be_v clear_o explain_v by_o their_o event_n neither_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n bear_v the_o least_o record_n of_o mahomet_n whereas_o the_o prophet_n have_v foretell_v the_o come_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o of_o a_o messiah_n that_o be_v to_o unite_v the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o to_o carry_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n mahomet_n establish_v himself_o in_o the_o world_n by_o force_n and_o violence_n but_o jesus_n christ_n only_o by_o patience_n and_o suffering_n the_o former_a be_v environ_v with_o soldier_n the_o latter_a be_v attend_v with_o martyr_n the_o one_o put_v man_n to_o death_n but_o the_o other_o receive_v death_n for_o our_o sake_n mahomet_n ambition_n who_o establish_v such_o a_o flourish_a empire_n be_v present_o see_v in_o the_o success_n he_o have_v in_o his_o undertake_n but_o jesus_n christ_n be_v far_o from_o self_n interest_n or_o ambition_n since_o he_o withdraw_v himself_o when_o they_o will_v have_v make_v he_o king_n and_o declare_v his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n instead_o of_o encourage_v the_o carnal_a prejudices_fw-la of_o his_o disciple_n he_o take_v care_n to_o undeceive_v they_o and_o to_o foretell_v all_o the_o evil_n they_o be_v to_o expect_v and_o though_o any_o shall_v presume_v open_o to_o dispute_v all_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n still_o they_o appear_v by_o the_o end_n and_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o design_n of_o which_o be_v to_o sanctify_v the_o heart_n and_o calm_v the_o disorderly_a passion_n of_o the_o soul_n mahomet_n invent_v such_o a_o religion_n which_o agree_v only_o with_o corrupt_a reason_n and_o the_o loose_a inordinate_a desire_n of_o the_o heart_n he_o make_v the_o scandal_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o give_v place_n to_o the_o magnificence_n and_o grandeur_n of_o the_o world_n he_o take_v away_o the_o most_o spiritual_a and_o difficult_a matter_n of_o morality_n to_o fill_v the_o mind_n of_o his_o disciple_n with_o carnal_a and_o sensual_a idea_n but_o not_o so_o do_v our_o saviour_n act_n who_o propose_v his_o cross_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o a_o astonish_a paradox_n and_o a_o continual_a cause_n of_o mortification_n and_o repentance_n mahomet_n establish_v his_o religion_n by_o the_o help_n of_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n by_o suppress_v such_o book_n as_o may_v have_v enlighten_v man_n understanding_n and_o by_o require_v a_o blind_a submission_n from_o they_o jesus_n christ_n on_o the_o contrary_n will_v not_o have_v they_o believe_v his_o doctrine_n but_o as_o they_o find_v it_o conformable_a to_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n search_v the_o scripture_n say_v he_o for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 5._o 39_o mahomet_n establish_v himself_o in_o the_o world_n by_o dissemble_v and_o disguise_v his_o thought_n he_o promise_v in_o the_o begin_n a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n carry_v it_o fair_a to_o the_o christian_n but_o afterwasd_n do_v his_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o extirpate_v they_o utter_o but_o jesus_n christ_n declare_v at_o first_o his_o intention_n and_o design_n which_o be_v to_o save_v mankind_n and_o overthrow_v superstition_n itself_o nor_o he_o nor_o his_o disciple_n use_v any_o policy_n or_o circumvention_n in_o this_o respect_n mahomet_n die_v but_o never_o rise_v nor_o pretend_v to_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a thereby_o to_o show_v he_o be_v approve_v of_o god_n jesus_n christ_n die_v but_o it_o be_v believe_v he_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o have_v see_v he_o after_o his_o resurrection_n and_o testify_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o all_o the_o world_n at_o the_o expense_n of_o their_o life_n and_o effusion_n of_o their_o blood_n mahomet_n religion_n be_v invent_v maintain_v and_o support_v by_o policy_n but_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v at_o first_o offensive_a to_o all_o the_o prince_n upon_o earth_n and_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o endeavour_n to_o the_o contrary_n mahomets_n religion_n appear_v at_o first_o view_n to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o triumph_n of_o humane_a industry_n and_o covetousness_n but_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n show_v that_o of_o integrity_n and_o justice_n in_o their_o full_a perfection_n and_o natural_a religion_n in_o that_o proper_a purity_n and_o simplicity_n that_o be_v restore_v to_o it_o by_o charity_n mahomet_n lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o particular_a monarchy_n and_o establish_v such_o law_n as_o human_o speak_v be_v serviceable_a only_o in_o those_o place_n wherein_o he_o have_v settle_v his_o dominion_n but_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v we_o new_a principle_n of_o union_n and_o intelligence_n very_o useful_a to_o the_o good_a of_o public_a society_n in_o general_n and_o very_o fit_a to_o cement_v the_o union_n of_o all_o man_n together_o by_o make_v the_o spirit_n of_o charity_n reign_v in_o the_o world_n the_o come_n of_o mahomet_n do_v not_o sanctify_v mankind_n but_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v attend_v with_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o person_n who_o all_o renounce_v the_o world_n mere_o by_o the_o faith_n they_o have_v in_o he_o it_o be_v not_o mahomet_n but_o jesus_n christ_n who_o exact_o fulfil_v the_o oracle_n concern_v the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n because_o mahomet_n derive_v all_o his_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n from_o jesus_n christ_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v last_o temporal_a prosperity_n be_v the_o true_a character_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o mahomet_n and_o it_o may_v be_v very_o well_o affirm_v that_o mahomet_n be_v a_o man_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o all_o those_o who_o enjoy_v the_o great_a prosperity_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v all_o tyrant_n wicked_a and_o unjust_a man_n be_v the_o favourite_n of_o god_n but_o the_o character_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v patience_n self-denial_n innocence_n and_o a_o simplicity_n of_o manner_n and_o certain_o he_o be_v approve_v of_o god_n if_o god_n approve_v of_o virtuous_a patient_a humble_a and_o charitable_a man_n it_o concern_v now_o the_o incredulous_a to_o answer_v all_o these_o difference_n if_o they_o will_v have_v we_o allow_v of_o this_o comparison_n for_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v ever_o reject_v it_o as_o be_v very_o ridiculous_a and_o extravagant_a chap._n xv._n where_o we_o further_o examine_v the_o objection_n of_o the_o incredulous_a the_o incredulous_a be_v apt_a to_o raise_v as_o many_o suspicion_n against_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o against_o his_o person_n because_o of_o all_o those_o proof_n which_o establish_v his_o religion_n there_o be_v none_o that_o can_v move_v the_o sense_n so_o much_o as_o that_o take_v from_o true_a miracle_n i._o then_o they_o object_n that_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n may_v have_v heal_v two_o or_o three_o people_n either_o by_o chance_n or_o by_o virtue_n of_o second_o cause_n and_o that_o that_o good_a success_n may_v have_v get_v he_o afterward_o the_o name_n of_o a_o prophet_n through_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v wont_a to_o ascribe_v to_o supernatural_a cause_n every_o thing_n that_o be_v unknown_a to_o they_o we_o answer_v that_o we_o have_v here_o a_o very_a great_a number_n of_o miracle_n all_o of_o different_a kind_n evident_a and_o sensible_a miracle_n in_o their_o nature_n unimitable_a and_o above_o all_o imposture_n such_o be_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a heal_v the_o blind_a the_o lame_a and_o the_o sick_a of_o the_o palsy_n etc._n etc._n ii_o they_o pretend_v that_o he_o may_v perhaps_o have_v suborn_v witness_n to_o testify_v some_o fabulous_a miracle_n but_o how_o can_v this_o be_v since_o jesus_n christ_n have_v neither_o money_n to_o give_v nor_o dignity_n to_o promise_v and_o as_o for_o cunning_a politic_a nicety_n riches_n and_o credit_n they_o be_v only_o among_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o doctor_n of_o the_o law_n his_o implacable_a enemy_n who_o take_v all_o opportunity_n to_o prejudice_v he_o because_o he_o public_o censure_v their_o hypocrisy_n upon_o all_o occasion_n iii_o they_o object_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v so_o prudent_a as_o to_o work_v his_o miracle_n only_o before_o three_o of_o his_o choose_a disciple_n viz._n peter_n james_n and_o john_n now_o say_v they_o who_o know_v but_o that_o those_o three_o disciple_n to_o flatter_v the_o ambition_n of_o their_o master_n may_v have_v attest_v certain_a miracle_n as_o true_a which_o be_v not_o real_o so_o to_o remove_v this_o suspicion_n we_o need_v only_o reflect_v upon_o the_o many_o miracle_n jesus_n christ_n wrought_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o other_o disciple_n he_o raise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o son_n of_o the_o widow_n of_o naim_n as_o he_o be_v a_o carry_v to_o be_v inter_v he_o raise_v lazarus_n from_o the_o grave_n in_o
