receive_v from_o a_o constant_a repetition_n of_o the_o same_o appearance_n but_o it_o be_v not_o to_o prove_v a_o god_n or_o providence_n or_o the_o first_o general_n principles_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o miracle_n be_v urge_v these_o thing_n be_v all_o so_o plain_a and_o easy_a without_o such_o a_o confirmation_n that_o they_o be_v altogether_o without_o excuse_n who_o do_v not_o believe_v they_o or_o act_v contrary_a to_o their_o belief_n but_o when_o man_n be_v lose_v and_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o be_v become_v altogether_o corrupt_a when_o through_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o serve_v god_n aright_o and_o when_o those_o who_o use_v their_o endeavour_n to_o do_v it_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n of_o be_v accept_v if_o in_o compassion_n to_o this_o sad_a and_o distress_a estate_n of_o mankind_n god_n be_v please_v to_o reveal_v himself_o to_o they_o and_o acquaint_v they_o with_o a_o true_a and_o certain_a way_n to_o happiness_n which_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o find_v out_o of_o themselves_o what_o perfection_n of_o god_n be_v it_o contrary_a to_o to_o make_v such_o a_o discovery_n to_o his_o creature_n and_o how_o can_v he_o take_v a_o more_o effectual_a way_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n than_o by_o miracle_n which_o be_v real_a effect_n of_o divine_a power_n and_o which_o man_n be_v ready_o dispose_v to_o acknowledge_v as_o infallible_a sign_n and_o indication_n of_o it_o if_o these_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o may_v certain_o be_v know_v to_o be_v so_o as_o have_v already_o be_v prove_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n than_o be_v they_o very_o fit_a and_o proper_a proof_n that_o the_o doctrine_n they_o be_v intend_v to_o comfirm_v come_v from_o god_n though_o they_o be_v not_o bring_v about_o by_o a_o immediate_a interposition_n but_o be_v part_n of_o the_o general_n scheme_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v a_o derogation_n to_o god_n to_o make_v he_o the_o author_n of_o those_o work_v we_o call_v miracle_n by_o a_o present_a and_o immediate_a exercise_n of_o his_o power_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v no_o diminution_n to_o any_o of_o his_o perfection_n to_o affirm_v that_o original_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n he_o order_v such_o effect_n to_o proceed_v from_o the_o general_a law_n of_o nature_n at_o such_o a_o time_n that_o they_o may_v be_v for_o sign_n and_o token_n to_o mankind_n that_o the_o revelation_n which_o shall_v then_o be_v give_v they_o come_v from_o he_o another_o objection_n make_v to_o the_o argument_n of_o miracle_n be_v that_o miracle_n have_v be_v wrought_v by_o other_o man_n as_o well_o as_o moses_n and_o christ_n and_o as_o great_a as_o those_o that_o be_v record_v of_o they_o from_o whence_o it_o be_v infer_v that_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v be_v never_o the_o true_a for_o their_o work_a miracle_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v none_o of_o it_o sufficient_o attest_v a_o great_a deal_n or_o it_o manifest_o false_a and_o be_v it_o all_o true_a the_o inference_n draw_v from_o it_o do_v not_o hold_v to_o make_v good_a this_o charge_n i_o shall_v instance_n in_o the_o miracle_n attribute_v to_o vespasian_n and_o apollonius_n tyanaeus_n which_o have_v be_v particular_o make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o lessen_v the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o of_o vespasian_n it_o be_v record_v that_o he_o once_o cure_v two_o blind_a man_n but_o the_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a work_n of_o apollonius_n fill_v a_o book_n write_v on_o purpose_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o they_o now_o as_o to_o vespasian_n cure_n of_o the_o blind_a it_o be_v but_o one_o single_a miracle_n and_o therefore_o be_v very_o unjust_o compare_v with_o that_o multitude_n of_o mighty_a work_n that_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n neither_o be_v it_o so_o well_o attest_v but_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v why_o it_o shall_v be_v false_a notwithstanding_o the_o reality_n of_o all_o the_o appear_a circumstance_n of_o it_o several_a inducement_n may_v be_v allege_v that_o very_o probable_o dispose_v this_o emperor_n to_o pretend_v to_o such_o a_o miracle_n it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o conceive_v how_o his_o design_n may_v be_v bring_v about_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o great_a many_o people_n without_o their_o discover_v the_o cheat_n and_o shall_v any_o have_v find_v it_o out_o it_o be_v very_o obvious_a to_o imagine_v why_o they_o do_v not_o publish_v it_o but_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o will_v hold_v when_o apply_v to_o christ_n have_v he_o pretend_v to_o no_o more_o than_o the_o cure_n of_o two_o blind_a man_n a_o man_n of_o his_o character_n and_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n can_v not_o promise_v himself_o any_o honour_n respect_n or_o advantage_n from_o such_o a_o pretence_n and_o shall_v he_o have_v make_v this_o use_n of_o it_o he_o will_v very_o probable_o have_v raise_v the_o envy_n of_o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o same_o rank_n and_o the_o jealousy_n of_o his_o superior_n upon_o these_o and_o other_o motive_n as_o well_o as_o natural_a curiosity_n a_o great_a many_o will_v have_v be_v very_o industrious_a and_o inquisitive_a in_o search_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o who_o can_v we_o imagine_v so_o far_o concern_v for_o such_o a_o pretender_n as_o to_o be_v privy_a or_o assist_v to_o his_o cheat_n at_o the_o first_o or_o to_o conceal_v his_o shame_n after_o they_o have_v find_v it_o out_o but_o suppose_v a_o account_n can_v be_v give_v in_o one_o or_o two_o instance_n how_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o christ_n to_o pretend_v to_o such_o work_v as_o be_v never_o do_v there_o be_v abundance_n still_o remain_v upon_o record_n that_o be_v manifest_o incapable_a of_o such_o a_o solution_n which_o put_v a_o unanswerable_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o pretence_n of_o other_o men._n as_o to_o the_o story_n of_o apollonius_n the_o whole_a credit_n of_o it_o depend_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o one_o single_a author_n who_o live_v too_o long_o after_o he_o to_o be_v a_o competent_a witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o relate_v and_o be_v too_o credulous_a and_o partial_a to_o be_v believe_v if_o he_o have_v live_v at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o he_o the_o strange_a unusual_a thing_n relate_v to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o this_o apollonius_n bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n either_o as_o to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o person_n concern_v in_o they_o the_o wonderful_a and_o extraordinary_a nature_n of_o they_o the_o beneficial_a design_n of_o they_o or_o the_o public_a and_o hazardous_a manner_n in_o which_o they_o be_v do_v and_o a_o great_a many_o of_o these_o have_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a upon_o examination_n from_o the_o manifest_a inconsistency_n and_o contradiction_n in_o the_o relation_n of_o they_o but_o suppose_v the_o miracle_n attribute_v to_o vespasian_n and_o apollonius_n be_v true_a in_o fact_n what_o reason_n can_v we_o allege_v either_o from_o the_o character_n of_o the_o pretend_a author_n the_o end_n and_o design_n they_o act_v upon_o the_o consequence_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o pretence_n or_o from_o any_o other_o circumstance_n of_o their_o story_n that_o the_o strange_a thing_n record_v of_o they_o be_v not_o do_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o evil_a spirit_n let_v we_o suppose_v far_o that_o the_o fact_n be_v not_o only_o real_a but_o true_a and_o proper_a miracle_n perform_v by_o the_o express_a and_o immediate_a assistance_n of_o god_n what_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o thence_o not_o that_o the_o heathen_a religion_n be_v true_a because_o these_o miracle_n be_v not_o design_v or_o intend_v for_o a_o confirmation_n of_o it_o not_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v pure_o humane_a because_o the_o whole_a end_n of_o christ_n work_a miracle_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o his_o doctrine_n come_v from_o god_n there_o may_v be_v several_a reason_n give_v why_o it_o may_v please_v god_n sometime_o to_o work_v miracle_n indifferent_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o good_a or_o ill_a man_n man_n of_o a_o true_a or_o false_a religion_n but_o it_o can_v possible_o be_v suppose_v of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v employ_v good_a man_n or_o concur_v with_o the_o wicked_a in_o work_a miracle_n in_o order_n to_o their_o deceive_a mankind_n and_o establish_v a_o lie_n by_o such_o evidence_n as_o can_v be_v disprove_v and_o no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v where_o any_o one_o true_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o a_o person_n that_o make_v use_v of_o it_o to_o prove_v any_o other_o doctrine_n by_o than_o what_o we_o have_v deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n by_o a_o true_a miracle_n
