whether_o they_o will_v adhere_v to_o god_n or_o forsake_v he_o it_o be_v to_o make_v a_o experiment_n either_o of_o their_o steadfastness_n or_o their_o hypocrisy_n we_o have_v it_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n that_o there_o shall_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o shall_v show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n so_o great_a that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect_a mat._n 24._o 24._o and_o st._n panl_n let_v we_o know_v that_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n the_o son_n of_o perdition_n shall_v come_v with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_a wonder_n which_o last_o word_n lie_v wonder_n seem_v to_o have_v a_o very_a large_a signification_n for_o as_o this_o may_v be_v one_o meaning_n of_o they_o that_o though_o the_o action_n they_o shall_v do_v shall_v be_v real_a and_o true_a though_o the_o thing_n shall_v be_v real_o do_v yet_o they_o be_v but_o lie_a wonder_n because_o thereby_o the_o devil_n impoâ—â—th_v on_o man_n and_o lead_v they_o into_o error_n and_o falsehood_n or_o because_o these_o wonder_n be_v to_o attest_v a_o lie_n to_o maintain_v false_a and_o erroneous_a doctrine_n so_o it_o be_v probable_a likewise_o they_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d lie_v wonder_n because_o they_o be_v false_a and_o counterfeit_a and_o seem_v only_o although_o they_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v true_a miracle_n so_o it_o be_v foretell_v in_o rev._n 13._o 13_o 14._o that_o the_o grand_a impostor_n of_o the_o last_o time_n shall_v do_v great_a wonder_n so_o that_o he_o make_v fire_n to_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n on_o the_o earth_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n and_o deceive_v they_o that_o dwell_v in_o the_o earth_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o those_o miracle_n or_o 〈◊〉_d sign_n which_o he_o have_v power_n to_o do_v true_a miracle_n can_v be_v wrought_v by_o satan_n or_o his_o instrument_n but_o he_o can_v do_v wonderful_a thing_n and_o lie_a miracle_n and_o such_o be_v these_o here_o mention_v which_o false_a prophet_n and_o seducer_n be_v able_a to_o effect_v they_o either_o exceed_v not_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o natural_a cause_n though_o they_o be_v hide_v to_o we_o or_o else_o they_o be_v mere_a cheat_n deception_n of_o sight_n and_o delusion_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o so_o they_o be_v only_o seem_v miracle_n and_o lie_a wonder_n this_o be_v a_o undeniable_a truth_n that_o though_o evil_a spirit_n and_o wicked_a man_n be_v permit_v to_o do_v thing_n prodigious_a and_o strange_a yet_o they_o can_v work_v true_a miracle_n for_o a_o miracle_n be_v something_o above_o yea_o contrary_a to_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n now_o god_n alone_o can_v alter_v this_o establish_a order_n this_o be_v proper_a to_o he_o only_o no_o creature_n can_v effect_v it_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n can_v only_o change_v it_o he_o that_o first_o make_v all_o thing_n of_o nothing_o can_v alter_v the_o propriety_n of_o thing_n thus_o as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v god_n alone_o dâ—th_v greâ—â—_n wonder_n psal._n 136._o 4._o miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n whole_o have_v show_v you_o what_o be_v the_o true_a natural_a miracle_n i_o be_o to_o prove_v that_o those_o act_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o we_o call_v miracle_n be_v real_o such_o and_o be_v not_o counterfeit_v but_o true_a this_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o i_o have_v say_v already_o for_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o do_v be_v above_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n as_o heal_v all_o sort_n of_o disease_n though_o in_o themselves_o incurable_a feed_v thousand_o with_o a_o small_a portion_n of_o food_n and_o yet_o so_o that_o they_o carry_v away_o more_o than_o be_v first_o provide_v restore_v people_n to_o life_n after_o they_o be_v real_o dead_a and_o the_o like_a these_o thing_n exceed_v the_o virtue_n of_o natural_a and_o create_v agent_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v divine_a and_o heavenly_a and_o by_o consequence_n be_v true_a and_o proper_a miracle_n but_o moreover_o i_o will_v prove_v that_o these_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v accompany_v with_o such_o peculiar_a circumstance_n as_o speak_v they_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a original_a as_o 1._o the_o simple_a and_o plain_a way_n of_o do_v their_o miracle_n be_v very_o remarkable_a christ_n cure_v some_o by_o lay_v his_o hand_n on_o they_o other_o by_o prayer_n and_o invoke_v of_o his_o father_n other_o by_o a_o mere_a touch_n of_o his_o hand_n as_o the_o leper_n mat._n 8._o 3._o other_o by_o their_o only_a touch_v the_o hem_v of_o his_o garment_n be_v make_v perfect_o whole_a mat._n 14._o 36._o multitude_n be_v cure_v of_o their_o disease_n with_o a_o bare_a word_n yea_o with_o a_o word_n he_o raise_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n daughter_n only_o say_v to_o she_o maid_n arise_v luke_n 8._o 54._o he_o cure_v a_o noble_a man_n son_n so_o likewise_o a_o centurion_n 〈◊〉_d son_n at_o a_o distance_n john_n 4._o 46._o mat._n 8._o 5._o which_o can_v not_o be_v with_o application_n of_o medicine_n or_o use_v of_o any_o mean_n other_o method_n he_o make_v use_v of_o sometime_o as_o when_o a_o blind_a man_n be_v to_o be_v cure_v he_o anoint_v his_o eye_n with_o clay_n macerate_v with_o hospital_n and_o also_o bid_v he_o wash_v in_o the_o pool_n of_o siloe_n the_o ten_o leper_n be_v not_o present_o heal_v but_o he_o bid_v they_o repair_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o as_o they_o go_v they_o find_v their_o