v sell_v and_o lay_v they_o at_o the_o apostle_n foot_n and_o distribution_n be_v make_v to_o every_o man_n according_a as_o he_o have_v need_v in_o other_o place_n it_o be_v say_v of_o they_o that_o believe_v that_o before_o they_o be_v servant_n of_o sin_n but_o after_o they_o have_v obey_v from_o the_o heart_n that_o form_n of_o doctrine_n that_o be_v deliver_v they_o they_o be_v make_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o become_v the_o servant_n of_o righteousness_n that_o in_o time_n past_a they_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o course_n of_o this_o world_n fulfil_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o mind_n but_o now_o be_v create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n do_v walk_v in_o they_o that_o some_o of_o they_o who_o be_v before_o fornicator_n idolator_n adulterer_n abuser_n of_o themselves_o with_o mankind_n thief_n covetous_a drunkard_n reviler_n and_o extortioner_n be_v wash_v and_o sanctify_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n many_o of_o they_o that_o believe_v come_v and_o confess_v and_o show_v their_o deed_n many_o also_o of_o they_o which_o use_v curious_a art_n bring_v their_o book_n together_o and_o burn_v they_o before_o all_o men._n but_o in_o process_n of_o time_n when_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n increase_v though_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o manifest_v their_o faith_n by_o their_o work_n turn_v from_o the_o vanity_n of_o idol_n to_o the_o live_a god_n renounce_v all_o the_o hide_a work_n of_o sin_n and_o darkness_n and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o those_o thing_n in_o which_o before_o they_o take_v pleasure_n yet_o offence_n and_o heresy_n do_v spring_v up_o among_o christian_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o care_n of_o those_o that_o first_o plant_v the_o church_n and_o those_o that_o afterward_o preside_v over_o they_o and_o some_o there_o be_v that_o walk_v disorderly_a that_o preach_v christ_n out_o of_o envy_n that_o teach_v other_o doctrine_n than_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v that_o turn_v after_o satan_n that_o love_v this_o present_a world_n that_o put_v away_o faith_n and_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n but_o these_o bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o faithful_a who_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n be_v speak_v of_o throughout_o the_o world_n such_o be_v the_o first_o publisher_n and_o believer_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o person_n who_o endeavour_v to_o discourage_v the_o belief_n and_o oppose_v the_o establishment_n of_o it_o by_o all_o the_o mean_n they_o can_v but_o especial_o by_o contemn_v disgrace_v revile_v and_o persecute_v those_o who_o be_v any_o way_n concern_v in_o maintain_v or_o propagate_a this_o new_a religion_n be_v among_o the_o jew_n their_o king_n governor_n chief_a priest_n elder_n and_o chief_a of_o the_o jew_n as_o also_o the_o scribe_n pharisee_n and_o saducee_n who_o be_v the_o man_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o jewish_a nation_n some_o of_o which_o be_v represent_v as_o very_o wicked_a man_n and_o notorious_a hypocrite_n and_o other_o as_o disbeliever_n of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o among_o the_o gentile_n the_o magistrate_n ruler_n and_o chief_a of_o the_o city_n philosopher_n sorcerer_n craftsman_n for_o idolatrous_a shrine_n and_o certain_a lewd_a fellow_n of_o the_o base_a sort_n most_o of_o which_o be_v stir_v up_o and_o move_v to_o what_o they_o do_v by_o the_o jew_n that_o live_v among_o they_o this_o be_v the_o short_a and_o plain_a account_n i_o can_v give_v of_o the_o subject_a of_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o that_o book_n which_o be_v such_o as_o every_o body_n that_o read_v it_o will_v find_v there_o and_o consequent_o must_v subscribe_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o representation_n however_o he_o may_v doubt_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o original_a the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o way_n and_o manner_n in_o which_o the_o several_a matter_n before_o mention_v be_v there_o relate_v with_o such_o other_o circumstance_n as_o refer_v to_o the_o form_n or_o composition_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n and_o the_o several_a part_n of_o which_o it_o consist_v now_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o any_o man_n that_o read_v over_o the_o new_a testament_n with_o the_o same_o care_n attention_n and_o impartiality_n as_o he_o do_v another_o book_n that_o it_o be_v not_o all_o writ_n by_o the_o same_o person_n at_o one_o continue_a time_n but_o by_o several_a person_n at_o different_a time_n and_o upon_o different_a occasion_n and_o that_o in_o general_a it_o be_v write_v with_o great_a plainness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o style_n without_o art_n or_o affection_n and_o with_o many_o extraordinary_a mark_n of_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n but_o to_o be_v more_o particular_a the_o four_o first_o book_n call_v gospel_n
