cogent_a reason_n to_o persuade_v we_o that_o they_o true_o and_o faithful_o deliver_v down_o to_o we_o those_o thing_n this_o i_o will_v make_v good_a from_o the_o consideration_n 1._o of_o the_o person_n that_o transmit_v these_o thing_n 2._o of_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o cause_n first_o as_o to_o the_o person_n i_o will_v consider_v both_o their_o life_n and_o their_o death_n their_o life_n be_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o their_o integrity_n in_o deliver_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o we_o and_o of_o their_o confident_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o the_o primitive_a christian_n live_v after_o another_o rate_n than_o we_o do_v now_o they_o do_v not_o wrangle_v and_o quarrel_n as_o we_o do_v they_o do_v not_o â—ight_a and_o devour_v one_o another_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o too_o many_o be_v of_o latter_a time_n but_o they_o be_v remarkable_a for_o their_o mutual_a love_n and_o concord_n for_o their_o humility_n meekness_n and_o condescension_n to_o one_o another_o and_o they_o be_v admire_v for_o their_o gravity_n sobriety_n self-denial_n and_o patience_n they_o be_v eminent_a for_o their_o piety_n towards_o god_n and_o their_o innocent_a and_o righteous_a deal_n with_o all_o men._n the_o minister_n practise_v what_o they_o preach_v and_o the_o people_n be_v ambitious_a to_o imitate_v their_o preacher_n and_o both_o be_v singular_o good_a and_o virtuous_a this_o be_v it_o which_o gain_v so_o many_o proselyte_n to_o christianity_n in_o those_o first_o time_n this_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n therefore_o when_o origen_n have_v excellent_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n to_o alexander_n severus_n that_o noble_a emperor_n ingenuous_o confess_v that_o he_o be_v more_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n by_o the_o humble_a and_o love_a carriage_n of_o christian_n than_o by_o all_o origen_n argument_n the_o exemplary_a and_o blameless_a conversation_n of_o those_o primitive_a professor_n argue_v that_o the_o doctrine_n and_o principle_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v real_a and_o certain_a for_o how_o can_v it_o enter_v into_o any_o sober_a man_n thought_n that_o such_o holy_a and_o upright_a man_n true_a follower_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n will_v have_v constant_o confess_v and_o own_v the_o christian_a way_n unless_o they_o have_v be_v thorough_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o very_a same_o which_o be_v confess_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o these_o holy_a and_o godly_a man_n make_v conscience_n of_o a_o lie_n and_o count_v it_o a_o heinous_a crime_n to_o falsify_v yea_o they_o esteem_v it_o no_o less_o than_o a_o damnable_a sin_n to_o disbelieve_v or_o misreport_v those_o thing_n concern_v christ_n and_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n they_o be_v real_o persuade_v in_o their_o mind_n that_o their_o salvation_n lie_v at_o stake_n that_o their_o eternal_a welfare_n or_o everlasting_a ruin_n be_v concern_v in_o these_o thing_n and_o can_v you_o imagine_v then_o that_o they_o will_v report_v they_o false_o and_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n by_o deliver_v thing_n which_o be_v counterfeit_a again_o as_o the_o live_v so_o the_o suffer_v and_o death_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o primitive_a day_n and_o in_o the_o succeed_a age_n be_v a_o undeniable_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v deliver_v to_o they_o and_o of_o what_o they_o convey_v to_o we_o they_o undergo_v the_o most_o exquisite_a pain_n and_o torment_n with_o ineffable_a courage_n and_o constancy_n and_o nothing_o can_v prevail_v with_o they_o to_o renounce_v the_o christian_a religion_n insomuch_o that_o when_o the_o pagan_a adversary_n in_o those_o day_n will_v express_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v impossible_a they_o do_v it_o thus_o galen_n you_o may_v soon_o make_v the_o professor_n of_o christ_n quit_v their_o masters_n doctrine_n this_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v effect_v for_o those_o person_n first_o of_o all_o forsake_v their_o worldly_a good_n and_o then_o part_v with_o their_o life_n to_o hold_v fast_o their_o religion_n this_o patient_a suffer_v and_o undaunted_a die_v of_o so_o many_o thousand_o be_v a_o unquestionable_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n for_o those_o enlighten_v and_o sanctify_v man_n will_v never_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n to_o maintain_v a_o falsehood_n and_o to_o perpetuate_v a_o lie_n no_o they_o know_v who_o they_o believe_v in_o and_o for_o who_o they_o suffer_v and_o that_o make_v they_o so_o courageous_a we_o may_v conclude_v then_o that_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o those_o worthy_a man_n those_o expire_a saint_n do_v testify_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v style_v martyr_n second_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o cause_n be_v a_o impregnable_a argument_n of_o the_o reality_n and_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o there_o be_v this_o follow_a heap_n of_o evidence_n 1._o a_o great_a presumption_n arise_v from_o just_a cause_n and_o circumstance_n yea_o and_o from_o a_o multiplicity_n of_o they_o which_o in_o all_o court_n of_o judicature_n be_v of_o considerable_a weight_n and_o value_n with_o understand_a judge_n this_o first_o but_o low_a sort_n of_o evidence_n the_o christian_a church_n since_o our_o saviour_n have_v not_o be_v destitute_a of_o for_o there_o be_v never_o high_a presumption_n in_o any_o cause_n under_o heaven_n than_o there_o be_v in_o this_o but_o we_o need_v not_o mention_v this_o when_o we_o have_v 2._o the_o notoriety_n of_o the_o fact_n i._n e._n when_o the_o thing_n in_o trial_n be_v open_o and_o common_o know_v when_o they_o be_v avouch_v by_o public_a fame_n and_o the_o universal_a vogue_n of_o men._n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o christianity_n ever_o since_o christ_n leave_v the_o earth_n can_v be_v deny_v by_o any_o man_n of_o modesty_n and_o truth_n 3._o the_o succession_n of_o christian_n and_o church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v a_o plain_a proof_n that_o they_o very_o believe_v those_o thing_n which_o make_v they_o christian_n and_o church_n hereupon_o they_o deliver_v to_o we_o those_o write_n which_o they_o receive_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n by_o their_o transmit_v they_o to_o posterity_n they_o show_v that_o they_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v sacred_a and_o certain_a verity_n 4._o the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n be_v a_o other_o evidence_n for_o it_o be_v their_o office_n to_o read_v public_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o to_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o they_o and_o consequent_o to_o own_v they_o to_o be_v truth_n which_o be_v a_o good_a motive_n to_o we_o to_o do_v the_o same_o 5._o the_o frequent_a dispute_n which_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n have_v hold_v with_o those_o who_o oppose_v the_o scripture_n and_o christianity_n be_v no_o mean_a testimony_n in_o this_o cause_n 6._o to_o these_o may_v be_v add_v the_o famous_a write_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o several_a century_n their_o apology_n dialogue_n sermon_n homily_n oration_n commentary_n history_n all_o which_o proclaim_v their_o serious_a and_o firm_a belief_n of_o what_o they_o have_v convey_v down_o to_o we_o 7._o all_o christian_a church_n have_v deliver_v to_o we_o certain_a symbol_n or_o article_n of_o belief_n which_o they_o reckon_v to_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o evangelical_n faith_n and_o truth_n 8._o the_o constant_a communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o solemn_a assembly_n of_o christian_n ever_o since_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o set_v apart_o a_o day_n for_o that_o worship_n the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n at_o such_o time_n the_o instruct_v the_o people_n out_o of_o they_o the_o celebrate_v the_o lord_n supper_n the_o constant_a custom_n of_o open_o rehearse_v and_o profess_v the_o christian_a belief_n the_o prayer_n and_o praise_n offer_v to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n the_o yearly_a commemoration_n of_o the_o birth_n death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n which_o acknowledge_v the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 9_o the_o sundry_a decree_n and_o canon_n of_o synod_n and_o council_n hold_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n last_o the_o many_o law_n and_o edict_n of_o christian_a emperor_n and_o prince_n in_o defence_n and_o confirmation_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a religion_n these_o and_o all_o the_o rest_n beforenamed_n be_v clear_a proof_n and_o evidence_n that_o the_o evangelical_n write_n which_o contain_v the_o doctrine_n and_o action_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n be_v right_o and_o true_o convey_v to_o we_o and_o that_o we_o be_v in_o possession_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o
