indirect_o and_o negative_o by_o show_v that_o none_o of_o those_o supposition_n which_o exclude_v the_o be_v of_o god_n can_v be_v true_a p._n 57_o matter_n alone_o consider_v at_o rest_n can_v not_o be_v eternal_a and_o in_o time_n produce_v the_o present_a frame_n of_o the_o world_n p._n 59_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o account_v for_o the_o production_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o atheist_n hypothesis_n of_o move_a atom_n p._n 61._o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o suppose_v that_o the_o world_n have_v exi_v eternal_o under_o the_o same_o form_n we_o now_o behold_v it_o without_o a_o god_n p._n 64._o the_o eternal_a coexistence_n of_o matter_n and_o mind_n improbable_a p._n 71._o suppose_v it_o probable_a neither_o matter_n alone_o nor_o matter_n and_o motion_n nor_o the_o present_a constitution_n of_o thing_n can_v have_v be_v eternal_a independent_o of_o god_n p._n 77._o the_o original_a of_o all_o thing_n from_o god_n further_o evince_v from_o general_a reflection_n p._n 81._o a_o positive_a and_o direct_a proof_n of_o religion_n draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o man_n and_o the_o relation_n there_o be_v betwixt_o they_o p._n 91._o of_o the_o nature_n and_o ground_n of_o obligation_n together_o with_o the_o right_n and_o power_n of_o oblige_v ib._n that_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o order_v his_o life_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v prove_v p._n 102._o from_o the_o natural_a judgement_n we_o make_v concern_v our_o action_n p._n 105._o from_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o god_n in_o make_v we_o which_o appear_v by_o several_a token_n and_o indication_n p._n 117._o in_o the_o frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o our_o mind_n p._n 118._o and_o in_o the_o oeconomy_n and_o constitution_n of_o humane_a society_n p._n 125._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n itself_o a_o regular_a practice_n of_o which_o conduce_v to_o the_o great_a happiness_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o life_n p._n 129._o and_o from_o the_o certainty_n of_o a_o future_a state_n which_o be_v prove_v p._n 137._o from_o the_o defect_n of_o a_o general_n and_o regular_a practice_n of_o religion_n here_o p._n 138._o and_o from_o the_o general_n want_v necessity_n and_o imperfection_n of_o our_o present_a nature_n p._n 141._o from_o all_o which_o consideration_n it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v more_o for_o our_o happiness_n to_o live_v religious_o then_o otherwise_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o live_v so_o p._n 146._o the_o certainty_n and_o necessity_n of_o religion_n further_o show_v from_o the_o pernicious_a effect_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o irreligion_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n p._n 149._o the_o absurdity_n and_o folly_n of_o all_o the_o ground_n and_o pretence_n of_o irreligion_n and_o whatever_o be_v allege_v in_o defence_n of_o it_o p._n 181._o irreligion_n not_o capable_a of_o any_o direct_a proof_n p._n 183._o the_o usual_a way_n and_o method_n of_o defend_v it_o improper_a and_o insufficient_a p._n 187._o ridicul_v religion_n prove_v nothing_o against_o it_o ib._n require_v a_o more_o certain_a and_o mathematical_a proof_n of_o it_o unreasonable_a p._n 188._o scheme_n and_o hypothesis_n to_o account_v for_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n without_o god_n and_o religion_n absurd_a and_o inconsistent_a p._n 192._o the_o chief_a and_o most_o common_a objection_n against_o religion_n answer_v viz._n p._n 200._o mystery_n seem_v inconsistency_n and_o absurdity_n in_o scripture_n p._n 201._o extravagant_a notion_n and_o pernicious_a doctrine_n maintain_v under_o the_o name_n of_o religion_n p._n 202._o variety_n of_o opinion_n among_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n p._n 204._o foolish_a and_o ridiculous_a argument_n urge_v in_o defence_n of_o it_o p._n 205._o scandalous_a life_n of_o great_a pretender_n to_o piety_n and_o virtue_n p._n 206._o religion_n the_o effect_n of_o fear_n and_o education_n p._n 209._o religion_n a_o politic_a contrivance_n p._n 211._o the_o absurdity_n and_o folly_n of_o irreligious_a principle_n and_o practice_n demonstrate_v from_o general_a reflection_n upon_o the_o different_a ground_n and_o foundation_n religion_n and_o irreligion_n stand_v upon_o and_o the_o different_a conduct_n of_o those_o that_o act_n under_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o p._n 213._o irreligion_n further_o expose_v from_o the_o cause_n and_o reason_n that_o induce_v man_n to_o take_v up_o atheistical_a and_o profane_a opinion_n p._n 227._o the_o chief_a cause_n of_o atheism_n show_v to_o be_v these_o two_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o after_o reckon_v for_o a_o wicked_a life_n and_o the_o vanity_n of_o appear_v great_a and_o wise_a than_o other_o men._n p._n 230._o the_o doctrine_n of_o irreligion_n the_o sole_a result_n of_o prejudice_n and_o not_o deliberate_a reason_v more_o plain_o make_v out_o p._n 239._o from_o the_o character_n and_o capacity_n of_o the_o atheist_n ib._n from_o the_o manner_n and_o process_n of_o their_o infidelity_n p._n 242._o and_o from_o the_o confession_n of_o several_a atheist_n themselves_o p._n 246._o a_o account_n of_o the_o notion_n of_o atheism_n and_o deism_n and_o how_o they_o be_v to_o be_v distinguish_v p._n 249._o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a revelation_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v it_o etc._n etc._n the_o content_n the_o connexion_n of_o this_o discourse_n with_o the_o former_a page_n 1._o the_o method_n lay_v down_o for_o the_o establish_n the_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a revelation_n p._n 3._o a_o abstract_n or_o summary_n of_o the_o christian_a scheme_n as_o it_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n p._n 8._o the_o general_n subject_a of_o the_o several_a book_n or_o volume_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n p._n 9_o the_o character_n of_o jesus_n christ_n p._n 19_o a_o short_a account_n of_o his_o doctrine_n or_o gospel_n p._n 31._o the_o character_n of_o those_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o that_o assist_v he_o in_o the_o publishing_n and_o propagate_a his_o gospel_n p._n 42._o the_o character_n of_o those_o that_o persecute_v he_o and_o his_o disciple_n and_o oppose_v the_o establishment_n of_o his_o religion_n p._n 50._o the_o way_n and_o manner_n in_o which_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v with_o all_o the_o important_a circumstance_n which_o refer_v to_o the_o form_n and_o composition_n of_o those_o write_n p._n 51._o all_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n show_v to_o be_v true_a by_o a_o plain_a direct_a proof_n according_a to_o this_o distinction_n of_o they_o premise_v viz_o common_a matter_n of_o fact_n miracle_n and_o prophecy_n divine_a assistance_n and_o revelation_n p._n 59_o the_o common_a historical_a fact_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n prove_v to_o be_v true_a in_o the_o follow_a manner_n p._n 60._o the_o