the_o utmost_a pitch_n of_o prosperity_n and_o glory_n this_o jesus_n himself_o be_v seize_v and_o nail_v on_o a_o cross_n where_o he_o suffer_v a_o most_o infamous_a death_n infamous_a in_o the_o esteem_n of_o all_o nation_n but_o more_o particular_o accurse_v in_o the_o jewish_a law_n what_o a_o mighty_a thunder_n bolt_n must_v this_o have_v be_v to_o such_o man_n who_o have_v feed_v their_o fancy_n with_o such_o charm_a hope_n they_o be_v long_o since_o persuade_v that_o the_o messiah_n will_v make_v his_o appearance_n in_o a_o very_a glorious_a state_n that_o he_o will_v overthrow_v at_o his_o come_v the_o empire_n of_o cesar_n together_o with_o all_o the_o roman_a grandeur_n and_o thereby_o make_v the_o jew_n absolute_a master_n of_o the_o world_n all_o these_o thing_n they_o impatient_o expect_v from_o jesus_n and_o yet_o this_o jesus_n be_v dishonour_v by_o a_o infamous_a punishment_n he_o be_v compel_v to_o endure_v the_o jew_n themselves_o not_o only_o sacrifice_v he_o but_o 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upon_o their_o bare_a word_n and_o be_v they_o then_o no_o long_o in_o any_o dreadful_a apprehension_n of_o the_o sanhedrin_n that_o have_v inhumane_o put_v their_o master_n to_o death_n do_v they_o believe_v they_o may_v safe_o reproach_v the_o jew_n for_o have_v put_v the_o messiah_n to_o death_n without_o be_v themselves_o severe_o punish_v be_v they_o not_o sensible_a into_o how_o many_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n this_o fable_n will_v inevitable_o cast_v they_o and_o if_o they_o be_v can_v they_o still_o be_v so_o courageous_a as_o to_o maintain_v such_o a_o imposture_n be_v it_o possible_a that_o no_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v recant_v his_o opinion_n not_o one_o contradict_v himself_o but_o that_o all_o shall_v unanimous_o depose_v notwithstanding_o the_o most_o rigorous_a punishment_n inflict_v on_o they_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v altogether_o chimerical_a and_o false_a certain_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o very_o strange_a or_o rather_o which_o appear_v to_o i_o so_o very_o absurd_a and_o extravagant_a that_o i_o question_n whether_o our_o incredulous_a adversary_n can_v persuade_v themselves_o of_o it_o provide_v they_o will_v but_o reflect_v never_o so_o little_a upon_o it_o but_o let_v we_o continue_v still_o to_o distrust_v ourselves_o may_v we_o not_o probable_o have_v make_v some_o false_a supposition_n in_o what_o we_o just_a now_o affirm_v we_o will_v therefore_o go_v over_o again_o the_o same_o principle_n we_o just_o now_o establish_v and_o indeed_o the_o more_o i_o reflect_v upon_o they_o the_o less_o i_o conceive_v how_o we_o can_v possible_o call_v any_o of_o they_o in_o question_n for_o can_v i_o deny_v that_o jesus_n ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n that_o he_o ever_o have_v any_o disciple_n or_o that_o those_o disciple_n think_v he_o at_o first_o the_o promise_a messiah_n but_o why_o shall_v i_o alone_o question_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o the_o thalmudist_n nay_o julian_n porphirius_fw-la and_o all_o other_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n have_v always_o acknowledge_v this_o be_v what_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v absurd_a can_v i_o question_v but_o that_o if_o jesus_n die_v and_o rise_v not_o again_o from_o the_o dead_a his_o disciple_n be_v then_o undeceive_v of_o the_o opinion_n they_o probable_o entertain_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n the_o son_n of_o god_n if_o so_o either_o they_o understand_v nothing_o at_o all_o by_o these_o two_o word_n the_o messiah_n the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o else_o they_o understand_v quite_o another_o thing_n than_o that_o he_o be_v a_o mere_a man_n who_o be_v to_o remain_v for_o ever_o under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n after_o his_o crucifixion_n can_v i_o deny_v that_o the_o disciple_n declare_v the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n after_o his_o crucifixion_n it_o be_v self_n evident_a all_o
have_v here_o something_o still_o more_o clear_a and_o convince_a than_o all_o this_o to_o offer_v either_o those_o book_n which_o you_o may_v think_v forge_v or_o not_o forge_v spread_v of_o themselves_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n throughout_o the_o world_n after_o they_o have_v be_v carry_v into_o several_a part_n of_o it_o before_o there_o be_v any_o apostle_n to_o preach_v it_o there_o or_o else_o those_o book_n be_v compose_v after_o the_o apostle_n have_v publish_v their_o doctrine_n in_o the_o different_a part_n of_o the_o universe_n i_o see_v no_o medium_n if_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n instruct_v man_n in_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n before_o any_o of_o the_o apostle_n have_v preach_v it_o how_o can_v the_o roman_n be_v persuade_v that_o st._n paul_n which_o be_v a_o mere_a name_n have_v write_v a_o epistle_n to_o they_o or_o those_o of_o antioch_n that_o st._n peter_n have_v be_v in_o their_o city_n or_o the_o galatian_n that_o st._n paul_n have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o they_o or_o in_o general_a all_o judea_n and_o galilee_n that_o jesus_n christ_n with_o his_o disciple_n have_v preach_v there_o or_o in_o particular_a the_o people_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o he_o be_v there_o condemn_v to_o death_n by_o the_o sanhedrin_n etc._n etc._n but_o if_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o collect_v into_o several_a book_n nor_o compose_v till_o after_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n it_o must_v follow_v from_o thence_o that_o there_o be_v some_o apostle_n before_o that_o time_n and_o a_o certain_a jesus_n christ_n crucify_v who_o be_v repute_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o true_a messiah_n according_a to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n so_o that_o whether_o those_o book_n be_v forge_v or_o not_o still_o i_o be_o certain_a they_o relate_v certain_a fundamental_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v necessary_o true_a for_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v 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profession_n of_o a_o carpenter_n as_o his_o enemy_n so_o often_o reproach_v he_o to_o have_v do_v shall_v notwithstanding_o pretend_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n who_o be_v to_o have_v be_v according_a to_o the_o profess_a opinion_n of_o that_o age_n surround_v or_o attend_v with_o pomp_n splendour_n and_o temporal_a prosperity_n let_v we_o therefore_o inquire_v a_o little_a into_o it_o this_o jesus_n whoever_o he_o may_v be_v and_o whatever_o idea_n we_o may_v frame_v to_o ourselves_o of_o he_o gather_v together_o a_o company_n of_o disciple_n some_o of_o which_o he_o take_v from_o among_o fisherman_n on_o the_o bank_n of_o the_o lake_n of_o gennesareth_n some_o out_o of_o the_o town_n of_o galilee_n nay_o and_o some_o he_o call_v from_o among_o the_o publican_n themselves_o who_o the_o people_n ever_o have_v in_o 16._o abomination_n as_o the_o first_o enemy_n of_o christian_a religion_n lay_v to_o his_o charge_n those_o man_n which_o thus_o follow_v he_o be_v of_o mean_a education_n and_o birth_n they_o neither_o have_v learning_n nor_o politeness_n they_o neither_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o heart_n nor_o the_o inclination_n of_o man_n neither_o with_o the_o policy_n of_o prince_n nor_o the_o elevate_a moral_n of_o the_o stoic_n nor_o last_o with_o the_o mysterious_a and_o secret_a wisdom_n of_o the_o sage_n but_o they_o be_v mean_a and_o simple_a person_n as_o the_o enemy_n themselves_o of_o christianity_n ready_o acknowledge_v i_o shall_v not_o at_o present_a examine_v what_o reason_n induce_v they_o so_o firm_o to_o adhere_v to_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o what_o convince_a argument_n he_o use_v to_o engage_v they_o to_o follow_v he_o it_o be_v enough_o we_o know_v they_o be_v ignorant_a person_n who_o look_v for_o the_o messiah_n according_a to_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o those_o time_n and_o so_o may_v probable_o be_v think_v to_o have_v be_v impose_v upon_o in_o that_o respect_n but_o here_o i_o can_v but_o admire_v that_o those_o mean_a and_o ignorant_a people_n who_o have_v undoubted_o frame_v to_o themselves_o a_o very_a sublime_a idea_n of_o their_o messiah_n and_o imagine_v no_o less_o than_o that_o he_o will_v have_v distribute_v crown_n to_o they_o to_o use_v that_o expression_n since_o this_o be_v always_o a_o strong_a opinion_n among_o the_o jew_n i_o say_v i_o can_v but_o admire_v that_o those_o ignorant_a sort_n of_o people_n shall_v content_v themselves_o with_o the_o outward_a and_o apparent_a meanness_n of_o a_o man_n who_o take_v quite_o another_o form_n upon_o he_o than_o that_o of_o a_o conqueror_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o a_o very_a poor_a and_o mean_a condition_n when_o he_o call_v his_o disciple_n since_o porphirius_fw-la celsus_n and_o julian_n the_o apostate_n reproach_v he_o with_o it_o beside_o this_o be_v such_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o no_o man_n will_v invent_v though_o he_o can_v easy_o have_v do_v it_o and_o which_o he_o can_v not_o easy_o invent_v though_o he_o will_v have_v do_v it_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o jew_n at_o that_o time_n and_o always_o before_o expect_v a_o triumphant_a messiah_n it_o be_v also_o as_o certain_a the_o disciple_n adhere_v to_o jesus_n christ_n notwithstanding_o the_o profess_a opinion_n they_o be_v prepossess_v with_o at_o that_o time_n this_o be_v what_o we_o be_v surprise_v at_o since_o the_o disciple_n find_v