this_o necessity_n and_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o allege_v his_o meanness_n and_o wretchedness_n for_o that_o circumstance_n rather_o aggravate_v the_o crime_n than_o excuse_v it_o it_o be_v impudent_a beyond_o all_o pardon_n for_o a_o traitor_n to_o plead_v innocence_n because_o he_o be_v a_o peasant_n and_o not_o a_o lord_n it_o will_v be_v also_o in_o vain_a to_o lay_v the_o fault_n upon_o the_o evil_a temperament_n of_o body_n and_o mind_n for_o if_o either_o submit_v to_o those_o reason_n which_o you_o have_v for_o commit_v no_o indecent_a action_n before_o a_o sovereign_n and_o if_o that_o and_o all_o its_o passion_n be_v calm_a when_o you_o fall_v into_o any_o danger_n or_o expect_v sentence_n of_o death_n there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n that_o the_o presence_n the_o will_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n shall_v have_v the_o same_o effect_n upon_o it_o nor_o will_v ignorance_n be_v any_o excuse_n it_o will_v indeed_o justify_v you_o if_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o bare_a pretence_n as_o it_o do_v brute_n child_n and_o idiot_n but_o what_o man_n know_v not_o his_o duty_n it_o be_v also_o in_o vain_a to_o rely_v on_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n for_o that_o extend_v not_o to_o impenitent_a sinner_n and_o the_o almighty_a save_v only_o those_o that_o desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v save_v last_o it_o be_v mere_a folly_n to_o assert_v that_o eternal_a punishment_n be_v disproportionable_a to_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o nature_n for_o be_v not_o god_n himself_o eternal_a who_o you_o have_v offend_v and_o be_v not_o your_o soul_n also_o eternal_a that_o have_v sin_v against_o he_o self-love_n however_o blind_v think_v not_o life_n eternal_a a_o thing_n disagreeable_a and_o imagine_v nothing_o in_o it_o disproportionable_a to_o our_o condition_n but_o it_o be_v shock_a at_o the_o thought_n of_o everlasting_a pain_n and_o therefore_o willing_a to_o believe_v they_o improbable_a dream_n and_o whimsy_n but_o why_o it_o do_v so_o be_v hard_o to_o be_v imagine_v unless_o we_o suppose_v its_o design_n to_o be_v at_o any_o rate_n to_o impose_v upon_o itself_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n since_o you_o can_v neither_o destroy_v the_o eternity_n of_o god_n or_o the_o soul_n which_o reason_n itself_o force_v you_o to_o acknowledge_v you_o must_v either_o suppose_v that_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o dwell_v eternal_o with_o god_n or_o that_o it_o must_v be_v eternal_o banish_v from_o his_o presence_n that_o be_v that_o it_o must_v live_v or_o die_v eternal_o for_o to_o live_v with_o god_n be_v to_o enjoy_v the_o great_a perfection_n of_o happiness_n and_o to_o be_v banish_v his_o presence_n be_v certain_o the_o great_a misery_n that_o can_v be_v think_v of_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o know_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n that_o the_o soul_n have_v no_o part_n and_o that_o it_o be_v incapable_a of_o any_o dissolution_n that_o its_o nature_n altogether_o distinct_a from_o that_o of_o matter_n can_v be_v bury_v under_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o body_n it_o be_v then_o very_o hard_o for_o we_o to_o oppose_v the_o doctrine_n which_o the_o gospel_n teach_v we_o concern_v the_o state_n of_o the_o soul_n after_o death_n nay_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o impugn_v of_o it_o that_o there_o be_v even_o a_o necessity_n incumbent_n upon_o we_o ready_o to_o embrace_v the_o same_o for_o if_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o wicked_a together_o with_o those_o of_o the_o good_a be_v equal_o to_o be_v banish_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n than_o reason_n nature_n and_o all_o our_o other_o knowledge_n impose_v upon_o we_o in_o give_v we_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n and_o if_o the_o soul_n both_o of_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o good_a be_v to_o enjoy_v alike_o the_o presence_n of_o almighty_a god_n then_o too_o those_o very_a principle_n delude_v we_o in_o make_v we_o dread_v his_o pretend_a judgement_n and_o so_o god_n justice_n and_o veracity_n together_o with_o all_o our_o other_o knowledge_n be_v at_o a_o end_n to_o avoid_v therefore_o fall_v into_o such_o a_o impious_a assertion_n we_o must_v own_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o good_a be_v to_o dwell_v for_o ever_o with_o god_n but_o that_o contrariwise_o those_o of_o the_o wicked_a be_v to_o be_v banish_v his_o presence_n and_o in_o own_v this_o we_o affirmthe_v only_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o all_o our_o knowledge_n and_o most_o visible_o flow_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n themselves_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n excellent_o answer_v his_o liberal_a promise_n and_o the_o formidable_a severity_n of_o his_o punishment_n all_o the_o creature_n of_o this_o visible_a world_n conspire_v together_o to_o do_v we_o good_a and_o beside_o all_o the_o temporal_a blessing_n daily_o confer_v upon_o we_o beside_o the_o whole_a earth_n be_v replenish_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v sanctify_v their_o soul_n comfort_v the_o gospel_n preach_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o son_n of_o god_n die_v for_o our_o offence_n and_o be_v raise_v for_o our_o justification_n our_o crucify_a saviour_n come_v out_o of_o the_o grave_a to_o bring_v we_o peace_n from_o god_n and_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o gospel_n by_o his_o frequent_a apparition_n after_o his_o death_n there_o be_v a_o visible_a and_o frequent_a effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o man_n a_o multitude_n of_o martyr_n send_v from_o god_n to_o reclaim_v the_o world_n by_o their_o example_n and_o conversation_n from_o vice_n and_o idolatrous_a superstition_n all_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v such_o blessing_n as_o be_v wonderful_o suitable_a to_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o god_n and_o full_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o christian_a morality_n have_v as_o many_o object_n to_o exalt_v and_o comfort_v man_n soul_n as_o it_o have_v to_o excite_v and_o terrify_v their_o mind_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n x._o but_o to_o prove_v that_o this_o morality_n be_v not_o a_o mere_a idea_n of_o perfection_n god_n in_o be_v wisdom_n be_v please_v not_o only_o to_o have_v it_o set_v down_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o also_o to_o have_v it_o lively_o paint_v first_o in_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o afterward_o in_o the_o daily_a practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n these_o man_n be_v not_o such_o teacher_n as_o may_v deserve_o be_v accuse_v of_o speak_v well_o but_o do_v ill_a as_o it_o be_v object_v former_o to_o seneca_n who_o compose_v very_o excellent_a discourse_n concern_v poverty_n and_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o good_n of_o fortune_n when_o he_o himself_o be_v rich_a than_o the_o wealthy_a citizen_n of_o rome_n these_o on_o the_o contrary_n confirm_v by_o their_o practice_n what_o they_o teach_v and_o by_o extirpate_v their_o evil_a desire_n form_v such_o a_o society_n as_o be_v conformable_a to_o that_o we_o have_v have_v above_o but_o a_o faint_a prospect_n of_o when_o we_o lay_v down_o the_o idea_n of_o man_n duty_n they_o utter_o renounce_v those_o passion_n which_o put_v a_o distinction_n betwixt_o they_o and_o other_o men._n they_o forget_v their_o quality_n and_o condition_n the_o better_a to_o use_v one_o another_o like_a brethren_n the_o same_o interest_n be_v common_a to_o they_o all_o they_o sell_v their_o possession_n to_o ease_v the_o want_v and_o necessity_n of_o those_o that_o suffer_v adversity_n they_o rejoice_v for_o have_v be_v think_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v for_o the_o name_n of_o god_n every_o thing_n conduce_v to_o their_o happiness_n even_o affliction_n themselves_o they_o pray_v for_o those_o that_o despiteful_o use_v they_o and_o as_o charity_n and_o not selflove_o selflove_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o affection_n so_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o their_o heart_n tend_v to_o one_o as_o to_o the_o same_o centre_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o their_o neighbour_n which_o give_v the_o scripture_n occasion_n to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v but_o one_o heart_n and_o one_o soul_n i_o confess_v that_o state_n can_v not_o always_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n permit_v it_o shall_v last_v for_o some_o time_n to_o give_v we_o a_o lively_a image_n and_o idea_n of_o heaven_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o so_o to_o confirm_v by_o the_o excellence_n of_o such_o a_o example_n a_o morality_n already_o support_v by_o so_o many_o great_a and_o powerful_a motive_n viii_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o its_o mystery_n the_o mystery_n god_n have_v reveal_v unto_o we_o in_o his_o word_n be_v like_o the_o cloudy_a pillar_n which_o lead_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n through_o the_o wilderness_n for_o like_o that_o they_o be_v clear_a on_o one_o side_n but_o dark_a and_o obscure_a on_o the_o other_o if_o we_o contemplate_v
the_o earth_n have_v hear_v of_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o all_o unanimous_o declare_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o it_o be_v pure_o upon_o their_o testimony_n that_o the_o world_n believe_v it_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n let_v slip_v a_o long_a period_n of_o time_n as_o twenty_o or_o thirty_o year_n after_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o their_o master_n and_o so_o have_v have_v time_n to_o embolden_v themselves_o and_o to_o contrive_v a_o imposture_n they_o sudden_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v that_o jesus_n be_v rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a if_o so_o how_o can_v the_o compiler_n or_o forger_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n preach_v his_o resurrection_n a_o few_o week_n after_o his_o crucifixion_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o jew_n never_o have_v the_o least_o thought_n of_o contradict_v our_o scripture_n in_o that_o respect_n and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o the_o christian_n yearly_o commemorate_v two_o festival_n successive_o one_o after_o another_o one_o for_o the_o commemoration_n of_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o other_o for_o that_o of_o the_o come_n down_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v purposely_o give_v they_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o all_o place_n if_o the_o disciple_n have_v not_o preach_v the_o resurrection_n of_o their_o master_n till_o a_o long_a time_n after_o his_o death_n will_v it_o not_o have_v be_v ask_v they_o what_o have_v you_o do_v since_o your_o jesus_n be_v crucify_a rise_v he_o not_o soon_o from_o the_o dead_a or_o wherefore_o do_v you_o now_o preach_v his_o resurrection_n so_o long_o after_o it_o what_o can_v have_v oblige_v the_o jew_n to_o assert_v that_o his_o disciple_n have_v steal_v away_o his_o body_n by_o night_n if_o his_o resurrection_n have_v be_v preach_v so_o very_o late_o in_o the_o world_n and_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v christian_a church_n establish_v almost_o every_o where_o by_o the_o sole_a testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n few_o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n can_v we_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v out_o of_o ambition_n or_o revenge_n that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n publish_v his_o resurrection_n as_o design_v to_o make_v the_o chief_a priest_n and_o scribe_n pass_v for_o parricide_n or_o immortalise_v their_o own_o name_n to_o posterity_n but_o can_v the_o disciple_n think_v of_o revenge_a themselves_o on_o those_o man_n that_o have_v so_o clear_o show_v they_o their_o mistake_n in_o the_o messiah_n or_o can_v they_o fancy_v there_o be_v any_o revenge_n pure_o in_o invent_v such_o a_o ridiculous_a fable_n will_v they_o buy_v their_o revenge_n so_o dear_a as_o at_o the_o price_n of_o their_o own_o life_n and_o expose_v their_o person_n to_o inevitable_a torment_n and_o certain_a death_n then_o as_o for_o ambitious_a thought_n do_v they_o entertain_v they_o immediate_o after_o the_o death_n of_o he_o who_o can_v only_o support_v and_o confirm_v they_o have_v they_o any_o reason_n to_o aspire_v after_o glory_n and_o grandeur_n just_o when_o all_o their_o hope_n be_v destroy_v with_o their_o messiah_n be_v it_o likely_a a_o few_o poor_a fisherman_n shall_v have_v have_v such_o thought_n certain_o have_v that_o be_v their_o design_n they_o will_v soon_o have_v