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of_o prophetic_a inspiration_n i_o be_o not_o the_o first_o that_o have_v make_v suchlike_a observation_n st._n jerom_n in_o his_o dialogue_n against_o the_o pelagian_n lib._n 3._o bring_v in_o atticus_n who_o bear_v the_o part_n of_o a_o orthodox_n doctor_n speak_v of_o st._n paul_n judex_n do_v you_o think_v st._n paul_n at_o that_o time_n when_o he_o write_v the_o cloak_n which_o i_o leave_v at_o troas_n when_o thou_o come_v bring_v with_o thou_o and_o the_o book_n but_o especial_o the_o parchment_n do_v think_v of_o the_o heavenly_a mystery_n and_o not_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v useful_a to_o (null)_o life_n and_o necessary_a to_o the_o body_n &_o c_o the_o apostle_n be_v strike_v by_o a_o officer_n and_o he_o fall_v foul_a upon_o the_o high_a priest_n that_o command_v he_o to_o be_v smite_v god_n shall_v smite_v thou_o thou_o white_v wall_n where_o be_v that_o patience_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o as_o a_o lamb_n lead_v to_o the_o slaughter_n open_v not_o his_o mouth_n but_o answer_v mild_o to_o he_o that_o strike_v he_o if_o i_o have_v speak_v ill_o convince_v i_o of_o the_o ill_a but_o if_o well_o why_o do_v you_o strike_v i_o we_o do_v not_o detract_v from_o the_o apostle_n but_o we_o declare_v the_o glory_n of_o our_o lord_n who_o suffer_v in_o the_o flesh_n overcome_v the_o difficulty_n and_o weakness_n of_o the_o flesh._n not_o to_o mention_v what_o he_o say_v in_o another_o place_n alexander_n the_o coppersmith_n do_v i_o much_o evil_n the_o lord_n the_o righteous_a judge_n will_v reward_v he_o in_o that_o day_n it_o be_v true_a st._n jerom_n elsewhere_o disapprove_v a_o part_n of_o that_o which_o here_o he_o make_v his_o orthodox_n doctor_n speak_v but_o it_o be_v plain_a at_o least_o that_o one_o may_v speak_v it_o without_o be_v guilty_a of_o heresy_n last_o when_o we_o examine_v the_o discourse_n which_o we_o have_v of_o christ_n disciple_n before_o divers_a judge_n we_o may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o they_o speak_v with_o much_o piety_n and_o courage_n but_o it_o seem_v not_o that_o they_o say_v any_o thing_n which_o one_o may_v not_o as_o well_o say_v without_o inspiration_n if_o we_o read_v the_o history_n of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v put_v to_o death_n for_o religion_n in_o the_o last_o age_n we_o shall_v find_v many_o that_o be_v not_o prophet_n make_v excellent_a discourse_n at_o their_o trial_n without_o be_v prepare_v beforehand_o st._n stephen_n be_v full_a of_o the_o gospel-spirit_n when_o he_o make_v the_o harangue_n we_o read_v act_n vii_o it_o seem_v nevertheless_o that_o he_o therein_o mix_v divers_a circumstance_n of_o history_n which_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n of_o the_o matter_n he_o speak_v about_o and_o which_o neither_o can_v tolerable_o be_v reconcile_v with_o the_o history_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o indeed_o very_o learned_a man_n have_v be_v of_o opinion_n that_o st._n stephen_n memory_n fail_v he_o mr._n cappel_n in_o his_o spicilegium_fw-la on_o vers._n 16._o say_v 19_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o this_o place_n we_o shall_v read_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o understand_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v say_v abraham_n but_o his_o grandchild_n jacob_n buy_v this_o monument_n or_o we_o may_v say_v that_o stephen_n by_o the_o fault_n of_o his_o memory_n confound_v two_o fact_n that_o be_v somewhat_o alike_o to_o wit_n the_o purchase_n make_v by_o abraham_n whereof_o gen._n xxiii_o with_o that_o make_v by_o jacob_n gen._n xxxiii_o 19_o however_o it_o be_v no_o way_n incongruous_a that_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n or_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v understand_v the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n and_o constancy_n which_o the_o gospel_n give_v or_o such_o a_o disposition_n of_o mind_n as_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o know_v it_o be_v a_o manner_n of_o speak_v common_a in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o that_o the_o hebrew_n call_v the_o spirit_n of_o jealousy_n the_o spirit_n of_o stupidity_n the_o spirit_n of_o fear_n the_o spirit_n