original_a of_o christianity_n right_o assign_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n p._n 61._o a_o survey_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n p._n 70._o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o same_o in_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n as_o it_o be_v at_o and_o immediate_o after_o the_o first_o publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n p._n 74._o this_o proposition_n 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 p._n 75._o and_o from_o many_o other_o extrinsic_a sign_n and_o monument_n remain_v at_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a under_o constantine_n p._n 105._o such_o as_o be_v several_a custom_n and_o usage_n p._n 107._o relic_n building_n and_o other_o the_o like_a monnment_n p._n 108._o book_n and_o write_a record_n of_o several_a kind_n viz._n p._n 109._o copy_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n p._n 110._o public_a act_n and_o record_n belong_v to_o society_n p._n 113._o genuine_a write_n of_o orthodox_n christian_n p._n 119._o book_n write_v by_o heretic_n p._n 132._o jewish_a and_o pagan_a book_n p._n 133._o forge_v and_o suppositious_a write_n of_o uncertain_a author_n p._n 137._o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n show_v to_o be_v true_a fact_n according_a to_o the_o relation_n there_o give_v of_o they_o p._n 140._o a_o account_n by_o way_n of_o introduction_n of_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n in_o this_o place_n p._n 141._o and_o what_o kind_n of_o evidence_n these_o fact_n be_v capable_a of_o p._n 143._o the_o miracle_n consider_v by_o themselves_o according_a to_o the_o different_a period_n in_o which_o they_o be_v do_v and_o the_o different_a person_n they_o be_v do_v by_o p._n 144._o the_o prophecy_n consider_v apart_o according_a to_o the_o same_o distinction_n of_o time_n and_o person_n p._n 158._o the_o truth_n of_o these_o extraordinary_a fact_n call_v miracle_n and_o prophecy_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o those_o
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 sixty_o year_n before_o even_o in_o those_o very_a province_n where_o it_o have_v be_v so_o long_o ago_o establish_v as_o well_o as_o in_o those_o where_o it_o be_v late_a entertain_v which_o be_v absurd_a to_o imagine_v and_o further_o since_o by_o the_o account_n we_o have_v of_o these_o time_n it_o plain_o appear_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v very_o far_o spread_v under_o the_o reign_n of_o trajan_n and_o consequent_o publish_v long_o before_o and_o since_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v then_o spread_v it_o be_v the_o same_o it_o be_v sixty_o year_n afterward_o when_o as_o we_o have_v already_o prove_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o general_a form_n or_o scheme_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v profess_v at_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a and_o in_o the_o same_o religious_a institution_n and_o practice_n as_o be_v then_o in_o use_n it_o follow_v from_o hence_o and_o from_o what_o have_v be_v before_o advance_v that_o the_o christian_n we_o find_v in_o nero_n time_n be_v of_o the_o same_o religion_n and_o faith_n with_o those_o that_o live_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a and_o consequent_o that_o all_o the_o common_a historical_a matter_n of_o fact_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n respect_v the_o original_a of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o place_n where_o it_o first_o appear_v the_o time_n and_o manner_n of_o publishing_n and_o propagate_a it_o the_o character_n of_o those_o concern_v in_o the_o work_n and_o the_o fortune_n that_o attend_v both_o they_o and_o their_o doctrine_n must_v necessary_o be_v true_a as_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v more_o particular_o by_o sum_v up_o the_o whole_a argument_n in_o this_o manner_n it_o have_v be_v prove_v before_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a acknowledge_v all_o the_o same_o scripture_n that_o we_o do_v now_o and_o that_o most_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v universal_o receive_v then_o and_o believe_v by_o all_o christian_n of_o that_o time_n to_o have_v be_v so_o from_o their_o first_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n the_o book_n which_o be_v thus_o universal_o receive_v be_v as_o universal_o think_v to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o those_o author_n to_o who_o they_o be_v ascribe_v and_o to_o have_v be_v all_o write_v by_o their_o several_a author_n at_o several_a time_n between_o the_o end_n of_o caligula_n be_v reign_v and_o the_o beginning_n of_o trajan_n and_o indeed_o if_o they_o believe_v the_o scripture-history_n as_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o christian_n who_o receive_v these_o book_n do_v they_o must_v have_v believe_v likewise_o that_o all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v by_o such_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v be_v write_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o time_n assign_v for_o they_o for_o from_o the_o time_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o publication_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o appear_v that_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v any_o of_o they_o write_v soon_o and_o from_o the_o age_n of_o the_o author_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v work_n of_o a_o late_a date_n this_o be_v the_o general_a faith_n of_o all_o christian_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a must_v likewise_o according_a to_o what_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v the_o universal_a belief_n of_o christian_n 150_o year_n before_o this_o council_n sit_v and_o if_o the_o same_o scripture_n be_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n receive_v and_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n 150_o year_n before_o this_o council_n of_o nice_a they_o must_v have_v be_v general_o know_v and_o receive_v in_o the_o time_n of_o trajan_n as_o far_o as_o the_o christian_a name_n then_o reach_v they_o can_v not_o otherwise_o have_v be_v propagate_v so_o far_o and_o wide_o in_o less_o than_o threescore_o year_n time_n and_o if_o the_o christian_n in_o trajan_n time_n know_v and_o believe_v these_o scripture_n than_o be_v the_o christian_a religion_n under_o trajan_n the_o same_o it_o be_v under_o nero_n for_o in_o every_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o author_n plain_o suppose_v the_o christian_a religion_n establish_v and_o all_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n and_o doctrine_n there_o record_v believe_v before_o he_o write_v and_o therefore_o if_o all_o or_o any_o of_o these_o book_n be_v receive_v at_o rome_n in_o the_o time_n of_o trajan_n as_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n must_v have_v be_v when_o sixty_o year_n afterward_o it_o be_v believe_v by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n to_o have_v be_v send_v to_o they_o then_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o christian_n that_o receive_v they_o must_v have_v certain_o