prove_v the_o apostle_n sincerity_n they_o be_v content_v to_o offer_v some_o objection_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o miracle_n and_o so_o confine_v themselves_o to_o the_o second_o way_n of_o know_v the_o falsity_n of_o a_o fact_n which_o consist_v in_o discover_v that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n absolute_o impossible_a but_o i_o shall_v speak_v of_o this_o in_o another_o letter_n wherein_o i_o shall_v explain_v the_o nature_n of_o miracle_n i_o be_o sir_n you_o letter_n ii_o wherein_o be_v show_v what_o a_o miracle_n be_v and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o conclude_v from_o those_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o they_o be_v true_o send_v of_o god_n 1._o sir_n i_o promise_v you_o to_o discourse_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o miracle_n and_o i_o must_v perform_v my_o promise_n see_v without_o it_o i_o shall_v but_o half_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o general_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v true_a and_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n we_o must_v be_v also_o persuade_v that_o they_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o this_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o miracle_n of_o those_o who_o first_o preach_v they_o that_o be_v the_o seal_n whereby_o we_o clear_o discover_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v reveal_v by_o the_o same_o god_n who_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o give_v to_o nature_n the_o law_n according_a to_o which_o natural_a cause_n act_v they_o have_v often_o desire_v he_o to_o suspend_v the_o effect_n of_o those_o law_n though_o unavoidable_a at_o their_o prayer_n they_o be_v suspend_v and_o the_o contrary_a of_o what_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n have_v observe_v hitherto_o and_o of_o what_o we_o still_o see_v happen_v then_o that_o be_v a_o undeniable_a proof_n not_o only_o of_o their_o doctrine_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n and_o design_n of_o the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v if_o it_o be_v mere_o consider_v in_o itself_o but_o also_o of_o their_o have_v a_o express_a order_n from_o god_n to_o publish_v it_o among_o men._n wherefore_o i_o will_v show_v first_o what_o a_o miracle_n be_v and_o how_o true_a miracle_n may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o false_a one_o second_o i_o will_v inquire_v into_o the_o author_n of_o they_o and_o what_o consequence_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o they_o last_o i_o shall_v say_v something_o concern_v the_o extent_n of_o miracle_n and_o their_o different_a kind_n i_o will_v show_v at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o i_o shall_v answer_v some_o objection_n of_o unbeliever_n 2._o to_o look_v upon_o a_o extraordinary_a effect_n as_o a_o miracle_n and_o draw_v any_o consequence_n from_o it_o first_o it_o must_v be_v a_o thing_n above_o the_o power_n of_o men._n second_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v above_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n or_o corporeal_a cause_n and_o above_o the_o strength_n of_o humane_a soul_n for_o nature_n or_o natural_a cause_n and_o the_o order_n or_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o man_n other_o body_n and_o the_o law_n according_a to_o which_o they_o constant_o act_v without_o be_v able_a to_o violate_v they_o three_o he_o in_o who_o behalf_n that_o thing_n be_v do_v aught_o to_o know_v it_o beforehand_o or_o at_o least_o it_o must_v happen_v when_o he_o want_v it_o i_o shall_v examine_v those_o three_o thing_n one_o after_o another_o for_o the_o whole_a strength_n of_o the_o proof_n which_o can_v be_v fetch_v from_o miracle_n depend_v upon_o it_o 3._o there_o be_v some_o divine_n who_o maintain_v that_o a_o miracle_n be_v only_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o infinite_a power_n and_o consequent_o that_o god_n only_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o above_o the_o power_n of_o man_n but_o also_o above_o that_o of_o all_o other_o creature_n i_o shall_v speak_v of_o that_o hereafter_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o observe_v here_o that_o nothing_o which_o man_n be_v able_a to_o do_v can_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o miraculous_a thing_n wherefore_o to_o be_v sure_a whether_o what_o be_v vent_v as_o a_o miracle_n be_v real_o so_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v be_v whether_o man_n can_v do_v it_o for_o if_o it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o above_o the_o power_n of_o man_n there_o will_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a effect_n of_o god_n power_n or_o of_o some_o other_o intelligent_a be_v thus_o if_o a_o man_n show_v a_o usual_a skill_n in_o swim_v and_o boast_v of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o miraculous_a thing_n he_o may_v be_v just_o account_v a_o impostor_n because_o one_o may_v by_o use_n get_v a_o skill_n in_o swim_v which_o seem_v wonderful_a to_o those_o who_o have_v it_o not_o but_o if_o any_o body_n walk_v upon_o the_o water_n as_o upon_o the_o land_n without_o sink_v in_o the_o least_o it_o can_v not_o be_v doubt_v that_o he_o do_v a_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o all_o the_o strength_n and_o skill_n of_o man_n provide_v he_o have_v nothing_o under_o his_o foot_n that_o may_v be_v see_v or_o elsewhere_o to_o uphold_v he_o every_o one_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a relation_n of_o gravity_n between_o humane_a body_n and_o water_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n allow_v not_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v stand_v upon_o the_o water_n so_o that_o if_o it_o appear_v that_o any_o body_n walk_v upon_o the_o