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those_o fact_n we_o have_v undertake_v to_o prove_v and_o do_v also_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v the_o tradition_n of_o those_o other_o custom_n and_o institution_n we_o have_v before_o instance_a in_o especial_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o the_o same_o history_n that_o give_v we_o this_o account_n inform_v we_o of_o viz._n that_o the_o christian_a custom_n now_o mention_v be_v not_o look_v upon_o as_o such_o necessary_a part_n of_o that_o religion_n nor_o of_o so_o early_a a_o original_a as_o the_o other_o and_o that_o both_o these_o and_o the_o former_a be_v in_o several_a place_n and_o age_n practise_v after_o several_a manner_n with_o different_a additional_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o general_a reception_n of_o some_o custom_n and_o general_a distinction_n betwixt_o necessary_a and_o unnecessary_a substance_n and_o manner_n in_o all_o that_o be_v receive_v be_v certain_a argument_n of_o a_o sincere_a and_o well-examined_a
themselves_o in_o christ_n their_o whole_a life_n be_v take_v up_o in_o travel_v and_o preach_v and_o labour_v with_o their_o hand_n to_o maintain_v themselves_o their_o whole_a business_n and_o design_n be_v to_o persuade_v people_n to_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n many_o be_v their_o trouble_n and_o suffering_n upon_o this_o account_n all_o which_o they_o undergo_v very_o cheerful_o and_o never_o show_v the_o least_o sign_n of_o fear_n or_o regret_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o happen_v to_o they_o they_o never_o decline_v a_o opportunity_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n or_o convert_v people_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o upon_o any_o prospect_n of_o danger_n whatsoever_o and_o no_o power_n or_o authority_n of_o ruler_n and_o governor_n no_o severity_n of_o persecutor_n can_v discourage_v they_o in_o their_o work_n the_o other_o person_n concern_v in_o the_o ministry_n and_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n by_o whatever_o name_n and_o office_n distinguish_v whether_o apostle_n disciple_n deacon_n pastor_n teacher_n prophet_n evangelist_n and_o presbyter_n bishop_n or_o ruler_n so_o far_o as_o we_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o they_o by_o the_o scripture_n be_v all_o of_o they_o very_o near_o of_o the_o same_o character_n with_o the_o twelve_o for_o meanness_n of_o birth_n and_o education_n simplicity_n of_o manner_n steadiness_n of_o faith_n and_o adherence_n to_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v piety_n and_o devotion_n self-denial_n and_o disinterestedness_n constancy_n and_o resolution_n under_o continual_a suffering_n and_o a_o cheerful_a preference_n of_o a_o future_a expectation_n in_o another_o life_n to_o all_o consideration_n whatsoever_o which_v this_o world_n can_v afford_v but_o one_o of_o they_o name_v paul_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o under_o some_o particular_a circumstance_n which_o make_v his_o character_n very_o different_a from_o that_o of_o the_o rest_n he_o be_v educate_v in_o all_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o 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in_o the_o faith_n who_o he_o have_v convert_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o first_o common_a believer_n who_o be_v not_o call_v to_o the_o ministry_n be_v of_o the_o low_a sort_n of_o the_o people_n and_o several_a of_o they_o scandalous_a and_o notorious_a sinner_n before_o their_o conversion_n but_o some_o there_o be_v of_o the_o better_a and_o rich_a sort_n and_o some_o ruler_n and_o priest_n that_o believe_v in_o christ_n though_o but_o a_o very_a few_o that_o we_o read_v of_o the_o character_n of_o which_o believer_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n and_o first_o sermon_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v this_o that_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o soul_n neither_o say_v any_o of_o they_o that_o ought_v of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v be_v his_o own_o but_o they_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a neither_o be_v there_o any_o among_o they_o that_o lack_v for_o as_o many_o as_o be_v possessor_n of_o land_n or_o house_n 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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
