confirm_v by_o the_o history_n of_o both_o the_o indies_n suppose_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o by_o the_o gospel_n story_n the_o 1_o jewish_a 2_o christian_a and_o the_o 3_o heathen_a exorcist_n these_o spirit_n be_v subject_n not_o only_o to_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n but_o to_o the_o invocation_n of_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n and_o of_o jsaac_n and_o of_o jacob_n though_o use_v by_o those_o who_o do_v not_o 4_o own_o their_o faith_n but_o notwithstanding_o do_v attest_v upon_o their_o own_o experience_n the_o virtue_n of_o those_o name_n as_o well_o as_o 5_o jew_n and_o christian_n §_o 4._o 2_o if_o there_o have_v ever_o be_v any_o display_v or_o act_n of_o god_n power_n if_o any_o miracle_n vouchsafe_v in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o jew_n or_o christian_a turk_n or_o heathen_a all_o which_o have_v more_o or_o less_o pretend_v to_o they_o 2.5_o act_n 2.5_o the_o jew_n with_o so_o much_o evidence_n as_o to_o gain_v proselyte_n from_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n the_o christian_a with_o so_o great_a conviction_n as_o to_o prevail_v upon_o the_o world_n against_o the_o power_n of_o interest_n custom_n and_o education_n and_o all_o the_o opposition_n which_o the_o wit_n and_o power_n of_o the_o world_n can_v make_v to_o entertain_v the_o faith_n deliver_v by_o they_o if_o the_o red_a sea_n be_v divide_v which_o both_o the_o sacred_a and_o 6_o profane_a writer_n do_v attest_v if_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n &_o the_o first_o christian_n convert_v 6._o vid._n raymund_n pug._n fid_fw-we part_n 2._o c._n 8._o s_o 6._o do_v any_o of_o those_o miracle_n which_o in_o their_o writing_n be_v record_v of_o they_o &_o of_o which_o we_o give_v a_o large_a account_n in_o our_o discourse_n upon_o that_o subject_a i_o say_v if_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v do_v we_o must_v acknowledge_v some_o superior_a power_n do_v engage_v in_o the_o assistance_n of_o those_o person_n and_o be_v concern_v to_o have_v the_o world_n believe_v what_o they_o deliver_v by_o which_o assistance_n if_o the_o superior_a power_n do_v intend_v the_o happiness_n and_o welfare_n of_o mankind_n he_o make_v provision_n for_o it_o and_o by_o so_o do_v show_v a_o providence_n but_o if_o he_o design_v man_n ruin_n and_o destruction_n he_o must_v then_o be_v a_o evil_a and_o seduce_a power_n which_o sure_o can_v not_o be_v be_v there_o no_o high_a power_n to_o challenge_v and_o reward_v our_o service_n and_o to_o revenge_v our_o disobedience_n §_o 5._o 3_o if_o any_o signal_n judgement_n be_v inflict_v by_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n upon_o rebellious_a sinner_n of_o which_o the_o annal_n of_o all_o age_n and_o book_n make_v up_o of_o such_o collection_n yield_v we_o large_a account_n if_o any_o visible_a declaration_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o of_o approach_a judgement_n have_v be_v make_v unto_o the_o world_n by_o sign_n &_o prodigy_n by_o dream_n and_o apparition_n by_o prophecy_n or_o by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n of_o which_o not_o only_o history_n ecclesiastical_a and_o heathen_a do_v inform_v we_o but_o suspect_v 7_o atheist_n do_v confess_v and_o prove_v the_o same_o if_o there_o have_v ever_o be_v a_o deluge_n over_o the_o world_n which_o since_o the_o cavern_n of_o the_o earth_n contain_v the_o water_n of_o it_o can_v never_o be_v effect_v by_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n or_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n be_v destroy_v by_o fire_n from_o heaven_n both_o which_o the_o 8_o heathen_a record_n have_v at_o large_a deliver_v to_o we_o preserve_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o 9_o ark_n the_o 10_o dove_n send_v out_o of_o it_o and_o of_o the_o 11_o mountain_n where_o it_o rest_v and_o frequent_o attest_v that_o the_o fruit_n and_o apple_n of_o the_o land_n of_o 12_o sodom_n be_v touch_v do_v vanish_v into_o smoke_n and_o ash_n if_o lot_n wife_n look_v back_o become_v a_o pillar_n of_o salt_n and_o that_o so_o last_a that_o 13_o josephus_n and_o 19.26_o a_o in_o gen._n 19.26_o brochardus_fw-la testify_v it_o be_v extant_a in_o their_o day_n and_o the_o jerusalem_n targum_fw-la do_v conclude_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o unto_o the_o resurrection_n so_o notable_a that_o 14_o heathen_n use_v to_o conjure_v by_o invocation_n of_o that_o god_n who_o turn_v lot_n wife_n into_o the_o pillar_n if_o the_o 15_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v prefaced_a with_o prodigious_a token_n of_o approach_a vengeance_n and_o god_n have_v still_o appear_v in_o plague_n and_o judgement_n against_o 16_o those_o who_o have_v attempt_v to_o rebuild_v the_o temple_n there_o if_o any_o water_n of_o probation_n have_v have_v the_o virtue_n to_o discover_v and_o chastise_v the_o sinner_n whilst_o they_o clear_v the_o innocent_a as_o heathen_a writer_n affirm_v of_o 17_o olachas_n and_o other_o river_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o put_v off_o their_o nature_n and_o become_v fire_n to_o the_o guilty_a person_n of_o the_o 18_o crateres_fw-la palicorum_n &_o the_o 19_o sardinian_a fountain_n which_o do_v strike_v the_o thief_n or_o perjure_a person_n blind_a or_o dead_a of_o the_o 20_o indian_n brahmin_n probatory_a water_n and_o many_o other_o of_o that_o kind_n and_o as_o the_o jew_n say_v with_o much_o better_a ground_n of_o those_o of_o jealousy_n which_o be_v use_v according_a to_o the_o prescription_n of_o their_o law_n to_o try_v the_o chastity_n of_o any_o woman_n of_o who_o her_o husband_n shall_v be_v jealous_a 27.28_o numb_a 5_o 27.28_o do_v cause_v the_o guilty_a thigh_n to_o rot_v and_o have_v no_o like_a effect_n upon_o the_o innocent_a i_o say_v with_o better_a ground_n for_o have_v they_o fail_v upon_o trial_n the_o jew_n can_v not_o have_v own_v that_o law_n for_o sacred_a which_o leave_v they_o such_o a_o stand_a lie_n last_o if_o king_n 21_o agrippa_n suffer_v by_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n 23._o act._n 12_o 23._o because_o he_o give_v not_o god_n the_o glory_n of_o what_o the_o people_n do_v ascribe_v unto_o he_o as_o be_v attest_v by_o josephus_n agreable_o to_o what_o st._n luke_n deliver_v we_o have_v from_o all_o these_o instance_n the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o god_n vindictive_a justice_n on_o the_o transgressor_n of_o his_o law_n and_o of_o our_o own_o concernment_n to_o obey_v it_o §_o 6._o 4_o if_o any_o act_n of_o mercy_n or_o preservation_n by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n have_v be_v vouchsafe_v to_o any_o of_o god_n servant_n if_o daniel_n be_v preserve_v in_o the_o lion_n den_n and_o shadrach_n meshach_n and_o abednego_n from_o the_o devour_a flame_n which_o must_v be_v a_o relation_n of_o the_o great_a credit_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o it_o speak_v of_o matter_n do_v in_o so_o vast_a a_o company_n as_o be_v then_o meet_v together_o to_o adore_v the_o image_n which_o be_v erect_v by_o the_o king_n of_o babylon_n and_o in_o the_o great_a court_n the_o world_n than_o know_v and_o in_o defiance_n of_o the_o decree_n and_o statute_n of_o so_o great_a a_o monarch_n and_o yet_o so_o do_v as_o to_o prevail_v upon_o he_o to_o own_o and_o reverence_v the_o god_n of_o those_o poor_a captive_n and_o to_o establish_v a_o 47.3.29_o a_o dan._n 2_o 47.3.29_o decree_n in_o honour_n of_o he_o which_o must_v be_v leave_v on_o record_n in_o the_o annal_n of_o that_o empire_n in_o which_o all_o 4.15.19_o all_o ezra_n 4.15.19_o matter_n of_o any_o moment_n be_v digest_v to_o witness_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v see_v and_o do_v and_o that_o it_o also_o speak_v of_o matter_n do_v by_o man_n who_o action_n and_o religion_n do_v blast_v the_o reputation_n of_o their_o heathen_a deity_n do_v baffle_v and_o confound_v their_o sorcerer_n magician_n astrologer_n and_o man_n who_o religion_n do_v still_o 22_o thrive_v under_o oppression_n and_o bring_v in_o daily_a proselyt_n again_o if_o any_o answer_n have_v be_v make_v unto_o the_o prayer_n of_o christian_a jew_n or_o heathen_a of_o which_o they_o all_o do_v boast_v so_o much_o and_o give_v such_o frequent_a instance_n if_o god_n according_a to_o his_o promise_n do_v still_o command_v his_o blessing_n on_o the_o six_o year_n crop_v 25.21_o levit_fw-la 25.21_o and_o make_v it_o double_a unto_o that_o of_o other_o year_n and_o have_v it_o not_o be_v so_o this_o promise_n must_v have_v be_v a_o vain_a presumptuous_a boast_n sufficient_a to_o discredit_v the_o whole_a law_n of_o moses_n if_o fire_n of_o course_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n in_o the_o day_n of_o moses_n and_o extraordinary_o at_o the_o petition_n of_o elijah_n to_o consume_v the_o jewish_a sacrifice_n as_o the_o 23_o apostate_n julian_n do_v acknowledge_v if_o 24_o heathen_a record_n do_v pretend_v the_o same_o who_o story_n &_o example_n of_o this_o kind_n seem_v too_o exact_a and_o frequent_a to_o be_v deem_v cheat_n if_o god_n miraculous_a assistance_n and_o answer_n to_o the_o 25_o prayer_n of_o theodosius_n do_v