seem_v to_o have_v be_v pen_v by_o so_o many_o different_a author_n as_o appear_v not_o only_o from_o several_a way_n and_o manner_n of_o expression_n observable_a in_o each_o of_o they_o but_o also_o from_o the_o subject_a which_o be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o and_o most_o of_o the_o same_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v repeat_v in_o each_o gospel_n some_o of_o which_o be_v tell_v with_o such_o a_o diversity_n of_o circumstance_n as_o occasion_n some_o difficulty_n to_o reconcile_v together_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o any_o one_o man_n will_v write_v so_o many_o account_n of_o the_o same_o story_n so_o little_a different_a from_o one_o another_o in_o the_o main_a branch_n and_o so_o much_o in_o some_o lesser_a particular_n the_o narration_n in_o all_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v very_o short_a naked_a and_o simple_a nothing_o but_o bare_a matter_n of_o fact_n be_v relate_v just_a as_o they_o happen_v without_o any_o interposition_n of_o the_o author_n 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difference_n arise_v whole_o from_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o conveyance_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o writer_n upon_o this_o supposion_n it_o may_v easy_o be_v allow_v to_o belong_v to_o the_o same_o author_n that_o write_v some_o other_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o a_o different_a style_n from_o that_o of_o the_o revelation_n which_o be_v altogether_o figurative_a and_o mysterious_a all_o the_o several_a book_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n except_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n have_v name_n of_o person_n prefix_v to_o they_o as_o the_o repute_a author_n of_o they_o who_o be_v all_o the_o same_o that_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n either_o as_o immediate_a apostle_n of_o christ_n or_o such_o as_o be_v choose_v and_o direct_v by_o those_o that_o be_v so_o but_o neither_o by_o the_o title_n nor_o by_o any_o thing_n say_v in_o the_o book_n themselves_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o any_o part_n of_o the_o 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write_v the_o two_o former_a of_o these_o observation_n be_v very_o evident_a upon_o the_o first_o and_o most_o transient_a read_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o a_o very_a small_a degree_n of_o attention_n will_v serve_v to_o satisfy_v we_o of_o the_o latter_a all_o the_o epistle_n be_v very_o absurd_a and_o unintelligible_a without_o this_o supposition_n for_o first_o the_o argument_n and_o exhortation_n there_o make_v use_n of_o with_o which_o they_o abound_v be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n inference_n from_o matter_n of_o fact_n take_v for_o grant_v and_o not_o new_o tell_v as_o appear_v from_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n in_o which_o they_o be_v mention_v the_o fact_n be_v allude_v to_o only_a and_o imperfect_o hint_v at_o not_o relate_v with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n necessary_a to_o inform_v those_o that_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o they_o before_o then_o the_o form_n of_o blessing_n and_o salutation_n we_o find_v there_o and_o the_o title_n the_o writer_n give_v 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and_o fall_v so_o immediate_o into_o the_o story_n of_o christ_n without_o any_o introduction_n or_o preface_n concern_v the_o character_n of_o the_o person_n who_o history_n they_o write_v or_o the_o time_n or_o design_n of_o their_o writing_n that_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v they_o will_v address_v themselves_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n to_o person_n who_o be_v perfect_a stranger_n to_o the_o name_n and_o history_n of_o christ_n but_o beside_o this_o way_n of_o beginning_n we_o have_v several_a account_n in_o the_o body_n of_o each_o gospel_n of_o multitude_n of_o people_n that_o follow_v christ_n that_o hear_v his_o sermon_n and_o be_v witness_n of_o his_o miracle_n of_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n who_o be_v convert_v by_o his_o discourse_n and_o of_o a_o great_a many_o that_o oppose_a and_o prosecute_v christ_n and_o object_v several_a thing_n to_o his_o
