we_o behold_v our_o lord_n cast_v out_o devil_n do_v it_o not_o assure_v we_o that_o he_o have_v power_n over_o the_o dark_a kingdom_n and_o that_o if_o we_o will_v submit_v to_o his_o gracious_a law_n he_o will_v at_o last_o bruise_v satan_n under_o our_o foot_n when_o we_o see_v he_o by_o his_o command_v and_o all-powerful_a word_n raise_v the_o dead_a it_o can_v but_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o strong_a faith_n and_o trust_n in_o he_o that_o though_o we_o die_v and_o our_o place_n know_v we_o no_o more_o yet_o his_o power_n which_o be_v able_a to_o subdue_v all_o thing_n unto_o itself_o can_v and_o will_v recover_v we_o again_o to_o life_n and_o at_o last_o swallow_v up_o death_n in_o victory_n thus_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o though_o we_o be_v not_o call_v to_o imitate_v our_o saviour_n in_o those_o action_n wherein_o he_o stand_v as_o a_o public_a person_n nor_o in_o those_o which_o he_o perform_v chief_o to_o show_v that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a and_o a_o good_a use_n to_o be_v make_v of_o every_o one_o of_o they_o record_v in_o the_o gospel_n but_o that_o which_o more_o near_o concern_v we_o be_v that_o there_o be_v certain_a thing_n wherein_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n be_v propose_v as_o a_o fair_a copy_n for_o our_o imitation_n and_o to_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o conform_v ourselves_o and_o these_o be_v all_o those_o thing_n wherein_o he_o come_v to_o exhibit_v to_o mankind_n a_o most_o perfect_a and_o complete_a draught_n of_o a_o divine_a life_n and_o nature_n and_o which_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n to_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o as_o namely_o a_o firm_a and_o unshaken_a faith_n in_o the_o goodness_n and_o power_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v both_o able_a and_o willing_a to_o reduce_v and_o bring_v we_o back_o to_o himself_o and_o that_o nothing_o shall_v fail_v of_o all_o the_o good_a that_o he_o have_v promise_v moreover_o we_o be_v enjoin_v to_o follow_v our_o bless_a redeemer_n in_o the_o purity_n and_o sanctity_n of_o his_o life_n by_o keep_v ourselves_o unspotted_a from_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n and_o then_o that_o we_o imitate_v he_o in_o his_o wonderful_a and_o exemplary_a humility_n who_o be_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v phil._n 2.6_o 7._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d clothe_v with_o celestial_a light_n and_o glory_n and_o possess_v of_o all_o the_o happiness_n of_o those_o immortal_a region_n yet_o empty_v himself_o and_o take_v upon_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o likeness_n and_o fashion_n of_o man_n that_o be_v he_o come_v into_o these_o earthly_a region_n take_v upon_o he_o a_o humane_a body_n and_o be_v make_v a_o man_n who_o be_v real_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o servant_n of_o corruption_n in_o this_o terrestrial_a state_n and_o last_o we_o be_v to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n in_o a_o universal_a and_o un-self-interessed_n love_n who_o be_v not_o content_v to_o be_v happy_a alone_o but_o die_v to_o recover_v the_o rest_n of_o his_o stray_a brethren_n here_o be_v the_o fair_a image_n and_o resemblance_n of_o that_o divine_a life_n our_o lord_n jesus_n come_v to_o propagate_v upon_o earth_n and_o to_o which_o we_o ought_v all_o to_o be_v conform_v according_a to_o that_o excellent_a pattern_n that_o he_o have_v lay_v before_o we_o 5._o to_o the_o intent_n that_o the_o thing_n which_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n may_v be_v vigorous_o pursue_v and_o all_o sin_n and_o vice_n discountenance_v and_o banish_v the_o great_a and_o last_o day_n of_o judgement_n be_v make_v know_v to_o we_o when_o the_o fix_a and_o determinate_a time_n be_v come_v wherein_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o generation_n of_o man_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o animal_n by_o the_o conflagration_n of_o this_o terrestrial_a globe_n then_o shall_v jesus_n christ_n visible_o descend_v from_o heaven_n with_o the_o sound_n of_o a_o trumpet_n and_o the_o voice_n of_o a_o archangel_n accompany_v with_o innumerable_a band_n and_o squadron_n of_o the_o heavenly_a militia_n and_o every_o individual_a person_n that_o have_v live_v in_o the_o