relinquish_v it_o and_o the_o immediate_a scandal_n affix_v to_o their_o profession_n the_o misery_n and_o barbarous_a persecution_n it_o continual_o draw_v upon_o they_o will_v have_v soon_o banish_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n so_o ridiculous_a and_o extravagant_a a_o design_n but_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o for_o any_o one_o to_o delude_v himself_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o when_o a_o malefactor_n be_v put_v to_o the_o rack_n he_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v his_o crime_n the_o torment_n he_o endure_v extort_v a_o confession_n of_o his_o most_o secret_a action_n this_o be_v a_o way_n almost_o infallible_a to_o discover_v truth_n and_o human_a justice_n often_o put_v it_o in_o execution_n for_o that_o purpose_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a therefore_o that_o so_o many_o impostor_n together_o that_o have_v be_v so_o often_o examine_v and_o urge_v by_o fire_n and_o sword_n to_o recant_v what_o they_o have_v assert_v shall_v yet_o so_o constant_o persist_v in_o a_o false_a deposition_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o one_o single_a witness_n but_o a_o great_a number_n of_o witness_n who_o be_v not_o compel_v to_o suffer_v one_o single_a punishment_n only_o but_o all_o sort_n of_o punishment_n it_o be_v not_o only_o in_o one_o single_a place_n but_o almost_o in_o every_o place_n where_o they_o preach_v they_o be_v urge_v to_o recant_v their_o opinion_n by_o the_o severe_a torment_n neither_o be_v it_o for_o one_o single_a moment_n but_o for_o every_o moment_n of_o their_o life_n that_o they_o be_v thus_o expose_v to_o persecution_n not_o one_o single_a party_n be_v on_o their_o side_n but_o jew_n and_o heathen_n king_n and_o magistrate_n prelate_n and_o people_n open_o declare_v themselves_o their_o adversary_n they_o be_v not_o only_o assault_v with_o persecution_n but_o revile_v contemn_v and_o reproach_v yet_o for_o all_o that_o not_o one_o of_o they_o recant_v his_o opinion_n be_v separate_v or_o confront_v they_o all_o unanimous_o depose_v not_o only_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a but_o that_o they_o have_v see_v he_o after_o the_o resurrection_n if_o this_o be_v the_o method_n common_o use_v to_o maintain_v a_o imposture_n i_o will_v glad_o know_v how_o truth_n itself_o be_v to_o be_v defend_v but_o perhaps_o the_o disciple_n be_v themselves_o delude_v and_o peter_n or_o some_o other_o apostle_n be_v so_o cunning_a as_o to_o remove_v the_o body_n of_o our_o lord_n out_o of_o his_o sepulchre_n persuade_v the_o other_o disciple_n their_o master_n be_v real_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o so_o they_o firm_o believe_v his_o report_n go_v about_o the_o world_n preach_v his_o resurrection_n but_o this_o opinion_n necessiary_o fall_v of_o itself_o to_o the_o ground_n for_o the_o apostle_n not_o only_o testify_v that_o they_o have_v all_o see_v jesus_n christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a but_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n fall_v on_o they_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o fiery_a tongue_n they_o testify_v likewise_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n other_o miracle_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v all_o have_v be_v deceive_v in_o respect_n of_o all_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n at_o once_o above_o all_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o observe_v this_o last_o kind_n of_o miracle_n viz._n the_o come_n down_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o fiery_a tongue_n for_o those_o apostle_n bold_o affirm_v that_o with_o the_o help_n of_o that_o very_a miracle_n they_o be_v endow_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o divers_a language_n so_o that_o greek_n roman_n parthian_n persian_n etc._n etc._n hear_v they_o speak_v every_o one_o in_o their_o own_o language_n this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o neither_o the_o apostle_n can_v have_v deceive_v the_o world_n in_o nor_o they_o themselves_o have_v be_v deceive_v in_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v they_o can_v have_v deceive_v the_o world_n or_o that_o some_o fisherman_n can_v have_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o pretend_v they_o be_v endow_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o divers_a language_n unless_o it_o have_v be_v real_o so_o for_o they_o will_v in_o every_o place_n have_v be_v immediate_o convict_v of_o the_o most_o notorious_a cheat_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v at_o rome_n man_n who_o speak_v greek_n as_o well_o as_o in_o greece_n some_o that_o speak_v latin_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o trade_n it_o general_o happen_v that_o there_o be_v man_n of_o all_o language_n in_o every_o country_n now_o if_o st._n paul_n real_o understand_v no_o other_o language_n but_o that_o greek_a speak_v in_o cilicia_n can_v we_o suppose_v he_o will_v have_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o boast_v in_o asia_n of_o his_o speak_a latin_n or_o any_o other_o foreign_a language_n will_v he_o not_o have_v certain_o meet_v with_o people_n who_o will_v have_v immediate_o convict_v he_o of_o falsehood_n neither_o be_v it_o more_o likely_a that_o the_o apostle_n can_v have_v be_v themselves_o deceive_v in_o this_o respect_n because_o it_o be_v a_o business_n of_o inward_a sense_n i_o may_v easy_o be_v delude_v outward_o and_o think_v that_o i_o see_v a_o man_n indeed_o when_o i_o see_v but_o the_o shadow_n or_o fantom_n of_o a_o man_n but_o i_o can_v never_o persuade_v myself_o that_o i_o speak_v several_a different_a language_n when_o i_o speak_v but_o one_o but_o when_o i_o see_v that_o man_n of_o
up_o to_o jerusalem_n and_o it_o be_v worth_a take_v notice_n of_o that_o st._n peter_n have_v but_o just_a make_v a_o very_a excellent_a confession_n of_o what_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o presence_n of_o all_o the_o other_o disciple_n tell_v he_o thou_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v crown_v this_o admirable_a confession_n with_o that_o extraordinary_a promise_n of_o he_o bless_v be_v thou_o simon_n barjona_n for_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v it_o unto_o thou_o but_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o i_o say_v also_o unto_o thou_o that_o thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o etc._n etc._n matth._n 16._o 17_o 18._o immediate_o after_o christ_n foretell_v what_o death_n he_o be_v to_o suffer_v from_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o scribe_n but_o add_v withal_o he_o shall_v rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n whereupon_o st._n peter_n rebuke_v he_o and_o say_v be_v it_o far_o from_o thou_o o_o lord_n this_o shall_v not_o be_v unto_o thou_o but_o jesus_n christ_n instead_o of_o approve_v of_o that_o seem_a concern_v and_o affection_n his_o disciple_n have_v for_o he_o severe_o reprove_v his_o indiscretion_n in_o these_o word_n get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n thou_o be_v a_o offence_n unto_o i_o for_o thou_o savory_a not_o etc._n etc._n this_o history_n seem_v to_o be_v very_o natural_a and_o sincere_a and_o that_o mixture_n of_o circumstance_n which_o in_o all_o probability_n have_v no_o manner_n of_o relation_n with_o one_o another_o can_v not_o of_o itself_o easy_o enter_v in_o any_o man_n mind_n st._n peter_n confession_n be_v excellent_a and_o the_o promise_n jesus_n christ_n make_v he_o be_v extraordinary_a nay_o the_o very_a expression_n of_o it_o imply_v somewhat_o strange_a and_o difficult_a but_o above_o all_o it_o seem_v at_o first_o view_n that_o jesus_n christ_n too_o rigorous_o censure_v the_o great_a zeal_n which_o peter_n show_v for_o his_o person_n and_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v very_o natural_a that_o he_o who_o tell_v he_o bless_v be_v thou_o simon_n barjona_n and_o promise_v to_o make_v he_o a_o pillar_n of_o his_o church_n shall_v tell_v he_o present_o after_o get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n it_o be_v plain_a a_o man_n must_v in_o spite_n of_o himself_o perceive_v that_o it_o be_v â—he_n force_n of_o truth_n and_o not_o the_o natural_a agreement_n of_o those_o circumstance_n that_o oblige_v the_o evangelist_n to_o join_v they_o both_o together_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o recital_n and_o that_o which_o necessary_o occasion_n this_o reflection_n of_o we_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v real_o foretell_v his_o death_n and_o his_o resurrection_n before_o ever_o he_o have_v suffer_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v but_o what_o prove_v this_o better_a than_o any_o thing_n else_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n upon_o cool_a thought_n and_o the_o very_a day_n before_o his_o passion_n do_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o have_v never_o be_v do_v before_o and_o which_o doubtless_o never_o will_v be_v do_v again_o and_o that_o be_v he_o institute_v a_o memorial_n of_o that_o death_n he_o be_v just_a upon_o the_o point_n of_o suffer_v he_o foretell_v that_o he_o shall_v suffer_v death_n from_o the_o chief_a priest_n the_o scribes_z and_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o law_n nevertheless_o he_o may_v have_v easy_o avoid_v it_o if_o he_o will_v by_o retire_v into_o another_o place_n but_o he_o chide_v or_o rather_o storm_v at_o the_o indiscretion_n of_o peter_n who_o will_v have_v divert_v he_o from_o that_o death_n therefore_o he_o consider_v it_o as_o a_o event_n that_o be_v to_o be_v attend_v with_o very_o happy_a and_o save_a consequence_n with_o respect_n to_o mankind_n and_o what_o happy_a consequence_n can_v his_o death_n have_v be_v attend_v withal_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o have_v be_v immediate_o follow_v by_o his_o resurrection_n he_o first_o institute_v a_o memorial_n of_o his_o death_n and_o then_o voluntary_o suffer_v it_o he_o command_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v commemorate_a therefore_o he_o regard_v it_o as_o a_o event_n which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n he_o foresee_v that_o it_o will_v be_v commemorate_a he_o foresee_v then_o what_o will_v most_o infallible_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o that_o too_o in_o a_o time_n when_o there_o be_v but_o little_a appearance_n of_o its_o ever_o happen_v he_o do_v not_o say_v that_o they_o shall_v commemorate_v his_o death_n only_o till_o he_o rise_v again_o but_o till_o his_o second_o come_v he_o foresee_v then_o that_o he_o shall_v speedy_o rise_v again_o and_o that_o after_o his_o resurrection_n he_o shall_v depart_v in_o order_n to_o return_v again_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n beside_o no_o reasonable_a man_n can_v imagine_v that_o the_o evangelist_n have_v whole_o invent_v the_o account_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o eucharist_n for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o a_o doctrine_n and_o a_o practice_n a_o doctrine_n can_v hardly_o be_v forge_v especial_o because_o it_o must_v be_v concert_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o several_a person_n but_o a_o sensible_a practice_n a_o thing_n in_o use_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o speak_a doctrine_n can_v much_o less_o be_v palm_a upon_o mankind_n and_o certain_o it_o will_v be_v the_o great_a piece_n of_o folly_n imaginable_a in_o any_o one_o to_o think_v that_o a_o dozen_o poor_a fisherman_n astonish_v and_o cast_v down_o at_o the_o death_n of_o their_o master_n and_o undeceive_v in_o the_o opinion_n they_o have_v entertain_v that_o he_o be_v to_o have_v restore_v the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n person_n who_o know_v not_o what_o thing_n may_v come_v to_o pass_v by_o their_o publish_v the_o doctrine_n of_o that_o crucify_a man_n that_o that_o they_o shall_v go_v and_o invent_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o eucharist_n with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o and_o make_v jesus_n christ_n utter_v these_o word_n this_o be_v my_o body_n which_o be_v break_v for_o you_o this_o be_v the_o new_a testament_n in_o my_o blood_n word_n that_o imply_v something_o new_a and_o very_o surprise_v which_o have_v give_v occasion_n to_o so_o many_o contest_v and_o be_v liable_a to_o such_o different_a interpretation_n word_n which_o s._n paul_n and_o the_o evangelist_n unanimous_o set_v down_o but_o without_o any_o mutual_a compact_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o little_a variety_n there_o occur_v in_o their_o recital_n of_o they_o i_o say_v it_o will_v be_v very_o extravagant_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o disciple_n have_v in_o the_o least_o thought_n of_o invent_v these_o word_n or_o that_o history_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o eucharist_n