eloquence_n as_o well_o as_o the_o power_n and_o prejudices_fw-la and_o vice_n of_o mankind_n be_v combine_v against_o it_o and_o yet_o less_o elegancy_n and_o accuracy_n of_o style_n be_v employ_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n than_o have_v be_v before_o use_v by_o moses_n and_o thâ—_n prophet_n who_o yet_o have_v nothing_o which_o seem_v so_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a to_o deliver_v which_o be_v one_o great_a argument_n of_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o it_o can_v prevail_v so_o much_o against_o all_o the_o opposition_n in_o the_o world_n only_o by_o tell_v a_o plain_a truth_n and_o in_o the_o plain_a manner_n for_o where_o the_o thing_n be_v evident_a the_o few_o and_o plain_a word_n be_v best_a as_o in_o mathematical_a demonstration_n it_o be_v enough_o if_o man_n make_v themselves_o to_o be_v understand_v this_o likewise_o be_v all_o that_o the_o apostle_n aim_v at_o 24._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d euseb_n hist_o lib._n iii._o c._n 24._o their_o cause_n and_o doctrine_n be_v so_o certain_a and_o demonstrable_a that_o any_o word_n which_o do_v but_o full_o and_o clear_o express_v their_o meaning_n be_v sufficient_a for_o their_o purpose_n their_o rhetoric_n lie_v in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o not_o in_o word_n there_o be_v no_o great_a art_n require_v to_o prove_v that_o to_o any_o man_n which_o he_o see_v with_o his_o eye_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n be_v great_a under_o the_o gospel_n than_o under_o the_o law_n so_o there_o be_v less_o need_n of_o eloquence_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o in_o the_o old_a yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v as_o a_o 4._o a_o mer_n casaub_n of_o enthus_n c._n 4._o learned_a critic_n have_v declare_v that_o st_n paul_n in_o some_o kind_n and_o upon_o some_o subject_n be_v as_o eloquent_a as_o ever_o man_n be_v not_o inferior_a to_o demosthenes_n in_o who_o writing_n he_o believe_v that_o apostle_n have_v be_v much_o conversant_a or_o aeschines_n or_o any_o other_o ancient_o most_o admire_v 3._o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v write_v in_o the_o word_n and_o phrase_n of_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o they_o and_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v permit_v they_o to_o use_v their_o own_o style_n so_o direct_v they_o still_o and_o overrule_a they_o in_o every_o word_n and_o sentence_n that_o it_o shall_v infallible_o express_v his_o own_o full_a sense_n and_o meaning_n and_o speak_v the_o truth_n which_o he_o inspire_v and_o therefore_o though_o there_o be_v divers_a style_n in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n and_o certainty_n of_o they_o isaiah_n for_o instance_n be_v of_o the_o blood_n royal_a and_o educate_v at_o court_n may_v write_v in_o a_o more_o refine_a and_o lofty_a style_n and_o amos_n who_o be_v bring_v up_o among_o the_o herdsman_n of_o tekoa_n may_v speak_v in_o a_o more_o humble_a strain_n and_o fetch_v his_o metaphor_n from_o low_a and_o mean_a thing_n and_o yet_o the_o sense_n and_o substance_n of_o both_o may_v be_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o as_o exact_o true_a and_o infallible_a as_o if_o every_o word_n and_o syllable_n be_v dictate_v by_o he_o but_o this_o have_v be_v already_o consider_v under_o its_o proper_a head_n chap._n iu._n of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n whatever_o uncertainty_n there_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v concern_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o the_o catalogue_n and_o number_n of_o book_n of_o divine_a revelation_n this_o aught_o to_o be_v make_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a revelation_n itself_o or_o against_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o book_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v and_o receive_v by_o all_o church_n for_o if_o this_o be_v a_o true_a way_n of_o argue_v than_o whatever_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o must_v be_v a_o argument_n against_o the_o certainty_n of_o what_o we_o know_v and_o by_o consequence_n no_o man_n can_v be_v certain_a of_o any_o thing_n since_o the_o wise_a man_n be_v ignorant_a of_o so_o many_o thing_n that_o he_o know_v very_o little_a in_o comparison_n of_o what_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o author_n of_o great_a note_n and_o fame_n but_o that_o critic_n have_v have_v dispute_n concern_v the_o number_n of_o his_o genuine_a work_n and_o yet_o this_o have_v never_o be_v think_v any_o prejudice_n to_o such_o as_o be_v allow_v by_o all_o to_o be_v genuine_a will_v not_o that_o man_n make_v himself_o ridiculous_a who_o shall_v reject_v the_o philippic_n of_o tully_n or_o virgil_n aeneis_n as_o spurious_a because_o other_o book_n either_o doubtful_a or_o counterfeit_v have_v past_a under_o the_o name_n of_o these_o two_o author_n if_o some_o book_n have_v be_v dispute_v the_o rest_n certain_o be_v genuine_a beyond_o all_o dispute_n because_o they_o have_v never_o be_v call_v into_o question_n or_o doubt_v now_o if_o these_o book_n only_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n concern_v which_o there_o have_v never_o be_v any_o dispute_n they_o contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v and_o as_o to_o the_o rest_n concern_v which_o there_o have_v be_v any_o controversy_n though_o they_o be_v exceed_o useful_a to_o explain_v divers_a thing_n which_o we_o find_v in_o these_o and_o perhaps_o to_o teach_v we_o some_o thing_n not_o essential_a to_o our_o religion_n nor_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v elsewhere_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v receive_v because_o whatever_o doctrine_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a they_o be_v to_o be_v find_v full_o and_o plain_o deliver_v in_o those_o book_n of_o scripture_n which_o have_v ever_o be_v receive_v without_o contradiction_n or_o dispute_n many_o man_n be_v undoubted_o save_v before_o the_o write_n of_o these_o controvert_v book_n nay_o before_o the_o write_n of_o any_o book_n at_o all_o write_n be_v no_o further_o necessary_a than_o as_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o convey_v the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o be_v write_v when_o the_o thing_n now_o write_v can_v be_v as_o well_o know_v without_o writing_n book_n be_v not_o necessary_a and_o though_o for_o after_o age_n it_o become_v necessary_a that_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n shall_v consign_v their_o doctrine_n to_o writing_n yet_o no_o more_o of_o their_o writing_n can_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v by_o we_o than_o what_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n it_o be_v the_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o afford_v we_o more_o than_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o our_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a life_n as_o he_o have_v do_v for_o our_o natural_a and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n in_o any_o man_n to_o reject_v any_o mean_n of_o salvation_n or_o instruction_n which_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o allow_v but_o still_o that_o man_n will_v sustain_v his_o natural_a life_n and_o health_n who_o shall_v think_v all_o that_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o support_n of_o it_o common_a or_o unclean_a and_o not_o fit_a to_o be_v use_v for_o food_n and_o if_o a_o man_n without_o any_o of_o his_o own_o fault_n or_o neglect_n shall_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n only_o of_o the_o uncontrrovert_v book_n he_o will_v find_v they_o abundant_o sufficient_a to_o answer_v all_o the_o end_n of_o revelation_n and_o to_o procure_v his_o salvation_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o one_o infallible_a authority_n be_v as_o great_a a_o security_n as_o never_o so_o many_o can_v be_v but_o the_o same_o doctrine_n be_v teach_v in_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n and_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n for_o it_o that_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o furnish_v we_o with_o so_o much_o more_o than_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o to_o repeat_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o sundry_a place_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n for_o our_o further_a instruction_n and_o confirmation_n in_o the_o faith_n though_o it_o will_v be_v absurd_a and_o wicked_a to_o say_v that_o he_o who_o believe_v all_o the_o point_n of_o necessary_a faith_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o one_o book_n of_o scripture_n have_v no_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o salvation_n unless_o he_o likewise_o believe_v they_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n not_o that_o i_o suppose_v any_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n can_v now_o find_v any_o cause_n to_o doubt_v of_o any_o book_n in_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n whether_o it_o be_v genuine_a or_o no_o but_o to_o suppose_v the_o most_o and_o the_o worst_a that_o can_v be_v suppose_v if_o those_o book_n which_o at_o any_o time_n have_v be_v call_v in_o
world_n though_o man_n will_v take_v no_o warn_v by_o never_o so_o many_o example_n but_o have_v need_n of_o continual_a advice_n and_o exhortation_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o commission_n of_o they_o be_v there_o the_o less_o certainty_n in_o the_o mathematics_n because_o euclid_n apollonius_n and_o innumerable_a other_o of_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n have_v put_v forth_o book_n and_o system_n of_o mathematics_n in_o several_a form_n and_o method_n when_o many_o write_v upon_o the_o same_o subject_a it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o excellency_n and_o vsefulness_n of_o it_o not_o that_o they_o be_v dissatisfy_v in_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v by_o other_o but_o that_o they_o think_v more_o may_v be_v say_v or_o that_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v prove_v more_o clear_o in_o another_o method_n with_o more_o advantage_n to_o some_o capacity_n and_o with_o great_a probability_n of_o remove_v the_o scruple_n of_o some_o men._n it_o be_v undoubted_o very_o fit_a that_o all_o necessary_a doctrine_n upon_o which_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o mankind_n depend_v shall_v be_v treat_v of_o in_o all_o kind_n of_o way_n and_o method_n and_o they_o can_v be_v too_o often_o discourse_v of_o nor_o by_o too_o many_o man_n that_o no_o objection_n may_v remain_v unanswered_a nor_o scruple_n unobserved_a though_o a_o little_a may_v be_v sufficient_a upon_o a_o plain_a matter_n to_o wise_a man_n yet_o too_o much_o can_v be_v say_v upon_o a_o subject_a wherein_o all_o man_n be_v concern_v and_o it_o be_v the_o great_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o have_v engage_v so_o many_o author_n in_o this_o cause_n beside_o the_o primitive_a father_n and_o apologist_n man_n of_o the_o great_a learning_n and_o ability_n in_o latter_a age_n have_v undertake_v this_o subject_a have_v make_v it_o their_o study_n and_o business_n to_o consider_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o i_o think_v few_o will_v pretend_v to_o more_o judgement_n to_o discover_v truth_n or_o to_o more_o integrity_n to_o declare_v it_o than_o such_o author_n who_o have_v have_v no_o particular_a interest_n or_o profession_n in_o reference_n to_o religion_n but_o be_v under_o only_a the_o common_a obligation_n of_o all_o christian_n which_o if_o they_o have_v value_v as_o little_a as_o some_o other_o they_o can_v with_o as_o much_o wit_n and_o learning_n have_v appear_v in_o the_o cause_n of_o irreligion_n as_o any_o that_o ever_o undertake_v it_o many_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a in_o all_o profession_n and_o calling_n have_v be_v the_o most_o zealous_a assertor_n of_o religion_n as_o i_o may_v show_v by_o particular_a example_n which_o be_v in_o every_o man_n memory_n indeed_o i_o believe_v few_o man_n have_v so_o vain_a a_o opinion_n of_o themselves_o as_o to_o think_v they_o understand_v their_o several_a study_n and_o profession_n better_o than_o such_o person_n who_o have_v give_v undoubted_a evidence_n of_o their_o unfeigned_a belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n man_n of_o the_o great_a sagacity_n and_o judgement_n have_v not_o be_v move_v with_o such_o objection_n as_o other_o so_o much_o stumble_v at_o but_o have_v live_v and_o die_v the_o glory_n of_o their_o age_n and_o a_o honour_n to_o their_o religion_n such_o be_v the_o learned_a prince_n of_o mirandula_n and_o that_o learned_a french_a nobleman_n mornaeus_n such_o be_v grotius_n sir_n matthew_n hales_n dr._n willis_n and_o many_o beside_o both_o of_o our_o own_o and_o other_o nation_n i_o shall_v mention_v but_o one_o more_o who_o indeed_o be_v so_o eminent_a that_o i_o scarce_o need_v mention_v he_o for_o he_o must_v be_v already_o in_o every_o reader_n be_v thought_n i_o mean_v the_o honourable_a mr._n boyle_n who_o be_v as_o inquisitive_a and_o as_o unwilling_a to_o be_v impose_v upon_o and_o know_v as_o much_o of_o nature_n perhaps_o as_o ever_o any_o man_n not_z inspire_a do_v and_o have_v withal_o as_o steadfast_a a_o belief_n and_o as_o awful_a apprehension_n of_o reveal_v religion_n which_o he_o endeavour_v to_o establish_v and_o propagate_v not_o only_o by_o his_o own_o write_n but_o by_o the_o labour_n of_o other_o which_o he_o engage_v and_o reward_v by_o his_o last_o will_n and_o testament_n 2._o but_o man_n do_v not_o always_o live_v answerable_o to_o what_o they_o profess_v to_o believe_v it_o be_v hearty_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o there_o have_v never_o be_v any_o occasion_n give_v for_o this_o objection_n for_o though_o it_o be_v very_o inconsiderable_a in_o itself_o yet_o it_o do_v i_o believe_v the_o most_o mischief_n of_o any_o because_o man_n natural_o