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 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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
believe_v there_o be_v other_o being_n beside_o god_n of_o a_o superior_a nature_n to_o man_n who_o it_o be_v probable_a may_v and_o do_v by_o some_o invisible_a unperceivable_a way_n act_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o we_o be_v sure_a man_n act_v upon_o one_o another_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o external_n sensible_a sign_n but_o if_o god_n so_o please_v we_o may_v distinguish_v as_o true_o and_o certain_o betwixt_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n and_o the_o suggestion_n of_o other_o spirit_n as_o we_o can_v betwixt_o the_o thought_n arise_v within_o we_o from_o ourselves_o and_o those_o raise_v in_o we_o by_o other_o man_n upon_o occasion_n of_o external_n sign_n and_o though_o some_o may_v have_v mistake_v the_o suggestion_n of_o other_o spirit_n for_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o more_o reason_n from_o hence_o for_o those_o who_o have_v have_v true_a revelation_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o they_o than_o there_o be_v for_o i_o to_o distrust_v the_o evidence_n of_o my_o own_o perception_n when_o i_o judge_v such_o idea_n be_v occasion_v in_o i_o by_o the_o real_a voice_n and_o presence_n of_o other_o man_n because_o some_o have_v imagine_v they_o hear_v such_o and_o such_o word_n speak_v by_o such_o person_n when_o these_o idea_n come_v from_o their_o own_o mind_n only_o without_o any_o external_n occasion_n to_o execute_v they_o from_o all_o which_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n may_v be_v infallible_o convince_v that_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n they_o wrought_v be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o future_a event_n be_v communicate_v to_o they_o by_o god_n and_o that_o the_o doctrine_n they_o preach_v be_v deliver_v to_o they_o by_o god_n all_o this_o i_o say_v they_o may_v be_v infallible_o convince_v of_o by_o a_o immediate_a consciousness_n not_o only_o of_o their_o own_o disability_n to_o do_v and_o say_v such_o thing_n of_o themselves_o without_o the_o assistance_n of_o some_o high_a power_n but_o of_o god_n express_a revelation_n of_o himself_o to_o they_o in_o all_o these_o instance_n which_o sort_n of_o evidence_n and_o satisfaction_n though_o it_o reach_v no_o further_a than_o the_o person_n themselves_o who_o pretend_v to_o have_v receive_v any_o revelation_n from_o god_n yet_o be_v it_o of_o great_a use_n for_o the_o conviction_n of_o other_o by_o make_v way_n for_o such_o proof_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o that_o end_n and_o which_o will_v not_o have_v any_o force_n at_o all_o without_o it_o for_o except_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o divine_a revelation_n be_v possible_a and_o that_o the_o person_n to_o who_o the_o revelation_n be_v make_v may_v be_v certain_a of_o it_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o persuade_v any_o man_n that_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o do_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n because_o they_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n for_o if_o revelation_n be_v impossible_a it_o be_v plain_o absurd_a to_o make_v that_o a_o 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but_o except_o they_o communicate_v what_o be_v give_v and_o reveal_v to_o they_o by_o external_n sign_n it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o revelation_n can_v not_o be_v know_v to_o or_o concern_v any_o other_o but_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o the_o only_a way_n that_o other_o have_v of_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a revelation_n be_v from_o the_o external_n sign_n and_o appearance_n by_o which_o it_o be_v communicate_v to_o they_o from_o those_o who_o first_o receive_v it_o which_o as_o have_v be_v before_o observe_v may_v be_v consider_v under_o the_o style_n of_o miracle_n prophecy_n and_o doctrine_n so_o that_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o miracle_n prophecy_n and_o doctrine_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v proceed_v from_o god_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v we_o that_o god_n have_v speak_v to_o we_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o deliver_v to_o we_o by_o divine_a revelation_n and_o authority_n the_o proof_n i_o shall_v give_v of_o this_o great_a and_o concern_v point_n shall_v consist_v of_o these_o three_o part_n first_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n consider_v as_o mere_a man_n unassisted_a by_o any_o high_a power_n can_v not_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o miracle_n prophecy_n and_o doctrine_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n second_o i_o will_v make_v it_o appear_v not_o only_o that_o god_n may_v be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o but_o that_o they_o have_v such_o certain_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o divinity_n upon_o they_o that_o we_o can_v be_v mistake_v in_o attribute_v they_o to_o god_n three_o i_o will_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v very_o improper_a and_o absurd_a to_o ascribe_v these_o thing_n to_o evil_a spirit_n first_o then_o i_o be_o to_o show_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n can_v not_o by_o any_o humane_a skill_n or_o power_n be_v the_o author_n of_o those_o wonderful_a thing_n say_v and_o do_v by_o their_o ministry_n it_o be_v say_v of_o christ_n that_o he_o speak_v as_o never_o man_n speak_v and_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o do_v those_o thing_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o man_n never_o do_v which_o he_o use_v as_o a_o argument_n to_o prove_v their_o unbelief_n in_o he_o inexcusable_a the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o both_o which_o phrase_n here_o be_v not_o only_o that_o no_o man_n can_v of_o himself_o speak_v like_o christ_n or_o perform_v such_o thing_n as_o he_o do_v but_o that_o no_o man_n have_v ever_o speak_v like_o he_o or_o do_v what_o he_o do_v however_o assist_v by_o any_o other_o power_n this_o appear_v from_o several_a other_o passage_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o particular_o from_o christ_n own_o argument_n against_o the_o jew_n for_o he_o know_v that_o they_o believe_v in_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o the_o miracle_n record_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o therefore_o he_o do_v not_o think_v it_o sufficient_a for_o they_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o work_n though_o he_o have_v do_v what_o no_o man_n without_o divine_a assistance_n be_v able_a to_o do_v if_o he_o have_v not_o also_o do_v great_a thing_n than_o moses_n or_o any_o other_o person_n divine_o assist_v have_v do_v before_o so_o much_o be_v necessary_a to_o convince_v the_o jew_n and_o supersede_n a_o former_a revelation_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o revelation_n in_o general_n both_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n seem_v to_o make_v this_o the_o only_a test_n that_o what_o they_o say_v and_o do_v exceed_v the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o man_n from_o whence_o they_o immediate_o conclude_v that_o therefore_o it_o be_v from_o god_n if_o this_o than_o be_v the_o standard_n we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o revelation_n by_o it_o will_v be_v easy_o make_v out_o that_o neither_o the_o miracle_n prophecy_n nor_o doctrine_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v be_v from_o man_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o come_v from_o god_n who_o assist_v and_o reveal_v himself_o to_o those_o man_n that_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v already_o that_o a_o man_n may_v take_v such_o a_o certain_a estimate_n of_o his_o own_o capacity_n and_o power_n and_o of_o his_o present_a stock_n of_o knowledge_n as_o to_o be_v infallible_o sure_a that_o he_o can_v do_v or_o know_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n either_o at_o all_o or_o not_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o if_o we_o know_v any_o thing_n certain_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n in_o general_n we_o may_v confident_o affirm_v that_o we_o be_v make_v and_o fashion_v with_o such_o resemblance_n to_o one_o another_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_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