know_v that_o their_o testimony_n of_o he_o be_v fabulous_a and_o incredible_a as_o namely_o when_o they_o write_v that_o he_o perfect_o understand_v language_n which_o he_o never_o learn_v that_o he_o cure_v all_o disease_n that_o he_o know_v man_n heart_n and_o thought_n and_o foresee_v all_o futurity_n they_o shall_v not_o say_v he_o have_v say_v so_o high_a thing_n of_o he_o if_o they_o will_v have_v be_v believe_v they_o have_v outdo_v the_o thing_n they_o undertake_v for_o since_o they_o hold_v apollonius_n to_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o philosopher_n they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o ascribe_v such_o great_a and_o prodigious_a thing_n to_o he_o whereas_o it_o be_v report_v that_o this_o apollonius_n fetch_v a_o woman_n to_o life_n as_o she_o be_v carry_v to_o be_v bury_v philostratus_n himself_o think_v she_o be_v not_o dead_a it_o be_v incredible_a even_o to_o he_o and_o therefore_o he_o only_o say_v she_o 16._o seem_v to_o be_v dead_a in_o brief_a eusebius_n show_v that_o most_o of_o the_o prodigious_a and_o portentous_a thing_n relate_v concern_v this_o man_n be_v cheat_n and_o forgery_n and_o the_o rest_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o magic_n and_o witchcraft_n philostratus_n do_v not_o deny_v that_o it_o be_v report_v he_o study_v magic_a and_o to_o that_o purpose_n converse_v with_o the_o egyptian_a gymnosophist_n and_o indian_a bracmans_n in_o his_o travel_n and_o though_o he_o endeavour_v to_o disprove_v it_o yet_o there_o be_v enough_o in_o that_o very_a history_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o apollonius_n give_v his_o mind_n to_o that_o sort_n of_o unlawful_a study_n and_o be_v a_o great_a wizard_n and_o necromancer_n he_o be_v a_o person_n so_o note_v over_o all_o the_o roman_a empire_n for_o his_o magical_a erterprise_n that_o grotius_n and_o hammond_n think_v these_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o rev._n 13._o 11._o to_o his_o magic_n we_o must_v impute_v not_o only_o all_o the_o great_a wonder_n he_o do_v in_o his_o life_n but_o what_o happen_v in_o the_o close_a of_o it_o for_o as_o those_o forename_a author_n write_v when_o he_o be_v arraign_v before_o domitian_n who_o hate_v he_o as_o much_o as_o titus_n love_v he_o he_o brag_v that_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v hurt_v and_o that_o he_o be_v immortal_a and_o soon_o after_o that_o he_o vanish_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o court_n to_o the_o amazement_n of_o the_o emperor_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o judge_n thus_o this_o great_a sorcerer_n make_v his_o exit_fw-la now_o from_o what_o i_o have_v lay_v down_o before_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o these_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a action_n of_o he_o be_v not_o true_a miracle_n for_o i_o have_v prove_v such_o can_v be_v do_v by_o the_o help_n of_o devil_n and_o evil_a spirit_n diabolical_a wonder_n be_v to_o magnify_v the_o author_n of_o they_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o promote_v superstition_n and_o idolatry_n in_o the_o world_n as_o these_o do_v therefore_o they_o can_v be_v from_o god_n and_o consequent_o they_o be_v no_o real_a miracle_n for_o such_o be_v always_o exert_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n last_o we_o may_v from_o the_o forego_n discourse_n judge_v of_o the_o miracle_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n pretend_v to_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o determine_v that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v true_a miracle_n that_o they_o be_v downright_a forgery_n and_o imposture_n for_o i._o some_o of_o they_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o impostor_n in_o all_o age_n be_v permit_v by_o god_n to_o do_v as_o appear_v from_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v 2._o many_o of_o they_o be_v only_o seem_v wonder_n and_o such_o as_o greek_a and_o latin_a historian_n be_v full_a of_o but_o never_o think_v they_o to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o divine_a power_n 6._o valerius_n maximus_n have_v gather_v some_o of_o they_o together_o 3._o many_o of_o the_o popish_a miracle_n be_v frivolous_a and_o impertinent_a vain_a trifle_a and_o ridiculous_a witness_v the_o fantastic_a and_o romantic_a story_n of_o the_o exploit_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n st._n francis_n st._n dominick_n and_o several_a other_o any_o unprejudiced_a person_n that_o read_v they_o will_v say_v that_o they_o be_v unworthy_a of_o a_o divine_a author_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v be_v exclude_v from_o the_o number_n of_o true_a miracle_n once_o upon_o a_o time_n conformitat_fw-la when_o st._n francis_n be_v preach_v in_o the_o field_n there_o come_v a_o ass_n and_o make_v some_o disturbance_n among_o his_o auditor_n which_o cause_v st._n francis_n to_o speak_v thus_o to_o the_o brute_n brother_n ass_n be_v quiet_a till_o i_o have_v end_v my_o sermon_n whereupon_o upon_o the_o ass_n present_o come_v and_o lay_v he_o down_o very_o peaceable_o at_o the_o preacher_n foot_n to_o tell_v the_o world_n they_o must_v all_o be_v such_o ass_n and_o come_v and_o crouch_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o lie_v prostrate_a at_o the_o priest_n foot_n 4._o there_o be_v ground_n to_o believe_v that_o several_a of_o the_o miracle_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o diabolical_a magic_n platina_n and_o other_o who_o have_v write_v the_o pope_n life_n tell_v we_o very_o plain_o that_o some_o of_o they_o study_v and_o practise_v magical_a art_n and_o be_v very_o great_a with_o the_o devil_n or_o else_o some_o of_o they_o have_v never_o arrive_v to_o the_o triple_a crown_n whilst_o that_o church_n lay_v claim_v to_o simon_n peter_n they_o be_v no_o stranger_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o simon_n magus_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o sundry_a of_o their_o priest_n deal_v with_o the_o diabolical_a spirit_n and_o thence_o we_o may_v just_o conclude_v that_o many_o of_o their_o pretend_a miracle_n be_v specimens_n of_o the_o black_a art_n 5._o let_v it_o be_v remember_v that_o it_o be_v foretell_v in_o 2_o thess._n 2._o 9_o that_o their_o friend_n antichrist_n shall_v do_v miracle_n such_o be_v they_o yea_o they_o be_v the_o very_a same_o and_o be_v permit_v by_o god_n to_o be_v do_v among_o they_o for_o the_o same_o purpose_n viz._n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v a_o lie_n i._n e._n their_o religion_n and_o that_o they_o all_o may_v be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n i._n e._n the_o christian_a religion_n in_o its_o simplicity_n and_o purity_n 6._o see_v miracle_n be_v for_o beget_v belief_n and_o they_o look_v upon_o we_o as_o heretic_n who_o with_o they_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o infidel_n why_o do_v they_o not_o come_v among_o we_o and_o before_o our_o face_n work_v wonder_n and_o miracle_n let_v they_o not_o be_v do_v in_o spain_n portugal_n or_o italy_n but_o open_o here_o in_o england_n or_o in_o some_o other_o protestant_a country_n where_o we_o may_v behold_v what_o they_o do_v that_o miracle-working_a faculty_n which_o operate_v only_o at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o we_o will_v gain_v little_a credit_n or_o let_v not_o a_o sorry_a friar_n but_o the_o pope_n himself_o do_v some_o great_a miracle_n where_o he_o be_v till_o than_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o counterfeit_v again_o 7._o this_o be_v to_o be_v think_v of_o that_o their_o own_o author_n give_v they_o the_o lie_v as_o for_o example_n whereas_o they_o talk_v and_o write_v of_o xaverius_n miracle_n in_o the_o indies_n 4._o acosta_n the_o jesuit_n acknowledge_v that_o they_o do_v no_o miracle_n there_o and_o he_o add_v that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o nay_o xaverius_n himself_o in_o his_o letter_n which_o he_o write_v concern_v his_o travel_n and_o undertake_n in_o these_o part_n make_v no_o mention_n of_o they_o so_o some_o of_o the_o miracle_n attribute_v to_o ignatius_n loiola_n be_v confess_v by_o those_o that_o write_v his_o life_n to_o be_v uncertain_a and_o incredible_a and_o by_o other_o of_o the_o roman_a party_n they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v forge_v after_o his_o death_n as_o dr._n stillingfleet_n now_o bishop_n show_v in_o his_o enthusiasm_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n p._n 118_o etc._n etc._n and_o even_o st._n francis_n miracle_n of_o the_o five_o wound_n imprint_v on_o his_o body_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o fable_n by_o pope_n gregory_n the_o nine_o we_o may_v then_o just_o disbelieve_v the_o story_n of_o ignatius_n and_o xaverius_n and_o st._n francis_n miracle_n and_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o persuasion_n and_o be_v convince_v that_o they_o be_v falsehood_n to_o magnify_v the_o cause_n and_o to_o extol_v their_o church_n 8._o many_o of_o these_o popish_a miracle_n have_v be_v actual_o discover_v to_o be_v cheat_n it_o have_v be_v manifest_o prove_v and_o there_o be_v several_a record_n of_o it_o extant_a that_o they_o be_v the_o mere_a contrivance_n of_o their_o priest_n and_o such_o particular_o be_v some_o of_o those_o miracle_n which_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o virgin_n mary_n at_o
and_o death_n st._n luke_n have_v st._n matthew_n and_o st._n mark_n be_v write_n to_o direct_v he_o and_o he_o profess_v moreover_o chap._n 1._o 1_o 2._o that_o he_o receive_v all_o he_o write_v from_o those_o very_a person_n who_o be_v eye-witness_n beside_o he_o be_v a_o constant_a companion_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o have_v all_o those_o thing_n reveal_v to_o he_o by_o god_n in_o heaven_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v they_o as_o for_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n st._n luke_n can_v not_o but_o give_v a_o full_a and_o perfect_a account_n of_o the_o action_n relate_v there_o because_o he_o be_v a_o inseparable_a attendant_n and_o associate_n of_o st._n paul_n about_o who_o most_o of_o that_o book_n be_v spend_v the_o epistle_n contain_v chief_o holy_a doctrine_n divine_a counsel_n seasonable_a reproof_n and_o pathetic_a exhortation_n but_o they_o be_v not_o whole_o destitute_a of_o matter_n of_o fact_n they_o be_v write_v either_o by_o those_o that_o be_v proper_o style_v apostle_n as_o st._n peter_n st._n james_n st._n john_n and_o st._n jude_n who_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o they_o deliver_v concern_v christ_n and_o the_o thing_n he_o do_v or_o they_o be_v write_v by_o st._n paul_n who_o be_v a_o apostle_n extraordinary_a immediate_o call_v and_o send_v by_o god_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v first_o full_o instruct_v in_o all_o matter_n relate_v to_o christ_n and_o it_o by_o divine_a revelation_n it_o may_v be_v yet_o further_o make_v evident_a that_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v perfect_a knowledge_n of_o what_o they_o write_v and_o that_o they_o be_v sufficient_a witness_n of_o what_o they_o relate_v because_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v so_o frequent_a and_o so_o often_o repeat_v as_o also_o because_o they_o be_v do_v near_o they_o and_o not_o far_o off_o and_o so_o they_o can_v easy_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o moreover_o because_o they_o be_v do_v public_o and_o in_o the_o open_a light_n and_o not_o in_o a_o corner_n because_o they_o be_v do_v before_o so_o many_o witness_n before_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n and_o thousand_o of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v spectator_n and_o auditor_n of_o what_o happen_v i_o may_v add_v that_o the_o evangelist_n publish_v the_o story_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o do_n when_o thousand_o be_v alive_a