apostle_n sincere_o believe_v they_o can_v speak_v all_o sort_n of_o language_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v be_v deceiver_n as_o to_o the_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v believe_v they_o have_v receive_v those_o miraculous_a gift_n unless_o they_o also_o believe_v the_o miracle_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v true_a and_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v believe_v the_o miracle_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v true_a if_o all_o those_o event_n have_v not_o be_v true_a indeed_o because_o as_o we_o have_v already_o plain_o make_v it_o appear_v it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n shall_v have_v be_v capable_a of_o illusion_n and_o deceit_n chap._n vi_o wherein_o we_o shall_v join_v all_o the_o miraculous_a matter_n of_o fact_n together_o and_o form_n thereby_o a_o full_a and_o perfect_a demonstration_n of_o they_o shall_v we_o consider_v all_o those_o event_n in_o general_a we_o may_v form_v a_o invincible_a demonstration_n of_o they_o by_o suppose_v the_o three_o follow_a principle_n which_o in_o my_o opinion_n will_v hereafter_o appear_v to_o be_v very_o evident_o prove_v the_o first_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n do_v real_o testify_v his_o miracle_n resurrection_n ascension_n and_o the_o pour_v out_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o the_o apostle_n the_o second_o that_o they_o sincere_o believe_v what_o they_o so_o testify_v and_o the_o three_o that_o they_o have_v firm_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n wrought_v many_o wonderful_a miracle_n that_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o have_v pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n upon_o all_o his_o disciple_n of_o all_o which_o event_n they_o be_v eye-witness_n it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v from_o thence_o that_o all_o those_o thing_n be_v certain_o true_a the_o first_o of_o these_o principle_n be_v undeniable_a in_o itself_o for_o it_o appear_v that_o these_o four_o event_n be_v the_o whole_a subject_a matter_n of_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n which_o too_o be_v plain_a because_o they_o themselves_o tell_v it_o 〈…〉_z thâ—ir_n write_n or_o rather_o because_o their_o writing_n 〈…〉_z continual_a history_n of_o they_o because_o they_o 〈…〉_z oâ—_n any_o thing_n else_o in_o all_o their_o epistle_n but_o of_o those_o four_o wonderful_a event_n in_o those_o epistle_n they_o write_v to_o whole_a society_n who_o so_o careful_o preserve_v they_o as_o write_n of_o the_o great_a value_n because_o there_o be_v no_o fragment_n page_n or_o scarce_o a_o line_n in_o all_o those_o write_n but_o what_o either_o relate_v those_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o evident_o suppose_v they_o because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o christianity_n establish_v in_o the_o world_n without_o this_o foundation_n because_o they_o have_v be_v confirm_v to_o we_o by_o person_n who_o live_v since_o the_o bless_a apostle_n and_o discourse_v familiar_o with_o they_o because_o the_o publication_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o establish_n very_o numerous_a church_n almost_o every_o where_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o because_o reason_n and_o common_a sense_n sufficient_o assure_v we_o that_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n can_v never_o have_v believe_v in_o a_o crucify_a man_n as_o such_o without_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n also_o teach_v that_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a because_o the_o faithful_a only_o believe_v the_o last_o resurrection_n upon_o their_o certain_a hope_n and_o strong_a persuasion_n that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o the_o glorious_a body_n of_o their_o divine_a redeemer_n because_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n copy_v not_o one_o another_o write_n and_o yet_o unanimous_o agree_v in_o the_o relation_n of_o those_o four_o surprise_a event_n as_o be_v the_o very_a essential_o of_o their_o doctrine_n because_o the_o primitive_a christian_n will_v not_o have_v sanctify_v themselves_o nor_o utter_o renounce_v the_o entice_a charm_n of_o the_o world_n but_o that_o they_o trust_v whole_o in_o a_o man_n that_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n because_o the_o most_o obstinate_a and_o most_o insolent_a enemy_n of_o christianity_n never_o entertain_v the_o least_o scruple_n in_o that_o respect_n nor_o presume_v to_o deny_v but_o that_o christ_n disciple_n bold_o testify_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n because_o the_o jew_n always_o acknowledge_v this_o to_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o last_o because_o the_o union_n of_o all_o those_o and_o many_o other_o circumstance_n we_o have_v already_o handle_v render_v the_o thing_n itself_o whole_o undeniable_a and_o evident_a in_o the_o high_a degree_n so_o that_o it_o be_v almost_o to_o no_o purpose_n to_o insist_v any_o long_o on_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o first_o principle_n the_o second_o be_v no_o less_o certain_a than_o the_o first_o for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o apostle_n sincere_o believe_v that_o whatever_o they_o relate_v be_v most_o certain_o true_a because_o those_o thing_n they_o deliver_v to_o we_o in_o their_o write_n be_v the_o motive_n and_o incitement_n they_o have_v to_o their_o virtue_n self_n denial_n and_o patience_n so_o often_o try_v in_o the_o danger_n they_o undergo_v because_o they_o make_v such_o simple_a and_o natural_a allusion_n to_o they_o that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a one_o shall_v not_o perceive_v their_o be_v true_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o in_o so_o much_o that_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o future_a happiness_n of_o their_o condition_n maugre_o all_o the_o reason_n they_o may_v have_v to_o think_v it_o shall_v be_v miserable_a and_o sorrowful_a because_o it_o be_v this_o very_a persuasion_n which_o give_v they_o the_o courage_n they_o have_v to_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o great_a danger_n and_o undergo_v the_o most_o severe_a trial_n because_o they_o rejoice_v with_o one_o another_o in_o that_o they_o be_v think_v worthy_a of_o spend_v their_o life_n and_o whatever_o else_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n though_o they_o must_v needs_o have_v very_o well_o know_v the_o cheat_n they_o have_v forge_v among_o themselves_o if_o what_o they_o say_v be_v not_o certain_o true_a and_o above_o all_o because_o they_o pretend_v to_o show_v very_o sensible_a and_o miraculous_a proof_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o have_v deliver_v in_o fine_a the_o last_o of_o these_o principle_n be_v still_o if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v more_o evident_a than_o either_o of_o the_o former_a for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n shall_v have_v be_v deceive_v 1._o in_o such_o evident_a matter_n of_o fact_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o they_o may_v so_o easy_o have_v be_v assure_v of_o by_o sensible_a experience_n 2._o in_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n so_o different_a from_o one_o another_o by_o their_o circumstance_n and_o 3._o in_o such_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o be_v so_o link_v and_o unite_v one_o with_o another_o that_o whosoever_o grant_v but_o one_o must_v necessary_o grant_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o rest_n and_o now_o let_v the_o reader_n but_o thorough_o consider_v all_o these_o thing_n within_o himself_o and_o i_o be_o full_o persuade_v he_o can_v never_o doubt_v of_o any_o of_o these_o three_o principle_n for_o he_o can_v so_o much_o as_o deny_v one_o of_o they_o without_o a_o extraordinary_a reluctance_n in_o his_o mind_n which_o will_v force_v back_o the_o truth_n upon_o he_o shall_v he_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n never_o preach_v the_o miracle_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o the_o pour_v out_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o it_o will_v be_v as_o great_a a_o falsehood_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v that_o there_o be_v never_o any_o such_o man_n as_o the_o apostle_n or_o that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n nor_o preach_v that_o man_n must_v necessary_o believe_v on_o he_o and_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o he_o will_v present_o reject_v all_o these_o proposition_n as_o be_v absurd_o false_a and_o extravagant_a in_o themselves_o again_o shall_v he_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o sincere_o believe_v the_o miracle_n resurrection_n ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v affirm_v they_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o work_v any_o miracle_n speak_v strange_a language_n or_o think_v