know_v that_o they_o believe_v the_o same_o fact_n and_o doctrine_n which_o they_o find_v in_o those_o book_n ever_o since_o they_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o all_o other_o who_o be_v of_o the_o same_o name_n must_v have_v profess_v to_o believe_v the_o same_o thing_n too_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o religion_n so_o require_v and_o consequent_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n at_o rome_n be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o time_n of_o nero_n it_o be_v then_o the_o neronian_a persecution_n be_v not_o above_o thirty_o five_o year_n before_o the_o reign_n of_o trajan_n which_o be_v so_o short_a a_o period_n that_o several_a christian_n of_o trajan_n time_n may_v have_v be_v christian_n under_o nero_n too_o and_o must_v have_v know_v whether_o christianity_n then_o preach_v to_o they_o be_v the_o same_o with_o what_o they_o find_v write_v suppose_v they_o be_v convert_v before_o they_o have_v see_v any_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o they_o may_v as_o easy_o have_v inform_v themselves_o whether_o that_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a history_n they_o find_v in_o these_o book_n respect_v rome_n and_o particular_o nero_n time_n be_v true_a or_o not_o and_o their_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o these_o book_n necessary_o prove_v they_o satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n there_o give_v now_o if_o most_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v receive_v in_o trajan_n time_n and_o if_o christianity_n be_v the_o same_o under_o nero_n as_o under_o trajan_n and_o the_o same_o preach_v as_o write_a then_o do_v it_o necessary_o follow_v not_o only_o that_o these_o book_n be_v write_v by_o those_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v some_o time_n between_o the_o death_n of_o tiberius_n and_o beginning_n of_o trajan_n reign_n but_o that_o all_o the_o common_a historical_a fact_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o which_o i_o have_v undertake_v to_o prove_v under_o this_o head_n be_v certain_o true_a otherwise_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v so_o general_o and_o firm_o believe_v so_o near_o the_o time_n they_o be_v there_o report_v to_o have_v happen_v in_o for_o the_o christian_n that_o live_v in_o trajan_n time_n and_o receive_v these_o book_n as_o write_v by_o such_o author_n must_v consequent_o believe_v that_o the_o first_o promulgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o christian_a religion_n by_o jesus_n christ_n happen_v but_o seventy_o year_n before_o and_o that_o during_o that_o space_n it_o be_v preach_v throughout_o the_o roman_a empire_n by_o such_o person_n and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v there_o relate_v that_o it_o be_v embrace_v by_o great_a number_n of_o people_n in_o all_o the_o considerable_a province_n and_o city_n of_o it_o establish_v by_o the_o union_n of_o large_a society_n and_o congregation_n under_o the_o same_o common_a form_n of_o discipline_n and_o witness_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o various_a suffering_n of_o the_o first_o
tradition_n another_o set_a of_o testimony_n which_o eusebius_n furnish_v we_o with_o in_o behalf_n of_o the_o christian_a tradition_n be_v relic_n building_n and_o other_o such_o like_a monument_n several_a of_o which_o be_v remain_v in_o his_o time_n and_o see_v by_o he_o himself_o such_o be_v christian_a burying-place_n and_o sepulcher_n with_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n upon_o they_o particular_o those_o of_o peter_n and_o paul_n statue_n and_o picture_n particular_o the_o statue_n of_o the_o woman_n cure_v by_o christ_n of_o the_o bloody_a flux_n picture_n of_o christ_n peter_n and_o paul_n in_o colour_n these_o be_v all_o see_v by_o eusebius_n himself_o as_o be_v likewise_o the_o episcopal_a chair_n of_o james_n at_o jerusalem_n several_a christian_a library_n and_o several_a christian_a temple_n before_o they_o be_v pull_v down_o and_o destroy_v by_o the_o order_n of_o dieclesian_n these_o and_o many_o other_o such_o like_a monument_n remain_v in_o eusebius_n time_n whether_o 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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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this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o make_v good_a by_o a_o direct_a proof_n according_a to_o the_o distinction_n of_o the_o several_a fact_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o before_o lay_v down_o viz._n common_a historical_a fact_n prophecy_n and_o miracle_n divine_a assistance_n and_o revelation_n i._o the_o first_o step_v then_o i_o be_o to_o make_v in_o the_o proof_n of_o what_o i_o have_v before_o assert_v be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o common_a historical_a fact_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v true_a the_o principal_a of_o which_o be_v these_o follow_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o jesus_n christ_n of_o such_o a_o character_n who_o teach_v such_o doctrine_n pretend_v to_o such_o mighty_a work_n and_o be_v execute_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v represent_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o there_o be_v likewise_o certain_a person_n who_o be_v follower_n and_o adherent_n of_o christ_n who_o after_o his_o death_n 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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 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christian_a religion_n be_v profess_v at_o rome_n in_o the_o time_n of_o nero_n and_o be_v derive_v from_o one_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o it_o and_o suffer_v death_n at_o jerusalem_n upon_o that_o account_n towards_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o tiberius_n reign_n as_o i_o find_v it_o record_v by_o st._n luke_n and_o the_o other_o writer_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o next_o view_n i_o shall_v take_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n shall_v be_v under_o constantine_n another_o emperor_n of_o rome_n who_o upon_o some_o occasion_n or_o other_o be_v dispose_v to_o embrace_v this_o religion_n about_o 300_o year_n after_o the_o first_o publication_n of_o it_o by_o christ_n at_o which_o time_n it_o be_v very_o notorious_a that_o christianity_n be_v the_o prevail_a religion_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n the_o extent_n of_o which_o be_v then_o very_o great_a this_o manifest_o appear_v from_o all_o the_o account_n we_o have_v of_o the_o 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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writer_n who_o live_v at_o or_o near_o the_o same_o time_n i_o shall_v draw_v these_o follow_a observation_n and_o reflection_n i._o constantine_n be_v the_o first_o roman_a emperor_n that_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n there_o be_v no_o king_n consul_n dictator_n emperor_n or_o any_o other_o the_o chief_a governor_n of_o the_o roman_a state_n before_o he_o that_o ever_o depart_v from_o the_o ancient_a institution_n make_v upon_o the_o first_o settlement_n of_o that_o commonwealth_n or_o public_o embrace_v a_o new_a religion_n of_o a_o different_a character_n from_o that_o establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o numa_n 2._o there_o never_o be_v before_o this_o council_n any_o such_o general_n meet_v of_o eminent_a and_o learned_a person_n who_o be_v assemble_v together_o from_o so_o many_o different_a quarter_n of_o the_o world_n pure_o to_o settle_v some_o controversy_n in_o religion_n which_o two_o surprise_a circumstance_n must_v make_v this_o