doctrine_n and_o miracle_n all_o which_o be_v tell_v as_o happen_v in_o the_o life-time_n of_o christ_n most_o of_o the_o thing_n concern_v he_o must_v be_v suppose_v by_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o have_v write_v present_o after_o his_o death_n as_o it_o be_v plain_a all_o the_o evangelist_n do_v to_o be_v general_o know_v and_o fresh_o remember_v at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o write_n which_o supposition_n further_a appear_v from_o the_o short_a and_o disorderly_a relation_n of_o several_a matter_n of_o fact_n in_o each_o gospel_n which_o in_o such_o case_n where_o we_o be_v not_o assist_v with_o a_o full_a account_n from_o the_o other_o gospel_n or_o follow_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n seem_v very_o obscure_a to_o we_o now_o who_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o circumstance_n omit_v this_o be_v what_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o remark_n concern_v the_o subject_a and_o form_n of_o that_o book_n which_o we_o call_v the_o new_a testament_n and_o now_o 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general_o believe_v and_o then_o i_o shall_v prove_v that_o the_o same_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v likewise_o believe_v at_o and_o immediate_o after_o the_o time_n in_o which_o they_o be_v say_v to_o happen_v and_o so_o continual_o down_o to_o that_o particular_a period_n fix_v upon_o which_o last_o proposition_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o from_o the_o constant_a tradition_n of_o such_o a_o belief_n together_o with_o many_o sensible_a infallible_a effect_n of_o it_o and_o from_o many_o other_o extrinsic_a sign_n and_o monument_n remain_v at_o that_o time_n from_o which_o constant_a and_o universal_a belief_n among_o christian_n of_o all_o the_o principal_a fact_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n both_o common_a and_o extraordinary_a continue_v down_o to_o such_o a_o period_n from_o the_o very_a first_o time_n in_o which_o they_o several_o happen_v i_o conconclude_v that_o at_o least_o the_o common_a matter_n of_o fact_n such_o as_o i_o have_v just_a before_o instance_a in_o 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nothing_o so_o easy_a to_o be_v know_v of_o any_o country_n where_o we_o have_v the_o least_o remain_v of_o history_n leave_v we_o as_o what_o religion_n be_v profess_v there_o and_o what_o considerable_a alteration_n be_v make_v in_o it_o all_o the_o law_n custom_n and_o policy_n of_o a_o nation_n be_v intermix_v with_o their_o religion_n most_o of_o the_o action_n opinion_n and_o character_n of_o particular_a man_n bear_v the_o mark_n of_o it_o and_o if_o we_o examine_v thing_n more_o narrow_o and_o trace_v they_o up_o to_o their_o original_a we_o shall_v find_v that_o religion_n put_v a_o great_a distinction_n betwixt_o one_o nation_n and_o another_o than_o any_o difference_n of_o climate_n can_v do_v but_o not_o to_o pursue_v that_o speculation_n any_o further_a it_o be_v very_o plain_a from_o all_o history_n what_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v and_o what_o religion_n they_o have_v at_o rome_n and_o in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n under_o the_o reign_n of_o augustus_n there_o be_v no_o such_o person_n then_o to_o he_o hear_v of_o as_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n no_o such_o religion_n any_o where_o profess_v as_o that_o which_o be_v now_o call_v christian_a the_o plan_n and_o model_n of_o which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o in_o the_o time_n of_o nero_n we_o find_v a_o great_a many_o person_n at_o rome_n tacitus_n tacitus_n call_v christian_n put_v to_o death_n and_o several_a other_o way_n persecute_v and_o torment_v for_o be_v so_o by_o that_o emperor_n which_o denomination_n and_o whatever_o they_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o believe_v or_o do_v upon_o that_o account_n be_v then_o general_o acknowledge_v by_o themselves_o and_o other_o to_o be_v derive_v to_o they_o from_o one_o christ_n who_o be_v sometime_o before_o crucify_v at_o jerusalem_n now_o the_o time_n when_o this_o
