be_v unreasonable_a for_o we_o to_o desire_v the_o same_o unless_o we_o be_v to_o be_v put_v to_o the_o same_o trial_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o they_o be_v which_o in_o a_o christian_a country_n can_v hardly_o be_v and_o indeed_o as_o desirous_a as_o we_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o have_v such_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v the_o apostle_n have_v i_o believe_v there_o be_v very_o few_o of_o we_o but_o have_v rather_o be_v content_v with_o less_o evidence_n than_o have_v so_o much_o as_o the_o apostle_n have_v with_o its_o appendant_a burden_n which_o be_v to_o travel_v all_o the_o world_n over_o even_o into_o the_o most_o rude_a and_o barbarous_a country_n to_o plant_v christianity_n expect_v wherever_o they_o come_v bond_n and_o affliction_n meet_v every_o where_n with_o the_o most_o violent_a opposition_n and_o rough_a usage_n encounter_v every_o where_o the_o great_a danger_n and_o sure_a at_o last_o to_o be_v make_v a_o bloody_a sacrifice_n to_o the_o malice_n and_o fury_n of_o their_o persecutor_n how_o much_o st._n paul_n alone_o endure_v and_o it_o be_v like_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o other_o apostle_n be_v not_o much_o less_o you_o may_v see_v in_o 2_o cor._n xi_o 23_o etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o then_o come_v to_o the_o end_n of_o his_o suffering_n in_o labour_n abundant_a in_o stripe_n above_o measure_n in_o prison_n frequent_a in_o death_n oft_o of_o the_o jew_n five_o time_n receive_v i_o forty_o stripe_n save_o one_o thrice_o be_v i_o beat_v with_o rod_n once_o be_v i_o stone_v thrice_o i_o suffer_v shipwreck_n a_o night_n and_o a_o day_n i_o have_v be_v in_o the_o deep_a in_o journeying_n often_o in_o peril_n of_o water_n in_o peril_n of_o robber_n in_o peril_n by_o my_o own_o countryman_n in_o peril_n by_o the_o heathen_a in_o peril_n in_o the_o city_n in_o peril_n in_o the_o wilderness_n in_o peril_n in_o the_o sea_n in_o peril_n among_o false_a brethren_n in_o weariness_n and_o painfulness_n in_o watch_n often_o in_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n in_o fast_n often_o in_o cold_a and_o nakedness_n beside_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v without_o that_o which_o come_v upon_o i_o daily_o the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o he_o may_v well_o say_v as_o he_o do_v 1_o cor._n four_o 9_o etc._n etc._n i_o think_v that_o god_n have_v set_v forth_o we_o the_o apostle_n last_o as_o it_o be_v appoint_v to_o death_n for_o we_o be_v make_v a_o spectacle_n to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o angel_n and_o to_o man_n we_o be_v fool_n for_o christ_n sake_n we_o be_v weak_a we_o be_v despise_v even_o unto_o this_o very_a hour_n we_o both_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n and_o be_v naked_a and_o be_v buffet_v and_o have_v no_o certain_a dwell_n place_n and_o labour_v work_v with_o our_o hand_n be_v revile_v persecute_v defame_v we_o be_v make_v as_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v the_o off-scowring_a of_o all_o thing_n unto_o this_o day_n it_o be_v therefore_o plain_o necessary_a that_o a_o faith_n which_o be_v to_o undergo_v these_o severe_a trial_n shall_v be_v build_v upon_o the_o sure_a ground_n but_o for_o we_o and_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o overcome_v the_o world_n a_o faith_n that_o be_v found_v upon_o less_o certain_a evidence_n may_v be_v as_o sufficient_a 2._o the_o second_o case_n beforementioned_a be_v of_o those_o who_o hear_v with_o their_o own_o ear_n the_o testimony_n which_o the_o apostle_n give_v concern_v our_o lord_n and_o see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n the_o wonderful_a work_n that_o they_o do_v in_o confirmation_n of_o their_o testimony_n we_o can_v wish_v at_o least_o that_o we_o have_v such_o strong_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o they_o have_v and_o if_o we_o have_v we_o see_v not_o why_o there_o will_v not_o be_v as_o much_o choice_n and_o consequent_o as_o much_o virtue_n in_o our_o believe_v as_o there_o be_v in_o they_o but_o here_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o lot_n but_o of_o very_a few_o even_o of_o those_o that_o live_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n except_o of_o the_o jew_n that_o dwell_v in_o judea_n to_o hear_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o or_o to_o see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n the_o miracle_n that_o they_o wrought_v and_o even_o of_o these_o there_o be_v but_o few_o that_o have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o see_v many_o of_o their_o mighty_a work_n so_o that_o all_o thing_n consider_v the_o evidence_n that_o we_o have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n if_o it_o be_v not_o full_o equal_a to_o be_v very_o little_a inferior_a to_o that_o which_o they_o have_v for_o it_o be_v as_o have_v be_v former_o show_v moral_o impossible_a that_o the_o gospel_n history_n which_o be_v now_o in_o our_o hand_n shall_v be_v forge_v or_o spurious_a or_o corrupt_v and_o alter_v what_o can_v be_v think_v to_o be_v want_v in_o the_o clearness_n of_o the_o evidence_n that_o we_o have_v be_v give_v in_o write_v and_o not_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n be_v make_v up_o by_o the_o fullness_n and_o abundance_n of_o it_o we_o have_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n several_a witness_n testify_v the_o same_o miracle_n and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o witness_v more_o miracle_n than_o any_o except_o those_o who_o be_v constant_a attendant_n upon_o our_o lord_n or_o companion_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o witness_v but_o 2._o grant_v it_o to_o be_v true_a that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n those_o to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v