he_o think_v he_o himself_o have_v write_v enough_o in_o his_o gospel_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o to_o direct_v they_o in_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a life_n there_o be_v therefore_o in_o those_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o we_o now_o have_v several_a abridgement_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a doctrine_n it_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n be_v pretend_v that_o all_o these_o book_n together_o be_v not_o sufficient_a full_o to_o instruct_v we_o therein_o beside_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v preach_v suppose_v by_o st._n thomas_n in_o india_n or_o by_o st._n simon_n in_o africa_n or_o by_o any_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n in_o country_n remote_a from_o judea_n or_o without_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n be_v undoubted_o the_o very_a same_o gospel_n that_o be_v preach_v by_o st._n peter_n and_o st._n paul_n or_o those_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n who_o book_n be_v now_o extant_a and_o receive_v by_o the_o 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the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a have_v in_o my_o first_o discourse_n on_o these_o word_n endeavour_v to_o show_v in_o general_n that_o a_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n may_v be_v so_o well_o contrive_v and_o so_o well_o attest_v as_o to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o repentance_n if_o they_o be_v not_o unreasonable_o blind_a and_o obstinate_a i_o come_v the_o last_o time_n to_o consider_v whether_o that_o stand_a revelation_n which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v such_o a_o revelation_n or_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o some_o particular_a defect_n in_o it_o which_o render_v it_o not_o so_o sufficient_a for_o this_o purpose_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a a_o stand_a revelation_n may_v be_v and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o defect_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o must_v 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be_v unreasonable_a for_o we_o to_o desire_v the_o same_o unless_o we_o be_v to_o be_v put_v to_o the_o same_o trial_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o they_o be_v which_o in_o a_o christian_a country_n can_v hardly_o be_v and_o indeed_o as_o desirous_a as_o we_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o have_v such_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v the_o apostle_n have_v i_o believe_v there_o be_v very_o few_o of_o we_o but_o have_v rather_o be_v content_v with_o less_o evidence_n than_o have_v so_o much_o as_o the_o apostle_n have_v with_o its_o appendant_a burden_n which_o be_v to_o travel_v all_o the_o world_n over_o even_o into_o the_o most_o rude_a and_o barbarous_a country_n to_o plant_v christianity_n expect_v wherever_o they_o come_v bond_n and_o affliction_n meet_v every_o where_n with_o the_o most_o violent_a opposition_n and_o rough_a usage_n encounter_v every_o where_o the_o great_a danger_n and_o sure_a at_o last_o to_o be_v make_v a_o bloody_a sacrifice_n 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of_o book_n as_o write_v by_o such_o and_o such_o author_n without_o sufficient_a assurance_n thereof_o but_o i_o believe_v the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v some_o man_n who_o for_o reason_n best_o know_v to_o themselves_o but_o which_o may_v some_o of_o they_o be_v easy_o enough_o guess_v at_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o to_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n that_o a_o book_n be_v write_v by_o a_o prophet_n or_o a_o apostle_n which_o they_o must_v and_o do_v allow_v to_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n in_o any_o other_o case_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n for_o in_o other_o case_n we_o make_v no_o doubt_n to_o receive_v a_o book_n as_o write_v by_o such_o a_o author_n if_o he_o own_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o or_o if_o it_o be_v show_v write_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n or_o if_o they_o that_o be_v the_o publisher_n of_o it_o declare_v that_o they_o have_v it_o from_o he_o as_o his_o own_o or_o that_o they_o transcribe_v or_o print_v it_o from_o a_o copy_n which_o they_o 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mention_v as_o brief_o as_o may_v be_v the_o answer_n that_o have_v be_v usual_o give_v to_o these_o objection_n and_o 1._o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o of_o some_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o author_n name_n be_v not_o certain_o know_v as_o namely_o of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n and_o that_o of_o other_o the_o author_n have_v be_v doubt_v particular_o of_o the_o second_o and_o three_o epiâ—tles_n of_o st._n john_n to_o this_o it_o have_v be_v answer_v 1._o that_o the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o book_n depend_v many_o time_n much_o more_o upon_o the_o good_a assurance_n that_o we_o have_v of_o the_o time_n when_o it_o be_v write_v and_o of_o the_o character_n of_o the_o person_n that_o write_v it_o than_o upon_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o his_o name_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a consequence_n whether_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v writâ—en_v by_o st._n paul_n himself_o as_o be_v common_o and_o upon_o â—ery_o probable_a ground_n believe_v or_o as_o some_o have_v conjecture_v by_o st._n luke_n his_o constant_a companion_n or_o as_o other_o by_o st._n clemens_n his_o fellow-labourer_n â—hose_v name_n be_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n 4.3_o phil._n 4.3_o or_o as_o other_o â—y_a st._n barnabas_n his_o assistant_n in_o preach_v the_o goâ—pel_n 14.14_o act_n 14.14_o and_o who_o be_v dignify_v by_o st._n luke_n with_o the_o tiâ—e_n of_o a_o apostle_n and_o so_o neither_o be_v it_o very_o maâ—erial_a whether_o the_o epistle_n call_v the_o