any_o man_n spoil_v you_o with_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n after_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o after_o christ_n v_o 8._o let_v no_o man_n beguile_v you_o of_o your_o reward_n in_o a_o voluntary_a humility_n and_o worship_v of_o angel_n etc._n etc._n v._n 18._o all_o which_o expression_n do_v imply_v that_o he_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o fear_n and_o to_o give_v they_o caution_n in_o time_n that_o while_o they_o do_v yet_o think_v that_o they_o stand_v they_o shall_v take_v heed_n lest_o they_o fall_v and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n aim_v at_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n as_o you_o have_v therefore_o receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n so_o walk_v you_o in_o he_o receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n do_v not_o here_o relate_v to_o his_o person_n but_o to_o his_o authority_n and_o to_o his_o doctrine_n so_o the_o apostle_n himself_o explain_v it_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n root_v and_o build_v up_o in_o he_o and_o establish_v in_o the_o faith_n as_o you_o have_v be_v teach_v walk_v in_o he_o be_v a_o eastern-way_n of_o speak_v and_o suppose_v both_o a_o adhere_n to_o that_o faith_n they_o have_v then_o receive_v and_o live_v according_a to_o it_o look_v on_o christ_n and_o his_o doctrine_n as_o their_o only_a way_n to_o heaven_n and_o as_o you_o have_v receive_v he_o so_o walk_v you_o in_o he_o imply_v that_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o receive_n christ_n and_o his_o doctrine_n at_o first_o be_v different_a from_o that_o which_o the_o false_a apostle_n endeavour_v to_o bring_v in_o among_o they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o keep_v close_o to_o that_o pure_a and_o primitive_a doctrine_n which_o they_o at_o first_o receive_v from_o hence_o we_o may_v consider_v a_o double_a obligation_n lie_v upon_o they_o 1._o to_o keep_v steadfast_a to_o that_o faith_n which_o they_o first_o receive_v without_o be_v seduce_v from_o it_o by_o the_o art_n of_o deceiver_n who_o be_v then_o busy_a among_o they_o 2._o to_o live_v according_a to_o it_o by_o make_v that_o faith_n the_o principle_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n and_o so_o walk_v in_o he_o as_o they_o have_v receive_v he_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o former_a the_o reasonableness_n of_o it_o can_v but_o appear_v from_o the_o supposition_n here_o make_v viz._n that_o they_o have_v receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n for_o thereby_o they_o declare_v that_o they_o receive_v he_o as_o the_o christ_n i._n e._n as_o he_o who_o be_v anoint_v of_o the_o father_n to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v his_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o adhere_v to_o his_o doctrine_n there_o be_v no_o other_o who_o the_o father_n have_v seal_v and_o appoint_v to_o declare_v his_o will_n and_o in_o he_o be_v hide_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n 3._o they_o receive_v he_o as_o christ_n jesus_n that_o be_v they_o hope_v for_o redemption_n through_o 14._o his_o blood_n even_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o if_o their_o hope_n of_o heaven_n depend_v upon_o his_o mediation_n they_o have_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o adhere_v only_o to_o he_o they_o receive_v he_o as_o christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o submit_v to_o his_o authority_n to_o obey_v his_o command_n and_o to_o observe_v his_o institution_n and_o in_o all_o circumstance_n of_o life_n to_o keep_v steadfast_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o deliver_v but_o here_o arise_v the_o great_a difficulty_n how_o they_o shall_v know_v by_o any_o certain_a rule_n what_o be_v the_o true_a and_o genuine_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o himself_o deliver_v for_o 1._o the_o false_a teacher_n among_o they_o pretend_v to_o deliver_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o the_o apostle_n 2._o that_o which_o they_o at_o first_o receive_v be_v no_o certain_a rule_n for_o the_o false_a teacher_n may_v have_v be_v before_o they_o and_o first_o possession_n give_v no_o title_n in_o religion_n 3._o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o put_v the_o whole_a trial_n mere_o upon_o their_o judgement_n or_o memory_n or_o capacity_n viz._n what_o they_o think_v or_o remember_v be_v at_o first_o teach_v they_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n for_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o have_v mistake_v or_o to_o have_v mis-remembred_n what_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o weak_a than_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o judgement_n of_o people_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v form_v according_a to_o the_o skill_n and_o excellency_n of_o their_o teacher_n for_o the_o hearer_n of_o christ_n himself_o although_o he_o speak_v as_o never_o man_n speak_v yet_o do_v very_o often_o mistake_v his_o meaning_n and_o at_o one_o time_n so_o remarkable_o that_o although_o he_o take_v care_n to_o rectify_v their_o misapprehension_n yet_o it_o be_v say_v from_o that_o time_n many_o of_o his_o disciple_n 66._o go_v back_o and_o walk_v no_o more_o with_o he_o so_o that_o the_o high_a infallibility_n in_o the_o teacher_n do_v not_o prevent_v the_o possibility_n or_o the_o danger_n of_o mistake_v in_o the_o hearer_n and_o whatsoever_o any_o vain_o pretend_v nothing_o can_v do_v it_o but_o transfuse_v the_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n into_o all_o if_o we_o look_v over_o the_o apostolical_a church_n while_o they_o be_v under_o the_o care_n and_o conduct_v of_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o prevent_v their_o run_n into_o great_a error_n and_o mistake_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o account_n we_o have_v of_o they_o give_v by_o that_o spirit_n which_o can_v deceive_v in_o the_o apostolical_a write_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n itself_o even_o at_o that_o time_n when_o its_o faith_n be_v speak_v of_o throughout_o the_o world_n yet_o there_o be_v 8._o dissension_n and_o difference_n there_o and_o such_o as_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v deliver_v and_o st._n paul_n bid_v they_o to_o mark_v such_o which_o cause_v they_o 17._o he_o do_v not_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o introduce_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v learn_v by_o tradition_n from_o the_o apostle_n but_o he_o not_o only_o suppose_v it_o very_o possible_a but_o he_o bid_v they_o have_v a_o particular_a eye_n to_o they_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v deceive_v by_o they_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n be_v plant_v by_o paul_n and_o water_v by_o apollo_n and_o there_o be_v disciple_n of_o cephas_n and_o of_o christ_n himself_o and_o yet_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o so_o many_o infallible_a teacher_n they_o have_v like_a to_o have_v lose_v all_o their_o faith_n as_o one_o of_o they_o tell_v they_o how_o say_v some_o among_o 14._o you_o there_o be_v no_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o rise_v then_o be_v our_o preach_a vain_a and_o your_o faith_n be_v also_o vain_a can_v not_o they_o remember_v to_o day_n what_o be_v teach_v they_o yesterday_o and_o so_o what_o the_o apostle_n at_o first_o preach_v to_o they_o the_o church_n of_o galatia_n have_v such_o a_o opinion_n of_o st._n paul_n upon_o his_o first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n among_o they_o that_o they_o receive_v he_o as_o a_o angel_n of_o god_n even_o as_o 14._o christ_n jesus_n yet_o present_o after_o he_o say_v be_o i_o therefore_o become_v your_o enemy_n because_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o truth_n what!_o of_o a_o angel_n of_o god_n or_o of_o one_o receive_v as_o christ_n jesus_n 16._o to_o become_v their_o enemy_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o most_o unjustifiable_a account_n because_o he_o tell_v they_o the_o truth_n but_o where_o truth_n can_v make_v enemy_n error_n may_v easy_o gain_v friend_n and_o so_o we_o find_v it_o be_v in_o the_o apostolical_a church_n even_o under_o the_o conduct_n and_o teach_v of_o the_o apostle_n the_o colossian_n be_v not_o yet_o so_o far_o go_v but_o they_o be_v in_o such_o danger_n that_o the_o apostle_n write_v this_o epistle_n with_o great_a concernment_n for_o they_o he_o tell_v they_o v_o 1._o he_o have_v a_o sharp_a conflict_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n about_o they_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o see_v his_o face_n in_o the_o flesh_n be_v convert_v 12._o by_o some_o send_v by_o he_o of_o who_o epaphras_n be_v most_o take_v notice_n of_o but_o he_o be_v present_a with_o they_o in_o spirit_n v_o 5._o i._n e._n he_o be_v deep_o affect_v with_o their_o condition_n for_o he_o understand_v the_o design_n and_o artifices_fw-la of_o the_o seducer_n among_o they_o he_o know_v what_o fair_a and_o plausible_a pretence_n they_o have_v viz._n that_o they_o go_v about_o not_o to_o undermine_v christianity_n but_o to_o advance_v it_o by_o take_v in_o some_o jewish_a custom_n and_o some_o gentile_a observance_n and_o modes_n of_o worship_n
which_o may_v easy_o be_v accommodate_v to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o so_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o the_o animosity_n both_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n will_v be_v remove_v and_o christianity_n will_v thereby_o gain_v more_o friend_n and_o meet_v with_o few_o enemy_n the_o apostle_n find_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v at_o this_o time_n if_o possible_a to_o keep_v they_o steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n 1._o he_o assure_v they_o that_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v of_o itself_o so_o sufficient_a for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n that_o it_o need_v no_o addition_n either_o from_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n or_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o gentile_n which_o may_v introduce_v several_a thing_n with_o a_o specious_a appearance_n of_o wisdom_n humility_n and_o mortification_n but_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v assure_v that_o from_o christ_n they_o have_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a or_o useful_a for_o salvation_n for_o in_o he_o be_v hide_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o 3._o knowledge_n 2._o that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v at_o first_o true_o deliver_v to_o they_o and_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v steadfast_a in_o it_o which_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o text._n but_o they_o may_v object_v that_o epaphras_n be_v no_o apostle_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o if_o he_o be_v yet_o there_o be_v many_o apostle_n and_o the_o false_a apostle_n pretend_v to_o be_v true_a one_o and_o although_o st._n paul_n interpose_v his_o authority_n yet_o he_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o judaizer_n will_v not_o yield_v to_o it_o but_o be_v ready_a to_o suggest_v that_o the_o other_o apostle_n be_v more_o favourable_a to_o the_o jewish_a custom_n than_o he_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a some_o more_o general_a and_o common_a rule_n be_v find_v out_o whereby_o to_o distinguish_v the_o original_a and_o genuine_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n from_o that_o of_o pretender_n and_o seducer_n the_o clear_n of_o this_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n and_o not_o only_o be_v to_o those_o of_o that_o age_n but_o be_v so_o in_o every_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n where_o the_o same_o question_n may_v be_v put_v what_o be_v the_o true_a primitive_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o what_o mean_n may_v we_o come_v to_o it_o which_o concern_v we_o at_o this_o day_n as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o the_o answer_n lie_v in_o two_o particular_n which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v 1._o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o common_a deliver_v to_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o they_o be_v the_o genuine_a doctrine_n of_o christ._n 2._o that_o which_o they_o have_v leave_v in_o their_o write_n after_o it_o come_v to_o be_v contest_v which_o be_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christ._n 1._o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o common_a deliver_v to_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o they_o for_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v one_o and_o the_o same_o faith_n to_o all_o the_o church_n have_v the_o same_o infallible_a