have_v general_o clear_a and_o strong_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n than_o we_o have_v now_o yet_o i_o say_v even_o that_o evidence_n of_o sense_n which_o they_o have_v be_v not_o more_o apt_a or_o like_a to_o convince_v and_o persuade_v they_o than_o the_o proof_n which_o we_o now_o have_v though_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v less_o be_v to_o convince_v and_o persuade_v we_o for_o when_o man_n have_v already_o take_v up_o a_o opinion_n no_o matter_n upon_o what_o ground_n or_o when_o by_o their_o worldly_a interest_n they_o be_v engage_v to_o be_v of_o such_o a_o opinion_n it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o the_o same_o reason_n i_o mean_v reason_n of_o the_o same_o strength_n in_o themselves_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v they_o to_o alter_v their_o opinion_n which_o will_v have_v suffice_v to_o have_v fix_v and_o establish_v they_o in_o their_o former_a notion_n and_o this_o be_v plain_o the_o difference_n between_o those_o time_n and_o we_o for_o when_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o make_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n all_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v most_o strong_o prejudice_v against_o it_o each_o of_o they_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o a_o persuasion_n that_o their_o own_o way_n of_o worship_n be_v right_a add_v the_o jew_n in_o particular_a have_v have_v good_a assurance_n that_o their_o law_n give_v by_o moses_n to_o which_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n seem_v very_o opposite_a have_v be_v of_o divine_a institution_n but_o however_o when_o a_o man_n have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o thing_n and_o have_v believe_v it_o a_o good_a while_n he_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o he_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v it_o whether_o be_v have_v so_o or_o not_o so_o that_o the_o prejudice_n against_o christianity_n be_v as_o powerful_a though_o not_o altogether_o so_o just_a in_o the_o gentile_n who_o religion_n be_v mere_o fabulous_a as_o in_o the_o jew_n who_o law_n be_v indeed_o of_o divine_a institution_n and_o beside_o which_o be_v a_o impediment_n alike_o common_a both_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n they_o can_v not_o either_o of_o they_o then_o embrace_v and_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n without_o apparent_o hazard_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o in_o this_o world_n and_o how_o very_o apt_a a_o strong_a worldly_a interest_n be_v to_o blind_a man_n eye_n and_o to_o bias_n their_o judgement_n be_v what_o we_o can_v but_o daily_o observe_v in_o all_o other_o case_n but_o our_o case_n now_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o our_o prejudices_fw-la and_o our_o interest_n be_v both_o for_o christianity_n for_o we_o suck_v it_o in_o with_o our_o mother_n milk_n and_o we_o find_v it_o the_o establish_a religion_n of_o the_o country_n where_o we_o be_v bear_v for_o which_o reason_n we_o believe_v it_o or_o at_o least_o be_v strong_o incline_v to_o believe_v it_o before_o we_o know_v or_o have_v beard_n of_o any_o other_o reason_n so_o that_o to_o we_o who_o be_v already_o incline_v on_o this_o side_n to_o we_o who_o to_o be_v sure_a be_v not_o prejudice_v against_o it_o to_o we_o who_o interest_n
gratify_v man_n in_o this_o unreasonable_a desire_n work_v every_o day_n new_a miracle_n before_o their_o eye_n or_o send_v their_o decease_a friend_n to_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a to_o assure_v they_o of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o to_o warn_v they_o to_o prepare_v for_o it_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o very_o few_o or_o none_o of_o those_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o be_v not_o bring_v to_o repentance_n by_o the_o preach_a and_o stand_v revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v persuade_v by_o this_o mean_n if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n nor_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a i._o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o the_o present_a stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o repentance_n if_o they_o be_v not_o unreasonable_o blind_a and_o obstinate_a they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o i_o think_v that_o if_o the_o stand_a revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v of_o his_o will_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n can_v upon_o any_o account_n be_v think_v insufficient_a to_o effect_v this_o design_n it_o must_v be_v upon_o one_o of_o these_o two_o account_n viz._n either_o 1._o because_o no_o stand_a revelation_n can_v be_v sufficient_a for_o this_o purpose_n or_o 2._o because_o there_o be_v some_o particular_a defect_n in_o that_o stand_a revelation_n which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o render_v it_o not_o so_o sufficient_a for_o this_o purpose_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a a_o stand_a revelation_n may_v be_v 1._o it_o may_v be_v pretend_v that_o no_o stand_a revelation_n can_v be_v sufficient_a for_o this_o purpose_n i_o be_o now_o therefore_o to_o inquire_v with_o what_o reason_n this_o can_v be_v pretend_v and_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o point_n it_o do_v not_o lie_v upon_o i_o to_o prove_v that_o god_n can_v not_o reveal_v his_o mind_n afresh_o to_o every_o man_n in_o every_o age_n of_o the_o world_n if_o he_o so_o please_v for_o there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o that_o the_o same_o god_n who_o in_o divers_a manner_n speak_v in_o time_n pass_v to_o our_o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n can_v if_o he_o please_v speak_v to_o every_o one_o of_o we_o their_o