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and_o several_a of_o they_o at_o such_o a_o distance_n as_o to_o have_v have_v no_o communication_n with_o one_o another_o since_o that_o time_n such_o a_o consent_n i_o say_v as_o this_o whensoever_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n be_v first_o determine_v in_o a_o general_a meeting_n be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o establish_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o book_n that_o be_v doubt_v of_o and_z according_o the_o whole_a canon_n we_o now_o have_v be_v afterward_o universal_o acknowledge_v since_o therefore_o we_o find_v that_o all_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v universal_o receive_v some_o time_n after_o the_o nicene_n council_n and_o since_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o canon_n and_o universal_a submission_n to_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o general_a tradition_n so_o faithful_o preserve_v in_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o christian_a church_n that_o all_o other_o christian_n be_v full_o satisfy_v of_o it_o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o nicene_n bishop_n must_v own_v the_o same_o scripture_n we_o do_v now_o because_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v do_v but_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o this_o we_o will_v consider_v only_o those_o scripture_n which_o be_v never_o doubt_v of_o by_o any_o christian_n and_o consequent_o must_v have_v be_v receive_v by_o the_o whole_a council_n of_o nice_a these_o be_v according_a to_o eusebius_n who_o in_o his_o history_n give_v we_o a_o catalogue_n of_o they_o the_o four_o gospel_n act_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o thirteen_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n which_o have_v his_o name_n to_o they_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o peter_n and_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o john_n and_o eusebius_n can_v not_o say_v this_o have_v he_o know_v of_o any_o of_o his_o fellow-bishop_n of_o the_o council_n who_o deny_v either_o the_o authority_n or_o general_a reception_n of_o any_o of_o these_o book_n suppose_v therefore_o that_o these_o be_v the_o 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constant_a tradition_n of_o the_o same_o scripture_n &_o custom_n as_o be_v before_o specify_v in_o the_o several_a church_n and_o province_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v as_o the_o history_n of_o these_o time_n relate_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o have_v be_v then_o be_v the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o all_o these_o bishop_n a_o infallible_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o testify_v and_o if_o there_o have_v not_o be_v such_o a_o constant_a tradition_n in_o any_o of_o these_o church_n or_o province_n as_o we_o suppose_v than_o the_o original_a introduction_n or_o intermission_n of_o any_o of_o those_o scripture_n or_o custom_n within_o the_o same_o compass_n of_o time_n will_v have_v be_v in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o manner_n and_o with_o the_o same_o certainty_n know_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o those_o church_n and_o province_n where_o such_o introduction_n or_o intermission_n happen_v and_o what_o be_v first_o introduce_v
council_n of_o nice_a one_o of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a event_n that_o ever_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n 3._o the_o call_n of_o this_o council_n do_v plain_o infer_v that_o constantine_n look_v upon_o the_o whole_a roman_a empire_n to_o have_v be_v at_o that_o time_n general_o christian_n the_o person_n summon_v the_o place_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v the_o occasion_n of_o their_o meeting_n do_v all_o prove_v this_o for_o the_o person_n of_o which_o the_o council_n be_v compose_v be_v most_o of_o they_o governor_n and_o teacher_n of_o large_a church_n and_o congregation_n they_o come_v out_o of_o all_o the_o great_a and_o lesser_a province_n and_o from_o the_o most_o populous_a and_o considerable_a town_n under_o the_o roman_a government_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o come_n be_v to_o give_v their_o opinion_n concern_v a_o particular_a doctrine_n which_o do_v suppose_v a_o antecedent_n belief_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a scheme_n 4._o the_o whole_a behaviour_n of_o this_o council_n of_o bishop_n while_o they_o sit_v together_o and_o the_o business_n they_o do_v there_o be_v a_o certain_a proof_n not_o only_o that_o they_o be_v christian_n and_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v public_o and_o general_o profess_v in_o the_o place_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v but_o that_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o some_o common_a faith_n and_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n profess_v in_o the_o several_a place_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v be_v every_o where_o the_o same_o without_o any_o other_o variation_n than_o what_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o different_a conception_n of_o some_o article_n by_o particular_a person_n which_o be_v allow_v by_o all_o alike_o in_o some_o general_a term_n or_o different_a application_n of_o some_o general_a rule_n about_o such_o matter_n as_o christian_n be_v by_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o their_o religion_n leave_v at_o liberty_n so_o to_o apply_v 5._o the_o reason_n of_o this_o general_a agreement_n of_o all_o 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authority_n of_o they_o allow_v by_o all_o and_o the_o particular_a canon_n they_o make_v be_v found_v upon_o the_o general_a rule_n and_o