cure_n at_o the_o raise_n of_o lazarus_n he_o shed_v tear_n groan_v in_o his_o spirit_n and_o call_v he_o out_o of_o his_o grave_n with_o a_o loud_a voice_n but_o these_o and_o all_o his_o other_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v without_o formality_n and_o ceremony_n without_o any_o superstitious_a rite_n and_o observance_n without_o either_o natural_a or_o artificial_a application_n which_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n that_o they_o be_v true_a miracle_n and_o no_o imposture_n for_o these_o latter_a be_v always_o do_v with_o ceremony_n and_o pomp_n with_o strange_a word_n and_o as_o strange_a gesture_n and_o action_n 2._o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v not_o obscure_a but_o evident_a not_o do_v in_o a_o corner_n but_o in_o the_o open_a light_n and_o so_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o cheat_n and_o forgery_n in_o they_o they_o may_v have_v be_v observe_v and_o they_o will_v most_o certain_o for_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v subtle_a enemy_n about_o they_o who_o be_v busy_a in_o pry_v into_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o their_o action_n when_o christ_n cure_v the_o man_n that_o have_v have_v a_o infirmity_n thirty_o eight_o year_n it_o be_v at_o a_o public_a meeting_n at_o the_o great_a feast_n luke_n 4._o 33._o he_o dispossess_v a_o man_n of_o a_o devil_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o synagogue_n john_n 11._o 45._o the_o man_n be_v cure_v of_o the_o palsy_n before_o the_o multitude_n mat._n 9_o 8._o the_o widow_n son_n be_v restore_v to_o life_n before_o much_o people_n luke_n 7._o 12_o and_o most_o of_o his_o other_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v public_o so_o that_o there_o be_v many_o spectator_n and_o observer_n of_o they_o and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o among_o these_o neither_o wit_n nor_o malice_n be_v want_v to_o find_v out_o the_o error_n and_o deceit_n if_o there_o be_v any_o yet_o we_o know_v that_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n be_v publish_v by_o the_o evangelist_n especial_o st._n mattâ—â—w_n whilst_o yet_o the_o person_n be_v alive_a upon_o who_o they_o be_v wrought_v and_o whilst_o innumerable_a person_n who_o be_v witness_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v survive_v 3._o whereas_o one_o or_o two_o be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v cure_v in_o the_o heathen_a temple_n and_o impostor_n have_v be_v cry_v up_o for_o a_o few_o wonder_n they_o have_v do_v it_o be_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o remember_v that_o christ_n cure_v uâ—ry_o many_o and_o the_o number_n of_o other_o miracle_n which_o he_o do_v be_v exceed_v great_a the_o multitude_n of_o they_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o their_o truth_n and_o reality_n for_o it_o show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n by_o chance_n beside_o when_o so_o many_o miracle_n be_v do_v there_o can_v be_v no_o suspicion_n of_o do_v they_o in_o a_o fraudulent_a manner_n for_o it_o have_v be_v easy_a at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o to_o discover_v it_o 4._o christ_n miracle_n be_v not_o only_o many_o and_o various_a but_o often_o repeat_v and_o do_v several_a time_n over_o both_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n do_v those_o extraordinary_a thing_n daily_o and_o one_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o they_o to_o confirm_v another_o which_o give_v we_o further_o assurance_n that_o they_o be_v not_o counterfeit_a and_o false_a for_o then_o by_o frequent_a reiterate_v they_o
new_a whether_o they_o be_v fig_n of_o the_o last_o year_n growth_n or_o of_o the_o present_a one_o why_o then_o do_v our_o saviour_n curse_v it_o some_o interpret_v the_o word_n of_o the_o time_n of_o gather_v of_o fig_n but_o this_o make_v the_o bear_n of_o fig_n and_o the_o gather_n of_o they_o to_o be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v a_o strain_n of_o the_o word_n a_o learned_a critic_n read_v the_o text_n thus_o loc_n where_o be_v the_o time_n of_o fig_n i._o e._n say_v he_o there_o be_v the_o time_n in_o that_o place_n where_o christ_n then_o be_v viz._n near_o jerusalem_n it_o be_v the_o season_n of_o fig_n and_o because_o this_o one_o particular_a tree_n bear_v no_o fruit_n when_o the_o rest_n do_v christ_n deserve_o curse_v it_o this_o interpretation_n amount_v to_o the_o same_o with_o what_o i_o before_o propound_v but_o i_o can_v approve_v of_o the_o alteration_n make_v in_o the_o original_a loc_n a_o other_o late_a critic_n come_v somewhat_o near_o to_o this_o and_o by_o change_v the_o accent_n and_o double_v the_o verb_n read_v it_o thus_o 〈◊〉_d where_o he_o be_v be_v the_o time_n of_o figs._n but_o i_o conceive_v this_o learned_a gentleman_n be_v a_o little_a too_o bold_a here_o as_o well_o as_o in_o some_o other_o place_n in_o his_o change_v the_o greek_a text_n where_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n for_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o keep_v to_o the_o receive_v read_v which_o according_a to_o the_o greek_a be_v exact_o thus_o for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o time_n of_o fig_n yet_o be_v redundant_fw-la in_o our_o english_a translation_n i._n e._n it_o be_v not_o the_o time_n of_o fig_n with_o this_o tree_n though_o according_a to_o the_o time_n of_o year_n other_o figtree_n bear_v fruit_n yet_o this_o degenerate_v from_o they_o and_o have_v no_o fruit_n at_o all_o on_o it_o only_o leave_v whence_o our_o saviour_n take_v occasion_n to_o curse_v it_o and_o this_o he_o do_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o may_v look_v on_o the_o tree_n and_o be_v admonish_v that_o they_o may_v be_v sensible_a of_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o