child_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o he_o then_o speak_v to_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o so_o that_o we_o may_v be_v all_o immediate_o teach_v of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v but_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v do_v be_v not_o expedient_a to_o be_v do_v and_o whether_o this_o method_n will_v be_v expedient_a or_o not_o will_v be_v hereafter_o inquire_v neither_o do_v it_o now_o lie_v upon_o i_o to_o prove_v that_o this_o way_n which_o god_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o take_v to_o instruct_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n viz._n by_o a_o stand_a revelation_n be_v the_o best_a way_n and_o the_o most_o like_a to_o be_v effectual_a of_o any_o that_o can_v be_v use_v of_o this_o i_o shall_v likewise_o have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v somewhat_o hereafter_o but_o what_o lie_v upon_o i_o at_o present_a to_o make_v good_a be_v only_o this_o that_o a_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n may_v be_v so_o well_o contrive_v and_o so_o well_o attest_v as_o to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v men._n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o ground_n for_o the_o contrary_a pretence_n i_o think_v it_o must_v be_v either_o 1._o because_o all_o matter_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o do_v by_o man_n at_o all_o time_n can_v at_o once_o be_v commit_v to_o write_v or_o 2._o because_o there_o can_v be_v sufficient_a evidence_n give_v to_o satisfy_v a_o rational_a man_n that_o any_o write_v that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o authority_n be_v indeed_o so_o 1._o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o all_o matter_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o do_v by_o man_n at_o all_o time_n can_v be_v at_o once_o commit_v to_o write_v because_o every_o age_n of_o the_o world_n produce_v new_a opinion_n which_o whether_o they_o be_v erroneous_a or_o not_o can_v be_v judge_v by_o a_o criterion_n that_o be_v give_v many_o age_n before_o these_o opinion_n be_v broach_v and_o as_o the_o world_n grow_v old_a in_o year_n it_o likewise_o improve_v in_o wickedness_n which_o can_v be_v restrain_v and_o suppress_v by_o a_o old_a law_n which_o be_v make_v before_o several_a instance_n of_o those_o wickedness_n that_o be_v now_o practise_v be_v either_o know_v or_o think_v of_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o what_o need_n will_v there_o be_v of_o such_o a_o number_n of_o book_n as_o be_v write_v in_o every_o age_n to_o direct_v man_n how_o to_o distinguish_v between_o truth_n and_o error_n and_o what_o opinion_n to_o fix_v upon_o in_o that_o great_a variety_n of_o opinion_n that_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o or_o what_o need_n will_v there_o be_v of_o so_o many_o new_a law_n as_o be_v daily_o make_v in_o every_o commonwealth_n to_o restrain_v the_o grow_a extravagance_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o within_o due_a bound_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o necessity_n at_o all_o of_o divine_a revelation_n to_o teach_v man_n the_o belief_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o righteousness_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o new_a and_o fresh_a revelation_n make_v at_o least_o as_o often_o as_o any_o new_a error_n be_v broach_v or_o any_o new_a piece_n of_o villainy_n be_v practise_v in_o the_o world_n but_o to_o this_o objection_n against_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o a_o stand_a revelation_n i_o suppose_v a_o full_a answer_n will_v be_v give_v in_o these_o two_o particular_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o argue_n from_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o man_n to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n it_o may_v be_v grant_v to_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o write_v such_o a_o book_n as_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o confute_v all_o the_o error_n that_o can_v possible_o at_o any_o time_n afterward_o spring_v up_o or_o to_o compile_v such_o a_o body_n of_o law_n as_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o prevent_v or_o punish_v all_o future_a crime_n but_o what_o be_v impossible_a with_o man_n may_v be_v possible_a with_o god_n who_o have_v a_o perfect_a foresight_n of_o all_o the_o error_n that_o will_v ever_o be_v broach_v and_o of_o all_o the_o wickedness_n that_o will_v ever_o be_v practise_v by_o man_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o a_o be_v of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n it_o may_v be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o very_o easy_a so_o to_o contrive_v a_o revelation_n design_v by_o he_o for_o the_o direction_n of_o future_a age_n that_o no_o addition_n shall_v ever_o after_o need_n to_o be_v make_v to_o it_o nay_o indeed_o 2._o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o be_v that_o a_o stand_a revelation_n shall_v be_v thus_o perfect_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o contrive_v at_o once_o and_o at_o first_o as_o to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o answer_v all_o the_o end_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n as_o long_o as_o the_o world_n shall_v last_v be_v not_o very_o hard_a to_o be_v conceive_v for_o though_o error_n be_v infinite_a truth_n at_o least_o all_o truth_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v be_v finite_a and_o limit_v and_o after_o a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v once_o give_v no_o more_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o after_o age_n than_o be_v at_o first_o nor_o will_v there_o ever_o be_v more_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n unless_o god_n shall_v please_v to_o add_v some_o new_a revelation_n