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council_n of_o nice_a one_o of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a event_n that_o ever_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n 3._o the_o call_n of_o this_o council_n do_v plain_o infer_v that_o constantine_n look_v upon_o the_o whole_a roman_a empire_n to_o have_v be_v at_o that_o time_n general_o christian_n the_o person_n summon_v the_o place_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v the_o occasion_n of_o their_o meeting_n do_v all_o prove_v this_o for_o the_o person_n of_o which_o the_o council_n be_v compose_v be_v most_o of_o they_o governor_n and_o teacher_n of_o large_a church_n and_o congregation_n they_o come_v out_o of_o all_o the_o great_a and_o lesser_a province_n and_o from_o the_o most_o populous_a and_o considerable_a town_n under_o the_o roman_a government_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o come_n be_v to_o give_v their_o opinion_n concern_v a_o particular_a doctrine_n which_o do_v suppose_v a_o antecedent_n belief_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a scheme_n 4._o the_o whole_a behaviour_n of_o 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year_n backward_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v be_v the_o same_o it_o be_v then_o in_o the_o country_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v that_o all_o this_o time_n they_o have_v have_v the_o same_o scripture_n among_o they_o that_o these_o scripture_n have_v constant_o be_v read_v both_o in_o public_a and_o private_a and_o as_o far_o as_o fell_v within_o humane_a cognizance_n as_o constant_o and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n believe_v and_o esteem_v as_o they_o appear_v then_o to_o be_v that_o the_o ceremony_n of_o baptise_v and_o communicate_v have_v be_v always_o universal_o use_v at_o such_o time_n and_o upon_o such_o and_o such_o occasion_n that_o these_o and_o several_a other_o religious_a performance_n as_o read_v the_o scripture_n prayer_n exhortation_n etc._n etc._n have_v be_v constant_o practise_v in_o public_a when_o christian_n be_v assemble_v together_o that_o meeting_n or_o assembly_n for_o these_o purpose_n be_v very_o frequent_a that_o beside_o other_o occasional_a 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time_n know_v and_o believe_v these_o scripture_n than_o be_v the_o christian_a religion_n under_o trajan_n the_o same_o it_o be_v under_o nero_n for_o in_o every_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o author_n plain_o suppose_v the_o christian_a religion_n establish_v and_o all_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n and_o doctrine_n there_o record_v believe_v before_o he_o write_v and_o therefore_o if_o all_o or_o any_o of_o these_o book_n be_v receive_v at_o rome_n in_o the_o time_n of_o trajan_n as_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n must_v have_v be_v when_o sixty_o year_n afterward_o it_o be_v believe_v by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n to_o have_v be_v send_v to_o they_o then_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o christian_n that_o receive_v they_o must_v have_v certain_o know_v that_o they_o believe_v the_o same_o fact_n and_o doctrine_n which_o they_o find_v in_o those_o book_n ever_o since_o they_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o 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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 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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 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and_o
be_v with_o much_o enquiry_n and_o examination_n establish_v this_o every_o one_o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o and_o a_o free_a disquisition_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v every_o where_o to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o ancient_a writer_n then_o as_o to_o the_o persecution_n they_o be_v so_o many_o they_o continue_v so_o long_o together_o be_v so_o wide_o spread_v be_v attend_v with_o so_o vast_a a_o number_n of_o very_o new_a and_o remarkalbe_n fact_n and_o so_o many_o of_o the_o writer_n live_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o they_o and_o have_v so_o large_a a_o share_n and_o concern_v in_o they_o themselves_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o account_n they_o give_v of_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v most_o of_o they_o at_o least_o very_o true_a the_o four_o observation_n i_o have_v to_o make_v upon_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n writer_n be_v that_o there_o be_v so_o 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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