not_o in_o jesus_n christ_n all_o the_o glory_n and_o temporal_a power_n they_o be_v strong_o persuade_v their_o messiah_n shall_v have_v be_v invest_v with_o they_o undoubted_o imagine_v that_o what_o their_o master_n do_v not_o then_o actual_o possess_v he_o will_v certain_o enjoy_v some_o time_n after_o they_o do_v not_o at_o all_o question_n but_o that_o he_o be_v to_o re-establish_a the_o monarchy_n of_o israel_n and_o overcome_v the_o enemy_n of_o the_o jew_n this_o make_v they_o to_o dispute_v the_o priority_n among_o themselves_o they_o will_v know_v who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o great_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v in_o the_o flourish_a kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o they_o term_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n nay_o two_o of_o they_o importune_v our_o saviour_n to_o grant_v they_o to_o sit_v the_o one_o on_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o other_o on_o his_o left_a as_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v exalt_v to_o that_o state_n of_o glory_n i_o admit_v not_o of_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n mere_o because_o they_o be_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o because_o they_o be_v very_o conformable_a to_o the_o jewish_a tradition_n and_o reason_n itself_o common_a sense_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o disciple_n adhere_v not_o to_o jesus_n christ_n without_o some_o hope_n or_o other_o now_o what_o can_v they_o hope_v for_o from_o he_o who_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o messiah_n but_o that_o which_o they_o expect_v from_o the_o true_a messiah_n himself_o viz._n a_o temporal_a deliverance_n attend_v with_o the_o like_a prosperity_n but_o not_o to_o advance_v any_o thing_n doubtful_a or_o in_o the_o least_o uncertain_a in_o itself_o i_o affirm_v that_o the_o disciple_n consider_v jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o true_a messiah_n and_o that_o they_o can_v not_o regard_v he_o as_o such_o but_o either_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o jew_n or_o in_o that_o of_o the_o christian_n that_o be_v either_o as_o a_o temporal_a deliverer_n or_o a_o spiritual_a one_o and_o consequent_o that_o whatever_o sense_n we_o take_v it_o in_o still_o be_v they_o to_o hope_v for_o some_o advantage_n or_o other_o from_o he_o but_o let_v we_o see_v how_o far_o this_o twofold_a consideration_n will_v lead_v we_o whilst_o the_o disciple_n be_v strong_o preposess_v with_o the_o thought_n that_o jesus_n be_v their_o messiah_n that_o be_v the_o person_n that_o shall_v have_v raise_v up_o their_o nation_n to_o
the_o earth_n have_v hear_v of_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o all_o unanimous_o declare_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o it_o be_v pure_o upon_o their_o testimony_n that_o the_o world_n believe_v it_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n let_v slip_v a_o long_a period_n of_o time_n as_o twenty_o or_o thirty_o year_n after_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o their_o master_n and_o so_o have_v have_v time_n to_o embolden_v themselves_o and_o to_o contrive_v a_o imposture_n they_o sudden_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v that_o jesus_n be_v rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a if_o so_o how_o can_v the_o compiler_n or_o forger_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n preach_v his_o resurrection_n a_o few_o week_n after_o his_o crucifixion_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o jew_n never_o have_v the_o least_o thought_n of_o contradict_v our_o scripture_n in_o that_o respect_n and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o the_o christian_n yearly_o commemorate_v two_o festival_n successive_o one_o after_o another_o one_o for_o the_o commemoration_n of_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o other_o for_o that_o of_o the_o come_n down_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v purposely_o give_v they_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o all_o place_n if_o the_o disciple_n have_v not_o preach_v the_o resurrection_n of_o their_o master_n till_o a_o long_a time_n after_o his_o death_n will_v it_o not_o have_v be_v ask_v they_o what_o have_v you_o do_v since_o your_o jesus_n be_v crucify_a rise_v he_o not_o soon_o from_o the_o dead_a or_o wherefore_o do_v you_o now_o preach_v his_o resurrection_n so_o long_o after_o it_o what_o can_v have_v oblige_v the_o jew_n to_o assert_v that_o his_o disciple_n have_v steal_v away_o his_o body_n by_o night_n if_o his_o resurrection_n have_v be_v preach_v so_o very_o late_o in_o the_o world_n and_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v christian_a church_n establish_v almost_o every_o where_o by_o the_o sole_a testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n few_o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n can_v we_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v out_o of_o ambition_n or_o revenge_n that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n publish_v his_o resurrection_n as_o design_v to_o make_v the_o chief_a priest_n and_o scribe_n pass_v for_o parricide_n or_o immortalise_v their_o own_o name_n to_o posterity_n but_o can_v the_o disciple_n think_v of_o revenge_a themselves_o on_o those_o man_n that_o have_v so_o clear_o show_v they_o their_o mistake_n in_o the_o messiah_n or_o can_v they_o fancy_v there_o be_v any_o revenge_n pure_o in_o invent_v such_o a_o ridiculous_a fable_n will_v they_o buy_v their_o revenge_n so_o dear_a as_o at_o the_o price_n of_o their_o own_o life_n and_o expose_v their_o person_n to_o inevitable_a torment_n and_o certain_a death_n then_o as_o for_o ambitious_a thought_n do_v they_o entertain_v they_o immediate_o after_o the_o death_n of_o he_o who_o can_v only_o support_v and_o confirm_v they_o have_v they_o any_o reason_n to_o aspire_v after_o glory_n and_o grandeur_n just_o when_o all_o their_o hope_n be_v destroy_v with_o their_o messiah_n be_v it_o likely_a a_o few_o poor_a fisherman_n shall_v have_v have_v such_o thought_n certain_o have_v that_o be_v their_o design_n they_o will_v soon_o have_v relinquish_v it_o and_o the_o immediate_a scandal_n affix_v to_o their_o profession_n the_o misery_n and_o barbarous_a persecution_n it_o continual_o draw_v upon_o they_o will_v have_v soon_o banish_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n so_o ridiculous_a and_o extravagant_a a_o design_n but_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o for_o any_o one_o to_o delude_v himself_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o when_o a_o malefactor_n be_v put_v to_o the_o rack_n he_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v his_o crime_n the_o torment_n he_o endure_v extort_v a_o confession_n of_o his_o most_o secret_a action_n this_o be_v a_o way_n almost_o infallible_a to_o discover_v truth_n and_o human_a justice_n often_o put_v it_o in_o execution_n for_o that_o purpose_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a therefore_o that_o so_o many_o impostor_n together_o that_o have_v be_v so_o often_o examine_v and_o urge_v by_o fire_n and_o sword_n to_o recant_v what_o they_o have_v assert_v shall_v yet_o so_o constant_o persist_v in_o a_o false_a deposition_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o one_o single_a witness_n but_o a_o great_a number_n of_o witness_n who_o be_v not_o compel_v to_o suffer_v one_o single_a punishment_n only_o but_o all_o sort_n of_o punishment_n it_o be_v not_o only_o in_o one_o single_a place_n but_o almost_o in_o every_o place_n where_o they_o preach_v they_o be_v urge_v to_o recant_v their_o opinion_n by_o the_o severe_a torment_n neither_o be_v it_o for_o one_o single_a moment_n but_o for_o every_o moment_n of_o their_o life_n that_o they_o be_v thus_o expose_v to_o persecution_n not_o one_o single_a party_n be_v on_o their_o side_n but_o jew_n and_o heathen_n king_n and_o magistrate_n prelate_n and_o people_n open_o declare_v themselves_o their_o adversary_n they_o be_v not_o only_o assault_v with_o persecution_n but_o revile_v contemn_v and_o reproach_v yet_o for_o all_o that_o not_o one_o of_o they_o recant_v his_o opinion_n be_v separate_v or_o confront_v they_o all_o unanimous_o depose_v not_o only_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a but_o that_o they_o have_v see_v he_o after_o the_o resurrection_n if_o this_o be_v the_o method_n common_o use_v to_o maintain_v a_o imposture_n i_o will_v glad_o know_v how_o truth_n itself_o be_v to_o be_v defend_v but_o perhaps_o the_o disciple_n be_v themselves_o delude_v and_o peter_n or_o some_o other_o apostle_n be_v so_o cunning_a as_o to_o remove_v the_o body_n of_o our_o lord_n out_o of_o his_o sepulchre_n persuade_v the_o other_o disciple_n their_o master_n be_v real_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o so_o they_o firm_o believe_v his_o report_n go_v about_o the_o world_n preach_v his_o resurrection_n but_o this_o opinion_n necessiary_o fall_v of_o itself_o to_o the_o ground_n for_o the_o apostle_n not_o only_o testify_v that_o they_o have_v all_o see_v jesus_n christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a but_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n fall_v on_o they_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o fiery_a tongue_n they_o testify_v likewise_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n other_o miracle_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v all_o have_v be_v deceive_v in_o respect_n of_o all_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n at_o once_o above_o all_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o observe_v this_o last_o kind_n of_o miracle_n