so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o insist_v long_o on_o any_o far_a proof_n of_o it_o we_o have_v already_o touch_v upon_o it_o in_o another_o place_n and_o upon_o another_o subject_a the_o only_a consequence_n we_o shall_v draw_v from_o it_o here_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n foresee_v his_o death_n prepare_v himself_o for_o it_o and_o suffer_v it_o voluntary_o whereupon_o i_o argue_v thus_o if_o he_o foresee_v that_o he_o shall_v die_v and_o if_o he_o voluntary_o offer_v himself_o up_o to_o death_n he_o then_o either_o foresee_v that_o he_o shall_v rise_v again_o or_o he_o do_v not_o foresee_v it_o if_o he_o do_v not_o foresee_v it_o with_o what_o kind_n of_o hope_n than_o do_v he_o comfort_v his_o disciple_n what_o be_v it_o he_o promise_v they_o or_o what_o propose_v he_o to_o himself_o by_o his_o death_n why_o do_v he_o not_o shun_v it_o as_o he_o may_v yet_o have_v do_v when_o he_o be_v at_o supper_n with_o his_o disciple_n what_o mean_v he_o by_o institute_v a_o memorial_n of_o his_o dead_a body_n if_o that_o dead_a body_n be_v always_o to_o abide_v under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n and_o rot_v away_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o if_o he_o think_v he_o shall_v rise_v again_o as_o we_o may_v very_o reasonable_o imagine_v he_o do_v i_o say_v he_o himself_o can_v not_o have_v believe_v it_o but_o only_o upon_o the_o experience_n he_o have_v already_o make_v of_o that_o power_n which_o have_v restore_v sight_n to_o the_o blind_a health_n to_o the_o sick_a and_o life_n to_o the_o dead_a for_o he_o can_v not_o think_v his_o own_o miracle_n false_a and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n believe_v he_o shall_v rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a if_o he_o think_v he_o shall_v rise_v again_o he_o also_o think_v his_o miracle_n to_o be_v true_a and_o if_o he_o believe_v his_o miracle_n to_o be_v true_a his_o miracle_n must_v of_o necessity_n have_v be_v real_o so_o because_o they_o be_v of_o a_o nature_n
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 real_o set_v a_o watch_n to_o guard_v his_o sepulchre_n and_o what_o necessity_n be_v there_o to_o appoint_v a_o watch_n to_o guard_v it_o have_v it_o not_o be_v to_o hinder_v the_o disciple_n from_o report_v abroad_o that_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o if_o christ_n real_o believe_v that_o he_o shall_v rise_v again_o he_o can_v not_o have_v believe_v it_o but_o upon_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o miracle_n neither_o can_v he_o have_v believe_v his_o miracle_n to_o be_v true_a have_v they_o be_v false_a thus_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o connexion_n of_o all_o those_o circumstance_n if_o narrow_o consider_v form_n as_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o a_o moral_a demonstration_n which_o can_v but_o thorough_o convince_v any_o just_a and_o reasonable_a man._n but_o let_v we_o not_o slight_o pass_v over_o that_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o have_v see_v what_o christ_n think_v concern_v his_o resurrection_n let_v we_o next_o consider_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n concern_v it_o and_o the_o report_n the_o soldier_n make_v that_o be_v appoint_v to_o guard_v this_o sepulchre_n for_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o circumstance_n may_v give_v we_o some_o light_n in_o the_o discovery_n of_o that_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o most_o important_a and_o the_o most_o essential_a that_o ever_o be_v or_o ever_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o scribes_z and_o pharisee_n and_o general_o every_o member_n of_o the_o sanhedrin_n be_v instigate_v by_o the_o very_a same_o spirit_n that_o have_v induce_v they_o to_o put_v jesus_n christ_n to_o death_n be_v in_o a_o great_a apprehension_n lest_o his_o disciple_n shall_v take_v away_o his_o body_n and_o afterward_o report_v abroad_o that_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a we_o may_v judge_v how_o much_o they_o think_v it_o for_o their_o interest_n to_o prevent_v it_o by_o the_o attempt_v they_o have_v already_o make_v to_o put_v he_o to_o death_n and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a 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 fifty_o day_n after_o his_o death_n certain_o the_o soldier_n that_o watch_v his_o body_n be_v still_o at_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o sanhedrin_n have_v still_o the_o same_o power_n and_o authority_n as_o before_o it_o high_o concern_v they_o to_o punish_v the_o negligence_n of_o those_o soldier_n or_o make_v they_o confess_v the_o secret_a of_o their_o perfidy_n and_o who_o it_o be_v that_o suborn_v they_o i_o say_v it_o high_o concern_v they_o to_o make_v that_o strict_a examination_n both_o to_o justify_v their_o own_o procedure_n and_o prevent_v the_o utter_a loss_n of_o almost_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n that_o have_v already_o side_v with_o the_o disciple_n of_o that_o pretend_a impostor_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o when_o on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n that_o be_v fifty_o day_n after_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o apostle_n show_v themselves_o in_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o testify_v there_o that_o they_o have_v see_v he_o rise_v from_o 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
christ_n into_o heaven_n and_o how_o can_v any_o man_n reasonable_o imagine_v that_o it_o be_v natural_a and_o according_a to_o the_o regular_a course_n of_o second_o cause_n to_o see_v a_o man_n that_o have_v be_v crucify_v and_o lay_v in_o a_o sepulchre_n where_o a_o watch_n be_v appoint_v to_o guard_v he_o rise_v out_o of_o that_o sepulchre_n again_o appear_v alive_a to_o several_a man_n that_o touch_v and_o handle_v he_o and_o afterward_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n in_o their_o sight_n certain_o that_o very_a ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n can_v but_o convince_v the_o most_o suspicious_a and_o scrupulous_a person_n that_o it_o be_v a_o event_n pure_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a for_o otherwise_o our_o incredulous_a adversary_n may_v imagine_v since_o they_o be_v everlasting_o raise_v doubt_n that_o the_o body_n of_o jesus_n christ_n may_v have_v be_v take_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n before_o the_o breath_n be_v go_v out_o of_o it_o that_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n who_o be_v his_o disciple_n though_o he_o dare_v not_o own_v it_o public_o may_v have_v dress_v his_o body_n and_o recover_v he_o out_o of_o his_o swoon_n by_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o remedy_n he_o give_v he_o that_o he_o may_v have_v lay_v another_o counterfeit_a dead-body_n in_o his_o place_n and_o bury_v it_o and_o that_o afterward_o jes_n christ_n may_v have_v private_o show_v himself_o to_o his_o disciple_n not_o dare_v to_o appear_v in_o public_a for_o fear_v of_o fall_v a_o second_o time_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o suffer_v a_o true_a and_o real_a death_n instead_o of_o that_o imaginary_a one_o he_o have_v suffer_v before_o but_o this_o fiction_n be_v absurd_a and_o incredible_a and_o that_o for_o several_a reason_n first_o because_o the_o evangelist_n relate_v that_o christ_n have_v his_o side_n pierce_v with_o the_o lance_n of_o a_o soldier_n which_o thing_n alone_o be_v enough_o to_o give_v he_o his_o death_n second_o it_o be_v very_o improbable_a to_o think_v that_o the_o jewish_a sanhedrin_n who_o have_v condemn_v he_o to_o die_v nay_o who_o have_v take_v such_o care_n to_o set_v a_o watch_n over_o his_o sepulchre_n shall_v yet_o suffer_v his_o body_n to_o be_v take_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n before_o the_o breath_n be_v go_v out_o of_o it_o last_o because_o it_o can_v never_o be_v suppose_v that_o a_o man_n who_o hang_v several_a hour_n together_o on_o a_o cross_n shall_v yet_o escape_v death_n and_o show_v himself_o not_o long_o after_o safe_a and_o sound_a to_o his_o disciple_n but_o that_o which_o will_v immediate_o remove_v all_o these_o doubt_n be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n not_o only_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a but_o also_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o this_o be_v so_o sensible_a and_o evident_a a_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o they_o can_v never_o have_v be_v impose_v upon_o in_o that_o respect_n so_o that_o it_o may_v very_o well_o be_v affirm_v that_o the_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n chief_o depend_v upon_o that_o important_a inquiry_n whether_o the_o disciple_n design_v to_o impose_v upon_o we_o by_o relate_v to_o we_o a_o false_a event_n which_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v themselves_o now_o if_o we_o can_v clear_o prove_v the_o contrary_a we_o shall_v invincible_o demonstrate_v the_o certain_a truth_n of_o our_o faith_n let_v we_o therefore_o in_o order_n to_o it_o close_o stick_v to_o the_o examination_n of_o that_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o most_o essential_a and_o the_o most_o important_a that_o ever_o be_v and_o endeavour_v to_o discover_v whether_o it_o be_v possible_a we_o shall_v have_v be_v impose_v upon_o by_o those_o man_n which_o can_v not_o deceive_v themselves_o if_o we_o will_v suppose_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n deceive_v we_o in_o their_o relation_n of_o a_o fictitious_a event_n we_o must_v also_o necessary_o suppose_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o their_o illusion_n or_o imposture_n must_v be_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n 2._o that_o it_o must_v be_v of_o some_o use_n or_o other_o to_o they_o 3._o that_o it_o must_v be_v such_o as_o man_n and_o only_a man_n make_v use_v of_o now_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o their_o pretend_a illusion_n here_o in_o question_n can_v not_o have_v any_o of_o these_o three_o quality_n 1._o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v possible_a because_o it_o must_v have_v be_v agree_v upon_o by_o many_o person_n who_o all_o know_v the_o bare_a truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n itself_o 2._o it_o will_v have_v be_v of_o no_o use_n for_o what_o can_v those_o man_n propose_v to_o themselves_o in_o invent_v such_o a_o fiction_n 3._o it_o can_v not_o be_v such_o as_o man_n usual_o contrive_v because_o from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n till_o now_o we_o never_o hear_v of_o any_o man_n that_o invent_v lie_n on_o purpose_n to_o have_v the_o pleasure_n of_o be_v hang_v scourge_v burn_v or_o execute_v upon_o a_o scaffold_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o first_o i_o will_v grant_v you_o if_o you_o will_v that_o peter_n with_o some_o other_o disciple_n may_v have_v take_v away_o the_o body_n of_o jesus_n christ_n out_o of_o the_o sepulchre_n either_o by_o trick_v the_o watch_n or_o take_v the_o advantage_n of_o their_o sleep_n or_o last_o by_o bribe_v they_o with_o money_n i_o will_v grant_v you_o too_o if_o you_o will_v they_o may_v have_v easy_o persuade_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o disciple_n who_o be_v too_o credulous_a and_o too_o eager_a in_o swallow_v of_o novelty_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v appear_v to_o they_o indeed_o and_o that_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a i_o will_v grant_v you_o likewise_o that_o the_o other_o disciple_n may_v have_v imagine_v thereupon_o they_o have_v see_v some_o vision_n or_o think_v they_o have_v see_v he_o in_o several_a place_n and_o on_o several_a occasion_n but_o then_o i_o ask_v how_o they_o can_v have_v all_o agree_v together_o concern_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o ascension_n by_o what_o charm_n or_o cunning_n can_v peter_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n have_v make_v they_o see_v that_o which_o they_o never_o see_v or_o hear_v a_o man_n speak_v who_o they_o real_o never_o hear_v by_o what_o machine_n can_v they_o have_v cause_v the_o cloud_n to_o descend_v or_o by_o what_o sort_n of_o enchantment_n can_v they_o have_v produce_v two_o man_n in_o white_a raiment_n tell_v they_o you_o man_n of_o galilee_n why_o stand_v you_o gaze_v up_o into_o heaven_n this_o same_o jesus_n which_o be_v take_v up_o from_o you_o into_o heaven_n shall_v so_o come_v in_o like_a manner_n as_o you_o have_v see_v he_o go_v up_o into_o heaven_n act_v 1._o 11._o by_o what_o secret_a power_n can_v they_o have_v so_o deep_o imprint_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o disciple_n the_o word_n which_o jesus_n christ_n speak_v to_o they_o after_o his_o resurrection_n the_o reproach_n he_o make_v they_o of_o their_o infidelity_n his_o promise_n of_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o they_o his_o forbid_v they_o to_o depart_v from_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o command_v he_o give_v they_o to_o baptise_v all_o nation_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n i_o say_v how_o can_v they_o have_v do_v all_o this_o if_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v but_o the_o witty_a conceit_n of_o their_o imagination_n and_o fancy_n certain_o tho_o st._n peter_n or_o some_o other_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v have_v form_v to_o himself_o the_o design_n and_o plan_n of_o so_o signal_n a_o cheat_n and_o though_o he_o shall_v have_v set_v down_o in_o write_v all_o the_o article_n one_o by_o one_o which_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o make_v other_o man_n believe_v against_o the_o plain_a truth_n yet_o he_o can_v never_o have_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o propose_v any_o such_o thing_n to_o those_o man_n who_o be_v prepossess_v with_o the_o opinion_n that_o lie_v be_v a_o great_a sin_n but_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n on_o the_o contrary_a a_o great_a virtue_n nay_o it_o be_v even_o impossible_a it_o shall_v ever_o come_v into_o his_o head_n to_o frame_v so_o signal_n a_o imposture_n upon_o so_o sad_a and_o sorrowful_a a_o event_n as_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n neither_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o his_o mind_n or_o his_o thought_n be_v any_o way_n bend_v upon_o any_o such_o design_n and_o though_o he_o shall_v have_v be_v induce_v out_o of_o a_o spirit_n of_o revenge_n to_o invent_v such_o a_o lie_n to_o discredit_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v he_o shall_v have_v be_v so_o very_o silly_a as_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n will_v consent_v to_o that_o imposture_n or_o be_v willing_a to_o maintain_v it_o