second_o and_o three_o epistle_n of_o st._n john_n and_o common_o believe_v to_o be_v write_v by_o the_o same_o person_n that_o write_v the_o first_o be_v indeed_o write_v by_o st._n john_n the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n or_o as_o some_o have_v think_v by_o another_o â—ohn_n who_o be_v make_v bishop_n of_o the_o jewish_a christiansâ—t_n â—t_z ephesus_n by_o he_o for_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o writer_n of_o these_o book_n which_o 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the_o copy_n thereof_o that_o â—ere_z general_o in_o man_n hand_n in_o which_o there_o be_v â—en_o to_o this_o day_n a_o admirable_a agreement_n in_o all_o matâ—â—rs_n of_o moment_n and_o from_o that_o general_a agreement_n â—â—at_v always_o be_v in_o all_o the_o copy_n of_o this_o book_n exâ—â—pt_v those_o few_o that_o be_v sometime_o corrupt_v by_o heretic_n to_o serve_v a_o turn_n their_o attempt_n of_o this_o kind_n â—â—ve_v be_v always_o render_v successless_a and_o those_o false_a doctrine_n that_o be_v justify_v only_o by_o their_o own_o false_a copy_n of_o this_o book_n solid_o confute_v 3._o it_o be_v further_a answer_v that_o not_o only_o there_o be_v no_o â—â—idence_n that_o there_o have_v be_v but_o that_o it_o be_v moral_o â—â—possible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o general_a depravation_n 〈◊〉_d the_o copy_n of_o this_o book_n either_o design_o or_o by_o â—ance_n in_o any_o place_n of_o great_a consequence_n either_o point_n of_o history_n or_o doctrine_n for_o when_o 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to_o make_v they_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o thorough_o to_o furnish_v they_o unto_o all_o good_a work_n and_o now_o from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v i_o hope_v it_o appear_v that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v by_o those_o person_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v or_o to_o who_o they_o be_v ascribe_v viz._n by_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n or_o other_o inspire_a man_n which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n i_o be_v to_o make_v good_a whether_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v they_o credit_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o have_v relate_v and_o whether_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v well_o prove_v by_o the_o history_n of_o it_o shall_v god_n will_v be_v hereafter_o inquire_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n suppose_v their_o testimony_n to_o be_v credible_a what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o first_o head_n may_v serve_v to_o show_v in_o some_o measure_n the_o 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time_n can_v have_v no_o possible_a doubt_n of_o their_o supernatural_a assistance_n they_o that_o hear_v they_o speak_v with_o tongue_n which_o they_o have_v never_o learn_v can_v not_o but_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o give_v they_o this_o utterance_n 2.4_o act_n 2.4_o because_o nothing_o else_o can_v give_v it_o so_o that_o this_o be_v not_o only_o as_o their_o other_o miracle_n be_v a_o proof_n of_o inspiration_n but_o likewise_o a_o instance_n and_o example_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o proof_n of_o a_o inward_a and_o invisible_a inspiration_n by_o a_o inspiration_n that_o be_v as_o i_o may_v say_v outward_a and_o visible_a by_o a_o inspiration_n that_o be_v discernible_a even_o by_o the_o bodily_a sense_n of_o all_o those_o that_o be_v present_a but_o be_v it_o so_o perhaps_o the_o infidel_n will_v say_v that_o they_o that_o see_v the_o miracle_n which_o the_o apostle_n be_v report_v to_o have_v do_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n have_v reason_n enough_o to_o 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confirmation_n of_o that_o nay_o rather_o we_o think_v they_o be_v less_o credible_a witness_n in_o their_o own_o case_n than_o they_o be_v in_o he_o so_o that_o to_o we_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n grant_v it_o to_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v of_o no_o more_o authority_n than_o their_o write_n it_o consider_v only_o with_o respect_n to_o their_o natural_a and_o moral_a capacity_n and_o qualification_n can_v give_v to_o it_o because_o that_o seal_n of_o miracle_n which_o be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v affix_v thereto_o by_o god_n be_v now_o by_o length_n of_o time_n quite_o wear_v off_o or_o at_o least_o the_o impression_n thereof_o be_v now_o so_o deface_v that_o we_o can_v distinguish_v who_o seal_v it_o be_v or_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o true_a seal_n or_o a_o counterfeit_a one_o and_o that_o this_o seal_n be_v ever_o affix_v to_o their_o testimony_n be_v testify_v only_o by_o those_o same_o witness_n who_o the_o testimony_n its_o self_n be_v to_o this_o objection_n therefore_o which_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v have_v some_o appearance_n of_o weight_n and_o reason_n in_o it_o i_o answer_v 1._o by_o deny_v the_o ground_n it_o be_v build_v upon_o viz._n that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v the_o only_a proof_n we_o have_v of_o the_o miracle_n which_o they_o wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o testimony_n concern_v jesus_n for_o beside_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o epistle_n and_o in_o the_o act_n witness_v their_o own_o miracle_n we_o have_v likewise_o the_o testimony_n of_o all_o the_o other_o christian_a writer_n who_o book_n be_v preserve_v that_o live_v in_o or_o near_o the_o apostle_n time_n witness_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o this_o testimony_n not_o only_o give_v as_o it_o be_v in_o secret_a in_o order_n to_o the_o make_v proselyte_n of_o such_o as_o they_o find_v to_o be_v easy_a and_o credulous_a but_o in_o the_o most_o public_a manner_n in_o those_o apology_n for_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o they_o present_v to_o magistrate_n and_o publish_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n