viz._n the_o come_n down_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o fiery_a tongue_n for_o those_o apostle_n bold_o affirm_v that_o with_o the_o help_n of_o that_o very_a miracle_n they_o be_v endow_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o divers_a language_n so_o that_o greek_n roman_n parthian_n persian_n etc._n etc._n hear_v they_o speak_v every_o one_o in_o their_o own_o language_n this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o neither_o the_o apostle_n can_v have_v deceive_v the_o world_n in_o nor_o they_o themselves_o have_v be_v deceive_v in_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v they_o can_v have_v deceive_v the_o world_n or_o that_o some_o fisherman_n can_v have_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o pretend_v they_o be_v endow_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o divers_a language_n unless_o it_o have_v be_v real_o so_o for_o they_o will_v in_o every_o place_n have_v be_v immediate_o convict_v of_o the_o most_o notorious_a cheat_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v at_o rome_n man_n who_o speak_v greek_n as_o well_o as_o in_o greece_n some_o that_o speak_v latin_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o trade_n it_o general_o happen_v that_o there_o be_v man_n of_o all_o language_n in_o every_o country_n now_o if_o st._n paul_n real_o understand_v no_o other_o language_n but_o that_o greek_a speak_v in_o cilicia_n can_v we_o suppose_v he_o will_v have_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o boast_v in_o asia_n of_o his_o speak_a latin_n or_o any_o other_o foreign_a language_n will_v he_o not_o have_v certain_o meet_v with_o people_n who_o will_v have_v immediate_o convict_v he_o of_o falsehood_n neither_o be_v it_o more_o likely_a that_o the_o apostle_n can_v have_v be_v themselves_o deceive_v in_o this_o respect_n because_o it_o be_v a_o business_n of_o inward_a sense_n i_o may_v easy_o be_v delude_v outward_o and_o think_v that_o i_o see_v a_o man_n indeed_o when_o i_o see_v but_o the_o shadow_n or_o fantom_n of_o a_o man_n but_o i_o can_v never_o persuade_v myself_o that_o i_o speak_v several_a different_a language_n when_o i_o speak_v but_o one_o but_o when_o i_o see_v that_o man_n of_o
the_o emperor_n that_o have_v strict_o inquire_v into_o the_o life_n of_o the_o christian_n he_o find_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o they_o assemble_v together_o in_o remote_a place_n early_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o there_o say_v their_o prayer_n to_o heaven_n and_o bind_v themselves_o under_o a_o solemn_a oath_n not_o to_o commit_v murder_n adultery_n injustice_n or_o any_o other_o crime_n they_o will_v also_o produce_v a_o answer_n from_o trajan_n to_o pliny_n wherein_o that_o emperor_n give_v positive_a order_n that_o for_o the_o future_a there_o shall_v be_v no_o particular_a inquiry_n make_v after_o the_o christian_n but_o those_o only_a shall_v be_v punish_v who_o shall_v discover_v themselves_o and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o think_v that_o these_o letter_n be_v forge_v we_o may_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v tertulian_n that_o mention_n they_o in_o his_o discourse_n to_o the_o senate_n and_o the_o roman_a emperor_n who_o he_o can_v not_o impose_v upon_o without_o endanger_v his_o own_o life_n and_o prejudice_v his_o religion_n chap._n ii_o wherein_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o martyrdom_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n but_o perhaps_o we_o may_v soon_o suspect_v the_o credulity_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n than_o their_o innocence_n we_o be_v sure_a their_o constancy_n proceed_v from_o their_o hope_n and_o their_o hope_n from_o their_o persuasion_n but_o who_o know_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o persuasion_n be_v there_o not_o mahumetan_n so_o strong_o persuade_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o alcoran_n as_o to_o die_v in_o defence_n of_o that_o error_n the_o multitude_n then_o of_o martyr_n show_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n to_o be_v strong_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o prove_v not_o that_o persuasion_n to_o be_v well_o ground_v we_o mâ—st_v therefore_o go_v a_o little_a further_o and_o here_o we_o may_v easy_o suppose_v without_o fear_n of_o be_v mistake_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v some_o sort_n of_o common_a sense_n those_o who_o make_v it_o their_o profession_n to_o ridicule_n the_o plurality_n of_o god_n and_o the_o many_o superstition_n of_o the_o heathen_n which_o be_v real_o contrary_a to_o reason_n those_o who_o put_v in_o practice_n such_o wise_a rule_n of_o morality_n who_o be_v so_o regular_a in_o their_o behaviour_n so_o averse_a to_o all_o the_o excess_n that_o disorder_n reason_n who_o form_v to_o themselves_o such_o rational_a idea_n of_o the_o deity_n in_o comparison_n to_o other_o those_o man_n i_o say_v can_v not_o be_v whole_o destitute_a of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n now_o suppose_v they_o to_o have_v but_o the_o least_o glimmer_a of_o that_o light_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o conceiuâ—_v that_o they_o shall_v whole_o renounce_v their_o estate_n and_o fortune_n and_o courageous_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o any_o cause_n whatsoever_o unless_o they_o have_v very_o powerful_a reason_n to_o believe_v it_o be_v good_a this_o consideration_n will_v be_v further_o strengthen_v by_o two_o very_a important_a reflection_n and_o first_o we_o speak_v not_o here_o of_o such_o only_a who_o be_v bear_v christian_n blind_o follow_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o birth_n and_o education_n but_o also_o of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o person_n who_o renounce_v paganism_n to_o embrace_v christianity_n and_o lay_v aside_o the_o favourable_a prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n and_o birth_n which_o in_o they_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v yet_o willing_a to_o die_v for_o it_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v know_v and_o embrace_v second_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v altogether_o found_v upon_o mattter_n of_o fact_n for_o if_o jesus_n christ_n wrought_v miracle_n and_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a than_o be_v the_o christian_a faith_n true_a but_o if_o jesus_n christ_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n nor_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a then_o be_v the_o christian_a faith_n false_a and_o sure_o it_o will_v have_v be_v folly_n or_o madness_n in_o those_o man_n to_o forsake_v so_o flourish_v a_o communion_n as_o paganism_n to_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n a_o name_n so_o vile_a and_o contemptible_a in_o those_o day_n to_o suffer_v voluntary_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o estate_n and_o undergo_v a_o most_o terrible_a death_n only_o to_o defend_v a_o religion_n ground_v upon_o such_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a those_o indeed_o that_o be_v bear_v and_o live_v peacable_o in_o a_o communion_n may_v blind_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o but_o he_o that_o be_v never_o so_o little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o constitution_n of_o man_n heart_n can_v scarce_o imagine_v man_n to_o be_v so_o senseless_a as_o to_o renounce_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o birth_n and_o education_n to_o offer_v violence_n to_o their_o dear_a and_o most_o tender_a inclination_n and_o embrace_v a_o faith_n pursue_v with_o fire_n and_o sword_n and_o persecute_v by_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n unless_o they_o have_v first_o due_o examine_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o know_v well_o upon_o what_o ground_n they_o thus_o embrace_v it_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o some_o of_o these_o man_n be_v of_o the_o mean_a sort_n of_o people_n who_o example_n can_v be_v allege_v as_o a_o precedent_n for_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n we_o will_v grant_v it_o but_o than_o it_o must_v also_o be_v confess_v that_o the_o vulgar_a usual_o embrace_v that_o religion_n which_o be_v attend_v with_o power_n and_o prosperity_n pomp_n and_o authority_n and_o hate_v even_o truth_n itself_o when_o once_o destitute_a of_o all_o these_o outward_a help_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a then_o that_o against_o all_o outward_a appearance_n they_o shall_v have_v act_v so_o contrary_o to_o themselves_o in_o this_o occasion_n but_o suppose_v the_o commmon_a sort_n of_o christian_n to_o have_v lose_v their_o reason_n can_v we_o say_v the_o same_o of_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o clement_n polycarp_n justin_n iraeneus_n &_o c_o it_o be_v certain_a on_o one_o hÄnd_n these_o man_n be_v man_n of_o very_a good_a sense_n as_o their_o write_n those_o monument_n they_o have_v leave_v we_o evident_o demonstrate_v and_o on_o the_o other_o it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v they_o live_v in_o a_o time_n so_o very_o near_o to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v be_v deceive_v in_o this_o respect_n for_o polycarp_n converse_v a_o long_a while_n with_o st._n john_n iraeneus_n see_v polycarp_n and_o justin_n be_v a_o more_o ancient_a father_n than_o iraeneus_n have_v those_o doctor_n only_o tell_v we_o that_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v several_a miracle_n we_o may_v perhaps_o have_v suspend_v our_o belief_n upon_o their_o bare_a word_n but_o since_o they_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o