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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acknowledge_v form_n of_o expression_n draw_v from_o thence_o a_o difficulty_n make_v of_o depart_v from_o scripture-term_n till_o other_o equivalent_a expression_n be_v find_v necessary_a to_o distinguish_v those_o who_o believe_v scripture_n in_o a_o right_a sense_n from_o those_o who_o interpret_v it_o wrong_n and_o therefore_o if_o eusebius_n or_o athanasius_n who_o be_v present_a at_o the_o council_n or_o any_o other_o writer_n cotemporary_a or_o near_o in_o time_n to_o it_o say_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n he_o must_v be_v judge_v to_o mean_v that_o the_o same_o scripture_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o nicene_n council_n which_o he_o himself_o own_v so_o that_o if_o eusebius_n or_o athanasius_n own_a all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o we_o do_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o when_o he_o talk_v of_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o account_n he_o give_v of_o the_o nicene_n council_n he_o must_v mean_v the_o same_o that_o he_o do_v when_o he_o mention_n they_o upon_o any_o other_o occasion_n and_o the_o like_a will_v hold_v of_o other_o writer_n but_o further_a to_o put_v this_o matter_n past_o all_o doubt_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n be_v some_o time_n or_o other_o afterward_o fix_v as_o we_o find_v it_o now_o with_o all_o the_o same_o book_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o we_o have_v at_o present_a the_o occasion_n of_o make_v such_o a_o canon_n be_v because_o it_o be_v doubt_v of_o some_o of_o the_o book_n whether_o they_o be_v the_o genuine_a work_n of_o those_o who_o name_n they_o bear_v and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o whether_o they_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o rest_n now_o the_o way_n that_o be_v take_v to_o remove_v all_o objection_n and_o fix_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o scripture_n which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o unalterable_a standard_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v by_o examine_v the_o general_a tradition_n of_o all_o the_o different_a church_n where_o 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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 part_n of_o the_o nicene_n bishop_n must_v own_v the_o same_o scripture_n we_o do_v now_o because_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v do_v but_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o this_o we_o will_v consider_v only_o those_o scripture_n which_o be_v never_o doubt_v of_o by_o any_o christian_n and_o consequent_o must_v have_v be_v receive_v by_o the_o whole_a council_n of_o nice_a these_o be_v according_a to_o eusebius_n who_o in_o his_o history_n give_v we_o a_o catalogue_n of_o they_o the_o four_o gospel_n act_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o thirteen_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n which_o have_v his_o name_n to_o they_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o peter_n and_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o john_n and_o eusebius_n can_v not_o say_v this_o have_v he_o know_v of_o any_o of_o his_o fellow-bishop_n of_o the_o council_n who_o deny_v either_o the_o authority_n or_o general_a reception_n of_o any_o of_o these_o book_n suppose_v therefore_o that_o these_o be_v the_o only_a scripture_n acknowledge_v by_o all_o the_o nicene_n bishop_n then_o what_o be_v say_v before_o concern_v several_a religious_a custom_n and_o practice_n there_o mention_v will_v hold_v in_o like_a manner_n of_o those_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o such_o or_o such_o a_o particular_a bishop_n that_o be_v present_a at_o this_o council_n may_v himself_o by_o a_o short_a easy_a and_o unquestionable_a way_n of_o conveyance_n be_v assure_v that_o for_o 150_o year_n last_o pass_v the_o same_o scripture_n have_v be_v acknowledge_v as_o well_o as_o the_o same_o religious_a custom_n practise_v in_o that_o church_n and_o province_n from_o whence_o he_o come_v and_o consequent_o that_o the_o main_a scheme_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o it_o have_v be_v all_o that_o time_n the_o same_o now_o if_o we_o apply_v the_o forego_n observation_n to_o all_o the_o several_a bishop_n of_o this_o council_n and_o suppose_v they_o all_o satisfy_v of_o the_o 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and_o
