see_v such_o a_o supplement_n to_o what_o he_o have_v so_o scant_o propose_v but_o i_o be_o afraid_a and_o perhaps_o not_o without_o reason_n that_o he_o know_v how_o weak_a his_o argument_n must_v needs_o be_v for_o the_o two_o position_n that_o follow_v and_o yet_o design_v to_o impose_v on_o the_o reader_n all_o the_o six_o as_o equal_o certain_a he_o will_v needs_o disguise_v the_o first_o four_o and_o propose_v they_o so_o weak_o guard_v that_o the_o proof_n of_o all_o the_o six_o may_v be_v of_o a_o piece_n but_o i_o have_v hitherto_o help_v i._n k._n henceforth_o i_o quit_v that_o part_n and_o go_v to_o enter_v in_o a_o downright_a opposition_n to_o he_o in_o what_o remain_v chap_n v._n it_o be_v consider_v if_o j._n k._n prove_v convince_o that_o the_o roman_n catholic_n religion_n be_v true_a j._n k._n now_o come_v to_o that_o which_o he_o drive_v at_o all_o along_o and_o prove_v it_o thus_o if_o christian_a religion_n be_v true_a than_o that_o religion_n which_o have_v the_o same_o proof_n that_o it_o have_v at_o least_o any_o of_o they_o that_o be_v solid_a must_v needs_o be_v true_a since_o then_o the_o miraculous_a propagation_n of_o christianity_n be_v a_o common_a solid_a and_o evident_a proof_n of_o its_o truth_n therefore_o the_o roman_n catholic_n religion_n must_v be_v true_a since_o it_o be_v solid_o prove_v by_o the_o like_a propagation_n for_o though_o it_o contain_v very_o hard_a mystery_n in_o it_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o humane_a reason_n as_o transubstantiation_n and_o some_o very_a hard_a precept_n and_o counsel_n as_o vow_n fast_n confession_n prohibition_n for_o priest_n to_o marry_v etc._n etc._n yet_o it_o have_v be_v propagate_v over_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n without_o the_o help_n of_o arm_n or_o humane_a enticement_n by_o stranger_n who_o have_v convert_v nation_n from_o paganism_n to_o embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n as_o s._n austin_n the_o monk_n do_v in_o england_n and_o xaverius_n in_o the_o indies_n and_o many_o other_o in_o other_o place_n which_o can_v be_v manifest_o prove_v from_o history_n nor_o can_v any_o exception_n be_v make_v against_o it_o which_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n may_v not_o make_v against_o the_o same_o proâ—f_n bring_v for_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o use_v s._n augustine_n dilemma_n this_o propagation_n of_o roman_n catholic_n religion_n be_v either_o with_o or_o without_o miracle_n if_o with_o miracle_n it_o must_v be_v true_a since_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n if_o without_o they_o than_o no_o miracle_n be_v great_a than_o this_o propagation_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v we_o have_v as_o good_a ground_n to_o be_v roman_a catholic_n as_o we_o have_v to_o be_v christian_n by_o this_o time_n i_o suppose_v it_o be_v clear_a enough_o why_o i._o k._n will_v bring_v no_o better_a proof_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o now_o he_o think_v he_o have_v gain_v his_o design_n but_o what_o i_o say_v in_o the_o former_a section_n have_v undermine_v this_o fabric_n since_o it_o be_v make_v out_o that_o the_o miraculous_a propagation_n be_v neither_o the_o only_a nor_o the_o chief_a proof_n of_o christianity_n but_o that_o before_o we_o believe_v even_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v of_o god_n two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v make_v out_o the_o one_o that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v all_o holy_a and_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o other_o be_v that_o all_o he_o say_v and_o deliver_v agree_v with_o the_o prophecy_n have_v go_v before_o so_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o proceed_v we_o must_v first_o see_v that_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o roman_a religion_n be_v holy_a and_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o then_o that_o they_o 〈◊〉_d as_o full_o with_o both_o the_o testament_n as_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n do_v with_o 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o prophet_n if_o this_o method_n be_v take_v i_o be_o afraid_a i._n k._n will_v find_v it_o a_o hard_a task_n to_o prove_v the_o holiness_n of_o all_o the_o roman_a doctrine_n what_o a_o sanctuary_n for_o all_o manner_n of_o vice_n and_o impiety_n be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d power_n of_o dispense_v pardon_v and_o give_v indulgence_n for_o all_o sin_n upon_o such_o trifle_a account_n witness_v the_o present_a year_n with_o all_o the_o favour_n and_o indulgence_n to_o such_o as_o go_v to_o the_o threshold_n of_o the_o apostle_n