of_o courage_n the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n etc._n etc._n the_o different_a disposition_n of_o mind_n that_o render_v a_o man_n jealous_a stupid_a fearful_a courageous_a meek_a etc._n etc._n the_o critic_n have_v observe_v this_o long_a ago_o but_o i_o must_v needs_o desire_v you_o once_o again_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o when_o i_o say_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n have_v not_o prophetic_a inspiration_n for_o answer_v before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o judge_n to_o the_o accusation_n bring_v against_o they_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v thereby_o that_o it_o never_o so_o fall_v out_o but_o only_o that_o ordinary_o they_o speak_v without_o particular_a inspiration_n i_o conceive_v indeed_o that_o if_o one_o of_o they_o have_v appear_v before_o a_o judge_n who_o language_n he_o natural_o understand_v not_o it_o will_v have_v be_v necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v have_v dictate_v to_o he_o the_o proper_a word_n he_o be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o god_n have_v often_o do_v even_o that_o in_o favour_n of_o such_o of_o the_o apostle_n as_o have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o barbarous_a nation_n beyond_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o perhaps_o too_o sometime_o among_o the_o roman_n and_o greek_n however_o it_o be_v it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o if_o what_o i_o have_v be_v say_v be_v consider_v it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o passage_n of_o st._n luke_n and_o st._n matthew_n where_o christ_n promise_v his_o spirit_n to_o his_o disciple_n be_v not_o strong_a enough_o to_o render_v the_o common_a opinion_n indisputable_a this_o sir_n be_v about_o half_a the_o write_n which_o be_v give_v i_o concern_v the_o thought_n of_o mr._n n._n on_o this_o subject_a it_o be_v too_o long_o to_o make_v a_o end_n of_o transcribe_v it_o at_o present_a but_o you_o shall_v have_v the_o rest_n by_o the_o next_o post_n upon_o condition_n you_o will_v promise_v i_o to_o peruse_v it_o careful_o and_o give_v i_o your_o sense_n of_o it_o it_o be_v extreme_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o some_o able_a and_o judicious_a person_n will_v undertake_v to_o handle_v this_o matter_n thorough_o in_o opposition_n to_o our_o author_n but_o without_o heat_n and_o passion_n this_o opinion_n be_v maintain_v by_o so_o many_o proof_n and_o argument_n that_o seem_v so_o strong_a that_o though_o i_o know_v it_o may_v be_v render_v very_o odious_a and_o that_o very_o malicious_a consequence_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o it_o yet_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o do_v not_o know_v by_o what_o principle_n it_o can_v be_v overthrow_v and_o that_o which_o give_v this_o author_n yet_o more_o advantage_n be_v that_o this_o matter_n have_v be_v so_o little_o handle_v that_o all_o the_o write_n upon_o the_o scripture_n to_o this_o day_n afford_v we_o scarce_o any_o light_n therein_o a_o man_n must_v fetch_v all_o out_o of_o his_o own_o stock_n to_o answer_v he_o and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a trouble_n to_o have_v one_o mind_n continual_o exercise_v in_o clear_v up_o the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o subject_a so_o little_o know_v and_o give_v clear_a principle_n in_o so_o obscure_a a_o matter_n i_o will_v be_v glad_a sir_n that_o there_o be_v any_o in_o your_o province_n or_o elsewhere_o that_o will_v undertake_v to_o clear_v it_o for_o i_o know_v none_o of_o my_o friend_n here_o that_o will_v engage_v in_o it_o if_o you_o can_v prevail_v with_o some_o learned_a and_o moderate_a divine_a to_o take_v that_o task_n in_o hand_n without_o rail_v as_o divine_n too_o often_o do_v when_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o answer_v their_o antagonist_n you_o will_v infinite_o oblige_v those_o who_o have_v read_v this_o little_a write_n i_o be_o etc._n etc._n the_o second_o letter_n i_o be_o not_o surprise_v sir_n at_o your_o desire_n to_o see_v the_o latter_a part_n of_o that_o write_n whereof_o i_o send_v you_o the_o former_a by_o last_o post_n before_o your_o be_v willing_a to_o give_v i_o your_o judgement_n on_o it_o a_o matter_n