vnfruitfulness_n at_o such_o a_o season_n when_o the_o great_a furitfulness_n be_v require_v of_o they_o or_o according_a to_o a_o godliness_n worthy_a person_n the_o meaning_n of_o christ_n curse_v the_o figtree_n be_v that_o the_o acceptable_a fruit_n of_o everlasting_a righteousness_n be_v not_o then_o find_v in_o the_o judaical_a dispensation_n this_o tree_n do_v not_o bring_v forth_o such_o excellent_a fruit_n but_o only_o the_o fair_a figleaves_a of_o a_o external_a and_o ceremonial_a righteousness_n and_o legal_a morality_n christ_n therefore_o come_v to_o exprobrate_v to_o they_o the_o want_n of_o more_o perfect_a fruit_n and_o to_o put_v a_o period_n to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o jew_n so_o that_o it_o shall_v quite_o wither_v away_o and_o be_v null_v thus_o you_o see_v there_o be_v ground_n for_o what_o our_o lord_n do_v which_o make_v i_o a_o little_a wonder_n why_o that_o learned_a critic_n who_o i_o name_v last_o and_o some_o other_o expositor_n be_v so_o much_o concern_v at_o christ_n curse_v the_o innocent_a tree_n as_o they_o call_v it_o i_o do_v not_o see_v any_o cause_n why_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o if_o we_o can_v assign_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o of_o this_o action_n of_o our_o saviour_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v full_o satisfy_v with_o it_o because_o he_o be_v arbitrary_a as_o to_o this_o and_o all_o other_o action_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o sovereign_a power_n he_o can_v in_o these_o matter_n do_v as_o he_o please_v but_o we_o need_v not_o insist_v upon_o this_o because_o i_o have_v offer_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o he_o think_v good_a to_o show_v a_o miracle_n on_o a_o fruitless_a tree_n which_o have_v nothing_o but_o leaf_n to_o be_v destroy_v by_o his_o curse_n as_o to_o the_o latter_a instance_n viz._n christ_n suffering_n the_o gadarens_n swine_n to_o be_v drive_v by_o the_o devil_n into_o the_o sea_n i_o answer_v 1._o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o our_o saviour_n act_n as_o his_o permission_n for_o so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sometime_o import_v 2._o it_o be_v not_o do_v of_o his_o own_o accord_n but_o upon_o the_o importunate_a outcry_n of_o the_o disturb_a friend_n who_o christ_n see_v it_o be_v best_a to_o lodge_v in_o the_o deep_a 3._o the_o person_n who_o sustain_v this_o loss_n deserve_v it_o as_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o their_o carriage_n towards_o our_o bless_a lord_n here_o then_o be_v no_o unjust_a thing_n do_v by_o this_o miraculous_a power_n of_o our_o saviour_n nor_o be_v it_o a_o hurtful_a thing_n to_o punish_v offender_n according_a to_o their_o desert_n but_o further_a it_o may_v be_v object_v if_o christ_n design_v to_o benefit_n people_n by_o his_o miracle_n why_o do_v he_o not_o do_v they_o when_o they_o most_o desire_v they_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o herod_n and_o when_o there_o be_v the_o great_a need_n of_o they_o as_o when_o our_o saviour_n hang_v on_o the_o cross_n for_o the_o first_o we_o read_v indeed_o that_o herod_n be_v desirous_a to_o see_v christ_n of_o a_o long_a season_n because_o he_o have_v hear_v many_o thing_n of_o he_o and_o he_o hope_v to_o have_v see_v some_o miracle_n do_v by_o he_o luk._n 23._o 8._o yet_o when_o christ_n come_v before_o he_o and_o be_v question_v by_o he_o he_o answer_v he_o nothing_o ver_fw-la 9_o he_o speak_v not_o one_o word_n he_o do_v not_o one_o miracle_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o herod_n have_v sufficient_a opportunity_n before_o of_o hear_v christ_n sermon_n and_o see_v his_o sign_n but_o he_o be_v negligent_a and_o careless_a yea_o he_o slight_v and_o despise_v those_o thing_n this_o be_v evident_a because_o otherwise_o he_o will_v have_v go_v to_o our_o saviour_n or_o send_v for_o he_o and_o treat_v he_o with_o respect_n and_o reverence_n this_o great_a man_n have_v thus_o neglect_v the_o season_n of_o grace_n he_o be_v just_o debar_v for_o the_o future_a by_o christ_n himself_o miracle_n be_v deny_v he_o after_o a_o wilful_a refuse_v both_o of_o they_o and_o other_o mean_n as_o for_o what_o we_o read_v in_o mat._n 27._o 42._o that_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o scribe_n declare_v they_o will_v believe_v in_o christ_n if_o he_o will_v come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n will_v not_o gratify_v they_o by_o his_o miraculous_a descend_v thence_o here_o i_o have_v these_o three_o thing_n to_o say_v 1._o we_o may_v gather_v hence_o that_o miracle_n be_v a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a argument_n all_o man_n be_v agree_v to_o be_v conclude_v by_o this_o the_o priest_n and_o scribe_n declare_v that_o on_o these_o term_n they_o will_v believe_v in_o christ_n and_o take_v he_o for_o the_o messiah_n they_o desire_v no_o better_a proof_n than_o a_o miracle_n 2._o i_o say_v this_o miracle_n the_o mighty_a and_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o god_n be_v not_o lavish_o to_o be_v throw_v away_o the_o person_n have_v miracle_n enough_o before_o but_o they_o disregard_v they_o and_o the_o author_n of_o they_o they_o must_v not_o therefore_o now_o when_o they_o think_v sit_v call_v for_o those_o divine_a testimony_n from_o heaven_n it_o be_v not_o meet_v that_o heaven_n shall_v be_v thus_o at_o their_o beck_n and_o that_o miracle_n must_v be_v do_v when_o they_o please_v 3._o the_o main_a thing_n i_o offer_v be_v this_o that_o a_o great_a miracle_n than_o this_o which_o they_o now_o call_v for_o be_v show_v within_o a_o little_a time_n afterward_o for_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a be_v more_o than_o come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o wrought_v upon_o by_o it_o so_o