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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 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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
shell_n and_o bark_n if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o examine_v all_o those_o argument_n that_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o external_a testimony_n which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n give_v of_o it_o and_o by_o consider_v their_o natural_a capacity_n the_o discovery_n that_o be_v make_v to_o they_o their_o prejudices_fw-la the_o peculiar_a frame_n of_o their_o mind_n their_o martyrdom_n and_o the_o reason_n that_o induce_v they_o to_o suffer_v it_o etc._n etc._n and_o all_o this_o before_o we_o proceed_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new-testament_n ii_o we_o shall_v consider_v these_o write_n themselves_o and_o inquire_v whether_o they_o be_v forge_v or_o not_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o subject-matter_n of_o they_o and_o endeavour_n both_o to_o defend_v they_o against_o the_o suspicion_n of_o the_o incredulous_a by_o show_v that_o they_o contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v certain_o true_a and_o to_o evince_v the_o 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establish_v christianity_n itself_o admit_v of_o nothing_o for_o truth_n but_o so_o far_o as_o appear_v evident_a chap._n i._n where_o we_o shall_v inquire_v whence_o the_o christian_n have_v their_o original_a and_o what_o their_o profession_n be_v by_o look_v back_o into_o the_o first_o age_n wherein_o they_o appear_v in_o order_n to_o which_o we_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v now_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n and_o there_o have_v not_o always_o be_v such_o from_o this_o i_o gather_v that_o i_o must_v look_v back_o into_o past_a age_n to_o find_v out_o the_o original_a of_o my_o religion_n in_o this_o search_n i_o pass_v therefore_o from_o age_n to_o age_n till_o i_o come_v to_o constantine_n without_o be_v able_a to_o clear_v this_o doubt_n but_o here_o we_o must_v make_v a_o little_a stop_n the_o prosperity_n of_o this_o prince_n give_v at_o first_o some_o occasion_n of_o suspicion_n and_o we_o easy_o mistrust_v a_o man_n who_o be_v master_n of_o the_o most_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o world_n seem_v probable_o to_o have_v establish_v the_o christian_a religion_n therein_o either_o by_o force_n or_o policy_n look_v perhaps_o upon_o it_o as_o more_o proper_a than_o that_o of_o the_o heathen_n to_o carry_v on_o his_o design_n yet_o that_o suspicion_n soon_o vanish_v since_o we_o be_v assure_v there_o be_v christian_n in_o the_o world_n before_o constantine_n time_n all_o the_o heathen_a writer_n who_o live_v before_o he_o speak_v of_o they_o and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a historian_n be_v whole_o employ_v in_o describe_v their_o suffering_n but_o suppose_v that_o these_o historian_n live_v in_o the_o day_n of_o constantine_n or_o after_o he_o they_o must_v needs_o have_v either_o lose_v the_o use_n of_o their_o reason_n themselves_o or_o have_v imagine_v that_o the_o man_n of_o their_o age_n have_v lose_v they_o when_o they_o give_v they_o the_o history_n of_o the_o christian_n church_n down_o from_o the_o apostle_n to_o constantine_n if_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o have_v not_o be_v christian_n in_o the_o world_n before_o that_o prince_n and_o therefore_o this_o must_v be_v too_o extravagant_a a_o suspicion_n to_o be_v entertain_v long_o but_o here_o be_v something_o still_o more_o observable_a viz._n that_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o christian_n who_o live_v before_o constantine_n be_v then_o possess_v of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n and_o on_o the_o other_o that_o those_o very_a christian_n be_v so_o strong_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n of_o his_o miracle_n of_o the_o pour_v out_o the_o holy_a spirit_n on_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o all_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o establish_v the_o christian_a religion_n that_o they_o hardly_o speak_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o their_o book_n be_v full_a of_o they_o and_o their_o doctrine_n be_v altogether_o build_v upon_o this_o foundation_n and_o therefore_o if_o constantine_n invent_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o establish_v christianity_n he_o must_v not_o only_o have_v forge_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n but_o also_o the_o write_n of_o clemens_n justin_n iraeneus_n athenagoras_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n tertullian_n origen_n and_o in_o general_a of_o all_o the_o father_n who_o live_v before_o he_o because_o every_o one_o of_o their_o write_n have_v a_o essential_a relation_n to_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o shall_v we_o go_v up_o a_o little_a high_o than_o the_o reign_n of_o constantine_n we_o shall_v hear_v of_o christian_n that_o be_v afflict_v during_o the_o three_o first_o century_n of_o the_o church_n and_o persecute_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o punish_v with_o most_o barbarous_a and_o new_a invent_v torment_n they_o be_v put_v to_o death_n upon_o wheel_n and_o scaffold_n torture_v by_o fire_n their_o flesh_n tear_v with_o pincer_n their_o body_n be_v mangle_v by_o cut_v off_o limb_n one_o after_o another_o they_o be_v throw_v into_o river_n and_o cast_v into_o the_o sea_n and_o expose_v to_o wild_a beast_n wrap_v up_o in_o garment_n dip_v in_o sulphur_n to_o serve_v for_o torch_n and_o set_v up_o to_o light_a passenger_n in_o their_o way_n in_o fine_a it_o be_v never_o know_v that_o man_n so_o universal_o agree_v in_o any_o one_o thing_n as_o in_o their_o design_n of_o torment_v the_o christian_n in_o so_o much_o that_o the_o ordinary_a people_n who_o have_v general_o some_o compassion_n for_o the_o great_a malefactor_n upon_o the_o scaffold_n conduct_v the_o christian_n to_o the_o place_n of_o execution_n with_o acclamation_n of_o joy_n certain_o it_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n to_o restrain_v one_o curiosity_n so_o much_o as_o not_o to_o desire_v a_o more_o particular_a knowledge_n of_o a_o people_n persecute_v by_o the_o world_n with_o so_o much_o rage_n and_o malice_n for_o to_o see_v the_o whole_a world_n so_o strange_o incense_v against_o one_o sect_n of_o man_n one_o will_v easy_o think_v they_o the_o common_a enemy_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o the_o offspring_n of_o hell_n itself_o bear_v for_o a_o common_a plague_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n apolog._n what_o then_o be_v the_o great_a crime_n these_o christian_n be_v guilty_a of_o they_o be_v accuse_v of_o impiety_n murder_n and_o incest_n it_o be_v pretend_v that_o they_o violate_v the_o respect_n due_a to_o the_o god_n that_o they_o murder_v their_o own_o child_n which_o they_o scruple_v not_o to_o eat_v up_o after_o have_v kill_v they_o and_o last_o that_o they_o lie_v promiscuous_o together_o the_o brother_n with_o the_o sister_n and_o the_o son_n with_o the_o mother_n but_o first_o of_o all_o there_o be_v little_a likelihood_n that_o the_o christian_n shall_v suffer_v death_n and_o torment_n worse_o than_o death_n itself_o in_o defence_n of_o a_o religion_n which_o engage_v they_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o such_o infamous_a action_n that_o steadfast_a constancy_n they_o show_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o torment_n and_o which_o their_o enemy_n themselves_o acknowledge_v suit_n very_o ill_o with_o the_o voluptuousness_n and_o enormity_n they_o be_v accuse_v of_o beside_o be_v they_o question_v concern_v these_o crime_n which_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o clear_v themselves_o of_o they_o will_v produce_v in_o their_o behalf_n the_o apology_n of_o justin_n athenagoras_n and_o tertullian_n wherein_o they_o earnest_o desire_v the_o senate_n and_o roman_a emperor_n that_o they_o will_v make_v a_o strict_a enquiry_n into_o their_o life_n and_o inflict_v upon_o they_o such_o torment_n as_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n if_o possible_o more_o cruel_a than_o those_o they_o have_v already_o endure_v if_o they_o be_v real_o guilty_a of_o what_o they_o be_v accuse_v they_o will_v show_v we_o likewise_o a_o letter_n from_o pliny_n to_o trajan_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o authentic_a monument_n of_o their_o innocence_n since_o pliny_n there_o inform_v
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
the_o earth_n have_v hear_v of_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o all_o unanimous_o declare_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o it_o be_v pure_o upon_o their_o testimony_n that_o the_o world_n believe_v it_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n let_v slip_v a_o long_a period_n of_o time_n as_o twenty_o or_o thirty_o year_n after_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o their_o master_n and_o so_o have_v have_v time_n to_o embolden_v themselves_o and_o to_o contrive_v a_o imposture_n they_o sudden_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v that_o jesus_n be_v rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a if_o so_o how_o can_v the_o compiler_n or_o forger_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n preach_v his_o resurrection_n a_o few_o week_n after_o his_o crucifixion_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o jew_n never_o have_v the_o least_o thought_n of_o contradict_v our_o 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so_o very_o late_o in_o the_o world_n and_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v christian_a church_n establish_v almost_o every_o where_o by_o the_o sole_a testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n few_o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n can_v we_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v out_o of_o ambition_n or_o revenge_n that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n publish_v his_o resurrection_n as_o design_v to_o make_v the_o chief_a priest_n and_o scribe_n pass_v for_o parricide_n or_o immortalise_v their_o own_o name_n to_o posterity_n but_o can_v the_o disciple_n think_v of_o revenge_a themselves_o on_o those_o man_n that_o have_v so_o clear_o show_v they_o their_o mistake_n in_o the_o messiah_n or_o can_v they_o fancy_v there_o be_v any_o revenge_n pure_o in_o invent_v such_o a_o ridiculous_a fable_n will_v they_o buy_v their_o revenge_n so_o dear_a as_o at_o the_o price_n of_o their_o own_o life_n and_o expose_v their_o person_n to_o inevitable_a torment_n and_o certain_a 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that_o they_o be_v thus_o expose_v to_o persecution_n not_o one_o single_a party_n be_v on_o their_o side_n but_o jew_n and_o heathen_n king_n and_o magistrate_n prelate_n and_o people_n open_o declare_v themselves_o their_o adversary_n they_o be_v not_o only_o assault_v with_o persecution_n but_o revile_v contemn_v and_o reproach_v yet_o for_o all_o that_o not_o one_o of_o they_o recant_v his_o opinion_n be_v separate_v or_o confront_v they_o all_o unanimous_o depose_v not_o only_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a but_o that_o they_o have_v see_v he_o after_o the_o resurrection_n if_o this_o be_v the_o method_n common_o use_v to_o maintain_v a_o imposture_n i_o will_v glad_o know_v how_o truth_n itself_o be_v to_o be_v defend_v but_o perhaps_o the_o disciple_n be_v themselves_o delude_v and_o peter_n or_o some_o other_o apostle_n be_v so_o cunning_a as_o to_o remove_v the_o body_n of_o our_o lord_n out_o of_o his_o sepulchre_n persuade_v the_o other_o disciple_n their_o master_n be_v real_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o so_o they_o firm_o believe_v his_o report_n go_v about_o the_o world_n preach_v his_o resurrection_n but_o this_o opinion_n necessiary_o fall_v of_o itself_o to_o the_o ground_n for_o the_o apostle_n not_o only_o testify_v that_o they_o have_v all_o see_v jesus_n christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a but_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n fall_v on_o they_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o fiery_a tongue_n they_o testify_v likewise_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n other_o miracle_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v all_o have_v be_v deceive_v in_o respect_n of_o all_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n at_o once_o above_o all_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o observe_v this_o last_o kind_n of_o miracle_n viz._n the_o come_n down_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o fiery_a tongue_n for_o those_o apostle_n bold_o affirm_v that_o with_o the_o help_n of_o that_o very_a miracle_n they_o be_v endow_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o divers_a language_n so_o that_o greek_n roman_n parthian_n persian_n etc._n etc._n hear_v they_o speak_v every_o one_o in_o their_o own_o language_n this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o neither_o the_o apostle_n can_v have_v deceive_v the_o world_n in_o nor_o they_o themselves_o have_v be_v deceive_v in_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v they_o can_v have_v deceive_v the_o world_n or_o that_o some_o fisherman_n can_v have_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o pretend_v they_o be_v endow_v with_o the_o gift_n of_o divers_a language_n unless_o it_o have_v be_v real_o so_o for_o they_o will_v in_o every_o place_n have_v be_v immediate_o convict_v of_o the_o most_o notorious_a cheat_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v at_o rome_n man_n who_o speak_v greek_n as_o well_o as_o in_o greece_n some_o that_o speak_v latin_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o trade_n it_o general_o happen_v that_o there_o be_v man_n of_o all_o language_n in_o every_o country_n now_o if_o st._n paul_n real_o understand_v no_o other_o language_n but_o that_o greek_a speak_v in_o cilicia_n can_v we_o suppose_v he_o will_v have_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o boast_v in_o asia_n of_o his_o speak_a latin_n or_o any_o other_o foreign_a language_n will_v he_o not_o have_v certain_o meet_v with_o people_n who_o will_v have_v immediate_o convict_v he_o of_o falsehood_n neither_o be_v it_o more_o likely_a that_o the_o apostle_n can_v have_v be_v themselves_o deceive_v in_o this_o respect_n because_o it_o be_v a_o business_n of_o inward_a sense_n i_o may_v easy_o be_v delude_v outward_o and_o think_v that_o i_o see_v a_o man_n indeed_o when_o i_o see_v but_o the_o shadow_n or_o fantom_n of_o a_o man_n but_o i_o can_v never_o persuade_v myself_o that_o i_o speak_v several_a different_a language_n when_o i_o speak_v but_o one_o but_o when_o i_o see_v that_o man_n of_o