who_o know_v the_o fact_n and_o may_v have_v oppugn_v they_o if_o they_o will_v but_o they_o do_v not_o especial_o st._n matthew_n publish_v his_o history_n while_o yet_o the_o person_n live_v on_o who_o christ_n miracle_n be_v wrought_v and_o innumerable_a other_o who_o be_v witness_n thereof_o be_v then_o survive_v hence_o it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v difficult_a for_o the_o evangelical_n writer_n to_o conspire_v and_o combine_v together_o in_o a_o lie_n and_o to_o deceive_v the_o people_n if_o they_o have_v have_v a_o mind_n to_o it_o they_o may_v soon_o have_v be_v confute_v if_o the_o thing_n they_o attest_v have_v be_v false_a the_o cheat_n be_v easy_o to_o be_v find_v out_o among_o so_o many_o witness_n and_o in_o thing_n so_o often_o act_v and_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o world_n therefore_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o cheat_n and_o delusion_n these_o thing_n be_v thus_o 2._o the_o personal_a quality_n of_o the_o evangelical_n writer_n and_o other_o christian_n who_o attest_v these_o thing_n argue_v that_o they_o be_v credible_a witness_n and_o that_o their_o testimony_n be_v worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n this_o be_v clear_a from_o such_o consideration_n as_o these_o viz._n that_o most_o of_o they_o be_v simple_a and_o unlearned_a man_n and_o so_o be_v not_o fit_a person_n to_o devise_v these_o thing_n it_o be_v no_o way_n probable_a that_o they_o can_v invent_v such_o high_a and_o mysterious_a matter_n yea_o indeed_o no_o humane_a wit_n be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o this_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o deceiver_n and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o voluntary_o deliver_v a_o falsehood_n likewise_o it_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o they_o be_v no_o idle_a and_o loose_a person_n but_o be_v of_o a_o honest_a condition_n and_o way_n of_o life_n they_o be_v poor_a tradesman_n and_o fisherman_n that_o live_v on_o their_o work_n and_o lawful_a calling_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v altogether_o improbable_a that_o they_o be_v design_v man_n and_o that_o they_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o cheat_v and_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n again_o their_o integrity_n candour_n and_o simplicity_n appear_v most_o signal_o in_o their_o write_n see_v they_o relate_v their_o own_o fail_n and_o impartial_o set_v down_o the_o gross_a miscarriage_n of_o their_o brethren_n as_o thomas_n infidelity_n peter_n deny_v of_o his_o master_n the_o apostle_n fly_v from_o christ_n at_o his_o passion_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n which_o none_o but_o honest_a plain_a and_o truehearted_n man_n will_v have_v record_v and_o transmit_v to_o posterity_n further_o what_o they_o do_v be_v not_o out_o of_o ambition_n and_o love_n of_o honour_n for_o pride_n self-seeking_a vain_a glory_n overvalue_a of_o man_n cry_v up_o paul_n and_o apollo_n and_o cephas_n be_v vice_n and_o practice_n which_o they_o both_o preach_v and_o write_v against_o and_o to_o let_v you_o see_v that_o this_o be_v not_o counterfeit_v their_o life_n answer_v to_o what_o they_o profess_v in_o their_o carriage_n and_o behaviour_n none_o be_v more_o humble_a and_o self-denying_a which_o prove_v that_o they_o act_v not_o out_o of_o applause_n and_o affectation_n of_o honour_n from_o the_o people_n but_o be_v sincere_a and_o faithful_a in_o what_o they_o do_v nor_o can_v they_o speak_v or_o act_v for_o gain_n and_o worldly_a profit_n for_o they_o be_v man_n that_o despise_a riches_n as_o much_o as_o honour_n they_o live_v mean_o and_o poor_o and_o be_v behold_v to_o the_o charity_n of_o other_o for_o a_o subsistence_n which_o show_v that_o they_o have_v no_o design_n to_o enrich_v themselves_o and_o to_o grow_v great_a in_o the_o world_n they_o foresee_v and_o know_v and_o persuade_v themselves_o of_o this_o beforehand_o that_o their_o profession_n will_v expose_v they_o to_o the_o great_a danger_n and_o hazard_n and_o that_o bond_n and_o imprisonment_n and_o death_n itself_o will_v attend_v they_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o they_o resolve_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o follow_v their_o master_n whatever_o befall_v they_o and_o last_o to_o give_v you_o a_o irrefragable_a demonstration_n of_o their_o integrity_n and_o sincerity_n most_o of_o they_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n to_o testify_v and_o confirm_v what_o they_o have_v deliver_v they_o seal_v the_o gospel_n with_o their_o blood_n they_o die_v for_o what_o they_o preach_v and_o write_v this_o be_v a_o sign_n they_o be_v in_o earnest_n thus_o if_o you_o consider_v the_o personal_a qualification_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n who_o be_v witness_n of_o christ_n action_n you_o must_v necessary_o grant_v that_o they_o be_v person_n to_o be_v believe_v that_o their_o evidence_n be_v authentic_a and_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v they_o be_v delude_v themselves_o or_o delude_v we_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o fact_n consist_v chief_o in_o witness_n who_o must_v be_v know_v and_o honest_a men._n this_o make_v they_o to_o be_v credible_a person_n and_o such_o be_v the_o relator_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v our_o saviour_n wherefore_o to_o have_v they_o attest_v by_o a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o person_n of_o that_o character_n be_v enough_o to_o assure_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o we_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o dispute_v whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o no_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o have_v good_a foundation_n for_o a_o firm_a assent_n to_o they_o but_o though_o the_o disciple_n and_o apostle_n do_v not_o cheat_v we_o yet_o perhaps_o we_o be_v delude_v by_o thâ—se_a that_o come_v after_o they_o it_o may_v be_v they_o have_v not_o true_o deliver_v thing_n to_o we_o how_o can_v we_o depend_v on_o their_o word_n report_n be_v oftentimes_o false_a there_o be_v untrue_a representation_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v very_o near_o to_o we_o much_o more_o may_v there_o be_v of_o action_n which_o be_v so_o far_o off_o and_o be_v so_o long_o ago_o how_o then_o shall_v we_o credit_v history_n and_o tradition_n i._n e._n the_o church_n deliver_v these_o thing_n to_o we_o i_o answer_v we_o may_v and_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v the_o person_n who_o receive_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o apostle_n viz._n the_o pious_a teacher_n father_n and_o bishop_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o the_o godly_a and_o faithful_a christian_n of_o those_o day_n we_o ought_v i_o say_v to_o credit_v these_o as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o for_o we_o have_v the_o most_o
the_o faith_n of_o christ._n so_o in_o the_o next_o age_n although_o the_o jew_n out_o of_o malice_n and_o hatred_n to_o christianity_n as_o tryph._n one_o tell_v they_o to_o their_o face_n send_v out_o their_o emissary_n and_o those_o of_o no_o mean_a ability_n into_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o persuade_v people_n against_o that_o religion_n and_o to_o make_v they_o believe_v that_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o be_v guilty_a of_o atheism_n and_o all_o impiety_n yet_o this_o have_v but_o little_a effect_n upon_o they_o and_o several_a man_n of_o good_a understanding_n and_o knowledge_n embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o live_v and_o die_v in_o it_o and_o as_o some_o of_o the_o learnede_a jew_n be_v convert_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o they_o once_o count_v foolishness_n so_o among_o the_o gentile_n some_o of_o the_o wise_a philosopher_n and_o witty_a orator_n and_o skilfule_a artist_n for_o the_o art_n as_o well_o as_o empire_n be_v at_o their_o height_n when_o the_o gospel_n appear_v when_o christ_n come_v acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o hearty_o espouse_v it_o these_o man_n who_o be_v of_o considerable_a learning_n and_o part_n quit_v their_o belove_a sentiment_n and_o principle_n and_o free_o embrace_v the_o evangelical_n doctrine_n the_o early_a trophy_n of_o the_o victorious_a gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n among_o the_o learned_a pagan_n be_v such_o as_o these_o luke_n the_o physician_n zenas_n a_o learned_a 13._o advocate_n of_o the_o civil_a law_n for_o he_o be_v no_o scribe_n or_o doctor_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n who_o in_o other_o place_n be_v indeed_o style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o as_o our_o own_o learned_a annotatour_n have_v make_v it_o probable_a he_o be_v one_o that_o practise_v the_o primitive_a roman_a law_n which_o prevail_v not_o only_o at_o rome_n but_o in_o all_o place_n which_o be_v under_o the_o command_n of_o the_o emperor_n likewise_o a_o vast_a number_n of_o learned_a man_n at_o ephesus_n 19_o who_o be_v professor_n of_o curious_a art_n but_o be_v convert_v forthwith_o commit_v their_o book_n to_o the_o flame_n although_o they_o be_v value_v to_o be_v worth_a fifty_o thousand_o piece_n of_o silver_n dionysius_n the_o arâ—opagite_n i._n e._n a_o learned_a philosopher_n and_o a_o celebrate_a judge_n in_o the_o high_a court_n of_o judicature_n at_o athens_n be_v 34._o bring_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n by_o st._n paul_n preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n there_o and_o as_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n report_v be_v make_v the_o first_o bishop_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n at_o athens_n the_o famous_a polycarp_n bid_v adieu_o to_o his_o pagan_a rite_n and_o resolute_o admit_v himself_o a_o disciple_n under_o st._n john_n and_o afterward_o be_v deserve_o constitute_v bishop_n of_o smyrna_n with_o he_o i_o may_v rank_a ignatius_n who_o abandon_v his_o former_a persuasion_n and_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o crucify_a jesus_n and_o afterward_o arrive_v to_o the_o episcopal_a chair_n at_o antioch_n who_o ancient_a and_o godly_a epistle_n be_v of_o great_a note_n and_o eminency_n in_o the_o church_n and_o have_v be_v just_o vindicate_v by_o one_o of_o our_o learned_a prelate_n some_o will_v rank_v here_o clement_a the_o roman_n who_o become_v a_o convert_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o manful_o undertake_v the_o defence_n of_o christianity_n and_o have_v