order_n of_o discipline_n lay_v down_o in_o these_o scripture_n 6._o as_o we_o find_v by_o what_o be_v do_v in_o this_o council_n concern_v the_o matter_n of_o faith_n they_o come_v to_o settle_v that_o all_o the_o bishop_n there_o assemble_v be_v acquaint_v with_o several_a of_o the_o same_o book_n of_o scripture_n which_o we_o now_o have_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o that_o they_o be_v persuade_v they_o be_v deliver_v down_o to_o they_o from_o the_o apostle_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n so_o by_o several_a of_o the_o canon_n they_o make_v we_o be_v assure_v that_o in_o all_o the_o several_a place_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v assemble_v the_o custom_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o communion_n be_v universal_o and_o constant_o use_v that_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n be_v observe_v as_o a_o day_n set_v apart_o for_o religious_a service_n which_o be_v chief_o prayer_n and_o read_v the_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o man_n in_o a_o particular_a way_n and_o manner_n appoint_v for_o the_o performance_n of_o religious_a office_n in_o the_o name_n and_o presence_n of_o the_o people_n and_o that_o some_o of_o these_o do_v in_o a_o more_o eminent_a degree_n preside_v over_o all_o other_o both_o religious_a officer_n and_o common_a christian_n in_o such_o a_o district_n under_o the_o title_n and_o style_n of_o bishop_n now_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o relation_n concern_v the_o council_n of_o nice_a and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n at_o that_o time_n be_v suppose_v in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o shall_v undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o christian_n we_o find_v in_o nero_n time_n be_v of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o religion_n with_o those_o that_o live_v under_o the_o reign_n of_o constantine_n and_o consequent_o that_o all_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n now_o record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v general_o believe_v at_o and_o immediate_o after_o the_o time_n in_o which_o they_o be_v say_v to_o happen_v and_o so_o continual_o down_o to_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o first_o from_o the_o constant_a tradition_n of_o such_o a_o belief_n together_o with_o many_o sensible_a and_o infallible_a effect_n of_o it_o from_o the_o neronian_a persecution_n to_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a be_v about_o 260_o year_n which_o be_v so_o short_a a_o period_n that_o it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a to_o imagine_v the_o tradition_n of_o so_o important_a a_o fact_n as_o the_o general_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o any_o considerable_a country_n or_o nation_n shall_v in_o the_o main_a branch_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o be_v defective_a or_o corrupt_v within_o that_o time_n though_o there_o be_v no_o other_o remain_v monument_n of_o it_o but_o what_o be_v obvious_a to_o every_o man_n be_v own_o observation_n at_o the_o meeting_n of_o this_o famous_a council_n and_o therefore_o since_o the_o christian_n of_o this_o latter_a period_n do_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o certain_a truth_n deliver_v down_o to_o they_o that_o the_o christian_n who_o live_v in_o nero_n time_n profess_v the_o same_o faith_n they_o do_v as_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o account_n before_o give_v of_o their_o religion_n they_o must_v we_o may_v very_o well_o conclude_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v real_o so_o without_o further_a proof_n but_o to_o remove_v all_o doubt_n and_o objection_n so_o general_a a_o conclusion_n as_o this_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o create_v the_o truth_n and_o credibility_n of_o the_o tradition_n shall_v be_v more_o clear_o make_v out_o in_o the_o follow_a manner_n several_a of_o those_o who_o be_v present_a at_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a might_n of_o their_o own_o certain_a knowledge_n be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o for_o fifty_o year_n backward_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v be_v the_o same_o it_o be_v then_o in_o the_o country_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v that_o all_o this_o time_n they_o have_v have_v the_o same_o scripture_n among_o they_o that_o these_o scripture_n have_v constant_o be_v read_v both_o in_o public_a and_o private_a and_o as_o far_o as_o fell_v within_o humane_a cognizance_n as_o constant_o and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n believe_v and_o esteem_v as_o they_o appear_v then_o to_o be_v that_o the_o ceremony_n of_o baptise_v and_o communicate_v have_v be_v always_o universal_o use_v at_o such_o time_n and_o upon_o such_o and_o such_o occasion_n that_o these_o and_o several_a other_o religious_a performance_n as_o read_v the_o scripture_n prayer_n exhortation_n etc._n etc._n have_v be_v constant_o practise_v in_o public_a when_o christian_n be_v assemble_v together_o that_o meeting_n or_o assembly_n for_o these_o purpose_n be_v very_o frequent_a that_o beside_o other_o occasional_a time_n they_o always_o observe_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n as_o a_o portion_n of_o time_n which_o they_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o set_v apart_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o religious_a duty_n and_o especial_o in_o public_a that_o there_o be_v a_o constant_a succession_n of_o man_n by_o certain_a ceremony_n peculiar_o appropriate_v to_o the_o discharge_v of_o some_o religious_a office_n which_o they_o do_v not_o think_v it_o lawful_a for_o other_o not_o so_o distinguish_v to_o be_v concern_v in_o that_o it_o be_v the_o particular_a business_n of_o these_o man_n to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v the_o rest_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o exhort_v they_o to_o a_o steady_a and_o exact_a submission_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o that_o there_o be_v some_o of_o these_o style_v bishop_n who_o be_v by_o some_o different_a mark_n of_o distinction_n know_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o brethren_n and_o preside_v