that_o reason_n which_o be_v oblige_v to_o own_o such_o notion_n as_o do_v abound_v with_o equal_a if_o not_o great_a difficulty_n and_o certain_o if_o mathematics_n will_v afford_v its_o demonstration_n pro_fw-la and_o con_v if_o matter_n obvious_a to_o sense_n do_v oft_o confound_v the_o understanding_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v hope_v it_o shall_v wade_v through_o the_o abyss_n of_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o not_o be_v overwhelm_v and_o lose_v 2._o consider_v whether_o you_o have_v not_o great_a reason_n to_o believe_v these_o doctrine_n then_o to_o disbelieve_v they_o from_o what_o be_v here_o discourse_v in_o the_o introduction_n it_o be_v clear_a we_o have_v as_o many_o reason_n to_o assert_v a_o providence_n as_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o any_o signal_n demonstration_n of_o god_n power_n have_v be_v make_v by_o any_o act_n of_o judgement_n or_o of_o mercy_n in_o any_o part_n or_o age_n of_o the_o world_n or_o that_o his_o wisdom_n be_v engage_v in_o any_o revelation_n oracle_n prediction_n dream_n or_o vision_n supernatural_a or_o in_o the_o production_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o exquisite_a contrivance_n of_o any_o portion_n of_o it_o we_o have_v as_o many_o reason_n to_o believe_v a_o providence_n as_o we_o have_v to_o assert_v that_o any_o good_a or_o evil_a angel_n do_v exist_v or_o ever_o do_v appear_v or_o interest_n themselves_o in_o any_o action_n of_o mankind_n and_o yet_o our_o reason_n which_o evince_n the_o truth_n of_o christian_a faith_n be_v far_o more_o numerous_a and_o cogent_a let_v then_o the_o atheist_n view_n and_o ponder_v what_o we_o have_v here_o produce_v in_o confirmation_n of_o these_o truth_n and_o then_o consider_v whether_o his_o motive_n to_o renounce_v christianity_n and_o to_o reject_v a_o providence_n be_v more_o numerous_a and_o more_o convince_a then_o what_o this_o treatise_n offer_v to_o establish_v they_o if_o not_o he_o must_v have_v great_a reason_n to_o assert_v then_o to_o disow_v they_o and_o so_o his_o infidelity_n must_v be_v the_o worst_a of_o folly_n last_o consider_v whether_o he_o that_o reject_v the_o christian_a faith_n must_v not_o be_v force_v to_o believe_v what_o be_v more_o incredible_a than_o any_o mystery_n contain_v in_o it_o for_o he_o must_v believe_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n and_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o three_o first_o age_n do_v endeavour_v to_o confirm_v the_o world_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v a_o lie_n and_o consequent_o that_o all_o the_o primitive_a professor_n who_o do_v so_o court_v the_o flame_n and_o be_v so_o weary_a of_o this_o present_a life_n be_v yet_o the_o vile_a atheist_n as_o not_o believe_v there_o be_v any_o god_n to_o punish_v this_o their_o pernicious_a lie_n or_o second_o that_o they_o be_v all_o beside_o themselves_o that_o they_o have_v lose_v the_o principle_n of_o preservation_n and_o self_n love_n which_o nature_n have_v so_o deep_o plant_v in_o the_o very_a brute_n and_o that_o they_o make_v it_o their_o design_n to_o ruin_n and_o destroy_v their_o soul_n and_o body_n their_o friend_n and_o their_o relation_n to_o abandon_v all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n and_o to_o expose_v themselves_o to_o all_o the_o misery_n that_o can_v be_v incident_a to_o humane_a nature_n without_o any_o motive_n but_o the_o love_n of_o misery_n and_o yet_o he_o must_v believe_v that_o they_o who_o do_v so_o little_o understand_v the_o common_a principle_n of_o humane_a nature_n be_v able_a to_o enrich_v the_o world_n with_o the_o best_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o the_o best_a precept_n of_o morality_n that_o humane_a nature_n ever_o be_v acquaint_v with_o and_o that_o these_o fool_n have_v wit_n enough_o to_o propagate_v their_o doctrine_n and_o to_o obtain_v belief_n throughout_o the_o world_n maugre_o all_o opposition_n that_o all_o the_o power_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n can_v make_v against_o they_o or_o 2_o he_o must_v believe_v these_o atheist_n choose_v to_o quit_v their_o life_n and_o suffer_v all_o the_o misery_n they_o undergo_v only_o to_o beat_v down_o atheism_n and_o to_o establish_v that_o religion_n which_o bear_v the_o great_a opposition_n to_o all_o the_o natural_a result_v of_o atheism_n he_o must_v believe_v that_o what_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o apology_n of_o all_o the_o christian_n and_o that_o all_o that_o they_o pretend_v and_o appeal_v to_o in_o every_o corner_n of_o the_o world_n be_v but_o prodigious_a impudent_a untruth_n and_o that_o the_o world_n be_v universal_o induce_v to_o worship_n a_o condemn_a malefactor_n as_o god_n bless_v for_o evermore_o and_o to_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o cross_n with_o all_o its_o disadvantage_n without_o a_o seem_a miracle_n or_o 2_o he_o must_v believe_v that_o they_o have_v no_o assistance_n in_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o faith_n beside_o those_o art_n of_o magic_n in_o which_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v more_o expert_a than_o they_o and_o which_o apostate_n who_o be_v very_o numerous_a and_o frequent_a learned_a and_o ingenious_a be_v equal_o acquaint_v with_o and_o yet_o that_o never_o any_o of_o they_o do_v attempt_v to_o imitate_v or_o to_o disclose_v their_o art_n or_o that_o the_o world_n when_o thus_o convince_v of_o the_o delusion_n will_v notwithstanding_o universal_o embrace_v and_o choose_v to_o suffer_v for_o what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v confirm_v only_o by_o those_o magical_a collusion_n which_o they_o see_v daily_o practise_v by_o jew_n and_o heathen_a and_o in_o which_o they_o be_v instruct_v by_o those_o very_a christian_n who_o do_v so_o signal_o condemn_v those_o art_n as_o devilish_a and_o threaten_v everlasting_a misery_n to_o all_o that_o use_v they_o he_o must_v believe_v that_o all_o the_o record_n of_o any_o signal_n judgement_n which_o ever_o do_v befall_v the_o enemy_n and_o blasphemer_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o any_o portion_n of_o it_o or_o of_o any_o mercy_n preservation_n gift_n or_o assistance_n vouchsafe_v to_o they_o in_o any_o age_n or_o place_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n be_v void_a of_o truth_n in_o every_o particular_a he_o must_v believe_v a_o hundred_o matter_n of_o like_a nature_n which_o this_o treatise_n will_v suggest_v and_o therefore_o reader_n i_o entreat_v you_o to_o peruse_v it_o with_o that_o care_n and_o diligence_n which_o matter_n of_o this_o moment_n do_v require_v and_o then_o i_o hope_v it_o may_v be_v instrumental_a to_o convince_v you_o of_o and_o confirm_v you_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a faith_n which_o be_v the_o hearty_a desire_n of_o your_o servant_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n daniel_n whitbie_n the_o content_n of_o the_o chapter_n chap._n i._n what_o endeavour_n have_v be_v make_v to_o stop_v the_o growth_n of_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n by_o assert_v a_o alwise_a preside_a power_n visible_a in_o the_o production_n of_o the_o world_n what_o seem_v further_o necessary_a to_o be_v allege_v against_o the_o atheist_n a_o essay_n towards_o the_o eviction_n of_o a_o providence_n 1._o from_o the_o existence_n of_o evil_a spirit_n 2._o from_o many_o signal_n demonstration_n of_o god_n power_n 3._o of_o his_o judgement_n upon_o rebellious_a sinner_n and_o 4._o of_o his_o power_n and_o mercy_n in_o preservation_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o his_o miraculous_a answer_n to_o their_o prayer_n 5._o from_o revelation_n and_o prediction_n of_o thing_n contingent_a in_o their_o various_a circumstance_n 6._o from_o apparition_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a angel_n 7._o from_o dream_n and_o vision_n supernatural_a 8._o from_o thing_n perform_v by_o pretender_n to_o miracle_n magician_n witch_n oracle_n philosopher_n which_o can_v not_o be_v effect_v natural_o etc._n etc._n the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n by_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v 1._o by_o evince_v that_o providence_n have_v be_v engage_v for_o the_o establishment_n of_o some_o particular_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n 2._o that_o that_o particular_a religion_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o christian_a faith_n pag._n 1_o 2._o chap._n ii_o that_o common_a prudence_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o apostle_n to_o pretend_v such_o thing_n in_o their_o historical_a relation_n of_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o their_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n new_o convert_v as_o must_v infallible_o disgrace_v their_o testimony_n and_o make_v they_o appear_v guilty_a of_o delusion_n 2._o that_o the_o miracle_n record_v in_o those_o historical_a narration_n and_o epistle_n if_o true_a be_v a_o convince_a evidence_n that_o some_o superior_a power_n do_v assist_v the_o worker_n of_o they_o 3._o that_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n have_v no_o assistance_n from_o good_a or_o evil_a angel_n to_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n p._n 55._o chap._n iii_o sect._n i._n proleg_n 4._o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v
