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
in_o imitation_n of_o those_o primitive_a christian_n that_o the_o apostle_n deceive_v polycarp_n and_o clemens_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o disciple_n be_v a_o thing_n much_o less_o to_o be_v suspect_v because_o they_o themselves_o stick_v not_o to_o boast_v of_o their_o be_v able_a to_o work_v miracle_n heal_v all_o kind_n of_o disease_n speak_v all_o sort_n of_o language_n and_o impart_v to_o other_o those_o gift_n they_o call_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o clemens_n polycarp_n etc._n etc._n shall_v have_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v deceive_v in_o this_o respect_n especial_o to_o â—uch_v a_o degree_n as_o to_o suffer_v death_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o religion_n found_v on_o so_o many_o imposture_n but_o whence_o appear_v it_o that_o the_o apostle_n boast_v of_o a_o power_n to_o work_v miracle_n and_o impart_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o appear_v not_o only_o from_o their_o own_o epistle_n which_o can_v be_v forge_v as_o we_o shall_v prove_v by_o and_o by_o but_o also_o from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o in_o fine_a it_o be_v manifest_a of_o itself_o for_o as_o we_o can_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o alexander_n the_o great_a without_o overthrow_v the_o common_a opinion_n that_o he_o subvert_v the_o empire_n of_o darius_n and_o the_o macedonian_n subdue_v all_o asia_n under_o his_o conduct_n because_o one_o matter_n of_o fact_n depend_v upon_o the_o other_o so_o we_o can_v acknowledge_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n without_o believe_v the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o resurrection_n his_o pour_v out_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n impart_v to_o those_o that_o believe_v for_o take_v away_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n wherein_o will_v the_o divinity_n of_o it_o consist_v wherein_o will_v lie_v the_o strength_n promise_n and_o essential_o of_o it_o since_o therefore_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n suffer_v martyrdom_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n it_o follow_v also_o that_o they_o die_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o just_o now_o mention_v so_o that_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v very_o palpable_a and_o it_o be_v very_o easy_a for_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n who_o live_v and_o converse_v with_o the_o apostle_n to_o know_v certain_o whether_o they_o real_o have_v the_o pretend_a gift_n of_o divers_a tongue_n of_o heal_v all_o sort_n of_o disease_n and_o of_o communicate_v these_o extraordinary_a gift_n to_o other_o so_o as_o to_o render_v they_o frequent_v in_o the_o church_n i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o its_o possible_a to_o call_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o in_o question_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n however_o fruitful_a in_o imagination_n can_v hardly_o raise_v here_o a_o doubt_n of_o a_o moment_n continuance_n for_o shall_v i_o fancy_v they_o may_v have_v give_v i_o a_o false_a relation_n of_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o clemens_n of_o polycarp_n and_o the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n this_o thought_n soon_o vanish_v when_o i_o consider_v the_o number_n quality_n and_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o witness_n of_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o can_v we_o think_v that_o the_o sucessour_n of_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n will_v have_v suffer_v a_o real_a martyrdom_n in_o imitation_n of_o one_o that_o be_v but_o imaginary_a will_v they_o so_o courageous_o have_v imitate_v a_o fictitious_a martyrdom_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o shall_v i_o imagine_v clemens_n and_o polycarp_n be_v impose_v on_o by_o the_o apostle_n i_o be_o soon_o convince_v of_o the_o contrary_a since_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o we_o have_v now_o before_o we_o be_v matter_n of_o experience_n so_o evident_a in_o themselves_o that_o we_o can_v be_v mistake_v in_o they_o last_o shall_v i_o doubt_v whether_o the_o apostle_n endeavour_v to_o persuade_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o i_o be_o make_v to_o understand_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o christianity_n without_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n can_v never_o have_v establish_v the_o christian_a religion_n unless_o they_o have_v