word_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n all_o israel_n from_o dan_n even_o to_o beersheba_n know_v that_o he_o be_v establish_v to_o be_v a_o prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o beforenamed_n exception_n have_v therefore_o no_o place_n in_o our_o saviour_n for_o his_o doctrine_n be_v thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n 4.10_o mat._n 4.10_o and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v and_o there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o those_o many_o prediction_n that_o he_o give_v forth_o though_o several_a of_o they_o be_v concern_v the_o most_o casual_a event_n that_o can_v be_v which_o have_v not_o be_v in_o its_o due_a time_n fulfil_v we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v a_o true_a prophet_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v hearken_v to_o in_o every_o thing_n that_o he_o say_v 5._o another_o testimony_n that_o be_v give_v by_o god_n to_o the_o divine_a mission_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v by_o the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n more_o and_o great_a miracle_n than_o ever_o have_v be_v do_v before_o since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n the_o relation_n of_o which_o make_v up_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o gospel-history_n 38.14.11.15.24_o mat._n 11.4_o 5._o joh._n 10.25_o 37_o 38.14.11.15.24_o and_o to_o these_o our_o saviour_n himself_o frequent_o appeal_v as_o to_o a_o most_o evident_a proof_n that_o he_o be_v send_v by_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n joh._n v._n 36._o the_o work_n which_o the_o father_n have_v give_v i_o to_o finish_v the_o same_o work_n that_o i_o do_v bear_v witness_n of_o i_o that_o the_o father_n have_v send_v i_o and_o indeed_o what_o better_a evidence_n can_v be_v desire_v that_o a_o person_n speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v send_v by_o he_o than_o to_o see_v he_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n that_o be_v such_o work_n as_o can_v be_v do_v but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o that_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n be_v such_o can_v i_o think_v be_v doubt_v by_o those_o who_o believe_v they_o be_v true_o relate_v in_o the_o gospel_n which_o it_o be_v now_o suppose_a they_o be_v and_o if_o to_o this_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o first_o opposer_n of_o christianity_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n who_o either_o see_v the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n or_o have_v such_o good_a assurance_n thereof_o from_o eye-witness_n or_o credible_a history_n that_o they_o can_v not_o deny_v they_o yet_o be_v not_o thereby_o convince_v that_o he_o be_v a_o prophet_n of_o god_n but_o rather_o think_v that_o he_o do_v all_o his_o mighty_a work_n by_o magic_a art_n and_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o devil_n i_o answer_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v be_v sure_a of_o that_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o any_o of_o those_o who_o see_v our_o saviour_n miracle_n or_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o do_v yet_o refuse_v to_o receive_v he_o as_o a_o prophet_n send_v from_o god_n be_v because_o they_o be_v not_o convince_v that_o his_o miracle_n be_v do_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n for_o man_n do_v not_o always_o act_v according_a to_o their_o judgement_n for_o we_o read_v of_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a ruler_n in_o joh._n twelve_o 42._o that_o they_o believe_v on_o he_o that_o be_v they_o be_v convince_v in_o their_o judgement_n by_o the_o mighty_a work_n that_o he_o do_v that_o he_o be_v the_o person_n he_o pretend_v to_o be_v but_o they_o do_v not_o confess_v he_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n for_o they_o love_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n more_o than_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o i_o think_v it_o most_o probable_a that_o they_o who_o attribute_v those_o miracle_n of_o he_o which_o they_o can_v not_o deny_v to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n do_v not_o nay_o can_v not_o believe_v what_o they_o say_v but_o only_o say_v it_o because_o they_o be_v resolve_v never_o to_o receive_v a_o doctrine_n whatever_o evidence_n be_v give_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o that_o be_v so_o contrary_a as_o our_o saviour_n be_v to_o their_o prejudices_fw-la lust_n and_o worldly_a interest_n and_o they_o can_v not_o tell_v