just_a go_v to_o shed_v the_o blood_n of_o christian_n he_o go_v about_o afterward_o preach_v that_o he_o have_v see_v jesus_n christ_n that_o a_o great_a light_n shine_v round_o about_o he_o that_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v reveal_v unto_o he_o he_o affirm_v that_o god_n have_v set_v he_o forth_o unto_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o become_v a_o spectacle_n unto_o man_n and_o angel_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 9_o if_o man_n will_v not_o credit_v his_o report_n let_v they_o try_v he_o by_o torment_n and_o see_v what_o effect_n they_o will_v have_v upon_o he_o let_v they_o load_v he_o with_o chain_n and_o cast_v he_o into_o prison_n let_v they_o expose_v he_o to_o wild_a beast_n at_o ephesus_n let_v the_o element_n man_n and_o devil_n be_v all_o at_o once_o set_v against_o he_o let_v they_o scourge_v he_o drag_v he_o along_o stone_n he_o let_v they_o bring_v he_o from_o jerusalem_n to_o caesarea_n from_o caesarea_n to_o rome_n increase_n and_o prolong_v his_o affliction_n saul_n the_o witness_n of_o the_o synagogue_n it_o be_v true_a recant_v his_o opinion_n but_o paul_n the_o witness_n of_o jesus_n will_v never_o recant_v he_o have_v see_v the_o strange_a alteration_n which_o happen_v to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o synagogue_n let_v we_o reflect_v a_o little_a on_o that_o which_o happen_v to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n judas_n betray_v his_o master_n and_o receive_v for_o his_o reward_n thirty_o piece_n of_o silver_n but_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v he_o be_v so_o much_o disturb_v after_o he_o have_v do_v it_o the_o jew_n the_o roman_n the_o people_n the_o doctor_n the_o magistrate_n and_o judge_n all_o favour_v his_o crime_n and_o let_v he_o go_v unpunished_a yet_o the_o remorse_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n torment_v he_o to_o that_o degree_n that_o he_o can_v not_o rest_v any_o where_o and_o at_o length_n not_o be_v able_a to_o overcome_v his_o despair_n he_o make_v away_o with_o himself_o and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n so_o order_v it_o that_o the_o jew_n themselves_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o that_o astonish_a event_n by_o buy_v with_o that_o money_n a_o field_n which_o be_v since_o call_v aceldama_n because_o it_o be_v the_o price_n of_o blood_n what_o a_o strange_a difference_n we_o find_v in_o these_o two_o person_n of_o judas_n and_o saul_n judas_n kill_v himself_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o prosperity_n but_o saul_n rejoice_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o affliction_n judas_n prevail_v upon_o by_o the_o synagogue_n can_v not_o be_v comfort_v by_o the_o same_o but_o die_v in_o despair_n paul_n become_v the_o disciple_n and_o witness_n of_o jesus_n and_o to_o he_o the_o cross_n of_o jesus_n be_v matter_n of_o the_o great_a joy_n god_n forbid_v say_v he_o gal._n 6._o 14_o that_o i_o shall_v glory_v save_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o my_o saviour_n christ_n by_o who_o the_o world_n be_v crucify_v unto_o i_o and_o i_o unto_o the_o world_n will_v any_o one_o believe_v that_o judas_n be_v his_o own_o executioner_n mere_o out_o of_o remorse_n for_o have_v betray_v a_o impostor_n to_o the_o jew_n or_o that_o st._n paul_n derive_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o infidelity_n the_o courage_n he_o show_v in_o all_o his_o suffering_n certain_o it_o may_v be_v very_o proper_o say_v that_o they_o be_v both_o the_o martyr_n of_o god_n but_o only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o judas_n be_v so_o against_o his_o will_n but_o paul_n voluntary_o if_o the_o constancy_n of_o the_o one_o testify_v in_o behalf_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o despair_n of_o the_o other_o be_v no_o small_a honour_n to_o he_o and_o the_o only_a difference_n be_v this_o that_o paul_n be_v proper_o a_o martyr_n but_o judas_n in_o spite_n of_o himself_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n chap._n xvii_o where_o we_o further_o answer_v the_o objection_n of_o the_o incredulous_a of_o all_o the_o object_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n offer_v to_o our_o understanding_n there_o be_v no_o one_o seem_v more_o to_o shock_v the_o reason_n of_o a_o prejudice_v and_o incredulous_a person_n than_o the_o death_n of_o the_o messiah_n the_o cross_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v according_a to_o the_o expression_n of_o a_o apostle_n a_o scandal_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o a_o folly_n to_o the_o greek_a but_o in_o our_o opinion_n there_o be_v nothing_o bear_v more_o visible_a character_n of_o greatness_n and_o divinity_n than_o that_o do_v the_o incredulous_a tell_v we_o that_o can_v we_o but_o rid_v ourselves_o of_o all_o our_o prejudices_fw-la we_o shall_v be_v hearty_o ashamed_a to_o entertain_v such_o strange_a idea_n of_o god_n and_o we_o also_o tell_v they_o that_o can_v they_o once_o but_o free_v themselves_o of_o those_o passion_n which_o darken_v their_o understanding_n they_o will_v certain_o admire_v with_o we_o the_o wonder_n of_o so_o divine_a a_o object_n who_o then_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n in_o this_o thing_n that_o will_v best_o appear_v by_o the_o answer_v we_o shall_v make_v to_o their_o objection_n we_o find_v in_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n one_o who_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v seize_v upon_o and_o be_v afterward_o nail_v on_o a_o cross_n not_o have_v any_o one_o to_o deliver_v he_o from_o the_o power_n of_o his_o enemy_n this_o they_o object_n be_v a_o mark_n of_o his_o weakness_n for_o say_v they_o have_v he_o be_v the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n why_o do_v he_o not_o come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n and_o all_o the_o world_n will_v have_v believe_v on_o he_o he_o die_v as_o one_o condemn_v by_o the_o grand_a council_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v establish_v this_o be_v he_o as_o be_v find_v guilty_a he_o be_v seize_v with_o sorrowfulness_n even_o unto_o death_n the_o day_n before_o his_o passion_n and_o cry_v out_o bitter_o when_o he_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n this_o show_v his_o wretched_a condition_n he_o be_v make_v to_o suffer_v a_o punishment_n proper_a only_o for_o slave_n it_o can_v therefore_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o he_o die_v a_o most_o infamous_a death_n and_o who_o can_v imagine_v that_o weakness_n gild_n or_o at_o least_o condemnation_n wretchedness_n and_o infamy_n shall_v be_v the_o true_a character_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n thus_o the_o incredulous_a argue_v we_o answer_v that_o jesus_n christ_n suffer_v by_o the_o determinate_a council_n of_o god_n since_o the_o scripture_n foretell_v that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v wound_v for_o our_o transgression_n and_o bruise_v for_o our_o iniquity_n that_o he_o be_v to_o make_v his_o soul_n a_o offering_n for_o sin_n that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o but_o not_o for_o himself_o and_o st._n john_n the_o baptist_n see_v he_o come_v to_o he_o at_o a_o time_n wherein_o it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a he_o shall_v ever_o suffer_v call_v he_o the_o lamb_n of_o god_n that_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n john_n 1._o 29._o jesus_n christ_n suffer_v voluntary_o he_o foretell_v all_o his_o own_o suffering_n to_o his_o disciple_n invite_v they_o to_o take_v up_o their_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o a_o company_n of_o miserable_a and_o afflict_a wretch_n in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v notwithstanding_o to_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o by_o their_o suffering_n establish_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n he_o free_o own_v to_o they_o that_o he_o be_v not_o come_v to_o settle_v peace_n in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o sword_n that_o god_n will_v smite_v the_o shepherd_n and_o that_o the_o sheep_n shall_v be_v scatter_v that_o they_o be_v to_o drink_v of_o the_o same_o cup_n with_o he_o and_o be_v baptize_v with_o his_o baptism_n that_o be_v to_o taste_v the_o bitter_a cup_n of_o his_o affliction_n and_o be_v baptize_v with_o he_o with_o a_o baptism_n of_o blood_n he_o intermix_v his_o suffering_n with_o they_o that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o bear_v they_o in_o remembrance_n if_o we_o shall_v in_o the_o least_o doubt_n whether_o christ_n foretell_v his_o suffering_n we_o need_v only_o consider_v the_o design_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o eucharist_n and_o the_o time_n wherein_o this_o ceremony_n be_v institute_v for_o unless_o we_o shall_v call_v in_o question_n the_o real_a institution_n of_o that_o sacrament_n and_o so_o affirm_v that_o the_o disciple_n out_o of_o a_o unaccountable_a and_o fantastical_a extravagance_n pretend_v only_o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v institute_v that_o ceremony_n when_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o jesus_n christ_n foresee_v his_o death_n that_o he_o prepare_v himself_o for_o it_o and_o affirm_v he_o suffer_v it_o voluntary_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o eucharist_n which_o he_o
nature_n and_o what_o be_v most_o surprise_a in_o the_o former_a of_o those_o two_o union_n be_v to_o see_v that_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v so_o noble_a a_o be_v shall_v be_v so_o close_o fasten_v and_o unite_v to_o matter_n and_o even_o depend_v upon_o it_o in_o all_o its_o operation_n now_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o can_v never_o be_v say_v that_o the_o divine_a nature_n depend_v on_o the_o humane_a but_o contrariwise_o it_o be_v the_o humane_a nature_n which_o depend_v on_o the_o divine_a in_o this_o union_n god_n remain_v the_o same_o as_o before_o all-perfect_a almighty_a all-full_a eternal_a and_o immutable_a but_o man_n be_v change_v and_o sanctify_a and_o exalt_v by_o it_o what_o inconveniency_n then_o can_v there_o result_v from_o it_o as_o it_o be_v surprise_v to_o see_v a_o most_o noble_a be_v subject_n to_o a_o less_o perfect_a be_v so_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o a_o less_o perfect_a be_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o one_o more_o noble_a now_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n evident_o demonstrate_v and_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o the_o body_n discover_v the_o former_a it_o follow_v hence_o therefore_o that_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o the_o body_n be_v in_o some_o sense_n very_o extraordinary_a and_o far_o more_o surprise_a than_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n 3._o if_o still_o you_o require_v another_o representation_n of_o this_o object_n that_o may_v further_o give_v you_o a_o clear_a notion_n of_o the_o same_o conceive_v a_o false_a sun_n compose_v of_o two_o different_a thing_n so_o close_o unite_v together_o that_o they_o seem_v as_o it_o be_v confound_v together_o viz._n a_o cloud_n and_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n the_o cloud_n be_v not_o the_o sun_n nor_o be_v the_o sun_n the_o cloud_n and_o thus_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o same_o with_o the_o humane_a this_o false_a sun_n be_v a_o sun_n and_o yet_o a_o cloud_n so_o likewise_o christ_n be_v god_n and_o christ_n be_v man._n this_o false_a sun_n be_v form_v of_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o earth_n because_o it_o be_v compose_v of_o a_o cloud_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o vapour_n of_o it_o and_o of_o the_o sun_n himself_o be_v form_v out_o of_o those_o beam_n in_o which_o the_o body_n of_o that_o planet_n consist_v so_o in_o likemanner_n christ_n be_v take_v from_o the_o earth_n and_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o common_a lump_n of_o mankind_n because_o he_o be_v man_n which_o do_v not_o hinder_v he_o