of_o a_o deity_n and_o the_o concernment_n of_o religion_n that_o they_o receive_v opinion_n which_o destroy_a morality_n this_o prove_v from_o their_o mistake_v and_o error_n 1._o touch_v the_o duty_n and_o concern_v of_o love_n and_o charity_n to_o their_o neighbour_n and_o 2_o touch_v the_o law_n of_o chastity_n justice_n and_o of_o truth_n heathen_a philosophy_n prove_v ineffectual_a not_o only_o to_o reform_v the_o world_n but_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o the_o wickedness_n of_o their_o life_n the_o account_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o the_o result_n of_o all_o in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n p._n 296._o chap._n xi_o of_o the_o resurrection_n prolegomena_n in_o order_n to_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n 1._o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v present_o attest_v the_o thing_n 2._o that_o this_o attestation_n can_v not_o be_v a_o bare-faced_n and_o notorious_a lie_n arg._n 1._o from_o the_o testimony_n arg._n 2._o from_o these_o three_o consideration_n 1._o that_o our_o saviour_n body_n do_v not_o continue_v in_o the_o sepulchre_n when_o they_o proclaim_v he_o rise_v 2._o that_o his_o disciple_n do_v not_o convey_v his_o body_n thence_o nor_o 3_o be_v that_o do_v by_o any_o other_o person_n who_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o christ_n and_o no_o affection_n for_o he_o arg._n 3._o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o person_n testify_v p._n 387._o the_o conclusion_n show_v that_o if_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v shall_v be_v only_o probable_a yet_o the_o christian_a faith_n must_v in_o all_o reason_n be_v embrace_v as_o be_v 1._o the_o safe_a way_n and_o 2_o the_o great_a instrument_n of_o present_a happiness_n a_o recapitulation_n of_o the_o whole_a with_o a_o practical_a reflection_n upon_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v p._n 306._o chap._n i._n the_o content_n what_o endeavour_n have_v be_v make_v to_o stop_v the_o growth_n of_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n by_o assert_v a_o all_o wise_a preside_a power_n visible_a in_o the_o production_n of_o the_o world_n what_o seem_v further_o necessary_a to_o be_v allege_v against_o the_o atheist_n a_o essay_n towards_o the_o eviction_n of_o a_o providence_n 1_o from_o the_o existence_n of_o evil_a spirit_n 2_o from_o many_o signal_n demonstration_n of_o god_n power_n 3_o of_o his_o judgement_n upon_o rebellious_a sinner_n and_o 4_o of_o his_o power_n and_o mercy_n in_o preservation_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o his_o miraculous_a answer_n to_o their_o prayer_n 5_o from_o revelation_n and_o prediction_n of_o thing_n contingent_a in_o their_o various_a circumstance_n 6_o from_o apparition_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a angel_n 7_o from_o dream_n and_o vision_n supernatural_a 8_o from_o thing_n perform_v by_o pretender_n to_o miracle_n magician_n witch_n oracle_n philosopher_n which_o can_v not_o be_v effect_v natural_o etc._n etc._n the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n by_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v 1_o by_o evince_v that_o providence_n have_v be_v engage_v for_o the_o establishment_n of_o some_o particular_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n 2_o that_o that_o particular_a religion_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o christian_a faith_n §_o 1._o what_o artifices_fw-la have_v be_v use_v of_o late_a to_o baffle_v all_o religion_n to_o undermine_v the_o pillar_n and_o foundation_n of_o it_o how_o bold_a and_o impudent_a the_o instrument_n of_o satan_n be_v how_o free_a to_o vent_v &_o how_o industrious_a to_o infuse_v their_o poison_n into_o every_o soul_n &_o how_o unhappy_o dispose_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o vile_a affection_n and_o brutish_a lust_n which_o reign_n in_o they_o to_o suck_v in_o this_o hellish_a vomit_n it_o be_v needless_a to_o inform_v the_o reader_n he_o must_v have_v shut_v his_o eye_n who_o do_v not_o see_v and_o stop_v his_o ear_n who_o do_v not_o hear_v the_o sad_a but_o just_a complaint_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n §_o 2._o to_o stop_v the_o growth_n of_o this_o pernicious_a evil_n some_o have_v endeavour_v to_o assert_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n not_o from_o the_o metaphysical_a foundation_n which_o the_o school_n have_v lay_v but_o from_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o nature_n which_o carry_v with_o they_o a_o great_a evidence_n of_o some_o preside_a wisdom_n &_o overrule_a power_n which_o be_v undeniable_o conclude_v from_o what_o they_o have_v discourse_v on_o this_o subject_a it_o remain_v only_o to_o evince_v that_o this_o preside_a wisdom_n in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n have_v a_o peculiar_a eye_n unto_o the_o welfare_n of_o mankind_n and_o do_v at_o present_a watch_n over_o that_o noble_a part_n of_o his_o creation_n give_v indication_n of_o his_o will_n &_o pleasure_n as_o far_o as_o be_v conduce_v to_o our_o welfare_n and_o motive_n to_o obey_v that_o will_n since_o he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v 11.6_o heb._n 11.6_o and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o for_o if_o we_o suppose_v that_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n there_o be_v establish_v such_o law_n of_o action_n as_o do_v necessitate_v the_o operation_n and_o production_n which_o show_v the_o wisdom_n of_o their_o great_a contriver_n though_o we_o shall_v also_o doubt_v whether_o he_o ever_o do_v or_o do_v at_o present_a interest_n himself_o in_o the_o concernment_n of_o man_n and_o the_o free_a motion_n of_o their_o will_n and_o shall_v conceive_v with_o modern_a theist_n we_o be_v too_o inconsiderable_a to_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n we_o shall_v sufficient_o comply_v with_o the_o intent_n and_o vigour_n of_o those_o argument_n i_o shall_v not_o venture_v to_o supply_v what_o be_v lack_v to_o those_o late_a attempt_n by_o any_o large_a discourse_n on_o the_o mysterious_a theme_n of_o providence_n which_o other_o have_v improve_v beyond_o what_o i_o be_o able_a to_o perform_v but_o only_a hint_n such_o thing_n which_o in_o conjunction_n seem_v to_o make_v it_o high_o rational_a to_o own_o the_o thing_n and_o which_o i_o do_v not_o find_v so_o full_o nor_o i_o think_v so_o convince_o propose_v in_o other_o writer_n on_o this_o subject_a §_o 3._o and_o 1._o if_o there_o be_v any_o evil_a spirit_n which_o malign_v the_o welfare_n of_o mankind_n than_o there_o must_v be_v a_o providence_n for_o be_v there_o no_o superior_a power_n that_o do_v curb_v and_o over_o awe_v they_o and_o by_o so_o do_v show_v his_o care_n of_o man_n they_o will_v according_a to_o their_o inclination_n either_o inflict_v upon_o mankind_n at_o present_a the_o sore_a and_o most_o dreadful_a evil_n which_o can_v be_v incident_a to_o humane_a nature_n this_o be_v the_o design_n and_o drift_n of_o hatred_n to_o plague_n and_o to_o confound_v its_o object_n or_o if_o man_n soul_n be_v subject_a unto_o future_a misery_n more_o great_a and_o last_a then_o any_o they_o can_v suffer_v in_o this_o present_a life_n it_o will_v be_v the_o endeavour_n of_o these_o spirit_n to_o reduce_v the_o world_n to_o such_o compliance_n with_o their_o humour_n and_o full_a submission_n to_o their_o will_n as_o will_v assure_o subject_v they_o to_o those_o future_a misery_n or_o ruin_v those_o who_o shall_v refuse_v obedience_n to_o they_o now_o the_o existence_n of_o these_o evil_a spirit_n may_v be_v conclude_v from_o their_o operation_n for_o if_o the_o heathen_a oracle_n do_v ere_o foretell_v what_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o see_v of_o which_o their_o author_n give_v we_o very_o many_o instance_n if_o any_o seem_a miracle_n be_v ever_o wrought_v for_o the_o establishment_n of_o heathenism_n or_o any_o other_o way_n of_o worship_n not_o allow_v by_o god_n which_o even_o christian_n do_v confess_v 1._o vid._n chap._n 9_o sect_n 1._o and_o scripture_n do_v acknowledge_v if_o any_o person_n ever_o be_v possess_v by_o the_o devil_n if_o they_o have_v ever_o speak_v language_n they_o understand_v not_o tell_v thing_n of_o which_o he_o only_o can_v inform_v they_o or_o have_v receive_v assistance_n or_o temptation_n from_o he_o to_o destroy_v themselves_o if_o ever_o he_o appear_v to_o any_o of_o his_o proselyte_n in_o the_o dark_a corner_n of_o the_o world_n or_o the_o assembly_n of_o those_o person_n that_o be_v devote_v to_o his_o service_n we_o must_v then_o own_o his_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o his_o design_n to_o ruin_v we_o at_o present_a or_o to_o enslave_v we_o to_o his_o worship_n in_o order_n to_o our_o future_a ruin_n now_o only_o to_o transcribe_v the_o history_n and_o record_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v be_v the_o work_n of_o many_o volume_n they_o be_v attest_v by_o many_o myriad_n of_o all_o age_n and_o of_o all_o country_n of_o the_o world_n confess_v by_o those_o who_o have_v engage_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o devil_n