upon_o the_o prospect_n of_o which_o the_o whole_a religion_n be_v found_v may_v not_o shock_v the_o faith_n of_o mankind_n what_o wise_a and_o more_o convince_a method_n can_v be_v take_v than_o by_o various_a instance_n of_o thing_n actual_o do_v in_o their_o presence_n of_o as_o strange_a and_o surprise_v a_o nature_n as_o those_o foretell_v and_o some_o of_o they_o of_o the_o very_a same_o kind_n as_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a ascension_n into_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n how_o i_o say_v can_v man_n be_v better_o satisfy_v than_o by_o such_o present_a experience_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n that_o nothing_o be_v impossible_a to_o god_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v such_o thing_n in_o a_o future_a state_n which_o eye_n have_v not_o yet_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v thus_o have_v i_o prove_v in_o short_a that_o the_o prophecy_n miracle_n and_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o 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it_o have_v proceed_v immediate_o from_o himself_o and_o what_o be_v say_v or_o do_v by_o devil_n or_o evil_a spirit_n be_v by_o the_o permission_n of_o god_n for_o the_o trial_n or_o punishment_n of_o men._n the_o power_n god_n suffer_v evil_a spirit_n to_o exercise_n and_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n he_o permit_v they_o to_o do_v in_o order_n to_o tempt_v man_n from_o the_o belief_n or_o practice_n of_o those_o thing_n he_o have_v enjoin_v and_o command_v they_o be_v so_o easy_o distinguishable_a from_o the_o positive_a express_a manifestation_n of_o divine_a power_n that_o any_o man_n be_v just_o to_o be_v condemn_v for_o be_v deceive_v by_o they_o for_o beside_o that_o miracle_n do_v by_o the_o help_n of_o evil_a spirit_n be_v pascal_n pascal_n as_o a_o judicious_a author_n well_o observe_v always_o foretell_v or_o outdo_v or_o both_o and_o consequent_o can_v never_o be_v of_o force_n enough_o to_o invalidate_v a_o divine_a revelation_n beside_o this_o i_o say_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n be_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o reason_n and_o true_a interest_n of_o mankind_n and_o so_o easy_o know_v to_o be_v so_o especial_o when_o compare_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o that_o no_o miracle_n or_o sign_n whatsoever_o can_v be_v sufficient_a to_o establish_v their_o credit_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o absurd_a and_o contrary_a to_o all_o that_o the_o scripture_n inform_v we_o of_o concern_v devil_n or_o evil_a spirit_n to_o suppose_v that_o they_o shall_v employ_v all_o their_o power_n and_o cunning_a to_o promote_v a_o pure_a and_o holy_a service_n of_o one_o god_n and_o to_o destroy_v all_o the_o pretence_n of_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n it_o be_v contrary_a to_o all_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n as_o our_o saviour_n argue_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v divide_v against_o itself_o and_o that_o some_o evil_a spirit_n shall_v disturb_v and_o oppose_v the_o 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finish_v what_o i_o undertake_v under_o my_o second_o general_n and_o by_o a_o full_a and_o direct_a proof_n make_v it_o very_o evident_a 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 true_a iii_o i_o shall_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v the_o same_o truth_n by_o show_v the_o improbability_n and_o absurdity_n of_o a_o contrary_a supposition_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o objection_n raise_v against_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o which_o be_v the_o three_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o make_v good_a in_o order_n to_o my_o main_a design_n which_o be_v to_o establish_v a_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o all_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o it_o have_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v already_o that_o if_o all_o the_o common_a matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o only_o the_o principal_n of_o they_o such_o as_o have_v be_v before_o mention_v be_v true_a in_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n there_o set_v down_o it_o necessary_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n there_o record_v must_v be_v true_a also_o and_o if_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n be_v true_a they_o must_v certain_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o divine_a assistance_n and_o revelation_n and_o consequent_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o person_n so_o assist_v must_v come_v from_o god_n this_o i_o say_v have_v be_v full_o make_v out_o beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o a_o a_o reasonable_a contradiction_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v suppose_v all_o the_o different_a account_n that_o can_v be_v give_v of_o these_o matter_n in_o order_n to_o invalidate_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o inference_n draw_v from_o they_o have_v be_v show_v to_o be_v false_a and_o groundless_a the_o next_o pretence_n which_o the_o enemy_n of_o reveal_v religion_n make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o infidelity_n be_v that_o the_o whole_a 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publish_v a_o strange_a unheard_a of_o story_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o absurdity_n in_o this_o supposition_n it_o be_v impossible_a the_o christian_a religion_n shall_v have_v be_v first_o promulge_v any_o time_n after_o the_o period_n assign_v for_o its_o publication_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n because_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v ever_o have_v be_v believe_v as_o it_o now_o be_v if_o it_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o may_v be_v say_v to_o prove_v the_o christian_a religion_n no_o imposture_n and_o to_o expose_v the_o gross_a absurdity_n of_o such_o a_o supposition_n but_o i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o point_n both_o because_o i_o have_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n prevent_v myself_o in_o the_o direct_a proof_n i_o have_v before_o give_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o with_o a_o different_a manner_n of_o application_n will_v serve_v the_o same_o purpose_n here_o and_o because_o this_o be_v think_v by_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n themselves_o too_o weak_a a_o post_n to_o defend_v and_o be_v rare_o insist_v upon_o by_o they_o any_o further_a than_o as_o trick_n cheat_n and_o imposture_n be_v odious_a discredit_v name_n which_o serve_v to_o blacken_v the_o cause_n they_o want_v argument_n to_o overthrow_v the_o chief_a strength_n of_o modern_a infidelity_n or_o as_o its_o favourer_n and_o professor_n delight_v to_o call_v it_o deism_n consist_v in_o a_o great_a many_o loose_a objection_n level_v against_o something_o or_o other_o in_o the_o scripture_n without_o any_o certain_a aim_n without_o any_o relation_n to_o a_o scheme_n or_o hypothesis_n to_o account_v for_o all_o stand_a appearance_n and_o without_o any_o regular_a deduction_n of_o consequence_n from_o what_o be_v object_v or_o answer_v to_o contrary_a proof_n but_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o a_o particular_a examination_n of_o these_o objection_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o they_o be_v direct_v 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jewish_a but_o such_o a_o repetition_n be_v altogether_o unnecessary_a in_o its_o self_n and_o without_o the_o bound_n of_o my_o present_a subject_n i_o shall_v immediate_o proceed_v to_o examine_v the_o deist_n objection_n to_o scripture_n and_o revelation_n now_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o they_o have_v to_o say_v which_o have_v