from_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o father_n since_o he_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n this_o be_v a_o very_a just_a representation_n of_o that_o great_a mystery_n but_o not_o perfect_a but_o we_o hope_v every_o just_a and_o equitable_a reader_n will_v easy_o forgive_v the_o defect_n of_o this_o comparison_n in_o a_o subject_a that_o be_v so_o far_o exalt_v above_o our_o weak_a imagination_n 4._o moreover_o of_o all_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o treat_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o deity_n none_o but_o the_o epicurean_o who_o think_v it_o be_v idle_a and_o lazy_a divide_v it_o entire_o from_o its_o creature_n and_o all_o other_o man_n beside_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o unite_v to_o its_o work_n the_o heathen_n for_o instance_n imagine_v it_o be_v affix_v to_o their_o temple_n and_o statue_n to_o which_o they_o suppose_v it_o constant_o unite_v but_o the_o jew_n more_o proper_o look_v upon_o god_n as_o be_v unite_v in_o a_o more_o partilar_a manner_n to_o a_o bush_n or_o a_o cloud_n or_o the_o ark._n and_o several_a of_o the_o incredulous_a now_o adays_o represent_v the_o deity_n to_o themselves_o as_o a_o universal_a soul_n affix_v to_o universal_a matter_n just_a as_o our_o soul_n be_v unite_v to_o our_o body_n if_o then_o it_o be_v so_o common_a to_o man_n to_o conceive_v god_n as_o be_v unite_v to_o his_o work_n why_o shall_v it_o seem_v so_o strange_a to_o they_o to_o represent_v he_o as_o close_o unite_v to_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o too_o in_o a_o more_o particular_a manner_n than_o to_o any_o of_o his_o other_o creature_n for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o creature_n which_o the_o deity_n may_v be_v unite_v to_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v such_o a_o holy_a and_o innocent_a creature_n as_o that_o be_v and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o god_n to_o unite_v himself_o to_o any_o live_a body_n it_o be_v much_o more_o likely_a he_o shall_v impart_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o jesus_n christ._n if_o a_o ark_n be_v capable_a to_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o difficulty_n in_o conceive_v that_o humane_a nature_n be_v pure_a and_o holy_a and_o far_o perfect_a than_o all_o the_o ark_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v have_v be_v thus_o honour_v in_o a_o more_o particular_a manner_n and_o if_o man_n in_o short_a stick_v not_o to_o make_v the_o universal_a soul_n as_o it_o be_v depend_v upon_o matter_n by_o its_o union_n to_o it_o why_o shall_v we_o refuse_v to_o admit_v of_o a_o union_n which_o leave_v to_o god_n his_o entire_a independence_n and_o liberty_n and_o aim_v at_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o bring_v the_o body_n and_o soul_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o great_a subjection_n to_o he_o we_o no_o soon_o embrace_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n but_o every_o thing_n that_o seem_v offensive_a in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a religion_n will_v present_o vanish_v we_o shall_v then_o easy_o comprehend_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o christ_n to_o die_v since_o he_o be_v man_n and_o that_o his_o death_n be_v infinite_o valuable_a since_o he_o be_v god_n and_o so_o great_a be_v the_o dignity_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o union_n of_o those_o two_o nature_n that_o it_o make_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n equivalent_a to_o the_o punishment_n our_o sin_n have_v so_o just_o deserve_v we_o shall_v not_o then_o think_v it_o difficult_a to_o be_v full_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n for_o it_o will_v be_v unreasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o a_o nature_n as_o have_v be_v honour_v with_o so_o particular_a a_o union_n to_o the_o deity_n shall_v yet_o have_v be_v for_o ever_o dissolve_v and_o remain_v to_o all_o eternity_n under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n but_o we_o shall_v think_v it_o very_o reasonable_a to_o imagine_v that_o it_o can_v not_o but_o have_v rise_v from_o the_o grave_a into_o which_o it_o have_v be_v please_v to_o descend_v if_o then_o christ_n be_v true_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a can_v our_o incredulous_a reason_n still_o refuse_v to_o believe_v that_o we_o shall_v also_o rise_v again_o but_o how_o can_v that_o reason_n contradict_v a_o truth_n which_o the_o disciple_n see_v they_o behold_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n both_o in_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o perform_v and_o in_o his_o holiness_n of_o life_n they_o see_v god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o be_v witness_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n they_o perceive_v angel_n come_v down_o towards_o he_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v to_o the_o gentile_n by_o their_o ministry_n the_o world_n believe_v on_o their_o preach_a and_o last_o they_o see_v christ_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n all_o which_o be_v very_o sensible_a and_o evident_a matter_n of_o fact_n the_o mystery_n then_o of_o the_o incarnation_n though_o the_o hard_a to_o comprehend_v of_o all_o those_o of_o christian_a religion_n imply_v however_o nothing_o contrary_a to_o reason_n but_o we_o must_v except_v the_o most_o holy_a and_o everblessed_n trinity_n another_o mystery_n which_o be_v infinite_o exalt_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o shallow_a capacity_n be_v not_o easy_o reconcilable_a to_o it_o nevertheless_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o sublimity_n of_o its_o nature_n render_v it_o not_o any_o way_n repugnant_a to_o reason_n 1_o sy_n because_o the_o word_n person_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n with_o that_o of_o essence_n i_o grant_v that_o three_o person_n and_o one_o person_n one_o essence_n and_o three_o essence_n imply_v a_o contradiction_n but_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o essence_n and_o three_o person_n be_v not_o liable_a to_o any_o after_o you_o know_v the_o signification_n of_o those_o two_o term_n 2_o lie_n because_o the_o deity_n be_v so_o great_a and_o so_o sublime_a a_o subject_n that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o wonder_v if_o we_o can_v reach_v to_o the_o greatness_n of_o it_o by_o our_o weak_a imagination_n 3_o dly_z because_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v the_o most_o considerable_a difficulty_n of_o this_o mystery_n proceed_v from_o a_o defect_n of_o revelation_n or_o the_o silence_n which_o holy_a writ_n observe_v on_o that_o
institute_v in_o cold_a blood_n certify_v we_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n but_o because_o a_o involuntary_a death_n will_v argue_v a_o certain_a kind_n of_o weakness_n it_o be_v also_o most_o certain_a that_o nothing_o can_v better_v evince_v the_o strength_n and_o courage_n of_o jesus_n christ_n than_o that_o though_o he_o foresee_v the_o horror_n of_o a_o infamous_a and_o painful_a death_n yet_o he_o expose_v himself_o to_o it_o with_o such_o a_o constant_a will_n and_o firm_a resolution_n that_o by_o his_o example_n he_o show_v his_o disciple_n how_o he_o will_v have_v they_o imitate_v and_o commemorate_v his_o suffering_n jesus_n christ_n be_v condemn_v to_o death_n by_o a_o nation_n seditious_o stir_v up_o against_o he_o and_o by_o a_o sanhedrin_n envious_a of_o his_o glory_n but_o he_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o conscience_n of_o judas_n who_o remorse_n for_o have_v betray_v he_o force_v he_o to_o kill_v himself_o and_o by_o the_o solemn_a declaration_n of_o pilate_n who_o wash_v 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there_o be_v any_o such_o person_n be_v also_o tax_v it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v publish_v in_o this_o age_n a_o book_n full_a of_o excellent_a precept_n of_o morality_n intermix_v with_o several_a fictitious_a action_n which_o book_n he_o will_v have_v the_o world_n receive_v as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o some_o divine_a and_o extraordinary_a man_n who_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o age_n raise_v up_o several_a man_n from_o the_o dead_a heal_v all_o sort_n of_o disease_n calm_v the_o wind_n and_o tempest_n of_o the_o sea_n give_v authority_n to_o several_a of_o his_o disciple_n to_o work_v many_o strange_a miracle_n be_v at_o length_n seize_v and_o put_v to_o death_n in_o germany_n and_o who_o disciple_n who_o bear_v such_o and_o such_o name_n and_o be_v bear_v in_o such_o and_o such_o a_o country_n come_v afterward_o into_o france_n disperse_v themselves_o throughout_o the_o other_o part_n of_o europe_n preach_v his_o doctrine_n and_o at_o length_n die_v all_o unanimous_o in_o defence_n of_o it_o what_o think_v you_o of_o this_o tale_n and_o how_o will_v it_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o world_n but_o as_o a_o system_n only_o of_o many_o evident_a and_o palpable_a falsity_n what_o think_v you_o those_o person_n will_v say_v of_o it_o who_o shall_v be_v thus_o accuse_v of_o so_o dreadful_a a_o parricide_n they_o will_v certain_o reply_v that_o that_o fictitious_a book_n be_v purposely_o design_v to_o blast_v their_o reputation_n but_o it_o appear_v the_o jew_n never_o attempt_v to_o clear_v themselves_o after_o that_o manner_n they_o confess_v there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o their_o father_n put_v he_o to_o death_n neither_o do_v they_o deny_v the_o least_o circumstance_n of_o his_o life_n ministry_n or_o death_n except_v those_o which_o may_v probable_o make_v he_o pass_v for_o the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o we_o
the_o utmost_a pitch_n of_o prosperity_n and_o glory_n this_o jesus_n himself_o be_v seize_v and_o nail_v on_o a_o cross_n where_o he_o suffer_v a_o most_o infamous_a death_n infamous_a in_o the_o esteem_n of_o all_o nation_n but_o more_o particular_o accurse_v in_o the_o jewish_a law_n what_o a_o mighty_a thunder_n bolt_n must_v this_o have_v be_v to_o such_o man_n who_o have_v feed_v their_o fancy_n with_o such_o charm_a hope_n they_o be_v long_o since_o persuade_v that_o the_o messiah_n will_v make_v his_o appearance_n in_o a_o very_a glorious_a state_n that_o he_o will_v overthrow_v at_o his_o come_v the_o empire_n of_o cesar_n together_o with_o all_o the_o roman_a grandeur_n and_o thereby_o make_v the_o jew_n absolute_a master_n of_o the_o world_n all_o these_o thing_n they_o impatient_o expect_v from_o jesus_n and_o yet_o this_o jesus_n be_v dishonour_v by_o a_o infamous_a punishment_n he_o be_v compel_v to_o endure_v the_o jew_n themselves_o not_o only_o sacrifice_v he_o but_o 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will_v certain_o raise_v up_o himself_o and_o those_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o from_o the_o grave_n because_o the_o whole_a system_n of_o christian_a religion_n essential_o depend_v upon_o this_o foundation_n thus_o be_v the_o disciple_n preposess_v with_o the_o general_a opinion_n of_o the_o jew_n they_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o lose_v it_o at_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n and_o be_v they_o prepossess_v with_o the_o profess_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_n they_o can_v not_o likewise_o but_o be_v undeceive_v of_o their_o error_n when_o they_o see_v that_o jesus_n christ_n rise_v not_o again_o from_o the_o dead_a what_o then_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o certain_a fisherman_n who_o be_v a_o most_o mean_a wretched_a sort_n of_o people_n as_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n call_v they_o who_o have_v not_o the_o courage_n to_o accompany_v their_o master_n even_o when_o they_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o the_o true_a messiah_n but_o give_v he_o over_o to_o his_o executioner_n sure_o they_o be_v by_o this_o time_n sensible_a of_o their_o mistake_n what_o care_v then_o do_v it_o appear_v they_o take_v to_o hide_v themselves_o