account_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n may_v be_v give_v of_o the_o heathen_n who_o write_n do_v any_o way_n concern_v christianity_n for_o neither_o those_o of_o they_o that_o be_v instrumental_a in_o the_o persecution_n of_o christian_n nor_o those_o who_o endeavour_n to_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n by_o argument_n do_v deny_v any_o of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o we_o have_v distinguish_v by_o the_o title_n of_o common_a historical_a fact_n and_o a_o great_a many_o of_o they_o be_v confirm_v by_o other_o heathen_a writer_n who_o treat_v of_o their_o own_o affair_n only_o or_o mention_v christian_a matter_n occasional_o as_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v intermix_v with_o those_o thing_n they_o design_o write_v about_o nay_o some_o of_o those_o that_o write_v express_o against_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o only_o allow_v that_o christ_n pretend_v to_o miracle_n and_o that_o he_o do_v those_o thing_n record_v 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passage_n in_o josephus_n relate_v to_o christ_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o suppose_v they_o all_o forge_v or_o only_o some_o of_o they_o so_o some_o accidental_o mistake_v and_o other_o doubtful_a whoever_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o so_o long_o as_o it_o plain_o appear_v they_o be_v of_o such_o and_o such_o antiquity_n they_o be_v certain_a proof_n of_o the_o general_a faith_n of_o christian_n at_o the_o respective_a time_n when_o any_o of_o they_o be_v publish_v and_o consequent_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o fact_n in_o question_n forasmuch_o as_o they_o all_o evident_o suppose_v a_o antecedent_n belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n found_v upon_o those_o fact_n as_o be_v visible_a by_o all_o the_o remain_v we_o have_v leave_v of_o they_o and_o therefore_o be_v as_o good_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o be_o prove_v as_o the_o most_o genuine_a unquestionable_a write_n of_o any_o other_o author_n whatsoever_o viz._n that_o the_o common_a historical_a fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v true_a which_o point_n i_o think_v be_v prove_v by_o such_o a_o multitude_n and_o variety_n of_o evidence_n that_o i_o may_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o jesus_n christ_n who_o live_v and_o be_v crucify_a at_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o tiberius_n cesar_n be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o the_o character_n suffering_n and_o pretence_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o they_o be_v the_o same_o we_o find_v represent_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n there_o deliver_v be_v propagate_v through_o the_o world_n and_o those_o book_n write_v according_a to_o the_o time_n manner_n and_o circumstance_n there_o mention_v between_o the_o middle_n of_o tiberius_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o trajan_n reign_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o christian_a faith_n as_o to_o the_o principal_a fact_n and_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v always_o the_o same_o from_o the_o time_n of_o tiberius_n to_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a and_o from_o thence_o to_o the_o present_a age_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v always_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o genuine_a work_n of_o those_o who_o name_n they_o bear_v and_o to_o contain_v the_o unalterable_a ground_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v 2._o in_o the_o next_o place_n then_o i_o be_o to_o prove_v that_o those_o extraordinary_a fact_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o we_o call_v miracle_n and_o prophecy_n be_v real_o true_a according_a the_o relation_n there_o give_v of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v constant_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a by_o all_o christian_n ever_o since_o the_o time_n in_o which_o they_o be_v first_o say_v to_o happen_v have_v already_o be_v prove_v but_o whether_o their_o faith_n be_v well_o
that_o be_v do_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o be_v likewise_o own_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o avast_o multitude_n more_o both_o of_o such_o as_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o of_o such_o as_o reject_v and_o oppose_v it_o and_o violent_o persecute_v the_o teacher_n of_o it_o to_o omit_v the_o testimony_n of_o true_a believer_n thus_o it_o be_v record_v concern_v those_o upon_o who_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n have_v no_o power_n nor_o influence_n the_o ruler_n elder_n scribe_n and_o high_a priest_n among_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o summon_v peter_n and_o john_n before_o they_o for_o cure_v a_o lame_a man_n can_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o a_o notable_a