in_o which_o for_o proof_n that_o these_o miracle_n have_v be_v wrought_v by_o the_o apostle_n they_o appeal_v to_o all_o the_o history_n and_o record_n of_o the_o apostle_n time_n then_o extant_a in_o which_o they_o challenge_v any_o that_o can_v do_v it_o to_o contradict_v their_o testimony_n in_o which_o they_o testify_v that_o the_o same_o miraculous_a power_n do_v still_o continue_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o be_v sometime_o exert_v often_o enough_o and_o open_o enough_o to_o prove_v its_o be_v though_o not_o so_o frequent_o as_o it_o have_v be_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o when_o there_o be_v more_o need_n of_o show_v it_o viz._n at_o their_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n now_o these_o thing_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v true_a the_o first_o christian_n in_o the_o circumstance_n they_o be_v then_o in_o will_v not_o have_v dare_v to_o affirm_v and_o if_o they_o have_v be_v false_a they_o may_v easy_o have_v be_v disprove_v and_o they_o will_v most_o certain_o have_v be_v at_o least_o bold_o deny_v and_o contradict_v by_o the_o profess_a adversary_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o they_o do_v not_o deny_v or_o contradict_v they_o do_v not_o offer_v to_o disprove_v the_o report_n that_o be_v then_o general_o believe_v of_o the_o miracle_n that_o have_v be_v do_v by_o the_o apostle_n nay_o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o this_o that_o there_o be_v good_a evidence_n from_o antiquity_n still_o remain_v that_o several_a even_o of_o those_o who_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o oppose_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n do_v yet_o express_o own_o that_o great_a and_o mighty_a work_n have_v indeed_o be_v do_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o well_o as_o of_o their_o master_n but_o than_o they_o have_v be_v do_v they_o say_v and_o that_o be_v all_o they_o can_v say_v in_o the_o case_n by_o magic_a art_n by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o devil_n just_a as_o the_o jew_n have_v say_v before_o of_o our_o saviour_n mat._n 12.24_o this_o fellow_n do_v not_o cast_v out_o devil_n but_o by_o beelzebub_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o devil_n i_o shall_v not_o stay_v now_o to_o show_v how_o groundless_a as_o well_o as_o malicious_a this_o suggestion_n be_v with_o reference_n both_o to_o our_o lord_n miracle_n and_o to_o they_o because_o i_o suppose_v i_o shall_v have_v a_o better_a occasion_n to_o do_v it_o hereafter_o in_o my_o next_o discourse_n it_o be_v enough_o for_o my_o present_a purpose_n if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n only_o be_v grant_v viz._n that_o the_o apostle_n do_v do_v many_o miracle_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o confirm_v their_o testimony_n concern_v he_o and_o that_o they_o do_v so_o can_v i_o say_v be_v reasonable_o doubt_v because_o it_o be_v witness_v not_o only_o by_o themselves_o but_o by_o all_o the_o christian_a writer_n of_o those_o or_o the_o succeed_a time_n and_o be_v not_o deny_v nay_o be_v grant_v even_o by_o their_o adversary_n and_o opposer_n but_o 2._o if_o we_o have_v not_o so_o good_a proof_n of_o the_o miracle_n do_v by_o the_o apostle_n if_o there_o be_v no_o witness_n thereof_o but_o themselves_o i_o say_v however_o that_o their_o testimony_n alone_o will_v be_v very_o credible_a nay_o indeed_o the_o thing_n testify_v by_o they_o must_v i_o think_v necessary_o have_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o we_o although_o there_o have_v be_v no_o history_n or_o record_n at_o all_o of_o it_o transmit_v to_o our_o time_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o without_o the_o light_n of_o history_n we_o can_v have_v know_v that_o they_o do_v just_o those_o very_a miracle_n which_o be_v record_v but_o i_o say_v that_o without_o this_o we_o may_v have_v know_v in_o general_a that_o they_o do_v do_v miracle_n or_o that_o they_o be_v assist_v by_o a_o supernatural_a power_n this_o i_o say_v we_o may_v have_v be_v sure_a of_o by_o the_o permanent_a effect_n of_o such_o a_o power_n continue_v after_o their_o time_n and_o testify_v by_o all_o historian_n heathen_a as_o well_o as_o christian_a of_o all_o age_n ever_o since_o and_o which_o be_v even_o still_o extant_a and_o visible_a for_o that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v now_o christian_n we_o see_v and_o know_v and_o that_o it_o have_v be_v so_o for_o many_o age_n pass_v we_o be_v as_o sure_a as_o we_o be_v that_o there_o have_v be_v any_o age_n pass_v before_o our_o own_o and_o look_v back_o to_o see_v when_o and_o how_o it_o come_v to_o be_v so_o we_o learn_v by_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o all_o history_n jewish_a pagan_a and_o christian_n that_o christianity_n have_v its_o beginning_n in_o judea_n just_a at_o that_o time_n in_o which_o the_o sacred_a history_n
sermon_n iii_o page_n 25._o line_n 1._o for_o once_o read_v now_o for_o those_o read_v these_o advertisement_n the_o three_o remain_a lecture_n for_o this_o year_n be_v to_o be_v at_o st._n paul_n on_o the_o first_o mondays_n in_o september_n october_n and_o november_n but_o the_o first_o monday_n in_o september_n be_v the_o fast-day_n for_o the_o fire_n of_o london_n when_o there_o will_v be_v in_o the_o morning_n a_o sermon_n suitable_a to_o that_o occasion_n preach_v before_o the_o lord_n mayor_n aldermen_z and_o company_n of_o the_o city_n mr._n boyle_n lecture_n on_o that_o day_n be_v order_v to_o be_v preach_v in_o the_o afternoon_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture-revelation_n as_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o part_n iii_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n september_n 2d_o 1700._o be_v the_o six_o for_o the_o year_n 1700_o of_o thâ—_n lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o offspring_n blackall_n d._n d._n rector_n of_o st._n marry_o aldermary_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v by_o j._n leake_n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._o