to_o conceal_v their_o shame_n and_o confusion_n from_o man_n let_v we_o see_v what_o be_v the_o event_n and_o we_o shall_v know_v the_o truth_n we_o find_v that_o few_o week_n after_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n his_o disciple_n public_o show_v themselves_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o confident_o affirm_v that_o they_o have_v see_v their_o master_n who_o be_v rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a have_v speak_v with_o he_o handle_v he_o eat_v with_o he_o converse_v with_o he_o for_o forty_o day_n and_o last_o that_o they_o have_v see_v he_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n it_o be_v certain_a this_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o disciple_n since_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v found_v on_o this_o testimony_n who_o can_v have_v think_v of_o this_o unexpected_a turn_n the_o disciple_n affirm_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n but_o can_v they_o still_o believe_v it_o when_o they_o see_v he_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n or_o if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o be_v they_o now_o grow_v bold_a to_o maintain_v a_o imposture_n than_o before_o to_o follow_v their_o master_n when_o they_o think_v he_o the_o true_a messiah_n can_v certain_a fisherman_n deject_v fearful_a fisherman_n who_o ought_v with_o shame_n to_o have_v own_v their_o error_n can_v they_o invent_v such_o a_o fable_n preach_v it_o with_o so_o much_o confidence_n maintain_v it_o with_o so_o much_o boldness_n expose_v their_o person_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o torment_n and_o even_o to_o death_n itself_o in_o defence_n of_o such_o a_o incredible_a fiction_n can_v any_o of_o they_o imagine_v that_o they_o can_v seduce_v mankind_n or_o have_v any_o one_o of_o they_o imagine_v it_o can_v the_o rest_n have_v be_v so_o extravagant_a as_o to_o approve_v of_o his_o ridiculous_a fancy_n do_v they_o think_v the_o world_n will_v believe_v they_o upon_o their_o bare_a word_n and_o be_v they_o then_o no_o long_o in_o any_o dreadful_a apprehension_n of_o the_o sanhedrin_n that_o have_v inhumane_o put_v their_o master_n to_o death_n do_v they_o believe_v they_o may_v safe_o reproach_v the_o jew_n for_o have_v put_v the_o messiah_n to_o death_n without_o be_v themselves_o severe_o punish_v be_v they_o not_o sensible_a into_o how_o many_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n this_o fable_n will_v inevitable_o cast_v they_o and_o if_o they_o be_v can_v they_o still_o be_v so_o courageous_a as_o to_o maintain_v such_o a_o imposture_n be_v it_o possible_a that_o no_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v recant_v his_o opinion_n not_o one_o contradict_v himself_o but_o that_o all_o shall_v unanimous_o depose_v notwithstanding_o the_o most_o rigorous_a punishment_n inflict_v on_o they_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v altogether_o chimerical_a and_o false_a certain_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o very_o strange_a or_o rather_o which_o appear_v to_o i_o so_o very_o absurd_a and_o extravagant_a that_o i_o question_n whether_o our_o incredulous_a adversary_n can_v persuade_v themselves_o of_o it_o provide_v they_o will_v but_o reflect_v never_o so_o little_a upon_o it_o but_o let_v we_o continue_v still_o to_o distrust_v ourselves_o may_v we_o not_o probable_o have_v make_v some_o false_a supposition_n in_o what_o we_o just_a now_o affirm_v we_o will_v therefore_o go_v over_o again_o the_o same_o principle_n we_o just_o now_o establish_v and_o indeed_o the_o more_o i_o reflect_v upon_o they_o the_o less_o i_o conceive_v how_o we_o can_v possible_o call_v any_o of_o they_o in_o question_n for_o can_v i_o deny_v that_o jesus_n ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n that_o he_o ever_o have_v any_o disciple_n or_o that_o those_o disciple_n think_v he_o at_o first_o the_o promise_a messiah_n but_o why_o shall_v i_o alone_o question_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o the_o thalmudist_n nay_o julian_n porphirius_fw-la and_o all_o other_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n have_v always_o acknowledge_v this_o be_v what_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v absurd_a can_v i_o question_v but_o that_o if_o jesus_n die_v and_o rise_v not_o again_o from_o the_o dead_a his_o disciple_n be_v then_o undeceive_v of_o the_o opinion_n they_o probable_o entertain_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n the_o son_n of_o god_n if_o so_o either_o they_o understand_v nothing_o at_o all_o by_o these_o two_o word_n the_o messiah_n the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o else_o they_o understand_v quite_o another_o thing_n than_o that_o he_o be_v a_o mere_a man_n who_o be_v to_o remain_v for_o ever_o under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n after_o his_o crucifixion_n can_v i_o deny_v that_o the_o disciple_n declare_v the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n after_o his_o crucifixion_n it_o be_v self_n evident_a all_o
then_o must_v that_o person_n do_v or_o rather_o what_o must_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n do_v who_o utter_o renounce_v all_o thing_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o gospel_n iii_o there_o have_v be_v find_v some_o who_o have_v counterfeit_v book_n of_o humane_a learning_n but_o none_o ever_o know_v that_o be_v willing_a to_o die_v in_o defence_n of_o their_o forgery_n now_o none_o here_o can_v be_v suspect_v to_o have_v forge_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o only_o those_o who_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o consequent_o to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n on_o which_o chistianity_n itself_o be_v found_v iv._o a_o man_n may_v very_o well_o counterfeit_a a_o book_n of_o humane_a learning_n but_o not_o always_o nor_o in_o all_o circumstance_n and_o it_o will_v be_v very_o ridiculous_a in_o a_o man_n to_o forge_v letter_n that_o must_v have_v be_v write_v not_o long_o ago_o to_o whole_a society_n or_o epistle_n that_o must_v have_v be_v deposit_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n and_o in_o very_a many_o different_a place_n now_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v affirm_v of_o all_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o make_v up_o a_o very_a considerable_a part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o how_o can_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v possible_o be_v make_v to_o believe_v that_o st._n paul_n write_v a_o epistle_n to_o she_o or_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n that_o she_o have_v receive_v two_o epistle_n from_o he_o and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n unless_o it_o have_v be_v so_o v._o this_o argument_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o considerable_a since_o he_o that_o grant_v one_o point_n in_o this_o matter_n unavoidable_o grant_v the_o whole_a and_o if_o you_o shall_v agree_v with_o i_o that_o perhaps_o one_o single_a epistle_n among_o all_o those_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o forge_v you_o must_v grant_v the_o same_o thing_n of_o they_o all_o or_o at_o least_o it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o the_o incredulous_a to_o to_o cavil_v thereupon_o for_o what_o if_o i_o shall_v grant_v the_o four_o gospel_n to_o be_v forge_v do_v not_o the_o book_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n contain_v nay_o do_v it_o not_o necessary_o suppose_v the_o same_o essential_a matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n shall_v i_o grant_v the_o same_o of_o the_o book_n of_o act_n be_v not_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n sufficient_a to_o inform_v we_o that_o jesus_n christ_n wrought_v several_a miracle_n rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v upon_o the_o disciple_n on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n and_o that_o be_v as_o much_o as_o i_o desire_v in_o a_o word_n shall_v i_o grant_v all_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o be_v the_o work_n of_o another_o man_n i_o need_v but_o receive_v those_o of_o st._n peter_n or_o those_o of_o st._n john_n to_o prove_v the_o same_o thing_n there_o be_v never_o a_o epistle_n in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o what_o mention_n or_o imply_v those_o essential_a matter_n of_o fact_n without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n let_v we_o now_o see_v whether_o we_o can_v persuade_v ourselves_o that_o all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n without_o except_v one_o fragment_n or_o single_a epistle_n among_o they_o be_v forge_v and_o whether_o we_o can_v entertain_v such_o a_o suspicion_n which_o no_o heretic_n no_o impious_a or_o incredulous_a person_n ever_o entertain_v but_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a all_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v forge_v since_o they_o must_v have_v be_v commit_v to_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n as_o they_o be_v real_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n and_o since_o tertullian_n tell_v we_o that_o in_o his_o time_n they_o careful_o preserve_v in_o several_a church_n the_o original_n of_o those_o epistle_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v write_v to_o they_o again_o in_o what_o time_n and_o on_o what_o occasion_n can_v this_o forgery_n have_v be_v make_v be_v it_o during_o the_o life_n of_o the_o apostle_n no_o for_o can_v the_o world_n consider_v those_o book_n as_o sacred_a and_o divine_a which_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o forge_v be_v it_o then_o immediate_o after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n do_v we_o owe_v it_o to_o clemens_n polycarp_n and_o the_o other_o doctor_n of_o that_o age_n by_o no_o mean_n for_o those_o disciple_n of_o the_o apostle_n separate_v themselves_o as_o soon_o as_o those_o great_a light_n of_o the_o world_n be_v extinguish_v polycarp_n go_v to_o rome_n to_o decide_v a_o controversy_n with_o a_o bishop_n of_o rome_n occasion_v in_o the_o church_n about_o the_o time_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o celebrate_v the_o feast_n of_o the_o christian_a resurrection_n or_o passover_n those_o two_o great_a man_n differ_v much_o in_o that_o point_n but_o yet_o they_o both_o agree_v unanimous_o to_o receive_v the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o true_a standard_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o manner_n moreover_o what_o probability_n be_v there_o that_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o church_n can_v have_v be_v induce_v to_o receive_v so_o many_o false_a epistle_n so_o soon_o after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o person_n yet_o live_v who_o have_v converse_v with_o they_o in_o truth_n this_o be_v so_o extravagant_a a_o notion_n that_o we_o hold_v ourselves_o not_o at_o all_o oblige_a to_o refute_v it_o but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n question_v the_o authority_n of_o some_o epistle_n such_o as_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n who_o author_n be_v never_o certain_o know_v the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n that_o of_o st._n judas_n etc._n etc._n i_o grant_v it_o but_o then_o i_o presume_v that_o this_o consideration_n make_v for_o we_o since_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v that_o the_o ancient_a primitive_a christian_n shall_v dispute_v so_o long_o about_o some_o epistle_n in_o particular_a have_v the_o rest_n altogether_o be_v as_o liable_a to_o suspicion_n but_o may_v we_o not_o reasonable_o imagine_v that_o during_o those_o strange_a disorder_n which_o follow_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n some_o christian_n either_o perfect_a cheat_n or_o but_o partly_o persuade_v of_o that_o faith_n may_v have_v compose_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o so_o after_o have_v insert_v in_o they_o whatever_o story_n they_o please_v ascribe_v they_o to_o the_o apostle_n to_o gain_v