exhort_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o several_a duty_n enjoin_v they_o by_o god_n and_o deliver_v to_o they_o by_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o bid_v they_o expect_v salvation_n by_o christ_n only_o ordain_v several_a person_n under_o different_a character_n to_o assist_v in_o the_o ministry_n heal_v all_o manner_n of_o disease_n raise_v the_o dead_a and_o do_v many_o other_o sign_n and_o wonder_n wherever_o they_o come_v and_o convey_v the_o same_o power_n and_o gift_n to_o other_o they_o have_v receive_v themselves_o by_o which_o mean_n we_o read_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v spread_v and_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n increase_v many_o church_n or_o congregation_n be_v every_o where_o establish_v and_o the_o member_n of_o they_o keep_v so_o unite_v by_o those_o that_o be_v set_v over_o they_o first_o in_o judea_n and_o samaria_n then_o in_o remote_a part_n abroad_o where_o the_o jew_n be_v scatter_v afterward_o in_o several_a city_n island_n and_o nation_n of_o asia_n and_o europe_n with_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o christian_a religion_n we_o have_v a_o account_v likewise_o of_o several_a attempt_n make_v in_o many_o place_n to_o hinder_v and_o oppose_v the_o establishment_n of_o it_o together_o with_o the_o suffering_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o first_o apostle_n and_o other_o choose_v afterward_o to_o be_v assistant_n to_o they_o in_o carry_v on_o the_o same_o work_n many_o of_o which_o be_v beat_v imprison_a and_o many_o other_o way_n afflict_v and_o distress_a and_o some_o be_v put_v to_o death_n but_o a_o more_o particular_a relation_n be_v give_v of_o the_o conversion_n travel_n and_o suffering_n of_o paul_n all_o which_o appear_v to_o be_v very_o extraordinary_a several_a discourse_n of_o paul_n and_o other_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v set_v down_o at_o large_a some_o prophecy_n also_o be_v mention_v of_o holy_a man_n who_o be_v represent_v as_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o speak_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o some_o remarkable_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o wicked_a person_n be_v there_o record_v these_o be_v the_o principal_a matter_n which_o compose_v the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n all_o the_o follow_a tract_n or_o volume_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v in_o the_o form_n of_o letter_n or_o epistle_n send_v from_o such_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n as_o we_o find_v mention_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n and_o direct_v some_o of_o they_o to_o particular_a person_n some_o to_o large_a society_n of_o man_n of_o several_a different_a country_n who_o have_v embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n in_o which_o epistle_n be_v contain_v most_o of_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o precept_n that_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n many_o large_a and_o particular_a explication_n of_o several_a doctrine_n there_o deliver_v and_o several_a new_a doctrine_n which_o we_o do_v not_o meet_v with_o in_o those_o book_n the_o truth_n and_o obligation_n of_o all_o which_o be_v frequent_o enforce_v by_o argument_n most_o of_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n be_v reser_v to_o in_o the_o epistle_n and_o allege_v as_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n there_o teach_v and_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o teacher_n here_o be_v likewise_o several_a new_a matter_n of_o fact_n incidental_o mention_v which_o we_o do_v not_o find_v in_o those_o former_a book_n and_o some_o of_o the_o fact_n there_o relate_v be_v repeat_v here_o with_o new_a circumstance_n all_o the_o epistle_n do_v abound_v throughout_o with_o exhortation_n to_o a_o steady_a belief_n of_o those_o wonderful_a thing_n say_v and_o do_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o to_o a_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o duty_n enjoin_v by_o they_o in_o several_a of_o they_o there_o be_v some_o prophecy_n too_o intermix_v with_o these_o other_o matter_n before_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o the_o last_o epistle_n direct_v to_o the_o seven_o church_n in_o asia_n which_o be_v by_o a_o peculiar_a title_n style_v the_o revelation_n be_v almost_o whole_o prophetical_a some_o of_o they_o also_o conclude_v with_o salutation_n to_o and_o from_o several_a particular_a person_n therein_o name_v these_o be_v the_o most_o remarkable_a thing_n that_o occur_v to_o a_o man_n upon_o read_v the_o epistle_n thus_o have_v i_o run_v through_o all_o the_o variety_n of_o particular_n treat_v of_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o in_o order_n to_o form_v a_o just_a and_o full_a idea_n of_o the_o subject_a of_o this_o book_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o add_v some_o far_a consideration_n not_o formal_o express_v in_o any_o one_o particular_a volume_n or_o chapter_n but_o fair_o and_o evident_o collect_v from_o the_o whole_a composure_n or_o from_o several_a plain_a passage_n here_o and_o there_o disperse_v through_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o such_o as_o be_v the_o character_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o doctrine_n of_o those_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o that_o assist_v he_o in_o the_o publish_n and_o propagate_a his_o gospel_n and_o of_o those_o that_o persecute_v he_o and_o all_o that_o bear_v testimony_n to_o he_o and_o oppose_v the_o establishment_n of_o his_o religion_n as_o to_o the_o character_n of_o jesus_n christ_n so_o far_o as_o it_o can_v be_v collect_v from_o the_o several_a write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v in_o short_a this_o his_o birth_n life_n and_o death_n be_v attend_v with_o extraordinary_a circumstance_n of_o different_a kind_n those_o who_o be_v call_v in_o scripture_n his_o parent_n be_v say_v to_o be_v descend_v from_o the_o family_n of_o david_n the_o great_a king_n that_o ever_o reign_v over_o judah_n and_o israel_n but_o their_o present_a condition_n when_o this_o child_n be_v bear_v be_v set_v forth_o as_o very_o low_a and_o the_o employment_n that_o maintain_v they_o then_o and_o afterward_o very_o mean_v but_o they_o be_v person_n that_o fear_v god_n and_o live_v very_o conformable_o to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o first_o appearance_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n be_v prepare_v accompany_v and_o follow_v by_o prophecy_n vision_n sign_n and_o wonder_n ministry_n of_o angel_n adoration_n of_o wise_a man_n jealousy_n and_o fear_n of_o a_o great_a king_n together_o with_o the_o doubt_n ignorance_n amazement_n necessity_n and_o flight_n of_o his_o father_n and_o mother_n his_o education_n be_v fuitable_a to_o the_o meanness_n of_o his_o birth_n thirty_o year_n be_v spend_v at_o home_n in_o obscurity_n and_o retirement_n where_o he_o be_v subject_a and_o obedient_a to_o his_o parent_n but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o wax_v strong_a in_o spirit_n and_o increase_v in_o wisdom_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o he_o to_o the_o astonishment_n of_o all_o his_o kindred_n and_o countryman_n who_o can_v not_o imagine_v whence_o he_o have_v that_o wisdom_n his_o whole_a life_n afterward_o be_v take_v up_o in_o preach_v and_o instruct_v and_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n and_o authority_n by_o sign_n and_o mighty_a work_n and_o by_o argument_n draw_v chief_o from_o the_o prophecy_n and_o other_o passage_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n he_o go_v about_o every_o where_o teach_v and_o do_v good_a he_o teach_v in_o the_o temple_n and_o other_o public_a place_n of_o jerusalem_n he_o pass_v through_o all_o the_o city_n and_o village_n of_o judah_n and_o samaria_n and_o the_o neighbour_a coast_n preach_v and_o expound_v the_o scripture_n to_o the_o people_n in_o their_o synagogue_n in_o the_o field_n the_o desert_n and_o upon_o the_o seashore_n we_o find_v he_o attend_v with_o great_a multitude_n who_o hear_v he_o glad_o thus_o be_v he_o constant_o employ_v from_o the_o first_o discovery_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o gospel_n to_o the_o world_n till_o by_o treachery_n and_o malice_n he_o be_v apprehend_v and_o put_v to_o death_n in_o all_o which_o time_n that_o he_o public_o converse_v with_o man_n we_o have_v a_o great_a many_o surprise_v thing_n relate_v of_o he_o which_o do_v very_o much_o distinguish_v his_o character_n from_o that_o of_o any_o other_o person_n he_o be_v represent_v as_o sensible_a of_o human_a passion_n appetite_n and_o infirmity_n and_o yet_o free_a from_o all_o sin_n and_o endue_v with_o a_o power_n of_o not_o feel_v and_o relieve_v those_o very_a want_n he_o suffer_v he_o love_v grieve_a and_o be_v angry_a but_o these_o affection_n be_v occasion_v in_o he_o by_o a_o just_a concern_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o success_n of_o that_o great_a work_n he_o come_v about_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o they_o never_o exceed_v their_o due_a bound_n he_o feel_v hunger_n and_o weariness_n yet_o fast_v forty_o day_n and_o forty_o night_n together_o feed_v vast_a multitude_n and_o
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 whether_o apostle_n disciple_n deacon_n pastor_n teacher_n prophet_n evangelist_n and_o presbyter_n bishop_n or_o ruler_n so_o far_o as_o we_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o they_o by_o the_o scripture_n be_v all_o of_o they_o very_o near_o of_o the_o same_o character_n with_o the_o twelve_o for_o meanness_n of_o birth_n and_o education_n simplicity_n of_o manner_n steadiness_n of_o faith_n and_o adherence_n to_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v piety_n and_o devotion_n self-denial_n and_o disinterestedness_n constancy_n and_o resolution_n under_o continual_a suffering_n and_o a_o cheerful_a preference_n of_o a_o future_a expectation_n in_o another_o life_n to_o all_o consideration_n whatsoever_o which_v this_o world_n can_v afford_v but_o one_o of_o they_o name_v paul_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o under_o some_o particular_a circumstance_n which_o make_v his_o character_n very_o different_a from_o that_o of_o the_o rest_n he_o be_v educate_v in_o all_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o the_o foot_n of_o one_o of_o their_o great_a doctor_n and_o by_o some_o passage_n we_o find_v in_o the_o epistle_n ascribe_v to_o he_o we_o collect_v that_o he_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o heathen_a greek_a author_n he_o be_v at_o first_o a_o zealous_a enemy_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o a_o fierce_a persecutor_n of_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n but_o be_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n call_v by_o god_n and_o by_o several_a wonderful_a sign_n and_o appearance_n convert_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n he_o become_v a_o zealous_a preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v a_o large_a and_o full_a commission_n of_o apostleship_n grant_v to_o he_o than_o any_o of_o the_o twelve_o be_v exercise_v with_o a_o great_a variety_n of_o affliction_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o gospel_n labour_v more_o abundant_o in_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o write_v more_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o those_o in_o the_o faith_n who_o he_o have_v convert_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o first_o common_a believer_n who_o be_v not_o call_v to_o the_o ministry_n be_v of_o the_o low_a sort_n of_o the_o people_n and_o several_a of_o they_o scandalous_a and_o notorious_a sinner_n before_o their_o conversion_n but_o some_o there_o be_v of_o the_o better_a and_o rich_a sort_n and_o some_o ruler_n and_o priest_n that_o believe_v in_o christ_n though_o but_o a_o very_a few_o that_o we_o read_v of_o the_o character_n of_o which_o believer_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n and_o first_o sermon_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v this_o that_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v be_v of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o soul_n neither_o say_v any_o of_o they_o that_o ought_v of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v be_v his_o own_o but_o they_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a neither_o be_v there_o any_o among_o they_o that_o lack_v for_o as_o many_o as_o be_v possessor_n of_o land_n or_o house_n sell_v they_o and_o bring_v the_o price_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v sell_v and_o lay_v they_o at_o the_o apostle_n foot_n and_o distribution_n be_v make_v to_o every_o man_n according_a as_o he_o have_v need_v in_o other_o place_n it_o be_v say_v of_o they_o that_o believe_v that_o before_o they_o be_v servant_n of_o sin_n but_o after_o they_o have_v obey_v from_o the_o heart_n that_o form_n of_o doctrine_n that_o be_v deliver_v they_o they_o be_v make_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o become_v the_o servant_n of_o righteousness_n that_o in_o time_n past_a they_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o course_n of_o this_o world_n fulfil_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o mind_n but_o now_o be_v create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o good_a work_n do_v walk_v in_o they_o that_o some_o of_o they_o who_o be_v before_o fornicator_n idolator_n adulterer_n abuser_n of_o themselves_o with_o mankind_n thief_n covetous_a drunkard_n reviler_n and_o extortioner_n be_v wash_v and_o sanctify_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n many_o of_o they_o that_o believe_v come_v and_o confess_v and_o show_v their_o deed_n many_o also_o of_o they_o which_o use_v curious_a art_n bring_v their_o book_n together_o and_o burn_v they_o before_o all_o men._n but_o in_o process_n of_o time_n when_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n increase_v though_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o manifest_v their_o faith_n by_o their_o work_n turn_v from_o the_o vanity_n of_o idol_n to_o the_o live_a god_n renounce_v all_o the_o hide_a work_n of_o sin_n and_o darkness_n and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o those_o thing_n in_o which_o before_o they_o take_v pleasure_n yet_o offence_n and_o heresy_n do_v spring_v up_o among_o christian_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o care_n of_o those_o that_o first_o plant_v the_o church_n and_o those_o that_o afterward_o preside_v over_o they_o and_o some_o there_o be_v that_o walk_v disorderly_a that_o preach_v christ_n out_o of_o envy_n 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 new_a testament_n be_v the_o way_n and_o manner_n in_o which_o the_o several_a matter_n before_o mention_v be_v there_o relate_v with_o such_o other_o circumstance_n as_o refer_v to_o the_o form_n or_o composition_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n and_o the_o several_a part_n of_o which_o it_o consist_v now_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o any_o man_n that_o read_v over_o the_o new_a testament_n with_o the_o same_o care_n attention_n and_o impartiality_n as_o he_o do_v another_o book_n that_o it_o be_v not_o all_o writ_n by_o the_o same_o person_n at_o one_o continue_a time_n but_o by_o several_a person_n at_o different_a time_n and_o upon_o different_a occasion_n and_o that_o in_o general_a it_o be_v write_v with_o great_a plainness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o style_n without_o art_n or_o affection_n and_o with_o many_o extraordinary_a mark_n of_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n but_o to_o be_v more_o particular_a the_o four_o first_o book_n call_v gospel_n