world_n since_o adam_n to_o that_o very_a time_n shall_v visible_o appear_v before_o he_o and_o as_o the_o angel_n rescue_v lot_n from_o that_o particular_a burn_v of_o sodom_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o city_n of_o the_o plain_a so_o these_o officious_a spirit_n shall_v be_v employ_v by_o their_o great_a prince_n and_o head_n christ_n jesus_n to_o gather_v his_o elect_n from_o the_o four_o wind_n 24.31_o from_o one_o end_n of_o heaven_n to_o the_o other_o and_o save_v they_o from_o this_o universal_a burn_v that_o shall_v at_o once_o seize_v upon_o this_o low_a world_n for_o then_o by_o the_o mighty_a power_n and_o word_n of_o he_o that_o create_v all_o thing_n the_o subterraneous_a treasure_n of_o fire_n shall_v be_v open_v which_o meet_v with_o those_o fierce_a and_o penetrate_a fire_n wherewith_o the_o whole_a vault_n of_o heaven_n be_v inflame_v with_o their_o joint_n and_o unite_a force_n will_v melt_v and_o dissolve_v all_o terrestrial_a mixture_n and_o combination_n and_o complete_a that_o sulphureous_a lake_n and_o external_a hell_n which_o be_v of_o old_a prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n by_o all_o which_o we_o see_v the_o mighty_a efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o what_o powerful_a mean_n it_o be_v furnish_v withal_o to_o reclaim_v man_n from_o their_o sin_n and_o fit_v they_o for_o a_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o another_o world_n a_o defencf_n of_o reveal_v religion_n sermon_n vi._n rome_n i._o 16._o for_o i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n the_o usefulness_n and_o serviceableness_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n for_o the_o promote_a the_o immortal_a happiness_n of_o man_n have_v be_v full_o show_v in_o the_o precede_a discourse_n and_o likewise_o the_o suitableness_n strength_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o argument_n contain_v in_o it_o to_o that_o end_n and_o purpose_n we_o shall_v now_o as_o a_o conclusion_n of_o all_o show_v that_o christianity_n be_v high_o conduce_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o life_n and_o that_o there_o can_v be_v a_o better_a way_n for_o any_o person_n to_o live_v happy_o in_o this_o world_n than_o by_o a_o due_a and_o sincere_a observation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o command_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o that_o this_o may_v appear_v easy_a and_o natural_a we_o need_v but_o take_v a_o inventory_n of_o all_o those_o good_a thing_n that_o this_o our_o earthly_a state_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o due_a observance_n of_o christ_n command_n be_v the_o most_o proper_a mean_n both_o for_o their_o acquisition_n and_o continuance_n the_o blessing_n then_o of_o this_o life_n be_v such_o as_o either_o relate_v to_o the_o public_a or_o such_o as_o concern_v every_o particular_a man_n person_n the_o public_a blessing_n be_v 1._o peace_n let_v we_o see_v now_o how_o excellent_o well_o religion_n provide_v for_o this_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n come_v to_o unite_v and_o cement_v all_o christian_n into_o one_o body_n to_o heal_v the_o distemper_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o make_v all_o the_o jar_a principle_n of_o the_o world_n chime_v together_o and_o if_o man_n be_v conform_v to_o his_o example_n and_o put_v in_o practice_n his_o command_n there_o will_v be_v no_o occasion_n of_o disturbance_n no_o animosity_n or_o contention_n but_o a_o universal_a calm_a will_v overspread_v the_o earth_n and_o this_o world_n will_v shine_v out_o into_o a_o perfect_a heaven_n from_o whence_o come_v war_n and_o fight_n among_o you_o say_v the_o apostle_n james_n 4.1_o from_o whence_o be_v it_o all_o the_o trouble_n and_o confusion_n of_o the_o world_n flow_v come_v they_o not_o of_o your_o lust_n that_o war_n in_o your_o member_n and_o solomon_n assure_v we_o prov._n 13.10_o that_o it_o be_v only_o by_o pride_n contention_n come_v here_o be_v the_o source_n of_o all_o the_o misery_n that_o mankind_n now_o groan_v under_o for_o when_o man_n lust_n and_o passion_n become_v exorbitant_a they_o raise_v unequal_a and_o convulsive_a motion_n in_o the_o body_n politic_a as_o the_o undue_a fermentation_n of_o the_o humour_n in_o the_o natural_a body_n often_o produce_v dangerous_a effect_n it_o be_v man_n unbridled_a appetite_n which_o religion_n come_v to_o correct_v that_o make_v they_o murmur_v and_o repine_v against_o the_o present_a settlement_n of_o the_o nation_n though_o the_o great_a blessing_n that_o we_o can_v hope_v for_o here_o both_o for_o ourselves_o and_o our_o posterity_n be_v the_o most_o likely_a to_o be_v derive_v from_o hence_o these_o unruly_a