first_o persuade_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o this_o will_v be_v far_o see_v by_o what_o we_o shall_v offer_v in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n may_v we_o not_o know_v what_o the_o profess_a enemy_n of_o christianity_n say_v of_o they_o for_o it_o seem_v unjust_a to_o hearken_v to_o that_o only_a which_o the_o christian_n allege_v in_o defence_n of_o their_o own_o cause_n this_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n we_o find_v porphirius_fw-la celsus_n and_o julian_n surname_v the_o apostate_n maintain_v that_o jesus_n christ_n do_v no_o miracle_n at_o all_o but_o by_o a_o magic_a power_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o fantom_n which_o appear_v to_o the_o disciple_n instead_o of_o jesus_n christ_n rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a whereupon_o i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o make_v some_o few_o reflection_n it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o those_o who_o be_v far_o more_o exasperate_v against_o the_o christian_n than_o the_o incredulous_a of_o these_o ime_n be_v and_o who_o live_v in_o a_o time_n near_o to_o that_o â—f_n the_o apostle_n may_v have_v easy_o know_v the_o truthâ—r_a â—r_z falsehood_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n i_o say_v it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o those_o man_n dare_v not_o in_o the_o least_o call_v â—ny_n of_o they_o in_o question_n but_o be_v force_v to_o have_v â—ecourse_n to_o ghost_n and_o a_o magic_a power_n to_o avoid_v â—eing_v perplex_v with_o they_o it_o be_v also_o worth_a our_o while_n to_o observe_v that_o celsus_n himself_o who_o ever_o before_o question_v magician_n be_v at_o length_n force_v to_o ascribe_v the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o a_o magic_a power_n â—s_a origen_n himself_o upbraid_v he_o in_o some_o part_n of_o his_o work_n thus_o it_o immediate_o appear_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v man_n of_o very_a good_a sense_n and_o very_o honest_a and_o sincere_a principle_n too_o that_o part_n of_o they_o live_v in_o a_o time_n so_o very_o near_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n in_o who_o day_n all_o those_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o must_v necessary_o have_v know_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o suffer_v death_n to_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o religion_n found_v upon_o all_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o last_o that_o their_o enemy_n themselves_o dare_v not_o presume_v entire_o to_o call_v any_o of_o they_o in_o question_n but_o i_o will_v not_o yield_v myself_o conquer_v for_o all_o that_o but_o rather_o raise_v myself_o a_o little_a high_o and_o stop_v for_o a_o while_n at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o first_o century_n which_o be_v the_o time_n wherein_o st._n john_n the_o last_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v yet_o live_v and_o wherein_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n who_o we_o just_a now_o mention_v flourish_v and_o this_o shall_v be_v our_o fix_a point_n in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n chap._n iu._n where_o we_o yet_o further_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o several_a undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n it_o be_v a_o hundred_o year_n since_o there_o be_v no_o christian_n at_o all_o in_o the_o world_n and_o now_o there_o be_v some_o in_o all_o part_n of_o it_o at_o rome_n and_o at_o antioch_n at_o alexandria_n at_o corinth_n at_o ephesus_n in_o spain_n and_o among_o the_o gaul_n etc._n etc._n i_o confess_v i_o be_o some_o what_o surprise_v to_o see_v this_o progress_n yet_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n because_o mahomet_n religion_n be_v establish_v in_o a_o lesser_a time_n we_o must_v then_o go_v yet_o far_o and_o consider_v that_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v not_o only_o destitute_a of_o the_o assistance_n of_o policy_n and_o authority_n but_o receive_v notwithstanding_o the_o continual_a opposition_n of_o both_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o other_o religion_n as_o that_o of_o the_o heathen_n and_o turk_n be_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n by_o some_o singular_a and_o extraordinary_a prosperity_n and_o by_o the_o policy_n of_o person_n raise_v to_o dignity_n and_o grandeur_n but_o christianity_n in_o a_o small_a time_n become_v master_n of_o man_n heart_n and_o understanding_n though_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o nothing_o but_o shame_n and_o misery_n though_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n strive_v to_o stifle_v it_o in_o its_o very_a birth_n and_o for_o that_o purpose_n invent_v such_o torture_n and_o punishment_n as_o no_o other_o interest_n can_v have_v make_v man_n devise_v we_o may_v indeed_o question_v the_o suffering_n of_o the_o christian_n