account_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n may_v be_v give_v of_o the_o heathen_n who_o write_n do_v any_o way_n concern_v christianity_n for_o neither_o those_o of_o they_o that_o be_v instrumental_a in_o the_o persecution_n of_o christian_n nor_o those_o who_o endeavour_n to_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n by_o argument_n do_v deny_v any_o of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o we_o have_v distinguish_v by_o the_o title_n of_o common_a historical_a fact_n and_o a_o great_a many_o of_o they_o be_v confirm_v by_o other_o heathen_a writer_n who_o treat_v of_o their_o own_o affair_n only_o or_o mention_v christian_a matter_n occasional_o as_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v intermix_v with_o those_o thing_n they_o design_o write_v about_o nay_o some_o of_o those_o that_o write_v express_o against_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o only_o allow_v that_o christ_n pretend_v to_o miracle_n and_o that_o he_o do_v those_o thing_n record_v of_o he_o in_o appearance_n as_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o several_a of_o they_o but_o that_o he_o do_v real_o work_v those_o very_a miracle_n he_o pretend_v to_o but_o then_o they_o endeavour_v to_o lessen_v the_o credit_n of_o they_o and_o destroy_v the_o doctrine_n build_v upon_o they_o either_o by_o ascribe_v they_o as_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n likewise_o do_v to_o magic_a and_o evil_a spirit_n or_o show_v that_o several_a of_o their_o own_o religion_n have_v do_v as_o extraordinary_a thing_n as_o any_o that_o be_v attribute_v to_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n a_o great_a many_o of_o these_o heathen_a write_n be_v quote_v some_o of_o they_o particular_o answer_v and_o confute_v and_o several_a large_a piece_n of_o they_o insert_v in_o the_o book_n of_o christian_a author_n there_o we_o find_v beside_o a_o great_a many_o passage_n out_o of_o private_a author_n and_o common_a tradition_n several_a rescript_n edict_n and_o letter_n of_o roman_a emperor_n either_o mention_v or_o transcribe_v and_o several_a public_a act_n and_o record_v compile_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o heathen_n and_o in_o their_o keep_n appeal_v to_o with_o the_o great_a confidence_n and_o assurance_n imaginable_a as_o extant_a in_o the_o writer_n time_n that_o cites_n they_o and_o general_o know_v particular_o we_o meet_v with_o divers_a of_o these_o heathen_a monument_n in_o the_o christian_a apology_n which_o be_v at_o several_a time_n by_o different_a writer_n dedicate_v to_o roman_a emperor_n the_o senate_n of_o rome_n and_o governor_n of_o province_n many_o such_o proof_n and_o evidence_n as_o these_o of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o history_n be_v still_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o christian_a book_n which_o be_v write_v before_o eusebius_n and_o be_v now_o extant_a but_o there_o be_v also_o extant_a in_o his_o time_n several_a of_o the_o same_o heathen_a book_n out_o of_o which_o those_o testimony_n be_v take_v and_o other_o which_o give_v the_o same_o account_n of_o christian_a affair_n which_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o eusebius_n to_o be_v so_o notorious_a a_o truth_n that_o when_o he_o talk_v of_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n under_o domitian_n he_o confirm_v what_o he_o say_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o heathen_a writer_n without_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o name_v any_o particular_a author_n 18._o eus_n e._n h._n l._n 3._o c._n 18._o so_o mighty_o say_v he_o do_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o faith_n flourish_v in_o those_o forementioned_a time_n that_o even_o those_o writer_n who_o be_v whole_o estrange_v from_o our_o religion_n by_o which_o he_o plain_o mean_v heathen_n have_v not_o think_v it_o troublesome_a to_o set_v forth_o in_o their_o history_n both_o this_o persecution_n and_o also_o the_o martyrdom_n suffer_v therein_o and_o they_o have_v also_o accurate_o show_v the_o very_a time_n relate_v that_o in_o the_o fifteen_o year_n of_o domitian_n flavia_n domitilla_n daughter_n of_o the_o sister_n of_o fabius_n clemens_n at_o that_o time_n one_o of_o the_o consul_n of_o rome_n be_v together_o with_o many_o other_o banish_v into_o the_o island_n of_o pontia_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v likewise_o several_a heathen_a author_n still_o separately_z extant_a out_o of_o which_o may_v be_v collect_v a_o great_a many_o passage_n which_o give_v a_o concurrent_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a history_n as_o tacitus_n and_o pliny_n before_o quote_v and_o divers_a other_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o of_o they_o that_o do_v in_o the_o least_o contradict_v any_o of_o the_o principal_a matter_n fact_n now_o to_o be_v prove_v but_o beside_o these_o write_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v genuine_a and_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a work_n of_o those_o person_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v whether_o orthodox_n christian_n heretic_n jew_n or_o heathen_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o other_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o christianity_n write_v by_o uncertain_a author_n and_o either_o purposely_o publish_v under_o false_a name_n and_o title_n with_o a_o design_n to_o promote_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_n or_o to_o advance_v and_o defend_v some_o particular_a notion_n and_o practice_n which_o the_o author_n of_o they_o approve_v and_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o recommend_v to_o the_o world_n or_o else_o by_o some_o mistake_v ascribe_v to_o those_o person_n to_o who_o they_o do_v not_o real_o belong_v such_o be_v a_o great_a many_o false_a gospel_n act_n epistle_n and_o revelation_n and_o several_a other_o historical_a and_o doctrinal_a discourse_n publish_v under_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n the_o virgin_n mary_n the_o apostle_n and_o eminent_a christian_n of_o the_o succeed_a age_n such_o be_v also_o several_a letter_n say_v to_o be_v write_v by_o pilate_n seneca_n and_o lentulus_n the_o oracle_n of_o the_o sibyl_n and_o several_a other_o write_n attribute_v to_o some_o considerable_a heathen_n a_o passage_n in_o josephus_n relate_v to_o christ_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o suppose_v they_o all_o forge_v or_o only_o some_o of_o they_o so_o some_o accidental_o mistake_v and_o other_o doubtful_a whoever_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o so_o long_o as_o it_o plain_o appear_v they_o be_v of_o such_o and_o such_o antiquity_n they_o be_v certain_a proof_n of_o the_o general_a faith_n of_o christian_n at_o the_o respective_a time_n when_o any_o of_o they_o be_v publish_v and_o consequent_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o fact_n in_o question_n forasmuch_o as_o they_o all_o evident_o suppose_v a_o antecedent_n belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n found_v upon_o those_o fact_n as_o be_v visible_a by_o all_o the_o remain_v we_o have_v leave_v of_o they_o and_o therefore_o be_v as_o good_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o be_o prove_v as_o the_o most_o genuine_a unquestionable_a write_n of_o any_o other_o author_n whatsoever_o viz._n that_o the_o common_a historical_a fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v true_a which_o point_n i_o think_v be_v prove_v by_o such_o a_o multitude_n and_o variety_n of_o evidence_n that_o i_o may_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o jesus_n christ_n who_o live_v and_o be_v crucify_a at_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o tiberius_n cesar_n be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o the_o character_n suffering_n and_o pretence_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o they_o be_v the_o same_o we_o find_v represent_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n there_o deliver_v be_v propagate_v through_o the_o world_n and_o those_o book_n write_v according_a to_o the_o time_n manner_n and_o circumstance_n there_o mention_v between_o the_o middle_n of_o tiberius_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o trajan_n reign_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o christian_a faith_n as_o to_o the_o principal_a fact_n and_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v always_o the_o same_o from_o the_o time_n of_o tiberius_n to_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a and_o from_o thence_o to_o the_o present_a age_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v always_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o genuine_a work_n of_o those_o who_o name_n they_o bear_v and_o to_o contain_v the_o unalterable_a ground_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v 2._o in_o the_o next_o place_n then_o i_o be_o to_o prove_v that_o those_o extraordinary_a fact_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o we_o call_v miracle_n and_o prophecy_n be_v real_o true_a according_a the_o relation_n there_o give_v of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v constant_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a by_o all_o christian_n ever_o since_o the_o time_n in_o which_o they_o be_v first_o say_v to_o happen_v have_v already_o be_v prove_v but_o whether_o their_o faith_n be_v well_o
offer_v himself_o a_o sacrifice_n upon_o the_o cross_n be_v make_v a_o curse_n die_v be_v bury_v rise_v again_o and_o be_v sit_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o our_o iniquity_n and_o from_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n be_v a_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o reconcile_v we_o to_o his_o father_n through_o his_o blood_n that_o our_o trespass_n may_v not_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o but_o that_o by_o his_o obedience_n we_o shall_v be_v make_v righteous_a that_o he_o may_v become_v the_o mediator_n of_o a_o new_a and_o better_a covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n than_o that_o which_o god_n make_v with_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n when_o he_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o that_o he_o may_v abolish_v the_o law_n of_o commandment_n contain_v in_o ordinance_n and_o break_v down_o the_o middle_a wall_n of_o partition_n between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n that_o so_o both_o may_v be_v unite_v in_o one_o building_n of_o which_o christ_n be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n and_o all_o of_o we_o be_v member_n of_o one_o body_n or_o church_n of_o which_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n when_o we_o sin_n and_o make_v continual_a intercession_n for_o we_o that_o so_o upon_o our_o confession_n and_o repentance_n god_n may_v forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n and_o cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o unrighteousness_n and_o last_o that_o he_o may_v obtain_v a_o kingdom_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n spoil_v principality_n and_o power_n triumph_v over_o they_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o put_v all_o enemy_n under_o his_o foot_n and_o that_o when_o death_n the_o last_o enemy_n be_v destroy_v he_o may_v raise_v the_o dead_a and_o judge_v the_o world_n part_v of_o which_o he_o have_v already_o perform_v and_o the_o rest_n he_o do_v and_o will_v hereafter_o fulfil_v the_o most_o remarkable_a matter_n that_o occur_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n concern_v the_o nature_n condition_n and_o circumstance_n of_o mankind_n be_v these_o adam_n be_v the_o first_o man_n adam_n be_v first_o form_v than_o eve_n the_o first_o man_n adam_n be_v make_v a_o live_a soul_n the_o last_o adam_n by_o which_o be_v mean_v christ_n be_v make_v a_o quicken_a spirit_n which_o two_o different_a expression_n be_v distinguish_v as_o natural_a and_o spiritual_a earthly_a and_o heavenly_a by_o one_o man_n sin_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n and_o death_n by_o sin_n and_o so_o death_n pass_v upon_o all_o man_n for_o that_o all_o have_v sin_v adam_n be_v not_o deceive_v but_o the_o woman_n be_v deceive_v be_v in_o the_o trangression_n notwithstanding_o she_o shall_v be_v save_v in_o child-bearing_a if_o they_o continue_v in_o faith_n and_o charity_n and_o holiness_n with_o sobriety_n death_n reign_v from_o adam_n unto_o moses_n even_o over_o they_o that_o have_v not_o sin_v after_o the_o similitude_n of_o adam_n be_v transgression_n who_o be_v the_o figure_n of_o he_o that_o be_v to_o come_v a_o man_n be_v the_o image_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n but_o the_o woman_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o man_n notwithstanding_o which_o all_o that_o be_v of_o the_o race_n of_o mankind_n be_v style_v and_o