that_o if_o they_o will_v recant_v what_o they_o have_v say_v to_o jesus_n and_o leave_v off_o speak_v any_o more_o in_o his_o name_n they_o may_v enjoy_v their_o ease_n and_o quiet_v and_o perhaps_o have_v some_o reward_n into_o the_o bargain_n but_o if_o they_o will_v persist_v and_o go_v on_o they_o must_v look_v for_o the_o sharp_a trial_n and_o persecution_n which_o indeed_o these_o holy_a man_n meet_v withal_o almost_o in_o all_o place_n where_o they_o come_v now_o have_v the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v only_o a_o feign_a story_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o rest_n that_o have_v combine_v to_o spread_v it_o abroad_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o while_o they_o meet_v with_o no_o hazard_n nor_o danger_n they_o may_v carry_v on_o the_o cheat_n yet_o when_o life_n lie_v at_o stake_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o think_v that_o any_o one_o will_v die_v for_o that_o which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v a_o untruth_n but_o here_o we_o find_v in_o this_o case_n that_o the_o apostle_n free_o and_o joyful_o venture_v their_o life_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o and_o the_o most_o of_o they_o actual_o lose_v their_o life_n for_o it_o now_o he_o must_v be_v of_o a_o very_a easy_a and_o credulous_a nature_n and_o fit_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o that_o can_v believe_v so_o many_o man_n of_o good_a sense_n and_o sound_a understanding_n will_v die_v for_o a_o story_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o which_o their_o own_o conscience_n will_v tell_v they_o be_v a_o notorious_a falsehood_n by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v apparent_a that_o there_o be_v as_o high_a and_o full_a a_o testimony_n give_v to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v give_v to_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o this_o be_v put_v out_o of_o doubt_n there_o can_v be_v no_o scruple_n leave_v for_o any_o of_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n since_o the_o same_o person_n that_o attest_v the_o one_o do_v likewise_o assure_v to_o the_o world_n the_o other_o that_o be_v the_o same_o argument_n which_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n do_v likewise_o establish_v we_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n neither_o do_v i_o know_v what_o can_v with_o any_o colour_n be_v object_v against_o this_o unless_o man_n out_o of_o a_o obstinate_a humour_n will_v rather_o adhere_v to_o that_o poor_a subterfuge_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o for_o the_o spread_a abroad_o of_o which_o they_o give_v large_a money_n to_o the_o soldier_n viz._n that_o his_o disciple_n come_v by_o night_n and_o steal_v he_o away_o while_o the_o watch_n sleep_v which_o because_o by_o it_o they_o intend_v to_o discredit_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o doctrine_n i_o shall_v show_v how_o vain_a it_o be_v 1._o it_o be_v not_o likely_a the_o disciple_n who_o flee_v from_o he_o when_o he_o be_v take_v and_o the_o stout_a of_o they_o deny_v he_o shall_v now_o that_o he_o be_v dead_a venture_v to_o steal_v his_o body_n from_o a_o guard_n of_o soldier_n 2._o how_o improbable_a be_v it_o that_o all_o the_o watch_n shall_v be_v asleep_a at_o one_o time_n 3._o if_o they_o be_v all_o asleep_a how_o can_v they_o tell_v that_o the_o disciple_n take_v he_o away_o and_o not_o that_o he_o arise_v from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v 4._o how_o can_v it_o be_v that_o the_o disciple_n shall_v come_v just_a at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o they_o be_v all_o asleep_a 5._o how_o can_v they_o go_v so_o silent_o to_o work_v as_o to_o roll_v away_o the_o stone_n and_o to_o take_v out_o the_o body_n all_o which_o will_v have_v make_v some_o noise_n and_o take_v up_o some_o time_n and_o yet_o none_o of_o the_o watch_n hear_v they_o beside_o there_o be_v another_o circumstance_n which_o can_v well_o agree_v with_o the_o haste_n and_o fear_v these_o