st._n luke_n xvi_o 29_o 30_o 31._o abraham_n say_v unto_o he_o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o he_o say_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a in_o order_n to_o show_v that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n give_v we_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o new-testament_n and_o of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o it_o i_o have_v former_o propound_v to_o show_v 1._o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n be_v write_v by_o those_o person_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o 2._o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o they_o in_o their_o relation_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o have_v record_v and_o 3._o that_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n therein_o record_v be_v true_a they_o be_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v therein_o teach_v and_o the_o two_o first_o of_o these_o point_n i_o have_v i_o hope_v already_o make_v good_a i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o three_o viz._n 3._o to_o show_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v well_o ground_v upon_o the_o history_n of_o it_o that_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o new-testament_n be_v true_a they_o be_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v therein_o teach_v and_o here_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o understand_v both_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o it_o propose_v to_o our_o belief_n and_o the_o rule_n which_o it_o prescribe_v to_o our_o practice_n many_o of_o the_o former_a of_o which_o be_v themselves_o part_v of_o the_o gospel_n history_n as_o the_o incarnation_n life_n suffering_n death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o both_o sort_n be_v teach_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n either_o by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o or_o by_o his_o apostle_n and_o i_o suppose_v it_o will_v be_v ready_o grant_v that_o all_o their_o doctrine_n be_v true_a and_o also_o of_o divine_a authority_n if_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o they_o be_v commission_v and_o send_v by_o god_n to_o instruct_v the_o world_n for_o he_o who_o god_n have_v send_v speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n joh._n iii._o 34._o the_o single_a point_n therefore_o to_o be_v consider_v at_o this_o time_n be_v whether_o there_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n from_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v commission_v and_o send_v by_o god_n to_o instruct_v the_o world_n and_o first_o whether_o there_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n from_o thence_o that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o be_v a_o teacher_n send_v from_o god_n now_o that_o he_o say_v he_o be_v send_v from_o god_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o a_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n history_n joh._n twelve_o 49._o 24._o see_v joh._n 5.37_o 38.8.38.14.10_o 24._o i_o have_v not_o speak_v of_o myself_o but_o the_o father_n which_o send_v i_o he_o give_v i_o a_o commandment_n what_o i_o shall_v say_v and_o what_o i_o shall_v speak_v and_o that_o he_o say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n which_o have_v be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n be_v likewise_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o a_o part_n of_o the_o same_o history_n joh._n four_o 25_o 26._o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n say_v unto_o he_o i_o know_v that_o messiah_n come_v which_o be_v call_v christ_n 9.47_o mat._n 16.16_o 17._o mar._n 9.41_o luke_n 24.46_o joh._n 9.47_o when_o he_o be_v come_v he_o will_v tell_v we_o all_o thing_n jesus_n say_v unto_o he_o i_o that_o speak_v unto_o thou_o am_z he._n the_o question_n therefore_o be_v whether_o from_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v record_v of_o he_o by_o the_o evangelist_n there_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o either_o or_o both_o these_o pretence_n i_o say_v of_o either_o or_o both_o of_o they_o because_o either_o of_o they_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o receive_v his_o doctrine_n as_o true_a and_o divine_a for_o which_o cause_n therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o subject_a distinguish_v between_o the_o evidence_n which_o the_o gospel-history_n afford_v of_o his_o be_v a_o prophet_n and_o those_o which_o it_o afford_v of_o his_o be_v the_o messiah_n but_o shall_v propose_v they_o promiscuous_o as_o they_o come_v to_o mind_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v consider_v first_o the_o credibility_n of_o our_o saviour_n own_o testimony_n concern_v himself_o and_o second_o the_o confirmation_n that_o be_v give_v to_o this_o testimony_n by_o god_n ground_v all_o that_o shall_v be_v say_v on_o both_o these_o head_n upon_o the_o gospel-history_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o i_o now_o take_v for_o grant_v as_o be_v i_o hope_v already_o sufficient_o prove_v first_o then_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o credibility_n of_o our_o saviour_n own_o testimony_n concern_v himself_o when_o he_o say_v that_o he_o be_v send_v by_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o i_o know_v it_o be_v common_o say_v that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v in_o his_o own_o case_n and_o this_o very_a thing_n be_v object_v to_o our_o saviour_n by_o the_o jew_n joh._n viij_o 13._o thou_o bear_v record_n of_o thyself_o thy_o record_n be_v not_o true_a but_o this_o say_v be_v not_o without_o exception_n when_o indeed_o what_o a_o man_n witness_n be_v for_o his_o own_o benefit_n his_o testimony_n if_o it_o be_v single_a may_v reasonable_o be_v reject_v especial_o if_o any_o proof_n be_v make_v that_o at_o other_o time_n he_o have_v tell_v a_o lie_n or_o do_v any_o other_o ill_a thing_n for_o his_o advantage_n but_o otherwise_o a_o man_n testimony_n concern_v himself_n may_v be_v credible_a nay_o