account_v in_o the_o scripture_n sinner_n ungodly_a enemy_n of_o god_n dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n servant_n of_o sin_n and_o corruption_n child_n of_o the_o devil_n by_o nature_n child_n of_o wrath_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v further_o that_o sin_n dwell_v in_o we_o and_o reign_v in_o our_o mortal_a body_n that_o when_o we_o will_v do_v good_a evil_a be_v present_a with_o we_o and_o we_o find_v the_o flesh_n lust_a against_o the_o spirit_n and_o a_o law_n in_o our_o member_n war_a against_o the_o law_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o bring_v it_o into_o captivity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n the_o jew_n be_v represent_v as_o subject_a to_o ordinance_n and_o a_o law_n which_o have_v only_o a_o shadow_n of_o good_a thing_n to_o come_v and_o as_o in_o bondage_n to_o weak_a and_o beggarly_a element_n and_o all_o other_o nation_n be_v reckon_v as_o alien_n and_o stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n have_v no_o hope_n and_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o mankind_n consider_v without_o relation_n to_o christ_n but_o by_o christ_n we_o be_v cleanse_v from_o our_o sin_n we_o be_v make_v free_a we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n in_o he_o and_o by_o his_o righteousness_n we_o be_v save_v but_o the_o advantage_n which_o accrue_v to_o mankind_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o change_n that_o be_v make_v in_o our_o condition_n by_o he_o will_v be_v more_o full_o understand_v from_o these_o follow_a passage_n as_o by_o one_o man_n disobedience_n many_o be_v make_v sinner_n so_o by_o the_o obedience_n of_o one_o shall_v many_o be_v make_v righteous_a as_o sin_n have_v reign_v unto_o death_n so_o shall_v grace_n reign_v through_o righteousness_n unto_o eternal_a life_n by_o jesus_n christ_n curse_a be_v every_o man_n that_o continue_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n to_o do_v they_o the_o man_n that_o do_v they_o shall_v live_v in_o they_o but_o this_o be_v impossible_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o no_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n if_o there_o have_v be_v a_o law_n give_v which_o can_v have_v give_v life_n righteousness_n shall_v have_v be_v by_o the_o law_n but_o the_o scripture_n have_v conclude_v all_o under_o sin_n that_o the_o promise_n of_o faith_n by_o jesus_n christ_n may_v be_v give_v to_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o but_o if_o we_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o believe_v and_o show_v our_o faith_n by_o our_o work_n and_o persevere_v unto_o the_o end_n we_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o if_o we_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n and_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o repent_v not_o of_o the_o evil_n we_o have_v commit_v we_o shall_v be_v damn_v those_o that_o have_v embrace_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n with_o his_o deed_n and_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o be_v renew_v in_o knowledge_n after_o the_o image_n of_o he_o that_o create_v he_o thus_o through_o christ_n only_o we_o be_v to_o expect_v salvation_n there_o be_v no_o other_o name_n give_v under_o heaven_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v save_v which_o salvation_n if_o we_o neglect_v we_o shall_v be_v condemn_v by_o god_n at_o the_o last_o day_n when_o he_o come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n by_o his_o son_n who_o he_o have_v appoint_v judge_n of_o the_o quick_a and_o dead_a then_o shall_v we_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a by_o christ_n and_o receive_v every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o work_n as_o in_o adam_n all_o die_v so_o in_o christ_n shall_v all_o be_v make_v alive_a and_o since_o by_o man_n come_v death_n by_o man_n come_v also_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a the_o dead_a shall_v be_v raise_v incorruptible_a their_o mortal_a corruptible_a body_n shall_v put_v on_o immortality_n and_o incorruption_n and_o those_o which_o be_v alive_a at_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v change_v in_o a_o moment_n at_o the_o last_o trump_n as_o we_o have_v bear_v the_o image_n of_o the_o earthly_a man_n adam_n so_o we_o shall_v also_o bear_v the_o image_n of_o the_o heavenly_a man_n christ_n then_o shall_v they_o which_o have_v do_v evil_a be_v condemn_v to_o everlasting_a torment_n and_o misery_n and_o they_o which_o have_v do_v good_a shall_v be_v reward_v with_o everlasting_a joy_n and_o happiness_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o be_v teach_v and_o propose_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o i_o have_v express_v as_o near_o as_o ever_o i_o can_v in_o the_o very_a language_n of_o scripture_n as_o my_o design_n plain_o oblige_v i_o to_o do_v the_o other_o branch_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o concern_v the_o practice_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o may_v proper_o be_v style_v christian_a morality_n consist_v of_o such_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o action_n as_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n be_v oblige_v to_o conform_v his_o life_n to_o and_o without_o which_o his_o faith_n be_v dead_a and_o vain_a he_o be_v still_o in_o his_o sin_n and_o he_o must_v expect_v the_o wage_n of_o they_o eternal_a death_n the_o principal_a head_n of_o christian_a duty_n be_v these_o to_o love_n god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o our_o power_n to_o honour_n praise_n
seem_v to_o have_v be_v pen_v by_o so_o many_o different_a author_n as_o appear_v not_o only_o from_o several_a way_n and_o manner_n of_o expression_n observable_a in_o each_o of_o they_o but_o also_o from_o the_o subject_a which_o be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o and_o most_o of_o the_o same_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v repeat_v in_o each_o gospel_n some_o of_o which_o be_v tell_v with_o such_o a_o diversity_n of_o circumstance_n as_o occasion_n some_o difficulty_n to_o reconcile_v together_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o any_o one_o man_n will_v write_v so_o many_o account_n of_o the_o same_o story_n so_o little_a different_a from_o one_o another_o in_o the_o main_a branch_n and_o so_o much_o in_o some_o lesser_a particular_n the_o narration_n in_o all_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v very_o short_a naked_a and_o simple_a nothing_o but_o bare_a matter_n of_o fact_n be_v relate_v just_a as_o they_o happen_v without_o any_o interposition_n of_o the_o author_n there_o be_v no_o preparation_n of_o event_n no_o artful_a transition_n or_o connexion_n no_o set_a character_n of_o person_n to_o be_v introduce_v or_o reflection_n upon_o past_a action_n and_o the_o author_n of_o they_o no_o excuse_n or_o apology_n for_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o writer_n may_v probable_o foresee_v will_v shock_v or_o disturb_v his_o reader_n no_o colour_n artifices_fw-la or_o argument_n to_o set_v off_o a_o doubtful_a action_n and_o reconcile_v it_o to_o some_o other_o or_o to_o the_o character_n of_o the_o person_n that_o do_v it_o the_o fault_n and_o infirmity_n of_o those_o person_n the_o author_n will_v seem_v to_o recommend_v be_v fair_o record_v without_o any_o mitigation_n or_o abatement_n and_o the_o crime_n of_o their_o enemy_n bare_o tell_v without_o any_o aggravation_n the_o epistle_n appear_v to_o be_v write_v with_o a_o great_a air_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n and_o the_o author_n of_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v act_v by_o as_o warm_v and_o steady_a zeal_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n and_o to_o speak_v with_o mighty_a assurance_n from_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n they_o so_o earnest_o press_v and_o recommend_v whether_o any_o of_o they_o be_v write_v by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o historical_a book_n and_o which_o of_o they_o be_v and_o which_o not_o we_o have_v nothing_o in_o the_o write_n themselves_o to_o judge_v by_o but_o the_o difference_n of_o style_n which_o seem_v very_o distinguishable_a in_o some_o of_o they_o but_o i_o shall_v not_o lay_v much_o stress_n upon_o that_o because_o it_o may_v be_v dispute_v by_o pretender_n to_o criticism_n the_o last_o epistle_n which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v plain_o of_o a_o different_a character_n from_o all_o the_o other_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n though_o say_v to_o be_v write_v by_o one_o who_o be_v author_n of_o a_o gospel_n and_o some_o other_o epistle_n which_o difference_n arise_v whole_o from_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o conveyance_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o writer_n upon_o this_o supposion_n it_o may_v easy_o be_v allow_v to_o belong_v to_o the_o same_o author_n that_o write_v some_o other_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o a_o different_a style_n from_o that_o of_o the_o revelation_n which_o be_v altogether_o figurative_a and_o mysterious_a all_o the_o several_a book_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n except_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n have_v name_n of_o person_n prefix_v to_o they_o as_o the_o repute_a author_n of_o they_o who_o be_v all_o the_o same_o that_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_n either_o as_o immediate_a apostle_n of_o christ_n or_o such_o as_o be_v choose_v and_o direct_v by_o those_o that_o be_v so_o but_o neither_o by_o the_o title_n nor_o by_o any_o thing_n say_v in_o the_o book_n themselves_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o any_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v by_o christ_n himself_o or_o that_o he_o write_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o i_o have_v these_o thing_n further_a to_o observe_v of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o general_a that_o there_o be_v in_o divers_a place_n of_o they_o a_o great_a many_o particular_a remarkable_a note_n of_o time_n to_o distinguish_v when_o the_o several_a action_n therein_o relate_v happen_v all_o which_o be_v within_o the_o space_n contain_v betwixt_o the_o death_n of_o julius_n caesar_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o name_n of_o person_n and_o place_n concern_v in_o these_o action_n the_o great_a part_n of_o which_o be_v jewish_a greek_a and_o roman_a and_o that_o most_o of_o the_o chief_a matter_n of_o fact_n and_o doctrine_n mention_v in_o any_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v suppose_v by_o the_o several_a writer_n of_o they_o to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v before_o those_o book_n be_v write_v the_o two_o former_a of_o these_o observation_n be_v very_o evident_a upon_o the_o first_o and_o most_o transient_a read_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o a_o very_a small_a degree_n of_o attention_n will_v serve_v to_o satisfy_v we_o of_o the_o latter_a all_o the_o epistle_n be_v very_o absurd_a and_o unintelligible_a without_o this_o supposition_n for_o first_o the_o argument_n and_o exhortation_n there_o make_v use_n of_o with_o which_o they_o abound_v be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n inference_n from_o matter_n of_o fact_n take_v for_o grant_v and_o not_o new_o tell_v as_o appear_v from_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n in_o which_o they_o be_v mention_v the_o fact_n be_v allude_v to_o only_a and_o imperfect_o hint_v at_o not_o relate_v with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n necessary_a to_o inform_v those_o that_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o they_o before_o then_o the_o form_n of_o blessing_n and_o salutation_n we_o find_v there_o and_o the_o title_n the_o writer_n give_v themselves_o and_o those_o they_o write_v to_o all_o necessary_o imply_v the_o same_o thing_n beside_o there_o be_v several_a direct_a expression_n in_o many_o place_n of_o they_o which_o do_v formal_o and_o in_o plain_a term_n assert_v that_o the_o person_n these_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o have_v be_v before_o instruct_v in_o all_o the_o principal_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v plain_a also_o from_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o well_o as_o the_o epistle_n that_o church_n and_o congregation_n of_o believer_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n before_o any_o of_o these_o book_n be_v write_v the_o manner_n and_o way_n of_o their_o establishment_n be_v the_o chief_a subject_n of_o that_o book_n call_v the_o act_n as_o the_o fix_v and_o confirm_v they_o in_o the_o faith_n be_v the_o chief_a design_n of_o the_o epistle_n nor_o be_v it_o less_o manifest_a from_o the_o gospel_n that_o they_o all_o suppose_v the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v of_o christ_n and_o most_o of_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o he_o to_o have_v be_v know_v and_o believe_v by_o a_o great_a many_o at_o the_o the_o time_n when_o these_o gospel_n be_v write_v and_o in_o the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v publish_v the_o manner_n of_o begin_v each_o gospel_n be_v a_o very_a good_a proof_n of_o this_o truth_n st._n luke_n plain_o in_o express_a word_n affirm_v that_o the_o person_n for_o who_o he_o more_o particular_o write_v his_o gospel_n have_v be_v before_o instruct_v in_o those_o thing_n he_o be_v about_o to_o give_v he_o a_o account_n of_o in_o order_n and_o that_o those_o thing_n which_o other_o have_v before_o he_o set_v forth_o a_o declaration_n of_o be_v such_o as_o be_v most_o sure_o believe_v among_o they_o even_o as_o they_o deliver_v they_o unto_o they_o which_o from_o the_o beginning_n be_v eye-witness_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o other_o gospel_n begin_v so_o abrupt_o and_o fall_v so_o immediate_o into_o the_o story_n of_o christ_n without_o any_o introduction_n or_o preface_n concern_v the_o character_n of_o the_o person_n who_o history_n they_o write_v or_o the_o time_n or_o design_n of_o their_o writing_n that_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v they_o will_v address_v themselves_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n to_o person_n who_o be_v perfect_a stranger_n to_o the_o name_n and_o history_n of_o christ_n but_o beside_o this_o way_n of_o beginning_n we_o have_v several_a account_n in_o the_o body_n of_o each_o gospel_n of_o multitude_n of_o people_n that_o follow_v christ_n that_o hear_v his_o sermon_n and_o be_v witness_n of_o his_o miracle_n of_o great_a number_n of_o believer_n who_o be_v convert_v by_o his_o discourse_n and_o of_o a_o great_a many_o that_o oppose_a and_o prosecute_v christ_n and_o object_v several_a thing_n to_o his_o