water_n as_o upon_o the_o land_n without_o have_v under_o his_o foot_n or_o elsewhere_o any_o thing_n to_o hold_v he_o so_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o a_o power_n great_a than_o that_o of_o man_n act_v in_o his_o behalf_n 4._o but_o because_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o natural_a cause_n which_o man_n make_v use_v of_o to_o produce_v some_o effect_n which_o they_o themselves_o can_v produce_v by_o their_o mere_a skill_n and_o strength_n a_o thing_n to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o miraculous_a ought_v not_o to_o be_v do_v by_o any_o other_o natural_a cause_n such_o as_o be_v the_o body_n which_o surround_v we_o for_o example_n great_a weight_n which_o will_v present_o sink_v if_o they_o be_v throw_v into_o the_o water_n will_v lie_v upon_o it_o without_o sink_v if_o a_o body_n much_o light_a than_o water_n as_o wood_n be_v put_v between_o the_o water_n and_o those_o weight_n there_o be_v nothing_o miraculous_a in_o that_o because_o it_o be_v do_v by_o a_o corporeal_a and_o know_a cause_n but_o it_o can_v not_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v a_o miraculous_a thing_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v walk_v upon_o the_o water_n as_o i_o have_v say_v when_o a_o learned_a physician_n cure_v a_o sick_a person_n with_o some_o remedy_n after_o he_o have_v spend_v a_o long_a time_n in_o study_v the_o nature_n of_o disease_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o remedy_n that_o cure_n be_v not_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o miracle_n it_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o natural_a effect_n of_o the_o remedy_n which_o have_v be_v well_o apply_v but_o if_o we_o shall_v see_v a_o man_n who_o only_o by_o touch_v all_o sort_n of_o sick_a person_n or_o by_o speak_v to_o they_o without_o use_v any_o sensible_a remedy_n cure_v they_o upon_o the_o spot_n that_o effect_n can_v be_v ascribe_v only_o to_o some_o supernatural_a cause_n some_o 6._o some_o spinosa_n in_o tract_n theologico-polit_a cap._n 6._o unbeliever_n have_v endeavour_v to_o make_v that_o character_n of_o miracle_n uncertain_a by_o say_v that_o we_o know_v not_o so_o perfect_o natural_a cause_n and_o their_o effect_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v what_o they_o can_v produce_v from_o what_o be_v above_o their_o strength_n nay_o they_o pretend_v that_o what_o be_v call_v miraculous_a shall_v only_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o extraordinary_a or_o rare_a accident_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o natural_a cause_n which_o be_v not_o well_o know_v but_o though_o it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o we_o be_v very_o far_o from_o have_v a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o natural_a cause_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o less_o certain_a that_o we_o know_v most_o certain_o some_o thing_n by_o experience_n especial_o when_o that_o experience_n be_v common_a and_o easy_a for_o example_n we_o perfect_o know_v that_o no_o man_n can_v stand_v upon_o the_o water_n so_o as_o to_o touch_v it_o only_o with_o the_o sole_a of_o his_o foot_n without_o use_v the_o help_n of_o any_o other_o body_n for_o it_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v say_v that_o it_o may_v be_v such_o a_o thing_n happen_v sometime_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a effect_n of_o some_o natural_a cause_n which_o we_o know_v not_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o such_o a_o conjecture_n can_v only_o be_v
it_o will_v appear_v to_o he_o and_o the_o more_o conformable_a to_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o mankind_n by_o little_a and_o little_o will_v the_o desire_n of_o see_v his_o enemy_n cure_v of_o so_o great_a a_o imperfection_n increase_n and_o he_o will_v insensible_o rid_v himself_o of_o it_o to_o show_v they_o a_o good_a example_n at_o length_n instead_o of_o longing_n to_o revenge_v himself_o upon_o his_o enemy_n instead_o of_o make_v imprecation_n against_o they_o he_o will_v ardent_o wish_v they_o may_v become_v better_a man_n and_o will_v beg_v it_o of_o god_n in_o his_o prayer_n nay_o he_o will_v on_o his_o side_n as_o much_o as_o possible_a contribute_v towards_o it_o and_o after_o pray_v god_n as_o he_o do_v for_o himself_o that_o his_o enemy_n may_v become_v more_o virtuous_a he_o will_v wish_v they_o all_o that_o god_n be_v wont_a to_o bestow_v and_o more_o as_o much_o as_o he_o will_v desire_v it_o for_o himself_o now_o this_o it_o be_v to_o love_v our_o enemy_n for_o we_o can_v love_v they_o above_o ourselves_o and_o the_o gospel_n require_v no_o more_o it_o will_v be_v grant_v that_o these_o thought_n be_v most_o reasonable_a and_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v all_o mankind_n have_v the_o like_a idea_n and_o as_o man_n so_o dispose_v will_v very_o easy_o comprehend_v the_o possibility_n of_o love_v our_o enemy_n they_o will_v be_v far_o from_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n upon_o the_o score_n of_o this_o precept_n all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o this_o be_v that_o those_o who_o reject_v the_o religion_n of_o christ_n do_v it_o not_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o moral_n which_o be_v beyond_o contradiction_n very_o good_a and_o ground_v upon_o the_o clear_a light_n of_o reason_n but_o because_o it_o contain_v in_o their_o opinion_n incredible_a mystery_n and_o suppose_v miracle_n that_o have_v no_o probability_n two_o thing_n we_o must_v remark_n then_o that_o we_o may_v know_v whether_o the_o difficulty_n they_o pretend_v of_o believe_v the_o mystery_n and_o miracle_n of_o religion_n or_o whether_o the_o dislike_n of_o its_o moral_a precept_n be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o their_o incredulity_n the_o