council_n of_o nice_a one_o of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a event_n that_o ever_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n 3._o the_o call_n of_o this_o council_n do_v plain_o infer_v that_o constantine_n look_v upon_o the_o whole_a roman_a empire_n to_o have_v be_v at_o that_o time_n general_o christian_n the_o person_n summon_v the_o place_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v the_o occasion_n of_o their_o meeting_n do_v all_o prove_v this_o for_o the_o person_n of_o which_o the_o council_n be_v compose_v be_v most_o of_o they_o governor_n and_o teacher_n of_o large_a church_n and_o congregation_n they_o come_v out_o of_o all_o the_o great_a and_o lesser_a province_n and_o from_o the_o most_o populous_a and_o considerable_a town_n under_o the_o roman_a government_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o come_n be_v to_o give_v their_o opinion_n concern_v a_o particular_a doctrine_n which_o do_v suppose_v a_o antecedent_n belief_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a scheme_n 4._o the_o whole_a behaviour_n of_o this_o council_n of_o bishop_n while_o they_o sit_v together_o and_o the_o business_n they_o do_v there_o be_v a_o certain_a proof_n not_o only_o that_o they_o be_v christian_n and_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v public_o and_o general_o profess_v in_o the_o place_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v but_o that_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o some_o common_a faith_n and_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n profess_v in_o the_o several_a place_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v be_v every_o where_o the_o same_o without_o any_o other_o variation_n than_o what_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o different_a conception_n of_o some_o article_n by_o particular_a person_n which_o be_v allow_v by_o all_o alike_o in_o some_o general_a term_n or_o different_a application_n of_o some_o general_a rule_n about_o such_o matter_n as_o christian_n be_v by_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o their_o religion_n leave_v at_o liberty_n so_o to_o apply_v 5._o the_o reason_n of_o this_o general_a agreement_n of_o all_o 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authority_n of_o they_o allow_v by_o all_o and_o the_o particular_a canon_n they_o make_v be_v found_v upon_o the_o general_a rule_n and_o order_n of_o discipline_n lay_v down_o in_o these_o scripture_n 6._o as_o we_o find_v by_o what_o be_v do_v in_o this_o council_n concern_v the_o matter_n of_o faith_n they_o come_v to_o settle_v that_o all_o the_o bishop_n there_o assemble_v be_v acquaint_v with_o several_a of_o the_o same_o book_n of_o scripture_n which_o we_o now_o have_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o that_o they_o be_v persuade_v they_o be_v deliver_v down_o to_o they_o from_o the_o apostle_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n so_o by_o several_a of_o the_o canon_n they_o make_v we_o be_v assure_v that_o in_o all_o the_o several_a place_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v assemble_v the_o custom_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o communion_n be_v universal_o and_o constant_o use_v that_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n be_v observe_v as_o a_o day_n set_v 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obvious_a to_o every_o man_n be_v own_o observation_n at_o the_o meeting_n of_o this_o famous_a council_n and_o therefore_o since_o the_o christian_n of_o this_o latter_a period_n do_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o certain_a truth_n deliver_v down_o to_o they_o that_o the_o christian_n who_o live_v in_o nero_n time_n profess_v the_o same_o faith_n they_o do_v as_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o account_n before_o give_v of_o their_o religion_n they_o must_v we_o may_v very_o well_o conclude_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v real_o so_o without_o further_a proof_n but_o to_o remove_v all_o doubt_n and_o objection_n so_o general_a a_o conclusion_n as_o this_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o create_v the_o truth_n and_o credibility_n of_o the_o tradition_n shall_v be_v more_o clear_o make_v out_o in_o the_o follow_a manner_n several_a of_o those_o who_o be_v present_a at_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a might_n of_o their_o own_o certain_a knowledge_n be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o for_o fifty_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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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 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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
prediction_n be_v fulfil_v and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o true_a prophecy_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o know_v that_o jerusalem_n be_v destroy_v and_o the_o jewish_a people_n drive_v out_o of_o their_o country_n whatever_o way_n this_o come_v about_o but_o to_o know_v that_o such_o a_o man_n be_v well_o or_o such_o another_o alive_a or_o that_o the_o one_o have_v be_v sick_a and_o the_o other_o to_o all_o appearance_n dead_a be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o convince_v a_o man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n in_o either_o case_n and_o a_o person_n who_o do_v not_o see_v the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n in_o which_o each_o of_o these_o fact_n be_v do_v can_v receive_v no_o assurance_n of_o they_o afterward_o but_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o because_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a remain_n and_o footstep_n of_o the_o miracle_n leave_v after_o the_o action_n be_v over_o whereas_o in_o the_o other_o instance_n of_o prophecy_n the_o event_n be_v constant_o the_o same_o it_o be_v at_o first_o and_o equal_o convince_a at_o all_o time_n to_o every_o one_o that_o will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o satisfy_v himself_o and_o further_o if_o a_o considerable_a time_n intervene_v between_o the_o prediction_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n and_o the_o record_n of_o the_o prediction_n be_v very_o public_a before_o the_o thing_n happen_v the_o person_n who_o live_v after_o the_o accomplishment_n and_o so_o be_v immediate_a witness_n of_o neither_o part_n of_o the_o prophecy_n may_v be_v more_o easy_o and_o full_o satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o particular_a prophecy_n than_o of_o a_o particular_a miracle_n they_o be_v not_o witness_n of_o