that_o if_o our_o saviour_n have_v come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n they_o will_v not_o have_v believe_v which_o he_o who_o know_v all_o thing_n know_v full_a well_o and_o therefore_o will_v not_o comply_v with_o their_o unreasonable_a desire_n we_o may_v then_o notwithstanding_o these_o instance_n allege_v assert_v that_o our_o saviour_n intend_v the_o good_a and_o welfare_n of_o man_n by_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o he_o wrought_v and_o that_o all_o the_o exertment_n of_o his_o miraculous_a power_n be_v for_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v one_o difference_n between_o true_a and_o false_a miracle_n moreover_o if_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o person_n who_o general_o wrought_v these_o miracle_n we_o shall_v be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o they_o be_v true_a not_o to_o speak_v now_o ofour_n saviour_n the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n who_o be_v the_o mediate_a author_n of_o they_o be_v man_n of_o great_a simplicity_n they_o approve_v themselves_o to_o be_v void_a of_o all_o secular_a and_o 〈◊〉_d design_n much_o more_o of_o
give_v unto_o cain_n land_n to_o till_o unto_o abel_n sheep_n to_o keep_v their_o calling_n intimate_v to_o they_o what_o shall_v be_v their_o allotment_n and_o portion_n afterward_o the_o real_a estate_n be_v to_o be_v assign_v to_o the_o elder_a son_n and_o the_o personal_a to_o the_o young_a as_o be_v in_o use_n at_o this_o day_n but_o the_o careful_a parent_n may_v dispose_v of_o their_o estate_n but_o they_o can_v not_o entail_v virtue_n and_o grace_n upon_o their_o child_n cain_n most_o malicious_o rise_v up_o against_o his_o brother_n and_o neither_o his_o innocency_n nor_o his_o near_a relation_n to_o he_o can_v divert_v he_o from_o violent_o pursue_v and_o shed_v his_o blood_n this_o make_v thâ—_n heart_n of_o the_o distress_a parent_n bleed_v afresh_o this_o add_v new_a dolour_n to_o their_o former_a one_o and_o cause_v they_o yet_o more_o serious_o to_o look_v back_o on_o their_o vile_a apostasy_n from_o god_n which_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o all_o the_o misery_n they_o undergo_v there_o be_v nothing_o say_v in_o scripture_n of_o the_o repentaonce_n of_o these_o sinner_n after_o their_o fall_n whereupon_o some_o have_v conclude_v that_o these_o first_o offender_n die_v in_o impenitency_n and_o be_v deny_v all_o mercy_n and_o pardon_n but_o it_o thust_z be_v remember_v that_o the_o sacred_a history_n omit_v many_o thing_n be_v very_o short_a and_o compendious_a yea_o of_o this_o very_a nature_n some_o thing_n be_v pass_v by_o as_o that_o noah_n repent_v of_o his_o drunkenness_n and_o lot_n of_o his_o incest_n so_o that_o we_o can_v draw_v a_o argument_n in_o this_o case_n from_o scripture-silence_n but_o we_o have_v reason_n rather_o to_o believe_v that_o adam_n and_o eve_n do_v repent_v and_o be_v save_v for_o theâ—_n promise_v of_o the_o seed_n which_o be_v to_o redeem_v and_o save_v mankind_n be_v make_v immediate_o after_o the_o fall_n and_o so_o concern_v they_o as_o well_o as_o other_o gen._n 3._o 15._o beside_o we_o may_v pious_o believe_v that_o god_n mercy_n will_v not_o overpass_v these_o poor_a offender_n at_o its_o very_a first_o set_v out_o but_o rather_o that_o it_o will_v begin_v with_o they_o to_o give_v a_o instance_n of_o his_o present_a pity_n and_o kindness_n and_o a_o assurance_n of_o his_o future_a goodness_n and_o clemency_n the_o wise_a god_n will_v not_o suffer_v satan_n to_o boast_v that_o his_o first_o conquest_n and_o spoil_n remain_v entire_a and_o meet_v not_o with_o a_o afterdefeat_n this_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o most_o ancient_a pious_a and_o learned_a 31._o father_n and_o they_o declare_v that_o the_o tatiani_n and_o other_o who_o hold_v that_o adam_n never_o repent_v but_o be_v damn_v be_v very_o unreasonable_a and_o absurd_a in_o their_o assertion_n yea_o irenaeus_n and_o epiphanius_n reckon_v this_o as_o a_o haresy_n and_o conâ—ute_v it_o and_o this_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o the_o father_n both_o greek_a and_o latin_a do_v general_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o adam_n be_v bury_v on_o mount_n calvary_n where_o christ_n be_v crucify_v intimate_v thereby_o that_o he_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n that_o his_o repentance_n for_o his_o apostasy_n be_v accept_v for_o christ_n sake_n that_o in_o the_o great_a and_o universal_a shipwreck_n of_o the_o world_n for_o it_o be_v then_o all_o concern_v he_o swim_v safe_a to_o shore_n on_o this_o plank_n but_o i_o proceed_v to_o consider_v some_o large_a effect_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n apostasy_n i._n e._n what_o befall_v their_o whole_a race_n as_o well_o as_o themselves_o we_o will_v consider_v they_o both_o together_o and_o these_o doleful_a effect_n be_v both_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o the_o temporal_a evil_n they_o be_v either_o outward_a or_o inward_a the_o outward_a and_o bodily_a evil_n which_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o man_n revolt_n be_v very_o many_o and_o great_a curse_a be_v the_o ground_n for_o thy_o sake_n say_v god_n to_o adam_n gen._n 3._o 17._o at_o first_o its_o pregnancy_n and_o fecundity_n be_v exceed_o great_a so_o that_o it_o yield_v its_o fruit_n easy_o without_o any_o toil_n 1._o per_fw-la se_fw-la dabat_fw-la omne_fw-la tellus_fw-la and_o again_o ipsaque_fw-la tellus_fw-la omnia_fw-la liberiùs_fw-la nullo_n poscente_fw-la ferebat_fw-la and_o the_o like_a we_o find_v speak_v by_o other_o poet_n concern_v the_o golden_a age_n from_o some_o break_a notion_n and_o tradition_n as_o a_o 25._o judicious_a person_n of_o our_o own_o have_v observe_v of_o man_n first_o estate_n in_o paradise_n and_o of_o that_o