first_o be_v if_o they_o do_v believe_v many_o thing_n as_o incomprehensible_a or_o perplex_v and_o the_o second_o if_o the_o maxim_n of_o their_o moral_n be_v as_o reasonable_a as_o those_o of_o the_o gospel_n or_o if_o they_o be_v not_o plain_o opposite_a to_o it_o if_o it_o happen_v that_o upon_o all_o other_o account_v they_o ready_o believe_v thing_n they_o do_v not_o comprehend_v and_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o conduct_n be_v more_o than_o the_o gospel_n admit_v do_v they_o not_o give_v we_o just_a occasion_n to_o suspect_v that_o their_o ill_a habit_n be_v the_o secret_a but_o true_a cause_n of_o their_o disbelief_n of_o the_o gospel_n whatever_o they_o pretend_v there_o be_v nothing_o so_o common_a as_o to_o see_v unbeliever_n strong_o persuade_v of_o judiciary_n astrology_n and_o believe_v that_o magician_n can_v do_v several_a thing_n beyond_o the_o power_n and_o order_n of_o nature_n two_o great_a minister_n of_o state_n for_o example_n who_o action_n will_v not_o let_v we_o think_v that_o religion_n be_v one_o of_o their_o great_a virtue_n be_v both_o accuse_v of_o believe_v the_o prediction_n of_o astrologer_n and_o one_o of_o they_o of_o persuade_v himself_o that_o a_o man_n who_o vomit_v several_a sort_n of_o liquor_n do_v it_o by_o the_o help_n of_o magic_n cardinal_n richlieu_n say_v a_o historian_n consult_v beside_o astrology_n all_o kind_n of_o divination_n even_o silly_a woman_n who_o knowledge_n consist_v in_o vapour_n that_o make_v they_o foretell_v by_o chance_n some_o fortuitous_a event_n he_o be_v so_o credulous_a as_o to_o attribute_v to_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o art_n of_o throw_v out_o at_o the_o mouth_n all_o sort_n of_o liquor_n after_o have_v first_o drink_v water_n as_o be_v do_v by_o a_o italian_a mountebank_n mazarin_n who_o be_v not_o yet_o a_o cardinal_n have_v at_o so_o simple_a a_o discourse_n burst_v out_o a_o laugh_v have_v like_a to_o lose_v his_o favour_n by_o it_o for_o the_o cardinal_n be_v provoke_v at_o this_o mirth_n whereby_o he_o think_v mazarin_n jeer_v he_o say_v ironical_o to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v not_o monsieur_n mazarin_n who_o have_v a_o profound_a and_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o every_o thing_n mazarin_n very_o submissive_o reply_v that_o give_v the_o fifty_o pistol_n which_o the_o mountebank_n demand_v for_o teach_v his_o secret_n it_o may_v be_v see_v whether_o the_o devil_n have_v any_o hand_n in_o it_o mazarin_n himself_o look_v upon_o all_o divination_n as_o foppery_n except_o astrology_n which_o he_o strong_o fancy_v though_o he_o feign_v the_o contrary_n when_o madam_n mancini_n his_o sister_n die_v and_o afterward_o the_o duchess_n of_o mercaeur_n his_o niece_n according_a to_o the_o prediction_n of_o a_o astrologer_n at_o rome_n give_v in_o write_v a_o great_a while_n before_o he_o become_v extraordinary_a sad_a and_o melancholy_a not_o out_o of_o tenderness_n to_o his_o relation_n but_o because_o this_o same_o astrologer_n have_v fix_v the_o term_n of_o his_o own_o death_n to_o a_o time_n that_o be_v very_o near_o he_o lose_v his_o appetite_n upon_o it_o and_o sleep_v not_o for_o many_o night_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v also_o know_v that_o the_o emperor_n julian_n who_o can_v not_o believe_v the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v extreme_o addict_v to_o the_o augury_n and_o presage_n draw_v from_o the_o entrails_n of_o victim_n and_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o have_v blame_v he_o for_o it_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v as_o hard_o to_o be_v credit_v consider_v in_o themselves_o as_o the_o mystery_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o the_o incredulous_a believe_v they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o refuse_v their_o assent_n to_o the_o gospel_n because_o these_o opinion_n do_v not_o regard_v the_o manner_n of_o any_o person_n be_v live_v and_o be_v not_o at_o all_o incompatible_a as_o the_o christian_a moral_n be_v with_o their_o ill_a habit_n moreover_o if_o the_o unbeliever_n will_v strict_o examine_v themselves_o and_o compare_v their_o conduct_n with_o that_o which_o the_o gospel_n prescribe_v i_o will_v own_v myself_o much_o deceive_v if_o they_o find_v it_o proof_n against_o the_o rigour_n of_o its_o precept_n julian_n of_o who_o i_o be_v speak_v have_v many_o excellent_a quality_n which_o he_o need_v not_o to_o quit_v by_o any_o mean_n have_v he_o remain_v still_o a_o christian_n and_o several_a bad_a one_o he_o have_v likewise_o which_o he_o must_v have_v rid_v himself_o of_o will_v he_o follow_v the_o moral_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o least_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v so_o injurious_a to_o the_o christian_n as_o he_o be_v which_o appear_v by_o many_o of_o his_o letter_n from_o all_o this_o i_o conclude_v that_o notwithstanding_o whatever_o can_v be_v say_v the_o disposition_n of_o a_o person_n do_v exceed_o contribute_v to_o make_v he_o receive_v or_o reject_v christianity_n and_o that_o unbeliever_n ought_v to_o examine_v themselves_o hereupon_o to_o see_v whether_o this_o whereof_o we_o accuse_v they_o be_v not_o true_a chap._n ii_o that_o pride_n may_v be_v the_o cause_n why_o assent_n be_v not_o grant_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n pride_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o a_o strong_a and_o lively_a persuasion_n that_o christianity_n be_v true_a not_o only_o because_o the_o gospel_n condemn_v it_o as_o it_o do_v all_o other_o passion_n contrary_a to_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n but_o also_o because_o those_o affect_v with_o it_o find_v themselves_o dispose_v by_o a_o particular_a effect_n of_o this_o vice_n to_o reject_v unexamined_a the_o proof_n