govern_v themselves_o more_o by_o the_o example_n than_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o or_o even_o than_o by_o their_o own_o reason_n but_o if_o we_o will_v judge_v aright_o the_o example_n of_o one_o man_n who_o live_v according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n aught_o to_o be_v of_o more_o weight_n with_o we_o than_o the_o example_n of_o never_o so_o many_o who_o live_v contrary_a to_o their_o profession_n because_o when_o man_n profess_v one_o thing_n and_o act_v another_o their_o action_n be_v sure_o as_o little_a to_o be_v regard_v as_o their_o profession_n and_o if_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v their_o profession_n against_o their_o action_n why_o shall_v we_o regard_v their_o example_n against_o their_o avow_a principle_n and_o profession_n it_o be_v in_o all_o other_o case_n esteem_v a_o good_a argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n when_o man_n confess_v it_o against_o themselves_o and_o the_o motive_n and_o temptation_n be_v visible_a by_o which_o they_o be_v lead_v aside_o from_o their_o own_o declare_a faith_n and_o judgement_n this_o pleasure_n or_o that_o profit_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o which_o every_o man_n can_v point_v to_o but_o when_o he_o who_o live_v conformable_o to_o his_o principle_n deny_v himself_o when_o he_o lose_v and_o suffer_v by_o it_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v in_o great_a earnest_n whereas_o the_o other_o be_v apparent_o bribe_v to_o forsake_v that_o in_o practice_n which_o notwithstanding_o they_o can_v but_o own_o in_o the_o theory_n and_o principle_n this_o be_v a_o old_a prejudice_n against_o philosophy_n that_o the_o philosopher_n do_v not_o observe_v their_o own_o precept_n but_o it_o be_v reject_v by_o wise_a man_n as_o no_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o vsefulness_n of_o philosophy_n it_o be_v a_o great_a objection_n against_o the_o man_n but_o sure_o it_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o thing_n themselves_o that_o they_o be_v disregard_v by_o those_o who_o understand_v their_o worth_n and_o pretend_v to_o have_v a_o due_a value_n and_o esteem_v for_o they_o and_o whoever_o renounce_v the_o faith_n or_o take_v up_o principle_n of_o irreligion_n because_o of_o any_o ill_a practice_n of_o other_o too_o plain_o declare_v either_o that_o in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n he_o never_o have_v any_o or_o that_o he_o be_v very_o willing_a to_o part_v with_o his_o religion_n all_o man_n make_v some_o pretence_n to_o reason_n and_o those_o man_n most_o of_o all_o who_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o decry_v religion_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o many_o who_o profess_v to_o believe_v it_o do_v not_o always_o live_v up_o to_o its_o rule_n and_o instruction_n but_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o man_n general_o act_v as_o much_o against_o reason_n as_o against_o relgion_n and_o that_o therefore_o this_o objection_n if_o it_o can_v signify_v any_o thing_n must_v banish_v all_o reason_n and_o good_a sense_n out_o of_o the_o world_n if_o there_o be_v no_o true_a religion_n because_o so_o few_o practice_n it_o as_o they_o ought_v there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a reason_n neither_o because_o the_o life_n of_o so_o many_o man_n contradict_v it_o and_o some_o perhaps_o will_v be_v content_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o true_a religion_n rather_o than_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o true_a reason_n because_o than_o they_o must_v be_v no_o long_o allow_v to_o be_v able_a to_o reason_n against_o religion_n but_o if_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o thing_n depend_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o man_n than_o the_o same_o religion_n may_v be_v true_a and_o false_a at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o may_v be_v true_a in_o one_o age_n and_o false_a in_o another_o or_o true_a in_o one_o country_n and_o false_a in_o the_o next_o and_o must_v be_v more_o or_o less_o true_a or_o false_a in_o the_o same_o proportion_n as_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o its_o professor_n be_v more_o or_o less_o virtuous_a or_o vicious_a indeed_o this_o be_v so_o unreasonable_a and_o unjust_a a_o prejudice_n against_o religion_n though_o it_o be_v grow_v a_o very_a common_a one_o that_o methinks_v every_o man_n shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o especial_o man_n of_o reason_n
worought_v to_o confirm_v any_o sound_n and_o useful_a doctrine_n the_o confession_n of_o the_o false_a god_n when_o they_o be_v adjure_v by_o christian_n p._n 401._o chap._n iu._n the_o defect_n in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n in_o the_o heathen_a religion_n the_o theology_n of_o the_o heathen_n absurd_a p._n 403._o their_o religious_a worship_n wicked_a and_o impious_a p._n 405._o humane_a sacrifice_n customary_a in_o all_o heathen_a nation_n p._n 406._o no_o body_n of_o law_n nor_o rule_n of_o good_a life_n propose_v by_o their_o oracle_n p._n 402._o but_o idolatry_n and_o wickedness_n approve_v and_o recommend_v by_o they_o ibid._n chap._n v._o of_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_n the_o heathen_a philosophy_n very_o defective_a and_o erroneous_a p._n 411._o whatever_o there_o be_v of_o excellency_n in_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_n be_v owe_v to_o revelation_n p._n 423._o if_o the_o heathen_a philosophy_n have_v be_v as_o certain_a and_o as_o excellent_a as_o it_o can_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v yet_o there_o have_v be_v great_a need_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n p._n 429_o chap._n vi_o the_o novelty_n and_o defect_n in_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n p._n 436._o chap._n vii_o the_o want_n both_o of_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n in_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n p._n 439_o chap._n viii_o the_o alcoran_n be_v false_a absurd_a and_o immoral_a p._n 441_o chap._n ix_o of_o mahomet_n that_o he_o be_v lustful_a proud_a and_o cruel_a appear_v from_o the_o alcoran_n itself_o p._n 443_o part_n iu_o chap._n i._n that_o there_o be_v as_o great_a certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o there_o be_v of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n p._n 447_o chap._n ii_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n the_o scripture_n consider_v 1._o as_o historical_o true_a 2._o as_o to_o their_o doctrine_n which_o concern_v eternal_a salvation_n p._n 451_o 452._o from_o both_o these_o consideration_n it_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v infallible_o true_a p._n 455._o in_o many_o case_n there_o be_v as_o much_o cause_n to_o believe_v what_o we_o know_v from_o other_o as_o what_o we_o see_v and_o experience_n ourselves_o p._n 456._o and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o present_a case_n concern_v the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n p._n 460._o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n and_o of_o humane_a testimony_n in_o this_o case_n compare_v p._n 462._o the_o certainty_n of_o both_o ultimate_o resolve_v into_o the_o divine_a veracity_n etc._n etc._n ibid._n a_o objection_n from_o joh._n xx_o 29._o answer_v p._n 467._o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n evident_a even_o to_o a_o demonstration_n p._n 470_o new_o publish_a christian_a thought_n for_o every_o day_n in_o the_o month_n with_o reflection_n upon_o the_o most_o important_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o which_o be_v add_v prayer_n for_o every_o morning_n and_o evening_n price_n 1_o s._n a_o course_n of_o lecture_n upon_o the_o church_n catechism_n by_o thomas_n bray_n d._n d._n the_o three_o edition_n price_n 5_o s._n very_o proper_a to_o be_v read_v in_o family_n a_o minister_n counsel_n to_o the_o youth_n of_o his_o parish_n when_o arrive_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n recommend_v to_o the_o society_n in_o and_o about_o london_n by_o francis_n bragge_n vicar_n of_o hitchin_n hertfordshire_n price_n 2_o s._n the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n book_n i._n part_n i._n in_o discourse_v of_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o shall_v use_v this_o method_n i._o i_o shall_v show_v that_o from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n ii_o i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n by_o which_o this_o revelation_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v deliver_v and_o preserve_v in_o the_o world_n iii_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v that_o divine_a revelation_n iv_o that_o no_o other_o book_n or_o doctrine_n whatsoever_o can_v be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n v._o i_o shall_v from_o hence_o give_v a_o resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n by_o show_v that_o we_o have_v the_o same_o evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o we_o have_v for_o the_o be_v of_o god_n himself_o because_o it_o follow_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n both_o that_o there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v that_o divine_a revelation_n vi_o have_v do_v this_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o last_o place_n endeavour_v to_o clear_v such_o point_n as_o be_v common_o think_v most_o liable_a to_o exception_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o shall_v propose_v some_o consideration_n which_o may_v serve_v to_o remove_v such_o objection_n and_o obviate_v such_o cavil_n as_o be_v usual_o raise_v against_o the_o holy_a scripture_n chap._n i._o that_o from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o shall_v show_v how_o reasonable_a and_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n and_o i_o shall_v insist_v the_o rather_o upon_o this_o because_o it_o be_v not_o usual_o so_o much_o consider_v in_o this_o controversy_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v for_o if_o it_o be_v it_o certain_o will_v go_v very_o far_o towards_o the_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n since_o if_o it_o be_v once_o make_v appear_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v that_o revelation_n for_o if_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o reveal_v religion_n there_o be_v no_o other_o which_o can_v bear_v any_o competition_n with_o that_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n my_o first_o business_n therefore_o shall_v be_v to_o show_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o state_n of_o mankind_n that_o in_o all_o reason_n we_o can_v but_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v some_o reveal_v religion_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o evident_a to_o natural_a reason_n than_o that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o beginning_n some_o first_o principle_n of_o be_v from_o whence_o all_o other_o being_n proceed_v and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a than_o to_o imagine_v that_o that_o wonderful_a variety_n of_o being_n in_o the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o sea_n which_o all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n be_v not_o able_a in_o any_o measure_n to_o understand_v or_o thorough_o to_o search_v into_o shall_v yet_o be_v produce_v and_o continue_v for_o so_o many_o thousand_o year_n together_o without_o any_o wisdom_n or_o contrivance_n that_o a_o unaccountable_a concourse_n of_o atom_n which_o can_v never_o build_v the_o least_o house_n or_o cottage_n shall_v yet_o build_v and_o sustain_v the_o wonderful_a fabric_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o when_o the_o very_a line_n in_o a_o globe_n or_o sphere_n can_v be_v make_v without_o art_n the_o world_n itself_o which_o that_o be_v but_o a_o imperfect_a imitation_n of_o shall_v be_v make_v without_o it_o and_o that_o less_o skill_n shall_v be_v require_v to_o the_o form_n of_o a_o man_n than_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o make_n of_o his_o picture_n that_o chance_n shall_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o order_n and_o fortune_n of_o all_o the_o constancy_n and_o regularity_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o that_o the_o very_a faculty_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n in_o all_o mankind_n shall_v have_v their_o original_a from_o that_o which_o have_v no_o sense_n or_o knowledge_n but_o be_v mere_a ignorance_n and_o stupidity_n this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v reason_n and_o philosophy_n that_o it_o be_v downright_a folly_n and_o contradiction_n from_o a_o be_v therefore_o of_o infinite_a perfection_n must_v proceed_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v beside_o with_o all_o their_o perfection_n and_o excellency_n and_o among_o other_o the_o virtue_n and_o excellency_n of_o wisdom_n justice_n mercy_n and_o truth_n must_v be_v derive_v from_o he_o as_o the_o author_n of_o all_o the_o perfection_n of_o which_o the_o creature_n be_v capable_a and_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o creator_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v infinite_o more_o just_a more_o wise_a and_o good_a and_o holy_a than_o any_o creature_n can_v be_v will_v not_o at_o last_o reward_v the_o good_a and_o punish_v the_o wicked_a for_o shall_v not_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n do_v right_o