not_o be_v already_o particular_o consider_v tend_v to_o show_v that_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n allow_v the_o account_n there_o give_v of_o the_o fact_n to_o be_v true_a be_v no_o proof_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o such_o fault_n observable_a in_o the_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n as_o prove_v the_o whole_a to_o be_v a_o pure_a humane_a composure_n what_o they_o object_n against_o miracle_n be_v use_v as_o a_o argument_n to_o prove_v a_o doctrine_n reveal_v from_o god_n be_v that_o it_o derogate_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n to_o work_v miracle_n and_o that_o the_o regular_a frame_n of_o the_o world_n with_o a_o constant_a unalterable_a connexion_n of_o cause_n and_o effect_n in_o it_o give_v we_o a_o true_a and_o just_a idea_n of_o god_n and_o be_v a_o better_a argument_n of_o his_o be_v than_o any_o extraordinary_a interposition_n of_o providence_n which_o alter_v and_o pervert_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o i_o can_v see_v how_o it_o derogate_v from_o god_n to_o suppose_v his_o immediate_a interposition_n in_o some_o case_n or_o how_o his_o work_n of_o miracle_n be_v a_o pervert_n of_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n any_o more_o than_o it_o derogate_v from_o the_o soul_n or_o the_o soul_n pervert_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n when_o by_o a_o think_v it_o change_v or_o stop_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o animal_n spirit_n which_o according_a to_o their_o usual_a course_n will_v have_v move_v otherwise_o when_o the_o soul_n exercise_v this_o power_n over_o the_o body_n the_o sinew_n and_o bone_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v and_o so_o do_v the_o bulk_n and_o principal_a part_n of_o nature_n for_o all_o miracle_n god_n do_v not_o order_n man_n to_o be_v bear_v of_o beast_n nor_o change_v beast_n into_o man_n nor_o create_v new_a sun_n nor_o annihilate_v any_o system_n of_o matter_n to_o work_v miracle_n but_o by_o a_o thought_n he_o separate_v or_o unite_v the_o insensible_a part_n of_o matter_n he_o stop_v retard_v or_o quicken_v their_o motion_n or_o alter_v their_o figure_n this_o be_v god_n common_a method_n of_o work_a miracle_n but_o in_o the_o next_o place_n what_o if_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o god_n do_v every_o thing_n by_o a_o immediate_a will_n what_o if_o we_o affirm_v that_o he_o often_o create_v some_o being_n and_o destroy_v other_o that_o he_o change_v the_o law_n of_o motion_n and_o suspend_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o none_o of_o these_o way_n of_o act_v can_v derogate_v from_o god_n forasmuch_o as_o they_o can_v be_v prove_v either_o to_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n in_o themselves_o to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o happiniss_n of_o god_n or_o to_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o goodness_n or_o justice_n of_o his_o deal_n with_o his_o intelligent_a creature_n these_o be_v the_o true_a and_o only_o measure_v of_o all_o the_o other_o notion_n we_o frame_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o say_v god_n can_v act_v contrary_a to_o nature_n we_o must_v mean_v it_o in_o one_o of_o these_o sense_n either_o that_o he_o can_v act_v what_o be_v a_o contradiction_n in_o itself_o or_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o own_o nature_n or_o to_o the_o nature_n he_o have_v give_v his_o intelligent_a creature_n but_o when_o any_o change_n or_o alteration_n in_o material_a being_n consistent_a with_o the_o forementioned_a principle_n be_v say_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o nature_n that_o be_v only_o a_o popular_a expression_n which_o signify_v that_o the_o course_n of_o thing_n be_v different_a from_o what_o it_o constant_o appear_v to_o we_o before_o but_o no_o colour_n of_o reason_n can_v possible_o be_v give_v either_o from_o the_o property_n of_o body_n or_o the_o constancy_n of_o appearance_n why_o such_o a_o change_n shall_v not_o be_v make_v by_o god_n that_o miracle_n be_v not_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n a_o better_a proof_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n than_o the_o stand_a frame_n and_o regular_a order_n and_o disposition_n of_o thing_n be_v certain_a but_o if_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o forget_v god_n notwithstanding_o they_o be_v surround_v with_o so_o many_o visible_a evidence_n of_o his_o be_v why_o be_v it_o not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o raise_v and_o excite_v their_o attention_n by_o new_a and_o surprise_v manifestation_n of_o his_o power_n the_o impression_n of_o which_o will_v be_v much_o lively_a and_o strong_a than_o those_o they_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
heal_v all_o manner_n of_o infirmity_n by_o his_o miraculous_a power_n and_o when_o his_o disciple_n bring_v he_o meat_n he_o refuse_v it_o say_v he_o have_v meat_n to_o eat_v which_o they_o know_v not_o of_o and_o that_o his_o meat_n be_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o he_o that_o send_v he_o he_o live_v in_o extreme_a poverty_n and_o want_n he_o have_v not_o where_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n and_o be_v destitute_a not_o only_o of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n but_o of_o all_o the_o lesser_a convenience_n of_o this_o life_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v when_o he_o send_v for_o a_o ass_n and_o foal_n to_o ride_v into_o jerusalem_n with_o the_o owner_n let_v they_o go_v and_o when_o he_o order_v to_o have_v such_o a_o room_n prepare_v for_o he_o to_o eat_v his_o last_o supper_n in_o it_o be_v present_o get_v ready_a for_o he_o and_o both_o upon_o the_o bare_a say_v of_o his_o disciple_n that_o the_o master_n have_v need_n of_o they_o his_o meekness_n lowliness_n and_o humility_n be_v very_o conspicuous_a throughout_o his_o whole_a conduct_n and_o behaviour_n and_o in_o several_a particular_a instance_n as_o his_o converse_v free_o with_o person_n of_o the_o mean_a rank_n choose_v such_o to_o be_v his_o constant_a companion_n and_o most_o intimate_a friend_n declare_v that_o he_o come_v to_o minister_v to_o other_o and_o not_o to_o be_v minister_v to_o order_v those_o he_o cure_v not_o to_o publish_v what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o they_o refuse_v to_o be_v king_n when_o the_o people_n will_v have_v make_v he_o so_o wash_v his_o apostle_n foot_n etc._n etc._n notwithstanding_o which_v in_o many_o other_o instance_n he_o discover_v himself_o in_o very_a signal_n character_n of_o greatness_n majesty_n and_o power_n for_o not_o to_o mention_v what_o we_o have_v before_o rank_v under_o the_o style_n of_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n he_o teach_v as_o one_o have_v authority_n so_o that_o not_o only_o the_o people_n but_o their_o ruler_n and_o teacher_n be_v astonish_v at_o his_o doctrine_n he_o reprove_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n with_o boldness_n he_o enter_v into_o jerusalem_n with_o all_o the_o high_a solemnity_n of_o triumph_n and_o drive_v out_o of_o the_o temple_n all_o those_o that_o profane_v that_o holy_a house_n by_o apply_v it_o to_o common_a uses_n he_o speak_v the_o word_n and_o whoever_o he_o call_v immediate_o leave_v all_o they_o have_v and_o follow_v he_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o forgive_v sin_n and_o he_o give_v his_o disciple_n the_o same_o power_n as_o likewise_o a_o power_n against_o unclean_a spirit_n to_o cast_v they_o out_o and_o to_o heal_v all_o manner_n of_o sickness_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o disease_n to_o tread_v on_o serpent_n and_o scorpion_n and_o over_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o enemy_n so_o that_o nothing_o shall_v by_o any_o mean_v hurt_v they_o beside_o all_o which_o and_o many_o other_o mark_v of_o greatness_n power_n and_o authority_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o action_n of_o christ_n the_o thing_n which_o he_o declare_v of_o himself_o and_o which_o be_v attribute_v to_o he_o by_o his_o disciple_n give_v we_o a_o much_o high_a idea_n of_o he_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v great_a than_o the_o prophet_n jonah_n and_o solomon_n he_o prove_v that_o david_n call_v he_o his_o lord_n he_o affirm_v that_o before_o abraham_n be_v he_o be_v that_o abraham_n rejoice_v to_o see_v his_o day_n that_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o messiah_n expect_v and_o prophesy_v of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v deliver_v