the_o utmost_a pitch_n of_o prosperity_n and_o glory_n this_o jesus_n himself_o be_v seize_v and_o nail_v on_o a_o cross_n where_o he_o suffer_v a_o most_o infamous_a death_n infamous_a in_o the_o esteem_n of_o all_o nation_n but_o more_o particular_o accurse_v in_o the_o jewish_a law_n what_o a_o mighty_a thunder_n bolt_n must_v this_o have_v be_v to_o such_o man_n who_o have_v feed_v their_o fancy_n with_o such_o charm_a hope_n they_o be_v long_o since_o persuade_v that_o the_o messiah_n will_v make_v his_o appearance_n in_o a_o very_a glorious_a state_n that_o he_o will_v overthrow_v at_o his_o come_v the_o empire_n of_o cesar_n together_o with_o all_o the_o roman_a grandeur_n and_o thereby_o make_v the_o jew_n absolute_a master_n of_o the_o world_n all_o these_o thing_n they_o impatient_o expect_v from_o jesus_n and_o yet_o this_o jesus_n be_v dishonour_v by_o a_o infamous_a punishment_n he_o be_v compel_v to_o endure_v the_o jew_n themselves_o not_o only_o sacrifice_v he_o but_o 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all_o other_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n have_v always_o acknowledge_v this_o be_v what_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v absurd_a can_v i_o question_v but_o that_o if_o jesus_n die_v and_o rise_v not_o again_o from_o the_o dead_a his_o disciple_n be_v then_o undeceive_v of_o the_o opinion_n they_o probable_o entertain_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n the_o son_n of_o god_n if_o so_o either_o they_o understand_v nothing_o at_o all_o by_o these_o two_o word_n the_o messiah_n the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o else_o they_o understand_v quite_o another_o thing_n than_o that_o he_o be_v a_o mere_a man_n who_o be_v to_o remain_v for_o ever_o under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n after_o his_o crucifixion_n can_v i_o deny_v that_o the_o disciple_n declare_v the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n after_o his_o crucifixion_n it_o be_v self_n evident_a all_o
the_o sight_n of_o several_a jew_n who_o be_v purposely_o come_v thither_o to_o comfort_v the_o sister_n of_o the_o decease_a person_n he_o tarry_v four_o day_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v say_v he_o be_v not_o real_o dead_a he_o permit_v lazarus_n to_o converse_v with_o his_o acquaintance_n after_o his_o resurrection_n which_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o jew_n blind_v with_o madness_n to_o conspire_v together_o to_o send_v he_o to_o the_o grave_n again_o who_o the_o grave_n have_v just_o send_v they_o for_o their_o conversion_n iu._n but_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o such_o great_a and_o such_o unparalelled_a miracle_n as_o these_o shall_v make_v so_o little_a impression_n upon_o people_n mind_n this_o age_n be_v indeed_o a_o wicked_a and_o prejudice_v age_n but_o yet_o what_o a_o noise_n will_v the_o resurrection_n of_o a_o dead_a man_n make_v now_o how_o many_o will_v make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o be_v full_o satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n 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the_o jew_n have_v of_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v what_o it_o will_v still_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o can_v have_v no_o better_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o they_o and_o that_o josephus_n for_o example_n who_o careful_o relate_v the_o least_o sort_n of_o event_n and_o forget_v not_o to_o mention_v certain_a seducer_n that_o have_v appear_v in_o the_o world_n from_o time_n to_o time_n before_o he_o shall_v not_o in_o the_o least_o speak_v of_o the_o miracle_n of_o of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v suppose_v by_o some_o that_o that_o notable_a testimony_n which_o he_o bear_v of_o he_o be_v a_o pious_a fraud_n of_o he_o or_o a_o mere_a invention_n of_o the_o succeed_a age_n we_o shall_v not_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o at_o present_a we_o be_v willing_a to_o take_v thing_n in_o the_o worst_a sense_n and_o we_o have_v three_o several_a reply_n to_o make_v this_o objection_n concern_v the_o silence_n of_o josephus_n in_o this_o respect_n the_o first_o be_v that_o those_o who_o probable_o insert_v in_o the_o write_n of_o that_o author_n that_o notable_a place_n which_o have_v give_v occasion_n to_o the_o criticism_n of_o the_o learned_a may_v for_o a_o continuation_n of_o their_o design_n have_v blot_v out_o every_o thing_n that_o josephus_n real_o tell_v we_o on_o this_o account_n and_o which_o perhaps_o though_o less_o advantageous_a to_o our_o cause_n be_v yet_o sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v hold_v as_o one_o that_o wrought_v many_o miracle_n the_o second_o that_o josephus_n be_v a_o pharisee_n may_v probable_o have_v conceal_v the_o wonder_n of_o the_o life_n of_o our_o saviour_n out_o of_o the_o hatred_n he_o bear_v to_o our_o religion_n and_o the_o last_o be_v that_o as_o this_o man_n have_v endeavour_v to_o insinuate_v himself_o into_o vespasian_n favour_n by_o foretell_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v emperor_n and_o have_v ascribe_v to_o he_o several_a prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a 12._o testament_n 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jew_n that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v in_o bethlehem_n it_o be_v however_o certain_a that_o this_o author_n can_v not_o have_v conceal_v any_o such_o event_n as_o these_o but_o only_o out_o of_o ignorance_n or_o policy_n he_o can_v not_o have_v do_v it_o out_o of_o ignorance_n and_o the_o incredulous_a themselves_o will_v not_o presume_v to_o think_v that_o josephus_n be_v altogether_o ignorant_a that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v be_v put_v to_o death_n at_o jerusalem_n that_o he_o be_v accuse_v there_o of_o seduce_v the_o people_n that_o he_o have_v several_a disciple_n to_o attend_v he_o who_o number_n in_o his_o time_n increase_v yet_o daily_o nay_o that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o very_a numerous_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n compose_v of_o person_n of_o that_o persuasion_n and_o certain_o there_o must_v have_v be_v christian_n in_o all_o judea_n since_o there_o dwell_v a_o very_a
just_a go_v to_o shed_v the_o blood_n of_o christian_n he_o go_v about_o afterward_o preach_v that_o he_o have_v see_v jesus_n christ_n that_o a_o great_a light_n shine_v round_o about_o he_o that_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v reveal_v unto_o he_o he_o affirm_v that_o god_n have_v set_v he_o forth_o unto_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o become_v a_o spectacle_n unto_o man_n and_o angel_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 9_o if_o man_n will_v not_o credit_v his_o report_n let_v they_o try_v he_o by_o torment_n and_o see_v what_o effect_n they_o will_v have_v upon_o he_o let_v they_o load_v he_o with_o chain_n and_o cast_v he_o into_o prison_n let_v they_o expose_v he_o to_o wild_a beast_n at_o ephesus_n let_v the_o element_n man_n and_o devil_n be_v all_o at_o once_o set_v against_o he_o let_v they_o scourge_v he_o drag_v he_o along_o stone_n he_o let_v they_o bring_v he_o from_o jerusalem_n to_o caesarea_n from_o caesarea_n to_o rome_n increase_n and_o prolong_v his_o affliction_n saul_n the_o witness_n of_o the_o synagogue_n it_o be_v true_a recant_v his_o opinion_n but_o paul_n the_o witness_n of_o jesus_n will_v never_o recant_v he_o have_v see_v the_o strange_a alteration_n which_o happen_v to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o synagogue_n let_v we_o reflect_v a_o little_a on_o that_o which_o happen_v to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n judas_n betray_v his_o master_n and_o receive_v for_o his_o reward_n thirty_o piece_n of_o silver_n but_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v he_o be_v so_o much_o disturb_v after_o he_o have_v do_v it_o the_o jew_n the_o roman_n the_o people_n the_o doctor_n the_o magistrate_n and_o judge_n all_o favour_v his_o crime_n and_o let_v he_o go_v unpunished_a yet_o the_o remorse_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n torment_v he_o to_o that_o degree_n that_o he_o can_v not_o rest_v any_o where_o and_o at_o length_n not_o be_v able_a to_o overcome_v his_o despair_n he_o make_v away_o with_o himself_o and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n so_o order_v it_o that_o the_o jew_n themselves_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o that_o astonish_a event_n by_o buy_v with_o that_o money_n a_o field_n which_o be_v since_o call_v aceldama_n because_o it_o be_v the_o price_n of_o blood_n what_o a_o strange_a difference_n we_o find_v in_o these_o two_o person_n of_o judas_n and_o saul_n judas_n kill_v himself_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o prosperity_n but_o saul_n rejoice_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o affliction_n judas_n prevail_v upon_o by_o the_o synagogue_n can_v not_o be_v comfort_v by_o the_o same_o but_o die_v in_o despair_n paul_n become_v the_o disciple_n and_o witness_n of_o jesus_n and_o to_o he_o the_o cross_n of_o jesus_n be_v matter_n of_o the_o great_a joy_n god_n forbid_v say_v he_o gal._n 6._o 14_o that_o i_o shall_v glory_v save_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o my_o saviour_n christ_n by_o who_o the_o world_n be_v crucify_v unto_o i_o and_o i_o unto_o the_o world_n will_v