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
it_o will_v be_v often_o say_v lo_o here_o be_v christ_n or_o lo_o he_o be_v there_o before_o the_o last_o day_n of_o judgement_n as_o before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n jesus_n christ_n gather_v together_o in_o some_o christian_a church_n the_o elect_n from_o the_o four_o wind_n of_o heaven_n and_o that_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o apostle_n his_o mystical_a angel_n so_o likewise_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n he_o will_v send_v his_o angel_n to_o raise_v his_o elect_n from_o the_o dust_n and_o obscurity_n of_o the_o grave_a for_o the_o lord_n himself_o shall_v descend_v from_o heaven_n with_o a_o shout_n with_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o archangel_n and_o the_o dead_a in_o christ_n shall_v rise_v 1_o thess_n 4._o 16._o as_o there_o be_v see_v several_a comet_n and_o terrible_a sign_n that_o foretell_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o the_o smoke_n of_o the_o city_n and_o flame_v temple_n hide_v the_o light_n of_o the_o day_n and_o darken_v the_o sun_n and_o star_n so_o without_o doubt_n the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n will_v be_v also_o attend_v with_o sign_n and_o prodigy_n much_o more_o terrible_a st._n peter_n say_v the_o earth_n shall_v be_v burn_v up_o and_o the_o element_n shall_v melt_v with_o fervent_a heat_n etc._n etc._n 2._o epistle_n 3._o 10._o as_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o jew_n happen_v after_o a_o unexpected_a manner_n so_o also_o shall_v the_o last_o day_n come_v as_o a_o thief_n in_o the_o night_n as_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o temple_n be_v utter_o destroy_v as_o soon_o as_o the_o jew_n have_v complete_v the_o measure_n of_o their_o sin_n so_o this_o world_n which_o we_o inhabit_v must_v perish_v as_o soon_o as_o the_o end_n or_o call_v of_o all_o nation_n shall_v be_v fulfil_v as_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o say_v in_o that_o prophecy_n we_o now_o have_v under_o consideration_n beside_o one_o may_v reasonable_o imagine_v the_o disciple_n to_o be_v always_o prepossess_v with_o this_o opinion_n that_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n will_v immediate_o follow_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o when_o it_o be_v report_v among_o the_o disciple_n that_o st._n john_n shall_v not_o die_v because_o christ_n have_v say_v to_o one_o of_o they_o speak_v of_o 22._o he_o if_o i_o will_v that_o he_o tarry_v till_o i_o come_v what_o be_v that_o to_o thou_o they_o stretch_v that_o till_o i_o come_v as_o far_o as_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o they_o may_v have_v confine_v it_o to_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n a_o time_n which_o the_o apostle_n in_o reality_n see_v and_o in_o which_o jesus_n christ_n visit_v the_o jew_n in_o his_o justice_n further_o this_o tradition_n be_v spread_v abroad_o that_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n draw_v nigh_o the_o thessalonian_n be_v so_o terrify_v at_o it_o that_o st._n paul_n to_o comfort_v they_o again_o send_v they_o the_o follow_a assurance_n to_o the_o contrary_a now_o we_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n that_o you_o be_v not_o soon_o shake_v in_o mind_n or_o be_v trouble_v neither_o by_o spirit_n nor_o by_o word_n nor_o by_o letter_n as_o from_o we_o as_o that_o the_o day_n of_o chrst_n be_v at_o hand_n let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o by_o any_o mean_n for_o that_o day_n shall_v not_o come_v except_o first_o etc._n etc._n 2_o thess_n 2._o 2_o 3._o in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o wonder_v that_o that_o prophecy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n so_o faithful_o relate_v by_o his_o disciple_n shall_v have_v leave_v this_o impression_n in_o their_o mind_n for_o jesus_n christ_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n have_v give_v such_o mark_n and_o sign_n of_o his_o come_n that_o it_o seem_v as_o if_o the_o last_o judgement_n be_v immediate_o to_o follow_v it_o say_v that_o he_o shall_v appear_v as_o the_o lightning_n that_o come_v out_o of_o the_o east_n and_o shine_v even_o unto_o the_o west_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o have_v declare_v several_a time_n that_o all_o those_o thing_n shall_v happen_v to_o that_o generation_n that_o many_o of_o those_o who_o be_v present_a with_o he_o shall_v not_o taste_v of_o death_n until_o they_o have_v see_v all_o those_o thing_n since_o than_o jesus_n christ_n unite_v thus_o two_o several_a event_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o description_n but_o two_o subordinate_a event_n as_o like_v unto_o one_o another_o as_o the_o copy_n and_o the_o original_a may_v be_v it_o