husbandman_n after_o have_v destroy_v they_o as_o so_o maâ—y_v unfaithful_a servant_n another_o while_n that_o the_o king_n â—ho_fw-mi have_v invite_v they_o to_o the_o marriage_n of_o his_o son_n will_v â—nd_v his_o soldier_n to_o destroy_v they_o and_o burn_v up_o their_o city_n but_o not_o to_o go_v so_o far_o off_o one_o of_o the_o mark_n whereby_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v know_v that_o the_o event_n which_o esus_fw-la christ_n have_v foretell_v draw_v nigh_o be_v that_o the_o gentiles_n be_v to_o be_v call_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o â—ue_v god_n this_o be_v express_o deliver_v in_o the_o place_n â—e_v have_v already_o quote_v he_o therefore_o that_o insertâ—_n this_o prophecy_n in_o the_o gospel_n must_v have_v imaginâ—_n that_o in_o his_o time_n the_o gentile_n have_v already_o be_v â—lled_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o since_o â—ere_z be_v then_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o christian_n diserse_v throughout_o world_n since_o a_o infinite_a number_n â—_o person_n have_v the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o assession_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a either_o to_o alter_v or_o â—d_a thereto_o several_a parable_n and_o chapter_n nay_o to_o irrupt_v three_o gospel_n in_o three_o essential_a place_n if_o ch_z a_o thing_n have_v be_v do_v in_o asia_n how_o can_v it_o afterward_o have_v be_v receive_v in_o europe_n where_o there_o must_v necessary_o have_v be_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o copy_n of_o that_o gospel_n for_o of_o all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o gospel_n be_v first_o compose_v and_o now_o do_v not_o the_o incredulous_a as_o yet_o perceive_v that_o truth_n overthrow_v more_o scruple_n than_o they_o be_v able_a to_o raise_v against_o it_o that_o they_o continual_o offer_v violence_n to_o thelr_v reason_n by_o resist_v the_o truth_n which_o appear_v so_o strong_a and_o invincible_a on_o all_o hand_n and_o that_o though_o their_o reason_n be_v sometime_o pervert_v and_o blind_v by_o their_o passion_n so_o that_o they_o can_v see_v thing_n in_o their_o due_a light_n yet_o the_o object_n the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v immutable_a never_o shift_v or_o turn_v a_o side_n to_o follow_v the_o foolish_a fancy_n of_o their_o understanding_n or_o the_o perverse_a inclination_n of_o their_o heart_n chap._n ix_o wherein_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o matter_n contain_v iâ—_n the_o book_n of_o acts._n the_o matter_n of_o this_o book_n may_v be_v reduce_v tâ—_n these_o three_o head_n viz._n the_o ascension_n of_o jesuâ—_n christ_n the_o come_n down_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o thâ—_n apostles_n and_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o christiaâ—_n church_n by_o the_o successful_a preach_n of_o the_o apostle_n all_o these_o thing_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o can_v noâ—_n possible_o be_v forge_v the_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v relate_v with_o toâ—_n many_o circumstance_n to_o leave_v we_o any_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o disciple_n themselves_o be_v deceiveâ—_n therein_o the_o author_n express_o affirm_v that_o jesâ—_n converse_v the_o space_n of_o forty_o day_n with_o his_o disciple_n after_o his_o resurrection_n that_o he_o promise_v they_o theâ—_n shall_v be_v baptize_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o command_v they_o to_o wait_v at_o jerusalem_n for_o the_o effect_n of_o that_o promise_n that_o he_o carry_v they_o to_o the_o mount_n of_o olive_n that_o he_o be_v take_v up_o in_o a_o cloud_n which_o carry_v he_o out_o of_o their_o sight_n and_o that_o as_o they_o steadfast_o look_v up_o towards_o heaven_n as_o he_o go_v up_o two_o man_n stand_v by_o they_o in_o white_a apparel_n and_o promise_v they_o that_o jesus_n christ_n will_v come_v again_o in_o like_a manner_n as_o they_o have_v see_v he_o go_v into_o heaven_n so_o that_o â—t_a be_v no_o long_o a_o question_n whether_o the_o disciple_n be_v deceive_v in_o this_o respect_n but_o rather_o whether_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o deceive_v other_o by_o a_o false_a relation_n of_o so_o chimerical_a a_o event_n for_o the_o perfect_a understanding_n of_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o observe_v the_o time_n in_o which_o the_o disciple_n begin_v to_o declare_v it_o and_o when_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n be_v full_o come_v say_v st._n luke_n they_o be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n and_o sudden_o there_o come_v a_o sound_n from_o heaven_n as_o of_o a_o rush_v mighty_a wind_n and_o it_o fill_v all_o the_o house_n where_o they_o be_v sit_v and_o there_o appear_v unto_o they_o cleave_a tongue_n like_v as_o of_o fire_n and_o it_o â—at_a upon_o each_o of_o they_o and_o they_o be_v all_o fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o begin_v to_o speak_v with_o other_o tongue_n as_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o utterance_n and_o there_o be_v dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n jew_n devout_a man_n out_o of_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n now_o when_o this_o be_v noise_v abroad_o the_o multitude_n come_v together_o and_o be_v confound_v because_o that_o every_o man_n hear_v they_o speak_v in_o his_o own_o language_n etc._n etc._n but_o peter_n stand_v up_o with_o the_o eleven_o lift_v â—p_v his_o voice_n and_o say_v etc._n etc._n then_o they_o that_o glad_o receive_v his_o word_n be_v baptize_v and_o the_o same_o day_n there_o be_v add_v unto_o they_o about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n etc._n etc._n and_o fear_n come_v upon_o every_o soul_n and_o many_o wonder_n and_o sign_n be_v do_v by_o the_o apostle_n act_n chap._n 2._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 14_o 41_o 43._o that_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v not_o invent_v appear_v by_o the_o bare_a consideration_n of_o it_o because_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n as_o must_v have_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v at_o jerusalem_n upon_o a_o solemn_a feast_n day_n before_o man_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o nation_n and_o as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o the_o universe_n and_o which_o consequent_o be_v such_o as_o can_v not_o possible_o have_v be_v forge_v or_o invent_v what_o then_o can_v be_v object_v to_o shake_v the_o certainty_n of_o this_o history_n can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v insert_v in_o the_o write_n of_o st_n luke_n long_o after_o the_o death_n of_o that_o author_n but_o than_o it_o must_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v confess_v that_o the_o whole_a book_n be_v forge_v because_o that_o be_v a_o essential_a and_o fundamental_a matter_n of_o fact_n on_o which_o the_o other_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o act_n altogether_o depend_v thus_o for_o instance_n the_o preach_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o success_n of_o it_o whole_o depend_v upon_o it_o whatever_o be_v contain_v in_o their_o epistle_n absolute_o relate_v to_o it_o and_o last_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v forge_v if_o the_o come_n down_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o the_o apostle_n be_v a_o mere_a invention_n shall_v i_o believe_v that_o st._n luke_n himself_o invent_v this_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o that_o no_o one_o ever_o speak_v of_o it_o before_o he_o if_o so_o what_o be_v it_o the_o apostle_n say_v to_o those_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o what_o do_v they_o ground_v their_o preach_n upon_o but_o only_o on_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n what_o other_o right_a but_o that_o have_v they_o to_o preach_v do_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o to_o deceive_v mankind_n pretend_v that_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o be_v the_o only_a plausible_a suspicion_n the_o incredulous_a can_v entertain_v yet_o for_o all_o that_o it_o be_v absurd_a for_o when_o be_v it_o they_o make_v this_o pretention_n it_o must_v necessary_o be_v either_o after_o they_o have_v found_v a_o church_n at_o jerusalem_n or_o some_o time_n before_o if_o it_o be_v after_o they_o have_v found_v a_o church_n therein_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a this_o church_n shall_v have_v be_v afterward_o persuade_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o they_o have_v public_o speak_v all_o sort_n of_o language_n and_o that_o their_o preach_v attend_v with_o several_a strange_a prodigy_n have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o form_v that_o church_n but_o if_o the_o apostle_n pretend_v they_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n before_o there_o be_v ever_o any_o christian_a church_n establish_v in_o jerusalem_n nay_o if_o it_o be_v by_o a_o false_a attestation_n of_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o many_o other_o such_o that_o they_o found_v this_o church_n the_o apostle_n must_v of_o necessity_n have_v learn_v all_o the_o language_n in_o the_o world_n since_o the_o death_n of_o their_o master_n and_o together_o with_o that_o the_o secret_a of_o make_v the_o lame_a walk_n and_o heal_v the_o sick_a because_o these_o be_v what_o they_o call_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o
be_v clear_o explain_v by_o their_o event_n neither_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n bear_v the_o least_o record_n of_o mahomet_n whereas_o the_o prophet_n have_v foretell_v the_o come_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o of_o a_o messiah_n that_o be_v to_o unite_v the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o to_o carry_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n mahomet_n establish_v himself_o in_o the_o world_n by_o force_n and_o violence_n but_o jesus_n christ_n only_o by_o patience_n and_o suffering_n the_o former_a be_v environ_v with_o soldier_n the_o latter_a be_v attend_v with_o martyr_n the_o one_o put_v man_n to_o death_n but_o the_o other_o receive_v death_n for_o our_o sake_n mahomet_n ambition_n who_o establish_v such_o a_o flourish_a empire_n be_v present_o see_v in_o the_o success_n he_o have_v in_o his_o undertake_n but_o jesus_n christ_n be_v far_o from_o self_n interest_n or_o ambition_n since_o he_o withdraw_v himself_o when_o they_o will_v have_v make_v he_o king_n and_o declare_v his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n instead_o of_o encourage_v the_o carnal_a prejudices_fw-la of_o his_o disciple_n he_o take_v care_n to_o undeceive_v they_o and_o to_o foretell_v all_o the_o evil_n they_o be_v to_o expect_v and_o though_o any_o shall_v presume_v open_o to_o dispute_v all_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n still_o they_o appear_v by_o the_o end_n and_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o design_n of_o which_o be_v to_o sanctify_v the_o heart_n and_o calm_v the_o disorderly_a passion_n of_o the_o soul_n mahomet_n invent_v such_o a_o religion_n which_o agree_v only_o with_o corrupt_a reason_n and_o the_o loose_a inordinate_a desire_n of_o the_o heart_n he_o make_v the_o scandal_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o give_v place_n to_o the_o magnificence_n and_o grandeur_n of_o the_o world_n he_o take_v away_o the_o most_o spiritual_a and_o difficult_a matter_n of_o morality_n to_o fill_v the_o mind_n of_o his_o disciple_n with_o carnal_a and_o sensual_a idea_n but_o not_o so_o do_v our_o saviour_n act_n who_o propose_v his_o cross_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o a_o astonish_a paradox_n and_o a_o continual_a cause_n of_o mortification_n and_o repentance_n mahomet_n establish_v his_o religion_n by_o the_o help_n of_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n by_o suppress_v such_o book_n as_o may_v have_v enlighten_v man_n understanding_n and_o by_o require_v a_o blind_a submission_n from_o they_o jesus_n christ_n on_o the_o contrary_n will_v not_o have_v they_o believe_v his_o doctrine_n but_o as_o they_o find_v it_o conformable_a to_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n search_v the_o scripture_n say_v he_o for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 5._o 39_o mahomet_n establish_v himself_o in_o the_o world_n by_o dissemble_v and_o disguise_v his_o thought_n he_o promise_v in_o the_o begin_n a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n carry_v it_o fair_a to_o the_o christian_n but_o afterwasd_n do_v his_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o extirpate_v they_o utter_o but_o jesus_n christ_n declare_v at_o first_o his_o intention_n and_o design_n which_o be_v to_o save_v mankind_n and_o overthrow_v superstition_n itself_o nor_o he_o nor_o his_o disciple_n use_v any_o policy_n or_o circumvention_n in_o this_o respect_n mahomet_n die_v but_o never_o rise_v nor_o pretend_v to_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a thereby_o to_o show_v he_o be_v approve_v of_o god_n jesus_n christ_n die_v but_o it_o be_v believe_v he_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o have_v see_v he_o after_o his_o resurrection_n and_o testify_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o all_o the_o world_n at_o the_o expense_n of_o their_o life_n and_o effusion_n of_o their_o blood_n mahomet_n religion_n be_v invent_v maintain_v and_o support_v by_o policy_n but_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v at_o first_o offensive_a to_o all_o the_o prince_n upon_o earth_n and_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o endeavour_n to_o the_o contrary_n mahomets_n religion_n appear_v at_o first_o view_n to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o triumph_n of_o humane_a industry_n and_o covetousness_n but_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n show_v that_o of_o integrity_n and_o justice_n in_o their_o full_a perfection_n and_o natural_a religion_n in_o that_o proper_a purity_n and_o simplicity_n that_o be_v restore_v to_o it_o by_o charity_n mahomet_n lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o particular_a monarchy_n and_o establish_v such_o law_n as_o human_o speak_v be_v serviceable_a only_o in_o those_o place_n wherein_o he_o have_v settle_v his_o dominion_n but_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v we_o new_a principle_n of_o union_n and_o intelligence_n very_o useful_a to_o the_o good_a of_o public_a society_n in_o general_n and_o very_o fit_a to_o cement_v the_o union_n of_o all_o man_n together_o by_o make_v the_o spirit_n of_o charity_n reign_v in_o the_o world_n the_o come_n of_o mahomet_n do_v not_o sanctify_v mankind_n but_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v attend_v with_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o person_n who_o all_o renounce_v the_o world_n mere_o by_o the_o faith_n they_o have_v in_o he_o it_o be_v not_o mahomet_n but_o jesus_n christ_n who_o exact_o fulfil_v the_o oracle_n concern_v the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n because_o mahomet_n derive_v all_o his_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n from_o jesus_n christ_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v last_o temporal_a prosperity_n be_v the_o true_a character_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o mahomet_n and_o it_o may_v be_v very_o well_o affirm_v that_o mahomet_n be_v a_o man_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o all_o those_o who_o enjoy_v the_o great_a prosperity_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v all_o tyrant_n wicked_a and_o unjust_a man_n be_v the_o favourite_n of_o god_n but_o the_o character_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v patience_n self-denial_n innocence_n and_o a_o simplicity_n of_o manner_n and_o certain_o he_o be_v approve_v of_o god_n if_o god_n approve_v of_o virtuous_a patient_a humble_a and_o charitable_a man_n