be_v with_o much_o enquiry_n and_o examination_n establish_v this_o every_o one_o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o and_o a_o free_a disquisition_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v every_o where_o to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o ancient_a writer_n then_o as_o to_o the_o persecution_n they_o be_v so_o many_o they_o continue_v so_o long_o together_o be_v so_o wide_o spread_v be_v attend_v with_o so_o vast_a a_o number_n of_o very_o new_a and_o remarkalbe_n fact_n and_o so_o many_o of_o the_o writer_n live_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o they_o and_o have_v so_o large_a a_o share_n and_o concern_v in_o they_o themselves_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o account_n they_o give_v of_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v most_o of_o they_o at_o least_o very_o true_a the_o four_o observation_n i_o have_v to_o make_v upon_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n writer_n be_v that_o there_o be_v so_o 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the_o like_a
themselves_o in_o christ_n their_o whole_a life_n be_v take_v up_o in_o travel_v and_o preach_v and_o labour_v with_o their_o hand_n to_o maintain_v themselves_o their_o whole_a business_n and_o design_n be_v to_o persuade_v people_n to_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n many_o be_v their_o trouble_n and_o suffering_n upon_o this_o account_n all_o which_o they_o undergo_v very_o cheerful_o and_o never_o show_v the_o least_o sign_n of_o fear_n or_o regret_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o happen_v to_o they_o they_o never_o decline_v a_o opportunity_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n or_o convert_v people_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o upon_o any_o prospect_n of_o danger_n whatsoever_o and_o no_o power_n or_o authority_n of_o ruler_n and_o governor_n no_o severity_n of_o persecutor_n can_v discourage_v they_o in_o their_o work_n the_o other_o person_n concern_v in_o the_o ministry_n and_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n by_o whatever_o name_n and_o office_n distinguish_v 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that_o teach_v other_o doctrine_n than_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v that_o turn_v after_o satan_n that_o love_v this_o present_a world_n that_o put_v away_o faith_n and_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n but_o these_o bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o faithful_a who_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n be_v speak_v of_o throughout_o the_o world_n such_o be_v the_o first_o publisher_n and_o believer_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o person_n who_o endeavour_v to_o discourage_v the_o belief_n and_o oppose_v the_o establishment_n of_o it_o by_o all_o the_o mean_n they_o can_v but_o especial_o by_o contemn_v disgrace_v revile_v and_o persecute_v those_o who_o be_v any_o way_n concern_v in_o maintain_v or_o propagate_a this_o new_a religion_n be_v among_o the_o jew_n their_o king_n governor_n chief_a priest_n elder_n and_o chief_a of_o the_o jew_n as_o also_o the_o scribe_n pharisee_n and_o saducee_n who_o be_v the_o man_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o jewish_a nation_n some_o of_o which_o be_v represent_v as_o very_o wicked_a man_n and_o notorious_a hypocrite_n and_o other_o as_o disbeliever_n of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o among_o the_o gentile_n the_o magistrate_n ruler_n and_o chief_a of_o the_o city_n philosopher_n sorcerer_n craftsman_n for_o idolatrous_a shrine_n and_o certain_a lewd_a fellow_n of_o the_o base_a sort_n most_o of_o which_o be_v stir_v up_o and_o move_v to_o what_o they_o do_v by_o the_o jew_n that_o live_v among_o they_o this_o be_v the_o short_a and_o plain_a account_n i_o can_v give_v of_o the_o subject_a of_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o that_o book_n which_o be_v such_o as_o every_o body_n that_o read_v it_o will_v find_v there_o and_o consequent_o must_v subscribe_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o representation_n however_o he_o may_v doubt_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o original_a the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o 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over_o all_o christian_n both_o clergy_n and_o laity_n in_o such_o a_o district_n govern_v and_o direct_v they_o all_o in_o religious_a affair_n and_o exercise_v certain_a spiritual_a power_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a future_a influence_n in_o order_n to_o the_o preserve_n and_o enforce_v the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n such_o custom_n and_o action_n as_o these_o in_o all_o which_o every_o bishop_n must_v himself_o have_v bear_v a_o share_n must_v needs_o be_v infallible_o know_v to_o those_o bishop_n assemble_v at_o nice_a who_o be_v of_o age_n enough_o to_o remember_v for_o so_o long_o together_o as_o fifty_o year_n which_o may_v easy_o be_v suppose_v of_o several_a of_o they_o and_o it_o may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n be_v allow_v that_o these_o very_a bishop_n may_v have_v fifty_o year_n before_o their_o meeting_n at_o nice_a converse_v with_o