the_o great_a veneration_n and_o respect_n for_o their_o fiction_n no_o certain_o because_o the_o devastation_n of_o jerusalem_n hinder_v not_o but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v very_o numerous_a church_n at_o rome_n at_o antioch_n at_o thessalonica_n philippi_n etc._n etc._n who_o it_o will_v have_v be_v impossible_a to_o have_v persuade_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v write_v they_o some_o epistle_n which_o must_v have_v be_v already_o deposit_v in_o their_o hand_n and_o beside_o that_o it_o appear_v plain_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v compose_v before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n because_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o church_n establish_v at_o jerusalem_n be_v often_o mention_v therein_o without_o the_o least_o hint_n that_o jerusalem_n be_v then_o utter_o destroy_v beside_o how_o can_v it_o come_v into_o any_o man_n mind_n to_o forge_v such_o book_n after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n who_o design_n be_v only_o to_o humble_v the_o pride_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o induce_v they_o no_o long_o to_o hate_v the_o heathen_n as_o be_v stranger_n and_o to_o persuade_v they_o that_o though_o god_n as_o yet_o suffer_v the_o carnal_a worship_n of_o their_o law_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o expect_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o that_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o especial_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o seem_v earnest_o to_o desire_v to_o unite_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o two_o nation_n and_o heaven_n have_v sufficient_o declare_v itself_o against_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o destruction_n of_o their_o city_n the_o confusion_n of_o their_o tribe_n and_o family_n and_o that_o general_a dispersion_n which_o make_v they_o tributary_n to_o all_o other_o nation_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o further_a reason_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o the_o only_a nation_n call_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o this_o proof_n be_v evident_o write_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o the_o just_a punishment_n of_o that_o people_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o observe_v
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
some_o mark_n of_o his_o weakness_n in_o the_o garden_n of_o gethsemane_n where_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n make_v he_o sweat_v great_a drop_n of_o blood_n and_o where_o he_o cry_v out_o several_a time_n o_o my_o father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v 39_o this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o they_o also_o pretend_v that_o this_o exclamation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n when_o nail_v on_o the_o cross_n my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o be_v a_o expression_n of_o his_o despair_n i_o know_v not_o here_o what_o to_o admire_v most_o either_o the_o impudence_n of_o these_o proud_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n or_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n which_o still_o become_v strong_a the_o more_o they_o endeavour_v to_o shake_v it_o for_o as_o for_o the_o first_o if_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o christian_n wont_v believe_v the_o report_n of_o the_o evangelist_n how_o come_v they_o to_o know_v that_o jesus_n christ_n utter_v these_o word_n which_o give_v they_o occasion_n to_o think_v he_o want_v constancy_n but_o if_o they_o will_v believe_v the_o report_n of_o the_o evangelist_n why_o shall_v they_o refuse_v to_o believe_v so_o many_o miraculous_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o the_o evangelist_n leave_v to_o we_o in_o writing_n after_o have_v be_v eye-witness_n of_o the_o same_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o may_v find_v in_o our_o principle_n wherewith_o to_o explain_v those_o place_n they_o bring_v against_o we_o the_o word_n which_o jesus_n christ_n speak_v to_o his_o bless_a mother_n give_v we_o only_o to_o understand_v how_o very_o jealous_a he_o be_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o call_v he_o speak_v to_o she_o as_o a_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n as_o the_o person_n in_o who_o she_o ought_v necessary_o to_o believe_v in_o order_n to_o her_o salvation_n and_o who_o doubt_v but_o in_o that_o quality_n he_o have_v some_o authority_n over_o she_o as_o for_o the_o sorrowfulness_n he_o express_v in_o his_o agony_n it_o may_v proceed_v from_o a_o double_a cause_n the_o one_o natural_a and_o the_o other_o supernatural_a he_o may_v very_o well_o fear_v death_n as_o man_n and_o the_o pain_n inflict_v on_o his_o humane_a nature_n may_v force_v he_o to_o utter_v some_o innocent_a complaint_n but_o that_o be_v not_o all_o that_o make_v his_o torment_n grievous_a he_o be_v load_v with_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n and_o subject_a to_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n he_o look_v upon_o god_n as_o his_o father_n but_o god_n offer_v himself_o to_o he_o as_o a_o angry_a judge_n the_o more_o he_o love_v his_o father_n the_o more_o sensible_a he_o be_v of_o the_o grief_n he_o sustain_v in_o be_v remove_v from_o he_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o suffering_n consist_v in_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o virtue_n and_o what_o he_o say_v here_o to_o his_o father_n be_v rather_o the_o language_n of_o his_o love_n than_o that_o of_o his_o despair_n but_o if_o the_o incredulous_a shall_v say_v they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o subscribe_v to_o my_o explanation_n because_o it_o be_v incertain_a whether_o they_o have_v any_o other_o ground_n than_o my_o bare_a imagination_n i_o be_o willing_a they_o shall_v entertain_v this_o scruple_n and_o cherish_v it_o till_o by_o establish_v my_o principle_n i_o have_v a_o opportunity_n of_o answer_v yet_o more_o full_o all_o those_o difficulty_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o hold_v that_o nothing_o can_v more_o demonstrate_v the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o evangelist_n than_o those_o place_n just_a now_o mention_v and_o i_o affirm_v that_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o evangelist_n be_v well_o demonstrate_v do_v invincible_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o certain_o either_o those_o who_o compose_v the_o gospel_n have_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v mankind_n in_o behalf_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o religion_n or_o they_o have_v no_o such_o design_n at_o all_o if_o they_o have_v any_o such_o design_n they_o will_v have_v take_v special_a care_n not_o to_o set_v down_o those_o circumstance_n of_o the_o death_n of_o their_o master_n which_o may_v give_v the_o world_n a_o occasion_n to_o suspect_v he_o want_v courage_n or_o think_v himself_o forsake_v of_o god_n but_o if_o in_o write_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n they_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o design_n to_o deceive_v mankind_n we_o must_v then_o of_o necessity_n look_v upon_o they_o as_o be_v very_o sincere_a author_n who_o will_v not_o deceive_v we_o unless_o they_o themselves_o have_v first_o of_o all_o be_v deceive_v so_o that_o all_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n they_o tell_v we_o of_o be_v such_o as_o be_v show_v only_o by_o illusion_n and_o we_o need_v here_o only_o consider_v whether_o all_o the_o disciple_n can_v have_v fancy_v they_o see_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o very_o singular_a and_o sensible_a miracle_n such_o as_o sick_a man_n heal_v dead_a raise_v to_o life_n etc._n etc._n and_o have_v believe_v that_o they_o themselves_o work_v miracle_n when_o all_o the_o while_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n here_o to_o allege_v that_o the_o evangelist_n affect_v a_o ingenuous_a simplicity_n to_o avoid_v the_o suspicion_n of_o dishonesty_n for_o have_v that_o be_v their_o design_n they_o will_v have_v take_v special_a care_n not_o to_o furnish_v impious_a man_n with_o place_n and_o passage_n on_o which_o they_o may_v raise_v imaginary_a triumph_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o evangelist_n relate_v those_o word_n because_o their_o simplicity_n be_v so_o great_a that_o they_o have_v not_o judgement_n to_o discern_v whether_o they_o be_v for_o or_o against_o their_o cause_n for_o what_o probability_n be_v there_o that_o man_n who_o have_v wit_n enough_o to_o deceive_v other_o people_n shall_v have_v so_o little_a in_o this_o occasion_n must_v a_o man_n needs_o be_v wise_a and_o learned_a when_o he_o choose_v to_o represent_v his_o master_n constant_a and_o undaunted_a rather_o than_o sorrowful_a unto_o death_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o one_o single_a evangelist_n that_o relate_v the_o history_n of_o his_o passion_n after_o this_o manner_n they_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o respect_n and_o how_o can_v this_o be_v so_o but_o that_o they_o only_o propose_v to_o themselves_o to_o speak_v the_o plain_a truth_n and_o they_o speak_v it_o without_o consider_v the_o impression_n it_o will_v make_v on_o mankind_n without_o examine_v whether_o the_o incredulous_a will_v take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o to_o slander_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n if_o what_o have_v be_v say_v here_o be_v not_o sufficient_a i_o be_o willing_a more_o particular_o to_o examine_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n chap._n vi_o where_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o see_v whether_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o illusion_n or_o imposture_n those_o book_n contain_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o extraordinary_a divine_a and_o admirable_a thing_n but_o the_o principal_a of_o they_o be_v reducible_a to_o these_o four_o head_n i._o the_o birth_n genealogy_n and_o education_n of_o jesus_n christ_n with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o they_o which_o we_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o at_o present_a lest_o we_o shall_v be_v too_o tedious_a have_v already_o mention_v they_o in_o our_o first_o part_n of_o this_o work_n ii_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o office_n confirm_v by_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o miracle_n from_o his_o baptism_n to_o his_o ascension_n iii_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n see_v clear_o in_o several_a occasion_n and_o shine_v throughout_o the_o various_a action_n of_o his_o life_n iv._o his_o doctrine_n and_o his_o prophecy_n from_o these_o four_o different_a head_n spring_v forth_o such_o beam_n of_o truth_n as_o wonderful_o illustrate_v this_o whole_a matter_n let_v we_o therefore_o examine_v they_o in_o their_o order_n and_o keep_v still_o to_o our_o usual_a method_n which_o be_v to_o raise_v as_o we_o go_v along_o as_o many_o difficulty_n as_o we_o can_v and_o urge_v they_o on_o with_o all_o their_o force_n to_o stop_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o complaint_n of_o the_o incredulous_a against_o we_o we_o may_v very_o well_o consider_v in_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n their_o number_n variety_n and_o greatness_n the_o noise_n they_o make_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o they_o be_v receive_v and_o first_o the_o evangelist_n make_v appear_v the_o number_n variety_n and_o greatness_n of_o they_o in_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o change_v water_n into_o wine_n in_o cana_n that_o he_o restore_v sight_n to_o the_o blind_a hear_v to_o the_o deaf_a and_o health_n to_o the_o sick_a that_o he_o cleanse_v the_o leprous_a heal_v the_o sick_a of_o the_o palsy_n cure_v one_o of_o a_o wither_a hand_n