any_o one_o believe_v that_o judas_n be_v his_o own_o executioner_n mere_o out_o of_o remorse_n for_o have_v betray_v a_o impostor_n to_o the_o jew_n or_o that_o st._n paul_n derive_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o infidelity_n the_o courage_n he_o show_v in_o all_o his_o suffering_n certain_o it_o may_v be_v very_o proper_o say_v that_o they_o be_v both_o the_o martyr_n of_o god_n but_o only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o judas_n be_v so_o against_o his_o will_n but_o paul_n voluntary_o if_o the_o constancy_n of_o the_o one_o testify_v in_o behalf_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o despair_n of_o the_o other_o be_v no_o small_a honour_n to_o he_o and_o the_o only_a difference_n be_v this_o that_o paul_n be_v proper_o a_o martyr_n but_o judas_n in_o spite_n of_o himself_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n chap._n xvii_o where_o we_o further_o answer_v the_o objection_n of_o the_o incredulous_a of_o all_o the_o object_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n offer_v to_o our_o understanding_n there_o be_v no_o one_o seem_v more_o to_o shock_v the_o reason_n of_o a_o prejudice_v and_o incredulous_a person_n than_o the_o death_n of_o the_o messiah_n the_o cross_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v according_a to_o the_o expression_n of_o a_o apostle_n a_o scandal_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o a_o folly_n to_o the_o greek_a but_o in_o our_o opinion_n there_o be_v nothing_o bear_v more_o visible_a character_n of_o greatness_n and_o divinity_n than_o that_o do_v the_o incredulous_a tell_v we_o that_o can_v we_o but_o rid_v ourselves_o of_o all_o our_o prejudices_fw-la we_o shall_v be_v hearty_o ashamed_a to_o entertain_v such_o strange_a idea_n of_o god_n and_o we_o also_o tell_v they_o that_o can_v they_o once_o but_o free_v themselves_o of_o those_o passion_n which_o darken_v their_o understanding_n they_o will_v certain_o admire_v with_o we_o the_o wonder_n of_o so_o divine_a a_o object_n who_o then_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n in_o this_o thing_n that_o will_v best_o appear_v by_o the_o answer_v we_o shall_v make_v to_o their_o objection_n we_o find_v in_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n one_o who_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v seize_v upon_o and_o be_v afterward_o nail_v on_o a_o cross_n not_o have_v any_o one_o to_o deliver_v he_o from_o the_o power_n of_o his_o enemy_n this_o they_o object_n be_v a_o mark_n of_o his_o weakness_n for_o say_v they_o have_v he_o be_v the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n why_o do_v he_o not_o come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n and_o all_o the_o world_n will_v have_v believe_v on_o he_o he_o die_v as_o one_o condemn_v by_o the_o grand_a council_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v establish_v this_o be_v he_o as_o be_v find_v guilty_a he_o be_v seize_v with_o sorrowfulness_n even_o unto_o death_n the_o day_n before_o his_o passion_n and_o cry_v out_o bitter_o when_o he_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n this_o show_v his_o wretched_a condition_n he_o be_v make_v to_o suffer_v a_o punishment_n proper_a only_o for_o slave_n it_o can_v therefore_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o he_o die_v a_o most_o infamous_a death_n and_o who_o can_v imagine_v that_o weakness_n gild_n or_o at_o least_o condemnation_n wretchedness_n and_o infamy_n shall_v be_v the_o true_a character_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n thus_o the_o incredulous_a argue_v we_o answer_v that_o jesus_n christ_n suffer_v by_o the_o determinate_a council_n of_o god_n since_o the_o scripture_n foretell_v that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v wound_v for_o our_o transgression_n and_o bruise_v for_o our_o iniquity_n that_o he_o be_v to_o make_v his_o soul_n a_o offering_n for_o sin_n that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o but_o not_o for_o himself_o and_o st._n john_n the_o baptist_n see_v he_o come_v to_o he_o at_o a_o time_n wherein_o it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a he_o shall_v ever_o suffer_v call_v he_o the_o lamb_n of_o god_n that_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n john_n 1._o 29._o jesus_n christ_n suffer_v voluntary_o he_o foretell_v all_o his_o own_o suffering_n to_o his_o disciple_n invite_v they_o to_o take_v up_o their_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o a_o company_n of_o miserable_a and_o afflict_a wretch_n in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v notwithstanding_o to_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o by_o their_o suffering_n establish_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n he_o free_o own_v to_o they_o that_o he_o be_v not_o come_v to_o settle_v peace_n in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o sword_n that_o god_n will_v smite_v the_o shepherd_n and_o that_o the_o sheep_n shall_v be_v scatter_v that_o they_o be_v to_o drink_v of_o the_o same_o cup_n with_o he_o and_o be_v baptize_v with_o his_o baptism_n that_o be_v to_o taste_v the_o bitter_a cup_n of_o his_o affliction_n and_o be_v baptize_v with_o he_o with_o a_o baptism_n of_o blood_n he_o intermix_v his_o suffering_n with_o they_o that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o bear_v they_o in_o remembrance_n if_o we_o shall_v in_o the_o least_o doubt_n whether_o christ_n foretell_v his_o suffering_n we_o need_v only_o consider_v the_o design_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o eucharist_n and_o the_o time_n wherein_o this_o ceremony_n be_v institute_v for_o unless_o we_o shall_v call_v in_o question_n the_o real_a institution_n of_o that_o sacrament_n and_o so_o affirm_v that_o the_o disciple_n out_o of_o a_o unaccountable_a and_o fantastical_a extravagance_n pretend_v only_o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v institute_v that_o ceremony_n when_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o jesus_n christ_n foresee_v his_o death_n that_o he_o prepare_v himself_o for_o it_o and_o affirm_v he_o suffer_v it_o voluntary_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o eucharist_n which_o he_o
institute_v in_o cold_a blood_n certify_v we_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n but_o because_o a_o involuntary_a death_n will_v argue_v a_o certain_a kind_n of_o weakness_n it_o be_v also_o most_o certain_a that_o nothing_o can_v better_v evince_v the_o strength_n and_o courage_n of_o jesus_n christ_n than_o that_o though_o he_o foresee_v the_o horror_n of_o a_o infamous_a and_o painful_a death_n yet_o he_o expose_v himself_o to_o it_o with_o such_o a_o constant_a will_n and_o firm_a resolution_n that_o by_o his_o example_n he_o show_v his_o disciple_n how_o he_o will_v have_v they_o imitate_v and_o commemorate_v his_o suffering_n jesus_n christ_n be_v condemn_v to_o death_n by_o a_o nation_n seditious_o stir_v up_o against_o he_o and_o by_o a_o sanhedrin_n envious_a of_o his_o glory_n but_o he_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o conscience_n of_o judas_n who_o remorse_n for_o have_v betray_v he_o force_v he_o to_o kill_v himself_o and_o by_o the_o solemn_a declaration_n of_o pilate_n who_o wash_v his_o hand_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o show_v that_o he_o be_v innocent_a of_o the_o blood_n of_o that_o just_a person_n he_o be_v justify_v too_o by_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o centurion_n who_o see_v the_o prodigy_n his_o death_n be_v attend_v withal_o and_o soon_o after_o by_o the_o mouth_n even_o of_o those_o who_o seek_v his_o ruin_n and_o who_o be_v prick_v to_o the_o heart_n cry_v out_o to_o the_o apostle_n man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v act._n 2._o 37._o and_o certain_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a glory_n to_o our_o messiah_n that_o the_o most_o guilty_a conscience_n the_o most_o unjust_a judge_n the_o most_o insensible_a and_o harden_a sort_n of_o soldier_n and_o the_o most_o barbarous_a murderer_n shall_v even_o bare_a record_n of_o his_o innocence_n jesus_n christ_n suffer_v but_o it_o be_v for_o our_o sake_n he_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o the_o sorrow_n and_o anguish_n of_o death_n and_o make_v his_o life_n a_o offering_n for_o sin_n and_o if_o those_o wound_n be_v count_v honourable_a which_o a_o subject_a receive_v sight_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o king_n and_o if_o those_o which_o a_o king_n receive_v for_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o subject_n be_v esteem_v yet_o far_o more_o glorious_a what_o glory_n then_o do_v christ_n deserve_v who_o suffer_v in_o the_o presence_n and_o by_o the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o people_n and_o child_n and_o who_o by_o his_o suffering_n establish_v such_o a_o empire_n which_o no_o power_n can_v dissolve_v last_o jesus_n christ_n suffer_v a_o punishment_n proper_a only_o to_o slave_n but_o we_o be_v also_o very_o certain_a that_o during_o the_o time_n of_o his_o suffering_n he_o show_v himself_o to_o have_v a_o power_n over_o nature_n herself_o since_o the_o grave_n be_v open_v at_o his_o death_n the_o rock_n rend_v the_o sun_n be_v darken_v and_o the_o veil_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v rend_v in_o twain_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v have_v invent_v so_o sensible_a and_o