leave_v we_o many_o noble_a discovery_n of_o primitive_a action_n especial_o that_o rare_a piece_n of_o st._n peter_n life_n who_o have_v not_o hear_v of_o irenaeus_n for_o now_o i_o will_v step_v into_o the_o second_o century_n that_o most_o eminent_a and_o note_a enquirer_n after_o truth_n who_o submit_v at_o last_o to_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o make_v it_o his_o particular_a employment_n to_o rehearse_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o confute_v the_o several_a heretic_n that_o confront_v any_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a belief_n aristides_n a_o eloquent_a philosopher_n of_o athens_n change_v his_o religion_n and_o present_v a_o apology_n for_o the_o christian_n to_o the_o emperor_n adrian_n athenagoras_n another_o excellent_a athenian_a philosopher_n and_o famous_a for_o all_o sort_n of_o heathen_a learning_n must_v not_o be_v omit_v here_o who_o bid_v adieu_n to_o his_o former_a heathenish_a life_n and_o institution_n undaunted_o maintain_v that_o of_o the_o christian_n theophilus_n of_o aâ—tioch_n be_v another_o convert_a philosopher_n and_o so_o be_v tatianus_n who_o when_o he_o have_v abandon_v the_o pagan_a religion_n write_v a_o excellent_a orationagainst_a the_o greek_n wherein_o he_o apologise_v for_o christianity_n and_o confute_v heathenism_n though_o he_o mingle_v some_o error_n with_o his_o doctrine_n afterward_o pantanus_n who_o be_v afterward_o catechist_n at_o alexandria_n be_v a_o christian_a convert_n from_o the_o stoic_a philosophy_n i_o must_v by_o no_o mean_n forget_v clement_n the_o great_a philosopher_n of_o alexandria_n who_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n endeavour_v by_o his_o write_n to_o promote_v that_o cause_n and_o according_o put_v forth_o a_o 〈◊〉_d exhortatory_n oration_n to_o the_o gentile_n wherein_o he_o discover_v the_o folly_n and_o falsehood_n of_o paganism_n and_o earnest_o persuade_v they_o to_o embrace_v christianity_n and_o he_o write_v a_o body_n 〈◊〉_d of_o christian_a ethic_n in_o which_o he_o inform_v the_o manner_n of_o a_o new_o convert_v christian_n and_o he_o add_v 〈◊〉_d another_o treatise_n full_a of_o variety_n of_o matter_n make_v out_o of_o diverse_a author_n sacred_a and_o profane_a wherein_o he_o suppose_v the_o convert_v arrive_v to_o some_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o lay_v he_o down_o great_a and_o high_a rule_n with_o this_o worthy_a convert_n i_o will_v rank_a justin_n who_o as_o tryph._n he_o tell_v we_o himself_o have_v run_v through_o all_o the_o family_n and_o sect_n of_o philosophy_n have_v be_v first_o a_o stoic_a than_o a_o disciple_n of_o the_o peripatetic_n afterward_o a_o pythagorean_n and_o pitch_v at_o length_n upon_o platonism_n and_o become_v a_o profess_a assertour_n of_o it_o a_o long_a time_n but_o at_o last_o a_o ancient_a christianâ—_n man_n he_o say_v meet_v he_o as_o he_o be_v walk_v by_o the_o seaside_n and_o give_v he_o some_o account_n of_o christianity_n from_o which_o time_n he_o have_v a_o fire_n kindle_v in_o his_o breast_n he_o feel_v a_o love_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o follower_n of_o christ_n and_o serious_o reflect_v on_o that_o man_n discourse_n he_o find_v after_o all_o his_o tedious_a search_n and_o the_o long_a risque_n of_o philosophy_n which_o he_o have_v run_v that_o christianity_n dialog_n be_v the_o only_a safe_a and_o useful_a philosophy_n here_o he_o find_v certainty_n and_o profit_n which_o two_o thing_n he_o never_o meet_v with_o before_o hereupon_o he_o be_v studious_a to_o advance_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o that_o end_n write_v and_o admonitory_a piece_n to_o the_o greek_n against_o gentilism_n and_o two_o incomparable_a apology_n for_o christianity_n with_o a_o defence_n likewise_o of_o it_o against_o judaism_n in_o a_o dialogue_n with_o one_o trypho_n a_o jew_n and_o at_o last_o suffer_v death_n for_o the_o christian_a cause_n and_o thence_o just_o purchase_v the_o surname_n of_o martyr_n but_o i_o will_v pass_v to_o the_o three_o century_n and_o there_o mention_v cyprian_a who_o be_v convert_v from_o paganism_n and_o afterward_o be_v make_v bishop_n of_o carthage_n he_o become_v the_o most_o zealous_a assertour_n of_o christianity_n and_o in_o his_o write_n acquit_v himself_o with_o so_o great_a a_o courage_n as_o can_v never_o be_v express_v he_o manful_o wield_v his_o pen_n against_o the_o nâ—vatians_n and_o against_o apostate_n from_o christianity_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n he_o suffer_v much_o and_o at_o last_o be_v honour_v with_o the_o crown_n of_o martyrdom_n i_o must_v add_v tertullian_n a_o native_a of_o africa_n who_o of_o a_o civil_a lawyer_n commence_v a_o solid_a advocate_n and_o maintainer_n of_o christianity_n this_o be_v that_o tertullianus_n according_a to_o some_o who_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o digest_v and_o have_v some_o consulta_fw-la of_o his_o set_n down_o there_o and_o indeed_o he_o that_o observe_v his_o stile_n shall_v find_v many_o law-term_n as_o his_o prescription_n against_o heretic_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v borrow_v from_o the_o civilian_n or_o old_a roman_a lawyer_n though_o i_o know_v the_o learned_a grotius_n of_o the_o same_o faculty_n deny_v it_o utter_o but_o against_o grotius_n i_o set_v eusebius_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o tertullian_n 2._o be_v most_o accurate_o skilled_a in_o the_o roman_a law_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o he_o use_v several_a forensick_a word_n and_o particular_o prescription_n which_o as_o we_o learn_v from_o quintilian_n ulpian_n and_o the_o pandect_n be_v the_o defendant_n reply_v to_o the_o plaintiff_n action_n beside_o it_o may_v be_v
here_o the_o grand_a point_n of_o the_o christian_a belief_n be_v here_o set_v forth_o in_o a_o clear_a light_n than_o before_o they_o be_v prove_v and_o confirm_v in_o these_o write_n yea_o several_a great_a truth_n and_o weighty_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v mention_v and_o illustrate_v here_o which_o neither_o the_o gospel_n nor_o the_o act_n speak_v of_o especial_o st._n paul_n epistle_n which_o be_v thrice_o as_o many_o as_o any_o of_o the_o other_o apostle_n write_v be_v fraught_v with_o extraordinary_a discovery_n of_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a mystery_n and_o we_o can_v not_o expect_v less_o for_o this_o apostle_n be_v the_o only_a person_n of_o they_o all_o that_o have_v the_o privilege_n to_o be_v take_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n the_o seat_n of_o glory_n where_o he_o be_v in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n enlighten_v and_o have_v those_o sublime_a point_n of_o the_o trinity_n etc._n etc._n as_o his_o write_n abundant_o testify_v reveal_v and_o open_v to_o he_o so_o far_o as_o the_o matter_n be_v capable_a of_o it_o which_o the_o evangelist_n and_o other_o apostle_n know_v but_o little_a of_o which_o make_v his_o write_n more_o eligible_a and_o valuable_a than_o all_o the_o rest_n this_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o obvious_a that_o it_o be_v wonderful_a that_o any_o man_n who_o have_v read_v and_o peruse_v his_o epistle_n can_v contradict_v it_o and_o which_o be_v worse_o undervalue_v they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v write_v only_o by_o the_o by_o and_o be_v not_o design_o indict_v to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o most_o necessary_a article_n of_o our_o religion_n we_o can_v believe_v this_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o extraordinary_a revelation_n which_o this_o apostle_n be_v honour_v with_o and_o when_o we_o observe_v the_o gradual_a discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o still_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o its_o childhood_n and_o inferior_a state_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o have_v now_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a this_o dispensation_n of_o christianity_n under_o which_o the_o apostle_n be_v be_v not_o arrive_v to_o a_o very_a considerable_a pitch_n there_o be_v some_o relic_n of_o the_o jewish_a oeconomy_n still_o remain_v they_o have_v not_o quite_o lay_v aside_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o mosaic_a rite_n st._n paul_n when_o he_o be_v among_o the_o gentile_n or_o write_v to_o they_o as_o to_o the_o galatian_n declare_v against_o all_o mosaic_a observance_n whatsoever_o but_o the_o other_o apostle_n when_o they_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n do_v no_o such_o thing_n yea_o st._n paul_n himself_o to_o comport_v with_o the_o jew_n or_o gentile_n as_o he_o see_v occasion_n use_v or_o use_v not_o the_o jewish_a ceremony_n thus_o he_o circumcise_a timothy_n but_o not_o â—itus_fw-la and_o so_o without_o doubt_n the_o other_o apostle_n behave_v themselves_o according_a to_o the_o people_n they_o deal_v with_o they_o keep_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n the_o true_a christian_a sabbath_n act_v 17._o 7._o &_o 20._o 7._o &_o 25._o 66._o 1_o cor._n 16._o 2._o and_o they_o observe_v likewise_o the_o jewish_a one_o act_v 13._o 14_o 42._o &_o 16._o 13._o for_o they_o find_v it_o convenient_a to_o comply_v with_o some_o because_o of_o their_o weakness_n therefore_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o convert_a jew_n they_o observe_v the_o seven_o day_n sabbath_n though_o with_o the_o convert_a gentile_n they_o celebrate_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n we_o find_v that_o two_o or_o three_o jewish_a ceremony_n be_v keep_v up_o by_o the_o apostle_n when_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v abrogate_a act_v 15._o 28_o 29._o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o to_o lay_v upon_o you_o no_o great_a burden_n than_o these_o necessary_a thing_n that_o you_o abstain_v from_o meat_n offer_v to_o idol_n and_o from_o blood_n and_o from_o thing_n strangle_v and_o from_o fornication_n here_o st._n james_n the_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o st._n peter_n and_o st._n john_n apostles_n and_o other_o of_o the_o church_n determine_v what_o the_o gentile_a christian_n shall_v do_v in_o antioch_n and_o syria_n and_o cilicia_n as_o touch_v the_o jewish_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v circumcise_a but_o it_o be_v require_v of_o they_o as_o of_o all_o proselyte_n of_o the_o gate_n that_o they_o observe_v the_o precept_n of_o abstain_v from_o thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o decretal_a epistle_n or_o you_o may_v call_v