to_o he_o of_o the_o father_n who_o be_v lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n which_o the_o father_n have_v be_v he_o that_o he_o and_o the_o father_n be_v one_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o father_n and_o the_o father_n in_o he_o that_o he_o come_v forth_o from_o his_o father_n when_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n that_o he_o be_v the_o bread_n of_o life_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n that_o this_o bread_n be_v his_o flesh_n which_o he_o will_v give_v for_o the_o life_n of_o the_o world_n that_o he_o have_v overcome_v the_o world_n that_o no_o man_n take_v his_o life_n from_o he_o but_o that_o he_o lay_v it_o down_o of_o himself_o and_o have_v power_n to_o take_v it_o again_o and_o that_o when_o he_o leave_v the_o world_n he_o go_v to_o his_o father_n he_o own_v that_o he_o be_v a_o king_n but_o that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o all_o power_n be_v give_v to_o he_o both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n that_o hereafter_o he_o shall_v be_v see_v sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o will_v come_v in_o his_o glory_n and_o all_o the_o holy_a angel_n with_o he_o to_o judge_v the_o world_n that_o then_o he_o shall_v sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o before_o he_o shall_v be_v gather_v all_o nation_n and_o receive_v their_o sentence_n from_o he_o according_a to_o their_o work_n he_o assure_v his_o twelve_o apostle_n that_o he_o will_v send_v the_o comforter_n to_o they_o who_o shall_v teach_v they_o all_o thing_n and_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o show_v they_o thing_n to_o come_v that_o he_o himself_o will_v be_v with_o they_o always_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o whatsoever_o they_o shall_v ask_v the_o father_n in_o his_o name_n that_o he_o will_v do_v that_o he_o will_v prepare_v a_o place_n for_o they_o in_o his_o father_n house_n and_o that_o when_o he_o come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n they_o shall_v sit_v upon_o twelve_o throne_n judge_v the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n to_o all_o those_o that_o labour_n and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v he_o promise_v that_o they_o shall_v find_v rest_n to_o those_o that_o sell_v what_o they_o have_v and_o follow_v he_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v treasure_n in_o heaven_n to_o those_o that_o love_v he_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v love_v of_o his_o father_n and_o that_o his_o father_n and_o he_o will_v come_v and_o make_v their_o abode_n with_o they_o whosoever_o drink_v of_o the_o water_n that_o he_o shall_v give_v he_o he_o say_v shall_v never_o thirst_v but_o that_o water_n shall_v be_v in_o he_o a_o well_o of_o water_n spring_v up_o into_o everlasting_a life_n and_o whoso_o eat_v his_o flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n have_v eternal_a life_n and_o he_o will_v raise_v he_o up_o at_o the_o last_o day_n he_o tell_v one_o of_o the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v with_o he_o that_o day_n in_o paradise_n and_o in_o general_a to_o all_o those_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o obey_v his_o word_n and_o commandment_n he_o give_v assurance_n of_o salvation_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o another_o world_n beside_o many_o other_o occasional_a blessing_n and_o assistance_n in_o this_o and_o those_o that_o will_v not_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o obey_v his_o gospel_n he_o threaten_v with_o eternal_a punishment_n in_o another_o life_n and_o with_o many_o trouble_n and_o calamity_n while_o they_o continue_v here_o agreeable_a to_o which_o declaration_n make_v by_o himself_o be_v the_o language_n and_o practice_n of_o his_o disciple_n to_o he_o and_o of_o he_o in_o his_o life_n time_n and_o after_o his_o death_n they_o call_v he_o lord_n and_o god_n preach_v baptise_v and_o bless_v in_o his_o name_n and_o attribute_v a_o great_a many_o glorious_a thing_n to_o he_o which_o be_v in_o other_o place_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o expression_n attribute_v to_o the_o one_o only_o supreme_a god_n they_o worship_v he_o when_o alive_a with_o all_o the_o external_a sign_n of_o divine_a adoration_n and_o pray_v to_o he_o after_o his_o death_n and_o expect_v all_o manner_n of_o grace_n assistance_n and_o spiritual_a strength_n from_o he_o here_o and_o a_o eternal_a reward_n of_o their_o labour_n suffering_n and_o obedience_n from_o he_o hereafter_o and_o as_o these_o be_v all_o evident_a mark_n and_o token_n of_o a_o amaze_a greatness_n and_o power_n in_o jesus_n christ_n so_o be_v all_o his_o sermon_n and_o discourse_n his_o manner_n of_o preach_v and_o converse_v and_o the_o whole_a scheme_n both_o of_o his_o life_n and_o doctrine_n manifest_a proof_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a kind_n of_o wisdom_n it_o do_v not_o appear_v from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o christ_n have_v read_v any_o other_o book_n but_o the_o old_a testament_n or_o that_o he_o have_v have_v the_o advantage_n of_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o meaning_n and_o sense_n of_o that_o by_o any_o master_n or_o teacher_n whatsoever_o yet_o we_o find_v he_o teach_v reason_v answer_v question_n that_o be_v put_v
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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
they_o among_o the_o chief_a ruler_n many_o believe_v on_o he_o but_o do_v not_o confess_v he_o lest_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n his_o countryman_n acknowledge_v that_o mighty_a work_n be_v wrought_v by_o his_o hand_n but_o be_v offend_v because_o so_o mean_a a_o person_n do_v they_o who_o birth_n relation_n and_o education_n they_o know_v the_o gergesenes_n be_v astonish_v at_o the_o wonderful_a thing_n he_o do_v though_o they_o beseech_v he_o to_o depart_v out_o of_o their_o coast_n and_o the_o devil_n confess_v his_o power_n before_o they_o be_v cast_v out_o though_o he_o come_v to_o torment_v they_o before_o the_o time_n a_o great_a many_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o miracle_n but_o do_v not_o hearken_v to_o what_o he_o teach_v because_o none_o of_o the_o ruler_n or_o pharisee_n believe_v on_o he_o and_o because_o they_o take_v he_o for_o a_o galilean_a and_o think_v that_o no_o prophet_n arise_v out_o of_o galilee_n several_n will_v not_o believe_v on_o he_o because_o they_o know_v whence_o he_o be_v and_o when_o christ_n come_v no_o man_n they_o suppose_v know_v from_o whence_o he_o be_v though_o they_o be_v thus_o answer_v by_o other_o who_o believe_v when_o christ_n come_v will_v he_o do_v more_o miracle_n than_o these_o which_o this_o man_n have_v do_v some_o be_v entire_o satisfy_v of_o his_o miraculous_a power_n by_o be_v heal_v by_o he_o as_o nine_o of_o the_o ten_o leper_n and_o nevertheless_o regard_v he_o not_o abundance_n of_o people_n accompany_v he_o wherever_o he_o go_v and_o be_v continual_a witness_n of_o the_o sign_n and_o miracle_n do_v by_o he_o and_o yet_o follow_v he_o not_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o they_o but_o because_o they_o be_v feed_v by_o he_o and_o many_o there_o be_v that_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n when_o they_o see_v the_o miracle_n that_o he_o do_v but_o jesus_n do_v not_o commit_v himself_o to_o they_o because_o he_o know_v all_o men._n so_o that_o all_o these_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christ_n miracle_n as_o well_o as_o those_o who_o become_v his_o disciple_n and_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n but_o other_o miracle_n there_o be_v record_v of_o christ_n which_o be_v do_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n only_o who_o already_o believe_v on_o he_o some_o of_o which_o continual_o attend_v he_o and_o other_o of_o they_o be_v very_o frequent_o with_o he_o several_a of_o these_o miracle_n be_v do_v in_o his_o life-time_n sometime_o before_o the_o whole_a twelve_o who_o be_v peculiar_o style_v apostle_n sometime_o before_o a_o select_a number_n of_o the_o twelve_o sometime_o before_o a_o promiscuous_a company_n of_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n together_o after_o his_o death_n he_o appear_v at_o several_a time_n to_o different_a person_n and_o different_a company_n but_o his_o resurrection_n and_o whatever_o he_o do_v or_o say_v during_o forty_o day_n converse_v upon_o earth_n after_o he_o be_v rise_v his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n with_o many_o extraordinary_a sign_n and_o wonder_n