in_o some_o case_n it_o may_v be_v more_o credible_a than_o another_o man_n because_o he_o may_v sometime_o be_v sure_a of_o what_o he_o say_v concern_v himself_o than_o another_o man_n can_v be_v and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n who_o in_o joh._n v._n 31._o allow_v of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o that_o say_v if_o i_o bear_v witness_n of_o myself_o my_o witness_n be_v not_o true_a yet_o when_o this_o very_a thing_n be_v afterward_o object_v to_o he_o by_o the_o pharisee_n in_o the_o place_n before-cited_n make_v answer_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n though_o i_o bear_v record_n of_o myself_o 8.14_o joh._n 8.14_o yet_o my_o record_n be_v true_a for_o i_o know_v whence_o i_o come_v etc._n etc._n and_o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n concern_v his_o own_o divine_a mission_n be_v such_o as_o we_o may_v rational_o give_v credit_n to_o though_o we_o have_v no_o other_o evidence_n of_o it_o will_n i_o suppose_v sufficient_o appear_v if_o these_o follow_a thing_n be_v consider_v 1._o that_o his_o whole_a life_n according_a to_o the_o account_n that_o be_v give_v of_o it_o by_o the_o evangelist_n which_o we_o now_o build_v upon_o as_o true_a be_v in_o all_o respect_n spotless_a and_o unblameable_a 1.19_o 1_o pet._n 2.22_o 1_o pet._n 1.19_o he_o do_v no_o sin_n neither_o be_v guile_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n he_o be_v a_o lamb_n without_o blemish_n and_o without_o spot_n
and_o this_o he_o himself_o urge_v as_o a_o reason_n why_o his_o testimony_n ought_v to_o be_v credit_v joh._n viij_o 46._o which_o of_o you_o convince_v i_o of_o sin_n and_o if_o i_o say_v the_o truth_n why_o do_v you_o not_o believe_v i_o and_o a_o very_a good_a reason_n it_o be_v for_o it_o can_v not_o just_o be_v suspect_v that_o a_o person_n of_o who_o no_o other_o ill_a thing_n can_v be_v say_v be_v yet_o indeed_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n guilty_a of_o a_o crime_n of_o the_o great_a magnitude_n viz._n of_o lie_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n of_o say_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v send_v he_o when_o indeed_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o send_v he_o nor_o speak_v by_o he_o 2._o it_o may_v be_v also_o consider_v that_o this_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n though_o it_o be_v concern_v himself_o yet_o be_v not_o for_o himself_o i_o mean_v it_o be_v not_o for_o his_o own_o worldly_a advantage_n and_o this_o consideration_n he_o himself_o likewise_o offer_v to_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o testimony_n joh._n seven_o 18._o he_o that_o speak_v of_o himself_o seek_v his_o own_o glory_n but_o he_o that_o seek_v his_o glory_n that_o send_v he_o the_o same_o be_v true_a and_o no_o unrighteousness_n be_v in_o he_o have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o he_o pretend_v be_v what_o god_n have_v command_v he_o to_o teach_v be_v contrive_v to_o advance_v the_o worldly_a honour_n and_o greatness_n of_o himself_o or_o his_o follower_n this_o will_v have_v be_v a_o just_a prejudice_n against_o it_o and_o a_o reasonable_a ground_n of_o suspect_v that_o he_o speak_v of_o himself_o but_o when_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o all_o that_o hear_v his_o discourse_n and_o be_v no_o less_o so_o to_o we_o that_o read_v they_o that_o he_o seek_v not_o his_o own_o glory_n in_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o glory_n of_o he_o that_o send_v he_o and_o that_o his_o whole_a doctrine_n tend_v to_o advance_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o 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against_o his_o own_o interest_n if_o he_o himself_o be_v a_o great_a loser_n or_o sufferer_n by_o what_o he_o testify_v for_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v what_o else_o but_o only_o the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n and_o a_o obligation_n to_o declare_v it_o shall_v ever_o induce_v a_o man_n to_o say_v such_o thing_n concern_v himself_o as_o will_v procure_v his_o own_o mischief_n and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o can_v be_v say_v to_o avoid_v the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n testimony_n that_o he_o be_v send_v from_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n unless_o it_o be_v that_o he_o be_v disappoint_v in_o his_o expectation_n and_o that_o he_o hope_v to_o make_v himself_o rich_a and_o great_a in_o the_o world_n by_o these_o glorious_a pretence_n though_o in_o the_o event_n it_o prove_v otherwise_o but_o the_o gospel-history_n furnish_v we_o with_o a_o very_a clear_a and_o full_a answer_n to_o this_o objection_n in_o those_o many_o prediction_n of_o our_o lord_n therein_o record_v concern_v his_o own_o suffering_n 16.31.20.17_o mat._n 16.31.20.17_o whereby_o it_o clear_o appear_v that_o the_o suffering_n which_o befall_v he_o for_o give_v this_o testimony_n concern_v himself_o do_v not_o happen_v to_o he_o unexpected_o but_o that_o he_o know_v long_o before_o all_o that_o afterward_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o therefore_o i_o say_v again_o that_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v imagine_v why_o he_o shall_v say_v that_o he_o be_v send_v from_o god_n but_o only_o because_o he_o know_v it_o be_v true_a and_o have_v receive_v a_o command_n from_o his_o father_n to_o declare_v this_o truth_n to_o the_o world_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v further_o 4._o last_o that_o he_o continue_v to_o testify_v the_o same_o at_o his_o death_n which_o he_o have_v do_v before_o in_o his_o life_n give_v thereby_o the_o best_a assurance_n that_o a_o man_n can_v give_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o testimony_n for_o the_o main_a matter_n of_o his_o accusation_n to_o pilate_n be_v that_o he_o have_v give_v out_o himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o the_o messiah_n be_v according_a to_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o be_v a_o great_a temporal_a king_n have_v our_o lord_n