the_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a revelation_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v it_o establish_v in_o opposition_n to_o all_o the_o cavil_n and_o insinuation_n of_o such_o as_o pretend_v to_o allow_v natural_a religion_n and_o reject_v the_o gospel_n by_o francis_n gastrell_n b._n d._n and_o student_n of_o christ-church_n oxon._n you_o believe_v in_o god_n believe_v also_o in_o i_o john_n 14._o v._o 1._o london_n print_v for_o thomas_n bennet_n at_o the_o half-moon_n in_o st._n pauls-church-yard_n 1699._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a sir_n john_n holt_n lord_n chief_a justice_n of_o england_n and_o one_o of_o his_o majesty_n most_o honourable_a privy-council_n my_o lord_n the_o design_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n be_v to_o prove_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o most_o unexceptionable_a manner_n i_o can_v i_o be_v resolve_v to_o give_v the_o enemy_n of_o our_o faith_n as_o little_a advantage_n against_o i_o in_o my_o dedication_n as_o in_o my_o proof_n and_o it_o be_v for_o that_o reason_n i_o have_v presume_v to_o offer_v these_o paper_n to_o your_o lordship_n as_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o your_o lordship_n name_n and_o character_n will_v not_o only_o justify_v this_o address_n but_o recommend_v the_o cause_n i_o be_o defend_v for_o to_o who_o can_v a_o advocate_n for_o christianity_n better_o direct_v his_o defence_n than_o to_o a_o serious_a believer_n and_o a_o great_a example_n place_v in_o a_o high_a station_n who_o profound_a knowledge_n of_o law_n and_o government_n have_v full_o convince_v he_o of_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o christian_a institution_n and_o who_o in_o a_o long_a diligent_a and_o impartial_a administration_n of_o justice_n must_v be_v very_o well_o acquaint_v with_o all_o the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o prove_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o nice_o understand_v the_o force_n and_o proportion_n of_o every_o proof_n i_o shall_v not_o take_v upon_o i_o in_o this_o place_n to_o set_v forth_o all_o the_o extraordinary_a qualification_n your_o lordship_n be_v master_n of_o because_o most_o of_o they_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o service_n of_o your_o country_n they_o have_v already_o procure_v you_o the_o just_a return_n of_o gratitude_n and_o esteem_n from_o the_o public_a which_o have_v receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o but_o this_o i_o think_v myself_o more_o particular_o oblige_v to_o mention_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o it_o be_v to_o the_o influence_n of_o that_o holy_a doctrine_n your_o lordship_n owe_v the_o most_o advantageous_a distinction_n in_o your_o character_n what_o other_o account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o that_o firmness_n and_o steadiness_n of_o mind_n which_o your_o lordship_n have_v preserve_v in_o all_o the_o difficult_a and_o try_v circumstance_n that_o different_a turn_v of_o state_n and_o different_a measure_n of_o policy_n have_v engage_v you_o in_o when_o new_a interest_n and_o new_a danger_n arise_v and_o every_o thing_n change_v about_o you_o it_o must_v be_v whole_o owe_v to_o christian_a principle_n that_o your_o lordship_n always_o keep_v your_o ground_n and_o your_o posture_n to_o the_o same_o cause_v it_o must_v be_v ascribe_v that_o your_o lordship_n have_v never_o stain_v your_o public_a character_n with_o private_a immorality_n notion_n of_o honour_n and_o reputation_n may_v preserve_v a_o man_n dignity_n upon_o the_o bench_n but_o it_o be_v only_o a_o just_a and_o awful_a sense_n of_o religion_n that_o can_v make_v he_o reverence_n himself_o at_o home_n and_o in_o a_o corrupt_a age_n where_o impiety_n be_v grow_v fashionable_a and_o have_v quality_n and_o title_n to_o countenance_v it_o it_o be_v no_o small_a sign_n of_o your_o lordship_n regard_n for_o religion_n that_o you_o judge_v it_o for_o your_o honour_n to_o have_v it_o know_v that_o you_o make_v the_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o your_o own_o life_n and_o think_v it_o the_o high_a concern_v of_o all_o humane_a law_n and_o constitution_n to_o support_v their_o authority_n and_o obligation_n for_o all_o these_o reason_n my_o lord_n it_o must_v be_v very_o proper_a for_o any_o person_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o christian_a cause_n to_o address_v his_o endeavour_n to_o your_o lordship_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o beside_o your_o great_a capacity_n to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o the_o proof_n allege_v for_o it_o you_o have_v no_o other_o consideration_n to_o engage_v you_o in_o the_o interest_n of_o christianity_n but_o those_o of_o truth_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n it_o can_v be_v say_v of_o your_o lordship_n that_o the_o credit_n or_o advantage_n of_o your_o profession_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o gospel_n you_o derive_v none_o of_o the_o honour_n and_o greatness_n you_o possess_v from_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o your_o lordship_n example_n be_v a_o very_a good_a argument_n to_o unbeliever_n that_o those_o who_o be_v peculiar_o set_v apart_o for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v not_o carry_v on_o a_o separate_a interest_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n but_o be_v promote_a all_o they_o can_v the_o universal_a good_a of_o mankind_n i_o may_v among_o other_o inducement_n to_o the_o present_a dedication_n reckon_v personal_a favour_n but_o i_o must_v own_v that_o though_o i_o have_v all_o the_o gratitude_n imaginable_a for_o the_o honour_n of_o your_o lordship_n good_a opinion_n and_o kind_a intention_n and_o though_o i_o have_v no_o great_a obligation_n to_o any_o man_n live_v than_o to_o your_o lordship_n yet_o nothing_o of_o that_o nature_n will_v have_v produce_v such_o a_o address_n as_o this_o if_o i_o have_v not_o be_v determine_v by_o more_o public_a consideration_n to_o interest_n your_o lordship_n in_o the_o cause_n i_o have_v undertake_v i_o be_o my_o lord_n your_o lordship_n be_v most_o oblige_v and_o most_o humble_a servant_n francis_z gastrell_n the_o preface_n when_o christianity_n first_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n the_o light_n and_o influence_n of_o it_o be_v so_o strong_a that_o it_o bear_v down_o all_o the_o power_n of_o vice_n and_o falsehood_n and_o make_v one_o of_o the_o worst_a generation_n of_o man_n that_o perhaps_o ever_o live_v since_o the_o flood_n a_o most_o astonish_a example_n of_o the_o great_a virtue_n and_o piety_n that_o humane_a nature_n have_v yet_o reach_v but_o now_o the_o spirit_n of_o wickedness_n seem_v to_o have_v recover_v itself_o and_o to_o threaten_v revenge_n to_o that_o religion_n which_o have_v so_o often_o triumph_v over_o it_o and_o deism_n be_v employ_v by_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o mankind_n to_o do_v what_o atheism_n superstition_n and_o idolatry_n never_o can_v effect_v and_o indeed_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o