miracle_n have_v be_v do_v by_o they_o which_o be_v manifest_a to_o all_o they_o that_o dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v afterward_o fill_v with_o indignation_n and_o take_v counsel_n to_o slay_v they_o because_o they_o can_v not_o restrain_v they_o from_o do_v more_o miracle_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n but_o they_o never_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n stephen_n full_a of_o faith_n and_o power_n do_v great_a wonder_n and_o miracle_n among_o the_o people_n but_o he_o be_v accuse_v and_o condemn_v by_o the_o council_n of_o the_o jew_n not_o for_o deceive_v the_o people_n with_o false_a miracle_n but_o for_o speak_v thing_n against_o the_o holy_a place_n and_o the_o law_n for_o say_v that_o jesus_n shall_v destroy_v that_o place_n and_o change_v the_o custom_n which_o moses_n deliver_v they_o when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v say_v that_o all_o that_o sit_v in_o the_o council_n look_v steadfast_o on_o he_o see_v his_o face_n as_o it_o have_v be_v the_o face_n of_o a_o angel_n neither_o have_v they_o any_o thing_n to_o object_n against_o his_o life_n or_o his_o work_n simon_n the_o sorcerer_n to_o who_o all_o the_o people_n in_o samaria_n give_v heed_n from_o the_o least_o to_o the_o great_a look_v upon_o he_o to_o be_v the_o great_a power_n of_o god_n be_v himself_o as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o be_v bewitch_v by_o he_o baptise_a by_o philip_n and_o believe_v when_o he_o behold_v the_o miracle_n and_o sign_n that_o be_v do_v but_o afterward_o we_o find_v by_o the_o wickedness_n of_o his_o heart_n which_o he_o discover_v to_o peter_n that_o he_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n elymas_n the_o sorcerer_n who_o be_v strike_v blind_a by_o paul_n and_o yet_o not_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n be_v another_o unwilling_a witness_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o people_n of_o lystra_n confirm_v the_o same_o truth_n who_o take_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n for_o god_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o miracle_n they_o see_v perform_v by_o they_o and_o afterward_o by_o the_o instigation_n of_o the_o jew_n stone_v paul_n the_o damsel_n possess_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o divination_n and_o her_o master_n who_o see_v the_o hope_n of_o their_o gain_n go_v by_o paul_n command_v the_o spirit_n to_o come_v out_o of_o she_o several_a vagabond_n jew_n exorcist_n who_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o cast_v out_o evil_a spirit_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n but_o suffer_v very_o much_o for_o the_o impudence_n of_o their_o pretence_n and_o a_o great_a many_o other_o such_o like_a be_v witness_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o wicked_a or_o dishonourable_a motive_n reject_v the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v or_o profess_v to_o embrace_v it_o upon_o ill_a design_n or_o after_o they_o have_v receive_v it_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o the_o faith_n great_a complaint_n of_o all_o which_o sort_n of_o man_n we_o find_v in_o the_o epistle_n thus_o be_v the_o miracle_n of_o the_o first_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n declare_v and_o attest_v but_o moreover_o it_o be_v record_v of_o they_o that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n themselves_o but_o that_o they_o be_v authorize_v and_o enable_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n to_o convey_v the_o like_a power_n to_o other_o and_o according_o we_o find_v a_o great_a many_o instance_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o private_a christian_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o power_n they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v confer_v upon_o they_o by_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n after_o which_o action_n of_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v immediate_o say_v to_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o according_a to_o the_o different_a exigency_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o different_a qualification_n of_o the_o person_n endue_v with_o they_o be_v divers_a and_o among_o these_o be_v reckon_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o of_o interpretation_n the_o gift_n of_o healing_n and_o of_o miracle_n which_o gift_n be_v say_v to_o be_v very_o common_a among_o the_o first_o convert_v to_o christianity_n in_o all_o place_n where_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v and_o the_o same_o be_v plain_o imply_v by_o