therefore_o but_o deny_v this_o charge_n have_v he_o but_o grant_v that_o he_o be_v not_o the_o messiah_n he_o may_v have_v save_v his_o life_n but_o this_o he_o will_v not_o do_v he_o disown_v indeed_o the_o false_a notion_n that_o the_o jew_n have_v of_o the_o messiah_n my_o kingdom_n 62._o john_n 18.26_o mat._n 27.11_o joh._n 18.37_o mat._n 26.63_o 64._o mar._n 14.61_o 62._o say_v he_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n but_o that_o he_o be_v a_o king_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n he_o bold_o own_v as_o well_o when_o the_o question_n be_v put_v to_o he_o by_o the_o roman_a governor_n who_o have_v power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n as_o when_o it_o have_v be_v put_v to_o he_o before_o by_o the_o highpriest_n this_o therefore_o 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witness_v of_o the_o holy-ghost_n which_o i_o now_o chief_o design_n be_v that_o which_o be_v give_v to_o he_o after_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o be_v a_o evident_a token_n that_o all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v then_o commit_v to_o he_o i_o mean_v those_o gift_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n which_o he_o shower_v down_o on_o his_o apostle_n on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n when_o be_v meet_v together_o etc._n act_n 2.1_o etc._n etc._n there_o come_v sudden_o a_o sound_n from_o heaven_n as_o of_o a_o rush_v mighty_a wind_n which_o fill_v all_o the_o house_n where_o they_o be_v sit_v and_o there_o appear_v unto_o they_o cleave_a tongue_n like_v as_o of_o fire_n which_o sit_v upon_o each_o of_o they_o whereupon_o they_o wre_v all_o fill_v with_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o begin_v to_o speak_v with_o other_o tongue_n as_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o utterance_n and_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n our_o saviour_n promise_v before_o shall_v be_v give_v 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of_o fact_n i_o have_v take_v for_o grant_v as_o be_v part_n of_o the_o gospel-history_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o have_v be_v i_o hope_v already_o sufficient_o prove_v and_o the_o evidence_n itself_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o full_a that_o i_o think_v it_o needless_a to_o open_v it_o in_o more_o word_n than_o i_o have_v do_v for_o that_o the_o testimony_n which_o god_n do_v by_o all_o these_o way_n give_v to_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o rational_a inducement_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v concern_v himself_o be_v what_o i_o think_v can_v be_v doubt_v by_o those_o that_o allow_v themselves_o any_o time_n to_o consider_v thing_n this_n i_o be_o sure_a i_o may_v say_v that_o if_o this_o strong_a evidence_n that_o the_o gospel-history_n afford_v of_o our_o saviour_n divine_a mission_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v it_o there_o never_o yet_o have_v be_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o divine_a revelation_n i_o have_v almost_o say_v nor_o ever_o can_v be_v but_o that_o i_o know_v it_o be_v not_o for_o we_o to_o say_v what_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n can_v do_v but_o as_o some_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n say_v 7.31_o joh._n 7.31_o when_o christ_n come_v will_v he_o do_v more_o miracle_n than_o these_o which_o this_o man_n have_v do_v so_o i_o may_v ask_v and_o i_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v very_o difficult_a to_o make_v answer_n to_o it_o when_o christ_n come_v if_o indeed_o he_o be_v not_o already_o come_v if_o indeed_o that_o jesus_n on_o who_o we_o believe_v be_v not_o he_o how_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o know_v he_o what_o great_a assurance_n can_v he_o give_v we_o that_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n than_o jesus_n have_v give_v what_o better_a reason_n can_v we_o ever_o have_v to_o believe_v any_o messenger_n that_o shall_v be_v send_v from_o god_n than_o we_o have_v to_o believe_v our_o saviour_n for_o we_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n suppose_v the_o gospel-history_n to_o be_v true_a to_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v send_v from_o god_n as_o we_o have_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n we_o be_v as_o secure_v that_o we_o be_v not_o deceive_v in_o he_o as_o we_o be_v that_o we_o be_v not_o deceive_v in_o the_o plain_a matter_n of_o sense_n for_o the_o best_a the_o only_a security_n that_o we_o have_v that_o our_o sense_n do_v not_o deceive_v we_o and_o that_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o quite_o otherwise_o than_o it_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o be_v be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o this_o same_o security_n we_o have_v that_o we_o be_v not_o deceive_v in_o our_o saviour_n divine_a mission_n nay_o we_o be_v more_o secure_a of_o this_o than_o we_o be_v of_o that_o because_o it_o be_v more_o plain_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o deceive_v we_o in_o a_o matter_n on_o which_o our_o everlasting_a welfare_n depend_v than_o in_o matter_n only_o of_o this_o life_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a thing_n for_o which_o our_o bodily_a sense_n be_v of_o use_n to_o 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shall_v not_o receive_v they_o as_o such_o because_o they_o be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o our_o saviour_n teach_v and_o no_o other_o some_o point_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v indeed_o more_o large_o explain_v and_o handle_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o epistle_n than_o they_o be_v in_o those_o discourse_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o be_v record_v by_o the_o evangelist_n but_o between_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o our_o lord_n himself_o and_o those_o teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v such_o a_o perfect_a harmony_n and_o agreement_n that_o if_o we_o