spirit_n to_o direct_v they_o there_o be_v no_o need_n for_o they_o to_o meet_v together_o before_o their_o dispersion_n and_o to_o agree_v upon_o some_o common_a article_n of_o faith_n as_o ruffinus_n symbol_n imagine_v lest_o they_o shall_v differ_v from_o each_o other_o for_o how_o can_v they_o differ_v who_o have_v the_o same_o spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o lead_v 13._o they_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o we_o find_v nothing_o like_o a_o combination_n among_o the_o apostle_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n and_o if_o there_o have_v be_v it_o will_v have_v render_v the_o faith_n they_o deliver_v more_o suspicious_a in_o that_o they_o dare_v not_o trust_v particular_a person_n with_o delivery_n of_o it_o without_o a_o antecedent_n confederacy_n among_o themselves_o which_o will_v have_v look_v like_o a_o mistrust_n of_o that_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v fulfil_v upon_o all_o of_o they_o and_o we_o find_v when_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v write_v there_o be_v no_o such_o meeting_n together_o to_o settle_v the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v of_o as_o much_o consequence_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n but_o st._n matthew_n write_v his_o gospel_n in_o judoea_n at_o the_o time_n say_v irenoeus_n that_o peter_n and_o paul_n preach_v and_o found_v a_o 1._o church_n in_o rome_n st._n mark_v either_o at_o rome_n or_o in_o egypt_n not_o till_o after_o their_o decease_n say_v the_o same_o very_a ancient_a father_n st._n luke_n in_o greece_n after_o st._n paul_n plant_v 18._o church_n in_o rome_n and_o st._n john_n in_o asia_n after_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o there_o be_v the_o same_o divine_a spirit_n which_o assist_v they_o all_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v such_o a_o concurrence_n as_o show_v their_o veracity_n but_o such_o a_o variety_n as_o show_v there_o be_v no_o combination_n but_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o none_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v write_v till_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v preach_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o many_o place_n and_o many_o church_n be_v form_v and_o establish_v by_o they_o and_o there_o be_v two_o great_a advantage_n thereby_o 1._o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o more_o see_v because_o then_o without_o the_o help_n of_o a_o write_a rule_n they_o so_o unanimous_o agree_v in_o the_o doctrine_n they_o deliver_v not_o as_o though_o it_o be_v less_o possible_a to_o mistake_v without_o it_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a there_o be_v a_o much_o great_a liableness_n to_o mistake_v so_o universal_a a_o consent_n be_v the_o strong_a argument_n of_o a_o divine_a assistance_n if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o difference_n in_o the_o doctrine_n preach_v by_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v so_o many_o enemy_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o infidel_n and_o false_a apostle_n who_o will_v present_o have_v reproach_v the_o christian_a church_n with_o it_o but_o no_o disagreement_n be_v ever_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v as_o to_o what_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o teach_v they_o have_v one_o body_n one_o 6._o spirit_n one_o lord_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n one_o god_n and_o father_n of_o all_o wherever_o the_o apostle_n go_v whether_o into_o scythia_n parthia_n mesopotamia_n or_o any_o province_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n all_o who_o be_v convert_v by_o they_o be_v baptize_v into_o the_o same_o faith_n which_o st._n judas_n call_v the_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n 3._o but_o once_o deliver_v though_o by_o many_o person_n and_o in_o very_o distant_a place_n and_o so_o once_o deliver_v as_o the_o same_o faith_n once_o deliver_v be_v to_o continue_v to_o the_o world_n end_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v make_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o always_o so_o for_o that_o be_v to_o lay_v a_o new_a foundation_n and_o to_o make_v another_o covenant_n than_o what_o christ_n have_v seal_v with_o his_o blood_n but_o he_o be_v the_o same_o yesterday_o 8._o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o the_o term_n of_o salvation_n can_v never_o be_v alter_v unless_o there_o be_v a_o new_a saviour_n and_o new_a apostle_n and_o new_a teacher_n but_o if_o we_o go_v to_o heaven_n by_o christ_n we_o must_v go_v that_o way_n that_o himself_o have_v direct_v for_o man_n and_o angel_n join_v their_o power_n together_o can_v save_v one_o soul_n christ_n alone_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o 6._o life_n and_o none_o can_v come_v to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o he_o this_o the_o apostle_n very_o well_o know_v and_o be_v therefore_o careful_a to_o deliver_v nothing_o to_o the_o church_n but_o what_o they_o receive_v from_o christ_n as_o st._n paul_n say_v of_o himself_o for_o i_o have_v receive_v of_o 11._o the_o lord_n that_o which_o i_o deliver_v unto_o you_o not_o by_o way_n of_o tradition_n from_o man_n but_o by_o immediate_a divine_a revelation_n for_o as_o he_o say_v he_o be_v not_o a_o apostle_n of_o man_n or_o by_o man_n but_o by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o god_n the_o 1._o father_n and_o not_o long_o after_o he_o say_v he_o neither_o receive_v the_o gospel_n of_o man_n neither_o 12._o be_v i_o teach_v it_o but_o by_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ._n there_o be_v none_o of_o all_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o liable_a to_o the_o suspicion_n of_o set_v up_o for_o himself_o and_o vary_v from_o the_o rest_n as_o st._n paul_n be_v for_o he_o be_v none_o of_o the_o original_a number_n of_o apostle_n and_o he_o be_v a_o know_a persecutor_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o sudden_a convert_v be_v always_o suspect_v and_o ananias_n have_v a_o vision_n to_o satisfy_v he_o and_o yet_o he_o can_v not_o tell_v what_o to_o think_v at_o first_o concern_v he_o and_o the_o disciple_n when_o they_o
first_o hear_v he_o be_v amaze_v after_o this_o he_o take_v a_o 17._o course_n by_o himself_o and_o do_v not_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o the_o college_n of_o apostle_n there_o resident_a but_o go_v into_o arabia_n so_o that_o if_o any_o one_o may_v be_v think_v to_o set_v up_o another_o doctrine_n it_o be_v he_o but_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o it_o that_o he_o establish_v and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v and_o be_v very_o successful_a in_o his_o apostleship_n in_o all_o place_n and_o when_o there_o have_v be_v some_o whisper_v concern_v he_o as_o though_o he_o proceed_v not_o in_o the_o same_o way_n with_o the_o rest_n he_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n and_o there_o upon_o full_a examination_n james_n and_o cephas_n and_o john_n who_o be_v the_o lead_a apostle_n 9_o give_v he_o the_o right-hand_a of_o fellowship_n in_o token_n of_o their_o full_a consent_n in_o the_o same_o faith_n 2._o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o more_o plain_o discover_v all_o this_o while_n the_o apostle_n only_o preach_v and_o deliver_v their_o doctrine_n to_o the_o several_a church_n by_o verbal_a instruction_n but_o after_o these_o have_v be_v receive_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o such_o multitude_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o suspicion_n that_o a_o false_a representation_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n or_o action_n can_v be_v receive_v by_o those_o church_n than_o the_o wise_a providence_n of_o god_n take_v care_n for_o posterity_n and_o employ_v several_a person_n in_o distant_a place_n and_o time_n to_o write_v the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o there_o be_v this_o advantage_n to_o the_o church_n that_o the_o gospel_n be_v write_v no_o soon_o for_o all_o the_o church_n plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v then_o make_v judge_n whether_o the_o gospel_n write_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v teach_v and_o if_o not_o there_o will_v have_v be_v just_a reason_n to_o have_v question_v either_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o have_v be_v teach_v they_o or_o what_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o gospel_n but_o when_o they_o find_v the_o main_a to_o be_v full_o consonant_a to_o what_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v the_o testimony_n of_o every_o one_o of_o these_o church_n do_v show_v the_o concurrence_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o several_a gospel_n and_o that_o which_o add_v to_o the_o strength_n of_o this_o proof_n be_v that_o when_o the_o true_a gospel_n be_v write_v there_o be_v several_a false_a and_o counterfeit_a gospel_n disperse_v abroad_o under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o as_o of_o st._n peter_n st._n thomas_n st._n mathias_n and_o other_o as_o eusebius_n inform_v we_o and_o as_o we_o have_v 25._o the_o genuine_a act_n of_o the_o apostle_n so_o there_o be_v the_o pretend_a act_n of_o paul_n of_o andrew_n and_o john_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n how_o come_v these_o to_o be_v reject_v and_o the_o other_o to_o be_v careful_o receive_v here_o lie_v the_o true_a advantage_n of_o original_a tradition_n before_o the_o write_a gospel_n that_o by_o it_o the_o several_a church_n be_v enable_v to_o pass_v a_o true_a judgement_n concern_v they_o when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v disperse_v among_o they_o for_o they_o can_v present_o tell_v whether_o what_o they_o read_v be_v agreeable_a to_o what_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n as_o suppose_v the_o gospel_n of_o st._n matthew_n be_v publish_v in_o judoea_n be_v carry_v into_o mesopotamia_n or_o persia_n where_o many_o christian_a church_n be_v very_o early_o plant_v these_o be_v thorough_o instruct_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o life_n death_n resurrection_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n can_v present_o judge_v whether_o st._n matthew'_v gospel_n agree_v with_o what_o they_o have_v hear_v or_o not_o and_o the_o like_a hold_v as_o to_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o roman_a empire_n so_o that_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n so_o soon_o while_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n be_v so_o fresh_a in_o their_o mind_n be_v in_o effect_n the_o consent_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n who_o teach_v they_o and_o this_o be_v very_o different_a from_o the_o case_n of_o particular_a person_n in_o some_o church_n who_o may_v mistake_v or_o forget_v what_o be_v teach_v for_o this_o be_v a_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o all_o the_o apostolical_a church_n who_o can_v not_o agree_v to_o approve_v a_o error_n in_o the_o gospel_n contrary_a to_o the_o faith_n deliver_v to_o they_o and_o that_o while_o some_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v still_o live_v for_o the_o other_o gospel_n be_v receive_v and_o approve_v before_o st._n john_n write_v his_o the_o case_n have_v be_v far_o otherwise_o if_o no_o gospel_n have_v be_v write_v in_o that_o age_n for_o than_o it_o may_v have_v be_v suspect_v that_o either_o the_o impression_n of_o the_o first_o teacher_n be_v wear_v out_o or_o they_o have_v be_v by_o degree_n alter_v from_o their_o first_o apprehension_n by_o the_o cunning_a craftiness_n of_o those_o who_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v they_o after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o common_a tradition_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n be_v useful_a in_o these_o case_n 1._o to_o convey_v down_o the_o authentic_a write_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o any_o of_o they_o 2._o to_o bear_v testimony_n against_o any_o pretend_a write_n which_o be_v not_o first_o receive_v by_o the_o apostolical_a church_n to_o which_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v write_v for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o negative_a testimony_n of_o more_o force_n than_o that_o it_o be_v improbable_a to_o the_o utmost_a degree_n that_o such_o a_o church_n shall_v not_o know_v or_o not_o make_v know_v any_o true_a apostolical_a write_n 3._o to_o overthrow_v any_o pretence_n to_o a_o secret_a tradition_n from_o the_o apostle_n different_a from_o what_o be_v see_v in_o the_o apostolical_a write_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n irenoeus_n haer._n and_o tertullian_n make_v very_o good_a use_n of_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n against_o the_o pretender_n to_o such_o a_o tradition_n