poor_a disciple_n must_v needs_o be_v in_o in_o such_o a_o attempt_n and_o that_o be_v that_o care_n which_o be_v take_v to_o lay_v the_o linen_n clothes_n by_o themselves_o in_o the_o sepulchre_n luke_n 24.12_o and_o yet_o the_o napkin_n that_o be_v about_o his_o head_n do_v not_o lie_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o linen_n clothes_n but_o be_v wrap_v together_o in_o a_o place_n by_o itself_o joh._n 20.7_o which_o be_v the_o most_o unlikely_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o disciple_n shall_v be_v so_o curious_a in_o sort_v the_o linen_n which_o they_o will_v either_o have_v take_v away_o with_o the_o body_n or_o at_o least_o not_o have_v spend_v time_n to_o wrap_v it_o so_o careful_o together_o 6._o last_o suppose_v they_o have_v take_v away_o the_o body_n quid_fw-la ex_fw-la cadavere_fw-la emolumenti_fw-la what_o benefit_n can_v they_o hope_v from_o a_o dead_a carcase_n will_v that_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v they_o forsake_v their_o dear_a relation_n to_o lay_v aside_o the_o sentiment_n and_o opinion_n in_o which_o they_o have_v for_o a_o long_a time_n be_v educate_v and_o instruct_v to_o expose_v themselves_o to_o a_o thousand_o vexatious_a reproach_n and_o at_o last_o to_o a_o vile_a and_o ignominious_a death_n and_o all_o to_o maintain_v the_o credit_n of_o a_o person_n that_o have_v so_o gross_o frustrate_v their_o expectation_n sure_o he_o that_o can_v believe_v such_o thing_n of_o the_o apostle_n must_v offer_v the_o great_a violence_n in_o the_o world_n not_o only_o to_o his_o own_o but_o to_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o now_o we_o can_v but_o see_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o infidelity_n that_o it_o must_v be_v either_o a_o very_a crooked_a and_o untoward_a education_n or_o a_o obstinate_a base_a and_o perverse_a spirit_n that_o carry_v man_n with_o so_o much_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o if_o these_o person_n be_v ask_v upon_o what_o account_n they_o give_v credit_n to_o thucydides_n history_n of_o the_o peloponnesian_a war_n or_o plutarch_n life_n or_o any_o other_o ancient_a historian_n they_o must_v say_v that_o the_o constant_a and_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o judicious_a have_v all_o along_o determine_v those_o person_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o those_o book_n and_o that_o they_o be_v person_n of_o credit_n and_o veracity_n and_o be_v it_o not_o mere_a frowardness_n humour_n and_o fantastickness_n to_o reject_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n hand_v down_o successive_o for_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n and_o upward_o concern_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n let_v they_o but_o have_v the_o same_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o they_o retain_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o forementioned_a historian_n and_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n confess_v that_o there_o be_v at_o least_o as_o many_o and_o as_o weighty_a motive_n of_o credibility_n for_o that_o as_o possible_o can_v be_v excogitated_a for_o these_o moreover_o according_a to_o the_o different_a nature_n of_o thing_n there_o be_v different_a way_n of_o probation_n and_o no_o man_n will_v expect_v a_o mathematical_a demonstration_n to_o prove_v a_o moral_a proposition_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o every_o ingenuous_a nature_n that_o there_o be_v as_o full_a and_o clear_a evidence_n as_o the_o matter_n can_v bear_v hence_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n though_o it_o may_v seem_v more_o satisfactory_a to_o have_v see_v he_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v with_o a_o man_n be_v own_o eye_n yet_o pronounce_v they_o bless_v that_o have_v not_o see_v 20.29_o and_o yet_o have_v believe_v intimate_v that_o it_o be_v a_o more_o generous_a faith_n to_o believe_v unsuspected_a witness_n upon_o the_o full_a and_o clear_a evidence_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n than_o if_o this_o faith_n be_v constrain_v and_o as_o it_o be_v necessitate_v by_o ocular_a demonstration_n hence_o we_o may_v understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n mat._n 12.32_o and_o whosoever_o speak_v a_o word_n against_o the_o son_n of_o man_n it_o shall_v be_v forgive_v he_o but_o whosoever_o