allege_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v what_o i_o design_n to_o show_v after_o i_o have_v first_o describe_v pride_n and_o its_o contrary_a virtue_n humility_n lest_o what_o i_o be_o to_o say_v concern_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o well_o understand_v pride_n be_v no_o other_o thing_n but_o a_o disposition_n of_o mind_n that_o make_v a_o man_n imagine_v he_o possess_v more_o knowledge_n endowment_n or_o virtue_n than_o he_o true_o do_v and_o that_o by_o consequence_n he_o shall_v be_v more_o honour_a and_o esteem_v than_o he_o deserve_v the_o proud_a can_v without_o vexation_n bear_v that_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o shall_v be_v deny_v to_o they_o especial_o if_o they_o be_v not_o refuse_v to_o other_o person_n they_o have_v not_o only_o a_o high_a idea_n of_o themselves_o but_o likewise_o despise_v other_o who_o they_o be_v easy_o persuade_v have_v not_o the_o same_o good_a quality_n nor_o any_o thing_n worthy_a of_o that_o esteem_n which_o
religion_n which_o be_v see_v in_o the_o world_n it_o can_v be_v doubt_v but_o these_o be_v most_o violent_a prejudices_fw-la against_o some_o christian_a society_n but_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o show_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o involve_v all_o christianity_n in_o general_n first_o unbeliever_n can_v suppose_v without_o examination_n as_o they_o do_v on_o this_o occasion_n that_o the_o notion_n man_n have_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o their_o country_n or_o that_o of_o some_o divine_n who_o they_o have_v read_v be_v real_o the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o its_o founder_n some_o alteration_n may_v have_v by_o degree_n creep_v into_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_n who_o they_o know_v and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v very_o different_a from_o that_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n no_o body_n can_v be_v sure_a of_o the_o contrary_a without_o go_v to_o the_o source_n to_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o stream_n which_o be_v say_v to_o flow_v from_o it_o that_o be_v without_o read_v the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o compare_v their_o doctrine_n with_o that_o which_o be_v now_o pretend_a to_o be_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o founder_n of_o christianity_n this_o unbeliever_n be_v necessary_o oblige_v to_o do_v before_o they_o affirm_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v false_a else_o they_o will_v imitate_v corrupt_a judge_n who_o vouchsafe_v not_o to_o examine_v the_o instrument_n of_o a_o suit_n in_o law_n but_o give_v their_o sentence_n at_o the_o first_o report_n of_o it_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o if_o the_o unbeliever_n of_o the_o abovementioned_a place_n will_v undertake_v that_o examination_n they_o will_v present_o see_v that_o most_o of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o dislike_v be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o consequent_o that_o whatever_o christian_n think_v now_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o they_o the_o same_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v observe_v every_o where_o and_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o judge_n of_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o the_o opinion_n that_o be_v common_o receive_v where_o they_o live_v or_o which_o be_v worse_o to_o condemn_v it_o from_o hear_v a_o silly_a preacher_n who_o represent_v it_o quite_o otherwise_o than_o it_o be_v yet_o there_o be_v many_o people_n who_o entertain_v no_o favourable_a thought_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o explication_n thereof_o which_o they_o hear_v from_o the_o pulpit_n which_o be_v but_o too_o often_o ill_o provide_v a_o great_a many_o thing_n speak_v there_o be_v so_o far_o from_o bear_v a_o severe_a examination_n of_o judicious_a man_n that_o they_o can_v scarce_o be_v allow_v in_o the_o conversation_n of_o any_o person_n not_o altogether_o destitute_a of_o common_a sense_n that_o sort_n of_o discourse_n can_v without_o great_a injustice_n be_v confound_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o there_o be_v some_o who_o affect_v to_o give_v they_o that_o name_n as_o if_o such_o preacher_n be_v inspire_v apostle_n and_o authorise_a with_o miracle_n they_o shall_v have_v a_o great_a respect_n for_o the_o gospel_n than_o to_o call_v such_o meditation_n by_o the_o same_o name_n with_o the_o discourse_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n i_o have_v not_o make_v this_o remark_n be_v it_o not_o that_o such_o expression_n give_v occasion_n to_o unbeliever_n to_o despise_v christianity_n which_o deserve_v as_o much_o to_o be_v admire_v by_o the_o most_o penetrate_a and_o solid_a wit_n as_o many_o sermon_n deserve_v to_o be_v despise_v by_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o illiterate_a person_n as_o no_o body_n can_v bear_v the_o injustice_n of_o that_o man_n who_o shall_v judge_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o a_o author_n by_o the_o discourse_n of_o another_o who_o perhaps_o understand_v they_o not_o and_o who_o interest_n it_o be_v to_o explain_v they_o otherwise_o and_o then_o pretend_v he_o may_v with_o reason_n vent_v his_o explication_n as_o infallible_a so_o unbeliever_n can_v ascribe_v to_o the_o apostle_n the_o opinion_n which_o they_o hear_v preach_v as_o apostolical_a doctrine_n before_o they_o have_v careful_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n unless_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o most_o unjust_a of_o men._n second_o unbeliever_n be_v guilty_a of_o another_o fault_n which_o be_v not_o much_o less_o than_o the_o forego_n when_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o false_a doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v read_v in_o the_o write_n of_o some_o divine_n or_o hear_v they_o preach_v they_o reject_v all_o christianity_n for_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o many_o truth_n may_v be_v mix_v with_o lie_n and_o as_o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o a_o book_n contain_v nothing_o but_o truth_n because_o some_o few_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o it_o so_o it_o can_v be_v affirm_v that_o every_o thing_n in_o it_o be_v false_a because_o some_o lie_n have_v be_v find_v in_o it_o be_v there_o for_o example_n any_o profane_a history_n either_o ancient_a or_o modern_a without_o a_o mixture_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n yet_o no_o body_n say_v that_o history_n contain_v nothing_o that_o be_v true_a and_o certain_a they_o endeavour_v only_o to_o distinguish_v what_o be_v true_a from_o what_o be_v false_a the_o like_a aught_o to_o be_v practise_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o explication_n of_o christian_n doctrine_n which_o we_o read_v or_o hear_v we_o ought_v neither_o whole_o to_o reject_v they_o nor_o embrace_v they_o because_o there_o may_v be_v a_o mixture_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n we_o ought_v as_o i_o say_v before_o to_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o write_n of_o the_o founder_n of_o christianity_n and_o judge_v by_o those_o write_n of_o religion_n itself_o and_o of_o what_o be_v true_a in_o the_o opinion_n of_o modern_a divine_n this_o be_v if_o i_o may_v say_v so_o the_o touchstone_n by_o which_o only_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n can_v be_v know_v three_o unbeliever_n undoubted_o know_v that_o a_o truth_n change_v not_o its_o nature_n for_o be_v ill_o defend_v we_o see_v every_o day_n very_o good_a cause_n ill_o plead_v by_o some_o lawyer_n who_o understand_v not_o their_o profession_n nay_o it_o be_v confess_v among_o all_o christian_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o book_n who_o author_n be_v real_o engage_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o truth_n but_o they_o do_v it_o so_o ill_a that_o it_o will_v certain_o be_v condemn_v if_o it_o have_v no_o better_a support_n many_o people_n for_o example_n who_o have_v not_o study_v well_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o see_v no_o character_n of_o divinity_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o can_v convince_v a_o unbeliever_n of_o it_o but_o nevertheless_o they_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v divine_a with_o as_o great_a a_o certainty_n as_o if_o they_o perceive_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n in_o every_o part_n of_o it_o because_o they_o be_v say_v they_o inward_o persuade_v of_o it_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n without_o know_v why_o that_o be_v the_o cant_n of_o a_o perfect_a fanatic_a who_o equal_v without_o be_v aware_a of_o it_o the_o gospel_n with_o the_o alcoran_n and_o all_o the_o false_a religion_n the_o follower_n whereof_o may_v all_o say_v as_o he_o do_v that_o they_o be_v persuade_v of_o it_o by_o a_o secret_a and_o inward_a operation_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o heart_n but_o the_o apostle_n never_o say_v any_o such_o thing_n all_o their_o preach_a consist_v in_o some_o fact_n and_o in_o good_a reason_n attend_v with_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n they_o have_v and_o it_o be_v by_o such_o mean_v they_o pretend_v to_o prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o their_o doctrine_n so_o that_o we_o shall_v wrong_v they_o very_o much_o shall_v we_o believe_v that_o they_o teach_v their_o doctrine_n can_v not_o be_v embrace_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n but_o by_o a_o mere_a enthusiasm_n other_o to_o do_v the_o christian_a religion_n a_o great_a honour_n ascribe_v to_o the_o apostle_n a_o art_n which_o they_o themselves_o serious_o etc._n serious_o 1_o cor._n 1.17_o &_o 11.4_o 13_o etc._n etc._n say_v they_o have_v not_o they_o set_v forth_o their_o style_n as_o a_o admirable_a pattern_n of_o eloquence_n which_o exceed_v that_o of_o the_o grecian_n and_o roman_n what_o follow_v from_o thence_o unbeliever_n read_v the_o write_n of_o those_o holy_a man_n to_o seek_v what_o they_o be_v tell_v be_v contain_v in_o they_o and_o because_o they_o do_v find_v it_o they_o fancy_v that_o those_o who_o say_v so_o design_v to_o deceive_v they_o and_o thereupon_o be_v exasperate_v against_o they_o who_o ground_v in_o part_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n upon_o their_o wonderful_a style_n they_o whole_o reject_v it_o they_o can_v not_o be_v
and_o if_o unbeliever_n will_v mind_v it_o they_o may_v observe_v that_o most_o of_o their_o objection_n have_v no_o relation_n to_o they_o that_o observation_n be_v of_o very_o great_a moment_n when_o the_o question_n be_v about_o some_o fact_n which_o happen_v many_o century_n ago_o and_o be_v attest_v by_o some_o historian_n who_o knowledge_n and_o sincerity_n have_v be_v well_o prove_v although_o one_o may_v raise_v some_o difficulty_n with_o respect_n to_o some_o circumstance_n which_o can_v be_v now_o easy_o resolve_v yet_o if_o those_o difficulty_n destroy_v not_o the_o direct_a proof_n we_o have_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o historian_n and_o the_o exact_a knowledge_n they_o have_v of_o what_o they_o relate_v they_o ought_v not_o to_o make_v we_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n to_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v all_o the_o query_n which_o may_v be_v make_v about_o a_o relation_n one_o shall_v have_v be_v a_o eye-witness_n of_o whatever_o it_o contain_v and_o a_o history_n can_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o fabulous_a because_o no_o body_n can_v satisfy_v