the_o frequent_a rule_n and_o caution_n that_o be_v give_v by_o the_o apostle_n concern_v the_o due_a exercise_n of_o they_o and_o the_o fear_n and_o apprehension_n they_o often_o express_v lest_o the_o christian_n thus_o impower_v shall_v by_o covet_v one_o another_o gift_n or_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o those_o they_o be_v several_o possess_v of_o neglect_v to_o apply_v themselves_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v the_o scripture-account_a of_o miracle_n and_o these_o be_v those_o wonderful_a fact_n believe_v by_o the_o first_o christian_n their_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o be_v the_o chief_a ground_n and_o motive_n of_o their_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n or_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v likewise_o other_o strange_a matter_n of_o fact_n call_v prophecy_n which_o be_v most_o sure_o believe_v among_o they_o and_o which_o contribute_v very_o much_o to_o their_o receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o continue_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n without_o waver_v and_o these_o i_o shall_v consider_v in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o method_n i_o do_v miracle_n for_o there_o be_v several_a prophecy_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o utter_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o together_o with_o several_a other_o speak_v with_o relation_n to_o he_o and_o fulfil_v by_o he_o other_o there_o be_v mention_v as_o speak_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v receive_v the_o power_n of_o prophecy_n immediate_o from_o he_o it_o be_v plain_a also_o from_o several_a instance_n and_o passage_n in_o the_o sacred_a write_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n be_v convey_v by_o the_o first_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n to_o private_a christian_n and_o be_v very_o common_a among_o they_o the_o prophecy_n speak_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v most_o of_o they_o deliver_v in_o private_a to_o his_o disciple_n some_o of_o which_o be_v not_o write_v till_o after_o the_o thing_n happen_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o the_o disciple_n be_v whole_o answerable_a for_o and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v publish_v in_o write_v before_o the_o thing_n happen_v and_o these_o may_v then_o and_o may_v still_o be_v examine_v by_o the_o circumstance_n of_o they_o other_o of_o they_o be_v speak_v public_o and_o frequent_o before_o great_a multitude_n of_o people_n as_o those_o about_o his_o suffer_v and_o resurrection_n etc._n etc._n and_o several_a beside_o their_o be_v speak_v open_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o many_o be_v also_o spread_v abroad_o in_o write_v long_o before_o the_o event_n actual_o happen_v as_o particular_o that_o remarkable_a one_o concern_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n prophecy_n speak_v of_o christ_n in_o former_a time_n with_o relation_n to_o his_o person_n action_n suffering_n and_o doctrine_n with_o the_o several_a circumstance_n belong_v to_o the_o whole_a dispensation_n of_o his_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v find_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v manifest_o write_v long_o before_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n and_o be_v now_o extant_a and_o may_v then_o and_o may_v still_o be_v compare_v with_o those_o event_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a which_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v completion_n of_o they_o and_o some_o prophecy_n there_o be_v concern_v our_o saviour_n speak_v by_o holy_a person_n a_o little_a before_o and_o after_o his_o birth_n and_o at_o his_o presentation_n in_o the_o temple_n as_o also_o other_o concern_v john_n his_o forerunner_n and_o all_o the_o preach_a of_o john_n be_v prophetical_a of_o christ_n the_o truth_n of_o all_o which_o matter_n of_o fact_n do_v not_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o