themselves_o because_o both_o the_o prediction_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n be_v common_a fact_n consider_v in_o themselves_o without_o any_o relation_n to_o one_o another_o be_v less_o liable_a to_o suspicion_n than_o unusual_a event_n of_o a_o more_o surprise_a nature_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o latter_a fact_n be_v 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their_o design_v to_o impose_v upon_o we_o but_o because_o they_o do_v not_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v their_o own_o witness_n but_o bid_v we_o examine_v their_o work_n and_o inquire_v of_o their_o doctrine_n in_o order_n to_o know_v whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o we_o will_v take_v the_o method_n they_o have_v prescribe_v we_o though_o i_o can_v but_o observe_v by_o the_o way_n that_o the_o appeal_v they_o make_v and_o the_o direction_n they_o give_v for_o a_o careful_a examination_n of_o their_o pretence_n be_v a_o very_a good_a argument_n of_o their_o sincerity_n and_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o pretend_v to_o but_o wave_v all_o observation_n of_o this_o kind_n i_o will_v confine_v myself_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n say_v and_o do_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n and_o show_v that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o neither_o they_o themselves_o who_o say_v and_o do_v they_o nor_o those_o that_o see_v 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perform_v such_o and_o such_o extraordinary_a thing_n but_o have_v some_o little_a distrust_n of_o himself_o lest_o he_o shall_v mistake_v the_o delusion_n of_o his_o own_o fancy_n for_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n when_o upon_o trial_n he_o find_v that_o such_o thing_n be_v real_o perform_v by_o his_o hand_n all_o his_o doubt_n vanish_v and_o he_o be_v thorough_o confirm_v that_o both_o his_o power_n and_o former_a persuasion_n be_v from_o god_n this_o in_o general_n must_v be_v grant_v that_o a_o man_n may_v take_v such_o a_o certain_a estimate_n of_o his_o own_o capacity_n power_n and_o attainment_n that_o he_o may_v be_v infallible_o sure_a that_o he_o can_v not_o do_v or_o know_v such_o a_o thing_n of_o himself_o without_o some_o other_o assistance_n that_o he_o do_v not_o know_v such_o a_o thing_n before_o such_o a_o time_n that_o he_o do_v not_o know_v it_o then_o by_o the_o help_n of_o his_o antecedent_n knowledge_n and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o do_v such_o a_o thing_n by_o 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great_a variety_n and_o disproportion_n of_o faculty_n and_o attainment_n observable_a among_o we_o a_o man_n may_v be_v able_a by_o what_o he_o know_v of_o himself_o so_o far_o to_o determine_v the_o limit_n of_o humane_a force_n and_o skill_n as_o to_o be_v firm_o assure_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n can_v possible_o lie_v within_o the_o reach_n and_o comprehension_n of_o mere_a man_n unassisted_a by_o any_o other_o be_v thus_o for_o example_n to_o use_v the_o former_a instance_n we_o be_v full_o and_o entire_o assure_v that_o no_o man_n whatsoever_o bare_o by_o his_o own_o power_n without_o the_o assistance_n or_o application_n of_o any_o other_o be_v can_v cure_v the_o sick_a or_o raise_v the_o dead_a or_o speak_v a_o language_n he_o know_v nothing_o of_o just_a before_o he_o speak_v it_o or_o foretell_v such_o event_n as_o that_o of_o the_o restoration_n of_o the_o jew_n we_o may_v likewise_o be_v as_o full_o sure_a that_o person_n of_o such_o a_o education_n and_o course_n of_o 〈◊〉_d can_v not_o possible_o of_o themselves_o by_o the_o force_n of_o their_o own_o capacity_n and_o acquisition_n conceive_v speak_v write_v or_o do_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n in_o such_o a_o particular_a way_n and_o manner_n as_o we_o can_v suppose_v or_o may_v actual_o find_v whoever_o therefore_o believe_v the_o miracle_n prophet_n and_n doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n according_a to_o the_o history_n give_v of_o they_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n must_v have_v this_o assurance_n that_o if_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v so_o as_o they_o be_v there_o deliver_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o those_o man_n shall_v be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v more_o particular_o by_o consider_v they_o apart_o to_o begin_v with_o prophecy_n which_o have_v be_v always_o reckon_v the_o most_o unexceptionable_a testimony_n of_o a_o intelligence_n exceed_v humane_a knowledge_n if_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v write_v long_o before_o 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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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false_a and_o spurious_a write_n which_o be_v design_v for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o christian_a cause_n in_o general_n the_o forgery_n that_o be_v contrive_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o some_o particular_a doctrine_n proceed_v most_o common_o from_o a_o worse_a original_a but_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o the_o first_o invention_n and_o publication_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a scheme_n can_v not_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o influence_n of_o any_o such_o principle_n or_o motive_n as_o be_v before_o mention_v and_o if_o it_o have_v the_o inventor_n and_o publisher_n can_v not_o have_v be_v a_o good_a man_n that_o be_v so_o influence_v nor_o such_o a_o good_a man_n as_o we_o suppose_v act_v upon_o a_o pure_a disintere_v principle_n of_o love_n to_o mankind_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v further_o object_v that_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a some_o honest_a well-meaning_a christian_n be_v guilty_a
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receive_v from_o a_o constant_a repetition_n of_o the_o same_o appearance_n but_o it_o be_v not_o to_o prove_v a_o god_n or_o providence_n or_o the_o first_o general_n principles_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o miracle_n be_v urge_v these_o thing_n be_v all_o so_o plain_a and_o easy_a without_o such_o a_o confirmation_n that_o they_o be_v altogether_o without_o excuse_n who_o do_v not_o believe_v they_o or_o act_v contrary_a to_o their_o belief_n but_o when_o man_n be_v lose_v and_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o be_v become_v altogether_o corrupt_a when_o through_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o serve_v god_n aright_o and_o when_o those_o who_o use_v their_o endeavour_n to_o do_v it_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n of_o be_v accept_v if_o in_o compassion_n to_o this_o sad_a and_o distress_a estate_n of_o mankind_n god_n be_v please_v to_o reveal_v himself_o to_o they_o and_o acquaint_v they_o with_o a_o true_a and_o certain_a way_n to_o happiness_n which_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o find_v out_o of_o themselves_o what_o perfection_n of_o god_n be_v it_o contrary_a to_o to_o make_v