none_o be_v witness_n of_o but_o his_o own_o disciple_n and_o follower_n and_o therefore_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o these_o miracle_n must_v principal_o depend_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n that_o relate_v they_o beside_o all_o these_o wonderful_a thing_n immediate_o attribute_v to_o christ_n himself_o we_o meet_v with_o several_a other_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v represent_v as_o do_v by_o some_o other_o power_n but_o be_v such_o as_o have_v a_o manifest_a relation_n to_o christ_n and_o be_v design_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o pretence_n such_o be_v the_o appearance_n of_o angel_n to_o mary_n the_o mother_n of_o christ_n zachariah_n the_o father_n of_o john_n and_o to_o the_o shepherd_n the_o appearance_n of_o a_o star_n in_o the_o east_n to_o the_o wiseman_n the_o dumbness_n of_o zachariah_n and_o other_o sign_n that_o attend_v the_o birth_n of_o john_n and_o christ_n the_o dove_n and_o voice_n from_o heaven_n at_o the_o baptism_n of_o christ_n the_o darkness_n earthquake_n rent_v of_o the_o veil_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o resurrection_n of_o dead_a body_n at_o his_o crucifixion_n several_a of_o these_o thing_n can_v not_o be_v know_v immediate_o to_o the_o evangelist_n that_o relate_v they_o or_o to_o any_o other_o disciple_n of_o christ_n but_o to_o those_o only_o who_o they_o be_v tell_v of_o and_o upon_o their_o credit_n we_o must_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n rely_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o but_o several_a of_o they_o be_v very_o public_a and_o consequent_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o rest_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o witness_n beside_o those_o that_o relate_v they_o in_o this_o manner_n be_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o the_o wonder_n and_o sign_n that_o accompany_v he_o from_o his_o conception_n to_o his_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o his_o apostle_n relate_v and_o attest_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o of_o the_o same_o jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v so_o many_o wonderful_a thing_n there_o report_v of_o he_o it_o be_v far_o testify_v that_o he_o confer_v a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n upon_o a_o great_a many_o of_o his_o follower_n who_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o that_o a_o great_a many_o miracle_n be_v according_o perform_v by_o their_o hand_n in_o his_o life-time_n it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o give_v this_o power_n to_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o seventy_o disciple_n who_o he_o send_v out_o into_o all_o the_o town_n and_o village_n of_o judea_n with_o a_o commission_n to_o preach_v his_o gospel_n to_o cast_v out_o devil_n and_o to_o cure_v disease_n and_o they_o go_v about_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o heal_v every_o where_o and_o the_o devil_n be_v subject_a to_o they_o through_o his_o name_n this_o we_o have_v their_o own_o testimony_n for_o and_o whoever_o be_v cure_a or_o dispossess_v by_o they_o and_o all_o that_o see_v what_o they_o do_v be_v so_o many_o more_o witness_n of_o the_o miracle_n they_o wrought_v but_o none_o of_o the_o particular_a fact_n or_o circumstance_n of_o they_o be_v mention_v after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n we_o read_v that_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n receive_v a_o large_a power_n of_o work_v all_o kind_n of_o miracle_n by_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o according_a to_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v constant_o with_o they_o to_o guide_v and_o assist_v they_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o ministry_n this_o power_n immediate_o show_v itself_o by_o their_o speak_n in_o several_a different_a language_n before_o unknown_a to_o they_o the_o witness_n of_o which_o fact_n be_v not_o only_o these_o apostle_n themselves_o but_o a_o great_a many_o other_o that_o hear_v they_o parthian_n and_o elamites_n and_o the_o dweller_n in_o mesopotamia_n and_o in_o judea_n and_o cappadocia_n in_o pontus_n and_o asia_n phrygia_n and_o pamphylia_n in_o egypt_n and_o in_o the_o part_n of_o libya_n about_o cyrene_n and_o stranger_n of_o rome_n jew_n and_o proselyte_n cretes_n and_o arabian_n who_o be_v amaze_v to_o hear_v galilean_n speak_v in_o their_o tougues_n the_o wonderful_a thing_n of_o god_n those_o also_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n who_o foolish_o impute_v it_o to_o new_a wine_n after_o this_o we_o read_v of_o a_o great_a many_o other_o miracle_n of_o different_a kind_n perform_v by_o several_a apostle_n and_o disciple_n who_o receive_v their_o power_n immediate_o from_o jesus_n christ_n and_o by_o the_o account_n that_o be_v give_v we_o of_o they_o we_o find_v that_o the_o particular_a fact_n be_v more_o numerous_a more_o frequent_a and_o more_o public_a than_o those_o of_o their_o master_n christ_n himself_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n ministry_n be_v but_o three_o year_n or_o thereabouts_o the_o exercise_n and_o manifestation_n of_o his_o power_n be_v confine_v to_o the_o country_n of_o palestine_n and_o whatever_o mighty_a thing_n he_o do_v he_o do_v they_o in_o his_o own_o single_a person_n whereas_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o great_a many_o all_o which_o be_v constant_o employ_v in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o confirm_v it_o every_o where_o with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n during_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o several_a life_n and_o they_o perform_v this_o work_n with_o diligence_n not_o only_o in_o judea_n and_o samaria_n but_o in_o divers_a other_o city_n and_o country_n throughout_o the_o whole_a roman_a empire_n by_o which_o account_v it_o plain_o appear_v that_o most_o of_o the_o same_o person_n who_o be_v witness_n of_o those_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v also_o witness_n of_o those_o
that_o be_v do_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o be_v likewise_o own_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o avast_o multitude_n more_o both_o of_o such_o as_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o of_o such_o as_o reject_v and_o oppose_v it_o and_o violent_o persecute_v the_o teacher_n of_o it_o to_o omit_v the_o testimony_n of_o true_a believer_n thus_o it_o be_v record_v concern_v those_o upon_o who_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n have_v no_o power_n nor_o influence_n the_o ruler_n elder_n scribe_n and_o high_a priest_n among_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o summon_v peter_n and_o john_n before_o they_o for_o cure_v a_o lame_a man_n can_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o a_o notable_a miracle_n have_v be_v do_v by_o they_o which_o be_v manifest_a to_o all_o they_o that_o dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v afterward_o fill_v with_o indignation_n and_o take_v counsel_n to_o slay_v they_o because_o they_o can_v not_o restrain_v they_o from_o do_v more_o miracle_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n but_o they_o never_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n stephen_n full_a of_o faith_n and_o power_n do_v great_a wonder_n and_o miracle_n among_o the_o people_n but_o he_o be_v accuse_v and_o condemn_v by_o the_o council_n of_o the_o jew_n not_o for_o deceive_v the_o people_n with_o false_a miracle_n but_o for_o speak_v thing_n against_o the_o holy_a place_n and_o the_o law_n for_o say_v that_o jesus_n shall_v destroy_v that_o place_n and_o change_v the_o custom_n which_o moses_n deliver_v they_o when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v say_v that_o all_o that_o sit_v in_o the_o council_n look_v steadfast_o on_o he_o see_v his_o face_n as_o it_o have_v be_v the_o face_n of_o a_o angel_n neither_o have_v they_o any_o thing_n to_o object_n against_o his_o life_n or_o his_o work_n simon_n the_o sorcerer_n to_o who_o all_o the_o people_n in_o samaria_n give_v heed_n from_o the_o least_o to_o the_o great_a look_v upon_o he_o to_o be_v the_o great_a power_n of_o god_n be_v himself_o as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o be_v bewitch_v by_o he_o baptise_a by_o philip_n and_o believe_v when_o he_o behold_v the_o miracle_n and_o sign_n that_o be_v do_v but_o afterward_o we_o find_v by_o the_o wickedness_n of_o his_o heart_n which_o he_o discover_v to_o peter_n that_o he_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n