christ_n the_o first_o author_n of_o this_o sect_n of_o man_n call_v christian_n begin_v to_o publish_v his_o doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n be_v very_o particular_o and_o circumstantial_o set_v down_o by_o st._n luke_n in_o the_o three_o chapter_n of_o his_o gospel_n to_o be_v the_o fifteen_o year_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o tiberius_n cesar_n pontius_n pilate_n be_v governor_n of_o judea_n and_o herod_n be_v tetrarch_n of_o galilee_n and_o his_o brother_n philip_n tetrarch_n of_o iturea_n and_o of_o the_o region_n of_o trachonitis_n and_o lysanias_n the_o tetrarch_n of_o abilene_n annas_n and_o caiaphas_n be_v the_o high_a priest_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o in_o the_o book_n call_v the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n say_v to_o be_v write_v by_o the_o same_o st._n luke_n it_o be_v affirm_v that_o the_o disciple_n by_o which_o word_n be_v there_o mean_v all_o those_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o he_o be_v call_v christian_n first_o at_o antioch_n which_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o christian_a historian_n record_v to_o have_v happen_v at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o caligula_n who_o be_v the_o next_o that_o succeed_v tiberius_n in_o the_o empire_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o low_a point_n of_o time_n it_o can_v be_v fix_v at_o appear_v from_o the_o same_o place_n of_o st._n luke_n where_o immediate_o after_o the_o word_n before_o cite_v it_o follow_v and_o in_o these_o day_n come_v prophet_n from_o jerusalem_n unto_o antioch_n and_o there_o stand_v up_o one_o of_o they_o name_v agabus_n and_o signify_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v great_a dearth_n throughout_o all_o the_o world_n which_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o day_n of_o claudius_n cesar_n from_o whence_o i_o infer_v that_o this_o relation_n of_o agabus_n concur_v in_o time_n with_o that_o other_o account_n of_o the_o disciple_n be_v first_o call_v christian_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o what_o be_v say_v concern_v the_o completion_n of_o agabus_n prophecy_n in_o the_o day_n of_o claudius_n cesar_n that_o he_o first_o utter_v his_o prophecy_n some_o time_n before_o the_o day_n of_o claudius_n cesar_n the_o time_n when_o the_o disciple_n be_v first_o call_v christian_n must_v likewise_o be_v soon_o or_o late_a before_o the_o reign_n of_o claudius_n which_o claudius_n be_v the_o immediate_a successor_n of_o caligula_n in_o the_o empire_n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o question_n must_v happen_v in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o caligula_n or_o at_o some_o time_n before_o now_o from_o the_o fifteen_o year_n of_o tiberius_n when_o christ_n first_o publish_v his_o doctrine_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o the_o last_o of_o caligula_n when_o his_o disciple_n be_v first_o call_v christian_n at_o antioch_n be_v about_o twelve_o year_n from_o whence_o to_o the_o ten_o year_n of_o nero_n when_o the_o christian_n be_v first_o persecute_v at_o rome_n be_v a_o little_a above_o twenty_o year_n within_o five_o year_n after_o which_o jerusalem_n be_v destroy_v and_o a_o end_n be_v put_v to_o the_o jewish_a government_n and_o policy_n so_o that_o from_o the_o fifteen_o of_o tiberius_n when_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o christ_n first_o publish_v his_o gospel_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o the_o first_o of_o vespasian_n when_o jerusalem_n be_v destroy_v be_v about_o forty_o year_n and_o no_o more_o if_o therefore_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v the_o neronian_a persecution_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v true_a as_o be_v constant_o attest_v by_o heathen_a and_o jewish_a as_o well_o as_o christian_a writer_n it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o those_o mention_v by_o st._n luke_n be_v so_o too_o for_o before_o the_o fifteen_o of_o tiberius_n no_o sign_n or_o footstep_n of_o christianity_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n neither_o be_v it_o pretend_v by_o any_o of_o the_o adversary_n of_o this_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v early_o and_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n fall_v in_o the_o first_o year_n of_o vespasian_n the_o propagation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o thence_o to_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n must_v needs_o have_v have_v as_o early_o a_o date_n of_o that_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o find_v great_a number_n of_o christian_n at_o rome_n in_o nero_n time_n both_o the_o propagation_n as_o well_o as_o original_a of_o the_o christian_a religion_n must_v have_v happen_v not_o only_o before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o some_o time_n between_o the_o fifteen_o year_n of_o tiberius_n and_o the_o ten_o of_o nero_n and_o consequent_o the_o account_n before_o give_v by_o st._n luke_n of_o these_o great_a event_n can_v well_o be_v imagine_v to_o be_v false_a but_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o mistake_n in_o time_n if_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o suppose_a can_v be_v considerable_a from_o all_o