what_o else_o to_o say_v to_o justify_v themselves_o to_o the_o world_n but_o 2._o if_o their_o blasphemy_n in_o ascribe_v our_o saviour_n miracle_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v not_o mere_o malicious_a it_o be_v however_o most_o evident_o groundless_a for_o 1._o though_o the_o devil_n be_v without_o doubt_n of_o much_o great_a power_n than_o we_o be_v and_z understand_v better_a than_o we_o do_v the_o force_n of_o natural_a cause_n can_v do_v many_o thing_n which_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n may_v appear_v miraculous_a because_o it_o may_v be_v past_o their_o skill_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o they_o by_o natural_a cause_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n however_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o can_v do_v a_o true_a miracle_n that_o be_v that_o he_o can_v ever_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n or_o produce_v any_o effect_n but_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o natural_a cause_n work_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o by_o such_o law_n and_o rule_n as_o god_n have_v appoint_v and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n call_v those_o strange_a appearance_n which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n 2.9_o 2_o thes_n 2.9_o lie_v wonder_n but_o they_o be_v not_o lie_v wonder_n which_o be_v do_v by_o our_o saviour_n they_o do_v not_o only_o seem_v to_o be_v do_v but_o be_v do_v and_o they_o be_v miracle_n not_o only_o in_o appearance_n but_o in_o truth_n be_v many_o of_o they_o such_o effect_n as_o be_v evident_o above_o and_o beyond_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o such_o as_o can_v not_o be_v do_v but_o by_o a_o power_n superior_a to_o nature_n that_o be_v by_o god_n for_o who_o but_o he_o only_o who_o at_o first_o bring_v all_o thing_n out_o of_o nothing_o 6._o mat._n 14._o mark_v 6._o luke_n 9_o john_n 6._o can_v with_o five_o loaf_n and_o two_o small_a fish_n satisfy_v the_o hunger_n of_o more_o than_o five_o thousand_o person_n leave_v a_o remainder_n of_o more_o than_o twice_o the_o number_n of_o baskets-full_a of_o fragment_n that_o there_o have_v be_v of_o loaf_n at_o the_o first_o etc._n luk._n 7.11_o etc._n etc._n joh._n 11.39_o etc._n etc._n or_o who_o can_v restore_v to_o life_n a_o dead_a carcase_n that_o begin_v to_o putrefy_v but_o he_o only_o who_o first_o form_v it_o out_o of_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o ground_n who_o can_v call_v back_o the_o depart_a soul_n and_o fix_v it_o to_o its_o former_a residence_n but_o he_o only_o into_o who_o hand_n it_o be_v return_v and_o who_o first_o breathe_v into_o our_o body_n these_o immortal_a spirit_n and_o as_o to_o some_o other_o of_o his_o work_n which_o may_v be_v think_v to_o be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v produce_v by_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n only_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o they_o be_v do_v plain_o show_v that_o they_o also_o be_v do_v by_o a_o power_n superior_a to_o nature_n for_o thus_o a_o sick_a man_n may_v be_v restore_v to_o perfect_a health_n in_o time_n and_o by_o degree_n by_o the_o use_n of_o proper_a medicine_n and_o such_o a_o cure_n we_o reckon_v natural_a but_o those_o be_v plain_o supernatural_a cure_n which_o be_v wrought_v as_o our_o saviour_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v without_o the_o use_n of_o any_o medicine_n only_o by_o a_o word_n speak_v and_o many_o time_n at_o a_o great_a distance_n and_o by_o which_o those_o who_o have_v be_v long_o sick_a or_o infirm_a or_o cripple_n be_v restore_v to_o perfect_a health_n and_o strength_n in_o a_o instant_n of_o time_n to_o suppose_v therefore_o that_o the_o devil_n can_v thus_o at_o his_o will_v alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n be_v to_o attribute_v to_o he_o such_o a_o power_n as_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n who_o only_o do_v great_a wonder_n 72.18.136.4_o ps_n 72.18.136.4_o but_o 2._o if_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n have_v be_v only_o such_o as_o we_o may_v reasonable_o think_v do_v not_o exceed_v the_o devil_n power_n to_o do_v yet_o that_o they_o be_v not_o wrought_v by_o his_o help_n and_o consequent_o that_o they_o be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v abundant_o evident_a from_o the_o design_n of_o they_o which_o be_v to_o establish_v a_o doctrine_n the_o most_o contrary_a that_o can_v be_v to_o the_o devil_n interest_n for_o to_o this_o purpose_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v that_o he_o may_v destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o he_o do_v it_o 3.8_o 1_o joh._n 3.8_o by_o preach_v to_o man_n to_o turn_v from_o the_o vanity_n of_o idol_n to_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o the_o live_a god_n 2.12_o act._n 14.15_o