account_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n may_v be_v give_v of_o the_o heathen_n who_o write_n do_v any_o way_n concern_v christianity_n for_o neither_o those_o of_o they_o that_o be_v instrumental_a in_o the_o persecution_n of_o christian_n nor_o those_o who_o endeavour_n to_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n by_o argument_n do_v deny_v any_o of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o we_o have_v distinguish_v by_o the_o title_n of_o common_a historical_a fact_n and_o a_o great_a many_o of_o they_o be_v confirm_v by_o other_o heathen_a writer_n who_o treat_v of_o their_o own_o affair_n only_o or_o mention_v christian_a matter_n occasional_o as_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v intermix_v with_o those_o thing_n they_o design_o write_v about_o nay_o some_o of_o those_o that_o write_v express_o against_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o only_o allow_v that_o christ_n pretend_v to_o miracle_n and_o that_o he_o do_v those_o thing_n record_v of_o he_o in_o appearance_n as_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o several_a of_o they_o but_o that_o he_o do_v real_o work_v those_o very_a miracle_n he_o pretend_v to_o but_o then_o they_o endeavour_v to_o lessen_v the_o credit_n of_o they_o and_o destroy_v the_o doctrine_n build_v upon_o they_o either_o by_o ascribe_v they_o as_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n likewise_o do_v to_o magic_a and_o evil_a spirit_n or_o show_v that_o several_a of_o their_o own_o religion_n have_v do_v as_o extraordinary_a thing_n as_o any_o that_o be_v attribute_v to_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n a_o great_a many_o of_o these_o heathen_a write_n be_v quote_v some_o of_o they_o particular_o answer_v and_o confute_v and_o several_a large_a piece_n of_o they_o insert_v in_o the_o book_n of_o christian_a author_n there_o we_o find_v beside_o a_o great_a many_o passage_n out_o of_o private_a author_n and_o common_a tradition_n several_a rescript_n edict_n and_o letter_n of_o roman_a emperor_n either_o mention_v or_o 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christian_a affair_n which_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o eusebius_n to_o be_v so_o notorious_a a_o truth_n that_o when_o he_o talk_v of_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n under_o domitian_n he_o confirm_v what_o he_o say_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o heathen_a writer_n without_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o name_v any_o particular_a author_n 18._o eus_n e._n h._n l._n 3._o c._n 18._o so_o mighty_o say_v he_o do_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o faith_n flourish_v in_o those_o forementioned_a time_n that_o even_o those_o writer_n who_o be_v whole_o estrange_v from_o our_o religion_n by_o which_o he_o plain_o mean_v heathen_n have_v not_o think_v it_o troublesome_a to_o set_v forth_o in_o their_o history_n both_o this_o persecution_n and_o also_o the_o martyrdom_n suffer_v therein_o and_o they_o have_v also_o accurate_o show_v the_o very_a time_n relate_v that_o in_o the_o fifteen_o year_n of_o domitian_n flavia_n domitilla_n daughter_n of_o the_o sister_n of_o fabius_n clemens_n at_o that_o 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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 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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 and_o hear_v they_o nor_o any_o body_n else_o that_o be_v any_o other_o way_n convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o appearance_n can_v be_v deceive_v in_o think_v they_o proceed_v whole_o from_o god_n the_o matter_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o fall_v under_o one_o of_o these_o three_o head_n viz._n miracle_n prophecy_n and_o doctrine_n concern_v which_o we_o will_v inquire_v first_o whether_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 not_o be_v infallible_o satisfy_v that_o whatever_o of_o this_o kind_n they_o do_v or_o say_v be_v from_o god_n alone_o and_o not_o at_o all_o from_o their_o own_o power_n or_o skill_n this_o be_v certain_o and_o undeniable_o possible_a that_o god_n may_v if_o he_o so_o please_v reveal_v and_o discover_v something_o to_o a_o man_n which_o he_o do_v not_o know_v before_o and_o something_o which_o without_o such_o discovery_n he_o can_v not_o have_v know_v at_o all_o or_o not_o at_o that_o time_n 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 reveal_v to_o he_o by_o god_n with_o the_o same_o satisfaction_n and_o acquiescence_n of_o mind_n and_o with_o the_o same_o impossibility_n of_o entertain_v a_o doubt_n notwithstanding_o all_o his_o effort_n and_o endeavour_n to_o distrust_v himself_o as_o he_o judge_v any_o other_o proposition_n