some_o mark_n of_o his_o weakness_n in_o the_o garden_n of_o gethsemane_n where_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n make_v he_o sweat_v great_a drop_n of_o blood_n and_o where_o he_o cry_v out_o several_a time_n o_o my_o father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v 39_o this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o they_o also_o pretend_v that_o this_o exclamation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n when_o nail_v on_o the_o cross_n my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o be_v a_o expression_n of_o his_o despair_n i_o know_v not_o here_o what_o to_o admire_v most_o either_o the_o impudence_n of_o these_o proud_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n or_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n which_o still_o become_v strong_a the_o more_o they_o endeavour_v to_o shake_v it_o for_o as_o for_o the_o first_o if_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o christian_n wont_v believe_v the_o report_n of_o the_o evangelist_n how_o come_v they_o to_o know_v that_o jesus_n christ_n utter_v these_o word_n which_o give_v they_o occasion_n to_o think_v he_o want_v constancy_n but_o if_o they_o will_v believe_v the_o report_n of_o the_o evangelist_n why_o shall_v they_o refuse_v to_o believe_v so_o many_o miraculous_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o the_o evangelist_n leave_v to_o we_o in_o writing_n after_o have_v be_v eye-witness_n of_o the_o same_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o may_v find_v in_o our_o principle_n wherewith_o to_o explain_v those_o place_n they_o bring_v against_o we_o the_o word_n which_o jesus_n christ_n speak_v to_o his_o bless_a mother_n give_v we_o only_o to_o understand_v how_o very_o jealous_a he_o be_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o call_v he_o speak_v to_o she_o as_o a_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n as_o the_o person_n in_o who_o she_o ought_v necessary_o to_o believe_v in_o order_n to_o her_o salvation_n and_o who_o doubt_v but_o in_o that_o quality_n he_o have_v some_o authority_n over_o she_o as_o for_o the_o sorrowfulness_n he_o express_v in_o his_o agony_n it_o may_v proceed_v from_o a_o double_a cause_n the_o one_o natural_a and_o the_o other_o supernatural_a he_o may_v very_o well_o fear_v death_n as_o man_n and_o the_o pain_n inflict_v on_o his_o humane_a nature_n may_v force_v he_o to_o utter_v some_o innocent_a complaint_n but_o that_o be_v not_o all_o that_o make_v his_o torment_n grievous_a he_o be_v load_v with_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n and_o subject_a to_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n he_o look_v upon_o god_n as_o his_o father_n but_o god_n offer_v himself_o to_o he_o as_o a_o angry_a judge_n the_o more_o he_o love_v his_o father_n the_o more_o sensible_a he_o be_v of_o the_o grief_n he_o sustain_v in_o be_v remove_v from_o he_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o suffering_n consist_v in_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o virtue_n and_o what_o he_o say_v here_o to_o his_o father_n be_v rather_o the_o language_n of_o his_o love_n than_o that_o of_o his_o despair_n but_o if_o the_o incredulous_a shall_v say_v they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o subscribe_v to_o my_o explanation_n because_o it_o be_v incertain_a whether_o they_o have_v any_o other_o ground_n than_o my_o bare_a imagination_n i_o be_o willing_a they_o shall_v entertain_v this_o scruple_n and_o cherish_v it_o till_o by_o establish_v my_o principle_n i_o have_v a_o opportunity_n of_o answer_v yet_o more_o full_o all_o those_o difficulty_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o hold_v that_o nothing_o can_v more_o demonstrate_v the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o evangelist_n than_o those_o place_n just_a now_o mention_v and_o i_o affirm_v that_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o evangelist_n be_v well_o demonstrate_v do_v invincible_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o certain_o either_o those_o who_o compose_v the_o gospel_n have_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v mankind_n in_o behalf_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o religion_n or_o they_o have_v no_o such_o design_n at_o all_o if_o they_o have_v any_o such_o design_n they_o will_v have_v take_v special_a care_n not_o to_o set_v down_o those_o circumstance_n of_o the_o death_n of_o their_o master_n which_o may_v give_v the_o world_n a_o occasion_n to_o suspect_v he_o want_v courage_n or_o think_v himself_o forsake_v of_o god_n but_o if_o in_o write_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n they_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o design_n to_o deceive_v mankind_n we_o must_v then_o of_o necessity_n look_v upon_o they_o as_o be_v very_o sincere_a author_n who_o will_v not_o deceive_v we_o unless_o they_o themselves_o have_v first_o of_o all_o be_v deceive_v so_o that_o all_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n they_o tell_v we_o of_o be_v such_o as_o be_v show_v only_o by_o illusion_n and_o we_o need_v here_o only_o consider_v whether_o all_o the_o disciple_n can_v have_v fancy_v they_o see_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o very_o singular_a and_o sensible_a miracle_n such_o as_o sick_a man_n heal_v dead_a raise_v to_o life_n etc._n etc._n and_o have_v believe_v that_o they_o themselves_o work_v miracle_n when_o all_o the_o while_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n here_o to_o allege_v that_o the_o evangelist_n affect_v a_o ingenuous_a simplicity_n to_o avoid_v the_o suspicion_n of_o dishonesty_n for_o have_v that_o be_v their_o design_n they_o will_v have_v take_v special_a care_n not_o to_o furnish_v impious_a man_n with_o place_n and_o passage_n on_o which_o they_o may_v raise_v imaginary_a triumph_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o evangelist_n relate_v those_o word_n because_o their_o simplicity_n be_v so_o great_a that_o they_o have_v not_o judgement_n to_o discern_v whether_o they_o be_v for_o or_o against_o their_o cause_n for_o what_o probability_n be_v there_o that_o man_n who_o have_v wit_n enough_o to_o deceive_v other_o people_n shall_v have_v so_o little_a in_o this_o occasion_n must_v a_o man_n needs_o be_v wise_a and_o learned_a when_o he_o choose_v to_o represent_v his_o master_n constant_a and_o undaunted_a rather_o than_o sorrowful_a unto_o death_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o one_o single_a evangelist_n that_o relate_v the_o history_n of_o his_o passion_n after_o this_o manner_n they_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o respect_n and_o how_o can_v this_o be_v so_o but_o that_o they_o only_o propose_v to_o themselves_o to_o speak_v the_o plain_a truth_n and_o they_o speak_v it_o without_o consider_v the_o impression_n it_o will_v make_v on_o mankind_n without_o examine_v whether_o the_o incredulous_a will_v take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o to_o slander_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n if_o what_o have_v be_v say_v here_o be_v not_o sufficient_a i_o be_o willing_a more_o particular_o to_o examine_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n chap._n vi_o where_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o see_v whether_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o illusion_n or_o imposture_n those_o book_n contain_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o extraordinary_a divine_a and_o admirable_a thing_n but_o the_o principal_a of_o they_o be_v reducible_a to_o these_o four_o head_n i._o the_o birth_n genealogy_n and_o education_n of_o jesus_n christ_n with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o they_o which_o we_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o at_o present_a lest_o we_o shall_v be_v too_o tedious_a have_v already_o mention_v they_o in_o our_o first_o part_n of_o this_o work_n ii_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o office_n confirm_v by_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o miracle_n from_o his_o baptism_n to_o his_o ascension_n iii_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n see_v clear_o in_o several_a occasion_n and_o shine_v throughout_o the_o various_a action_n of_o his_o life_n iv._o his_o doctrine_n and_o his_o prophecy_n from_o these_o four_o different_a head_n spring_v forth_o such_o beam_n of_o truth_n as_o wonderful_o illustrate_v this_o whole_a matter_n let_v we_o therefore_o examine_v they_o in_o their_o order_n and_o keep_v still_o to_o our_o usual_a method_n which_o be_v to_o raise_v as_o we_o go_v along_o as_o many_o difficulty_n as_o we_o can_v and_o urge_v they_o on_o with_o all_o their_o force_n to_o stop_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o complaint_n of_o the_o incredulous_a against_o we_o we_o may_v very_o well_o consider_v in_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n their_o number_n variety_n and_o greatness_n the_o noise_n they_o make_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o they_o be_v receive_v and_o first_o the_o evangelist_n make_v appear_v the_o number_n variety_n and_o greatness_n of_o they_o in_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o change_v water_n into_o wine_n in_o cana_n that_o he_o restore_v sight_n to_o the_o blind_a hear_v to_o the_o deaf_a and_o health_n to_o the_o sick_a that_o he_o cleanse_v the_o leprous_a heal_v the_o sick_a of_o the_o palsy_n cure_v one_o of_o a_o wither_a hand_n