quod_fw-la dicturi_fw-la sumus_fw-la christum_fw-la enim_fw-la dii_fw-la piissimum_fw-la pronunciaverunt_fw-la &_o immortalem_fw-la factum_fw-la cum_fw-la bona_fw-la praedicatione_n ejus_fw-la meminerunt_fw-la et_fw-la post_fw-la haec_fw-la de_fw-la christo_fw-la interrogantibus_fw-la si_fw-la est_fw-la deus_fw-la ait_fw-fr hecate_n viri_fw-la pielate_fw-la praestantissimi_fw-la est_fw-la illa_fw-la anima_fw-la aug._n l._n 19_o c._n 23._o &_o lib._n 22._o c._n 25._o ille_fw-la est_fw-la deus_fw-la quem_fw-la nec_fw-la commemor_fw-la be_v i_o piget_fw-la confitente_fw-la porphyrio_n atque_fw-la id_fw-la oraculis_fw-la deorum_fw-la suorum_fw-la probare_fw-la cupiente_fw-la ipsa_fw-la numina_fw-la perhorrescunt_fw-la porphyry_n the_o great_a adversary_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n who_o own_v our_o saviour_n for_o a_o god_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o one_o of_o their_o oracle_n do_v yield_v a_o ample_a testimony_n unto_o his_o worth_n and_o merit_n but_o second_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o conceive_v that_o his_o disciple_n shall_v continue_v to_o gull_v the_o world_n in_o this_o particular_a for_o such_o be_v their_o simplicity_n they_o can_v not_o such_o their_o sincerity_n they_o will_v not_o go_v about_o to_o do_v so_o §_o 2._o 35._o lucian_n peregr_n p._n 338._o mimet_fw-la p._n 4._o celsus_n apud_fw-la orig_n p._n 146_o 147._o hieroc_n apud_fw-la euseb_n contra_fw-la hieroc_n p._n 5_o 14._o tertul._n apol._n c._n 49._o arnob._n l._n 1._o p._n 34_o 35._o 1._o such_o be_v their_o 30._o their_o nam_fw-la cum_fw-la videret_fw-la futuros_fw-la vos_fw-la esse_fw-la gestarum_fw-la abs_fw-la se_fw-la rerum_fw-la divinique_fw-la operis_fw-la abrogatores_fw-la ne_fw-la qua_fw-la subesset_fw-la suspicio_fw-la magicis_fw-la se_fw-la artibus_fw-la muner_n a_o illa_fw-la beneficiaque_fw-la largitum_fw-la ex_fw-la immensa_fw-la illa_fw-la populi_fw-la multitudine_fw-la quae_fw-la svam_fw-la gratiam_fw-la sectabatur_fw-la admirans_fw-la piscatores_fw-la opifices_fw-la rusticanos_n atque_fw-la id_fw-la genus_fw-la delegit_fw-la imperitorum_fw-la qui_fw-la per_fw-la varias_fw-la gentes_fw-la missi_fw-la cunct_n a_o illa_fw-la miracula_fw-la sine_fw-la ullis_fw-la fucis_fw-la atque_fw-la adminiculis_fw-la perpetrarent_fw-la arnib_fw-la l._n 1._o p._n 30._o simplicity_n they_o can_v not_o plot_n and_o design_n to_o overturn_v the_o world_n and_o introduce_v a_o doctrine_n which_o carry_v such_o a_o signal_n opposition_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o tenet_n the_o wisdom_n and_o philosophy_n the_o interest_n and_o vice_n of_o the_o world_n must_v call_v for_o better_a head_n and_o deep_a judgement_n nor_o be_v it_o ever_o hear_v that_o twelve_o simple_a mechanic_n for_o such_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a professor_n of_o christianity_n be_v still_o repute_v by_o their_o adversary_n shall_v be_v so_o much_o concern_v for_o any_o way_n of_o worship_n or_o dare_v adventure_v with_o the_o hazard_n of_o their_o life_n to_o preach_v it_o to_o the_o world_n though_o after_o such_o a_o grand_a delusion_n of_o mankind_n by_o man_n so_o rude_a and_o infamous_a as_o the_o apostle_n be_v esteem_v nothing_o can_v have_v seem_v too_o foolish_a &_o absurd_a to_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o world_n 446._o world_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chrysost_n or_o 2._o in_o bab._n p._n 446._o shall_v any_o man_n have_v say_v when_o christ_n be_v nail_v to_o the_o cross_n that_o many_o thousand_o of_o his_o bloody_a murderer_n which_o then_o revile_v he_o as_o a_o malefactor_n shall_v in_o few_o day_n become_v his_o convert_n and_o venture_v all_o their_o present_a and_o eternal_a interest_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o pretend_a resurrection_n shall_v they_o have_v say_v that_o through_o all_o the_o world_n he_o shall_v be_v short_o worship_v as_o that_o king_n to_o who_o all_o power_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v give_v and_o as_o that_o jesus_n who_o alone_o can_v give_v salvation_n shall_v they_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o all_o this_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o spite_n of_o all_o the_o power_n of_o wit_n and_o policy_n of_o eloquence_n and_o of_o the_o sword_n the_o interest_n and_o lust_n the_o superstition_n and_o corrupt_a opinion_n and_o the_o repute_a wisdom_n of_o mankind_n by_o a_o few_o mean_v unskilful_a man_n the_o hatred_n and_o derision_n of_o the_o place_n they_o live_v in_o i_o say_v shall_v so_o extravagant_a a_o thought_n have_v then_o be_v vent_v it_o must_v have_v sure_o pass_v for_o a_o idle_a brainsick_a dream_n as_o little_a to_o be_v heed_v as_o that_o twelve_o cripple_n shall_v beseige_fw-fr storm_n plunder_v and_o destroy_v the_o strong_a and_o best_a people_a city_n or_o that_o a_o naked_a man_n shall_v vanquish_v all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n beside_o such_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n so_o much_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n to_o conceive_v so_o seem_o repugnant_a to_o it_o when_o reveal_v that_o it_o be_v most_o unfit_a to_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o a_o design_n to_o gull_v the_o world_n so_o sublime_a and_o spiritual_a be_v its_o precept_n so_o far_o exceed_v all_o that_o the_o learning_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o greek_n can_v snow_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o believe_v they_o shall_v derive_v from_o witless_a and_o mechanic_n person_n §_o 3._o nay_o such_o be_v their_o sincerity_n that_o if_o they_o can_v yet_o they_o will_v not_o thus_o abuse_v the_o world_n whosoever_o view_v their_o writing_n so_o full_a of_o wisdom_n and_o of_o purity_n so_o admirable_o pathetical_a in_o their_o expression_n 70._o expression_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d orig._n in_o celsum_n p._n 70._o free_a in_o the_o confession_n of_o their_o own_o infirmity_n 1.15_o mat._n 26.36_o mar._n 14.71_o gal._n 1.13_o 1_o tm_a 1.15_o so_o full_a and_o pregnant_a in_o those_o doctrine_n which_o speak_v the_o great_a self_n denial_n so_o plain_a in_o the_o delivery_n of_o christian_a duty_n so_o void_a of_o all_o the_o art_n of_o wit_n and_o policy_n all_o the_o advantage_n of_o eloquence_n and_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o then_o consider_v that_o their_o life_n be_v suitable_a to_o what_o their_o doctrine_n do_v deliver_v that_o they_o become_v example_n as_o well_o as_o preacher_n both_o of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o patience_n 3.9_o 2_o thes_n 3.9_o and_o do_v appeal_v to_o the_o church_n new_o convert_v by_o they_o and_o attempt_v by_o other_o to_o disow_v they_o how_o holy_o and_o 3.10_o and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o thes_n 2.10_o rom._n 16.17_o 1_o tim._n 1.20_o titus_n 3.10_o how_o unblamable_o they_o have_v live_v he_o that_o consider_v their_o quickness_n to_o condemn_v and_o censure_v to_o avoid_v and_o punish_v those_o who_o do_v not_o walk_v according_a to_o their_o rule_n of_o piety_n as_o enemy_n unto_o the_o gross_a of_o christ_n and_o yet_o how_o irksome_a and_o distasteful_a those_o thing_n be_v to_o wicked_a man_n how_o prone_a and_o strong_o bias_v their_o affection_n be_v the_o other_o way_n i_o say_v he_o that_o shall_v well_o consider_v these_o particular_n will_v quick_o see_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v they_o upright_o and_o sincere_a §_o 4._o beside_o no_o man_n be_v wicked_a to_o no_o end_n which_o must_v be_v their_o case_n if_o they_o have_v be_v deceiver_n for_o what_o can_v they_o expect_v to_o get_v by_o lie_v be_v it_o to_o grow_v big_a with_o honour_n they_o confess_v and_o every_o day_n experience_v make_v it_o good_a 6.20_o 1_o cor._n 4.9_o 2_o cor._n 4.9_o luk._n 6.20_o their_o doctrine_n and_o their_o person_n be_v the_o scorn_n and_o derision_n of_o their_o adversary_n be_v it_o to_o abound_v in_o wealth_n poverty_n be_v their_o beatitude_n their_o charity_n and_o faith_n be_v sure_a to_o keep_v they_o low_a enough_o the_o pearl_n of_o price_n be_v to_o be_v buy_v with_o the_o loss_n of_o all_o they_o have_v if_o they_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o lose_v be_v it_o to_o swim_v in_o pleasure_n the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o their_o own_o knowledge_n can_v inform_v they_o that_o bond_n and_o prison_n will_v abide_v they_o in_o every_o place_n 23.27_o act_n 20.23_o 2_o cor._n 23.27_o and_o their_o whole_a life_n be_v a_o continue_a scene_n of_o trouble_n peril_n and_o affliction_n they_o can_v not_o seek_v great_a thing_n but_o they_o must_v contradict_v that_o doctrine_n of_o self-denial_n humility_n and_o a_o heavenly_a mind_n which_o they_o so_o oft_o inculcate_v nor_o enjoy_v they_o without_o a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o 343._o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d celsus_n apud_fw-la orig._n lib._n 7_o pag._n 343._o prediction_n of_o jesus_n which_o they_o have_v leave_v on_o record_n for_o he_o foretell_v they_o that_o in_o the_o world_n they_o shall_v have_v tribulation_n and_o that_o their_o name_n shall_v be_v cast_v out_o as_o evil_a doer_n that_o persecution_n scourgin_n death_n and_o universal_a hatred_n shall_v be_v their_o portion_n among_o man_n they_o know_v by_o reason_n and_o experience_n that_o if_o their_o hope_n depend_v only_o on_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o present_a life_n they_o must_v of_o all_o man_n