it_o concern_v now_o the_o incredulous_a to_o answer_v all_o these_o difference_n if_o they_o will_v have_v we_o allow_v of_o this_o comparison_n for_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v ever_o reject_v it_o as_o be_v very_o ridiculous_a and_o extravagant_a chap._n xv._n where_o we_o further_o examine_v the_o objection_n of_o the_o incredulous_a the_o incredulous_a be_v apt_a to_o raise_v as_o many_o suspicion_n against_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o against_o his_o person_n because_o of_o all_o those_o proof_n which_o establish_v his_o religion_n there_o be_v none_o that_o can_v move_v the_o sense_n so_o much_o as_o that_o take_v from_o true_a miracle_n i._o then_o they_o object_n that_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n may_v have_v heal_v two_o or_o three_o people_n either_o by_o chance_n or_o by_o virtue_n of_o second_o cause_n and_o that_o that_o good_a success_n may_v have_v get_v he_o afterward_o the_o name_n of_o a_o prophet_n through_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v wont_a to_o ascribe_v to_o supernatural_a cause_n every_o thing_n that_o be_v unknown_a to_o they_o we_o answer_v that_o we_o have_v here_o a_o very_a great_a number_n of_o miracle_n all_o of_o different_a kind_n evident_a and_o sensible_a miracle_n in_o their_o nature_n unimitable_a and_o above_o all_o imposture_n such_o be_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a heal_v the_o blind_a the_o lame_a and_o the_o sick_a of_o the_o palsy_n etc._n etc._n ii_o they_o pretend_v that_o he_o may_v perhaps_o have_v suborn_v witness_n to_o testify_v some_o fabulous_a miracle_n but_o how_o can_v this_o be_v since_o jesus_n christ_n have_v neither_o money_n to_o give_v nor_o dignity_n to_o promise_v and_o as_o for_o cunning_a politic_a nicety_n riches_n and_o credit_n they_o be_v only_o among_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o doctor_n of_o the_o law_n his_o implacable_a enemy_n who_o take_v all_o opportunity_n to_o prejudice_v he_o because_o he_o public_o censure_v their_o hypocrisy_n upon_o all_o occasion_n iii_o they_o object_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v so_o prudent_a as_o to_o work_v his_o miracle_n only_o before_o three_o of_o his_o choose_a disciple_n viz._n peter_n james_n and_o john_n now_o say_v they_o who_o know_v but_o that_o those_o three_o disciple_n to_o flatter_v the_o ambition_n of_o their_o master_n may_v have_v attest_v certain_a miracle_n as_o true_a which_o be_v not_o real_o so_o to_o remove_v this_o suspicion_n we_o need_v only_o reflect_v upon_o the_o many_o miracle_n jesus_n christ_n wrought_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o other_o disciple_n he_o raise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o son_n of_o the_o widow_n of_o naim_n as_o he_o be_v a_o carry_v to_o be_v inter_v he_o raise_v lazarus_n from_o the_o grave_n in_o
just_a go_v to_o shed_v the_o blood_n of_o christian_n he_o go_v about_o afterward_o preach_v that_o he_o have_v see_v jesus_n christ_n that_o a_o great_a light_n shine_v round_o about_o he_o that_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v reveal_v unto_o he_o he_o affirm_v that_o god_n have_v set_v he_o forth_o unto_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o become_v a_o spectacle_n unto_o man_n and_o angel_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 9_o if_o man_n will_v not_o credit_v his_o report_n let_v they_o try_v he_o by_o torment_n and_o see_v what_o effect_n they_o will_v have_v upon_o he_o let_v they_o load_v he_o with_o chain_n and_o cast_v he_o into_o prison_n let_v they_o expose_v he_o to_o wild_a beast_n at_o ephesus_n let_v the_o element_n man_n and_o devil_n be_v all_o at_o once_o set_v against_o he_o let_v they_o scourge_v he_o drag_v he_o along_o stone_n he_o let_v they_o bring_v he_o from_o jerusalem_n to_o caesarea_n from_o caesarea_n to_o rome_n increase_n and_o prolong_v his_o affliction_n saul_n the_o witness_n of_o the_o synagogue_n it_o be_v true_a recant_v his_o opinion_n but_o paul_n the_o witness_n of_o jesus_n will_v never_o recant_v he_o have_v see_v the_o strange_a alteration_n which_o happen_v to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o synagogue_n let_v we_o reflect_v a_o little_a on_o that_o which_o happen_v to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n judas_n betray_v his_o master_n and_o receive_v for_o his_o reward_n thirty_o piece_n of_o silver_n but_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v he_o be_v so_o much_o disturb_v after_o he_o have_v do_v it_o the_o jew_n the_o roman_n the_o people_n the_o doctor_n the_o magistrate_n and_o judge_n all_o favour_v his_o crime_n and_o let_v he_o go_v unpunished_a yet_o the_o remorse_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n torment_v he_o to_o that_o degree_n that_o he_o can_v not_o rest_v any_o where_o and_o at_o length_n not_o be_v able_a to_o overcome_v his_o despair_n he_o make_v away_o with_o himself_o and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n so_o order_v it_o that_o the_o jew_n themselves_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o that_o astonish_a event_n by_o buy_v with_o that_o money_n a_o field_n which_o be_v since_o call_v aceldama_n because_o it_o be_v the_o price_n of_o blood_n what_o a_o strange_a difference_n we_o find_v in_o these_o two_o person_n of_o judas_n and_o saul_n judas_n kill_v himself_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o prosperity_n but_o saul_n rejoice_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o affliction_n judas_n prevail_v upon_o by_o the_o synagogue_n can_v not_o be_v comfort_v by_o the_o same_o but_o die_v in_o despair_n paul_n become_v the_o disciple_n and_o witness_n of_o jesus_n and_o to_o he_o the_o cross_n of_o jesus_n be_v matter_n of_o the_o great_a joy_n god_n forbid_v say_v he_o gal._n 6._o 14_o that_o i_o shall_v glory_v save_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o my_o saviour_n christ_n by_o who_o the_o world_n be_v crucify_v unto_o i_o and_o i_o unto_o the_o world_n will_v any_o one_o believe_v that_o judas_n be_v his_o own_o executioner_n mere_o out_o of_o remorse_n for_o have_v betray_v a_o impostor_n to_o the_o jew_n or_o that_o st._n paul_n derive_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o infidelity_n the_o courage_n he_o show_v in_o all_o his_o suffering_n certain_o it_o may_v be_v very_o proper_o say_v that_o they_o be_v both_o the_o martyr_n of_o god_n but_o only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o judas_n be_v so_o against_o his_o will_n but_o paul_n voluntary_o if_o the_o constancy_n of_o the_o one_o testify_v in_o behalf_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o despair_n of_o the_o other_o be_v no_o small_a honour_n to_o he_o and_o the_o only_a difference_n be_v this_o that_o paul_n be_v proper_o a_o martyr_n but_o judas_n in_o spite_n of_o himself_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n chap._n xvii_o where_o we_o further_o answer_v the_o objection_n of_o the_o incredulous_a of_o all_o the_o object_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n offer_v to_o our_o understanding_n there_o be_v no_o one_o seem_v more_o to_o shock_v the_o reason_n of_o a_o prejudice_v and_o incredulous_a person_n than_o the_o death_n of_o the_o messiah_n the_o cross_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v according_a to_o the_o expression_n of_o a_o apostle_n a_o scandal_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o a_o folly_n to_o the_o greek_a but_o in_o our_o opinion_n there_o be_v nothing_o bear_v more_o visible_a character_n of_o greatness_n and_o divinity_n than_o that_o do_v the_o incredulous_a tell_v we_o that_o can_v we_o but_o rid_v ourselves_o of_o all_o our_o prejudices_fw-la we_o shall_v be_v hearty_o ashamed_a to_o entertain_v such_o strange_a idea_n of_o god_n and_o we_o also_o tell_v they_o that_o can_v they_o once_o but_o free_v themselves_o of_o those_o passion_n which_o darken_v their_o understanding_n they_o will_v certain_o admire_v with_o we_o the_o wonder_n of_o so_o divine_a a_o object_n who_o then_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n in_o this_o thing_n that_o will_v best_o appear_v by_o the_o answer_v we_o shall_v make_v to_o their_o objection_n we_o find_v in_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n one_o who_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v seize_v upon_o and_o be_v afterward_o nail_v on_o a_o cross_n not_o have_v any_o one_o to_o deliver_v he_o from_o the_o power_n of_o his_o enemy_n this_o they_o object_n be_v a_o mark_n of_o his_o weakness_n for_o say_v they_o have_v he_o be_v the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n why_o do_v he_o not_o come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n and_o all_o the_o world_n will_v have_v believe_v on_o he_o he_o die_v as_o one_o condemn_v by_o the_o grand_a council_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v establish_v this_o be_v he_o as_o be_v find_v guilty_a he_o be_v seize_v with_o sorrowfulness_n even_o unto_o death_n the_o day_n before_o his_o passion_n and_o cry_v out_o bitter_o when_o he_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n this_o show_v his_o wretched_a condition_n he_o be_v make_v to_o suffer_v a_o punishment_n proper_a only_o for_o slave_n it_o can_v therefore_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o he_o die_v a_o most_o infamous_a death_n and_o who_o can_v imagine_v that_o weakness_n gild_n or_o at_o least_o condemnation_n wretchedness_n and_o infamy_n shall_v be_v the_o true_a character_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n thus_o the_o incredulous_a argue_v we_o answer_v that_o jesus_n christ_n suffer_v by_o the_o determinate_a council_n of_o god_n since_o the_o scripture_n foretell_v that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v wound_v for_o our_o transgression_n and_o bruise_v for_o our_o iniquity_n that_o he_o be_v to_o make_v his_o soul_n a_o offering_n for_o sin_n that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o but_o not_o for_o himself_o and_o st._n john_n the_o baptist_n see_v he_o come_v to_o he_o at_o a_o time_n wherein_o it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a he_o shall_v ever_o suffer_v call_v he_o the_o lamb_n of_o god_n that_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n john_n 1._o 29._o jesus_n christ_n suffer_v voluntary_o he_o foretell_v all_o his_o own_o suffering_n to_o his_o disciple_n invite_v they_o to_o take_v up_o their_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o a_o company_n of_o miserable_a and_o afflict_a wretch_n in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v notwithstanding_o to_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o by_o their_o suffering_n establish_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n he_o free_o own_v to_o they_o that_o he_o be_v not_o come_v to_o settle_v peace_n in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o sword_n that_o god_n will_v smite_v the_o shepherd_n and_o that_o the_o sheep_n shall_v be_v scatter_v that_o they_o be_v to_o drink_v of_o the_o same_o cup_n with_o he_o and_o be_v baptize_v with_o his_o baptism_n that_o be_v to_o taste_v the_o bitter_a cup_n of_o his_o affliction_n and_o be_v baptize_v with_o he_o with_o a_o baptism_n of_o blood_n he_o intermix_v his_o suffering_n with_o they_o that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o bear_v they_o in_o remembrance_n if_o we_o shall_v in_o the_o least_o doubt_n whether_o christ_n foretell_v his_o suffering_n we_o need_v only_o consider_v the_o design_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o eucharist_n and_o the_o time_n wherein_o this_o ceremony_n be_v institute_v for_o unless_o we_o shall_v call_v in_o question_n the_o real_a institution_n of_o that_o sacrament_n and_o so_o affirm_v that_o the_o disciple_n out_o of_o a_o unaccountable_a and_o fantastical_a extravagance_n pretend_v only_o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v institute_v that_o ceremony_n when_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o jesus_n christ_n foresee_v his_o death_n that_o he_o prepare_v himself_o for_o it_o and_o affirm_v he_o suffer_v it_o voluntary_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o eucharist_n which_o he_o
institute_v in_o cold_a blood_n certify_v we_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n but_o because_o a_o involuntary_a death_n will_v argue_v a_o certain_a kind_n of_o weakness_n it_o be_v also_o most_o certain_a that_o nothing_o can_v better_v evince_v the_o strength_n and_o courage_n of_o jesus_n christ_n than_o that_o though_o he_o foresee_v the_o horror_n of_o a_o infamous_a and_o painful_a death_n yet_o he_o expose_v himself_o to_o it_o with_o such_o a_o constant_a will_n and_o firm_a resolution_n that_o by_o his_o example_n he_o show_v his_o disciple_n how_o he_o will_v have_v they_o imitate_v and_o commemorate_v his_o suffering_n jesus_n christ_n be_v condemn_v to_o death_n by_o a_o nation_n seditious_o stir_v up_o against_o he_o and_o by_o a_o sanhedrin_n envious_a of_o his_o glory_n but_o he_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o conscience_n of_o judas_n who_o remorse_n for_o have_v betray_v he_o force_v he_o to_o kill_v himself_o and_o by_o the_o solemn_a declaration_n of_o pilate_n who_o wash_v his_o hand_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o show_v that_o he_o be_v innocent_a of_o the_o blood_n of_o that_o just_a person_n he_o be_v justify_v too_o by_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o centurion_n who_o see_v the_o prodigy_n his_o death_n be_v attend_v withal_o and_o soon_o after_o by_o the_o mouth_n even_o of_o those_o who_o seek_v his_o ruin_n and_o who_o be_v prick_v to_o the_o heart_n cry_v out_o to_o the_o apostle_n man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v act._n 2._o 37._o and_o certain_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a glory_n to_o our_o messiah_n that_o the_o most_o guilty_a conscience_n the_o most_o unjust_a judge_n the_o most_o insensible_a and_o harden_a sort_n of_o soldier_n and_o the_o most_o barbarous_a murderer_n shall_v even_o bare_a record_n of_o his_o innocence_n jesus_n christ_n suffer_v but_o it_o be_v for_o our_o sake_n he_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o the_o sorrow_n and_o anguish_n of_o death_n and_o make_v his_o life_n a_o offering_n for_o sin_n and_o if_o those_o wound_n be_v count_v honourable_a which_o a_o subject_a receive_v sight_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o king_n and_o if_o those_o which_o a_o king_n receive_v for_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o subject_n be_v esteem_v yet_o far_o more_o glorious_a what_o glory_n then_o do_v christ_n deserve_v who_o suffer_v in_o the_o presence_n and_o by_o the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o people_n and_o child_n and_o who_o by_o his_o suffering_n establish_v such_o a_o empire_n which_o no_o power_n can_v dissolve_v last_o jesus_n christ_n suffer_v a_o punishment_n proper_a only_o to_o slave_n but_o we_o be_v also_o very_o certain_a that_o during_o the_o time_n of_o his_o suffering_n he_o show_v himself_o to_o have_v a_o power_n over_o nature_n herself_o since_o the_o grave_n be_v open_v at_o his_o death_n the_o rock_n rend_v the_o sun_n be_v darken_v and_o the_o veil_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v rend_v in_o twain_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v have_v invent_v so_o