be_v true_a in_o which_o the_o connexion_n of_o the_o simple_a and_o most_o know_a idea_n be_v irresistible_o perceive_v evidence_n of_o perception_n be_v the_o only_a standard_n of_o truth_n in_o all_o case_n and_o though_o several_a man_n may_v have_v be_v deceive_v in_o think_v some_o thing_n be_v reveal_v to_o they_o by_o god_n which_o be_v not_o so_o reveal_v this_o be_v no_o more_o a_o argument_n that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v certain_a of_o any_o revelation_n than_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n for_o universal_a scepticism_n that_o some_o man_n have_v be_v mistake_v in_o what_o they_o think_v self-evident_a proposition_n and_o demonstration_n but_o not_o to_o enter_v further_o into_o that_o dispute_n which_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o consider_v in_o another_o place_n beside_o the_o certainty_n that_o a_o man_n may_v have_v that_o god_n have_v reveal_v himself_o to_o he_o from_o immediate_a consciousness_n his_o faith_n may_v be_v confirm_v if_o any_o degree_n of_o evidence_n can_v be_v suppose_v want_v by_o external_n sign_n and_o character_n god_n may_v if_o he_o please_v give_v a_o man_n such_o a_o strong_a conviction_n of_o his_o power_n to_o do_v such_o and_o such_o wonderful_a thing_n that_o he_o may_v be_v entire_o satisfy_v without_o so_o much_o as_o a_o desire_n to_o make_v any_o trial_n of_o his_o talon_n and_o he_o may_v likewise_o manifest_v himself_o to_o he_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o leave_v some_o room_n for_o doubt_n but_o such_o as_o must_v needs_o yield_v to_o further_a proof_n ordain_v by_o god_n for_o the_o removal_n of_o they_o thus_o for_o instance_n a_o man_n that_o be_v strong_o persuade_v god_n have_v give_v he_o a_o power_n of_o 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 any_o power_n or_o force_n of_o his_o own_o or_o by_o any_o skill_n or_o knowledge_n of_o the_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v do_v that_o i_o can_v now_o cure_v the_o sick_a nor_o raise_v the_o dead_a nor_o speak_v the_o syriack_n and_o arabic_a tongue_n nor_o tell_v when_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v settle_v in_o their_o own_o country_n again_o i_o be_o as_o sure_a as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o i_o to_o be_v that_o i_o can_v think_v or_o speak_v or_o move_v and_o if_o i_o shall_v hereafter_o cure_v the_o sick_a or_o raise_v the_o dead_a by_o the_o word_n of_o my_o mouth_n if_o i_o shall_v speak_v the_o syriack_n and_o arabic_a language_n without_o read_v any_o book_n write_v in_o those_o tongue_n or_o hear_v they_o speak_v or_o shall_v foretell_v the_o exact_a time_n of_o the_o restoration_n of_o the_o jew_n i_o shall_v then_o be_v also_o full_o satisfy_v and_o assure_v that_o i_o do_v not_o perform_v such_o work_n as_o cure_v the_o sick_a and_o raise_v the_o dead_a by_o any_o power_n or_o skill_n of_o my_o own_o that_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v such_o language_n or_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o such_o a_o event_n before_o i_o speak_v the_o one_o and_o foretell_v the_o other_o and_o that_o all_o the_o knowledge_n i_o have_v acquire_v before_o that_o time_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v i_o understand_v those_o language_n and_o that_o event_n without_o some_o further_a and_o more_o extraordinary_a assistance_n exceed_v all_o my_o power_n and_o knowledge_n if_o i_o be_o capable_a of_o know_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o of_o myself_o i_o can_v be_v mistake_v in_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o same_o experience_n every_o other_o man_n be_v alike_o capable_a of_o but_o suppose_v christ_n who_o i_o consider_v now_o only_o as_o a_o man_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n be_v all_o several_o satisfy_v by_o a_o certain_a consciousness_n of_o their_o own_o power_n and_o knowledge_n that_o the_o miracle_n they_o perform_v exceed_v their_o humane_a power_n and_o the_o prophecy_n and_o doctrine_n they_o deliver_v can_v not_o be_v the_o result_v and_o product_n of_o their_o antecedent_n knowledge_n how_o can_v they_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n be_v the_o sole_a author_n of_o they_o all_o and_o not_o some_o other_o be_v of_o superior_a order_n to_o man_n why_o the_o very_a same_o way_n they_o be_v convince_v that_o they_o themselves_o be_v not_o god_n who_o make_v they_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o they_o can_v by_o immediate_a consciousness_n perceive_v that_o such_o a_o thing_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o themselves_o can_v enable_v they_o in_o like_a manner_n to_o judge_v that_o such_o a_o thing_n do_v proceed_v from_o god_n only_o and_o not_o from_o