the_o prince_n of_o peace_n 2_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o the_o immediate_a succeed_a age_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o be_v thus_o deliver_v to_o the_o church_n whilst_o the_o autographa_fw-la be_v extant_a as_o tertullian_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o time_n they_o be_v when_o the_o canonical_a book_n be_v evident_o propose_v as_o such_o and_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v the_o suffrage_n of_o antiquity_n collect_v and_o avouch_v by_o st_n john_n yea_o while_o those_o very_a person_n be_v alive_a to_o who_o those_o writing_n be_v direct_v and_o with_o who_o they_o be_v entrust_v yea_o by_o who_o they_o be_v transcribe_v and_o 3_o read_v in_o public_a and_o in_o private_a 3_o this_o corruption_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o substitution_n of_o any_o other_o doctrine_n for_o it_o can_v not_o be_v do_v by_o any_o part_n or_o sect_n of_o christian_n but_o they_o who_o have_v embrace_v the_o faith_n and_o use_v the_o same_o copy_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o other_o place_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n must_v have_v find_v out_o the_o cheat_n and_o therefore_o this_o corruption_n if_o at_o all_o effect_v must_v be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n of_o christian_n but_o can_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o immediate_a succeed_a age_n shall_v universal_o conspire_v to_o substitute_v their_o own_o invention_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o and_o suffer_v so_o much_o for_o that_o faith_n which_o denounce_v the_o severe_a judgement_n against_o they_o that_o shall_v do_v such_o thing_n or_o that_o a_o world_n of_o man_n shall_v with_o the_o hazard_n of_o their_o life_n and_o fortune_n and_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o in_o this_o present_a world_n avouch_v the_o gospel_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n make_v so_o great_a a_o change_n even_o in_o the_o frame_n and_o substance_n of_o its_o doctrine_n &_o become_v guilty_a of_o so_o universal_a a_o apostasy_n from_o what_o the_o gospel_n have_v deliver_v whilst_o it_o yet_o sound_v in_o their_o ear_n employ_v their_o tongue_n and_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o world_n great_a contest_v and_o by_o so_o do_v make_v it_o ineffectual_a can_v it_o be_v think_v that_o they_o shall_v venture_v upon_o that_o which_o be_v the_o gospel_n true_a or_o false_a must_v needs_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o great_a evil_n whilst_o they_o continue_v abettor_n of_o it_o but_o have_v this_o be_v do_v can_v we_o in_o reason_n think_v that_o of_o those_o many_o thousand_o who_o in_o the_o primitive_a age_n do_v renounce_v the_o gospel_n that_o of_o those_o many_o 3_o waver_a spirit_n those_o excommunicate_a member_n especial_o those_o 4_o heretic_n who_o upon_o other_o motive_n do_v renounce_v the_o great_a part_n of_o scripture_n i_o say_v can_v it_o be_v think_v that_o none_o of_o those_o shall_v publish_v and_o disclose_v the_o forgery_n or_o answer_v the_o allegation_n make_v from_o scripture_n that_o they_o be_v all_o supposititious_a but_o that_o such_o apparent_a forgery_n shall_v find_v a_o general_a reception_n from_o all_o that_o search_v into_o their_o truth_n and_o be_v unquestionable_o receive_v as_o genuine_a both_o by_o jew_n and_o gentile_a christian_n and_o pagan_a ever_o in_o those_o time_n in_o which_o and_o in_o those_o place_n where_o they_o first_o be_v utter_v and_o by_o those_o person_n who_o so_o late_o receive_v another_o doctrine_n 4_o suppose_v those_o primitive_a professor_n can_v have_v be_v guilty_a of_o so_o vile_a a_o thing_n can_v we_o believe_v that_o god_n who_o send_v his_o son_n out_o of_o his_o bosom_n to_o declare_v this_o doctrine_n and_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o indite_v and_o preach_v it_o and_o by_o the_o witness_n of_o so_o many_o and_o great_a miracle_n confirm_v it_o to_o the_o world_n shall_v suffer_v any_o wicked_a person_n to_o corrupt_v and_o alter_v any_o of_o those_o term_n on_o which_o the_o happiness_n and_o welfare_n of_o mankind_n depend_v much_o more_o to_o suppress_v and_o smother_v they_o as_o that_o a_o counterfeit_n repugnant_a story_n shall_v obtain_v in_o lieu_n thereof_o and_o so_o the_o benefit_n of_o all_o that_o christ_n have_v do_v and_o his_o apostle_n deliver_v to_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v entire_o lose_v that_o christ_n shall_v do_v or_o suffer_v so_o great_a thing_n in_o order_n to_o the_o welfare_n of_o mankind_n and_o yet_o permit_v those_o son_n of_o belial_n to_o frustrate_v all_o that_o he_o have_v do_v and_o rob_v the_o world_n of_o all_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n can_v be_v conceive_v rational_a by_o none_o but_o such_o as_o think_v it_o not_o absurd_a to_o say_v that_o that_o god_n who_o send_v his_o son_n to_o die_v for_o our_o salvation_n and_o that_o jesus_n who_o become_v so_o great_a a_o sufferer_n in_o order_n to_o the_o same_o design_n shall_v joint_o envy_v and_o malign_v the_o good_a of_o man._n nay_o since_o those_o very_a scripture_n which_o have_v be_v receive_v for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o use_v by_o the_o church_n as_o such_o from_o the_o first_o age_n of_o it_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o term_n of_o our_o salvation_n 6.40_o joh._n 7.16.26_o 28._o joh._n 3.16_o joh._n 6.40_o and_o precept_n of_o that_o saviour_n who_o message_n be_v from_o heaven_n and_o to_o be_v scripture_n indict_v by_o man_n commissionated_a from_o christ_n and_o such_o as_o do_v avouch_v themselves_o apostle_n by_o the_o will_n and_o command_v of_o god_n 1.1_o gal._n 1.1.1_o cor._n 1.1_o eph._n 1.1_o col._n 1.2_o tim._n 1.1_o for_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n and_o for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o delivery_n of_o that_o which_o they_o receive_v by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o must_v be_v what_o they_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v or_o providence_n must_v have_v permit_v yea_o contribute_v unto_o that_o error_n which_o have_v continue_v fifteen_o age_n and_o which_o if_o it_o be_v a_o forgery_n have_v ruin_v so_o many_o thousand_o of_o well-meaning_a soul_n last_o those_o record_n be_v once_o so_o 6_o general_o disperse_a through_o place_n at_o the_o great_a distance_n so_o universal_o acknowledge_v and_o consent_v to_o by_o man_n of_o curious_a part_n and_o different_a persuasion_n and_o repugnant_a judgement_n and_o great_a aversion_n from_o each_o other_o preserve_v in_o their_o original_n unto_o succeed_a age_n and_o 7_o multiply_v into_o divers_a version_n esteem_v the_o christian_n magna_fw-la charta_fw-la the_o record_n of_o his_o hope_n and_o fear_n and_o thereupon_o be_v so_o 8_o careful_o seek_v after_o so_o rivet_v in_o their_o mind_n for_o many_o father_n have_v they_o all_o 9_o memoriter_fw-la so_o frequent_a in_o their_o write_n so_o constant_o 10_o rehearse_v in_o their_o assembly_n by_o man_n who_o work_n it_o be_v to_o read_v and_o preach_v and_o to_o exhort_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o duty_n they_o enjoin_v be_v so_o often_o cite_v in_o the_o confession_n comment_n apology_n and_o epistle_n of_o the_o christian_a worthy_n as_o also_o in_o the_o objection_n of_o those_o adversary_n to_o who_o view_n they_o still_o lie_v open_a it_o must_v needs_o be_v true_a that_o they_o be_v hand_v down_o to_o the_o succeed_a generation_n pure_a and_o uncorrupt_a and_o therefore_o they_o be_v such_o upon_o who_o credit_n we_o may_v venture_v to_o pass_v a_o estimate_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n §_o 2._o and_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o we_o find_v by_o the_o citation_n of_o the_o ancient_n that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o their_o copy_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o these_o now_o extant_a among_o we_o it_o be_v answer_v from_o ocular_a demonstration_n whosoever_o shall_v compare_v the_o ancient_a copy_n or_o any_o text_n that_o be_v cite_v by_o the_o primitive_a christian_n with_o those_o scripture_n which_o we_o now_o own_v and_o use_v shall_v find_v no_o considerable_a variation_n we_o see_v that_o english_a bible_n which_o we_o read_v and_o use_v in_o every_o parish_n and_o family_n though_o it_o be_v often_o false_o print_v yet_o receive_v no_o variation_n which_o be_v not_o soon_o and_o easy_o correct_v and_o why_o shall_v we_o suspect_v the_o same_o of_o the_o original_a scripture_n and_o of_o those_o version_n which_o be_v transcribe_v and_o read_v throughout_o the_o christian_a world_n if_o then_o no_o write_n while_o the_o apostle_n live_v can_v pass_v for_o christian_a faith_n and_o yet_o destroy_v and_o undermine_v it_o and_o be_v receive_v as_o their_o epistle_n when_o it_o be_v nothing_o less_o if_o their_o immediate_a successor_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o the_o apostle_n commit_v to_o they_o to_o be_v read_v and_o preach_v as_o the_o record_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n nor_o will_v they_o be_v induce_v to_o deliver_v