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 believe_v his_o word_n and_o think_v that_o he_o will_v true_o rise_v again_o and_o if_o they_o do_v expect_v that_o he_o will_v true_o rise_v again_o they_o consequent_o believe_v he_o will_v come_v himself_o out_o of_o his_o grave_n and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o necessary_a they_o shall_v steal_v his_o body_n away_o and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v he_o as_o the_o promise_a messiah_n whilst_o he_o be_v alive_a it_o must_v follow_v from_o thence_o that_o they_o be_v seducer_n and_o impostor_n even_o before_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n now_o how_o can_v any_o one_o conceive_v that_o those_o seducer_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v terrify_v at_o the_o punishment_n inflict_v on_o their_o master_n or_o that_o such_o a_o terrible_a example_n of_o the_o most_o rigorous_a justice_n design_v too_o for_o they_o shall_v not_o put_v a_o end_n to_o their_o frontless_a impudence_n above_o all_o how_o can_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o those_o wicked_a and_o perfidious_a disciple_n dare_v have_v propose_v to_o the_o other_o disciple_n who_o be_v real_o sincere_a and_o true_a to_o join_v with_o they_o and_o so_o testify_v that_o they_o have_v see_v jesus_n christ_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n true_o i_o do_v see_v what_o any_o man_n can_v allege_v except_o one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n either_o that_o they_o be_v all_o sincere_a and_o honest_a man_n or_o that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v honest_a and_o the_o rest_n cheat_n if_o they_o be_v all_o sincere_a and_o honest_a man_n as_o their_o manner_n their_o discourse_n their_o conduct_n and_o a_o thousand_o other_o character_n of_o they_o evident_o show_v then_o be_v it_o absolute_o impossible_a that_o any_o such_o cheat_n can_v have_v be_v carry_v on_o among_o they_o but_o if_o they_o be_v all_o a_o pack_n of_o cheat_v treacherous_a impostor_n than_o it_o be_v the_o first_o time_n that_o ever_o a_o society_n of_o cheat_v perfidious_a rogue_n be_v erect_v who_o seem_v to_o have_v have_v no_o other_o design_n than_o to_o sanctify_v mankind_n but_o what_o man_n be_v his_o thought_n never_o so_o confuse_v and_o irregular_a be_v his_o reason_n never_o so_o corrupt_a can_v yet_o imagine_v that_o so_o many_o mean-spirited_n simple_a and_o humble_a man_n as_o the_o disciple_n be_v shall_v immediate_o become_v the_o most_o lie_v notorious_a cheat_n out_o of_o no_o other_o design_n then_o to_o involve_v themselves_o in_o ruin_n if_o some_o of_o they_o be_v false_a and_o other_o sincere_a and_o if_o the_o latter_a be_v at_o all_o impose_v upon_o by_o the_o former_a which_o be_v the_o most_o our_o incredulous_a adversary_n can_v imagine_v yet_o even_o then_o i_o assert_v that_o such_o a_o cheat_n can_v not_o have_v be_v carry_v on_o by_o they_o for_o suppose_v peter_n never_o so_o smooth_a and_o eloquent_a never_o so_o adroit_fw-fr at_o dissemble_v and_o insinuation_n yet_o how_o can_v he_o possible_o persuade_v so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o person_n to_o believe_v against_o their_o sense_n that_o they_o have_v 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 propose_v it_o any_o that_o will_v have_v assist_v he_o in_o so_o senseless_a a_o design_n much_o less_o maintain_v his_o extravagance_n and_o least_o of_o all_o expose_v themselves_o to_o a_o thousand_o torment_n on_o purpose_n to_o maintain_v it_o 2._o but_o second_o i_o observe_v that_o such_o a_o imposture_n will_v have_v be_v of_o no_o manner_n of_o use_n to_o they_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o have_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n to_o satisfy_v any_o reasonable_a man_n how_o needless_a and_o useless_a it_o will_v be_v to_o advance_v it_o it_o be_v true_a there_o have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n and_o country_n such_o man_n as_o will_v have_v be_v very_o willing_a for_o their_o own_o advantage_n to_o make_v other_o believe_v improbable_a story_n and_o fiction_n have_v the_o thing_n be_v but_o practicable_a but_o because_o they_o can_v not_o effect_v it_o without_o such_o a_o mutual_a concert_n among_o several_a person_n to_o maintain_v it_o as_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a for_o that_o very_a reason_n it_o never_o come_v into_o their_o mind_n upon_o serious_a and_o cool_a thought_n it_o will_v no_o doubt_n be_v of_o very_o singular_a advantage_n to_o those_o prince_n who_o so_o earnest_o desire_v to_o procure_v themselves_o a_o extraordinary_a respect_n and_o veneration_n from_o their_o subject_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n very_o seldom_o appear_v in_o public_a and_o hardly_o ever_o show_v themselves_o to_o their_o poople_n i_o say_v it_o will_v be_v of_o great_a advantage_n to_o they_o if_o they_o can_v but_o once_o persuade_v their_o people_n that_o they_o be_v of_o a_o divine_a race_n and_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n but_o because_o they_o judge_v such_o a_o design_n impracticable_a they_o reckon_v it_o a_o thing_n altogether_o useless_a and_o needless_a ever_o to_o undertake_v it_o certain_o we_o may_v as_o well_o affirm_v that_o the_o design_n of_o make_v other_o man_n believe_v the_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n against_o the_o real_a truth_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o inward_a sense_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n will_v have_v be_v altogether_o as_o useless_a and_o needless_a because_o it_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o appear_v that_o the_o disciple_n can_v propose_v to_o themselves_o any_o reasonable_a design_n in_o maintain_v such_o a_o incredible_a story_n 3._o nay_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o only_o whole_o useless_a but_o as_o we_o observe_v in_o the_o three_o place_n such_o a_o one_o as_o man_n doubt_n usual_o design_n or_o contrive_v it_o can_v not_o enter_v into_o any_o one_o man_n mind_n much_o less_o into_o that_o of_o so_o many_o different_a man_n at_o once_o to_o fancy_v that_o they_o can_v persuade_v other_o man_n to_o credit_v such_o a_o impudent_a lie_n as_o that_o must_v have_v be_v or_o to_o dare_v undertake_v to_o make_v other_o believe_v it_o to_o think_v in_o the_o least_o that_o they_o can_v succeed_v in_o so_o strange_a a_o design_n or_o that_o other_o will_v 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
be_v here_o if_o thou_o will_v let_v we_o make_v here_o three_o tabernacle_n what_o a_o strange_a piece_n of_o stupidity_n be_v this_o and_o how_o well_o do_v it_o appear_v how_o incapable_a such_o gross_a and_o ignorant_a man_n be_v of_o entertain_v the_o least_o design_n of_o impose_v upon_o other_o beside_o what_o make_v st._n matthew_n relate_v this_o circumstance_n what_o honour_n can_v accrue_v thereby_o to_o peter_n and_o how_o can_v it_o of_o itself_o enter_v into_o his_o mind_n verse_n 16._o and_o i_o bring_v he_o to_o thy_o disciple_n and_o they_o can_v not_o cure_v he_o in_o this_o passage_n appear_v the_o evangelist_n sincerity_n for_o nothing_o else_o can_v have_v oblige_v he_o to_o relate_v that_o circumstance_n or_o make_v he_o so_o free_o own_o the_o defect_n and_o want_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o society_n he_o himself_o be_v a_o member_n of_o chap._n xviii_o 3._o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o except_o you_o be_v convert_v and_o become_v as_o little_a child_n you_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o child_n shall_v be_v so_o simple_a no_o man_n ought_v to_o wonder_v because_o their_o want_n of_o knowledge_n be_v a_o pure_a effect_n of_o their_o age_n but_o that_o even_a man_n shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o return_v from_o the_o most_o refine_a notion_n of_o worldly_a policy_n from_o that_o sinful_a cunning_n and_o dexterity_n so_o often_o see_v in_o they_o to_o a_o state_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o amiable_a sincerity_n that_o they_o shall_v at_o once_o become_v simple_a and_o prudent_a righteous_a and_o religious_o wise_a be_v such_o a_o thing_n that_o man_n be_v whole_o unacquainted_a with_o and_o which_o discover_v to_o we_o both_o the_o greatness_n and_o high_a perfection_n of_o that_o person_n who_o teach_v man_n a_o doctrine_n so_o sublime_a and_o elevate_v verse_n 4._o whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v humble_v himself_o as_o this_o little_a child_n the_o same_o be_v great_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n how_o different_a be_v these_o notion_n from_o the_o common_a one_o of_o man_n how_o different_a be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n from_o all_o worldly_a empire_n and_o how_o well_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o such_o surprise_a maxim_n as_o these_o can_v not_o possible_o proceed_v from_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n verse_n 9_o and_o if_o thy_o eye_n offend_v thou_o pluck_v it_o out_o etc._n etc._n by_o the_o eye_n here_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v our_o darling_n sin_n or_o whatever_o else_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o so_o that_o christ_n hereby_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o sacrifice_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n whatever_o we_o dear_o prize_v and_o value_v most_o do_v ever_o any_o teacher_n less_o flatter_v man_n vanity_n verse_n 22._o i_o say_v not_o unto_o thou_o until_o seven_o time_n but_o until_o seventy_o time_n seven_o this_o be_v a_o certain_a number_n make_v use_v of_o for_o a_o uncertain_a one_o which_o signify_v that_o we_o must_v continual_o forgive_v that_o mercy_n have_v no_o bound_n and_o that_o charity_n can_v be_v limit_v who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o such_o a_o concern_v to_o unite_v all_o heart_n together_o to_o banish_v all_o misunderstanding_n among_o man_n in_o give_v so_o vast_a a_o latitude_n to_o charity_n and_o mercy_n can_v proceed_v from_o none_o but_o he_o that_o be_v master_n of_o all_o heart_n and_o the_o common_a father_n of_o mankind_n chap._n xxi_o 43._o therefore_o say_v i_o unto_o you_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o you_o and_o give_v to_o a_o nation_n bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o this_o be_v indeed_o a_o very_a express_a prediction_n of_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n verse_n 46._o but_o when_o they_o think_v to_o lay_v hand_n on_o he_o they_o fear_v the_o multitude_n because_o they_o hold_v he_o for_o a_o prophet_n what_o can_v be_v so_o remarkable_a in_o jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v take_v for_o a_o prophet_n but_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o miracle_n whereby_o he_o confirm_v it_o chap._n xxiii_o 36_o 37._o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v come_v upon_o this_o generation_n o_o jerusalem_n jerusalem_n thou_o that_o kill_v etc._n etc._n here_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v very_o plain_o set_v down_o chap._n xxiv_o 28._o for_o wheresoever_o the_o