signal_n matter_n of_o fact_n against_o the_o fresh_a and_o public_a knowledge_n which_o those_o man_n that_o live_v in_o their_o day_n have_v of_o it_o without_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o a_o extravagance_n which_o be_v more_o than_o humane_a but_o here_o we_o will_v ask_v the_o incredulous_a in_o our_o turn_n whether_o a_o voluntary_a death_n a_o innocence_n public_o own_a the_o sorrow_n and_o anguish_n which_o a_o man_n suffer_v out_o of_o charity_n to_o the_o world_n the_o homage_v which_o even_o insensible_a creature_n pay_v to_o he_o who_o man_n scorn_v and_o condemn_v be_v not_o certain_a character_n worthy_a of_o the_o messiah_n that_o have_v be_v promise_v we_o indeed_o if_o you_o take_v away_o the_o proof_n which_o evident_o show_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n you_o may_v then_o call_v his_o cross_n a_o scandal_n to_o he_o and_o the_o world_n but_o whilst_o those_o proof_n shall_v be_v leave_v entire_a his_o cross_n will_v serve_v the_o more_o to_o illustrate_v his_o majesty_n and_o grandeur_n and_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o then_o assert_v that_o it_o be_v a_o voluntary_a death_n which_o he_o undergo_v and_o a_o death_n that_o be_v foretell_v we_o but_o we_o shall_v also_o show_v that_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o looking-glass-like_a wherein_o we_o may_v see_v at_o once_o all_o the_o virtue_n of_o man_n and_o all_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n there_o we_o may_v find_v the_o patience_n of_o a_o man_n who_o suffer_v every_o thing_n from_o his_o equal_n and_o from_o those_o who_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v his_o servant_n and_o disciple_n the_o charity_n of_o a_o man_n who_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o put_v he_o to_o death_n the_o constancy_n of_o a_o just_a man_n who_o bear_v the_o burden_n of_o the_o iniquity_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o constancy_n of_o a_o innocent_a man_n who_o at_o once_o as_o it_o be_v wrestle_v with_o the_o fury_n of_o man_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n there_o we_o may_v see_v the_o masterpiece_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n the_o design_n of_o our_o enemy_n frustrate_v and_o the_o design_n of_o god_n triumph_v over_o the_o vain_a opinion_n and_o project_n of_o man_n the_o propitiation_n of_o sin_n make_v for_o we_o by_o the_o most_o dreadful_a parricide_n that_o be_v ever_o commit_v or_o conceive_v the_o synagogue_n bury_v in_o his_o grave_n who_o they_o barbarous_o put_v to_o death_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o privilege_n the_o roman_n crown_v a_o king_n with_o thorn_n who_o be_v to_o rule_v over_o all_o nation_n and_o put_v a_o reed_n instead_o of_o a_o sceptre_n into_o his_o hand_n flesh_n and_o blood_n show_v we_o in_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n the_o true_a pattern_n of_o mortification_n jesus_n christ_n die_v attend_v with_o almost_o infinite_a number_n of_o martyr_n who_o be_v willing_a to_o die_v in_o imitation_n of_o he_o who_o be_v conqueror_n of_o the_o world_n only_o by_o his_o shame_n who_o crucify_v the_o flesh_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o his_o cross_n and_o procure_v rest_n and_o peace_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o die_v by_o the_o anguish_n of_o his_o agony_n we_o may_v also_o see_v the_o justice_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n clear_o manifest_v in_o his_o death_n for_o what_o other_o victim_n can_v have_v better_o evince_v god_n hatred_n for_o sin_n what_o present_a can_v have_v be_v make_v unto_o man_n that_o can_v have_v better_o discover_v god_n love_v to_o they_o the_o incredulous_a therefore_o reproach_v we_o with_o the_o meanness_n of_o a_o object_n wherein_o the_o virtue_n of_o man_n and_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n himself_o be_v show_v in_o their_o great_a height_n and_o perfection_n but_o let_v he_o that_o any_o way_n doubt_n it_o consider_v the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o key_n that_o open_v all_o these_o event_n to_o we_o to_o die_v and_o remain_v under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n be_v indeed_o a_o evident_a mark_n of_o weakness_n and_o misery_n but_o to_o die_v and_o yet_o overcome_v death_n by_o rise_v from_o the_o grave_a be_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o supernatural_a power_n and_o a_o divine_a glory_n thus_o jesus_n christ_n descend_v into_o the_o low_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n as_o the_o eye-witness_n of_o that_o great_a and_o notable_a event_n do_v plain_o testify_v but_o the_o incredulous_a will_v not_o believe_v their_o report_n and_o they_o further_o pretend_v that_o they_o can_v find_v in_o history_n the_o example_n of_o a_o testimony_n very_o like_o that_o which_o be_v nevertheless_o without_o contradiction_n repute_v romulus_n to_o be_v a_o mere_a imposture_n we_o read_v say_v they_o that_o after_o the_o death_n of_o romulus_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a senator_n who_o have_v always_o live_v in_o the_o repute_n of_o a_o very_a honest_a man_n certify_v that_o romulus_n be_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n where_o he_o be_v insert_v among_o the_o god_n and_o that_o this_o monarch_n have_v appear_v unto_o he_o etc._n etc._n be_v not_o this_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n not_o unlike_a that_o which_o the_o disciple_n testify_v of_o jesus_n christ_n throughout_o the_o universe_n it_o be_v very_o like_o it_o indeed_o only_o it_o have_v these_o follow_a difference_n there_o you_o read_v of_o a_o single_a person_n testify_v that_o he_o have_v see_v romulus_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n but_o here_o you_o have_v a_o very_a great_a number_n of_o people_n who_o certifiy_v that_o they_o have_v see_v jesus_n christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n there_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o a_o great_a and_o triumphant_a monarch_n during_o the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n be_v insert_v among_o the_o god_n after_o his_o death_n which_o agree_v
the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n justify_v the_o wonderful_a passage_n of_o his_o death_n so_o likewise_o do_v his_o ascension_n justify_v those_o of_o his_o resurrection_n for_o though_o one_o shall_v suspect_v that_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o disciple_n may_v by_o chance_n have_v be_v sudden_o dazzle_v and_o so_o they_o think_v they_o have_v see_v what_o they_o in_o reality_n never_o see_v yet_o they_o have_v time_n enough_o to_o recover_v themselves_o out_o of_o this_o dazzle_a amazement_n for_o it_o be_v forty_o day_n after_o jesus_n christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a before_o his_o ascension_n have_v it_o be_v a_o spirit_n that_o appear_v to_o they_o and_o frighten_v they_o yet_o have_v they_o time_n enough_o to_o come_v to_o themselves_o again_o and_o know_v certain_o that_o the_o spirit_n they_o see_v be_v not_o real_o their_o master_n for_o they_o see_v he_o and_o hear_v he_o they_o handle_v he_o they_o eat_v and_o drink_v with_o he_o have_v it_o be_v through_o the_o obscurity_n of_o a_o darksome_a night_n that_o they_o have_v imagine_v they_o have_v see_v some_o representation_n of_o their_o master_n instead_o of_o a_o true_a and_o full_a sight_n of_o he_o they_o can_v not_o long_o continue_v in_o their_o error_n but_o it_o be_v in_o full_a day_n that_o they_o see_v the_o stone_n roll_v away_o from_o the_o sepulchre_n it_o be_v in_o full_a bright_a day_n that_o christ_n so_o often_o manifest_v himself_o to_o they_o and_o discourse_v with_o they_o and_o afterward_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n before_o their_o eye_n have_v the_o force_n of_o their_o desire_n their_o fear_n or_o affection_n disturb_v their_o sense_n we_o shall_v have_v less_o reason_n to_o wonder_v at_o it_o though_o even_o in_o that_o case_n the_o thing_n will_v seem_v altogether_o unaccountable_a it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a that_o the_o sense_n of_o so_o many_o people_n shall_v all_o at_o once_o be_v so_o confine_v to_o one_o wonderful_a object_n and_o so_o disturb_v at_o the_o same_o time_n but_o they_o have_v time_n enough_o to_o get_v out_o of_o their_o confusion_n and_o astonishment_n and_o their_o mind_n be_v very_o sedate_v and_o at_o ease_n when_o christ_n make_v they_o eye-witness_n of_o his_o glorious_a ascension_n in_o a_o word_n have_v it_o be_v a_o private_a and_o silent_a interview_n we_o may_v have_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o christ_n appear_v to_o his_o disciple_n with_o a_o particular_a design_n to_o discourse_v with_o they_o he_o give_v they_o several_a instruction_n he_o forbid_v they_o to_o depart_v from_o jerusalem_n until_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o make_v they_o several_a promise_n and_o such_o surprise_a one_o that_o they_o be_v fit_v only_o for_o a_o god_n to_o make_v and_o a_o god_n to_o perform_v for_o he_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o they_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n he_o institute_v two_o sacrament_n he_o command_v they_o to_o baptise_v all_o nation_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o well_o as_o to_o commemorate_v his_o death_n in_o the_o passover_n nor_o be_v that_o all_o he_o have_v many_o long_a