suffer_v irreligion_n to_o spread_v so_o far_o under_o this_o new_a title_n that_o one_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o imagine_v it_o have_v like_o the_o lie_a spirit_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o time_n of_o ahab_n a_o solemn_a permission_n from_o the_o lord_n to_o go_v forth_o persuade_v and_o prevail_v for_o what_o other_o account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o the_o original_a and_o growth_n of_o such_o a_o delusion_n which_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o foundation_n either_o in_o reason_n or_o fact_n to_o support_v it_o it_o be_v true_a deism_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o more_o defensible_a post_n than_o atheism_n and_o when_o we_o observe_v with_o what_o seem_a calmness_n and_o serenity_n some_o deny_v the_o christian_a religion_n with_o what_o contempt_n they_o treat_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o with_o what_o boldness_n they_o ridicule_n the_o history_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o be_v tempt_v to_o suppose_v that_o these_o man_n must_v certain_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n to_o say_v for_o themselves_o or_o otherwise_o they_o dare_v not_o thus_o despise_v what_o they_o can_v not_o prove_v to_o be_v false_a nor_o bear_v up_o against_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v true_a but_o whoever_o have_v that_o regard_n for_o truth_n and_o happiness_n as_o to_o consider_v the_o pretence_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o examine_v careful_o the_o proof_n it_o stand_v upon_o will_v be_v thorough_o and_o effectual_o convince_v that_o those_o who_o deny_v revelation_n have_v as_o little_a ground_n for_o their_o infidelity_n as_o those_o that_o disclaim_v all_o religion_n and_o that_o the_o confidence_n of_o the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o be_v only_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o desperate_a not_o a_o well-defended_a cause_n for_o if_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v capable_a of_o any_o proof_n if_o we_o can_v have_v any_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v or_o hear_v by_o we_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v as_o sure_a a_o establishment_n as_o any_o other_o part_n of_o our_o knowledge_n which_o do_v not_o confist_n in_o pure_a abstract_n idea_n or_o immediate_a sensation_n this_o upon_o the_o strict_a enquiry_n ay_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
of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o nicene_n father_n and_o most_o of_o they_o by_o all_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o all_o the_o public_a decision_n and_o order_n of_o the_o council_n that_o they_o be_v ground_v upon_o some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n now_o in_o our_o hand_n if_o they_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v write_v before_o that_o time_n and_o that_o they_o be_v eusebius_n one_o of_o the_o bishop_n of_o this_o council_n be_v a_o sufficient_a witness_n who_o in_o a_o history_n he_o have_v leave_v we_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v all_o writ_n and_o the_o author_n they_o be_v write_v by_o which_o be_v another_o very_a good_a argument_n that_o most_o of_o the_o nicene_n bishop_n have_v the_o same_o bible_n for_o eusebius_n be_v not_o only_o present_a among_o and_o converse_v with_o several_a of_o they_o but_o have_v a_o great_a share_n in_o the_o management_n of_o the_o controversy_n they_o come_v to_o decide_v and_o be_v of_o a_o doubtful_a faith_n in_o the_o main_a point_n determine_v by_o they_o or_o as_o some_o suspect_n a_o favourer_n of_o the_o side_n condemn_v must_v have_v have_v occasion_n either_o in_o public_a debate_n or_o private_a conversation_n to_o have_v cite_v most_o of_o the_o book_n he_o acknowledge_v for_o scripture_n and_o have_v any_o doubt_n arisen_a concern_v the_o authority_n of_o they_o such_o a_o considerable_a and_o important_a controversy_n as_o will_v have_v spring_v from_o thence_o will_v have_v produce_v a_o determination_n of_o the_o council_n upon_o it_o or_o to_o be_v sure_a have_v be_v as_o much_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o as_o faithful_o record_v as_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v do_v there_o beside_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o history_n we_o have_v of_o this_o council_n by_o cotemporary_n and_o other_o of_o the_o age_n immediate_o follow_v that_o some_o scripture_n be_v appeal_v to_o their_o authority_n acknowledge_v form_n of_o expression_n draw_v from_o thence_o a_o difficulty_n make_v of_o depart_v from_o scripture-term_n till_o other_o equivalent_a expression_n be_v find_v necessary_a to_o distinguish_v those_o who_o believe_v scripture_n in_o a_o right_a sense_n from_o those_o who_o interpret_v it_o wrong_n and_o therefore_o if_o eusebius_n or_o athanasius_n who_o be_v present_a at_o the_o council_n or_o any_o other_o writer_n cotemporary_a or_o near_o in_o time_n to_o it_o say_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n he_o must_v be_v judge_v to_o mean_v that_o the_o same_o scripture_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o nicene_n council_n which_o he_o himself_o own_v so_o that_o if_o eusebius_n or_o athanasius_n own_a all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o we_o do_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o when_o he_o talk_v of_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o account_n he_o give_v of_o the_o nicene_n council_n he_o must_v mean_v the_o same_o that_o he_o do_v when_o he_o mention_n they_o upon_o any_o other_o occasion_n and_o the_o like_a will_v hold_v of_o other_o writer_n but_o further_a to_o put_v this_o matter_n past_o all_o doubt_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n be_v some_o time_n or_o other_o afterward_o fix_v as_o we_o find_v it_o now_o with_o all_o the_o same_o book_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o we_o have_v at_o present_a the_o occasion_n of_o make_v such_o a_o canon_n be_v because_o it_o be_v doubt_v of_o some_o of_o the_o book_n whether_o they_o be_v the_o genuine_a work_n of_o those_o who_o name_n they_o bear_v and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o whether_o they_o be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o rest_n now_o the_o way_n that_o be_v take_v to_o remove_v all_o objection_n and_o fix_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o scripture_n which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o unalterable_a standard_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v by_o examine_v the_o general_a tradition_n of_o all_o the_o different_a church_n where_o christianity_n be_v profess_v upon_o which_o examination_n when_o it_o be_v certain_o know_v that_o such_o and_o such_o book_n which_o be_v doubt_v of_o by_o some_o because_o they_o have_v be_v but_o late_o receive_v among_o the_o christian_n of_o those_o province_n and_o church_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v have_v be_v