carcase_n be_v there_o will_v the_o eagle_n be_v gather_v together_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n crucify_v be_v the_o carcase_n and_o the_o roman_a standard_n where_o the_o eagle_n which_o be_v to_o fall_v upon_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n where_o the_o carcase_n be_v verse_n 34._o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o this_o generation_n shall_v pass_v till_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v fulfil_v the_o same_o reflection_n must_v be_v make_v in_o this_o place_n as_o we_o have_v make_v above_o chap._n xxvi_o 13._o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o wheresoever_o this_o gospel_n shall_v be_v preach_v in_o the_o whole_a world_n there_o shall_v also_o this_o that_o this_o woman_n have_v do_v be_v tell_v for_o a_o memorial_n of_o she_o a_o prophecy_n that_o have_v be_v sufficient_o fulfil_v verse_n 28._o for_o this_o be_v my_o blood_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v shed_v for_o many_o for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n do_v ever_o any_o man_n act_n or_o speak_v after_o so_o unheard_a of_o and_o surprise_v a_o manner_n can_v we_o find_v a_o man_n who_o not_o only_o foretell_v his_o suffering_n but_o also_o establish_v beforehand_o some_o memorial_n of_o a_o death_n he_o may_v easy_o have_v avoid_v and_o who_o but_o christ_n ever_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o shed_v his_o blood_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n verse_n 38_o 39_o then_o say_v he_o unto_o they_o my_o soul_n be_v exceed_o sorrowful_a even_o unto_o death_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o go_v a_o little_a further_o and_o fall_v on_o his_o face_n and_o pray_v say_v o_o my_o father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v away_o from_o i_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o explain_v what_o this_o exceed_a sorrow_n and_o agony_n be_v yet_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o it_o present_v we_o at_o first_o view_n with_o a_o object_n very_o surprise_v and_o that_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o those_o man_n who_o chief_a design_n be_v to_o invent_v such_o thing_n as_o shall_v be_v most_o for_o their_o master_n honour_n shall_v yet_o give_v we_o such_o a_o description_n of_o his_o suffering_n at_o least_o we_o find_v here_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o disciple_n which_o sincerity_n show_v we_o that_o we_o ought_v without_o scruple_n to_o receive_v the_o rest_n of_o their_o relation_n chap._n xxvii_o 42._o he_o save_v other_o himself_z he_o can_v save_v if_o he_o be_v the_o king_n of_o israel_n let_v he_o now_o come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n and_o we_o will_v believe_v he_o by_o this_o text_n it_o appear_v that_o christ_n pass_v for_o a_o person_n that_o have_v perform_v several_a miracle_n verse_n 45._o now_o from_o the_o six_o hour_n there_o be_v darkness_n over_o all_o the_o land_n unto_o the_o nine_o hour_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o can_v have_v make_v a_o whole_a city_n believe_v such_o a_o thing_n be_v it_o not_o true_a verse_n 51_o 52_o 53._o and_o behold_v the_o vail_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v rend_v in_o twain_o from_o the_o top_n to_o the_o bottom_n and_o the_o earth_n do_v quake_v and_o the_o rock_n rend_v and_o the_o grave_n be_v open_v etc._n etc._n how_o can_v st._n matthew_n have_v persuade_v man_n to_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o against_o their_o own_o knowledge_n to_o the_o contrary_a can_v the_o veil_n of_o the_o temple_n or_o the_o rock_n be_v rend_v can_v the_o earth_n quake_v and_o the_o grave_n open_a and_o yet_o the_o jew_n know_v nothing_o of_o it_o to_o who_o do_v the_o evangelist_n relate_v all_o these_o thing_n he_o write_v they_o before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n nay_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o consequent_o in_o a_o time_n when_o there_o be_v several_a thousand_o of_o people_n still_o live_v that_o can_v witness_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o how_o then_o can_v he_o so_o much_o as_o imagine_v he_o can_v deceive_v so_o many_o witness_n concern_v in_o the_o business_n to_o who_o he_o preach_v these_o thing_n and_o who_o he_o design_v to_o bring_v over_o to_o his_o party_n nay_o some_o of_o who_o have_v already_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n and_o form_v a_o very_a numerous_a and_o considerable_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n where_o all_o these_o thing_n have_v happen_v and_o where_o he_o attempt_v to_o persuade_v other_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o chap._n vii_o wherein_o we_o shall_v further_o produce_v out_o of_o the_o other_o gospel_n several_a place_n very_o proper_a to_o make_v we_o true_o sensible_a of_o
represent_v the_o disciple_n continual_o fast_v and_o pray_v can_v not_o devise_v that_o matter_n of_o fact_n suppose_v it_o to_o be_v false_a he_o will_v be_v very_o extravagant_a that_o shall_v believe_v that_o the_o apostle_n lead_v a_o ill_a course_n of_o life_n and_o plunge_v themselves_o in_o all_o sort_n of_o lewd_a debauchery_n their_o word_n their_o action_n convince_v we_o of_o the_o contrary_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v villain_n indeed_o if_o what_o they_o preach_v be_v false_a but_o if_o they_o be_v downright_o plain_a honest_a man_n as_o their_o speech_n necessary_o evince_v to_o we_o than_o be_v their_o preach_v also_o necessary_o true_a verse_n 12._o then_o the_o deputy_n when_o he_o see_v what_o be_v do_v believe_v be_v astonish_v at_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o will_v argue_v but_o little_a judgement_n in_o any_o one_o that_o design_n to_o impose_v a_o fiction_n upon_o man_n belief_n to_o pitch_v upon_o circumstance_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o public_a knowledge_n the_o conversion_n of_o a_o deputy_n be_v certain_o a_o event_n very_o remarkable_a chap._n xv._n 39_o and_o the_o contention_n be_v so_o sharp_a between_o they_o that_o they_o depart_v asunder_o one_o from_o the_o other_o and_o so_o barnabas_n take_v mark_n and_o sail_v unto_o cyprus_n this_o historian_n be_v very_o exact_a in_o relate_v the_o least_o occurrence_n he_o be_v sincere_a too_o since_o he_o scruple_n not_o to_o relate_v the_o contention_n which_o arise_v among_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o chap._n xx._n 12._o and_o they_o bring_v the_o young_a man_n alive_a and_o be_v not_o a_o little_a comfort_v can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o surprise_v or_o convince_a than_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a chap._n xxiv_o 25._o and_o as_o he_o reason_v of_o righteousness_n temperance_n and_o judgement_n to_o come_v fellix_fw-la tremble_v and_o answer_v go_v thy_o way_n for_o this_o time_n when_o i_o have_v a_o convenient_a season_n i_o will_v call_v for_o thou_o great_a indeed_o be_v the_o divine_a efficacy_n of_o his_o word_n which_o make_v a_o judge_n tremble_v sit_v on_o his_o tribunal_n of_o justice_n and_o before_o the_o chain_n of_o his_o prisoner_n chap._n xxviii_o 30_o 31._o and_o paul_n dwell_v two_o whole_a year_n in_o his_o own_o hire_a house_n and_o receive_v all_o that_o come_v unto_o he_o preach_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n here_o end_v the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n write_v by_o st._n luke_n it_o be_v manifest_a he_o compile_v it_o before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n because_o he_o mention_n nothing_o of_o that_o event_n neither_o do_v the_o gospel_n or_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o it_o but_o they_o often_o speak_v of_o the_o sudden_a come_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o of_o the_o judgement_n he_o have_v resolve_v to_o execute_v upon_o the_o jewish_a nation_n cahp._n ix_o wherein_o we_o shall_v yet_o far_o produce_v from_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n st._n peter_n and_o st_n john_n several_a text_n very_o proper_a to_o make_v we_o true_o sensible_a of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n chap._n i._n 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o paul_n the_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n call_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n separate_v unto_o the_o gospel_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n concern_v his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n which_o be_v make_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n by_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a man_n general_o insert_v all_o their_o title_n in_o the_o epistle_n they_o write_v but_o st._n paul_n insert_v the_o whole_a gospel_n in_o he_o and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o because_o his_o mind_n and_o heart_n be_v so_o full_a of_o it_o that_o he_o can_v not_o speak_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o jesus_n christ_n be_v his_o alpha_n and_o his_o omega_n his_o beginning_n and_o his_o end_n verse_n 7._o to_o all_o that_o â—e_v in_o rome_n belove_v of_o god_n call_v to_o be_v saint_n grace_n be_v unto_o you_o and_o peace_n from_o god_n our_o father_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n do_v ever_o man_n before_o he_o write_v in_o this_o stile_n he_o direct_v his_o discourse_n to_o those_o only_a that_o be_v call_v to_o be_v saint_n he_o do_v not_o vain_o compliment_v they_o after_o the_o usual_a way_n of_o the_o world_n but_o wish_v they_o the_o peace_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n certain_o he_o will_v not_o have_v write_v thus_o have_v he_o be_v a_o impostor_n or_o a_o enemy_n to_o his_o country_n man_n who_o endeavour_v to_o render_v they_o odious_a throughout_o the_o world_n by_o accuse_v they_o of_o a_o imaginary_a crime_n verse_n 16._o for_o i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v etc._n etc._n how_o strong_o persuade_v must_v that_o man_n be_v of_o what_o he_o say_v who_o express_v himself_o after_o so_o pathetical_a a_o manner_n and_o how_o well_o do_v the_o fullness_n of_o his_o mind_n appear_v by_o all_o these_o manifold_a and_o multiply_v expression_n chap._n viii_o 37_o 38_o 39_o nay_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n through_o he_o that_o love_v we_o for_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n etc._n etc._n a_o immovable_a constancy_n indeed_o and_o a_o divine_a confidence_n which_o he_o so_o natural_o set_v down_o and_o which_o can_v not_o possible_o arise_v from_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o impostor_n chap._n xi_o 28_o 29._o as_o concern_v the_o gospel_n they_o be_v enemy_n for_o your_o sake_n but_o as_o touch_v the_o election_n they_o be_v belove_v for_o the_o father_n sake_n for_o the_o gift_n and_o call_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n why_o do_v st._n paul_n here_o speak_v so_o move_o and_o tender_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o why_o do_v he_o earnest_o endeavour_v to_o soften_v and_o mitigate_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o gentile_n towards_o they_o whence_o come_v that_o inclination_n both_o of_o his_o heart_n and_o affection_n to_o favour_v those_o implacable_a enemy_n who_o seek_v nothing_o but_o his_o destruction_n and_o ruin_n certain_o a_o man_n that_o have_v forsake_v his_o own_o nation_n out_o of_o spite_n or_o a_o desire_n of_o revenge_n can_v not_o be_v of_o such_o a_o temper_n chap._n xii_o 2._o and_o be_v not_o conform_v to_o this_o world_n but_o be_v you_o transform_v by_o the_o renew_n of_o your_o mind_n etc._n etc._n we_o have_v here_o a_o man_n who_o have_v be_v whole_o change_v have_v acquire_v new_a knowledge_n new_a habit_n and_o new_a affection_n speak_v of_o nothing_o but_o of_o be_v transform_v renew_v and_o become_v a_o new_a creature_n etc._n etc._n a_o man_n who_o have_v be_v enlighten_v in_o his_o way_n to_o damascus_n speak_v of_o nothing_o but_o of_o illumination_n of_o a_o light_n that_o shine_v from_o heaven_n of_o a_o kingdom_n of_o light_n a_o man_n in_o fine_a who_o have_v have_v mercy_n show_v he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o fury_n of_o his_o persecution_n speak_v of_o nothing_o but_o pardon_n and_o grace_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o collect_v his_o history_n from_o his_o very_a expression_n verse_n 10_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o be_v kind_o affection_a one_o to_o another_o with_o brotherly_a love_n in_o honour_n prefer_v one_o another_o not_o slothful_a in_o business_n fervent_a in_o spirit_n serve_v the_o lord_n rejoice_v in_o hope_n patient_a in_o tribulation_n continue_v instant_a in_o prayer_n distribute_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o saint_n give_v to_o hospitality_n bless_v they_o which_o persecute_v you_o bless_v and_o curse_v not_o rejoice_v with_o they_o that_o do_v rejoice_v etc._n etc._n can_v we_o suppose_v these_o to_o be_v the_o word_n or_o thought_n of_o a_o impostor_n chap._n xiii_o 5._o wherefore_o you_o must_v needs_o be_v subject_n not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o also_o for_o conscience_n sake_n religion_n as_o it_o be_v cement_v the_o good_a and_o welfare_n of_o a_o state_n and_o piety_n seem_v inseparable_a from_o the_o public_a good_a of_o a_o society_n because_o god_n by_o who_o appointment_n king_n reign_n be_v the_o prime_a author_n of_o religion_n verse_n 12_o 14_o the_o night_n be_v far_o spend_v the_o day_n be_v at_o hand_n etc._n etc._n but_o put_v you_o on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o make_v no_o provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o this_o author_n word_n continual_o follow_v and_o express_v his_o thought_n he_o consider_v the_o gospel_n as_o a_o light_n that_o dissipate_v all_o the_o erroneous_a darkness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o his_o mind_n he_o consider_v