the_o sight_n of_o several_a jew_n who_o be_v purposely_o come_v thither_o to_o comfort_v the_o sister_n of_o the_o decease_a person_n he_o tarry_v four_o day_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v say_v he_o be_v not_o real_o dead_a he_o permit_v lazarus_n to_o converse_v with_o his_o acquaintance_n after_o his_o resurrection_n which_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o jew_n blind_v with_o madness_n to_o conspire_v together_o to_o send_v he_o to_o the_o grave_n again_o who_o the_o grave_n have_v just_o send_v they_o for_o their_o conversion_n iu._n but_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o such_o great_a and_o such_o unparalelled_a miracle_n as_o these_o shall_v make_v so_o little_a impression_n upon_o people_n mind_n this_o age_n be_v indeed_o a_o wicked_a and_o prejudice_v age_n but_o yet_o what_o a_o noise_n will_v the_o resurrection_n of_o a_o dead_a man_n make_v now_o how_o many_o will_v make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o be_v full_o satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n how_o few_o will_v doubt_v it_o after_o have_v know_v the_o certain_a truth_n of_o it_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o who_o hear_v this_o miracle_n do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o believe_v it_o some_o ascribe_v it_o to_o the_o power_n of_o beelzebub_n other_o to_o some_o other_o cause_n some_o know_v not_o what_o to_o think_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o refuse_v to_o inquire_v into_o it_o other_o very_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n and_o lazarus_n have_v agree_v together_o thus_o to_o seduce_v the_o people_n and_o this_o very_a likely_a be_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o seek_v after_o lazarus_n to_o put_v he_o to_o death_n other_o though_o very_o few_o take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o to_o glorify_v god_n but_o lest_o any_o man_n shall_v wonder_v at_o the_o little_a impression_n this_o miracle_n make_v upon_o the_o prejudice_v and_o superstitious_a mind_n of_o man_n it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v these_o two_o follow_a reflection_n first_o that_o there_o have_v be_v several_a jew_n who_o free_o acknowledge_v the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n though_o they_o persist_v in_o their_o incredulity_n choose_v rather_o superstitious_o to_o ascribe_v they_o to_o a_o certain_a i_o know_v not_o what_o pronunciation_n of_o the_o word_n jehovah_n than_o to_o refer_v they_o totheir_o true_a cause_n which_o show_v that_o the_o evidence_n of_o miracle_n be_v not_o always_o of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o overcome_v the_o hardness_n of_o some_o man_n mind_n when_o prepossess_v with_o prejudice_n second_o that_o superstition_n itself_o have_v be_v sometime_o carry_v on_o to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o extinguish_v utter_o all_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o even_o to_o call_v in_o question_n those_o very_a object_n that_o be_v present_a to_o the_o sense_n rather_o than_o be_v oblige_v to_o renounce_v its_o prejudices_fw-la but_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o insist_v much_o upon_o this_o last_o reflection_n it_o sufficient_o appear_v from_o thence_o that_o there_o be_v such_o people_n in_o the_o world_n who_o mind_n be_v prepossess_v will_v either_o call_v in_o question_n any_o palpable_a truth_n or_o else_o ascribe_v matter_n of_o fact_n true_o miraculous_a to_o some_o fantastical_a and_o extravagant_a cause_n but_o there_o be_v none_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o die_v in_o order_n to_o maintain_v that_o they_o be_v spectator_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v real_o never_o see_v especial_o when_o they_o profess_v to_o believe_v that_o imposture_n be_v a_o crime_n worthy_a of_o death_n and_o when_o they_o may_v be_v so_o easy_o find_v out_o by_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o witness_n it_o will_v argue_v mere_a folly_n for_o any_o to_o pretend_v to_o impose_v upon_o man_n in_o this_o respect_n the_o jewish_a doctor_n have_v credit_n and_o authority_n enough_o over_o the_o people_n partly_o to_o stifle_v the_o knowledge_n they_o may_v have_v of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o if_o that_o fail_v at_o least_o to_o give_v such_o reason_n of_o they_o as_o will_v certain_o flatter_v the_o immoderate_a desire_n the_o jew_n have_v to_o see_v not_o a_o sorrowful_a and_o contemptible_a but_o a_o glorious_a and_o triumph_a messiah_n but_o the_o disciple_n be_v too_o weak_a to_o endure_v the_o severity_n of_o those_o torment_n inflict_v on_o they_o have_v they_o be_v mere_a impostor_n and_o be_v not_o sure_o so_o senseless_a as_o ever_o to_o think_v they_o may_v easy_o persuade_v man_n to_o believe_v such_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o the_o resurrection_n of_o lazarus_n for_o to_o endeavour_v to_o conceal_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n of_o that_o nature_n one_o have_v need_v only_o of_o prejudice_n and_o a_o wicked_a inclination_n but_o to_o have_v a_o design_n to_o make_v other_o man_n believe_v it_o when_o it_o be_v real_o false_a one_o must_v be_v possess_v with_o a_o unaccountable_a and_o unheard_a of_o madness_n v._o but_o you_o will_v say_v let_v the_o opinion_n the_o jew_n have_v of_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v what_o it_o will_v still_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o can_v have_v no_o better_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o they_o and_o that_o josephus_n for_o example_n who_o careful_o relate_v the_o least_o sort_n of_o event_n and_o forget_v not_o to_o mention_v certain_a seducer_n that_o have_v appear_v in_o the_o world_n from_o time_n to_o time_n before_o he_o shall_v not_o in_o the_o least_o speak_v of_o the_o miracle_n of_o of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v suppose_v by_o some_o that_o that_o notable_a testimony_n which_o he_o bear_v of_o he_o be_v a_o pious_a fraud_n of_o he_o or_o a_o mere_a invention_n of_o the_o succeed_a age_n we_o shall_v not_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o at_o present_a we_o be_v willing_a to_o take_v thing_n in_o the_o worst_a sense_n and_o we_o have_v three_o several_a reply_n to_o make_v this_o objection_n concern_v the_o silence_n of_o josephus_n in_o this_o respect_n the_o first_o 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holy_a scripture_n but_o they_o affirm_v also_o they_o have_v receive_v some_o supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a gift_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o they_o can_v at_o any_o time_n justify_v by_o their_o work_n and_o if_o you_o shall_v doubt_v it_o you_o need_v only_o observe_v they_o do_v not_o prove_v the_o same_o by_o mere_a speculation_n but_o by_o call_v to_o bear_v witness_n of_o what_o they_o say_v the_o sense_n of_o those_o they_o speak_v to_o nay_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o jew_n themselves_o both_o their_o master_n and_o their_o enemy_n too_o he_o therefore_o be_v say_v they_o by_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n exalt_v have_v shed_v forth_o this_o which_o you_o now_o see_v and_o hear_v act_v 2._o 33._o if_o you_o shall_v doubt_v whether_o st._n peter_n real_o speak_v just_a after_o this_o manner_n to_o the_o jew_n the_o multitude_n of_o those_o proselyte_n convert_v by_o the_o evidence_n of_o this_o demonstration_n and_o a_o whole_a church_n pure_o found_v by_o the_o efficacy_n 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be_v real_o so_o as_o st._n paul_n have_v tell_v they_o certain_o will_v not_o have_v fail_v to_o consult_v their_o eye_n and_o ear_n to_o be_v assure_v whether_o the_o apostle_n have_v any_o reason_n to_o pretend_v they_o can_v do_v sign_n and_o wonder_n this_o latter_a examination_n be_v more_o sure_a and_o easy_a than_o the_o former_a that_o it_o be_v not_o once_o or_o twice_o only_o st._n paul_n boast_v of_o have_v make_v himself_o know_v by_o many_o sign_n miracle_n and_o wonder_n wrought_v by_o he_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o those_o he_o write_v his_o exhortation_n to_o that_o every_o one_o of_o his_o epistle_n be_v full_a of_o declaration_n of_o this_o kind_n or_o of_o those_o thing_n visible_o relate_v thereunto_o that_o he_o derive_v both_o his_o argument_n and_o the_o motive_n of_o his_o exhortation_n from_o that_o undeniable_o know_a effusion_n of_o the_o supernatural_a grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n certain_o no_o man_n can_v imagine_v st._n paul_n so_o senseless_a as_o to_o write_v to_o the_o corinthian_n in_o these_o word_n wherefore_o brethren_n covet_v to_o prophecy_n and_o forbid_v not_o to_o speak_v with_o tongue_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 19_o suppose_v those_o gift_n have_v not_o be_v actual_o visible_a in_o the_o church_n nor_o will_v he_o have_v take_v so_o much_o care_n to_o remedy_v those_o disorder_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o abuse_n of_o those_o miraculous_a gift_n as_o we_o have_v already_o observe_v he_o do_v neither_o will_v he_o have_v warn_v they_o that_o the_o end_n of_o prophesy_v be_v to_o edify_v the_o faithful_a but_o that_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n as_o be_v miraculous_a be_v to_o convince_v the_o incredulous_a last_o he_o will_v never_o have_v undertake_v to_o correct_v the_o disorder_n of_o man_n who_o value_v those_o extraordinary_a gift_n more_o than_o charity_n itself_o as_o we_o see_v he_o do_v when_o he_o observe_v that_o whether_o there_o be_v prophecy_n they_o shall_v fail_v whether_o there_o be_v language_n they_o shall_v cease_v but_o that_o charity_n do_v never_o fail_v but_o we_o may_v easy_o see_v by_o his_o word_n how_o full_o he_o be_v persuade_v of_o these_o thing_n he_o have_v so_o great_a a_o admiration_n for_o so_o many_o miracle_n sign_n and_o wonderful_a work_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n wrought_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n that_o he_o know_v not_o well_o what_o suitable_a name_n to_o give_v to_o that_o divine_a principle_n sometime_o he_o call_v it_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 7._o sometime_o the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n eph._n 1._o 19_o sometime_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n eph._n 6._o 10._o all_o which_o expression_n be_v to_o the_o full_a as_o natural_a as_o they_o be_v strong_a and_o discover_v to_o we_o beyond_o all_o the_o argument_n in_o the_o world_n the_o idea_n st._n paul_n have_v of_o those_o miraculous_a gift_n and_o consequent_o that_o too_o which_o we_o ourselves_o ought_v to_o have_v of_o they_o section_n iii_o wherein_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o carry_v even_o to_o a_o demonstration_n the_o proof_n draw_v from_o the_o external_a evidence_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o inward_a sense_n we_o have_v of_o they_o chap._n i._n of_o the_o natural_a temper_n disposition_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o disciple_n and_o what_o sort_n of_o prejudices_fw-la they_o be_v possess_v with_o when_o jesus_n christ_n manifest_v himself_o to_o they_o we_o can_v better_o discover_v what_o impression_n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o gospel_n may_v have_v or_o aught_o to_o have_v wrought_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o disciple_n than_o by_o consider_v what_o sort_n of_o prejudices_fw-la they_o be_v till_o then_o possess_v with_o we_o shall_v therefore_o begin_v this_o three_o section_n with_o the_o examination_n of_o