then_o must_v that_o person_n do_v or_o rather_o what_o must_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n do_v who_o utter_o renounce_v all_o thing_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o gospel_n iii_o there_o have_v be_v find_v some_o who_o have_v counterfeit_v book_n of_o humane_a learning_n but_o none_o ever_o know_v that_o be_v willing_a to_o die_v in_o defence_n of_o their_o forgery_n now_o none_o here_o can_v be_v suspect_v to_o have_v forge_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o only_o those_o who_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o consequent_o to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n on_o which_o chistianity_n itself_o be_v found_v iv._o a_o man_n may_v very_o well_o counterfeit_a a_o book_n of_o humane_a learning_n but_o not_o always_o nor_o in_o all_o circumstance_n and_o it_o will_v be_v very_o ridiculous_a in_o a_o man_n to_o forge_v letter_n that_o must_v have_v be_v write_v not_o long_o ago_o to_o whole_a 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but_o then_o i_o presume_v that_o this_o consideration_n make_v for_o we_o since_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v that_o the_o ancient_a primitive_a christian_n shall_v dispute_v so_o long_o about_o some_o epistle_n in_o particular_a have_v the_o rest_n altogether_o be_v as_o liable_a to_o suspicion_n but_o may_v we_o not_o reasonable_o imagine_v that_o during_o those_o strange_a disorder_n which_o follow_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n some_o christian_n either_o perfect_a cheat_n or_o but_o partly_o persuade_v of_o that_o faith_n may_v have_v compose_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o so_o after_o have_v insert_v in_o they_o whatever_o story_n they_o please_v ascribe_v they_o to_o the_o apostle_n to_o gain_v the_o great_a veneration_n and_o respect_n for_o their_o fiction_n no_o certain_o because_o the_o devastation_n of_o jerusalem_n hinder_v not_o but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v very_o numerous_a church_n at_o rome_n at_o antioch_n at_o thessalonica_n philippi_n 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upon_o as_o so_o many_o abominable_a murderer_n that_o all_o the_o disciple_n shall_v contrive_v this_o design_n together_o that_o not_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v confess_v the_o truth_n that_o the_o distance_n of_o place_n the_o severity_n of_o punishment_n the_o force_n of_o truth_n the_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n which_o they_o utter_o lose_v by_o their_o profession_n shall_v not_o be_v capable_a to_o break_v off_o this_o unanimous_a contrivance_n of_o falsehood_n that_o they_o shall_v glad_o suffer_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o fable_n that_o they_o shall_v add_v to_o constancy_n a_o virtuous_a life_n that_o these_o cheat_n shall_v preach_v nothing_o but_o virtue_n temperance_n charity_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o humility_n that_o they_o shall_v command_v we_o to_o love_v our_o enemy_n and_o bless_v they_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o god_n which_o curse_v we_o that_o falsehood_n shall_v immediate_o undergo_v the_o trial_n of_o 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they_o please_v and_o give_v themselves_o over_o to_o all_o sort_n of_o passion_n such_o you_o see_v be_v the_o character_n of_o impostor_n if_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n invent_v those_o matter_n which_o they_o write_v after_o have_v preach_v they_o they_o must_v themselves_o have_v look_v upon_o religion_n as_o a_o mere_a fiction_n what_o be_v then_o the_o reason_n they_o seem_v to_o we_o so_o different_a from_o those_o heretic_n which_o we_o just_o now_o mention_v and_o wherefore_o instead_o of_o invent_v as_o the_o gnostic_n such_o doctrine_n as_o be_v favourable_a to_o their_o several_a passion_n do_v they_o on_o the_o contrary_n preach_v a_o morality_n which_o whole_o tend_v to_o mortify_v all_o evil_a and_o irregular_a affection_n why_o do_v they_o not_o set_v up_o for_o ringleader_n of_o faction_n why_o do_v not_o every_o one_o of_o they_o take_v a_o pride_n in_o himself_o why_o do_v they_o plot_v together_o to_o raise_v another_o man_n be_v so_o unanimous_a that_o 