certain_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o must_v necessary_o have_v full_o be_v inform_v of_o since_o i_o see_v that_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n disciple_n and_o contemporary_n with_o the_o apostle_n cheerful_o come_v to_o the_o stake_n to_o maintain_v a_o religion_n essential_o found_v upon_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n such_o as_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o divers_a language_n confer_v upon_o the_o apostle_n the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n and_o impart_v those_o very_a gift_n themselves_o to_o other_o since_o i_o say_v these_o christian_a doctor_n suffer_v martyrdom_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v essential_o unite_v to_o i_o confess_v i_o begin_v to_o be_v convince_v nevertheless_o let_v we_o search_v more_o narrow_o into_o this_o matter_n and_o see_v whether_o we_o shall_v yet_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o entertain_v any_o further_a scruple_n chap._n iii_o in_o which_o we_o further_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n by_o several_a undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n who_o tell_v we_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n suffer_v martyrdom_n and_o suppose_v they_o do_v who_o will_v assure_v we_o they_o be_v not_o delude_v by_o the_o apostle_n nay_o who_o can_v tell_v whether_o there_o ever_o be_v any_o such_o man_n i_o suppose_v i_o shall_v not_o be_v oblige_v to_o prove_v with_o a_o great_a many_o argument_n there_o be_v such_o man_n as_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n who_o suffer_v martyrdom_n eusebius_n who_o write_v their_o history_n can_v not_o whole_o have_v invent_v it_o unless_o he_o have_v corrupt_v all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n that_o live_v before_o he_o for_o they_o all_o speak_v of_o it_o iraeneus_n justin_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n etc._n etc._n mention_v it_o as_o a_o know_a matter_n of_o fact_n the_o first_o of_o they_o glory_n in_o several_a place_n of_o his_o work_n that_o he_o have_v see_v polycarp_n in_o his_o youth_n and_o it_o appear_v they_o all_o suffer_v martyrdom_n
holy_a ghost_n but_o perhaps_o it_o be_v a_o question_n whether_o there_o be_v ever_o any_o christian_a church_n found_v at_o jerusalem_n if_o so_o then_o must_v the_o ancient_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o live_v in_o different_a time_n and_o in_o different_a place_n have_v conspire_v together_o to_o deceive_v we_o in_o this_o respect_n and_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n and_o all_o other_o profess_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o well_o ancient_a as_o modern_a who_o never_o contest_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n must_v utter_o have_v lose_v their_o reason_n in_o a_o word_n suppose_v the_o book_n of_o act_n compose_v long_o after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v when_o there_o can_v be_v no_o long_o any_o flourish_a church_n in_o that_o city_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o point_n gain_v for_o it_o be_v true_a still_o that_o the_o apostle_n set_v down_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o speak_v of_o and_o that_o their_o epistle_n be_v fill_v with_o such_o thing_n as_o visible_o relate_v to_o it_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o further_o add_v that_o the_o book_n of_o act_n mention_n nothing_o of_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o manifest_o show_v that_o it_o be_v compose_v during_o their_o life_n and_o consequent_o in_o a_o time_n wherein_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n flourish_v nor_o that_o it_o mention_n nothing_o of_o the_o last_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o any_o of_o the_o sign_n or_o presage_n of_o it_o which_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o that_o book_n be_v compose_v some_o time_n before_o that_o great_a event_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o author_n who_o compose_v it_o mere_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o the_o incredulous_a undoubted_o imagine_v will_v never_o have_v fail_v to_o have_v insert_v in_o it_o the_o history_n of_o all_o those_o dreadful_a misfortune_n which_o fall_v upon_o the_o jew_n and_o which_o the_o christian_n look_v upon_o as_o the_o effect_n of_o their_o reject_v the_o messiah_n but_o since_o my_o design_n be_v not_o to_o leave_v the_o reader_n the_o least_o shadow_n of_o a_o doubt_n i_o promise_v to_o prove_v by_o and_o by_o that_o the_o apostle_n both_o receive_v and_o impart_v many_o miraculous_a gift_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n till_o the_o method_n i_o have_v prescribe_v to_o myself_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o enter_v upon_o that_o subject_n i_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o make_v some_o few_o reflection_n concern_v the_o success_n of_o the_o apostle_n preach_v which_o be_v that_o essential_a head_n to_o which_o all_o other_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o act_n relate_v chap._n x._o wherein_o we_o shall_v take_v into_o consideration_n what_o success_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o apostle_n have_v this_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v relate_v with_o very_o remarkable_a circumstannce_n as_o i._o that_o those_o man_n who_o first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v fisherman_n that_o be_v gross_a and_o ignorant_a people_n of_o no_o appearance_n or_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n ii_o that_o those_o man_n go_v about_o preach_v that_o they_o have_v see_v jesus_n christ_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o that_o they_o have_v long_o before_o be_v eye-witness_n to_o his_o miracle_n iii_o that_o they_o offend_v by_o their_o preach_v all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o expose_v their_o person_n to_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o danger_n and_o misfortune_n iv._o that_o they_o suffer_v they_o with_o patience_n or_o rather_o with_o joy_n v._o that_o the_o success_n of_o their_o preach_n be_v so_o swift_a and_o sudden_a as_o be_v almost_o inconceivable_a in_o all_o this_o st._n luke_n have_v tell_v we_o nothing_o but_o what_o our_o own_o reason_n will_v tell_v we_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v man_n of_o no_o extraordinary_a birth_n or_o credit_n in_o the_o world_n that_o first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n since_o no_o body_n have_v ever_o say_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o those_o man_n ought_v to_o have_v testify_v that_o they_o have_v see_v jesus_n christ_n work_v many_o miracle_n see_v he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n because_o they_o will_v never_o have_v convert_v so_o many_o nation_n as_o they_o do_v have_v they_o only_o say_v they_o know_v all_o those_o thing_n by_o hear_v say_v and_o beside_o that_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n inform_v we_o that_o that_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o their_o preach_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n persecute_v these_o man_n for_o as_o much_o as_o policy_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o all_o new_a sect_n and_o the_o people_n themselves_o be_v always_o jealous_a of_o their_o religion_n it_o can_v be_v doubt_v neither_o but_o that_o the_o apostle_n very_o courageous_o suffer_v the_o effect_n of_o that_o persecution_n because_o have_v they_o recant_v or_o draw_v back_o for_o fear_n of_o punishment_n their_o design_n will_v have_v miscarry_v in_o its_o very_a beginning_n last_o who_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o success_n of_o their_o preach_n be_v very_o swift_a and_o sudden_a in_o as_o much_o as_o in_o a_o short_a time_n there_o be_v several_a church_n establish_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o know_a world_n this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v never_o contest_v and_o therefore_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o st._n luke_n tell_v we_o all_o these_o thing_n the_o book_n of_o act_n inform_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o they_o be_v so_o which_o utter_o destroy_v the_o suspicion_n we_o may_v entertain_v that_o they_o be_v all_o forge_v or_o invent_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o can_v consider_v all_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n nor_o unite_v they_o together_o and_o observe_v the_o proportion_n they_o have_v one_o with_o another_o without_o present_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o so_o plain_o prove_v and_o establish_v chap._n xi_o wherein_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n though_o the_o ancient_n have_v not_o unanimous_o receive_v the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n though_o clemens_n polycarp_n and_o barnabas_n have_v make_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o observe_v that_o they_o be_v write_v to_o some_o church_n that_o be_v to_o whole_a society_n who_o for_o a_o long_a while_n preserve_v the_o original_n of_o they_o to_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v not_o forge_v it_o be_v then_o our_o concern_n to_o see_v whether_o we_o can_v find_v therein_o any_o character_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o religion_n we_o can_v read_v st._n paul_n epistle_n without_o observe_v therein_o i._o the_o piety_n and_o charity_n of_o that_o apostle_n ii_o his_o impartiality_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n iii_o his_o courage_n in_o endure_a affliction_n which_o instead_o of_o dishearten_v rather_o overjoy_v he_o iv._o