speak_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o shall_v not_o be_v forgive_v he_o neither_o in_o this_o world_n neither_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v that_o be_v though_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n not_o to_o believe_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v send_v from_o god_n after_o he_o have_v give_v such_o manifest_a proof_n of_o it_o by_o his_o numerous_a and_o stupendous_a miracle_n yet_o the_o sin_n be_v not_o come_v to_o its_o height_n because_o there_o want_v yet_o further_o evidence_n our_o lord_n be_v not_o yet_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a but_o after_o his_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o as_o a_o confirmation_n of_o this_o the_o
teach_v all_o man_n that_o be_v to_o speak_v reverent_o of_o what_o god_n do_v and_o to_o have_v honourable_a thought_n of_o his_o work_n but_o for_o the_o further_a confirmation_n of_o this_o point_n and_o for_o the_o build_n of_o we_o up_o more_o firm_o in_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n i_o shall_v consider_v what_o be_v the_o main_a cause_n of_o shame_n and_o upon_o what_o ground_n we_o may_v just_o be_v ashamed_a of_o any_o doctrine_n deliver_v to_o we_o and_o then_o show_v that_o in_o none_o of_o these_o respect_n we_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o christian_a religion_n 1._o a_o first_o cause_n of_o shame_n be_v if_o that_o which_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o be_v not_o true_a if_o a_o man_n shall_v confident_o entertain_v a_o opinion_n that_o be_v false_a and_o which_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o credibility_n for_o and_o shall_v expose_v his_o life_n and_o fortune_n to_o hazard_v and_o danger_n for_o it_o he_o will_v have_v great_a reason_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o his_o levity_n and_o rashness_n and_o all_o man_n beside_o himself_o will_v conclude_v he_o guilty_a of_o a_o unpardonable_a folly_n 2._o we_o may_v just_o be_v ashamed_a if_o the_o thing_n propound_v to_o we_o be_v not_o rational_a that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o those_o common_a notion_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n which_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o our_o soul_n 3._o we_o have_v sufficient_a cause_n of_o shame_n and_o confusion_n if_o the_o doctrine_n offer_v to_o we_o for_o our_o faith_n and_o belief_n be_v not_o intelligible_a i._n e._n easy_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o all_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v propound_v for_o if_o christianity_n be_v make_v up_o of_o a_o company_n of_o intricate_a and_o dark_a riddle_n only_o to_o amuse_v the_o world_n and_o to_o puzzle_v our_o understanding_n i_o do_v not_o see_v but_o that_o a_o wise_a and_o sober_a person_n may_v have_v ground_n enough_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o 4._o if_o it_o be_v not_o useful_a to_o the_o 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everlasting_o happy_a in_o another_o life_n when_o these_o thing_n put_v together_o shall_v appear_v with_o irresistible_a evidence_n and_o clearness_n sure_o that_o man_n must_v be_v bereave_v of_o his_o wit_n and_o understanding_n that_o can_v be_v ashamed_a of_o a_o doctrine_n that_o have_v all_o these_o qualification_n in_o the_o first_o place_n then_o to_o make_v it_o manifest_a that_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v a_o doctrine_n worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n and_o of_o which_o there_o may_v be_v make_v the_o best_a defence_n in_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v show_v by_o a_o few_o argument_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o god_n send_v his_o son_n jesus_n to_o communicate_v this_o as_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n and_o that_o he_o will_v have_v all_o the_o world_n to_o live_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o it_o they_o that_o will_v have_v more_o full_a and_o ample_a satisfaction_n upon_o this_o subject_a may_v consult_v that_o excellent_a treatise_n of_o grotius_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n translate_v into_o english_a by_o dr._n patrick_n now_o the_o reverend_a bishop_n of_o ely_n now_o to_o this_o purpose_n let_v we_o consider_v that_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n