estate_n wherein_o the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n shall_v have_v continue_v of_o man_n have_v not_o fall_v there_o be_v nothing_o noxious_a in_o the_o earth_n at_o first_o all_o thing_n be_v safe_a and_o wholesome_a useful_a and_o pleasant_a serviceable_a for_o the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o every_o way_n advantageous_a to_o he_o but_o man_n fall_n introduce_v a_o change_n the_o ground_n bring_v forth_o thorn_n and_o thistle_n gen._n 3._o 18._o which_o show_v that_o the_o former_a fruitfulness_n of_o it_o be_v decay_v and_o that_o now_o it_o will_v require_v some_o toil_n and_o pain_n to_o prepare_v and_o manure_v it_o in_o order_n to_o a_o plentiful_a crop_n and_o therefore_o i_o be_o not_o forward_a to_o assent_v to_o what_o a_o late_a learned_a writer_n suggest_v that_o 85._o the_o plough_n be_v of_o no_o use_n till_o after_o the_o deluge_n and_o be_v not_o invent_v till_o than_o as_o if_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n last_v till_o that_o time_n he_o confess_v himself_o that_o 89._o god_n send_v the_o deluge_n â—o_o destroy_v that_o constitution_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v calculate_v and_o contrive_v for_o a_o state_n of_o innocence_n and_o to_o fashion_v it_o anew_o according_a to_o the_o lapse_v and_o frail_a state_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o his_o own_o concession_n the_o flood_n shall_v have_v come_v present_o after_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n whereas_o it_o be_v above_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n after_o irr_v this_o author_n ingenious_o lay_v hold_v upon_o the_o sentence_n of_o death_n which_o be_v pronounce_v at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o this_o part_n of_o the_o curse_n about_o the_o earth_n sterility_n and_o argue_v from_o the_o suspending_a of_o that_o to_o the_o suspending_a of_o this_o but_o i_o conceive_v this_o be_v not_o a_o good_a way_n of_o argue_v unless_o he_o can_v have_v prove_v that_o neither_o our_o first_o parent_n nor_o any_o other_o feel_v the_o effect_n of_o that_o sentence_n of_o mortality_n before_o the_o deluge_n for_o it_o be_v of_o this_o which_o he_o be_v discourse_v and_o his_o opinion_n be_v that_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n which_o check_v the_o exuberance_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o therefore_o the_o curse_n take_v not_o place_n till_o this_o time_n but_o the_o very_a word_n and_o expression_n themselves_o by_o which_o the_o curse_n of_o sterility_n be_v set_v forth_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o put_v this_o matter_n out_o of_o controversy_n for_o they_o respect_v not_o only_a mankind_n in_o general_n but_o the_o first_o man_n in_o particular_a and_o more_o especial_o and_o therefore_o must_v have_v take_v place_n before_o the_o flood_n curse_a be_v the_o ground_n for_o thy_o sake_n in_o sorrow_n shall_v thou_o eat_v of_o it_o all_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o life_n see_v here_o adam_z himself_z for_o who_o sake_n the_o earth_n have_v its_o doom_n be_v to_o experience_n the_o sad_a effect_n of_o it_o by_o eat_v of_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o ground_n in_o sorrow_n that_o be_v with_o labour_n and_o toil_n the_o ground_n not_o bring_v forth_o its_o fruit_n with_o that_o ease_n and_o in_o that_o plenty_n which_o it_o do_v before_o the_o curse_n than_o be_v inflict_v in_o adam_n time_n â—nd_v consequent_o before_o the_o deluge_n and_o unto_o adam_n himself_o the_o follow_a word_n be_v direct_v thorn_n and_o thistle_n shall_v it_o bring_v â—orth_o unto_o thou_o andâ—hou_fw-mi â—hou_z shall_v eat_v the_o herb_n of_o the_o field_n viz._n with_o hard_a labour_n and_o pain_n or_o as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n in_o the_o sweat_n of_o thy_o face_n and_o this_o must_v continue_v until_o he_o return_v unto_o the_o ground_n out_o of_o which_o he_o vas_n take_v and_o we_o know_v he_o return_v above_o 700_o year_n before_o the_o flood_n and_o consequent_o the_o commination_n do_v affect_v that_o generation_n of_o man_n which_o live_v before_o that_o time_n and_o there_o be_v a_o far_a proof_n of_o this_o in_o v_o 23._o therefore_o the_o lord_n send_v he_o forth_o from_o the_o garden_n of_o eden_n to_o till_o the_o ground_n from_o whence_o he_o be_v take_v this_o show_v that_o the_o curse_n have_v actual_o take_v effect_n and_o that_o thorn_n and_o thistle_n be_v come_v up_o for_o adam_n here_o be_v set_v on_o work_n by_o the_o immediate_a order_n
such_o a_o act_n as_o be_v above_o natural_a force_n and_o ability_n and_o be_v do_v whole_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o omnipotent_a power_n there_o be_v a_o physical_a virtue_n and_o agency_n give_v to_o all_o creature_n at_o their_o first_o creation_n their_o natural_a property_n and_o affection_n be_v settle_v in_o they_o by_o god_n at_o first_o and_o according_a to_o these_o they_o constant_o act_v except_o he_o who_o create_v they_o change_n their_o course_n immediate_o influence_v on_o they_o when_o the_o creator_n thus_o alter_v their_o natural_a course_n and_o agency_n and_o when_o the_o effect_n be_v contrary_a to_o their_o natural_a power_n there_o be_v a_o miracle_n wrought_v for_o miracle_n be_v action_n that_o be_v against_o natural_a efficiency_n this_o be_v oppose_v by_o mr._n hobbs_n who_o hold_v that_o there_o be_v no_o real_a miracle_n because_o all_o be_v by_o natural_a cause_n only_o they_o seem_v to_o the_o vulgar_a to_o proceed_v from_o extraordinary_a and_o supernatural_a cause_n on_o this_o ground_n he_o endeavour_v to_o vilify_v the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ._n and_o spinosa_n will_v fain_o thrust_v upon_o we_o this_o proposition_n that_o whatsoever_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v