which_o those_o church_n be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o but_o they_o agree_v that_o the_o apostle_n commit_v the_o same_o doctrine_n to_o write_v which_o they_o preach_v and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o foundation_n and_o pillar_n of_o faith_n that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o four_o gospel_n and_o that_o the_o apostolical_a church_n do_v receive_v they_o from_o those_o who_o first_o write_v they_o and_o that_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o apostolical_a age._n it_o be_v therefore_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o provide_v for_o a_o constant_a establishment_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o church_n in_o all_o age_n neither_o to_o permit_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v write_v till_o the_o church_n be_v plant_v nor_o to_o be_v put_v off_o to_o another_o generation_n for_o than_o it_o will_v have_v be_v plausible_o object_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v true_a why_o be_v they_o not_o record_v when_o there_o be_v person_n live_v who_o be_v best_a able_a to_o have_v either_o prove_v or_o confute_v they_o then_o we_o may_v have_v be_v satisfy_v one_o way_n or_o other_o but_o now_o the_o jew_n be_v dead_a and_o the_o apostle_n be_v dead_a and_o although_o there_o be_v many_o leave_v who_o believe_v their_o doctrine_n yet_o this_o can_v never_o reach_v to_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o see_v and_o hear_v the_o thing_n themselves_o or_o who_o doctrine_n be_v attest_v by_o those_o who_o do_v so_o and_o this_o be_v now_o the_o mighty_a advantage_n of_o the_o church_n ever_o since_o that_o the_o thing_n concern_v christ_n be_v write_v by_o such_o person_n with_o what_o another_o kind_n of_o authority_n do_v those_o word_n command_v our_o assent_n that_o which_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v 3._o which_o we_o have_v see_v with_o our_o eye_n which_o we_o have_v look_v upon_o and_o our_o hand_n have_v handle_v of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n for_o the_o life_n be_v manifest_v and_o we_o have_v see_v it_o and_o bear_v witness_n and_o show_v unto_o you_o that_o eternal_a life_n which_o be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o be_v manifest_a unto_o we_o that_o which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v declare_v we_o unto_o you_o then_o if_o all_o the_o testimony_n concern_v christ_n be_v to_o be_v resolve_v into_o those_o who_o hear_v some_o say_v that_o other_o tell_v they_o they_o have_v it_o from_o such_o who_o see_v those_o who_o converse_v with_o they_o who_o see_v christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n at_o such_o a_o distance_n the_o authority_n of_o a_o testimony_n be_v extreme_o lessen_v
which_o be_v not_o like_o a_o river_n which_o grow_v great_a by_o run_v but_o like_o a_o mineral_n water_n which_o lose_v its_o strength_n by_o be_v carry_v too_o far_o we_o find_v in_o the_o time_n of_o papias_n who_o live_v but_o in_o the_o second_o century_n the_o authority_n of_o bare_a tradition_n be_v mighty_o sink_v for_o eusebius_n say_v he_o converse_v 39â—_n with_o the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n he_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o go_v up_o and_o down_o to_o they_o to_o get_v what_o he_o can_v from_o they_o have_v a_o great_a esteem_n of_o what_o he_o can_v learn_v from_o they_o than_o of_o what_o be_v write_v and_o what_o advantage_n do_v this_o bring_v to_o the_o church_n it_o bring_v some_o idle_a opinion_n into_o reputation_n say_v eusebius_n for_o afterward_o they_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o fix_v they_o upon_o papias_n but_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o mistake_v eusebius_n say_v that_o be_v a_o man_n of_o mean_a capacity_n he_o may_v easy_o misunderstand_v the_o meaning_n of_o what_o be_v speak_v but_o if_o tradition_n may_v fail_v after_o such_o a_o manner_n so_o near_o the_o apostle_n time_n then_o we_o must_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o capacity_n as_o well_o as_o integrity_n of_o those_o of_o every_o age_n through_o who_o a_o tradition_n pass_v or_o else_o they_o may_v deceive_v or_o be_v deceive_v about_o it_o but_o god_n be_v please_v to_o provide_v better_o for_o the_o security_n of_o our_o faith_n by_o cause_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v write_v either_o by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o as_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n john_n or_o by_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o chief_a apostle_n while_o the_o other_o be_v survive_v as_o st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n and_o the_o latter_a give_v this_o account_n of_o his_o undertake_n to_o write_v it_o viz._n that_o thou_o may_v know_v the_o the_o certainty_n of_o those_o 4._o thing_n wherein_o thou_o have_v be_v instruct_v his_o instruction_n be_v by_o a_o oral_a tradition_n but_o that_o it_o seem_v want_v something_o to_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v it_o and_o that_o be_v by_o st._n luke_n writing_n his_o gospel_n how_o can_v they_o add_v any_o assurance_n to_o he_o if_o all_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o certainty_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o tradition_n st._n luke_n think_v it_o necessary_a then_o that_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o life_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v put_v into_o write_v that_o they_o may_v be_v more_o certain_o convey_v and_o that_o while_o they_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n 2._o and_o so_o i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o rule_n of_o discern_v the_o primitive_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n viz._n the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n when_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n come_v to_o be_v contest_v be_v the_o infallible_a rule_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o judge_v which_o be_v the_o true_a and_o genuine_a doctrine_n of_o christ._n there_o be_v some_o who_o pretend_v that_o the_o apostle_n write_n be_v mere_o accidental_a and_o occasional_a thing_n but_o that_o the_o main_a design_n be_v to_o lodge_v the_o great_a assurance_n of_o thâ—_n doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o tradition_n from_o one_o to_o another_o and_o what_o they_o write_v be_v not_o to_o make_v any_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o only_o to_o give_v some_o good_a advice_n to_o those_o church_n they_o write_v to_o but_o i_o shall_v now_o prove_v that_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v intend_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v a_o stand_a rule_n whereby_o the_o church_n be_v to_o judge_v which_o be_v the_o true_a and_o genuine_a doctrine_n of_o christ._n 1._o from_o the_o reason_n and_o occasion_n of_o write_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o gospel_n we_o must_v distinguish_v the_o general_n reason_n of_o write_v they_o from_o the_o particular_a occasion_n as_o to_o the_o several_a gospel_n the_o general_a reason_n be_v to_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n which_o inspire_v and_o guide_v they_o the_o particular_a occasion_n relate_v to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o write_v they_o the_o general_a reason_n be_v that_o which_o irenoeus_n give_v viz._n that_o the_o gospel_n which_o 1._o they_o have_v first_o preach_v be_v by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n put_v into_o write_v that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o foundation_n and_o pillar_n of_o our_o faith_n not_o mere_o to_o keep_v up_o the_o remembranee_n of_o it_o which_o fevardentius_n yield_v and_o thereby_o overthrow_v the_o infallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n but_o that_o so_o it_o may_v be_v a_o certain_a rule_n of_o faith_n to_o all_o age_n the_o evangelist_n say_v st._n augustin_n be_v but_o christ_n 54._o hand_n which_o himself_o as_o the_o head_n direct_v in_o write_v the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o look_v on_o the_o gospel_n as_o his_o own_o handwriting_n the_o holy_a ghost_n 53._o say_v he_o direct_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o evangelist_n as_o to_o the_o order_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o write_n which_o vary_v according_o to_o the_o particular_a occasion_n but_o yet_o be_v all_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o general_n reason_n st._n matthew_n write_v the_o first_o gospel_n say_v eusebius_n to_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o he_o have_v 24._o preach_v because_o go_v into_o other_o part_n he_o will_v supply_v the_o want_n of_o his_o presence_n among_o they_o by_o his_o write_n what_o need_v this_o if_o tradition_n be_v a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a way_n of_o convey_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n st._n chrysostom_n say_v the_o jewish_a christian_n desire_v he_o to_o put_v into_o write_v matth_n what_o they_o have_v hear_v he_o preach_v do_v not_o they_o understand_v the_o force_n of_o tradition_n better_o or_o why_o shall_v st._n matthew_n put_v they_o out_o of_o a_o infallible_a way_n the_o author_n of_o the_o imperfect_a work_n on_o st._n matthew_n say_v they_o desire_v he_o to_o prologo_fw-la write_v his_o gospel_n that_o wherever_o they_o go_v they_o may_v carry_v a_o account_n of_o their_o faith_n with_o they_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n say_v the_o occasion_n of_o writing_n st._n mark_n be_v 15._o gospel_n be_v that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o a_o unwritten_a delivery_n of_o the_o holy_a doctrine_n and_o therefore_o importune_v mark_n who_o be_v the_o disciple_n of_o st._n peter_n that_o he_o will_v leave_v a_o monument_n of_o his_o doctrine_n in_o write_v which_o st._n peter_n understand_v by_o revelation_n approve_v and_o confirm_v his_o gospel_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o church_n origen_n say_v he_o write_v it_o according_a to_o st._n peter_n direction_n epiphanius_n 155._o say_v by_o his_o authority_n athanasius_n say_v it_o be_v dictate_v by_o he_o at_o rome_n it_o seem_v that_o peter_n himself_o do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o leave_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o a_o oral_a tradition_n even_o at_o rome_n but_o irenoeus_n think_v it_o be_v write_v after_o st._n peter_n decease_n who_o therein_o differ_v from_o the_o rest_n and_o show_v how_o uncertain_a mere_a tradition_n be_v tertullian_n say_v st._n mark_n be_v eccles_n gospel_n be_v attribute_v to_o st._n peter_n and_o st._n luke_n be_v to_o st._n paul_n st._n jerom_n mention_n the_o opinion_n of_o some_o that_o when_o st._n paul_n say_v according_a to_o my_o gospel_n he_o mean_v that_o of_o st._n luke_n but_o st._n luke_n himself_o plain_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o occasion_n of_o his_o writing_n st._n ambrose_n think_v by_o those_o who_o have_v take_v 1._o in_o hand_n to_o write_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v firm_o believe_v among_o we_o he_o mean_v the_o author_n of_o the_o counterfeit_a gospel_n as_o that_o of_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o st._n mathias_n but_o we_o have_v no_o evidence_n that_o these_o be_v old_a than_o st._n luke_n his_o meaning_n be_v that_o in_o those_o part_n where_o he_o be_v there_o be_v some_o who_o do_v undertake_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o christ_n who_o want_v the_o advantage_n which_o he_o have_v have_v have_v great_a opportunity_n of_o know_a circumstance_n from_o the_o eye-witness_n and_o therefore_o he_o set_v himself_o to_o give_v a_o exact_a relation_n of_o they_o that_o not_o only_a theophilus_n 51._o but_o every_o one_o that_o answer_v his_o name_n may_v know_v the_o certainty_n of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o they_o have_v be_v instruct_v but_o do_v not_o they_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o these_o thing_n by_o the_o apostle_n preach_v yes_o but_o the_o thing_n they_o hear_v may_v slip_v out_o of_o their_o memory_n and_o to_o prevent_v this_o say_v theophylact_v st._n luke_n luc._n write_v his_o gospel_n that_o they_o may_v retain_v these_o thing_n with_o great_a certainty_n and_o word_n that_o be_v