so_o important_a and_o so_o delicate_a require_v to_o be_v consider_v with_o much_o attentiveness_n we_o must_v lay_v aside_o then_o once_o again_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o critical_a history_n to_o resume_v it_o next_o post._n for_o i_o can_v transcribe_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o write_n of_o mr._n n._n and_o entertain_v you_o at_o the_o same_o time_n upon_o any_o other_o subject_a mr._n who_o you_o mention_v be_v well_o qualify_v to_o instruct_v his_o flock_n in_o matter_n of_o piety_n but_o have_v not_o i_o doubt_v learn_v sufficient_a nor_o part_n strong_a enough_o to_o master_v the_o difficulty_n that_o attend_v the_o answer_v direct_o and_o by_o positive_a argument_n a_o write_v which_o some_o other_o very_o able_a divine_n dare_v not_o meddle_v with_o it_o be_v better_a in_o my_o
i_o have_v first_o observe_v that_o several_a great_a man_n and_o who_o have_v pass_v for_o good_a christian_n have_v hold_v this_o opinion_n without_o lose_v the_o reputation_n they_o have_v of_o piety_n there_o be_v not_o a_o man_n of_o worth_n and_o honour_n among_o the_o protestant_n who_o will_v dare_v to_o say_v that_o erasmus_n and_o grotius_n be_v libertine_n and_o yet_o both_o of_o they_o defend_v open_o this_o same_o opinion_n but_o because_o there_o be_v some_o divine_n who_o esteem_v none_o but_o those_o that_o have_v be_v of_o the_o society_n they_o live_v in_o i_o will_v repeat_v some_o reremarkable_a word_n of_o a_o divine_a famous_a among_o the_o presbyterian_o in_o england_n and_o even_o among_o those_o on_o this_o side_n the_o water_n it_o be_v mr._n richard_n baxter_n who_o speak_v thus_o in_o a_o english_a book_n translate_v not_o long_o since_o into_o dutch_a and_o entitle_v the_o saint_n everlasting_a rest._n 22._o 210._o though_o all_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n yet_o he_o who_o believe_v but_o some_o one_o book_n that_o contain_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n may_v be_v save_v much_o more_o they_o that_o have_v doubt_v but_o of_o some_o particular_a book_n 23._o they_o that_o take_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v but_o the_o write_n of_o godly_a honest_a man_n and_o so_o to_o be_v only_o a_o mean_n of_o make_v know_v christ_n have_v a_o gradual_a precedency_n to_o the_o write_n of_o other_o godly_a man_n and_o do_v believe_v in_o christ_n upon_o those_o strong_a ground_n which_o be_v draw_v from_o his_o doctrine_n miracle_n etc._n etc._n rather_o than_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o write_n it_o be_v pure_o infallible_a and_o divine_a may_v yet_o have_v a_o divine_a and_o save_a faith_n 24._o much_o more_o those_o that_o believe_v the_o whole_a write_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n where_o it_o handle_v the_o substance_n but_o doubt_v whether_o god_n infallible_o guide_v they_o in_o every_o circumstance_n and_o in_o the_o next_o page_n 32._o the_o circumstantial_o be_v many_o of_o they_o divine_a yet_o so_o as_o they_o have_v in_o they_o something_o (null)_o as_o the_o bring_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v cloak_n and_o the_o parchment_n and_o as_o it_o seem_v his_o counsel_n about_o marriage_n etc._n etc._n 33._o much_o more_o be_v there_o something_o human_a in_o the_o method_n and_o phrase_n which_o be_v not_o so_o immediate_o divine_a as_o the_o doctrine_n 34._o yet_o be_v there_o nothing_o sinful_o (null)_o and_o therefore_o nothing_o false_a in_o all_o 35._o but_o all_o innocent_a imperfection_n here_o be_v in_o the_o method_n and_o phrase_n which_o of_o we_o deny_v we_o must_v renounce_v most_o of_o our_o logic_n and_o rhetoric_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o express_o say_v for_o the_o justification_n of_o our_o friend_n those_o who_o have_v a_o value_n for_o mr._n baxter_n must_v forgo_v their_o esteem_n of_o he_o or_o else_o not_o condemn_v so_o light_o those_o who_o in_o his_o judgement_n may_v have_v a_o save_a faith_n together_o with_o some_o opinion_n different_a from_o those_o common_o receive_v it_o may_v likewise_o be_v observe_v that_o many_o of_o those_o who_o have_v write_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v prove_v it_o without_o suppose_v the_o particular_a inspiration_n of_o the_o