which_o i_o think_v i_o have_v reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o the_o 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history_n of_o this_o famous_a emperor_n and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n under_o his_o reign_n in_o the_o twenty_o year_n of_o which_o be_v hold_v a_o general_n council_n which_o be_v a_o meeting_n or_o assembly_n of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o bishop_n who_o come_v from_o all_o the_o different_a province_n and_o city_n both_o of_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a empire_n and_o be_v person_n that_o in_o their_o several_a district_n govern_v and_o direct_v in_o religion_n affair_n the_o chief_a design_n of_o that_o meeting_n be_v by_o constantine_n who_o call_v they_o together_o declare_v to_o be_v for_o the_o decision_n of_o a_o controversy_n that_o have_v happen_v between_o certain_a christian_a professor_n concern_v a_o particular_a article_n or_o doctrine_n of_o their_o religion_n which_o some_o affirm_v aught_o to_o be_v believe_v in_o one_o sense_n and_o some_o in_o another_o these_o bishop_n do_v meet_v according_o to_o the_o number_n of_o about_o 300_o decide_v the_o 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of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o nicene_n father_n and_o most_o of_o they_o by_o all_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o all_o the_o public_a decision_n and_o order_n of_o the_o council_n that_o they_o be_v ground_v upon_o some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n now_o in_o our_o hand_n if_o they_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v write_v before_o that_o time_n and_o that_o they_o be_v eusebius_n one_o of_o the_o bishop_n of_o this_o council_n be_v a_o sufficient_a witness_n who_o in_o a_o history_n he_o have_v leave_v we_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v all_o writ_n and_o the_o author_n they_o be_v write_v by_o which_o be_v another_o very_a good_a argument_n that_o most_o of_o the_o nicene_n bishop_n have_v the_o same_o bible_n for_o eusebius_n be_v not_o only_o present_a among_o and_o converse_v with_o several_a of_o they_o but_o have_v a_o great_a share_n in_o the_o management_n of_o the_o 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and_o several_a of_o they_o at_o such_o a_o distance_n as_o to_o have_v have_v no_o communication_n with_o one_o another_o since_o that_o time_n such_o a_o consent_n i_o say_v as_o this_o whensoever_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n be_v first_o determine_v in_o a_o general_a meeting_n be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o establish_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o book_n that_o be_v doubt_v of_o and_z according_o the_o whole_a canon_n we_o now_o have_v be_v afterward_o universal_o acknowledge_v since_o therefore_o we_o find_v that_o all_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v universal_o receive_v some_o time_n after_o the_o nicene_n council_n and_o since_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o canon_n and_o universal_a submission_n to_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o general_a tradition_n so_o faithful_o preserve_v in_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o christian_a church_n that_o all_o other_o christian_n be_v full_o satisfy_v of_o it_o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o great_a 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only_a scripture_n acknowledge_v by_o all_o the_o nicene_n bishop_n then_o what_o be_v say_v before_o concern_v several_a religious_a custom_n and_o practice_n there_o mention_v will_v hold_v in_o like_a manner_n of_o those_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o such_o or_o such_o a_o particular_a bishop_n that_o be_v present_a at_o this_o council_n may_v himself_o by_o a_o short_a easy_a and_o unquestionable_a way_n of_o conveyance_n be_v assure_v that_o for_o 150_o year_n last_o pass_v the_o same_o scripture_n have_v be_v acknowledge_v as_o well_o as_o the_o same_o religious_a custom_n practise_v in_o that_o church_n and_o province_n from_o whence_o he_o come_v and_o consequent_o that_o the_o main_a scheme_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o it_o have_v be_v all_o that_o time_n the_o same_o now_o if_o we_o apply_v the_o forego_n observation_n to_o all_o the_o several_a bishop_n of_o this_o council_n and_o suppose_v they_o all_o satisfy_v of_o the_o constant_a tradition_n of_o the_o same_o scripture_n &_o custom_n as_o be_v before_o specify_v in_o the_o several_a church_n and_o province_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v as_o the_o history_n of_o these_o time_n