follow_v thence_o that_o his_o prophecy_n must_v have_v have_v two_o accomplishment_n the_o one_o very_o nigh_o and_o the_o other_o remote_a this_o in_o my_o opinion_n be_v the_o true_a way_n of_o unravel_v all_o those_o difficulty_n the_o disciple_n confound_v together_o two_o very_o remote_a event_n and_o jesus_n christ_n suffer_v they_o to_o continue_v in_o that_o opinion_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o event_n shall_v justify_v the_o prophecy_n but_o not_o that_o the_o prophecy_n shall_v be_v contrary_a to_o their_o event_n it_o be_v necessary_a therefore_o they_o shall_v be_v obscure_a before_o their_o completion_n but_o clear_a and_o easy_a when_o once_o accomplish_v but_o however_o probable_a what_o i_o have_v lay_v down_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v i_o shall_v be_v very_o sorry_a any_o one_o shall_v think_v i_o lay_v the_o stress_n of_o my_o argument_n upon_o it_o i_o make_v a_o distinction_n between_o bare_a conjecture_n and_o true_a and_o certain_a principle_n and_o i_o leave_v all_o the_o explanation_n i_o have_v just_a now_o give_v to_o the_o reader_n judgement_n to_o use_v according_a to_o his_o discretion_n i_o be_o indifferent_a whether_o he_o use_v my_o notion_n or_o those_o of_o any_o other_o man_n to_o solve_v certain_a difficulty_n which_o may_v occur_v therein_o i_o shall_v only_o insist_v upon_o two_o certain_a truth_n which_o in_o my_o opinion_n admit_v of_o no_o difficulty_n the_o first_o be_v that_o this_o prophecy_n be_v so_o circumstantial_o relate_v that_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o imagine_v it_o compose_v after_o the_o event_n or_o that_o a_o man_n take_v occasion_n from_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n at_o which_o none_o but_o titus_n and_o his_o army_n be_v see_v to_o make_v jesus_n christ_n say_v when_o he_o foretell_v that_o devastation_n that_o he_o will_v come_v in_o the_o cloud_n of_o heaven_n that_o he_o will_v send_v his_o angel_n to_o gather_v his_o elect_n from_o the_o four_o wind_n that_o they_o will_v see_v he_o come_v with_o power_n and_o great_a glory_n as_o the_o lightning_n that_o come_v out_o of_o the_o east_n and_o shine_v even_o unto_o the_o west_n that_o all_o the_o tribe_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v mourn_v at_o his_o come_n and_o that_o day_n shall_v come_v as_o sudden_o as_o the_o fire_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n the_o second_o truth_n which_o seem_v to_o i_o altogether_o unquestionable_a be_v that_o notwithstanding_o that_o little_a darkness_n with_o which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o overshadow_v this_o prophecy_n it_o be_v nevertheless_o in_o all_o respect_n so_o very_o exact_o relate_v in_o all_o its_o circumstance_n and_o so_o clear_o fulfil_v that_o suppose_v it_o compose_v before_o the_o event_n we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o proceed_v from_o a_o prophetical_a spirit_n for_o what_o can_v we_o read_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o what_o be_v include_v in_o this_o prophecy_n the_o beginning_n the_o continuation_n and_o end_n of_o the_o misfortune_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v all_o to_o be_v find_v in_o it_o it_o do_v not_o foretell_v a_o particular_a captivity_n of_o that_o people_n but_o a_o general_a dispersion_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v lead_v captive_n into_o all_o nation_n luk._n 21._o 24._o jesus_n christ_n weep_v over_o jerusalem_n on_o another_o occasion_n at_o his_o enter_v into_o it_o and_o utter_v these_o compassionate_a word_n o_o that_o thou_o have_v know_v even_o thou_o at_o least_o in_o this_o thy_o day_n the_o thing_n which_o belong_v unto_o thy_o peace_n but_o now_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o thy_o eye_n for_o the_o day_n shall_v come_v that_o thy_o enemy_n shall_v cast_v a_o trench_n about_o thou_o and_o compass_v thou_o round_o and_o keep_v the_o in_o on_o every_o side_n and_o shall_v â—ay_n thou_o even_o with_o the_o ground_n and_o thy_o child_n within_o thou_o and_o they_o shall_v not_o leave_v in_o thou_o one_o stone_n upon_o another_o because_o thou_o know_v not_o the_o time_n of_o thy_o visitation_n luke_n â—9_n 42_o 43_o 44._o and_o can_v any_o one_o believe_v that_o this_o passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n weep_v over_o jerusalem_n be_v also_o insert_v in_o â—he_n gospel_n be_v all_o those_o prophetical_a parable_n inâ—erted_v too_o in_o which_o jesus_n christ_n threaten_v the_o jew_n â—ith_z their_o approach_a destruction_n tell_v they_o â—ne_a while_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v let_v his_o vineyard_n to_o other_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