we_o now_o about_o it_o if_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o suspect_v the_o historian_n from_o who_o we_o have_v it_o of_o want_n of_o honesty_n or_o knowledge_n i_o can_v easy_o clear_v this_o matter_n with_o some_o instance_n but_o it_o will_v carry_v i_o too_o far_o to_o go_v on_o with_o the_o comparison_n i_o use_v two_o sort_n of_o objection_n may_v be_v raise_v against_o such_o a_o science_n as_o geometry_n and_o the_o christian_a theology_n some_o do_v only_o require_v the_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o two_o or_o three_o proposition_n to_o be_v full_o resolve_v and_o so_o they_o may_v be_v answer_v in_o few_o word_n but_o other_o require_v a_o long_a concatenation_n of_o many_o proposition_n depend_v one_o upon_o another_o so_o that_o one_o can_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o last_o before_o he_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o truth_n and_o connexion_n of_o many_o other_o in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o satisfy_v in_o few_o word_n those_o to_o who_o all_o those_o proposition_n or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v unknown_a because_o they_o ought_v to_o examine_v they_o one_o after_o another_o notwithstanding_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v several_a time_n that_o some_o man_n who_o have_v some_o difficulty_n about_o religion_n will_v have_v their_o objection_n present_o resolve_v without_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o what_o i_o say_v though_o that_o resolution_n necessary_o suppose_v the_o knowledge_n of_o several_a other_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o satisfy_v they_o without_o instruct_v they_o in_o those_o thing_n and_o because_o they_o grow_v present_o weary_a with_o a_o long_a discourse_n it_o be_v a_o difficult_a matter_n to_o make_v they_o sensible_a of_o their_o mistake_n though_o it_o be_v their_o fault_n if_o they_o retire_v without_o be_v well_o please_v with_o those_o to_o who_o they_o propose_v their_o objection_n see_v they_o will_v not_o hear_v they_o they_o fancy_v they_o have_v force_v they_o to_o be_v silent_a or_o to_o speak_v of_o something_o else_o it_o be_v just_a as_o if_o a_o man_n altogether_o ignorant_a of_o geometry_n shall_v hear_v another_o speak_v of_o asymptot_n line_n or_o that_o approach_n near_o and_o near_o in_o infinitum_fw-la without_o ever_o touch_v one_o another_o and_o will_v know_v in_o two_o or_o three_o word_n how_o that_o can_v be_v no_o mathematician_n can_v make_v he_o understand_v it_o in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n if_o hereupon_o that_o man_n shall_v say_v that_o there_o be_v very_o great_a falsity_n in_o geometry_n and_o that_o that_o science_n be_v not_o more_o certain_a than_o several_a other_o what_o other_o judgement_n can_v be_v make_v of_o he_o but_o that_o he_o be_v the_o most_o unreasonable_a of_o all_o man_n see_v he_o will_v judge_v of_o a_o thing_n the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o depend_v upon_o many_o more_o without_o know_v they_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o those_o who_o propose_v any_o difficulty_n about_o a_o article_n of_o religion_n which_o can_v be_v understand_v without_o the_o help_n of_o some_o other_o and_o be_v angry_a because_o they_o be_v not_o answer_v in_o a_o word_n some_o who_o want_v not_o wit_n and_o doubt_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o reject_v it_o because_o they_o find_v some_o difficulty_n in_o it_o do_v most_o time_n make_v a_o most_o unreasonable_a supposition_n without_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o viz._n that_o whatever_o they_o do_v not_o distinct_o comprehend_v be_v not_o true_a as_o if_o human_a knowledge_n ought_v necessary_o to_o comprehend_v whatever_o exist_v or_o be_v do_v in_o nature_n i_o can_v easy_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o thing_n which_o our_o knowledge_n can_v attain_v to_o but_o it_o will_v suffice_v to_o observe_v here_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o unbeliever_n which_o i_o mention_v just_a now_o be_v a_o mere_a supposition_n they_o be_v please_v to_o make_v because_o they_o imagine_v it_o raise_v they_o above_o what_o they_o be_v i_o maintain_v that_o this_o proposition_n can_v be_v deny_v viz._n that_o there_o may_v real_o be_v some_o thing_n the_o modus_fw-la or_o manner_n of_o which_o humane_a nature_n can_v know_v at_o present_a though_o it_o study_v for_o it_o never_o so_o much_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o i_o do_v not_o say_v there_o may_v be_v some_o thing_n contrary_a to_o our_o distinct_a notion_n which_o be_v impossible_a but_o only_o that_o it_o may_v be_v we_o have_v not_o the_o knowledge_n that_o be_v require_v or_o the_o mean_n of_o acquire_v it_o to_o know_v some_o thing_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o what_o we_o certain_o know_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v that_o distinction_n because_o several_a people_n who_o be_v not_o aware_a of_o it_o confound_v thing_n that_o be_v extreme_o different_a we_o can_v believe_v what_o be_v real_o contrary_a to_o our_o clear_a notion_n but_o we_o believe_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o thing_n though_o we_o know_v not_o how_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v most_o unbeliever_n be_v common_o guilty_a of_o another_o fault_n which_o be_v less_o excusable_a than_o the_o former_a instead_o of_o be_v in_o such_o a_o disposition_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o such_o as_o seek_v after_o truth_n they_o act_n like_o man_n who_o only_o strive_v to_o get_v the_o better_a without_o inquire_v who_o be_v in_o the_o right_n or_o in_o the_o wrong_n they_o wrangle_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v and_o if_o those_o with_o who_o