sensible_a and_o signal_n matter_n of_o fact_n against_o the_o fresh_a and_o public_a knowledge_n which_o those_o man_n that_o live_v in_o their_o day_n have_v of_o it_o without_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o a_o extravagance_n which_o be_v more_o than_o humane_a but_o here_o we_o will_v ask_v the_o incredulous_a in_o our_o turn_n whether_o a_o voluntary_a death_n a_o innocence_n public_o own_a the_o sorrow_n and_o anguish_n which_o a_o man_n suffer_v out_o of_o charity_n to_o the_o world_n the_o homage_v which_o even_o insensible_a creature_n pay_v to_o he_o who_o man_n scorn_v and_o condemn_v be_v not_o certain_a character_n worthy_a of_o the_o messiah_n that_o have_v be_v promise_v we_o indeed_o if_o you_o take_v away_o the_o proof_n which_o evident_o show_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n you_o may_v then_o call_v his_o cross_n a_o scandal_n to_o he_o and_o the_o world_n but_o whilst_o those_o proof_n shall_v be_v leave_v entire_a his_o cross_n will_v serve_v the_o more_o to_o illustrate_v his_o majesty_n and_o grandeur_n and_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o then_o assert_v that_o it_o be_v a_o voluntary_a death_n which_o he_o undergo_v and_o a_o death_n that_o be_v foretell_v we_o but_o we_o shall_v also_o show_v that_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o looking-glass-like_a wherein_o we_o may_v see_v at_o once_o all_o the_o virtue_n of_o man_n and_o all_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n there_o we_o may_v find_v the_o patience_n of_o a_o man_n who_o suffer_v every_o thing_n from_o his_o equal_n and_o from_o those_o who_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v his_o servant_n and_o disciple_n the_o charity_n of_o a_o man_n who_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o put_v he_o to_o death_n the_o constancy_n of_o a_o just_a man_n who_o bear_v the_o burden_n of_o the_o iniquity_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o constancy_n of_o a_o innocent_a man_n who_o at_o once_o as_o it_o be_v wrestle_v with_o the_o fury_n of_o man_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n there_o we_o may_v see_v the_o masterpiece_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n the_o design_n of_o our_o enemy_n frustrate_v and_o the_o design_n of_o god_n triumph_v over_o the_o vain_a opinion_n and_o project_n of_o man_n the_o propitiation_n of_o sin_n make_v for_o we_o by_o the_o most_o dreadful_a parricide_n that_o be_v ever_o commit_v or_o conceive_v the_o synagogue_n bury_v in_o his_o grave_n who_o they_o barbarous_o put_v to_o death_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o privilege_n the_o roman_n crown_v a_o king_n with_o thorn_n who_o be_v to_o rule_v over_o all_o nation_n and_o put_v a_o reed_n instead_o of_o a_o sceptre_n into_o his_o hand_n flesh_n and_o blood_n show_v we_o in_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n the_o true_a pattern_n of_o mortification_n jesus_n christ_n die_v attend_v with_o almost_o infinite_a number_n of_o martyr_n who_o be_v willing_a to_o die_v in_o imitation_n of_o he_o who_o be_v conqueror_n of_o the_o world_n only_o by_o his_o shame_n who_o crucify_v the_o flesh_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o his_o cross_n and_o procure_v rest_n and_o peace_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o die_v by_o the_o anguish_n of_o his_o agony_n we_o may_v also_o see_v the_o justice_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n clear_o manifest_v in_o his_o death_n for_o what_o other_o victim_n can_v have_v better_o evince_v god_n hatred_n for_o sin_n what_o present_a can_v have_v be_v make_v unto_o man_n that_o can_v have_v better_o discover_v god_n love_v to_o they_o the_o incredulous_a therefore_o reproach_v we_o with_o the_o meanness_n of_o a_o object_n wherein_o the_o virtue_n of_o man_n and_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n himself_o be_v show_v in_o their_o great_a height_n and_o perfection_n but_o let_v he_o that_o any_o way_n doubt_n it_o consider_v the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o key_n that_o open_v all_o these_o event_n to_o we_o to_o die_v and_o remain_v under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n be_v indeed_o a_o 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be_v insert_v among_o the_o god_n and_o that_o this_o monarch_n have_v appear_v unto_o he_o etc._n etc._n be_v not_o this_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n not_o unlike_a that_o which_o the_o disciple_n testify_v of_o jesus_n christ_n throughout_o the_o universe_n it_o be_v very_o like_o it_o indeed_o only_o it_o have_v these_o follow_a difference_n there_o you_o read_v of_o a_o single_a person_n testify_v that_o he_o have_v see_v romulus_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n but_o here_o you_o have_v a_o very_a great_a number_n of_o people_n who_o certifiy_v that_o they_o have_v see_v jesus_n christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n there_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o a_o great_a and_o triumphant_a monarch_n during_o the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n be_v insert_v among_o the_o god_n after_o his_o death_n which_o agree_v
matthew_n who_o be_v bear_v a_o jew_n and_o who_o do_v he_o relate_v they_o to_o why_o to_o several_a thousand_o jew_n that_o have_v embrace_v christianity_n and_o who_o dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n know_v full_a as_o well_o what_o have_v happen_v therein_o both_o in_o their_o day_n and_o in_o those_o of_o their_o father_n as_o they_o know_v at_o paris_n what_o be_v do_v in_o that_o city_n in_o the_o day_n of_o cardinal_n richelieu_n or_o as_o they_o know_v at_o london_n every_o thing_n that_o happen_v in_o those_o of_o oliver_n cromwell_n and_o at_o stockolm_n in_o those_o of_o gustavus_n adolphus_n and_o now_o i_o pray_v consider_v whether_o it_o be_v probable_a any_o man_n can_v have_v make_v the_o like_a matter_n of_o fact_n believe_v in_o any_o of_o those_o great_a city_n by_o such_o a_o successful_a forgery_n or_o whether_o he_o can_v have_v gain_v over_o to_o his_o side_n several_a thousand_o of_o people_n by_o the_o mere_a strength_n of_o his_o fiction_n but_o if_o i_o grant_v 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the_o city_n of_o bethlehem_n have_v not_o as_o yet_o be_v destroy_v when_o the_o evangelist_n write_v those_o thing_n and_o therefore_o suppose_v the_o thing_n false_a there_o be_v so_o many_o witness_n of_o the_o falsity_n as_o there_o be_v inhabitant_n yet_o live_v in_o that_o city_n that_o city_n be_v not_o so_o far_o distant_a from_o jerusalem_n but_o that_o those_o christian_n who_o dwell_v in_o the_o latter_a may_v have_v very_o well_o know_v the_o certain_a truth_n of_o they_o beside_o there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a commerce_n between_o those_o two_o place_n and_o the_o time_n from_o the_o birth_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o that_o in_o which_o this_o gospel_n be_v compose_v be_v not_o so_o long_o as_o to_o have_v give_v occasion_n to_o so_o improbable_a a_o fiction_n suppose_v a_o man_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n shall_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o make_v we_o believe_v that_o one_o of_o the_o present_a king_n in_o europe_n or_o if_o you_o will_v of_o those_o who_o reign_v 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a_o great_a many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n before_o a_o great_a number_n of_o witness_n and_o have_v set_v down_o the_o time_n and_o place_n when_o and_o where_o they_o be_v do_v they_o must_v necessary_o have_v be_v void_a of_o all_o shame_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n to_o relate_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o if_o they_o be_v false_a they_o tell_v we_o that_o jesus_n christ_n with_o a_o few_o loaf_n and_o some_o small_a fish_n miraculous_o feed_v in_o the_o wilderness_n at_o one_o time_n five_o thousand_o and_o at_o another_o three_o thousand_o man_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n now_o i_o be_o at_o a_o stand_n to_o imagine_v how_o it_o can_v be_v think_v natural_a for_o one_o man_n to_o undertake_v to_o persuade_v several_a thousand_o that_o they_o have_v be_v wonderful_o feed_v and_o not_o only_o to_o relate_v the_o bare_a matter_n of_o fact_n itself_o but_o also_o bring_v in_o christ_n reproach_v the_o multitude_n that_o they_o follow_v he_o not_o pure_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o 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of_o their_o grave_n and_o appear_v unto_o many_o in_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o to_o consider_v only_o those_o prodigy_n which_o draw_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o can_v not_o but_o universal_o cause_v a_o public_a consternation_n and_o make_v a_o fearful_a impression_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n now_o i_o affirm_v it_o can_v natural_o enter_v i_o shall_v not_o say_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o sincere_a honest_a man_n but_o even_o into_o that_o of_o a_o impostor_n to_o imagine_v he_o can_v ever_o be_v capable_a of_o make_v other_o believe_v thing_n so_o notorious_o know_v as_o those_o we_o now_o have_v under_o consideration_n must_v have_v be_v have_v they_o be_v false_a it_o be_v not_o many_o year_n ago_o since_o a_o certain_a man_n be_v execute_v at_o paris_n for_o call_v himself_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o have_v a_o few_o disciple_n and_o some_o follower_n but_o his_o sect_n be_v soon_o bury_v together_o with_o he_o in_o his_o grave_n now_o let_v we_o suppose_v if_o you_o will_v that_o his_o disciple_n have_v preach_v after_o his_o death_n and_o compose_v a_o new_a gospel_n fill_v only_o with_o the_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o that_o man_n who_o be_v think_v by_o they_o to_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o divine_a person_n i_o ask_v then_o whatsoever_o extravagance_n you_o may_v suppose_v they_o to_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o whether_o you_o can_v conceive_v it_o can_v have_v enter_v into_o their_o mind_n to_o persuade_v the_o people_n of_o paris_n that_o the_o very_a day_n on_o which_o that_o man_n who_o call_v himself_o the_o holy_a ghost_n die_v the_o church_n of_o nostre_fw-fr dame_n be_v either_o throw_v down_o or_o demolish_v that_o its_o altar_n and_o statue_n be_v break_v down_o that_o there_o happen_v a_o eclipse_n of_o the_o sun_n the_o great_a that_o ever_o be_v know_v accompany_v with_o such_o a_o mighty_a earthquake_n that_o even_o the_o rock_n be_v rend_v and_o that_o all_o 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the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o suppose_v those_o disciple_n be_v very_o great_a impostor_n we_o can_v reasonable_o ascribe_v to_o they_o any_o other_o design_n than_o that_o of_o deceive_a man_n by_o make_v they_o receive_v falsehood_n for_o truth_n and_o it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o they_o have_v that_o design_n and_o be_v not_o whole_o void_a of_o reason_n to_o make_v we_o think_v they_o can_v not_o have_v have_v â—â—e_z boldness_n to_o invent_v such_o circumstance_n as_o these_o and_o afterward_o publish_v they_o to_o the_o world_n but_o after_o all_o be_v there_o not_o a_o very_a numerous_a church_n 〈◊〉_d in_o jerusalem_n when_o that_o gospel_n be_v compose_v and_o do_v not_o that_o church_n consist_v of_o many_o thousand_o of_o people_n who_o dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o know_v perfect_o well_o whatever_o have_v happen_v at_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n certain_o no_o man_n can_v doubt_v 〈◊〉_d it_o unless_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n voluntary_o to_o 〈◊〉_d himself_o those_o very_a christian_n then_o of_o jerusalem_n see_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o happen_v at_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n for_o they_o be_v the_o man_n that_o have_v be_v convert_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o st._n peter_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n and_o who_o be_v prick_v to_o the_o heart_n cry_v out_o man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v act_n 2._o 37._o they_o have_v see_v then_o that_o the_o sun_n be_v not_o eclipse_v that_o the_o rock_n rend_v not_o that_o there_o happen_v no_o earthquake_n no_o surprise_a and_o supernatural_a prodigy_n at_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o they_o see_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n they_o can_v not_o but_o look_v upon_o the_o report_n of_o the_o evangelist_n as_o a_o scandalous_a lie_n and_o notorious_a falsehood_n design_v to_o seduce_v they_o from_o their_o rational_a belief_n and_o persuade_v they_o out_o of_o their_o sense_n but_o it_o be_v far_a observable_a that_o not_o one_o only_o but_o three_o evangelist_n have_v write_v these_o thing_n who_o as_o appear_v evident_o do_v not_o compose_v their_o gospel_n together_o but_z separately_z and_o at_o different_a time_n and_o yet_o all_o agree_v in_o their_o relation_n of_o that_o notable_a circumstance_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o no_o doubt_n but_o they_o all_o agree_v also_o in_o the_o relation_n of_o it_o when_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n who_o then_o can_v reasonable_o believe_v that_o when_o the_o disciple_n preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o jerusalem_n in_o order_n to_o establish_v a_o christian_a church_n there_o their_o design_n be_v to_o persuade_v the_o jew_n that_o they_o must_v not_o believe_v their_o own_o eye_n and_o that_o what_o they_o have_v see_v be_v not_o that_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v see_v who_o can_v imagine_v that_o those_o very_a jew_n themselves_o who_o be_v present_a and_o assist_v at_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v suffer_v themselves_o insensible_o to_o be_v persuade_v that_o that_o fabulous_a recital_n be_v a_o very_a true_a narration_n and_o believe_v that_o real_o to_o have_v happen_v which_o they_o certain_o know_v never_o come_v to_o pass_v who_o can_v even_o suppose_v that_o the_o apostle_n can_v fancy_v themselves_o able_a to_o make_v the_o jew_n look_v upon_o a_o crucify_a man_n as_o the_o object_n of_o their_o adoration_n and_o worship_n by_o propose_v to_o their_o belief_n the_o most_o impudent_a and_o apparent_a lie_n that_o ever_o be_v invent_v since_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n but_o it_o will_v concern_v we_o careful_o to_o consider_v the_o rend_n of_o the_o veil_n of_o the_o temple_n for_o that_o circumstance_n be_v so_o very_o singular_a that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a of_o itself_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o our_o incredulous_a adversary_n who_o though_o they_o shall_v so_o inconsiderate_o and_o wilful_o delude_v themselves_o as_o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o day_n whereon_o jesus_n christ_n die_v there_o happen_v by_o chance_n or_o rather_o according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o second_o cause_n a_o real_a eclipse_n which_o have_v indeed_o seem_v supernatural_a to_o the_o ignorant_a vulgar_a but_o have_v nothing_o supernatural_a in_o itself_o yet_o what_o can_v they_o say_v to_o the_o veil_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v be_v rent_n in_o twain_o from_o the_o top_n to_o the_o bottom_n can_v there_o be_v any_o natural_a cause_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v rend_v precise_o and_o exact_o at_o the_o time_n when_o jesus_n christ_n suffer_v death_n or_o can_v any_o exterior_a darkness_n produce_v such_o a_o effect_n perhaps_o some_o will_v object_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v simple_a and_o ignorant_a people_n and_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v easy_a than_o to_o delude_v and_o impose_v upon_o they_o i_o grant_v it_o but_o than_o what_o great_a learning_n be_v require_v to_o know_v precise_o whether_o all_o those_o so_o sensible_a and_o so_o notable_a prodigy_n have_v real_o fall_v out_o upon_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n death_n we_o have_v already_o show_v that_o among_o the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v several_a which_o the_o disciple_n dare_v not_o have_v invent_v or_o forge_v have_v they_o not_o be_v real_o true_a we_o must_v add_v in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o other_o circumstance_n which_o the_o disciple_n can_v not_o have_v forge_v have_v they_o design_v it_o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o great_a number_n of_o lame_a people_n who_o our_o saviour_n cause_v to_o walk_v of_o the_o sick_a of_o the_o palsy_n to_o who_o he_o restore_v the_o use_n of_o their_o limb_n of_o the_o deaf_a who_o he_o cause_v to_o hear_v and_o of_o many_o other_o diverse_o affect_v with_o various_a disease_n who_o he_o wonderful_o heal_v to_o the_o