what_o a_o patrociny_n to_o impenitence_n be_v their_o opinion_n of_o a_o simple_a attrition_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o whole_a trade_n of_o their_o penance_n and_o absolution_n look_n like_o a_o design_n to_o quiet_a all_o man_n conscience_n let_v they_o lead_v as_o bad_a life_n as_o they_o will_n beside_o who_o can_v believe_v that_o to_o be_v a_o true_a religion_n that_o have_v tolerate_v a_o great_a many_o casuist_n who_o have_v find_v out_o distinction_n to_o excuse_v man_n from_o all_o the_o duty_n they_o owe_v god_n and_o their_o neighbour_n and_o have_v study_v to_o satisfy_v man_n in_o the_o most_o impious_a and_o immoral_a practice_n a_o woman_n that_o entertain_v common_a and_o avow_a prostitute_n will_v never_o be_v think_v a_o honest_a woman_n though_o none_o can_v prove_v herself_o guilty_a of_o any_o base_a act_n so_o that_o church_n that_o not_o only_o entertain_v but_o cherish_v those_o who_o have_v study_v to_o discharge_v mankind_n of_o all_o sense_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n can_v never_o pass_v for_o a_o pure_a church_n nor_o do_v the_o doctrine_n of_o that_o church_n tend_v whole_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n as_o our_o saviour_n do_v for_o what_o great_a dishonour_n can_v be_v do_v he_o than_o to_o worship_n he_o in_o a_o way_n which_o himself_o have_v so_o often_o condemn_v and_o never_o since_o allow_v by_o the_o representation_n of_o picture_n and_o image_n and_o that_o instead_o of_o address_v their_o adoration_n and_o prayer_n to_o he_o by_o his_o son_n have_v find_v out_o a_o great_a many_o other_o mediator_n both_o angel_n and_o saint_n and_o the_o bless_a virgin_n sure_o this_o be_v high_o to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n when_o the_o soul_n of_o people_n be_v turn_v off_o from_o their_o faith_n and_o dependence_n on_o he_o and_o his_o bless_a son_n into_o a_o trust_n to_o and_o call_n on_o creature_n and_o when_o instead_o of_o that_o plain_a simple_a and_o rational_a worship_n that_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o please_v to_o he_o the_o mimical_a pageantry_n of_o a_o thousand_o little_a apish_a practice_n and_o a_o unknown_a worship_n be_v bring_v into_o his_o church_n if_o we_o likewise_o consider_v and_o measure_v the_o roman_a religion_n by_o the_o second_o great_a topick_n by_o which_o our_o saviour_n clear_v himself_o which_o be_v his_o appeal_n to_o the_o scripture_n we_o will_v quick_o find_v good_a reason_n to_o suspect_v they_o guilty_a there_o since_o they_o study_v nothing_o more_o than_o the_o suppress_n and_o conceal_v the_o scripture_n and_o by_o all_o mean_n labour_v to_o prove_v it_o a_o incompetent_a rule_n to_o decide_v controversy_n by_o and_o yet_o i_o be_o sure_a i._n k._n will_v give_v i_o no_o reason_n to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n a_o unproper_a rule_n for_o decide_v controversy_n and_o that_o we_o must_v submit_v to_o the_o verdict_n and_o decree_n of_o the_o church_n that_o may_v not_o with_o more_o strength_n be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o jew_n against_o our_o saviour_n and_o if_o i_o carry_v this_o consideration_n as_o far_o as_o it_o will_v go_v it_o must_v necessary_o lead_v i_o to_o compare_v all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o roman_a religion_n with_o the_o scripture_n and_o as_o if_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n have_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n there_o have_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o have_v believe_v he_o for_o all_o his_o mighty_a deed_n which_o in_o that_o case_n may_v just_o have_v be_v impute_v to_o evil_a spirit_n so_o now_o shall_v a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n teach_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o this_o doctrine_n and_o gospel_n he_o must_v be_v anathematise_v even_o though_o he_o wrought_v mighty_a wonder_n therefore_o we_o be_v with_o the_o berean_o to_o examine_v all_o new_a doctrine_n by_o their_o conformity_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o till_o that_o appear_v we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v on_o any_o thing_n they_o do_v as_o miraculous_a and_o thus_o far_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o convince_v i._o k._n that_o though_o what_o he_o say_v of_o the_o miraculous_a propagation_n of_o the_o roman_a religion_n be_v true_a it_o do_v not_o from_o that_o follow_v that_o the_o religion_n itself_o must_v be_v true_a but_o i_o go_v next_o to_o convince_v he_o how_o much_o he_o mistake_v himself_o in_o his_o account_n when_o he_o assert_v that_o the_o christian_a and_o the_o