to_o the_o former_a and_o this_o revelation_n of_o all_o necessary_a truth_n once_o make_v be_v give_v to_o man_n that_o be_v endue_v with_o reason_n nothing_o more_o be_v or_o ever_o will_v be_v needful_a for_o the_o discovery_n and_o confutation_n of_o all_o error_n that_o can_v possible_o spring_v up_o in_o after_o age_n but_o only_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o truth_n already_o deliver_v and_o a_o right_a use_n of_o reason_n in_o make_v inference_n and_o draw_v consequence_n therefrom_o and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o be_v pretend_v to_o by_o the_o book_n of_o controversy_n that_o be_v write_v in_o every_o age_n the_o design_n of_o they_o be_v not_o to_o declare_v new_a truth_n or_o to_o establish_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n but_o only_o to_o show_v that_o those_o opinion_n which_o they_o represent_v as_o false_a and_o erroneous_a be_v either_o in_o themselves_o or_o in_o their_o true_a consequence_n contrary_a to_o some_o maxim_n that_o be_v already_o receive_v as_o true_a and_o it_o be_v no_o
by_o so_o many_o different_a and_o far_o distant_a nation_n without_o some_o good_a ground_n be_v not_o conceivable_a because_o it_o can_v neither_o be_v imagine_v that_o thâ—_n christian_n of_o the_o present_a age_n disperse_v in_o all_o countriâ—_n shall_v combine_v together_o to_o say_v that_o they_o receiv'â—_n these_o book_n from_o their_o father_n as_o the_o genuine_a writing_n of_o the_o apostle_n if_o they_o have_v not_o so_o receive_v they_o nor_o that_o their_o forefather_n in_o any_o of_o the_o age_n paâ—â—_n shall_v have_v all_o agree_v together_o to_o put_v a_o cheat_n upoâ—_n their_o posterity_n by_o deliver_v down_o to_o they_o theâ—â—_n book_n as_o write_v by_o the_o apostle_n when_o they_o themselves_o have_v no_o good_a reason_n to_o believe_v they_o so_o or_o whâ—â—_n they_o know_v the_o contrary_n it_o be_v a_o further_a satisfaction_n to_o we_o to_o observe_v and_o consider_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o book_n be_v as_o well_o prove_v as_o it_o can_v be_v not_o only_o by_o oral_n but_o also_o by_o the_o best_a write_a tradition_n the_o christian_a writer_n of_o all_o age_n cite_v they_o as_o they_o have_v occasion_n as_o the_o genuine_a write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o as_o well_o before_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v define_v and_o declare_v by_o council_n as_o since_o and_o last_o it_o give_v we_o very_o good_a satisfaction_n that_o these_o book_n be_v the_o genuine_a write_n of_o the_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v ascribe_v that_o we_o do_v not_o find_v they_o be_v ever_o except_v against_o as_o spurious_a and_o counterfeit_a in_o those_o time_n when_o it_o will_v have_v be_v most_o proper_a to_o have_v make_v the_o exception_n and_o by_o those_o person_n who_o cause_n and_o interest_n it_o will_v have_v serve_v very_o much_o to_o have_v prove_v they_o spurious_a if_o it_o can_v have_v be_v do_v for_o the_o proper_a time_n to_o have_v make_v this_o exception_n to_o these_o write_n be_v when_o or_o soon_o after_o they_o be_v first_o publish_v when_o it_o will_v have_v be_v easy_a to_o have_v prove_v they_o spurious_a if_o they_o have_v be_v so_o and_o no_o less_o easy_a to_o have_v bring_v positive_a evidence_n of_o their_o be_v genuine_a if_o indeed_o they_o be_v genuine_a either_o by_o the_o live_a testimony_n of_o the_o author_n themselves_o or_o of_o other_o that_o know_v their_o write_n or_o by_o produce_v the_o original_a copy_n under_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o therefore_o their_o be_v then_o receive_v as_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n by_o those_o who_o be_v best_a able_a to_o know_v who_o write_n they_o be_v and_o their_o being_n not_o for_o aught_o appear_v except_v against_o upon_o this_o account_n at_o that_o time_n â—s_v a_o very_a good_a argument_n that_o there_o be_v no_o just_a ground_n for_o any_o such_o exception_n and_o the_o most_o likely_a person_n they_o who_o cause_n and_o interest_n it_o will_v have_v serve_v most_o to_o deny_v that_o these_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o repute_a author_n thereof_o be_v the_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n the_o jew_n or_o the_o heathen_n who_o neither_o of_o they_o want_v either_o malice_n or_o wit_n to_o allege_v any_o fact_n that_o they_o can_v have_v justify_v the_o truth_n of_o in_o disproof_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v therefore_o no_o small_a satisfaction_n to_o we_o to_o observe_v that_o they_o never_o argue_v against_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o this_o topic_n that_o they_o never_o deny_v that_o the_o book_n which_o the_o christian_n receive_v as_o write_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v genuine_a nay_o that_o julian_n himself_o one_o of_o the_o subtle_a as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o bitter_a adversary_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n do_v yet_o express_o own_o that_o the_o book_n read_v by_o the_o christian_n as_o the_o book_n of_o peter_n paul_n matthew_n mark_n and_o luke_n be_v indeed_o they_o after_o all_o indeed_o it_o must_v be_v own_v that_o we_o have_v not_o such_o demonstration_n that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o be_v self-evident_a and_o can_v possible_o be_v contradict_v for_o the_o matter_n itself_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o such_o demonstration_n but_o we_o have_v such_o demonstration_n of_o it_o as_o can_v be_v contradict_v with_o any_o reason_n we_o have_v as_o good_a assurance_n of_o it_o as_o we_o have_v or_o can_v have_v of_o any_o matter_n of_o that_o kind_n we_o have_v as_o good_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o as_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v