any_o other_o be_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o there_o may_v be_v and_o we_o have_v several_a reason_n to_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 consequent_o the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n which_o be_v before_o show_v to_o exceed_v all_o humane_a reach_n and_o capacity_n do_v certain_o proceed_v from_o god_n after_o which_o proof_n the_o three_o thing_n propose_v will_v be_v very_o easy_o make_v out_o viz._n 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 all_o that_o we_o know_v of_o good_a or_o evil_a spirit_n without_o revelation_n be_v that_o there_o have_v be_v some_o man_n unaccountable_o assist_v by_o some_o invisible_a power_n to_o say_v and_o do_v certain_a thing_n which_o they_o know_v they_o can_v not_o have_v say_v or_o do_v without_o such_o assistance_n that_o if_o what_o be_v say_v or_o do_v this_o way_n be_v serious_a and_o concern_v and_o seem_v to_o contribute_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o good_a of_o man_n it_o be_v reckon_v to_o proceed_v from_o a_o good_a spirit_n appoint_v by_o the_o supreme_a god_n for_o that_o end_n if_o the_o thing_n say_v or_o do_v be_v trifle_a or_o hurtful_a they_o be_v think_v to_o come_v from_o evil_a spirit_n permit_v by_o the_o supreme_a god_n to_o amuse_v or_o punish_v man_n and_o that_o sacrifice_n and_o other_o religious_a rite_n be_v perform_v by_o the_o person_n particular_o concern_v to_o express_v their_o thanks_o to_o the_o one_o or_o to_o appease_v the_o other_o these_o good_a and_o evil_a spirit_n be_v esteem_v as_o god_n of_o a_o low_a order_n who_o have_v different_a office_n assign_v they_o by_o the_o supreme_a in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n we_o have_v a_o more_o particular_a account_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a spirit_n the_o first_o occasion_n of_o their_o distinction_n and_o their_o different_a office_n and_o employment_n as_o such_o and_o there_o we_o find_v that_o what_o be_v say_v or_o do_v by_o angel_n or_o good_a spirit_n be_v by_o the_o express_a order_n and_o command_n of_o god_n and_o be_v attribute_v to_o he_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o if_o 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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insist_v upon_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v utter_o inconceivable_a that_o the_o suppose_a author_n and_o contriver_n of_o that_o book_n can_v have_v imagine_v that_o such_o a_o scheme_n of_o thing_n as_o we_o there_o find_v deliver_v shall_v ever_o come_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o world_n and_o without_o such_o a_o thought_n and_o persuasion_n of_o this_o in_o the_o author_n we_o can_v never_o account_v for_o either_o the_o first_o contrivance_n or_o publication_n of_o it_o whatever_o it_o be_v that_o determine_v he_o to_o frame_v the_o christian_a scheme_n whatever_o end_v he_o propose_v to_o himself_o from_o his_o labour_n and_o skill_n in_o make_v it_o he_o must_v certain_o design_n that_o the_o whole_a fiction_n shall_v be_v believe_v by_o those_o it_o be_v communicate_v to_o otherwise_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o compass_v the_o end_n he_o aim_v at_o if_o therefore_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o first_o author_n and_o publisher_n of_o the_o 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such_o a_o particular_a circumstantial_a relation_n of_o they_o as_o submit_v they_o to_o every_o body_n enquiry_n and_o examination_n and_o make_v the_o discovery_n of_o their_o falsehood_n easy_a and_o obvious_a how_o can_v he_o persuade_v himself_o that_o such_o new_a and_o difficult_a doctrine_n shall_v be_v entertain_v which_o no_o former_a notion_n of_o learning_n or_o religion_n prepare_v man_n to_o receive_v and_o which_o no_o discovery_n or_o revelation_n can_v make_v they_o full_o comprehend_v and_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o imagine_v that_o such_o doctrine_n and_o fact_n as_o these_o shall_v set_v off_o and_o recommend_v his_o morality_n to_o the_o world_n which_o consider_v by_o itself_o be_v grant_v to_o be_v unexceptionable_a have_v the_o principal_a aim_n and_o design_n of_o this_o suppose_a impostor_n be_v to_o establish_v the_o christian_a morality_n he_o will_v rather_o have_v publish_v it_o alone_o in_o the_o name_n of_o some_o admire_a prince_n or_o 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that_o so_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o scheme_n may_v have_v be_v take_v down_o ready_o and_o without_o examination_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o but_o take_v the_o christian_a religion_n altogether_o as_o we_o now_o find_v it_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o