historian_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v such_o as_o it_o be_v ordinary_o take_v to_o be_v as_o grotius_n who_o book_n have_v be_v alike_o esteem_v by_o all_o party_n which_o show_v that_o our_o belief_n be_v not_o found_v upon_o this_o supposition_n and_o that_o consequent_o one_o may_v be_v a_o good_a christian_n without_o admit_v it_o but_o it_o be_v better_a to_o represent_v this_o by_o a_o example_n which_o will_v give_v you_o a_o more_o lively_a impression_n of_o what_o i_o aim_v at_o i_o will_v therefore_o now_o endeavour_n in_o as_o few_o word_n as_o be_v possible_a to_o give_v you_o the_o idea_n of_o a_o method_n that_o seem_v to_o i_o very_o strong_a and_o very_o proper_a to_o convince_v a_o libertine_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n without_o once_o mention_v any_o thing_n of_o particular_a inspiration_n i_o do_v not_o pretend_v thereby_o to_o condemn_v all_o other_o method_n that_o may_v be_v use_v to_o the_o like_a purpose_n but_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o this_o be_v the_o simple_a of_o all_o and_o subject_a to_o the_o few_o difficulty_n you_o will_v allow_v i_o sir_n this_o small_a digression_n which_o may_v perhaps_o not_o be_v unuseful_a in_o a_o time_n when_o there_o be_v every_o where_o so_o many_o that_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o first_o and_o the_o great_a objection_n the_o libertine_n make_v we_o be_v that_o our_o judgement_n be_v prepossessed_a which_o hinder_v we_o from_o be_v undeceive_v we_o say_v the_o same_o of_o they_o and_o maintain_v that_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o sensual_a inclination_n that_o raise_v those_o difficulty_n in_o their_o mind_n which_o will_v vanish_v if_o they_o examine_v they_o without_o passion_n it_o be_v not_o just_a that_o either_o they_o or_o we_o shall_v take_v for_o grant_v our_o prepossession_n as_o principle_n demonstrate_v or_o which_o need_v not_o be_v demonstrate_v let_v we_o then_o act_n on_o both_o side_n as_o if_o we_o have_v not_o yet_o espouse_v any_o party_n and_o let_v we_o urge_v nothing_o that_o be_v not_o found_v upon_o principle_n which_o both_o side_n acknowledge_v it_o be_v agree_v that_o there_o be_v certain_a character_n by_o which_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v whether_o a_o thing_n have_v be_v do_v or_o no_o and_o by_o which_o we_o may_v distinguish_v the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o a_o history_n if_o we_o do_v not_o agree_v in_o that_o we_o be_v pyrrhoniens_fw-la or_o to_o give_v it_o a_o better_a name_n altogether_o senseless_a for_o none_o but_o a_o madman_n can_v doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o the_o history_n in_o the_o world_n but_o 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ready_a to_o swear_v that_o one_o of_o our_o friend_n who_o virtue_n have_v be_v well_o know_v to_o we_o for_o divers_a year_n and_o who_o but_o just_a then_o be_v go_v out_o of_o our_o company_n go_v then_o immediate_o in_o cold_a blood_n to_o assassinate_v a_o person_n unknown_a to_o he_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o only_o to_o make_v a_o anatomical_a dissection_n of_o his_o body_n it_o be_v certain_a we_o shall_v not_o believe_v they_o although_o it_o may_v not_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o prove_v judicial_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o imagine_v a_o thousand_o example_n of_o such_o like_a truth_n which_o we_o apprehend_v better_a than_o we_o can_v prove_v that_o be_v suppose_v if_o we_o come_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n there_o occur_v at_o the_o very_a first_o a_o difficulty_n in_o discern_v what_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o religion_n for_o christian_n have_v great_a controversy_n among_o themselves_o about_o their_o belief_n there_o will_v be_v no_o end_n of_o go_v about_o to_o examine_v all_o these_o controversy_n let_v we_o therefore_o suspend_v our_o judgement_n thereupon_o and_o see_v first_o wherein_o all_o christian_n be_v agree_v they_o all_o agree_v for_o example_n that_o most_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o write_n of_o those_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v and_o who_o write_v they_o more_o than_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n ago_o that_o the_o history_n therein_o be_v true_a and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o obey_v the_o commandment_n therein_o contain_v this_o obedience_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o general_a head_n a_o render_v to_o god_n the_o service_n due_a to_o he_o a_o trust_n in_o his_o promise_n and_o a_o keep_v his_o commandment_n in_o what_o concern_v both_o ourselves_o and_o our_o neighbour_n but_o this_o suppose_v a_o belief_n of_o