though_o perhaps_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o true_a and_o real_a one_o he_o frame_v at_o least_o a_o imaginary_a one_o to_o himself_o and_o will_v feign_v outlive_v his_o day_n in_o spite_n of_o death_n by_o immortalise_a himself_n in_o the_o remembrance_n of_o men._n who_o then_o can_v reconcile_v man_n to_o himself_o how_o come_v such_o lofty_a sentiment_n to_o be_v join_v with_o so_o much_o wretchedness_n and_o misery_n or_o why_o shall_v a_o be_v so_o mean_a and_o humble_a have_v such_o great_a and_o elevate_a notion_n if_o we_o consult_v the_o christian_a religion_n we_o shall_v soon_o be_v satisfy_v in_o this_o point_n for_o the_o first_o rudiment_n of_o it_o will_v solve_v all_o the_o seem_a riddle_n it_o will_v teach_v we_o that_o man_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n body_n and_o soul_n who_o quality_n and_o part_n be_v very_o different_a the_o body_n make_v he_o a_o member_n of_o the_o material_a world_n from_o whence_o he_o derive_v his_o wretchedness_n and_o misery_n in_o his_o soul_n he_o bear_v the_o image_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o real_a goodness_n if_o the_o mind_n be_v subject_a to_o matter_n we_o see_v only_o his_o imperfection_n and_o find_v nothing_o but_o a_o sensitive_a man_n in_o he_o but_o if_o the_o body_n be_v whole_o subject_a to_o the_o soul_n then_o only_o the_o greatness_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o soul_n appear_v and_o we_o find_v a_o spiritual_a man_n in_o he_o whatever_o therefore_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o greatness_n of_o man_n become_v a_o incredible_a paradox_n if_o apply_v to_o his_o outward_a and_o carnal_a part_n and_o whatever_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v his_o imperfection_n and_o unworthiness_n will_v be_v utter_o false_a if_o apply_v to_o he_o as_o a_o be_v glorious_a and_o pure_o spiritual_a but_o in_o our_o present_a state_n the_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v in_o a_o continual_a war_n sometime_o the_o excellence_n and_o greatness_n of_o man_n nature_n and_o sometime_o the_o weakness_n and_o vnworthiness_n of_o it_o appear_v according_a as_o the_o flesh_n or_o spirit_n be_v predominant_a and_o this_o serve_v for_o a_o certain_a rule_n to_o judge_v of_o man_n perfection_n or_o imperfection_n that_o every_o thing_n be_v great_a and_o noble_a in_o he_o that_o bring_v the_o flesh_n in_o subjection_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o every_o thing_n seem_v vile_a and_o contemptible_a that_o base_o bring_v the_o spirit_n in_o subjection_n to_o the_o flesh_n for_o what_o sort_n of_o greatness_n can_v we_o find_v in_o the_o latter_a and_o wherein_o consist_v the_o excellence_n of_o his_o outward_a qualification_n by_o which_o alone_o he_o endeavour_v to_o procure_v the_o esteem_n of_o other_o man_n not_o in_o the_o antiquity_n of_o his_o original_a for_o that_o bring_v he_o but_o the_o near_a to_o his_o primitive_a nothing_o or_o to_o the_o clay_n out_o of_o which_o he_o be_v first_o form_v he_o betray_v his_o weak_a judgement_n in_o esteem_v so_o much_o the_o original_a of_o his_o body_n and_o not_o regard_v that_o of_o his_o soul_n as_o for_o the_o good_n of_o fortune_n they_o swell_v his_o heart_n with_o pride_n and_o therefore_o he_o value_v himself_o more_o for_o what_o he_o enjoy_v than_o for_o what_o he_o real_o be_v suppose_v he_o a_o conqueror_n or_o if_o you_o please_v lord_n of_o the_o universe_n but_o alas_o that_o can_v be_v of_o no_o great_a continuance_n his_o reason_n indeed_o exalt_v he_o far_o above_o all_o other_o creature_n but_o even_o that_o reason_n be_v a_o slave_n to_o his_o scnse_n his_o passion_n deject_v rather_o than_o elevate_v he_o ambition_n be_v a_o weakness_n which_o make_v he_o unable_a to_o rule_v his_o desire_n pride_n a_o imperfection_n which_o so_o possess_v his_o mind_n that_o he_o can_v pass_v by_o the_o least_o affront_n to_o his_o reputation_n avarice_n a_o base_a fear_n of_o future_a want_n a_o limit_a consideration_n of_o self-love_n that_o forget_v itself_o to_o think_v better_o upon_o what_o be_v least_o valuable_a in_o its_o condition_n the_o punctilio_n of_o honour_n a_o vain_a imperfection_n that_o make_v a_o idol_n of_o itself_o that_o valour_n which_o affront_v death_n nothing_o but_o a_o man_n strange_o forget_v himself_o and_o be_v insensible_a of_o the_o danger_n that_o surround_v he_o and_o last_o all_o the_o passion_n but_o so_o many_o deviation_n from_o the_o end_n we_o ought_v to_o pursue_v so_o many_o disorder_n and_o irregularity_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o appear_v full_o by_o what_o we_o have_v say_v elsewhere_o concern_v the_o end_n for_o which_o man_n be_v original_o design_v and_o though_o these_o be_v all_o moral_a truth_n they_o be_v not_o the_o less_o certain_a experience_n confirm_v they_o and_o â—he_v free_a confession_n of_o the_o incredulous_a who_o be_v glad_a of_o any_o opportunity_n of_o make_v we_o observe_v all_o these_o sign_n and_o character_n of_o our_o wretchedness_n and_o misery_n think_v thereby_o to_o persuade_v we_o that_o so_o miserable_a a_o creature_n be_v not_o design_v for_o such_o a_o glorious_a end_n as_o we_o imagine_v but_o let_v they_o only_o consider_v how_o true_o great_a man_n be_v when_o he_o submit_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o they_o will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o their_o false_a opinion_n they_o will_v find_v he_o indeed_o a_o be_v that_o have_v a_o beginning_n but_o yet_o one_o that_o glory_v in_o god_n as_o the_o author_n of_o it_o they_o will_v find_v he_o a_o atom_n that_o raise_v its_o self_n above_o all_o other_o creature_n by_o run_v back_o to_o its_o first_o author_n and_o pay_v he_o homage_n for_o its_o unworthiness_n a_o worm_n that_o have_v the_o honour_n of_o refer_v its_o self_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o which_o also_o all_o other_o being_n be_v refer_v but_o without_o know_v it_o they_o will_v find_v he_o a_o be_v that_o be_v indeed_o mortal_a carry_v its_o hope_n beyond_o death_n a_o be_v that_o be_v finite_a yet_o its_o desire_n and_o intention_n be_v unlimited_a a_o small_a quantity_n of_o earth_n will_v cover_v his_o body_n yet_o nothing_o but_o immensity_n will_v satisfy_v his_o soul_n he_o possess_v all_o thing_n for_o he_o call_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o he_o that_o create_v all_o thing_n he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v rank_v among_o those_o creature_n which_o grow_v proud_a by_o promotion_n or_o can_v be_v humble_a without_o debase_v themselves_o he_o be_v great_a but_o not_o proud_a because_o he_o know_v his_o natural_a vileness_n and_o he_o be_v humble_a but_o not_o base_a because_o he_o be_v sensible_a of_o his_o true_a greatness_n and_o worth_n he_o have_v make_v such_o a_o covenant_n with_o his_o god_n as_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o body_n be_v not_o able_a to_o dissolve_v though_o he_o conqer_v not_o kingdom_n nor_o raze_v city_n yet_o he_o be_v able_a to_o overcome_v those_o passion_n which_o have_v produce_v the_o like_a effect_n he_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n those_o very_a passion_n to_o which_o man_n heretofore_o sacrifice_v all_o their_o possession_n he_o esteem_v not_o a_o crown_n and_o the_o high_a dignity_n be_v of_o no_o value_n in_o his_o thought_n he_o quit_v a_o throne_n to_o equal_v himself_o to_o shepherd_n and_o though_o but_o a_o shepherd_n he_o think_v himself_o as_o great_a as_o the_o most_o powerful_a monarch_n what_o the_o world_n admire_v be_v but_o a_o dream_n to_o he_o though_o he_o enjoy_v the_o great_a title_n yet_o have_v he_o the_o same_o humble_a thought_n of_o himself_o shall_v the_o world_n afflict_v he_o on_o every_o side_n it_o can_v lessen_v his_o opinion_n of_o himself_o he_o raise_v himself_o above_o what_o he_o see_v to_o humble_v himself_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n who_o be_v invisible_a he_o possess_v eternity_n though_o he_o exist_v in_o time_n he_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n though_o he_o live_v among_o man_n he_o be_v sensible_a of_o his_o exaltation_n above_o all_o other_o being_n but_o he_o be_v true_o great_a in_o his_o own_o humility_n thus_o the_o christian_a religion_n not_o only_o show_v we_o man_n excellence_n but_o be_v also_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o by_o make_v the_o mean_a part_n of_o our_o nature_n subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o noble_a he_o therefore_o that_o utter_o renounce_v all_o religion_n lose_v the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o less_o he_o believe_v the_o more_o he_o debase_v himself_o below_o other_o creature_n it_o be_v therefore_o the_o christian_a religion_n alone_o that_o show_v we_o the_o cure_n as_o well_o as_o the_o disease_n that_o produce_v our_o hide_a virtue_n and_o unmask_v our_o vice_n that_o discover_v to_o we_o our_o misery_n and_o free_v we_o from_o it_o that_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o the_o wretchedness_n of_o our_o nature_n by_o make_v we_o true_o sensible_a of_o it_o that_o make_v we_o great_a by_o make_v
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
that_o be_v divide_v into_o the_o porch_n the_o holy_a place_n and_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n be_v answerable_a the_o world_n the_o church_n and_o the_o heaven_n the_o eternal_a sanctuary_n of_o god_n to_o the_o levite_n all_o the_o faithful_a without_o exception_n that_o be_v design_v to_o serve_v god_n to_o the_o white_a clothing_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n the_o innocence_n and_o holiness_n of_o all_o those_o who_o design_n to_o approach_v unto_o he_o to_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o body_n the_o purity_n both_o of_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n to_o the_o blood_n of_o goat_n and_o of_o lamb_n which_o be_v a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o old_a covenant_n the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o confirm_v the_o new_a testament_n to_o the_o entrance_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n wear_v the_o name_n of_o the_o twelve_o tribe_n write_v upon_o his_o breast_n and_o present_v to_o god_n the_o blood_n that_o be_v shed_v in_o the_o porch_n correspond_v the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n into_o heaven_n where_o he_o continual_o present_v we_o to_o god_n his_o father_n and_o intercede_v for_o we_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o blood_n which_o he_o shed_v for_o the_o expiation_n of_o our_o sin_n to_o the_o purify_n water_n which_o wash_v away_o all_o the_o pollution_n of_o the_o body_n the_o water_n of_o grace_n which_o sanctify_v the_o spirit_n to_o mount_n sinai_n mount_n zion_n to_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o trumpet_n of_o ram_n horn_n the_o voice_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o moses_n himself_o the_o mediator_n of_o the_o law_n jesus_n christ_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n the_o different_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v be_v also_o further_o represent_v to_o we_o by_o the_o various_a condition_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n our_o spiritual_a bondage_n be_v mark_v out_o by_o their_o temporal_a slavery_n our_o deliverance_n by_o their_o deliverance_n our_o enemy_n by_o their_o enemy_n and_o so_o just_a and_o reasonable_a be_v the_o conformity_n there_o be_v betwixt_o those_o image_n and_o their_o original_a that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n often_o make_v little_a distinction_n betwixt_o they_o and_o intermix_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o chapter_n that_o which_o concern_v the_o temporal_a state_n of_o the_o israelite_n and_o that_o which_o concern_v the_o spiritual_a condition_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o also_o the_o event_n that_o attend_v the_o jewish_a oeconomy_n and_o