c._n 18._o lib._n v._o c._n 7._o quadratus_n have_v this_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o it_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o time_n of_o justin_n martyr_n and_o of_o irenaeus_n ii_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v according_a to_o a_o express_a promise_n of_o christ_n to_o they_o that_o after_o his_o ascension_n they_o shall_v do_v even_o great_a work_n than_o he_o have_v do_v himself_o john_n fourteen_o 12._o that_o be_v they_o shall_v do_v work_n that_o will_v be_v more_o eminent_a and_o observable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n though_o not_o more_o excellent_a and_o divine_a for_o nothing_o can_v be_v great_a in_o that_o sense_n than_o to_o raise_v a_o man_n from_o the_o dead_a which_o promise_n be_v fulfil_v to_o they_o at_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n when_o man_n from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v make_v witness_n to_o it_o for_o they_o be_v command_v by_o our_o saviour_n not_o to_o depart_v from_o jerusalem_n but_o to_o wait_v for_o this_o promise_n and_o he_o assure_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v baptize_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o many_o day_n after_o his_o be_v take_v up_o from_o they_o into_o heaven_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v receive_v power_n after_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v come_v upon_o they_o and_o shall_v be_v witness_n unto_o he_o both_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o all_o judaea_n and_o in_o samaria_n and_o unto_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n act_v i_o 4_o 5_o 8._o and_o this_o miraculous_a power_n be_v visible_o bestow_v not_o only_o upon_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o but_o upon_o the_o 643._o the_o monstrabatur_fw-la locus_fw-la ubi_fw-la super_fw-la centum_fw-la viginti_fw-la credentium_fw-la animas_fw-la spiritus_fw-la sanctus_fw-la descendisset_fw-la hieron_n epitaph_n paulae_n vid._n dr._n light_n exercit_fw-la on_o act._n two_o 1._o p._n 643._o hundred_o and_o twenty_o mention_v act_v i_o 15._o i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v effectual_o qualify_v to_o be_v witness_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v concern_v christ_n and_o that_o they_o can_v neither_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o in_o it_o nor_o can_v propose_v any_o advantage_n to_o themselves_o by_o deceive_v other_o and_o that_o if_o they_o have_v design_v any_o deceit_n they_o allege_v such_o circumstance_n as_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o have_v past_o undiscovered_a all_o which_o will_v be_v exceed_o confirm_v by_o consider_v the_o miraculous_a gift_n which_o the_o apostle_n receive_v by_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o this_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n i_o shall_v therefore_o show_v how_o the_o apostle_n be_v enable_v by_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o to_o become_v witness_n to_o christ_n 1._o by_o the_o miracle_n which_o they_o wrought_v themselves_o 2._o by_o that_o power_n which_o be_v convey_v by_o they_o to_o other_o of_o work_v miracle_n 3._o by_o their_o supernatural_a resolution_n courage_n and_o patience_n under_o their_o suffering_n i._o the_o apostle_n be_v enable_v to_o become_v witness_n to_o christ_n by_o the_o miracle_n which_o they_o wrought_v themselves_o this_o power_n of_o miracle_n qualify_v they_o most_o effectual_o to_o be_v witness_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n and_o other_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o they_o can_v neither_o deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v in_o these_o miraculous_a gift_n which_o be_v bestow_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v a_o assurance_n to_o themselves_o and_o a_o evidence_n to_o other_o that_o it_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n in_o which_o they_o be_v engage_v and_o his_o truth_n which_o they_o deliver_v they_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o undoubted_o in_o a_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n they_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a whether_o they_o be_v real_a miracle_n which_o they_o wrought_v or_o not_o they_o must_v needs_o know_v whether_o their_o own_o pretence_n be_v true_a or_o false_a and_o whether_o they_o can_v speak_v the_o language_n and_o do_v the_o wonder_n which_o the_o world_n believe_v they_o to_o do_v and_o speak_v and_o they_o can_v not_o but_o know_v by_o what_o power_n and_o mean_n they_o be_v enable_v to_o perform_v all_o their_o miraculous_a work_n and_o these_o work_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n and_o do_v in_o that_o manner_n that_o they_o can_v impose_v upon_o no_o man_n by_o they_o they_o can_v not_o make_v man_n believe_v that_o they_o speak_v all_o kind_n of_o language_n if_o they_o do_v not_o speak_v they_o nor_o that_o they_o cure_v all_o sort_n of_o disease_n if_o they_o have_v not_o cure_v they_o nothing_o be_v more_o easy_a than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o know_v a_o language_n that_o he_o understand_v when_o he_o hear_v it_o or_o than_o for_o man_n that_o be_v sick_a to_o know_v that_o they_o be_v recover_v when_o they_o feel_v themselves_o well_o and_o the_o manner_n oâ—_n their_o perform_v these_o miracle_n be_v the_o most_o public_a and_o notorious_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o time_n and_o place_n and_o the_o person_n on_o who_o they_o be_v wrought_v our_o saviour_n have_v be_v crucify_v at_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o passover_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o proselyte_n who_o be_v meet_v together_o from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n at_o that_o solemnity_n and_o but_o fifty_o day_n after_o at_o the_o next_o solemn_a festival_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o very_a same_o city_n where_o he_o have_v be_v crucify_a in_o the_o presence_n of_o multitude_n of_o people_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o language_n which_o come_v to_o keep_v the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n the_o apostle_n declare_v to_o they_o in_o all_o their_o several_a tongue_n that_o this_o same_o jesus_n be_v by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n raise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o they_o be_v impower_v by_o he_o to_o speak_v all_o those_o language_n the_o apostle_n be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n take_v notice_n of_o to_o be_v gallilean_n man_n of_o low_a birth_n and_o of_o new_a education_n st._n john_n in_o particular_a be_v know_v to_o the_o high_a priest_n himself_o and_o the_o rest_n be_v all_o know_v to_o many_o that_o hear_v they_o their_o parentage_n and_o place_n of_o abide_v and_o manner_n of_o life_n may_v easy_o be_v inquire_v into_o for_o they_o be_v no_o stranger_n nor_o in_o a_o far_a country_n and_o from_o all_o these_o it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v capable_a of_o speak_v any_o of_o these_o language_n but_o by_o inspiration_n and_o to_o speak_v all_o language_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o no_o man_n ever_o can_v hope_v to_o arrive_v at_o by_o study_n or_o conversation_n though_o he_o shall_v make_v it_o the_o whole_a business_n of_o his_o life_n and_o therefore_o this_o can_v least_o of_o all_o be_v suspect_v of_o man_n of_o mean_a employment_n and_o who_o get_v their_o livelihood_n by_o their_o daily_a labour_n and_o industry_n the_o miracle_n which_o the_o apostle_n wrought_v be_v likewise_o in_o the_o most_o public_a place_n of_o the_o city_n and_o in_o the_o most_o public_a manner_n upon_o person_n who_o have_v be_v most_o remarkable_a and_o general_o take_v notice_n of_o for_o their_o infirmity_n st._n peter_n by_o pronounce_v only_o these_o word_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n of_o nazareth_n rise_v up_o and_o walk_v cure_v a_o man_n of_o above_o forty_o year_n of_o age_n who_o be_v know_v to_o have_v be_v lame_a from_o his_o birth_n and_o be_v carry_v and_o lay_v daily_o at_o one_o of_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o temple_n where_o there_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v the_o great_a resort_n of_o people_n to_o ask_v a_o alm_n of_o they_o that_o enter_v into_o the_o temple_n and_o this_o man_n be_v immediate_o cure_v go_v with_o st._n peter_n and_o st._n john_n into_o the_o temple_n and_o all_o the_o people_n see_v he_o walk_v and_o praise_v god_n and_o they_o know_v that_o it_o be_v he_o which_o sit_v for_o alm_n at_o the_o beautiful_a gate_n of_o the_o temple_n act_v three_o 9_o 10._o and_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n inquire_v into_o the_o matter_n and_o upon_o examination_n when_o they_o see_v the_o boldness_n of_o peter_n and_o john_n and_o perceive_v that_o they_o be_v unlearned_a and_o ignorant_a man_n they_o marvel_v and_o they_o take_v knowledge_n of_o they_o that_o they_o have_v be_v with_o jesus_n and_o behold_v the_o man_n which_o be_v heal_v stand_v with_o they_o they_o can_v say_v nothing_o against_o it_o but_o confess_v among_o themselves_o that_o indeed_o a_o notable_a miracle_n have_v be_v do_v by_o they_o be_v manifest_a to_o all_o they_o that_o dwell_v in_o jerusalem_n and_o we_o can_v deny_v it_o act_n four_o 13_o 14_o 16._o by_o this_o and_o other_o evident_a and_o public_a miracle_n the_o miraculous_a power_n of_o the_o apostle_n
we_o may_v not_o be_v assure_v of_o some_o thing_n as_o certain_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o as_o from_o our_o own_o sense_n 2._o whether_o this_o be_v not_o the_o present_a case_n relate_v to_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n i_o shall_v therefore_o consider_v in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o certainty_n which_o we_o have_v for_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n by_o which_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v prove_v and_o confirm_v to_o we_o compare_v with_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n and_o will_v then_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n i._o in_o many_o case_n man_n seem_v general_o agree_v that_o there_o be_v as_o much_o cause_n to_o believe_v what_o they_o know_v from_o other_o as_o what_o they_o see_v and_o experience_n themselves_o for_o there_o may_v be_v such_o circumstance_n of_o credibility_n as_o equal_v the_o evidence_n even_o of_o sense_n itself_o no_o evidence_n can_v satisfy_v sense_n so_o much_o indeed_o nor_o perhaps_o so_o much_o affect_v the_o passion_n as_o that_o of_o sense_n but_o there_o may_v be_v other_o evidence_n which_o may_v give_v as_o clear_a conviction_n and_o altogether_o as_o good_a satisfaction_n to_o our_o reason_n as_o that_o which_o be_v immediate_o derive_v from_o our_o sense_n concern_v the_o be_v of_o object_n or_o the_o truth_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n thus_o those_o who_o never_o travel_v to_o the_o indies_n do_v as_o little_a doubt_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n as_o those_o who_o have_v be_v never_o so_o often_o there_o and_o all_o man_n believe_v there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o julius_n caesar_n with_o as_o little_a scruple_n as_o if_o they_o have_v live_v in_o his_o time_n and_o have_v see_v and_o speak_v with_o he_o i_o suppose_v no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n make_v any_o more_o doubt_n but_o there_o be_v such_o place_n as_o judoea_n and_o jerusalem_n from_o the_o constant_a report_n of_o historian_n and_o traveller_n than_o if_o he_o have_v be_v in_o those_o place_n himself_o and_o have_v live_v the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o life_n there_o and_o the_o great_a infidel_n that_o i_o know_v of_o never_o pretend_v yet_o to_o disbelieve_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o our_o saviour_n christ_n but_o all_o man_n think_v themselves_o as_o well_o assure_v of_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o other_o as_o if_o they_o have_v see_v they_o themselves_o for_o how_o doubtful_a and_o intricate_a soever_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v for_o want_v of_o knowledge_n or_o credit_n in_o the_o relater_n yet_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n deliver_v with_o that_o agreement_n and_o certainty_n on_o all_o hand_n that_o to_o doubt_v of_o they_o will_v be_v as_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o doubt_v of_o what_o we_o ourselves_o see_v and_o hear_v and_o if_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n for_o instance_n be_v of_o this_o nature_n we_o can_v with_o as_o little_a reason_n doubt_n of_o it_o as_o if_o we_o have_v live_v at_o that_o time_n and_o have_v converse_v with_o he_o after_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a but_o we_o have_v as_o great_a assurance_n that_o he_o be_v alive_a again_o after_o his_o crucifixion_n as_o that_o he_o ever_o live_v at_o all_o and_o we_o have_v at_o least_o all_o the_o assurance_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o christ_n that_o we_o can_v have_v that_o there_o once_o live_v any_o other_o man_n at_o that_o distance_n of_o time_n from_o we_o we_o can_v no_o more_o doubt_n that_o our_o saviour_n be_v bear_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o augustus_n caesar_n and_o be_v crucify_a under_o tiberius_n than_o that_o there_o be_v once_o such_o emperor_n in_o the_o world_n nay_o we_o have_v it_o much_o better_o attest_v that_o christ_n be_v bear_v and_o be_v crucify_a and_o rise_v again_o than_o that_o there_o ever_o be_v such_o prince_n as_o these_o two_o emperor_n for_o no_o man_n ever_o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o go_v about_o the_o world_n to_o certify_v this_o and_o to_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o at_o his_o death_n but_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o their_o disciple_n and_o convert_v and_o innumerable_a other_o ever_o since_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n have_v assert_v the_o particular_n of_o the_o life_n and_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n under_o all_o danger_n and_o torment_n and_o death_n and_o have_v make_v it_o their_o great_a aim_n and_o design_n both_o live_a and_o die_v to_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o doubt_v of_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o ever_o be_v do_v before_o his_o own_o time_n or_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o