relate_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o have_v be_v then_o be_v the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o all_o these_o bishop_n a_o infallible_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o testify_v and_o if_o there_o have_v not_o be_v such_o a_o constant_a tradition_n in_o any_o of_o these_o church_n or_o province_n as_o we_o suppose_v than_o the_o original_a introduction_n or_o intermission_n of_o any_o of_o those_o scripture_n or_o custom_n within_o the_o same_o compass_n of_o time_n will_v have_v be_v in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o manner_n and_o with_o the_o same_o certainty_n know_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o those_o church_n and_o province_n where_o such_o introduction_n or_o intermission_n happen_v and_o what_o be_v first_o introduce_v
that_o be_v but_o 150_o year_n before_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a the_o same_o it_o be_v then_o and_o if_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v as_o far_o spread_v in_o the_o time_n of_o trajan_n as_o it_o be_v sixty_o year_n afterward_o the_o same_o will_v hold_v as_o to_o all_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o it_o must_v be_v derive_v to_o those_o province_n that_o want_v it_o from_o those_o where_o it_o be_v profess_v which_o amount_v to_o the_o same_o thing_n for_o if_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o time_n of_o trajan_n be_v not_o the_o same_o it_o be_v sixty_o year_n afterward_o no_o account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o so_o general_a and_o wide_a a_o agreement_n then_o in_o so_o many_o different_a province_n as_o have_v already_o be_v prove_v the_o same_o christian_a religion_n be_v profess_v in_o at_o that_o time_n in_o all_o which_o the_o religion_n then_o profess_v must_v be_v suppose_v different_a from_o the_o original_a it_o be_v derive_v from_o 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upon_o the_o prospect_n of_o which_o the_o whole_a religion_n be_v found_v may_v not_o shock_v the_o faith_n of_o mankind_n what_o wise_a and_o more_o convince_a method_n can_v be_v take_v than_o by_o various_a instance_n of_o thing_n actual_o do_v in_o their_o presence_n of_o as_o strange_a and_o surprise_v a_o nature_n as_o those_o foretell_v and_o some_o of_o they_o of_o the_o very_a same_o kind_n as_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a ascension_n into_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n how_o i_o say_v can_v man_n be_v better_o satisfy_v than_o by_o such_o present_a experience_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n that_o nothing_o be_v impossible_a to_o god_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v such_o thing_n in_o a_o future_a state_n which_o eye_n have_v not_o yet_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v thus_o have_v i_o prove_v in_o short_a that_o the_o prophecy_n miracle_n and_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o 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it_o have_v proceed_v immediate_o from_o himself_o and_o what_o be_v say_v or_o do_v by_o devil_n or_o evil_a spirit_n be_v by_o the_o permission_n of_o god_n for_o the_o trial_n or_o punishment_n of_o men._n the_o power_n god_n suffer_v evil_a spirit_n to_o exercise_n and_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n he_o permit_v they_o to_o do_v in_o order_n to_o tempt_v man_n from_o the_o belief_n or_o practice_n of_o those_o thing_n he_o have_v enjoin_v and_o command_v they_o be_v so_o easy_o distinguishable_a from_o the_o positive_a express_a manifestation_n of_o divine_a power_n that_o any_o man_n be_v just_o to_o be_v condemn_v for_o be_v deceive_v by_o they_o for_o beside_o that_o miracle_n do_v by_o the_o help_n of_o evil_a spirit_n be_v pascal_n pascal_n as_o a_o judicious_a author_n well_o observe_v always_o foretell_v or_o outdo_v or_o both_o and_o consequent_o can_v never_o be_v of_o force_n enough_o to_o invalidate_v a_o divine_a revelation_n beside_o this_o i_o say_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n be_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o reason_n and_o true_a interest_n of_o mankind_n and_o so_o easy_o know_v to_o be_v so_o especial_o when_o compare_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o that_o no_o miracle_n or_o sign_n whatsoever_o can_v be_v sufficient_a to_o establish_v their_o credit_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o absurd_a and_o contrary_a to_o all_o that_o the_o scripture_n inform_v we_o of_o concern_v devil_n or_o evil_a spirit_n to_o suppose_v that_o they_o shall_v employ_v all_o their_o power_n and_o cunning_a to_o promote_v a_o pure_a and_o holy_a service_n of_o one_o god_n and_o to_o destroy_v all_o