to_o have_v be_v do_v do_v necessary_o come_v to_o pass_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o no_o otherwise_o and_o consequent_o that_o those_o thing_n which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o miracle_n have_v only_o natural_a cause_n though_o unknown_a to_o we_o and_o he_o conject_v this_o to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n of_o what_o he_o say_v viz._n 6._o that_o god_n and_o his_o decree_n be_v unchangeable_a and_o therefore_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n can_v be_v alter_v and_o so_o there_o be_v no_o miracle_n because_o these_o be_v say_v to_o be_v interruption_n or_o viâ—lations_n of_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n but_o if_o the_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o divine_a decree_n as_o most_o sure_a it_o be_v then_o what_o will_v become_v of_o his_o argument_n it_o be_v a_o mere_a fallacy_n and_o contradict_v several_a discovery_n which_o god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o and_o his_o do_n in_o the_o sacred_a writ_n where_o we_o find_v that_o there_o be_v such_o action_n as_o can_v be_v do_v by_o the_o mere_a power_n and_o energy_n of_o man_n or_o angel_n either_o good_a or_o bad_a or_o of_o any_o create_a being_n it_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o a_o miracle_n to_o exceed_v all_o natural_a power_n a_o miracle_n always_o suppose_v the_o virtue_n by_o which_o it_o be_v produce_v to_o be_v divine_a 2._o this_o be_v another_o property_n of_o a_o miracle_n which_o follow_v necessary_o on_o the_o former_a that_o it_o be_v vnaccountable_a we_o can_v solve_v it_o we_o can_v show_v any_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v so_o it_o be_v above_o our_o apprehension_n for_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n above_o natural_a power_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o natural_a reason_n shall_v tell_v how_o it_o be_v do_v a_o miracle_n be_v such_o a_o work_n of_o which_o no_o physical_a cause_n can_v be_v assign_v therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o it_o be_v beyond_o our_o conception_n and_o that_o we_o can_v apprehend_v how_o it_o be_v perform_v 3._o it_o be_v also_o something_o do_v rare_o and_o unusual_o it_o be_v a_o say_n of_o the_o rabbin_n and_o a_o true_a one_o megilla_n a_o miracle_n do_v not_o happen_v every_o hour_n it_o be_v a_o uncommon_a thing_n and_o rarity_n be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o for_o the_o design_n of_o a_o miracle_n be_v to_o beget_v faith_n by_o its_o be_v rare_a and_o therefore_o if_o you_o can_v suppose_v it_o to_o be_v perpetual_a the_o end_n of_o it_o will_v be_v lose_v which_o be_v to_o stir_v up_o man_n to_o believe_v by_o the_o uncommonness_n of_o what_o be_v do_v divine_a work_n that_o be_v do_v daily_o and_o ordinary_o be_v not_o miracle_n thus_o to_o justify_v sinner_n to_o convert_v they_o to_o save_v they_o etc._n etc._n be_v not_o call_v miracle_n so_o god_n preserve_v and_o uphold_v the_o world_n be_v the_o work_n of_o divine_a power_n only_o but_o it_o be_v not_o call_v a_o miracle_n because_o it_o be_v every_o moment_n 107._o pliny_n declare_v that_o it_o exceed_v all_o miracle_n that_o any_o one_o day_n pass_v and_o all_o the_o world_n be_v not_o set_v on_o fire_n because_o of_o the_o innumerable_a subterraneous_a fire_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o infinite_a number_n of_o star_n and_o the_o vast_a heat_n in_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o inbred_a fire_n in_o cloud_n etc._n etc._n but_o this_o be_v no_o rarâ—_n and_o strange_a thing_n and_o therefore_o be_v no_o miracle_n the_o gravity_n of_o body_n the_o strange_a operation_n of_o the_o loadstone_n the_o reciprocal_a motion_n of_o the_o sea_n be_v phaenomenâ—_n that_o depend_v as_o i_o apprehend_v on_o the_o particular_a and_o immediate_a influence_n of_o a_o supernatural_a cause_n and_o yet_o because_o they_o be_v common_a be_v not_o miracle_n god_n the_o alwise_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n have_v his_o usual_a and_o ordinary_a way_n but_o these_o oftentimes_o be_v neglect_v and_o despise_v because_o they_o be_v common_a wherefore_o he_o think_v good_a to_o use_v another_o method_n he_o exertâ—_n other_o act_n and_o these_o be_v unusual_a and_o extraordinary_a and_o excite_v a_o great_a regard_n and_o reverence_n in_o man_n and_o have_v the_o name_n of_o miracle_n 4._o it_o be_v the_o qualification_n of_o a_o miracle_n not_o only_o to_o be_v supernatural_a unaccountable_a and_o rare_a but_o also_o to_o be_v something_o visible_a at_o least_o very_a evident_a and_o discernible_a the_o egyptian_n see_v moses_n miracle_n the_o priest_n of_o baal_n see_v what_o elijah_n do_v and_o whatever_o miracle_n be_v real_o do_v be_v do_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o people_n or_o the_o effect_n of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v plain_o see_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o be_v exhibit_v to_o the_o world_n on_o purpose_n that_o they_o may_v be_v observe_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o wherefore_o a_o miracle_n be_v such_o a_o divine_a work_n as_o be_v evident_a and_o apparent_a and_o thence_o this_o kind_n of_o operation_n be_v frequent_o call_v sign_n i._n e._n outward_a and_o open_a representation_n of_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n 5._o and_o last_o they_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o miracle_n because_o they_o stir_v up_o man_n mind_n to_o admire_v they_o they_o cause_v amazement_n and_o wonder_n they_o be_v such_o work_n of_o god_n as_o create_v astonishment_n in_o all_o that_o serious_o consider_v they_o and_o this_o prove_v what_o i_o say_v before_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v