upon_o which_o christian_n religion_n be_v build_v it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o probable_a either_o 1._o that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v deceive_v or_o 2._o that_o they_o shall_v deceive_v other_o 1._o it_o be_v not_o likely_a the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v deceive_v because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o relation_n which_o they_o deliver_v by_o here-say_a but_o be_v constant_a attendant_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o see_v he_o work_v his_o miracle_n when_o he_o cure_v disease_n raise_v the_o dead_a and_o cast_v out_o devil_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o apostle_n choose_v another_o into_o the_o room_n of_o judas_n there_o be_v this_o reason_n give_v for_o it_o act_n 1.21.22_o wherefore_o of_o these_o man_n which_o have_v company_v with_o we_o all_o the_o time_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n go_v in_o and_o out_o among_o we_o begin_v from_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n unto_o that_o same_o day_n that_o he_o be_v take_v up_o from_o we_o must_v one_o be_v ordain_v to_o be_v a_o witness_n with_o we_o of_o his_o resurrection_n here_o be_v one_o who_o together_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o assert_v upon_o his_o own_o knowledge_n the_o action_n of_o jesus_n his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o st._n luke_n chap._n 1.2_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o write_v be_v such_o as_o be_v deliver_v by_o they_o who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d eye-witness_n of_o they_o and_o doubtless_o there_o can_v be_v no_o better_a testimony_n in_o the_o world_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n than_o from_o a_o eye-witness_n of_o it_o according_a to_o that_o common_a say_n pluris_fw-la est_fw-la unus_fw-la ocularis_fw-la testis_fw-la quam_fw-la auriti_fw-la decem_fw-la one_o ocular_a demonstration_n be_v worth_a ten_o hearsays_a and_o this_o be_v the_o answer_n that_o peter_n and_o john_n give_v to_o the_o great_a council_n of_o the_o jew_n act_n 4.20_o we_o can_v but_o speak_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v but_o that_o we_o may_v not_o run_v over_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n i_o shall_v content_v myself_o with_o that_o one_o which_o be_v the_o confirmation_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n that_o be_v his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a for_o as_o st._n paul_n speak_v 1_o cor._n 15.14_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o rise_v than_o our_o preach_a be_v vain_a and_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n be_v likewise_o vain_a the_o preach_v of_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v be_v vain_a because_o they_o exhort_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o command_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o hope_n of_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n and_o that_o their_o labour_n and_o pain_n shall_v be_v reward_v by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o their_o body_n to_o eternal_a life_n whereas_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o rise_v there_o be_v then_o no_o reward_n for_o believer_n and_o the_o great_a noise_n and_o talk_v of_o the_o joy_n and_o felicity_n of_o pious_a soul_n after_o this_o life_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o dream_n of_o melancholic_a person_n to_o amuse_v the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n if_o christ_n be_v yet_o in_o the_o grave_a and_o under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n will_v be_v as_o empty_a and_o vain_a because_o it_o be_v build_v upon_o