the_o sight_n of_o several_a jew_n who_o be_v purposely_o come_v thither_o to_o comfort_v the_o sister_n of_o the_o decease_a person_n he_o tarry_v four_o day_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v say_v he_o be_v not_o real_o dead_a he_o permit_v lazarus_n to_o converse_v with_o his_o acquaintance_n after_o his_o resurrection_n which_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o jew_n blind_v with_o madness_n to_o conspire_v together_o to_o send_v he_o to_o the_o grave_n again_o who_o the_o grave_n have_v just_o send_v they_o for_o their_o conversion_n iu._n but_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o such_o great_a and_o such_o unparalelled_a miracle_n as_o these_o shall_v make_v so_o little_a impression_n upon_o people_n mind_n this_o age_n be_v indeed_o a_o wicked_a and_o prejudice_v age_n but_o yet_o what_o a_o noise_n will_v the_o resurrection_n of_o a_o dead_a man_n make_v now_o how_o many_o will_v make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o be_v full_o satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n how_o few_o will_v doubt_v it_o after_o have_v know_v the_o certain_a truth_n of_o it_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o who_o hear_v this_o miracle_n do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o believe_v it_o some_o ascribe_v it_o to_o the_o power_n of_o beelzebub_n other_o to_o some_o other_o cause_n some_o know_v not_o what_o to_o think_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o refuse_v to_o inquire_v into_o it_o other_o very_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n and_o lazarus_n have_v agree_v together_o thus_o to_o seduce_v the_o people_n and_o this_o very_a likely_a be_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o seek_v after_o lazarus_n to_o put_v he_o to_o death_n other_o though_o very_o few_o take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o to_o glorify_v god_n but_o lest_o any_o man_n shall_v wonder_v at_o the_o little_a impression_n this_o miracle_n make_v upon_o the_o prejudice_v and_o superstitious_a mind_n of_o man_n it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v these_o two_o follow_a reflection_n first_o that_o there_o have_v be_v several_a jew_n who_o free_o acknowledge_v the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n though_o they_o persist_v in_o their_o incredulity_n choose_v rather_o superstitious_o to_o ascribe_v they_o to_o a_o certain_a i_o know_v not_o what_o pronunciation_n of_o the_o word_n jehovah_n than_o to_o refer_v they_o totheir_o true_a cause_n which_o show_v that_o the_o evidence_n of_o miracle_n be_v not_o always_o of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o overcome_v the_o hardness_n of_o some_o man_n mind_n when_o prepossess_v with_o prejudice_n second_o that_o superstition_n itself_o have_v be_v sometime_o carry_v on_o to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o extinguish_v utter_o all_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o even_o to_o call_v in_o question_n those_o very_a object_n that_o be_v present_a to_o the_o sense_n rather_o than_o be_v oblige_v to_o renounce_v its_o prejudices_fw-la but_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o insist_v much_o upon_o this_o last_o reflection_n it_o sufficient_o appear_v from_o thence_o that_o there_o be_v such_o people_n in_o the_o world_n who_o mind_n be_v prepossess_v will_v either_o call_v in_o question_n any_o palpable_a truth_n or_o else_o ascribe_v matter_n of_o fact_n true_o miraculous_a to_o some_o fantastical_a and_o extravagant_a cause_n but_o there_o be_v none_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o die_v in_o order_n to_o maintain_v that_o they_o be_v spectator_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v real_o never_o see_v especial_o when_o they_o profess_v to_o believe_v that_o imposture_n be_v a_o crime_n worthy_a of_o death_n and_o when_o they_o may_v be_v so_o easy_o find_v out_o by_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o witness_n it_o will_v argue_v mere_a folly_n for_o any_o to_o pretend_v to_o impose_v upon_o man_n in_o this_o respect_n the_o jewish_a doctor_n have_v credit_n and_o authority_n enough_o over_o the_o people_n partly_o to_o stifle_v the_o knowledge_n they_o may_v have_v of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o if_o that_o fail_v at_o least_o to_o give_v such_o reason_n of_o they_o as_o will_v certain_o flatter_v the_o immoderate_a desire_n the_o jew_n have_v to_o see_v not_o a_o sorrowful_a and_o contemptible_a but_o a_o glorious_a and_o triumph_a messiah_n but_o the_o disciple_n be_v too_o weak_a to_o endure_v the_o severity_n of_o those_o torment_n inflict_v on_o they_o have_v they_o be_v mere_a impostor_n and_o be_v not_o sure_o so_o senseless_a as_o ever_o to_o think_v they_o may_v easy_o persuade_v man_n to_o believe_v such_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o the_o resurrection_n of_o lazarus_n for_o to_o endeavour_v to_o conceal_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n of_o that_o nature_n one_o have_v need_v only_o of_o prejudice_n and_o a_o wicked_a inclination_n but_o to_o have_v a_o design_n to_o make_v other_o man_n believe_v it_o when_o it_o be_v real_o false_a one_o must_v be_v possess_v with_o a_o unaccountable_a and_o unheard_a of_o madness_n v._o but_o you_o will_v say_v let_v the_o opinion_n the_o jew_n have_v of_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v what_o it_o will_v still_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o can_v have_v no_o better_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o they_o and_o that_o josephus_n for_o example_n who_o careful_o relate_v the_o least_o sort_n of_o event_n and_o forget_v not_o to_o mention_v certain_a seducer_n that_o have_v appear_v in_o the_o world_n from_o time_n to_o time_n before_o he_o shall_v not_o in_o the_o least_o speak_v of_o the_o miracle_n of_o of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v suppose_v by_o some_o that_o that_o notable_a testimony_n which_o he_o bear_v of_o he_o be_v a_o pious_a fraud_n of_o he_o or_o a_o mere_a invention_n of_o the_o succeed_a age_n we_o shall_v not_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o at_o present_a we_o be_v willing_a to_o take_v thing_n in_o the_o worst_a sense_n and_o we_o have_v three_o several_a reply_n to_o make_v this_o objection_n concern_v the_o silence_n of_o josephus_n in_o this_o respect_n the_o first_o be_v that_o those_o who_o probable_o insert_v in_o the_o write_n of_o that_o author_n that_o notable_a place_n which_o have_v give_v occasion_n to_o the_o criticism_n of_o the_o learned_a may_v for_o a_o continuation_n of_o their_o design_n have_v blot_v out_o every_o thing_n that_o josephus_n real_o tell_v we_o on_o this_o account_n and_o which_o perhaps_o though_o less_o advantageous_a to_o our_o cause_n be_v yet_o sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v hold_v as_o one_o that_o wrought_v many_o miracle_n the_o second_o that_o josephus_n be_v a_o pharisee_n may_v probable_o have_v conceal_v the_o wonder_n of_o the_o life_n of_o our_o saviour_n out_o of_o the_o hatred_n he_o bear_v to_o our_o religion_n and_o the_o last_o be_v that_o as_o this_o man_n have_v endeavour_v to_o insinuate_v himself_o into_o vespasian_n favour_n by_o foretell_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v emperor_n and_o have_v ascribe_v to_o he_o several_a prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a 12._o testament_n which_o promise_v that_o a_o king_n shall_v come_v from_o the_o east_n it_o be_v high_o probabable_a that_o this_o author_n be_v a_o courtier_n will_v not_o out_o of_o complaisance_n to_o vespasian_n and_o his_o child_n mention_v the_o least_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n who_o have_v pretend_v he_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o to_o who_o other_o people_n ascribe_v those_o famous_a prophecy_n whereby_o he_o have_v endeavour_v to_o ingratiate_v himself_o in_o that_o emperor_n esteem_n and_o certain_o it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a to_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n who_o have_v careful_o relate_v the_o least_o circumstance_n of_o the_o life_n of_o herod_n the_o great_a shall_v have_v forget_v the_o murder_n of_o the_o child_n of_o bethlehem_n if_o at_o the_o time_n he_o discover_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o murder_n he_o have_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o discover_v also_o the_o dread_n herod_n have_v upon_o he_o at_o the_o birth_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o opinion_n than_o currant_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v in_o bethlehem_n it_o be_v however_o certain_a that_o this_o author_n can_v not_o have_v conceal_v any_o such_o event_n as_o these_o but_o only_o out_o of_o ignorance_n or_o policy_n he_o can_v not_o have_v do_v it_o out_o of_o ignorance_n and_o the_o incredulous_a themselves_o will_v not_o presume_v to_o think_v that_o josephus_n be_v altogether_o ignorant_a that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v be_v put_v to_o death_n at_o jerusalem_n that_o he_o be_v accuse_v there_o of_o seduce_v the_o people_n that_o he_o have_v several_a disciple_n to_o attend_v he_o who_o number_n in_o his_o time_n increase_v yet_o daily_o nay_o that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o very_a numerous_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n compose_v of_o person_n of_o that_o persuasion_n and_o certain_o there_o must_v have_v be_v christian_n in_o all_o judea_n since_o there_o dwell_v a_o very_a