true_a we_o can_v have_v of_o it_o and_o more_o than_o this_o can_v be_v desire_v we_o be_v as_o moral_o certain_a that_o these_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o author_n to_o who_o they_o be_v ascribe_v as_o we_o be_v that_o any_o other_o ancient_a book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o person_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o there_o be_v no_o argument_n by_o which_o it_o be_v or_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o any_o ancient_a book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o person_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o which_o do_v not_o prove_v the_o authority_n of_o these_o book_n rather_o more_o strong_o than_o it_o do_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o other_o book_n and_o there_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v urge_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o book_n which_o may_v not_o with_o as_o good_a reason_n be_v urge_v to_o disprove_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o other_o book_n of_o the_o like_a antiquity_n nay_o indeed_o of_o all_o the_o book_n in_o the_o world_n ancient_a or_o modern_a the_o author_n of_o which_o be_v not_o now_o live_v or_o of_o who_o write_v the_o book_n ascribe_v to_o they_o no_o live_v evidence_n can_v be_v produce_v for_o what_o be_v there_o that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o disprove_v or_o to_o render_v suspect_v the_o authority_n of_o these_o book_n but_o only_o that_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n that_o thing_n may_v not_o be_v as_o we_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v it_o may_v be_v the_o atheist_n or_o infidel_n will_v say_v that_o these_o book_n be_v not_o write_v by_o the_o person_n under_o who_o name_n we_o receive_v they_o but_o by_o some_o other_o it_o may_v be_v he_o will_v say_v for_o instance_n that_o there_o never_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o matthew_n the_o publican_n afterward_o a_o apostle_n of_o christ_n or_o if_o there_o be_v yet_o it_o may_v be_v that_o the_o gospel_n that_o go_v under_o his_o name_n be_v not_o of_o his_o write_n but_o be_v a_o book_n of_o a_o much_o late_a date_n it_o may_v be_v that_o it_o be_v write_v by_o some_o crafty_a priest_n no_o long_o ago_o than_o the_o last_o age_n and_o that_o he_o and_o some_o other_o in_o confederacy_n with_o he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o forge_v this_o gospel_n in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n do_v likewise_o make_v and_o contrive_v all_o those_o translation_n of_o it_o into_o several_a language_n that_o be_v now_o extant_a some_o of_o which_o pretend_v to_o very_o great_a antiquity_n and_o which_o be_v all_o make_v with_o such_o a_o appearance_n of_o truth_n and_o with_o such_o congruity_n to_o the_o several_a time_n in_o which_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v make_v that_o none_o of_o the_o learned_a man_n of_o the_o present_a age_n have_v be_v able_a to_o discover_v the_o fraud_n and_o it_o may_v be_v also_o that_o when_o they_o forge_v the_o gospel_n itself_o they_o forge_v likewise_o all_o the_o other_o book_n that_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v write_v by_o several_a historian_n and_o divine_n in_o divers_a language_n and_o in_o several_a age_n of_o the_o world_n for_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n past_a in_o which_o this_o gospel_n be_v either_o testify_v to_o be_v write_v by_o st._n matthew_n or_o be_v cite_v or_o comment_v upon_o as_o he_o and_o it_o may_v be_v likewise_o that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o trump_v up_o all_o these_o book_n in_o one_o country_n they_o have_v their_o confederate_n and_o correspondent_o that_o do_v the_o same_o in_o all_o the_o other_o country_n where_o they_o be_v now_o find_v not_o only_o expose_v they_o to_o public_a sale_n as_o book_n of_o ancient_a date_n and_o venerable_a antiquity_n but_o likewise_o sly_o convey_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o write_v and_o print_v copy_n of_o the_o same_o into_o all_o library_n both_o public_a and_o private_a unknown_a to_o the_o keeper_n and_o owner_n thereof_o and_o it_o may_v be_v that_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v do_v so_o secret_o that_o none_o of_o the_o confederacy_n do_v ever_o confess_v nor_o any_o beside_o ever_o discover_v the_o cheat_n and_o it_o may_v be_v that_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n be_v so_o much_o asleep_a at_o that_o time_n as_o to_o have_v
in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o must_v be_v either_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o or_o in_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o it_o must_v be_v either_o that_o it_o do_v not_o give_v we_o sufficient_a direction_n what_o to_o do_v or_o that_o it_o do_v not_o propose_v sufficient_a motive_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o do_v what_o it_o require_v and_o therefore_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o head_n i_o shall_v show_v 1._o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v we_o sufficient_a direction_n what_o to_o do_v 2._o that_o the_o motive_n which_o the_o scripture_n propose_v be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v we_o to_o do_v what_o it_o require_v and_o 3._o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n give_v we_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o consequent_o of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v teach_v by_o it_o 1._o i_o shall_v show_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v we_o sufficient_a direction_n what_o to_o do_v and_o of_o this_o there_o can_v be_v little_a doubt_n among_o those_o that_o believe_v the_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n because_o to_o