the_o pretence_n of_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n it_o be_v contrary_a to_o all_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n as_o our_o saviour_n argue_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v divide_v against_o itself_o and_o that_o some_o evil_a spirit_n shall_v disturb_v and_o oppose_v the_o 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finish_v what_o i_o undertake_v under_o my_o second_o general_n and_o by_o a_o full_a and_o direct_a proof_n make_v it_o very_o evident_a that_o all_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v true_a iii_o i_o shall_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v the_o same_o truth_n by_o show_v the_o improbability_n and_o absurdity_n of_o a_o contrary_a supposition_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o objection_n raise_v against_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o which_o be_v the_o three_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o make_v good_a in_o order_n to_o my_o main_a design_n which_o be_v to_o establish_v a_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o all_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o it_o have_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v already_o that_o if_o all_o the_o common_a matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o only_o the_o principal_n of_o they_o such_o as_o have_v be_v before_o mention_v be_v true_a in_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n there_o set_v down_o it_o necessary_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n there_o record_v must_v be_v true_a also_o and_o if_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n be_v true_a they_o must_v certain_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o divine_a assistance_n and_o revelation_n and_o consequent_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o person_n so_o assist_v must_v come_v from_o god_n this_o i_o say_v have_v be_v full_o make_v out_o beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o a_o a_o reasonable_a contradiction_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v suppose_v all_o the_o different_a account_n that_o can_v be_v give_v of_o these_o matter_n in_o order_n to_o invalidate_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o inference_n draw_v from_o they_o have_v be_v show_v to_o be_v false_a and_o groundless_a the_o next_o pretence_n which_o the_o enemy_n of_o reveal_v religion_n make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o infidelity_n be_v that_o the_o whole_a 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of_o the_o world_n that_o most_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v by_o those_o very_a person_n who_o we_o that_o be_v now_o call_v christian_n pretend_v they_o be_v write_v by_o and_o that_o all_o of_o they_o be_v write_v about_o the_o same_o time_n we_o now_o believe_v and_o affirm_v they_o be_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n to_o believe_v these_o book_n to_o be_v true_a and_o genuine_a as_o any_o other_o of_o the_o same_o stand_v and_o antiquity_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o importance_n of_o the_o book_n much_o great_a in_o the_o next_o place_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o all_o the_o account_n we_o have_v leave_v we_o of_o the_o history_n of_o christianity_n it_o no_o where_o appear_v that_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_a adversary_n of_o this_o religion_n either_o jew_n or_o heathen_n profane_a or_o revolt_a christian_n ever_o object_v to_o the_o true_a christian_a believer_n that_o the_o book_n in_o which_o they_o pretend_v their_o religion_n be_v contain_v be_v forge_v and_o supposititious_a and_o consequent_o that_o their_o faith_n be_v vain_a and_o ill-grounded_n and_o if_o those_o who_o live_v at_o and_o near_o the_o first_o rise_v of_o christianity_n never_o make_v use_n of_o this_o objection_n against_o it_o then_o what_o strength_n can_v it_o have_v now_o when_o urge_v by_o those_o who_o can_v well_o be_v more_o industrious_a enemy_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o their_o unbelieve_a predecessor_n be_v and_o can_v possible_o at_o this_o distance_n make_v out_o such_o a_o discovery_n as_o they_o pretend_v to_o can_v we_o suppose_v the_o thing_n true_a and_o never_o detect_v before_o by_o such_o as_o seek_v all_o occasion_n to_o lessen_v the_o credit_n and_o stop_v the_o growth_n of_o christianity_n in_o every_o age_n which_o to_o i_o seem_v utter_o inconceivable_a i_o be_o likewise_o persuade_v that_o no_o mere_a man_n by_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o own_o unassisted_a capacity_n can_v 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