against_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o miracle_n to_o be_v constant_a and_o last_a and_o always_o continue_v for_o if_o it_o be_v so_o it_o will_v not_o be_v wonder_v at_o and_o then_o it_o will_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o miracle_n these_o be_v the_o inseparable_a property_n and_o qualification_n of_o true_a and_o real_a miracle_n but_o the_o first_o be_v the_o main_a and_o the_o only_a essential_a one_o for_o some_o other_o thing_n be_v unaccountable_a we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o extent_n of_o nature_n sphere_n and_o unusual_a and_o wonderful_a but_o they_o be_v not_o against_o and_o above_o the_o power_n of_o natural_a cause_n therefore_o they_o be_v not_o proper_o miracle_n for_o a_o miracle_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v do_v but_o by_o supernatural_a and_o divine_a strength_n consequent_o a_o miracle_n can_v be_v do_v by_o the_o devil_n or_o any_o of_o his_o minister_n and_o agent_n these_o indeed_o can_v do_v strange_a and_o wonderful_a thing_n that_o be_v either_o such_o as_o be_v real_o so_o but_o then_o they_o rise_v only_o from_o occult_a natural_a cause_n and_o mean_n or_o such_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o they_o appear_v only_o and_o be_v not_o and_o then_o they_o be_v mere_a juggle_n and_o trick_n of_o art_n thus_o far_o evil_a spirit_n and_o their_o agent_n be_v able_a to_o go_v and_o no_o further_o they_o can_v counterfeit_v miracle_n but_o they_o can_v work_v one_o true_a miracle_n thus_o the_o egyptian_a magician_n do_v wonderful_a thing_n they_o do_v not_o only_o make_v their_o rod_n to_o appear_v like_o that_o of_o mercury_n with_o serpent_n twine_v about_o they_o but_o which_o be_v great_a they_o by_o their_o enchantment_n turn_v their_o rod_n into_o serpent_n or_o seem_v to_o do_v so_o that_o the_o worst_a man_n may_v have_v power_n to_o work_v such_o sign_n and_o wonder_n be_v plain_a from_o deut._n 13._o 1_o 2._o and_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n suffer_v false_a prophet_n to_o work_v those_o seem_a miracle_n be_v suggest_v in_o v_o 3._o the_o lord_n your_o god_n prove_v you_o to_o know_v whether_o you_o love_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n with_o all_o your_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o your_o soul_n it_o be_v to_o try_v man_n
greek_n christ_n the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o this_o very_a preach_a be_v as_o great_a a_o instance_n as_o can_v be_v of_o this_o power_n and_o this_o wisdom_n here_o you_o may_v behold_v and_o admire_v the_o strange_a efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n ignorant_n man_n confute_v the_o philosopher_n of_o grecâ—â—_n the_o very_a athenian_a sage_n and_o the_o most_o illiterate_a man_n be_v too_o hard_o for_o the_o sublimest_n statesman_n and_o the_o most_o eloquent_a orator_n in_o the_o roman_a empire_n they_o find_v that_o promise_n of_o christ_n true_a that_o he_o will_v give_v thâ—m_o a_o mouth_n and_o wisdom_n which_o all_o their_o adversary_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o gainsay_v or_o resist_v luke_n 21._o 15._o they_o let_v we_o know_v that_o the_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o skill_n and_o learning_n of_o the_o promulger_n of_o it_o for_o it_o have_v no_o commerce_n with_o human_a art_n and_o science_n herein_o therefore_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n be_v most_o signal_o declare_v the_o finger_n of_o the_o omnipotent_a be_v most_o plain_o see_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o authority_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v ascertain_v to_o we_o to_o this_o end_n christ_n choose_v ignorant_a and_o untaught_a man_n to_o be_v his_o apostle_n 2._o that_o whatever_o be_v excellent_o say_v or_o do_v by_o they_o shall_v be_v attribute_v whole_o to_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o wisdom_n here_o than_o we_o have_v a_o unquestionable_a proof_n of_o the_o efficacy_n and_o wonderful_a virtue_n and_o withal_o of_o the_o undeniable_a truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n second_o the_o weak_a prevail_v against_o the_o strong_a and_o mighty_a for_o what_o be_v the_o apostle_n and_o folllower_n of_o christ_n but_o poor_a weak_a contemptible_a person_n be_v they_o not_o pitiful_a fisherman_n and_o tent-maker_n and_o such_o sorry_a trader_n as_o these_o who_o make_v no_o figure_n in_o the_o world_n nay_o some_o of_o they_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o vile_a and_o infamous_a as_o matthew_n and_o zacheus_n a_o couple_n of_o publican_n or_o tax-gatherers_a which_o be_v a_o scandalous_a employment_n at_o that_o time_n as_o celsus_n cels._n object_v to_o the_o christian_n and_o what_o be_v the_o person_n who_o be_v enemy_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o follower_n they_o be_v man_n of_o the_o great_a note_n person_n of_o repute_n and_o honour_n they_o be_v rich_a and_o wealthy_a great_a and_o mighty_a but_o as_o i_o prove_v before_o under_o the_o former_a head_n that_o the_o foolishness_n of_o god_n be_v wise_a than_o man_n so_o now_o according_a to_o the_o same_o apostle_n i_o will_v let_v you_o see_v that_o the_o weakness_n of_o god_n be_v strong_a than_o man_n the_o son_n of_o man_n with_o his_o poor_a despise_a apostle_n prevail_v against_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o great_a power_n and_o authority_n this_o be_v make_v good_a in_o the_o wonderful_a conversion_n of_o person_n to_o christianity_n for_o as_o we_o present_v you_o before_o with_o a_o list_n of_o convert_v philosopher_n so_o here_o we_o may_v produce_v a_o numerous_a catalogue_n of_o the_o great_a and_o rich_a man_n who_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n for_o though_o the_o apostle_n say_v