most_o cruel_a punishment_n whilst_o they_o see_v that_o their_o master_n will_v not_o undergo_v any_o at_o all_o for_o it_o now_o we_o see_v by_o the_o passage_n of_o tacitus_n which_o we_o cite_v that_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n a_o great_a number_n of_o people_n declare_v themselves_o christian_n though_o they_o see_v that_o the_o bare_a public_a profession_n of_o that_o religion_n will_v expose_v they_o to_o the_o punishment_n due_a to_o incendiary_n and_o to_o nero_n fury_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o must_v necessary_o be_v that_o some_o of_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o their_o disciple_n assure_v we_o give_v example_n to_o other_o without_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v they_o can_v draw_v so_o many_o after_o they_o and_o especial_o so_o many_o who_o endure_v such_o horrible_a torment_n for_o the_o religion_n they_o learn_v from_o they_o from_o all_o this_o i_o draw_v no_o other_o consequence_n than_o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v sincere_a person_n who_o believe_v their_o own_o doctrine_n as_o be_v also_o those_o who_o by_o their_o example_n die_v for_o it_o they_o must_v have_v be_v true_o persuade_v of_o the_o thing_n that_o will_v suffer_v so_o many_o inconvenience_n fatigue_n and_o punishment_n as_o they_o suffer_v rather_o that_o abandon_v it_o now_o the_o apostle_n have_v be_v indisputable_o sincere_a person_n we_o must_v confess_v that_o if_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o in_o the_o world_n who_o virtue_n deserve_v esteem_n they_o certain_o deserve_v it_o from_o all_o men._n no_o design_n can_v be_v conceive_v more_o profitable_a to_o mankind_n than_o they_o as_o have_v be_v show_v in_o treat_v of_o the_o moral_n they_o preach_v none_o can_v go_v about_o to_o bring_v that_o design_n to_o pass_v with_o more_o earnestness_n and_o zeal_n than_o they_o do_v who_o sacrifice_v to_o it_o their_o fortune_n their_o preferment_n their_o honour_n their_o pleasure_n their_o repose_n and_o their_o life_n they_o compass_v sea_n and_o land_n under_o a_o thousand_o danger_n attempt_v a_o thousand_o difficulty_n suffer_v inconvenience_n and_o pain_n unexpressible_a they_o expose_v themselves_o to_o most_o man_n scorn_n malice_n and_o cruelty_n and_o to_o what_o end_n to_o persuade_v the_o same_o man_n to_o live_v one_o with_o another_o after_o a_o manner_n so_o conformable_a to_o reason_n so_o advantageous_a to_o socity_n so_o pleasant_a so_o sweet_a that_o except_o the_o sovereign_a happiness_n to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o the_o life_n that_o never_o end_v nothing_o can_v be_v imagine_v preferable_a to_o it_o i_o ask_v now_o if_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o probity_n and_o sincerity_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o otherwise_o satisfy_v by_o their_o discourse_n that_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o out_o of_o their_o wit_n we_o can_v deny_v credit_n to_o their_o testimony_n if_o they_o have_v say_v they_o have_v see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n certain_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o relate_v with_o many_o 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persuade_v of_o his_o integrity_n and_o understanding_n it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v refuse_v to_o believe_v he_o every_o man_n may_v be_v convince_v of_o this_o by_o his_o own_o experience_n and_o may_v as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v frame_v a_o thousand_o particular_a example_n to_o himself_o of_o what_o i_o have_v be_v say_v now_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o they_o live_v some_o year_n with_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n from_o who_o they_o learn_v all_o their_o