at_o least_o to_o make_v it_o more_o passable_a in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o will_v have_v introduce_v into_o it_o some_o rite_n of_o the_o jew_n some_o austerity_n of_o the_o gentile_n some_o way_n of_o worship_n which_o will_v recommend_v they_o to_o their_o adversary_n and_o upon_o this_o occasion_n he_o write_v this_o epistle_n to_o they_o to_o convince_v they_o that_o christianity_n alone_o be_v far_o beyond_o any_o mixture_n of_o the_o fancy_n or_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v give_v they_o no_o better_a advice_n than_o as_o they_o have_v first_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o continue_v in_o it_o or_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n as_o they_o have_v receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n so_o to_o walk_v in_o he_o the_o design_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v that_o although_o the_o gospel_n and_o epistle_n be_v write_v upon_o particular_a occasion_n yet_o those_o occasion_n be_v so_o great_a and_o considerable_a and_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v so_o direct_a the_o hand_n and_o pen_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n in_o write_v they_o that_o what_o they_o have_v therein_o deliver_v contain_v a_o complete_a rule_n of_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a faith_n as_o it_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v to_o the_o church_n but_o against_o this_o it_o be_v object_v that_o st._n paul_n himself_o charge_v the_o thessalonian_n 15._o to_o stand_v fast_o and_o hold_v the_o tradition_n which_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v either_o by_o word_n or_o by_o his_o epistle_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v other_o tradition_n to_o be_v hold_v that_o be_v not_o write_v the_o force_n of_o all_o this_o will_v be_v take_v away_o if_o we_o consider_v when_o that_o epistle_n be_v write_v viz._n one_o of_o the_o first_o which_o st._n paul_n write_v and_o soon_o after_o the_o former_a epistle_n to_o the_o thessalonian_n which_o be_v some_o time_n before_o st._n luke_n gospel_n which_o be_v first_o receive_v in_o the_o church_n of_o greece_n plant_v by_o st._n paul_n therefore_o all_o the_o proper_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n himself_o and_o all_o that_o relate_v to_o his_o life_n and_o action_n be_v then_o but_o tradition_n among_o they_o and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n have_v great_a reason_n then_o to_o require_v they_o to_o stand_v fast_o to_o the_o tradition_n they_o have_v be_v teach_v i._n e._n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n they_o have_v receive_v in_o that_o manner_n but_o it_o be_v urge_v that_o he_o mention_n before_o something_o he_o have_v say_v about_o antichrist_n 5._o come_n when_o he_o be_v with_o they_o v_o 5._o if_o this_o be_v allow_v it_o will_v be_v more_o against_o than_o for_o tradition_n for_o what_o be_v become_v of_o that_o tradition_n if_o it_o be_v lose_v than_o it_o follow_v that_o tradition_n be_v no_o infallible_a way_n of_o conveyance_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v more_o reason_n to_o adhere_v to_o a_o write_a word_n 2._o which_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o second_o reason_n from_o which_o i_o design_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o write_a rule_n for_o discern_v true_a primitive_a christianity_n and_o that_o be_v from_o the_o notorious_a uncertainty_n of_o mere_a tradition_n i_o say_v notorious_a because_o there_o never_o be_v any_o trial_n make_v of_o it_o but_o it_o fail_v even_o when_o it_o have_v the_o great_a advantage_n i_o may_v insist_v upon_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n when_o man_n life_n be_v so_o long_o and_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o natural_a religion_n so_o few_o and_o yet_o both_o before_o and_o after_o the_o flood_n mankind_n be_v strange_o degenerate_v from_o they_o i_o may_v insist_v on_o many_o instance_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n so_o many_o that_o scarce_o one_o can_v be_v produce_v wherein_o they_o plead_v mere_a tradition_n but_o they_o be_v mistake_v in_o it_o as_o about_o the_o millennium_n the_o age_n of_o christ_n the_o time_n of_o easter_n on_o one_o side_n or_o other_o the_o communicate_v infant_n for_o st._n augustin_n quote_v apostolical_a tradition_n for_o it_o 4._o but_o i_o shall_v wave_v all_o these_o and_o only_o mention_v a_o very_a necessary_a and_o important_a thing_n which_o be_v a_o long_a time_n trust_v to_o tradition_n and_o yet_o they_o differ_v so_o much_o about_o it_o as_o evident_o prove_v that_o mere_a tradition_n be_v no_o infallible_a mean_n of_o conveyance_n and_o that_o be_v about_o the_o apostle_n creed_n which_o be_v to_o be_v repeat_v by_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v baptize_v we_o have_v many_o plain_a testimony_n to_o prove_v that_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v write_v but_o to_o be_v convey_v from_o one_o to_o another_o by_o a_o oral_a tradition_n hierosol_n st._n hierom_n 75._o st._n augustin_n symbol_n ruffinus_n all_o affirm_v it_o and_o the_o creed_n be_v common_o then_o call_v prooem_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o show_v that_o they_o look_v on_o all_o the_o article_n therein_o contain_v as_o the_o standard_n of_o necessary_a point_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o considerable_a difference_n in_o the_o ancient_a creed_n some_o article_n be_v in_o some_o which_o be_v not_o in_o other_o although_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v the_o necessary_a point_n be_v at_o first_o the_o same_o in_o all_o or_o else_o the_o several_a church_n must_v have_v different_a rule_n of_o faith_n the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v call_v 9_o the_o mother_n of_o all_o church_n by_o the_o general_n council_n of_o constantinople_n and_o in_o the_o creed_n there_o deliver_v to_o the_o catechuman_n 11._o st._n cyril_n mention_n the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n before_o all_o world_n and_o so_o do_v 12._o eusebius_n at_o coesarea_n in_o the_o creed_n which_o he_o say_v he_o learn_v at_o his_o baptism_n which_o be_v long_o before_o the_o nicene_n creed_n 4._o cassian_n make_v it_o a_o part_n of_o that_o creed_n which_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v to_o the_o church_n and_o be_v particular_o receive_v in_o the_o church_n of_o antioch_n but_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v deliver_v in_o the_o western_a creed_n as_o far_o as_o now_o appear_v by_o what_o st._n augustin_n russinus_n and_o other_o say_v in_o their_o exposition_n of_o it_o st._n jerom_n write_v against_o the_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n urge_v he_o with_o the_o creed_n pammach_n no_o doubt_n that_o which_o be_v receive_v in_o his_o own_o church_n and_o he_o say_v it_o consist_v of_o three_o main_a point_n the_o confession_n of_o the_o trinity_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o flesh._n and_o the_o creed_n of_o the_o church_n of_o aquileia_n go_v no_o far_o say_v 9_o ruffinus_n nor_o some_o old_a copy_n of_o the_o roman_a creed_n but_o marcellus_n of_o ancyra_n have_v eternal_a life_n in_o his_o 72._o creed_n and_o so_o have_v 18._o cyril_n of_o jerusalem_n so_o have_v the_o african_a church_n in_o st._n etc._n augustin_n time_n so_o have_v the_o church_n of_o ravenna_n but_o not_o the_o church_n of_o turin_n nor_o the_o gallican_n church_n if_o maximus_n taurinensis_n and_o venantius_n fortunatus_n explain_v all_o the_o article_n of_o their_o creed_n ruffinus_n confess_v the_o article_n of_o descent_n into_o hell_n be_v not_o in_o the_o roman_a nor_o in_o any_o of_o the_o eastern_a creed_n the_o creed_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o aquileia_n have_v not_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n nor_o those_o of_o marcellus_n and_o ancorat_n epiphanius_n the_o title_n of_o catholic_n be_v not_o add_v to_o the_o church_n in_o the_o creed_n in_o st._n 243._o augustin_n time_n for_o the_o make_v it_o a_o periphrasis_n utique_fw-la catholicam_fw-la from_o whence_o probable_o it_o come_v to_o be_v add_v afterward_o ruffinus_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v not_o extant_a in_o the_o old_a copy_n of_o the_o roman_a creed_n nor_o in_o that_o of_o marcellus_n ancyranus_n these_o thing_n i_o mention_v not_o in_o the_o least_o to_o shake_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o article_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n which_o 1._o st._n augustin_n say_v be_v gather_v out_o of_o scripture_n and_o be_v agreeable_a to_o they_o but_o to_o show_v what_o a_o uncertain_a way_n of_o conveyance_n mere_a oral_a tradition_n be_v when_o a_o thing_n so_o easy_o remember_v so_o constant_o use_v of_o so_o much_o weight_n and_o consequence_n fall_v into_o such_o variety_n in_o the_o great_a church_n while_o they_o be_v so_o scrupulous_a about_o the_o write_n of_o it_o what_o cause_n have_v we_o then_o to_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n that_o have_v take_v so_o much_o care_n of_o his_o church_n as_o to_o provide_v we_o a_o infallible_a write_v rule_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n whereby_o we_o certain_o know_v what_o the_o true_a primitive_a christianity_n be_v which_o be_v
deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o here_o be_v a_o great_a difficulty_n to_o be_v remove_v as_o to_o the_o write_a word_n how_o can_v we_o be_v certain_a we_o have_v it_o if_o not_o by_o tradition_n and_o if_o tradition_n be_v so_o uncertain_a how_o can_v we_o be_v make_v certain_a by_o it_o that_o we_o have_v that_o write_v word_n which_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v for_o may_v not_o that_o fail_n in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o the_o creed_n and_o then_o what_o security_n can_v we_o have_v for_o our_o faith_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v show_v 1._o what_o advantage_n thing_n that_o be_v write_v have_v as_o to_o the_o certainty_n of_o conveyance_n above_o thing_n mere_o commit_v to_o memory_n and_o tradition_n 2._o what_o advantage_n the_o scripture_n have_v above_o any_o other_o thing_n commit_v to_o write_v as_o to_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o conveyance_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o advantage_n thing_n write_v have_v above_o those_o commit_v to_o memory_n and_o tradition_n only_o which_o will_v appear_v by_o these_o thing_n 1._o it_o be_v the_o way_n god_n himself_o make_v choice_n of_o where_o the_o reason_n for_o tradition_n be_v strong_a i_o mean_v as_o to_o the_o ten_o commandment_n which_o be_v short_a and_o plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v remember_v and_o very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o sense_n and_o general_n interest_n of_o mankind_n yet_o the_o wise_a god_n who_o perfect_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n will_v not_o leave_v the_o ten_o commandment_n to_o a_o oral_a tradition_n but_o god_n deliver_v to_o moses_n two_o table_n of_o stone_n write_v with_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o on_o they_o he_o write_v the_o ten_o commandment_n what_o a_o vain_a and_o superfluous_a 4._o thing_n be_v this_o if_o oral_a and_o practical_a tradition_n be_v infallible_a but_o god_n be_v own_o pitch_v upon_o this_o way_n after_o so_o long_a a_o trial_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o other_o be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o great_a certainty_n of_o it_o if_o we_o suppose_v that_o god_n aim_v at_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n by_o it_o 2._o when_o religion_n be_v corrupt_v among_o the_o jew_n the_o only_a way_n of_o restore_v it_o be_v by_o a_o write_a book_n of_o the_o law_n as_o we_o find_v in_o the_o case_n of_o josiah_n reformation_n which_o be_v make_v by_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v find_v in_o the_o 3._o house_n of_o the_o lord_n this_o be_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o hilkiah_n the_o highpriest_n think_v it_o necessary_a for_o josiah_n to_o go_v by_o and_o not_o by_o any_o tradition_n leave_v among_o they_o concern_v the_o law_n which_o god_n have_v give_v by_o moses_n 3._o this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o saviour_n appeal_v to_o in_o all_o his_o dispute_n search_v 39_o the_o scripture_n say_v he_o to_o the_o jew_n not_o run_v to_o your_o tradition_n for_o those_o be_v then_o very_o corrupt_v especial_o about_o the_o messiah_n as_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v a_o temporal_a prince_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v then_o a_o dangerous_a and_o fundamental_a mistake_n and_o therefore_o christ_n appeal_v from_o they_o to_o the_o scripture_n and_o they_o be_v they_o which_o 46._o testify_v of_o i_o have_v you_o believe_v moses_n 47._o you_o will_v have_v believe_v i_o for_o he_o write_v of_o i_o but_o if_o you_o believe_v not_o his_o write_n how_o shall_v you_o believe_v my_o word_n and_o our_o saviour_n severe_o check_v the_o 9_o pharisee_n for_o regard_v their_o own_o tradition_n more_o than_o the_o write_v law_n and_o yet_o they_o pretend_v to_o a_o oral_a tradition_n down_o from_o moses_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v to_o this_o day_n