considerable_a number_n of_o they_o at_o rome_n under_o the_o emperor_n claud._n claudius_n cesar_n as_o it_o appear_v more_o at_o large_a by_o the_o history_n of_o suetonius_n it_o must_v therefore_o be_v out_o of_o policy_n that_o josephus_n make_v no_o mention_n of_o they_o and_o we_o can_v never_o suspect_v he_o of_o have_v have_v a_o design_n to_o conceal_v by_o his_o silence_n those_o impostor_n which_o arise_v among_o the_o jew_n because_o he_o speak_v of_o all_o the_o rest_n nor_o to_o spare_v the_o shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o his_o own_o nation_n because_o he_o so_o particular_o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o discover_v the_o fury_n and_o lewdness_n of_o that_o people_n let_v any_o one_o thorough_o consider_v all_o these_o thing_n and_o he_o will_v then_o necessary_o confess_v that_o the_o silence_n of_o josephus_n which_o be_v occasion_v mere_o by_o policy_n can_v but_o be_v very_o advantageous_a to_o our_o cause_n vi_o but_o last_o it_o be_v object_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o frequent_a than_o to_o see_v some_o man_n endeavour_v to_o make_v other_o believe_v those_o miracle_n as_o be_v never_o in_o be_v it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v how_o strange_o people_n have_v always_o be_v infatuate_v in_o this_o respect_n and_o what_o a_o easy_a matter_n it_o be_v to_o impose_v 13._o upon_o they_o tacitus_n relate_v that_o vespasian_n be_v one_o day_n at_o alexandria_n he_o heal_v two_o blind_a man_n and_o that_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n will_v have_v be_v altogether_o incredible_a hadnot_v the_o whole_a court_n be_v a_o eye-witness_n to_o it_o we_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a vespasian_n be_v willing_a to_o be_v think_v to_o have_v do_v some_o miracle_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o prophecy_n which_o seem_v to_o promise_v he_o the_o empire_n of_o the_o world_n according_a to_o the_o false_a application_n josephus_n have_v make_v of_o they_o to_o his_o person_n he_o be_v at_o first_o well_o enough_o please_v to_o see_v that_o jew_n flatter_v he_o by_o such_o a_o agreeable_a prediction_n but_o be_v sometime_o after_o come_v to_o alexandria_n and_o perceive_v that_o his_o concern_v successful_o go_v on_o he_o think_v it_o behove_v he_o to_o persuade_v the_o people_n that_o he_o be_v call_v to_o the_o empire_n by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o doubtless_o with_o that_o design_n he_o command_v two_o man_n that_o counterfeit_a blindness_n to_o be_v bring_v unto_o he_o on_o purpose_n to_o work_v upon_o they_o a_o false_a miracle_n but_o give_v this_o objection_n a_o great_a latitude_n i_o answer_v that_o there_o be_v no_o miracle_n whatever_o but_o what_o i_o very_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a and_o which_o appear_v to_o i_o past_o all_o contradiction_n if_o they_o have_v those_o ten_o character_n which_o any_o one_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n i._o if_o they_o be_v as_o the_o former_a foretell_v in_o the_o ancient_a oracle_n ii_o if_o they_o be_v very_o frequent_a very_o numerous_a various_a and_o evident_a iii_o if_o the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v a_o simple_a and_o disinterest_v sort_n of_o people_n who_o in_o all_o appearance_n have_v neither_o malice_n enough_o to_o have_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v nor_o understanding_n enough_o to_o have_v the_o power_n to_o do_v it_o nor_o boldness_n to_o undertake_v it_o nor_o credit_n to_o maintain_v it_o iv._o if_o those_o miracle_n be_v so_o try_v by_o the_o prudence_n and_o industry_n of_o the_o most_o skilful_a man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o they_o not_o be_v able_a altogether_o to_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o refer_v they_o to_o several_a odd_a and_o extravagant_a cause_n v._o if_o there_o be_v a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o witness_n who_o die_v and_o rejoice_v to_o die_v in_o the_o testimony_n not_o that_o they_o only_o hear_v of_o they_o but_o that_o they_o both_o see_v and_o work_v they_o themselves_o vi_o if_o the_o end_n of_o those_o miracle_n be_v not_o to_o satisfy_v man_n passion_n or_o loose_a desire_n but_o to_o sanctify_v their_o heart_n and_o regulate_v their_o manner_n vii_o if_o those_o person_n which_o both_o testify_v and_o admit_v of_o they_o seem_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n to_o aim_v at_o nothing_o else_o but_o their_o own_o salvation_n and_o that_o of_o their_o brethren_n and_o on_o the_o other_o if_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o their_o salvation_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o imposture_n and_o deceit_n viii_o if_o those_o who_o testify_v they_o proffer_v to_o do_v the_o like_a if_o they_o pretend_v themselves_o able_a to_o impart_v any_o miraculous_a gift_n to_o other_o and_o if_o by_o the_o help_n of_o that_o sensible_a mean_n and_o of_o that_o proof_n which_o they_o call_v the_o conviction_n of_o the_o mind_n they_o make_v great_a progress_n than_o ever_o the_o most_o fortunate_a conqueror_n do_v by_o the_o force_n of_o their_o arm_n ix_o if_o those_o who_o refuse_v to_o allow_v of_o all_o these_o miraculous_a matter_n of_o fact_n must_v unavoidable_o fall_v into_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o self_n evident_a contradiction_n as_o for_o instance_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o wise_a among_o man_n be_v the_o most_o foolish_a and_o the_o most_o constant_a the_o most_o deceitful_a x._o if_o all_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v so_o strict_o unite_v to_o one_o another_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o own_o the_o one_o without_o present_o grant_v the_o other_o too_o and_o so_o inseparable_o interweave_v with_o some_o other_o undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n that_o can_v be_v call_v in_o question_n without_o utter_o renounce_v our_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o last_o if_o they_o end_v in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o a_o man_n who_o be_v vain_o seek_v for_o in_o his_o grave_n after_o his_o death_n notwithstanding_o his_o sepulchre_n have_v be_v seal_v and_o surround_v with_o a_o watch_n of_o such_o a_o man_n who_o above_o five_o hundred_o witness_n affirm_v they_o have_v see_v and_o who_o converse_v with_o his_o disciple_n forty_o day_n after_o his_o resurrection_n as_o they_o unanimous_o testify_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o punishment_n inflict_v on_o they_o for_o the_o same_o the_o incredulous_a must_v either_o show_v we_o to_o be_v deceive_v in_o ascribe_v all_o these_o character_n to_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n or_o else_o forbear_v make_v such_o comparison_n chap._n xvi_o where_o we_o further_o examine_v those_o difficulty_n which_o may_v be_v raise_v against_o our_o principle_n those_o who_o regard_v not_o the_o master_n of_o the_o house_n doubtless_o will_v not_o respect_v the_o person_n of_o his_o servant_n the_o incredulous_a no_o doubt_n have_v many_o thing_n to_o object_n against_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o will_v ask_v why_o the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v so_o small_a wherefore_o he_o choose_v they_o so_o poor_a and_o ignorant_a since_o your_o famous_a teacher_n such_o as_o the_o pharisee_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o stoic_n among_o the_o heathen_n woâ—ld_v have_v probable_o gain_v his_o sect_n more_o credit_n and_o respect_n wherefore_o be_v he_o attend_v with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n nay_o even_o with_o harlot_n and_o last_o why_o shall_v we_o rather_o