he_o as_o doubt_v of_o these_o fundamental_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o think_v himself_o as_o certain_a of_o some_o thing_n at_o least_o which_o be_v do_v a_o long_a time_n ago_o or_o a_o great_a way_n off_o as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v at_o the_o do_v of_o they_o himself_o indeed_o in_o some_o respect_n we_o seem_v to_o have_v more_o evidence_n than_o these_o can_v have_v that_o live_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n for_o they_o can_v see_v but_o some_o miracle_n we_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o all_o they_o rely_v upon_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o upon_o the_o sense_n of_o such_o as_o they_o know_v and_o converse_v with_o we_o upon_o the_o sense_n of_o innumerable_a people_n who_o successive_o behold_v they_o for_o the_o space_n of_o divers_a hundred_o year_n together_o so_o that_o whoever_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o scripture_n neither_o will_v he_o believe_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a that_o be_v though_o the_o great_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v for_o his_o conviction_n this_o be_v say_v of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o therefore_o may_v with_o great_a reason_n be_v say_v of_o that_o and_o the_o new_a both_o and_o we_o have_v beside_o one_o sort_n of_o evidence_n which_o those_o that_o live_v at_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o christianity_n can_v not_o have_v for_o we_o see_v many_o of_o those_o prophecy_n fulfil_v which_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v concern_v his_o church_n we_o know_v how_o it_o spring_v up_o and_o flourish_v and_o from_o what_o small_a unlikely_a beginning_n it_o have_v spread_v itself_o into_o all_o corner_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o continue_v to_o this_o day_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n to_o root_v it_o out_o and_o destroy_v it_o the_o continuance_n and_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n under_o so_o improbable_a circumstance_n be_v matter_n of_o faith_n chiefâ—y_n to_o the_o first_o christian_n but_o to_o we_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n they_o see_v the_o work_n indeed_o prosper_v in_o their_o hand_n but_o their_o faith_n only_o can_v tell_v they_o that_o it_o shall_v flourish_v for_o so_o many_o age_n as_o we_o know_v it_o have_v already_o do_v this_o be_v a_o stand_n and_o invincible_a proof_n to_o we_o at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n and_o have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o twofold_a argument_n the_o one_o of_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n the_o other_o of_o prophecy_n we_o know_v that_o a_o miraculous_a power_n have_v be_v manifest_v in_o conquer_a all_o opposition_n and_o in_o a_o wonderful_a manner_n bring_v those_o thing_n to_o pass_v which_o to_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o power_n be_v altogether_o impossible_a and_o the_o fulfil_n hereby_o of_o prophecy_n be_v a_o visible_a confirmation_n to_o we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o we_o believe_v to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o the_o prophet_n who_o prophecy_n we_o see_v fulfil_v and_o since_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o thing_n may_v be_v so_o well_o attest_v that_o we_o may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o own_o sense_n as_o of_o the_o authority_n by_o which_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o must_v turn_v sceptic_n or_o worse_o if_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v they_o we_o may_v conclude_v as_o well_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o these_o prophecy_n which_o we_o ourselves_o see_v fulfil_v as_o upon_o all_o other_o account_n that_o the_o historical_a evidence_n in_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n amount_v to_o all_o the_o certainty_n that_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v capable_a of_o not_o except_v even_o that_o of_o sense_n itself_o ii_o let_v we_o now_o apply_v all_o this_o to_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n and_o give_v a_o account_n how_o a_o divine_a and_o infallible_a faith_n may_v be_v produce_v in_o we_o humane_a testimony_n be_v the_o motive_n by_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o contain_v god_n reveal_v will_n this_o certify_v we_o that_o such_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v
last_o day_n of_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n p._n 388._o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n mean_v by_o the_o last_o day_n p._n 389._o st._n paul_n do_v not_o suppose_v that_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n be_v approach_v in_o his_o time_n p._n 391._o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o suppose_v that_o the_o last_o judgement_n must_v be_v confine_v to_o one_o day_n p._n 393._o chap._n xxiii_o of_o sacrament_n the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o sacrament_n p._n 396._o 1._o they_o be_v outward_a and_o visible_a sign_n of_o our_o entrance_n into_o covenant_n with_o god_n or_o of_o our_o renew_v our_o covenant_n with_o he_o ib._n 2._o they_o be_v token_n and_o pledge_n to_o we_o of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n p._n 402._o 3._o they_o be_v mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n p._n 404._o 4._o they_o be_v federal_n rite_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n as_o a_o visible_a society_n and_o of_o our_o union_n with_o it_o as_o such_o p._n 406._o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n full_o answer_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o sacrament_n p._n 407._o chap._n xxiv_o of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n in_o this_o mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n p._n 412_o the_o distinction_n of_o the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o deity_n p._n 413._o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n p._n 414._o the_o difference_n between_o the_o divine_a person_n and_o humane_a person_n 417._o other_o thing_n be_v and_o must_v be_v believe_v by_o we_o which_o be_v as_o little_o understand_v as_o this_o doctrine_n p._n 421._o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o doctrine_n explain_v and_o defend_v p._n 423._o this_o doctrine_n exceed_o tend_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o the_o life_n and_o conversation_n of_o man_n p._n 427._o chap._n xxv_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a god_n be_v certain_o able_a to_o raise_v the_o dead_a p._n 431._o body_n after_o their_o corruption_n and_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o part_n which_o compose_v they_o may_v be_v restore_v to_o life_n by_o the_o reunion_n of_o these_o part_n again_o p._n 436._o we_o may_v rise_v again_o with_o the_o same_o body_n which_o we_o have_v here_o notwithstanding_o any_o change_n or_o flux_n of_o the_o part_n of_o our_o body_n while_o we_o live_v or_o any_o accident_n after_o death_n p._n 437._o it_o be_v not_o only_o credible_a and_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n can_v but_o likewise_o that_o he_o will_v raise_v the_o dead_a p._n 443._o chap._n xxvi_o of_o the_o reason_n why_o christ_n do_v not_o show_v himself_o to_o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n after_o his_o resurrection_n there_o be_v reason_n peculiar_a to_o this_o dispensation_n of_o his_o resurrection_n why_o christ_n shall_v not_o show_v himself_o to_o all_o the_o people_n after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a p._n 449._o it_o have_v not_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o other_o dispensation_n of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n for_o he_o to_o have_v do_v it_o p._n 451_o great_a number_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v give_v over_o to_o hardness_n of_o heart_n will_v not_o have_v believe_v though_o they_o have_v see_v christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n p._n 452._o if_o the_o jew_n have_v believe_v in_o christ_n their_o conversion_n have_v not_o be_v a_o great_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n than_o their_o unbelief_n have_v be_v p._n 453._o the_o power_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n manifest_v in_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n bestow_v upon_o the_o apostle_n be_v as_o great_a a_o proof_n of_o his_o resurrection_n as_o the_o personal_a appearance_n of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o can_v have_v be_v p._n 454._o chap._n xxvii_o of_o the_o forty_o day_n in_o which_o christ_n remain_v upon_o the_o earth_n after_o his_o â—â—â—surrection_n and_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o ascension_n many_o thing_n in_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n before_o his_o passion_n omit_v by_o the_o evangelist_n p._n 459._o and_o likewise_o after_o his_o resurrection_n p._n 461._o what_o may_v be_v conclude_v from_o that_o which_o we_o read_v of_o his_o converse_v with_o his_o disciple_n after_o it_o p._n 463._o the_o manner_n of_o his_o ascension_n p._n 465._o chap._n xxviii_o why_o some_o work_n of_o nature_n be_v more_o especial_o ascribe_v to_o god_n why_o mean_n be_v sometime_o use_v in_o the_o work_v of_o miracle_n and_o why_o faith_n be_v sometime_o require_v of_o those_o upon_o who_o or_o before_o who_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v all_o creature_n act_v with_o a_o constant_a dependence_n upon_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o influence_n but_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v more_o especial_o to_o be_v do_v by_o god_n himself_o whereby_o upon_o some_o extraordinary_a occasion_n his_o power_n and_o his_o will_n be_v more_o particular_o manifest_v or_o his_o promise_n fulfil_v p._n 469._o miracle_n be_v more_o peculiar_o the_o work_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v wrought_v without_o the_o concurrence_n or_o subserviency_n of_o natural_a mean_n ib_n mean_v use_v as_o circumstance_n to_o render_v miracle_n more_o observable_a not_o as_o concur_v to_o the_o production_n of_o the_o effect_n 470._o christ_n have_v give_v undeniable_a proof_n of_o his_o miraculous_a power_n before_o he_o require_v faith_n as_o a_o condition_n in_o such_o as_o come_v to_o see_v his_o miracle_n and_o to_o receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o p._n 471._o whether_o he_o require_v faith_n of_o any_o before_o his_o work_n of_o a_o miracle_n who_o have_v not_o already_o see_v he_o work_v miracle_n p._n 481._o great_a reason_n that_o no_o miracle_n shall_v be_v purposely_o wrought_v for_o the_o captious_a and_o malicious_a p._n 482._o the_o case_n of_o his_o own_o countryman_n be_v particular_a ib._n the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o come_v to_o desire_v his_o help_n p._n 487._o our_o saviour_n hereby_o signify_v that_o he_o require_v the_o same_o faith_n of_o those_o who_o have_v not_o see_v his_o miracle_n as_o he_o do_v of_o those_o who_o have_v see_v they_o p._n 489._o chap._n xxix_o of_o the_o cease_n of_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n the_o antiquity_n of_o prophecy_n add_v to_o their_o force_n and_o evidence_n p._n 491._o the_o cessation_n of_o miracle_n we_o read_v of_o no_o miraculous_a power_n bestow_v upon_o any_o man_n before_o moses_n p._n 492._o neither_o prophecy_n nor_o miracle_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n for_o more_o than_o four_o hundred_o year_n before_o christ_n p._n 495._o miracle_n if_o common_a will_v lose_v the_o design_n and_o nature_n of_o miracle_n p._n 498._o man_n will_v pretend_v to_o frame_v hypothesis_n to_o solve_v they_o p._n 499._o a_o constant_a power_n of_o miracle_n will_v occasion_v imposture_n ib._n they_o will_v occasion_v pride_n in_o those_o that_o wrought_v they_o p._n 501._o no_o more_o reason_n for_o miracle_n to_o prove_v the_o christian_a religion_n among_o christian_n than_o there_o be_v need_n of_o they_o to_o prove_v a_o god_n ib._n a_o divine_a power_n be_v notwithstanding_o evident_a among_o christian_n live_v in_o heathen_a country_n p._n 502._o chap._n xxx_o of_o the_o cause_n why_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n reject_v christ_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n asupernatural_a grace_n necessary_a to_o true_a faith_n p._n 504._o jew_n and_o proselyte_n be_v convert_v in_o great_a number_n p._n 508._o many_o dare_v not_o own_o christ_n other_o have_v their_o heart_n harden_v p._n 511._o they_o have_v violent_a prejudidice_n against_o the_o gospel_n p._n 512._o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n of_o false_a prophet_n a_o cause_n of_o the_o infidelity_n of_o the_o jew_n p._n 514._o the_o unbelief_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n be_v a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o gospel_n p._n 515._o great_a number_n of_o the_o heathen_n convert_v p._n 516._o the_o cause_n of_o unbelief_n in_o the_o philosopher_n ib._n of_o epictetus_n and_o seneca_n p._n 518._o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o gentile_n p._n 521._o they_o will_v not_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n right_o to_o understand_v the_o christian_a religion_n p._n 522._o oracle_n have_v foretell_v that_o it_o shall_v not_o last_v above_o 365_o year_n p._n ib._n heresy_n and_o schism_n give_v great_a scandal_n p._n 523._o many_o heathen_n however_o have_v more_o favourable_a and_o just_a thought_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n p._n 524._o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o heathen_n against_o it_o p._n 528._o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a jew_n confirm_v it_o p._n 530._o chap._n xxxi_o that_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n of_o false_a religion_n and_o their_o willingness_n to_o suffer_v for_o they_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o martyr_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n more_o