such_o a_o discovery_n to_o his_o creature_n and_o how_o can_v he_o take_v a_o more_o effectual_a way_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n than_o by_o miracle_n which_o be_v real_a effect_n of_o divine_a power_n and_o which_o man_n be_v ready_o dispose_v to_o acknowledge_v as_o infallible_a sign_n and_o indication_n of_o it_o if_o these_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o may_v certain_o be_v know_v to_o be_v so_o as_o have_v already_o be_v prove_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n than_o be_v they_o very_o fit_a and_o proper_a proof_n that_o the_o doctrine_n they_o be_v intend_v to_o comfirm_v come_v from_o god_n though_o they_o be_v not_o bring_v about_o by_o a_o immediate_a interposition_n but_o be_v part_n of_o the_o general_n scheme_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v 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matter_n of_o fact_n be_v none_o of_o it_o sufficient_o attest_v a_o great_a deal_n or_o it_o manifest_o false_a and_o be_v it_o all_o true_a the_o inference_n draw_v from_o it_o do_v not_o hold_v to_o make_v good_a this_o charge_n i_o shall_v instance_n in_o the_o miracle_n attribute_v to_o vespasian_n and_o apollonius_n tyanaeus_n which_o have_v be_v particular_o make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o lessen_v the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o of_o vespasian_n it_o be_v record_v that_o he_o once_o cure_v two_o blind_a man_n but_o the_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a work_n of_o apollonius_n fill_v a_o book_n write_v on_o purpose_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o they_o now_o as_o to_o vespasian_n cure_n of_o the_o blind_a it_o be_v but_o one_o single_a miracle_n and_o therefore_o be_v very_o unjust_o compare_v with_o that_o multitude_n of_o mighty_a work_n that_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n neither_o be_v it_o so_o well_o attest_v but_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v why_o it_o shall_v be_v false_a notwithstanding_o the_o reality_n of_o all_o the_o appear_a circumstance_n of_o it_o several_a inducement_n may_v be_v allege_v that_o very_o probable_o dispose_v this_o emperor_n to_o pretend_v to_o such_o a_o miracle_n it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o conceive_v how_o his_o design_n may_v be_v bring_v about_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o great_a many_o people_n without_o their_o discover_v the_o cheat_n and_o shall_v any_o have_v find_v it_o out_o it_o be_v very_o obvious_a to_o imagine_v why_o they_o do_v not_o publish_v it_o but_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o will_v hold_v when_o apply_v to_o christ_n have_v he_o pretend_v to_o no_o more_o than_o the_o cure_n of_o two_o blind_a man_n a_o man_n of_o his_o character_n and_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n can_v not_o promise_v himself_o any_o honour_n respect_n or_o advantage_n from_o such_o a_o pretence_n and_o shall_v he_o have_v make_v this_o use_n of_o it_o he_o will_v very_o probable_o have_v raise_v the_o envy_n of_o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o same_o rank_n and_o the_o jealousy_n of_o his_o superior_n upon_o these_o and_o other_o motive_n as_o well_o as_o natural_a curiosity_n a_o great_a many_o will_v have_v be_v very_o industrious_a and_o inquisitive_a in_o search_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o who_o can_v we_o imagine_v so_o far_o concern_v for_o such_o a_o pretender_n as_o to_o be_v privy_a or_o assist_v to_o his_o cheat_n at_o the_o first_o or_o to_o conceal_v his_o shame_n after_o they_o have_v find_v it_o out_o but_o suppose_v a_o account_n can_v be_v give_v in_o one_o or_o two_o instance_n how_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o christ_n to_o pretend_v to_o such_o work_v as_o be_v never_o do_v there_o be_v abundance_n still_o remain_v upon_o record_n that_o be_v manifest_o incapable_a of_o such_o a_o solution_n which_o put_v a_o unanswerable_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o pretence_n of_o other_o men._n as_o to_o the_o story_n of_o apollonius_n the_o whole_a credit_n of_o it_o depend_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o one_o single_a author_n who_o live_v too_o long_o after_o he_o to_o be_v a_o competent_a witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o relate_v and_o be_v too_o credulous_a and_o partial_a to_o be_v believe_v if_o he_o have_v live_v at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o he_o the_o strange_a unusual_a thing_n relate_v to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o this_o apollonius_n bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n either_o as_o to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o person_n concern_v in_o they_o the_o wonderful_a and_o extraordinary_a nature_n of_o they_o the_o beneficial_a design_n of_o they_o or_o the_o public_a and_o hazardous_a manner_n in_o which_o they_o be_v do_v and_o a_o great_a many_o of_o these_o have_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a upon_o examination_n from_o the_o manifest_a inconsistency_n and_o contradiction_n in_o the_o relation_n of_o they_o but_o suppose_v the_o miracle_n attribute_v to_o vespasian_n and_o apollonius_n be_v true_a in_o fact_n what_o reason_n can_v we_o allege_v either_o from_o the_o character_n of_o the_o pretend_a author_n the_o end_n and_o design_n they_o act_v upon_o the_o consequence_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o pretence_n or_o from_o any_o other_o circumstance_n of_o their_o story_n that_o the_o strange_a thing_n record_v of_o they_o be_v not_o do_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o evil_a spirit_n let_v we_o suppose_v far_o that_o the_o fact_n be_v not_o only_o real_a but_o true_a and_o proper_a miracle_n perform_v by_o the_o express_a and_o immediate_a assistance_n of_o god_n what_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o thence_o not_o that_o the_o heathen_a religion_n be_v true_a because_o these_o miracle_n be_v not_o design_v or_o intend_v for_o a_o confirmation_n of_o it_o not_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v pure_o humane_a because_o the_o whole_a end_n of_o christ_n work_a miracle_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o his_o doctrine_n come_v from_o god_n there_o may_v be_v several_a reason_n give_v why_o it_o may_v please_v god_n sometime_o to_o work_v miracle_n indifferent_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o good_a or_o ill_a man_n man_n of_o a_o true_a or_o false_a religion_n but_o it_o can_v possible_o be_v suppose_v of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v employ_v good_a man_n or_o concur_v with_o the_o wicked_a in_o work_a miracle_n in_o order_n to_o their_o deceive_a mankind_n and_o establish_v a_o lie_n by_o such_o evidence_n as_o can_v be_v disprove_v and_o no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v where_o any_o one_o true_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o a_o person_n that_o make_v use_v of_o it_o to_o prove_v any_o other_o doctrine_n by_o than_o what_o we_o have_v deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n by_o a_o true_a miracle_n