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people_n who_o may_v interess_n themselves_o in_o the_o thing_n relate_v but_o here_o we_o observe_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n that_o man_n be_v more_o particular_o concern_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o the_o apostle_n relate_v nay_o and_o all_o mankind_n the_o jew_n who_o be_v represent_v in_o they_o as_o most_o abominable_a parricide_n can_v not_o look_v upon_o they_o without_o some_o concern_n the_o christian_n who_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n engage_v to_o suffer_v martyrdom_n can_v not_o but_o examine_v they_o with_o attention_n and_o the_o heathen_n who_o religion_n those_o matter_n of_o fact_n will_v certain_o subvert_v if_o once_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v true_a be_v very_o much_o concern_v not_o to_o consent_v to_o such_o a_o forgery_n last_o the_o high-priest_n be_v too_o jealous_a of_o their_o authority_n the_o magistrate_n too_o much_o averse_a to_o all_o new_a sect_n and_o the_o people_n too_o much_o devote_v to_o prejudice_n and_o 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tongue_n do_v all_o interpret_v but_o covet_v earnest_o the_o best_a gift_n and_o yet_o show_v i_o unto_o you_o a_o more_o excellent_a way_n it_o be_v then_o he_o begin_v his_o encomium_n of_o charity_n and_o prefer_v it_o before_o all_o other_o miraculous_a gift_n in_o like_a manner_n he_o speak_v in_o this_o place_n indirect_o and_o as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o by_o of_o those_o gift_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o expression_n manifest_o show_v that_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v public_o know_v but_o if_o they_o shall_v still_o require_v a_o great_a demonstration_n of_o this_o truth_n such_o a_o demonstration_n as_o seem_v to_o i_o above_o all_o subtlety_n of_o cavil_n and_o exception_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o observe_v that_o among_o all_o those_o gift_n that_o of_o tongue_n be_v so_o common_a by_o reason_n it_o be_v very_o often_o impart_v by_o the_o apostle_n imposition_n of_o hand_n that_o there_o arise_v a_o great_a disturbance_n and_o confusion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o it_o because_o all_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v that_o gift_n be_v desirous_a to_o speak_v strange_a language_n in_o the_o church_n the_o congregation_n be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o edify_v by_o it_o and_o it_o oblige_v st._n paul_n to_o write_v to_o they_o very_o sharp_o thereupon_o to_o which_o end_n he_o particular_o design_v the_o 14._o chap._n of_o his_o first_o epist_n to_o the_o corinthian_n i_o will_v say_v he_o to_o they_o v_o 5._o that_o you_o all_o speak_v with_o tongue_n but_o rather_o that_o you_o prophesy_v that_o the_o church_n may_v receive_v edify_v now_o to_o prophecy_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o apostle_n be_v to_o declare_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o expound_v it_o to_o the_o people_n i_o thank_v my_o god_n add_v he_o further_o v_o 18_o 19_o i_o speak_v with_o tongue_n more_o than_o you_o all_o yet_o in_o the_o church_n i_o have_v rather_o speak_v five_o word_n with_o my_o understanding_n that_o by_o my_o voice_n i_o may_v teach_v other_o also_o than_o ten_o thousand_o word_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n wherefore_o add_v he_o a_o little_o further_a v_o 22._o tongue_n be_v for_o a_o sign_n not_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v but_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o but_o prophesy_v serve_v not_o for_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o but_o for_o they_o which_o believe_v that_o be_v as_o any_o one_o may_v easy_o conceive_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n which_o god_n have_v grant_v to_o the_o church_n after_o a_o most_o extraordinary_a and_o wonderful_a manner_n be_v design_v either_o to_o confound_v or_o convert_v the_o infidel_n by_o that_o evident_a testimony_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christianity_n whereas_o the_o gift_n of_o prophesy_v that_o be_v of_o declare_v god_n will_n and_o expound_v it_o to_o the_o people_n have_v be_v whole_o give_v man_n for_o the_o good_a and_o edification_n of_o the_o faithful_a now_o to_o these_o miraculous_a gift_n st._n paul_n certain_o allude_v when_o he_o say_v in_o his_o first_o epist_n to_o the_o thessalonian_n chap._n 5._o v._n 19_o quench_v not_o the_o spirit_n and_o it_o be_v concern_v those_o same_o gift_n and_o signal_n miracle_n that_o he_o say_v to_o the_o