a_o continual_a repetition_n of_o the_o testimony_n which_o the_o apostle_n bear_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o lord_n v._o such_o thing_n which_o manifest_o denote_v that_o st._n paul_n have_v receive_v the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o those_o that_o then_o believe_v very_o frequent_o receive_v they_o the_o piety_n of_o that_o apostle_n so_o various_o discover_v itself_o in_o his_o write_n that_o we_o can_v think_v it_o dissemble_v without_o offer_v violence_n to_o our_o understanding_n for_o though_o a_o man_n shall_v constrain_v himself_o upon_o some_o occasion_n yet_o be_v it_o possible_a he_o shall_v after_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n during_o a_o great_a part_n of_o his_o life_n in_o all_o his_o action_n in_o all_o his_o word_n in_o his_o manner_n of_o tell_v of_o thing_n which_o often_o discover_v the_o bottom_n of_o the_o heart_n than_o the_o thing_n he_o speak_v of_o i_o know_v very_o well_o hypocrisy_n cover_v itself_o with_o the_o external_a show_n of_o virtue_n but_o real_o there_o be_v yet_o something_o which_o i_o can_v express_v a_o simple_a and_o natural_a air_n in_o true_a virtue_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o hypocrisy_n or_o rather_o hypocrisy_n be_v neither_o so_o subtle_a nor_o clear_v sight_v but_o that_o it_o discover_v itself_o on_o one_o side_n or_o other_o nay_o often_o it_o let_v drop_v a_o wordwhich_v unmasque_n it_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n however_o i_o be_o willing_a the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n shall_v be_v strict_o examine_v to_o see_v whether_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v very_o natural_a and_o sincere_a can_v be_v find_v
he_o so_o many_o stripe_n who_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o his_o own_o nation_n a_o perfidious_a seducer_n who_o have_v renounce_v all_o his_o possession_n only_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o preach_v to_o other_o shall_v yet_o not_o so_o much_o as_o receive_v his_o diet_n and_o clothing_n from_o they_o nay_o who_o after_o this_o usage_n still_o preach_v on_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o exempt_v himself_o from_o any_o labour_n however_o vile_a and_o contemptible_a for_o a_o livelihood_n as_o st._n paul_n declare_v he_o will_v not_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o those_o people_n who_o will_v undoubted_o have_v refuse_v he_o nothing_o who_o in_o fine_a after_o all_o this_o shall_v still_o refuse_v and_o without_o affectation_n reject_v the_o glory_n which_o his_o preach_n and_o self_n denial_n seem_v to_o merit_v and_o who_o to_o show_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o his_o refusal_n shall_v teach_v we_o to_o ascribe_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n to_o god_n as_o the_o first_o great_a author_n of_o our_o be_v and_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o our_o action_n 1_o cor_fw-la 9_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o even_o so_o say_v he_o have_v the_o lord_n ordain_v that_o they_o which_o preach_v the_o gospel_n shall_v live_v of_o the_o gospel_n but_o i_o have_v use_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o do_v unto_o i_o for_o though_o i_o preach_v the_o gospel_n i_o have_v nothing_o to_o glory_n of_o for_o necessity_n be_v lay_v upon_o i_o yea_o woe_n be_v unto_o i_o if_o i_o preach_v not_o the_o gospel_n for_o if_o i_o do_v this_o thing_n willing_o i_o have_v a_o reward_n but_o if_o against_o my_o will_n a_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v commit_v unto_o i_o what_o be_v my_o reward_n then_o very_o that_o when_o i_o preach_v the_o gospel_n i_o may_v make_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n without_o charge_n that_o i_o abuse_v not_o my_o power_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o another_o place_n phil._n 3._o 8._o yea_o doubtless_o and_o i_o count_v all_o thing_n but_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n my_o lord_n for_o who_o i_o have_v suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o do_v count_v they_o but_o dung_n that_o i_o may_v win_v christ._n thus_o st._n paul_n root_v up_o all_o vanity_n out_o of_o his_o heart_n he_o be_v not_o carry_v away_o with_o vain_a show_n of_o glitter_a virtue_n and_o merit_n but_o seek_v only_o the_o remission_n of_o his_o sin_n all_o his_o strength_n be_v in_o christ_n he_o affirm_v that_o god_n have_v send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n of_o who_o he_o be_v chief_a he_o confess_v that_o he_o have_v blaspheme_v that_o holy_a name_n by_o which_o we_o must_v be_v save_v that_o he_o have_v persecute_v jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o member_n he_o impute_v his_o conversion_n to_o grace_n and_o speak_v of_o nothing_o but_o of_o grace_n now_o what_o can_v so_o much_o humble_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n as_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o immense_a greatness_n of_o god_n the_o wretched_a misery_n of_o mankind_n their_o desperate_a corruption_n and_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n manifest_v to_o they_o in_o the_o send_v his_o son_n all_o which_o take_v up_o the_o discourse_n epistle_n and_o mind_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o include_v all_o his_o design_n in_o one_o propose_v nothing_o else_o to_o himself_o but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v but_o some_o perhaps_o will_v object_v be_v it_o not_o true_a that_o st._n paul_n in_o act_v as_o he_o do_v get_v himself_o immortal_a honour_n this_o the_o event_n have_v sufficient_o show_v and_o therefore_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o believe_v that_o st._n paul_n act_v by_o a_o principle_n of_o vain_a glory_n have_v foresee_v what_o will_v certain_o happen_v certain_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a pretty_a conceit_n to_o imagine_v that_o saul_n who_o be_v prejudice_v against_o the_o christian_n and_o a_o proud_a pharisee_fw-mi design_v to_o immortalise_v his_o name_n shall_v affirm_v a_o imposture_n that_o as_o much_o shock_n our_o reason_n as_o that_o of_o the_o disciple_n if_o we_o may_v believe_v what_o the_o incredulous_a say_n that_o he_o shall_v have_v imagine_v he_o can_v deceive_v both_o present_a and_o future_a age_n by_o such_o gross_a fiction_n that_o he_o can_v have_v draw_v strength_n courage_n constancy_n charity_n piety_n from_o such_o a_o chimerical_a project_n and_o perfidious_a design_n that_o he_o shall_v have_v fight_v with_o beast_n at_o ephesus_n out_o of_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o imaginary_a immortality_n which_o one_o day_n will_v not_o flatter_v his_o ash_n in_o the_o grave_a that_o he_o shall_v retain_v so_o much_o pride_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o shame_n and_o torment_n and_o that_o a_o vain_a notion_n which_o be_v the_o usual_a effect_n of_o idleness_n luxury_n and_o prosperity_n shall_v immediate_o triumph_v over_o the_o most_o real_a and_o most_o lively_a sentiment_n of_o nature_n but_o what_o of_o all_o this_o st._n paul_n be_v perhaps_o a_o politician_n a_o man_n that_o understand_v the_o world_n who_o have_v some_o secret_a self_n interest_n in_o all_o his_o design_n and_o practice_n but_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o his_o character_n will_v never_o have_v be_v know_v will_v he_o not_o have_v contradict_v and_o so_o betray_v himself_o be_v there_o no_o way_n of_o discover_v his_o ambition_n when_o the_o people_n take_v he_o for_o mercury_n will_v have_v sacrifice_v to_o he_o in_o lycaonia_n and_o if_o we_o will_v reflect_v upon_o his_o epistle_n may_v we_o not_o find_v mark_n of_o that_o prodigious_a vanity_n which_o make_v he_o act_v thus_o let_v the_o incredulous_a consult_v themselves_o thereupon_o and_o judge_v what_o they_o will_v have_v do_v on_o the_o like_a occasion_n perhaps_o they_o can_v find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o turn_v impostor_n but_o never_o to_o suffer_v for_o their_o imposture_n â—r_o if_o they_o be_v dispose_v to_o suffer_v for_o a_o imposture_n it_o must_v be_v one_o that_o will_v in_o the_o end_n certain_o procure_v they_o great_a riches_n not_o one_o that_o will_v oblige_v they_o to_o renounce_v every_o thing_n to_o suffer_v and_o crown_v heir_n suffering_n with_o martyrdom_n it_o be_v true_a a_o man_n â—ay_v be_v dispose_v to_o renounce_v every_o thing_n and_o suffer_v â—eath_n itself_o for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o country_n the_o preervation_n of_o his_o honour_n or_o some_o other_o seem_v awful_a reason_n but_o never_o in_o defence_n of_o what_o he_o â—nows_v to_o be_v a_o fiction_n the_o thought_n of_o be_v remember_v by_o posterity_n may_v flatter_v his_o pride_n but_o ot_fw-mi so_o far_o as_o to_o oblige_v he_o to_o make_v this_o present_a life_n wretched_a and_o dreadful_a and_o to_o sacrifice_v to_o that_o â—ought_v all_o his_o real_a temporary_a advantage_n he_o â—ight_n find_v himself_o inclinable_a to_o deceive_v other_o man_n â—d_a to_o accuse_v his_o nation_n of_o a_o imaginary_a crime_n â—t_a not_o when_o he_o testify_v a_o extraordinary_a kindness_n â—r_o it_o and_o do_v his_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o sanctify_v it_o he_o may_v entertain_v the_o thought_n of_o seduce_v other_o man_n but_o not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n discover_v a_o wonderful_a resolution_n in_o his_o word_n and_o a_o thousand_o virtue_n in_o his_o action_n search_v as_o long_o as_o you_o please_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n you_o will_v never_o find_v all_o these_o quality_n unite_v therein_o as_o we_o can_v give_v a_o example_n of_o it_o in_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o any_o man_n so_o perhaps_o the_o idea_n of_o it_o never_o enter_v into_o any_o man_n mind_n what_o folly_n be_v it_o then_o to_o imagine_v that_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v real_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o person_n of_o st._n paul_n and_o of_o some_o other_o fisherman_n how_o can_v a_o man_n ground_n such_o a_o imagination_n unless_o upon_o a_o mind_n desperate_o resolve_v to_o deceive_v itself_o but_o lest_o we_o shall_v be_v think_v without_o any_o ground_n to_o advance_v any_o thing_n concern_v the_o courage_n of_o that_o apostle_n let_v we_o hear_v he_o speak_v himself_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 17._o for_o our_o light_a affliction_n say_v he_o which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n and_o in_o another_o place_n 2_o cor._n 7._o 4_o 5_o 6._o i_o be_o exceed_o joyful_a in_o all_o our_o tribulation_n for_o whâ—â—_n we_o be_v come_v into_o macedonia_n our_o flesh_n have_v no_o rest_n bâ—â—_n we_o be_v trouble_v on_o every_o side_n without_o be_v fight_v within_o be_v fear_n nevertheless_o god_n that_o comforteâ—â—_n those_o that_o be_v cast_v down_o comfort_v we_o and_o in_o the_o 12._o chap._n of_o the_o same_o epist_n v_o 10_o therefore_o i_o take_v pleasure_n in_o infirmity_n in_o reproach_n in_o