the_o wonder_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n these_o thing_n be_v worth_a our_o observation_n and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o due_o consider_v they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o prophecy_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n last_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v resolve_v we_o shall_v not_o want_v a_o competent_a number_n of_o type_n that_o may_v sufficient_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o excellence_n office_n and_o ministry_n of_o our_o mediator_n thus_o isaac_n conceive_v in_o the_o womb_n of_o a_o barren_a woman_n the_o delight_n of_o his_o father_n the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n offer_v up_o for_o a_o sacrifice_n upon_o a_o mount_n by_o the_o very_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n rising_z as_o it_o be_v from_o the_o dead_a by_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o knife_n he_o have_v already_o lift_v up_o against_o he_o and_o have_v afterward_o a_o seed_n as_o numerous_a as_o the_o star_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o sand_n of_o the_o sea_n this_o isaac_n i_o say_v be_v a_o lively_a image_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v conceive_v in_o the_o virgin_n womb_n the_o darling_n of_o his_o father_n in_o who_o he_o be_v well-pleased_a the_o foundation_n of_o all_o his_o promise_n the_o source_n of_o his_o blessing_n die_v upon_o mount_n calvary_n rise_v again_o in_o a_o wonderful_a manner_n after_o his_o death_n and_o see_v his_o seed_n after_o he_o when_o he_o have_v make_v his_o soul_n a_o offer_n for_o sin_n thus_o again_o joseph_n sell_v by_o his_o brethren_n betray_v out_o of_o envy_n accuse_v though_o innocent_a condemn_v because_o he_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o immodest_a desire_n of_o a_o lascivious_a woman_n deliver_v out_o of_o prison_n appear_v before_o pharaoh_n clothe_v in_o garment_n suitable_a to_o that_o honour_n and_o then_o sit_v at_o his_o right_a hand_n be_v a_o wonderful_a representation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n betray_v out_o of_o envy_n sell_v by_o the_o jew_n themselves_o who_o be_v his_o brethren_n condemn_v for_o refuse_v to_o comply_v with_o the_o synagogue_n cast_v down_o into_o the_o darkness_n of_o death_n endue_v with_o heavenly_a gift_n raise_v again_o to_o heaven_n and_o sit_v at_o length_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n moses_n defign_v to_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o the_o legal_a covenant_n rescue_v at_o his_o nativity_n from_o a_o deluge_n of_o blood_n expose_v to_o the_o riverside_n and_o as_o it_o be_v give_v up_o to_o a_o sure_a and_o infallible_a death_n but_o afterward_o deliver_v by_o a_o kind_n of_o miracle_n from_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o water_n and_o also_o deliver_v not_o long_a after_o his_o own_o nation_n himself_o by_o a_o lucky_a turn_v when_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v cast_v away_o be_v a_o exact_a representation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v deliver_v at_o his_o birth_n from_o the_o murder_n of_o herod_n and_o save_v man_n after_o his_o have_v suffer_v death_n ionas_n who_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o sea_n to_o appease_v the_o tempest_n and_o swallow_v by_o a_o whale_n which_o three_o day_n after_o cast_v he_o again_o on_o the_o shore_n sufficient_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v who_o it_o be_v that_o calm_v by_o his_o death_n that_o storm_n our_o sin_n have_v raise_v that_o go_v down_o into_o the_o grave_a and_o afterward_o rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n last_o david_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o state_n of_o a_o shepherd_n to_o that_o of_o a_o monarch_n be_v a_o excellent_a type_n of_o christ_n who_o after_o his_o humiliation_n inherit_v a_o name_n that_o be_v above_o every_o name_n and_o as_o for_o those_o prophecy_n which_o have_v describe_v to_o we_o by_o such_o notable_a epochae_n and_o signal_n character_n both_o the_o person_n come_v and_o the_o time_n of_o the_o come_v of_o the_o messiah_n we_o have_v already_o very_o large_o speak_v of_o they_o so_o that_o what_o we_o have_v say_v in_o that_o respect_n be_v more_o than_o sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o admire_v the_o exact_a proportion_n there_o be_v betwixt_o the_o first_o and_o second_o covenant_n as_o well_o as_o betwixt_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a religion_n moses_n illustrates_n christ_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v in_o our_o first_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n and_o christ_n again_o illustrates_n moses_n as_o appear_v plain_o by_o the_o comparison_n we_o just_o now_o make_v of_o they_o xi_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o proportion_n it_o bear_v to_o natural_a religion_n we_o have_v already_o describe_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v thus_o consider_v in_o have_v full_o prove_v in_o several_a place_n of_o this_o work_n that_o it_o take_v away_o the_o corruption_n which_o have_v disorder_v nature_n that_o it_o subvert_v paganism_n which_o be_v the_o corruption_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o it_o be_v the_o perfect_a restauration_n of_o the_o latter_a that_o it_o reestablish_v the_o principle_n of_o justice_n and_o equity_n which_o god_n have_v imprint_v in_o our_o heart_n that_o it_o produce_v the_o most_o perfect_a union_n of_o society_n by_o love_n and_o charity_n that_o humility_n temperance_n wisdom_n and_o all_o other_o kind_n of_o virtue_n which_o support_v natural_a religion_n derive_v the_o force_n of_o their_o motive_n from_o the_o christian_a religion_n they_o alone_o be_v equivalent_a to_o all_o sensible_a object_n and_o last_o that_o it_o make_v we_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o our_o creation_n it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o our_o mind_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n exalt_v our_o nature_n to_o reflect_v that_o the_o end_n for_o which_o man_n be_v design_v be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o end_n of_o christian_a religion_n the_o same_o with_o the_o true_a end_n of_o man_n creation_n every_o thing_n that_o go_v to_o the_o constitution_n of_o man_n nature_n do_v in_o a_o manner_n seek_v after_o god_n the_o infinite_a curiosity_n of_o our_o mind_n incessant_o thirst_v after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o new_a object_n seek_v after_o that_o deity_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n discover_v to_o we_o because_o that_o deity_n contain_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o excellence_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n the_o greedy_a and_o hasty_a desire_n of_o our_o
that_o by_o show_v that_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v compose_v before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n i_o show_v also_o that_o it_o be_v as_o ancient_a as_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o which_o afford_v we_o one_o determination_n very_o advantageous_a to_o our_o cause_n so_o that_o this_o objection_n be_v very_o favourable_a to_o instead_o of_o prove_v any_o thing_n against_o we_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o we_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o second_o suspicion_n we_o be_v willing_a to_o entertain_v concern_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n chap._n ii_o prove_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v never_o corrupt_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n to_o we_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v ever_o look_v upon_o as_o sacred_a and_o not_o to_o be_v corrupt_v without_o impiety_n and_o irreligion_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v reason_n or_o prejudice_n that_o make_v it_o so_o esteem_v by_o the_o christian_n i_o shall_v now_o examine_v it_o be_v enough_o that_o the_o esteem_v man_n have_v of_o it_o seem_v as_o ancient_a as_o the_o book_n itself_o it_o be_v be_v consider_v as_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o our_o hope_n and_o the_o original_n of_o heavenly_a revelation_n its_o be_v read_v and_o order_v to_o be_v read_v in_o public_a and_o private_a from_o the_o age_n of_o clemens_n polycarp_n justin_n and_o iraeneus_n to_o we_o i_o say_v all_o this_o show_v that_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v corrupt_v in_o its_o essential_o but_o this_o truth_n very_o well_o deserve_v a_o more_o strict_a consideration_n i_o say_v then_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v have_v unanimous_o conspire_v to_o corrupt_v this_o book_n for_o though_o one_o single_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v attempt_v it_o yet_o the_o rest_n will_v certain_o have_v oppose_v it_o though_o all_o the_o christian_a doctor_n disperse_v up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n shall_v have_v agreeed_o to_o it_o yet_o the_o people_n will_v never_o have_v consent_v to_o it_o though_o the_o doctor_n and_o the_o people_n together_o shall_v have_v be_v inclinable_a to_o it_o yet_o sure_o their_o adversary_n will_v not_o have_v fail_v to_o reproach_v they_o with_o it_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n who_o only_a aim_n be_v to_o cry_v down_o their_o religion_n will_v never_o have_v conceal_v it_o julian_n porphirius_fw-la and_o all_o other_o particular_a enemy_n of_o the_o christian_n will_v have_v draw_v some_o advantage_n from_o it_o in_o a_o word_n though_o the_o silence_n of_o their_o adversary_n have_v favour_v so_o strange_a a_o enterprise_n yet_o the_o different_a party_n and_o various_a heresy_n which_o soon_o after_o spring_v up_o among_o the_o christian_n be_v a_o invincible_a obstacle_n to_o it_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o immediate_o after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o church_n be_v strange_o disturb_v by_o several_a various_a controversy_n for_o not_o to_o speak_v here_o of_o the_o gnostic_n that_o abominable_a sect_n which_o deserve_v not_o the_o honourable_a name_n of_o christian_n certain_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o millenarian_o which_o papias_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o author_n of_o found_v upon_o the_o apostolical_a tradition_n fifteen_o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o st._n john_n the_o controversy_n which_o soon_o after_o happen_v concern_v the_o christian_a passover_n together_o with_o the_o dispute_n of_o the_o orthodox_n against_o the_o origenist_n concern_v the_o resurrection_n and_o several_a other_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n i_o say_v these_o dispute_n may_v easy_o have_v divide_v the_o christian_n in_o the_o first_o century_n of_o the_o church_n next_o to_o they_o succeed_v the_o famous_a dispute_n of_o the_o orthodox_n with_o the_o arrian_n and_o with_o what_o heat_n and_o animosity_n they_o be_v carry_v on_o be_v sufficient_o know_v to_o all_o the_o world_n but_o however_o fatal_a all_o those_o controversy_n be_v to_o the_o church_n yet_o they_o produce_v that_o good_a effect_n by_o the_o direction_n of_o providence_n which_o order_v every_o thing_n to_o some_o good_a end_n that_o they_o preserve_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n pure_a and_o entire_a and_o at_o present_a strengthen_v our_o belief_n against_o all_o suspicion_n we_o may_v probable_o entertain_v in_o this_o respect_n for_o though_o the_o millenarian_o the_o origenist_n and_o the_o arian_n shall_v have_v attempt_v to_o corrupt_v the_o scripture_n yet_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o the_o orthodox_n which_o be_v so_o exasperate_v against_o they_o shall_v have_v suffer_v it_o to_o be_v do_v or_o that_o if_o the_o orthodox_n have_v have_v any_o such_o design_n their_o adversary_n which_o be_v so_o incense_v shall_v have_v agree_v with_o they_o in_o the_o same_o intention_n shall_v i_o further_o grant_v this_o mutual_a agreement_n possible_a doubtless_o the_o almost_o infinite_a number_n of_o copy_n of_o edition_n and_o translation_n make_v at_o first_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n render_v the_o execution_n of_o that_o design_n impossible_a for_o though_o a_o man_n have_v corrupt_v one_o single_a copy_n among_o all_o those_o copy_n or_o translate_v those_o book_n false_a yet_o how_o can_v he_o corrupt_v all_o the_o other_o copy_n of_o they_o which_o be_v disperse_v in_o the_o world_n or_o how_o can_v he_o alter_v so_o many_o other_o translation_n which_o have_v be_v make_v of_o they_o in_o different_a time_n and_o in_o different_a place_n but_o suppose_v this_o be_v feasible_a if_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v ever_o corrupt_v it_o must_v have_v be_v either_o in_o their_o essential_o or_o in_o thing_n of_o little_a importance_n i_o mean_v by_o their_o