well_o be_v account_v a_o martyr_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n no_o less_o than_o the_o other_o apostle_n although_o he_o do_v not_o actual_o expire_v under_o his_o suffering_n as_o they_o do_v now_o if_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o a_o man_n especial_o one_o who_o stand_v much_o upon_o his_o credit_n may_v be_v willing_a after_o he_o have_v tell_v a_o lie_n to_o suffer_v a_o great_a deal_n rather_o than_o own_v himself_o a_o liar_n though_o i_o think_v it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v either_o that_o any_o man_n will_v suffer_v so_o many_o other_o great_a evil_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v only_o upon_o a_o point_n of_o honour_n or_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v stand_v so_o much_o upon_o their_o honour_n yet_o when_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o this_o that_o a_o man_n who_o have_v tell_v a_o lie_n must_v either_o retract_v it_o or_o die_v for_o it_o and_o that_o he_o may_v in_o all_o probability_n save_o his_o life_n by_o retract_v it_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o any_o man_n will_v be_v a_o martyr_n for_o a_o know_a falsehood_n for_o it_o be_v a_o very_a true_a say_v and_o to_o which_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o exception_n though_o it_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n 2.4_o job_n 2.4_o that_o skin_n for_o skin_n yea_o all_o that_o a_o man_n have_v he_o will_v give_v for_o his_o life_n it_o be_v not_o credible_a therefore_o that_o so_o much_o as_o one_o man_n shall_v be_v find_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o sacrifice_v his_o life_n to_o a_o know_a lie_n and_o that_o too_o a_o unprofitable_a lie_n to_o himself_o to_o his_o family_n and_o to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o this_o only_a to_o save_v his_o reputation_n it_o be_v much_o less_o credible_a that_o so_o many_o man_n viz._n all_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n and_o most_o if_o not_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v immediate_a disciple_n shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o such_o prodigious_a and_o unheard_a of_o folly_n and_o it_o be_v least_o of_o all_o credible_a that_o among_o so_o many_o as_o there_o be_v that_o bear_v witness_n of_o the_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o evangelical_n history_n not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o man_n shall_v be_v find_v that_o be_v honest_a and_o wise_a than_o the_o rest_n not_o one_o that_o can_v be_v persuade_v to_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n by_o the_o confession_n of_o his_o fault_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o world_n by_o a_o public_a own_n of_o the_o cheat_n he_o have_v be_v engage_v in_o not_o one_o that_o will_v choose_v to_o undergo_v the_o disgrace_n of_o a_o liar_n rather_o than_o the_o shameful_a death_n of_o a_o malefactor_n these_o be_v in_o short_a the_o evidence_n we_o have_v of_o the_o honesty_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o evangelical_n historian_n those_o evidence_n i_o mean_v which_o they_o themselves_o have_v give_v thereof_o and_o they_o be_v plain_o as_o good_a as_o can_v be_v desire_v they_o be_v the_o best_a that_o can_v be_v give_v by_o men._n and_o put_v together_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v on_o this_o and_o the_o forego_n head_n now_o and_o in_o my_o last_o discourse_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o evangelical_n history_n i_o think_v we_o may_v true_o and_o confident_o affirm_v that_o although_o we_o consider_v it_o only_o as_o a_o mere_a humane_a history_n we_o have_v much_o great_a reason_n to_o give_v credit_n to_o it_o than_o to_o any_o history_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o but_o if_o we_o receive_v the_o witness_n of_o man_n and_o who_o be_v there_o that_o do_v not_o 5.9_o 1_o joh._n 5.9_o the_o witness_n of_o god_n be_v great_a and_o therefore_o in_o order_n to_o show_v further_o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o the_o evangelical_n historian_n in_o their_o relation_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o have_v record_v i_o propose_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o