a_o wise_a man_n shall_v believe_v he_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v people_n over_o to_o embrace_v it_o suppose_v it_o pure_o a_o invention_n of_o his_o own_o which_o he_o know_v have_v no_o foundation_n in_o true_a fact_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o end_n or_o motive_n sufficient_a to_o influence_n he_o to_o contrive_v what_o he_o can_v not_o believe_v will_v ever_o be_v receive_v so_o far_o as_o to_o answer_v any_o end_n propose_v but_o suppose_v it_o possible_a that_o there_o shall_v have_v be_v some_o man_n who_o be_v wise_a enough_o to_o invent_v the_o whole_a christian_a scheme_n as_o we_o now_o find_v it_o in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o who_o be_v at_o the_o same_o 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possible_o be_v place_v above_o the_o time_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n because_o there_o be_v abundance_n of_o name_n and_o other_o circumstance_n allow_v to_o be_v true_a which_o can_v not_o be_v know_v before_o without_o a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n which_o imposture_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o in_o the_o account_n the_o new_a testament_n give_v of_o this_o matter_n the_o first_o scene_n of_o the_o imposture_n if_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v account_v such_o be_v lay_v at_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o time_n of_o tiberius_n cesar_n and_o consequent_o the_o period_n fix_v upon_o for_o first_o acquaint_v the_o world_n with_o what_o be_v pretend_v to_o have_v happen_v then_o at_o jerusalem_n must_v be_v at_o or_o near_o that_o time_n or_o at_o some_o distance_n since_o let_v we_o consider_v this_o great_a event_n in_o all_o these_o different_a period_n and_o see_v what_o the_o success_n will_v be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n then_o let_v we_o suppose_v the_o 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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
and_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o concern_v they_o yet_o be_v the_o account_n they_o give_v we_o of_o such_o a_o nature_n and_o write_v at_o such_o time_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v ever_o have_v be_v believe_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v true_a from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o history_n of_o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v true_a and_o the_o doctrine_n they_o contain_v give_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n though_o the_o person_n that_o record_v the_o wonderful_a work_n and_o revelation_n of_o god_n be_v not_o divine_o assist_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n in_o the_o write_n as_o they_o themselves_o or_o other_o they_o write_v of_o be_v in_o the_o first_o preach_v and_o publish_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o to_o the_o remain_a objection_n to_o scripture_n viz._n ridiculous_a and_o improbable_a story_n absurd_a law_n and_o injunction_n impertinent_a reason_n and_o argument_n low_a and_o unartful_a expression_n all_o those_o will_v admit_v of_o one_o 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say_v in_o general_n what_o have_v be_v before_o unanswerable_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o holy_a write_n upon_o which_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o religion_n therein_o contain_v be_v found_v be_v beyond_o all_o exception_n true_a for_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o will_v bear_v down_o and_o over-rule_v all_o other_o seem_a difficulty_n that_o occur_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o manifest_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o our_o knowledge_n upon_o which_o all_o our_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n be_v ground_v there_o be_v several_a relation_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o most_o approve_a book_n which_o i_o shall_v not_o believe_v so_o ready_o if_o they_o be_v not_o support_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o rest_n but_o when_o i_o have_v unquestionable_a proof_n of_o the_o veracity_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o writer_n in_o some_o thing_n i_o can_v easy_o believe_v other_o thing_n which_o he_o say_v must_v be_v true_a and_o wise_a though_o they_o seem_v to_o i_o foolish_a and_o untrue_a and_o therefore_o when_o i_o be_o certain_o convince_v it_o be_v god_n that_o speak_v by_o infallible_a sign_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o discourse_n appear_v to_o i_o worthy_a of_o god_n i_o can_v doubt_v but_o all_o the_o rest_n must_v proceed_v from_o god_n and_o be_v worthy_a of_o he_o though_o it_o will_v not_o appear_v so_o