these_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o apostolic_a council_n and_o these_o thing_n be_v enjoin_v for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o believe_a jew_n that_o in_o some_o observance_n those_o gentile_a convert_v may_v agree_v with_o they_o beside_o as_o 3._o one_o observe_v these_o thing_n name_v in_o the_o decree_n and_o forbid_v by_o it_o be_v such_o as_o the_o pagan_a idolater_n chief_o observe_v and_o practise_v they_o be_v four_o grand_a mark_n of_o gentilism_n and_o therefore_o those_o gentile_n who_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n ought_v to_o renounce_v all_o those_o thing_n as_o idolatrous_a especial_o as_o to_o fornication_n they_o be_v bid_v to_o abstain_v from_o this_o not_o as_o if_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o as_o indifferent_a in_o itself_o as_o the_o other_o thing_n mention_v but_o they_o be_v join_v together_o because_o the_o gentile_n think_v fornication_n or_o whoredom_n a_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o they_o usual_o allow_v themselves_o in_o it_o a_o hebâ—_n learned_a man_n of_o our_o nation_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o by_o fornication_n be_v mean_v polygamy_n a_o sort_n of_o fornication_n as_o he_o call_v it_o among_o the_o jew_n which_o seem_v to_o they_o lawful_a and_o marry_v within_o the_o prohibit_v degree_n be_v he_o think_v here_o forbid_v likewise_o but_o if_o we_o remember_v that_o what_o the_o synod_n decree_v here_o be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o convert_v gentile_n not_o the_o jew_n we_o shall_v rather_o believe_v that_o fornication_n proper_o so_o call_v be_v here_o forbid_v especial_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o pagan_n have_v no_o positive_a law_n among_o they_o against_o this_o though_o they_o have_v against_o adultery_n wherefore_o this_o practice_n which_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n among_o they_o be_v here_o direct_o caution_v against_o and_o hence_o you_o see_v the_o reason_n why_o this_o be_v rank_v with_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o abstain_v from_o these_o thing_n be_v mention_v as_o necessary_a not_o as_o if_o they_o be_v all_o unlawful_a in_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o nature_n for_o fornication_n only_o be_v so_o but_o the_o rest_n be_v for_o that_o time_n and_o juncture_n necessary_a otherwise_o they_o be_v call_v a_o burden_n and_o therefore_o not_o moral_o good_a and_o consequent_o not_o necessary_a in_o themselves_o yet_o they_o be_v i_o say_v necessary_a though_o not_o to_o all_o christian_n yet_o to_o all_o proselyte_n of_o the_o gate_n and_o for_o that_o time_n only_o because_o it_o be_v requisite_a to_o symbolize_v with_o the_o judaize_v christian_n who_o urge_v some_o ceremonial_a observance_n and_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o unite_v both_o convert_v jew_n and_o gentile_n who_o then_o be_v mix_v together_o but_o when_o christianity_n prevail_v and_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n of_o give_v offence_n to_o the_o weak_a the_o obligation_n of_o this_o decree_n cease_v and_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o observe_v in_o the_o church_n but_o one_o of_o these_o viz._n abstain_v from_o blood_n have_v not_o so_o soon_o and_o so_o easy_o be_v lay_v aside_o as_o the_o other_o the_o reason_n of_o which_o i_o conceive_v be_v this_o this_o be_v a_o early_a prohibition_n this_o be_v a_o law_n give_v to_o noah_n gen._n 9_o 4._o flesh_n with_o the_o life_n thereof_o which_o be_v the_o blood_n thereof_o you_o shall_v not_o eat_v and_o thus_o have_v the_o start_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n of_o moses_n they_o may_v think_v it_o forbid_v something_o which_o be_v moral_o evil_a and_o that_o as_o it_o oblige_v before_o moses_n law_n so_o it_o ought_v to_o do_v afterward_o and_o that_o therefore_o there_o lay_v a_o obligation_n on_o christian_n to_o observe_v it_o but_o several_a thing_n i_o will_v here_o suggest_v 1._o it_o shall_v be_v consider_v there_o be_v ceremonial_a law_n and_o rite_n prescribe_v before_o moses_n that_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v no_o obligation_n under_o chrisâ—ianity_n and_o therefore_o this_o may_v cease_v as_o well_o as_o they_o 2._o it_o shall_v be_v remember_v that_o when_o this_o law_n be_v deliver_v to_o moses_n the_o reason_n annex_v to_o it_o be_v this_o the_o life_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v in_o the_o blood_n and_o i_o have_v give_v it_o to_o you_o upon_o the_o altar_n to_o make_v a_o atonement_n for_o your_o soul_n for_o it_o be_v the_o
blood_n that_o make_v atonement_n for_o the_o soul_n leu._n 17._o 11._o now_o this_o reason_n cease_v under_o the_o gospel_n since_o all_o the_o jewish_a sacrifice_n and_o effusion_n of_o blood_n on_o the_o altar_n be_v abolish_v the_o blood_n of_o animal_n be_v make_v typical_a and_o representative_a of_o christ_n blood_n but_o he_o be_v come_v and_o have_v shed_v his_o blood_n what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o any_o animal_n what_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o have_v regard_n to_o it_o 3._o in_o the_o law_n which_o forbid_v eat_v of_o blood_n you_o may_v observe_v that_o blood_n itself_o be_v not_o absolute_o forbid_v but_o live_a blood_n i._n e._n the_o blood_n of_o the_o beast_n before_o it_o be_v quite_o dead_a therefore_o eat_v of_o the_o blood_n of_o a_o beast_n when_o he_o be_v deprive_v of_o life_n be_v not_o unlawful_a according_a to_o that_o law_n when_o the_o blood_n be_v boil_v or_o roast_v and_o any_o way_n so_o alter_v that_o the_o life_n be_v go_v from_o it_o it_o may_v be_v eat_v notwithstanding_o that_o law_n 4._o let_v the_o law_n be_v understand_v of_o what_o blood_n you_o please_v our_o great_a and_o infallible_a law_n giver_n have_v decide_v the_o controversy_n by_o take_v away_o all_o distinction_n of_o meat_n there_o be_v nothing_o from_o without_o a_o man_n that_o enter_v into_o he_o can_v defile_v he_o say_v our_o saviour_n mark_v 7._o 15._o here_o the_o ceremonial_a rite_n of_o abstain_v from_o the_o eat_n of_o blood_n be_v abolish_v by_o christ_n for_o if_o no_o food_n that_o enter_v into_o a_o man_n defile_v he_o than_o blood_n can_v and_o consequent_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o eat_v it_o but_o for_o certain_a reason_n the_o apostle_n at_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n order_v this_o old_a rite_n to_o be_v continue_v for_o a_o time_n viz._n till_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v convert_v and_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v lay_v down_o and_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o be_v not_o only_o the_o determination_n of_o christ_n but_o of_o his_o apostle_n i_o know_v and_o be_o persuade_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o unclean_a of_o itself_o rom._n 14._o 14._o and_o the_o same_o apostle_n declare_v it_o lawful_a to_o feed_v even_o on_o thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n if_o no_o weak_a brother_n be_v offen_v by_o it_o 1_o cor._n 10._o 25._o whatsoever_o be_v sell_v in_o the_o shambles_n that_o eat_v ask_v no_o question_n for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o ver_fw-la 17._o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n i._n e._n it_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o use_v this_o or_o that_o particular_a sort_n of_o food_n for_o under_o the_o gospel_n all_o be_v alike_o therefore_o he_o say_v in_o col._n 2._o 16._o let_v no_o man_n judge_v you_o in_o meat_n or_o in_o drink_n and_o again_o every_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v good_a and_o nothing_o to_o be_v refuse_v if_o it_o be_v receive_v with_o thanksgiving_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 4._o thus_o though_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v hauâ—_n a_o particular_a revoke_v of_o the_o law_n for_o it_o be_v enough_o that_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o cease_v yet_o we_o find_v that_o it_o be_v more_o than_o once_o revoke_v and_o repeal_v in_o a_o very_a formal_a and_o express_a manner_n and_o that_o after_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o synod_n at_o jerusalem_n so_o that_o now_o there_o be_v no_o intrinsic_a evil_n and_o turpitude_n no_o unlawfulness_n and_o sin_n in_o eat_v of_o blood_n but_o this_o be_v not_o practise_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n nor_o universal_o obtain_v a_o long_a 〈◊〉_d after_o but_o they_o very_o careful_o refrain_v from_o eat_v of_o blood_n for_o the_o reason_n before_o mention_v viz._n out_o of_o compliance_n and_o condescension_n to_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v turn_v christian_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o christian_n in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o century_n general_o observe_v the_o canon_n of_o this_o apostolical_a synod_n and_o they_o be_v confirm_v by_o several_a etc._n council_n particular_o that_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o day_n abstain_v from_o blood_n and_o thing_n strangle_v be_v attest_v by_o tryph._n justin_n martyr_n celsum_fw-la origen_n 9_o tertullian_n noverimus_fw-la minutius_n felix_n and_o 1._o eusebius_n though_o it_o appear_v likewise_o that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o universal_a observance_n but_o some_o do_v eat_v blood_n whilst_o other_o abstain_v the_o greek_a and_o ethiopick_n church_n to_o this_o day_n abstain_v from_o thing_n strangle_v and_o from_o blood_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o decree_n of_o that_o first_o council_n in_o act_n 15._o and_o among_o the_o modern_a writer_n sang._n some_o of_o no_o mean_a learning_n have_v espouse_v this_o opinion_n and_o practice_n and_o the_o learned_a 20._o grotius_n seem_v to_o favour_v they_o these_o person_n be_v draw_v into_o this_o sentiment_n by_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o old_a primitive_a christian_n and_o by_o not_o consider_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o that_o canon_n of_o abstain_v from_o blood_n prevail_v in_o some_o part_n of_o the_o church_n viz._n because_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v not_o whole_o gather_v in_o those_o part_n and_o several_a jew_n who_o abhor_a blood_n and_o thing_n strangle_v may_v have_v be_v keep_v from_o embrace_v christianity_n if_o there_o have_v not_o be_v a_o compliance_n in_o this_o matter_n this_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o canon_n of_o the_o apostle_n say_v 13._o st._n augustin_n and_o this_o he_o