and_o endless_a wrangling_n of_o the_o school_n in_o matter_n of_o philosophy_n in_o which_o man_n be_v accustom_v to_o that_o game_n of_o dispute_v and_o subtilise_v about_o nothing_o and_o go_v from_o those_o study_n to_o divinity_n and_o carrying_z that_o same_o temper_n and_o fiery_a edge_n along_o with_o they_o they_o make_v all_o that_o work_n about_o it_o which_o have_v now_o so_o long_o divide_v the_o world_n they_o be_v also_o by_o a_o long_a practice_n habituate_v to_o many_o maxim_n and_o axiom_n which_o be_v lay_v down_o for_o rule_n not_o to_o be_v inquire_v into_o or_o deny_v come_v real_o to_o believe_v those_o be_v true_a and_o to_o carry_v they_o along_o with_o they_o to_o all_o their_o theological_a debate_n all_o which_o will_v appear_v very_o evident_a to_o any_o that_o compare_v their_o philosophical_a and_o theological_a work_n from_o which_o many_o of_o their_o strange_a inference_n and_o position_n do_v take_v their_o rise_n and_o i_o be_o afraid_a do_v still_o receive_v their_o nourishment_n thus_o far_o i_o have_v discourse_v of_o the_o several_a prejudices_fw-la the_o power_n of_o the_o natural_a man_n do_v lay_v in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o apprehend_n and_o judge_v aright_o of_o divine_a truth_n and_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o the_o moral_a philosophy_n will_v concur_v to_o teach_v all_o man_n that_o before_o their_o mind_n can_v be_v right_o qualify_v for_o the_o understanding_n any_o intellectual_a truth_n but_o most_o chief_o divine_a truth_n we_o must_v abstract_n from_o all_o those_o figure_n of_o thing_n which_o our_o sense_n present_a to_o we_o and_o rise_v above_o all_o grosser_n phantasm_n it_o be_v no_o less_o necessary_a that_o our_o thought_n be_v serene_a and_o free_a of_o passion_n that_o we_o may_v free_o and_o at_o leisure_n consider_v what_o lie_v before_o we_o without_o the_o bias_n of_o preconceive_a opinion_n or_o interest_n and_o it_o be_v equal_o rational_a with_o these_o that_o we_o have_v modest_a mind_n not_o vain_o puff_v up_o with_o a_o opinion_n of_o our_o own_o knowledge_n but_o tractable_a and_o docile_a such_o as_o will_v not_o stick_v after_o clear_a conviction_n to_o confess_v and_o retract_v a_o error_n and_o that_o we_o proceed_v in_o our_o reason_n close_o and_o on_o sure_a ground_n not_o on_o vain_a conjecture_n and_o maxim_n take_v up_o mere_o on_o trust_n but_o by_o a_o clear_a progress_n advance_v from_o one_o truth_n to_o another_o as_o the_o series_n of_o they_o shall_v lead_v a_o man_n who_o be_v thus_o prepare_a must_n next_o consider_v all_o be_v say_v in_o the_o first_o four_o section_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n that_o he_o be_v on_o good_a ground_n persuade_v there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o there_o be_v a_o true_a reveal_v religion_n &_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n these_o thing_n be_v lay_v down_o he_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n by_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o beg_v god_n direction_n to_o go_v along_o with_o he_o in_o all_o his_o inquiry_n which_o certain_o will_v not_o be_v want_v if_o he_o bring_v with_o he_o a_o sincere_a &_o well_o prepare_v mind_n not_o bias_v nor_o prepossess_v and_o of_o this_o we_o may_v be_v well_o assure_v both_o from_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o veracity_n for_o as_o he_o have_v promise_v that_o whoso_o seek_v shall_v find_v so_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a consequent_a of_o infinite_a goodness_n to_o assist_v all_o that_o sincere_o seek_v after_o life_n and_o happiness_n but_o if_o any_o come_v to_o this_o study_n without_o he_o be_v due_o prepare_v he_o have_v himself_o to_o thank_v if_o he_o fall_v into_o error_n and_o mistake_n the_o next_o thing_n a_o exact_a searcher_n into_o religion_n must_v labour_v in_o be_v once_o to_o observe_v the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o great_a design_n of_o it_o and_o in_o this_o he_o be_v not_o to_o follow_v the_o small_a game_n of_o some_o particular_a and_o obscure_a passage_n but_o to_o observe_v through_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n what_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o all_o our_o saviour_n speak_v and_o do_v and_o his_o disciple_n testify_v and_o write_v if_o once_o we_o comprehend_v this_o a_o right_a it_o will_v be_v a_o thread_n to_o carry_v we_o through_o particular_a disquisition_n for_o as_o there_o be_v many_o natural_a truth_n of_o which_o we_o be_v well_o assure_v though_o philosophy_n offer_v we_o some_o argument_n against_o they_o in_o the_o answer_v which_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o satisfy_v