believe_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o disciple_n concern_v their_o master_n than_o that_o of_o those_o man_n who_o the_o jew_n employ_v to_o signify_v that_o jesus_n a_o galilean_a be_v a_o impostor_n and_o that_o his_o disciple_n have_v take_v away_o his_o body_n by_o night_n from_o the_o sepulchre_n wherein_o he_o have_v be_v lay_v justin_n be_v the_o man_n who_o speak_v of_o those_o choose_v by_o the_o synagogue_n to_o spread_v abroad_o this_o report_n in_o his_o dialogue_n against_o tryphon_n it_o will_v be_v easy_a for_o we_o not_o only_o to_o answer_v all_o their_o objection_n but_o even_o to_o draw_v from_o they_o several_a very_o considerable_a advantage_n to_o our_o cause_n for_o as_o to_o the_o first_o we_o answer_v that_o beside_o the_o twelve_o disciple_n common_o call_v apostle_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v choose_v to_o himself_o in_o the_o beginning_n he_o also_o send_v seventy_o other_o who_o be_v not_o only_a eye-witness_n to_o all_o his_o action_n but_o also_o the_o very_a instrument_n he_o make_v use_v of_o to_o advance_v his_o kingdom_n that_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n be_v testify_v and_o see_v by_o above_o five_o hundred_o brethren_n at_o once_o and_o that_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n which_o fall_v on_o the_o disciple_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o their_o master_n and_o the_o miracle_n which_o god_n wrought_v by_o their_o hand_n have_v as_o many_o witness_n as_o their_o be_v people_n that_o believe_v there_o preach_v as_o to_o the_o second_o we_o answer_v that_o the_o choice_n of_o such_o vile_a contemptible_a instrument_n as_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o noble_a design_n be_v one_o of_o
of_o their_o grave_n and_o appear_v unto_o many_o in_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o to_o consider_v only_o those_o prodigy_n which_o draw_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o can_v not_o but_o universal_o cause_v a_o public_a consternation_n and_o make_v a_o fearful_a impression_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n now_o i_o affirm_v it_o can_v natural_o enter_v i_o shall_v not_o say_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o sincere_a honest_a man_n but_o even_o into_o that_o of_o a_o impostor_n to_o imagine_v he_o can_v ever_o be_v capable_a of_o make_v other_o believe_v thing_n so_o notorious_o know_v as_o those_o we_o now_o have_v under_o consideration_n must_v have_v be_v have_v they_o be_v false_a it_o be_v not_o many_o year_n ago_o since_o a_o certain_a man_n be_v execute_v at_o paris_n for_o call_v himself_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o have_v a_o few_o disciple_n and_o some_o follower_n but_o his_o sect_n be_v soon_o bury_v together_o with_o 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himself_o those_o very_a christian_n then_o of_o jerusalem_n see_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o happen_v at_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n for_o they_o be_v the_o man_n that_o have_v be_v convert_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o st._n peter_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n and_o who_o be_v prick_v to_o the_o heart_n cry_v out_o man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v act_n 2._o 37._o they_o have_v see_v then_o that_o the_o sun_n be_v not_o eclipse_v that_o the_o rock_n rend_v not_o that_o there_o happen_v no_o earthquake_n no_o surprise_a and_o supernatural_a prodigy_n at_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o they_o see_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n they_o can_v not_o but_o look_v upon_o the_o report_n of_o the_o evangelist_n as_o a_o scandalous_a lie_n and_o notorious_a falsehood_n design_v to_o seduce_v they_o from_o their_o rational_a belief_n and_o persuade_v they_o out_o of_o their_o sense_n but_o it_o be_v far_a observable_a that_o not_o one_o only_o but_o three_o evangelist_n have_v write_v these_o thing_n who_o as_o appear_v evident_o do_v not_o compose_v their_o gospel_n together_o but_z separately_z and_o at_o different_a time_n and_o yet_o all_o agree_v in_o their_o relation_n of_o that_o notable_a circumstance_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o no_o doubt_n but_o they_o all_o agree_v also_o in_o the_o relation_n of_o it_o when_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n who_o then_o can_v reasonable_o believe_v that_o when_o the_o disciple_n preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o jerusalem_n in_o order_n to_o establish_v a_o christian_a church_n there_o their_o design_n be_v to_o persuade_v the_o jew_n that_o they_o must_v not_o believe_v their_o own_o eye_n and_o that_o what_o they_o have_v see_v be_v not_o that_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v see_v who_o can_v imagine_v that_o those_o very_a jew_n themselves_o who_o be_v present_a and_o assist_v at_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v suffer_v themselves_o insensible_o to_o be_v persuade_v that_o that_o fabulous_a recital_n be_v a_o very_a true_a narration_n and_o believe_v that_o real_o to_o have_v happen_v which_o they_o certain_o know_v never_o come_v to_o pass_v who_o can_v even_o suppose_v that_o the_o apostle_n can_v fancy_v themselves_o able_a to_o make_v the_o jew_n look_v upon_o a_o crucify_a man_n as_o the_o object_n of_o their_o adoration_n and_o worship_n by_o propose_v to_o their_o belief_n the_o most_o impudent_a and_o apparent_a lie_n that_o ever_o be_v invent_v since_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n but_o it_o will_v concern_v we_o careful_o to_o consider_v the_o rend_n of_o the_o veil_n of_o the_o temple_n for_o that_o circumstance_n be_v so_o very_o singular_a that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a of_o itself_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o our_o incredulous_a adversary_n who_o though_o they_o shall_v so_o inconsiderate_o and_o wilful_o delude_v themselves_o as_o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o day_n whereon_o jesus_n christ_n die_v there_o happen_v by_o chance_n or_o rather_o according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o second_o cause_n a_o real_a eclipse_n which_o have_v indeed_o seem_v supernatural_a to_o the_o ignorant_a vulgar_a but_o have_v nothing_o supernatural_a in_o itself_o yet_o what_o can_v they_o say_v to_o the_o veil_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v be_v rent_n in_o twain_o from_o the_o top_n to_o the_o bottom_n can_v there_o be_v any_o natural_a cause_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v rend_v precise_o and_o exact_o at_o the_o time_n when_o jesus_n christ_n suffer_v death_n or_o can_v any_o exterior_a darkness_n produce_v such_o a_o effect_n perhaps_o some_o will_v object_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v simple_a and_o ignorant_a people_n and_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v easy_a than_o to_o delude_v and_o impose_v upon_o they_o i_o grant_v it_o but_o than_o what_o great_a learning_n be_v require_v to_o know_v precise_o whether_o all_o those_o so_o sensible_a and_o so_o notable_a prodigy_n have_v real_o fall_v out_o upon_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n death_n we_o have_v already_o show_v that_o among_o the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v several_a which_o the_o disciple_n dare_v not_o have_v invent_v or_o forge_v have_v they_o not_o be_v real_o true_a we_o must_v add_v in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o other_o circumstance_n which_o the_o disciple_n can_v not_o have_v forge_v have_v they_o design_v it_o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o great_a number_n of_o lame_a people_n who_o our_o saviour_n cause_v to_o walk_v of_o the_o sick_a of_o the_o palsy_n to_o who_o he_o restore_v the_o use_n of_o their_o limb_n of_o the_o deaf_a who_o he_o cause_v to_o hear_v and_o of_o many_o other_o diverse_o affect_v with_o various_a disease_n who_o he_o wonderful_o heal_v to_o the_o