five_o and_o last_o place_n 5_o the_o confirmation_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o history_n by_o god_n himself_o for_o what_o st._n paul_n say_v of_o his_o own_o be_v likewise_o true_a of_o the_o speech_n and_o preach_v of_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n 5._o 1_o cor._n 2.4_o 5._o that_o the_o faith_n of_o their_o hearer_n shall_v not_o stand_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o so_o st._n luke_n say_v act_v 4.33_o with_o great_a power_n give_v the_o apostle_n witness_v of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o witness_v the_o miracle_n of_o their_o master_n they_o give_v assurance_n to_o man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n by_o do_v the_o like_a miracle_n themselves_o heal_v the_o sick_a cast_v out_o devil_n raise_v the_o dead_a etc._n etc._n just_a as_o jesus_n himself_o have_v do_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o pursuant_n to_o their_o commission_n they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o man_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o language_n they_o plain_o demonstrate_v both_o that_o they_o have_v such_o a_o commission_n from_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o they_o preach_v by_o speak_v to_o every_o man_n of_o every_o nation_n in_o his_o own_o tongue_n thus_o as_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n say_v 2.4_o heb._n 2.4_o god_n do_v bear_v they_o witness_n both_o with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will._n and_o he_o may_v well_o say_v that_o god_n do_v hereby_o bear_v they_o witness_n because_o that_o power_n wherewith_o they_o be_v endue_v be_v so_o evident_o from_o on_o high_a that_o none_o that_o see_v their_o work_n 24.49_o luke_n 24.49_o and_o consider_v withal_o the_o purity_n and_o excellence_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n that_o be_v thereby_o establish_v can_v have_v any_o reasonable_a doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n or_o no._n we_o know_v 3.2_o joh._n 3.2_o say_v nicodemus_n to_o our_o saviour_n that_o thou_o be_v a_o teacher_n send_v from_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v do_v the_o miracle_n that_o thou_o do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o 14.12_o joh._n 14.12_o but_o the_o same_o work_n that_o jesus_n do_v do_v his_o disciple_n also_o after_o he_o have_v send_v down_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o father_n upon_o they_o on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n yea_o and_o great_a work_n than_o those_o do_v they_o do_v so_o that_o whoever_o behold_v their_o work_n may_v so_o far_o as_o miracle_n be_v evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n be_v rather_o more_o certain_a that_o god_n be_v with_o they_o than_o nicodemus_n can_v be_v that_o he_o be_v with_o our_o lord_n himself_o for_o though_o their_o other_o miracle_n that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o sort_n with_o those_o which_o our_o saviour_n have_v do_v be_v such_o proof_n of_o divine_a assistance_n as_o can_v not_o with_o any_o reason_n be_v gainsay_v yet_o i_o think_v it_o may_v true_o be_v affirm_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o they_o and_o wherein_o they_o do_v as_o we_o may_v say_v excel_v even_o our_o lord_n himself_o be_v more_o convince_a than_o any_o of_o they_o for_o he_o that_o see_v one_o of_o their_o other_o miracle_n may_v possible_o entertain_v some_o little_a doubt_n whether_o the_o effect_n that_o appear_v to_o he_o to_o be_v miraculous_a may_v not_o yet_o be_v do_v by_o some_o secret_a power_n of_o natural_a cause_n that_o be_v unknown_a to_o he_o but_o we_o all_o know_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n so_o well_o that_o we_o be_v sure_a the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o language_n can_v possible_o be_v attain_v natural_o even_o by_o a_o person_n of_o the_o quick_a part_n and_o faithful_a memory_n but_o in_o so_o much_o time_n at_o the_o least_o as_o it_o will_v necessary_o take_v up_o to_o be_v tell_v by_o tutor_n or_o to_o learn_v from_o lexicon_n what_o every_o particular_a 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place_n it_o and_o by_o the_o same_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o all_o history_n we_o learn_v that_o in_o a_o very_a short_a time_n in_o less_o than_o forty_o year_n after_o it_o be_v preach_v in_o all_o the_o province_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o in_o all_o other_o country_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v then_o