and_o none_o be_v more_o gross_o deceive_v than_o they_o 4._o the_o general_a sense_n and_o experience_n of_o mankind_n agree_v herein_o that_o all_o matter_n of_o consequence_n be_v more_o certain_o preserve_v by_o write_n then_o by_o mere_a word_n there_o be_v no_o invention_n have_v be_v more_o value_v by_o the_o wise_a part_n of_o mankind_n than_o that_o of_o letter_n because_o it_o be_v of_o such_o excellent_a use_n for_o convey_v the_o sense_n of_o our_o mind_n at_o a_o distance_n to_o other_o all_o man_n have_v so_o great_a a_o mistrust_n either_o of_o the_o capacity_n or_o memory_n or_o fidelity_n of_o other_o that_o what_o they_o will_v have_v do_v with_o security_n they_o commit_v to_o write_v and_o whatever_o we_o true_o understand_v of_o the_o age_n before_o we_o we_o be_v behold_v to_o write_v for_o it_o all_o those_o memorable_a action_n and_o institution_n either_o of_o philosophy_n or_o religion_n which_o be_v not_o write_v be_v long_o since_o bury_v in_o oblivion_n without_o possibility_n of_o a_o resurrection_n but_o where_o they_o have_v be_v commit_v to_o write_v they_o be_v preserve_v after_o so_o many_o age_n and_o by_o it_o we_o certain_o know_v the_o history_n of_o the_o patriarch_n and_o the_o strange_a revolution_n that_o happen_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n by_o it_o we_o converse_v with_o the_o wise_a person_n of_o former_a time_n and_o be_v able_a to_o justify_v the_o scripture_n by_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o other_o writer_n by_o it_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o interpret_v prophecy_n and_o to_o make_v plain_a their_o accomplishment_n which_o without_o it_o we_o can_v never_o make_v out_o yea_o by_o it_o the_o wisdom_n of_o those_o be_v preserve_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n who_o think_v fit_a to_o write_v nothing_o themselves_o as_o socrates_n and_o pythagoras_n but_o their_o disciple_n take_v care_n in_o time_n to_o write_v their_o doctrine_n so_o that_o we_o have_v the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o wise_a part_n of_o mankind_n that_o write_v be_v a_o far_o more_o certain_a way_n of_o conveyance_n than_o mere_a tradition_n 2._o and_o especial_o in_o our_o case_n where_o there_o be_v so_o many_o particular_a advantage_n as_o to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n above_o any_o other_o write_n 1._o from_o the_o special_a providence_n of_o god_n with_o respect_n to_o they_o for_o since_o it_o be_v agree_v by_o all_o christian_n that_o these_o be_v write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a care_n will_v be_v take_v to_o preserve_v they_o and_o therefore_o to_o suppose_v any_o book_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v lose_v which_o contain_v any_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o great_a reflection_n on_o divine_a providence_n for_o if_o god_n watch_v over_o his_o church_n he_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o let_v such_o book_n be_v lose_v which_o be_v design_v for_o the_o universal_a and_o last_a benefit_n of_o his_o church_n 2._o from_o the_o mighty_a esteem_n which_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v always_o for_o they_o for_o they_o build_v their_o hope_n of_o heaven_n upon_o the_o promise_v contain_v in_o they_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v their_o evidence_n for_o their_o future_a inheritance_n the_o foundation_n of_o their_o hope_n and_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n their_o defence_n against_o assault_n and_o temptation_n their_o counsellor_n in_o case_n of_o difficulty_n their_o support_n under_o trouble_n and_o their_o sure_a guide_n to_o a_o happy_a eternity_n and_o therefore_o the_o primitive_a christian_n choose_v rather_o to_o endure_v any_o torment_n than_o base_o to_o betray_v it_o and_o give_v it_o up_o to_o their_o enemy_n 3._o from_o the_o early_a dispute_n that_o be_v about_o they_o which_o show_v that_o they_o be_v no_o invention_n of_o aftertime_n nor_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n by_o stealth_n and_o art_n for_o they_o endure_v the_o great_a shock_n of_o opposition_n at_o first_o while_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v they_o be_v the_o most_o easy_o prove_v and_o have_v pass_v the_o severe_a scrutiny_n of_o the_o first_o age_n when_o so_o many_o counterfeit_a write_n be_v send_v abroad_o the_o follow_a age_n can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o call_v their_o authority_n in_o question_n 4._o from_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o divide_a church_n about_o they_o it_o may_v have_v please_v god_n to_o have_v keep_v his_o church_n from_o those_o unhappy_a breach_n which_o have_v be_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o the_o east_n and_o the_o west_n the_o north_n and_o the_o south_n can_v all_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o sad_a division_n of_o christendom_n and_o those_o of_o many_o age_n stand_v but_o yet_o we_o have_v this_o considerable_a advantage_n by_o they_o that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o mistrust_v a_o conspiracy_n where_o the_o several_a body_n be_v so_o much_o divide_v 5._o from_o the_o great_a internal_a satisfaction_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o good_a man_n have_v concern_v they_o and_o which_o no_o other_o write_v can_v pretend_v to_o give_v for_o here_o we_o read_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o divine_a
be_v abundance_n of_o noise_n and_o heat_n and_o example_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o present_a victory_n and_o the_o shame_n and_o danger_n of_o run_v away_o which_o animate_v person_n in_o a_o day_n of_o battle_n but_o it_o be_v another_o kind_n of_o courage_n which_o be_v require_v to_o make_v man_n bear_v up_o against_o the_o malice_n and_o subtlety_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o of_o wicked_a man_n for_o here_o the_o combination_n be_v to_o all_o appearance_n much_o strong_a on_o the_o worse_a side_n and_o if_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o success_n by_o number_n those_o who_o promote_v virtue_n and_o goodness_n can_v never_o bear_v up_o against_o their_o adversary_n who_o be_v sure_a to_o carry_v it_o by_o the_o poll._n there_o be_v among_o the_o heathen_n some_o few_o great_a man_n who_o endeavour_v to_o reform_v the_o vice_n of_o mankind_n but_o alas_o what_o poor_a success_n have_v they_o in_o their_o attempt_n this_o way_n although_o they_o want_v neither_o wit_n nor_o learning_n nor_o address_v to_o carry_v on_o this_o noble_a design_n such_o as_o socrates_n at_o athens_n and_o epictetus_n at_o rome_n and_o some_o other_o who_o live_v agreeable_o to_o their_o doctrine_n yet_o how_o little_a effect_n have_v both_o their_o precept_n and_o example_n on_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o people_n either_o at_o athens_n or_o rome_n socrates_n declare_v a_o mighty_a resolution_n rather_o to_o die_v than_o to_o say_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n unbecoming_a the_o station_n god_n place_v he_o in_o and_o upon_o the_o prosecution_n of_o two_o malicious_a man_n the_o prevail_a party_n be_v resolve_v to_o try_v the_o experiment_n and_o take_v he_o at_o his_o word_n after_o which_o his_o disciple_n dare_v not_o deal_v so_o plain_o and_o open_o as_o he_o have_v do_v and_o the_o artifice_n they_o be_v put_v to_o lose_v the_o force_n of_o the_o best_a part_n of_o their_o philosophy_n which_o they_o so_o mix_v with_o number_n and_o figure_n and_o abstract_a speculation_n that_o it_o become_v a_o mystery_n instead_o of_o a_o plain_a design_n to_o reform_v the_o manner_n of_o men._n the_o best_a and_o wise_a of_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v take_v more_o pain_n to_o satisfy_v themselves_o than_o to_o have_v instruct_v other_o or_o if_o they_o do_v they_o be_v some_o few_o choose_a disciple_n who_o they_o initiate_v with_o as_o much_o care_n as_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o do_v in_o their_o solemn_a mystery_n but_o the_o apostle_n undertake_v to_o reform_v the_o world_n as_o to_o two_o thing_n which_o mankind_n be_v the_o hard_a bring_v off_o from_o and_o those_o be_v idolatry_n and_o vice_n and_o they_o go_v plain_o and_o round_o to_o work_v which_o man_n can_v the_o least_o bear_v as_o we_o see_v by_o the_o persecution_n they_o undergo_v almost_o in_o every_o place_n assoon_o as_o their_o design_n be_v understand_v there_o be_v a_o general_a clamour_n against_o they_o as_o the_o disturber_n of_o mankind_n as_o those_o 6._o who_o turn_v the_o world_n upside_o down_o which_o in_o some_o sense_n be_v true_a but_o not_o as_o they_o mean_v it_o with_o respect_n to_o order_n and_o government_n but_o when_o man_n have_v no_o mind_n to_o be_v reform_v they_o must_v have_v some_o term_n of_o reproach_n to_o fasten_v upon_o those_o who_o go_v about_o to_o do_v it_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o they_o to_o put_v picture_n of_o devil_n on_o those_o who_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o execute_v and_o when_o they_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o immorality_n they_o be_v very_o impatient_a of_o which_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a instance_n in_o st._n paul_n preach_v to_o felix_n concern_v 25._o righteousness_n and_o temperance_n and_o judgement_n to_o come_v which_o be_v excellent_a subject_n but_o they_o go_v too_o near_o he_o he_o be_v too_o much_o concern_v to_o be_v willing_a to_o hear_v any_o more_o of_o they_o the_o discourse_n of_o st._n paul_n have_v too_o much_o force_n in_o it_o for_o he_o to_o bear_v it_o any_o long_o for_o it_o cause_v such_o a_o disorder_n in_o his_o mind_n as_o affect_v his_o body_n for_o felix_n tremble_v and_o then_o he_o think_v it_o best_a to_o dismiss_v he_o to_o a_o more_o convenient_a season_n which_o never_o come_v that_o we_o read_v of_o which_o show_v how_o much_o more_o willing_a man_n be_v to_o continue_v in_o their_o fault_n than_o to_o hear_v they_o reprove_v in_o order_n to_o amendment_n be_o i_o therefore_o become_v 16._o your_o enemy_n say_v st._n paul_n because_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o truth_n no_o doubt_n of_o it_o for_o no_o truth_n can_v be_v so_o uneasy_a and_o provoke_a as_o those_o which_o gall_n the_o conscience_n of_o men._n the_o false_a teacher_n who_o st._n paul_n complain_v so_o much_o of_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o inconvenience_n which_o follow_v plain_a truth_n and_o therefore_o to_o avoid_v persecution_n they_o so_o mix_v and_o adulterate_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o true_a apostle_n that_o it_o lose_v its_o main_a force_n and_o efficacy_n and_o although_o by_o their_o shift_n and_o compliance_n with_o jew_n and_o gentile_n they_o escape_v the_o hard_a usage_n which_o other_o undergo_v yet_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v that_o their_o doctrine_n take_v no_o deep_a root_n in_o the_o world_n for_o in_o origen_n time_n a_o very_a inconsiderable_a number_n of_o their_o disciple_n be_v leave_v but_o though_o the_o plain_a simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n meet_v with_o persecution_n on_o all_o hand_n yet_o by_o the_o undaunted_a courage_n of_o the_o preacher_n of_o it_o the_o more_o it_o be_v oppose_v the_o more_o it_o prevail_v and_o at_o last_o triumph_v over_o its_o great_a persecutor_n 2._o these_o word_n may_v be_v understand_v with_o respect_n to_o all_o christian_n and_o so_o they_o show_v what_o the_o temper_n and_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n be_v where_o it_o have_v its_o due_a and_o proper_a effect_n upon_o man_n mind_n the_o moralist_n speak_v much_o of_o a_o excellent_a virtue_n which_o they_o call_v magnanimity_n which_o imply_v such_o a_o greatness_n of_o mind_n that_o it_o carry_v a_o man_n on_o in_o do_v what_o become_v he_o without_o be_v discourage_v by_o the_o fear_n of_o what_o may_v befall_v he_o in_o it_o and_o this_o our_o saviour_n do_v suppose_v to_o be_v so_o attainable_a by_o all_o his_o disciple_n that_o he_o require_v it_o from_o they_o fear_v not_o they_o which_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n but_o be_v not_o able_a to_o kill_v the_o soul_n or_o be_v not_o afraid_a 28._o of_o they_o that_o kill_v the_o body_n and_o after_o 5._o that_o have_v no_o more_o that_o they_o can_v do_v i._n e._n govern_v your_o fear_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o another_o world_n and_o not_o of_o this_o but_o be_v this_o possible_a to_o be_v rid_v of_o our_o fear_n as_o to_o this_o world_n it_o may_v be_v some_o heroical_a mind_n may_v attain_v to_o this_o or_o those_o on_o who_o god_n bestow_v the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o his_o spirit_n but_o can_v any_o by_o the_o common_a measure_n and_o assistance_n of_o grace_n reach_n to_o it_o fear_n be_v a_o natural_a and_o violent_a passion_n which_o be_v not_o easy_o dissemble_v much_o less_o cure_v and_o the_o weak_a any_o are_z as_o to_z mind_n or_o body_n the_o more_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o power_n of_o it_o there_o be_v some_o constitution_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o dark_a and_o confuse_a and_o melancholy_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n can_v never_o get_v out_o of_o the_o labyrinth_n of_o their_o own_o fear_n and_o where_o suspicion_n and_o jealousy_n find_v a_o easy_a entertainment_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o cure_v such_o person_n be_v fear_n for_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o all_o possible_a thing_n such_o i_o must_v exclude_v as_o labour_v under_o a_o disease_n of_o imagination_n as_o we_o do_v those_o who_o be_v under_o a_o fever_n and_o for_o who_o unreasonable_a fear_n i_o know_v no_o better_a cure_n than_o there_o be_v of_o madness_n which_o be_v to_o bring_v the_o person_n to_o the_o use_v of_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v and_o if_o reason_n do_v not_o cure_v they_o nothing_o else_o will_n but_o let_v we_o suppose_v the_o fear_n reasonable_a i._n e._n such_o as_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n a_o prudent_a man_n may_v just_o apprehend_v be_v it_o not_o possible_a to_o master_v these_o fear_n not_o to_o cure_v our_o apprehension_n when_o it_o be_v reasonable_a but_o to_o take_v care_n that_o it_o do_v not_o torment_v and_o disquiet_v our_o mind_n but_o especial_o that_o it_o do_v not_o hinder_v we_o from_o do_v our_o duty_n and_o this_o be_v that_o spirit_n of_o christian_a magnanimity_n which_o i_o design_n to_o speak_v of_o and_o to_o make_v the_o matter_n as_o clear_a as_o i_o can_v i_o shall_v 1._o inquire_v into_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o nature_n of_o