they_o its_o own_o testimony_n of_o its_o own_o sufficiency_n be_v a_o proof_n thereof_o beyond_o all_o exception_n for_o if_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 2._o tim._n 3.16_o it_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n and_o for_o reproof_n and_o for_o correction_n and_o for_o instruction_n in_o rigteousness_n it_o be_v plain_o profitable_a for_o all_o the_o purpose_n for_o which_o we_o can_v desire_v a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o if_o as_o he_o say_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n it_o be_v give_v to_o make_v perfect_a the_o man_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o man_n who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v other_o and_o thorough_o to_o furnish_v he_o unto_o all_o good_a work_n it_o can_v be_v deficient_a in_o deliver_v all_o such_o rule_n and_o direction_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v give_v by_o a_o pastor_n to_o the_o people_n commit_v to_o his_o care_n and_o if_o as_o the_o same_o apostle_n have_v say_v at_o the_o 15_o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n it_o be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o desire_v to_o be_v wise_a than_o this_o excellent_a book_n can_v make_v we_o and_o if_o all_o this_o can_v true_o be_v say_v by_o the_o apostle_n before_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v complete_v if_o it_o can_v be_v say_v by_o he_o of_o those_o holy_a scripture_n which_o timothy_n have_v know_v from_o a_o child_n that_o be_v of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n only_o much_o more_o may_v it_o be_v now_o say_v of_o the_o book_n of_o both_o testament_n together_o but_o to_o speak_v at_o large_a of_o this_o point_n at_o present_a will_v be_v too_o great_a a_o digression_n from_o the_o design_n of_o these_o lecture_n which_o be_v intend_v only_o against_o infidel_n not_o against_o any_o sect_n of_o christian_n and_o such_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v such_o because_o they_o hold_v the_o foundation_n christ_n jesus_n they_o may_v in_o charity_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v who_o do_v chief_o differ_v from_o we_o in_o this_o article_n and_o deny_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n only_o because_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o maintain_v some_o gainful_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o their_o own_o church_n which_o they_o be_v sensible_a have_v no_o warrant_n from_o scripture_n and_o so_o can_v be_v maintain_v no_o other_o way_n but_o by_o affirm_v that_o they_o have_v be_v deliver_v down_o to_o they_o by_o tradition_n and_o that_o unwritten_a tradition_n be_v a_o necessary_a supplement_n to_o the_o write_a word_n and_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o it_o for_o between_o we_o and_o infidel_n who_o reject_v the_o scripture_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n be_v hardly_o matter_n of_o controversy_n for_o these_o do_v not_o reject_v the_o scripture_n because_o it_o teach_v too_o little_a but_o rather_o because_o it_o teach_v too_o much_o because_o it_o teach_v doctrine_n above_o their_o reason_n and_o command_v such_o duty_n as_o they_o do_v not_o like_a to_o practice_v and_o if_o it_o teach_v less_o than_o it_o do_v they_o will_v be_v more_o ready_a to_o own_o its_o divine_a authority_n but_o nevertheless_o even_a these_o man_n that_o they_o may_v leave_v no_o stone_n unturned_a will_v be_v sometime_o discourse_v upon_o this_o point_n and_o although_o those_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v now_o extant_a and_o which_o be_v now_o general_o receive_v do_v teach_v much_o more_o than_o they_o themselves_o be_v willing_a to_o believe_v and_o practice_v yet_o that_o they_o may_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v unsettle_v the_o belief_n of_o other_o do_v not_o stick_v to_o argue_v againast_n the_o christian_a religion_n from_o this_o topick_n and_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v now_o receive_v do_v not_o contain_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n for_o there_o be_v say_v they_o in_o former_a time_n several_a other_o gospel_n and_o epistle_n and_o other_o tract_n design_v to_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o other_o inspire_a man_n and_o which_o be_v consequent_o of_o the_o same_o authority_n in_o themselves_o with_o those_o which_o be_v now_o receive_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o which_o nevertheless_o we_o have_v nothing_o now_o leave_v but_o the_o name_n and_o title_n or_o some_o imperfect_a and_o uncertain_a fragment_n so_o that_o it_o may_v well_o be_v doubt_v whether_o those_o few_o book_n which_o be_v now_o remain_v be_v sufficient_a to_o instruct_v we_o in_o all_o necessary_a point_n of_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n and_o of_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n there_o be_v they_o say_v some_o evidence_n even_o from_o the_o scripture_n its_o self_n for_o st._n luke_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o his_o gospel_n take_v notice_n that_o many_o before_o he_o have_v take_v in_o hand_n to_o set_v forth_o a_o declaration_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v sure_o believe_v among_o christian_n that_o be_v have_v write_v and_o publish_v narrative_n of_o the_o life_n action_n miracle_n preach_v death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o there_o be_v no_o history_n of_o this_o kind_a no_o gospel_n now_o extant_a that_o be_v write_v before_o st._n luke_n except_o only_o st._n matthew'_v and_o st._n mark_n be_v and_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o more_o extant_a at_o that_o time_n it_o will_v have_v be_v very_o improper_a they_o say_v for_o the_o evangelist_n to_o have_v say_v that_o many_o have_v write_v upon_o this_o