without_o this_o support_n have_v the_o bible_n come_v down_o to_o we_o with_o all_o the_o exceptionable_a story_n and_o expression_n put_v together_o without_o the_o other_o part_n of_o it_o i_o can_v not_o have_v perceive_v it_o belong_v to_o god_n without_o many_o wonderful_a sign_n to_o confirm_v it_o and_o i_o shall_v have_v be_v very_o distrustful_a of_o the_o sign_n but_o when_o i_o be_o thorough_o convince_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o testimony_n nothing_o but_o a_o downright_a contradiction_n will_v shock_v my_o belief_n do_v twelve_o man_n of_o know_a integrity_n to_o i_o affirm_v they_o hear_v a_o ass_n or_o serpent_n speak_v or_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v record_v in_o scriture_n i_o shall_v believe_v they_o without_o any_o manner_n of_o scruple_n or_o hesitation_n and_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o importance_n of_o what_o be_v say_v i_o shall_v judge_v it_o proceed_v either_o from_o the_o secret_a force_n of_o nature_n or_o from_o evil_a spirit_n or_o from_o god_n if_o therefore_o we_o be_v satisfy_v by_o undeniable_a argument_n that_o the_o substance_n and_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o scripture-history_n be_v true_a and_o consequent_o that_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o questionable_a place_n of_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o such_o a_o solution_n as_o be_v very_o consistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o design_n of_o god_n and_o with_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o reason_n though_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o give_v it_o and_o indeed_o such_o answer_n have_v be_v already_o make_v to_o several_a thing_n which_o seem_v most_o liable_a to_o exception_n that_o it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o conceive_v how_o those_o that_o be_v yet_o unanswered_a may_v be_v solve_v be_v we_o furnish_v with_o all_o the_o knowledge_n requisite_a for_o such_o a_o performance_n but_o it_o have_v not_o please_v god_n to_o give_v we_o such_o light_n and_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v repugnant_a to_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o deny_v it_o we_o and_o therefore_o the_o difficulty_n of_o scripture_n as_o well_o as_o those_o of_o natural_a providence_n may_v be_v a_o proper_a exercise_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o be_v a_o very_a unjust_a and_o unwarrantable_a ground_n of_o infidelity_n since_o in_o both_o he_o have_v vouchsase_v we_o such_o plain_a and_o certain_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o as_o can_v be_v darken_v by_o all_o that_o infinite_a abyss_n of_o knowledge_n which_o be_v veil_v and_o conceal_v from_o we_o i_o shall_v not_o therefore_o concern_v myself_o any_o further_a to_o give_v a_o particular_a answer_n to_o the_o many_o minute_n objection_n that_o be_v make_v to_o scripture_n because_o if_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a write_n depend_v upon_o the_o force_n or_o invalidity_n of_o these_o objection_n in_o order_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o write_n every_o one_o of_o they_o must_v be_v distinct_o and_o satisfactory_o answer_v and_o that_o be_v plain_o impossible_a by_o reason_n that_o they_o can_v all_o receive_v their_o proper_a solution_n without_o a_o through_o insight_n into_o the_o whole_a compass_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n which_o no_o man_n or_o generation_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o without_o such_o a_o penetration_n into_o the_o way_n and_o design_n of_o god_n as_o be_v not_o attainable_a but_o by_o revelation_n but_o if_o it_o be_v urge_v that_o there_o be_v some_o particular_a objection_n which_o do_v of_o themselves_o without_o the_o assistance_n of_o any_o other_o argument_n overthrow_v the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n these_o have_v be_v never_o yet_o allege_v it_o be_v time_n enough_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o they_o when_o the_o whole_a cause_n be_v put_v upon_o that_o issue_n but_o beside_o all_o this_o a_o particular_a answer_n to_o all_o or_o any_o objection_n be_v a_o needless_a trouble_n because_o the_o proof_n that_o have_v be_v give_v of_o the_o christian_a revelation_n be_v sufficient_a to_o establish_v the_o authority_n of_o it_o notwithstanding_o any_o objection_n that_o can_v be_v make_v to_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v more_o full_o to_o make_v out_o under_o the_o next_o general_n head_n of_o discourse_n iv_o forurthly_n than_o i_o shall_v show_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o such_o a_o proof_n as_o have_v before_o be_v give_v by_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o