those_o who_o can_v have_v as_o distinct_o remember_v what_o be_v do_v for_o fifty_o year_n further_a 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so_o general_a and_o so_o concern_v may_v be_v full_o rely_v upon_o to_o make_v this_o plain_a by_o a_o like_a instance_n in_o our_o country_n just_a about_o 150_o year_n ago_o edward_n the_o six_o be_v report_v to_o have_v be_v king_n of_o england_n and_o the_o same_o history_n which_o tell_v we_o so_o which_o i_o will_v suppose_v to_o be_v but_o just_a now_o write_v acquaint_v we_o that_o in_o his_o time_n the_o christian_a religion_n be_v general_o profess_v through_o all_o this_o nation_n and_o much_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n it_o be_v now_o but_o particular_o that_o the_o same_o scripture_n be_v acknowledge_v and_o the_o same_o religious_a custom_n and_o usage_n obtain_v which_o be_v before_o mention_v in_o the_o other_o case_n viz._n baptism_n and_o communion_n observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n ministration_n of_o priest_n government_n of_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n just_a as_o they_o be_v at_o this_o present_a the_o truth_n of_o all_o which_o we_o may_v be_v very_o well_o assure_v of_o if_o there_o be_v no_o history_n or_o other_o monument_n of_o what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o king_n edward_n the_o six_o extant_a down_o from_o his_o time_n to_o this_o because_o by_o the_o former_a supposition_n there_o have_v be_v a_o great_a many_o person_n who_o during_o the_o course_n of_o their_o life_n compute_v at_o no_o uncommon_a length_n may_v have_v converse_v with_o those_o who_o live_v in_o king_n edward_n the_o sixth_n time_n and_o also_o with_o those_o who_o be_v now_o live_v and_o at_o such_o age_n of_o their_o several_a life_n in_o which_o they_o may_v well_o be_v suppose_v capable_a of_o remember_v and_o judge_v of_o what_o they_o see_v and_o hear_v from_o which_o intermediate_v person_n so_o many_o as_o be_v now_o live_v and_o converse_v with_o they_o which_o i_o believe_v be_v a_o great_a many_o may_v have_v have_v sueh_a certain_a information_n of_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o nation_n during_o the_o reign_n of_o that_o king_n that_o they_o can_v possible_o call_v in_o question_n and_o if_o all_o these_o agree_v in_o their_o several_a report_n without_o concert_v with_o one_o another_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o same_o matter_n of_o fact_n they_o thus_o agree_v in_o will_v be_v as_o strong_a with_o respect_n to_o we_o who_o inquire_v these_o thing_n of_o they_o and_o much_o strong_a than_o to_o any_o of_o they_o themselves_o in_o particular_a who_o have_v not_o make_v the_o same_o observation_n concern_v the_o agreement_n of_o other_o before_o they_o it_o will_v be_v no_o unreasonable_a supposition_n to_o imagine_v that_o there_o be_v some_o now_o live_v who_o have_v immediate_o converse_v with_o those_o who_o live_v in_o edward_n the_o sixth_n time_n but_o these_o be_v so_o few_o and_o of_o so_o unusual_a a_o age_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v upon_o a_o proof_n that_o may_v be_v make_v that_o way_n but_o the_o other_o case_n i_o have_v mention_v be_v easy_a and_o common_a and_o lie_v open_a to_o every_o body_n without_o a_o particular_a computation_n of_o time_n upon_o which_o i_o shall_v further_o observe_v that_o those_o who_o testimony_n be_v allow_v sufficient_a for_o the_o form_n and_o kind_a of_o religion_n profess_v in_o england_n under_o edward_n the_o six_o be_v so_o far_o as_o that_o period_n reach_v as_o good_a and_o capable_a witness_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o its_o be_v with_o respect_n either_o to_o its_o original_a then_o or_o any_o considerable_a alteration_n or_o intermission_n in_o it_o at_o any_o time_n since_o whether_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v first_o introduce_v into_o this_o country_n by_o edward_n the_o six_o or_o any_o body_n else_o in_o his_o time_n all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o it_o have_v immediate_o before_o be_v jew_n heathen_n or_o mahometan_n or_o whether_o it_o have_v be_v receive_v and_o profess_v here_o before_o he_o come_v to_o the_o throne_n must_v have_v be_v equal_o know_v and_o in_o like_a manner_n convey_v down_o by_o those_o from_o who_o we_o derive_v the_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n with_o which_o this_o be_v suppose_v cotemporary_a and_o if_o any_o considerable_a change_n in_o the_o main_a branch_n or_o general_a and_o public_a usage_n of_o it_o such_o as_o be_v before_o instance_a in_o or_o any_o intermission_n either_o of_o the_o whole_a profession_n or_o of_o some_o of_o those_o public_a custom_n and_o manner_n of_o worship_n or_o discipline_n shall_v have_v happen_v at_o any_o time_n since_o these_o being_n more_o remarkable_a fact_n than_o the_o uninterrupted_a continuance_n of_o the_o same_o state_n and_o form_n of_o religion_n and_o fall_v late_a than_o the_o first_o date_n of_o what_o we_o allow_v to_o be_v distinct_o know_v and_o remember_v must_v be_v grant_v to_o be_v as_o easy_o and_o sure_o deliver_v down_o to_o we_o as_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o fall_v early_o and_o yet_o come_v safe_a to_o our_o hand_n now_o to_o apply_v all_o this_o to_o the_o former_a case_n these_o bishop_n in_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a who_o come_v from_o such_o or_o such_o a_o particular_a province_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n may_v be_v as_o full_o assure_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v profess_v 150_o year_n before_o in_o that_o province_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n found_v upon_o the_o same_o scripture_n and_o attend_v with_o the_o same_o custom_n