they_o dispute_v do_v it_o unsuccessful_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o take_v advantage_n of_o it_o as_o if_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n depend_v upon_o that_o they_o will_v not_o show_v those_o who_o do_v not_o defend_v religion_n well_o what_o mistake_v they_o be_v guilty_a of_o but_o only_a labour_n to_o make_v advantage_n of_o it_o that_o they_o may_v the_o more_o easy_o triumph_v over_o they_o but_o when_o the_o question_n be_v concern_v a_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n about_o which_o no_o man_n can_v deceive_v other_o without_o do_v himself_o a_o great_a prejudice_n and_o when_o truth_n be_v equal_o advantageous_a to_o every_o body_n man_n shall_v only_o labour_v to_o find_v it_o out_o and_o instead_o of_o insult_v those_o who_o can_v show_v the_o way_n to_o it_o they_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o put_v they_o in_o the_o right_a way_n the_o spirit_n of_o dispute_n be_v altogether_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n and_o a_o heathen_a philosopher_n say_v well_o 10._o well_o arist_n lib._n 1._o de_fw-la coelo_fw-la c._n 10._o that_o those_o who_o will_v right_o judge_v of_o truth_n aught_o to_o be_v arbitrator_n not_o party_n assoon_o as_o one_o have_v put_v on_o the_o character_n of_o a_o adversary_n he_o think_v no_o more_o of_o truth_n but_o of_o the_o glory_n which_o may_v be_v get_v by_o triumph_v over_o he_o who_o he_o have_v assault_v he_o be_v only_a intent_n upon_o his_o adversary_n way_n of_o reason_v to_o take_v he_o up_o upon_o all_o occasion_n but_o not_o to_o endeavour_v to_o find_v out_o a_o better_a he_o consider_v no_o long_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n as_o the_o subject_n of_o his_o enquiry_n but_o of_o his_o censure_n he_o view_v it_o on_o every_o side_n to_o find_v fault_n with_o it_o not_o to_o know_v what_o it_o be_v ground_v upon_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o this_o be_v a_o ill_a disposition_n of_o mind_n and_o unbeliever_n themselves_o can_v deny_v it_o after_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o man_n who_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o clear_a and_o beautiful_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o only_o open_v they_o to_o see_v what_o be_v obscure_a and_o difficult_a in_o it_o that_o they_o
instruct_v he_o in_o all_o those_o circumstance_n the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v establish_v upon_o some_o fact_n one_o can_v it_o judge_v of_o it_o neither_o but_o by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o circumstance_n which_o attend_v they_o wherefore_o those_o who_o desire_v it_o shall_v be_v prove_v to_o they_o without_o acquaint_v they_o with_o those_o circumstance_n require_v a_o thing_n equal_o unjust_a and_o impossible_a what_o i_o have_v say_v concern_v julius_n cesar_n can_v be_v prove_v to_o a_o man_n altogether_o ignorant_a of_o the_o roman_a history_n whilst_o he_o remain_v in_o that_o ignorance_n and_o consequent_o it_o will_v be_v unjust_a to_o require_v any_o such_o thing_n with_o respect_n to_o religion_n 3._o the_o first_o thing_n therefore_o that_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v to_o set_v down_o the_o fact_n it_o suppose_v with_o all_o their_o circumstance_n but_o a_o objection_n offer_v itself_o which_o must_v be_v resolve_v before_o they_o ask_v what_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o that_o religion_n for_o the_o christian_n have_v great_a controversy_n among_o themselves_o about_o their_o belief_n but_o our_o business_n be_v not_o to_o prove_v the_o private_a opinion_n of_o any_o party_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v that_o the_o doctrine_n about_o which_o all_o christian_n agree_v be_v true_a by_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o some_o fact_n about_o which_o they_o agree_v too_o those_o who_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o its_o doctrine_n and_o fact_n may_v if_o they_o will_v afterward_o examine_v all_o the_o controversy_n they_o please_v therefore_o without_o undertake_v to_o decide_v those_o matter_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o gospel-moral_n 1_o gospel-moral_n see_v be_v abridgement_n of_o they_o in_o ch_z 1._o of_o part_n 1_o without_o come_v to_o any_o particular_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o if_o all_o man_n live_v according_a to_o its_o precept_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n be_v careful_a to_o worship_v the_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n to_o live_v with_o modesty_n temperance_n sobriety_n and_o patience_n and_o to_o deal_v with_o their_o neighbour_n as_o they_o will_v be_v deal_v by_o they_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v i_o say_v that_o such_o a_o life_n will_v be_v most_o pleasant_a and_o advantageous_a to_o human_a society_n we_o shall_v not_o see_v a_o thousand_o impious_a extravagancy_n and_o so_o many_o superstition_n which_o have_v very_o dismal_a consequence_n as_o we_o see_v among_o idolatrous_a nation_n the_o excessive_a love_n of_o dignity_n riches_n and_o pleasure_n will_v not_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o any_o disorder_n and_o will_v be_v attend_v with_o no_o public_a or_o private_a sorrow_n man_n shall_v not_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o wrong_v their_o neighbour_n or_o suffer_v any_o trouble_n because_o of_o other_o inhumanity_n or_o malice_n they_o will_v help_v one_o another_o in_o all_o their_o needs_o with_o all_o the_o ardour_n and_o eagerness_n that_o can_v be_v wish_v for_o if_o they_o shall_v happen_v to_o give_v one_o another_o any_o trouble_n without_o any_o premeditate_a design_n they_o will_v forgive_v one_o another_o and_o make_v amends_o for_o it_o by_o all_o sort_n of_o good_a service_n