our_o reason_n so_o there_o may_v be_v some_o divine_a truth_n very_o certain_o make_v out_o to_o we_o and_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v place_n of_o scripture_n which_o seem_v so_o to_o contradict_v those_o truth_n that_o they_o can_v be_v well_o answer_v again_o a_o serious_a enquirer_n will_v see_v good_a reason_n to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n must_v be_v plain_a evident_a and_o clear_a since_o they_o be_v at_o first_o direct_v to_o man_n of_o very_a ordinary_a part_n and_o of_o no_o profound_a understanding_n and_o learning_n therefore_o he_o may_v well_o conclude_v those_o strange_a superstructure_n some_o have_v rear_v up_o for_o amuse_v the_o world_n can_v be_v none_o of_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o as_o the_o first_o convert_v be_v honest_a simple_a man_n so_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o a_o plain_a easy_a stile_n therefore_o all_o these_o force_a criticism_n and_o inference_n by_o which_o some_o more_o ingenious_a than_o candid_a writer_n will_v expound_v they_o in_o a_o sense_n favourable_a to_o their_o opinion_n aâ—e_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v since_o these_o do_v often_o represent_v the_o divine_a discourse_n rather_o like_o the_o little_a trick_n of_o double-dealing_n and_o sophistry_n for_o which_o a_o honest_a tutor_n will_v severe_o chide_v his_o pupil_n word_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o their_o plain_a meaning_n and_o not_o as_o logic_n or_o a_o nicety_n of_o criticism_n may_v distort_v and_o throw_v they_o if_o then_o a_o man_n will_v in_o this_o method_n which_o no_o honest_a man_n can_v except_v against_o go_v to_o the_o search_n of_o the_o scripture_n with_o a_o mind_n prepare_v as_o have_v be_v already_o say_v he_o can_v fail_v of_o find_v out_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a for_o his_o salvation_n nor_o be_v he_o to_o be_v doubtful_o anxious_a concern_v the_o true_a book_n for_o none_o deny_v but_o the_o church_n care_n in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v the_o great_a conveyance_n of_o this_o the_o many_o various_a translation_n of_o all_o age_n and_o language_n nay_o and_o different_a religion_n agree_v in_o all_o material_a point_n and_o the_o citation_n out_o of_o those_o book_n which_o we_o find_v in_o a_o series_n of_o author_n who_o have_v live_v in_o the_o several_a age_n since_o they_o be_v write_v agree_v likewise_o with_o the_o book_n themselves_o together_o with_o many_o ancient_a manuscript_n which_o do_v yet_o remain_v of_o a_o great_a many_o language_n may_v abundant_o satisfy_v even_o the_o most_o severe_a inquirer_n that_o these_o be_v the_o very_a book_n which_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v and_o be_v universal_o receive_v by_o all_o christian_n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v thus_o clear_v without_o any_o necessity_n of_o run_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n all_o those_o scruple_n which_o i._o k._n with_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o brethren_n will_v needs_o raise_v do_v vanish_v since_o they_o never_o distinguish_v exact_o between_o a_o witness_n and_o a_o judge_n for_o the_o former_a nothing_o be_v require_v but_o honesty_n and_o good_a information_n and_o we_o have_v the_o agree_a suffrage_n of_o many_o witness_n that_o do_v all_o agree_v in_o their_o testimony_n of_o these_o book_n who_o though_o they_o differ_v very_o much_o in_o their_o exposition_n of_o they_o yet_o concur_v in_o their_o verdict_n about_o the_o book_n and_o be_v check_n on_o one_o another_o in_o the_o faithful_a preserve_n and_o transcribe_v they_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o do_v receive_v the_o church_n testimony_n as_o the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o convey_v these_o book_n to_o we_o but_o a_o authority_n sacred_a and_o solemn_o declare_v be_v require_v in_o a_o judge_n and_o this_o no_o church_n can_v so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o but_o from_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n be_v receive_v as_o divine_n can_v depend_v on_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o church_n as_o a_o judge_n since_o all_o its_o jurisdiction_n be_v derive_v from_o scripture_n which_o therefore_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v before_o it_o can_v be_v believe_v but_o because_o there_o be_v person_n of_o a_o mean_a condition_n and_o not_o educate_v so_o as_o to_o make_v all_o the_o inquiry_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o so_o important_a a_o business_n there_o be_v therefore_o a_o short_a method_n for_o such_o