mankind_n or_o at_o least_o those_o country_n where_o all_o those_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v i_o answer_v first_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o stifle_v or_o conceal_v they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o it_o that_o they_o convert_v a_o infinite_a number_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o that_o too_o in_o a_o very_a short_a time_n second_o there_o be_v several_a external_a cause_n which_o very_o much_o contribute_v towards_o the_o weaken_n the_o impression_n they_o will_v otherwise_o have_v make_v upon_o mankind_n for_o first_o the_o elder_n among_o the_o jew_n endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v to_o persuade_v the_o people_n that_o all_o those_o miracle_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o product_n of_o some_o magic_a power_n or_o a_o kind_n of_o compact_n with_o the_o devil_n second_o those_o that_o be_v in_o power_n be_v so_o much_o exasperate_v against_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n that_o whosoever_o resolve_v to_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n must_v immediate_o prepare_v himself_o to_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o dungeon_n or_o execute_v upon_o a_o scaffold_n nay_o to_o undergo_v if_o possible_a any_o thing_n more_o sorrowful_a and_o fatal_a than_o this_o and_o because_o nothing_o make_v a_o great_a impression_n upon_o man_n than_o to_o see_v punishment_n inflict_v on_o other_o all_o parent_n strict_o charge_v their_o child_n not_o to_o hold_v any_o conversation_n with_o the_o christian_n lest_o they_o shall_v see_v they_o end_v their_o day_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o torment_n nay_o they_o be_v very_o cautious_a and_o strict_a themselves_o in_o avoid_v their_o society_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o keep_v such_o a_o extraordinary_a distance_n from_o the_o christian_n they_o shut_v their_o eye_n and_o stop_v their_o ear_n that_o they_o may_v not_o hear_v their_o word_n nor_o see_v the_o miracle_n which_o they_o perform_v three_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o opinion_n the_o jew_n have_v be_v prepossess_v with_o that_o they_o can_v not_o but_o hate_n and_o avoid_v it_o for_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n become_v a_o scandal_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o be_v treat_v as_o a_o folly_n by_o the_o greek_n last_o the_o christian_a religion_n put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o bondage_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o heathen_n a_o jew_n then_o can_v not_o be_v convert_v to_o christanity_n without_o utter_o renounce_v what_o he_o always_o esteem_v inviolable_a nor_o can_v a_o heathen_a believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n without_o look_v upon_o that_o as_o profane_v which_o he_o think_v before_o most_o sacred_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n speak_v to_o we_o of_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o gospel_n attend_v with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o new_a heaven_n and_o of_o a_o new_a earth_n if_o we_o add_v to_o this_o the_o extraordinary_a care_n the_o jewish_a and_o heathenish_a priest_n and_o the_o magistrate_n of_o both_o nation_n take_v to_o smother_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o weakness_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n who_o be_v unable_a to_o sustain_v so_o much_o as_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o torment_n that_o be_v invent_v on_o purpose_n to_o hinder_v the_o progress_n of_o christanity_n i_o say_v if_o we_o consider_v this_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v any_o long_o astonish_v at_o that_o which_o at_o first_o view_n so_o much_o surprise_v we_o but_o second_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v why_o the_o historian_n among_o the_o heathen_n never_o mention_v any_o thing_n of_o those_o mighty_a wonder_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o yet_o deserve_v to_o have_v the_o most_o considerable_a place_n among_o the_o many_o other_o event_n they_o have_v so_o careful_o relate_v we_o answer_v that_o this_o consideration_n prove_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o have_v so_o firm_o establish_v first_o because_o it_o be_v needless_a and_o extravagant_a to_o draw_v any_o further_a consequence_n from_o a_o principle_n which_o prove_v more_o than_o enough_o already_o it_o be_v true_a the_o heathen_a writer_n say_v little_a or_o nothing_o concern_v jesus_n christ_n for_o they_o hardly_o know_v his_o name_n suetonius_n speak_v of_o he_o after_o this_o manner_n judaei_n tumultuati_fw-la sunt_fw-la cresto_n impulsore_fw-la but_o what_o then_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o suetonius_n hardly_o know_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o person_n as_o christ_n or_o that_o he_o be_v not_o real_o call_v christus_fw-la the_o heathen_a author_n you_o see_v relate_v not_o how_o several_a christian_a church_n be_v in_o a_o small_a time_n settle_v at_o rome_n at_o corinth_n at_o ephesus_n at_o sardis_n at_o smirna_n at_o philippi_n at_o thessalonica_n etc._n etc._n but_o must_v it_o follow_v from_o thence_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n certain_o if_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v true_a this_o be_v undoubted_o true_a i_o grant_v indeed_o that_o the_o miracle_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v all_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o may_v be_v doubt_v of_o yet_o we_o may_v at_o least_o affirm_v that_o the_o establishment_n of_o those_o christian_a church_n compose_v of_o such_o man_n as_o believe_v all_o those_o thing_n be_v a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v doubt_v of_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n very_o important_a and_o remarkable_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o mention_v by_o the_o historian_n of_o that_o age_n therefore_o the_o objection_n go_v too_o far_o it_o prove_v too_o much_o and_o so_o consequent_o prove_v nothing_o second_o i_o say_v that_o the_o historian_n of_o those_o time_n have_v so_o ignorant_o treat_v of_o the_o jewish_a affair_n that_o we_o need_v not_o wonder_v they_o appear_v so_o little_o instruct_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o concern_v the_o christian_n who_o they_o suppose_v to_o have_v be_v a_o sect_n belong_v to_o the_o jew_n for_o if_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o history_n those_o author_n compose_v of_o they_o agree_v not_o very_o well_o with_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v but_o compare_v it_o with_o that_o of_o josephus_n and_o we_o may_v clear_o see_v that_o it_o agree_v no_o better_a with_o one_o than_o with_o the_o other_o last_o the_o heathen_a author_n consider_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o a_o kind_n of_o magic_n and_o a_o detestable_a superstition_n which_o aim_v at_o the_o total_a destruction_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o some_o man_n earnest_o endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o pass_v for_o such_o among_o those_o who_o live_v both_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o long_o after_o they_o and_o it_o be_v very_o dangerous_a to_o give_v it_o any_o other_o name_n the_o world_n be_v divide_v between_o the_o friend_n and_o enemy_n of_o christanity_n those_o who_o be_v the_o friend_n of_o it_o profess_v it_o and_o deliver_v not_o only_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n but_o in_o write_v what_o they_o know_v concern_v the_o wonder_n of_o it_o as_o for_o its_o enemy_n they_o neither_o have_v the_o boldness_n power_n or_o will_v to_o write_v ofit_n as_o the_o former_a have_v do_v they_o will_v not_o do_v it_o lest_o they_o shall_v wrong_v their_o own_o cause_n and_o dishonour_v their_o own_o religion_n and_o they_o can_v not_o do_v it_o because_o they_o themselves_o be_v not_o so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o miracle_n of_o christanity_n have_v always_o be_v afraid_a to_o converse_v with_o the_o christian_n and_o esteem_v the_o belief_n of_o those_o man_n a_o very_a sorrowful_a and_o dangerous_a persuasion_n since_o by_o profess_v their_o religion_n they_o be_v sure_a of_o get_v nothing_o but_o torment_n and_o death_n itself_o last_o they_o dare_v not_o presume_v to_o write_v thing_n as_o they_o real_o be_v though_o they_o have_v be_v never_o so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o they_o because_o their_o own_o write_n will_v accuse_v they_o of_o have_v embrace_v christianity_n a_o crime_n which_o be_v so_o severe_o punish_v in_o those_o day_n that_o it_o will_v unavoidable_o have_v bring_v upon_o they_o certain_a death_n and_o ruin_n or_o at_o least_o after_o their_o death_n shame_n and_o infamy_n upon_o their_o family_n but_o three_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v why_o the_o apostle_n who_o have_v power_n to_o heal_v the_o sick_a and_o raise_v the_o dead_a do_v not_o raise_v all_o the_o dead_a to_o life_n again_o nor_o heal_v all_o the_o sick_a that_o be_v in_o judea_n because_o then_o all_o the_o world_n will_v have_v be_v force_v in_o spite_n of_o themselves_o to_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n we_o answer_v that_o this_o question_n be_v much_o like_o what_o the_o murderer_n of_o jesus_n christ_n say_v to_o he_o upon_o the_o cross_n he_o save_v other_o let_v he_o save_v himself_o let_v he_o come_v