necessity_n in_o persecution_n in_o distress_n for_o christ_n sake_n for_o when_o i_o be_o weak_a then_o be_o i_o strong_a nay_o he_o pretend_v that_o all_o those_o who_o be_v animate_v with_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o he_o be_v can_v forbear_v pious_o rejoice_v in_o their_o suffering_n but_o the_o fruit_n say_v he_o of_o the_o spirit_n be_v loâ—â—_n joy_n peace_n long_o suffer_v gentleness_n goodness_n faitâ—_n meekness_n temperance_n gal._n 5._o 22._o that_o be_v the_o trâ—â—_n character_n of_o a_o christian_n and_o the_o apostle_n desigâ—_n in_o preach_v be_v to_o plant_v these_o virtue_n in_o the_o mindâ—_n of_o man_n but_o let_v we_o see_v further_o some_o other_o mark_n of_o the_o joyfulness_n and_o confidence_n of_o st._n paul_n he_o express_v himself_o after_o this_o manner_n in_o some_o of_o his_o epistle_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 8_o 9_o 10._o we_o be_v trouble_v on_o every_o side_n yet_o not_o distress_v we_o be_v perplex_v but_o not_o in_o despair_n persecute_v but_o not_o forsake_v cast_v down_o but_o not_o destroy_v always_o bear_v about_o in_o the_o body_n the_o die_a of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o the_o life_n also_o of_o jesus_n may_v be_v mde_v manifest_a in_o our_o body_n and_o in_o another_o place_n yea_o and_o if_o i_o be_v offer_v upon_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o your_o faith_n i_o rejoice_v with_o you_o â—ll_v for_o the_o same_o cause_n also_o do_v you_o rejoice_v with_o i_o phil._n 2._o â—7_n from_o whence_o can_v proceed_v those_o motion_n of_o joy_n which_o st._n paul_n so_o natural_o express_v which_o no_o art_n can_v imitate_v which_o run_v through_o all_o his_o epistle_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n and_o which_o seem_v to_o spring_v from_o a_o heart_n which_o not_o be_v able_a to_o contain_v its_o inward_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n open_v and_o â—nlarges_v itself_o and_o break_v forth_o into_o these_o lively_a â—xpressions_n of_o joy_n certain_o such_o sentiment_n as_o these_o can_v never_o spring_v from_o nature_n for_o nature_n send_v forth_o sigh_n â—nd_v groan_n under_o her_o suffering_n the_o stoic_n who_o â—ndeavoured_v to_o stifle_v her_o innocent_a complaint_n preâ—ended_v that_o a_o man_n may_v overcome_v himself_o to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o preserve_v his_o mind_n serene_a and_o calm_a in_o â—he_n midst_n of_o torment_n but_o the_o stoic_n never_o go_v â—o_o far_o as_o to_o believe_v that_o joy_n can_v spring_v out_o of_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o bitterness_n of_o affliction_n none_o but_o the_o christian_n can_v ever_o find_v unspeakable_a joy_n and_o comâ—ort_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o sorrow_n who_o be_v that_o â—aul_n then_o that_o have_v thought_n so_o elevate_v only_o a_o impostor_n if_o we_o will_v believe_v the_o incredulous_a by_o â—hat_n strength_n or_o power_n do_v he_o so_o much_o surpass_v the_o virtue_n of_o the_o stoic_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o great_a imposture_n that_o ever_o be_v and_o can_v any_o one_o real_o be_v persuade_v of_o such_o a_o thing_n for_o my_o part_n the_o only_a difficulty_n i_o find_v in_o all_o this_o be_v to_o imagine_v that_o the_o proud_a pretended_a patron_n of_o humane_a reason_n shall_v be_v so_o â—nreasonable_a and_o extravagant_a chap._n xii_o wherein_o we_o further_o examine_v the_o epistle_n of_o st_n paul_n the_o three_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v that_o they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o continual_a repetition_n of_o the_o death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n or_o at_o least_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o essential_o belong_v to_o they_o so_o that_o although_o the_o four_o gospel_n shall_v be_v lose_v still_o the_o substance_n and_o essential_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o write_n of_o st._n paul_n now_o this_o appear_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o almost_o every_o one_o of_o his_o epistle_n concern_v his_o son_n say_v he_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n chap._n 1._o v._n 4._o which_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n by_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o this_o appear_v yet_o more_o express_o in_o several_a other_o place_n as_o in_o the_o 15._o chap._n of_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n v_o 3_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o for_o i_o deliver_v unto_o you_o first_o of_o all_o that_o which_o i_o also_o receive_v how_o that_o christ_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o he_o be_v bury_v and_o that_o he_o rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o thâ—â—_n he_o be_v see_v of_o cephas_n then_o of_o the_o twelve_o after_o thâ—â—_n he_o be_v see_v of_o above_o five_o hundred_o brethren_n at_o once_o of_o who_o the_o great_a part_n remain_v unto_o this_o present_a but_o soâ—â—_n be_v fall_v a_o sleep_n after_o that_o he_o be_v see_v of_o james_n thâ—â—_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o last_o of_o all_o he_o be_v see_v of_o 〈◊〉_d also_o as_o of_o one_o bear_v out_o of_o due_a time_n so_o bold_o do_v this_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ._n he_o do_v not_o only_o say_v in_o general_a term_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v see_v after_o his_o resurrection_n but_o in_o particular_a that_o he_o be_v see_v of_o cephas_n of_o james_n of_o the_o other_o apostle_n and_o of_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v see_v by_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 live_v who_o he_o appeal_v to_o as_o witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v and_o who_o may_v easy_o have_v contradict_v he_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a but_o if_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o people_n real_o see_v jesus_n christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n that_o matter_n of_o fact_n can_v never_o be_v false_a for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o five_o hundred_o three_o hundred_o nay_o fifty_o person_n shall_v maugre_o all_o punishment_n conspire_v together_o to_o maintain_v a_o fiction_n but_o if_o such_o a_o number_n of_o person_n neither_o see_v nor_o certify_v they_o have_v see_v christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n how_o shall_v st._n paul_n have_v presume_v to_o write_v this_o to_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n who_o see_v and_o converse_v with_o the_o apostle_n must_v have_v know_v the_o certainty_n of_o it_o how_o dare_v he_o name_v those_o who_o he_o pretend_v that_o jesus_n christ_n appear_v to_o after_o his_o resurrection_n how_o great_a be_v his_o boldness_n to_o assign_v so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o witness_n of_o that_o truth_n and_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v still_o live_v how_o come_v he_o to_o speak_v of_o it_o slight_o by_o the_o way_n or_o only_o as_o a_o thing_n universal_o know_v he_o tell_v it_o but_o not_o with_o any_o turn_n of_o wit_n or_o fineness_n of_o expression_n which_o impostor_n use_v to_o varnish_v over_o a_o specious_a lie_n who_o use_v the_o more_o art_n and_o insinuation_n the_o more_o incredible_a the_o thing_n be_v they_o will_v induce_v man_n to_o believe_v but_o why_o shall_v not_o he_o bold_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n since_o as_o he_o pretend_v the_o holy_a ghost_n evident_o bare_a record_n of_o it_o in_o a_o word_n st._n paul_n speak_v in_o his_o epistle_n of_o miraculous_a gift_n as_o of_o a_o thing_n universal_o know_v he_o call_v they_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o sometime_o only_a the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o that_o shall_v attempt_v to_o cut_v off_o from_o his_o epistle_n every_o place_n wherein_o he_o menâ—ions_v they_o will_v certain_o take_v away_o the_o most_o considerable_a part_n of_o they_o to_o one_o say_v he_o be_v give_v â—he_n spirit_n the_o gift_n of_o wisdom_n to_o another_o the_o gift_n of_o knowledge_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n to_o another_o faith_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n to_o another_o the_o gift_n of_o heal_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n to_o another_o the_o work_n of_o miracle_n to_o another_o prophecy_n to_o another_o discern_v of_o spirit_n to_o another_o divers_a kind_n of_o tongue_n but_o all_o these_o work_v that_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o spirit_n divide_v to_o every_o man_n several_o as_o he_o will_v 1_o cor._n 12._o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o you_o see_v how_o st._n paul_n cursory_o mention_n this_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o uncontested_a experience_n mean_a while_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o we_o have_v not_o to_o do_v with_o one_o single_a gift_n but_o several_a miraculous_a gift_n in_o which_o there_o be_v no_o artifice_n or_o illusion_n for_o though_o it_o may_v be_v pretend_v that_o some_o certain_a people_n have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o although_o those_o very_a people_n shall_v