the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n justify_v the_o wonderful_a passage_n of_o his_o death_n so_o likewise_o do_v his_o ascension_n justify_v those_o of_o his_o resurrection_n for_o though_o one_o shall_v suspect_v that_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o disciple_n may_v by_o chance_n have_v be_v sudden_o dazzle_v and_o so_o they_o think_v they_o have_v see_v what_o they_o in_o reality_n never_o see_v yet_o they_o have_v time_n enough_o to_o recover_v themselves_o out_o of_o this_o dazzle_a amazement_n for_o it_o be_v forty_o day_n after_o jesus_n christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a before_o his_o ascension_n have_v it_o be_v a_o spirit_n that_o appear_v to_o they_o and_o frighten_v they_o yet_o have_v they_o time_n enough_o to_o come_v to_o themselves_o again_o and_o know_v certain_o that_o the_o spirit_n they_o see_v be_v not_o real_o their_o master_n for_o they_o see_v he_o and_o hear_v he_o they_o handle_v he_o they_o eat_v and_o drink_v with_o he_o have_v it_o be_v through_o the_o obscurity_n of_o a_o darksome_a night_n that_o they_o have_v imagine_v they_o have_v see_v some_o representation_n of_o their_o master_n instead_o of_o a_o true_a and_o full_a sight_n of_o he_o they_o can_v not_o long_o continue_v in_o their_o error_n but_o it_o be_v in_o full_a day_n that_o they_o see_v the_o stone_n roll_v away_o from_o the_o sepulchre_n it_o be_v in_o full_a bright_a day_n that_o christ_n so_o often_o manifest_v himself_o to_o they_o and_o discourse_v with_o they_o and_o afterward_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n before_o their_o eye_n have_v the_o force_n of_o their_o desire_n their_o fear_n or_o affection_n disturb_v their_o sense_n we_o shall_v have_v less_o reason_n to_o wonder_v at_o it_o though_o even_o in_o that_o case_n the_o thing_n will_v seem_v altogether_o unaccountable_a it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a that_o the_o sense_n of_o so_o many_o people_n shall_v all_o at_o once_o be_v so_o confine_v to_o one_o wonderful_a object_n and_o so_o disturb_v at_o the_o same_o time_n but_o they_o have_v time_n enough_o to_o get_v out_o of_o their_o confusion_n and_o astonishment_n and_o their_o mind_n be_v very_o sedate_v and_o at_o ease_n when_o christ_n make_v they_o eye-witness_n of_o his_o glorious_a ascension_n in_o a_o word_n have_v it_o be_v a_o private_a and_o silent_a interview_n we_o may_v have_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o christ_n appear_v to_o his_o disciple_n with_o a_o particular_a design_n to_o discourse_v with_o they_o he_o give_v they_o several_a instruction_n he_o forbid_v they_o to_o depart_v from_o jerusalem_n until_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o make_v they_o several_a promise_n and_o such_o surprise_a one_o that_o they_o be_v fit_v only_o for_o a_o god_n to_o make_v and_o a_o god_n to_o perform_v for_o he_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o they_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n he_o institute_v two_o sacrament_n he_o command_v they_o to_o baptise_v all_o nation_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o well_o as_o to_o commemorate_v his_o death_n in_o the_o passover_n nor_o be_v that_o all_o he_o have_v many_o long_a and_o coherent_a discourse_n with_o they_o he_o speak_v to_o they_o and_o they_o answer_v he_o they_o be_v at_o first_o incredulous_a but_o he_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n notwithstanding_o their_o scruple_n and_o their_o infidelity_n he_o rebuke_v they_o several_a time_n for_o their_o little_a faith_n at_o least_o they_o tell_v we_o so_o the_o evangelist_n relate_v what_o christ_n say_v to_o thomas_n and_o what_o answer_n thomas_n make_v and_o both_o their_o speech_n be_v too_o surprise_v to_o be_v so_o soon_o forget_v thomas_n be_v strike_v at_o the_o wonder_n of_o his_o resurrection_n be_v the_o first_o that_o give_v christ_n a_o name_n which_o he_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o bear_v in_o the_o stage_n of_o his_o humiliation_n call_v he_o my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n john_n 20._o 28._o the_o disciple_n ask_v he_o whether_o he_o will_v at_o that_o time_n restore_v the_o kingdom_n unto_o israel_n but_o he_o answer_v they_o that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o they_o to_o know_v the_o time_n and_o season_n which_o the_o father_n only_o have_v in_o his_o power_n last_o the_o evangelist_n give_v we_o no_o less_o the_o history_n of_o jesus_n christ_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a than_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n live_v and_o converse_v before_o his_o death_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o we_o affirm_v we_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v one_o as_o the_o other_o for_o indeed_o why_o do_v we_o believe_v there_o be_v ever_o any_o such_o person_n as_o jesus_n christ_n we_o believe_v it_o certain_o because_o it_o be_v in_o humane_a speak_n moral_o impossible_a that_o so_o many_o person_n shall_v unanimous_o tell_v we_o they_o have_v see_v he_o that_o they_o discourse_v eat_v and_o drink_v with_o he_o nay_o see_v he_o suffer_v death_n at_o jerusalem_n i_o say_v they_o will_v never_o have_v tell_v we_o all_o this_o suppose_v there_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o it_o but_o than_o ought_v not_o that_o same_o reason_n to_o persuade_v we_o likewise_o that_o jesus_n christ_n both_o live_v and_o converse_v forty_o day_n with_o his_o disciple_n since_o so_o many_o person_n see_v he_o discourse_v eat_v and_o drink_v with_o he_o see_v he_o present_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o assembly_n nay_o touch_v and_o handle_v he_o but_o perhaps_o some_o will_v object_v be_v that_o certain_o true_a why_o then_o be_v there_o in_o those_o day_n so_o many_o person_n that_o refuse_v to_o believe_v the_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n why_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o find_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o it_o be_v because_o if_o they_o have_v once_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v oblige_v to_o die_v martyr_n for_o that_o truth_n and_o no_o doubt_n man_n be_v as_o worldly-minded_n in_o those_o day_n as_o they_o be_v now_o so_o that_o methinks_v it_o appear_v hitherto_o very_o clear_o that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v neither_o capable_a of_o deceive_v themselves_o nor_o of_o be_v deceive_v by_o other_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n they_o testify_v it_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n i_o have_v almost_o say_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v have_v deceive_v themselves_o in_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o relate_v because_o they_o so_o exact_o set_v down_o the_o circumstance_n the_o name_n place_n and_o the_o person_n themselves_o nay_o they_o pretend_v they_o themselves_o be_v send_v by_o their_o master_n into_o all_o the_o part_n of_o judea_n to_o work_v there_o the_o very_a same_o miracle_n they_o attest_v but_o though_o they_o shall_v have_v deceive_v themselves_o in_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o possible_o deceive_v themselves_o in_o his_o resurrection_n for_o they_o know_v well_o enough_o what_o a_o dead_a body_n and_o a_o live_a man_n be_v they_o can_v easy_o distinguish_v between_o they_o and_o those_o thing_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o not_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o illusion_n or_o deceit_n yet_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o the_o disciple_n have_v be_v deceive_v in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v impose_v upon_o in_o the_o last_o miraculous_a event_n of_o his_o ascension_n it_o can_v never_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o after_o have_v see_v a_o spirit_n they_o shall_v yet_o converse_v with_o he_o forty_o day_n that_o that_o spirit_n shall_v suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v handle_v that_o he_o shall_v give_v they_o instruction_n make_v they_o several_a promise_n and_o afterward_o be_v catch_v up_o into_o heaven_n in_o their_o sight_n they_o all_o the_o while_n look_v upon_o he_o and_o adore_v he_o as_o he_o be_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o understand_v distinct_o the_o discourse_n of_o the_o angel_n which_o promise_v they_o that_o he_o shall_v so_o come_v again_o in_o like_a manner_n as_o they_o have_v see_v he_o go_v up_o into_o heaven_n it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n here_o to_o allege_v with_o spinosa_n that_o the_o evangelist_n have_v not_o exact_o describe_v all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o event_n they_o relate_v and_o that_o have_v they_o take_v special_a care_n to_o do_v it_o it_o will_v perhaps_o so_o happen_v that_o the_o circumstance_n which_o they_o think_v sit_v to_o conceal_v will_v make_v we_o comprehend_v that_o those_o which_o they_o have_v relate_v proceed_v from_o natural_a cause_n for_o i_o desire_v to_o know_v what_o can_v be_v more_o express_o declare_v or_o more_o often_o repeat_v in_o the_o gospel_n than_o the_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n
the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n st._n mark_n chapt_n i._o 14._o now_o after_o that_o john_n be_v put_v in_o prison_n jesus_n come_v into_o galilee_n preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n all_o these_o expression_n the_o gospel_n or_o good_a tiding_n the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n be_v very_o strange_a and_o extraordinary_a and_o because_o our_o ear_n be_v somewhat_o use_v to_o they_o we_o do_v not_o reflect_v on_o they_o so_o much_o as_o we_o ought_v certain_o it_o must_v be_v a_o strange_a kind_n of_o mutual_a agreement_n that_o several_a fisherman_n make_v together_o to_o go_v preach_v about_o the_o world_n and_o call_v the_o subject_a of_o their_o preach_n by_o the_o name_n of_o gospel_n chap._n iu._n 19_o and_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o other_o thing_n enter_v in_o choke_v the_o word_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v not_o usual_a for_o other_o man_n thus_o to_o declare_v open_a war_n against_o their_o passion_n or_o if_o they_o do_v they_o fail_v not_o present_o to_o discover_v themselves_o and_o lay_v open_a their_o own_o hypocrisy_n to_o the_o world_n verse_n 41._o and_o they_o say_v one_o to_o another_o what_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v this_o that_o even_o the_o wind_n and_o sea_n obey_v he_o etc._n etc._n we_o too_o may_v as_o well_o say_v what_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v this_o that_o not_o only_o the_o sea_n and_o wind_n but_o disease_n grave_n death_n hell_n earth_n man_n and_o devil_n all_o obey_v he_o for_o it_o be_v observable_a there_o be_v nothing_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o nature_n but_o what_o be_v sensible_a of_o his_o miracle_n chap._n vi_o 2_o 3._o from_o whence_o have_v this_o man_n these_o thing_n and_o what_o wisdom_n be_v this_o which_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o that_o even_o such_o mighty_a work_n be_v wrought_v by_o his_o hand_n be_v not_o this_o the_o carpenter_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n etc._n etc._n whence_o rather_o proceed_v this_o astonishment_n of_o they_o and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o reproach_n have_v not_o christ_n wrought_v several_a miracle_n among_o they_o verse_n 4_o 5_o 6._o but_o jesus_n say_v unto_o they_o a_o prophet_n be_v not_o without_o honour_n but_o in_o his_o own_o country_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o can_v not_o do_v many_o mighty_a work_n there_o save_v that_o he_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o a_o few_o sick_a folk_n and_o he_o heal_v they_o and_o he_o marvel_v because_o of_o their_o unbelief_n every_o thing_n in_o this_o passage_n carry_v with_o it_o a_o air_n of_o truth_n without_o the_o least_o semblance_n of_o falsity_n for_o he_o that_o will_v invent_v a_o story_n and_o desire_v other_o man_n shall_v believe_v it_o will_v never_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o circumstance_n as_o these_o verse_n 56._o and_o whithersoever_o he_o enter_v into_o village_n or_o city_n or_o country_n they_o lay_v the_o sick_a in_o the_o street_n and_o beseech_v that_o they_o may_v touch_v if_o it_o be_v but_o the_o border_n of_o his_o garment_n and_o as_o many_o as_o touch_v he_o be_v make_v whole_a it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o impose_v upon_o other_o people_n in_o such_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o these_o chap._n viii_o 27_o 28._o and_o by_o the_o way_n he_o ask_v his_o disciple_n say_v unto_o they_o who_o do_v man_n say_v that_o i_o be_o and_o they_o answer_v some_o say_v john_n the_o baptist_n but_o some_o say_v elias_n and_o other_o one_o of_o the_o prophet_n here_o we_o may_v observe_v what_o a_o great_a impression_n christ_n be_v miracle_n have_v already_o make_v upon_o other_o man_n mind_n chap._n fourteen_o 33._o and_o he_o begin_v to_o be_v sore_o amaze_v and_o to_o be_v very_o heavy_a to_o own_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v reduce_v to_o this_o state_n nay_o he_o who_o they_o will_v have_v man_n look_v upon_o as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o strange_a and_o surprise_v sincerity_n verse_n 62._o and_o jesus_n say_v i_o be_o and_o you_o shall_v see_v the_o son_n of_o man_n sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o power_n and_o come_v in_o the_o cloud_n of_o heaven_n do_v ever_o any_o criminal_a bring_v before_o a_o tribunal_n of_o justice_n speak_v thus_o chap._n xvi_o 17_o 18_o 20._o and_o these_o sign_n shall_v follow_v they_o that_o believe_v in_o my_o name_n they_o shall_v cast_v out_o devil_n they_o shall_v speak_v with_o strange_a tongue_n they_o shall_v