they_o since_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v original_o jew_n they_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v possess_v with_o these_o five_o follow_a prejudices_fw-la i._o they_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v attend_v with_o temporal_a prosperity_n ii_o they_o imagine_v that_o the_o messiah_n will_v restore_v the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n to_o its_o former_a glory_n and_o once_o more_o raise_v up_o the_o house_n of_o david_n out_o of_o that_o disgrace_n and_o almost_o oblivion_n it_o have_v lie_v under_o to_o its_o ancient_a power_n and_o majesty_n iii_o they_o believe_v their_o law_n to_o be_v of_o a_o eternal_a duration_n now_o by_o their_o law_n i_o do_v not_o here_o understand_v the_o moral_a law_n only_o but_o the_o ceremonial_a one_o too_o or_o rather_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o it_o in_o general_a contain_v both_o the_o moral_a and_o ceremonial_a law_n iv._o they_o esteem_v their_o sacrifice_n to_o be_v the_o most_o sacred_a and_o most_o inviolable_a duty_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o they_o be_v far_o from_o imagine_v that_o those_o sacrifice_n enjoin_v by_o their_o law_n shall_v on_o a_o sudden_a cease_v as_o soon_o as_o one_o man_n be_v put_v to_o death_n v._o and_o last_o they_o can_v not_o consider_v the_o gentile_n but_o as_o a_o unclean_a and_o abominable_a sort_n of_o people_n in_o comparison_n to_o themselves_o for_o beside_o the_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n which_o the_o jew_n account_v so_o capital_a a_o crime_n as_o to_o deserve_v that_o god_n shall_v for_o ever_o cast_v they_o off_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o the_o heathen_n be_v various_o pollute_v and_o defile_v according_a to_o the_o notion_n the_o jew_n have_v of_o their_o law_n since_o they_o use_v none_o of_o those_o ceremony_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o their_o external_a sanctification_n by_o avoid_v all_o uncleanness_n and_o legal_a impurity_n as_o to_o the_o first_o prejudice_n it_o can_v never_o be_v doubt_v but_o 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the_o glory_n of_o that_o house_n according_a to_o all_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n but_o whether_o there_o be_v or_o no_o any_o ground_n for_o that_o conjecture_n it_o be_v true_a at_o least_o that_o his_o surprise_a victory_n and_o prosperity_n have_v make_v so_o great_a a_o impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o a_o very_a considerable_a number_n of_o they_o imagine_v that_o herod_n be_v the_o messiah_n who_o the_o prophet_n have_v promise_v and_o who_o be_v to_o raise_v their_o nation_n to_o the_o height_n of_o happiness_n and_o prosperity_n for_o this_o opinion_n give_v rise_v to_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o herodian_o that_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o wonder_v at_o it_o since_o the_o corrupt_a heart_n of_o man_n delight_n in_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o worldly_a grandeur_n and_o temporal_a prosperity_n therein_o consist_v the_o pleasure_n of_o great_a as_o well_o as_o mean_v person_n and_o he_o that_o shall_v but_o consult_v the_o history_n of_o mankind_n will_v find_v that_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n those_o society_n which_o be_v distinguish_v from_o other_o by_o the_o splendour_n of_o honour_n or_o enjoyment_n of_o temporal_a prosperity_n still_o prevail_v over_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o second_o receive_v opinion_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v that_o their_o messiah_n be_v to_o restore_v the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n to_o its_o former_a glory_n for_o on_o one_o hand_n their_o prophet_n have_v teach_v they_o that_o the_o house_n of_o david_n shall_v reign_v and_o endure_v as_o long_o as_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n and_o on_o the_o other_o they_o be_v sensible_a that_o the_o house_n of_o david_n be_v partly_o extinguish_v and_o partly_o fall_v into_o disgrace_n and_o humiliation_n they_o expect_v therefore_o from_o the_o messiah_n that_o he_o will_v restore_v it_o again_o and_o although_o the_o people_n have_v for_o a_o long_a time_n be_v govern_v by_o several_a king_n not_o descend_v from_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n yet_o they_o still_o feed_v themselves_o up_o with_o that_o imaginary_a hope_n but_o above_o all_o the_o jew_n be_v firm_o persuade_v of_o the_o perpetual_a duration_n of_o their_o law_n that_o be_v that_o people_n shall_v continual_o come_v up_o from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o worship_v in_o mount_n zion_n and_o offer_v up_o variety_n of_o sacrifice_n in_o the_o holy_a land_n it_o be_v this_o law_n they_o have_v hear_v so_o often_o mention_v in_o their_o infancy_n which_o their_o parent_n their_o elder_n and_o their_o teacher_n have_v so_o often_o entertain_v they_o with_o in_o their_o common_a discourse_n they_o hear_v every_o body_n speak_v of_o jerusalem_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o respect_n and_o it_o be_v repute_v a_o great_a oath_n among_o they_o to_o swear_v by_o the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n they_o consider_v the_o levite_n as_o so_o many_o sacred_a person_n and_o the_o priest_n as_o the_o visible_a minister_n of_o a_o invisible_a god_n that_o be_v please_v to_o dwell_v among_o they_o they_o send_v yearly_a to_o jerusalem_n the_o ten_o of_o their_o good_n and_o bring_v a_o infinite_a variety_n of_o victim_n to_o be_v there_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n they_o think_v they_o can_v neither_o be_v acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n nor_o man_n unless_o they_o practise_v all_o the_o custom_n their_o law_n prescribe_v they_o touch_v their_o purity_n and_o external_a sanctification_n they_o have_v see_v the_o great_a severity_n inflict_v upon_o the_o infringer_n of_o that_o law_n and_o the_o four_o sort_n of_o punishment_n ordain_v by_o the_o law_n against_o the_o violator_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o they_o shall_v be_v strangle_v or_o cut_v off_o by_o the_o sword_n or_o burn_v or_o stone_v to_o death_n according_a to_o the_o enormity_n of_o their_o crime_n be_v continual_o before_o their_o eye_n and_o almost_o daily_o execute_v upon_o those_o that_o be_v guilty_a in_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o but_o look_v upon_o the_o prescription_n of_o the_o law_n as_o sacred_a and_o inviolable_a duty_n they_o be_v oblige_v to_o perform_v now_o it_o be_v obvious_a to_o every_o one_o how_o great_a a_o impression_n these_o punishment_n must_v necessary_o make_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o mean_a sort_n of_o people_n they_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o thought_n of_o their_o festival_n and_o solemnity_n which_o be_v so_o very_o proper_a to_o fix_v and_o stay_v their_o mind_n by_o that_o great_a number_n both_o of_o ceremony_n and_o circumstance_n they_o be_v attend_v with_o thrice_o every_o year_n they_o be_v enjoin_v to_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n during_o such_o certain_a sacred_a time_n which_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o observe_v with_o a_o particular_a devotion_n and_o it_o be_v forbid_v they_o to_o discourse_v any_o thing_n else_o during_o the_o passover_n but_o of_o the_o sorrowful_a captivity_n which_o the_o ancient_a israelite_n endure_v in_o egypt_n exod._n 13._o 8._o neither_o be_v they_o permit_v to_o eat_v any_o thing_n for_o seven_o day_n together_o but_o unleavened_a bread_n in_o token_n of_o that_o bread_n of_o affliction_n which_o their_o forefather_n have_v eat_v they_o be_v command_v to_o kill_v as_o many_o lamb_n as_o there_o be_v family_n dwell_v in_o jerusalem_n in_o token_n of_o the_o ancient_a passage_n of_o the_o destroy_a angel_n over_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n be_v to_o be_v commemorate_a with_o no_o less_o solemnity_n at_o which_o time_n they_o be_v oblige_v to_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n the_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o observe_v yearly_o a_o solemn_a and_o general_a fast_a the_o ten_o day_n of_o september_n as_o also_o to_o rest_v from_o all_o manner_n of_o labour_n the_o first_o and_o last_o day_n of_o the_o feast_n
that_o persuasion_n so_o deep_o root_v in_o their_o mind_n that_o their_o law_n be_v to_o be_v eternal_a and_o yet_o that_o a_o few_o year_n shall_v persuade_v that_o great_a multitude_n of_o disciple_n convert_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o all_o those_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v become_v invalid_a by_o the_o death_n of_o a_o man_n who_o the_o sanhedrin_n have_v condemn_v to_o be_v execute_v as_o a_o malefactor_n without_o any_o extraordinary_a or_o supernatural_a accident_n intervening_a which_o shall_v occasion_v the_o frame_n to_o themselves_o such_o idea_n so_o particular_a and_o so_o contrary_a to_o their_o first_o prejudices_fw-la certain_o we_o may_v very_o well_o affirm_v that_o our_o incredulous_a adversary_n have_v too_o great_a a_o value_n for_o imposture_n and_o ignorance_n when_o they_o imagine_v that_o a_o universal_a delusion_n and_o unanimous_a consent_n to_o a_o lie_n can_v convert_v nation_n sanctify_v mankind_n and_o spread_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n throughout_o the_o world_n according_a as_o it_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o scripture_n or_o that_o a_o few_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a fisherman_n who_o knowledge_n extend_v no_o further_a than_o their_o employment_n shall_v discover_v the_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o introduce_v instead_o of_o it_o a_o spiritual_a worship_n as_o real_o more_o conformable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o more_o worthy_a of_o man_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o more_o worthy_a of_o man_n who_o be_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n that_o those_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a man_n shall_v discover_v the_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o law_n to_o be_v only_a type_n of_o the_o death_n of_o a_o man_n who_o be_v condemn_v to_o be_v execute_v as_o a_o malefactor_n that_o they_o shall_v attribute_v this_o thought_n to_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o make_v he_o express_v it_o only_o in_o these_o word_n behold_v the_o lamb_n of_o god_n that_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n john_n 1._o 29._o word_n so_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a that_o they_o contain_v the_o whole_a sum_n of_o christian_n religion_n and_o last_o that_o they_o shall_v invent_v mystery_n so_o very_o different_a from_o man_n ordinary_a thought_n and_o conjecture_n and_o so_o far_o above_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o most_o judicious_a and_o learned_a that_o it_o may_v deserve_o be_v say_v of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v such_o thing_n which_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v they_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 9_o last_o experience_n tell_v we_o how_o difficult_a it_o be_v for_o person_n already_o advance_v in_o year_n to_o renounce_v the_o common_a practice_n general_o approve_v of_o in_o the_o world_n especial_o when_o authorise_v by_o religion_n and_o education_n how_o hard_o will_v it_o be_v for_o we_o christian_n to_o live_v as_o the_o jew_n and_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v more_o difficult_a for_o they_o to_o live_v as_o we_o do_v because_o we_o look_v upon_o all_o their_o custom_n as_o thing_n very_o indifferent_a in_o themselves_o whereas_o they_o always_o look_v upon_o our_o practice_n as_o scandalous_a and_o unlawful_a how_o then_o be_v it_o that_o not_o only_o one_o or_o two_o jew_n but_o thousand_o who_o have_v embrace_v christianity_n no_o long_o in_o the_o least_o scruple_v to_o converse_v with_o the_o gentile_n nay_o to_o to_o live_v with_o heathen_n who_o before_o be_v a_o abomination_n in_o their_o eye_n you_o will_v say_v this_o be_v not_o without_o many_o considerable_a difficulty_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o several_a great_a animosity_n and_o dispute_n i_o grant_v it_o but_o yet_o it_o appear_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n be_v utter_o abolish_v present_o after_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n the_o apostle_n have_v determine_v that_o it_o have_v be_v accomplish_v in_o his_o death_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o