three_o year_n or_o three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a as_o long_o as_o his_o office_n last_v wrought_v more_o surprise_v miracle_n than_o have_v be_v either_o see_v or_o know_v since_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n be_v firm_o to_o believe_v that_o christ_n work_v those_o miracle_n which_o be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o circumstantial_o repeat_v in_o it_o and_o so_o inseparable_a from_o the_o other_o part_n and_o accident_n of_o his_o life_n it_o must_v not_o then_o be_v affirm_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n embrace_v christianity_n without_o inquire_v in_o the_o least_o into_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n for_o that_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n neither_o must_v we_o say_v that_o they_o believe_v those_o miracle_n without_o a_o due_a examination_n of_o they_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o indeed_o require_v no_o very_a great_a examination_n but_o they_o can_v not_o avoid_v examine_v they_o have_v they_o endeavour_v it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o whole_o leave_v to_o my_o choice_n either_o to_o know_v or_o not_o to_o know_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v in_o the_o place_n which_o i_o inhabit_v neither_o do_v it_o whole_o depend_v upon_o i_o to_o believe_v or_o not_o to_o believe_v certain_a matter_n of_o fact_n that_o be_v contradictory_n to_o public_a knowledge_n and_o though_o a_o man_n under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n or_o otherwise_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v i_o believe_v he_o have_v raise_v a_o dead_a man_n to_o life_n again_o in_o a_o village_n a_o few_o mile_n distant_a from_o the_o place_n i_o dwell_v in_o who_o i_o may_v have_v both_o see_v and_o know_v after_o his_o resurrection_n or_o if_o i_o have_v not_o see_v he_o myself_o many_o other_o have_v both_o see_v and_o know_v and_o many_o go_v to_o see_v i_o say_v all_o this_o be_v no_o more_o leave_v to_o my_o choice_n to_o know_v or_o not_o to_o know_v than_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o my_o choice_n to_o be_v mad_a or_o in_o my_o sense_n for_o the_o better_a apprehend_v the_o strength_n of_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v make_v this_o supposition_n what_o if_o we_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o christ_n do_v all_o those_o miracle_n the_o gospel_n relate_v have_v go_v up_o to_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o reach_v thither_o just_a at_o the_o evening_n of_o that_o day_n of_o pentecost_n on_o which_o st._n peter_n convert_v so_o many_o people_n by_o convince_a they_o that_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o dare_v maintain_v first_o that_o we_o can_v not_o have_v forbear_v examine_v such_o thing_n which_o make_v so_o great_a a_o noise_n then_o second_o i_o affirm_v that_o however_o willing_a we_o may_v have_v be_v to_o delude_v and_o impose_v upon_o ourselves_o we_o can_v not_o have_v be_v so_o much_o as_o twenty_o four_o hour_n at_o jerusalem_n without_o know_v very_o distinct_o the_o certain_a truth_n of_o all_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n it_o will_v have_v be_v no_o very_o great_a trouble_n for_o we_o to_o have_v inquire_v how_o lazarus_n do_v and_o his_o two_o sister_n mary_n and_o martha_n and_o though_o by_o chance_n they_o may_v have_v be_v all_o three_o dead_a to_o have_v desire_v to_o speak_v with_o their_o friend_n and_o relation_n or_o with_o those_o that_o have_v see_v lazarus_n and_o eat_v with_o he_o both_o before_o and_o after_o his_o resurrection_n in_o like_a manner_n we_o may_v have_v easy_o speak_v with_o the_o friend_n and_o relation_n of_o jairus_n and_o with_o those_o too_o of_o other_o people_n who_o christ_n have_v heal_v or_o raise_v from_o the_o dead_a in_o the_o different_a part_n of_o judea_n and_o galilee_n and_o that_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o easy_a because_o commerce_n be_v much_o more_o stir_v between_o the_o metropolis_n of_o judea_n and_o the_o other_o city_n of_o the_o holy_a land_n than_o between_o the_o metropolis_n and_o the_o other_o city_n of_o the_o other_o province_n the_o jew_n be_v wont_a to_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n at_o least_o on_o every_o solemn_a feast-day_n nay_o far_o we_o may_v have_v inquire_v about_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o those_o wonderful_a prodigy_n which_o as_o the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o attend_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o since_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o several_a thousand_o witness_n shall_v have_v be_v impose_v upon_o concern_v so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o evident_a and_o sensible_a matter_n of_o fact_n so_o in_o like_a manner_n it_o will_v have_v be_v absolute_o impossible_a we_o shall_v have_v become_v christian_n only_o for_o twenty_o four_o hour_n after_o we_o have_v leave_v jerusalem_n suppose_v those_o matter_n of_o fact_n have_v be_v utter_o false_a i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v attend_v with_o such_o wonderful_a circumstance_n as_o the_o evangelist_n dare_v not_o have_v presume_v to_o invent_v have_v they_o be_v utter_o false_a neither_o have_v the_o power_n to_o forge_v or_o make_v one_o single_a person_n believe_v they_o have_v they_o design_v to_o impose_v upon_o man_n belief_n there_o remain_v only_o for_o our_o full_a conviction_n in_o this_o matter_n to_o show_v that_o they_o will_v not_o have_v forge_v they_o have_v it_o be_v whole_o leave_v to_o their_o choice_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o allege_v that_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n according_a to_o the_o recital_n of_o the_o evangelist_n be_v attend_v with_o such_o circumstance_n and_o so_o many_o strange_a event_n that_o it_o be_v inconceivable_a the_o disciple_n shall_v take_v any_o pleasure_n in_o invent_v they_o such_o be_v for_o example_n the_o tempt_a of_o our_o saviour_n a_o strange_a and_o most_o scandalous_a passage_n indeed_o to_o all_o those_o who_o be_v not_o full_o acquaint_v with_o the_o true_a mystery_n of_o it_o since_o it_o represent_v christ_n to_o we_o as_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o sport_v himself_o with_o his_o weakness_n though_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o overcome_v his_o virtue_n one_o while_o place_v he_o upon_o the_o pinnacle_n of_o the_o temple_n whence_o he_o advise_v he_o to_o cast_v himself_o down_o another_o while_n upon_o a_o exceed_a high_a mountain_n from_o whence_o he_o show_v he_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o now_o to_o see_v a_o man_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o satan_n will_v be_v a_o sight_n that_o will_v shock_v we_o to_o see_v a_o just_a man_n will_v be_v a_o object_n more_o terrible_a but_o to_o see_v a_o prophet_n himself_o will_v be_v a_o wonder_n that_o will_v create_v horror_n in_o we_o what_o must_v it_o be_v then_o to_o see_v a_o divine_a person_n in_o his_o clutch_n or_o rather_o one_o that_o be_v both_o god_n and_o man_n one_o that_o be_v call_v by_o way_n of_o eminence_n the_o just_a the_o holy_a the_o man_n without_o sin_n or_o blemish_n the_o great_a of_o all_o the_o prophet_n in_o â—ine_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o he_o must_v necessary_o be_v much_o mistake_v that_o can_v imagine_v that_o such_o thought_n as_o these_o can_v have_v natural_o offer_v themselves_o to_o any_o man_n mind_n much_o less_o to_o the_o mind_n of_o ignorant_a people_n who_o judge_n of_o thing_n by_o the_o prejudices_fw-la they_o be_v general_o possess_v with_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o christ_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n as_o surround_v with_o angel_n who_o minister_v unto_o he_o after_o his_o temptation_n but_o yet_o that_o circumstance_n be_v so_o far_o from_o remove_v that_o which_o may_v seem_v offensive_a and_o surprise_v in_o that_o event_n that_o it_o rather_o make_v it_o the_o more_o strange_a and_o incomprehensible_a nothing_o so_o ill_o befit_v a_o man_n who_o be_v but_o just_a now_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o carry_v about_o by_o he_o wherever_o he_o please_v as_o to_o be_v immediate_o after_o wait_v upon_o by_o angel_n add_v to_o this_o the_o unite_n of_o so_o many_o mean_a circumstance_n with_o so_o many_o glorious_a one_o that_o occur_v in_o his_o nativity_n in_o his_o life_n and_o in_o his_o death_n to_o instance_n in_o christ_n lie_v in_o a_o manger_n whilst_o he_o be_v praise_v by_o the_o host_n of_o heaven_n his_o have_n not_o a_o hole_n wherein_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n whilst_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o command_v the_o fish_n of_o the_o sea_n to_o bring_v he_o money_n to_o pay_v tribute_n to_o those_o who_o ask_v it_o of_o he_o his_o show_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o fear_n nay_o even_o apparent_a weakness_n whilst_o he_o shake_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o world_n and_o make_v the_o earth_n tremble_v and_o the_o sky_n to_o become_v dark_a his_o beg_n of_o his_o father_n that_o the_o cup_n of_o his_o suffering_n may_v pass_v away_o from_o