constant_o acknowledge_v under_o the_o same_o style_n and_o character_n with_o the_o rest_n by_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o other_o church_n of_o christian_n these_o be_v likewise_o as_o universal_o receive_v as_o the_o other_o and_o their_o authority_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n allow_v the_o consent_n of_o so_o many_o different_a church_n in_o the_o same_o opinion_n concern_v certain_a book_n and_o agreeable_o to_o their_o opinion_n in_o the_o same_o careful_a preservation_n of_o they_o unaltered_a most_o of_o which_o church_n have_v continue_v separate_a and_o independent_a one_o of_o another_o ever_o since_o the_o date_n they_o ascribe_v to_o those_o write_n and_o several_a of_o they_o at_o such_o a_o distance_n as_o to_o have_v have_v no_o communication_n with_o one_o another_o since_o that_o time_n such_o a_o consent_n i_o say_v as_o this_o whensoever_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n be_v first_o determine_v in_o a_o general_a meeting_n be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o establish_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o book_n that_o be_v doubt_v of_o and_z according_o the_o whole_a canon_n we_o now_o have_v be_v afterward_o universal_o acknowledge_v since_o therefore_o we_o find_v that_o all_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v universal_o receive_v some_o time_n after_o the_o nicene_n council_n and_o since_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o canon_n and_o universal_a submission_n to_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o general_a tradition_n so_o faithful_o preserve_v in_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o christian_a church_n that_o all_o other_o christian_n be_v full_o satisfy_v of_o it_o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o nicene_n bishop_n must_v own_v the_o same_o scripture_n we_o do_v now_o because_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v do_v but_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o this_o we_o will_v consider_v only_o those_o scripture_n which_o be_v never_o doubt_v of_o by_o any_o christian_n and_o consequent_o must_v have_v be_v receive_v by_o the_o whole_a council_n of_o nice_a these_o be_v according_a to_o eusebius_n who_o in_o his_o history_n give_v we_o a_o catalogue_n of_o they_o the_o four_o gospel_n act_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o thirteen_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n which_o have_v his_o name_n to_o they_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o peter_n and_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o john_n and_o eusebius_n can_v not_o say_v this_o have_v he_o know_v of_o any_o of_o his_o fellow-bishop_n of_o the_o council_n who_o deny_v either_o the_o authority_n or_o general_a reception_n of_o any_o of_o these_o book_n suppose_v therefore_o that_o these_o be_v the_o only_a scripture_n acknowledge_v by_o all_o the_o nicene_n bishop_n then_o what_o be_v say_v before_o concern_v several_a religious_a custom_n and_o practice_n there_o mention_v will_v hold_v in_o like_a manner_n of_o those_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o such_o or_o such_o a_o particular_a bishop_n that_o be_v present_a at_o this_o council_n may_v himself_o by_o a_o short_a easy_a and_o unquestionable_a way_n of_o conveyance_n be_v assure_v that_o for_o 150_o year_n last_o pass_v the_o same_o scripture_n have_v be_v acknowledge_v as_o well_o as_o the_o same_o religious_a custom_n practise_v in_o that_o church_n and_o province_n from_o whence_o he_o come_v and_o consequent_o that_o the_o main_a scheme_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o it_o have_v be_v all_o that_o time_n the_o same_o now_o if_o we_o apply_v the_o forego_n observation_n to_o all_o the_o several_a bishop_n of_o this_o council_n and_o suppose_v they_o all_o satisfy_v of_o the_o constant_a tradition_n of_o the_o same_o scripture_n &_o custom_n as_o be_v before_o specify_v in_o the_o several_a church_n and_o province_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v as_o the_o history_n of_o these_o time_n relate_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o have_v be_v then_o be_v the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o all_o these_o bishop_n a_o infallible_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o testify_v and_o if_o there_o have_v not_o be_v such_o a_o constant_a tradition_n in_o any_o of_o these_o church_n or_o province_n as_o we_o suppose_v than_o the_o original_a introduction_n or_o intermission_n of_o any_o of_o those_o scripture_n or_o custom_n within_o the_o same_o compass_n of_o time_n will_v have_v be_v in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o manner_n and_o with_o the_o same_o certainty_n know_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o those_o church_n and_o province_n where_o such_o introduction_n or_o intermission_n happen_v and_o what_o be_v first_o introduce_v
tradition_n another_o set_a of_o testimony_n which_o eusebius_n furnish_v we_o with_o in_o behalf_n of_o the_o christian_a tradition_n be_v relic_n building_n and_o other_o such_o like_a monument_n several_a of_o which_o be_v remain_v in_o his_o time_n and_o see_v by_o he_o himself_o such_o be_v christian_a burying-place_n and_o sepulcher_n with_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n upon_o they_o particular_o those_o of_o peter_n and_o paul_n statue_n and_o picture_n particular_o the_o statue_n of_o the_o woman_n cure_v by_o christ_n of_o the_o bloody_a flux_n picture_n of_o christ_n peter_n and_o paul_n in_o colour_n these_o be_v all_o see_v by_o eusebius_n himself_o as_o be_v likewise_o the_o episcopal_a chair_n of_o james_n at_o jerusalem_n several_a christian_a library_n and_o several_a christian_a temple_n before_o they_o be_v pull_v down_o and_o destroy_v by_o the_o order_n of_o dieclesian_n these_o and_o many_o other_o such_o like_a monument_n remain_v in_o eusebius_n time_n whether_o all_o the_o particular_a traditional_a report_n concern_v they_o be_v true_a or_o false_a may_v easy_o be_v perceive_v upon_o view_n or_o divers_a other_o way_n be_v know_v to_o be_v ancient_a and_o whatever_o age_n they_o be_v of_o they_o must_v be_v good_a proof_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o man_n of_o those_o time_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v now_o concern_v to_o prove_v it_o but_o the_o tradition_n of_o christianity_n from_o its_o first_o original_a down_o to_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a with_o all_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v build_v be_v further_a and_o more_o especial_o secure_v to_o we_o and_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o the_o forego_n testimony_n confirm_v by_o book_n and_o write_v record_n vast_a number_n of_o which_o of_o different_a kind_n and_o different_a age_n write_v by_o several_a man_n of_o different_a country_n character_n design_n and_o religious_a persuasion_n be_v extant_a in_o eusebius_n time_n a_o great_a many_o of_o which_o be_v general_o know_v multitude_n of_o copy_n of_o