and_o coherent_a discourse_n with_o they_o he_o speak_v to_o they_o and_o they_o answer_v he_o they_o be_v at_o first_o incredulous_a but_o he_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n notwithstanding_o their_o scruple_n and_o their_o infidelity_n he_o rebuke_v they_o several_a time_n for_o their_o little_a faith_n at_o least_o they_o tell_v we_o so_o the_o evangelist_n relate_v what_o christ_n say_v to_o thomas_n and_o what_o answer_n thomas_n make_v and_o both_o their_o speech_n be_v too_o surprise_v to_o be_v so_o soon_o forget_v thomas_n be_v strike_v at_o the_o wonder_n of_o his_o resurrection_n be_v the_o first_o that_o give_v christ_n a_o name_n which_o he_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o bear_v in_o the_o stage_n of_o his_o humiliation_n call_v he_o my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n john_n 20._o 28._o the_o disciple_n ask_v he_o whether_o he_o will_v at_o that_o time_n restore_v the_o kingdom_n unto_o israel_n but_o he_o answer_v they_o that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o they_o to_o know_v the_o time_n and_o season_n which_o the_o father_n only_o have_v in_o his_o power_n last_o the_o evangelist_n give_v we_o no_o less_o the_o history_n of_o jesus_n christ_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a than_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n live_v and_o converse_v before_o his_o death_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o we_o affirm_v we_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v one_o as_o the_o other_o for_o indeed_o why_o do_v we_o believe_v there_o be_v ever_o any_o such_o person_n as_o jesus_n christ_n we_o believe_v it_o certain_o because_o it_o be_v in_o humane_a speak_n moral_o impossible_a that_o so_o many_o person_n shall_v unanimous_o tell_v we_o they_o have_v see_v he_o that_o they_o discourse_v eat_v and_o drink_v with_o he_o nay_o see_v he_o suffer_v death_n at_o jerusalem_n i_o say_v they_o will_v never_o have_v tell_v we_o all_o this_o suppose_v there_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o it_o but_o than_o ought_v not_o that_o same_o reason_n to_o persuade_v we_o likewise_o that_o jesus_n christ_n both_o live_v and_o converse_v forty_o day_n with_o his_o disciple_n since_o so_o many_o person_n see_v he_o discourse_v eat_v and_o drink_v with_o he_o see_v he_o present_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o assembly_n nay_o touch_v and_o handle_v he_o but_o perhaps_o some_o will_v object_v be_v that_o certain_o true_a why_o then_o be_v there_o in_o those_o day_n so_o many_o person_n that_o refuse_v to_o believe_v the_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n why_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o find_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o it_o be_v because_o if_o they_o have_v once_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v oblige_v to_o die_v martyr_n for_o that_o truth_n and_o no_o doubt_n man_n be_v as_o worldly-minded_n in_o those_o day_n as_o they_o be_v now_o so_o that_o methinks_v it_o appear_v hitherto_o very_o clear_o that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v neither_o capable_a of_o deceive_v themselves_o nor_o of_o be_v deceive_v by_o other_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n they_o testify_v it_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n i_o have_v almost_o say_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v have_v deceive_v themselves_o in_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o relate_v because_o they_o so_o exact_o set_v down_o the_o circumstance_n the_o name_n place_n and_o the_o person_n themselves_o nay_o they_o pretend_v they_o themselves_o be_v send_v by_o their_o master_n into_o all_o the_o part_n of_o judea_n to_o work_v there_o the_o very_a same_o miracle_n they_o attest_v but_o though_o they_o shall_v have_v deceive_v themselves_o in_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o possible_o deceive_v themselves_o in_o his_o resurrection_n for_o they_o know_v well_o enough_o what_o a_o dead_a body_n and_o a_o live_a man_n be_v they_o can_v easy_o distinguish_v between_o they_o and_o those_o thing_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o not_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o illusion_n or_o deceit_n yet_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o the_o disciple_n have_v be_v deceive_v in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v impose_v upon_o in_o the_o last_o miraculous_a event_n of_o his_o ascension_n it_o can_v never_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o after_o have_v see_v a_o spirit_n they_o shall_v yet_o converse_v with_o he_o forty_o day_n that_o that_o spirit_n shall_v suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v handle_v that_o he_o shall_v give_v they_o instruction_n make_v they_o several_a promise_n and_o afterward_o be_v catch_v up_o into_o heaven_n in_o their_o sight_n they_o all_o the_o while_n look_v upon_o he_o and_o adore_v he_o as_o he_o be_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o understand_v distinct_o the_o discourse_n of_o the_o angel_n which_o promise_v they_o that_o he_o shall_v so_o come_v again_o in_o like_a manner_n as_o they_o have_v see_v he_o go_v up_o into_o heaven_n it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n here_o to_o allege_v with_o spinosa_n that_o the_o evangelist_n have_v not_o exact_o describe_v all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o event_n they_o relate_v and_o that_o have_v they_o take_v special_a care_n to_o do_v it_o it_o will_v perhaps_o so_o happen_v that_o the_o circumstance_n which_o they_o think_v sit_v to_o conceal_v will_v make_v we_o comprehend_v that_o those_o which_o they_o have_v relate_v proceed_v from_o natural_a cause_n for_o i_o desire_v to_o know_v what_o can_v be_v more_o express_o declare_v or_o more_o often_o repeat_v in_o the_o gospel_n than_o the_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n
the_o emperor_n that_o have_v strict_o inquire_v into_o the_o life_n of_o the_o christian_n he_o find_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o they_o assemble_v together_o in_o remote_a place_n early_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o there_o say_v their_o prayer_n to_o heaven_n and_o bind_v themselves_o under_o a_o solemn_a oath_n not_o to_o commit_v murder_n adultery_n injustice_n or_o any_o other_o crime_n they_o will_v also_o produce_v a_o answer_n from_o trajan_n to_o pliny_n wherein_o that_o emperor_n give_v positive_a order_n that_o for_o the_o future_a there_o shall_v be_v no_o particular_a inquiry_n make_v after_o the_o christian_n but_o those_o only_a shall_v be_v punish_v who_o shall_v discover_v themselves_o and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o think_v that_o these_o letter_n be_v forge_v we_o may_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v tertulian_n that_o mention_n they_o in_o his_o discourse_n to_o the_o senate_n and_o the_o roman_a emperor_n who_o he_o can_v not_o impose_v upon_o without_o endanger_v his_o own_o life_n and_o prejudice_v his_o religion_n chap._n ii_o wherein_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o martyrdom_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n but_o perhaps_o we_o may_v soon_o suspect_v the_o credulity_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n than_o their_o innocence_n we_o be_v sure_a their_o constancy_n proceed_v from_o their_o hope_n and_o their_o hope_n from_o their_o persuasion_n but_o who_o know_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o persuasion_n be_v there_o not_o mahumetan_n so_o strong_o persuade_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o alcoran_n as_o to_o die_v in_o defence_n of_o that_o error_n the_o multitude_n then_o of_o martyr_n show_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n to_o be_v strong_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o prove_v not_o that_o persuasion_n to_o be_v well_o ground_v we_o mâ—st_v therefore_o go_v a_o little_a further_o and_o here_o we_o may_v easy_o suppose_v without_o fear_n of_o be_v mistake_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v some_o sort_n of_o common_a sense_n those_o who_o make_v it_o their_o profession_n to_o ridicule_n the_o plurality_n of_o god_n and_o the_o many_o superstition_n of_o the_o heathen_n which_o be_v real_o contrary_a to_o reason_n those_o who_o put_v in_o practice_n such_o wise_a rule_n of_o morality_n who_o be_v so_o regular_a in_o their_o behaviour_n so_o averse_a to_o all_o the_o excess_n that_o disorder_n reason_n who_o form_v to_o themselves_o such_o rational_a idea_n of_o the_o deity_n in_o comparison_n to_o other_o those_o man_n i_o say_v can_v not_o be_v whole_o destitute_a of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n now_o suppose_v they_o to_o have_v but_o the_o least_o glimmer_a of_o that_o light_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o conceiuâ—_v that_o they_o shall_v whole_o renounce_v their_o estate_n and_o fortune_n and_o courageous_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o any_o cause_n whatsoever_o unless_o they_o have_v very_o powerful_a reason_n to_o believe_v it_o be_v good_a this_o consideration_n will_v be_v further_o strengthen_v by_o two_o very_a important_a reflection_n and_o first_o we_o speak_v not_o here_o of_o such_o only_a who_o be_v bear_v christian_n blind_o follow_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o