doctrine_n and_o miracle_n all_o which_o be_v tell_v as_o happen_v in_o the_o life-time_n of_o christ_n most_o of_o the_o thing_n concern_v he_o must_v be_v suppose_v by_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o have_v write_v present_o after_o his_o death_n as_o it_o be_v plain_a all_o the_o evangelist_n do_v to_o be_v general_o know_v and_o fresh_o remember_v at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o write_n which_o supposition_n further_a appear_v from_o the_o short_a and_o disorderly_a relation_n of_o several_a matter_n of_o fact_n in_o each_o gospel_n which_o in_o such_o case_n where_o we_o be_v not_o assist_v with_o a_o full_a account_n from_o the_o other_o gospel_n or_o follow_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n seem_v very_o obscure_a to_o we_o now_o who_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o circumstance_n omit_v this_o be_v what_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o remark_n concern_v the_o subject_a and_o form_n of_o that_o book_n which_o we_o call_v the_o new_a testament_n and_o now_o that_o this_o book_n do_v real_o contain_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v before_o mention_v and_o be_v write_v in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o manner_n as_o i_o have_v here_o represent_v i_o think_v may_v be_v take_v for_o grant_v since_o whatever_o have_v be_v observe_v under_o this_o head_n must_v necessary_o appear_v too_o true_a to_o any_o one_o that_o will_v read_v over_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o make_v any_o judgement_n of_o a_o book_n ii_o suppose_v then_o that_o i_o have_v give_v a_o just_a account_n and_o character_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o several_a book_n or_o volume_n it_o consist_v of_o i_o shall_v from_o hence_o advance_v to_o the_o main_a design_n propose_v which_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v real_o true_a that_o be_v do_v real_o happen_v out_o at_o the_o time_n and_o place_n and_o in_o the_o manner_n they_o be_v there_o record_v to_o have_v happen_v this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o make_v good_a by_o a_o direct_a proof_n according_a to_o the_o distinction_n of_o the_o several_a fact_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o before_o lay_v down_o viz._n common_a historical_a fact_n prophecy_n and_o miracle_n divine_a assistance_n and_o revelation_n i._o the_o first_o step_v then_o i_o be_o to_o make_v in_o the_o proof_n of_o what_o i_o have_v before_o assert_v be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o common_a historical_a fact_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v true_a the_o principal_a of_o which_o be_v these_o follow_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o jesus_n christ_n of_o such_o a_o character_n who_o teach_v such_o doctrine_n pretend_v to_o such_o mighty_a work_n and_o be_v execute_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v represent_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o there_o be_v likewise_o certain_a person_n who_o be_v follower_n and_o adherent_n of_o christ_n who_o after_o his_o death_n profess_v to_o believe_v the_o miracle_n we_o find_v now_o record_v of_o he_o and_o to_o do_v as_o great_a themselves_o who_o teach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n he_o do_v in_o his_o life-time_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o while_o he_o be_v alive_a and_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n afterward_o and_o who_o make_v be_v their_o business_n to_o propagate_v the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o what_o they_o teach_v throughout_o the_o world_n who_o character_n and_o suffering_n be_v such_o as_o be_v before_o describe_v that_o the_o doctrine_n or_o religion_n of_o christ_n be_v according_o propagate_v through_o all_o judea_n and_o most_o part_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n so_o that_o great_a number_n of_o people_n every_o where_o own_a and_o profess_v it_o and_o that_o all_o this_o happen_v within_o that_o compass_n of_o time_n include_v between_o the_o death_n of_o julius_n caesar_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n now_o these_o be_v such_o remarkable_a notorious_a fact_n have_v be_v so_o well_o prove_v by_o multiplicity_n of_o evidence_n and_o so_o little_o contest_v by_o the_o several_a enemy_n of_o christianity_n that_o i_o shall_v content_v myself_o by_o give_v a_o summary_n proof_n of_o they_o without_o enter_v upon_o that_o great_a variety_n of_o particular_a argument_n every_o general_a branch_n of_o evidence_n contain_v in_o it_o which_o proof_n i_o shall_v cast_v into_o this_o method_n first_o i_o shall_v take_v a_o account_n of_o the_o original_a of_o christianity_n and_o show_v that_o this_o religion_n must_v have_v come_v first_o into_o the_o world_n at_o the_o time_n assign_v for_o this_o event_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n afterward_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o state_n of_o christianity_n at_o another_o period_n of_o time_n when_o it_o will_v certain_o be_v allow_v that_o all_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n that_o stand_v now_o record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v general_o believe_v and_o then_o i_o shall_v prove_v that_o the_o same_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v likewise_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 that_o particular_a period_n fix_v upon_o which_o last_o proposition_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_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 infallible_a effect_n of_o it_o and_o from_o many_o other_o extrinsic_a sign_n and_o monument_n remain_v at_o that_o time_n from_o which_o constant_a and_o universal_a belief_n among_o christian_n of_o all_o the_o principal_a fact_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n both_o common_a and_o extraordinary_a continue_v down_o to_o such_o a_o period_n from_o the_o very_a first_o time_n in_o which_o they_o several_o happen_v i_o conconclude_v that_o at_o least_o the_o common_a matter_n of_o fact_n such_o as_o i_o have_v just_a before_o instance_a in_o must_v be_v true_a first_o then_o as_o to_o the_o original_a of_o christianity_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o age_n of_o the_o world_n no_o portion_n of_o time_n since_o the_o begin_n of_o thing_n at_o any_o great_a distance_n from_o we_o that_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a full_a and_o more_o particular_a account_n of_o than_o we_o have_v of_o that_o which_o pass_v under_o the_o twelve_o first_o caesar_n or_o emperor_n of_o rome_n both_o learning_n and_o empire_n be_v then_o at_o the_o high_a pitch_n and_o furnish_v abundance_n of_o matter_n for_o the_o pen_n of_o that_o and_o the_o succeed_a age_n and_o as_o the_o history_n of_o that_o time_n be_v the_o true_a and_o best_a know_v of_o any_o so_o no_o matter_n of_o fact_n can_v happen_v within_o that_o time_n which_o be_v more_o remarkable_a or_o can_v more_o easy_o and_o certain_o be_v convey_v down_o to_o posterity_n than_o the_o first_o rise_n and_o propagation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n there_o be_v nothing_o so_o easy_a to_o be_v know_v of_o any_o country_n where_o we_o have_v the_o least_o remain_v of_o history_n leave_v we_o as_o what_o religion_n be_v profess_v there_o and_o what_o considerable_a alteration_n be_v make_v in_o it_o all_o the_o law_n custom_n and_o policy_n of_o a_o nation_n be_v intermix_v with_o their_o religion_n most_o of_o the_o action_n opinion_n and_o character_n of_o particular_a man_n bear_v the_o mark_n of_o it_o and_o if_o we_o examine_v thing_n more_o narrow_o and_o trace_v they_o up_o to_o their_o original_a we_o shall_v find_v that_o religion_n put_v a_o great_a distinction_n betwixt_o one_o nation_n and_o another_o than_o any_o difference_n of_o climate_n can_v do_v but_o not_o to_o pursue_v that_o speculation_n any_o further_a it_o be_v very_o plain_a from_o all_o history_n what_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v and_o what_o religion_n they_o have_v at_o rome_n and_o in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n under_o the_o reign_n of_o augustus_n there_o be_v no_o such_o person_n then_o to_o he_o hear_v of_o as_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n no_o such_o religion_n any_o where_o profess_v as_o that_o which_o be_v now_o call_v christian_a the_o plan_n and_o model_n of_o which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o in_o the_o time_n of_o nero_n we_o find_v a_o great_a many_o person_n at_o rome_n tacitus_n tacitus_n call_v christian_n put_v to_o death_n and_o several_a other_o way_n persecute_v and_o torment_v for_o be_v so_o by_o that_o emperor_n which_o denomination_n and_o whatever_o they_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o believe_v or_o do_v upon_o that_o account_n be_v then_o general_o acknowledge_v by_o themselves_o and_o other_o to_o be_v derive_v to_o they_o from_o one_o christ_n who_o be_v sometime_o before_o crucify_v at_o jerusalem_n now_o the_o time_n when_o this_o
ground_v or_o not_o be_v now_o the_o enquiry_n that_o it_o be_v i_o shall_v prove_v by_o show_v that_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v relate_v and_o attest_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o can_v possible_o be_v call_v in_o question_n but_o that_o the_o strength_n and_o validity_n of_o what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v upon_o this_o head_n may_v be_v better_o and_o more_o clear_o perceive_v i_o think_v fit_a by_o way_n of_o introduction_n to_o show_v first_o what_o i_o mean_v by_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n and_o second_o what_o kind_n of_o evidence_n these_o fact_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o which_o way_n they_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v by_o miracle_n then_o i_o will_v now_o be_v understand_v to_o mean_v only_o strange_a unusual_a event_n out_o of_o the_o common_a road_n and_o course_n of_o thing_n which_o by_o all_o the_o knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o nature_n we_o can_v tell_v how_o to_o bring_v to_o pass_v nor_o account_n for_o when_o they_o have_v happen_v and_o these_o be_v to_o be_v distinguish_v into_o such_o as_o be_v absolute_o at_o all_o time_n strange_a and_o not_o to_o be_v account_v for_o by_o what_o we_o know_v of_o the_o power_n and_o force_n of_o nature_n as_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a etc._n etc._n and_o such_o as_o be_v so_o only_o in_o consideration_n of_o some_o particular_a circumstance_n as_o heal_v the_o sick_a which_o be_v in_o itself_o no_o strange_a thing_n but_o only_o when_o it_o be_v do_v in_o a_o short_a time_n than_o medicine_n be_v ever_o know_v to_o operate_v or_o without_o the_o assistance_n of_o any_o visible_a mean_n or_o the_o like_a by_o prophecy_n i_o here_o understand_v relation_n of_o such_o future_a event_n as_o have_v no_o perceivable_a connexion_n with_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n at_o the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v utter_v this_o be_v all_o i_o mean_v at_o present_a by_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n and_o every_o body_n i_o be_o sure_a will_v allow_v i_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o such_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o these_o mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o be_v do_v whether_o they_o be_v natural_a or_o supernatural_a effect_n whether_o they_o be_v the_o work_n of_o art_n or_o magic_n whether_o god_n or_o man_n or_o some_o good_a or_o evil_a spirit_n be_v the_o autohr_n of_o they_o be_v not_o my_o present_a business_n to_o inquire_v that_o belong_v to_o another_o place_n all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o undertake_v to_o show_v be_v that_o they_o be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o real_o do_v according_a to_o the_o relation_n we_o have_v of_o they_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n now_o i_o know_v of_o no_o other_o way_n of_o prove_v this_o but_o by_o the_o number_n and_o character_n of_o the_o witness_n who_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o fact_n and_o by_o the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o fact_n themselves_o according_a as_o they_o appear_v from_o the_o account_n the_o witness_n give_v of_o they_o if_o the_o witness_n be_v such_o as_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v can_v be_v deceive_v themselves_o in_o what_o they_o relate_v or_o will_v offer_v to_o impose_v upon_o other_o and_o if_o the_o fact_n be_v such_o as_o can_v not_o be_v represent_v by_o the_o witness_n otherwise_o than_o they_o be_v without_o a_o certain_a discovery_n of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o their_o relation_n nothing_o more_o can_v be_v require_v to_o justify_v our_o belief_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n this_o be_v premise_v i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o the_o christian_a miracle_n and_o prophecy_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v all_o the_o forementioned_a character_n of_o truth_n belong_v to_o they_o and_o be_v therefore_o very_o reasonable_o and_o just_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a which_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o have_v oblige_v myself_o to_o make_v good_a and_o shall_v prosecute_v my_o design_n in_o the_o follow_a method_n first_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o miracle_n by_o themselves_o and_o this_o according_a to_o the_o different_a period_n in_o which_o they_o be_v do_v and_o the_o different_a person_n they_o be_v do_v by_o second_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o prophecy_n apart_o according_a to_o the_o same_o distinction_n of_o time_n and_o person_n as_o i_o observe_v in_o treat_v of_o miracle_n three_o i_o shall_v make_v some_o