doctrine_n that_o they_o see_v he_o crucify_v such_o a_o day_n of_o such_o a_o month_n of_o such_o a_o year_n that_o they_o see_v he_o die_v upon_o the_o cross_n and_o after_o that_o bury_v in_o a_o sepulchre_n hew_v out_o of_o a_o rock_n for_o the_o family_n of_o a_o jewish_a counsellor_n call_v joseph_n of_o arimathea_n who_o beg_v the_o body_n of_o jesus_n from_o pilate_n and_o who_o after_o have_v put_v it_o into_o the_o sepulchre_n roll_a a_o great_a stone_n to_o the_o door_n that_o they_o see_v the_o roman_a 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that_o they_o real_o speak_v truth_n in_o all_o these_o particular_n that_o be_v so_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o believe_v the_o same_o apostle_n when_o they_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o have_v often_o see_v their_o master_n in_o a_o moment_n cure_v many_o incurable_a disease_n restore_v the_o dead_a to_o life_n raise_v himself_o after_o have_v lie_v more_o than_o thirty_o hour_n in_o the_o sepulchre_n eat_v and_o drink_v with_o they_o afterward_o for_o several_a day_n and_o at_o last_o ascend_v in_o their_o presence_n in_o a_o cloud_n to_o heaven_n i_o perceive_v indeed_o that_o many_o person_n who_o will_v not_o have_v question_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n if_o they_o have_v say_v nothing_o of_o the_o miracle_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n do_v for_o that_o reason_n only_o doubt_v of_o it_o they_o will_v have_v easy_o believe_v that_o in_o judaea_n during_o the_o government_n of_o pontius_n pilate_n there_o have_v be_v a_o man_n name_v jesus_n who_o teach_v the_o moral_n we_o read_v now_o in_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o jewish_a priest_n through_o envy_n and_o malice_n put_v he_o to_o death_n but_o that_o his_o disciple_n refrain_v not_o from_o teach_v his_o precept_n and_o that_o the_o most_o afrightful_a torment_n hinder_v they_o not_o from_o publish_v they_o they_o will_v praise_v all_o christ_n doctrine_n as_o the_o most_o excellent_a philosophy_n that_o ever_o be_v know_v to_o have_v be_v teach_v among_o man_n and_o the_o best_a principle_n that_o can_v be_v think_v on_o to_o oblige_v they_o to_o live_v well_o one_o with_o another_o but_o they_o reject_v all_o this_o and_o believe_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v impostor_n only_o because_o they_o speak_v of_o miracle_n which_o they_o say_v they_o see_v their_o master_n do_v let_v we_o consider_v a_o little_a why_o these_o man_n do_v so_o there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n whereby_o the_o falsehood_n of_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n may_v be_v know_v the_o first_o be_v when_o it_o be_v know_v that_o the_o witness_n who_o relate_v it_o be_v deceive_v or_o have_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v though_o otherwise_o what_o they_o relate_v seem_v very_o possible_a the_o second_o be_v when_o by_o clear_a and_o evident_a proof_n we_o know_v that_o the_o fact_n in_o question_n be_v in_o itself_o absolute_o impossible_a that_o the_o apostle_n design_v not_o to_o deceive_v we_o have_v be_v make_v appear_v nor_o can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v themselves_o constant_o deceive_v in_o all_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o they_o relate_v if_o the_o question_n be_v about_o a_o small_a number_n of_o miracle_n that_o can_v not_o without_o difficulty_n be_v examine_v this_o suspicion_n may_v with_o some_o probability_n be_v start_v but_o they_o relate_v so_o many_o and_o of_o so_o many_o different_a sort_n that_o if_o what_o they_o say_v
agree_v about_o the_o gospel_n and_o st._n paul_n epistle_n nor_o from_o prove_v clear_o that_o they_o be_v the_o book_n of_o those_o who_o name_n they_o bear_v i_o know_v not_o why_o we_o may_v not_o doubt_v of_o some_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o well_o as_o of_o some_o of_o those_o of_o the_o new_a and_o why_o ill_a consequence_n shall_v be_v draw_v from_o their_o opinion_n who_o doubt_v of_o some_o of_o the_o former_a when_o none_o be_v draw_v from_o they_o that_o reject_v the_o latter_a the_o canon_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o much_o great_a importance_n with_o we_o than_o that_o of_o the_o old_a it_o be_v a_o