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 have_v frame_v and_o contrive_v such_o a_o book_n as_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v i_o can_v possible_o prevail_v upon_o myself_o to_o believe_v that_o such_o fact_n as_o be_v there_o record_v such_o a_o contexture_n of_o history_n such_o a_o scheme_n of_o doctrine_n such_o character_n of_o man_n and_o such_o a_o manner_n of_o write_v as_o we_o find_v throughout_o that_o book_n can_v be_v altogether_o the_o issue_n and_o result_v of_o humane_a sagacity_n alone_o but_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v possible_a that_o all_o these_o thing_n may_v have_v enter_v into_o a_o man_n mind_n suppose_v likewise_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o present_a appearance_n of_o universal_a uncontradict_v tradition_n to_o the_o contrary_a a_o book_n now_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a may_v some_o time_n or_o other_o have_v be_v invent_v without_o any_o ground_n for_o such_o a_o work_n in_o the_o reality_n of_o thing_n allow_v i_o say_v the_o possibility_n of_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v still_o upon_o many_o 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determine_v the_o suppose_a author_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o undertake_v such_o a_o work_n all_o the_o end_v we_o can_v imagine_v the_o author_n of_o this_o extraordinary_a performance_n act_v upon_o must_v be_v either_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n his_o own_o particular_a interest_n or_o reputation_n in_o the_o world_n or_o pure_o the_o pleasure_n of_o deceive_a but_o none_o of_o these_o can_v have_v influence_n enough_o to_o produce_v such_o a_o work_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v account_v for_o its_o original_a some_o other_o way_n for_o first_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o some_o virtuous_a good_a man_n who_o endeavour_v as_o far_o as_o he_o be_v able_a to_o live_v up_o to_o those_o rule_n we_o find_v deliver_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n shall_v out_o of_o pure_a zeal_n for_o the_o welfare_n and_o interest_n of_o mankind_n publish_v such_o a_o scheme_n of_o live_v as_o be_v there_o lay_v down_o under_o the_o gross_a form_n of_o imposture_n imaginable_a it_o can_v 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insist_v upon_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v utter_o inconceivable_a that_o the_o suppose_a author_n and_o contriver_n of_o that_o book_n can_v have_v imagine_v that_o such_o a_o scheme_n of_o thing_n as_o we_o there_o find_v deliver_v shall_v ever_o come_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o world_n and_o without_o such_o a_o thought_n and_o persuasion_n of_o this_o in_o the_o author_n we_o can_v never_o account_v for_o either_o the_o first_o contrivance_n or_o publication_n of_o it_o whatever_o it_o be_v that_o determine_v he_o to_o frame_v the_o christian_a scheme_n whatever_o end_v he_o propose_v to_o himself_o from_o his_o labour_n and_o skill_n in_o make_v it_o he_o must_v certain_o design_n that_o the_o whole_a fiction_n shall_v be_v believe_v by_o those_o it_o be_v communicate_v to_o otherwise_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o compass_v the_o end_n he_o aim_v at_o if_o therefore_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o first_o author_n and_o publisher_n of_o the_o 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that_o so_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o scheme_n may_v have_v be_v take_v down_o ready_o and_o without_o examination_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o but_o take_v the_o christian_a religion_n altogether_o as_o we_o now_o find_v it_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o a_o wise_a man_n shall_v believe_v he_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v people_n over_o to_o embrace_v it_o suppose_v it_o pure_o a_o invention_n of_o his_o own_o which_o he_o know_v have_v no_o foundation_n in_o true_a fact_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o end_n or_o motive_n sufficient_a to_o influence_n he_o to_o contrive_v what_o he_o can_v not_o believe_v will_v ever_o be_v receive_v so_o far_o as_o to_o answer_v any_o end_n propose_v but_o suppose_v it_o possible_a that_o there_o shall_v have_v be_v some_o man_n who_o be_v wise_a enough_o to_o invent_v the_o whole_a christian_a scheme_n as_o we_o now_o find_v it_o in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o who_o be_v at_o the_o same_o 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possible_o be_v place_v above_o the_o time_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n because_o there_o be_v abundance_n of_o name_n and_o other_o circumstance_n allow_v to_o be_v true_a which_o can_v not_o be_v know_v before_o without_o a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n which_o imposture_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o in_o the_o account_n the_o new_a testament_n give_v of_o this_o matter_n the_o first_o scene_n of_o the_o imposture_n if_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v account_v such_o be_v lay_v at_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o time_n