join_v the_o carnal_a ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n with_o the_o spiritual_a worship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o i_o say_v that_o have_v not_o the_o apostle_n both_o testify_v the_o miracle_n and_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o wrought_v very_o great_a wonder_n themselves_o it_o be_v natural_o impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v execute_v so_o great_a a_o design_n especial_o in_o so_o small_a a_o time_n for_o certain_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o disciple_n as_o bear_a jew_n they_o must_v necessary_o have_v be_v very_o much_o devote_v to_o their_o own_o law_n if_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o poor_a and_o mean_a people_n they_o can_v not_o but_o have_v be_v passionate_o fond_a of_o that_o law_n which_o give_v such_o wonderful_a precept_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n and_o the_o relief_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o poor_a if_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a man_n they_o can_v not_o but_o have_v a_o blind_a love_n and_o obedience_n for_o their_o law_n as_o all_o ignorant_a people_n have_v for_o the_o external_a object_n of_o religion_n last_o shall_v we_o consider_v they_o as_o prepossess_v with_o the_o usual_a prejudices_fw-la of_o their_o nation_n they_o must_v necessary_o have_v expect_v a_o glorious_a and_o triumphant_a messiah_n who_o instead_o of_o abolish_n the_o law_n of_o moses_n shall_v have_v establish_v it_o throughout_o the_o world_n yet_o we_o need_v only_o consider_v the_o event_n to_o clear_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n we_o shall_v not_o insist_v upon_o all_o the_o reflection_n we_o may_v easy_o make_v hereupon_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o those_o thing_n by_o the_o by_o because_o they_o may_v serve_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o illustrate_v the_o particular_a examination_n we_o shall_v make_v of_o the_o miracle_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o have_v already_o consider_v they_o in_o general_a sufficient_o to_o convince_v all_o reasonable_a person_n but_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o insist_v more_o particular_o on_o they_o that_o we_o may_v confound_v the_o obstinate_a and_o incredulous_a and_o make_v they_o at_o least_o true_o sensible_a of_o their_o error_n though_o perhaps_o we_o can_v reclaim_v they_o from_o it_o to_o do_v this_o better_o we_o shall_v lay_v down_o four_o miraculous_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o shall_v be_v as_o so_o many_o centre_n of_o the_o truth_n we_o inquire_v into_o because_o there_o be_v several_a line_n and_o degree_n of_o evidence_n and_o light_n which_o necessary_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o each_o of_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v join_v they_o all_o together_o the_o better_a to_o form_v a_o full_a and_o perfect_a demonstration_n of_o they_o chap._n ii_o the_o first_o centre_n of_o truth_n a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n we_o dare_v say_v that_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o miracle_n that_o the_o composer_n of_o the_o gospel_n dare_v not_o can_v not_o will_v not_o have_v forge_v they_o have_v they_o be_v real_o false_a i_o say_v they_o dare_v not_o because_o they_o can_v not_o but_o have_v be_v public_o know_v to_o prove_v this_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o four_o example_n of_o they_o which_o be_v i._o the_o history_n of_o zachariah_n the_o father_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n ii_o the_o history_n of_o the_o massacre_n of_o the_o young_a child_n of_o bethlehem_n iii_o the_o miraculous_a feed_n of_o several_a thousand_o at_o several_a time_n in_o the_o wilderness_n with_o a_o few_o loaf_n and_o some_o small_a fish_n iu._n and_o last_o the_o supernatural_a prodigy_n which_o happen_v at_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o as_o to_o the_o first_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o subject_a upon_o who_o this_o great_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v be_v a_o priest_n a_o priest_n who_o daily_o perform_v the_o function_n of_o his_o ministerial_a office_n and_o be_v then_o actual_o burn_v incense_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n at_o a_o very_a remarkable_a time_n during_o which_o the_o people_n who_o expect_v he_o be_v very_a intent_n at_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n in_o the_o outward_a part_n or_o porch_n of_o the_o temple_n whilst_o he_o himself_o be_v in_o the_o holy_a place_n now_o though_o the_o historian_n have_v observe_v only_o concern_v the_o birth_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n that_o zachariah_n and_o elizabeth_n his_o wife_n be_v far_o advance_v in_o year_n and_o that_o the_o latter_a till_o then_o be_v think_v barren_a yet_o that_o event_n will_v have_v employ_v something_o so_o extraordinary_a and_o surprise_a that_o one_o may_v have_v be_v almost_o positive_a that_o the_o evangelist_n dare_v not_o have_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o forge_v it_o against_o the_o public_a knowledge_n which_o all_o the_o jew_n must_v then_o have_v have_v of_o it_o how_o then_o dare_v any_o one_o have_v affirm_v that_o zachariah_n whole_o lose_v
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
be_v here_o if_o thou_o will_v let_v we_o make_v here_o three_o tabernacle_n what_o a_o strange_a piece_n of_o stupidity_n be_v this_o and_o how_o well_o do_v it_o appear_v how_o incapable_a such_o gross_a and_o ignorant_a man_n be_v of_o entertain_v the_o least_o design_n of_o impose_v upon_o other_o beside_o what_o make_v st._n matthew_n relate_v this_o circumstance_n what_o honour_n can_v accrue_v thereby_o to_o peter_n and_o how_o can_v it_o of_o itself_o enter_v into_o his_o mind_n verse_n 16._o and_o i_o bring_v he_o to_o thy_o disciple_n and_o they_o can_v not_o cure_v he_o in_o this_o passage_n appear_v the_o evangelist_n sincerity_n for_o nothing_o else_o can_v have_v oblige_v he_o to_o relate_v that_o circumstance_n or_o make_v he_o so_o free_o own_o the_o defect_n and_o want_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o society_n he_o himself_o be_v a_o member_n of_o chap._n xviii_o 3._o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o except_o you_o be_v convert_v and_o become_v as_o little_a child_n you_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o child_n shall_v be_v so_o simple_a no_o man_n ought_v to_o wonder_v because_o their_o want_n of_o knowledge_n be_v a_o pure_a effect_n of_o their_o age_n but_o that_o even_a man_n shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o return_v from_o the_o most_o refine_a notion_n of_o worldly_a policy_n from_o that_o sinful_a cunning_n and_o dexterity_n so_o often_o see_v in_o they_o to_o a_o state_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o amiable_a sincerity_n that_o they_o shall_v at_o once_o become_v simple_a and_o prudent_a righteous_a and_o religious_o wise_a be_v such_o a_o thing_n that_o man_n be_v whole_o unacquainted_a with_o and_o which_o discover_v to_o we_o both_o the_o greatness_n and_o high_a perfection_n of_o that_o person_n who_o teach_v man_n a_o doctrine_n so_o sublime_a and_o elevate_v verse_n 4._o whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v humble_v himself_o as_o this_o little_a child_n the_o same_o be_v great_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n how_o different_a be_v these_o notion_n from_o the_o common_a one_o of_o man_n how_o different_a be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n from_o all_o worldly_a empire_n and_o how_o well_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o such_o surprise_a maxim_n as_o these_o can_v not_o possible_o proceed_v from_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n verse_n 9_o and_o if_o thy_o eye_n offend_v thou_o pluck_v it_o out_o etc._n etc._n by_o the_o eye_n here_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v our_o darling_n sin_n or_o whatever_o else_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o so_o that_o christ_n hereby_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o sacrifice_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n whatever_o we_o dear_o prize_v and_o value_v most_o do_v ever_o any_o teacher_n less_o flatter_v man_n vanity_n verse_n 22._o i_o say_v not_o unto_o thou_o until_o seven_o time_n but_o until_o seventy_o time_n seven_o this_o be_v a_o certain_a number_n make_v use_v of_o for_o a_o uncertain_a one_o which_o signify_v that_o we_o must_v continual_o forgive_v that_o mercy_n have_v no_o bound_n and_o that_o charity_n can_v be_v limit_v who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o such_o a_o concern_v to_o unite_v all_o heart_n together_o to_o banish_v all_o misunderstanding_n among_o man_n in_o give_v so_o vast_a a_o latitude_n to_o charity_n and_o mercy_n can_v proceed_v from_o none_o but_o he_o that_o be_v master_n of_o all_o heart_n and_o the_o common_a father_n of_o mankind_n chap._n xxi_o 43._o therefore_o say_v i_o unto_o you_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o you_o and_o give_v to_o a_o nation_n bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o this_o be_v indeed_o a_o very_a express_a prediction_n of_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n verse_n 46._o but_o when_o they_o think_v to_o lay_v hand_n on_o he_o they_o fear_v the_o multitude_n because_o they_o hold_v he_o for_o a_o prophet_n what_o can_v be_v so_o remarkable_a in_o jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v take_v for_o a_o prophet_n but_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o miracle_n whereby_o he_o confirm_v it_o chap._n xxiii_o 36_o 37._o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v come_v upon_o this_o generation_n o_o jerusalem_n jerusalem_n thou_o that_o kill_v etc._n etc._n here_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v very_o plain_o set_v down_o chap._n xxiv_o 28._o for_o wheresoever_o the_o carcase_n be_v there_o will_v the_o eagle_n be_v gather_v together_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n crucify_v be_v the_o carcase_n and_o the_o roman_a standard_n where_o the_o eagle_n which_o be_v to_o fall_v upon_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n where_o the_o carcase_n be_v verse_n 34._o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o this_o generation_n shall_v pass_v till_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v fulfil_v the_o same_o reflection_n must_v be_v make_v in_o this_o place_n as_o we_o have_v make_v above_o chap._n xxvi_o 13._o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o wheresoever_o this_o gospel_n shall_v be_v preach_v in_o the_o whole_a world_n there_o shall_v also_o this_o that_o this_o woman_n have_v do_v be_v tell_v for_o a_o memorial_n of_o she_o a_o prophecy_n that_o have_v be_v sufficient_o fulfil_v verse_n 28._o for_o this_o be_v my_o blood_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v shed_v for_o many_o for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n do_v ever_o any_o man_n act_n or_o speak_v after_o so_o unheard_a of_o and_o surprise_v a_o manner_n can_v we_o find_v a_o man_n who_o not_o only_o foretell_v his_o suffering_n but_o also_o establish_v beforehand_o some_o memorial_n of_o a_o death_n he_o may_v easy_o have_v avoid_v and_o who_o but_o christ_n ever_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o shed_v his_o blood_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n verse_n 38_o 39_o then_o say_v he_o unto_o they_o my_o soul_n be_v exceed_o sorrowful_a even_o unto_o death_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o go_v a_o little_a further_o and_o fall_v on_o his_o face_n and_o pray_v say_v o_o my_o father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v away_o from_o i_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o explain_v what_o this_o exceed_a sorrow_n and_o agony_n be_v yet_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o it_o present_v we_o at_o first_o view_n