as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o assemble_v at_o nice_a as_o we_o of_o this_o country_n can_v be_v assure_v that_o our_o religion_n scripture_n and_o religious_a custom_n be_v the_o same_o now_o that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o edward_n the_o six_o king_n of_o england_n what_o particular_a christian_a custom_n i_o mean_v in_o both_o instance_n have_v be_v sufficient_o express_v already_o but_o what_o those_o scripture_n be_v which_o i_o suppose_v the_o nicene_n bishop_n unanimous_o acknowledge_v for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o believe_v to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o the_o first_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o consequent_o to_o have_v be_v the_o same_o 150_o year_n before_o they_o meet_v in_o council_n as_o they_o be_v then_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v declare_v and_o by_o what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o council_n do_v not_o certain_o appear_v but_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o manner_n of_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o they_o be_v the_o very_a same_o which_o now_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o whether_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n which_o be_v the_o first_o that_o make_v any_o canon_n concern_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v before_o this_o council_n of_o nice_a as_o some_o imagine_v or_o about_o forty_o year_n after_o as_o other_o more_o probable_o conclude_v we_o have_v argument_n and_o authority_n enough_o to_o convince_v we_o that_o all_o the_o book_n
that_o be_v do_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o be_v likewise_o own_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o avast_o multitude_n more_o both_o of_o such_o as_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o of_o such_o as_o reject_v and_o oppose_v it_o and_o violent_o persecute_v the_o teacher_n of_o it_o to_o omit_v the_o testimony_n of_o true_a believer_n thus_o it_o be_v record_v concern_v those_o upon_o who_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n have_v no_o power_n nor_o influence_n the_o ruler_n elder_n scribe_n and_o high_a priest_n among_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o summon_v peter_n and_o john_n before_o they_o for_o cure_v a_o lame_a man_n can_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o a_o notable_a miracle_n have_v be_v do_v by_o they_o which_o be_v manifest_a to_o all_o they_o that_o dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v afterward_o fill_v with_o indignation_n and_o take_v counsel_n to_o slay_v they_o because_o they_o can_v not_o restrain_v they_o from_o do_v more_o miracle_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n but_o they_o never_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n stephen_n full_a of_o faith_n and_o power_n do_v great_a wonder_n and_o miracle_n among_o the_o people_n but_o he_o be_v accuse_v and_o condemn_v by_o the_o council_n of_o the_o jew_n not_o for_o deceive_v the_o people_n with_o false_a miracle_n but_o for_o speak_v thing_n against_o the_o holy_a place_n and_o the_o law_n for_o say_v that_o jesus_n shall_v destroy_v that_o place_n and_o change_v the_o custom_n which_o moses_n deliver_v they_o when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v say_v that_o all_o that_o sit_v in_o the_o council_n look_v steadfast_o on_o he_o see_v his_o face_n as_o it_o have_v be_v the_o face_n of_o a_o angel_n neither_o have_v they_o any_o thing_n to_o object_n against_o his_o life_n or_o his_o work_n simon_n the_o sorcerer_n to_o who_o all_o the_o people_n in_o samaria_n give_v heed_n from_o the_o least_o to_o the_o great_a look_v upon_o he_o to_o be_v the_o great_a power_n of_o god_n be_v himself_o as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o be_v bewitch_v by_o he_o baptise_a by_o philip_n and_o believe_v when_o he_o behold_v the_o miracle_n and_o sign_n that_o be_v do_v but_o afterward_o we_o find_v by_o the_o wickedness_n of_o his_o heart_n which_o he_o discover_v to_o peter_n that_o he_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n elymas_n the_o sorcerer_n who_o be_v strike_v blind_a by_o paul_n and_o yet_o not_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n be_v another_o unwilling_a witness_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o people_n of_o lystra_n confirm_v the_o same_o truth_n who_o take_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n for_o god_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o miracle_n they_o see_v perform_v by_o they_o and_o afterward_o by_o the_o instigation_n of_o the_o jew_n stone_v paul_n the_o damsel_n possess_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o divination_n and_o her_o master_n who_o see_v the_o hope_n of_o their_o gain_n go_v by_o paul_n command_v the_o spirit_n to_o come_v out_o of_o she_o several_a vagabond_n jew_n exorcist_n who_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o cast_v out_o evil_a spirit_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n but_o suffer_v very_o much_o for_o the_o impudence_n of_o their_o pretence_n and_o a_o great_a many_o other_o such_o like_a be_v witness_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o wicked_a or_o dishonourable_a motive_n reject_v the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v or_o profess_v to_o embrace_v it_o upon_o ill_a design_n or_o after_o they_o have_v receive_v it_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o the_o faith_n great_a complaint_n of_o all_o which_o sort_n of_o man_n we_o find_v in_o the_o epistle_n thus_o be_v the_o miracle_n of_o the_o first_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n declare_v and_o attest_v but_o moreover_o it_o be_v record_v of_o they_o