propagate_v as_o it_o be_v it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v make_v out_o that_o it_o be_v true_a and_o if_o so_o what_o must_v have_v be_v the_o strong_a argument_n use_v for_o it_o before_o it_o be_v so_o propagate_v either_o these_o be_v convince_a or_o not_o if_o they_o be_v not_o convince_a than_o it_o be_v propagate_v by_o weak_a and_o unconclude_a argument_n we_o can_v be_v bind_v to_o submit_v to_o it_o or_o believe_v it_o if_o these_o argument_n be_v convince_a we_o either_o know_v they_o or_o we_o know_v they_o not_o if_o we_o know_v they_o not_o how_o can_v we_o judge_v they_o be_v convince_a if_o we_o know_v they_o than_o we_o may_v be_v as_o well_o convince_v by_o they_o as_o those_o be_v to_o who_o they_o be_v at_o first_o propose_v the_o great_a argument_n the_o apostle_n offer_v be_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n wrought_v many_o miracle_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o he_o be_v dead_a and_o lay_v in_o the_o grave_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o after_o a_o long_a stay_n with_o they_o on_o earth_n they_o see_v he_o ascend_v with_o great_a glory_n to_o heaven_n of_o all_o which_o they_o be_v witness_n now_o these_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n so_o positive_o attest_v by_o so_o many_o eye-witness_n who_o be_v man_n of_o great_a probity_n that_o can_v not_o be_v cast_v on_o the_o pretence_n of_o their_o be_v hire_v or_o bribe_v there_o be_v no_o interest_n can_v lead_v they_o to_o give_v that_o testimony_n but_o only_a truth_n all_o other_o consideration_n deter_v they_o from_o it_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n then_o and_o remain_v so_o still_o to_o believe_v this_o true_a whether_o the_o world_n have_v embrace_v it_o or_o not_o and_o i_o will_v ask_v i._n k._n what_o if_o the_o gentile_n have_v reject_v their_o testimony_n as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n do_v yet_o if_o these_o sacred_a write_n have_v be_v with_o a_o most_o religious_a care_n convey_v down_o to_o we_o have_v we_o not_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n certain_o we_o have_v for_o the_o apostle_n be_v man_n who_o upon_o the_o strict_a trial_n of_o law_n must_v be_v admit_v as_o competent_a witness_n they_o be_v well_o inform_v of_o what_o they_o hear_v and_o see_v for_o a_o tract_n of_o three_o or_o four_o year_n they_o be_v plain_a simple_a man_n who_o can_v not_o in_o reason_n be_v suspect_v of_o deep_a design_n or_o contrivance_n they_o in_o the_o testimony_n they_o give_v do_v not_o only_o vouch_v private_a story_n that_o be_v transact_v in_o corner_n but_o public_a matter_n see_v and_o know_v of_o many_o hundred_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o their_o testimony_n so_o that_o the_o fume_n of_o melancholy_n can_v not_o lead_v so_o many_o into_o such_o a_o agreement_n of_o mistake_n their_o testimony_n if_o false_a may_v have_v be_v easy_o disprove_v the_o chief_a power_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n who_o neither_o want_v power_n cunning_a nor_o malice_n and_o in_o fine_a the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n appear_v in_o their_o constant_a adhere_n to_o it_o from_o which_o neither_o imprisonment_n whip_n torture_n no_o not_o death_n itself_o can_v divert_v they_o from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a as_o be_v possible_a any_o matter_n of_o fact_n can_v be_v that_o their_o testimony_n be_v true_a and_o this_o discourse_n must_v hold_v good_a whether_o the_o world_n have_v receive_v and_o believe_v their_o report_n or_o not_o which_o be_v the_o more_o full_o confirm_v by_o the_o miraculous_a operation_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o they_o do_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o cure_v all_o manner_n of_o disease_n and_o to_o this_o they_o appeal_v in_o their_o epistle_n and_o act_n which_o be_v publish_v at_o that_o time_n wherein_o have_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n not_o be_v true_a they_o have_v be_v brand_v as_o bold_a and_o impudent_a impostor_n we_o have_v also_o a_o series_n of_o book_n in_o all_o age_n cite_v the_o write_n wherein_o these_o testimony_n be_v contain_v by_o which_o we_o know_v they_o be_v write_v at_o that_o very_a time_n and_o the_o apologist_n for_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o their_o apology_n appeal_v to_o the_o wonder_n that_o be_v still_o wrought_v for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o faith_n nor_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n not_o to_o say_v modesty_n and_o ingenuity_n will_v have_v appeal_v to_o proof_n that_o be_v slender_a and_o false_a in_o matter_n of_o