have_v only_o their_o own_o word_n for_o it_o that_o they_o speak_v and_o write_v by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o may_v secure_o believe_v they_o for_o though_o one_o man_n may_v without_o inspiration_n say_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o another_o before_o he_o have_v speak_v by_o inspiration_n yet_o if_o the_o second_o say_v that_o he_o also_o be_v inspire_v there_o can_v be_v no_o hurt_a though_o there_o may_v be_v a_o mistake_n in_o believe_v he_o see_v whether_o the_o man_n be_v inspire_a or_o no_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o doctrine_n be_v but_o 2._o if_o there_o be_v any_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o we_o do_v not_o see_v be_v teach_v before_o by_o our_o saviour_n i_o say_v there_o be_v however_o from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n evidence_n enough_o of_o their_o divine_a mission_n also_o so_o that_o we_o may_v very_o secure_o take_v upon_o their_o credit_n as_o true_a and_o divine_a any_o doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v instruct_v we_o in_o for_o 1._o that_o they_o be_v send_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v past_o all_o dispute_n if_o the_o gospel-history_n be_v true_a joh._n xx_o 21._o as_o
my_o father_n have_v send_v i_o so_o send_v i_o you_o and_o again_o mat._n xxviii_o 19_o 20._o go_v you_o and_o disciple_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o that_o he_o have_v authority_n to_o grant_v they_o such_o a_o commission_n he_o show_v in_o the_o word_n before_o all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o i_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n etc._n etc._n and_o 2._o that_o they_o be_v teach_v by_o god_n and_o enlighten_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n be_v what_o can_v be_v doubt_v if_o we_o believe_v the_o power_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o before_o our_o lord_n go_v from_o they_o 20.22_o joh_n 20.22_o he_o breathe_v on_o they_o and_o say_v receive_v you_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o what_o purpose_v the_o holy-ghost_n be_v to_o be_v give_v they_o he_o have_v tell_v they_o before_o 14.26_o joh._n 14.26_o the_o comforter_n which_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o the_o father_n will_v send_v in_o my_o name_n he_o shall_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n to_o your_o remembrance_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v say_v unto_o you_o and_o when_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v 16.13_o joh._n 16.13_o he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n be_v thus_o therefore_o teach_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n our_o saviour_n may_v well_o say_v as_o he_o do_v luke_n x._o 16._o he_o that_o hear_v you_o hear_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v i_o despise_v he_o that_o send_v i_o and_o 3._o last_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o receive_v they_o as_o messenger_n from_o god_n and_o to_o believe_v that_o all_o that_o they_o have_v teach_v be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n because_o they_o have_v the_o same_o attestation_n of_o god_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o have_v to_o he_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o god_n do_v bear_v they_o witness_v all_o those_o way_n by_o which_o he_o bare_a witness_n to_o our_o saviour_n for_o that_o can_v not_o be_v but_o he_o bare_a witness_n to_o they_o all_o those_o way_n by_o which_o it_o be_v proper_a for_o he_o to_o do_v it_o and_o by_o which_o he_o have_v bear_v witness_n to_o any_o former_a prophet_n for_o he_o bare_a witness_n to_o they_o that_o they_o be_v send_v by_o he_o 21._o joh._n 13.22.20_o 21._o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o he_o have_v do_v to_o our_o saviour_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o john_n and_o if_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o prophet_n be_v credible_a concern_v our_o saviour_n much_o more_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n high_o credible_a concern_v a_o messenger_n send_v by_o he_o he_o bare_a witness_n to_o they_o also_o by_o indue_a they_o with_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n 16.13_o joh._n 16.13_o for_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v say_v our_o saviour_n he_o will_v show_v you_o thing_n to_o come_v and_o last_o he_o bare_a witness_n to_o they_o by_o that_o which_o be_v the_o most_o plain_a and_o sensible_a proof_n of_o a_o divine_a mission_n 16.20_o mar._n 16.20_o viz._n by_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n and_o manifold_a gift_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o and_o confirm_v their_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v say_v st._n mark_n and_o with_o great_a power_n say_v st._n luke_n give_v 4.33_o act_n 4.33_o the_o apostle_n witness_v of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v spend_v in_o relate_v the_o wonderful_a work_n that_o they_o do_v by_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n but_o st._n paul_n perhaps_o it_o will_v be_v say_v of_o who_o write_v be_v most_o of_o the_o epistle_n be_v not_o one_o of_o they_o not_o call_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v a_o apostle_n as_o they_o be_v nor_o so_o much_o as_o a_o eye_n and_o earwitness_n of_o our_o lord_n miracle_n and_o doctrine_n what_o reason_n then_o have_v we_o to_o receive_v his_o write_n as_o portion_n of_o holy_a scripture_n i_o answer_v as_o good_a though_o not_o in_o every_o particular_a just_a the_o same_o that_o we_o have_v to_o receive_v the_o write_n of_o the_o other_o apostle_n as_o such_o for_o he_o be_v convert_v and_o ordain_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n in_o a_o more_o wonderful_a manner_n than_o they_o be_v as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o act_n 9_o and_o as_o our_o lord_n himself_o give_v witness_v to_o their_o divine_a mission_n so_o he_o do_v also_o to_o he_o act_v ix_o 15._o he_o be_v say_v our_o lord_n a_o choose_a