take_v up_o serpent_n and_o if_o they_o drink_v any_o deadly_a thing_n it_o shall_v not_o hurt_v they_o they_o shall_v lay_v hand_n on_o the_o sick_a and_o they_o shall_v recover_v etc._n etc._n and_o they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_o the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o and_o confirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n etc._n etc._n either_o all_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n must_v have_v be_v necessary_o true_a or_o st._n mark_n must_v have_v be_v strange_o beside_o himself_o when_o he_o relate_v they_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o be_v it_o that_o he_o relate_v or_o who_o do_v he_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o nay_o what_o time_n do_v he_o choose_v to_o effect_v it_o how_o can_v he_o possible_o persuade_v the_o disciple_n that_o they_o have_v do_v such_o miracle_n as_o they_o be_v never_o able_a to_o do_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o christ_n have_v give_v they_o that_o power_n to_o do_v miracle_n which_o they_o never_o receive_v st._n luke_n chap._n i._n 64._o and_o his_o mouth_n be_v open_v immediate_o and_o his_o tongue_n loose_v and_o he_o speak_v and_o praise_v god_n and_o fear_n come_v on_o all_o that_o dwell_v round_o about_o they_o and_o all_o these_o say_n be_v noise_v abroad_o throughout_o all_o the_o hill_n country_n of_o judea_n no_o man_n be_v so_o mad_a as_o to_o pretend_v to_o impose_v upon_o man_n belief_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n so_o public_a as_o these_o he_o will_v rather_o make_v choice_n of_o passage_n scarce_o hear_v of_o or_o at_o least_o but_o obscure_o know_v chap._n ii_o 16._o and_o find_v mary_n and_o joseph_n and_o the_o babe_n lie_v in_o a_o manger_n great_a be_v the_o exactness_n of_o these_o writer_n in_o give_v we_o a_o simple_a relation_n of_o thing_n as_o they_o real_o be_v what_o can_v seem_v more_o contrary_a and_o irreconcilable_a one_o with_o another_o than_o all_o these_o circumstance_n a_o child_n sleep_v in_o a_o manger_n but_o a_o child_n who_o nativity_n be_v declare_v even_o by_o angel_n and_o celebrate_v by_o all_o the_o host_n of_o heaven_n a_o child_n that_o be_v banish_v the_o society_n of_o man_n but_o elevate_v in_o dignity_n even_o above_o the_o bless_a spirit_n a_o child_n that_o be_v inconsiderable_a and_o of_o no_o esteem_n on_o earth_n but_o great_a in_o heaven_n and_o adore_v by_o angel_n that_o be_v indeed_o a_o while_n after_o his_o birth_n worship_v by_o some_o wiseman_n that_o bring_v he_o present_n but_o soon_o force_v to_o fly_v into_o egypt_n for_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o life_n certain_o there_o appear_v nothing_o like_o a_o fiction_n in_o all_o these_o circumstance_n chap._n v._o 19_o and_o when_o they_o can_v not_o find_v by_o what_o way_n they_o may_v bring_v he_o in_o because_o of_o the_o multitude_n they_o go_v upon_o the_o housetop_n and_o let_v he_o down_o through_o the_o til_n with_o his_o couch_n into_o the_o midst_n before_o jesus_n do_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o enter_v easy_o of_o themselves_o into_o a_o man_n mind_n who_o write_v nothing_o but_o of_o his_o own_o invention_n chap._n vii_o 38._o and_o she_o stand_v at_o his_o foot_n behind_o he_o weep_v and_o begin_v to_o wash_v his_o foot_n with_o tear_n and_o do_v wipe_v they_o with_o the_o hair_n of_o her_o head_n and_o kiss_v his_o foot_n and_o anoint_v they_o with_o the_o ointment_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o know_v the_o redeemer_n of_o the_o world_n by_o that_o save_a alteration_n he_o be_v see_v to_o make_v in_o those_o that_o follow_v he_o chap._n ix_o 45._o but_o they_o understand_v not_o this_o say_n and_o it_o be_v hide_v from_o they_o that_o they_o perceive_v it_o not_o great_a indeed_o be_v the_o evangelist_n sincerity_n who_o stick_v not_o to_o own_v the_o ignorance_n and_o stupidity_n of_o the_o disciple_n chap._n x._o 19_o 20._o behold_v i_o give_v unto_o you_o power_n to_o tread_v on_o serpent_n and_o scorpion_n and_o over_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o enemy_n and_o nothing_o shall_v by_o any_o mean_n hurt_v you_o notwithstanding_o in_o this_o rejoice_v not_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v subject_a unto_o you_o but_o rather_o rejoice_v because_o your_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n a_o certain_a character_n of_o true_a religion_n indeed_o which_o set_v a_o great_a value_n upon_o
be_v several_a famous_a emperor_n who_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceal_v from_o the_o world_n their_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o some_o of_o they_o have_v for_o inscription_n in_o their_o public_a edifice_n several_a maxim_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o other_o will_v have_v consecrate_v church_n for_o the_o use_v of_o the_o christian_n and_o last_o that_o other_o profess_a themselves_o admirer_n of_o the_o morality_n of_o christ._n but_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n who_o not_o be_v able_a to_o deny_v christ_n miracle_n be_v force_v to_o refer_v they_o some_o to_o a_o magic_a power_n and_o other_o to_o a_o certain_a i_o know_v not_o what_o mysterious_a pronunciation_n of_o the_o word_n jehovah_n so_o strange_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v that_o even_o the_o very_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n shall_v thus_o testify_v of_o it_o and_o yet_o scarce_o perceive_v it_o the_o seven_o testimony_n be_v that_o of_o several_a strange_a event_n which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n so_o order_v that_o they_o firm_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n of_o these_o there_o be_v several_a very_o remarkable_a but_o it_o shall_v suffice_v at_o present_a to_o mention_v three_o only_a which_o among_o the_o rest_n deserve_v a_o particular_a consideration_n the_o first_o be_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o four_o monarchy_n which_o have_v sore_o afflict_v and_o harass_v god_n people_n at_o the_o end_n of_o which_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v immediate_o to_o be_v establish_v the_o second_o the_o entire_a destruction_n of_o the_o jewish_a government_n and_o the_o signal_n devastation_n of_o the_o holy_a land_n a_o effect_n of_o the_o divine_a wrath_n pour_v out_o upon_o that_o nation_n the_o three_o and_o last_o the_o settlement_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n or_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n attend_v with_o so_o many_o circumstance_n as_o plain_o show_v that_o nothing_o but_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n can_v perfect_v so_o great_a a_o work_n the_o eight_o be_v that_o testimony_n give_v of_o christ_n by_o the_o revelation_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o nine_o that_o which_o be_v give_v of_o he_o by_o natural_a religion_n but_o of_o these_o two_o testimony_n we_o shall_v not_o speak_v at_o present_a for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o design_v to_o end_v this_o work_n with_o a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o they_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v plain_a the_o christian_a religion_n must_v be_v true_a because_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o so_o many_o authentic_a person_n which_o can_v be_v suspect_v of_o deceit_n and_o it_o will_v be_v extravagant_o ridiculous_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o prophet_n shall_v have_v so_o clear_a a_o insight_n into_o futurity_n mere_o to_o countenance_n and_o authorise_v a_o fiction_n that_o john_n the_o baptist_n have_v be_v at_o first_o take_v by_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o messiah_n shall_v renounce_v the_o honour_n which_o that_o title_n will_v have_v confer_v upon_o he_o only_o out_o of_o love_n and_o complaisance_n to_o a_o impostor_n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n shall_v so_o ready_o sacrifice_v their_o estate_n reputation_n repose_v and_o life_n itself_o to_o a_o person_n they_o know_v to_o be_v a_o false_a christ_n that_o the_o heaven_n shall_v countenance_v a_o flame_n and_o a_o lie_n by_o work_v such_o signal_n and_o sensible_a miracle_n that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n shall_v have_v find_v every_o thing_n that_o can_v supply_v its_o want_n and_o necessity_n in_o a_o mere_a cheat_n that_o even_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n shall_v countenance_v and_o approve_v of_o our_o false_a prejudices_fw-la that_o all_o event_n shall_v so_o exact_o coincide_v with_o a_o erroneous_a imposture_n and_o that_o the_o revelation_n of_o moses_n and_o natural_a religion_n shall_v thus_o testify_v so_o palpable_a a_o fiction_n to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v the_o necessity_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n since_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n lead_v we_o to_o it_o by_o so_o many_o different_a way_n as_o also_o the_o admirable_a perfection_n and_o transcendency_n of_o it_o since_o in_o a_o manner_n heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o time_n past_a and_o present_a event_n ordinary_a and_o natural_a as_o well_o as_o those_o supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a since_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n who_o be_v altogether_o unknown_a to_o one_o another_o have_v agree_v unanimous_o to_o reveal_v it_o and_o propose_v it_o to_o we_o as_o a_o object_n for_o its_o transcendent_a excellency_n worthy_a of_o our_o great_a admiration_n two_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o all_o other_o religion_n all_o these_o truth_n will_v more_o evident_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o its_o opposition_n to_o all_o other_o religion_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n consist_v in_o that_o it_o have_v advantage_n which_o other_o religion_n have_v not_o and_o yet_o none_o of_o their_o fault_n i_o say_v no_o other_o religion_n have_v advantage_n equal_a to_o those_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o no_o other_o can_v boast_v of_o its_o have_v be_v confirm_v by_o ancient_a prophecy_n even_o mahomet_n think_v it_o better_a to_o oblige_v man_n to_o call_v the_o scripture_n in_o question_n than_o do_v derive_v any_o argument_n from_o it_o which_o may_v serve_v to_o confirm_v his_o mission_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o not_o boast_v that_o he_o have_v be_v precede_v by_o any_o forerunner_n who_o make_v his_o path_n straight_o there_o be_v indeed_o several_a religion_n which_o perhaps_o may_v have_v have_v their_o martyr_n but_o what_o sort_n of_o martyr_n superstitious_a man_n who_o blind_o expose_v themselves_o to_o death_n without_o know_v what_o they_o do_v like_o those_o barbarian_n who_o prostrate_v themselves_o by_o thousand_o before_o their_o idol_n that_o their_o colossus_n may_v crush_v they_o in_o piece_n with_o its_o wheel_n as_o it_o pass_v along_o but_o no_o religion_n beside_o the_o christian_a be_v ever_o confirm_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o sensible_a understand_a martyr_n who_o voluntary_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o what_o they_o have_v see_v who_o from_o vicious_a and_o profligate_v person_n become_v saint_n upon_o the_o confidence_n they_o have_v in_o their_o master_n and_o who_o at_o length_n be_v disperse_v in_o all_o place_n of_o the_o world_n by_o their_o death_n gain_v proselyte_n and_o make_a their_o blood_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n cheerful_o suffer_v martyrdom_n have_v certain_a assurance_n of_o be_v crown_v after_o their_o death_n a_o certain_a assurance_n which_o they_o derive_v from_o what_o they_o themselves_o have_v former_o see_v we_o find_v other_o religion_n which_o pretend_v to_o be_v confirm_v and_o authorize_v by_o several_a sign_n and_o extraordinary_a event_n from_o heaven_n the_o roman_n feliâ—_n use_v to_o attribute_v to_o their_o religion_n all_o the_o advantage_n they_o get_v over_o other_o nation_n and_o the_o mahometan_n pretend_v that_o the_o great_a success_n god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v their_o prophet_n be_v so_o many_o certain_a and_o undeniable_a mark_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n but_o to_o pretend_v that_o temporal_a prosperity_n be_v a_o certain_a character_n of_o a_o true_a religion_n or_o adversity_n that_o of_o a_o false_a one_o be_v to_o suppose_v as_o we_o have_v already_o say_v else_o where_o that_o the_o most_o profligate_v wretch_n provide_v they_o be_v happy_a in_o this_o world_n be_v the_o great_a favourite_n of_o god_n but_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o prosperity_n or_o adversity_n simple_o consider_v but_o prosperity_n or_o adversity_n as_o foretell_v by_o god_n or_o his_o prophet_n that_o be_v a_o certain_a character_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o when_o we_o affirm_v that_o several_a extraordinary_a event_n bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n we_o mean_v only_o those_o event_n which_o have_v be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n final_o there_o may_v be_v several_a religion_n that_o may_v deceive_v but_o none_o but_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o can_v true_o satisfy_v mankind_n there_o be_v some_o religion_n ground_v upon_o fabulous_a miracle_n and_o confirm_v by_o witness_n easy_o convince_v of_o imposture_n but_o none_o but_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v firm_o and_o solid_o establish_v to_o upon_o true_a miracle_n and_o valid_a testimony_n it_o appear_v then_o that_o no_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n have_v such_o extraordinary_a qualification_n as_o the_o christian_a religion_n of_o which_o it_o must_v also_o be_v affirm_v that_o it_o be_v free_a from_o all_o such_o defect_n as_o be_v incident_a to_o other_o religion_n we_o need_v no_o deep_a