well_o as_o themselves_o epâ—st_n themselves_o apocalypâ—is_fw-la joannis_n tot_fw-la habeat_fw-la sacramenta_fw-la quot_fw-la verba_fw-la parum_fw-la dixi_fw-la pramerito_fw-la volumiâ—â—s_fw-la laus_fw-la omnis_fw-la inferior_a est_fw-la in_o verbis_fw-la â—â—â—gulis_fw-la multiplicis_fw-la tatent_fw-la intellgentâ—e_fw-la hieton_n ad_fw-la paulin._n epâ—st_n and_o this_o seem_v not_o only_o to_o have_v be_v the_o temper_n of_o those_o age_n in_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v when_o learn_v consist_v in_o type_n and_o parable_n and_o in_o dark_a and_o intricate_a discourse_n but_o it_o have_v be_v the_o study_n and_o delight_n of_o learned_a man_n in_o most_o age_n since_o and_o of_o many_o man_n in_o all_o age_n to_o search_v into_o hide_a and_o difficult_a truth_n st_o jerom_n extol_v the_o revelation_n of_o st_n john_n for_o the_o obscurity_n and_o hide_a sense_n of_o it_o in_o that_o age_n it_o seem_v it_o be_v no_o objection_n but_o the_o high_a character_n that_o can_v be_v give_v of_o the_o revelation_n to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n therefore_o in_o condescension_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n and_o to_o fit_v the_o scripture_n for_o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o all_o capacity_n and_o disposition_n have_v cause_v some_o of_o the_o prophecy_n to_o be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a to_o all_o reader_n and_o other_o to_o be_v deliver_v as_o to_o employ_v the_o pious_a and_o humble_a labour_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o inquisitive_a to_o keep_v they_o in_o perpetual_a dependence_n upon_o god_n for_o his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n in_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o take_v down_o the_o vain_a curiosity_n and_o pride_n of_o such_o as_o little_o concern_v themselves_o about_o the_o plain_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n but_o be_v whole_o busy_v in_o unfolding_a hide_a thing_n and_o in_o pretend_v to_o understand_v all_o mystery_n and_o all_o knowledge_n the_o curse_n denounce_v against_o man_n upon_o his_o fall_n be_v that_o with_o labour_n and_o sweat_n he_o shall_v eat_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o ground_n as_o his_o punishment_n for_o have_v eat_v the_o forbid_a fruit_n and_o it_o be_v but_o just_a with_o god_n to_o punish_v the_o curiosity_n of_o man_n after_o forbid_a knowledge_n which_o occasion_v his_o fall_n with_o make_v the_o attainment_n of_o knowledge_n more_o difficult_a if_o the_o scripture_n be_v all_o obscure_a they_o will_v be_v of_o little_a use_n if_o they_o be_v all_o obvious_a they_o will_v be_v despise_v for_o if_o obscurity_n be_v make_v a_o objection_n by_o some_o their_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n be_v object_v by_o other_o but_o god_n have_v so_o order_v and_o proportion_v the_o several_a part_n of_o they_o that_o no_o man_n may_v have_v just_a cause_n to_o complain_v that_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v enough_o for_o his_o salvation_n nor_o any_o man_n cast_v they_o aside_o or_o read_v they_o with_o little_a care_n and_o diligence_n since_o there_o be_v so_o many_o thing_n in_o they_o which_o may_v require_v the_o utmost_a study_n and_o pain_n of_o the_o most_o judicious_a and_o learned_a man_n 7._o there_o be_v no_o prophet_n so_o obscure_a but_o some_o prophecy_n be_v very_o plain_o deliver_v by_o he_o which_o we_o know_v to_o have_v be_v fulfil_v and_o this_o be_v a_o warrant_n and_o assurance_n to_o we_o of_o his_o mission_n and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o rely_v upon_o it_o that_o whatever_o he_o have_v deliver_v concern_v other_o thing_n will_v as_o certain_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n before_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v or_o be_v thorough_o understand_v they_o be_v exceed_v useful_a in_o the_o church_n the_o revelation_n of_o st_n john_n be_v hard_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o particularevent_v because_o it_o comprehend_v so_o vast_a a_o series_n of_o time_n in_o which_o long_a course_n of_o year_n many_o event_n may_v be_v exact_o alike_o at_o different_a time_n and_o in_o different_a place_n and_o there_o may_v be_v a_o gradual_a and_o repeat_v accomplishment_n of_o some_o of_o his_o prophecy_n but_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o other_o of_o these_o prophecy_n rev._n i_o 3._o xxii_o 6_o 7_o 10_o 12._o and_o we_o know_v they_o have_v be_v fulfil_v in_o the_o seven_o church_n rev._n two_o 5_o 16_o 22_o 23._o iii._o 3_o 16._o which_o be_v propose_v for_o example_n to_o all_o other_o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n rev._n two_o 7._o the_o seven_o church_n be_v speak_v to_o by_o name_n and_o what_o be_v say_v to_o they_o have_v be_v fulfil_v be_v a_o certain_a argument_n that_o the_o rest_n which_o concern_v all_o other_o church_n shall_v be_v fulfil_v in_o its_o due_a time_n though_o it_o be_v not_o perhaps_o yet_o understand_v but_o the_o obscure_a prophefy_v even_o before_o their_o accomplishment_n be_v of_o perpetual_a and_o inestimable_a use_n to_o we_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o that_o parable_n be_v very_o proper_a and_o fit_a for_o instruction_n and_o therefore_o in_o ancient_a time_n their_o doctrine_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v deliver_v in_o that_o way_n because_o it_o be_v a_o more_o familiar_a and_o easy_a method_n of_o teach_v than_o by_o rule_n and_o precept_n and_o rational_a discourse_n without_o that_o illustration_n which_o be_v give_v to_o they_o by_o suppose_v a_o particular_a case_n for_o then_o every_o one_o be_v apt_a to_o make_v the_o case_n his_o own_o when_o he_o see_v the_o precept_n reduce_v to_o example_n and_o clothe_v with_o circumstance_n and_o bring_v home_o as_o it_o be_v to_o his_o very_a sense_n which_o before_o lay_v more_o out_o of_o sight_n in_o abstract_a notion_n and_o speculative_a discourse_n and_o if_o feign_a case_n be_v so_o much_o more_o effectual_a than_o bare_a precept_n or_o exhortation_n a_o infallible_a account_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n though_o we_o can_v point_v out_o the_o particular_a time_n and_o place_n when_o and_o where_o every_o thing_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v must_v needs_o be_v of_o inestimable_a value_n and_o benefit_n to_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n to_o observe_v what_o error_n and_o fault_n be_v reprove_v and_o what_o virtue_n and_o grace_n be_v commend_v and_o encourage_v in_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o praise_n and_o adoration_n ch_n four_o and_o the_o bliss_n of_o the_o righteous_a the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o martyr_n ch_n seven_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o great_a and_o dreadful_a day_n ch_n vi_fw-la the_o great_a apostasy_n that_o be_v to_o be_v upon_o the_o earth_n ch_n xiii_o the_o patience_n and_o faith_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o resurrection_n surrection_n of_o the_o dead_a ch.xx._fw-la the_o description_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n and_o the_o glory_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o city_n of_o god_n ch_n xxi_o xxii_o these_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o st_n john_n revelation_n and_o be_v thing_n of_o the_o great_a use_n and_o importance_n we_o have_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n present_v to_o our_o view_n though_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o mark_v out_o the_o particular_a time_n and_o season_n mean_v in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o this_o be_v at_o least_o of_o the_o same_o use_n to_o we_o that_o all_o history_n be_v and_o beside_o may_v be_v of_o as_o much_o more_o benefit_n as_o it_o more_o near_o concern_v we_o for_o we_o do_v not_o know_v but_o that_o we_o may_v be_v fall_v into_o the_o worst_a time_n there_o prophesy_v of_o here_o be_v the_o patience_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o saint_n we_o see_v the_o care_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n over_o his_o church_n the_o wonderful_a deliverance_n which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o work_v for_o it_o the_o support_n which_o he_o afford_v his_o faithful_a servant_n under_o persecution_n and_o the_o reward_v prepare_v for_o they_o and_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n these_o thing_n be_v visible_a in_o the_o revelation_n and_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o these_o be_v of_o excellent_a use_n to_o yield_v we_o comfort_v in_o the_o worst_a of_o trouble_n and_o to_o excite_v faith_n and_o hope_n and_o patience_n and_o all_o christian_a grace_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o revelation_n of_o st_n john_n may_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o history_n of_o the_o church_n without_o any_o chronology_n annex_v to_o it_o but_o will_v any_o man_n say_v that_o the_o exact_a and_o true_a history_n that_o can_v be_v pen_v of_o the_o most_o important_a affair_n and_o such_o as_o concern_v all_o mankind_n be_v of_o little_a value_n or_o consequence_n to_o the_o conduct_n and_o management_n of_o our_o life_n
evangelist_n write_v his_o life_n with_o the_o same_o humility_n with_o which_o he_o live_v and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o when_o st._n john_n say_v that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o other_o thing_n which_o jesus_n do_v he_o speak_v with_o relation_n to_o the_o thing_n do_v by_o he_o after_o his_o resurrection_n have_v just_a before_o give_v a_o account_n of_o what_o our_o saviour_n have_v say_v to_o st._n peter_n and_o so_o in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n when_o st._n john_n have_v declare_v how_o our_o saviour_n certify_v st._n thomas_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n he_o add_v and_o many_o other_o sign_n true_o do_v jesus_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o disciple_n which_o be_v not_o write_v in_o this_o book_n but_o these_o be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o believe_v you_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n joh._n xx_o 30_o 31._o so_o that_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o no_o more_o than_o be_v necessary_a of_o what_o pass_v between_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n after_o his_o resurrection_n the_o rest_n concern_v we_o not_o to_o know_v it_o be_v for_o their_o instruction_n and_o encouragement_n in_o their_o duty_n and_o they_o be_v empower_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v we_o we_o know_v that_o beginning_n at_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n he_o expound_v unto_o they_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n the_o thing_n concern_v himself_o luke_n xxiv_o 27._o but_o we_o be_v not_o where_o tell_v what_o be_v the_o particular_n of_o his_o exposition_n only_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o explication_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n follow_v the_o interpretation_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o read_v that_o he_o be_v see_v of_o they_o forty_o day_n and_o speak_v of_o the_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o the_o time_n between_o the_o resurrection_n and_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n be_v chief_o spend_v in_o comfort_v and_o instruct_v they_o and_o in_o expound_v to_o they_o the_o scripture_n concern_v his_o passion_n and_o resurrection_n and_o the_o come_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n after_o his_o ascension_n st._n paul_n mention_n that_o he_o be_v see_v by_o above_o five_o hundred_o brethren_n at_o once_o of_o who_o the_o great_a part_n be_v then_o still_o alive_a to_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v 1_o cor._n xv_o 6._o though_o this_o particular_a however_o remarkable_a be_v omit_v by_o the_o evangelist_n for_o they_o relate_v thing_n just_a as_o they_o see_v it_o needful_a upon_o every_o occasion_n and_o since_o they_o say_v enough_o to_o convince_v man_n they_o be_v not_o careful_a to_o say_v all_o that_o may_v be_v say_v they_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v in_o testimony_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v and_o daily_o wrought_v miracle_n to_o confirm_v it_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o solicitous_a to_o lay_v together_o all_o the_o particular_n or_o to_o put_v they_o into_o any_o exact_a order_n and_o method_n they_o declare_v what_o they_o know_v and_o their_o miracle_n prove_v it_o and_o they_o depend_v not_o upon_o such_o nicety_n as_o humane_a proof_n have_v need_n of_o we_o may_v reasonable_o conclude_v then_o notwithstanding_o the_o silence_n of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n that_o when_o christ_n have_v once_o full_o manifest_v himself_o to_o his_o disciple_n and_o satisfy_v they_o in_o his_o resurrection_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o time_n till_o his_o ascension_n be_v most_o of_o it_o spend_v with_o they_o in_o divine_a discourse_n for_o their_o instruction_n and_o comfort_n such_o as_o those_o be_v which_o we_o read_v in_o the_o evangelist_n one_o of_o who_o declare_v that_o a_o full_a account_n of_o all_o that_o pass_v between_o he_o and_o his_o disciple_n be_v more_o than_o can_v well_o be_v express_v that_o happy_a time_n be_v employ_v in_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o contemplation_n in_o form_v and_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o soon_o as_o mary_n magdalen_n know_v our_o lord_n after_o his_o resurrection_n she_o fall_v at_o his_o foot_n to_o worship_n he_o and_o will_v touch_v his_o sacred_a body_n matt._n xxviii_o 9_o joh._n xx_o 17._o for_o this_o reason_n perhaps_o too_o as_o well_o as_o out_o of_o devotion_n to_o he_o that_o she_o