birth_n and_o education_n but_o also_o of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o person_n who_o renounce_v paganism_n to_o embrace_v christianity_n and_o lay_v aside_o the_o favourable_a prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n and_o birth_n which_o in_o they_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v yet_o willing_a to_o die_v for_o it_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v know_v and_o embrace_v second_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v altogether_o found_v upon_o mattter_n of_o fact_n for_o if_o jesus_n christ_n wrought_v miracle_n and_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a than_o be_v the_o christian_a faith_n true_a but_o if_o jesus_n christ_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n nor_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a then_o be_v the_o christian_a faith_n false_a and_o sure_o it_o will_v have_v be_v folly_n or_o madness_n in_o those_o man_n to_o forsake_v so_o flourish_v a_o communion_n as_o paganism_n to_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n a_o name_n so_o vile_a and_o contemptible_a in_o those_o day_n to_o suffer_v voluntary_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o estate_n and_o undergo_v a_o most_o terrible_a death_n only_o to_o defend_v a_o religion_n ground_v upon_o such_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a those_o indeed_o that_o be_v bear_v and_o live_v peacable_o in_o a_o communion_n may_v blind_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o but_o he_o that_o be_v never_o so_o little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o constitution_n of_o man_n heart_n can_v scarce_o imagine_v man_n to_o be_v so_o senseless_a as_o to_o renounce_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o birth_n and_o education_n to_o offer_v violence_n to_o their_o dear_a and_o most_o tender_a inclination_n and_o embrace_v a_o faith_n pursue_v with_o fire_n and_o sword_n and_o persecute_v by_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n unless_o they_o have_v first_o due_o examine_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o know_v well_o upon_o what_o ground_n they_o thus_o embrace_v it_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o some_o of_o these_o man_n be_v of_o the_o mean_a sort_n of_o people_n who_o example_n can_v be_v allege_v as_o a_o precedent_n for_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n we_o will_v grant_v it_o but_o than_o it_o must_v also_o be_v confess_v that_o the_o vulgar_a usual_o embrace_v that_o religion_n which_o be_v attend_v with_o power_n and_o prosperity_n pomp_n and_o authority_n and_o hate_v even_o truth_n itself_o when_o once_o destitute_a of_o all_o these_o outward_a help_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a then_o that_o against_o all_o outward_a appearance_n they_o shall_v have_v act_v so_o contrary_o to_o themselves_o in_o this_o occasion_n but_o suppose_v the_o commmon_a sort_n of_o christian_n to_o have_v lose_v their_o reason_n can_v we_o say_v the_o same_o of_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o clement_n polycarp_n justin_n iraeneus_n &_o c_o it_o be_v certain_a on_o one_o hÄnd_n these_o man_n be_v man_n of_o very_a good_a sense_n as_o their_o write_n those_o monument_n they_o have_v leave_v we_o evident_o demonstrate_v and_o on_o the_o other_o it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v they_o live_v in_o a_o time_n so_o very_o near_o to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v be_v deceive_v in_o this_o respect_n for_o polycarp_n converse_v a_o long_a while_n with_o st._n john_n iraeneus_n see_v polycarp_n and_o justin_n be_v a_o more_o ancient_a father_n than_o iraeneus_n have_v those_o doctor_n only_o tell_v we_o that_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v several_a miracle_n we_o may_v perhaps_o have_v suspend_v our_o belief_n upon_o their_o bare_a word_n but_o since_o they_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o certain_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o must_v necessary_o have_v full_o be_v inform_v of_o since_o i_o see_v that_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n disciple_n and_o contemporary_n with_o the_o apostle_n cheerful_o come_v to_o the_o stake_n to_o maintain_v a_o religion_n essential_o found_v upon_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n such_o as_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o divers_a language_n confer_v upon_o the_o apostle_n the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n and_o impart_v those_o very_a gift_n themselves_o to_o other_o since_o i_o say_v these_o christian_a doctor_n suffer_v martyrdom_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v essential_o unite_v to_o i_o confess_v i_o begin_v to_o be_v convince_v nevertheless_o let_v we_o search_v more_o narrow_o into_o this_o matter_n and_o see_v whether_o we_o shall_v yet_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o entertain_v any_o further_a scruple_n chap._n iii_o in_o which_o we_o further_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n 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some_o mark_n of_o his_o weakness_n in_o the_o garden_n of_o gethsemane_n where_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n make_v he_o sweat_v great_a drop_n of_o blood_n and_o where_o he_o cry_v out_o several_a time_n o_o my_o father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v 39_o this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o they_o also_o pretend_v that_o this_o exclamation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n when_o nail_v on_o the_o cross_n my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o be_v a_o expression_n of_o his_o despair_n i_o know_v not_o here_o what_o to_o admire_v most_o either_o the_o impudence_n of_o these_o proud_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n or_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n which_o still_o become_v strong_a the_o more_o they_o endeavour_v to_o shake_v it_o for_o as_o for_o the_o first_o if_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o christian_n wont_v believe_v the_o report_n of_o the_o evangelist_n how_o come_v they_o to_o know_v that_o jesus_n christ_n utter_v these_o word_n which_o give_v they_o occasion_n to_o think_v he_o 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work_v miracle_n when_o all_o the_o while_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n here_o to_o allege_v that_o the_o evangelist_n affect_v a_o ingenuous_a simplicity_n to_o avoid_v the_o suspicion_n of_o dishonesty_n for_o have_v that_o be_v their_o design_n they_o will_v have_v take_v special_a care_n not_o to_o furnish_v impious_a man_n with_o place_n and_o passage_n on_o which_o they_o may_v raise_v imaginary_a triumph_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o evangelist_n relate_v those_o word_n because_o their_o simplicity_n be_v so_o great_a that_o they_o have_v not_o judgement_n to_o discern_v whether_o they_o be_v for_o or_o against_o their_o cause_n for_o what_o probability_n be_v there_o that_o man_n who_o have_v wit_n enough_o to_o deceive_v other_o people_n shall_v have_v so_o little_a in_o this_o occasion_n must_v a_o man_n needs_o be_v wise_a and_o learned_a when_o he_o choose_v to_o represent_v his_o master_n constant_a and_o undaunted_a rather_o than_o sorrowful_a unto_o death_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o one_o single_a evangelist_n that_o relate_v the_o history_n of_o his_o passion_n after_o this_o manner_n they_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o respect_n and_o how_o can_v this_o be_v so_o but_o that_o they_o only_o propose_v to_o themselves_o to_o speak_v the_o plain_a truth_n and_o they_o speak_v it_o without_o consider_v the_o impression_n it_o will_v make_v on_o mankind_n without_o examine_v whether_o the_o incredulous_a will_v take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o to_o slander_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n if_o what_o have_v be_v say_v here_o be_v not_o sufficient_a i_o be_o willing_a more_o particular_o to_o examine_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n chap._n vi_o where_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o see_v whether_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o illusion_n or_o imposture_n those_o book_n contain_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o 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the_o most_o considerable_a proof_n that_o every_o thing_n here_o be_v sole_o transact_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n have_v he_o choose_v for_o his_o minister_n the_o prince_n and_o potentate_n of_o the_o world_n some_o will_v perhaps_o have_v ascribe_v the_o wonder_n of_o christian_a morality_n to_o policy_n and_o the_o design_n of_o keep_v people_n in_o obedience_n by_o oblige_v they_o to_o a_o charitable_a union_n among_o themselves_o have_v he_o choose_v philosopher_n some_o will_v have_v ascribe_v their_o heroical_a self-denial_n to_o the_o singularity_n and_o pride_n of_o their_o sect_n or_o to_o those_o elevate_a thought_n which_o philosophy_n have_v inspire_v they_o with_o have_v he_o choose_v orator_n some_o will_v have_v think_v that_o they_o may_v have_v seduce_v man_n by_o the_o charm_n of_o their_o eloquence_n have_v he_o choose_v very_o powerful_a and_o rich_a man_n some_o will_v have_v attribute_v the_o success_n