sense_n or_o first_o obtain_v credit_n among_o those_o who_o live_v afterward_o without_o any_o proof_n of_o their_o be_v do_v or_o believe_v before_o and_o if_o we_o suppose_v the_o christian_a morality_n entertain_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o world_n without_o the_o present_a history_n we_o have_v of_o it_o the_o forgery_n of_o that_o afterward_o will_v have_v be_v whole_o unnecessary_a and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o get_v such_o a_o forgery_n believe_v much_o great_a from_o hence_o then_o it_o plain_o follow_v that_o there_o can_v never_o have_v be_v such_o a_o state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n as_o we_o now_o perceive_v if_o all_o the_o principal_a part_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o christian_a history_n as_o it_o be_v at_o present_a general_o believe_v be_v not_o true_a and_o have_v some_o time_n or_o other_o real_o happen_v out_o according_a to_o the_o relation_n we_o find_v give_v of_o they_o this_o do_v likewise_o further_o appear_v from_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n 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cognizance_n why_o do_v we_o so_o firm_o believe_v the_o story_n of_o julius_n cesar_n and_o william_n the_o conqueror_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n as_o italy_n or_o china_n &_o c_o now_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o upon_o examine_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v find_v to_o be_v because_o a_o great_a many_o man_n have_v acquaint_v we_o that_o there_o be_v former_o such_o person_n who_o do_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o be_v now_o such_o place_n in_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n which_o man_n be_v competent_a judge_n of_o what_o they_o tell_v we_o have_v sufficient_a opportunity_n of_o know_v the_o truth_n themselves_o no_o motive_n conceivable_a that_o can_v dispose_v they_o to_o lie_v to_o other_o and_o be_v contradict_v by_o no_o body_n of_o equal_a authority_n with_o they_o these_o be_v all_o the_o ground_n of_o credibility_n upon_o which_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v general_o believe_v and_o no_o further_a character_n of_o truth_n be_v require_v by_o one_o that_o be_v satisfy_v of_o these_o but_o we_o have_v all_o these_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o common_a matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o full_a force_n and_o extent_n of_o they_o and_o several_a other_o beside_o as_o the_o incapacity_n of_o the_o witness_n to_o deceive_v if_o they_o have_v be_v dispose_v to_o do_v it_o the_o great_a motive_n they_o have_v not_o to_o say_v what_o they_o do_v than_o to_o say_v it_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a and_o the_o great_a motive_n other_o person_n have_v to_o contradict_v they_o if_o they_o can_v have_v be_v disprove_v let_v we_o examine_v all_o these_o character_n of_o truth_n and_o see_v how_o far_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a history_n exceed_v that_o of_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o how_o far_o the_o suppose_a falsehood_n of_o it_o notwithstanding_o these_o character_n be_v consistent_a with_o that_o certain_a knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o humane_a nature_n as_o to_o the_o first_o 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any_o thing_n else_o whatsoever_o we_o will_v only_o suppose_v now_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n pretend_v to_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v record_v of_o they_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o to_o believe_v their_o own_o pretence_n and_o that_o all_o other_o who_o profess_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n do_v declare_v their_o belief_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v relate_v as_o say_v or_o do_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o sure_o a_o man_n may_v infallible_o know_v his_o own_o thought_n and_o imagination_n he_o can_v tell_v whether_o he_o believe_v such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n or_o no_o or_o at_o least_o he_o can_v be_v certain_a that_o he_o think_v or_o fancy_n he_o believe_v it_o and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o intercourse_n or_o communication_n betwixt_o man_n one_o man_n may_v know_v that_o another_o pretend_v to_o believe_v or_o do_v a_o thing_n whether_o he_o real_o believe_v or_o do_v it_o or_o no._n if_o a_o multitude_n of_o man_n can_v be_v deceive_v in_o such_o judgement_n as_o these_o concern_v themselves_o and_o one_o another_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o knowledge_n at_o all_o if_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v allow_v that_o a_o vast_a multitude_n of_o person_n do_v pretend_v to_o believe_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o they_o be_v say_v to_o believe_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o necessary_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o they_o do_v real_o and_o true_o believe_v they_o or_o else_o they_o pretend_v to_o believe_v what_o they_o certain_o know_v to_o be_v false_a but_o that_o they_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o believe_v what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v false_a will_v evident_o appear_v from_o these_o further_a reflection_n upon_o humane_a nature_n first_o then_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o every_o man_n must_v act_v for_o some_o end_n or_o motive_n and_o here_o be_v no_o end_n or_o motive_n conceivable_a that_o can_v determine_v any_o of_o the_o first_o publisher_n or_o professor_n of_o christianity_n to_o pretend_v to_o believe_v those_o fact_n which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v false_a all_o the_o end_n and_o motive_n we_o can_v imagine_v any_o man_n to_o act_v upon_o in_o such_o a_o case_n we_o have_v reckon_v up_o before_o and_o we_o find_v that_o if_o we_o put_v ourselves_o into_o the_o same_o circumstance_n with_o those_o first_o witness_n of_o christianity_n it_o will_v have_v be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o have_v be_v influence_v by_o any_o of_o they_o to_o make_v the_o same_o pretence_n be_v infallible_o assure_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o be_v utter_o false_a and_o groundless_a from_o whence_o we_o conclude_v that_o neither_o do_v they_o since_o all_o man_n be_v so_o make_v and_o contrive_v as_o to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o same_o general_a motive_n though_o according_a to_o the_o difference_n of_o