that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n themselves_o but_o that_o they_o be_v authorize_v and_o enable_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n to_o convey_v the_o like_a power_n to_o other_o and_o according_o we_o find_v a_o great_a many_o instance_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o private_a christian_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o power_n they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v confer_v upon_o they_o by_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n after_o which_o action_n of_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v immediate_o say_v to_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o according_a to_o the_o different_a exigency_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o different_a qualification_n of_o the_o person_n endue_v with_o they_o be_v divers_a and_o among_o these_o be_v reckon_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o of_o interpretation_n the_o gift_n of_o healing_n and_o of_o miracle_n which_o gift_n be_v say_v to_o be_v very_o common_a among_o the_o first_o convert_v to_o christianity_n in_o all_o place_n where_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v and_o the_o same_o be_v plain_o imply_v by_o the_o frequent_a rule_n and_o caution_n that_o be_v give_v by_o the_o apostle_n concern_v the_o due_a exercise_n of_o they_o and_o the_o fear_n and_o apprehension_n they_o often_o express_v lest_o the_o christian_n thus_o impower_v shall_v by_o covet_v one_o another_o gift_n or_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o those_o they_o be_v several_o possess_v of_o neglect_v to_o apply_v themselves_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v the_o scripture-account_a of_o miracle_n and_o these_o be_v those_o wonderful_a fact_n believe_v by_o the_o first_o christian_n their_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o be_v the_o chief_a ground_n and_o motive_n of_o their_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n or_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v likewise_o other_o strange_a matter_n of_o fact_n call_v prophecy_n which_o be_v most_o sure_o believe_v among_o they_o and_o which_o contribute_v very_o much_o to_o their_o receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o continue_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n without_o waver_v and_o these_o i_o shall_v consider_v in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o method_n i_o do_v miracle_n for_o there_o be_v several_a prophecy_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o utter_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o together_o with_o several_a other_o speak_v with_o relation_n to_o he_o and_o fulfil_v by_o he_o other_o there_o be_v mention_v as_o speak_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v receive_v the_o power_n of_o prophecy_n immediate_o from_o he_o it_o be_v plain_a also_o from_o several_a instance_n and_o passage_n in_o the_o sacred_a write_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n be_v convey_v by_o the_o first_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n to_o private_a christian_n and_o be_v very_o common_a among_o they_o the_o prophecy_n speak_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v most_o of_o they_o deliver_v in_o private_a to_o his_o disciple_n some_o of_o which_o be_v not_o write_v till_o after_o the_o thing_n happen_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o the_o disciple_n be_v whole_o answerable_a for_o and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v publish_v in_o write_v before_o the_o thing_n happen_v and_o these_o may_v then_o and_o may_v still_o be_v examine_v by_o the_o circumstance_n of_o they_o other_o of_o they_o be_v speak_v public_o and_o frequent_o before_o great_a multitude_n of_o people_n as_o those_o about_o his_o suffer_v and_o resurrection_n etc._n etc._n and_o several_a beside_o their_o be_v speak_v open_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o many_o be_v also_o spread_v abroad_o in_o write_v long_o before_o the_o event_n actual_o happen_v as_o particular_o that_o remarkable_a one_o concern_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n prophecy_n speak_v of_o christ_n in_o former_a time_n with_o relation_n to_o his_o person_n action_n suffering_n and_o doctrine_n with_o the_o several_a circumstance_n 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of_o the_o world_n they_o continue_v still_o in_o their_o sin_n and_o never_o live_v up_o to_o those_o holy_a rule_n he_o prescribe_v these_o who_o never_o feel_v the_o power_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v never_o be_v so_o concern_v for_o the_o interest_n of_o it_o as_o constant_o to_o vouch_v and_o maintain_v a_o unprofitable_a lie_n in_o its_o defence_n when_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a they_o may_v have_v have_v easy_a conscience_n and_o better_a fortune_n for_o disprove_v the_o pretence_n it_o be_v build_v upon_o other_o of_o they_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o turn_v again_o unto_o those_o beggarly_a element_n or_o idol_n they_o be_v free_v from_o neither_o can_v these_o be_v suspect_v of_o justify_v what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v false_a in_o behalf_n of_o a_o religion_n they_o have_v forsake_v it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v have_v they_o be_v privy_a to_o any_o deceit_n that_o they_o will_v have_v be_v very_o zealous_a in_o the_o discovery_n of_o it_o then_o as_o to_o those_o who_o reject_v the_o authority_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o continue_v in_o the_o religion_n they_o be_v at_o first_o educate_v in_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o miracle_n they_o see_v who_o as_o