of_o their_o preach_n to_o their_o liberality_n he_o 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matthew_n who_o be_v bear_v a_o jew_n and_o who_o do_v he_o relate_v they_o to_o why_o to_o several_a thousand_o jew_n that_o have_v embrace_v christianity_n and_o who_o dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n know_v full_a as_o well_o what_o have_v happen_v therein_o both_o in_o their_o day_n and_o in_o those_o of_o their_o father_n as_o they_o know_v at_o paris_n what_o be_v do_v in_o that_o city_n in_o the_o day_n of_o cardinal_n richelieu_n or_o as_o they_o know_v at_o london_n every_o thing_n that_o happen_v in_o those_o of_o oliver_n cromwell_n and_o at_o stockolm_n in_o those_o of_o gustavus_n adolphus_n and_o now_o i_o pray_v consider_v whether_o it_o be_v probable_a any_o man_n can_v have_v make_v the_o like_a matter_n of_o fact_n believe_v in_o any_o of_o those_o great_a city_n by_o such_o a_o successful_a forgery_n or_o whether_o he_o can_v have_v gain_v over_o to_o his_o side_n several_a thousand_o of_o people_n by_o the_o mere_a strength_n of_o his_o fiction_n but_o if_o i_o grant_v 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a_o great_a many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n before_o a_o great_a number_n of_o witness_n and_o have_v set_v down_o the_o time_n and_o place_n when_o and_o where_o they_o be_v do_v they_o must_v necessary_o have_v be_v void_a of_o all_o shame_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n to_o relate_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o if_o they_o be_v false_a they_o tell_v we_o that_o jesus_n christ_n with_o a_o few_o loaf_n and_o some_o small_a fish_n miraculous_o feed_v in_o the_o wilderness_n at_o one_o time_n five_o thousand_o and_o at_o another_o three_o thousand_o man_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n now_o i_o be_o at_o a_o stand_n to_o imagine_v how_o it_o can_v be_v think_v natural_a for_o one_o man_n to_o undertake_v to_o persuade_v several_a thousand_o that_o they_o have_v be_v wonderful_o feed_v and_o not_o only_o to_o relate_v the_o bare_a matter_n of_o fact_n itself_o but_o also_o bring_v in_o christ_n reproach_v the_o multitude_n that_o they_o follow_v he_o not_o pure_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o 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of_o their_o grave_n and_o appear_v unto_o many_o in_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o to_o consider_v only_o those_o prodigy_n which_o draw_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o can_v not_o but_o universal_o cause_v a_o public_a consternation_n and_o make_v a_o fearful_a impression_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n now_o i_o affirm_v it_o can_v natural_o enter_v i_o shall_v not_o say_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o sincere_a honest_a man_n but_o even_o into_o that_o of_o a_o impostor_n to_o imagine_v he_o can_v ever_o be_v capable_a of_o make_v other_o believe_v thing_n so_o notorious_o know_v as_o those_o we_o now_o have_v under_o consideration_n must_v have_v be_v have_v they_o be_v false_a it_o be_v not_o many_o year_n ago_o since_o a_o certain_a man_n be_v execute_v at_o paris_n for_o call_v himself_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o have_v a_o few_o disciple_n and_o some_o follower_n but_o his_o sect_n be_v soon_o bury_v together_o with_o 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himself_o those_o very_a christian_n then_o of_o jerusalem_n see_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o happen_v at_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n for_o they_o be_v the_o man_n that_o have_v be_v convert_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o st._n peter_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n and_o who_o be_v prick_v to_o the_o heart_n cry_v out_o man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v act_n 2._o 37._o they_o have_v see_v then_o that_o the_o sun_n be_v not_o eclipse_v that_o the_o rock_n rend_v not_o that_o there_o happen_v no_o earthquake_n no_o surprise_a and_o supernatural_a prodigy_n at_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o they_o see_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n they_o can_v not_o but_o look_v upon_o the_o report_n of_o the_o evangelist_n as_o a_o scandalous_a lie_n and_o notorious_a falsehood_n design_v to_o seduce_v they_o from_o their_o rational_a belief_n and_o persuade_v they_o out_o of_o their_o sense_n but_o it_o be_v far_a observable_a that_o not_o one_o only_o but_o three_o 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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 there_o happen_v by_o chance_n or_o rather_o according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o second_o cause_n a_o real_a eclipse_n which_o have_v indeed_o seem_v supernatural_a to_o the_o ignorant_a vulgar_a but_o have_v nothing_o supernatural_a in_o itself_o yet_o what_o can_v they_o say_v to_o the_o veil_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v be_v rent_n in_o twain_o from_o the_o top_n to_o the_o bottom_n can_v there_o be_v any_o natural_a cause_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v rend_v precise_o and_o exact_o at_o the_o time_n when_o jesus_n christ_n suffer_v death_n or_o can_v any_o exterior_a darkness_n produce_v such_o a_o effect_n perhaps_o some_o will_v object_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v simple_a and_o ignorant_a people_n and_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v easy_a than_o to_o delude_v and_o impose_v upon_o they_o i_o grant_v it_o but_o than_o what_o great_a learning_n be_v require_v to_o know_v precise_o whether_o all_o those_o so_o sensible_a and_o so_o notable_a prodigy_n have_v real_o fall_v out_o upon_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n death_n we_o have_v already_o show_v that_o among_o the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v several_a which_o the_o disciple_n dare_v not_o have_v invent_v or_o forge_v have_v they_o not_o be_v real_o true_a we_o must_v add_v in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o other_o circumstance_n which_o the_o disciple_n can_v not_o have_v forge_v have_v they_o design_v it_o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o great_a number_n of_o lame_a people_n who_o our_o saviour_n cause_v to_o walk_v of_o the_o sick_a of_o the_o palsy_n to_o who_o he_o restore_v the_o use_n of_o their_o limb_n of_o the_o deaf_a who_o he_o cause_v to_o hear_v and_o of_o many_o other_o diverse_o affect_v with_o various_a disease_n who_o he_o wonderful_o heal_v to_o the_o
incapable_a of_o illusion_n and_o deceit_n at_o least_o with_o respect_n to_o those_o who_o wrought_v they_o jesus_n christ_n can_v never_o imagine_v that_o he_o have_v fill_v five_o thousand_o man_n at_o one_o time_n three_o thousand_o at_o another_o that_o he_o have_v raise_v to_o life_n the_o widow_n son_n of_o naim_n the_o daughter_n of_o jairus_n and_o lazarus_n of_o bethany_n that_o he_o have_v make_v st._n peter_n walk_v upon_o the_o sea_n etc._n etc._n if_o all_o these_o thing_n have_v not_o real_o be_v true_a no_o one_o sure_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o jesus_n christ_n foretell_v his_o resurrection_n if_o he_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o account_n only_o that_o the_o jewish_a doctor_n appoint_v a_o watch_n to_o guard_v his_o sepulchre_n and_o command_v the_o stone_n of_o it_o to_o be_v seal_v sir_n we_o remember_v say_v they_o to_o pilate_n that_o that_o deceiver_n say_v while_o he_o be_v yet_o alive_a after_o three_o day_n i_o will_v rise_v again_o command_v therefore_o that_o the_o sepulchre_n be_v make_v sure_a until_o the_o three_o day_n lest_o his_o disciple_n come_v by_o night_n and_o steal_v he_o away_o and_o say_v unto_o the_o people_n he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a so_o the_o last_o error_n shall_v be_v worse_o than_o the_o first_o pilate_n say_v unto_o they_o you_o have_v a_o watch_n go_v your_o way_n make_v it_o as_o sure_a as_o you_o can_v so_o they_o go_v and_o make_v the_o sepulchre_n sure_a seal_v the_o stone_n and_o set_v a_o watch_n mat._n 27._o 63_o 64_o 65_o 66._o this_o be_v such_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o the_o disciple_n can_v not_o dare_v not_o invent_v against_o the_o public_a knowledge_n every_o body_n have_v of_o it_o and_o which_o beside_o agree_v very_o well_o with_o the_o other_o circumstance_n of_o that_o event_n for_o how_o come_v that_o report_n to_o be_v spread_v in_o jerusalem_n that_o the_o watch_v sleep_v when_o the_o disciple_n take_v away_o the_o body_n of_o jesus_n have_v they_o not_o 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that_o since_o the_o sepulchre_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v to_o have_v be_v guard_v but_o three_o day_n they_o take_v all_o care_n imaginable_a before_o hand_n for_o fear_v the_o watch_n through_o negligence_n or_o otherwise_o shall_v have_v suffer_v that_o body_n to_o be_v take_v away_o which_o it_o so_o mighty_o behove_v they_o to_o keep_v in_o their_o custody_n but_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o event_n of_o all_o this_o the_o soldier_n that_o watch_v the_o body_n can_v not_o hinder_v it_o from_o rise_v out_o of_o its_o sepulchre_n how_o so_o be_v it_o because_o they_o be_v afraid_a or_o be_v they_o bribe_v not_o to_o discover_v the_o business_n have_v they_o be_v bribe_v one_o may_v very_o well_o