galatian_n o_o foolish_a galatian_n etc._n etc._n chap._n 3._o 5._o he_o therefore_o that_o minister_v to_o you_o the_o spirit_n and_o work_v miracle_n among_o you_o do_v he_o it_o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n or_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o faith_n last_o it_o be_v concern_v these_o miraculous_a gift_n that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o sign_n of_o his_o apostleship_n be_v manifest_v among_o the_o corinthian_n in_o all_o patience_n in_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o mighty_a deed_n we_o may_v see_v to_o what_o perplexity_n and_o confusion_n the_o incredulous_a be_v reduce_v and_o how_o angry_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v there_o be_v but_o two_o side_n they_o can_v take_v they_o must_v either_o assert_v that_o st._n paul_n have_v lose_v his_o sense_n when_o he_o write_v those_o thing_n we_o just_o now_o mention_v which_o they_o will_v never_o do_v because_o their_o opinion_n be_v that_o st._n paul_n want_v no_o cunning_a to_o deceive_v a_o great_a many_o person_n or_o they_o must_v confess_v that_o the_o faithful_a very_o frequent_o receive_v many_o miraculous_a gift_n in_o the_o ancient_a church_n that_o those_o gift_n be_v various_a that_o there_o have_v actual_o be_v such_o person_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n who_o have_v cause_v some_o kind_n of_o disturbance_n in_o it_o by_o speak_v divers_a language_n as_o they_o be_v inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o consequent_o they_o must_v own_v the_o divinity_n of_o our_o religion_n chap._n xiii_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o a_o divine_a book_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o we_o may_v certain_o find_v several_a unquestionable_a character_n of_o divinity_n in_o that_o book_n for_o not_o to_o repeat_v here_o 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where_o can_v we_o find_v such_o a_o loftiness_n of_o thought_n and_o yet_o such_o a_o simplicity_n of_o expression_n such_o a_o mixture_n of_o joy_n and_o sorrow_n such_o heroical_a confidence_n in_o a_o forlorn_a state_n of_o misery_n such_o profound_a humility_n and_o such_o presence_n and_o greatness_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o their_o morality_n be_v the_o fine_a that_o ever_o be_v and_o their_o thought_n more_o elevate_v than_o those_o of_o other_o man_n their_o design_n the_o noble_a that_o ever_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n that_o be_v to_o gain_v all_o man_n unto_o god_n have_v no_o self_n interest_n or_o refine_a nicety_n of_o policy_n but_o only_o a_o fervent_a desire_n to_o succeed_v in_o their_o ministry_n i_o know_v that_o this_o here_o be_v matter_n of_o inward_a sense_n rather_o than_o demonstration_n and_o that_o i_o shall_v never_o persuade_v the_o incredulous_a that_o they_o may_v discover_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o loftiness_n of_o thought_n and_o that_o divine_a majesty_n which_o i_o myself_o perceive_v amid_o that_o seem_a rough_a and_o unpleasant_a language_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o bark_n and_o outward_a shell_n of_o it_o but_o yet_o for_o all_o their_o obstinacy_n they_o can_v deny_v these_o four_o follow_a truth_n i._o that_o never_o any_o know_a impostor_n leave_v we_o such_o excellent_a book_n as_o the_o apostle_n no_o not_o even_o mahomet_n himself_o who_o may_v have_v easy_o borrow_v their_o notion_n the_o better_a to_o disguise_v his_o own_o ii_o that_o it_o appear_v that_o their_o write_n be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o free_a from_o all_o passion_n and_o humane_a imperfection_n than_o all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n among_o the_o heathen_n where_o we_o see_v pride_n as_o it_o be_v upon_o her_o throne_n iii_o that_o the_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 he_o in_o his_o grave_n now_o let_v we_o suppose_v if_o you_o will_v that_o his_o disciple_n have_v preach_v after_o his_o death_n and_o compose_v a_o new_a gospel_n fill_v only_o with_o the_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o that_o man_n who_o be_v think_v by_o they_o to_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o divine_a person_n i_o ask_v then_o whatsoever_o extravagance_n you_o may_v suppose_v they_o to_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o whether_o you_o can_v conceive_v it_o can_v have_v enter_v into_o their_o mind_n to_o persuade_v the_o people_n of_o paris_n that_o the_o very_a day_n on_o which_o that_o man_n who_o call_v himself_o the_o holy_a ghost_n die_v the_o church_n