general_a reflection_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a miracle_n and_o prophecy_n take_v altogether_o first_o then_z as_o to_z miracle_n it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o a_o great_a many_o such_o fact_n as_o these_o that_o i_o call_v miracle_n be_v say_v to_o be_v do_v by_o jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v every_o where_o assert_v or_o suppose_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o gospel_n give_v a_o very_a particular_a and_o circumstantial_a account_n of_o several_a of_o they_o it_o be_v certain_a also_o from_o the_o general_a proof_n before_o give_v of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o these_o miracle_n be_v believe_v by_o the_o first_o christian_n both_o by_o those_o that_o live_v in_o judea_n and_o those_o that_o dwell_v in_o other_o country_n and_o the_o real_a truth_n of_o they_o will_v as_o evident_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v at_o first_o believe_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o miracle_n record_v of_o christ_n be_v do_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o great_a multitude_n at_o the_o most_o public_a place_n in_o judea_n and_o at_o the_o most_o solemn_a time_n of_o meet_v nay_o he_o be_v so_o constant_o employ_v in_o travel_v and_o go_v about_o and_o perform_v so_o many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n wherever_o he_o come_v and_o give_v so_o many_o repeat_v instance_n of_o his_o power_n in_o the_o same_o place_n that_o there_o be_v very_o few_o in_o that_o whole_a country_n who_o have_v not_o see_v some_o of_o his_o mighty_a work_n themselves_o and_o therefore_o the_o sole_a ground_n and_o reason_n upon_o which_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n of_o palestine_n believe_v these_o miracle_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o their_o own_o sense_n the_o fact_n themselves_o be_v so_o level_a to_o their_o capacity_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v they_o be_v so_o open_a and_o so_o easy_o and_o full_o perceive_v that_o they_o find_v no_o reason_n to_o distrust_v their_o sense_n and_o therefore_o they_o ready_o conclude_v they_o to_o be_v true_a a_o great_a many_o of_o the_o first_o believer_n of_o christ_n miracle_n have_v a_o further_a and_o more_o intimate_a perception_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o than_o the_o rest_n viz._n those_o upon_o who_o some_o of_o the_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v or_o who_o be_v make_v to_o have_v a_o share_n in_o the_o action_n themselves_o such_o be_v all_o those_o that_o be_v heal_v or_o feed_v by_o christ_n that_o have_v devil_n cast_v out_o of_o they_o that_o have_v their_o secret_a thought_n or_o private_a action_n reveal_v to_o they_o etc._n etc._n those_o who_o see_v none_o of_o these_o mighty_a work_n themselves_o but_o believe_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o be_v confirm_v in_o their_o faith_n by_o a_o universal_a concurrence_n of_o all_o person_n their_o curiosity_n or_o concern_v dispose_v they_o to_o inquire_v of_o for_o as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n all_o kind_n of_o people_n believe_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o those_o who_o reverence_v his_o person_n and_o character_n and_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n but_o even_o those_o who_o despise_v he_o and_o set_v he_o at_o nought_o and_o reject_v his_o gospel_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o be_v the_o most_o powerful_a and_o most_o zealous_a enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n acknowledge_v his_o miracle_n but_o attribute_v they_o to_o evil_a spirit_n some_o of_o the_o pharisee_n can_v not_o deny_v his_o wonderful_a cure_n of_o a_o blind_a man_n but_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o he_o be_v of_o god_n because_o he_o keep_v not_o the_o sabbath-day_n though_o other_o of_o they_o say_v how_o can_v a_o man_n that_o be_v a_o sinner_n do_v such_o miracle_n none_o of_o the_o jew_n upon_o the_o strict_a examination_n be_v able_a to_o disprove_v this_o or_o any_o other_o of_o his_o miracle_n but_o notwithstanding_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v in_o christ_n or_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n because_o they_o be_v moses_n disciple_n and_o they_o know_v that_o god_n speak_v unto_o moses_n but_o as_o for_o that_o fellow_n who_o cure_v the_o blind_a man_n they_o know_v not_o from_o whence_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a priest_n and_o elder_n never_o doubt_v of_o the_o mighty_a work_v do_v by_o he_o but_o only_o question_v his_o authority_n in_o do_v
prediction_n be_v fulfil_v and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o true_a prophecy_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o know_v that_o jerusalem_n be_v destroy_v and_o the_o jewish_a people_n drive_v out_o of_o their_o country_n whatever_o way_n this_o come_v about_o but_o to_o know_v that_o such_o a_o man_n be_v well_o or_o such_o another_o alive_a or_o that_o the_o one_o have_v be_v sick_a and_o the_o other_o to_o all_o appearance_n dead_a be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o convince_v a_o man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n in_o either_o case_n and_o a_o person_n who_o do_v not_o see_v the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n in_o which_o each_o of_o these_o fact_n be_v do_v can_v receive_v no_o assurance_n of_o they_o afterward_o but_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o because_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a remain_n and_o footstep_n of_o the_o miracle_n leave_v after_o the_o action_n be_v over_o whereas_o in_o the_o other_o instance_n of_o prophecy_n the_o event_n be_v constant_o the_o same_o it_o be_v at_o first_o and_o equal_o convince_a at_o all_o time_n to_o every_o one_o that_o will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o satisfy_v himself_o and_o further_o if_o a_o considerable_a time_n intervene_v between_o the_o prediction_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n and_o the_o record_n of_o the_o prediction_n be_v very_o public_a before_o the_o thing_n happen_v the_o person_n who_o live_v after_o the_o accomplishment_n and_o so_o be_v immediate_a witness_n of_o neither_o part_n of_o the_o prophecy_n may_v be_v more_o easy_o and_o full_o satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o particular_a prophecy_n than_o of_o a_o particular_a miracle_n they_o be_v not_o witness_n of_o themselves_o because_o both_o the_o prediction_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n be_v common_a fact_n consider_v in_o themselves_o without_o any_o relation_n to_o one_o another_o be_v less_o liable_a to_o suspicion_n than_o unusual_a event_n of_o a_o more_o surprise_a nature_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o latter_a fact_n be_v often_o certain_o cognizable_a at_o any_o time_n of_o inquiry_n there_o be_v so_o much_o time_n suppose_v between_o this_o accomplishment_n and_o the_o former_a prediction_n that_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o find_v out_o whether_o that_o real_o happen_v out_o before_o this_o which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v require_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o whole_a prophecy_n the_o extraordinary_a nature_n of_o which_o arise_v from_o the_o comparison_n of_o both_o together_o in_o order_n to_o know_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o connexion_n and_o not_o from_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o fact_n themselves_o several_o consider_v as_o it_o do_v in_o miracle_n where_o the_o fact_n themselves_o be_v wonderful_a without_o any_o consideration_n of_o the_o cause_n or_o occasion_n of_o they_o thus_o be_v the_o first_o christian_n miracle_n and_o prophecy_n relate_v and_o attest_v these_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v believe_v and_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o the_o evidence_n that_o be_v bring_v for_o they_o which_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v illustrate_v and_o confirm_v by_o a_o vast_a variety_n of_o particular_a observation_n but_o my_o intend_a method_n not_o allow_v i_o to_o make_v such_o inlargment_n i_o shall_v conclude_v the_o proof_n i_o be_v upon_o with_o this_o general_n reflection_n from_o the_o account_n that_o be_v give_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n there_o record_v and_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o convert_v people_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o plain_o appear_v that_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a motive_n upon_o which_o any_o person_n believe_v in_o christ_n and_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n be_v some_o miracle_n they_o themselves_o be_v actual_a witness_n of_o for_o miracle_n be_v then_o so_o common_a every_o where_n that_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o christian_n even_o among_o the_o gentile_a convert_v for_o above_o threescore_o year_n after_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o christ_n but_o be_v himself_o a_o witness_n of_o some_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o other_o so_o that_o though_o they_o may_v be_v further_o confirm_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o what_o be_v teach_v they_o by_o the_o character_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o testimony_n of_o jewish_a christian_n who_o upon_o the_o several_a persecution_n in_o jerusalem_n and_o all_o judea_n be_v scatter_v and_o disperse_v among_o the_o gentile_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o prophecy_n write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o they_o know_v to_o have_v be_v write_v before_o the_o event_n happen_v yet_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a ground_n of_o their_o assent_n to_o the_o miracle_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v some_o miraculous_a power_n they_o have_v themselves_o be_v witness_n of_o when_o therefore_o we_o consider_v the_o vast_a number_n of_o convert_v that_o be_v make_v to_o christianity_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o consequent_o the_o vast_a multitude_n of_o seem_a miracle_n that_o must_v have_v be_v continual_o wrought_v for_o their_o conversion_n in_o all_o place_n together_o with_o the_o steady_a and_o invincible_a perseverance_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o faith_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o variety_n of_o suffering_n they_o endure_v for_o believe_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o imagine_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o whole_a age_n of_o delusion_n and_o deceit_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o long_a continue_a train_n and_o series_n of_o mere_a empty_a appearance_n without_o any_o reality_n under_o they_o which_o produce_v such_o real_a effect_n as_o remain_v till_o this_o day_n and_o effect_n of_o such_o a_o extraordinory_n nature_n as_o in_o a_o very_a short_a time_n give_v a_o new_a turn_n to_o the_o whole_a scheme_n of_o affair_n in_o the_o most_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o world_n since_o therefore_o all_o the_o common_a matter_n of_o fact_n mention_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o we_o find_v it_o deliver_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v true_a as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o and_o consequent_o that_o among_o the_o rest_n that_o the_o miracle_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v believe_v according_a to_o the_o relation_n there_o give_v of_o they_o it_o necessary_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o there_o be_v such_o fact_n as_o those_o in_o appearance_n at_o least_o otherwise_o there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o ground_n for_o believe_v they_o in_o that_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v believe_v and_o if_o there_o be_v all_o those_o appearance_n of_o something_o do_v i_o shall_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v for_o the_o reason_n just_a before_o give_v that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o true_a real_a fact_n and_o if_o the_o miracle_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v real_a the_o prophecy_n must_v be_v so_o too_o as_o be_v free_a from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o wrong_a appearance_n 3._o the_o next_o step_n i_o be_o to_o make_v in_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a history_n be_v to_o show_v that_o what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n concern_v divine_a assistance_n and_o revelation_n be_v true_a now_o it_o be_v frequent_o and_o positive_o assert_v there_o not_o only_o that_o such_o and_o such_o sign_n and_o wonder_n be_v wrought_v such_o prophecy_n utter_v and_o fulfil_v and_o such_o doctrine_n preach_v but_o that_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v perform_v by_o the_o immediate_a power_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n this_o be_v every_o where_o acknowledge_v and_o insist_v upon_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o all_o that_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o work_n and_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n what_o they_o constant_o affirm_v of_o themselves_o be_v that_o they_o be_v send_v from_o god_n that_o they_o be_v authorize_v and_o ordain_v by_o god_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n that_o they_o be_v do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v and_o preach_v come_v from_o god_n that_o they_o have_v it_o by_o revelation_n that_o god_n show_v they_o thing_n to_o come_v that_o they_o speak_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o the_o power_n they_o have_v be_v from_o god_n and_o that_o god_n be_v with_o they_o continual_o assist_v they_o and_o reveal_v himself_o to_o they_o whether_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v real_o so_o as_o they_o affirm_v we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n of_o know_v but_o these_o two_o their_o own_o testimony_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n say_v and_o do_v by_o they_o as_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o declare_v all_o these_o wonderful_a thing_n of_o themselves_o their_o condition_n character_n and_o suffering_n have_v be_v consider_v already_o and_o find_v to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n to_o secure_v we_o from_o any_o fear_n or_o suspicion_n of_o