search_n no_o great_a sagacity_n or_o penetration_n of_o mind_n to_o discover_v this_o truth_n for_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o design_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a appetite_n of_o man_n as_o that_o of_o the_o present_a jew_n who_o aspire_v only_o after_o temporal_a prosperity_n and_o worldy_a pomp_n nor_o be_v it_o a_o monstrous_a medley_n like_o that_o of_o the_o samaritan_n make_v up_o of_o a_o ridiculous_a mixture_n of_o the_o pagan_a and_o jewish_a religion_n nor_o be_v it_o impious_a and_o cruel_a like_o that_o of_o the_o gnostic_n nor_o have_v it_o any_o of_o the_o fault_n or_o extravagant_a superstition_n of_o the_o pagan_a religion_n but_o since_o we_o have_v not_o leisure_n to_o oppose_v it_o particular_o to_o all_o the_o error_n of_o other_o religion_n we_o must_v be_v content_v to_o show_v in_o this_o comparison_n the_o advantage_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v above_o all_o the_o rest_n by_o lay_v down_o the_o follow_a rule_n i._n other_o religion_n as_o be_v principal_o of_o human_a invention_n and_o institution_n be_v form_v by_o degree_n from_o the_o different_a imagination_n of_o several_a person_n who_o successive_o make_v such_o addition_n or_o alteration_n as_o they_o think_v convenient_a the_o greek_n for_o example_n add_v several_a thing_n to_o that_o religion_n they_o receive_v from_o the_o egyptian_n and_o the_o roman_n to_o that_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o greek_n menander_n sâ—â—ll_o improve_v the_o â—ottish_a impiety_n of_o simon_n magus_n and_o saturninus_n and_o basilides_n add_v to_o those_o of_o menander_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o man_n be_v never_o weary_a of_o invent_v nor_o the_o people_n of_o believe_a novelty_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v whole_o deliver_v by_o christ_n be_v entire_o contain_v in_o every_o one_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o even_o in_o each_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n what_o ever_o alteration_n man_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o make_v in_o the_o doctrine_n christ_n bring_v into_o the_o world_n do_v only_o corrupt_v the_o purity_n and_o spirituality_n of_o it_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o great_a disproportion_n there_o be_v betwixt_o the_o apostolical_a doctrine_n and_o the_o ordinary_a speculation_n of_o men._n ii_o other_o religion_n dare_v not_o show_v themselves_o open_o in_o full_a light_n and_o therefore_o be_v veil_v over_o with_o a_o mysterious_a silence_n and_o affect_a darkness_n the_o gnostic_n choose_v the_o night_n to_o cover_v the_o impurity_n of_o juvenal_n their_o abominable_a mystery_n and_o the_o roman_n expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o satirical_a raillery_n of_o their_o poet_n 〈◊〉_d be_v so_o careful_a to_o conceal_v the_o worship_n they_o pay_v to_o their_o goddess_n bona_n julian_n and_o porphyrius_n set_v all_o their_o wit_n to_o work_v either_o to_o set_v off_o the_o ridiculous_a and_o offensive_a ceremony_n of_o paganism_n or_o to_o palliate_v their_o superstition_n by_o several_a various_a explanation_n of_o it_o as_o when_o they_o so_o stiff_o affirm_v that_o they_o worship_v one_o only_o supreme_a god_n though_o they_o acknowledge_v at_o the_o same_o time_n other_o subordinate_a deity_n depend_v one_o upon_o another_o and_o when_o they_o endeavour_v to_o justify_v the_o worship_n they_o pay_v to_o their_o idol_n by_o use_v many_o subtle_a and_o nice_a distinction_n it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o pride_n implant_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n they_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v accuse_v of_o entertain_v any_o absurd_a and_o extravagant_a opinion_n so_o that_o when_o ever_o their_o passion_n have_v make_v they_o embrace_v a_o religion_n which_o seem_v not_o very_o reasonable_a they_o employ_v all_o heir_n wit_n to_o make_v it_o at_o least_o appear_v consonant_a to_o reason_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n require_v no_o veil_n to_o cover_v 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the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o
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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 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one_o another_o and_o so_o to_o become_v subject_n of_o the_o same_o heavenly_a king_n they_o renounce_v then_o all_o their_o difference_n and_o quarrel_n the_o dear_a expectation_n they_o have_v of_o their_o messiah_n stifle_v in_o their_o heart_n all_o passion_n and_o resentment_n but_o when_o john_n the_o baptist_n have_v as_o it_o be_v lead_v they_o by_o the_o hand_n to_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o they_o be_v strange_o surprise_v to_o find_v in_o he_o nothing_o of_o what_o they_o expect_v they_o find_v in_o he_o poverty_n where_o they_o think_v to_o have_v find_v riches_n shame_n and_o affliction_n where_o they_o think_v to_o have_v meet_v nothing_o but_o great_a splendour_n and_o temporal_a glory_n for_o this_o reason_n therefore_o they_o reject_v he_o with_o horror_n and_o abomination_n all_o their_o thought_n be_v on_o a_o sudden_a change_v into_o indignation_n and_o anger_n against_o he_o in_o who_o before_o they_o have_v fix_v all_o their_o imaginary_a hope_n but_o though_o the_o generality_n of_o his_o nation_n cast_v he_o off_o there_o be_v yet_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o person_n who_o be_v willing_a to_o follow_v he_o and_o that_o number_n daily_o increase_v in_o proportion_n as_o jesus_n christ_n suffering_n and_o affliction_n increase_v there_o be_v at_o first_o but_o twelve_o who_o he_o call_v to_o his_o service_n then_o send_v he_o seventy_o other_o abroad_o who_o be_v succeed_v by_o a_o great_a may_v other_o after_o his_o death_n and_o their_o number_n further_o increase_v with_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o sanhedrin_n there_o be_v at_o length_n many_o see_v who_o testify_v in_o behalf_n of_o that_o crucify_a man_n but_o how_o come_v those_o disciple_n to_o follow_v a_o messiah_n so_o contrary_a to_o their_o first_o idea_n and_o receive_a opinion_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v discourage_v at_o his_o cross_n unless_o jesus_n christ_n have_v promise_v they_o to_o do_v sign_n and_o wonder_n how_o can_v they_o have_v be_v with_o he_o night_n and_o day_n for_o three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a without_o inquire_v into_o that_o important_a matter_n of_o fact_n or_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v real_o able_a to_o do_v miracle_n or_o not_o or_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a when_o they_o find_v their_o mistake_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v but_o a_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o a_o man_n uncapable_a of_o work_v any_o sign_n or_o wonder_n they_o shall_v not_o have_v forsake_v he_o as_o a_o whymsical_a impostor_n how_o can_v their_o mind_n be_v so_o sudden_o change_v as_o to_o look_v on_o humiliation_n and_o meanness_n misery_n and_o affliction_n as_o upon_o the_o true_a and_o real_a character_n of_o the_o messiah_n they_o i_o say_v who_o mind_n education_n have_v fill_v only_o with_o carnal_a idea_n of_o the_o flourish_a kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n but_o above_o all_o how_o can_v they_o be_v present_a at_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o their_o master_n without_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o last_o great_a consternation_n and_o confusion_n so_o that_o the_o second_o consequence_n which_o may_v very_o well_o be_v draw_v from_o these_o principle_n already_o establish_v be_v that_o the_o disciple_n have_v always_o imagine_v with_o their_o father_n and_o mother_n their_o brother_n and_o sister_n their_o teacher_n and_o elder_n and_o in_o general_a with_o their_o whole_a nation_n that_o their_o messiah_n shall_v have_v restore_v the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n and_o have_v understand_v those_o word_n in_o a_o literal_a sense_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v extreme_o offend_v to_o see_v he_o wear_v a_o crown_n of_o thorn_n upon_o his_o head_n when_o he_o be_v nail_v on_o the_o cross_n and_o a_o reed_n instead_o of_o a_o sceptre_n in_o his_o hand_n nay_o more_o than_o this_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a but_o that_o this_o object_n must_v have_v root_v out_o of_o their_o heart_n all_o thought_n of_o pride_n and_o ambition_n and_o all_o pretension_n to_o greatness_n and_o temporal_a prosperity_n which_o their_o blindness_n have_v cause_v they_o to_o conceive_v upon_o this_o man_n account_n unless_o there_o have_v happen_v since_o his_o death_n such_o supernatural_a and_o extraordinary_a thing_n as_o be_v able_a to_o revive_v in_o their_o heart_n such_o great_a hope_n as_o these_o three_o we_o shall_v conclude_v from_o the_o principle_n we_o have_v already_o establish_v that_o the_o disciple_n as_o well_o as_o all_o other_o jew_n be_v as_o it_o be_v tie_v to_o their_o religion_n by_o what_o they_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v by_o their_o inclination_n and_o understanding_n by_o their_o interest_n and_o piety_n by_o their_o custom_n and_o education_n and_o by_o the_o advantage_n wherewith_o they_o may_v well_o flatter_v themselves_o of_o be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v further_o as_o it_o be_v wed_v to_o it_o by_o that_o great_a number_n of_o ceremony_n and_o custom_n the_o justice_n and_o holiness_n of_o which_o they_o can_v no_o way_n doubt_v of_o since_o they_o have_v be_v so_o exact_o prescribe_v they_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n himself_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v but_o that_o they_o imagine_v their_o law_n to_o be_v of_o a_o eternal_a duration_n and_o that_o be_v extreme_o averse_a to_o every_o new_a sort_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o of_o moses_n they_o can_v not_o have_v so_o sudden_o alter_v their_o opinion_n nor_o can_v there_o have_v happen_v so_o strange_a a_o revolution_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o so_o many_o person_n unite_v and_o as_o it_o be_v link_v by_o so_o many_o respect_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n that_o in_o so_o small_a a_o period_n of_o time_n the_o soul_n of_o all_o those_o jew_n shall_v have_v be_v so_o entire_o change_v as_o that_o they_o shall_v begin_v to_o look_v upon_o the_o jewish_a religion_n as_o upon_o a_o dispensation_n grant_v with_o a_o proviso_n and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v to_o a_o end_n and_o for_o the_o future_a be_v consider_v only_o as_o a_o thing_n altogether_o useless_a and_o out_o of_o date_n i_o confess_v that_o this_o principle_n be_v not_o first_o of_o all_o approve_a of_o in_o the_o world_n without_o great_a contest_v and_o difficulty_n and_o that_o there_o be_v for_o a_o while_o certain_a judaise_v christian_n who_o teach_v other_o that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v still_o in_o force_n and_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o join_v the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n with_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n but_o than_o it_o be_v well_o know_v they_o be_v only_o either_o some_o of_o christ_n enemy_n who_o start_v these_o question_n out_o of_o a_o particular_a design_n to_o make_v a_o division_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n or_o some_o jew_n turn_v christian_n as_o yet_o very_o weak_a and_o not_o full_o strengthen_v in_o their_o belief_n who_o scrupulous_a zeal_n and_o blind_a superstition_n cause_v all_o those_o controvesy_n but_o however_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o especial_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o long_o in_o a_o error_n as_o to_o this_o point_n they_o affirm_v that_o man_n be_v justify_v only_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n and_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o in_o the_o first_o council_n hold_v at_o jerusalem_n the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n abolish_v the_o custom_n and_o rite_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n but_o at_o last_o it_o be_v of_o no_o great_a moment_n whether_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n or_o religion_n of_o moses_n be_v abolish_v ten_o year_n soon_o or_o late_a still_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v sometime_o abolish_v or_o rather_o to_o speak_v more_o exact_o and_o true_o it_o be_v fulfil_v by_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o cease_v now_o i_o demand_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o those_o man_n who_o be_v so_o devote_v and_o bigoted_a to_o that_o law_n who_o make_v it_o the_o object_n of_o their_o thought_n and_o most_o common_a discourse_n shall_v so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o they_o and_o in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n with_o one_o common_a consent_n renounce_v that_o law_n which_o piety_n make_v so_o venerable_a and_o honour_n and_o interest_n so_o valuable_a in_o their_o esteem_n whereas_o so_o many_o age_n elapse_v before_o the_o come_n of_o jesus_n christ_n into_o the_o world_n can_v not_o wear_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n that_o profound_a esteem_n and_o respect_n they_o have_v for_o that_o law_n for_o though_o they_o have_v often_o break_v it_o in_o several_a respect_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v say_v in_o their_o behalf_n they_o almost_o always_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o inviolable_a and_o can_v we_o suppose_v that_o so_o many_o age_n as_o have_v pass_v since_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n can_v not_o remove_v
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
three_o year_n or_o three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a as_o long_o as_o his_o office_n last_v wrought_v more_o surprise_v miracle_n than_o have_v be_v either_o see_v or_o know_v since_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n be_v firm_o to_o believe_v that_o christ_n work_v those_o miracle_n which_o be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o circumstantial_o repeat_v in_o it_o and_o so_o inseparable_a from_o the_o other_o part_n and_o accident_n of_o his_o life_n it_o must_v not_o then_o be_v affirm_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n embrace_v christianity_n without_o inquire_v in_o the_o least_o into_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n for_o that_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n neither_o must_v we_o say_v that_o they_o believe_v those_o miracle_n without_o a_o due_a examination_n of_o they_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o indeed_o require_v no_o very_a great_a examination_n but_o they_o can_v not_o avoid_v examine_v they_o have_v they_o endeavour_v it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o whole_o leave_v to_o my_o choice_n either_o to_o know_v or_o not_o to_o know_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v in_o the_o place_n which_o i_o inhabit_v neither_o do_v it_o whole_o depend_v upon_o i_o to_o believe_v or_o not_o to_o believe_v certain_a matter_n of_o fact_n that_o be_v contradictory_n to_o public_a knowledge_n and_o though_o a_o man_n under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n or_o otherwise_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v i_o believe_v he_o have_v raise_v a_o dead_a man_n to_o life_n again_o in_o a_o village_n a_o few_o mile_n distant_a from_o the_o place_n i_o dwell_v in_o who_o i_o may_v have_v both_o see_v and_o know_v after_o his_o resurrection_n or_o if_o i_o have_v not_o see_v he_o myself_o many_o other_o have_v both_o see_v and_o know_v and_o many_o go_v to_o see_v i_o say_v all_o this_o be_v no_o more_o leave_v to_o my_o choice_n to_o know_v or_o not_o to_o know_v than_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o my_o choice_n to_o be_v mad_a or_o in_o my_o sense_n for_o the_o better_a apprehend_v the_o strength_n of_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v make_v this_o supposition_n what_o if_o we_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o christ_n do_v all_o those_o miracle_n the_o gospel_n relate_v have_v go_v up_o to_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o reach_v thither_o just_a at_o the_o evening_n of_o that_o day_n of_o pentecost_n on_o which_o st._n peter_n convert_v so_o many_o people_n by_o convince_a they_o that_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o dare_v maintain_v first_o that_o we_o can_v not_o have_v forbear_v examine_v such_o thing_n which_o make_v so_o great_a a_o noise_n then_o second_o i_o affirm_v that_o however_o willing_a we_o may_v have_v be_v to_o delude_v and_o impose_v upon_o ourselves_o we_o can_v not_o have_v be_v so_o much_o as_o twenty_o four_o hour_n at_o