imagine_v it_o be_v not_o in_o behalf_n of_o the_o disciple_n that_o they_o will_v run_v the_o hazard_n of_o lose_v their_o life_n for_o their_o negligence_n or_o treachery_n what_o then_o be_v they_o afraid_a but_o how_o can_v the_o watch_n prove_v so_o fearful_a and_o the_o disciple_n on_o a_o sudden_a so_o courageous_a as_o to_o attempt_v the_o take_v away_o the_o dead_a body_n of_o one_o from_o who_o they_o have_v so_o late_o flee_v while_o he_o be_v yet_o alive_a beside_o how_o can_v those_o soldier_n have_v report_v such_o thing_n as_o they_o do_v without_o manifest_o contradict_v themselves_o for_o if_o they_o be_v asleep_a how_o do_v they_o know_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n have_v take_v away_o his_o body_n but_o why_o do_v not_o the_o sanhedrin_n for_o their_o own_o honour_n and_o the_o respect_n they_o bear_v to_o the_o truth_n put_v all_o those_o soldier_n to_o the_o rack_n and_o if_o that_o thought_n come_v not_o present_o into_o their_o head_n be_v it_o not_o natural_a to_o think_v they_o will_v have_v do_v it_o when_o they_o find_v awhile_o after_o all_o jerusalem_n inclinable_a to_o believe_v in_o that_o crucify_a man_n and_o that_o about_o six_o thousand_o soul_n have_v already_o believe_v in_o he_o in_o one_o day_n and_o that_o too_o but_o 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the_o dead_a and_o that_o after_o he_o have_v several_a time_n appear_v to_o they_o and_o be_v go_v up_o into_o heaven_n he_o have_v pour_v down_o upon_o they_o the_o miraculous_a and_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n why_o do_v not_o the_o sanhedrin_n then_o who_o be_v so_o high_o concern_v in_o discover_v the_o author_n of_o the_o take_v away_o the_o body_n of_o jesus_n christ_n i_o say_v why_o do_v they_o not_o seize_v upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o so_o make_v they_o confess_v how_o all_o thing_n have_v happen_v why_o do_v they_o not_o confront_v they_o with_o the_o watch_n why_o do_v they_o not_o cast_v joseph_n of_o arimathea_n and_o those_o man_n in_o prison_n till_o they_o have_v make_v they_o confess_v what_o be_v become_v of_o that_o body_n as_o also_o every_o other_o circumstance_n of_o their_o imposture_n it_o be_v already_o very_o unlikely_a that_o if_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n have_v come_v by_o night_n and_o have_v steal_v his_o body_n away_o they_o dare_v have_v show_v themselves_o and_o appear_v in_o public_a nay_o immediate_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v his_o disciple_n it_o be_v much_o more_o credible_a they_o will_v have_v hide_v themselves_o after_o such_o a_o action_n and_o that_o if_o they_o preach_v at_o all_o it_o will_v have_v be_v to_o people_n more_o remote_a and_o not_o in_o jerusalem_n the_o very_a place_n where_o those_o thing_n have_v happen_v nor_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o that_o very_a sanhedrin_n they_o be_v so_o much_o afraid_a of_o and_o have_v so_o much_o offend_v why_o then_o do_v not_o the_o sanhedrin_n take_v the_o ordinary_a method_n make_v use_v of_o to_o discover_v criminal_n they_o be_v very_o ready_a by_o threat_n torment_n and_o persecution_n to_o oblige_v the_o apostle_n not_o to_o preach_v up_o the_o name_n of_o
jesus_n christ_n but_o they_o never_o accuse_v they_o of_o have_v steal_v away_o the_o body_n of_o their_o master_n whilst_o the_o watch_v sleep_v they_o dare_v not_o enter_v upon_o that_o examination_n for_o they_o know_v well_o enough_o what_o the_o soldier_n have_v tell_v they_o and_o it_o be_v that_o very_a thing_n which_o make_v they_o so_o apprehensive_a we_o all_o know_v well_o enough_o how_o man_n general_o act_v upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n have_v the_o matter_n so_o happen_v as_o the_o soldier_n afterward_o report_v those_o very_a soldier_n will_v not_o have_v fail_v pursue_v some_o one_o of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n throughout_o the_o whole_a city_n of_o jerusalem_n on_o purpose_n to_o make_v he_o confess_v the_o plain_a truth_n by_o the_o many_o torment_n they_o will_v have_v make_v he_o suffer_v and_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n together_o with_o the_o other_o doctor_n of_o the_o law_n will_v on_o their_o side_n have_v make_v such_o a_o exact_a enquiry_n into_o the_o matter_n that_o they_o will_v have_v at_o last_o find_v either_o some_o witness_n or_o some_o other_o evidence_n to_o prove_v the_o steal_v away_o of_o that_o body_n upon_o they_o and_o that_o will_v have_v be_v no_o very_o hard_a task_n for_o they_o to_o perform_v because_o it_o have_v be_v do_v during_o the_o celebration_n of_o one_o of_o their_o solemn_a feast-day_n when_o the_o people_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v never_o so_o intent_n upon_o any_o spectacle_n as_o they_o have_v be_v upon_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n when_o what_o have_v so_o late_o happen_v to_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a man_n have_v fill_v every_o body_n with_o amazement_n witness_v that_o which_o the_o evangelist_n make_v a_o disciple_n utter_v on_o the_o way_n to_o emmaus_n as_o he_o be_v discourse_v with_o jesus_n christ_n himself_n not_o know_v it_o be_v he_o be_v thou_o only_o a_o stranger_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o have_v not_o know_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v eome_v to_o pass_v there_o in_o these_o day_n and_o since_o those_o man_n who_o have_v appoint_v a_o watch_n to_o guard_v the_o sepulchre_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v in_o all_o probability_n very_o express_o charge_v they_o to_o take_v care_n lest_o any_o of_o his_o disciple_n shall_v come_v by_o night_n and_o steal_v his_o body_n out_o of_o the_o sepulchre_n it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o all_o outward_a appearance_n to_o suppose_v that_o the_o second_o night_n after_o the_o soldier_n be_v place_v there_o they_o shall_v fall_v into_o so_o deep_a a_o sleep_n as_o that_o the_o disciple_n shall_v be_v bold_a enough_o to_o hazard_v the_o take_v away_o of_o this_o body_n or_o be_v able_a to_o roll_v the_o stone_n away_o from_o the_o sepulchre_n and_o break_v the_o seal_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v time_n enough_o leisure_n freedom_n and_o so_o little_a fear_n as_o to_o untie_v and_o take_v away_o the_o linen_n clothes_n wherein_o he_o be_v wrap_v up_o and_o the_o napkin_n that_o be_v 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at_o any_o rate_n whatever_o out_o of_o mere_a complaisance_n to_o he_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n such_o the_o frame_n and_o temper_v of_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o falsity_n unless_o cover_v with_o a_o specious_a show_n of_o truth_n so_o that_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v so_o evident_o false_a that_o every_o body_n must_v necessary_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o we_o have_v no_o thought_n of_o attempt_v to_o make_v other_o believe_v it_o as_o for_o instance_n it_o will_v never_o come_v into_o my_o head_n to_o make_v other_o man_n believe_v that_o i_o have_v wing_n and_o that_o i_o fly_v etc._n etc._n we_o may_v here_o repeat_v what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n either_o the_o disciple_n look_v upon_o jesus_n christ_n before_o his_o death_n as_o the_o promise_a messiah_n or_o else_o they_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o such_o if_o they_o consider_v he_o as_o the_o promise_a messiah_n they_o then_o 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see_v that_o which_o they_o real_o never_o see_v or_o handle_v that_o which_o they_o have_v never_o handle_v that_o jesus_n christ_n after_o have_v give_v they_o many_o precept_n and_o large_a instruction_n which_o he_o leave_v very_o deep_o imprint_v in_o their_o mind_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n in_o their_o sight_n but_o shall_v i_o grant_v he_o may_v have_v persuade_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n yet_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a he_o can_v persuade_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o ascension_n have_v st._n peter_n but_o so_o much_o as_o propose_v it_o to_o they_o who_o he_o design_v to_o delude_v it_o will_v have_v be_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n impossible_a but_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v find_v out_o his_o design_n to_o cheat_v they_o but_o he_o will_v not_o sure_o presume_v to_o propose_v to_o they_o the_o joint_a contrivance_n of_o such_o a_o fabulous_a story_n nor_o will_v he_o have_v find_v though_o he_o have_v be_v bold_a enough_o to_o have_v 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have_v act_v in_o it_o joint_o with_o they_o to_o imagine_v that_o they_o can_v be_v able_a to_o endure_v the_o most_o rigorous_a torment_n and_o the_o severe_a and_o most_o cruel_a affliction_n or_o that_o the_o cheat_n which_o they_o unanimous_o have_v agree_v on_o will_v have_v be_v both_o believe_v and_o approve_v of_o throughout_o the_o world_n nay_o what_o be_v more_o that_o man_n shall_v repent_v and_o become_v holy_a and_o righteous_a out_o of_o a_o respect_n and_o reverence_n they_o boâ—e_n to_o a_o impostor_n and_o that_o virtue_n and_o piety_n shall_v have_v be_v establish_v in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a cheat._n to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v that_o consider_v this_o design_n of_o they_o another_o way_n it_o be_v not_o can_v be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o any_o