that_o for_o such_o which_o they_o believe_v not_o to_o be_v so_o they_o be_v man_n who_o holy_a life_n as_o well_o as_o suffering_n make_v a_o full_a proof_n of_o their_o exact_a integrity_n if_o neither_o they_o can_v universal_o conspire_v to_o effect_v this_o thing_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v suspect_v that_o providence_n shall_v suffer_v they_o to_o do_v a_o thing_n so_o contrary_a to_o its_o great_a design_n of_o love_n unto_o mankind_n if_o last_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a that_o since_o the_o second_o century_n those_o write_n shall_v be_v either_o forge_v or_o accidental_o corrupt_v in_o matter_n of_o concern_v and_o moment_n they_o must_v remain_v sufficient_a record_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n corol._n hence_o it_o follow_v that_o those_o write_n must_v be_v the_o very_a work_n of_o those_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v since_o no_o man_n can_v pretend_v they_o be_v so_o have_v they_o not_o real_o be_v such_o but_o they_o must_v put_v a_o cheat_n upon_o the_o world_n and_o substitute_v their_o own_o invention_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n indeed_o they_o have_v be_v hand_v down_o for_o such_o by_o a_o more_o general_a tradition_n and_o of_o a_o firm_a credit_n than_o any_o of_o those_o book_n of_o virgil_n cicero_n or_o martial_a which_o we_o indisputable_o own_o as_o they_o for_o it_o be_v a_o tradition_n of_o the_o whole_a 12_o christian_n world_n which_o own_v and_o cite_v and_o receive_v they_o for_o such_o from_o the_o apostle_n day_n as_o be_v apparent_a from_o the_o epistle_n of_o st_n clement_n barnabas_n ignatius_n polycarp_n the_o work_n of_o irenaeus_n and_o justin_n martyr_n while_o other_o which_o pretend_v to_o the_o same_o original_a be_v universal_o reject_v by_o they_o beside_o they_o do_v attest_v they_o so_o to_o be_v by_o many_o suffering_n which_o they_o have_v no_o temptation_n to_o endure_v beside_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o assertion_n and_o many_o wonder_n to_o confirm_v their_o testimony_n it_o be_v a_o tradition_n which_o concern_v thing_n of_o the_o high_a moment_n and_o which_o it_o be_v their_o great_a interest_n to_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o they_o be_v the_o sole_a ground_n and_o matter_n of_o their_o support_n at_o present_a under_o the_o sharp_a trial_n and_o of_o their_o future_a hope_n and_o therefore_o write_n they_o be_v concern_v to_o get_v and_o hear_v and_o read_v and_o keep_v book_n write_v to_o whole_a church_n nation_n yea_o the_o whole_a 13_o world_n of_o christian_n who_o can_v not_o have_v receive_v they_o easy_o have_v the_o apostle_n by_o who_o they_o be_v at_o first_o convert_v give_v no_o intimation_n of_o they_o book_n of_o the_o great_a opposition_n against_o the_o superstition_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o of_o gentile_n and_o which_o denounce_v against_o they_o the_o great_a plague_n and_o judgement_n such_o as_o oblige_v they_o to_o search_v as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a into_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o say_v and_o yet_o these_o book_n be_v not_o deny_v to_o be_v the_o very_a work_n of_o those_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v book_n which_o no_o cheat_n can_v be_v concern_v to_o forge_v nor_o can_v obtain_v that_o belief_n which_o be_v not_o due_a to_o they_o without_o the_o great_a forgery_n book_n which_o can_v not_o be_v spread_v abroad_o as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n name_n while_o they_o be_v live_v unless_o the_o apostle_n have_v indict_v they_o nor_o be_v esteem_v as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o great_a charter_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o apostle_n be_v so_o forgetful_a of_o they_o as_o not_o to_o let_v those_o person_n know_v it_o for_o who_o sake_n they_o be_v write_v book_n which_o pretend_v to_o a_o commission_n from_o the_o holy_a jesus_n to_o leave_v a_o rule_n of_o life_n and_o doctrine_n to_o mankind_n which_o be_v entrust_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o none_o but_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n all_o other_o still_o pretend_v to_o deliver_v what_o they_o receive_v from_o they_o last_o they_o be_v write_v partly_o to_o confirm_v and_o to_o ascertain_v to_o we_o the_o story_n of_o christ_n birth_n life_n passion_n resurrection_n and_o partly_o to_o engage_v we_o to_o believe_v partly_o to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o contention_n and_o rectify_v those_o error_n which_o have_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o which_o do_v need_v a_o speedy_a reformation_n partly_o to_o justify_v themselves_o against_o false_a brethren_n and_o to_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o apostleship_n and_o partly_o to_o preserve_v their_o proselyte_n from_o such_o as_o do_v pervert_v the_o faith_n and_o partly_o to_o instruct_v they_o how_o to_o bear_v up_o in_o fiery_a trial_n and_o to_o support_v the_o soul_n under_o those_o misery_n be_v the_o christian_n suffer_v and_o therefore_o on_o those_o ground_n which_o do_v require_v their_o quick_a dispatch_n on_o that_o errand_n and_o to_o those_o church_n unto_o which_o they_o do_v intend_v they_o it_o be_v evident_a the_o apostle_n must_v intend_v that_o early_a notice_n shall_v be_v give_v of_o they_o and_o so_o according_o commit_v they_o to_o their_o newborn_a proselyte_n and_o babe_n in_o christ_n and_o so_o the_o record_n of_o our_o saviour_n his_o life_n death_n resurrection_n miracle_n must_v be_v divulge_v throughout_o judea_n while_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o man_n be_v able_a to_o disprove_v they_o if_o they_o have_v be_v false_a annotation_n on_o the_o four_o chapter_n 1._o tertullian_n tell_v we_o percurre_v ecclesias_fw-la apostolicas_fw-la apud_fw-la quas_fw-la ipsae_fw-la authenticae_fw-la earum_fw-la literae_fw-la recitantur_fw-la sonantes_fw-la vocem_fw-la &_o repraesentantes_fw-la uniuscujusque_fw-la 2_o collect_v and_o consign_v by_o s._n john_n veteres_n narrant_fw-la johannem_fw-la asiaticarum_fw-la ecclesiarum_fw-la rogatu_fw-la germanum_fw-la scripturae_fw-la canoncm_n constituisse_fw-la euseb_n 3_o those_o many_o waver_a spirit_n nutant_fw-la enim_fw-la plurimi_fw-la &_o maximè_fw-la qui_fw-la literarum_fw-la aliquid_fw-la attigerunt_fw-la lact._n l._n 5._o c._n 1._o 4_o those_o heretic_n who_o upon_o other_o motive_n do_v renounce_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o new_a test_n cerinthus_n allow_v only_o the_o gospel_n of_o s._n mark_n valentinus_n only_o that_o of_o s._n john_n iren._n l._n 3._o c._n 11._o martion_n only_a that_o of_o luke_n tertul._n count_v marcio_n c._n 4._o epiph._n haeres_fw-la 42._o iren._n l._n 3._o c._n 11._o the_o ebionite_n reject_v all_o the_o epistle_n of_o s._n paul_n and_o embrace_v only_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o nazarite_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d orig._n in_o cell_n p._n 274._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d euseb_n hist_o eccl._n l._n 3._o c._n 27._o vid._n valesium_n in_o locum_fw-la ejusdem_fw-la farinae_fw-la erant_fw-la severiani_n &_o tatiani_n ex_fw-la quibus_fw-la conflati_fw-la sunt_fw-la encratitae_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d euscb_n hist_o eccl._n l._n 4._o c._n 27._o hieron_n catal_a script_n eccl._n in_o tatiano_n de_fw-fr encratitis_fw-la vid._n theod._n haeret_fw-la fab_n l._n 1._o 5_o so_o universal_o acknowledge_v and_o consent_v to_o euseb_n call_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hist_o eccl._n l._n 3._o c._n 25._o 6_o so_o general_o disperse_a for_o even_a the_o passage_n of_o s._n irenaeus_n which_o tell_v we_o of_o some_o barbarous_a nation_n qui_fw-la fidem_fw-la crediderunt_fw-la sine_fw-la literis_fw-la sine_fw-la charta_fw-la sine_fw-la atramento_fw-la scriptam_fw-la habentes_fw-la in_o cordibus_fw-la suis_fw-la salutem_fw-la do_v show_v plain_o that_o other_o place_n not_o deem_v barbarous_a enjoy_v they_o as_o also_o do_v the_o question_n follow_v quid_fw-la autem_fw-la si_fw-la neque_fw-la apostoli_fw-la quidem_fw-la scripturas_fw-la reliquissent_fw-la nobis_fw-la 7_o multiply_v into_o divers_a version_n cum_fw-la enim_fw-la fides_fw-la christiana_n ab_fw-la ipsis_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la temporibus_fw-la recepta_fw-la est_fw-la nec_fw-la sine_fw-la scripture_n be_v esse_fw-la potest_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la probabile_fw-la est_fw-la à _fw-la primis_fw-la nascentis_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la incunabilis_fw-la harum_fw-la versionum_fw-la originem_fw-la accersendam_fw-la esse_fw-la walton_n proleg_n in_o bib._n polygl_n of_o the_o innumerable_a latin_a version_n that_o be_v extant_a in_o s._n augustine_n day_n we_o have_v one_o style_v by_o s._n jerom._n in_o esaiam_n c._n 14_o 49._o communis_fw-la &_o vulgata_fw-la and_o by_o s._n gregory_n epist_n ad_fw-la leandrum_fw-la vetus_fw-la probabile_fw-la est_fw-la inquit_fw-la waltonus_fw-la ipsam_fw-la ab_fw-la ipsis_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la primordiis_fw-la in_o usu_fw-la fuisse_fw-la cum_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la latina_n sine_fw-la verfione_fw-la latina_n esse_fw-la non_fw-la potuit_fw-la eamque_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la romana_fw-la in_o communi_fw-la usu_fw-la reciperet_fw-la of_o the_o syriack_n version_n he_o speak_v thus_o ab_fw-la apostolicis_fw-la viris_fw-la factam_fw-la concedo_fw-la quod_fw-la praeter_fw-la generalem_fw-la ecclesiarum_fw-la orientalium_fw-la traditionem_fw-la cvi_fw-la multum_fw-la in_o hoc_fw-la loco_fw-la tribuendum_fw-la cum_fw-la nulla_fw-la