to_o their_o former_a employment_n for_o they_o can_v not_o subsist_v without_o do_v something_o to_o get_v a_o livelihood_n and_o jesus_n after_o his_o resurrection_n appear_v sometime_o to_o they_o on_o the_o sea_n shore_n where_o they_o be_v a_o fish_n what_o can_v be_v suspect_v in_o all_o this_o verse_n 20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o then_o peter_n turn_v about_o seethe_v the_o disciple_n who_o jesus_n love_v follow_v which_o also_o lean_v on_o his_o breast_n at_o supper_n and_o say_v lord_n who_o be_v it_o that_o betray_v thou_o peter_n see_v he_o say_v to_o jesus_n lord_n and_o what_o shall_v this_o man_n do_v jesus_n say_v unto_o he_o if_o i_o will_v that_o he_o tarry_v till_o i_o come_v what_o be_v that_o to_o thou_o follow_v thou_o i_o then_o go_v this_o say_n abroad_o among_o the_o brethren_n that_o that_o disciple_n shall_v not_o die_v yet_o jesus_n say_v not_o unto_o he_o he_o shall_v not_o die_v but_o if_o i_o will_v that_o he_o tarry_v till_o i_o come_v what_o be_v that_o to_o thou_o this_o be_v the_o disciple_n which_o testify_v of_o these_o thing_n and_o write_v these_o thing_n etc._n etc._n can_v we_o imagine_v that_o the_o evangelist_n himself_o invent_v this_o report_n which_o he_o pretend_v go_v about_o concern_v his_o immortality_n and_o do_v such_o thought_n come_v into_o a_o man_n head_n however_o do_v but_o observe_v how_o all_o the_o particular_n of_o this_o matter_n hang_v so_o one_o upon_o another_o that_o whosoever_o grant_v one_o of_o they_o must_v grant_v also_o the_o rest_n for_o the_o report_n spread_v abroad_o that_o john_n shall_v not_o die_v be_v ground_v upon_o the_o answer_n which_o christ_n return_v to_o peter_n and_o he_o return_v not_o that_o answer_n to_o peter_n till_o after_o his_o resurrection_n and_o after_o have_v foretell_v peter_n himself_o with_o what_o kind_n of_o death_n he_o shall_v glorify_v god_n this_o connexion_n therefore_o plain_o show_v we_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v upon_o this_o account_n chap._n viii_o wherein_o we_o shall_v further_o produce_v from_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n several_a place_n very_o proper_a to_o make_v we_o true_o sensible_a of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_n religion_n chap._n i._n 8._o but_o you_o shall_v receive_v power_n after_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v come_v upon_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v witness_n unto_o i_o both_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o all_o judea_n and_o in_o samaria_n etc._n etc._n unto_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n â—et_z these_o witness_n be_v strict_o examine_v let_v their_o patience_n be_v try_v with_o all_o kind_n of_o severe_a punishment_n and_o it_o will_v then_o appear_v whether_o it_o be_v possible_a ever_o to_o force_v they_o to_o recant_v their_o opinion_n verse_n 26._o and_o the_o lot_n fall_v upon_o mathias_n and_o he_o be_v number_v with_o the_o eleven_o apostle_n in_o this_o election_n there_o appear_v neither_o bribe_n preeminence_n or_o arbitrary_a partiality_n so_o different_a be_v that_o society_n from_o these_o now_o establish_v in_o the_o world_n chap._n ii_o 13_o other_o mock_v say_v these_o man_n be_v full_a of_o new_a wine_n these_o sort_n of_o circumstance_n be_v of_o excellent_a use_n to_o show_v the_o exactness_n and_o sincerity_n of_o the_o historian_n verse_n 22._o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n a_o man_n approve_v of_o god_n among_o you_o by_o miracle_n and_o wonder_n and_o sign_n as_o you_o yourselves_o also_o know_v how_o come_v they_o to_o know_v it_o have_v christ_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n among_o they_o and_o what_o a_o strange_a piece_n of_o confidence_n must_v it_o have_v be_v in_o the_o apostle_n to_o speak_v thus_o verse_n 41._o and_o the_o same_o day_n be_v add_v unto_o they_o about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n what_o but_o the_o wonderful_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v to_o the_o apostle_n can_v make_v so_o many_o proselyte_n verse_n 44_o 45._o and_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v together_o and_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a and_o sell_v their_o possession_n and_o good_n and_o part_v they_o to_o all_o man_n as_o every_o man_n have_v need_v a_o holy_a society_n indeed_o consist_v of_o none_o but_o such_o as_o have_v give_v up_o all_o their_o interest_n in_o this_o world_n and_o glorify_a god_n by_o offer_v up_o themselves_o and_o what_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o as_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o he_o what_o can_v they_o hope_v for_o who_o absolute_o renounce_v every_o thing_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n let_v a_o man_n reason_n never_o so_o much_o upon_o the_o manner_n of_o unite_n man_n in_o a_o body_n together_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v never_o a_o more_o effectual_a method_n to_o form_v a_o society_n than_o charity_n for_o it_o make_v those_o thing_n equal_a which_o humane_a passion_n have_v before_o distinguish_v it_o subvert_v all_o competition_n destroy_v all_o interest_n banish_v the_o design_n of_o pride_n and_o ambition_n and_o all_o the_o little_a distinction_n vanity_n create_v in_o a_o word_n it_o unite_v man_n in_o a_o state_n wherein_o they_o all_o equal_o enjoy_v the_o same_o revelation_n the_o same_o spiritual_a worship_n and_o the_o same_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n all_o which_o represent_v as_o it_o be_v on_o earth_n the_o joy_n we_o may_v partake_v hereafter_o and_o give_v we_o a_o lively_a image_n and_o idea_n of_o heaven_n and_o what_o great_a miracle_n than_o this_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o a_o religion_n verse_n 46._o and_o they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n do_v eat_v their_o meat_n with_o gladness_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n what_o perseverance_n what_o joy_n nay_o what_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n do_v the_o apostle_n here_o show_v suppose_v they_o to_o have_v be_v deceiver_n for_o we_o must_v either_o acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v such_o or_o else_o allow_v the_o gospel_n they_o preach_v to_o be_v most_o certain_o true_a and_o divine_a chap._n iii_o 8_o 9_o and_o he_o enter_v with_o they_o into_o the_o temple_n walk_v and_o leap_v and_o praise_v god_n and_o all_o the_o people_n see_v he_o walk_v and_o praise_v god_n be_v it_o a_o easy_a matter_n to_o make_v other_o man_n believe_v such_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o these_o suppose_v they_o be_v altogether_o false_a verse_n 12._o and_o when_o peter_n see_v it_o he_o answer_v unto_o the_o people_n you_o man_n of_o israel_n why_o marvel_v you_o at_o this_o or_o why_o look_v you_o so_o earnest_o on_o we_o as_o though_o by_o our_o own_o power_n or_o holiness_n we_o have_v make_v this_o man_n to_o walk_v have_v simon_n magus_n perform_v such_o a_o miracle_n he_o will_v certain_o have_v take_v all_o the_o honour_n of_o it_o to_o himself_o and_o now_o more_o confident_o than_o ever_o affirm_v that_o he_o be_v the_o great_a power_n of_o god_n observe_v i_o pray_v here_o a_o character_n of_o ingenuity_n humility_n and_o sincerity_n which_o can_v be_v sufficient_o express_v verse_n 16._o and_o his_o name_n through_o faith_n in_o his_o name_n have_v make_v this_o man_n strong_a who_o you_o see_v and_o know_v yea_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v by_o he_o have_v give_v he_o this_o perfect_a soundness_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o you_o all_o this_o multiply_a expression_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v not_o so_o well_o please_v some_o man_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o empty_a flourish_n of_o word_n or_o a_o put_v some_o good_a word_n fine_o together_o to_o signify_v little_a a_o thing_n not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o true_a eloquence_n man_n ought_v to_o use_v but_o here_o it_o be_v not_o real_o so_o the_o apostle_n here_o regard_v not_o politness_v in_o the_o least_o but_o rather_o be_v afraid_a they_o can_v not_o use_v expression_n strong_a enough_o to_o let_v they_o know_v that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o own_o name_n but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v do_v it_o be_v no_o matter_n then_o whether_o the_o ear_n be_v offend_v at_o it_o or_o not_o provide_v the_o understanding_n humble_v itself_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o ascribe_v that_o extraordinary_a miracle_n to_o none_o but_o christ_n himself_o verse_n 14._o but_o you_o deny_v the_o holy_a one_o and_o the_o just_a and_o desire_v a_o murderer_n to_o be_v grant_v unto_o you_o observe_v how_o little_o he_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o flatter_v those_o man_n he_o speak_v to_o chap._n iu._n 4._o howbeit_o many_o of_o they_o which_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o man_n be_v about_o five_o thousand_o how_o can_v s._n luke_n who_o write_v in_o a_o time_n when_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o so_o many_o proselyte_n flourish_v i_o say_v how_o can_v he_o have_v make_v so_o many_o believe_v such_o miraculous_a