elymas_n the_o sorcerer_n who_o be_v strike_v blind_a by_o paul_n and_o yet_o not_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n be_v another_o unwilling_a witness_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o people_n of_o lystra_n confirm_v the_o same_o truth_n who_o take_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n for_o god_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o miracle_n they_o see_v perform_v by_o they_o and_o afterward_o by_o the_o instigation_n of_o the_o jew_n stone_v paul_n the_o damsel_n possess_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o divination_n and_o her_o master_n who_o see_v the_o hope_n of_o their_o gain_n go_v by_o paul_n command_v the_o spirit_n to_o come_v out_o of_o she_o several_a vagabond_n jew_n exorcist_n who_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o cast_v out_o evil_a spirit_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n but_o suffer_v very_o much_o for_o the_o impudence_n of_o their_o pretence_n and_o a_o great_a many_o other_o such_o like_a be_v witness_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o wicked_a or_o dishonourable_a motive_n reject_v the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v or_o profess_v to_o embrace_v it_o upon_o ill_a design_n or_o after_o they_o have_v receive_v it_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o the_o faith_n great_a complaint_n of_o all_o which_o sort_n of_o man_n we_o find_v in_o the_o epistle_n thus_o be_v the_o miracle_n of_o the_o first_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n declare_v and_o attest_v but_o moreover_o it_o be_v record_v of_o they_o that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n themselves_o but_o that_o they_o be_v authorize_v and_o enable_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n to_o convey_v the_o like_a power_n to_o other_o and_o according_o we_o find_v a_o great_a many_o instance_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o private_a christian_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o power_n they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v confer_v upon_o they_o by_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n after_o which_o action_n of_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v immediate_o say_v to_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o according_a to_o the_o different_a exigency_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o different_a qualification_n of_o the_o person_n endue_v with_o they_o be_v divers_a and_o among_o these_o be_v reckon_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o of_o interpretation_n the_o gift_n of_o healing_n and_o of_o miracle_n which_o gift_n be_v say_v to_o be_v very_o common_a among_o the_o first_o convert_v to_o christianity_n in_o all_o place_n where_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v and_o the_o same_o be_v plain_o imply_v by_o the_o frequent_a rule_n and_o caution_n that_o be_v give_v by_o the_o apostle_n concern_v the_o due_a exercise_n of_o they_o and_o the_o fear_n and_o apprehension_n they_o often_o express_v lest_o the_o christian_n thus_o impower_v shall_v by_o covet_v one_o another_o gift_n or_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o those_o they_o be_v several_o possess_v of_o neglect_v to_o apply_v themselves_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v the_o scripture-account_a of_o miracle_n and_o these_o be_v those_o wonderful_a fact_n believe_v by_o the_o first_o christian_n their_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o be_v the_o chief_a ground_n and_o motive_n of_o their_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n or_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v likewise_o other_o strange_a matter_n of_o fact_n call_v prophecy_n which_o be_v most_o sure_o believe_v among_o they_o and_o which_o contribute_v very_o much_o to_o their_o receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o continue_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n without_o waver_v and_o these_o i_o shall_v consider_v in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o method_n i_o do_v miracle_n for_o there_o be_v several_a prophecy_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o utter_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o together_o with_o several_a other_o speak_v with_o relation_n to_o he_o and_o fulfil_v by_o he_o other_o there_o be_v mention_v as_o speak_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v receive_v the_o power_n of_o prophecy_n immediate_o from_o he_o it_o be_v plain_a also_o from_o several_a instance_n and_o passage_n in_o the_o sacred_a write_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n be_v convey_v by_o the_o first_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n to_o private_a christian_n and_o be_v very_o common_a among_o they_o the_o prophecy_n speak_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v most_o of_o they_o deliver_v in_o private_a to_o his_o disciple_n some_o of_o which_o be_v not_o write_v till_o after_o the_o thing_n happen_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o the_o disciple_n be_v whole_o answerable_a for_o and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v publish_v in_o write_v before_o the_o thing_n happen_v and_o these_o may_v then_o and_o may_v still_o be_v examine_v by_o the_o circumstance_n of_o they_o other_o of_o they_o be_v speak_v public_o and_o frequent_o before_o great_a multitude_n of_o people_n as_o those_o about_o his_o suffer_v and_o resurrection_n etc._n etc._n and_o several_a beside_o their_o be_v speak_v open_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o many_o be_v also_o spread_v abroad_o in_o write_v long_o before_o the_o event_n actual_o happen_v as_o particular_o that_o remarkable_a one_o concern_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n prophecy_n speak_v of_o christ_n in_o former_a time_n with_o relation_n to_o his_o person_n action_n suffering_n and_o doctrine_n with_o the_o several_a circumstance_n 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but_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o also_o that_o hear_v they_o and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v speak_v before_o much_o company_n particular_o what_o john_n say_v of_o christ_n be_v very_o public_a and_o frequent_o repeat_v and_o consequent_o there_o be_v great_a number_n of_o witness_n of_o it_o the_o particular_a prophecy_n of_o the_o first_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n and_o other_o christian_n preserve_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v but_o few_o and_o most_o of_o the_o event_n foretell_v be_v so_o near_o the_o time_n of_o their_o prediction_n that_o we_o can_v certain_o tell_v whether_o they_o be_v write_v before_o they_o be_v fulfil_v but_o some_o of_o they_o there_o be_v many_o witness_n of_o and_o consequent_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o do_v not_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o credit_n of_o their_o relation_n but_o what_o be_v frequent_o mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n concern_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n in_o the_o church_n by_o which_o 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be_v do_v in_o their_o presence_n which_o they_o know_v be_v not_o do_v for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v utter_o inconceivable_a how_o so_o great_a a_o multitude_n of_o person_n of_o different_a place_n degree_n and_o opinion_n as_o the_o first_o witness_n of_o these_o miracle_n be_v shall_v agree_v together_o to_o assert_v that_o they_o see_v such_o fact_n as_o be_v never_o do_v and_o this_o constant_o without_o any_o once_o ever_o discover_v the_o cheat_n beside_o this_o i_o say_v the_o character_n of_o the_o witness_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o think_v they_o can_v entertain_v a_o design_n of_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o their_o first_o declaration_n of_o their_o belief_n of_o the_o miracle_n make_v a_o confederacy_n to_o deceive_v utter_o impossible_a as_o to_o the_o character_n of_o the_o witness_n they_o be_v either_o such_o person_n as_o after_o they_o have_v see_v believe_v and_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n or_o such_o as_o continue_v in_o the_o religion_n they_o be_v before_o educate_v in_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o miracle_n they_o see_v most_o of_o the_o former_a sort_n be_v person_n of_o remarkable_a probity_n and_o integrity_n and_o of_o great_a simplicity_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n