of_o nostre_fw-fr dame_n be_v either_o throw_v down_o or_o demolish_v that_o its_o altar_n and_o statue_n be_v break_v down_o that_o there_o happen_v a_o eclipse_n of_o the_o sun_n the_o great_a that_o ever_o be_v know_v accompany_v with_o such_o a_o mighty_a earthquake_n that_o even_o the_o rock_n be_v rend_v and_o that_o all_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 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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 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die_v for_o our_o offence_n and_o be_v raise_v for_o our_o justification_n our_o crucify_a saviour_n come_v out_o of_o the_o grave_a to_o bring_v we_o peace_n from_o god_n and_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o gospel_n by_o his_o frequent_a apparition_n after_o his_o death_n there_o be_v a_o visible_a and_o frequent_a effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o man_n a_o multitude_n of_o martyr_n send_v from_o god_n to_o reclaim_v the_o world_n by_o their_o example_n and_o conversation_n from_o vice_n and_o idolatrous_a superstition_n all_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v such_o blessing_n as_o be_v wonderful_o suitable_a to_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o god_n and_o full_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o christian_a morality_n have_v as_o many_o object_n to_o exalt_v and_o comfort_v man_n soul_n as_o it_o have_v to_o excite_v and_o terrify_v their_o mind_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n x._o but_o to_o prove_v that_o this_o morality_n be_v not_o a_o mere_a idea_n of_o perfection_n god_n in_o be_v wisdom_n be_v please_v not_o only_o to_o have_v it_o set_v down_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o also_o to_o have_v it_o lively_o paint_v first_o in_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o afterward_o in_o the_o daily_a practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n these_o man_n be_v not_o such_o teacher_n as_o may_v deserve_o be_v accuse_v of_o speak_v well_o but_o do_v ill_a as_o it_o be_v object_v former_o to_o seneca_n who_o compose_v very_o excellent_a discourse_n concern_v poverty_n and_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o good_n of_o fortune_n when_o he_o himself_o be_v rich_a than_o the_o wealthy_a citizen_n of_o rome_n these_o on_o the_o contrary_n confirm_v by_o their_o practice_n what_o they_o teach_v and_o by_o extirpate_v their_o evil_a desire_n form_v such_o a_o society_n as_o be_v conformable_a to_o that_o we_o have_v have_v above_o but_o a_o faint_a prospect_n of_o when_o we_o lay_v down_o the_o idea_n of_o man_n duty_n they_o utter_o renounce_v those_o passion_n which_o put_v a_o distinction_n betwixt_o they_o and_o other_o men._n they_o forget_v their_o quality_n and_o condition_n the_o better_a to_o use_v one_o another_o like_a brethren_n the_o same_o interest_n be_v common_a to_o they_o all_o they_o sell_v their_o possession_n to_o ease_v the_o want_v and_o necessity_n of_o those_o that_o suffer_v adversity_n they_o rejoice_v for_o have_v be_v think_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v for_o the_o name_n of_o god_n every_o thing_n conduce_v to_o their_o happiness_n even_o affliction_n themselves_o they_o pray_v for_o those_o that_o despiteful_o use_v they_o and_o as_o charity_n and_o not selflove_o selflove_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o affection_n so_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o their_o heart_n tend_v to_o one_o as_o to_o the_o same_o centre_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o their_o neighbour_n which_o give_v the_o scripture_n occasion_n to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v but_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o soul_n i_o confess_v that_o state_n can_v not_o always_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n permit_v it_o shall_v last_v for_o some_o time_n to_o give_v we_o a_o lively_a image_n and_o idea_n of_o heaven_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o so_o to_o confirm_v by_o the_o excellence_n of_o such_o a_o example_n a_o morality_n already_o support_v by_o so_o many_o great_a and_o powerful_a motive_n viii_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o its_o mystery_n the_o mystery_n god_n have_v reveal_v unto_o we_o in_o his_o word_n be_v like_o the_o cloudy_a pillar_n which_o lead_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n through_o the_o wilderness_n for_o like_o that_o they_o be_v clear_a on_o one_o side_n but_o dark_a and_o obscure_a on_o the_o other_o if_o we_o contemplate_v