to_o resvery_n and_o enthusiasm_n which_o must_v be_v the_o case_n if_o that_o persuasion_n be_v ill_o ground_v be_v much_o more_o unintelligible_a since_o as_o have_v be_v prove_v before_o these_o effect_n be_v such_o as_o exceed_v the_o most_o improve_a force_n and_o most_o accomplish_a wisdom_n of_o man._n it_o be_v certain_a then_o from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v that_o the_o miracle_n prophecy_n and_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v not_o be_v the_o work_n and_o contrivance_n of_o mere_a man._n in_o the_o next_o place_n therefore_o i_o be_o to_o prove_v that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o all_o that_o god_n may_v if_o he_o please_v reveal_v such_o thing_n to_o man_n by_o secret_a impression_n upon_o their_o mind_n as_o they_o do_v not_o know_v before_o and_o can_v not_o have_v find_v out_o of_o themselves_o have_v be_v prove_v already_o and_o therefore_o all_o the_o prophecy_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n all_o the_o doctrine_n which_o peculiar_o concern_v christianity_n the_o consciousness_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v that_o they_o can_v do_v such_o miracle_n as_o be_v record_v of_o they_o or_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n that_o they_o will_v be_v do_v upon_o their_o use_n of_o such_o external_a sign_n and_o several_a of_o the_o miracle_n themselves_o such_o as_o tell_v the_o private_a thought_n and_o action_n of_o man_n speak_v strange_a language_n and_o the_o like_a may_v all_o be_v account_v for_o this_o way_n and_o whoever_o believe_v a_o god_n must_v likewise_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o he_o to_o effect_v all_o the_o other_o miracle_n either_o by_o a_o original_a designation_n of_o such_o a_o chain_n and_o connexion_n of_o event_n or_o by_o a_o immediate_a interposition_n of_o his_o power_n that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o very_o likely_a and_o probable_a that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n in_o this_o manner_n appear_v from_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o man_n in_o all_o age_n that_o he_o have_v reveal_v something_o to_o the_o world_n and_o their_o common_a expectation_n that_o he_o will_v manifest_v his_o will_n to_o they_o in_o further_a discovery_n in_o all_o the_o account_n of_o past_a thing_n we_o have_v leave_v we_o we_o find_v that_o every_o where_o what_o be_v great_a or_o good_a be_v always_o ascribe_v to_o some_o divine_a power_n not_o to_o mention_v the_o jew_n who_o opinion_n in_o this_o respect_n be_v sufficient_o know_v and_o allow_v if_o any_o thing_n useful_a or_o beneficial_a to_o mankind_n be_v invent_v among_o the_o heathen_n the_o god_n have_v the_o praise_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o discovery_n if_o by_o dream_n or_o wake_a suggestion_n man_n be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o procure_v themselves_o some_o advantage_n or_o avoid_v some_o evil_n the_o god_n be_v thank_v for_o it_o many_o also_o be_v the_o absurd_a and_o the_o superstitious_a opinion_n of_o the_o people_n concern_v the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o god_n discover_v thing_n to_o they_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o external_a sign_n but_o this_o they_o be_v all_o most_o constant_o and_o unanimous_o satisfy_v of_o that_o their_o religion_n come_v immediate_o from_o heaven_n and_o what_o we_o call_v prophecy_n and_o miracle_n be_v always_o esteem_v proper_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o divine_a power_n especial_o if_o they_o any_o way_n contribute_v to_o the_o happiness_n and_o welfare_n of_o mankind_n this_o have_v be_v the_o constant_a faith_n of_o the_o world_n at_o all_o time_n and_o so_o far_o as_o it_o concern_v divine_a revelation_n in_o general_n and_o the_o way_n of_o convey_v and_o confirm_v it_o by_o inward_a impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n and_o by_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n i_o think_v be_v very_o well_o ground_v for_o first_o that_o there_o have_v be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o revelation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o there_o have_v be_v true_a prophecy_n utter_v and_o true_a miracle_n wrought_v to_o confirm_v it_o seem_v to_o i_o very_o plain_a for_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o that_o common_a but_o very_o true_a observation_n that_o all_o pretence_n of_o this_o nature_n must_v be_v found_v upon_o reality_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v how_o revelation_n prophecy_n or_o miracle_n shall_v ever_o have_v be_v pretend_v to_o or_o believe_v if_o there_o never_o have_v be_v any_o true_a one_o of_o each_o kind_n omit_v i_o say_v this_o reflection_n it_o appear_v very_o unaccountable_a to_o i_o upon_o a_o supposition_n that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o revelation_n how_o there_o can_v be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o religion_n civil_a government_n or_o learn_v in_o the_o world_n learn_v certain_o depend_v upon_o government_n when_o man_n be_v not_o unite_v together_o in_o society_n and_o live_v secure_o under_o good_a law_n and_o defence_n no_o improvement_n of_o knowledge_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v and_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o such_o a_o union_n shall_v be_v make_v without_o a_o good_a share_n of_o religious_a notion_n nor_o how_o a_o loose_a divide_a herd_n of_o man_n such_o as_o we_o must_v now_o suppose_v live_v in_o a_o state_n of_o want_n and_o ignorance_n who_o be_v whole_o employ_v in_o provide_v themselves_o necessary_n and_o secure_v what_o they_o have_v from_o other_o and_o consequent_o who_o have_v but_o few_o idea_n and_o no_o leisure_n or_o curiosity_n to_o get_v more_o how_o i_o say_v such_o man_n as_o these_o shall_v be_v furnish_v with_o any_o notion_n of_o religion_n or_o how_o they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o form_v a_o regular_a government_n and_o constitution_n without_o i_o can_v possible_o imagine_v the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o american_n be_v a_o instance_n which_o confirm_v i_o in_o the_o opinion_n i_o have_v lay_v down_o for_o i_o can_v help_v believe_v that_o if_o this_o people_n shall_v always_o continue_v divide_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o have_v no_o commerce_n with_o other_o man_n nor_o any_o revelation_n from_o god_n they_o will_v constant_o as_o long_o as_o the_o world_n shall_v endure_v remain_v in_o the_o same_o stupid_a ignorant_a condition_n we_o now_o find_v they_o in_o or_o if_o possible_a worse_o without_o any_o further_a improvement_n in_o religion_n policy_n or_o learning_n this_o seem_v to_o i_o much_o more_o probable_a than_o that_o any_o polite_a learned_a and_o well-governed_a nation_n which_o once_o live_v under_o the_o advantage_n of_o wise_a law_n and_o a_o rational_a religion_n shall_v in_o some_o few_o age_n become_v as_o rude_a barbarous_a and_o ignorant_a as_o the_o present_a american_n and_o yet_o this_o have_v be_v almost_o the_o fate_n of_o many_o a_o country_n and_o will_v have_v be_v quite_o if_o they_o have_v be_v deprive_v of_o the_o assistance_n of_o better_a and_o more_o enlighten_v neighbour_n as_o the_o poor_a american_n be_v and_o in_o general_a from_o many_o observation_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o man_n be_v natural_o so_o apt_a to_o degenerate_v and_o fall_v into_o a_o state_n of_o ignorance_n confusion_n and_o wildness_n even_o till_o they_o become_v like_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v that_o all_o remain_v of_o natural_a religion_n seem_v pure_o owe_v to_o tradition_n and_o not_o to_o study_v and_o search_v and_o if_o so_o that_o tradition_n must_v have_v have_v its_o original_a from_o revelation_n the_o former_a set_v of_o man_n be_v as_o unlikely_a to_o find_v out_o and_o cultivate_v religion_n of_o themselves_o as_o the_o present_a so_o much_o be_v visible_o owe_v to_o revelation_n that_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a pretence_n there_o have_v hardly_o be_v now_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n if_o we_o may_v judge_v what_o will_v have_v be_v in_o other_o place_n by_o what_o we_o find_v actual_o be_v in_o those_o country_n where_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a revelation_n be_v ever_o hear_v of_o or_o be_v now_o forget_v nay_o those_o obscure_a notice_n of_o religion_n we_o find_v among_o the_o ancient_n and_o modern_a pagan_n be_v most_o of_o they_o plain_o derive_v from_o something_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o as_o from_o these_o observation_n concern_v the_o general_a opinion_n of_o mankind_n about_o revelation_n and_o the_o different_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o humane_a affair_n where_o revelation_n be_v suppose_v and_o where_o none_o be_v pretend_v to_o it_o appear_v very_o probable_a that_o there_o have_v be_v such_o a_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n so_o likewise_o do_v it_o seem_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a notion_n our_o most_o improve_a reason_n be_v now_o able_a to_o form_v concern_v god_n and_o ourselves_o and_o the_o obligation_n we_o owe_v to_o he_o that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v himself_o to_o we_o we_o can_v but_o think_v however_o we_o
insist_v upon_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v utter_o inconceivable_a that_o the_o suppose_a author_n and_o contriver_n of_o that_o book_n can_v have_v imagine_v that_o such_o a_o scheme_n of_o thing_n as_o we_o there_o find_v deliver_v shall_v ever_o come_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o world_n and_o without_o such_o a_o thought_n and_o persuasion_n of_o this_o in_o the_o author_n we_o can_v never_o account_v for_o either_o the_o first_o contrivance_n or_o publication_n of_o it_o whatever_o it_o be_v that_o determine_v he_o to_o frame_v the_o christian_a scheme_n whatever_o end_v he_o propose_v to_o himself_o from_o his_o labour_n and_o skill_n in_o make_v it_o he_o must_v certain_o design_n that_o the_o whole_a fiction_n shall_v be_v believe_v by_o those_o it_o be_v communicate_v to_o otherwise_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o compass_v the_o end_n he_o aim_v at_o if_o therefore_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o first_o author_n and_o publisher_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v design_n and_o intend_v to_o have_v it_o believe_v and_o if_o he_o be_v a_o wise_a understanding_n man_n of_o great_a reach_n and_o sagacity_n as_o the_o enemy_n of_o his_o religion_n allow_v and_o be_v very_o evident_a from_o that_o rational_a draught_n of_o morality_n the_o world_n be_v oblige_v to_o he_o for_o then_o do_v it_o plain_o follow_v that_o christianity_n be_v no_o imposture_n and_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o forge_v and_o invent_v for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o a_o wise_a man_n to_o think_v that_o such_o a_o multitude_n of_o strange_a unheard_a of_o fact_n as_o be_v record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o make_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n shall_v be_v believe_v without_o any_o manner_n of_o proof_n or_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o but_o if_o he_o do_v not_o distrust_v the_o credibility_n of_o the_o fact_n themselves_o what_o can_v induce_v he_o to_o give_v such_o a_o particular_a circumstantial_a relation_n of_o they_o as_o submit_v they_o to_o every_o body_n enquiry_n and_o examination_n and_o make_v the_o discovery_n of_o their_o falsehood_n easy_a and_o obvious_a how_o can_v he_o persuade_v himself_o that_o such_o new_a and_o difficult_a doctrine_n shall_v be_v entertain_v which_o no_o former_a notion_n of_o learning_n or_o religion_n prepare_v man_n to_o receive_v and_o which_o no_o discovery_n or_o revelation_n can_v make_v they_o full_o comprehend_v and_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o imagine_v that_o such_o doctrine_n and_o fact_n as_o these_o shall_v set_v off_o and_o recommend_v his_o morality_n to_o the_o world_n which_o consider_v by_o itself_o be_v grant_v to_o be_v unexceptionable_a have_v the_o principal_a aim_n and_o design_n of_o this_o suppose_a impostor_n be_v to_o establish_v the_o christian_a morality_n he_o will_v rather_o have_v publish_v it_o alone_o in_o the_o name_n of_o some_o admire_a prince_n or_o philosopher_n or_o have_v pretend_v by_o some_o secret_a way_n of_o conveyance_n to_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o heaven_n this_o any_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n will_v have_v judge_v a_o likely_a method_n of_o get_v it_o believe_v than_o the_o mix_n and_o blending_a so_o many_o strange_a fact_n and_o doctrine_n among_o it_o and_o lay_v the_o whole_a work_n upon_o such_o a_o foundation_n as_o he_o know_v have_v no_o manner_n of_o support_n from_o reality_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n have_v it_o be_v his_o chief_a intention_n to_o abuse_v the_o credulity_n of_o mankind_n by_o make_v they_o believe_v so_o many_o strange_a and_o unaccountable_a lie_n as_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o history_n and_o peculiar_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n if_o they_o be_v all_o false_a he_o will_v have_v take_v care_n to_o have_v make_v his_o morality_n more_o easy_a and_o palatable_a and_o more_o suit_v to_o the_o common_a prejudices_fw-la and_o inclination_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n that_o so_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o scheme_n may_v have_v be_v take_v down_o ready_o and_o without_o examination_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o but_o take_v the_o christian_a religion_n altogether_o as_o we_o now_o find_v it_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o a_o wise_a man_n shall_v believe_v he_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v people_n over_o to_o embrace_v it_o suppose_v it_o pure_o a_o invention_n of_o his_o own_o which_o he_o know_v have_v no_o foundation_n in_o true_a fact_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o