fact_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o great_a confirmation_n of_o our_o saviour_n from_o his_o miracle_n be_v make_v good_a by_o another_o way_n of_o proof_n than_o by_o the_o propagation_n of_o it_o which_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v do_v very_o strong_o make_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o yet_o be_v rather_o a_o consequent_a confirmation_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v than_o a_o antecedent_n argument_n for_o prove_v it_o so_o though_o it_o be_v far_o from_o my_o thought_n to_o weaken_v this_o way_n of_o confirm_a christian_a religion_n yet_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o a_o extraordinary_a propagation_n will_v not_o infer_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n though_o it_o be_v allow_v it_o be_v do_v by_o miracle_n since_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v these_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o a_o good_a spirit_n till_o we_o first_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n they_o confirm_v whether_o they_o be_v good_a or_o not_o it_o do_v also_o appear_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o miracle_n be_v make_v out_o abundant_o to_o we_o abstract_v from_o the_o way_n of_o propagate_a they_o but_o in_o end_n we_o must_v a_o little_a examine_v what_o this_o way_n of_o propagate_a they_o be_v and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o calumny_n and_o lesser_a persecution_n of_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o derision_n of_o the_o philosopher_n of_o the_o prejudice_n carnal_a lust_n and_o appetite_n lay_v in_o the_o way_n and_o above_o all_o of_o the_o violent_a opposition_n give_v it_o by_o the_o roman_a emperor_n who_o spare_v no_o cruelty_n for_o a_o succession_n of_o three_o age_n and_o ten_o persecution_n that_o hell_n or_o hellish_a man_n can_v devise_v for_o destroy_v it_o yet_o it_o prevail_v and_o in_o a_o few_o year_n do_v spread_v to_o the_o astonishment_n of_o the_o world_n and_o all_o other_o religion_n be_v not_o only_o overthrow_v by_o the_o many_o convert_v be_v daily_o flock_v in_o to_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o by_o the_o ruin_n of_o these_o very_a religion_n judaisme_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n by_o the_o subversion_n of_o their_o temple_n and_o the_o total_a ruin_n and_o dispersion_n of_o their_o state_n begin_v by_o vespasian_n and_o titus_n and_o complete_v by_o trajan_n and_o hadrian_n nor_o can_v their_o attempt_n though_o cherish_v by_o a_o apostate_n emperor_n succeed_v for_o the_o rebuilding_n their_o temple_n heaven_n and_o earth_n combine_v to_o break_v off_o the_o work_n heathenism_n do_v also_o receive_v a_o mortal_a blow_n by_o the_o silence_v the_o oracle_n upon_o the_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v the_o great_a support_n of_o that_o religion_n with_o the_o vulgar_a and_o the_o exemplary_a life_n the_o heavenly_a doctrine_n the_o mutual_a charity_n and_o the_o noble_a constancy_n of_o the_o first_o witness_n and_o martyr_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n wrought_v not_o a_o little_a on_o all_o that_o behold_v thâ—m_n even_o on_o such_o as_o be_v very_o partial_a and_o bias_v against_o they_o and_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v thus_o universal_o receive_v as_o it_o be_v a_o very_a full_a demonstration_n that_o these_o miracle_n be_v no_o forgery_n but_o know_v and_o approve_a truth_n so_o also_o it_o confirm_v in_o we_o a_o belief_n that_o there_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a presence_n of_o god_n in_o these_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n assist_v and_o animate_v those_o convert_v of_o all_o age_n sex_n and_o quality_n to_o adhere_v to_o it_o under_o all_o the_o discouragement_n and_o suffering_n they_o be_v to_o pass_v through_o whether_o occasion_v by_o the_o irregular_a appetite_n of_o their_o own_o carnal_a lust_n or_o by_o the_o outward_a opposition_n they_o meet_v with_o and_o thus_o far_o i_o have_v consider_v how_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n can_v be_v make_v out_o against_o the_o opposition_n of_o atheist_n infidel_n or_o deist_n hitherto_o i_o have_v wait_v on_o i._n k._n in_o the_o survey_n of_o these_o truth_n about_o which_o we_o be_v agree_v and_o i_o hope_v upon_o a_o review_n of_o what_o we_o have_v both_o perform_v he_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o i_o have_v strengthen_v his_o position_n with_o the_o accession_n of_o many_o more_o and_o better_a argument_n than_o any_o he_o bring_v so_o that_o if_o he_o be_v in_o earnest_n zealous_a for_o these_o four_o great_a truth_n he_o will_v rejoice_v to_o