the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n therefore_o our_o business_n be_v to_o consider_v whether_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v contain_v in_o that_o revelation_n which_o we_o all_o own_o and_o if_o they_o be_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v they_o although_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v they_o now_o here_o be_v two_o remarkable_a character_n in_o these_o word_n by_o which_o we_o may_v examine_v these_o different_a hypothesis_n concern_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ._n i._o it_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v contain_v in_o that_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v concern_v our_o salvation_n by_o christ._n ii_o it_o be_v worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n i._n e._n most_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o mankind_n now_o by_o these_o two_o i_o shall_v proceed_v in_o the_o examination_n of_o they_o i._o which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n ii_o which_o do_v offer_v fair_o for_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o mankind_n i._o which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n for_o that_o we_o be_v sure_o be_v the_o most_o faithful_a say_n since_o man_n of_o wit_n and_o reason_n may_v deceive_v we_o but_o god_n can_v when_o the_o apostle_n first_o preach_v this_o doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v what_o they_o affirm_v to_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n till_o they_o give_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o their_o authority_n from_o god_n by_o the_o wonderful_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o now_o this_o faithful_a say_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o when_o two_o different_a sense_n of_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v offer_v we_o be_v to_o consider_v which_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o be_v prefer_v and_o herein_o we_o be_v allow_v to_o exercise_v our_o reason_n as_o much_o as_o we_o please_v and_o the_o more_o we_o do_v so_o the_o soon_o we_o shall_v come_v to_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o matter_n now_o according_a to_o reason_n we_o may_v judge_v that_o sense_n to_o be_v prefer_v 1._o which_o be_v most_o plain_a and_o easy_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o most_o receive_a sense_n of_o word_n not_o that_o which_o be_v force_v and_o intricate_a or_o which_o put_v improper_a and_o metaphorical_a sense_n upon_o word_n which_o be_v common_o take_v in_o other_o sense_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v no_o sacramental_a thing_n which_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v figurative_a 2._o that_o which_o suit_v most_o with_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n not_o only_o of_o the_o particular_a place_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n which_o be_v to_o magnify_v god_n and_o to_o depress_v man_n to_o set_v forth_o the_o infinite_a love_n and_o condescension_n of_o god_n in_o give_v his_o son_n to_o be_v a_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n to_o set_v up_o the_o worship_n of_o one_o true_a god_n in_o opposition_n to_o creature_n to_o represent_v and_o declare_v the_o mighty_a advantage_n mankind_n receive_v by_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n jesus_n 3._o that_o which_o have_v be_v general_o receive_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o those_o place_n for_o we_o be_v certain_a this_o be_v always_o look_v on_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a concernment_n to_o all_o christian_n and_o they_o have_v as_o great_a capacity_n of_o understand_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v great_a help_n for_o know_v it_o than_o other_o at_o so_o much_o great_a distance_n and_o therefore_o the_o sense_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v from_o modern_a invention_n or_o criticism_n or_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n but_o that_o which_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o have_v be_v since_o receive_v and_o embrace_v by_o it_o in_o the_o several_a age_n and_o have_v be_v most_o strenuous_o assert_v when_o it_o have_v meet_v with_o opposition_n as_o found_v on_o scripture_n and_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n 4._o that_o which_o best_a agree_v with_o the_o character_n of_o those_o person_n from_o who_o we_o receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o those_o be_v christ_n jesus_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n for_o if_o their_o authority_n be_v lose_v our_o religion_n be_v go_v and_o their_o authority_n depend_v upon_o their_o sincerity_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o care_n to_o inform_v the_o world_n aright_o in_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n 1._o i_o begin_v with_o the_o character_n which_o the_o apostle_n give_v of_o christ_n jesus_n himself_o which_o be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o person_n of_o the_o great_a humility_n and_o condescension_n that_o he_o do_v not_o assume_v to_o himself_o that_o which_o he_o may_v just_o have_v do_v for_o let_v the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v understand_v either_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n or_o dignity_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o must_v imply_v thus_o much_o that_o when_o christ_n jesus_n be_v here_o on_o earth_n he_o be_v not_o of_o a_o vain_a assume_v humour_n that_o he_o do_v not_o boast_v of_o himself_o nor_o magnify_v his_o own_o greatness_n but_o be_v content_v to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o other_o man_n although_o he_o have_v at_o that_o time_n far_o great_a and_o divine_a excellency_n in_o he_o than_o the_o world_n will_v believe_v less_o than_o this_o can_v be_v make_v of_o those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o god_n he_o 7._o think_v it_o not_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n but_o make_v himself_o of_o no_o reputation_n and_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n now_o this_o be_v the_o character_n give_v of_o he_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o he_o do_v affirm_v concern_v himself_o for_o although_o he_o be_v far_o from_o draw_v the_o people_n after_o he_o by_o set_v forth_o his_o own_o perfection_n yet_o upon_o just_a occasion_n when_o the_o jew_n contest_v with_o he_o he_o do_v assert_v such_o thing_n which_o must_v savour_v of_o vanity_n and_o ostentation_n or_o else_o must_v imply_v that_o he_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n for_o all_o mankind_n be_v agree_v that_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o ambition_n lie_v in_o affect_v divine_a honour_n or_o for_o a_o mere_a man_n to_o be_v think_v a_o god_n how_o severe_o do_v god_n punish_v herod_n for_o be_v please_v with_o the_o people_n folly_n in_o cry_v out_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v never_o have_v bear_v with_o such_o positive_a 22._o assertion_n and_o such_o repeat_v defence_n of_o his_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o imply_v his_o be_v so_o from_o eternity_n this_o in_o his_o dispute_n with_o the_o jew_n he_o affirm_v several_a time_n that_o he_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n not_o in_o a_o metaphorical_a but_o in_o a_o proper_a sense_n 33._o as_o appear_v by_o those_o word_n what_o and_o if_o you_o shall_v see_v the_o son_n of_o man_n ascend_v up_o 62._o where_o he_o be_v before_o in_o another_o conference_n he_o assert_v that_o he_o be_v before_o abraham_n 58._o which_o the_o jew_n so_o literal_o understand_v that_o without_o a_o metaphor_n they_o go_v about_o to_o stone_n he_o little_o imagine_v 59_o that_o by_o abraham_n the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v but_o above_o all_o be_v that_o expression_n which_o he_o use_v to_o the_o jew_n at_o another_o conference_n i_o and_o my_o father_n be_v one_o which_o they_o 30._o understand_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o immediate_o they_o take_v up_o stone_n to_o have_v stone_v 31._o he_o what_o mean_v all_o this_o rage_n of_o the_o jew_n against_o he_o what_o for_o say_v that_o he_o have_v unity_n of_o consent_n with_o his_o father_n no_o certain_o but_o the_o jew_n misunderstand_v he_o let_v we_o suppose_v it_o will_v not_o our_o saviour_n have_v immediate_o explain_v himself_o to_o prevent_v so_o dangerous_a a_o misconstruction_n but_o he_o ask_v they_o what_o it_o be_v they_o stone_v he_o for_o they_o answer_v he_o direct_o and_o plain_o because_o that_o thou_o be_v a_o 33._o man_n make_v thyself_o god_n this_o be_v home_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o here_o be_v the_o time_n for_o he_o to_o have_v deny_v it_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o but_o do_v he_o deny_v it_o do_v he_o say_v it_o will_v be_v blasphemy_n in_o he_o to_o own_v it_o no_o but_o he_o go_v about_o to_o defend_v it_o and_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v no_o blasphemy_n for_o he_o to_o say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o 36._o god_n i._n e._n so_o as_o to_o be_v god_n as_o the_o jew_n