subject_a when_o he_o speak_v only_o of_o those_o two_o and_o that_o there_o be_v matter_n enough_o for_o several_a such_o narrative_n so_o that_o though_o they_o be_v very_o different_a gospel_n they_o may_v nevertheless_o be_v all_o true_a we_o be_v tell_v by_o st._n john_n who_o write_v his_o gospel_n the_o last_o of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n joh._n 20.30_o many_o other_o sign_n true_o do_v jesus_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o disciple_n which_o be_v not_o write_v in_o this_o book_n and_o again_o ch._n 21._o verse_n 25._o there_o be_v also_o many_o other_o thing_n which_o jesus_n do_v the_o which_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v write_v every_o one_o i_o suppose_v that_o even_o the_o world_n its_o self_n can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v write_v now_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v several_a other_o book_n former_o extant_a but_o which_o be_v now_o lose_v that_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o inspire_a man_n and_o consequent_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n either_o these_o be_v needless_a when_o write_v and_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o any_o book_n write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v needless_a or_o else_o the_o loss_n of_o these_o book_n be_v a_o loss_n to_o religion_n and_o we_o can_v be_v well_o assure_v that_o those_o which_o we_o have_v now_o remain_v do_v sufficient_o instruct_v we_o in_o all_o point_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o practice_n but_o admit_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n viz._n that_o more_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o inspire_v man_n than_o be_v now_o extant_a which_o i_o will_v not_o now_o dispute_v because_o i_o think_v it_o needless_a because_o i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v grant_v without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o christian_a cause_n although_o there_o be_v none_o or_o at_o most_o but_o very_o slender_a evidence_n of_o it_o nay_o admit_v more_o than_o be_v upon_o any_o good_a ground_n allege_v viz._n not_o only_o that_o several_a but_o that_o every_o one_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o immediate_a disciple_n of_o
christ_n every_o one_o that_o have_v hear_v he_o preach_v and_o have_v be_v a_o witness_n of_o his_o life_n and_o miracle_n and_o resurrection_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v write_v a_o distinct_a gospel_n give_v a_o account_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n which_o he_o have_v be_v a_o witness_n of_o and_o do_v likewise_o as_o he_o have_v occasion_n write_v epistle_n or_o other_o tract_n for_o the_o use_n and_o instruction_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n every_o one_o of_o all_o which_o book_n if_o they_o be_v now_o extant_a and_o as_o well_o attest_v as_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v will_v be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o they_o because_o dictate_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n by_o which_o all_o the_o apostle_n be_v lead_v into_o all_o truth_n and_o have_v all_o thing_n that_o jesus_n have_v speak_v bring_v to_o their_o remembrance_n yet_o i_o say_v it_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n follow_v from_o hence_o either_o that_o those_o book_n which_o be_v now_o lose_v if_o indeed_o there_o be_v any_o lose_v that_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v needless_a when_o they_o be_v write_v or_o that_o those_o which_o do_v now_o remain_v be_v not_o sufficient_a and_o a_o very_a little_a consideration_n of_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v then_o and_o as_o it_o be_v now_o will_v make_v this_o which_o i_o have_v say_v very_o plain_a for_o the_o case_n then_o be_v thus_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v preach_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n by_o a_o few_o person_n who_o have_v be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o miracle_n and_o be_v enable_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o confirm_v their_o testimony_n of_o he_o by_o do_v the_o like_a miracle_n themselves_o and_o that_o this_o great_a work_n may_v be_v accomplish_v within_o the_o term_n of_o their_o life_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v quick_o disperse_v themselves_o into_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n one_o go_v this_o way_n and_o another_o that_o according_a as_o they_o have_v agree_v among_o themselves_o or_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o in_o this_o division_n of_o country_n every_o one_o have_v a_o large_a province_n assign_v to_o he_o so_o that_o have_v much_o work_n to_o do_v in_o a_o little_a time_n he_o can_v not_o well_o stay_v long_o in_o one_o place_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o may_v be_v very_o proper_a for_o he_o after_o he_o have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o one_o city_n and_o make_v a_o good_a number_n of_o convert_v and_o ordain_v elder_n and_o establish_v a_o christian_a church_n there_o when_o he_o go_v thence_o to_o leave_v behind_o he_o in_o write_v the_o sum_n of_o what_o he_o have_v before_o preach_v among_o they_o for_o the_o help_n of_o their_o memory_n for_o the_o direction_n of_o their_o pastor_n and_o to_o prevent_v any_o misrepresentation_n that_o may_v afterward_o be_v make_v of_o his_o doctrine_n by_o ignorant_a or_o design_v man_n and_o after_o he_o be_v go_v from_o thence_o he_o may_v have_v frequent_a occasion_n to_o send_v they_o letter_n either_o to_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o faith_n or_o to_o caution_n they_o against_o some_o error_n which_o he_o have_v hear_v be_v spring_v up_o among_o they_o or_o to_o correct_v some_o fault_n