they_o be_v disperse_v throughout_o the_o world_n and_o several_a of_o these_o write_n be_v careful_o preserve_v in_o particular_a place_n and_o either_o never_o communicate_v further_o by_o any_o transcript_n or_o copy_n to_o remain_v there_o to_o be_v see_v in_o their_o primitive_a state_n after_o transcription_n now_o all_o these_o write_n of_o what_o kind_n soever_o they_o be_v who_o authority_n be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o establish_n the_o christian_a faith_n i_o shall_v rank_v under_o certain_a distinct_a head_n in_o order_n to_o show_v what_o sense_n and_o weight_n they_o have_v in_o the_o proof_n of_o what_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o maintain_v the_o several_a book_n and_o write_n then_o to_o be_v consider_v be_v copy_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n viz._n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n public_a act_n and_o record_n belong_v proper_o to_o society_n and_o not_o to_o particular_a author_n genuine_a write_n of_o profess_a christian_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o common_a agreement_n in_o some_o certain_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v style_v orthodox_n book_n write_v by_o heretic_n who_o be_v man_n of_o particular_a opinion_n different_a from_o those_o common_o receive_v by_o other_o christian_n jewish_n and_o pagan_a book_n contain_v such_o thing_n as_o have_v relation_n to_o christianity_n forge_v and_o supposititious_a write_n of_o uncertain_a author_n which_o do_v some_o way_n or_o other_o concern_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o to_o copy_n of_o the_o scripture_n find_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o christian_n in_o eusebius_n time_n i_o have_v these_o thing_n to_o observe_v that_o they_o be_v then_o multiply_v to_o so_o great_a a_o variety_n that_o hardly_o a_o christian_a family_n be_v without_o some_o of_o the_o book_n that_o they_o be_v translate_v into_o several_a different_a language_n that_o in_o those_o country_n where_o the_o translation_n be_v of_o common_a use_n a_o great_a many_o copy_n in_o the_o original_a language_n be_v preserve_v that_o in_o most_o of_o the_o great_a city_n and_o episcopal_a church_n there_o be_v a_o copy_n in_o the_o original_a language_n more_o ancient_a than_o the_o rest_n from_o whence_o the_o other_o copy_n be_v take_v and_o translation_n make_v that_o such_o copy_n as_o these_o may_v not_o only_o by_o tradition_n but_o by_o several_a intrinsic_a mark_n be_v know_v to_o be_v ancient_a and_o their_o age_n pretty_a near_o determine_v that_o upon_o comparison_n there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a agreement_n betwixt_o these_o ancient_a copy_n preserve_v in_o several_a very_o distant_a and_o remote_a church_n that_o such_o care_n have_v be_v take_v in_o transcribe_v and_o translate_n from_o they_o that_o the_o difference_n find_v between_o any_o copy_n either_o of_o the_o original_n or_o translation_n be_v very_o inconsiderable_a that_o all_o christian_n think_v themselves_o concern_v to_o preserve_v the_o jewish_a canon_n of_o scripture_n as_o well_o as_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o therefore_o copy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o the_o original_a tongue_n and_o translation_n of_o it_o into_o several_a vulgar_a language_n be_v multiply_v careful_o transcribe_v and_o keep_v together_o with_o those_o of_o the_o new_a that_o upon_o a_o diligent_a search_n into_o the_o matter_n it_o be_v find_v that_o beside_o those_o copy_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v alike_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o all_o christian_a church_n there_o be_v other_o receive_v in_o some_o church_n and_o by_o a_o constant_a tradition_n then_o vouch_v to_o be_v as_o early_o and_o of_o as_o great_a authority_n as_o the_o rest_n from_o all_o which_o i_o think_v i_o may_v safe_o infer_v that_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v as_o early_o as_o they_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v and_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v its_o original_a in_o judea_n at_o the_o time_n assign_v it_o which_o be_v less_o than_o 300_o year_n before_o eusebius_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o plain_o suppose_v a_o antecedent_n propagation_n and_o establishment_n of_o it_o in_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v write_v some_o time_n after_o the_o first_o publication_n eusebius_n or_o any_o other_o person_n of_o his_o age_n who_o thorough_o examine_v the_o matter_n concern_v the_o copy_n of_o the_o scripture_n then_o receive_v must_v needs_o be_v satisfy_v from_o this_o consideration_n only_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v as_o early_o a_o publication_n in_o the_o world_n as_o be_v now_o ascribe_v to_o they_o and_o consequent_o that_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v somewhat_o early_o and_o the_o same_o then_o as_o it_o be_v in_o these_o book_n represent_v to_o have_v be_v this_o will_v further_o be_v make_v out_o from_o the_o next_o sort_n of_o write_n to_o be_v consider_v viz._n public_a act_n and_o record_n belong_v proper_o to_o society_n and_o not_o to_o particular_a author_n such_o be_v catalogue_n of_o bishop_n decree_n of_o synod_n letter_n from_o church_n and_o society_n of_o man_n general_a record_n of_o remarkable_a matter_n particular_a act_n and_o monument_n of_o martyr_n psalm_n hymn_n creed_n and_o form_n of_o prayer_n the_o most_o famous_a church_n especial_o those_o constitute_v by_o apostle_n keep_v the_o succession_n of_o their_o bishop_n with_o great_a care_n lay_v up_o in_o their_o archive_v record_v their_o name_n and_o day_n of_o their_o death_n in_o a_o pair_n of_o write_v table_n this_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o these_o table_n he_o assure_v we_o he_o diligent_o examine_v and_o he_o be_v very_o exact_a in_o the_o account_n he_o take_v of_o they_o as_o particular_o appear_v from_o what_o he_o say_v concern_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n viz._n that_o he_o find_v from_o old_a record_n fifteen_o bishop_n with_o their_o name_n who_o have_v succeed_v in_o that_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o siege_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o adrian_n be_v time_n but_o can_v not_o find_v preserve_v in_o write_v the_o space_n of_o time_n each_o bishop_n spend_v in_o his_o presidency_n over_o that_o see_n the_o like_a diligence_n and_o exactness_n be_v observable_a in_o the_o account_n he_o give_v of_o the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n in_o several_a other_o church_n most_o of_o their_o name_n be_v set_v down_o and_o the_o time_n of_o their_o several_a succession_n presidency_n and_o death_n punctual_o determine_v and_o reason_n give_v why_o he_o can_v not_o speak_v with_o the_o same_o certainty_n of_o the_o rest_n omit_v there_o be_v likewise_o extant_a in_o his_o time_n a_o great_a many_o canon_n and_o decree_n make_v by_o several_a council_n and_o