it_o be_v upon_o precipice_n and_o therefore_o have_v need_n to_o look_v to_o our_o stand_n when_o we_o see_v person_n fall_v on_o every_o side_n there_o be_v no_o force_n indeed_o in_o our_o case_n because_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n but_o we_o live_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o snare_n and_o temptation_n and_o sin_n which_o do_v so_o easy_o beset_v we_o that_o we_o can_v walk_v one_o step_n in_o our_o way_n without_o danger_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v continual_a reason_n for_o watchfulness_n but_o that_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o 2._o we_o must_v add_v prayer_n to_o our_o watchfulness_n otherwise_o our_o presumption_n of_o our_o own_o strength_n may_v make_v we_o fall_v god_n will_v have_v we_o owe_v our_o stand_n to_o his_o assistance_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o give_v upon_o our_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o he_o for_o it_o no_o duty_n more_o proper_a for_o we_o in_o this_o state_n of_o temptation_n no_o duty_n more_o effectual_a for_o obtain_v suitable_a supply_n for_o our_o present_a necessity_n where_o a_o man_n fall_v by_o temptation_n 12._o st._n chrysostom_n say_v it_o be_v because_o he_o know_v not_o how_o to_o pray_v for_o prayer_n when_o due_o perform_v not_o only_o divert_v and_o raise_v and_o compose_v the_o mind_n and_o so_o break_v the_o force_n of_o a_o present_a temptation_n but_o when_o a_o close_a siege_n be_v lay_v it_o keep_v the_o passage_n open_a for_o supply_n from_o heaven_n and_o bring_v down_o those_o support_v which_o may_v enable_v we_o so_o to_o endure_v temptation_n that_o when_o we_o be_v try_v we_o may_v receive_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o sermon_n xii_o preach_v at_o hampton-court_n before_o the_o king_n and_o queen_n august_n the_o seven_o 1689._o act_n xxvi_o 8._o why_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v a_o thing_n incredible_a with_o you_o that_o god_n shall_v raise_v the_o dead_a these_o word_n be_v part_n of_o the_o excellent_a defence_n which_o s._n paul_n make_v for_o himself_o before_o king_n agrippa_n and_o the_o roman_a governor_n for_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o desirable_a a_o thing_n to_o have_v hear_v s._n paul_n preach_v as_o one_o of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n think_v it_o when_o he_o parallel_v it_o with_o see_v christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n it_o be_v especial_o at_o that_o time_n when_o before_o so_o great_a a_o audience_n and_o upon_o so_o solemn_a a_o occasion_n he_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o touch_v all_o the_o thing_n whereof_o he_o be_v accuse_v of_o the_o jew_n ver._n 2._o there_o have_v be_v a_o long_a and_o implacable_a hatred_n both_o in_o the_o ruler_n and_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n against_o he_o above_o any_o other_o apostle_n have_v have_v great_a advantage_n of_o education_n among_o they_o and_o be_v more_o remarkable_o zealous_a for_o preach_v up_o that_o doctrine_n which_o himself_o have_v furious_o oppose_v and_o that_o upon_o a_o principle_n of_o conscience_n as_o he_o say_v ver._n 9_o i_o very_o think_v with_o myself_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n and_o such_o a_o conscientious_a persecutor_n will_v not_o do_v that_o which_o he_o account_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n negligent_o as_o he_o show_v ver._n 10_o 11._o but_o that_o the_o same_o person_n shall_v on_o a_o sudden_a quit_v all_o his_o hope_n and_o expectation_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o not_o only_o betake_v himself_o to_o a_o sect_n so_o much_o hate_v and_o despise_v as_o that_o of_o christianity_n be_v but_o to_o be_v so_o active_a in_o all_o place_n for_o the_o promote_a it_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o do_v both_o surprise_n and_o enrage_v they_o insomuch_o that_o when_o he_o come_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n a_o popular_a tumult_n be_v soon_o raise_v against_o he_o which_o have_v like_a 30._o to_o have_v cost_v he_o his_o life_n if_o the_o roman_a officer_n have_v not_o rescue_v he_o from_o their_o fury_n but_o after_o he_o have_v make_v several_a defence_n of_o himself_o to_o the_o people_n 1._o to_o the_o council_n to_o the_o roman_a governor_n and_o find_v their_o rage_n and_o malice_n 1._o against_o he_o to_o continue_v still_o when_o festus_n will_v have_v send_v he_o to_o jerusalem_n 10._o to_o be_v try_v he_o appeal_v to_o caesar_n and_o during_o this_o appeal_n when_o agrippa_n come_v to_o visit_v festus_n hear_v of_o this_o remarkable_a cause_n and_o the_o vehement_a prosecution_n of_o it_o he_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o hear_v what_o s._n paul_n have_v to_o plead_v for_o himself_o but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o particular_a matter_n of_o his_o plea_n in_o these_o word_n there_o be_v 2_o thing_n observable_a concern_v he_o 1._o that_o although_o he_o know_v he_o can_v not_o suffer_v in_o a_o better_a cause_n and_o have_v a_o prospect_n of_o his_o suffering_n before_o he_o go_v to_o jerusalem_n and_o go_v thither_o with_o a_o resolution_n to_o undergo_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n yet_o he_o quit_v no_o advantage_n which_o the_o law_n give_v he_o 24._o for_o when_o the_o officer_n will_v have_v scourge_v he_o he_o plead_v his_o freedom_n as_o a_o roman_a citizen_n and_o all_o such_o be_v 28._o exempt_v from_o scourge_v by_o the_o porcian_n and_o sempronian_n law_n and_o when_o he_o find_v the_o design_n be_v lay_v to_o carry_v he_o back_o to_o jerusalem_n and_o there_o to_o make_v he_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o rage_n of_o the_o jew_n he_o make_v use_v of_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o roman_a law_n and_o before_o sentence_n make_v his_o appeal_n to_o caesar_n so_o little_o do_v he_o think_v it_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n of_o suffer_v to_o make_v use_n of_o legal_a privilege_n for_o his_o own_o defence_n against_o unjust_a violence_n 2._o that_o in_o all_o his_o defence_n he_o insist_v on_o the_o resurrection_n as_o the_o main_a point_n for_o although_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o the_o violent_a hatred_n and_o malice_n of_o the_o jew_n against_o he_o be_v his_o constant_a and_o zealous_a preach_a jesus_n and_o the_o resurrection_n 18._o as_o he_o do_v at_o athens_n and_o other_o place_n yet_o those_o who_o persecute_v man_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o truth_n always_o pretend_v some_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o nothing_o be_v more_o common_a and_o plausible_a than_o that_o of_o break_v the_o law_n and_o the_o jew_n now_o think_v they_o have_v this_o advantage_n against_o s._n paul_n for_o they_o charge_v he_o with_o profane_v the_o temple_n by_o carry_v 28._o a_o gentile_a into_o it_o but_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v mistake_v however_o this_o serve_v for_o a_o popular_a pretence_n against_o he_o and_o that_o be_v all_o they_o seek_v for_o malice_n work_v most_o mischief_n under_o a_o disguise_n and_o this_o take_v present_o and_o spread_v so_o sudden_o that_o it_o be_v say_v all_o the_o 30._o city_n be_v move_v and_o the_o people_n run_v together_o and_o they_o take_v paul_n and_o draw_v he_o out_o of_o the_o temple_n when_o tertullus_n plead_v against_o he_o he_o faint_o urge_v his_o go_v about_o to_o profane_v the_o temple_n but_o the_o main_a of_o his_o accusation_n be_v that_o he_o 6._o be_v a_o ringleader_n of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nazarene_o 5._o therefore_o s._n paul_n in_o his_o answer_n in_o short_a say_v to_o the_o other_o thing_n object_v that_o they_o can_v not_o prove_v they_o 13._o but_o as_o to_o the_o way_n which_o they_o câ—lled_v heresy_n i._n e._n own_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o deny_v it_o 14._o that_o he_o profess_v it_o before_o they_o all_o and_o as_o he_o declare_v his_o faith_n free_o so_o he_o do_v his_o hope_n too_o and_o have_v hope_n towards_o god_n which_o they_o themselves_o also_o allow_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o resurrection_n 15._o of_o the_o dead_a both_o of_o the_o just_a and_o unjust_a this_o be_v the_o point_n s._n paul_n reduce_v all_o to_o touch_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o 21._o dead_a i_o be_o call_v in_o question_n by_o you_o this_o day_n and_o so_o here_o to_o agrippa_n and_o now_o i_o stand_v and_o be_o judge_v for_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o promise_v make_v of_o god_n unto_o our_o father_n unto_o which_o promise_n our_o twelve_o tribe_n 6._o instant_o serve_v god_n day_n and_o night_n hope_v 7._o to_o come_v for_o which_o hope_v sake_n king_n agrippa_n i_o be_o accuse_v of_o the_o jew_n and_o then_o immediate_o follow_v the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n why_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v a_o thing_n incredible_a with_o you_o that_o god_n shall_v raise_v the_o dead_a wherein_o we_o have_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o
mysterious_a doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n although_o artificial_o couch_v by_o wayâ—_n of_o insinuation_n and_o address_n 1._o it_o be_v not_o a_o vain_a thing_n to_o suppose_v it_o because_o god_n have_v promise_v it_o for_o no_o tradition_n of_o father_n no_o conjecture_n of_o philosopher_n no_o power_n of_o nature_n can_v be_v a_o sufficient_a foundation_n to_o build_v such_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n upon_o nothing_o short_a of_o the_o promise_v make_v of_o god_n 2._o it_o be_v not_o a_o new_a thing_n start_v by_o he_o to_o disturb_v and_o perplex_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n it_o be_v a_o promise_n make_v to_o our_o father_n i._n e._n it_o be_v involve_v and_o imply_v in_o the_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o happiness_n to_o come_v by_o he_o which_o be_v not_o with_o respect_n to_o this_o world_n but_o the_o world_n to_o come_v the_o full_a and_o complete_a enjoyment_n whereof_o must_v suppose_v a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a 3._o it_o be_v not_o a_o unreasonable_a thing_n which_o appear_v by_o s._n paul_n put_v it_o to_o they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n why_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v a_o thing_n incredible_a with_o you_o that_o god_n shall_v raise_v the_o dead_a wherein_o the_o apostle_n have_v show_v we_o the_o true_a method_n of_o assert_v and_o defend_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n viz._n not_o to_o undertake_v to_o demonstrate_v thing_n by_o natural_a reason_n which_o be_v uncapable_a of_o it_o but_o first_o to_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o then_o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o objection_n from_o reason_n which_o can_v make_v that_o revelation_n incredible_a and_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o as_o to_o the_o subject_a here_o mention_v and_o that_o 1._o in_o general_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n 2._o more_o particular_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a at_o the_o great_a day_n 1._o in_o general_n as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n it_o be_v no_o unreasonable_a method_n of_o proceed_v with_o mankind_n to_o suppose_v some_o general_a principle_n agree_v on_o before_o we_o undertake_v to_o prove_v particular_a doctrine_n for_o when_o we_o go_v about_o to_o reason_n at_o all_o we_o must_v suppose_v the_o foundation_n of_o certainty_n without_o which_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o undertake_v to_o convince_v any_o man_n of_o any_o thing_n when_o we_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n we_o must_v suppose_v something_o that_o be_v without_o ourselves_o in_o the_o frame_n of_o this_o visible_a world_n and_o from_o the_o order_n of_o cause_n the_o variety_n of_o effect_n the_o nature_n of_o successive_a being_n we_o just_o infer_v that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v always_o just_a as_o it_o be_v and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v produce_v by_o a_o be_v superior_a to_o it_o who_o power_n must_v be_v infinite_a as_o give_v be_v to_o that_o which_o have_v none_o and_o dispose_v thing_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o we_o see_v they_o for_o as_o nothing_o can_v be_v without_o a_o cause_n so_o it_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o which_o once_o be_v not_o shall_v put_v itself_o into_o be_v or_o a_o blind_a and_o unactive_a cause_n shall_v produce_v such_o admirable_a effect_n a_o infinite_a power_n be_v then_o necessary_o suppose_v as_o to_o the_o production_n of_o the_o world_n it_o can_v be_v unreasonable_a to_o apply_v it_o to_o a_o particular_a effect_n although_o above_o the_o power_n of_o natural_a cause_n if_o it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a thing_n to_o suppose_v any_o absurd_a doctrine_n to_o be_v true_a because_o god_n power_n be_v infinite_a for_o he_o do_v not_o employ_v his_o power_n but_o in_o a_o way_n most_o agreeable_a to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o his_o wisdom_n be_v discover_v in_o the_o suitableness_n of_o the_o end_n and_o the_o clearness_n of_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v as_o possible_a for_o god_n now_o to_o raise_v the_o dead_a as_o at_o the_o great_a day_n but_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v it_o because_o it_o do_v not_o now_o answer_v the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o resurrection_n which_o be_v in_o order_n to_o a_o eternal_a state_n therefore_o although_o there_o be_v a_o equal_a possibility_n in_o the_o thing_n yet_o there_o be_v not_o a_o equal_a credibility_n because_o this_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n come_v up_o to_o the_o declare_a purpose_n of_o god_n raise_v the_o dead_a which_o be_v of_o very_o great_a moment_n for_o mankind_n to_o believe_v and_o expect_v if_o i_o can_v believe_v it_o possible_a for_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v in_o ten_o thousand_o place_n at_o the_o same_o time_n which_o i_o can_v yet_o if_o it_o be_v not_o to_o attain_v some_o great_a and_o spiritual_a end_n which_o can_v be_v carry_v on_o another_o way_n i_o have_v the_o same_o reason_n to_o think_v it_o incredible_a as_o i_o have_v to_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v not_o employ_v his_o infinite_a power_n as_o often_o as_o a_o priest_n shall_v think_v fit_a by_o repeat_v the_o word_n of_o consecration_n and_o we_o