have_v for_o ever_o divide_v now_o the_o christian_a religion_n restore_v the_o society_n of_o nature_n for_o by_o unite_n man_n so_o strict_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o charity_n it_o far_o strengthen_v that_o natural_a love_n which_o we_o call_v humanity_n it_o destroy_v too_o the_o society_n of_o interest_n and_o ambition_n because_o it_o extirpate_v such_o inordinate_a desire_n as_o be_v not_o true_a principle_n of_o union_n and_o good_a understanding_n one_o among_o another_o it_o also_o strengthen_v civil_a society_n by_o command_v we_o to_o obey_v our_o superior_n and_o teach_v we_o to_o render_v unto_o cesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n and_o unto_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v go_n last_o it_o establish_v such_o a_o society_n as_o restore_v the_o equality_n of_o nature_n among_o we_o and_o whereas_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n till_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n a_o society_n of_o man_n external_o indeed_o unite_v by_o the_o bond_n of_o civil_a law_n government_n and_o the_o degree_n of_o proximity_n of_o blood_n but_o internal_o divide_v by_o their_o irregular_a passion_n christ_n show_v we_o a_o society_n of_o man_n external_o divide_v by_o the_o distance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n and_o the_o disparity_n of_o their_o condition_n but_o internal_o unite_v by_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n the_o same_o hope_n and_o the_o same_o charity_n nor_o be_v these_o mere_a idea_n or_o speculation_n for_o beside_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n visible_o relate_v whole_o to_o the_o design_n of_o make_v man_n holy_a and_o pure_a and_o dedicate_a they_o to_o god_n beside_o that_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v the_o end_n of_o their_o preach_v direct_v themselves_o in_o their_o epistle_n to_o those_o that_o be_v call_v to_o be_v saint_n and_o to_o the_o spiritual_a israel_n and_o declare_v concern_v apostate_n that_o they_o go_v from_o they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o they_o beside_o that_o jesus_n christ_n on_o all_o occasion_n make_v the_o very_a same_o distinction_n refuse_v to_o own_v they_o for_o his_o disciple_n that_o shall_v be_v whole_o take_v up_o with_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n and_o give_v this_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o those_o who_o he_o own_v for_o his_o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o the_o world_n hate_v they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o world_n joh._n 17._o 14._o i_o say_v beside_o all_o this_o we_o have_v this_o satisfaction_n that_o we_o can_v produce_v a_o society_n of_o holy_a man_n that_o yield_v not_o to_o any_o power_n of_o the_o world_n but_o withstand_v the_o most_o rigorous_a trial_n of_o persecution_n and_o renounce_v the_o entice_a charm_n of_o the_o world_n the_o better_a to_o adhere_v to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n a_o society_n victorious_a in_o temptation_n that_o overcome_v vice_n and_o delude_v the_o indefatigable_a endeavour_n of_o tyrant_n a_o society_n compose_v of_o mortal_a man_n yet_o not_o to_o be_v exstinguish_v by_o death_n that_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n yet_o encourage_v with_o motive_n supernatural_a that_o converse_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o despise_v it_o that_o be_v disperse_v in_o several_a different_a time_n and_o place_n yet_o always_o unite_v in_o the_o same_o thought_n and_o opinion_n that_o be_v continual_o attack_v by_o different_a passion_n yet_o constant_o surmount_v they_o in_o a_o word_n a_o society_n that_o still_o flourish_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o persecution_n increase_v the_o more_o as_o often_o as_o it_o be_v defeat_v and_o raise_v itself_o out_o of_o it_o be_v own_o ruin_n certain_o he_o must_v have_v read_v but_o little_a of_o ecclesiastical_a history_n that_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o all_o these_o truth_n and_o he_o must_v be_v wilful_o blind_a and_o purposely_o impose_v upon_o himself_o that_o acknowledge_v not_o the_o efficacy_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o those_o wonderful_a effect_n and_o it_o be_v proper_o in_o that_o society_n of_o holy_a man_n or_o in_o the_o church_n itself_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o seek_v for_o the_o fruit_n of_o religion_n for_o there_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o ancient_a prophecy_n which_o promise_v to_o show_v we_o the_o sheep_n feed_v with_o the_o bear_n and_o the_o leopard_n with_o the_o lamb_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n can_v not_o be_v leave_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o its_o enemy_n without_o work_v several_a wonder_n among_o they_o which_o even_o those_o infidel_n be_v sensible_a