roman_a religion_n be_v propagate_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o shall_v first_o examine_v his_o ground_n his_o first_o branch_n of_o the_o comparison_n be_v that_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n contain_v some_o high_a mystery_n in_o it_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o humane_a reason_n so_o do_v the_o roman_a religion_n in_o hold_v transubstantiation_n he_o do_v well_o to_o distinguish_v this_o from_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o it_o be_v indeed_o none_o of_o they_o nor_o be_v it_o above_o humane_a reason_n as_o he_o call_v it_o but_o contrary_a to_o it_o and_o not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o mystery_n of_o christian_a religion_n as_o the_o trinity_n the_o incarnation_n and_o the_o resurrection_n the_o last_o of_o these_o contain_v nothing_o in_o it_o that_o may_v not_o be_v rational_o enough_o conceive_v as_o very_o possible_a and_o easy_a to_o divine_a omnipotence_n for_o the_o other_o mystery_n that_o concern_v god_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n those_o be_v above_o our_o understanding_n since_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v so_o vast_o exalt_v above_o all_o our_o depress_a notion_n of_o thing_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o a_o proper_a object_n for_o our_o faculty_n so_o no_o wonder_n we_o can_v frame_v such_o clear_a conception_n of_o his_o nature_n as_o to_o give_v a_o distinct_a account_n of_o it_o to_o our_o reason_n but_o a_o material_a object_n propose_v to_o our_o sense_n be_v proportion_v to_o our_o faculty_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v either_o believe_v the_o clear_a evidence_n our_o faculty_n give_v we_o of_o the_o bread_n and_o of_o the_o wine_n after_o the_o consecration_n or_o turn_v sceptic_n for_o ever_o since_o full_a evidence_n to_o our_o faculty_n be_v all_o can_v possible_o be_v offer_v for_o our_o conviction_n and_o if_o that_o in_o any_o case_n fail_v it_o be_v in_o no_o case_n certain_a so_o that_o if_o our_o sense_n fail_v in_o this_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o receive_v any_o thing_n upon_o their_o testimony_n for_o a_o note_a liar_n in_o one_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v in_o nothing_o even_o though_o his_o lie_n have_v be_v discover_v by_o a_o divine_a revelation_n now_o if_o we_o weaken_v the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n all_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o it_o receive_v from_o the_o miracle_n will_v be_v weaken_v for_o these_o be_v only_o know_v by_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o spectator_n and_o so_o far_o of_o the_o first_o branch_n of_o the_o parallel_n the_o second_o branch_n of_o the_o parallel_n be_v that_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n enjoin_v diverse_a severity_n to_o embrace_v cross_n to_o love_v our_o enemy_n and_o to_o mortify_v our_o passion_n so_o also_o the_o roman_a teach_v very_o hard_a precept_n and_o counsel_n as_o vow_n fast_n confession_n prohibition_n for_o priest_n to_o marry_o to_o which_o i._o k._n add_v a_o etc._n etc._n the_o christian_a religion_n do_v indeed_o command_v diverse_a duty_n contrary_a to_o our_o natural_a appetite_n but_o those_o be_v thing_n of_o themselves_o moral_o good_a and_o such_o as_o do_v high_o perfect_v our_o nature_n but_o the_o roman_a religion_n have_v make_v a_o shift_n to_o find_v mean_n for_o void_v all_o these_o sacred_a obligation_n and_o to_o set_v a_o great_a many_o little_a trifle_a performance_n instead_o of_o they_o which_o have_v no_o tendency_n to_o the_o purify_n of_o our_o nature_n or_o the_o better_n of_o mankind_n how_o much_o they_o have_v detract_v from_o the_o obligation_n to_o all_o the_o severe_a and_o unalterable_o moral_a duty_n of_o christianity_n have_v be_v already_o and_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o lay_v open_a if_o it_o be_v call_v for_o though_o that_o be_v needless_a it_o be_v so_o clear_o do_v by_o many_o better_a pen_n but_o for_o those_o they_o have_v substitute_v in_o their_o room_n let_v we_o a_o little_a consider_v these_o i._o k._n mention_n and_o to_o begin_v with_o vow_n we_o do_v not_o deny_v that_o the_o first_o design_n of_o monastery_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v excellent_a but_o it_o quick_o begin_v to_o degenerate_v into_o idleness_n and_o superstition_n which_o s._n jerome_n though_o incline_v enough_o to_o the_o severity_n of_o that_o course_n of_o life_n have_v full_o tell_v we_o but_o how_o they_o do_v afterward_o sink_v into_o all_o the_o corruption_n imaginable_a all_o history_n