say_v be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o his_o day_n he_o add_v that_o there_o be_v but_o a_o few_o in_o his_o time_n that_o abstain_v from_o eat_a blood_n and_o they_o be_v laugh_v at_o by_o the_o rest_n as_o too_o nice_a and_o scrupulous_a nor_o do_v those_o man_n attend_v to_o the_o forego_n reason_n and_o proof_n of_o the_o abrogation_n of_o this_o decree_n which_o if_o they_o have_v do_v they_o will_v have_v find_v it_o to_o be_v a_o temporary_a injunction_n and_o that_o it_o be_v obligatory_a so_o long_o as_o any_o gentile_n be_v mix_v among_o the_o church_n but_o that_o afterward_o it_o be_v to_o be_v quite_o cast_v off_o for_o the_o observe_n of_o this_o and_o other_o part_n of_o the_o decree_n be_v keep_v up_o only_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o church_n weakness_n to_o conclude_v this_o subject_a let_v we_o sum_n up_o the_o difference_n of_o dispensation_n as_o to_o this_o particular_a of_o abstain_v from_o some_o food_n at_o first_o there_o be_v a_o restraint_n as_o to_o this_o nothing_o but_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v permit_v to_o be_v eat_v at_o least_o general_o and_o usual_o but_o after_o the_o flood_n their_o commons_o be_v enlarge_v for_o flesh_n be_v allow_v yet_o with_o this_o restriction_n not_o to_o eat_v flesh_n with_o the_o blood_n or_o life_n in_o it_o then_o afterward_o among_o the_o jew_n a_o law_n restrain_v they_o from_o some_o sort_n of_o food_n some_o animal_n only_o be_v permit_v the_o rest_n be_v pronounce_v unclean_a but_o when_o christ_n come_v this_o restraint_n be_v remove_v yet_o so_o as_o the_o liberty_n do_v not_o total_o prevail_v for_o by_o a_o apostolical_a council_n they_o be_v bid_v to_o abstain_v from_o thing_n strangle_v and_o from_o blood_n and_o afterward_o in_o some_o christian_a church_n this_o abstinence_n be_v yet_o observe_v but_o at_o last_o the_o christian_a and_o evangelical_n liberty_n take_v all_o restraint_n away_o the_o jewish_a rite_n and_o usage_n have_v have_v time_n enough_o to_o wear_v off_o from_o other_o instance_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o those_o first_o time_n it_o may_v be_v prove_v that_o whilst_o they_o be_v not_o all_o grow_v up_o to_o the_o like_a knowledge_n and_o persuasion_n both_o judaism_n and_o christianity_n be_v often_o twist_v together_o even_o in_o the_o second_o century_n the_o christian_n in_o the_o east_n follow_v the_o example_n of_o st._n john_n and_o st._n philip_n observe_v easter_n on_o the_o very_a time_n the_o jew_n do_v their_o passover_n but_o those_o in_o the_o west_n imitate_v the_o practice_n of_o st._n peter_n and_o st._n paul_n keep_v easter_n on_o the_o lord_n day_n the_o day_n on_o which_o christ_n arise_v victor_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n endeavour_v to_o bring_v the_o church_n of_o asia_n to_o his_o opinion_n design_v to_o excommunicate_v all_o those_o who_o disagree_v with_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o he_o be_v dissuade_v at_o last_o from_o prosecute_a that_o design_n and_o the_o celebrate_n of_o easter_n remain_v free_a till_o the_o nicene_n council_n where_o the_o western_a church_n get_v the_o better_a and_o they_o that_o refuse_v to_o keep_v that_o feast_n on_o sunday_n be_v brand_v with_o the_o name_n of_o quartodecimani_n i_o may_v further_o prove_v this_o mixture_n of_o jewish_a and_o
christian_a observance_n in_o the_o first_o age_n tertullian_n who_o flourish_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o three_o century_n frequent_o join_v christianity_n and_o judaism_n together_o and_o particular_o in_o his_o dialogue_n with_o trypho_n the_o jew_n he_o declare_v there_o be_v salvation_n in_o both_o there_o be_v the_o coelicolae_fw-la mention_v in_o the_o code_n those_o that_o worship_v god_n as_o praâ—ceperat_v he_o have_v command_v from_o heaven_n i._n e._n according_a to_o the_o precept_n and_o rite_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n and_o according_a to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o they_o hold_v that_o heaven_n i._n e._n god_n be_v the_o author_n and_o institutor_n of_o both_o and_o intend_v that_o both_o shall_v be_v observe_v thus_o the_o mosaic_a law_n and_o ceremony_n be_v a_o good_a while_n go_v off_o they_o gradual_o and_o gentle_o vanish_v away_o for_o the_o church_n be_v then_o but_o in_o its_o childhood_n and_o be_v tender_o to_o be_v treat_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v that_o the_o jewish_a rite_n be_v nail_v with_o christ_n to_o the_o cross_n they_o die_v when_o he_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n but_o though_o they_o be_v dead_a and_o be_v of_o no_o efficacy_n yet_o man_n be_v leave_v free_a to_o use_v or_o not_o use_v they_o as_o they_o see_v fit_a after_o their_o decease_n they_o be_v not_o present_o bury_v but_o as_o one_o of_o the_o father_n speak_v be_v to_o have_v a_o honourable_a interment_n in_o brief_a judaism_n stay_v some_o time_n with_o christianity_n and_o then_o take_v its_o leave_n here_o it_o must_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v peculiar_a to_o this_o period_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v a_o certain_a argument_n of_o the_o weak_a state_n of_o it_o and_o that_o it_o have_v not_o outgrow_v its_o childhood_n but_o that_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n be_v feeble_a in_o many_o and_o that_o unbelief_n have_v whole_o possess_v other_o and_o there_o be_v need_n of_o some_o very_a great_a power_n which_o be_v in_o those_o day_n exert_v in_o a_o wonderful_a manner_n among_o the_o extraordinary_a endowment_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v then_o bestow_v prayer_n be_v one_o i_o e._n a_o infuse_a and_o supernatural_a gift_n of_o prayer_n be_v give_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n which_o be_v call_v pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 15._o and_o those_o who_o be_v bless_v with_o this_o singular_a gratuity_n have_v matter_n and_o word_n dictate_v to_o they_o by_o a_o special_a afflation_n or_o inspiration_n from_o heaven_n prophesy_v be_v also_o after_o a_o extraordinary_a and_o supernatural_a manner_n as_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n of_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n will_v inform_v we_o it_o be_v a_o power_n to_o interpret_v and_o explain_v the_o dark_a scripture_n to_o unriddle_v all_o sacred_a mystery_n to_o urge_v with_o great_a efficacy_n the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n on_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o sometime_o to_o foretell_v futurity_n of_o great_a importance_n all_o which_o be_v effect_v by_o the_o immediate_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n this_o gift_n expire_v soon_o after_o the_o second_o century_n after_o which_o they_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v little_a or_o no_o mention_n of_o the_o prophetic_a spirit_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o which_o perhaps_o that_o passage_n of_o the_o apostle_n relate_v and_o be_v prophetic_a even_o of_o the_o expiration_n of_o prophecy_n 1_o cor._n 13._o 8._o whether_o there_o be_v prophecy_n they_o shall_v fail_v and_o as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o first_o time_n inspire_v prayer_n and_o prophesying_n so_o there_o be_v inspire_v hymn_n which_o be_v call_v sing_v with_o the_o spirit_n ver_fw-la 15._o but_o the_o work_n of_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a thing_n above_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v most_o proper_o do_v of_o miracle_n be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o those_o day_n not_o only_o the_o apostle_n but_o their_o follower_n in_o the_o age_n immediate_o succeed_v be_v endue_v with_o this_o power_n hence_o lucius_n king_n of_o this_o british_a island_n hear_v of_o strange_a thing_n do_v by_o christian_n in_o many_o place_n about_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o century_n send_v to_o eleuâ—herius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n to_o receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n of_o he_o and_o be_v the_o first_o christian_a king_n in_o the_o world_n from_o justin_n martyr_n tertullian_n and_o cyprian_n write_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o miracle_n be_v frequent_o wrought_v in_o the_o church_n and_o these_o person_n appeal_v to_o they_o as_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o common_a notice_n and_o can_v not_o be_v deny_v gregory_n bishop_n of_o neocaesarea_n who_o live_v in_o the_o three_o century_n purchase_v the_o title_n of_o thaumatâ—rgâ—â—_n by_o the_o miraculous_a act_n which_o he_o do_v even_o in_o the_o next_o age_n miracle_n be_v do_v by_o many_o as_o be_v testify_v by_o ruffinus_n theodoret_n and_o sozomen_n from_o pentecost_n several_a passage_n in_o chrysostom_n write_n it_o may_v be_v gather_v that_o they_o cease_v in_o his_o time_n more_o especial_o from_o his_o 32d_o homily_n on_o st._n matthew_n where_o he_o reply_v to_o the_o objection_n of_o the_o pagan_n against_o the_o christian_n viz._n that_o they_o do_v not_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n by_o miracle_n and_o so_o again_o in_o his_o 40_o the_o homily_n on_o the_o act_n he_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o cessation_n of_o miracle_n but_o though_o he_o do_v this_o he_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o common_a and_o ordinary_a use_n of_o they_o for_o sometime_o and_o rare_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v in_o that_o age_n or_o else_o st._n augustin_n and_o other_o father_n misrepresent_v those_o time_n particular_o 8._o st._n augustin_n who_o live_v in_o st._n chrysostom_n time_n bear_v witness_v that_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v at_o the_o monument_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o those_o day_n but_o yet_o from_o this_o father_n be_v own_o word_n in_o 25._o another_o place_n we_o may_v gather_v that_o miracle_n be_v then_o at_o a_o end_n in_o some_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o short_a be_v this_o that_o for_o three_o or_o four_o hundred_o year_n in_o one_o place_n or_o other_o miracle_n be_v general_o do_v in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n viz._n as_o long_o as_o the_o church_n be_v in_o her_o tender_a and_o childish_a year_n and_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v further_o that_o there_o be_v a_o power_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n bestow_v on_o the_o church_n of_o punish_v the_o disobedient_a in_o a_o strange_a