of_o so_o the_o christian_a church_n can_v continue_v in_o the_o world_n without_o produce_v such_o remarkable_a effect_n in_o it_o which_o the_o most_o incredulous_a themselves_o can_v call_v in_o question_n for_o let_v they_o tell_v we_o if_o they_o can_v how_o come_v the_o oracle_n of_o the_o heathen_n to_o be_v immediate_o silence_v when_o the_o apostle_n first_o preach_v the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n and_o by_o what_o power_n the_o sound_n of_o those_o man_n be_v go_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n make_v those_o oracle_n eternal_o cease_v which_o have_v so_o long_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v and_o so_o force_v the_o heathenish_a writer_n as_o plutarch_n and_o other_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o that_o so_o sudden_a and_o so_o unexpected_a silence_n for_o to_o object_v with_o julian_n that_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a oracle_n have_v be_v also_o silence_v conclude_v nothing_o because_o the_o apostle_n foretell_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n shall_v cease_v but_o how_o appear_v it_o that_o the_o oracle_n among_o the_o heathen_n declare_v they_o shall_v one_o day_n be_v silence_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o our_o prophecy_n be_v a_o everlasting_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n serve_v we_o instead_o of_o perpetual_a oracle_n but_o what_o accomplishment_n of_o prophecy_n confirm_v the_o pagan_a religion_n no_o less_o wonderful_a a_o effect_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v the_o abundance_n of_o revelation_n which_o bring_v so_o many_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a nation_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n hence_o come_v the_o world_n to_o be_v fill_v with_o wisdom_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o ignorant_a person_n and_o the_o mean_a servant_n to_o have_v more_o noble_a and_o rational_a idea_n of_o the_o deity_n than_o the_o most_o quick_a clearsighted_n philosopher_n and_o that_o too_o by_o the_o proposal_n of_o such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o seem_v indeed_o to_o the_o flesh_n a_o object_n of_o scandal_n and_o horror_n we_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v the_o advantage_n of_o all_o other_o for_o have_v utter_o abolish_v all_o those_o sacrifice_n wherein_o they_o offer_v the_o blood_n of_o man_n neither_o can_v we_o doubt_v but_o that_o this_o cruel_a and_o bloody_a superstition_n be_v sufficient_o advance_v in_o the_o world_n since_o we_o find_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n reproach_n the_o jew_n for_o have_v sacrifice_v their_o child_n to_o moloch_n and_o that_o julius_n cesar_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o commentary_n that_o it_o be_v a_o ancient_a custom_n among_o the_o gaul_n to_o offer_v human_a victim_n to_o their_o pretend_a deity_n i_o confess_v indeed_o the_o roman_n have_v already_o renounce_v such_o a_o barbarous_a and_o cruel_a superstition_n but_o then_o i_o question_v whether_o they_o do_v not_o still_o retain_v some_o spice_n of_o it_o in_o those_o spectacle_n they_o exhibit_v to_o the_o people_n wherein_o they_o be_v extreme_o please_v to_o see_v the_o blood_n of_o their_o gladiatour_n run_v down_o who_o kill_v one_o another_o mere_o to_o make_v they_o sport_n a_o sacrifice_n so_o much_o the_o more_o impious_a because_o dedicate_v rather_o to_o the_o unlawful_a pleasure_n of_o man_n than_o the_o honour_n of_o those_o being_n they_o look_v upon_o as_o go_n and_o what_o but_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v have_v abolish_v all_o those_o bloody_a spectacle_n and_o horrid_a divertisement_n we_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o be_v surprise_v to_o think_v how_o licentious_o that_o abominable_a sin_n usual_o punish_v by_o god_n and_o man_n with_o fire_n reign_v heretofore_o in_o the_o world_n and_o we_o can_v without_o horror_n and_o amazement_n reflect_v how_o that_o the_o love_n of_o both_o sex_n seem_v equal_o grow_v common_a to_o man_n and_o that_o ancient_a author_n free_o speak_v of_o that_o kind_n of_o debauchery_n which_o our_o own_o writer_n dare_v not_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v lest_o they_o defile_v their_o write_n socrates_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o by_o some_o of_o they_o as_o be_v deep_o smite_v with_o the_o beauty_n of_o alcibiades_n and_o the_o emperor_n trajan_n who_o panegyric_n well_o deserve_v thirty_o year_n labour_n strange_o blemish_v his_o reputation_n by_o that_o monstrous_a lechery_n which_o pretty_a well_o show_v the_o just_a ground_n for_o st._n paul_n reproach_n to_o the_o heathen_n who_o say_v that_o because_o when_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