with_o a_o object_n very_o surprise_v and_o that_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o those_o man_n who_o chief_a design_n be_v to_o invent_v such_o thing_n as_o shall_v be_v most_o for_o their_o master_n honour_n shall_v yet_o give_v we_o such_o a_o description_n of_o his_o suffering_n at_o least_o we_o find_v here_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o disciple_n which_o sincerity_n show_v we_o that_o we_o ought_v without_o scruple_n to_o receive_v the_o rest_n of_o their_o relation_n chap._n xxvii_o 42._o he_o save_v other_o himself_z he_o can_v save_v if_o he_o be_v the_o king_n of_o israel_n let_v he_o now_o come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n and_o we_o will_v believe_v he_o by_o this_o text_n it_o appear_v that_o christ_n pass_v for_o a_o person_n that_o have_v perform_v several_a miracle_n verse_n 45._o now_o from_o the_o six_o hour_n there_o be_v darkness_n over_o all_o the_o land_n unto_o the_o nine_o hour_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o can_v have_v make_v a_o whole_a city_n believe_v such_o a_o thing_n be_v it_o not_o true_a verse_n 51_o 52_o 53._o and_o behold_v the_o vail_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v rend_v in_o twain_o from_o the_o top_n to_o the_o bottom_n and_o the_o earth_n do_v quake_v and_o the_o rock_n rend_v and_o the_o grave_n be_v open_v etc._n etc._n how_o can_v st._n matthew_n have_v persuade_v man_n to_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o against_o their_o own_o knowledge_n to_o the_o contrary_a can_v the_o veil_n of_o the_o temple_n or_o the_o rock_n be_v rend_v can_v the_o earth_n quake_v and_o the_o grave_n open_a and_o yet_o the_o jew_n know_v nothing_o of_o it_o to_o who_o do_v the_o evangelist_n relate_v all_o these_o thing_n he_o write_v they_o before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n nay_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o consequent_o in_o a_o time_n when_o there_o be_v several_a thousand_o of_o people_n still_o live_v that_o can_v witness_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o how_o then_o can_v he_o so_o much_o as_o imagine_v he_o can_v deceive_v so_o many_o witness_n concern_v in_o the_o business_n to_o who_o he_o preach_v these_o thing_n and_o who_o he_o design_v to_o bring_v over_o to_o his_o party_n nay_o some_o of_o who_o have_v already_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n and_o form_v a_o very_a numerous_a and_o considerable_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n where_o all_o these_o thing_n have_v happen_v and_o where_o he_o attempt_v to_o persuade_v other_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o chap._n vii_o wherein_o we_o shall_v further_o produce_v out_o of_o the_o other_o gospel_n several_a place_n very_o proper_a to_o make_v we_o true_o sensible_a of_o
to_o their_o former_a employment_n for_o they_o can_v not_o subsist_v without_o do_v something_o to_o get_v a_o livelihood_n and_o jesus_n after_o his_o resurrection_n appear_v sometime_o to_o they_o on_o the_o sea_n shore_n where_o they_o be_v a_o fish_n what_o can_v be_v suspect_v in_o all_o this_o verse_n 20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o then_o peter_n turn_v about_o seethe_v the_o disciple_n who_o jesus_n love_v follow_v which_o also_o lean_v on_o his_o breast_n at_o supper_n and_o say_v lord_n who_o be_v it_o that_o betray_v thou_o peter_n see_v he_o say_v to_o jesus_n lord_n and_o what_o shall_v this_o man_n do_v jesus_n say_v unto_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 follow_v thou_o i_o then_o go_v this_o say_n abroad_o among_o the_o brethren_n that_o that_o disciple_n shall_v not_o die_v yet_o jesus_n say_v not_o unto_o he_o he_o shall_v not_o die_v but_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 this_o be_v the_o disciple_n which_o testify_v of_o these_o thing_n and_o write_v these_o thing_n etc._n etc._n can_v we_o imagine_v that_o the_o evangelist_n himself_o invent_v this_o report_n which_o he_o pretend_v go_v about_o concern_v his_o immortality_n and_o do_v such_o thought_n come_v into_o a_o man_n head_n however_o do_v but_o observe_v how_o all_o the_o particular_n of_o this_o matter_n hang_v so_o one_o upon_o another_o that_o whosoever_o grant_v one_o of_o they_o must_v grant_v also_o the_o rest_n for_o the_o report_n spread_v abroad_o that_o john_n shall_v not_o die_v be_v ground_v upon_o the_o answer_n which_o christ_n return_v to_o peter_n and_o he_o return_v not_o that_o answer_n to_o peter_n till_o after_o his_o resurrection_n and_o after_o have_v foretell_v peter_n himself_o with_o what_o kind_n of_o death_n he_o shall_v glorify_v god_n this_o connexion_n therefore_o plain_o show_v we_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v upon_o this_o account_n chap._n viii_o wherein_o we_o shall_v further_o produce_v from_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n several_a place_n very_o proper_a to_o make_v we_o true_o sensible_a of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_n religion_n chap._n i._n 8._o but_o you_o shall_v receive_v power_n after_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v come_v upon_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v witness_n unto_o i_o both_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o all_o judea_n and_o in_o samaria_n etc._n etc._n unto_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n â—et_z these_o witness_n be_v strict_o examine_v let_v their_o patience_n be_v try_v with_o all_o kind_n of_o severe_a punishment_n and_o it_o will_v then_o appear_v whether_o it_o be_v possible_a ever_o to_o force_v they_o to_o recant_v their_o opinion_n verse_n 26._o and_o the_o lot_n fall_v upon_o mathias_n and_o he_o be_v number_v with_o the_o eleven_o apostle_n in_o this_o election_n there_o appear_v neither_o bribe_n preeminence_n or_o arbitrary_a partiality_n so_o different_a be_v that_o society_n from_o these_o now_o establish_v in_o the_o world_n chap._n ii_o 13_o other_o mock_v say_v these_o man_n be_v full_a of_o new_a wine_n these_o sort_n of_o circumstance_n be_v of_o excellent_a use_n to_o show_v the_o exactness_n and_o sincerity_n of_o the_o historian_n verse_n 22._o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n a_o man_n approve_v of_o god_n among_o you_o by_o miracle_n and_o wonder_n and_o sign_n as_o you_o yourselves_o also_o know_v how_o come_v they_o to_o know_v it_o have_v christ_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n among_o they_o and_o what_o a_o strange_a piece_n of_o confidence_n must_v it_o have_v be_v in_o the_o apostle_n to_o speak_v thus_o verse_n 41._o and_o the_o same_o day_n be_v add_v unto_o they_o about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n what_o but_o the_o wonderful_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v to_o the_o apostle_n can_v make_v so_o many_o proselyte_n verse_n 44_o 45._o and_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v together_o and_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a and_o sell_v their_o possession_n and_o good_n and_o part_v they_o to_o all_o man_n as_o every_o man_n have_v need_v a_o holy_a society_n indeed_o consist_v of_o none_o but_o such_o as_o have_v give_v up_o all_o their_o interest_n in_o this_o world_n and_o glorify_a god_n by_o offer_v up_o themselves_o and_o what_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o as_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o he_o what_o can_v they_o hope_v for_o who_o absolute_o renounce_v every_o thing_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n let_v a_o man_n reason_n never_o so_o much_o upon_o the_o manner_n of_o unite_n man_n in_o a_o body_n together_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v never_o a_o more_o effectual_a method_n to_o form_v a_o society_n than_o charity_n for_o it_o make_v those_o thing_n equal_a which_o humane_a passion_n have_v before_o distinguish_v it_o subvert_v all_o competition_n destroy_v all_o interest_n banish_v the_o design_n of_o pride_n and_o ambition_n and_o all_o the_o little_a distinction_n vanity_n create_v in_o a_o word_n it_o unite_v man_n in_o a_o state_n wherein_o they_o all_o equal_o enjoy_v the_o same_o revelation_n the_o same_o spiritual_a worship_n and_o the_o same_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n all_o which_o represent_v as_o it_o be_v on_o earth_n the_o joy_n we_o may_v partake_v hereafter_o and_o give_v we_o a_o lively_a image_n and_o idea_n of_o heaven_n and_o what_o great_a miracle_n than_o this_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o a_o religion_n verse_n 46._o and_o they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n do_v eat_v their_o meat_n with_o gladness_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n what_o perseverance_n what_o joy_n nay_o what_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n do_v the_o apostle_n here_o show_v suppose_v they_o to_o have_v be_v deceiver_n for_o we_o must_v either_o acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v such_o or_o else_o allow_v the_o gospel_n they_o preach_v to_o be_v most_o certain_o true_a and_o divine_a chap._n iii_o 8_o 9_o and_o he_o enter_v with_o they_o into_o the_o temple_n walk_v and_o leap_v and_o praise_v god_n and_o all_o the_o people_n see_v he_o walk_v and_o praise_v god_n be_v it_o a_o easy_a matter_n to_o make_v other_o man_n believe_v such_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o these_o suppose_v they_o be_v altogether_o false_a verse_n 12._o and_o when_o peter_n see_v it_o he_o answer_v unto_o the_o people_n you_o man_n of_o israel_n why_o marvel_v you_o at_o this_o or_o why_o look_v you_o so_o earnest_o on_o we_o as_o though_o by_o our_o own_o power_n or_o holiness_n we_o have_v make_v this_o man_n to_o walk_v have_v simon_n magus_n perform_v such_o a_o miracle_n he_o will_v certain_o have_v take_v all_o the_o honour_n of_o it_o to_o himself_o and_o now_o more_o confident_o than_o ever_o affirm_v that_o he_o be_v the_o great_a power_n of_o god_n observe_v i_o pray_v here_o a_o character_n of_o ingenuity_n humility_n and_o sincerity_n which_o can_v be_v sufficient_o express_v verse_n 16._o and_o his_o name_n through_o faith_n in_o his_o name_n have_v make_v this_o man_n strong_a who_o you_o see_v and_o know_v yea_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v by_o he_o have_v give_v he_o this_o perfect_a soundness_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o you_o all_o this_o multiply_a expression_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v not_o so_o well_o please_v some_o man_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o empty_a flourish_n of_o word_n or_o a_o put_v some_o good_a word_n fine_o together_o to_o signify_v little_a a_o thing_n not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o true_a eloquence_n man_n ought_v to_o use_v but_o here_o it_o be_v not_o real_o so_o the_o apostle_n here_o regard_v not_o politness_v in_o the_o least_o but_o rather_o be_v afraid_a they_o can_v not_o use_v expression_n strong_a enough_o to_o let_v they_o know_v that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o own_o name_n but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v do_v it_o be_v no_o matter_n then_o whether_o the_o ear_n be_v offend_v at_o it_o or_o not_o provide_v the_o understanding_n humble_v itself_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o ascribe_v that_o extraordinary_a miracle_n to_o none_o but_o christ_n himself_o verse_n 14._o but_o you_o deny_v the_o holy_a one_o and_o the_o just_a and_o desire_v a_o murderer_n to_o be_v grant_v unto_o you_o observe_v how_o little_o he_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o flatter_v those_o man_n he_o speak_v to_o chap._n iu._n 4._o howbeit_o many_o of_o they_o which_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o man_n be_v about_o five_o thousand_o how_o can_v s._n luke_n who_o write_v in_o a_o time_n when_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o so_o many_o proselyte_n flourish_v i_o say_v how_o can_v he_o have_v make_v so_o many_o believe_v such_o miraculous_a
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