may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v the_o apostle_n the_o better_a account_n of_o his_o be_v rise_v again_o but_o he_o forbid_v she_o say_v touch_v i_o not_o for_o i_o be_o not_o yet_o ascend_v to_o my_o father_n and_o then_o send_v she_o to_o his_o disciple_n to_o his_o brethren_n as_o he_o with_o infinite_a love_n and_o condescension_n style_v they_o he_o be_v not_o yet_o ascend_v or_o be_v not_o then_o about_o to_o ascend_v but_o to_o stay_v many_o day_n upon_o earth_n and_o there_o will_v be_v time_n enough_o for_o her_o near_a approach_n to_o he_o either_o for_o the_o increase_n and_o confirmation_n of_o her_o faith_n or_o for_o her_o acknowledgement_n and_o adoration_n after_o his_o resurrection_n christ_n make_v himself_o know_v to_o his_o disciple_n by_o degree_n and_o by_o several_a appearance_n to_o they_o at_o distant_a time_n in_o divers_a place_n and_o in_o different_a manner_n he_o suffer_v they_o to_o doubt_v of_o that_o great_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o a_o while_n that_o he_o may_v overcome_v their_o unbelief_n and_o extort_v a_o conviction_n from_o they_o by_o such_o mean_n as_o that_o no_o man_n unless_o he_o will_v be_v very_o unreasonable_a and_o obstinate_a shall_v pretend_v any_o cause_n to_o doubt_v of_o it_o afterward_o but_o when_o he_o have_v thorough_o convince_v they_o of_o his_o resurrection_n we_o may_v conclude_v from_o what_o we_o read_v of_o his_o converse_v with_o they_o that_o from_o that_o time_n he_o admit_v they_o to_o a_o free_a and_o more_o intimate_a communication_n with_o himself_o and_o discourse_v with_o they_o in_o the_o most_o mild_a and_o gracious_a and_o instructive_a manner_n of_o all_o which_o it_o concern_v they_o to_o know_v pertain_v to_o his_o kingdom_n or_o which_o they_o be_v capable_a then_o of_o know_v before_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n sometime_o perhaps_o vouchsafe_v his_o presence_n to_o one_o and_o sometime_o to_o other_o of_o they_o and_o most_o common_o to_o they_o altogether_o when_o they_o be_v assemble_v as_o we_o find_v they_o general_o be_v and_o when_o he_o withdraw_v himself_o it_o be_v because_o their_o mortal_a state_n will_v not_o bear_v a_o constant_a and_o uninterrupted_a attendance_n for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n upon_o their_o bless_a master_n and_o because_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o they_o by_o degree_n shall_v be_v accustom_v to_o endure_v his_o absence_n and_o to_o walk_v by_o faith_n not_o by_o sight_n and_o after_o his_o ascension_n the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o comforter_n do_v not_o immediate_o come_v upon_o his_o departure_n from_o they_o but_o their_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o expectation_n of_o he_o for_o the_o space_n of_o ten_o day_n and_o then_o his_o promise_n be_v to_o be_v fulfil_v in_o the_o fit_a and_o most_o proper_a season_n on_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n in_o few_o word_n christ_n be_v see_v of_o they_o say_v the_o scripture_n forty_o day_n which_o imply_v that_o these_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v spend_v in_o his_o presence_n and_o we_o be_v in_o the_o same_o place_n tell_v how_o this_o time_n be_v employ_v in_o speak_v of_o the_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n ii_o we_o may_v observe_v the_o manner_n how_o our_o saviour_n leave_v his_o disciple_n when_o he_o ascend_v up_o from_o they_o into_o heaven_n he_o have_v before_o prepare_v they_o to_o expect_v his_o ascension_n for_o beside_o what_o he_o have_v say_v to_o they_o before_o his_o death_n immediate_o upon_o his_o resurrection_n he_o send_v this_o message_n to_o his_o disciple_n by_o mary_n magdalen_n go_v to_o my_o brethren_n and_o say_v unto_o they_o i_o ascend_v unto_o my_o father_n and_o your_o father_n and_o to_o my_o god_n and_o your_o god_n joh._n xx_o 17._o they_o be_v in_o hope_n it_o seem_v that_o he_o will_v at_o this_o time_n have_v restore_v again_o the_o kingdom_n to_o israel_n and_o do_v not_o think_v he_o will_v have_v leave_v they_o before_o that_o which_o they_o so_o much_o desire_v have_v be_v accomplish_v however_o take_v his_o leave_n of_o they_o he_o command_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o jerusalem_n but_o wait_v for_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n which_o say_v he_o you_o have_v hear_v of_o i_o and_o whilst_o he_o be_v give_v they_o repeat_v assurance_n that_o this_o promise_n shall_v be_v most_o effectual_o fulfil_v while_o they_o behold_v he_o be_v take_v up_o and_o a_o cloud_n receive_v
he_o out_o of_o their_o sight_n he_o be_v not_o snatch_v away_o from_o they_o by_o a_o swift_a and_o violent_a motion_n like_o elijah_n and_o carry_v up_o in_o a_o fiery_a chariot_n which_o may_v dazzle_v their_o sight_n that_o they_o can_v not_o discern_v he_o in_o his_o ascent_n but_o he_o be_v lift_v up_o and_o remove_v from_o they_o leisurely_o and_o by_o degree_n they_o look_v steadfast_o towards_o heaven_n as_o he_o go_v up_o by_o a_o visible_a and_o easy_a motion_n and_o they_o have_v a_o clear_a view_n of_o he_o till_o at_o last_o a_o cloud_n receive_v he_o out_o of_o their_o sight_n it_o be_v probable_a that_o all_o the_o disciple_n to_o the_o number_n of_o about_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o mention_v act_n i_o 15._o be_v present_a to_o behold_v the_o ascent_n of_o our_o saviour_n ult_n saviour_n apud_fw-la euseb_n hist_o lib._n 1._o c._n ult_n the_o apostle_n st._n thaddeus_n declare_v though_o this_o as_o well_o as_o many_o other_o thing_n be_v not_o insert_v into_o the_o scripture_n that_o a_o great_a multitude_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o heavenly_a host_n go_v up_o with_o he_o we_o read_v of_o the_o appearance_n of_o two_o angel_n upon_o this_o occasion_n who_o acquaint_v the_o disciple_n that_o this_o same_o jesus_n who_o they_o have_v thus_o evident_o see_v take_v up_o from_o they_o into_o heaven_n shall_v so_o come_v in_o like_a manner_n as_o they_o have_v see_v he_o go_v into_o heaven_n and_o st._n paul_n inform_v we_o that_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o come_v at_o the_o last_o day_n will_v be_v with_o his_o mighty_a angel_n or_o the_o angel_n of_o his_o power_n 2_o thes_n i._o 7._o from_o whence_o we_o may_v conclude_v according_a to_o the_o account_n of_o st._n thaddeus_n that_o the_o holy_a angel_n visible_o attend_v he_o in_o his_o ascension_n the_o disciple_n be_v all_o much_o surprise_v at_o a_o thing_n so_o wonderful_a and_o stand_v gaze_v up_o into_o heaven_n after_o he_o till_o they_o be_v certify_v not_o only_o by_o their_o own_o sense_n but_o by_o the_o message_n of_o the_o angel_n that_o he_o be_v go_v from_o they_o into_o heaven_n no_o more_o to_o be_v expect_v from_o thence_o till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n we_o have_v therefore_o the_o plain_a and_o full_a evidence_n that_o can_v be_v desire_v both_o of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o our_o saviour_n he_o show_v himself_o alive_a to_o his_o disciple_n after_o his_o passion_n by_o many_o infallible_a proof_n he_o be_v see_v of_o they_o forty_o day_n and_o converse_v and_o discourse_v with_o they_o though_o we_o be_v not_o tell_v after_o what_o manner_n and_o by_o what_o interval_n of_o time_n he_o be_v please_v to_o vouchsafe_v they_o his_o presence_n this_o be_v conceal_v from_o we_o as_o very_o many_o of_o the_o particular_n be_v of_o his_o former_a life_n before_o his_o crucifixion_n but_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o day_n whilst_o he_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o he_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o they_o all_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o they_o distinct_o see_v and_o behold_v he_o and_o keep_v their_o eye_n fix_v upon_o he_o in_o his_o ascension_n and_o a_o vision_n of_o angel_n beside_o inform_v they_o that_o he_o be_v to_o return_v in_o the_o like_a manner_n when_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n chap._n xxviii_o why_o some_o work_n of_o nature_n be_v more_o especial_o ascribe_v to_o god_n why_o mean_n be_v sometime_o use_v in_o the_o work_n of_o miracle_n and_o why_o faith_n be_v sometime_o require_v of_o those_o upon_o who_o or_o before_o who_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v i._o all_z the_o power_n of_o natural_a cause_n proceed_v from_o god_n that_o may_v just_o be_v ascribe_v to_o he_o which_o be_v wrought_v by_o they_o for_o he_o work_v as_o true_o by_o second_o cause_n as_o by_o his_o own_o direct_a and_o immediate_a power_n in_o produce_v any_o effect_n the_o order_n and_o frame_n of_o nature_n be_v original_o by_o his_o appointment_n and_o by_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n and_o influence_n it_o be_v uphold_v and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n ascribe_v the_o effect_n of_o natural_a agent_n to_o god_n as_o the_o author_n of_o they_o because_o these_o can_v do_v nothing_o but_o by_o his_o support_n and_o influence_n and_o the_o continuance_n and_o preservation_n of_o natural_a cause_n in_o the_o production_n of_o their_o effect_n for_o so_o many_o age_n in_o one_o constant_a tenor_n be_v a_o manifest_a and_o wonderful_a demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o wisdom_n but_o those_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v more_o especial_o to_o be_v do_v by_o god_n himself_o whereby_o upon_o some_o extraordinary_a occasion_n his_o power_n and_o his_o will_n be_v more_o particular_o manifest_v or_o his_o promise_n be_v fulfil_v for_o in_o those_o thing_n his_o care_n and_o providence_n be_v more_o concern_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o pass_v and_o therefore_o god_n may_v employ_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a concourse_n to_o sustain_v and_o influence_n the_o power_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o may_v not_o sail_v in_o such_o case_n to_o produce_v their_o effect_n according_a to_o their_o usual_a and_o settle_a course_n ii_o miracle_n be_v more_o peculiar_o the_o work_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v wrought_v without_o the_o concurrence_n or_o subserviency_n of_o natural_a mean_n for_o though_o sometime_o outward_a mean_n be_v use_v in_o the_o miraculous_a cure_v of_o disease_n yet_o they_o be_v such_o as_o can_v have_v no_o effect_n in_o the_o cure_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a as_o when_o the_o man_n that_o be_v bear_v blind_a recover_v his_o sight_n by_o wash_v in_o the_o pool_n of_o siloam_n at_o our_o saviour_n command_n after_o his_o eye_n have_v be_v anoint_v with_o clay_n make_v of_o dust_n and_o spital_n the_o ointment_n make_v of_o dust_n and_o spital_n be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v any_o effect_n towards_o the_o cure_n that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v much_o more_o likely_a to_o have_v put_v out_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o man_n that_o have_v see_v and_o the_o wash_n afterward_o can_v only_o remove_v that_o which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o remedy_n that_o it_o must_v have_v be_v a_o obstruction_n to_o the_o best_a sight_n as_o many_o miraculous_a cure_n be_v wrought_v by_o our_o saviour_n without_o any_o more_o than_o a_o word_n speak_v and_o sometime_o even_o without_o so_o much_o as_o that_o to_o show_v that_o he_o have_v no_o need_n of_o mean_n so_o when_o any_o mean_n be_v use_v they_o be_v such_o as_o apparent_o can_v not_o tend_v to_o the_o cure_n and_o be_v not_o use_v as_o remedy_n but_o as_o circumstance_n in_o the_o work_n his_o miracle_n to_o raise_v the_o attention_n of_o the_o beholder_n to_o imprint_v what_o be_v do_v the_o deep_a upon_o their_o memory_n and_o to_o give_v the_o great_a credibility_n to_o the_o history_n of_o his_o miracle_n for_o all_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v to_o be_v prove_v or_o disprove_v by_o circumstance_n and_o the_o more_o circumstance_n concur_v in_o any_o action_n the_o less_o liable_a it_o be_v to_o mistake_v or_o imposture_n our_o saviour_n therefore_o be_v please_v that_o his_o miracle_n shall_v always_o be_v accompany_v with_o remarkable_a circumstance_n which_o be_v sometime_o of_o one_o kind_n and_o sometime_o of_o another_o the_o better_a to_o work_v upon_o the_o variety_n of_o man_n temper_n and_o disposition_n but_o whatever_o outward_a mean_n be_v at_o any_o time_n use_v by_o he_o it_o can_v have_v the_o nature_n only_o of_o a_o circumstance_n and_o be_v no_o more_o proper_a and_o effectual_a to_o produce_v the_o miracle_n than_o any_o other_o may_v have_v be_v some_o he_o touch_v some_o he_o only_o speak_v to_o and_o other_o he_o send_v to_o the_o highpriest_n that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o witness_n of_o the_o cure_n now_o the_o touch_n the_o speak_n or_o the_o send_n can_v have_v no_o effect_n as_o outward_a mean_n but_o only_o as_o they_o be_v attend_v with_o a_o inward_a and_o divine_a efficacy_n but_o all_o these_o be_v considerable_a circumstance_n to_o excite_v the_o observation_n of_o those_o who_o be_v present_a at_o these_o cure_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o remembrance_n of_o they_o to_o posterity_n iii_o though_o our_o saviour_n have_v the_o most_o absolute_a and_o unconfined_a power_n of_o work_a miracle_n at_o all_o time_n and_o before_o all_o person_n whensoever_o he_o please_v yet_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o he_o sometime_o refuse_v to_o exercise_v it_o for_o though_o he_o can_v always_o do_v his_o marvellous_a work_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v always_o do_v but_o then_o only_o when_o they_o may_v be_v useful_a and_o serviceable_a to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v wrought_v and_o to_o his_o design_n of_o come_v