over_o all_o christian_n both_o clergy_n and_o laity_n in_o such_o a_o district_n govern_v and_o direct_v they_o all_o in_o religious_a affair_n and_o exercise_v certain_a spiritual_a power_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a future_a influence_n in_o order_n to_o the_o preserve_n and_o enforce_v the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n such_o custom_n and_o action_n as_o these_o in_o all_o which_o every_o bishop_n must_v himself_o have_v bear_v a_o share_n must_v needs_o be_v infallible_o know_v to_o those_o bishop_n assemble_v at_o nice_a who_o be_v of_o age_n enough_o to_o remember_v for_o so_o long_o together_o as_o fifty_o year_n which_o may_v easy_o be_v suppose_v of_o several_a of_o they_o and_o it_o may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n be_v allow_v that_o these_o very_a bishop_n may_v have_v fifty_o year_n before_o their_o meeting_n at_o nice_a converse_v with_o those_o who_o can_v have_v as_o distinct_o remember_v what_o be_v do_v for_o fifty_o year_n further_a backward_o as_o they_o can_v remember_v what_o have_v happen_v since_o the_o time_n we_o suppose_v they_o converse_v with_o they_o from_o who_o they_o may_v have_v be_v certain_o inform_v that_o all_o the_o forementioned_a matter_n of_o fact_n have_v continue_v the_o same_o for_o fifty_o year_n before_o they_o can_v have_v a_o immediate_a knowledge_n of_o they_o themselves_o and_o moreover_o those_o who_o give_v they_o this_o information_n can_v have_v assure_v they_o that_o they_o never_o see_v or_o hear_v of_o any_o body_n that_o live_v since_o their_o time_n who_o know_v it_o otherwise_o and_o this_o with_o the_o same_o allowance_n as_o in_o the_o former_a case_n will_v carry_v the_o thing_n fifty_o year_n high_o still_o and_o so_o far_o i_o think_v however_o uncertain_a tradition_n be_v just_o account_v in_o the_o conveyance_n of_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n the_o tradition_n of_o such_o notorious_a matter_n of_o fact_n as_o these_o so_o easy_o observe_v so_o constant_o present_a so_o general_a and_o so_o concern_v may_v be_v full_o rely_v upon_o to_o make_v this_o plain_a by_o a_o like_a instance_n in_o our_o country_n just_a about_o 150_o year_n ago_o edward_n the_o six_o be_v report_v to_o have_v be_v king_n of_o england_n and_o the_o same_o history_n which_o tell_v we_o so_o which_o i_o will_v suppose_v to_o be_v but_o just_a now_o write_v acquaint_v we_o that_o in_o his_o time_n the_o christian_a religion_n be_v general_o profess_v through_o all_o this_o nation_n and_o much_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n it_o be_v now_o but_o particular_o that_o the_o same_o scripture_n be_v acknowledge_v and_o the_o same_o religious_a custom_n and_o usage_n obtain_v which_o be_v before_o mention_v in_o the_o other_o case_n viz._n baptism_n and_o communion_n observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n ministration_n of_o priest_n government_n of_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n just_a as_o they_o be_v at_o this_o present_a the_o truth_n of_o all_o which_o we_o may_v be_v very_o well_o assure_v of_o if_o there_o be_v no_o history_n or_o other_o monument_n of_o what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o king_n edward_n the_o six_o extant_a down_o from_o his_o time_n to_o this_o because_o by_o the_o former_a supposition_n there_o have_v be_v a_o great_a many_o person_n who_o during_o the_o course_n of_o their_o life_n compute_v at_o no_o uncommon_a length_n may_v have_v converse_v with_o those_o who_o live_v in_o king_n edward_n the_o sixth_n time_n and_o also_o with_o those_o who_o be_v now_o live_v and_o at_o such_o age_n of_o their_o several_a life_n in_o which_o they_o may_v well_o be_v suppose_v capable_a of_o remember_v and_o judge_v of_o what_o they_o see_v and_o hear_v from_o which_o intermediate_v person_n so_o many_o as_o be_v now_o live_v and_o converse_v with_o they_o which_o i_o believe_v be_v a_o great_a many_o may_v have_v have_v sueh_a certain_a information_n of_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o nation_n during_o the_o reign_n of_o that_o king_n that_o they_o can_v possible_o call_v in_o question_n and_o if_o all_o these_o agree_v in_o their_o several_a report_n without_o concert_v with_o one_o another_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o same_o matter_n of_o fact_n they_o thus_o agree_v in_o will_v be_v as_o strong_a with_o respect_n to_o we_o who_o inquire_v these_o thing_n of_o they_o and_o much_o strong_a than_o to_o any_o of_o they_o themselves_o in_o particular_a who_o have_v not_o make_v the_o same_o observation_n concern_v the_o agreement_n of_o other_o before_o they_o it_o will_v be_v no_o unreasonable_a supposition_n to_o imagine_v that_o there_o be_v some_o now_o live_v who_o have_v immediate_o converse_v with_o those_o who_o live_v in_o edward_n the_o sixth_n time_n but_o these_o be_v so_o few_o and_o of_o so_o unusual_a a_o age_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v upon_o a_o proof_n that_o may_v be_v make_v that_o way_n but_o the_o other_o case_n i_o have_v mention_v be_v easy_a and_o common_a and_o lie_v open_a to_o every_o body_n without_o a_o particular_a computation_n of_o time_n upon_o which_o i_o shall_v further_o observe_v that_o those_o who_o testimony_n be_v allow_v sufficient_a for_o the_o form_n and_o kind_a of_o religion_n profess_v in_o england_n under_o edward_n the_o six_o be_v so_o far_o as_o that_o period_n reach_v as_o good_a and_o capable_a witness_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o its_o be_v with_o respect_n either_o to_o its_o original_a then_o or_o any_o considerable_a alteration_n or_o intermission_n in_o it_o at_o any_o time_n since_o whether_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v first_o introduce_v into_o this_o country_n by_o edward_n the_o six_o or_o any_o body_n else_o in_o his_o time_n all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o it_o have_v immediate_o before_o be_v jew_n heathen_n or_o mahometan_n or_o whether_o it_o have_v be_v receive_v and_o profess_v here_o before_o he_o come_v to_o the_o throne_n must_v have_v be_v equal_o know_v and_o in_o like_a manner_n convey_v down_o by_o those_o from_o who_o we_o derive_v the_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n with_o which_o this_o be_v suppose_v cotemporary_a and_o if_o any_o considerable_a change_n in_o the_o main_a branch_n or_o general_a and_o public_a usage_n of_o it_o such_o as_o be_v before_o instance_a in_o or_o any_o intermission_n either_o of_o the_o whole_a profession_n or_o of_o some_o of_o those_o public_a custom_n and_o manner_n of_o worship_n or_o discipline_n shall_v have_v happen_v at_o any_o time_n since_o these_o being_n more_o remarkable_a fact_n than_o the_o uninterrupted_a continuance_n of_o the_o same_o state_n and_o form_n of_o religion_n and_o fall_v late_a than_o the_o first_o date_n of_o what_o we_o allow_v to_o be_v distinct_o know_v and_o remember_v must_v be_v grant_v to_o be_v as_o easy_o and_o sure_o deliver_v down_o to_o we_o as_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o fall_v early_o and_o yet_o come_v safe_a to_o our_o hand_n now_o to_o