inform_v we_o and_o whatever_o may_v be_v say_v for_o such_o house_n as_o either_o seminary_n for_o the_o church_n or_o sanctuary_n for_o those_o that_o be_v no_o more_o able_a to_o labour_v in_o it_o yet_o certain_o the_o entanglement_n of_o vow_n be_v a_o yoke_n which_o none_o can_v be_v assure_v he_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v we_o ought_v to_o vow_n and_o pay_v our_o vow_n unto_o god_n and_o therefore_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o vow_v nothing_o but_o that_o whereof_o the_o execution_n be_v in_o our_o power_n now_o when_o we_o vow_v to_o serve_v god_n which_o we_o do_v in_o the_o sacrament_n we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o aid_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n to_o assist_v we_o in_o the_o performance_n but_o to_o vow_v thing_n which_o we_o be_v not_o sure_a to_o perform_v our_o temper_n be_v so_o liable_a to_o change_v that_o what_o agree_v with_o they_o at_o one_o time_n become_v a_o intolerable_a burden_n and_o snare_n at_o another_o be_v certain_o to_o cast_v ourselves_o headlong_o into_o many_o temptation_n and_o what_o unnatural_a and_o brutal_a lust_n have_v abound_v in_o these_o house_n we_o read_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o repeat_v what_o a_o cheat_n be_v the_o pretence_n to_o poverty_n in_o those_o order_n which_o have_v get_v such_o vast_a riches_n that_o they_o be_v become_v the_o envy_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o benedictine_n the_o caâ—â—husians_n and_o the_o jesuit_n and_o for_o the_o beg_a order_n it_o be_v both_o against_o the_o rule_n of_o chrisâ—iâ—n_a religion_n and_o all_o good_a government_n to_o allow_v much_o more_o to_o encourage_v such_o swarm_n of_o idle_a fellow_n who_o shall_v always_o go_v ramble_v and_o beg_v about_o and_o do_v not_o work_v 11._o that_o they_o may_v eat_v and_o for_o 10._o their_o obedience_n what_o a_o rack_n it_o may_v be_v under_o a_o tyrannical_a superior_a and_o what_o a_o engine_n it_o may_v prove_v for_o sedition_n and_o disturbance_n i_o leave_v to_o all_o to_o judge_v in_o a_o word_n all_o such_o severity_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o subdue_a our_o lust_n and_o passion_n be_v good_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n but_o for_o overcharge_v man_n with_o new_a burden_n which_o signify_v nothing_o but_o to_o create_v a_o perpetual_a trouble_n and_o constant_a scrupulosity_n be_v to_o abridge_v they_o of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n without_o cause_n and_o tend_v to_o swell_v they_o up_o with_o pride_n and_o a_o lofty_a opinion_n of_o their_o merit_v by_o such_o practice_n and_o a_o contempt_n of_o other_o who_o though_o they_o bear_v none_o of_o these_o voluntary_a assume_v burden_n yet_o be_v more_o meek_a more_o humble_a and_o more_o charitable_a and_o in_o all_o thing_n more_o conformable_a to_o the_o life_n and_o doctrine_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o if_o voluntary_a severity_n be_v a_o character_n of_o a_o true_a religion_n the_o priest_n of_o baal_n the_o worshipper_n of_o diana_n taurica_n the_o ebionite_n the_o montanist_n the_o eâ—cratites_n and_o many_o other_o heresy_n may_v have_v put_v in_o a_o fair_a claim_n since_o they_o abound_v in_o they_o from_o your_o vow_n i_o go_v to_o your_o fast_n god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v disclaim_v fast_v which_o our_o saviour_n do_v so_o much_o recommend_v both_o by_o his_o example_n and_o command_n we_o acknowledge_v it_o a_o powerful_a mean_n both_o for_o mortify_v all_o bodily_a lust_n and_o for_o dispose_v the_o mind_n to_o prayer_n and_o all_o other_o spiritual_a exercise_n and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o allow_v these_o to_o the_o roman_a church_n as_o peculiar_a to_o they_o and_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v any_o of_o they_o will_v justify_v the_o corruption_n they_o be_v palpable_o guilty_a of_o in_o the_o observance_n of_o their_o fast_n which_o be_v general_o only_o a_o change_n of_o diet_n wherein_o no_o severity_n nor_o strictness_n be_v to_o be_v see_v wine_n be_v liberal_o drink_v the_o most_o delicate_a fish_n with_o the_o most_o exquisite_a way_n of_o dress_v they_o be_v seek_v for_o and_o no_o other_o mixture_n of_o high_a devotion_n appear_v on_o these_o weekly_a or_o annual_a return_n for_o confession_n i_o know_v no_o christian_n that_o deny_v the_o usefulness_n of_o it_o but_o the_o set_n up_o the_o necessity_n of_o auricular_a confession_n as_o it_o have_v drive_v out_o of_o their_o church_n the_o primitive_a and_o public_a confession_n with_o all_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o great_a glory_n