of_o tiberius_n cesar_n and_o consequent_o the_o period_n fix_v upon_o for_o first_o acquaint_v the_o world_n with_o what_o be_v pretend_v to_o have_v happen_v then_o at_o jerusalem_n must_v be_v at_o or_o near_o that_o time_n or_o at_o some_o distance_n since_o let_v we_o consider_v this_o great_a event_n in_o all_o these_o different_a period_n and_o see_v what_o the_o success_n will_v be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n then_o let_v we_o suppose_v the_o 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to_o see_v a_o atheist_n tell_v fortune_n a_o deist_n in_o quest_n of_o the_o philosopher_n stone_n and_o a_o libertine_n venture_v all_o his_o present_a pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n in_o a_o rebellion_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o posterity_n and_o yet_o such_o be_v general_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o irreligious_a and_o it_o be_v a_o just_a judgement_n from_o god_n upon_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v give_v up_o to_o believe_v lie_n and_o to_o act_v against_o their_o own_o interest_n to_o throw_v off_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o not_o make_v the_o best_a of_o their_o error_n upon_o which_o account_n i_o think_v if_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o his_o christ_n be_v so_o far_o resolve_v upon_o the_o way_n of_o vnrighteousness_n that_o they_o will_v not_o consider_v the_o proof_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o be_v reform_v they_o will_v do_v well_o to_o betake_v themselves_o for_o refuge_n to_o ignorance_n and_o amusement_n rather_o than_o learning_n and_o 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their_o objection_n they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o meet_v with_o something_o or_o other_o to_o puzzle_v and_o startle_v they_o and_o this_o may_v awaken_v their_o fear_n and_o raise_v new_a disquiet_n in_o their_o mind_n which_o may_v at_o last_o end_n in_o a_o just_a despair_n when_o they_o will_v be_v able_a to_o repent_v of_o nothing_o but_o this_o that_o they_o be_v not_o content_a to_o enjoy_v the_o fruit_n of_o irreligion_n without_o offer_v to_o defend_v it_o i_o hearty_o wish_v such_o advice_n as_o this_o to_o vnbeliver_v be_v needless_a and_o that_o they_o be_v serious_o dispose_v to_o embrace_v a_o more_o reasonable_a and_o last_a satisfaction_n by_o enter_v upon_o a_o humble_a and_o impartial_a examination_n of_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o this_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o effect_n of_o extraordinary_a grace_n all_o that_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o the_o endeavour_n of_o those_o that_o undertake_v to_o set_v these_o proof_n in_o the_o best_a light_n they_o can_v be_v to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o gainsayer_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o mischief_n of_o infidelity_n from_o spread_v further_o than_o it_o have_v do_v and_o it_o be_v my_o sincere_a prayer_n to_o god_n that_o the_o follow_a discourse_n may_v have_v a_o share_n with_o many_o other_o upon_o the_o same_o subject_a in_o contribute_v to_o so_o good_a a_o effect_n all_o that_o i_o have_v to_o warn_v my_o reader_n of_o be_v that_o if_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v incline_v to_o judge_v that_o the_o abstract_n i_o have_v give_v of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o common_a matter_n of_o fact_n there_o relate_v either_o unnecessary_a or_o too_o long_o they_o will_v pass_v over_o these_o part_n and_o leave_v they_o to_o be_v read_v by_o those_o for_o who_o this_o discourse_n be_v principal_o design_v most_o of_o which_o i_o believe_v will_v know_v more_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o that_o abstract_n of_o it_o i_o have_v draw_v 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their_o faith_n and_o christian_a resolution_n this_o way_n but_o the_o general_a character_n of_o these_o writer_n as_o well_o as_o the_o authority_n of_o what_o they_o say_v will_v be_v further_o make_v out_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o subject_n they_o write_v about_o the_o several_a kind_n and_o sort_n of_o their_o write_n and_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o they_o be_v write_v all_o which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o bring_v under_o one_o view_n and_o raise_v such_o observation_n from_o they_o as_o will_v plain_o confirm_v the_o main_a conclusion_n i_o be_o to_o establish_v the_o common_a subject_n of_o all_o the_o book_n and_o write_n of_o the_o first_o orthodox_n author_n be_v