apply_v all_o this_o to_o the_o former_a case_n these_o bishop_n in_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a who_o come_v from_o such_o or_o such_o a_o particular_a province_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n may_v be_v as_o full_o assure_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v profess_v 150_o year_n before_o in_o that_o province_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n found_v upon_o the_o same_o scripture_n and_o attend_v with_o the_o same_o custom_n as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o assemble_v at_o nice_a as_o we_o of_o this_o country_n can_v be_v assure_v that_o our_o religion_n scripture_n and_o religious_a custom_n be_v the_o same_o now_o that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o edward_n the_o six_o king_n of_o england_n what_o particular_a christian_a custom_n i_o mean_v in_o both_o instance_n have_v be_v sufficient_o express_v already_o but_o what_o those_o scripture_n be_v which_o i_o suppose_v the_o nicene_n bishop_n unanimous_o acknowledge_v for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o believe_v to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o the_o first_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o consequent_o to_o have_v be_v the_o same_o 150_o year_n before_o they_o meet_v in_o council_n as_o they_o be_v then_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v declare_v and_o by_o what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o council_n do_v not_o certain_o appear_v but_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o manner_n of_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o they_o be_v the_o very_a same_o which_o now_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o whether_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n which_o be_v the_o first_o that_o make_v any_o canon_n concern_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v before_o this_o council_n of_o nice_a as_o some_o imagine_v or_o about_o forty_o year_n after_o as_o other_o more_o probable_o conclude_v we_o have_v argument_n and_o authority_n enough_o to_o convince_v we_o that_o all_o the_o book_n
be_v with_o much_o enquiry_n and_o examination_n establish_v this_o every_o one_o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o and_o a_o free_a disquisition_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v every_o where_o to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o ancient_a writer_n then_o as_o to_o the_o persecution_n they_o be_v so_o many_o they_o continue_v so_o long_o together_o be_v so_o wide_o spread_v be_v attend_v with_o so_o vast_a a_o number_n of_o very_o new_a and_o remarkalbe_n fact_n and_o so_o many_o of_o the_o writer_n live_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o they_o and_o have_v so_o large_a a_o share_n and_o concern_v in_o they_o themselves_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o account_n they_o give_v of_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v most_o of_o they_o at_o least_o very_o true_a the_o four_o observation_n i_o have_v to_o make_v upon_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n writer_n be_v that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o note_n of_o time_n to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o such_o a_o particular_a designation_n of_o place_n and_o person_n and_o such_o a_o mixture_n of_o jewish_a and_o heathen_a affair_n with_o the_o christian_a history_n as_o render_v any_o error_n or_o mistake_v so_o liable_a to_o a_o discovery_n at_o those_o time_n when_o the_o several_a book_n that_o treat_v of_o these_o matter_n be_v first_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n that_o by_o not_o be_v confute_v they_o be_v as_o to_o the_o main_a substance_n of_o what_o they_o declare_v irrefragable_o confirm_v the_o other_o write_n of_o orthodoxchristian_n of_o the_o first_o age_n which_o do_v not_o concern_v the_o history_n of_o christianity_n be_v either_o vindication_n and_o defence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n against_o all_o the_o objection_n and_o calumny_n raise_v by_o any_o of_o the_o enemy_n of_o it_o or_o explication_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n government_n and_o discipline_n or_o exhortation_n and_o direction_n to_o practise_v or_o animadversion_n and_o reproof_n for_o error_n and_o offence_n all_o which_o be_v write_v under_o the_o form_n of_o oration_n or_o apology_n letter_n disputation_n comment_n etc._n etc._n now_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o all_o these_o write_n that_o the_o several_a author_n of_o they_o be_v thorough_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n this_o appear_v from_o the_o zeal_n and_o warmth_n with_o which_o many_o of_o they_o write_v upon_o several_a occasion_n to_o one_o another_o and_o to_o heretic_n the_o readiness_n they_o testify_v to_o quit_v all_o they_o have_v and_o to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n rather_o than_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o their_o profession_n the_o concern_v they_o express_v for_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o fellow-christians_a in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o the_o conversion_n of_o other_o to_o christianity_n the_o boldness_n and_o courage_n they_o show_v to_o person_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n when_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n or_o their_o own_o innocence_n be_v call_v in_o question_n and_o from_o many_o other_o unquestionable_a mark_n of_o honesty_n sincerity_n and_o a_o through_o persuasion_n visible_a almost_o in_o every_o page_n it_o be_v manifest_a likewise_o that_o all_o these_o author_n believe_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o found_v their_o religion_n upon_o they_o several_a of_o they_o have_v write_v comment_n upon_o they_o all_o quote_v they_o and_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n they_o deliver_v and_o the_o rule_n and_o direction_n they_o give_v from_o they_o and_o all_o their_o write_n plain_o declare_v they_o be_v very_o well_o verse_v in_o they_o and_o influence_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o govern_v there_o and_o distinguish_v those_o write_n from_o any_o other_o and_o when_o ever_o any_o controversy_n happen_v in_o matter_n of_o christian_a faith_n or_o practise_v the_o appeal_n be_v constant_o make_v to_o these_o scripture_n several_a other_o remark_n and_o observation_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o write_n of_o those_o christian_n call_v orthodox_n but_o these_o be_v sufficient_a for_o what_o i_o design_n to_o prove_v by_o they_o and_o so_o i_o pass_v on_o to_o consider_v what_o we_o have_v write_v by_o heretiek_n jew_n and_o heathen_n with_o relation_n to_o christianity_n a_o great_a many_o thing_n be_v write_v by_o person_n of_o these_o several_a denomination_n in_o the_o three_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a aera_fw-la but_o very_o little_a of_o they_o that_o express_o concern_v christianity_n remain_v now_o and_o a_o great_a