we_o find_v by_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v frequent_o reproach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o their_o infidelity_n and_o obstinate_a adherence_n to_o the_o religion_n and_o tradition_n of_o their_o father_n the_o great_a part_n of_o who_o and_o those_o person_n of_o the_o great_a dignity_n authority_n and_o learning_n among_o they_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o persecute_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o all_o that_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v plain_o as_o impossible_a to_o imagine_v that_o person_n of_o this_o character_n shall_v agree_v to_o own_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n miracle_n which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v false_a as_o that_o honest_a sincere_a christian_n who_o abhor_v a_o lie_n and_o be_v thorough_o persuade_v eternal_a misery_n be_v the_o certain_a punishment_n of_o lie_v shall_v conspire_v to_o deceive_v the_o world_n by_o contrive_v spread_a and_o continual_o support_v what_o they_o be_v sure_o be_v the_o gross_a cheat_n imaginable_a but_o without_o consider_v the_o character_n of_o the_o witness_n the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n in_o which_o they_o first_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n miracle_n make_v a_o confederacy_n to_o deceive_v utter_o impossible_a for_o in_o many_o instance_n of_o public_a miracle_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o find_v that_o upon_o the_o sight_n of_o something_o do_v by_o jesus_n christ_n the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o spectator_n immediate_o declare_v their_o belief_n and_o admiration_n by_o open_o glorify_v god_n or_o express_v their_o wonder_n to_o one_o another_o so_o that_o it_o plain_o appeat_v from_o hence_o that_o they_o be_v all_o several_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o wonderfulness_n of_o what_o they_o see_v before_o they_o can_v know_v one_o another_o mind_n concern_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o agreement_n of_o their_o testimony_n can_v not_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o any_o antecedent_n concert_n among_o themselves_o thus_o have_v i_o evident_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o public_a miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o whatever_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o subject_n will_v hold_v with_o the_o same_o or_o rather_o great_a degree_n of_o certainty_n concern_v the_o public_a miracle_n of_o the_o first_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n who_o receive_v that_o power_n immediate_o from_o their_o master_n and_o of_o all_o other_o christian_a believer_n to_o who_o the_o same_o gift_n be_v convey_v by_o their_o hand_n for_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n record_v to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o any_o of_o they_o be_v as_o easy_o know_v and_o distinguish_v by_o vulgar_a sense_n and_o capacity_n as_o those_o of_o christ_n the_o character_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o witness_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v the_o credibility_n of_o their_o testimony_n be_v very_o near_o the_o same_o but_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o by_o a_o intimate_a consciousness_n of_o their_o own_o power_n know_v they_o perform_v such_o work_n of_o those_o who_o feel_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o miraculous_a power_n in_o themselves_o and_o of_o those_o who_o see_v the_o external_n sign_n and_o appearance_n of_o it_o in_o the_o fact_n that_o be_v do_v be_v very_o far_o great_a than_o in_o the_o former_a case_n and_o the_o impossibility_n of_o a_o general_a agreement_n to_o deceive_v more_o manifest_a here_o than_o there_o and_o consequent_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o these_o fact_n be_v as_o evident_a as_o that_o of_o the_o other_o before_o prove_v as_o to_o the_o more_o private_a miracle_n do_v by_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o disciple_n only_o and_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n employ_v by_o some_o other_o power_n for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o christ_n to_o a_o few_o choose_a person_n we_o have_v these_o reason_n to_o believe_v they_o true_a the_o fact_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o as_o easy_a to_o be_v know_v and_o discern_v as_o the_o other_o before_o mention_v the_o several_a witness_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o happen_v at_o several_a time_n take_v altogether_o be_v a_o great_a many_o which_o make_v a_o agreement_n of_o they_o all_o to_o deceive_v and_o a_o constant_a invincible_a perseverance_n in_o a_o cheat_n very_o difficult_a to_o imagine_v the_o character_n of_o they_o as_o far_o as_o appear_v from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v such_o as_o leave_v no_o room_n to_o suspect_v the_o fidelity_n of_o their_o relation_n for_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o disciple_n especial_o who_o be_v principal_o concern_v in_o the_o present_a cause_n represent_v as_o honest_a sincere_a undesigning_a person_n that_o fear_v god_n and_o love_a mankind_n that_o be_v free_a from_o pride_n and_o vanity_n and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o seek_v their_o own_o interest_n or_o advancement_n in_o this_o world_n that_o they_o be_v despise_v and_o set_v at_o nought_o and_o evil_o entreat_v wherever_o they_o come_v and_o be_v as_o to_o this_o life_n of_o all_o man_n most_o miserable_a for_o constant_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o christ_n and_o such_o other_o fact_n now_o in_o question_n all_o which_o they_o be_v as_o firm_o persuade_v of_o as_o of_o any_o of_o