mistake_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o receive_v all_o or_o reject_v all_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o we_o ought_v to_o receive_v all_o it_o be_v less_o true_a that_o we_o ought_v to_o reject_v all_o but_o there_o be_v a_o mean_a betwixt_o these_o two_o extreme_n objection_n 16._o but_o what_o will_v be_v say_v to_o these_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n 2_o tim._n iii_o 16._o all_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n for_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o vulgar_a translation_n according_a to_o the_o greek_a and_o also_o according_a to_o the_o ancient_a vulgar_a omnis_fw-la scriptura_fw-la divinitùs_fw-la inspirata_fw-la &_o utilis_fw-la whereas_o mr._n n._n read_v they_o omnis_fw-la scriptura_fw-la divinitùs_fw-la inspirata_fw-la utilis_fw-la est_fw-la the_o verb_n est_fw-la be_v not_o in_o the_o greek_a but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v et_fw-la be_v before_o utilis_fw-la if_o this_o verb_n be_v to_o be_v supply_v because_o it_o be_v often_o want_v in_o the_o hebrew_n and_o the_o syriac_a and_o consequent_o in_o the_o greek_a of_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o manner_n omnis_fw-la scriptura_fw-la divinitùs_fw-la inspirata_fw-la est_fw-la &_o utilis_fw-la answer_n mr._n simon_n be_v decree_n be_v not_o without_o appeal_n we_o maintain_v against_o he_o that_o this_o passage_n may_v very_o well_o be_v thus_o translate_v all_o scripture_n that_o be_v divine_o inspire_v be_v also_o profitable_a for_o instruction_n for_o reproof_n etc._n etc._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n so_o the_o vulgar_a translate_v it_o which_o mr._n simon_n improper_o correct_v and_o which_o the_o gentleman_n of_o port-royal_a have_v judicious_o follow_v st._n paul_n design_n favour_v this_o version_n he_o tell_v timothy_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v able_a to_o make_v he_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n to_o which_o he_o add_v that_o all_o scripture_n give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a etc._n etc._n these_o word_n be_v a_o sort_n of_o explanation_n of_o those_o forego_n where_o st._n paul_n set_v down_o after_o what_o manner_n the_o holy_a scripture_n may_v instruct_v to_o salvation_n there_o be_v a_o tacit_n opposition_n here_o between_o holy_a writ_n and_o certain_a profane_a study_n as_o will_v easy_o appear_v if_o we_o go_v back_o a_o little_o high_a to_o find_v the_o thread_n of_o st._n paul_n discourse_n and_o observe_v the_o occasion_n of_o his_o say_n that_o all_o writ_n divine_o inspire_v be_v profitable_a etc._n etc._n st._n paul_n describe_v in_o the_o 4._o begin_n of_o the_o chapter_n a_o sort_n of_o wicked_a people_n who_o in_o the_o 5_o the_o verse_n he_o order_v timothy_n to_o avoid_v the_o character_n he_o mark_v they_o by_o suit_n very_o well_o to_o the_o gnostic_n but_o it_o matter_n not_o of_o who_o he_o speak_v it_o suffice_v that_o we_o observe_v that_o they_o be_v person_n who_o boast_v of_o teach_v their_o hearer_n many_o thing_n witness_v those_o 7._o woman_n they_o have_v seduce_v which_o be_v always_o learning_n and_o never_o arrive_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n 9_o but_o the_o apostle_n foretell_v their_o seducement_n shall_v not_o long_o continue_v 11._o he_o represent_v to_o timothy_n that_o he_o have_v full_o know_v his_o doctrine_n his_o manner_n of_o life_n and_o the_o persecution_n he_o have_v suffer_v in_o order_n to_o strengthen_v he_o by_o his_o example_n 13._o he_o declare_v that_o the_o good_a shall_v always_o be_v persecute_v and_o that_o there_o shall_v still_o be_v seducer_n and_o person_n seduce_v fol._n but_o thou_o continue_v he_o be_v steadfast_a in_o the_o thing_n thou_o have_v learn_v and_o have_v be_v assure_v of_o know_v from_o who_o thou_o have_v learn_v they_o and_o that_o from_o a_o child_n thou_o have_v know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v thou_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n through_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ._n he_o oppose_v plain_o the_o study_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o the_o study_n of_o fabulous_a doctrine_n which_o some_o impostor_n then_o teach_v and_o whereof_o he_o complain_v in_o