and_o dreadful_a manner_n viz._n by_o inflict_a suddeâ—_n disease_n nay_o death_n itself_o sometime_o upon_o offender_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o relation_n concern_v ananias_n and_o saphira_n act_v 5._o 1_o etc._n etc._n and_o some_o such_o thing_n as_o this_o it_o be_v likely_a be_v mean_v by_o those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v by_o the_o apostle_n act_n 2._o 43._o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o in_o those_o primitive_a time_n they_o shall_v have_v such_o a_o power_n of_o inflict_v extraordinary_a judgement_n on_o criminal_n if_o you_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o thing_n then_o for_o the_o magistrate_n be_v at_o that_o time_n heathen_n do_v not_o animadvert_v on_o those_o who_o offend_v against_o the_o christian_a law_n on_o which_o account_n likewise_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v weak_a and_o low_a and_o it_o may_v be_v further_o observe_v that_o in_o order_n to_o this_o gift_n or_o ability_n of_o strike_v with_o bodily_a malady_n or_o death_n those_o that_o be_v gross_a offender_n there_o be_v another_o gift_n bestow_v viz._n discern_v of_o spirit_n 1_o cor._n 12._o 10._o by_o virtue_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n have_v a_o insight_n into_o the_o secret_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o can_v tell_v whether_o their_o heart_n be_v right_a towards_o god_n hereby_o it_o be_v that_o they_o can_v make_v a_o discrimination_n between_o true_a and_o counterfeit_a professor_n of_o christianity_n and_o thence_o according_o receive_v or_o reject_v they_o and_o if_o they_o see_v occasion_n punish_v the_o latter_a this_o be_v a_o requisite_a gift_n in_o those_o day_n because_o it_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o dispensation_n at_o that_o time_n wherein_o christianity_n be_v not_o grow_v to_o any_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v need_n of_o these_o extraordinary_a mean_n to_o nourish_v and_o uphold_v it_o it_o want_v these_o adventitious_a aid_n to_o support_v its_o weakness_n 2._o the_o christian_a church_n proceed_v from_o childhood_n to_o youth_n this_o be_v the_o second_o subordinate_a dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o present_a period_n we_o be_v now_o under_o this_o begin_v when_o all_o the_o legal_a ceremony_n and_o jewish_a observance_n
in_o order_n to_o the_o complete_a enlarge_n of_o the_o church_n to_o work_v wonder_n but_o at_o present_a this_o way_n of_o divine_a attestation_n be_v unnecessary_a for_o christian_n have_v sufficient_a mean_n with_o regard_n to_o all_o the_o end_n of_o religion_n and_o salvation_n among_o themselves_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o great_a at_o present_a nay_o the_o cessation_n of_o those_o extraordinary_a visible_a and_o sensible_a mean_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o meliority_n of_o our_o condition_n bless_a be_v they_o that_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o have_v believe_v say_v our_o saviour_n john_n 20._o 29._o the_o meaning_n be_v they_o be_v more_o bless_v i._n e._n their_o faith_n be_v more_o excellent_a and_o laudable_a and_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o great_a reward_n it_o be_v a_o more_o bless_a and_o eligible_a state_n to_o believe_v without_o such_o forcible_a and_o violent_a mean_n than_o with_o they_o other_o thing_n may_v be_v here_o mention_v as_o under_o the_o law_n and_o before_o that_o time_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o thing_n do_v without_o the_o ministration_n of_o angel_n so_o in_o the_o first_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o appearance_n of_o these_o glorious_a spirit_n be_v common_a but_o after_o christ_n ascension_n and_o to_o this_o very_a time_n the_o church_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o this_o particular_a dispensation_n and_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v the_o attestation_n or_o confirmation_n of_o any_o truth_n in_o this_o way_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v now_o give_v we_o that_o former_a way_n of_o revelation_n which_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o imperfect_a and_o weak_a state_n now_o cease_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o these_o divine_a admonitor_n see_v we_o have_v the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n which_o be_v a_o certain_a stand_a rule_n and_o a_o infallible_a direction_n to_o we_o and_o in_o several_a other_o particular_n if_o it_o be_v requisite_a it_o may_v be_v show_v that_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n be_v alter_v and_o improve_v since_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o the_o time_n after_o the_o apostle_n and_o now_o in_o the_o close_a of_o this_o head_n we_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o usefulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o attend_v to_o what_o have_v be_v suggest_v concern_v the_o different_a administration_n of_o religion_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o christian._n we_o can_v frame_v right_a thought_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o model_n of_o it_o unless_o we_o careful_o observe_v the_o several_a degree_n and_o various_a modification_n of_o it_o before_o mention_v for_o though_o there_o be_v the_o same_o general_a dispensation_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o alteration_n as_o to_o the_o particular_a scene_n of_o it_o that_o which_o we_o be_v under_o at_o present_a differ_v much_o from_o those_o which_o be_v in_o the_o first_o and_o early_a age_n of_o christianism_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o require_v now_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v then_o there_o be_v some_o sober_a and_o well_o mean_v person_n that_o attend_v not_o to_o this_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o to_o every_o particular_a the_o same_o face_n of_o administration_n at_o present_a that_o there_o be_v at_o first_o and_o thence_o they_o look_v to_o the_o primitive_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o examine_v every_o thing_n by_o that_o but_o this_o be_v not_o right_a for_o there_o have_v be_v a_o change_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o this_o change_n be_v by_o the_o particular_a superintendency_n and_o disposal_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o supreme_a director_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v now_o as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n god_n himself_o have_v be_v please_v to_o alter_v the_o dispensation_n in_o part_n let_v we_o then_o remember_v the_o particular_a division_n of_o the_o oeconomy_n we_o be_v under_o and_o let_v we_o be_v concern_v to_o do_v what_o be_v fit_v and_o proper_a to_o it_o and_o thereby_o we_o shall_v help_v to_o promote_v and_o hasten_v the_o next_o and_o better_a one_o which_o i_o be_o now_o to_o speak_v of_o chap._n xix_o that_o christianity_n shall_v arrive_v to_o manhood_n or_o full_a age_n be_v prove_v by_o several_a argument_n 1._o god_n method_n in_o the_o world_n 2._o the_o low_a ebb_n of_o christianity_n hitherto_o 3._o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o perish_v 4._o the_o gradual_a improvement_n of_o all_o art_n and_o science_n the_o several_a objection_n concern_v the_o decay_n and_o senescency_n of_o the_o world_n make_v use_v of_o by_o jewish_a pagan_a and_o christian_a writer_n full_o answer_v that_o the_o world_n decay_v not_o as_o to_o learning_n and_o art_n be_v make_v good_a from_o the_o improvement_n of_o navigation_n the_o invention_n of_o gunpowder_n and_o gun_n of_o print_v of_o clock_n and_o watch_n the_o prepare_v of_o sugar_n the_o advances_n in_o anatomy_n and_o physic_n astronomy_n arithmetic_n chemistry_n mechanic_n the_o style_n of_o writer_n it_o be_v congruous_a to_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o wisdom_n that_o religion_n also_o shall_v have_v its_o improvement_n as_o well_o as_o art_n and_o science_n and_o according_o it_o have_v be_v great_o advance_v and_o increase_v by_o the_o reformation_n from_o the_o increase_n it_o have_v have_v already_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o there_o will_v be_v far_a accession_n afterward_o the_o virile_a and_o complete_a state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n prove_v from_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n mat._n 24._o 3._o &_o 19_o 28._o act_n 3._o 21._o rom._n 8._o 19_o 20._o heb._n 2._o 5._o &_o 9_o 10._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 7._o 1_o pet._n 3._o 8._o from_o those_o divers_a text_n that_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o make_v mention_v of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o reign_v of_o the_o messiah_n a_o fivefold_a acception_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 25._o urge_v the_o millenary_a reign_n the_o rise_n of_o the_o ancient_a opinion_n about_o it_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o christ_n shall_v not_o personal_o reign_v upon_o earth_n the_o decease_a saint_n shall_v not_o rise_v again_o to_o reign_v with_o he_o here_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o be_v behead_v for_o the_o witness_n of_o jesus_n what_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o their_o live_n and_o reign_v with_o christ._n two_o late_a writer_n take_v it_o in_o a_o literal_a sense_n but_o without_o any_o ground_n who_o be_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o dead_a that_o live_v not_o again_o what_o be_v the_o first_o and_o second_o resurrection_n the_o reign_n of_o christ_n a_o thousand_o year_n be_v to_o be_v upon_o earth_n by_o a_o thousand_o year_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v a_o certain_a and_o definite_a number_n some_o opinion_n concern_v the_o beginning_n and_o end_n of_o the_o thousand_o year_n refute_v mr._n brightman_n odd_a fancy_n reject_v we_o have_v have_v some_o forerunner_n and_o previous_a pledge_n of_o the_o millenary_a kingdom_n mr._n medes_n opinion_n which_o join_v christ_n reign_n and_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n together_o consider_v the_o â—â—ird_n and_o most_o eminent_a part_n of_o the_o evangelical_n oeconomy_n be_v that_o which_o i_o call_v the_o manhood_n or_o full_a age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n before_o i_o enter_v upon_o the_o description_n of_o this_o i_o will_v give_v you_o some_o account_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o such_o a_o state_n by_o show_v that_o christianity_n shall_v arrive_v to_o a_o great_a height_n and_o perfection_n than_o it_o be_v at_o present_a it_o be_v very_o observable_a what_o one_o of_o the_o ancient_a writer_n who_o be_v a_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o genius_n of_o christianity_n say_v of_o this_o matter_n 28._o the_o understanding_n knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n of_o single_a person_n as_o well_o as_o of_o whole_a body_n of_o every_o individual_a as_o well_o as_o of_o church_n in_o general_a shall_v huge_o increase_v and_o be_v exceed_o advance_v according_a to_o the_o gradual_a succession_n of_o time_n and_o age_n but_o as_o he_o explain_v himself_o this_o proficiency_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o same_o kind_n in_o the_o same_o persuasion_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o judgement_n so_o that_o the_o christian_a faith_n shall_v still_o remain_v the_o same_o as_o to_o its_o substance_n though_o it_o shall_v be_v much_o better_o explain_v and_o know_v than_o it_o be_v noâ—_n and_o he_o use_v the_o same_o comparison_n that_o i_o haâ—e_v express_v this_o matter_n by_o for_o he_o distinguish_v between_o the_o young_a and_o the_o ripe_a year_n of_o christianity_n he_o hold_v the_o former_a to_o be_v the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o