never_o find_v in_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o scripture_n the_o infinite_a and_o miraculous_a power_n of_o god_n tie_v to_o a_o certain_a form_n of_o word_n and_o that_o to_o no_o spiritual_a end_n viz._n either_o for_o the_o conviction_n conversion_n or_o sanctification_n of_o mankind_n to_o which_o other_o mean_v more_o proper_a and_o agreeable_a be_v appoint_v but_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a our_o saviour_n have_v sufficient_o declare_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o it_o to_o be_v such_o that_o we_o may_v just_o suppose_v that_o if_o god_n will_v employ_v his_o infinite_a power_n it_o will_v be_v for_o such_o a_o purpose_n the_o hour_n be_v come_v say_v christ_n in_o which_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o grave_n shall_v 29._o hear_v his_o voice_n and_o shall_v come_v forth_o they_o that_o have_v do_v good_a unto_o the_o resurrection_n of_o life_n and_o they_o that_o have_v do_v evil_a unto_o the_o resurrection_n of_o damnation_n can_v we_o imagine_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o be_v employ_v for_o a_o more_o suitable_a end_n to_o the_o design_n of_o his_o providence_n than_o this_o it_o be_v not_o to_o make_v they_o capable_a of_o act_v over_o again_o all_o that_o folly_n and_o vanity_n and_o vice_n which_o they_o live_v in_o now_o it_o be_v not_o mere_o to_o show_v his_o power_n over_o all_o the_o scatter_a atom_n of_o our_o body_n and_o that_o he_o can_v when_o he_o please_v fetch_v they_o of_o their_o secret_a repository_n and_o dispose_v and_o unite_v they_o so_o as_o to_o make_v the_o same_o body_n it_o be_v not_o to_o convince_v then_o the_o unbelieving_a part_n of_o mankind_n when_o they_o see_v that_o effect_v which_o they_o before_o think_v incredible_a for_o they_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v now_o upon_o the_o evidence_n which_o god_n have_v give_v so_o as_o to_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o that_o great_a day_n shall_v then_o be_v force_v both_o to_o believe_v and_o tremble_v although_o then_o we_o do_v own_o that_o without_o god_n infinite_a power_n we_o look_v on_o the_o resurrection_n as_o impossible_a yet_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o the_o doctrine_n since_o the_o end_n of_o it_o be_v such_o as_o do_v so_o full_o agree_v with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o design_n of_o providence_n it_o be_v true_a the_o ancient_a father_n who_o discourse_v much_o to_o the_o heathen_n upon_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o resurrection_n which_o they_o think_v one_o of_o the_o most_o incredible_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n do_v make_v use_n of_o many_o comparison_n and_o similitude_n from_o natural_a cause_n and_o effect_n but_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v on_o they_o as_o strict_a proof_n but_o as_o handsome_a illustration_n be_v design_v to_o take_v off_o the_o scorn_n and_o derision_n with_o which_o the_o heathen_n entertain_v the_o doctrine_n thus_o they_o speak_v of_o a_o diurnal_a resurrection_n viz._n of_o the_o day_n die_v into_o night_n and_o be_v bury_v in_o darkness_n and_o in_o the_o morning_n spring_v out_o of_o its_o grave_a of_o obscurity_n and_o silence_n with_o a_o fresh_a glory_n and_o splendour_n of_o a_o annual_a resurrection_n when_o the_o tree_n begin_v to_o have_v a_o new_a life_n in_o they_o and_o the_o precious_a liquor_n which_o shoot_v up_o into_o the_o wither_a body_n and_o branch_n and_o so_o bring_v forth_o new_a leave_n and_o flower_n and_o fruit._n but_o after_o all_o we_o know_v that_o such_o a_o revolution_n of_o day_n and_o night_n and_o the_o several_a season_n of_o the_o
year_n depend_v upon_o certain_a and_o natural_a cause_n viz._n the_o diurnal_a and_o annual_a course_n of_o the_o sea_n all_o that_o can_v be_v prove_v hence_o be_v that_o thing_n may_v not_o always_o remain_v in_o the_o same_o state_n of_o darkness_n and_o inactivity_n but_o that_o the_o same_o god_n who_o have_v appoint_v the_o time_n and_o season_n for_o other_o thing_n may_v if_o he_o please_v restore_v mankind_n after_o a_o long_a night_n and_o cold_a winter_n in_o the_o grave_a to_o a_o state_n of_o life_n and_o vigour_n 2._o at_o the_o day_n of_o resurrection_n the_o story_n of_o the_o phoenix_n so_o often_o mention_v by_o the_o ancient_n hold_v well_o enough_o against_o the_o author_n of_o it_o for_o the_o christian_n have_v it_o from_o the_o heathen_n viz._n to_o prove_v there_o be_v no_o absurdity_n in_o believe_v the_o possibility_n that_o life_n may_v 6._o be_v restore_v after_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o body_n and_o that_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o deride_v christianity_n for_o a_o doctrine_n which_o themselves_o own_v in_o their_o famous_a tradition_n of_o the_o phoenix_n but_o when_o they_o argue_v strict_o about_o 139._o this_o matter_n they_o resolve_v it_o into_o the_o same_o infinite_a power_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o make_v the_o world_n and_o according_a to_o the_o due_a order_n of_o our_o creed_n we_o must_v first_o believe_v in_o god_n the_o father_n almighty_a maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n before_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n and_o although_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o strict_a demonstration_n yet_o we_o have_v this_o strong_a evidence_n to_o convince_v mankind_n of_o the_o credibility_n of_o it_o viz._n if_o they_o do_v believe_v that_o god_n make_v the_o world_n and_o the_o body_n of_o mankind_n at_o first_o they_o can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o question_v his_o power_n to_o new_a make_v they_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o must_v believe_v something_o far_a more_o absurd_a than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n viz._n that_o this_o world_n shall_v make_v itself_o and_o that_o all_o thing_n shall_v fall_v into_o that_o admirable_a order_n they_o be_v in_o without_o the_o power_n and_o management_n of_o a_o infinite_o wise_a creator_n and_o set_v aside_o the_o consideration_n of_o infinite_a power_n such_o person_n ought_v not_o to_o find_v fault_n with_o assert_v the_o possibility_n of_o the_o resurrection_n for_o why_o may_v not_o the_o same_o particle_n of_o matter_n in_o a_o long_a tract_n of_o time_n hit_v together_o again_o to_o make_v up_o the_o same_o body_n as_o well_o as_o such_o be_v at_o first_o suppose_v to_o have_v make_v up_o not_o only_o the_o visible_a world_n but_o the_o wonderful_a fabric_n of_o any_o single_a body_n of_o mankind_n why_o shall_v it_o be_v more_o incredible_a that_o a_o dead_a body_n shall_v be_v raise_v out_o of_o its_o grave_a than_o that_o the_o body_n of_o a_o man_n shall_v spring_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n at_o first_o from_o a_o mere_a fermentation_n of_o matter_n so_o that_o the_o most_o atheistical_a person_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o reject_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n as_o a_o thing_n incredible_a to_o they_o but_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n which_o deserve_v to_o be_v clear_v to_o remove_v any_o temptation_n to_o infidelity_n and_o those_o relate_v 1._o to_o the_o quantity_n of_o the_o matter_n to_o make_v up_o such_o a_o number_n of_o body_n 2._o to_o the_o sort_n and_o distribution_n of_o it_o for_o the_o make_v so_o many_o distinct_a body_n as_o be_v before_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o quantity_n of_o matter_n not_o as_o to_o the_o main_a body_n of_o the_o earth_n out_o of_o the_o dust_n whereof_o man_n body_n be_v frame_v at_o first_o but_o as_o to_o that_o which_o make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o man_n as_o now_o they_o be_v and_o i_o think_v one_o observation_n be_v sufficient_a to_o clear_v the_o difficulty_n which_o relate_v to_o this_o that_o what_o pass_v away_o from_o we_o by_o insensible_a transpiration_n be_v once_o as_o real_o a_o part_n of_o our_o body_n as_o that_o be_v most_o visible_a and_o discernible_a in_o we_o now_o or_o will_v be_v when_o our_o body_n corrupt_v in_o the_o grave_a and_o be_v turn_v into_o dust._n i_o need_v not_o run_v to_o the_o statick_a experiment_n to_o prove_v the_o vast_a quantity_n of_o matter_n belong_v to_o our_o body_n which_o pass_v continual_o away_o from_o we_o for_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n which_o sufficient_o prove_v it_o and_o no_o body_n can_v doubt_v of_o and_o that_o be_v we_o find_v all_o person_n grow_v and_o shoot_v up_o till_o they_o come_v to_o such_o a_o stature_n and_o when_o they_o be_v attain_v to_o it_o all_o the_o art_n and_o contrivance_n and_o nourishment_n they_o can_v use_v can_v make_v any_o addition_n to_o it_o to_o what_o a_o prodigious_a height_n will_v mankind_n grow_v if_o every_o seven_o year_n they_o shall_v shoot_v up_o in_o proportion_n to_o the_o first_o seven_o and_o if_o those_o part_n which_o receive_v nourishment_n do_v not_o spend_v themselves_o all_o man_n when_o they_o cease_v grow_v upward_o must_v have_v a_o vast_a bulk_n for_o they_o take_v in_o great_a nourishment_n than_o when_o they_o shoot_v up_o so_o fast_o but_o we_o find_v it_o otherwise_o in_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o those_o which_o be_v once_o the_o real_a part_n of_o the_o body_n do_v insensible_o go_v off_o and_o spend_v themselves_o and_o other_o come_v in_o their_o room_n and_o those_o which_o be_v the_o substantial_a part_n of_o the_o same_o body_n be_v scatter_v up_o and_o down_o in_o our_o atmosphere_n be_v whole_o indiscernible_a by_o we_o but_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o annihilate_v nor_o lose_v to_o infinite_a wisdom_n who_o range_v and_o dispose_v those_o minute_n particle_n of_o our_o body_n in_o such_o order_n that_o he_o can_v command_v they_o together_o as_o he_o please_v and_o so_o make_v up_o the_o same_o body_n again_o but_o this_o carry_v i_o to_o the_o second_o difficulty_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o sort_n and_o distribution_n of_o these_o disperse_a particle_n into_o so_o many_o distinct_a body_n again_o it_o be_v but_o a_o mean_a representation_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o this_o which_o the_o chemist_n boast_v off_o viz._n that_o they_o can_v reduce_v some_o metalline_a body_n to_o their_o own_o shape_n and_o natural_a appearance_n from_o those_o wonderful_a disguise_n they_o can_v put_v they_o into_o but_o from_o thence_o we_o may_v infer_v that_o the_o infinite_o wise_a god_n know_v all_o the_o secret_a passage_n of_o nature_n and_o every_o small_a part_n of_o a_o body_n and_o can_v trace_v it_o through_o all_o its_o change_n and_o shape_v and_o bring_v it_o back_o again_o to_o unite_v with_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o same_o body_n the_o truth_n be_v we_o be_v mighty_a stranger_n to_o the_o invisible_a kingdom_n of_o nature_n we_o make_v a_o shift_n to_o talk_v and_o reason_n a_o little_a about_o the_o frame_n and_o contexture_n of_o gross_a and_o visible_a body_n but_o for_o those_o innumerable_a part_n which_o be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o sense_n we_o know_v they_o must_v be_v and_o be_v somewhere_o but_o in_o what_o order_n and_o variety_n we_o know_v not_o but_o this_o we_o know_v that_o the_o most_o minute_n part_n we_o can_v discern_v by_o the_o help_n of_o glass_n although_o they_o appear_v rough_a and_o deform_a to_o our_o naked_a eye_n as_o the_o moss_n which_o grow_v upon_o the_o earth_n yet_o when_o it_o be_v more_o narrow_o search_v into_o by_o the_o help_n of_o glass_n be_v find_v to_o have_v in_o it_o admirable_a beauty_n and_o curiosity_n and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o the_o more_o we_o look_v into_o the_o work_n of_o art_n the_o less_o we_o admire_v they_o but_o the_o more_o we_o search_v into_o what_o we_o account_v the_o most_o disorderly_a and_o confuse_a part_n of_o nature_n even_o the_o least_o and_o most_o contemptible_a the_o more_o we_o be_v surprise_v with_o admiration_n which_o show_v the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n who_o have_v all_o those_o thing_n in_o due_a order_n which_o seem_v to_o we_o impossible_a to_o be_v sort_v or_o number_v and_o since_o god_n have_v declare_v it_o to_o be_v his_o design_n to_o raise_v the_o body_n of_o the_o dead_a we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o question_n but_o that_o he_o dispose_v the_o several_a part_n of_o they_o so_o as_o none_o shall_v be_v either_o lose_v or_o mislay_v the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o a_o book_n in_o god_n keep_v wherein_o all_o our_o member_n be_v write_v which_o in_o continuance_n be_v 16._o fashion_v when_o as_o yet_o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o and_o he_o have_v a_o book_n too_o wherein_o all_o the_o scatter_a part_n