not_o many_o wise_a man_n after_o the_o flesh_n not_o many_o mighty_a not_o many_o noble_a be_v call_v 1_o cor._n 1._o 26._o i_o e._n the_o number_n of_o these_o be_v far_o short_a of_o those_o who_o be_v call_v of_o another_o quality_n yet_o i_o have_v show_v you_o already_o that_o some_o wise_a man_n after_o the_o flesh_n have_v be_v call_v and_o convert_v and_o now_o i_o will_v mention_v some_o of_o those_o mighty_a and_o noble_a who_o be_v call_v to_o the_o same_o faith_n in_o christ._n there_o be_v joseph_n of_o arimathea_n a_o honourable_a counsellor_n and_o nicodemus_n a_o master_n in_o israel_n and_o dionysius_n one_o of_o the_o judge_n of_o areopagus_n for_o these_o be_v to_o be_v mention_v here_o as_o well_o as_o before_o because_o they_o be_v eminent_a for_o their_o place_n and_o dignity_n as_o well_o as_o their_o knowledge_n and_o learning_n there_o be_v the_o rich_a lazarus_n with_o his_o sister_n speak_v of_o in_o john_n 11_o &_o 12._o who_o be_v person_n of_o note_n and_o quality_n there_o be_v chuza_n king_n herod_n steward_n luk._n 8._o 3._o the_o same_o perhaps_o with_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o courtier_n the_o nobleman_n john_n 4._o 46._o and_o his_o lady_n joanna_n who_o with_o their_o whole_a family_n believe_v in_o jesus_n john_n 4._o 53._o if_o we_o may_v credit_v baronius_n and_o some_o other_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n the_o centurion_n the_o great_a officer_n that_o attend_v at_o our_o saviour_n passion_n and_o own_a he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n mat._n 27._o 54._o become_v a_o complete_a convert_n and_o be_v a_o very_a eminent_a asserter_n of_o christianity_n and_o die_v a_o martyr_n i_o may_v mention_v the_o elect_a lady_n and_o her_o child_n to_o who_o st._n john_n write_v also_o theophilus_n of_o antioch_n to_o who_o st._n luke_n dedicate_v his_o act_n and_o the_o great_a chamberlain_n of_o the_o queen_n of_o ethiopia_n mention_v in_o act_n 8._o 27._o sergius_n paulus_n the_o deputy_n or_o proconsul_n of_o cyprus_n who_o be_v win_v to_o the_o christian_a persuasion_n notwithstanding_o the_o high_a place_n and_o authority_n which_o he_o hold_v in_o that_o pagan_a country_n act_v 13._o 7_o 12._o some_o reckon_v publius_n the_o governor_n of_o the_o island_n melita_n who_o show_v himself_o extreme_o courteous_a to_o st._n paul_n as_o he_o be_v on_o his_o voyage_n to_o rome_n act_v 28._o 7._o but_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o when_o the_o gospel_n afterward_o spread_v itself_o further_o the_o number_n of_o the_o rich_a and_o mighty_a who_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n be_v exceed_o increase_v in_o domitian_n reign_n flavius_n clemens_n the_o consul_n the_o emperor_n be_v cousin-german_a and_o his_o wiâ—e_n flavia_n domitilla_n near_o relate_v to_o the_o emperor_n likewise_o be_v proselyte_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o so_o be_v acilius_n glabrio_n who_o be_v also_o consul_n dio_n casâ—_n 1._o 67._o in_o commodus_n reign_n several_a of_o the_o first_o rank_n at_o rome_n turn_v christian_n euseb_n eccl._n hist._n l._n 5._o c._n 21._o not_o only_o the_o common_a people_n the_o mob_n as_o some_o of_o late_a phrase_n it_o the_o poor_a mechanic_n and_o inconsiderable_a corydon_n but_o the_o great_a man_n noble_n and_o potentate_n person_n of_o the_o great_a fame_n and_o authority_n embrace_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o succeed_a reign_n and_o at_o last_o the_o christian_a cross_n be_v set_v upon_o imperial_a crown_n here_o the_o power_n of_o christianity_n be_v to_o be_v see_v viz._n in_o the_o conversion_n of_o these_o person_n who_o be_v the_o most_o averse_a to_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n for_o they_o be_v general_o more_o addict_v to_o sensuality_n than_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o more_o difficult_a to_o bring_v they_o to_o so_o strict_a and_o holy_a a_o institution_n yet_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o divine_a disposer_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o conquer_v the_o indisposition_n and_o reluctancy_n of_o these_o person_n and_o to_o win_v they_o to_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o i_o proceed_v further_o to_o make_v good_a my_o assertion_n that_o in_o plant_v and_o propagate_a the_o gospel_n the_o weak_a prevail_v over_o the_o strong_a this_o be_v abundant_o evident_a from_o what_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o church_n viz._n that_o christianity_n prevail_v against_o the_o rage_n and_o fury_n of_o the_o most_o powerful_a persecutor_n from_o nero_n time_n to_o the_o end_n of_o dioclesian_n reign_n abate_v some_o interval_n the_o christian_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n whither_o the_o roman_a empire_n extend_v be_v miserable_o harass_v severe_o punish_v and_o torture_v and_o undergo_v all_o manner_n of_o cruel_a death_n yet_o all_o that_o time_n the_o cause_n of_o christ_n flourish_v and_o christianity_n prevail_v against_o the_o power_n of_o prince_n and_o state_n against_o the_o utmost_a violence_n persecution_n and_o bloodshed_n the_o roman_a emperor_n can_v subdue_v the_o mighty_a king_n and_o make_v the_o persian_n scythian_n and_o armenian_n stoop_v to_o their_o power_n and_o they_o erect_v many_o trophy_n as_o demonstration_n of_o this_o their_o universal_a prowess_n yet_o these_o great_a one_o can_v not_o baffle_v the_o attempt_n of_o the_o poor_a weak_a servant_n of_o jesus_n but_o the_o more_o christianity_n be_v persecute_v the_o more_o it_o increase_v the_o more_o it_o flourish_v and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o disadvantage_n opposition_n and_o oppression_n it_o gain_v ground_n thus_o 49._o tertullian_n bold_o tell_v the_o roman_a persecutor_n that_o their_o barbarous_a cruelty_n