into_o the_o world_n to_o manifest_v himself_o by_o work_v they_o and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o our_o saviour_n do_v sometime_o require_v faith_n as_o a_o qualification_n in_o they_o who_o come_v to_o be_v heal_v and_o at_o other_o time_n refuse_v to_o work_v his_o miracle_n before_o unbeliever_n will_v be_v evident_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o 1._o christ_n have_v give_v undeniable_a proof_n of_o his_o miraculous_a power_n in_o many_o instance_n before_o he_o require_v faith_n as_o a_o condition_n in_o such_o as_o come_v to_o he_o to_o see_v his_o miracle_n and_o to_o receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o when_o the_o jew_n demand_v a_o sign_n of_o our_o saviour_n joh._n two_o 18._o he_o have_v wrought_v before_o they_o the_o great_a of_o all_o his_o miracle_n in_o st._n 15._o st._n comment_fw-fr in_o matt._n xxi_o 15._o jerom_n judgement_n by_o cast_v the_o buyer_n and_o seller_n out_o of_o the_o temple_n but_o they_o be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o upon_o this_o very_a account_n to_o ask_v for_o another_o miracle_n what_o sign_n show_v thou_o unto_o we_o see_v that_o thou_o do_v these_o thing_n whereupon_o our_o saviour_n signify_v to_o they_o that_o he_o will_v rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o this_o be_v no_o refusal_n but_o only_o a_o short_a delay_n of_o his_o work_v other_o miracle_n for_o at_o that_o very_a passover_n when_o he_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o feast-day_n many_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n when_o they_o see_v the_o miracle_n which_o he_o do_v and_o then_o the_o first_o time_n we_o find_v faith_n require_v as_o a_o disposition_n or_o preparation_n in_o man_n to_o have_v miracle_n wrought_v for_o their_o cure_n or_o their_o conviction_n be_v matt._n xiii_o 58._o mark_n vi_fw-la 5._o beside_o the_o reject_v of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n matt._n twelve_o 38._o and_o before_o the_o time_n to_o which_o these_o text_n have_v relation_n christ_n have_v cure_a all_o manner_n of_o disease_n and_o cast_v out_o many_o devil_n and_o his_o fame_n be_v spread_v abroad_o throughout_o all_o the_o region_n round_o about_o galilee_n and_o even_o throughout_o all_o syria_n matt._n four_o 23_o 24._o mark_v i_o 28._o he_o have_v cure_a the_o centurion_n servant_n at_o a_o distance_n and_o have_v restore_v to_o life_n the_o daughter_n of_o jairus_n a_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n where_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o he_o commend_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o centurion_n though_o the_o cure_n be_v wrought_v upon_o his_o servant_n that_o he_o exhort_v the_o father_n not_o to_o be_v afraid_a but_o to_o believe_v when_o his_o fear_n or_o faith_n can_v have_v no_o influence_n upon_o his_o dead_a daughter_n he_o have_v cast_v out_o a_o legion_n of_o devil_n at_o once_o and_o permit_v they_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o herd_n of_o swine_n to_o convince_v even_o the_o sadducee_n if_o any_o thing_n can_v convince_v they_o that_o they_o be_v evil_a spirit_n which_o he_o have_v cast_v out_o mat._n viij_o 13._o mark_v v._o 9_o 22._o and_o when_o our_o saviour_n miraculous_a power_n have_v thus_o manifest_v itself_o upon_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n upon_o the_o absent_a upon_o the_o dead_a and_o upon_o other_o who_o can_v neither_o hope_n for_o nor_o desire_v relief_n of_o he_o and_o this_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o many_o who_o be_v still_o unbeliever_n and_o of_o some_o who_o charge_v he_o with_o cast_v out_o devil_n by_o beelzebub_n matt._n twelve_o 24._o luke_n xi_o 15._o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a that_o he_o shall_v afterward_o require_v a_o belief_n of_o what_o he_o have_v already_o do_v and_o be_v again_o able_a to_o do_v before_o he_o will_v extend_v his_o heal_n power_n towards_o man_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v work_v no_o new_a miracle_n for_o the_o conviction_n of_o such_o as_o disregard_v and_o disbelieved_a all_o that_o he_o have_v do_v before_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o christ_n ever_o require_v faith_n of_o any_o before_o his_o work_n of_o a_o miracle_n who_o have_v not_o already_o see_v he_o work_v miracle_n unless_o it_o be_v of_o his_o own_o countryman_n and_o of_o some_o who_o come_v to_o be_v heal_v his_o countryman_n by_o their_o astonishment_n at_o his_o doctrine_n and_o his_o mighty_a work_n seem_v to_o show_v that_o they_o have_v no_o experience_n of_o they_o before_o but_o that_o they_o be_v unknown_a at_o least_o to_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o any_o otherwise_o than_o by_o report_n but_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a case_n as_o i_o shall_v present_o prove_v those_o who_o come_v to_o he_o with_o no_o cavil_v design_n but_o with_o a_o desire_n and_o expectation_n of_o help_n from_o he_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o doubt_v of_o his_o power_n to_o do_v that_o for_o they_o which_o they_o have_v see_v he_o do_v for_o other_o but_o many_o apply_v themselves_o to_o he_o upon_o the_o common_a report_n and_o fame_n of_o his_o miraculous_a work_n and_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o these_o shall_v believe_v what_o they_o have_v hear_v so_o well_o attest_v if_o they_o will_v receive_v that_o benefit_n which_o they_o beseech_v of_o he_o but_o as_o to_o other_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o christ_n do_v ever_o in_o order_n to_o his_o work_v a_o miracle_n require_v faith_n of_o they_o who_o have_v never_o see_v he_o work_v any_o miracle_n before_o though_o if_o he_o have_v do_v it_o there_o may_v have_v be_v sufficient_a reason_n for_o it_o but_o all_o beside_o in_o who_o the_o want_n of_o faith_n be_v at_o any_o time_n allege_v as_o the_o cause_n why_o they_o have_v no_o miracle_n wrought_v upon_o their_o account_n in_o order_n to_o their_o conviction_n have_v in_o all_o probability_n see_v miracle_n wrought_v by_o he_o before_o which_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v and_o that_o be_v reason_n enough_o why_o no_o more_o shall_v be_v wrought_v for_o they_o to_o be_v despise_v as_o the_o former_a have_v be_v or_o however_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n be_v so_o public_o and_o frequent_o wrought_v that_o they_o may_v have_v see_v they_o either_o before_o or_o afterward_o though_o they_o be_v not_o do_v purposely_o for_o they_o when_o they_o require_v it_o those_o of_o who_o christ_n at_o any_o time_n require_v faith_n before_o he_o will_v work_v miracle_n be_v either_o such_o as_o have_v some_o malicious_a and_o captious_a prejudice_n against_o he_o or_o such_o as_o come_v to_o be_v cure_v of_o their_o disease_n and_o infirmity_n 1._o as_o for_o the_o captious_a and_o malicious_a there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o they_o shall_v be_v reject_v and_o no_o miracle_n shall_v be_v wrought_v for_o they_o we_o read_v that_o he_o do_v not_o many_o mighty_a work_n in_o his_o own_o country_n because_o of_o their_o unbelief_n matth._n xiii_o 58._o but_o though_o he_o do_v not_o many_o mighty_a work_n there_o yet_o he_o do_v some_o which_o indeed_o be_v not_o many_o in_o comparison_n of_o what_o he_o do_v in_o other_o place_n and_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a reason_n why_o he_o do_v no_o more_o there_o because_o it_o be_v his_o own_o country_n and_o they_o upbraid_v he_o with_o his_o mean_a birth_n and_o education_n whereupon_o jesus_n see_v they_o offend_v in_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o a_o prophet_n be_v not_o without_o honour_n save_v in_o his_o own_o country_n and_o in_o his_o own_o house_n and_o so_o as_o it_o immediate_o follow_v he_o do_v not_o many_o mighty_a work_n there_o because_o of_o their_o unbelief_n he_o have_v do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n in_o the_o adjacent_a country_n and_o his_o fame_n be_v spread_v throughout_o all_o galilee_n but_o he_o who_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n loc_fw-la man_n non_fw-la quod_fw-la etiam_fw-la illis_fw-la incredulis_fw-la facere_fw-la non_fw-la potuerit_fw-la virtutes_fw-la multas_fw-la sed_fw-la ne_fw-la multas_fw-la faciens_fw-la virtutes_fw-la eive_v incredulos_fw-la condemnaret_fw-la hiet._n ad_fw-la loc_fw-la see_v how_o unsuccessful_a all_o his_o work_n will_v be_v upon_o his_o own_o unhappy_a countryman_n who_o have_v be_v so_o little_o move_v with_o what_o they_o have_v hear_v of_o he_o and_o with_o what_o many_o of_o they_o probable_o have_v see_v he_o do_v in_o other_o place_n that_o they_o only_o deride_v and_o vilify_v he_o and_o he_o who_o have_v so_o tender_a a_o compassion_n for_o all_o mankind_n and_o with_o great_a affection_n weep_v over_o jerusalem_n can_v not_o but_o have_v such_o a_o concern_v for_o his_o own_o country_n as_o to_o refrain_v the_o work_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o he_o have_v otherwise_o design_v foresee_v that_o they_o will_v only_o serve_v to_o aggravate_v their_o gild_n and_o increase_v their_o damnation_n till_o by_o his_o resurrection_n he_o shall_v give_v a_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o his_o divine_a power_n and_o then_o shall_v send_v his_o disciple_n among_o they_o after_o his_o ascension_n to_o who_o they_o will_v have_v great_a
and_o who_o shall_v betray_v he_o and_o he_o say_v therefore_o say_v i_o unto_o you_o that_o no_o man_n can_v come_v unto_o i_o except_o it_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o of_o my_o father_n john_n vi_fw-la 64_o 65._o so_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v style_v a_o divine_a faith_n not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o object_n but_o of_o its_o efficient_a cause_n in_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n we_o must_v proceed_v upon_o the_o same_o principle_n of_o reason_n by_o which_o we_o proceed_v in_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o any_o other_o truth_n but_o reason_n when_o it_o come_v up_o to_o the_o evidence_n even_o of_o demonstration_n though_o it_o satisfy_v the_o understanding_n yet_o do_v not_o necessary_o gain_v that_o firm_a and_o last_a assent_n of_o the_o will_n which_o be_v require_v in_o faith_n but_o when_o the_o thing_n prove_v to_o be_v true_a be_v unacceptable_a against_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o will_n and_o against_o the_o former_a opinion_n and_o persuasion_n of_o the_o understanding_n the_o present_a conviction_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v soon_o stifle_v and_o overpower_v by_o the_o prevail_a force_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n which_o carry_v the_o mind_n off_o to_o other_o and_o contrary_a object_n which_o it_o have_v be_v wont_a to_o think_v of_o and_o believe_v thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o academic_n and_o sceptic_n they_o can_v not_o but_o have_v the_o same_o sense_n of_o mathematical_a demonstration_n and_o other_o clear_a truth_n which_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n have_v whilst_o they_o think_v of_o they_o and_o attend_v strict_o to_o they_o but_o by_o a_o constant_a practice_n to_o amuse_v themselves_o with_o subtlety_n they_o have_v wrought_v themselves_o to_o a_o persuasion_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v certain_o know_v to_o be_v true_a and_o this_o general_a and_o habitual_a opinion_n soon_o stifle_v the_o evidence_n of_o any_o particular_a truth_n which_o can_v be_v represent_v never_o so_o clear_o to_o their_o mind_n to_o as_o many_o therefore_o as_o lay_v under_o long_a and_o violent_a prejudices_fw-la by_o reason_n of_o their_o former_a opinion_n and_o of_o their_o pride_n and_o vanity_n in_o contend_v for_o they_o or_o by_o reason_n of_o any_o of_o those_o lust_n which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a power_n of_o grace_n be_v necessary_a to_o establish_v they_o in_o the_o faith_n or_o else_o though_o they_o believe_v for_o the_o present_a at_o the_o sight_n of_o some_o miracle_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o last_a or_o wellgrounded_n faith_n john_n two_o 23_o 24._o and_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o faith_n be_v deny_v to_o some_o for_o their_o sin_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v with_o their_o eye_n nor_o understand_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o be_v convert_v john_n twelve_o 40._o so_o that_o man_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o worldly_a wisdom_n may_v still_o continue_v unbeliever_n and_o not_o submit_v to_o all_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o gospel_n because_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o contrary_a to_o their_o habitual_a thought_n and_o inclination_n there_o be_v something_o necessary_a to_o convert_v the_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o to_o subdue_v the_o former_a habit_n which_o have_v be_v root_v in_o their_o mind_n by_o frequent_a act_n and_o length_n of_o time_n and_o which_o be_v too_o strong_a for_o any_o conviction_n of_o the_o understanding_n that_o consist_v but_o in_o transient_a act_n and_o be_v soon_o lose_v and_o vanish_v through_o the_o prevail_a contrary_a habit_n both_o of_o the_o understanding_n and_o will_v and_o affection_n and_o therefore_o faith_n must_v necessary_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o grace_n as_o well_o as_o of_o reason_n and_o where_o because_o of_o former_a sin_n and_o provocation_n this_o grace_n be_v not_o vouchsafe_v there_o can_v be_v no_o faith_n though_o there_o may_v be_v some_o transient_a conviction_n of_o mind_n some_o faint_a glimmering_n which_o be_v soon_o damp_a and_o extinguish_v be_v overpower_v by_o former_a contrary_a persuasion_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n those_o who_o have_v less_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n but_o be_v not_o under_o the_o power_n of_o habitual_a lust_n and_o passion_n and_o therefore_o be_v more_o easy_o persuade_v to_o any_o thing_n of_o the_o truth_n whereof_o they_o be_v once_o convince_v be_v likewise_o the_o more_o easy_o convert_v the_o