of_o the_o disobedient_a unto_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o just_a according_o john_n baptist_n in_o the_o 1.17_o the_o luk._n 1.17_o power_n &_o spirit_n of_o eliah_n go_v before_o jesus_n attest_v that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a 1.29.34.33.31_o true_a joh._n 1.29.34.33.31_o messiah_n the_o lamb_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v inform_v from_o heaven_n of_o he_o &_o thence_o commissionated_a to_o prepare_v his_o way_n and_o so_o effectual_o this_o elias_n prevail_v on_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o esteem_v he_o a_o 11.32_o a_o mark_n 11.32_o prophet_n a_o 35._o a_o joh._n v._o 35._o burn_a and_o a_o shine_v light_n in_o which_o they_o willing_o rejoice_v a_o just_a and_o holy_a man_n who_o doctrine_n they_o like_v very_o well_o 7._o joseph_n antiq_fw-la judaic_n l._n 8._o c._n 7._o who_o counsel_n they_o will_v glad_o follow_v &_o who_o baptism_n they_o receive_v with_o great_a readiness_n the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v the_o offspring_n of_o a_o 7.14_o a_o esa_n 7.14_o virgin_n womb_n and_o have_v no_o father_n but_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n a_o opinion_n too_o incredible_a to_o find_v acceptance_n without_o great_a evidence_n or_o to_o be_v unnecessary_o pretend_v without_o great_a folly_n or_o to_o obtain_v and_o win_v upon_o the_o world_n when_o manage_v by_o the_o worst_a of_o fool_n he_o be_v to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n 2_o before_o the_o 49.10_o the_o gen._n 49.10_o sceptre_n do_v depart_v from_o judah_n before_o the_o 3_o ruin_n of_o 3.1_o of_o mal._n 3.1_o jerusalem_n before_o the_o 9.26.27_o the_o dan._n 9.26.27_o cease_n of_o the_o daily_a sacrifice_n he_o be_v to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n while_o 5.2_o while_o mich._n 5.2_o bethlehem_n remain_v among_o the_o governor_n of_o judah_n and_o while_o the_o second_o 2.5.7.9_o second_o hug._n 2.5.7.9_o temple_n stand_v he_o be_v to_o suffer_v death_n at_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o 9.24_o the_o dan._n 9.24_o week_n of_o 4_o daniel_n which_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o jew_n 5_o who_o then_o impatient_o 2.25.38_o impatient_o luc._n 2.25.38_o expect_v their_o messiah_n be_v that_o very_a time_n in_o which_o our_o saviour_n do_v appear_v and_o well_o may_v they_o expect_v his_o present_a come_n when_o both_o john_n baptist_n teach_v that_o his_o appearance_n be_v at_o hand_n and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v assure_v by_o special_a revelation_n that_o their_o 2.26_o their_o luc._n 2.26_o eye_n shall_v see_v their_o saviour_n when_o both_o that_o 6_o ancient_a prophecy_n which_o have_v obtain_v credit_n throughout_o the_o eastern_a world_n 11.5.33_o talmud_n cod._n sanhedr_n c._n 11.5.33_o and_o their_o own_o prophet_n paraphrast_n and_o doctor_n do_v agree_v in_o the_o assertion_n of_o it_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o so_o evident_a out_o of_o their_o writing_n that_o at_o this_o day_n the_o jew_n confess_v christ_n either_o come_v about_o that_o time_n and_o lie_v conceal_v ever_o since_o or_o else_o his_o come_n be_v defer_v beyond_o the_o time_n prefix_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o abound_a sin_n of_o their_o nation_n in_o 7_o bethlehem_n he_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v a_o thing_n which_o happen_v by_o so_o strange_a and_o unaccountable_a a_o tax_n such_o as_o none_o be_v ever_o know_v before_o and_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n for_o it_o then_o there_o be_v peace_n throughout_o the_o roman_a empire_n that_o nothing_o but_o a_o secret_a and_o overrule_a providence_n can_v have_v procure_v it_o all_o which_o particular_o afford_v a_o most_o convince_a demonstration_n to_o the_o jew_n that_o his_o messiah_n be_v in_o vain_a expect_v or_o be_v already_o come_v for_o where_o be_v now_o the_o second_o temple_n and_o the_o city_n bethlehem_n what_o place_n among_o the_o governor_n of_o judah_n do_v it_o now_o retain_v where_o be_v judah_n sceptre_n and_o where_o the_o lawgiver_n between_o his_o foot_n be_v not_o jerusalem_n destroy_v be_v not_o their_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n cease_v and_o if_o the_o week_n of_o daniel_n do_v not_o end_v where_o christian_n do_v contend_v they_o do_v what_o certain_a period_n can_v they_o have_v or_o what_o instruction_n can_v they_o give_v we_o when_o the_o messiah_n who_o they_o speak_v of_o will_v appear_v beside_o he_o be_v to_o be_v a_o 4.25_o a_o deut._n 18.15.18_o joh._n 4.25_o prophet_n and_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v in_o his_o time_n be_v 22._o be_v esa_n 9.6.7_o janum_fw-la terra_fw-la marique_fw-la pace_fw-la parta_fw-la ter_z clausit_fw-la suet._n de_fw-fr augusto_n cap._n 22._o peace_n to_o flourish_v as_o at_o his_o birth_n it_o do_v throughout_o the_o then_o know_a world_n janus_n his_o temple_n be_v shut_v which_o in_o the_o time_n of_o war_n stand_v always_o open_a a_o constant_a throng_n of_o 8_o miracle_n be_v to_o attend_v his_o life_n and_o doctrine_n he_o be_v to_o bear_v away_o our_o grief_n and_o 9_o heal_v our_o sickness_n to_o cure_v the_o 35.56_o the_o esa_n 35.56_o lame_a the_o deaf_a the_o blind_a and_o dumb_a and_o make_v his_o bodily_a cure_n become_v the_o preface_n to_o his_o spiritual_a &_o yet_o his_o gracious_a embassage_n his_o infinite_a amaze_a love_n must_v find_v no_o other_o welcome_n but_o 53.12_o but_o esa_n 53.12_o reproach_n and_o infamy_n he_o be_v to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n poor_a and_o lowly_a and_o ride_v on_o a_o 9.9_o a_o zech._n 9.9_o ass_n to_o be_v 53.12_o be_v 53._o esa_n 2._o esa_n 50.2_o ch._n 53.12_o despise_v set_v at_o nought_o buffet_v and_o spit_v upon_o and_o to_o be_v number_v with_o transgressor_n he_o be_v to_o be_v 10_o reject_v by_o 11_o &_o suffer_v from_o those_o very_a person_n for_o who_o sake_n he_o suffer_v he_o be_v to_o be_v a_o 53.3_o a_o esa_n 53.3_o man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o to_o increase_v those_o sorrow_n nothing_o but_o 69.21_o but_o psal_n 69.21_o gall_n and_o vinegar_n be_v to_o be_v tender_v to_o he_o his_o life_n be_v to_o conclude_v in_o a_o 9.26_o a_o dan._n 9.26_o untimely_a death_n a_o death_n attend_v with_o such_o circumstance_n as_o add_v to_o the_o wonder_n of_o his_o life_n his_o 22.17.25.12.1_o his_o psal_n 22.17.25.12.1_o hand_n and_o foot_n and_o 12_o side_n be_v to_o be_v pierce_v yet_o maugre_o all_o the_o tyranny_n of_o custom_n and_o jewish_a malice_n of_o his_o adversary_n not_o a_o 22.18_o a_o ex._n 12.46_o psal_n 22.18_o bone_n of_o he_o be_v to_o be_v break_v not_o a_o rent_n be_v to_o be_v make_v upon_o his_o garment_n his_o 16.10_o his_o psal_n 16.10_o soul_n must_v not_o be_v leave_v in_o hell_n nor_o must_v his_o body_n see_v corruption_n his_o 13_o resurrection_n be_v to_o be_v as_o signal_n as_o his_o death_n for_o he_o be_v then_o to_o see_v the_o 53.11_o the_o esa_n 53.11_o travel_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o to_o draw_v all_o man_n after_o he_o he_o be_v to_o be_v exalt_v into_o the_o high_a heaven_n and_o sit_v at_o the_o 14_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n 22.43_o god_n ps_n 110.1_o mat._n 22.43_o government_n be_v to_o be_v upon_o his_o shoulder_n and_o to_o continue_v there_o for_o ever_o the_o fresh_a appearance_n of_o the_o star_n of_o jacob_n be_v to_o expel_v the_o shadow_n of_o the_o 15_o law_n christ_n at_o his_o resurrection_n be_v to_o throw_v down_o the_o 13._o the_o mat._n 23._o mark_n 13._o temple_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o inflict_v upon_o they_o for_o their_o unbelief_n the_o great_a and_o most_o dreadful_a vengeance_n which_o ever_o yet_o befall_v the_o nation_n he_o be_v to_o ruin_v and_o pull_v down_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n to_o spread_v the_o 16_o gospel_n through_o the_o 16.19_o the_o esa_n 11.10_o jer._n 16.19_o gentile_a world_n &_o by_o the_o plentiful_a effusion_n and_o powerful_a operation_n of_o the_o 17_o spirit_n on_o his_o own_o disciple_n to_o justify_v his_o mission_n and_o convince_v gainsayer_n that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n and_o last_o to_o transform_v into_o the_o christian_a purity_n a_o world_n of_o man_n enslave_v to_o heathen_a superstition_n and_o overwhelm_v in_o sin_n §_o 3._o loe_o here_o a_o crowd_n of_o circumstance_n so_o certain_o foretell_v of_o the_o messiah_n as_o that_o the_o jew_n find_v nothing_o to_o except_v against_o they_o so_o signal_o fulfil_v in_o our_o jesus_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v far_o needful_a to_o confirm_v their_o truth_n and_o three_o incompatible_a to_o any_o other_o person_n for_o that_o i_o may_v not_o here_o repeat_v what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v that_o no_o man_n will_v have_v choose_v to_o undergo_v those_o hard_a term_n which_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o belong_v to_o the_o messiah_n it_o be_v contrary_a to_o humane_a nature_n to_o desire_v to_o lead_v a_o poor_a and_o miserable_a life_n and_o then_o die_v a_o painful_a ignominious_a death_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o prospect_n of_o some_o great_a advantage_n