a_o false_a foundation_n for_o the_o great_a argument_n bring_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o preach_v be_v the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a which_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 15.15_o say_v of_o himself_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o they_o have_v be_v no_o better_a than_o so_o many_o false-witness_n of_o god_n abuse_v his_o name_n for_o the_o countenance_v a_o imposture_n which_o their_o preach_a have_v certain_o be_v if_o christ_n have_v not_o real_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o act_v 1.3_o that_o jesus_n show_v himself_o alive_a after_o his_o death_n to_o his_o disciple_n by_o many_o infallible_a proof_n i._n e._n such_o evidence_n wherein_o there_o can_v be_v no_o mistake_n be_v see_v of_o they_o forty_o day_n and_o speak_v of_o the_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o if_o we_o diligent_o read_v the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o apostle_n to_o be_v very_o scrupulous_a in_o believe_v christ_n resurrection_n till_o they_o have_v all_o see_v he_o and_o be_v convince_v by_o as_o high_a proof_n as_o possible_o can_v be_v offer_v to_o mankind_n and_o this_o their_o cautiousness_n and_o wariness_n of_o be_v impose_v upon_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n to_o we_o of_o their_o sincerity_n and_o care_n of_o be_v full_o satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o before_o they_o go_v to_o divulge_v it_o to_o other_o we_o read_v in_o mark_n 16.9_o that_o jesus_n first_o appear_v to_o mary_n magdalen_n and_o she_o run_v with_o joy_n to_o tell_v his_o weep_a friend_n that_o she_o have_v see_v the_o lord_n but_o they_o believe_v she_o not_o v_o 11_o then_o he_o appear_v to_o two_o of_o his_o disciple_n in_o another_o form_n as_o they_o go_v to_o emaus_n and_o they_o tell_v the_o rest_n but_o neither_o will_v they_o believe_v they_o v_o 13._o then_o he_o appear_v to_o the_o eleven_o apostle_n and_o upbraid_v they_o with_o their_o unbelief_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n because_o they_o believe_v not_o they_o which_o have_v see_v he_o after_o he_o be_v rise_v ver_fw-la 14._o and_o that_o he_o may_v confirm_v the_o faith_n of_o one_o of_o his_o disciple_n who_o doubt_v more_o than_o all_o the_o rest_n show_v he_o the_o very_a hole_n that_o be_v make_v in_o his_o side_n with_o the_o spear_n and_o the_o print_n of_o the_o nail_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o foot_n and_o all_o this_o to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v be_v sensible_o assure_v that_o it_o be_v he_o himself_o no_o delusive_a spectrum_n or_o ghost_n but_o the_o very_a same_o jesus_n which_o be_v crucify_a upon_o the_o cross_n now_o from_o hence_o we_o see_v it_o plain_a that_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o be_v deceive_v for_o they_o take_v all_o imaginable_a care_n to_o avoid_v it_o they_o eat_v and_o drink_v with_o he_o and_o see_v he_o with_o their_o own_o eye_n leisurely_o lift_v up_o from_o they_o and_o carry_v up_o into_o heaven_n ii_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a the_o apostle_n will_v go_v about_o to_o deceive_v other_o for_o 1._o they_o may_v easy_o have_v be_v discover_v they_o live_v in_o a_o know_a age_n wherein_o all_o art_n and_o science_n flourish_v more_o than_o ever_o they_o have_v do_v before_o and_o there_o want_v not_o those_o who_o have_v sense_n and_o wit_n enough_o to_o have_v find_v it_o out_o if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o cheat._n the_o apostle_n peremptory_o affirm_v that_o jesus_n who_o suffer_v under_o pontius_n pilate_n be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o religion_n they_o preach_v and_o that_o after_o his_o crucifixion_n he_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a now_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o person_n as_o jesus_n that_o have_v then_o live_v if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v crucify_a and_o real_o dead_a on_o the_o cross_n or_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o governor_n of_o judea_n as_o pontius_n pilate_n nor_o any_o such_o roman_a emperor_n as_o tiberius_n if_o the_o apostle_n have_v fail_v in_o any_o of_o these_o remarkable_a circumstance_n of_o story_n there_o have_v be_v great_a reason_n to_o have_v question_v what_o they_o deliver_v but_o we_o find_v all_o this_o confirm_v by_o the_o roman_a historian_n themselves_o and_o neither_o jew_n nor_o pagan_n ever_o deny_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o the_o apostle_n relate_v because_o they_o be_v so_o new_o do_v that_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o thing_n of_o untruth_n it_o will_v very_o easy_o have_v be_v detect_v by_o person_n then_o live_v beside_o have_v the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v a_o falsehood_n st._n paul_n must_v be_v extreme_o impudent_a nay_o imprudent_a to_o bring_v five_o hundred_o upon_o the_o