the_o public_a miracle_n of_o jesus_n crrist_n and_o several_a of_o they_o they_o preach_v up_o as_o more_o necessary_a and_o impottant_a to_o be_v believe_v beside_o all_o this_o many_o of_o these_o miraculous_a fact_n which_o be_v full_o discover_v only_o to_o a_o few_o be_v accompany_v with_o several_a circumstance_n more_o public_o know_v with_o which_o they_o have_v so_o near_o and_o almost_o necessary_a a_o connexion_n that_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o imagine_v these_o circumstance_n shall_v be_v true_a and_o not_o the_o principal_a fact_n also_o as_o will_v easy_o appear_v from_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o account_n of_o which_o wonderful_a fact_n we_o find_v that_o it_o be_v know_v to_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o pharisee_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o christ_n have_v say_v while_o he_o be_v yet_o alive_a after_o three_o day_n i_o will_v rise_v again_o for_o which_o reason_n they_o make_v application_n to_o pilate_n to_o secure_v his_o sepulchre_n that_o his_o disciple_n may_v not_o come_v and_o steal_v he_o away_o by_o night_n and_o take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o to_o give_v out_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o sepulchre_n be_v according_o make_v sure_o by_o roll_v a_o great_a stone_n to_o the_o door_n of_o it_o by_o seal_v the_o stone_n and_o set_v a_o watch_n but_o it_o be_v further_o say_v that_o at_o the_o time_n appoint_v and_o foretell_v for_o the_o rise_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o great_a earthquake_n and_o that_o then_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n descend_v from_o heaven_n and_o roll_v back_o the_o stone_n from_o the_o door_n of_o the_o sepulchre_n and_o sit_v upon_o it_o that_o his_o countenance_n be_v like_o lightning_n and_o his_o raiment_n white_a as_o snow_n that_o the_o keeper_n see_v all_o these_o thing_n and_o for_o fear_n of_o the_o angel_n do_v shake_v and_o become_v as_o dead_a man_n afterward_o we_o read_v that_o some_o of_o the_o watch_n come_v into_o the_o city_n and_o show_v unto_o the_o chief_a priest_n all_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v that_o the_o chief_a priest_n when_o they_o be_v assemble_v with_o the_o elder_n and_o have_v take_v counsel_n give_v large_a money_n to_o the_o soldier_n to_o say_v his_o disciple_n come_v by_o night_n and_o steal_v he_o away_o while_o they_o sleep_v which_o the_o soldier_n
soul_n be_v able_a to_o frame_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o since_o it_o can_v not_o proceed_v from_o man_n as_o have_v already_o be_v show_v we_o must_v ascribe_v it_o to_o god_n but_o moreover_o beside_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v the_o way_n and_o method_n make_v use_v of_o to_o communicate_v they_o to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o establish_v and_o propagate_v the_o belief_n of_o they_o among_o man_n be_v infallible_a mark_n that_o the_o revelation_n come_v from_o god_n his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n be_v as_o legible_a in_o this_o whole_a dispensation_n as_o in_o the_o frame_n and_o structure_n of_o the_o universe_n as_o will_v easy_o appear_v from_o a_o short_a view_n of_o the_o progress_n and_o conduct_n of_o this_o great_a work_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o man._n for_o except_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v in_o it_o how_o come_v the_o jew_n to_o have_v better_a and_o just_a notion_n of_o god_n the_o original_a of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n than_o any_o other_o nation_n under_o heaven_n when_o they_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o learning_n among_o they_o no_o gradual_a improvement_n in_o knowledge_n as_o we_o find_v other_o country_n have_v how_o come_v the_o whole_a people_n to_o have_v these_o notion_n as_o well_o as_o the_o chief_a and_o most_o know_v among_o they_o in_o all_o the_o period_n of_o learning_n among_o the_o egyptian_n chaldean_n greek_n and_o roman_n the_o people_n be_v general_o idolater_n and_o the_o priest_n and_o philosopher_n dare_v not_o propagate_v better_a notion_n of_o god_n when_o they_o have_v find_v they_o out_o though_o even_o their_o best_a have_v a_o ridiculous_a mixture_n of_o fable_n and_o superstition_n in_o they_o how_o then_o come_v the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o remain_v entire_o free_a from_o idolatry_n for_o so_o many_o year_n ever_o since_o they_o become_v a_o nation_n or_o if_o we_o believe_v their_o own_o story_n and_o they_o be_v as_o inclinable_a to_o worship_n idol_n 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notwithstanding_o all_o the_o opposition_n that_o be_v make_v to_o they_o by_o the_o reason_n and_o dispute_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o by_o the_o force_n and_o authority_n of_o magistrate_n and_o man_n in_o power_n notwithstanding_o the_o doctrine_n they_o preach_v be_v everywhere_o speak_v against_o and_o the_o preacher_n and_o believer_n of_o it_o be_v everywhere_o persecute_v and_o afflict_a with_o all_o the_o variety_n of_o suffering_n their_o enemy_n can_v invent_v and_o when_o we_o perceive_v it_o so_o order_v that_o the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v confound_v the_o wise_a that_o the_o weak_a and_o base_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thing_n which_o be_v despise_v shall_v confound_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v mighty_a and_o in_o great_a esteem_n we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n have_v choose_v they_o and_o what_o be_v thus_o wonderful_a in_o our_o eye_n be_v the_o lord_n be_v do_v thus_o it_o become_v god_n almighty_a to_o humble_a man_n and_o 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