believe_v it_o nothing_o beside_o this_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n but_o death_n and_o misery_n at_o present_a which_o their_o experience_n prove_v to_o be_v true_a i_o say_v it_o be_v prodigious_a to_o think_v that_o he_o and_o his_o disciple_n shall_v with_o no_o other_o charm_n work_v such_o a_o last_a faith_n in_o all_o the_o wise_a part_n of_o man_n that_o neither_o time_n nor_o vice_n though_o most_o concern_v to_o do_v so_o shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o deface_v it_o and_o yet_o what_o be_v so_o prodigious_o incredible_a must_v be_v certain_a truth_n or_o else_o the_o resurrection_n must_v be_v so_o the_o conclusion_n show_v that_o if_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v shall_v be_v only_o probable_a yet_o the_o christian_a faith_n must_v in_o all_o reason_n be_v embrace_v as_o be_v 1._o the_o safe_a way_n and_o 2_o the_o great_a instrument_n of_o present_a happiness_n a_o recapitulation_n of_o the_o whole_a with_o a_o practical_a reflection_n upon_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v if_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v do_v not_o seem_v to_o any_o to_o carry_v a_o convince_a evidence_n let_v it_o but_o pass_v for_o probable_a and_o that_o which_o prove_v the_o christian_a faith_n more_o likely_a to_o be_v true_a than_o false_a and_o this_o will_v be_v sufficient_a plea_n for_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o for_o be_v it_o suppose_v only_o such_o it_o must_v in_o reason_n be_v embrace_v as_o be_v the_o secure_a way_n and_o the_o best_a instrument_n of_o present_a happiness_n and_o 1_o christianity_n be_v the_o best_a help_n to_o present_a happiness_n because_o it_o give_v the_o high_a motive_n to_o contentment_n in_o our_o present_a state_n the_o strong_a comfort_n and_o support_v against_o those_o evil_n we_o can_v fear_v or_o suffer_v the_o best_a preservative_n and_o remedy_n against_o the_o terror_n of_o a_o evil_a conscience_n the_o most_o effectual_a remedy_n against_o those_o passion_n and_o corrupt_a affection_n which_o impair_n our_o health_n and_o which_o disturb_v our_o peace_n and_o quiet_a it_o give_v the_o fair_a hope_n and_o promise_n and_o so_o the_o great_a motive_n unto_o love_n and_o kindness_n as_o be_v exceed_o evident_a from_o scripture_n and_o from_o what_o we_o have_v discourse_v in_o the_o 10_o chap._n of_o this_o book_n 2._o that_o christianity_n be_v also_o the_o secure_a way_n have_v be_v already_o prove_v and_o be_v invincible_o conclude_v from_o what_o arnobius_n say_v of_o it_o preface_n see_v the_o preface_n in_o illo_fw-la periculi_fw-la nihil_fw-la est_fw-la si_fw-la quod_fw-la dicitur_fw-la imminere_fw-la cassum_fw-la fiat_fw-la &_o vacuum_fw-la in_fw-la hoc_fw-la damnum_fw-la est_fw-la maximum_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la salutis_fw-la amissio_fw-la si_fw-la cum_fw-la tempus_fw-la advenerit_fw-la aperiatur_fw-la non_fw-la fuisse_fw-la mendacium_fw-la beside_o all_o other_o way_n of_o worship_n which_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o it_o be_v so_o absurd_a or_o sure_o antiquate_v as_o not_o to_o bear_v the_o least_o degree_n of_o evidence_n compare_v to_o the_o evidence_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v rest_v assure_v that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o providence_n it_o can_v be_v offend_v with_o we_o for_o prefer_v this_o before_o they_o but_o god_n may_v just_o be_v incense_v against_o we_o for_o not_o embrace_v of_o the_o christian_a faith_n though_o the_o inducement_n so_o to_o do_v be_v only_o probable_a because_o we_o prosecute_v the_o most_o important_a action_n and_o affair_n of_o humane_a life_n upon_o the_o like_a inducement_n we_o go_v to_o sea_n only_o in_o hope_n of_o a_o good_a voyage_n and_o a_o safe_a return_n and_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o physician_n only_o in_o hope_n of_o a_o recovery_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v excuse_v if_o we_o neglect_v to_o do_v what_o we_o have_v like_a or_o great_a reason_n to_o believe_v be_v both_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o that_o which_o do_v conduce_v to_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n especial_o consider_v that_o christianity_n do_v promise_v great_a measure_n of_o conviction_n and_o degree_n of_o evidence_n to_o such_o as_o do_v obey_v its_o precept_n assure_v we_o that_o he_o who_o do_v the_o will_n of_o christ_n shall_v know_v the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o §_o 2._o if_o then_o it_o be_v but_o probable_a that_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n be_v endow_v with_o any_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n that_o any_o of_o they_o heal_v disease_n cast_v out_o devil_n raise_v the_o dead_a and_o whilst_o they_o constant_o pretend_v to_o these_o thing_n for_o many_o generation_n and_o in_o all_o place_n of_o the_o world_n and_o do_v avouch_v they_o with_o their_o dear_a blood_n be_v not_o the_o worst_a of_o fool_n and_o knave_n or_o most_o delude_a person_n or_o if_o it_o be_v but_o probable_a that_o such_o man_n can_v never_o leave_v unto_o the_o world_n the_o best_a and_o the_o sublimest_n revelation_n such_o as_o outdo_v the_o law_n of_o wise_a nation_n and_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o philosophy_n such_o as_o best_a serve_v the_o present_a and_o eternal_a interest_n of_o man_n such_o as_o be_v most_o consistent_a with_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o reason_n and_o yet_o too_o hard_o for_o reason_n to_o invent_v if_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o they_o can_v never_o by_o the_o bare_a assertion_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o a_o condemn_a malefactor_n confirm_v only_o by_o a_o lie_n prevail_v upon_o the_o world_n to_o own_v he_o for_o their_o god_n to_o desert_v all_o other_o way_n of_o worship_n and_o to_o run_v the_o great_a risk_n at_o present_a only_o in_o expectation_n of_o some_o future_a blessing_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v in_o another_o life_n if_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o such_o a_o world_n of_o man_n will_v never_o suffer_v fiery_a trial_n and_o sundry_a kind_n of_o death_n become_v the_o scorn_n and_o the_o ofscouring_n of_o the_o world_n only_o to_o propagate_v that_o lie_n which_o scarce_o afford_v a_o temptation_n so_o to_o do_v if_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o any_o real_a judgement_n be_v inflict_v upon_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o upon_o such_o as_o do_v prevaricate_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o or_o that_o the_o church_n and_o chief_o the_o apostle_n have_v power_n to_o inflict_v such_o judgement_n and_o do_v not_o terrify_v their_o convert_n with_o vain_a word_n if_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o any_o revelation_n have_v be_v ever_o make_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o christian_a cause_n 32._o 1._o cor._n 14._o 29_o 30_o 31_o 32._o and_o that_o s._n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n do_v not_o give_v direction_n about_o thing_n of_o nought_o and_o confident_o tell_v they_o that_o ever_o one_o have_v a_o revelation_n when_o no_o man_n do_v enjoy_v it_o if_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o any_o dream_n or_o vision_n have_v be_v vouchsafe_v to_o they_o or_o any_o token_n of_o divine_a assistance_n under_o suffering_n of_o wonderful_a deliverance_n from_o they_o of_o confusion_n to_o their_o adversary_n if_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o messiah_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v perfect_o accomplish_v in_o our_o jesus_n and_o that_o thing_n particular_o foretell_v by_o he_o viz._n his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n the_o large_a and_o speedy_a propagation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o miracle_n of_o his_o disciple_n the_o destruction_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n however_o most_o incredible_a be_v most_o assure_o fulfil_v or_o that_o that_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n to_o which_o so_o many_o thousand_o soul_n pretend_v throughout_o divers_a centurye_n be_v real_o vouchsafe_v to_o any_o one_o of_o they_o if_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o any_o of_o they_o speak_v with_o tongue_n and_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o charge_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n with_o the_o too_o frequent_a exercise_n of_o a_o gift_n with_o which_o they_o never_o be_v acquaint_v if_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o the_o whole_a sect_n of_o christian_n for_o three_o hundred_o year_n be_v neither_o wicked_a impostor_n nor_o yet_o delude_v person_n if_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o they_o have_v no_o assistance_n from_o good_a or_o evil_a angel_n to_o delude_v the_o world_n and_o yet_o do_v thing_n which_o can_v not_o be_v effect_v without_o the_o aid_n of_o some_o supernatural_a power_n if_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o both_o their_o gospel_n and_o epistle_n be_v indict_v in_o that_o age_n they_o live_v in_o and_o send_v to_o those_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v inscribe_v and_o if_o it_o be_v improbable_a that_o whilst_o so_o many_o be_v alive_a that_o can_v attest_v the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o their_o story_n it_o shall_v though_o a_o prodigious_a and_o bare-faced_n lie_v obtain_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n i_o say_v if_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v probable_a then_o must_v christianity_n