who_o renounce_v all_o the_o interest_n and_o advantage_n of_o this_o present_a world_n and_o expose_v themselves_o to_o great_a variety_n of_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n for_o their_o constant_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o his_o miracle_n and_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v of_o person_n of_o this_o character_n that_o they_o will_v invent_v and_o industrious_o propagate_v what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v false_a if_o the_o agreement_n of_o so_o many_o in_o the_o same_o design_n have_v be_v possible_a but_o if_o so_o many_o people_n can_v be_v suppose_v capable_a of_o form_v such_o a_o design_n and_o of_o put_v on_o such_o a_o false_a character_n for_o the_o better_a promote_a of_o 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their_o design_v to_o impose_v upon_o we_o but_o because_o they_o do_v not_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v their_o own_o witness_n but_o bid_v we_o examine_v their_o work_n and_o inquire_v of_o their_o doctrine_n in_o order_n to_o know_v whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o we_o will_v take_v the_o method_n they_o have_v prescribe_v we_o though_o i_o can_v but_o observe_v by_o the_o way_n that_o the_o appeal_v they_o make_v and_o the_o direction_n they_o give_v for_o a_o careful_a examination_n of_o their_o pretence_n be_v a_o very_a good_a argument_n of_o their_o sincerity_n and_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o pretend_v to_o but_o wave_v all_o observation_n of_o this_o kind_n i_o will_v confine_v myself_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n say_v and_o do_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n and_o show_v that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o neither_o they_o themselves_o who_o say_v and_o do_v they_o nor_o those_o that_o see_v 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when_o he_o first_o perceive_v himself_o to_o know_v it_o he_o that_o make_v we_o and_o give_v we_o the_o capacity_n of_o perception_n and_o understanding_n may_v as_o easy_o when_o and_o howsoever_o he_o think_v fit_a put_v into_o our_o mind_n such_o thought_n as_o our_o own_o labour_n and_o industry_n have_v not_o yet_o or_o can_v not_o have_v supply_v we_o with_o there_o need_v no_o further_a proof_n of_o this_o to_o he_o that_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o if_o god_n can_v reveal_v any_o thing_n to_o man_n it_o be_v likewise_o as_o certain_a that_o that_o man_n to_o who_o such_o discovery_n be_v make_v may_v be_v undeceivable_o convince_v that_o the_o revelation_n come_v from_o god_n the_o same_o god_n who_o give_v he_o the_o faculty_n of_o difcern_v betwixt_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n in_o his_o acquire_v knowledge_n can_v enable_v he_o to_o distinguish_v as_o certain_o betwixt_o his_o own_o attainment_n and_o divine_a communication_n he_o may_v judge_v that_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v 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perform_v such_o and_o such_o extraordinary_a thing_n but_o have_v some_o little_a distrust_n of_o himself_o lest_o he_o shall_v mistake_v the_o delusion_n of_o his_o own_o fancy_n for_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n when_o upon_o trial_n he_o find_v that_o such_o thing_n be_v real_o perform_v by_o his_o hand_n all_o his_o doubt_n vanish_v and_o he_o be_v thorough_o confirm_v that_o both_o his_o power_n and_o former_a persuasion_n be_v from_o god_n this_o in_o general_n must_v be_v grant_v that_o a_o man_n may_v take_v such_o a_o certain_a estimate_n of_o his_o own_o capacity_n power_n and_o attainment_n that_o he_o may_v be_v infallible_o sure_a that_o he_o can_v not_o do_v or_o know_v such_o a_o thing_n of_o himself_o without_o some_o other_o assistance_n that_o he_o do_v not_o know_v such_o a_o thing_n before_o such_o a_o time_n that_o he_o do_v not_o know_v it_o then_o by_o the_o help_n of_o his_o antecedent_n knowledge_n and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o do_v such_o a_o thing_n by_o 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great_a variety_n and_o disproportion_n of_o faculty_n and_o attainment_n observable_a among_o we_o a_o man_n may_v be_v able_a by_o what_o he_o know_v of_o himself_o so_o far_o to_o determine_v the_o limit_n of_o humane_a force_n and_o skill_n as_o to_o be_v firm_o assure_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n can_v possible_o lie_v within_o the_o reach_n and_o comprehension_n of_o mere_a man_n unassisted_a by_o any_o other_o be_v thus_o for_o example_n to_o use_v the_o former_a instance_n we_o be_v full_o and_o entire_o assure_v that_o no_o man_n whatsoever_o bare_o by_o his_o own_o power_n without_o the_o assistance_n or_o application_n of_o any_o other_o be_v can_v cure_v the_o sick_a or_o raise_v the_o dead_a or_o speak_v a_o language_n he_o know_v nothing_o of_o just_a before_o he_o speak_v it_o or_o foretell_v such_o event_n as_o that_o of_o the_o restoration_n of_o the_o jew_n we_o may_v likewise_o be_v as_o full_o sure_a that_o person_n of_o such_o a_o education_n and_o course_n of_o 〈◊〉_d can_v not_o possible_o of_o themselves_o by_o the_o force_n of_o their_o own_o capacity_n and_o acquisition_n conceive_v speak_v write_v or_o do_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n in_o such_o a_o particular_a way_n and_o manner_n as_o we_o can_v suppose_v or_o may_v actual_o find_v whoever_o therefore_o believe_v the_o miracle_n prophet_n and_n doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n according_a to_o the_o history_n give_v of_o they_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n must_v have_v this_o assurance_n that_o if_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v so_o as_o they_o be_v there_o deliver_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o those_o man_n shall_v be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v more_o particular_o by_o consider_v they_o apart_o to_o begin_v with_o prophecy_n which_o have_v be_v always_o reckon_v the_o most_o unexceptionable_a testimony_n of_o a_o intelligence_n exceed_v humane_a knowledge_n if_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v write_v long_o before_o 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prophecy_n by_o a_o arbitrary_a application_n of_o they_o to_o such_o event_n as_o be_v in_o his_o own_o power_n to_o bring_v about_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o he_o think_v will_v bear_v the_o near_a resemblance_n to_o those_o account_n of_o thing_n he_o find_v already_o write_v for_o it_o be_v manifest_o impossible_a for_o christ_n to_o order_n and_o contrive_v the_o time_n place_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o birth_n and_o all_o the_o other_o circumstance_n which_o attend_v his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o these_o thing_n be_v as_o particular_o and_o remarkable_o express_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o any_o other_o matter_n whatsoever_o apply_v by_o christ_n to_o himself_o and_o as_o certain_o believe_v by_o the_o jew_n to_o belong_v to_o the_o messiah_n before_o the_o pretension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v hear_v of_o as_o any_o other_o prophecy_n that_o be_v ever_o think_v by_o they_o to_o concern_v he_o if_o the_o prophecy_n cite_v out_o of_o 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as_o do_v evident_o appear_v from_o the_o reflection_n before_o lay_v down_o but_o if_o it_o be_v further_o object_v notwithstanding_o the_o evidence_n before_o give_v which_o plain_o prove_v the_o contrary_a that_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o call_v miracle_n will_v have_v happen_v according_a to_o the_o establish_v course_n of_o nature_n at_o the_o time_n and_o in_o the_o manner_n they_o do_v happen_v whether_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v use_v such_o previous_a sign_n as_o make_v they_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o or_o not_o and_o so_o all_o the_o fact_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o other_o natural_a cause_n though_o they_o can_v not_o be_v effect_v by_o man_n if_o this_o i_o say_v shall_v be_v urge_v and_o the_o supposition_n allow_v then_o must_v all_o the_o miracle_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o pretend_a author_n of_o they_o be_v resolve_v into_o prophecy_n and_o that_o will_v amount_v to_o the_o same_o thing_n for_o the_o foretell_v all_o those_o 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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