many_o of_o these_o write_n be_v lose_v in_o eusebius_n time_n so_o that_o almost_o all_o we_o know_v of_o they_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o orthodox_n writer_n in_o many_o of_o which_o there_o be_v several_a considerable_a fragment_n yet_o to_o be_v find_v and_o account_n of_o what_o be_v lose_v from_o all_o which_o we_o may_v collect_v that_o none_o of_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n neither_o heretic_n jew_n nor_o heathen_n do_v at_o any_o time_n offer_v to_o disprove_v or_o contradict_v those_o christian_a fact_n i_o have_v be_v now_o establish_v but_o do_v in_o several_a respect_n strengthen_v and_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o we_o find_v by_o the_o orthodox_n writer_n that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o most_o primitive_a time_n and_o continual_o in_o all_o the_o after-period_n of_o christianity_n a_o great_a many_o heretic_n of_o very_a different_a character_n and_o opinion_n who_o trouble_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o endeavour_v to_o corrupt_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o tradition_n their_o write_n be_v full_a of_o the_o strange_a opinion_n of_o heretic_n they_o be_v oftentimes_o very_o large_a in_o give_v a_o history_n of_o the_o man_n their_o vicious_a life_n and_o wicked_a design_n and_o in_o confute_v their_o absurd_a and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n blasphemous_a doctrine_n from_o hence_o we_o find_v that_o several_a of_o these_o heretic_n in_o order_n to_o justify_v their_o error_n make_v use_v of_o all_o the_o art_n and_o shift_n they_o can_v and_o some_o deny_v one_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o some_o another_o some_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o reform_v the_o scripture_n and_o add_v what_o they_o think_v serve_v their_o turn_n or_o take_v away_o what_o they_o do_v not_o like_a other_o make_v new_a scripture_n and_o put_v they_o out_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o none_o of_o they_o deny_v the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n neither_o miraculous_a nor_o common_a though_o their_o character_n oftentimes_o allow_v and_o their_o cause_n require_v such_o a_o denial_n if_o the_o evidence_n of_o those_o fact_n have_v not_o appear_v to_o they_o so_o strong_a as_o to_o render_v all_o contradiction_n vain_a and_o ineffectual_a the_o jew_n who_o write_v against_o the_o christian_a religion_n allow_v most_o of_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n record_v of_o christ_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n even_o his_o miracle_n as_o well_o as_o the_o common_a history_n of_o his_o life_n and_o when_o they_o deny_v the_o reality_n they_o grant_v the_o pretence_n &_o be_v whole_o concern_v to_o show_v that_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o messiah_n promise_v they_o notwithstanding_o his_o extraordinary_a character_n because_o as_o they_o think_v several_a of_o the_o prophecy_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v agree_v on_o all_o hand_n to_o relate_v to_o the_o messiah_n can_v not_o be_v apply_v to_o christ_n in_o this_o consist_v whole_o the_o controversy_n betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o christian_n and_o therefore_o be_v the_o jew_n of_o these_o time_n censure_v by_o the_o christian_a writer_n as_o corrupt_v the_o old_a testament_n in_o such_o passage_n of_o it_o as_o seem_v to_o they_o to_o make_v most_o for_o the_o christian_a religion_n particular_o justin_n in_o his_o dialogue_n with_o a_o jew_n endeavour_v to_o evince_v that_o several_a testimony_n of_o the_o prophet_n which_o he_o quote_v be_v cut_v out_o of_o the_o bible_n by_o the_o jew_n which_o charge_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a prove_v thus_o much_o that_o the_o jew_n have_v no_o other_o way_n of_o resist_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o by_o deny_v or_o in_o some_o manner_n evade_n the_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n here_o they_o place_v the_o chief_a strength_n of_o their_o cause_n and_o not_o in_o the_o confutation_n of_o the_o christian_a history_n the_o great_a part_n of_o which_o be_v plain_o grant_v in_o the_o argument_n they_o make_v use_v of_o to_o overthrow_v the_o faith_n build_v upon_o it_o and_o the_o inference_n draw_v from_o it_o particular_o josephus_n do_v comfirm_v the_o truth_n of_o several_a of_o the_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o such_o as_o necessary_o determine_v the_o oririginal_a of_o christianity_n the_o like_a
of_o the_o world_n they_o continue_v still_o in_o their_o sin_n and_o never_o live_v up_o to_o those_o holy_a rule_n he_o prescribe_v these_o who_o never_o feel_v the_o power_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v never_o be_v so_o concern_v for_o the_o interest_n of_o it_o as_o constant_o to_o vouch_v and_o maintain_v a_o unprofitable_a lie_n in_o its_o defence_n when_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a they_o may_v have_v have_v easy_a conscience_n and_o better_a fortune_n for_o disprove_v the_o pretence_n it_o be_v build_v upon_o other_o of_o they_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o turn_v again_o unto_o those_o beggarly_a element_n or_o idol_n they_o be_v free_v from_o neither_o can_v these_o be_v suspect_v of_o justify_v what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v false_a in_o behalf_n of_o a_o religion_n they_o have_v forsake_v it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v have_v they_o be_v privy_a to_o any_o deceit_n that_o they_o will_v have_v be_v very_o zealous_a in_o the_o discovery_n of_o it_o then_o as_o to_o those_o who_o reject_v the_o authority_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o continue_v in_o the_o religion_n they_o be_v at_o first_o educate_v in_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o miracle_n they_o see_v who_o as_o we_o find_v by_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v frequent_o reproach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o their_o infidelity_n and_o obstinate_a adherence_n to_o the_o religion_n and_o tradition_n of_o their_o father_n the_o great_a part_n of_o who_o and_o those_o person_n of_o the_o great_a dignity_n authority_n and_o learning_n among_o they_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o persecute_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o all_o that_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v plain_o as_o impossible_a to_o imagine_v that_o person_n of_o this_o character_n shall_v agree_v to_o own_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n miracle_n which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v false_a as_o that_o honest_a sincere_a christian_n who_o abhor_v a_o lie_n and_o be_v thorough_o persuade_v eternal_a misery_n be_v the_o certain_a punishment_n of_o lie_v shall_v conspire_v to_o deceive_v the_o world_n by_o contrive_v spread_a and_o continual_o support_v what_o they_o be_v sure_o be_v the_o gross_a cheat_n imaginable_a but_o without_o consider_v the_o character_n of_o