end_n or_o motive_n sufficient_a to_o influence_n he_o to_o contrive_v what_o he_o can_v not_o believe_v will_v ever_o be_v receive_v so_o far_o as_o to_o answer_v any_o end_n propose_v but_o suppose_v it_o possible_a that_o there_o shall_v have_v be_v some_o man_n who_o be_v wise_a enough_o to_o invent_v the_o whole_a christian_a scheme_n as_o we_o now_o find_v it_o in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o who_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n so_o absurd_o foolish_a as_o to_o think_v it_o will_v be_v believe_v so_o far_o as_o to_o recompense_v he_o for_o the_o pain_n of_o make_v and_o the_o hazard_n of_o publish_v it_o suppose_v i_o say_v all_o this_o which_o to_o i_o be_v perfect_o unconceivable_a yet_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v not_o be_v forge_v because_o 2._o if_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n both_o common_a and_o extraordinary_a have_v not_o be_v true_a it_o will_v have_v be_v utter_o impossible_a that_o the_o christian_a religion_n shall_v ever_o have_v be_v believe_v and_o propagate_v in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o manner_n we_o find_v it_o be_v at_o present_a which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v in_o the_o follow_a method_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n such_o as_o we_o find_v deliver_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v at_o present_a own_a and_o profess_v in_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o wherever_o this_o religion_n be_v profess_v those_o book_n be_v appeal_v to_o as_o the_o rule_n and_o standard_n of_o it_o as_o to_o every_o thing_n therein_o contain_v be_v truth_n i_o shall_v take_v for_o grant_v it_o be_v likewise_o as_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o there_o be_v no_o such_o book_n or_o religion_n know_v or_o hear_v of_o the_o inquiry_n than_o will_v be_v when_o and_o how_o the_o christian_a religion_n come_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n in_o answer_n to_o which_o it_o must_v be_v allow_v that_o either_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v first_o and_o the_o christian_a religion_n propagate_v from_o they_o or_o the_o doctrine_n therein_o contain_v be_v spread_v first_o by_o preach_v and_o conversation_n and_o afterward_o commit_v to_o write_v but_o which_o soever_o of_o these_o supposition_n we_o take_v the_o publication_n of_o the_o christian_a history_n and_o the_o doctrine_n build_v upon_o it_o can_v possible_o be_v place_v above_o the_o time_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n because_o there_o be_v abundance_n of_o name_n and_o other_o circumstance_n allow_v to_o be_v true_a which_o can_v not_o be_v know_v before_o without_o a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n which_o imposture_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o in_o the_o account_n the_o new_a testament_n give_v of_o this_o matter_n the_o first_o scene_n of_o the_o imposture_n if_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v account_v such_o be_v lay_v at_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o time_n of_o tiberius_n cesar_n and_o consequent_o the_o period_n fix_v upon_o for_o first_o acquaint_v the_o world_n with_o what_o be_v pretend_v to_o have_v happen_v then_o at_o jerusalem_n must_v be_v at_o or_o near_o that_o time_n or_o at_o some_o distance_n since_o let_v we_o consider_v this_o great_a event_n in_o all_o these_o different_a period_n and_o see_v what_o the_o success_n will_v be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n then_o let_v we_o suppose_v the_o christian_a religion_n invent_v and_o publish_v at_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o tiberius_n cesar_n it_o be_v plain_a the_o way_n of_o propagate_a the_o belief_n of_o it_o must_v have_v be_v by_o write_v or_o preach_v if_o the_o work_n be_v begin_v by_o write_v it_o must_v be_v by_o some_o of_o the_o gospel_n none_o of_o the_o other_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v then_o write_v without_o prophecy_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v by_o one_o or_o more_o of_o the_o gospel_n or_o by_o preach_v the_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a such_o a_o scheme_n of_o falsehood_n shall_v be_v believe_v by_o those_o who_o by_o a_o infallible_a consciousness_n must_v know_v it_o to_o be_v so_o or_o be_v spread_v propagate_v and_o defend_v by_o those_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o themselves_o in_o place_n
and_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o concern_v they_o yet_o be_v the_o account_n they_o give_v we_o of_o such_o a_o nature_n and_o write_v at_o such_o time_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v ever_o have_v be_v believe_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v true_a from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o history_n of_o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v true_a and_o the_o doctrine_n they_o contain_v give_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n though_o the_o person_n that_o record_v the_o wonderful_a work_n and_o revelation_n of_o god_n be_v not_o divine_o assist_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n in_o the_o write_n as_o they_o themselves_o or_o other_o they_o write_v of_o be_v in_o the_o first_o preach_v and_o publish_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o to_o the_o remain_a objection_n to_o scripture_n viz._n ridiculous_a and_o improbable_a story_n absurd_a law_n and_o injunction_n impertinent_a reason_n and_o argument_n low_a and_o unartful_a expression_n all_o those_o will_v admit_v of_o one_o common_a answer_n and_o be_v easy_o and_o just_o accountable_a for_o from_o our_o ignorance_n of_o the_o language_n in_o which_o the_o scripture_n and_o especial_o those_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v write_v ancient_a custom_n and_o usage_n in_o speak_v and_o act_v and_o the_o temper_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o people_n where_o the_o thing_n be_v say_v and_o do_v the_o wisdom_n of_o all_o law_n and_o institution_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o the_o temper_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o person_n for_o who_o they_o be_v make_v particular_o at_o the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v make_v the_o eloquence_n and_o propriety_n at_o all_o discourse_n and_o the_o force_n and_o weight_n of_o argument_n depend_v likewise_o upon_o the_o character_n of_o the_o person_n the_o discourse_n be_v direct_v to_o or_o intend_v for_o and_o their_o peculiar_a disposition_n and_o circumstance_n at_o such_o and_o such_o time_n ridiculous_a and_o absurd_a be_v arbitrary_a and_o relative_a term_n and_o vary_v according_a to_o the_o different_a notion_n of_o the_o person_n that_o use_v they_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n which_o to_o some_o appear_v absurd_a and_o ludicrous_a which_o consider_v by_o other_o in_o different_a circumstance_n appear_v proper_a and_o grave_a from_o these_o consideration_n may_v all_o the_o particular_a thing_n object_v under_o the_o forementioned_a head_n be_v answer_v as_o a_o great_a many_o of_o they_o have_v be_v already_o be_v we_o thorough_o instruct_v in_o those_o matter_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o make_v any_o judgement_n upon_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n which_o at_o this_o distance_n from_o the_o first_o delivery_n of_o they_o be_v in_o several_a case_n impossible_a but_o in_o defect_n of_o such_o information_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o give_v a_o clear_a and_o particular_a account_n of_o all_o the_o passage_n of_o scripture_n except_v against_o by_o profane_a and_o cavil_v man_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o say_v in_o general_n what_o have_v be_v before_o unanswerable_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o holy_a write_n upon_o which_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o religion_n therein_o contain_v be_v found_v be_v beyond_o all_o exception_n true_a for_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o will_v bear_v down_o and_o over-rule_v all_o other_o seem_a difficulty_n that_o occur_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o manifest_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o our_o knowledge_n upon_o which_o all_o our_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n be_v ground_v there_o be_v several_a relation_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o most_o approve_a book_n which_o i_o shall_v not_o believe_v so_o ready_o if_o they_o be_v not_o support_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o rest_n but_o when_o i_o have_v unquestionable_a proof_n of_o the_o veracity_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o writer_n in_o some_o thing_n i_o can_v easy_o believe_v other_o thing_n which_o he_o say_v must_v be_v true_a and_o wise_a though_o they_o seem_v to_o i_o foolish_a and_o untrue_a and_o therefore_o when_o i_o be_o certain_o convince_v it_o be_v god_n that_o speak_v by_o infallible_a sign_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o discourse_n appear_v to_o i_o worthy_a of_o god_n i_o can_v doubt_v but_o all_o the_o rest_n must_v proceed_v from_o god_n and_o be_v worthy_a of_o he_o though_o it_o will_v not_o appear_v so_o without_o this_o support_n have_v the_o bible_n come_v down_o to_o we_o with_o all_o the_o exceptionable_a story_n and_o expression_n put_v together_o without_o the_o other_o part_n of_o it_o i_o can_v not_o have_v perceive_v it_o belong_v to_o god_n without_o many_o wonderful_a sign_n to_o confirm_v it_o and_o i_o shall_v have_v be_v very_o distrustful_a of_o the_o sign_n but_o when_o i_o be_o thorough_o convince_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o testimony_n nothing_o but_o a_o downright_a contradiction_n will_v shock_v my_o belief_n do_v twelve_o man_n of_o know_a integrity_n to_o i_o affirm_v they_o hear_v a_o ass_n or_o serpent_n speak_v or_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v record_v in_o scriture_n i_o shall_v believe_v they_o without_o any_o manner_n of_o scruple_n or_o hesitation_n and_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o importance_n of_o what_o be_v say_v i_o shall_v judge_v it_o proceed_v either_o from_o the_o secret_a force_n of_o nature_n or_o from_o evil_a spirit_n or_o from_o god_n if_o therefore_o we_o be_v satisfy_v by_o undeniable_a argument_n that_o the_o substance_n and_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o scripture-history_n be_v true_a and_o consequent_o that_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o questionable_a place_n of_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o such_o a_o solution_n as_o be_v very_o consistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o design_n of_o god_n and_o with_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o reason_n though_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o give_v it_o and_o indeed_o such_o answer_n have_v be_v already_o make_v to_o several_a thing_n which_o seem_v most_o liable_a to_o exception_n that_o it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o conceive_v how_o those_o that_o be_v yet_o unanswered_a may_v be_v solve_v be_v we_o furnish_v with_o all_o the_o knowledge_n requisite_a for_o such_o a_o performance_n but_o it_o have_v not_o please_v god_n to_o give_v we_o such_o light_n and_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v repugnant_a to_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o deny_v it_o we_o and_o therefore_o the_o difficulty_n of_o scripture_n as_o well_o as_o those_o of_o natural_a providence_n may_v be_v a_o proper_a exercise_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o be_v a_o very_a unjust_a and_o unwarrantable_a ground_n of_o infidelity_n since_o in_o both_o he_o have_v vouchsase_v we_o such_o plain_a and_o certain_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o as_o can_v be_v darken_v by_o all_o that_o infinite_a abyss_n of_o knowledge_n which_o be_v veil_v and_o conceal_v from_o we_o i_o shall_v not_o therefore_o concern_v myself_o any_o further_a to_o give_v a_o particular_a answer_n to_o the_o many_o minute_n objection_n that_o be_v make_v to_o scripture_n because_o if_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n depend_v upon_o the_o force_n or_o invalidity_n of_o these_o objection_n in_o order_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o write_n every_o one_o of_o they_o must_v be_v distinct_o and_o satisfactory_o answer_v and_o that_o be_v plain_o impossible_a by_o reason_n that_o they_o can_v all_o receive_v their_o proper_a solution_n without_o a_o through_o insight_n into_o the_o whole_a compass_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n which_o no_o man_n or_o generation_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o without_o such_o a_o penetration_n into_o the_o way_n and_o design_n of_o god_n as_o be_v not_o attainable_a but_o by_o revelation_n but_o if_o it_o be_v urge_v that_o there_o be_v some_o particular_a objection_n which_o do_v of_o themselves_o without_o the_o assistance_n of_o any_o other_o argument_n overthrow_v the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n these_o have_v be_v never_o yet_o allege_v it_o be_v time_n enough_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o they_o when_o the_o whole_a cause_n be_v put_v upon_o that_o issue_n but_o beside_o all_o this_o a_o particular_a answer_n to_o all_o or_o any_o objection_n be_v a_o needless_a trouble_n because_o the_o proof_n that_o have_v be_v give_v of_o the_o christian_a revelation_n be_v sufficient_a to_o establish_v the_o authority_n of_o it_o notwithstanding_o any_o objection_n that_o can_v be_v make_v to_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v more_o full_o to_o make_v out_o under_o the_o next_o general_n head_n of_o discourse_n iv_o forurthly_n than_o i_o shall_v show_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o such_o a_o proof_n as_o have_v before_o be_v give_v by_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o