make_v upon_o the_o course_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n it_o can_v be_v conceive_v or_o imagine_v that_o such_o event_n as_o these_o shall_v ever_o happen_v that_o there_o never_o be_v a_o instance_n of_o any_o thing_n like_o the_o christian_a scheme_n which_o be_v prove_v or_o allow_v by_o any_o body_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v a_o imposture_n i_o shall_v take_v for_o grant_v since_o none_o of_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n have_v ever_o produce_v one_o as_o for_o mahometism_n which_o some_o have_v have_v the_o impudence_n to_o compare_v with_o christianity_n so_o far_o as_o both_o they_o and_o we_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v a_o imposture_n it_o can_v have_v no_o manner_n of_o place_n here_o as_o a_o parallel_n instance_n for_o it_o be_v on_o all_o hand_n grant_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o mahomet_n who_o live_v at_o the_o time_n and_o place_n it_o be_v pretend_v by_o his_o follower_n he_o do_v it_o be_v grant_v likewise_o that_o he_o write_v the_o alcoran_n and_o pretend_v to_o the_o thing_n there_o record_v of_o he_o and_o that_o his_o religion_n prevail_v and_o be_v propagate_v in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n there_o relate_v and_o describe_v by_o he_o but_o in_o the_o present_a supposition_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a scheme'_v be_v a_o imposture_n it_o must_v be_v affirm_v that_o call_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o whole_a history_n therein_o contain_v be_v mere_a forgery_n and_o invention_n without_o any_o foundation_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o common_a matter_n of_o fact_n there_o record_v which_o make_v the_o case_n of_o christianity_n in_o all_o the_o important_a variety_n of_o circumstance_n and_o event_n possible_a unlike_o that_o of_o mahometism_n and_o as_o no_o instance_n of_o such_o a_o imposture_n as_o be_v here_o pretend_a can_v be_v give_v out_o of_o the_o history_n of_o former_a time_n so_o likewise_o be_v it_o utter_o impossible_a to_o imagine_v that_o such_o a_o instance_n as_o this_o 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prospect_n all_o the_o principal_a fact_n there_o record_v draw_v forth_o in_o all_o their_o variety_n of_o circumstance_n the_o whole_a system_n of_o doctrine_n and_o rule_n in_o their_o just_a dependence_n and_o connexion_n the_o character_n of_o the_o person_n concern_v in_o the_o publishing_n and_o establish_v they_o together_o with_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n in_o which_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v write_v and_o when_o we_o have_v do_v this_o let_v we_o true_o and_o impartial_o ask_v our_o self_n whether_o we_o can_v possible_o conceive_v how_o any_o person_n can_v at_o that_o time_n invent_v and_o publish_v that_o whole_a scheme_n of_o thing_n at_o jerusalem_n rome_n or_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n without_o any_o ground_n of_o truth_n to_o build_v upon_o and_o suppose_v it_o publish_v how_o it_o can_v be_v believe_v so_o firm_o and_o propagate_v so_o far_o and_o wide_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v fix_v and_o continue_v in_o all_o this_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o this_o day_n without_o any_o footstep_n or_o motive_n remain_v whereby_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o detect_v the_o imposture_n this_o i_o say_v appear_v to_o i_o as_o hard_o to_o conceive_v as_o that_o rome_n shall_v build_v itself_o and_o i_o be_o very_o persuade_v will_v appear_v so_o to_o any_o one_o else_o that_o have_v as_o full_o and_o impartial_o consider_v the_o matter_n as_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o do_v if_o we_o date_n the_o imposture_n late_a the_o same_o difficulty_n will_v attend_v the_o invention_n and_o propagation_n of_o it_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v further_o puzzle_v to_o account_v for_o all_o the_o sign_n and_o monument_n of_o christianity_n which_o will_v appear_v to_o have_v be_v before_o the_o period_n assign_v for_o its_o original_a wheresoever_o we_o place_v it_o but_o if_o we_o deal_v as_o fair_o by_o christianity_n as_o we_o do_v by_o mahometism_n and_o allow_v the_o common_a matter_n of_o fact_n record_v of_o it_o to_o be_v true_a if_o we_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o christ_n who_o live_v at_o the_o time_n and_o place_n it_o be_v affirm_v by_o christian_n he_o do_v that_o he_o and_o his_o disciple_n pretend_v to_o what_o be_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o they_o that_o those_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o person_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v and_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n spread_v and_o prevail_v over_o the_o world_n in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n and_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o those_o pretence_n we_o have_v there_o a_o account_n of_o grant_v i_o say_v all_o these_o thing_n as_o by_o the_o general_a acknowledgement_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n and_o the_o impossibility_n of_o their_o be_v false_a just_a before_o prove_v they_o must_v be_v grant_v from_o hence_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o other_o extraordinary_a fact_n be_v true_a and_o consequent_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n come_v from_o god_n and_o lay_v a_o necessary_a obligation_n upon_o mankind_n to_o believe_v it_o and_o conform_v themselves_o to_o it_o this_o be_v certain_a in_o the_o same_o way_n of_o reason_v we_o use_v before_o because_o there_o never_o be_v a_o instance_n and_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v there_o ever_o shall_v be_v one_o where_o such_o mark_n and_o indication_n of_o truth_n as_o accompany_v these_o thing_n shall_v all_o belong_v to_o a_o imposture_n upon_o this_o account_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o we_o affirm_v all_o these_o thing_n to_o be_v impossible_a viz._n that_o person_n of_o such_o character_n as_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n be_v represent_v to_o be_v shall_v invent_v and_o contrive_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o institution_n or_o perform_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v record_v of_o they_o mere_o by_o their_o own_o skill_n and_o power_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n shall_v pretend_v to_o have_v do_v such_o extraordinary_a fact_n as_o be_v attribute_v to_o they_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n if_o they_o be_v not_o the_o true_a and_o immediate_a instrument_n by_o who_o they_o be_v do_v that_o such_o multitude_n of_o person_n as_o we_o there_o read_v of_o shall_v believe_v these_o fact_n and_o embrace_v christianity_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o they_o if_o they_o be_v not_o true_a or_o shall_v pretend_v to_o believe_v they_o if_o they_o be_v not_o real_o persuade_v of_o their_o truth_n and_o if_o all_o the_o principal_a fact_n both_o common_a and_o extraordinary_a be_v certain_o true_a as_o far_o as_o the_o person_n concern_v in_o bear_v testimony_n to_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o perceive_v their_o truth_n it_o be_v likewise_o impossible_a but_o the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n and_o all_o the_o conduct_n and_o management_n in_o the_o discovery_n and_o propagation_n of_o it_o must_v come_v from_o god_n all_o these_o proposition_n we_o be_v firm_o assure_v of_o upon_o this_o ground_n viz._n because_o if_o we_o suppose_v the_o contrary_a of_o any_o thing_n here_o allege_v 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