the_o christian_a religion_n though_o in_o several_a way_n and_o method_n discourse_v of_o most_o of_o these_o concern_v the_o history_n of_o christian_a affair_n either_o express_o or_o occasional_o for_o beside_o those_o author_n who_o purposely_o design_v a_o historical_a relation_n either_o 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no_o parallel_n instance_n can_v be_v give_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o suppose_v and_o if_o we_o represent_v any_o of_o these_o case_n to_o ourselves_o fair_o in_o all_o its_o circumstance_n we_o can_v possible_o conceive_v it_o shall_v ever_o happen_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o there_o have_v be_v person_n of_o low_a fortune_n and_o mean_a employment_n in_o the_o world_n who_o have_v by_o the_o mere_a force_n of_o their_o natural_a genius_n speak_v wise_o and_o act_v gallant_o upon_o some_o occasion_n but_o it_o be_v never_o know_v and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v that_o person_n of_o no_o learning_n or_o education_n who_o know_v nothing_o beyond_o the_o mean_a affair_n of_o their_o own_o village_n and_o never_o converse_v with_o any_o of_o high_a improvement_n than_o themselves_o it_o be_v impossible_a i_o say_v to_o imagine_v that_o such_o person_n
and_o now_o if_o we_o take_v a_o just_a view_n of_o they_o and_o consider_v they_o all_o together_o we_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o make_v the_o follow_a conclusion_n 1._o that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o thing_n discover_v or_o so_o much_o as_o suspect_v to_o be_v a_o imposture_n that_o have_v so_o many_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o truth_n upon_o it_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v 2._o that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o true_a matter_n of_o fact_n so_o well_o attest_v or_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o such_o a_o proof_n as_o the_o christian_a fact_n be_v there_o be_v no_o ancient_a fact_n which_o have_v so_o many_o sensible_a monument_n and_o effect_n of_o they_o leave_v and_o in_o the_o proof_n of_o which_o mankind_n be_v so_o near_o and_o necessary_o concern_v 3._o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v or_o frame_v any_o notion_n how_o or_o in_o what_o manner_n the_o christian_a religion_n may_v possible_o have_v be_v a_o imposture_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o present_a appearance_n of_o its_o be_v true_a and_o if_o all_o these_o conclusion_n be_v right_a as_o i_o be_o thorough_o and_o irresistible_o convince_v they_o be_v and_o i_o think_v have_v prove_v they_o so_o to_o be_v there_o can_v be_v no_o room_n leave_v to_o disbelieve_v the_o christian_a religion_n without_o distrust_v all_o our_o knowledge_n and_o renounce_v all_o pretence_n to_o reason_v but_o suppose_v these_o conclusion_n be_v not_o any_o of_o they_o full_o prove_v and_o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o something_o else_o which_o have_v once_o all_o the_o appearance_n of_o truth_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n now_o have_v have_v afterward_o be_v detect_v to_o be_v false_a that_o some_o other_o ancient_a matter_n of_o fact_n be_v as_o well_o attest_v and_o prove_v to_o be_v true_a as_o the_o christian_a seem_v to_o be_v and_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o imagine_v which_o way_n the_o christian_a religion_n may_v come_v to_o obtain_v its_o present_a credit_n in_o the_o 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it_o or_o however_o it_o may_v be_v think_v to_o differ_v from_o or_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o demonstration_n use_v in_o other_o matter_n that_o we_o be_v utter_o inexcusable_a if_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o it_o and_o god_n may_v just_o condemn_v we_o for_o our_o disbelief_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n 1._o because_o we_o believe_v other_o matter_n of_o fact_n upon_o less_o evidence_n and_o 2._o because_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v such_o fact_n as_o have_v these_o appearance_n of_o truth_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v though_o they_o shall_v real_o be_v false_a 1._o that_o we_o believe_v matter_n of_o fact_n upon_o less_o evidence_n than_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v receive_v upon_o be_v manifest_a by_o what_o have_v be_v before_o prove_v that_o no_o matter_n of_o fact_n have_v or_o be_v capable_a of_o so_o great_a and_o therefore_o to_o confirm_v this_o point_n i_o shall_v only_o bring_v that_o one_o 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