cause_n why_o the_o word_n become_v unfruitful_a and_o so_o little_o prevail_v with_o many_o man_n be_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sower_n declare_v to_o be_v either_o inconsiderate_a negligence_n and_o ignorance_n and_o the_o advantage_n take_v from_o thence_o by_o satan_n or_o want_v of_o constancy_n in_o time_n of_o tribulation_n and_o persecution_n or_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o other_o thing_n matth._n xiii_o 18._o mark_v four_o 9_o it_o be_v next_o to_o a_o impossibility_n for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n or_o to_o become_v a_o christian_n they_o be_v not_o natural_a so_o much_o as_o moral_a accomplishment_n not_o so_o much_o part_n and_o learning_n as_o a_o honest_a and_o humble_a mind_n which_o be_v the_o requisite_a qualification_n for_o man_n to_o become_v christian_n because_o as_o god_n the_o more_o free_o bestow_v his_o grace_n upon_o man_n thus_o qualify_v so_o they_o be_v the_o better_o dispose_v to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o it_o whereas_o other_o though_o they_o want_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n yet_o have_v less_o vouchsafe_v to_o they_o for_o god_n resist_v the_o proud_a but_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a thus_o much_o in_o the_o general_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o give_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o unbelief_n both_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n i._o since_o there_o be_v so_o great_a evidence_n that_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o true_a christ_n it_o may_v seem_v a_o wonderful_a and_o almost_o a_o incredible_a thing_n that_o the_o jew_n shall_v so_o general_o reject_v he_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n which_o they_o have_v above_o other_o nation_n of_o be_v convert_v but_o 1._o the_o jew_n and_o proselyte_n be_v convert_v in_o vast_a number_n beside_o the_o shepherd_n simon_n and_o anna_n the_o prophetess_n acknowledge_v and_o adore_v our_o saviour_n in_o his_o infancy_n as_o the_o true_a messiah_n luke_n two_o 25_o 36._o and_o it_o be_v probable_o hebr._n probable_o buxtorf_n de_fw-fr abbreu._n hebr._n suppose_v that_o this_o be_v rabban_n simeon_n the_o son_n of_o hillel_n and_o father_n of_o gamaliel_n the_o title_n of_o rabban_n be_v the_o high_a of_o all_o title_n signify_v a_o prince_n rather_o than_o a_o doctor_n or_o teacher_n as_o rabbi_n do_v and_o there_o be_v but_o seven_o of_o the_o posterity_n of_o hillel_n who_o be_v dignify_v with_o it_o nicodemus_n joseph_n of_o arimathea_n and_o many_o other_o of_o note_n and_o eminency_n receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n about_o three_o thousand_o be_v convert_v at_o one_o time_n act_v two_o 41._o great_a number_n be_v convert_v not_o only_o of_o the_o people_n but_o of_o the_o priest_n also_o act_n vi_fw-la 7._o all_o that_o dwell_v at_o lydda_n and_o saron_n act_v ix_o 35._o many_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o religious_a proselyte_n follow_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n act_v xiii_o 43._o at_o iconium_n a_o great_a multitude_n of_o the_o jew_n believe_v act_v fourteen_o 1._o crispus_n chief_a ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n believe_v on_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o his_o house_n act_v xviii_o 8._o and_o sosâ—henes_n another_o chief_a ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n act_v xviii_o 19_o 1_o cor._n i_o 1._o apollo_n a_o eloquent_a man_n and_o mighty_a in_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o christian_a act_n xviii_o 24._o many_o thousand_o or_o myriad_o in_o the_o greek_a act_n xxi_o 20._o and_o the_o number_n of_o they_o which_o be_v seal_v be_v a_o hundred_o and_o forty_o and_o four_o thousand_o of_o all_o the_o tribe_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n rev._n seven_o 4._o the_o people_n be_v general_o well-disposed_a to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o when_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o ruler_n will_v have_v persecute_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n they_o be_v often_o force_v to_o desist_v for_o fear_n of_o the_o people_n and_o if_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o depart_v 18._o depart_v euseb_n hist_o lib._n v._o c._n 18._o from_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o space_n of_o twelve_o year_n as_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o believe_v the_o number_n of_o convert_v in_o all_o that_o time_n must_v needs_o be_v extreme_o great_a the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n flourish_v exceed_o from_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o that_o city_n be_v of_o
cause_v the_o christian_n in_o their_o apology_n to_o press_v earnest_o for_o a_o fair_a and_o impartial_a hear_v of_o their_o cause_n beseech_v their_o enemy_n that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o injurious_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o themselves_o as_o to_o despise_v and_o condemn_v what_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v they_o be_v desirous_a to_o undergo_v any_o trial_n if_o they_o may_v but_o be_v admit_v to_o be_v hear_v 6._o yet_o many_o who_o do_v not_o actual_o become_v christian_n have_v more_o favourable_a and_o just_a thought_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n severo_fw-la religion_n ael_n lamprid._n in_o alex._n severo_fw-la alexander_n severus_n have_v the_o effigy_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o chapel_n and_o have_v design_v to_o erect_v a_o temple_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o he_o and_o to_o insert_v his_o name_n among_o the_o heathen_a go_n as_o it_o be_v report_v that_o adrian_n likewise_o with_o the_o same_o intention_n have_v command_v temple_n to_o be_v build_v without_o image_n in_o all_o city_n but_o be_v dissuade_v by_o some_o who_o consult_v the_o oracle_n about_o it_o which_o give_v out_o that_o all_o man_n will_v then_o become_v christian_n and_o the_o other_o temple_n will_v soon_o be_v forsake_v this_o which_o be_v relate_v concern_v adrian_n have_v be_v by_o some_o suppose_a to_o be_v a_o mistake_n because_o the_o father_n say_v nothing_o of_o it_o but_o ael_n lampridius_n or_o rather_o spartianus_n who_o mention_n it_o be_v a_o heathen_a may_v perhaps_o have_v it_o from_o the_o gentile_n for_o it_o be_v only_o in_o adrian_n intention_n to_o set_v up_o the_o worship_n of_o christ_n which_o may_v be_v unknown_a by_o the_o christian_n of_o his_o time_n the_o design_n be_v lay_v aside_o upon_o consult_v the_o oracle_n it_o be_v certain_o report_v in_o the_o historian_n time_n as_o he_o declare_v and_o yet_o this_o objection_n lie_v as_o well_o against_o the_o report_n as_o against_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o a_o report_n of_o this_o nature_n shall_v be_v mention_v by_o no_o christian_a writer_n though_o there_o have_v be_v no_o truth_n in_o it_o 11_o it_o euseb_n hist_o lib_n vii_o c._n 11_o aemilianus_n the_o perfect_a of_o egypt_n ask_v dionysius_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n when_o he_o be_v bring_v before_o he_o why_o if_o he_o who_o the_o christian_n worship_v be_v god_n they_o can_v not_o worship_v he_o with_o the_o other_o god_n many_o admire_v the_o doctrine_n and_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n who_o can_v not_o free_v themselves_o from_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o their_o education_n they_o will_v have_v be_v willing_a to_o have_v it_o take_v in_o among_o other_o but_o can_v not_o bring_v themselves_o to_o relinquish_v all_o their_o old_a religion_n for_o it_o the_o calumny_n raise_v against_o the_o christian_n have_v cause_v the_o popular_a odium_n and_o rage_n against_o they_o but_o they_o be_v vindicated_n by_o 13._o by_o plin._n lib._n x._o epist_n 97._o just_a mar._n apol._n 2._o eus_n hist_o lib._n iu._n c._n 8_o 9_o 13._o pliny_n in_o a_o epistle_n to_o trajan_n by_o serenius_fw-la granianuâ—_n proconsul_n of_o asia_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o adrian_n by_z adrian_z himself_z in_o his_o rescript_n by_o antoninus_n pius_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o common_a council_n or_o the_o community_n of_o the_o estate_n of_o asia_n though_o some_o ascribe_v this_o epistle_n to_o m._n antoninus_n not_o to_o mention_v his_o epistle_n to_o the_o senate_n of_o rome_n dial._n rome_n just_a martyr_n dial._n trypho_n the_o jew_n likewise_o free_v they_o from_o the_o crime_n common_o lay_v against_o they_o and_o own_v the_o excellency_n of_o their_o precept_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o those_o crime_n which_o have_v be_v wont_a to_o be_v object_v against_o the_o christian_n by_o their_o former_a adversary_n be_v not_o mention_v by_o julian_n in_o discourse_n write_v to_o oppose_v they_o who_o 305._o who_o epist_n 49._o &_o fragm_n epist_n p._n 305._o elsewhere_o speak_v of_o they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o so_o much_o to_o their_o commendation_n as_o show_v the_o mighty_a force_n of_o truth_n which_o can_v extort_v it_o from_o he_o but_o the_o fear_n and_o shame_n of_o man_n hinder_v divers_a from_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n who_o have_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o thing_n than_o to_o approve_v of_o their_o own_o 11._o own_o aug._n civit._fw-la dei_fw-la lib._n vi_o c._n 11._o seneca_n expose_v the_o heathen_a worship_n and_o express_v himself_o with_o bitterness_n against_o the_o the_o jew_n but_o be_v able_a to_o find_v nothing_o to_o blame_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n nor_o dare_v to_o commend_v it_o for_o fear_n of_o give_v offence_n to_o the_o heathen_n he_o make_v no_o mention_n of_o it_o at_o all_o these_o and_o such_o as_o these_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o unbelief_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n though_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o difficult_a to_o be_v account_v for_o than_o the_o notion_n and_o action_n of_o man_n it_o be_v as_o hard_a to_o give_v a_o account_n how_o lycurg_n how_o senec._n de_fw-fr ira._n lib._n i._o c._n 25._o plut._n in_o lycurg_n seneca_n and_o plutarch_n shall_v allow_v of_o the_o murder_v or_o starve_v of_o poor_a infant_n as_o they_o certain_o do_v as_o why_o they_o be_v not_o christian_n no_o phaenomena_n in_o nature_n can_v be_v more_o variable_a and_o uncertain_a in_o their_o cause_n than_o the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o man_n which_o differ_v according_a to_o their_o temper_n and_o capacity_n and_o circumstance_n it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o we_o can_v find_v out_o any_o probable_a solution_n and_o have_v several_a to_o offer_v which_o may_v take_v place_n according_a to_o several_a case_n but_o the_o write_n of_o such_o as_o oppose_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v very_o slight_a and_o frivolous_a contain_v a_o confession_n for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n upon_o which_o our_o faith_n be_v establish_v and_o raise_v only_o some_o weak_a cavil_n which_o never_o come_v up_o to_o the_o main_a cause_n or_o undertake_v to_o disprove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v found_v they_o can_v not_o deny_v the_o miracle_n upon_o which_o our_o religion_n be_v establish_v and_o then_o let_v any_o man_n judge_v what_o reason_n they_o can_v have_v for_o their_o infidelity_n and_o indeed_o the_o prevail_a of_o the_o christian_a religion_n under_o all_o manner_n of_o disadvantage_n as_o to_o humane_a mean_n show_v that_o the_o adversary_n of_o it_o have_v little_a to_o say_v against_o it_o for_o they_o must_v be_v but_o poor_a argument_n which_o can_v not_o dissuade_v man_n from_o become_a christian_n when_o they_o must_v incur_v all_o the_o danger_n and_o suffering_n of_o this_o world_n to_o be_v so_o the_o book_n of_o the_o first_o heathen_a writer_n against_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v frequent_o cite_v by_o st._n jerom_n and_o st._n austin_n and_o other_o author_n of_o their_o time_n as_o common_o know_v and_o probable_o they_o be_v extant_a long_o after_o so_o that_o their_o argument_n be_v baffle_v and_o destroy_v long_o before_o the_o book_n themselves_o and_o they_o have_v time_n and_o opportunity_n enough_o to_o do_v all_o the_o mischief_n that_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o their_o write_n be_v not_o yet_o so_o far_o lose_v but_o that_o we_o still_o know_v their_o principal_a argument_n which_o the_o christian_a writer_n have_v not_o conceal_v but_o have_v give_v they_o their_o full_a force_n and_o common_o in_o their_o own_o word_n origen_n be_v so_o careful_a to_o omit_v nothing_o considerable_a which_o celsus_n have_v allege_v that_o he_o be_v often_o force_v to_o make_v apology_n for_o mention_v the_o same_o thing_n over_o again_o rather_o than_o he_o will_v seem_v to_o let_v any_o thing_n pass_v which_o be_v material_a that_o his_o adversary_n have_v say_v without_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o 43._o it_o ambr._n lib._n 2._o epist_n 11._o aug._n epist_n 43._o and_o some_o piece_n be_v preserve_v entire_a as_o the_o petition_n of_o symmachus_n among_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n ambrose_n and_o the_o epistle_n of_o maximus_n madaurensis_fw-la among_o those_o of_o st._n austin_n the_o argument_n of_o julian_n be_v set_v down_o at_o large_a by_o st._n cyril_n and_o we_o learn_v from_o praefat_fw-la from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d vid._n spanhem_n in_o julian_n oper_n praefat_fw-la st._n chrisostom_n that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o philosopher_n against_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v neglect_v and_o despise_v by_o the_o gentile_n themselves_o and_o be_v scarce_o to_o be_v find_v but_o among_o the_o christian_n before_o the_o edict_n of_o theodosius_n junior_n to_o prohibit_v they_o there_o