stage_n to_o assert_v a_o lie_n since_o it_o be_v not_o the_o manner_n of_o a_o cheater_n to_o provoke_v so_o many_o witness_n 2._o cui_fw-la bono_fw-mi to_o what_o end_n or_o purpose_n shall_v they_o assert_v a_o falsehood_n or_o what_o inducement_n can_v they_o have_v to_o broach_v a_o delusion_n all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v be_v that_o perhaps_o they_o may_v do_v it_o to_o have_v the_o name_n and_o glory_n of_o be_v the_o author_n of_o a_o new_a sect._n this_o indeed_o may_v please_v the_o light_n and_o frothy_a humour_n of_o some_o vainglorious_a person_n but_o the_o sedate_n and_o compose_a spirit_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n be_v far_o from_o any_o such_o poor_a design_n but_o to_o answer_v to_o this_o more_o particular_o 1._o it_o be_v not_o likely_a they_o shall_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o best_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n upon_o a_o mere_a cheat._n there_o be_v no_o colour_n for_o lie_v or_o fraud_n in_o the_o matter_n and_o we_o know_v that_o nemo_n gratis_o fit_a malus_fw-la it_o be_v rare_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v wicked_a for_o nothing_o they_o seek_v not_o themselves_o in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o be_v persecute_v disgrace_v and_o suffer_v exqusite_a torture_n for_o profess_v that_o jesus_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o for_o secular_a and_o worldly_a advantage_n they_o can_v hope_v for_o none_o because_o all_o those_o thing_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n either_o of_o jew_n or_o pagan_n who_o be_v both_o profess_a enemy_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n nor_o can_v we_o think_v that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v take_v it_o upon_o their_o death_n and_o stand_v to_o it_o to_o their_o last_o breath_n if_o they_o have_v not_o believe_v themselves_o sufficient_o assure_v of_o that_o truth_n for_o which_o they_o die_v sure_o man_n of_o calm_a and_o sober_a reason_n will_v not_o be_v so_o prodigal_a of_o their_o blood_n as_o to_o throw_v it_o away_o upon_o some_o vain_a rumour_n or_o popular_a report_n let_v we_o consider_v a_o little_a the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n who_o be_v a_o man_n of_o great_a learning_n among_o the_o jew_n very_o zealous_a for_o his_o religion_n and_o one_o that_o have_v attain_v to_o no_o small_a favour_n among_o the_o grandee_n of_o his_o nation_n for_o his_o vigorous_a persecution_n of_o the_o christian_n this_o man_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o he_o be_v go_v to_o damascus_n with_o a_o commission_n from_o the_o high-priest_n to_o bring_v they_o bind_v to_o jerusalem_n that_o profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v punish_v jesus_n meet_v he_o in_o the_o way_n in_o a_o light_n bright_a than_o the_o sun_n tell_v he_o who_o he_o be_v and_o warn_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v no_o long_o persecute_v his_o disciple_n upon_o this_o the_o apostle_n turn_v christian_a and_o become_v a_o zealous_a professor_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o before_o he_o persecute_v now_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o fraud_n or_o deceit_n in_o this_o can_v we_o imagine_v st._n paul_n will_v so_o confident_o appeal_v to_o it_o and_o tell_v king_n agrippa_n that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n do_v in_o a_o corner_n where_o there_o be_v no_o body_n to_o attest_v it_o if_o therefore_o we_o believe_v st._n paul_n to_o be_v a_o man_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n we_o can_v imagine_v that_o he_o will_v have_v quit_v all_o the_o favour_n and_o encouragement_n he_o may_v have_v have_v among_o the_o jew_n and_o run_v himself_o into_o certain_a danger_n even_o to_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o very_a life_n if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o jesus_n be_v alive_a and_o able_a to_o make_v good_a all_o he_o say_v 2._o we_o find_v that_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o write_n be_v man_n of_o great_a integrity_n and_o uprightness_n of_o exemplary_a humility_n and_o hearty_a lover_n of_o god_n and_o all_o the_o world_n and_o we_o may_v reasonable_o believe_v that_o such_o person_n as_o those_o will_v not_o set_v on_o foot_n a_o falsehood_n and_o such_o a_o