jerusalem_n without_o know_v very_o distinct_o the_o certain_a truth_n of_o all_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n it_o will_v have_v be_v no_o very_o great_a trouble_n for_o we_o to_o have_v inquire_v how_o lazarus_n do_v and_o his_o two_o sister_n mary_n and_o martha_n and_o though_o by_o chance_n they_o may_v have_v be_v all_o three_o dead_a to_o have_v desire_v to_o speak_v with_o their_o friend_n and_o relation_n or_o with_o those_o that_o have_v see_v lazarus_n and_o eat_v with_o he_o both_o before_o and_o after_o his_o resurrection_n in_o like_a manner_n we_o may_v have_v easy_o speak_v with_o the_o friend_n and_o relation_n of_o jairus_n and_o with_o those_o too_o of_o other_o people_n who_o christ_n have_v heal_v or_o raise_v from_o the_o dead_a in_o the_o different_a part_n of_o judea_n and_o galilee_n and_o that_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o easy_a because_o commerce_n be_v much_o more_o stir_v between_o the_o metropolis_n of_o judea_n and_o the_o other_o city_n of_o the_o holy_a land_n than_o between_o the_o metropolis_n and_o the_o other_o city_n of_o the_o other_o province_n the_o jew_n be_v wont_a to_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n at_o least_o on_o every_o solemn_a feast-day_n nay_o far_o we_o may_v have_v inquire_v about_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o those_o wonderful_a prodigy_n which_o as_o the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o attend_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o since_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o several_a thousand_o witness_n shall_v have_v be_v impose_v upon_o concern_v so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o evident_a and_o sensible_a matter_n of_o fact_n so_o in_o like_a manner_n it_o will_v have_v be_v absolute_o impossible_a we_o shall_v have_v become_v christian_n only_o for_o twenty_o four_o hour_n after_o we_o have_v leave_v jerusalem_n suppose_v those_o matter_n of_o fact_n have_v be_v utter_o false_a i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v attend_v with_o such_o wonderful_a circumstance_n as_o the_o evangelist_n dare_v not_o have_v presume_v to_o invent_v have_v they_o be_v utter_o false_a neither_o have_v the_o power_n to_o forge_v or_o make_v one_o single_a person_n believe_v they_o have_v they_o design_v to_o impose_v upon_o man_n belief_n there_o remain_v only_o for_o our_o full_a conviction_n in_o this_o matter_n to_o show_v that_o they_o will_v not_o have_v forge_v they_o have_v it_o be_v whole_o leave_v to_o their_o choice_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o allege_v that_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n according_a to_o the_o recital_n of_o the_o evangelist_n be_v attend_v with_o such_o circumstance_n and_o so_o many_o strange_a event_n that_o it_o be_v inconceivable_a the_o disciple_n shall_v take_v any_o pleasure_n in_o invent_v they_o such_o be_v for_o example_n the_o tempt_a of_o our_o saviour_n a_o strange_a and_o most_o scandalous_a passage_n indeed_o to_o all_o those_o who_o be_v not_o full_o acquaint_v with_o the_o true_a mystery_n of_o it_o since_o it_o represent_v christ_n to_o we_o as_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o sport_v himself_o with_o his_o weakness_n though_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o overcome_v his_o virtue_n one_o while_o place_v he_o upon_o the_o pinnacle_n of_o the_o temple_n whence_o he_o advise_v he_o to_o cast_v himself_o down_o another_o while_n upon_o a_o exceed_a high_a mountain_n from_o whence_o he_o show_v he_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o now_o to_o see_v a_o man_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o satan_n will_v be_v a_o sight_n that_o will_v shock_v we_o to_o see_v a_o just_a man_n will_v be_v a_o object_n more_o terrible_a but_o to_o see_v a_o prophet_n himself_o will_v be_v a_o wonder_n that_o will_v create_v horror_n in_o we_o what_o must_v it_o be_v then_o to_o see_v a_o divine_a person_n in_o his_o clutch_n or_o rather_o one_o that_o be_v both_o god_n and_o man_n one_o that_o be_v call_v by_o way_n of_o eminence_n the_o just_a the_o holy_a the_o man_n without_o sin_n or_o blemish_n the_o great_a of_o all_o the_o prophet_n in_o â—ine_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o he_o must_v necessary_o be_v much_o mistake_v that_o can_v imagine_v that_o such_o thought_n as_o these_o can_v have_v natural_o offer_v themselves_o to_o any_o man_n mind_n much_o less_o to_o the_o mind_n of_o ignorant_a people_n who_o judge_n of_o thing_n by_o the_o prejudices_fw-la they_o be_v general_o possess_v with_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o christ_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n as_o surround_v with_o angel_n who_o minister_v unto_o he_o after_o his_o temptation_n but_o yet_o that_o circumstance_n be_v so_o far_o from_o remove_v that_o which_o may_v seem_v offensive_a and_o surprise_v in_o that_o event_n that_o it_o rather_o make_v it_o the_o more_o strange_a and_o incomprehensible_a nothing_o so_o ill_o befit_v a_o man_n who_o be_v but_o just_a now_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o carry_v about_o by_o he_o wherever_o he_o please_v as_o to_o be_v immediate_o after_o wait_v upon_o by_o angel_n add_v to_o this_o the_o unite_n of_o so_o many_o mean_a circumstance_n with_o so_o many_o glorious_a one_o that_o occur_v in_o his_o nativity_n in_o his_o life_n and_o in_o his_o death_n to_o instance_n in_o christ_n lie_v in_o a_o manger_n whilst_o he_o be_v praise_v by_o the_o host_n of_o heaven_n his_o have_n not_o a_o hole_n wherein_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n whilst_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o command_v the_o fish_n of_o the_o sea_n to_o bring_v he_o money_n to_o pay_v tribute_n to_o those_o who_o ask_v it_o of_o he_o his_o show_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o fear_n nay_o even_o apparent_a weakness_n whilst_o he_o shake_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o world_n and_o make_v the_o earth_n tremble_v and_o the_o sky_n to_o become_v dark_a his_o beg_n of_o his_o father_n that_o the_o cup_n of_o his_o suffering_n may_v pass_v away_o from_o
he_o when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o so_o well_o have_v prepare_v himself_o for_o death_n as_o to_o have_v institute_v a_o sacrament_n for_o a_o commemoration_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n his_o complain_n that_o his_o heavenly_a father_n have_v forsake_v he_o whilst_o he_o promise_v heaven_n to_o a_o thief_n that_o glorify_v he_o upon_o the_o cross_n a_o hundred_o other_o mysterious_a contrariety_n there_o be_v which_o divine_a providence_n inspire_v the_o evangelist_n to_o write_v against_o their_o profess_a opinion_n against_o the_o bias_n of_o their_o passion_n and_o their_o natural_a idea_n that_o their_o gospel_n may_v have_v a_o more_o extraordinary_a and_o more_o divine_a character_n but_o these_o be_v not_o the_o circumstance_n i_o mean_v when_o i_o speak_v of_o such_o extraordinary_a one_o in_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o disciple_n will_v not_o have_v forge_v if_o they_o can_v by_o they_o i_o mean_v all_o the_o sensible_a and_o extraordinary_a miracle_n which_o christ_n himself_o wrought_v and_o his_o disciple_n have_v relate_v to_o we_o and_o these_o i_o say_v the_o disciple_n will_v not_o invent_v have_v they_o be_v false_a which_o i_o prove_v by_o these_o two_o invincible_a argument_n first_o that_o by_o their_o relate_v they_o and_o above_o all_o their_o mention_v both_o place_n and_o person_n as_o it_o appear_v they_o have_v do_v they_o manifest_o engage_v themselves_o both_o to_o maintain_v and_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o certain_o they_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o they_o they_o who_o so_o very_o well_o knâ—w_v how_o difficult_a it_o have_v be_v for_o they_o to_o escape_v free_a when_o their_o master_n himself_o be_v put_v to_o death_n they_o know_v they_o shall_v be_v compel_v to_o maintain_v what_o they_o have_v thus_o affirm_v and_o they_o know_v also_o they_o can_v never_o be_v able_a to_o defend_v their_o imposture_n if_o they_o shall_v by_o chance_n be_v confront_v with_o the_o witness_n they_o mention_v and_o all_o this_o be_v no_o very_o hard_a thing_n for_o any_o one_o to_o foresee_v a_o man_n though_o not_o over-wise_a may_v easy_o presage_v these_o thing_n and_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o he_o be_v in_o his_o sense_n to_o make_v he_o cautious_a of_o advance_v such_o matter_n as_o he_o think_v himself_o incapable_a to_o maintain_v the_o falsehood_n of_o which_o will_v be_v present_o discover_v by_o the_o very_a witness_n he_o mention_n by_o the_o place_n he_o set_v down_o and_o the_o other_o circumstance_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n he_o thus_o expose_v to_o public_a view_n 2._o the_o second_o argument_n which_o prove_v that_o the_o evangelist_n will_v never_o have_v forge_v the_o like_a matter_n of_o fact_n suppose_v they_o have_v be_v altogether_o false_a be_v that_o by_o counterfeit_v they_o they_o necessary_o render_v themselves_o liable_a to_o be_v put_v to_o a_o great_a confusion_n when_o they_o shall_v find_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o perform_v the_o very_a same_o miracle_n for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v very_o natural_a for_o any_o one_o to_o say_v to_o they_o thus_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o your_o master_n have_v wrought_v so_o many_o strange_a miracle_n sure_o he_o have_v also_o give_v you_o power_n to_o do_v the_o like_v yourselves_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o first_o thing_n they_o teach_v be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v send_v they_o abroad_o with_o power_n to_o perform_v the_o very_a same_o work_v he_o have_v do_v it_o be_v no_o time_n therefore_o to_o use_v shift_n or_o stand_v doubt_v and_o shuffle_n they_o be_v oblige_v either_o to_o suppress_v what_o they_o know_v concern_v the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n or_o to_o perform_v the_o same_o themselves_o christ_n himself_o when_o he_o send_v they_o to_o preach_v in_o the_o different_a part_n of_o judea_n command_v they_o say_v heal_n the_o sick_a cleanse_v the_o leper_n raise_v the_o dead_a cast_v out_o devil_n free_o you_o have_v receive_v free_o give_v matth._n 10._o 8._o and_o these_o be_v the_o character_n he_o give_v of_o the_o call_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o these_o sign_n shall_v follow_v they_o that_o believe_v in_o my_o name_n shall_v they_o cast_v out_o devil_n they_o shall_v speak_v with_o new_a tongue_n they_o shall_v take_v up_o serpent_n and_o if_o they_o drink_v any_o deadly_a thing_n it_o shall_v not_o hurt_v they_o they_o shall_v lay_v hand_n on_o the_o sick_a and_o they_o shall_v recover_v etc._n etc._n and_o they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_o the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o and_o comfirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n etc._n etc._n mark_v 16._o 17_o 18_o 20._o thus_o it_o appear_v they_o can_v not_o well_o relate_v what_o jesus_n christ_n have_v do_v without_o at_o the_o same_o time_n publish_v what_o they_o themselves_o be_v oblige_v to_o perform_v for_o the_o further_a confirmation_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o they_o do_v not_o relate_v the_o least_o miracle_n without_o at_o the_o same_o time_n affirm_v they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v the_o like_a it_o must_v therefore_o certain_o be_v one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n either_o that_o those_o man_n have_v utter_o lose_v their_o reason_n or_o that_o they_o sincere_o believe_v the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v they_o think_v they_o to_o be_v false_a they_o will_v neither_o have_v engage_v themselves_o to_o maintain_v a_o unwarrantable_a fiction_n by_o set_v down_o so_o many_o circumstance_n more_o than_o sufficient_a to_o discover_v the_o real_a truth_n of_o it_o nor_o have_v render_v themselves_o liable_a to_o shame_n and_o confusion_n by_o relate_v such_o miracle_n they_o be_v not_o able_a so_o much_o as_o to_o imitate_v at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o they_o profess_v themselves_o absolute_o capable_a of_o do_v every_o thing_n their_o master_n himself_o have_v do_v thus_o it_o appear_v to_o we_o that_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v such_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o the_o disciple_n have_v neither_o the_o boldness_n the_o power_n nor_o the_o will_n to_o counterfeit_v suppose_v they_o never_o have_v be_v do_v and_o i_o think_v this_o enough_o to_o convince_v we_o in_o this_o respect_n and_o to_o make_v we_o look_v upon_o those_o miracle_n which_o have_v illustrate_v the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o a_o centre_n of_o truth_n that_o will_v infallible_o persuade_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christanity_n we_o profess_v chap._n iii_o the_o second_o centre_n of_o truth_n a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v speak_v of_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n we_o come_v now_o to_o his_o resurrection_n a_o event_n which_o ought_v chief_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o connexion_n it_o have_v with_o those_o miracle_n for_o if_o this_o resurrection_n be_v true_a without_o dispute_v those_o miracle_n be_v so_o too_o and_o if_o those_o miracle_n be_v true_a one_o can_v easy_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n now_o to_o take_v away_o all_o scruple_n that_o may_v arise_v in_o our_o mind_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v but_o reflect_v a_o while_n upon_o christ_n himself_o upon_o the_o jewish_a doctor_n who_o use_v all_o possible_a care_n and_o precaution_n to_o prevent_v so_o much_o as_o a_o report_n after_o his_o death_n that_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o watch_n appoint_v to_o guard_v his_o sepulchre_n upon_o the_o procedure_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o discourse_n of_o all_o the_o disciple_n in_o general_a and_o last_o upon_o that_o ready_a disposition_n of_o mind_n find_v in_o a_o great_a number_n of_o jew_n to_o embrace_v christianity_n aâ—_n jerusalem_n a_o few_o week_n after_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o at_o a_o time_n when_o nothing_o can_v be_v easy_a than_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n as_o for_o jesus_n christ_n the_o evangelist_n unanimous_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o have_v several_a time_n foretell_v his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n to_o his_o disciple_n nay_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o those_o very_a prediction_n be_v oftentimes_o intermix_v either_o with_o such_o circumstance_n as_o do_v not_o easy_o of_o themselves_o enter_v into_o any_o man_n mind_n or_o with_o those_o which_o seem_v to_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o relation_n one_o with_o another_o which_o prove_v that_o they_o can_v be_v the_o imaginary_a conceit_n of_o a_o pleasant_a fancy_n that_o delight_n in_o the_o invention_n of_o fable_n it_o be_v very_o improbable_a that_o the_o evangelist_n shall_v have_v invent_v the_o discourse_n of_o jesus_n christ_n with_o st._n peter_n concern_v the_o suffering_n that_o shall_v certain_o besall_n he_o at_o his_o go_v