allow_v to_o conceive_v divine_a matter_n after_o our_o own_o way_n and_o that_o it_o will_v otherwise_o be_v utter_o impossible_a for_o we_o to_o speak_v of_o they_o so_o may_v we_o also_o distinguish_v the_o several_a decree_n of_o god_n we_o may_v conceive_v they_o depend_v upon_o and_o subordinate_a one_o to_o another_o but_o still_o remember_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o principle_n deus_fw-la non_fw-la vult_fw-la hoc_fw-la propter_fw-la hoc_fw-la sed_fw-la vult_fw-la hoc_fw-la esse_fw-la propter_fw-la hoc_fw-la yet_o we_o shall_v appear_v no_o more_o reasonable_a for_o urge_v against_o religion_n the_o difficulty_n which_o arise_v from_o this_o order_n of_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n than_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v pretend_v to_o raise_v very_o serious_a objection_n against_o the_o distinction_n we_o conceive_v between_o the_o hand_n and_o foot_n and_o eye_n of_o god_n for_o as_o we_o shall_v ready_o answer_v the_o the_o latter_a that_o he_o do_v not_o do_v well_o in_o urge_v too_o far_o those_o figurative_a and_o humane_a way_n of_o speak_v so_o shall_v we_o tell_v the_o former_a that_o there_o be_v no_o real_a dependence_n or_o distinction_n in_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n he_o need_v not_o be_v perplex_v at_o those_o difficulty_n that_o seem_v to_o take_v their_o rise_n from_o it_o 4._o in_o the_o mean_a while_o i_o grant_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v our_o chief_a concern_v to_o range_v those_o decree_n in_o a_o order_n most_o conformable_a to_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o most_o worthy_a the_o majesty_n of_o god_n be_v therefore_o oblige_v to_o conceive_v god_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o man_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a we_o shall_v conceive_v he_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o prudent_a one_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a extravagance_n than_o that_o of_o those_o philosophical_a divine_n who_o maintain_v so_o fierce_a a_o war_n about_o the_o manner_n of_o conceive_v the_o order_n of_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n the_o apostle_n themselves_o never_o argue_v about_o they_o they_o be_v neither_o supralapsarian_o nor_o vniversalist_n nor_o particularist_n for_o they_o desire_v not_o to_o frame_v system_n of_o their_o own_o nor_o do_v they_o design_n to_o prefer_v speculation_n before_o practice_n what_o be_v then_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o bless_a apostle_n the_o same_o that_o be_v common_a to_o all_o those_o several_a sort_n of_o divine_n that_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o our_o catechism_n which_o do_v not_o require_v we_o shall_v go_v through_o a_o course_n of_o philosophy_n before_o we_o can_v understand_v its_o precept_n that_o which_o teach_v we_o pure_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o not_o the_o manner_n after_o which_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v that_o in_o short_a which_o procure_v peace_n and_o good_a understanding_n among_o christian_n and_o not_o that_o which_o be_v the_o universal_a cause_n of_o all_o their_o dissension_n 5._o there_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o predestination_n as_o it_o be_v offer_v to_o we_o by_o st._n paul_n the_o expression_n and_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o expression_n indeed_o may_v sometime_o seem_v to_o we_o strange_a and_o unusual_a because_o we_o be_v not_o very_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o hebraism_n the_o apostle_n be_v often_o wont_a to_o use_v in_o their_o discourse_n thus_o for_o instance_n this_o expression_n god_n harden_v which_o seem_v to_o denote_v a_o positive_a act_n unworthy_a of_o god_n signify_v only_o that_o god_n do_v not_o use_v to_o take_v away_o the_o hardness_n of_o heart_n as_o for_o the_o thing_n itself_o there_o be_v two_o several_a election_n a_o general_a and_o a_o particular_a election_n both_o which_o may_v well_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o 9_o the_o chap._n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n as_o for_o the_o general_a election_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n st._n paul_n undertake_v to_o show_v that_o it_o do_v not_o depend_v upon_o any_o external_a cause_n but_o that_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o sole_a will_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n he_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v not_o on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o jacob_n as_o the_o jew_n imagine_v that_o israel_n have_v be_v prefer_v before_o the_o posterity_n of_o edom_n since_o long_o before_o the_o child_n have_v do_v either_o good_a or_o evil._n rebekah_n be_v tell_v that_o she_o carry_v two_o great_a nation_n in_o her_o womb_n mean_v she_o two_o son_n and_o that_o the_o elder_a shall_v serve_v the_o young_a and_o that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o this_o place_n of_o a_o general_a election_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v easy_a to_o perceive_v from_o this_o text_n of_o malachi_n chap._n 1._o v._n 2_o 3._o which_o he_o quote_v as_o follow_v i_o have_v love_v you_o say_v the_o lord_n yet_o you_o say_v wherein_o have_v thou_o love_v we_o be_v not_o esau_n jacob_n brother_n say_v the_o lord_n yet_o i_o love_v jacob_n and_o i_o hate_v esau_n and_o lay_v his_o mountain_n and_o his_o heritage_n waste_n for_o the_o dragon_n of_o the_o wilderness_n whereas_o edom_n say_v we_o be_v impoverish_v but_o we_o will_v return_v etc._n etc._n it_o be_v past_a all_o dispute_n that_o malachi_n speak_v here_o of_o the_o two_o nation_n from_o whence_o we_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v also_o the_o intent_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o speak_v of_o their_o election_n in_o the_o 9_o the_o of_o the_o roman_n which_o exact_o agree_v with_o the_o precedent_n and_o follow_a word_n for_o in_o the_o forego_n verse_n he_o show_v we_o that_o in_o order_n to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o covenant_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o be_v of_o the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n but_o it_o be_v further_a requisite_a we_o shall_v be_v so_o by_o faith_n because_o it_o be_v say_v in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v â—nd_v that_o isaac_n be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n the_o apostle_n introduce_v hosea_n speak_v after_o this_o manner_n i_o will_v call_v they_o my_o people_n which_o be_v not_o my_o people_n and_o her_o belove_a which_o be_v not_o belove_v it_o can_v be_v suppose_v but_o that_o st._n paul_n speak_v also_o of_o the_o election_n of_o private_a person_n and_o make_v mention_n of_o it_o in_o those_o excellent_a word_n of_o the_o forego_n chapter_n where_o he_o say_v who_o he_o do_v foreknow_v he_o also_o do_v predestinate_a to_o be_v conform_v etc._n etc._n moreover_o who_o he_o do_v predestinate_a they_o he_o also_o call_v and_o who_o he_o call_v they_o he_o also_o justify_v and_o who_o he_o justify_v they_o he_o also_o glorify_v etc._n etc._n and_o a_o little_a further_o he_o add_v who_o shall_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o god_n elect_v etc._n etc._n now_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o this_o continue_a chain_n of_o benefit_n do_v not_o make_v make_v any_o order_n in_o the_o decree_n itself_o but_o in_o its_o execution_n so_o that_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o that_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o these_o word_n be_v to_o this_o effect_n that_o god_n predestinate_v we_o and_o that_o have_v predestinate_v we_o he_o call_v we_o he_o justify_v we_o and_o he_o glorify_v we_o all_o which_o thus_o far_o admit_v of_o no_o considerable_a difficulty_n let_v we_o not_o then_o carry_v our_o inquiry_n high_a than_o that_o apostle_n do_v he_o and_o since_o he_o never_o argue_v philosophical_o concern_v the_o order_n of_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n let_v we_o lay_v aside_o all_o those_o unprofitable_a speculation_n which_o will_v vanish_v of_o themselves_o when_o we_o have_v suppose_v the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n or_o if_o we_o must_v needs_o philosophize_v upon_o it_o let_v we_o at_o least_o separate_v our_o philosophy_n from_o our_o faith_n and_o make_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o our_o own_o reason_v and_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n let_v we_o not_o vain_o contend_v bare_o about_o the_o manner_n of_o conceive_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v there_o be_v a_o right_a understanding_n among_o christian_n to_o make_v that_o happy_a distinction_n between_o philosophy_n and_o divinity_n which_o we_o require_v of_o they_o by_o keep_v themselves_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o revelation_n which_o bare_o inform_v we_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o reject_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n all_o philosophy_n which_o endeavour_v to_o dive_v into_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v the_o sure_a method_n to_o extinguish_v all_o those_o sect_n which_o rage_n among_o we_o and_o restore_v all_o thing_n to_o the_o primitive_a unity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o apostolical_a religion_n the_o doctrine_n of_o predestination_n will_v then_o be_v no_o long_o a_o confuse_a heap_n of_o darkness_n contradiction_n and_o endless_a