consequence_n only_o divine_a wisdom_n be_v also_o please_v that_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v be_v bear_v in_o obscurity_n and_o humiliation_n that_o those_o mean_v outward_a appearance_n be_v offensive_a to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a mind_a jew_n they_o may_v as_o it_o be_v by_o chance_n give_v occasion_n to_o the_o execution_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o council_n of_o god_n have_v determine_v and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o his_o poverty_n and_o humiliation_n of_o the_o meanness_n of_o his_o birth_n and_o the_o vnworthiness_n of_o his_o first_o profession_n the_o choice_n of_o his_o disciple_n etc._n etc._n the_o justice_n of_o god_n act_v in_o concert_n with_o his_o wisdom_n oblige_v he_o to_o speak_v to_o all_o profane_a contemner_n of_o his_o mystery_n in_o a_o obscure_a language_n and_o so_o as_o it_o be_v to_o conceal_v those_o pearl_n from_o they_o lest_o like_o unclean_a beast_n they_o shall_v trample_v they_o under_o their_o foot_n and_o this_o may_v very_o well_o serve_v for_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o denial_n which_o christ_n former_o make_v to_o the_o unbeliever_n of_o those_o time_n of_o signalize_v his_o power_n among_o they_o and_o of_o the_o great_a care_n he_o often_o take_v to_o conceal_v his_o miracle_n from_o they_o for_o this_o cause_n therefore_o speak_v he_o sometime_o in_o parable_n to_o stranger_n but_o he_o always_o very_o clear_o express_v himself_o to_o his_o disciple_n give_v they_o to_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o parable_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o as_o for_o they_o they_o have_v the_o privilege_n of_o see_v all_o thing_n open_o neither_o do_v his_o majesty_n suffer_v he_o to_o reveal_v himself_o as_o familiar_o to_o the_o sinful_a man_n as_o he_o will_v to_o the_o innocent_a this_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o wonder_v at_o since_o man_n themselves_o be_v wont_n so_o to_o deal_v with_o one_o another_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o common_a than_o for_o great_a man_n to_o banish_v their_o presence_n those_o who_o have_v incur_v their_o displeasure_n to_o think_v it_o then_o strange_a if_o god_n conceal_v himself_o from_o a_o sinner_n will_v be_v to_o entertain_v a_o more_o unworthy_a idea_n of_o his_o majesty_n than_o that_o of_o a_o earthly_a monarch_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o god_n take_v such_o care_n to_o conceal_v himself_o even_o when_o he_o design_v to_o manifest_v his_o glory_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n he_o show_v himself_o only_o in_o vision_n and_o dream_n or_o when_o hide_a in_o the_o cloud_n and_o ark_n or_o cover_v with_o some_o other_o veil_n on_o this_o account_n also_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o banish_v from_o his_o presence_n all_o those_o as_o be_v defile_v in_o their_o body_n and_o order_v the_o priest_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n to_o purify_v themselves_o he_o command_v too_o the_o people_n to_o wash_v their_o garment_n when_o he_o give_v they_o notice_n that_o within_o three_o day_n he_o will_v come_v down_o to_o they_o nothing_o but_o a_o external_a and_o corporeal_a purity_n be_v sufficient_a to_o qualify_v those_o that_o be_v to_o approach_v the_o deity_n manifest_v under_o corporeal_a symbol_n but_o christ_n fulfil_v in_o the_o spirit_n every_o thing_n hide_v in_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n teach_v we_o that_o those_o only_o shall_v see_v god_n who_o shall_v be_v find_v pure_a in_o heart_n so_o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o wonder_v if_o when_o man_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o gild_n hide_v himself_o from_o god_n the_o almighty_a withdraw_v the_o influence_n of_o his_o glorious_a majesty_n from_o man._n last_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n overshadow_v revelation_n with_o some_o sort_n of_o darkness_n to_o exercise_v our_o faith_n and_o keep_v up_o our_o mind_n in_o vigour_n which_o also_o will_v grow_v sluggish_a if_o not_o stir_v up_o by_o such_o difficulty_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o mystery_n as_o also_o to_o humble_v our_o proud_a and_o haughty_a reason_n which_o be_v immediate_o puff_v up_o with_o its_o own_o knowledge_n to_o make_v we_o submit_v our_o understanding_n to_o he_o since_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v any_o truth_n though_o incredible_a if_o he_o reveal_v they_o as_o also_o to_o sway_v our_o heart_n and_o affection_n which_o ought_v ready_o to_o embrace_v any_o sorrowful_a and_o mortify_a object_n that_o he_o be_v please_v to_o offer_v they_o to_o strip_v our_o pride_n of_o all_o its_o pretence_n and_o to_o dispose_v our_o mind_n that_o we_o must_v necessary_o acknowledge_v every_o benefit_n we_o enjoy_v spring_v from_o he_o and_o that_o too_o so_o much_o the_o more_o because_o we_o thereby_o attain_v to_o life_n eternal_a by_o such_o mean_n and_o object_n as_o be_v above_o our_o capacity_n to_o comprehend_v so_o necessary_a be_v it_o that_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v rom._n 1._o 16._o to_o this_o principle_n we_o owe_v the_o choice_n of_o those_o person_n which_o god_n have_v make_v use_n of_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n the_o nature_n of_o those_o seem_a paradox_n he_o command_v they_o to_o publish_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n the_o silence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o a_o few_o word_n from_o he_o will_v have_v render_v plain_a and_o easy_a to_o our_o understanding_n but_o god_n be_v not_o content_a to_o exercise_v our_o faith_n by_o those_o obscurity_n we_o find_v disperse_v throughout_o the_o divine_a revelation_n he_o further_o permit_v heresy_n schism_n and_o error_n nay_o superstition_n itself_o to_o reign_v among_o we_o that_o those_o who_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a thus_o we_o may_v say_v he_o suffer_v all_o egypt_n to_o be_v cover_v with_o darkness_n the_o more_o eminent_o to_o discover_v his_o wonderful_a protection_n in_o blessing_n at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o land_n of_o goshen_n with_o the_o light_n of_o his_o truth_n that_o be_v by_o give_v we_o a_o religion_n accompany_v with_o so_o bright_a a_o evidence_n as_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a mind_a man_n can_v never_o comprehend_v because_o their_o reason_n be_v eclipse_v by_o sensuality_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o their_o heart_n produce_v those_o thick_a cloud_n that_o hide_v the_o truth_n from_o their_o sight_n god_n it_o be_v true_a enlighten_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o man_n wilful_o blind_v themselves_o he_o permit_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o to_o confound_v their_o ignorance_n and_o demonstrate_v to_o we_o that_o he_o be_v the_o father_n of_o light_n but_o let_v we_o now_o inquire_v into_o the_o principle_n of_o that_o obscurity_n which_o sole_o spring_v from_o men._n and_o i._o so_o gross_a be_v all_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o sense_n that_o there_o be_v no_o body_n so_o void_a of_o shame_n as_o to_o follow_v they_o open_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o be_v very_o prevalent_a in_o the_o heart_n of_o most_o man_n who_o stick_v not_o to_o say_v i_o never_o see_v the_o like_a i_o can_v willing_o believe_v it_o if_o i_o shall_v but_o see_v it_o who_o ever_o see_v dead_a man_n rise_v again_o from_o their_o grave_n and_o who_o ever_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n or_o go_v down_o into_o the_o pit_n all_o which_o reason_v be_v manifest_o absurd_a for_o can_v there_o be_v any_o great_a folly_n in_o a_o man_n than_o to_o refuse_v to_o believe_v that_o which_o he_o do_v not_o see_v when_o these_o object_n of_o his_o faith_n can_v have_v no_o existence_n be_v they_o not_o invisible_a do_v any_o one_o ever_o see_v the_o time_n past_o long_a before_o he_o live_v or_o the_o future_a long_a after_o his_o death_n do_v he_o ever_o see_v his_o own_o soul_n the_o deity_n etc._n etc._n for_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o time_n past_a and_o the_o future_a the_o object_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n together_o with_o the_o benefit_n of_o god_n which_o faith_n offer_v to_o our_o consideration_n ii_o we_o be_v accustom_v by_o education_n not_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n that_o happen_v not_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n we_o confine_v ourselves_o as_o it_o be_v to_o a_o circle_n of_o object_n which_o we_o willing_o admit_v of_o because_o they_o contain_v nothing_o that_o be_v repugnant_a to_o experience_n or_o probability_n so_o that_o the_o custom_n we_o have_v of_o refuse_v to_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o all_o other_o thing_n reach_v even_o unto_o matter_n of_o religion_n inevitable_o cast_v we_o into_o scepticism_n and_o incredulity_n yet_o shall_v we_o but_o thorough_o consider_v those_o object_n which_o fall_v under_o common_a experience_n they_o will_v certain_o appear_v as_o surprise_v and_o incomprehensible_a as_o those_o of_o religion_n if_o you_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o the_o soul_n shall_v outlive_v