know_v and_o of_o which_o we_o have_v any_o history_n leave_v and_o that_o wherever_o it_o be_v preach_v it_o make_v a_o very_a swift_a progress_n insomuch_o that_o in_o a_o few_o year_n the_o number_n of_o christian_n become_v very_o considerable_a and_o bare_a a_o great_a proportion_n to_o the_o people_n of_o all_o other_o religion_n for_o it_o be_v not_o much_o above_o threescore_o year_n after_o the_o apostle_n have_v disperse_v themselves_o in_o order_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o gentile_n when_o pliny_n proconsul_n of_o bythinia_n write_v that_o epistle_n to_o the_o emperor_n trajan_n wherein_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o christian_n then_o 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some_o mysterious_a and_o incomprehensible_a doctrine_n that_o be_v therein_o contain_v and_o if_o not_o then_o i_o hope_v what_o be_v say_v before_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v any_o consider_a man_n that_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o true_a divine_a revelation_n to_o conclude_v all_o therefore_o have_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n continual_o preach_v to_o we_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n 22._o jam._n 1.21_o 22._o let_v we_o as_o the_o text_n say_v hear_v they_o let_v we_o reverence_n these_o sacred_a write_n as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v with_o meekness_n the_o engraft_a word_n which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v our_o soul_n but_o let_v we_o be_v doer_n of_o the_o word_n and_o not_o hearer_n only_o deceive_v our_o own_o self_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n argue_v heb._n 11.3_o etc._n etc._n if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a and_o every_o transgression_n and_o disobedience_n receive_v a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n which_o at_o the_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v confirm_v unto_o we_o by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o god_n also_o bear_v they_o witness_n both_o with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la in_o sermon_n iv_o and_o v._o page_n 14._o line_n 23._o for_o more_o read_v most_o p._n 47._o l._n 12._o for_o they_o r._n be_v l._n 27._o for_o there_o r._n they_o in_o sermon_n vi_o p._n 5._o l._n 3._o for_o he_o r._n by'r_o no_o reason_n to_o desire_v new_a revelation_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n october_n seven_o
1700._o be_v the_o seven_o for_o the_o year_n 1700_o of_o the_o lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o offspring_n blackall_n d._n d._n rector_n of_o st._n marry_o aldermary_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v by_o j._n leake_n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._o st._n luke_n xvi_o 29_o 30_o 31._o abraham_n say_v unto_o he_o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o he_o say_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a when_o i_o first_o begin_v to_o discourse_n on_o these_o word_n i_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o these_o three_o point_n i._o to_o show_v that_o the_o present_a stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o repentance_n if_o they_o be_v not_o unreasonable_o blind_a and_o obstinate_a they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n i_o add_v they_o have_v also_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o ii_o to_o show_v that_o have_v already_o such_o good_a ground_n of_o faith_n such_o full_a direction_n for_o practice_n and_o such_o strong_a motive_n to_o repentance_n it_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a request_n to_o desire_v more_o nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o iii_o last_o to_o show_v that_o in_o case_n god_n shall_v condescend_v to_o gratify_v man_n in_o this_o unreasonable_a desire_n work_v every_o day_n new_a miracle_n before_o their_o eye_n or_o send_v their_o decease_a friend_n to_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a to_o assure_v they_o of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o to_o warn_v they_o to_o prepare_v for_o it_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o very_o few_o or_o none_o of_o those_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o be_v not_o bring_v to_o repentance_n by_o the_o preach_a and_o stand_v revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v persuade_v by_o this_o mean_n if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n nor_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o first_o of_o these_o