the_o witness_n the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n in_o which_o they_o first_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n miracle_n make_v a_o confederacy_n to_o deceive_v utter_o impossible_a for_o in_o many_o instance_n of_o public_a miracle_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o find_v that_o upon_o the_o sight_n of_o something_o do_v by_o jesus_n christ_n the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o spectator_n immediate_o declare_v their_o belief_n and_o admiration_n by_o open_o glorify_v god_n or_o express_v their_o wonder_n to_o one_o another_o so_o that_o it_o plain_o appeat_v from_o hence_o that_o they_o be_v all_o several_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o wonderfulness_n of_o what_o they_o see_v before_o they_o can_v know_v one_o another_o mind_n concern_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o agreement_n of_o their_o testimony_n can_v not_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o any_o antecedent_n concert_n among_o themselves_o thus_o have_v i_o evident_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o public_a miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o whatever_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o subject_n will_v hold_v with_o the_o same_o or_o rather_o great_a degree_n of_o certainty_n concern_v the_o public_a miracle_n of_o the_o first_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n who_o receive_v that_o power_n immediate_o from_o their_o master_n and_o of_o all_o other_o christian_a believer_n to_o who_o the_o same_o gift_n be_v convey_v by_o their_o hand_n for_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n record_v to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o any_o of_o they_o be_v as_o easy_o know_v and_o distinguish_v by_o vulgar_a sense_n and_o capacity_n as_o those_o of_o christ_n the_o character_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o witness_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v the_o credibility_n of_o their_o testimony_n be_v very_o near_o the_o same_o but_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o by_o a_o intimate_a consciousness_n of_o their_o own_o power_n know_v they_o perform_v such_o work_n of_o those_o who_o feel_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o miraculous_a power_n in_o themselves_o and_o of_o those_o who_o see_v the_o external_n sign_n and_o appearance_n of_o it_o in_o the_o fact_n that_o be_v do_v be_v very_o far_o great_a than_o in_o the_o former_a case_n and_o the_o impossibility_n of_o a_o general_a agreement_n to_o deceive_v more_o manifest_a here_o than_o there_o and_o consequent_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o these_o fact_n be_v as_o evident_a as_o that_o of_o the_o other_o before_o prove_v as_o to_o the_o more_o private_a miracle_n do_v by_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o disciple_n only_o and_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n employ_v by_o some_o other_o power_n for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o christ_n to_o a_o few_o choose_a person_n we_o have_v these_o reason_n to_o believe_v they_o true_a the_o fact_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o as_o easy_a to_o be_v know_v and_o discern_v as_o the_o other_o before_o mention_v the_o several_a witness_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o happen_v at_o several_a time_n take_v altogether_o be_v a_o great_a many_o which_o make_v a_o agreement_n of_o they_o all_o to_o deceive_v and_o a_o constant_a invincible_a perseverance_n in_o a_o cheat_n very_o difficult_a to_o imagine_v the_o character_n of_o they_o as_o far_o as_o appear_v from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v such_o as_o leave_v no_o room_n to_o suspect_v the_o fidelity_n of_o their_o relation_n for_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o disciple_n especial_o who_o be_v principal_o concern_v in_o the_o present_a cause_n represent_v as_o honest_a sincere_a undesigning_a person_n that_o fear_v god_n and_o love_a mankind_n that_o be_v free_a from_o pride_n and_o vanity_n and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o seek_v their_o own_o interest_n or_o advancement_n in_o this_o world_n that_o they_o be_v despise_v and_o set_v at_o nought_o and_o evil_o entreat_v wherever_o they_o come_v and_o be_v as_o to_o this_o life_n of_o all_o man_n most_o miserable_a for_o constant_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o christ_n and_o such_o other_o fact_n now_o in_o question_n all_o which_o they_o be_v as_o firm_o persuade_v of_o as_o of_o any_o of_o the_o public_a miracle_n of_o jesus_n crrist_n and_o several_a of_o they_o they_o preach_v up_o as_o more_o necessary_a and_o impottant_a to_o be_v believe_v beside_o all_o this_o many_o of_o these_o miraculous_a fact_n which_o be_v full_o discover_v only_o to_o a_o few_o be_v accompany_v with_o several_a circumstance_n more_o public_o know_v with_o which_o they_o have_v so_o near_o and_o almost_o necessary_a a_o connexion_n that_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o imagine_v these_o circumstance_n shall_v be_v true_a and_o not_o the_o principal_a fact_n also_o as_o will_v easy_o appear_v from_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o account_n of_o which_o wonderful_a fact_n we_o find_v that_o it_o be_v know_v to_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o pharisee_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o christ_n have_v say_v while_o he_o be_v yet_o alive_a after_o three_o day_n i_o will_v rise_v again_o for_o which_o reason_n they_o make_v application_n to_o pilate_n to_o secure_v his_o sepulchre_n that_o his_o disciple_n may_v not_o come_v and_o steal_v he_o away_o by_o night_n and_o take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o to_o give_v out_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o sepulchre_n be_v according_o make_v sure_o by_o roll_v a_o great_a stone_n to_o the_o door_n of_o it_o by_o seal_v the_o stone_n and_o set_v a_o watch_n but_o it_o be_v further_o say_v that_o at_o the_o time_n appoint_v and_o foretell_v for_o the_o rise_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o great_a earthquake_n and_o that_o then_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n descend_v from_o heaven_n and_o roll_v back_o the_o stone_n from_o the_o door_n of_o the_o sepulchre_n and_o sit_v upon_o it_o that_o his_o countenance_n be_v like_o lightning_n and_o his_o raiment_n white_a as_o snow_n that_o the_o keeper_n see_v all_o these_o thing_n and_o for_o fear_n of_o the_o angel_n do_v shake_v and_o become_v as_o dead_a man_n afterward_o we_o read_v that_o some_o of_o the_o watch_n come_v into_o the_o city_n and_o show_v unto_o the_o chief_a priest_n all_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v that_o the_o chief_a priest_n when_o they_o be_v assemble_v with_o the_o elder_n and_o have_v take_v counsel_n give_v large_a money_n to_o the_o soldier_n to_o say_v his_o disciple_n come_v by_o night_n and_o steal_v he_o away_o while_o they_o sleep_v which_o the_o soldier_n