in_o their_o discipline_n or_o manner_n by_o this_o mean_n i_o say_v it_o may_v well_o enough_o be_v though_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n that_o it_o be_v so_o that_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n there_o may_v be_v beside_o occasional_a letter_n as_o many_o distinct_a gospel_n as_o there_o be_v apostle_n every_o one_o write_v a_o gospel_n for_o the_o proper_a use_n of_o those_o church_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v plant_v and_o in_o the_o language_n that_o be_v best_a know_v to_o they_o and_o this_o if_o it_o be_v do_v may_v be_v no_o more_o than_o may_v be_v then_o necessary_a when_o it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a as_o it_o be_v now_o since_o the_o increase_n of_o commerce_n and_o navigation_n and_o the_o invention_n of_o print_v to_o communicate_v and_o disperse_v the_o book_n that_o be_v publish_v in_o one_o country_n to_o other_o country_n that_o be_v far_o distant_a beside_o if_o this_o can_v have_v be_v do_v then_o it_o can_v well_o be_v suppose_v that_o a_o gospel_n write_v by_o any_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n who_o have_v never_o be_v in_o that_o province_n or_o division_n and_o of_o who_o they_o have_v never_o hear_v perhaps_o more_o than_o only_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v at_o first_o of_o so_o great_a authority_n to_o they_o as_o a_o gospel_n write_v by_o that_o very_a apostle_n by_o who_o ministry_n they_o have_v be_v convert_v and_o of_o who_o miracle_n they_o themselves_o have_v be_v witness_n thus_o it_o may_v be_v and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o it_o may_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n so_o to_o order_v it_o that_o before_o those_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o we_o now_o have_v can_v be_v well_o disperse_v and_o upon_o good_a attestation_n receive_v in_o all_o christian_a country_n some_o particular_a church_n and_o especial_o those_o most_o remote_a from_o judea_n shall_v have_v for_o their_o present_a use_n other_o book_n write_v by_o some_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n contain_v the_o same_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n and_o relate_v the_o same_o thing_n concern_v the_o life_n and_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o these_o do_v and_o that_o some_o of_o those_o many_o book_n which_o may_v be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o other_o inspire_a man_n upon_o this_o subject_a shall_v be_v lose_v be_v no_o marvel_n at_o all_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o wonder_n consider_v the_o poverty_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n and_o the_o constant_a persecution_n they_o be_v then_o under_o and_o the_o many_o revolution_n of_o government_n that_o have_v be_v in_o christendom_n since_o that_o time_n that_o so_o many_o as_o we_o have_v now_o leave_v can_v be_v preserve_v for_o so_o many_o age_n before_o printing_n be_v find_v out_o and_o those_o be_v of_o all_o the_o most_o like_a to_o be_v lose_v which_o be_v publish_v in_o rude_a and_o barbarous_a country_n and_o which_o be_v write_v in_o some_o language_n that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o one_o nation_n only_o and_o those_o the_o most_o easy_a and_o consequent_o the_o most_o probable_a to_o be_v preserve_v which_o be_v publish_v in_o the_o learned_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o write_v in_o the_o most_o learned_a language_n then_o in_o use_n but_o although_o a_o great_a number_n of_o inspire_a book_n than_o be_v now_o extant_a may_v be_v necessary_a in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n before_o the_o christian_a church_n then_o new_o plant_v in_o all_o country_n of_o the_o then_o know_a world_n can_v have_v communication_n with_o one_o another_o it_o can_v be_v argue_v from_o hence_o that_o those_o book_n which_o we_o have_v now_o remain_v be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o the_o present_a time_n and_o for_o all_o the_o time_n that_o have_v pass_v since_o the_o other_o book_n be_v lose_v but_o rather_o it_o may_v very_o reasonable_o be_v presume_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o for_o substance_n in_o those_o book_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v lose_v than_o there_o be_v in_o these_o which_o be_v now_o remain_v so_o that_o the_o loss_n of_o they_o may_v be_v no_o real_a loss_n or_o detriment_n to_o religion_n and_o those_o which_o remain_v and_o be_v now_o receive_v in_o all_o christian_a church_n may_v be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o instruct_v we_o in_o all_o point_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o practice_n and_o there_o be_v indeed_o no_o reason_n to_o think_v they_o be_v not_o see_v some_o of_o those_o single_a book_n which_o we_o have_v now_o be_v write_v for_o this_o very_a purpose_n be_v design_v as_o compendium_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a institution_n for_o st._n luke_n write_v his_o gospel_n that_o theophilus_n may_v know_v the_o certainty_n of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o he_o have_v be_v instruct_v and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o evangelist_n design_n 1.4_o luke_n 1.4_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v but_o that_o he_o think_v he_o have_v put_v into_o his_o gospel_n whatever_o be_v necessary_a or_o very_a material_a and_o st._n john_n in_o the_o same_o place_n where_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o have_v omit_v the_o relation_n of_o many_o thing_n which_o jesus_n do_v 31._o joh._n 20.30_o 31._o say_v that_o he_o have_v write_v the_o thing_n contain_v in_o his_o gospel_n that_o man_n may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o believe_v they_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o