essential_o those_o miraculous_a matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o well_o as_o all_o those_o other_o which_o if_o true_a demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n now_o if_o those_o write_n be_v not_o corrupt_v in_o their_o essential_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o they_o contain_v several_a true_a matter_n of_o fact_n sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n but_o if_o they_o be_v alter_v in_o their_o essential_o there_o must_v have_v be_v add_v to_o they_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o resurrection_n ascension_n into_o heaven_n the_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o apostle_n on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n the_o power_n the_o apostle_n have_v of_o speak_v strange_a language_n and_o of_o impart_v miraculous_a gift_n to_o other_o now_o i_o affirm_v that_o all_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n can_v not_o have_v be_v add_v to_o the_o new_a testament_n unless_o the_o whole_a book_n be_v forge_v because_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n consist_v of_o nothing_o else_o but_o of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o if_o you_o will_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o evident_o relate_v to_o they_o and_o which_o will_v certain_o be_v false_a if_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v false_a but_o let_v we_o join_v experience_n to_o reason_n and_o consider_v that_o if_o the_o christian_n have_v corrupt_v the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n will_v now_o be_v quite_o different_a from_o what_o they_o be_v in_o the_o former_a age_n and_o that_o have_v be_v continual_o alter_v from_o that_o time_n until_o now_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o apparent_a than_o such_o a_o alteration_n yet_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o perceive_v the_o contrary_a and_o it_o evident_o appear_v by_o a_o almost_o infinite_a number_n of_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n quote_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o father_n that_o there_o never_o be_v a_o book_n that_o suffer_v less_o alteration_n by_o the_o revolution_n of_o year_n than_o that_o do_v there_o be_v but_o two_o thing_n in_o my_o opinion_n that_o may_v be_v answer_v to_o this_o argument_n the_o first_o be_v that_o in_o corrupt_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n those_o place_n quote_v in_o the_o work_v of_o the_o father_n may_v also_o have_v be_v alter_v but_o this_o thought_n can_v never_o enter_v into_o any_o reasonable_a man_n mind_n for_o he_o must_v then_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v a_o person_n in_o a_o manner_n immortal_a who_o may_v have_v have_v time_n enough_o to_o alter_v so_o many_o book_n compose_v from_o age_n to_o age_n and_o a_o man_n too_o so_o much_o master_n of_o other_o man_n heart_n and_o understanding_n as_o to_o have_v be_v able_a to_o corrupt_v a_o book_n the_o most_o universal_o read_v and_o most_o careful_o preserve_v that_o ever_o be_v and_o to_o alter_v also_o with_o it_o all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n without_o any_o body_n ever_o perceive_v it_o or_o make_v the_o least_o opposition_n against_o it_o the_o second_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v answer_v be_v that_o this_o
corruption_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v do_v before_o any_o of_o the_o father_n begin_v to_o write_v that_o be_v fifteen_o or_o twenty_o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o we_o need_v only_o recall_v to_o mind_v all_o the_o reason_n that_o persuade_v we_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o forge_v by_o the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o it_o will_v appear_v they_o be_v no_o less_o conclusive_a in_o this_o place_n in_o short_a we_o need_v but_o join_v the_o martyrdom_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o be_v not_o certain_o so_o whimsical_a as_o to_o die_v in_o defence_n of_o their_o fiction_n with_o the_o passion_n the_o people_n have_v for_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o division_n which_o disunited_a the_o church_n immediate_o after_o their_o death_n the_o variety_n of_o translation_n the_o number_n of_o copy_n the_o constant_a and_o perpetual_a tradition_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n the_o connexion_n of_o the_o essential_a matter_n of_o fact_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v such_o that_o he_o that_o admit_v of_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o admit_v of_o the_o other_o too_o as_o he_o that_o believe_v the_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v his_o resurrection_n also_o and_o he_o that_o deny_v those_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v no_o long_o a_o christian_a the_o number_n of_o the_o book_n which_o the_o new_a testament_n consist_v of_o the_o repetition_n of_o the_o same_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o they_o the_o want_n of_o time_n and_o opportunity_n to_o invent_v or_o essential_o corrupt_v they_o the_o impossibility_n of_o it_o unless_o the_o book_n be_v whole_o forge_v the_o prodigious_a multitude_n of_o people_n who_o must_v have_v be_v impose_v upon_o in_o that_o respect_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n they_o must_v have_v be_v make_v to_o believe_v viz._n that_o whole_a society_n have_v receive_v some_o epistle_n from_o the_o apostle_n which_o contain_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v well_o remember_v the_o experience_n of_o time_n past_a which_o evident_o show_v that_o from_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n down_o to_o we_o that_o be_v for_o sixteen_o age_n together_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o essential_o corrupt_v the_o distance_n of_o place_n where_o those_o book_n must_v have_v be_v forge_v or_o corrupt_v together_o with_o the_o impossibility_n of_o make_v many_o fiction_n which_o in_o all_o appearance_n those_o book_n will_v have_v be_v full_a of_o pass_v for_o truth_n and_o that_o so_o soon_o after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n when_o the_o world_n have_v their_o preach_v yet_o fresh_a in_o their_o memory_n the_o silence_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o christian_n on_o that_o account_n who_o never_o mention_v any_o thing_n concern_v that_o pretend_a forgery_n the_o distinction_n the_o primitive_a christian_n make_v at_o first_o between_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n and_o those_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o absolute_a rule_n and_o standard_n of_o their_o faith_n all_o these_o consideration_n i_o say_v put_v together_o plain_o show_v we_o and_o that_o too_o in_o a_o evident_a manner_n that_o it_o will_v argue_v madness_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n long_a to_o entertain_v either_o of_o the_o two_o former_a suspicion_n i_o pass_v on_o therefore_o to_o a_o three_o which_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o compose_v fable_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o master_n but_o since_o this_o be_v the_o most_o considerable_a of_o they_o all_o and_o that_o which_o julian_n mahomet_n and_o almost_o every_o incredulous_a person_n of_o these_o time_n chief_o urge_v against_o we_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a i_o shall_v more_o particular_o and_o thorough_o examine_v it_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n for_o true_o upon_o that_o chief_o depend_v the_o solid_a proof_n of_o our_o religion_n chap._n iii_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o write_v what_o be_v false_a to_o comprehend_v distinct_o that_o the_o author_n we_o speak_v of_o do_v not_o impose_v upon_o we_o in_o their_o write_n it_o be_v fit_a to_o consider_v those_o write_n in_o particular_a one_o after_o another_o they_o consist_v of_o three_o principal_a part_n which_o be_v the_o four_o gospel_n the_o book_n of_o act_n and_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n st._n matthew_n write_v the_o first_o and_o his_o gospel_n be_v quote_v by_o clemens_n bishop_n of_o rome_n disciple_n and_o contemporary_a with_o the_o apostle_n barnabas_n quote_v it_o also_o in_o his_o epistle_n and_o ignatius_n and_o polycarp_n who_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o st._n john_n justin_n iraeneus_n who_o live_v a_o little_a after_o athenagoras_n tertullian_n and_o all_o the_o other_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n which_o succeed_v they_o unanimous_o receive_v it_o there_o be_v not_o only_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o st._n matthew_n concern_v which_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n to_o entertain_v any_o reasonable_a suspicion_n but_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o st._n mark_n be_v also_o a_o while_n after_o write_v for_o a_o second_o support_v of_o our_o belief_n the_o same_o father_n who_o testify_v of_o the_o one_o testify_v also_o of_o the_o other_o papias_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n justin_n speak_v of_o it_o and_o st._n iraeneus_n relate_v that_o mark_v the_o disciple_n of_o st._n peter_n compose_v his_o gospel_n of_o those_o matter_n he_o have_v hear_v the_o latter_a speak_v of_o st._n luke_n who_o accompany_v st._n paul_n in_o all_o his_o travel_n write_v a_o three_o gospel_n which_o the_o ancient_a father_n have_v also_o receive_v last_o st._n john_n the_o last_o of_o the_o apostle_n compose_v a_o four_o gospel_n towards_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o his_o day_n as_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n tell_v we_o and_o this_o apostle_n declare_v at_o the_o end_n of_o it_o that_o he_o himself_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o disciple_n say_v he_o which_o testify_v of_o these_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v see_v chap._n 21._o 24._o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v first_o of_o all_o that_o the_o four_o evangelist_n who_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o plainness_n and_o ingenuity_n which_o appear_v in_o their_o relation_n have_v nevertheless_o a_o very_a different_a stile_n from_o one_o another_o thus_o st._n john_n express_v himself_o after_o a_o very_a simple_a manner_n if_o compare_v with_o that_o of_o st._n luke_n who_o be_v a_o physician_n aught_o to_o have_v write_v in_o a_o more_o lofty_a stile_n than_o st._n john_n who_o be_v original_o a_o fisherman_n and_o this_o consideration_n remove_v the_o suspicion_n we_o may_v entertain_v that_o all_o those_o gospel_n be_v compose_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o author_n second_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o although_o these_o writer_n agree_v essential_o in_o the_o matter_n they_o relate_v there_o be_v nevertheless_o some_o small_a difference_n betwixt_o they_o which_o very_o sensible_o show_v we_o that_o they_o compose_v their_o gospel_n separately_z divine_a providence_n have_v so_o order_v it_o the_o better_a to_o confirm_v ouâ—_n faith_n yet_o our_o incredulous_a adversary_n will_v not_o stand_v to_o this_o assertion_n they_o will_v perhaps_o imagine_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n have_v get_v together_o at_o jerusalem_n after_o the_o death_n of_o their_o master_n take_v certain_a measure_n to_o make_v man_n believe_v certain_a suppositition_n matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o very_o exact_o and_o precise_o set_v down_o lest_o they_o shall_v contradict_v themselves_o in_o the_o testimony_n they_o shall_v give_v of_o they_o and_o that_o after_o have_v found_v several_a church_n by_o then_o preach_v some_o of_o they_o take_v special_a care_n to_o digest_v those_o very_a matter_n of_o fact_n in_o write_v which_o they_o have_v preach_v throughout_o the_o world_n after_o have_v invent_v they_o i_o think_v this_o be_v the_o most_o plausible_a objection_n of_o they_o that_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v raise_v against_o this_o subject_n but_o in_o order_n to_o confute_v this_o imagination_n it_o may_v perhaps_o suffice_v to_o call_v to_o mind_n what_o i_o have_v before_o mention_v the_o absurdity_n there_o be_v in_o suppose_v that_o a_o few_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a fisherman_n deject_v by_o the_o death_n of_o their_o master_n undeceive_v of_o the_o opinion_n they_o have_v entertain_v that_o he_o be_v their_o messiah_n and_o so_o fearful_a that_o they_o flee_v when_o he_o be_v seize_v upon_o in_o order_n to_o his_o crucifixion_n shall_v contrive_v among_o themselves_o how_o to_o deceive_v other_o man_n when_o they_o themselves_o be_v so_o miserable_o delude_v that_o they_o shall_v dare_v to_o invent_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o will_v certain_o fix_v a_o eternal_a blot_n and_o scandal_n upon_o their_o nation_n by_o make_v the_o jew_n be_v look_v