many_o place_n of_o his_o two_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n 1_o ep._n ch._n 1._o v._n 4._o ch._n 4._o v._n 7._o 2_o ep._n ch._n 4._o v._n 4._o and_o as_o here_o he_o order_v his_o dear_a disciple_n to_o continue_v firm_a in_o those_o thing_n he_o have_v learn_v and_o which_o he_o have_v be_v assure_v of_o he_o likewise_o end_v his_o first_o epistle_n with_o this_o exhortation_n o_o timothy_n keep_v that_o which_o be_v commit_v to_o thy_o trust_n avoid_v profane_a and_o vain_a babble_n and_o opposition_n of_o science_n false_o so_o call_v which_o some_o profess_v have_v err_v concern_v the_o faith_n and_o thus_o when_o he_o add_v that_o all_o scripture_n give_v by_o inspiration_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v to_o timothy_n that_o he_o ought_v to_o keep_v close_o as_o he_o have_v do_v hitherto_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o will_v instruct_v he_o sufficient_o in_o the_o way_n to_o salvation_n by_o join_v thereunto_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n because_o all_o scripture_n inspire_v by_o god_n as_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v profitable_a for_o instruction_n whereas_o if_o he_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o false_a science_n that_o some_o impostor_n then_o boast_v of_o he_o will_v cultivate_v doctrine_n that_o will_v be_v proper_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o raise_v dispute_n instead_o of_o edify_v as_o he_o have_v elsewhere_o tell_v he_o by_o this_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o this_o reason_n of_o st._n paul_n do_v in_o no_o wise_a suppose_n that_o all_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v inspire_v and_o that_o the_o apostle_n pretend_v thereby_o only_o to_o intimate_v that_o the_o inspire_v write_n without_o fix_v the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v more_o profitable_a than_o those_o that_o some_o person_n at_o that_o time_n boast_v of_o rivet_n have_v object_v this_o passage_n to_o grotius_n against_o the_o opinion_n of_o that_o incomparable_a critic_n concern_v the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o sacred_a book_n let_v we_o see_v how_o grotius_n answer_v he_o etc._n the_o place_n say_v he_o 2_o tim._n chap._n 3._o v._n 16._o have_v another_o signification_n than_o d._n rivet_n think_v for_o st._n paul_n say_v not_o all_o write_v be_v divine_o inspire_v for_o how_o many_o be_v the_o write_n of_o human_a invention_n nor_o do_v he_o mean_v that_o all_o that_o be_v inspire_v be_v divine_o inspire_v that_o will_v be_v trifle_v but_o this_o be_v his_o meaning_n all_o scripture_n that_o be_v divine_o inspire_v that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o prophecy_n as_o st._n peter_n style_v it_o 2_o ep._n chap._n 1._o v._n 19_o be_v not_o only_o useful_a in_o its_o own_o time_n to_o show_v god_n prescience_n and_o to_o give_v authority_n to_o the_o prophet_n but_o be_v moreover_o at_o all_o time_n profitable_a because_o it_o contain_v many_o stand_a rule_n reproof_n of_o vice_n incitement_n to_o righteousness_n etc._n etc._n this_o sense_n be_v right_o observe_v by_o the_o syriac_a interpreter_n 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to_o puzzle_v a_o able_a man_n than_o he_o i_o be_o etc._n etc._n the_o five_o letter_n i_o be_o persuade_v sir_n that_o the_o two_o last_o letter_n i_o write_v you_o will_v have_v full_o satisfy_v those_o among_o your_o friend_n who_o wish_v that_o the_o write_n about_o inspiration_n have_v be_v suppress_v or_o who_o desire_v some_o explanation_n of_o the_o author_n opinion_n or_o even_o who_o believe_v they_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n that_o say_v it_o be_v hard_a to_o confute_v it_o we_o must_v now_o try_v to_o give_v some_o satisfaction_n to_o those_o who_o have_v say_v that_o this_o opinion_n lead_v to_o deism_n and_o that_o our_o friend_n be_v infect_v with_o the_o detestable_a opinion_n of_o the_o deist_n now_o i_o have_v open_o maintain_v the_o contrary_a he_o have_v impose_v upon_o i_o the_o task_n of_o justify_v he_o in_o this_o particular_a and_o i_o think_v i_o can_v evident_o demonstrate_v that_o they_o who_o have_v bring_v this_o accusation_n against_o our_o friend_n have_v 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