have_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o several_a former_a discourse_n the_o second_o i_o design_n to_o speak_v to_o at_o this_o time_n viz._n ii_o to_o show_v that_o have_v already_o such_o good_a ground_n of_o faith_n such_o full_a direction_n for_o practice_n and_o such_o strong_a motive_n to_o repentance_n as_o i_o have_v show_v we_o have_v in_o that_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a request_n to_o desire_v more_o nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o the_o request_n which_o the_o rich_a man_n here_o make_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o his_o brethren_n viz._n that_o god_n will_v be_v please_v to_o send_v one_o from_o the_o dead_a to_o preach_v to_o they_o or_o in_o general_a how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v for_o man_n now_o a-days_o to_o desire_v or_o look_v for_o more_o mean_n of_o conversion_n or_o motive_n to_o repentance_n than_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o afford_v we_o in_o the_o stand_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o follow_a thing_n 1._o that_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o motive_n to_o repentance_n which_o we_o have_v already_o be_v well_o ground_v upon_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o have_v be_v once_o already_o sufficient_o prove_v and_o attest_v it_o be_v altogether_o needless_a that_o any_o fresh_a or_o further_a proof_n shall_v be_v give_v of_o they_o and_o it_o be_v what_o we_o never_o think_v reasonable_a to_o desire_v in_o other_o the_o like_a case_n that_o when_o god_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n and_o send_v a_o special_a messenger_n to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o his_o will_n he_o shall_v grant_v to_o this_o messenger_n such_o testimonial_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v reasonable_a man_n that_o he_o be_v no_o impostor_n but_o a_o teacher_n send_v from_o god_n be_v indeed_o a_o thing_n that_o may_v fair_o be_v expect_v and_o if_o god_n shall_v not_o do_v thus_o we_o shall_v be_v excusable_a in_o not_o harken_v to_o such_o a_o messenger_n because_o we_o can_v not_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v a_o true_a or_o a_o false_a prophet_n and_o god_n do_v not_o require_v neither_o indeed_o be_v it_o reasonable_a that_o we_o shall_v believe_v every_o pretender_n to_o revelation_n and_o the_o clear_a proof_n of_o any_o man_n be_v be_v send_v from_o god_n to_o teach_v we_o any_o thing_n be_v a_o power_n of_o do_v such_o miracle_n and_o mighty_a work_n as_o be_v manifest_o above_o the_o skill_n and_o strength_n of_o a_o man_n to_o do_v it_o be_v therefore_o high_o requisite_a and_o what_o may_v reasonable_o be_v look_v for_o that_o god_n shall_v grant_v such_o a_o power_n as_o this_o to_o all_o those_o who_o he_o have_v ever_o inspire_v with_o new_a light_n and_o commission_v to_o make_v any_o new_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o mankind_n and_o this_o he_o have_v always_o do_v he_o give_v this_o power_n to_o moses_n in_o a_o large_a measure_n because_o the_o matter_n that_o man_n be_v to_o trust_v he_o for_o be_v many_o and_o very_o considerable_a he_o give_v it_o also_o to_o some_o of_o the_o succeed_a prophet_n but_o in_o a_o less_o measure_n because_o their_o business_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v only_o to_o interpret_v or_o to_o press_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o have_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v before_o and_o he_o give_v it_o in_o the_o large_a measure_n of_o all_o to_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n because_o the_o revelation_n make_v by_o they_o be_v of_o truth_n very_o mysterious_a some_o of_o they_o above_o the_o reach_n and_o comprehension_n of_o humane_a reason_n it_o be_v also_o a_o revelation_n in_o a_o manner_n whole_o new_a even_o to_o the_o jew_n themselves_o and_o much_o more_o to_o the_o gentile_n and_o beside_o it_o be_v a_o revelation_n in_o many_o point_n to_o appearance_n contrary_a to_o a_o former_a divine_a revelation_n inasmuch_o as_o it_o order_v the_o abolition_n of_o many_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v before_o enjoin_v by_o divine_a authority_n viz._n all_o the_o ritual_a and_o ceremonial_a law_n of_o moses_n and_o therefore_o to_o gain_v credit_n to_o their_o testimony_n that_o they_o be_v inspire_v and_o send_v by_o god_n to_o teach_v such_o thing_n it_o be_v very_o requisite_a that_o they_o shall_v produce_v more_o and_o more_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a testimonial_n