in_o the_o new_a testament_n believe_v how_o then_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o any_o body_n shall_v contrive_v and_o publish_v such_o a_o scheme_n as_o this_o and_o how_o come_v any_o body_n to_o believe_v it_o when_o publish_v if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v true_a it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o first_o contriver_n publisher_n and_o believer_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n whoever_o they_o be_v must_v have_v be_v either_o person_n of_o no_o religion_n at_o all_o before_o or_o of_o a_o different_a one_o from_o the_o christian_a they_o must_v have_v be_v either_o good_a man_n or_o ill_a man_n such_o as_o live_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n and_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o contrary_a to_o they_o but_o whichsoever_o of_o these_o character_n we_o suppose_v belong_v to_o the_o first_o christian_n i_o can_v possible_o account_v for_o the_o present_a state_n of_o christianity_n if_o the_o principal_a fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o true_a i_o can_v conceive_v that_o a_o atheist_n or_o a_o wicked_a man_n that_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o different_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o who_o practice_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o christian_a rule_n of_o life_n can_v invent_v such_o a_o scheme_n as_o contradict_v and_o condemn_v all_o his_o former_a opinion_n and_o practice_n or_o will_v have_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o do_v it_o if_o he_o can_v and_o i_o can_v as_o little_o imagine_v that_o there_o be_v any_o person_n before_o the_o appearance_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n who_o can_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o own_o capacity_n without_o any_o divine_a assistance_n find_v out_o such_o a_o noble_a plan_n and_o model_n of_o humane_a life_n as_o that_o contain_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o by_o the_o extraordinary_a force_n and_o goodness_n of_o his_o own_o disposition_n live_v up_o to_o it_o himself_o before_o he_o recommend_v it_o to_o other_o and_o as_o impossible_a be_v it_o to_o suppose_v that_o such_o a_o good_a man_n as_o this_o shall_v throw_v off_o those_o contrary_a sentiment_n and_o impression_n of_o religion_n he_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o for_o be_v false_a and_o ineffectual_a for_o the_o promote_a a_o good_a life_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n forge_v a_o set_a of_o the_o most_o unaccountable_a lie_n that_o be_v ever_o know_v and_o make_v use_n of_o this_o imposture_n to_o enforce_v the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o his_o new_a principle_n which_o be_v plain_o and_o direct_o inconsistent_a with_o such_o method_n but_o can_v we_o suppose_v any_o person_n capable_a of_o frame_v such_o a_o scheme_n as_o the_o 〈…〉_o without_o the_o help_n of_o revelation_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o or_o true_a history_n for_o the_o fact_n it_o be_v build_v upon_o what_o end_v or_o motive_n can_v be_v imagine_v sufficient_a to_o determine_v he_o to_o do_v it_o he_o can_v not_o propose_v any_o profit_n or_o advantage_n to_o himself_o from_o a_o work_n which_o he_o know_v will_v render_v all_o the_o promoter_n of_o it_o liable_a to_o reproach_n trouble_n and_o affliction_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v hard_a and_o grievous_a in_o life_n for_o this_o whoever_o publish_v the_o christian_a religion_n first_o assure_v we_o be_v to_o be_v the_o lot_n and_o portion_n of_o those_o that_o embrace_v it_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n where_o we_o be_v command_v to_o quit_v all_o we_o possess_v to_o renounce_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o world_n to_o expect_v tribulation_n and_o anguish_n ignominy_n and_o death_n and_o to_o suffer_v all_o manner_n of_o persecution_n glad_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o christian_a profession_n how_o can_v a_o man_n that_o make_v this_o a_o part_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o have_v foresight_n enough_o to_o know_v he_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o practise_v it_o himself_o think_v of_o advance_v his_o interest_n in_o the_o world_n by_o such_o a_o invention_n and_o how_o can_v we_o imagine_v any_o uncertain_a doubtful_a prospect_n of_o future_a reputation_n after_o death_n shall_v be_v strong_a enough_o to_o bear_v he_o up_o against_o all_o the_o sure_a and_o sensible_a discouragement_n he_o be_v to_o meet_v with_o while_o he_o live_v as_o this_o can_v well_o be_v imagine_v so_o neither_o be_v it_o probable_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o mere_a pleasure_n of_o deceive_a shall_v put_v a_o man_n upon_o the_o contrivance_n of_o such_o a_o scheme_n as_o be_v very_o unlikely_a to_o take_v very_o hazardous_a to_o the_o impostor_n and_o very_o beneficial_a to_o all_o that_o be_v deceive_v it_o be_v moreover_o very_o unconceivable_a how_o any_o man_n shall_v think_v of_o advance_v the_o present_a interest_n and_o welfare_n of_o mankind_n by_o persuade_v they_o to_o believe_v all_o the_o wonderful_a fact_n and_o extraordinary_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o relation_n to_o it_o and_o how_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o be_v so_o mighty_o for_o their_o happiness_n in_o a_o future_a state_n which_o he_o have_v no_o certainty_n of_o from_o revelation_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n to_o be_v give_v why_o he_o shall_v imagine_v the_o belief_n of_o those_o fact_n and_o doctrine_n necessary_a to_o their_o happiness_n in_o a_o future_a state_n if_o he_o have_v be_v sure_a there_o be_v one_o nor_o why_o he_o shall_v pitch_v upon_o the_o gross_a forgery_n imaginable_a in_o order_n to_o promote_v the_o practice_n of_o such_o virtue_n among_o man_n as_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o mean_n he_o use_v for_o this_o end_n we_o can_v therefore_o account_v for_o the_o contrivance_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o any_o end_n or_o motive_n that_o be_v likely_a to_o put_v a_o man_n upon_o such_o a_o work_n because_o it_o be_v very_o manifest_a from_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o this_o religion_n that_o the_o author_n of_o it_o if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o imposture_n can_v not_o have_v promise_v himself_o any_o kind_n of_o advantage_n from_o his_o undertake_n and_o upon_o further_a enquiry_n and_o examination_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o if_o any_o man_n have_v be_v wise_a enough_o to_o invent_v such_o a_o religion_n and_o foolish_a enough_o to_o have_v have_v some_o certain_a aim_n and_o prospect_n in_o effect_v it_o his_o success_n can_v never_o have_v be_v answerable_a to_o his_o expectation_n for_o how_o can_v such_o a_o religion_n as_o the_o christian_a have_v ever_o obtain_v so_o general_a a_o credit_n in_o the_o world_n as_o we_o find_v it_o now_o have_v if_o it_o have_v be_v pure_o humane_a invention_n the_o morality_n of_o it_o be_v so_o pure_a and_o holy_a so_o contrary_a to_o all_o the_o prevail_a inclination_n and_o interest_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o life_n that_o we_o find_v it_o the_o hard_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n by_o continual_a care_n and_o instruction_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o submit_v to_o it_o who_o have_v be_v accustom_v by_o education_n to_o believe_v it_o reveal_v by_o god_n and_o establish_v upon_o the_o condition_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o misery_n in_o another_o world_n who_o be_v confirm_v in_o that_o belief_n by_o the_o concurrent_a faith_n of_o all_o they_o know_v and_o converse_v with_o and_o who_o be_v leave_v without_o a_o possibility_n of_o disprove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o pretend_a revetion_n if_o it_o have_v be_v at_o first_o a_o imposture_n how_o then_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o the_o christian_a law_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n shall_v have_v be_v so_o easy_o receive_v at_o their_o first_o publication_n so_o wide_o propagate_v afterward_o and_o so_o absolute_o and_o entire_o submit_v to_o that_o they_o shall_v become_v the_o stand_a unalterable_a law_n of_o so_o many_o different_a country_n and_o nation_n as_o do_v now_o profess_v the_o christian_a faith_n how_o i_o say_v can_v this_o have_v ever_o happen_v if_o the_o first_o set_v of_o person_n that_o embrace_v this_o morality_n have_v not_o be_v full_o convince_v that_o it_o have_v be_v express_o reveal_v by_o god_n and_o enjoin_v mankind_n under_o the_o sanction_n of_o eternal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o how_o can_v any_o man_n be_v persuade_v of_o this_o without_o believe_v those_o wonderful_a fact_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o which_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o whole_a revelation_n be_v found_v but_o if_o we_o suppose_v the_o first_o christian_n that_o ever_o be_v believe_v all_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n how_o can_v this_o be_v suppose_v of_o they_o except_o they_o be_v true_a how_o can_v we_o possible_o imagine_v that_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v now_o a_o necessary_a part_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o all_o christian_n shall_v be_v believe_v by_o those_o in_o who_o time_n the_o scheme_n be_v lay_v in_o contradiction_n to_o all_o their_o
ground_n upon_o which_o the_o first_o christian_n believe_v they_o evince_v from_o general_a reflection_n upon_o the_o scripture-account_n of_o they_o p._n 161._o what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n concern_v divin_n assistance_n and_o revelation_n prove_v to_o be_v true_a p._n 183._o the_o miracle_n prophecy_n and_o doctrine_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v all_o the_o matter_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o under_o this_o head_n do_v certain_o proceed_v from_o god_n p._n 185._o the_o person_n themselves_o who_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o immediate_a author_n of_o they_o may_v be_v infallible_o satisfy_v that_o whatever_o of_o this_o kind_n they_o say_v or_o do_v be_v from_o god_n p._n 186._o other_o may_v be_v likewise_o convince_v of_o the_o same_o truth_n by_o a_o certain_a proof_n of_o the_o follow_a point_n viz._n p._n 194._o that_o the_o miracle_n prophecy_n and_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v not_o be_v the_o work_n and_o contrivance_n of_o mere_a men._n p._n 195._o that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o all_o p._n 222._o and_o that_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o ascribe_v these_o thing_n to_o evil_a spirit_n p._n 242._o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a revelation_n deliver_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n prove_v indirect_o by_o show_v the_o absurdity_n of_o a_o contrary_a supposition_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o all_o the_o objection_n raise_v against_o scripture_n and_o revelation_n in_o general_n p._n 245._o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v not_o possible_o be_v forge_v and_o invent_v p._n 250._o because_o there_o be_v no_o end_n or_o design_n imaginable_a sufficient_a to_o have_v determine_v the_o suppose_a author_n of_o this_o work_n to_o have_v undertake_v it_o and_o because_o further_o if_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n both_o common_a and_o extraordinary_a have_v not_o be_v true_a it_o will_v have_v be_v utter_o impossible_a that_o the_o christian_a religion_n shall_v ever_o have_v be_v believe_v and_o propagate_v in_o the_o world_n p._n 264._o the_o principal_a objection_n against_o revelation_n and_o the_o scripture_n answer_v viz._n p._n 272._o that_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v no_o proof_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n p._n 276._o and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o fault_n observable_a in_o the_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n as_o show_v the_o whole_a to_o be_v a_o pure_a humane_a composure_n p._n 288._o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o proof_n before_o give_v of_o the_o christian_a revelation_n full_o and_o undeniable_o make_v out_o p._n 303._o from_o humane_a testimony_n p._n 305._o from_o the_o connexion_n of_o present_a appearance_n with_o former_a p._n 309._o and_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n in_o general_n and_o the_o particular_a fact_n in_o question_n p_o 317._o the_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n further_o make_v good_a by_o show_v that_o they_o be_v as_o just_a and_o conclude_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o any_o other_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v p._n 332._o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o proof_n before_o give_v be_v such_o that_o god_n may_v just_o condemn_v we_o for_o not_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o it_o p._n 349._o because_o we_o believe_v other_o matter_n of_o fact_n upon_o less_o evidence_n and_o ib._n because_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v such_o fact_n have_v those_o appearance_n of_o truth_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v though_o they_o shall_v real_o be_v false_a p._n 352._o finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o tho._n bennet_n the_o life_n of_o all_o the_o prince_n of_o orange_n from_o william_n the_o great_a founder_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o unite_a province_n to_o which_o be_v add_v the_o life_n of_o his_o present_a majesty_n king_n william_n iii_o from_o his_o birth_n to_o his_o land_n in_o england_n by_o mr._n tho._n brown_n together_o with_o all_o the_o prince_n head_n take_v from_o the_o original_a draught_n by_o mr._n robert_n white_a a_o voyage_n to_o the_o world_n of_o des_n certes_o translate_v from_o the_o french_a by_o t._n taylor_n m._n a._n of_o magd._n coll._n oxon._n thirty_o six_o sermon_n upon_o several_a occasion_n in_o three_o vol._n by_o robert_n south_n d._n d._n the_o second_o edition_n the_o certainty_n and_o necessity_n of_o religion_n in_o general_a or_o the_o first_o ground_n and_o principle_n of_o humane_a duty_n establish_v in_o eight_o sermon_n preach_v at_o st._n martin_n in_o the_o field_n at_o the_o lecture_n for_o the_o year_n 1697._o found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o f._n gastrel_n b._n d._n and_o student_n of_o christ_n church_n coll._n oxon._n