last_o the_o mind_n enjoy_v a_o perfect_a tranquillity_n and_o the_o body_n be_v as_o healthful_a as_o its_o natural_a weakness_n can_v allow_v and_o both_o enjoy_n the_o harmless_a pleasure_n which_o the_o gospel_n allow_v we_o man_n will_v not_o part_v with_o so_o pleasant_a a_o life_n but_o to_o enjoy_v another_o that_o will_v be_v free_a for_o ever_o from_o the_o unavoidable_a inconvenience_n to_o which_o nature_n have_v make_v those_o liable_a who_o live_v upon_o earth_n such_o as_o have_v any_o notion_n of_o the_o moral_n of_o christ_n will_v necessary_o grant_v this_o truth_n viz._n that_o man_n will_v be_v most_o happy_a if_o they_o observe_v they_o all_o alike_o it_o will_v perhaps_o be_v ask_v whether_o any_o christian_a society_n do_v it_o but_o that_o be_v not_o a_o proper_a question_n it_o be_v enough_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o a_o doctrine_n which_o can_v work_v so_o admirable_a effect_n must_v needs_o make_v one_o entertain_v favourable_a thought_n of_o those_o who_o preach_v it_o at_o first_o we_o can_v forbear_v admire_v those_o who_o first_o exhort_v man_n to_o live_v one_o with_o another_o after_o a_o manner_n so_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n so_o advantageous_a to_o society_n and_o so_o pleasant_a and_o charm_a that_o nothing_o can_v be_v prefer_v to_o it_o but_o the_o supreme_a happiness_n which_o can_v be_v enjoy_v but_o in_o a_o endless_a life_n 4._o to_o know_v when_o that_o doctrine_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n and_o by_o who_o we_o need_v only_o examine_v from_o age_n to_o age_n the_o author_n who_o speak_v of_o it_o by_o ascend_v from_o we_o to_o that_o wherein_o christianity_n begin_v first_o to_o be_v know_v we_o shall_v learn_v from_o thence_o or_o from_o the_o read_n of_o some_o history_n that_o above_o thirteen_o hundred_o year_n past_o the_o roman_a emperor_n have_v embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n it_o flourish_v in_o a_o great_a part_n of_o europe_n asia_n and_o africa_n we_o may_v be_v convince_v by_o a_o great_a number_n of_o christian_a author_n that_o from_o that_o time_n they_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o gospel-moral_n if_o we_o go_v high_a still_o we_o shall_v find_v by_o the_o read_n of_o heathen_a and_o christian_a author_n that_o there_o be_v already_o a_o great_a multitude_n of_o christian_n under_o those_o emperor_n who_o teach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n all_o those_o who_o speak_v of_o the_o origin_n of_o christianity_n grant_v it_o begin_v under_o the_o empire_n of_o tiberius_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o hear_v of_o before_o tacitus_n who_o be_v bear_v towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o empire_n of_o claudius_n or_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o nero_n say_v that_o nero_n have_v set_v on_o fire_n several_a part_n of_o rome_n charge_v the_o christian_n with_o it_o and_o put_v they_o to_o horrible_a torment_n he_o take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o origin_n of_o christianity_n in_o these_o word_n 44._o word_n annal._n lib._n 15._o c._n 44._o the_o author_n of_o that_o sect_n be_v christ_n who_o be_v put_v to_o death_n under_o the_o empire_n of_o tiberius_n by_o pontius_n pilate_n governor_n of_o judea_n that_o pernicious_a superstition_n though_o suppress_v in_o the_o beginning_n quick_o break_v out_o again_o and_o spread_v itself_o not_o only_o throughout_o judea_n the_o place_n where_o this_o evil_n have_v its_o origin_n but_o also_o in_o rome_n whither_o every_o villainous_a and_o shameful_a thing_n resort_v and_o find_v abettor_n those_o who_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v christian_n be_v present_o seize_v and_o then_o a_o great_a multitude_n of_o people_n who_o they_o discover_v but_o be_v not_o convict_v of_o be_v incendiary_n so_o much_o as_o they_o be_v run_v down_o by_o the_o hatred_n that_o all_o man_n bear_v against_o they_o it_o appear_v from_o hence_o that_o tacitus_n though_o a_o man_n of_o sense_n be_v not_o at_o the_o pain_n to_o know_v what_o christianity_n be_v of_o which_o he_o speak_v after_o a_o most_o absurd_a manner_n it_o be_v a_o shameful_a effect_n of_o his_o negligence_n as_o i_o have_v observe_v elsewhere_o and_o perhaps_o of_o the_o roman_a vanity_n which_o despise_v every_o thing_n except_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o grecian_n but_o two_o thing_n may_v be_v observe_v in_o those_o word_n one_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n which_o the_o evangelist_n teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v one_o jesus_n in_o the_o time_n of_o tiberius_n who_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o christ_n or_o messiah_n who_o pontius_n pilate_n put_v to_o death_n the_o other_o be_v that_o the_o christian_n be_v not_o find_v guilty_a of_o the_o fire_n of_o rome_n and_o can_v not_o be_v put_v to_o death_n as_o tacitus_n believe_v but_o upon_o that_o accusation_n which_o concern_v also_o the_o jew_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v enemy_n to_o mankind_n the_o interpreter_n of_o place_n of_o see_v lipsius_n upon_o this_o place_n tacitus_n have_v show_v that_o that_o historian_n confound_v the_o jew_n with_o the_o christian_n as_o it_o be_v but_o too_o true_a that_o the_o jew_n be_v enemy_n to_o other_o man_n so_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a than_o to_o accuse_v the_o christian_n of_o it_o who_o have_v draw_v on_o themselves_o the_o hatred_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o maintain_v that_o all_o man_n be_v brethren_n and_o free_o converse_v with_o all_o nation_n we_o have_v also_o the_o testimony_n of_o another_o contemporary_a author_n and_o a_o friend_n of_o tacitus_n but_o who_o be_v somewhat_o more_o careful_a to_o know_v the_o opinion_n of_o