of_o their_o divine_a mission_n than_o moses_n himself_o have_v do_v and_o such_o testimonial_n they_o have_v such_o they_o do_v produce_v work_v more_o miracle_n and_o those_o as_o i_o may_v say_v more_o wonderful_a and_o miraculous_a than_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n together_o have_v wrought_v before_o but_o when_o these_o testimonial_n have_v be_v once_o fair_o produce_v and_o examine_v and_o by_o all_o reasonable_a man_n allow_v to_o be_v true_a and_o sufficient_a and_o when_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v make_v and_o publish_v all_o that_o revelation_n which_o they_o be_v commissioned_n to_o make_v and_o when_o to_o prevent_v all_o misunderstanding_n of_o it_o or_o mistake_v concern_v it_o they_o have_v commit_v it_o all_o to_o write_v and_o the_o man_n that_o live_v in_o those_o time_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o the_o book_n say_v to_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n be_v indeed_o they_o and_o contain_v in_o substance_n all_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o no_o other_o which_o they_o have_v before_o declare_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n after_o this_o i_o say_v when_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v thus_o once_o at_o the_o first_o publish_v of_o it_o so_o full_o confirm_v there_o be_v no_o need_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v prove_v any_o more_o and_o all_o other_o proof_n thereof_o will_v have_v be_v superfluous_a because_o the_o whole_a matter_n both_o doctrine_n and_o proof_n be_v once_o faithful_o record_v and_o those_o record_n well_o attest_v there_o can_v afterward_o be_v no_o reasonable_a cause_n to_o call_v it_o again_o in_o question_n so_o that_o the_o reason_n of_o work_a miracle_n be_v then_o cease_v it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o the_o
overbalance_v the_o other_o so_o that_o it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v hope_v that_o some_o small_a addition_n to_o the_o proof_n of_o religion_n no_o more_o than_o may_v be_v make_v to_o it_o without_o destroy_v either_o our_o freedom_n of_o choice_n or_o the_o excellency_n of_o faith_n and_o virtue_n will_v prevail_v with_o these_o half_n christian_n and_o perhaps_o it_o may_v but_o god_n be_v wise_a than_o we_o be_v and_o know_v better_a than_o we_o what_o be_v fit_a for_o he_o to_o do_v towards_o the_o conversion_n of_o men._n we_o ought_v therefore_o to_o conclude_v that_o he_o do_v all_o that_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v though_o we_o do_v not_o see_v but_o that_o he_o may_v do_v more_o but_o this_o it_o may_v be_v will_v not_o be_v take_v for_o a_o answer_n but_o will_v rather_o be_v think_v a_o way_n of_o avoid_v a_o difficulty_n too_o hard_o to_o be_v account_v for_o and_o therefore_o i_o say_v further_o and_o it_o be_v the_o three_o thing_n which_o i_o propose_v to_o be_v consider_v 3._o that_o if_o god_n shall_v gratify_v all_o man_n in_o this_o request_n work_v new_a miracle_n every_o day_n for_o the_o conviction_n of_o particular_a person_n vii_o sermon_n vii_o and_o as_o i_o have_v former_o note_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n why_o any_o one_o man_n shall_v be_v gratify_v in_o this_o request_n rather_o than_o other_o when_o they_o have_v all_o equal_a reason_n and_o equal_v right_o to_o desire_v it_o shall_v god_n i_o say_v gratify_v all_o man_n in_o this_o request_n the_o abundance_n of_o the_o miracle_n that_o must_v then_o be_v wrought_v will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o add_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o christianity_n that_o if_o will_v rather_o lessen_v or_o weaken_v that_o proof_n of_o it_o which_o we_o have_v already_o because_o miracle_n the_o proper_a proof_n of_o a_o public_a divine_a revelation_n will_v not_o be_v then_o so_o convince_a as_o they_o be_v now_o for_o that_o which_o most_o of_o all_o affect_v man_n in_o a_o miracle_n be_v the_o unusualness_n of_o it_o because_o it_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o be_v never_o or_o but_o rare_o before_o ever_o see_v or_o hear_v of_o as_o the_o blind_a man_n that_o have_v be_v cure_a by_o our_o saviour_n well_o observe_v joh._n ix_o 32._o since_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n have_v it_o not_o be_v hear_v that_o any_o man_n have_v open_v the_o eye_n of_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a have_v â—t_a be_v a_o common_a thing_n it_o will_v have_v be_v no_o miracle_n i_o mean_v it_o will_v not_o have_v appear_v so_o it_o will_v â—ot_n have_v