latter_a those_o that_o succeed_v and_o yet_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o growth_n of_o human_a body_n though_o the_o strength_n and_o stature_n of_o they_o be_v alter_v yet_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o person_n remain_v in_o the_o mature_a year_n that_o be_v before_o so_o it_o be_v here_o say_v he_o christianity_n be_v consolidate_v by_o year_n it_o be_v enlarge_v by_o time_n it_o be_v sublime_v by_o age_n but_o still_o it_o continue_v incorrupt_a and_o entire_a and_o afterward_o cap._n 29._o it_o be_v â—itting_v say_v he_o that_o the_o heavenly_a philosophy_n for_o so_o he_o style_v the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v sow_v in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o primitive_a father_n shall_v afterward_o grow_v up_o flourish_n and_o be_v cultivate_v by_o the_o industry_n of_o their_o son_n that_o by_o process_n of_o time_n it_o shall_v become_v more_o polish_a but_o yet_o that_o it_o shall_v retain_v the_o same_o plenitude_n property_n and_o integrity_n that_o it_o have_v as_o to_o its_o substance_n at_o first_o thus_o that_o excellent_a writer_n and_o i_o be_v very_o glad_a to_o find_v my_o notion_n of_o the_o last_o time_n confirm_v by_o a_o person_n of_o so_o much_o judgement_n and_o sagacity_n and_o of_o so_o great_a repute_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o he_o say_v be_v that_o christianity_n shall_v be_v improve_v by_o succession_n of_o time_n and_o at_o last_o this_o beauty_n shall_v receive_v its_o finish_n stroke_n now_o this_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a from_o reason_n and_o scripture_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o better_a state_n of_o religion_n because_o this_o be_v found_v on_o the_o constant_a method_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n we_o find_v that_o it_o be_v his_o way_n and_o course_n to_o proceed_v in_o a_o gradual_a manner_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o nature_n as_o at_o the_o creation_n of_o all_o rank_n of_o being_n but_o in_o those_o of_o religion_n as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o several_a stage_n of_o it_o since_o it_o begin_v wherefore_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o it_o will_v be_v thus_o in_o christianity_n that_o as_o it_o have_v have_v already_o its_o different_a step_n measure_n and_o gradation_n so_o there_o be_v a_o great_a yet_o to_o come_v and_o that_o it_o shall_v arrive_v to_o the_o height_n of_o its_o glory_n in_o this_o world_n again_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o great_a thing_n be_v to_o come_v because_o so_o little_a be_v do_v hitherto_o the_o unbelieving_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v very_o vast_a and_o large_a the_o great_a kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v those_o of_o the_o tartar_n the_o indian_n the_o chinoise_n the_o persian_n the_o turk_n all_o whâ—ch_n be_v stranger_n to_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n divide_v the_o world_n into_o three_o part_n and_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o two_o of_o they_o be_v inhabit_v even_o by_o profess_a pagan_n or_o if_o we_o divide_v it_o into_o six_o part_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o five_o of_o they_o at_o this_o day_n know_v not_o christ_n but_o be_v either_o idolatrous_a pagan_n which_o be_v the_o great_a number_n or_o jew_n or_o mahometan_n and_o of_o the_o six_o part_n how_o few_o of_o those_o that_o outward_o make_v profession_n of_o christ_n have_v true_a faith_n and_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n popery_n which_o can_v scarce_o be_v reckon_v as_o a_o part_n of_o christianity_n have_v spread_v itself_o through_o the_o most_o flourish_a kingdom_n in_o eâ—rope_n and_o have_v get_v foot_v in_o asia_n and_o be_v not_o whole_o a_o stranger_n in_o some_o part_n of_o africa_n and_o have_v find_v its_o way_n even_o into_o america_n among_o the_o church_n which_o disown_a popery_n some_o of_o they_o be_v gross_o ignorant_a erroneous_a and_o superstitious_a as_o the_o muscovian_a abyssine_a and_o greek_a church_n general_o and_o even_o among_o the_o reform_a church_n what_o division_n and_o dissension_n what_o unchristian_a feud_n and_o animosity_n be_v there_o what_o variety_n of_o opinion_n be_v there_o among_o they_o how_o unsettle_a be_v they_o in_o their_o notion_n and_o apprehension_n how_o little_a of_o the_o true_a virtue_n of_o religion_n and_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v among_o they_o how_o be_v the_o satanical_a kingdom_n keep_v up_o and_o maintain_v every_o where_o how_o industrious_o be_v it_o recruit_v and_o establish_v whereas_o christian_n shall_v live_v better_a than_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o it_o be_v sad_a and_o deplorable_a that_o their_o word_n and_o action_n bid_v deâ—iance_n to_o every_o thing_n which_o appertain_v to_o so_o sacred_a and_o honourable_a a_o title_n they_o profess_v the_o best_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o do_v thing_n that_o be_v the_o worst_a some_o that_o bear_v this_o venerable_a name_n be_v as_o wicked_a and_o profligate_v as_o any_o other_o sort_n of_o man_n upon_o earth_n the_o gross_a enormity_n of_o barbarian_n be_v act_v by_o they_o it_o be_v too_o apparent_a a_o truth_n that_o many_o who_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n conspire_v against_o the_o religion_n which_o christ_n have_v set_v up_o in_o the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n turk_n and_o pagan_n in_o fine_a look_v where_o you_o will_v and_o you_o will_v have_v cause_n to_o say_v how_o short_a be_v christianity_n of_o its_o full_a arcomplishment_n what_o slender_a effect_n be_v there_o of_o it_o in_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n how_o little_a progress_n have_v it_o make_v in_o so_o many_o age_n how_o narrow_a be_v its_o kingdom_n how_o ineffectual_a be_v its_o law_n in_o most_o place_n whence_o it_o be_v rational_a to_o infer_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o great_a work_n effect_v both_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n which_o have_v no_o notice_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o also_o in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v already_o christian._n a_o far_a oeconomy_n or_o rather_o a_o far_a exaltation_n of_o this_o evangelical_n oeconomy_n which_o we_o be_v under_o be_v to_o be_v 〈…〉_z hope_a for_o we_o shall_v be_v tempt_v to_o think_v 〈…〉_z god_n be_v providence_n if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v do_v if_o christianity_n attain_v not_o to_o a_o great_a height_n than_o hitherto_o it_o have_v it_o be_v a_o very_a surprise_v and_o amaze_a problem_n abstract_v from_o the_o diâ—ine_a destiny_n concern_v it_o and_o the_o prediction_n of_o it_o in_o the_o holy_a write_n that_o 〈◊〉_d kingdom_n of_o satan_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n 〈…〉_z great_a number_n of_o subject_n than_o that_o of_o christ._n it_o â—â—ems_v very_o harsh_a and_o dismal_a that_o so_o many_o shall_v perish_v that_o among_o heathen_n jew_n mahometans_n and_o even_o christian_n satan_n shall_v have_v such_o a_o harvest_n but_o now_o this_o be_v soon_o answer_v by_o what_o i_o have_v suggest_v this_o which_o i_o oâ—fer_v be_v a_o very_a clear_a and_o eadie_a solution_n of_o the_o difficulty_n for_o there_o will_v be_v moâ—e_n saint_n in_o the_o space_n of_o the_o thousand_o year_n which_o i_o shall_v afterward_o describe_v than_o there_o be_v wicked_a and_o impenitent_a sinner_n in_o all_o the_o other_o thousâ—â—ds_o 〈…〉_z precede_v this_o dispensation_n there_o will_v be_v such_o a_o 〈◊〉_d of_o general_a conversion_n and_o universal_a sanctity_n through_o all_o the_o region_n of_o the_o world_n that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o save_v shall_v at_o last_o surpass_v that_o of_o the_o damn_a this_o will_v plain_o appear_v from_o what_o i_o shall_v propound_v in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o it_o will_v give_v we_o a_o fair_a and_o comfortable_a idea_n of_o the_o divine_a philanthropy_n it_o will_v let_v we_o see_v that_o the_o scale_n of_o providence_n hang_v even_o it_o will_v clear_v up_o the_o dark_a proceed_n of_o heaven_n and_o full_o satisfy_v uâ—_n about_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o world_n another_o argument_n that_o i_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o shall_v be_v from_o the_o gradual_a improvement_n of_o all_o art_n and_o science_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v well_o note_v by_o one_o of_o the_o ancient_n and_o that_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o religion_n that_o 4._o the_o commencement_n of_o science_n be_v defective_a and_o imperfect_a but_o by_o little_a and_o gradual_a addition_n they_o come_v at_o last_o to_o their_o complete_a pitch_n nothing_o be_v more_o observable_a than_o that_o learning_n have_v have_v its_o noble_a accession_n in_o the_o several_a successive_a generation_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v foretell_v by_o seneca_n long_o ago_o who_o speak_v of_o the_o phâ—nomena_n of_o comet_n and_o the_o like_a philosophical_a disquisition_n prophetical_o utter_v these_o word_n quaest._n the_o time_n shall_v come_v when_o