be_v think_v so_o by_o men._n for_o that_o which_o make_v man_n wonder_v even_o at_o a_o true_a miracle_n be_v not_o so_o much_o because_o it_o be_v such_o a_o operation_n as_o they_o can_v â—ive_a a_o fair_a account_n of_o by_o natural_a cause_n for_o this_o â—hey_n can_v do_v i_o be_o confident_a i_o may_v say_v they_o have_v not_o â—et_v do_v it_o of_o many_o of_o the_o work_n and_o production_n â—f_a nature_n but_o they_o therefore_o conclude_v such_o a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v a_o natural_a operation_n because_o it_o be_v not_o usual_a because_o it_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o be_v never_o before_o know_v to_o be_v do_v and_o if_o the_o same_o thing_n which_o now_o for_o this_o reason_n we_o shall_v account_v a_o miracle_n be_v do_v every_o day_n the_o virtuoso_n will_v present_o set_v themselves_o to_o invent_v and_o will_v quick_o fancy_v they_o have_v find_v out_o some_o natural_a solution_n of_o it_o and_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v not_o many_o miracle_n that_o have_v be_v do_v which_o they_o may_v not_o after_o long_a study_n be_v able_a to_o give_v as_o clear_v and_o probable_a a_o account_n of_o by_o natural_a cause_n as_o they_o have_v do_v of_o gravity_n of_o fire_n of_o the_o loadstone_n of_o vision_n of_o the_o production_n of_o vegetable_n of_o the_o generation_n of_o animal_n and_o of_o many_o other_o thing_n which_o yet_o be_v doubtless_o the_o work_n and_o effect_n of_o natural_a cause_n so_o that_o i_o say_v the_o most_o probable_a consequence_n of_o have_v miracle_n so_o very_o common_a as_o they_o must_v be_v if_o they_o be_v wrought_v for_o the_o conviction_n of_o particular_a man_n will_v be_v this_o that_o they_o will_v cease_v to_o serve_v for_o that_o purpose_n for_o which_o miracle_n be_v design_v because_o be_v common_a they_o will_v be_v disregard_v or_o will_v quick_o be_v look_v upon_o to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o natural_a cause_n only_o there_o will_v not_o be_v want_v those_o that_o will_v offer_v to_o give_v a_o account_n how_o they_o be_v do_v and_o all_o those_o will_v be_v despise_v by_o the_o scorner_n of_o religion_n as_o too_o much_o addict_v to_o superstition_n who_o rather_o than_o attribute_v the_o great_a miracle_n to_o a_o supernatural_a power_n will_v not_o acquiesce_v in_o that_o solution_n how_o silly_a soever_o that_o be_v give_v of_o it_o by_o mere_a matter_n and_o motion_n and_o in_o particular_a i_o question_v not_o but_o that_o if_o it_o be_v a_o common_a thing_n for_o dead_a man_n after_o they_o have_v lie_v in_o their_o grave_n for_o some_o time_n to_o come_v forth_o again_o and_o show_v themselves_o alive_a to_o their_o friend_n this_o wonderful_a effect_n will_v be_v attribute_v by_o a_o great_a many_o to_o some_o vital_a principle_n in_o the_o body_n which_o only_o sleep_v for_o a_o while_n as_o it_o do_v in_o corn_n or_o other_o seed_n while_o they_o be_v keep_v dry_a and_o above_o ground_n but_o afterward_o when_o the_o body_n be_v bury_v a_o while_n be_v excite_v by_o some_o natural_a virtue_n that_o be_v in_o the_o earth_n to_o exert_v itself_o and_o so_o by_o its_o plastic_a power_n form_v the_o body_n into_o the_o same_o shape_n it_o be_v in_o before_o this_o i_o say_v will_v in_o all_o probability_n be_v the_o effect_n that_o the_o great_a miracle_n will_v have_v in_o the_o world_n if_o they_o be_v very_o common_a they_o only_o serve_v to_o set_v the_o philosopher_n wit_n to_o work_v to_o invent_v new_a form_n of_o matter_n and_o new_a law_n of_o motion_n by_o which_o to_o solve_v they_o and_o any_o solution_n of_o they_o though_o never_o so_o improbable_a though_o only_o by_o occult_a quality_n will_v serve_v turn_n and_o be_v think_v better_a than_o to_o recur_v to_o a_o almighty_a power_n the_o consequence_n of_o which_o will_v be_v that_o this_o which_o we_o desire_v as_o a_o additional_a proof_n of_o christianity_n will_v in_o effect_n destroy_v one_o of_o the_o best_a proof_n of_o it_o that_o we_o have_v already_o but_o 4._o last_o if_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o miracle_n will_v still_o be_v think_v miracle_n notwithstanding_o their_o commonness_n yet_o abraham_n may_v well_o deliver_v it_o as_o a_o general_n truth_n to_o which_o there_o be_v none_o or_o very_o few_o exception_n that_o he_o who_o be_v not_o wrought_v upon_o by_o a_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n will_v not_o be_v persuade_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a message_n or_o a_o new_a miracle_n 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