vessel_n unto_o i_o to_o bear_v my_o name_n before_o the_o gentile_n and_o king_n and_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o he_o also_o as_o well_o as_o to_o they_o etc._n act._n 20.22_o 25.27.10_o 22._o 2_o th._n 2.3_o etc._n etc._n 1_o tim._n 4.1_o etc._n etc._n 2_o tim._n 3.1_o etc._n etc._n the_o spirit_n foreshow_v thing_n to_o come_v several_a proof_n of_o which_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n and_o in_o his_o epistle_n and_o last_o his_o speech_n and_o his_o preach_v be_v 12.12_o 1_o cor._n 2.4_o 2_o cor._n 12.12_o as_o they_o in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n in_o he_o all_o the_o sign_n of_o a_o apostle_n be_v see_v no_o less_o than_o in_o they_o viz._n sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o mighty_a deed_n and_o of_o he_o with_o barnabas_n in_o company_n 14.3_o act_n 14.3_o it_o be_v that_o st._n luke_n speak_v when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o lord_n give_v testimony_n to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o grant_v sign_n and_o wonder_n to_o be_v do_v by_o their_o hand_n and_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n from_o the_o 10_o chapter_n to_o the_o end_n contain_v little_a else_o but_o a_o account_n of_o st._n paul_n preach_v and_o of_o the_o miracle_n that_o be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n so_o that_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o gospel-history_n we_o can_v no_o more_o doubt_n of_o his_o divine_a mission_n and_o inspiration_n than_o we_o can_v of_o they_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o if_o they_o be_v apostle_n so_o be_v he_o that_o if_o they_o be_v minister_n of_o christ_n 12.11_o 2_o cor._n 11.23_o 2_o cor._n 11.5_o 2_o cor._n 12.11_o so_o be_v he_o too_o forasmuch_o as_o in_o nothing_o he_o be_v behind_o the_o very_o chief_a apostle_n so_o that_o consequent_o we_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v his_o write_n to_o be_v inspire_v as_o we_o have_v they_o and_o now_o by_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v i_o hope_v i_o have_v full_o make_v good_a the_o point_n i_o be_v to_o prove_v viz._n that_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v true_a they_o be_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v therein_o teach_v whether_o by_o christ_n himself_o or_o by_o his_o apostle_n for_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o they_o be_v send_v by_o god_n to_o instruct_v the_o world_n and_o to_o declare_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n and_o that_o they_o be_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o their_o credential_n letter_n which_o we_o have_v now_o peruse_v and_o examine_v we_o can_v no_o more_o doubt_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o as_o the_o messenger_n and_o ambassador_n of_o god_n have_v deliver_v to_o we_o in_o his_o name_n than_o if_o we_o have_v hear_v god_n himself_o utter_v the_o same_o by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n so_o that_o i_o can_v but_o persuade_v myself_o that_o the_o proof_n which_o have_v be_v offer_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v any_o rational_a and_o consider_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o doctrine_n the_o falsity_n whereof_o be_v not_o notorious_a and_o self-evident_a and_o therefore_o this_o i_o think_v be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v pretend_v by_o any_o person_n to_o justify_v his_o not_o receive_v the_o gospel_n as_o a_o divine_a revelation_n viz._n that_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o in_o some_o particular_n be_v such_o as_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o any_o proof_n at_o all_o because_o no_o argument_n can_v make_v a_o
1700._o be_v the_o seven_o for_o the_o year_n 1700_o of_o the_o lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o offspring_n blackall_n d._n d._n rector_n of_o st._n marry_o aldermary_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v by_o j._n leake_n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._o st._n luke_n xvi_o 29_o 30_o 31._o abraham_n say_v unto_o he_o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o he_o say_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a when_o i_o first_o begin_v to_o discourse_n on_o these_o word_n i_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o these_o three_o point_n i._o to_o show_v that_o the_o present_a stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o repentance_n if_o they_o be_v not_o unreasonable_o blind_a and_o obstinate_a they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n i_o add_v they_o have_v also_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o ii_o to_o show_v that_o have_v already_o such_o good_a ground_n of_o faith_n such_o full_a direction_n for_o practice_n and_o such_o strong_a motive_n to_o repentance_n it_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a request_n to_o desire_v more_o nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o iii_o last_o to_o show_v that_o in_o case_n god_n shall_v condescend_v to_o gratify_v man_n in_o this_o unreasonable_a desire_n work_v every_o day_n new_a miracle_n before_o their_o eye_n or_o send_v their_o decease_a friend_n to_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a to_o assure_v they_o of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o to_o warn_v they_o to_o prepare_v for_o it_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o very_o few_o or_o none_o of_o those_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o be_v not_o bring_v to_o repentance_n by_o the_o preach_a and_o stand_v revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v persuade_v by_o this_o mean_n if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n nor_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o first_o of_o these_o have_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o several_a former_a discourse_n the_o second_o i_o design_n to_o speak_v to_o at_o this_o time_n viz._n ii_o to_o show_v that_o have_v already_o such_o good_a ground_n of_o faith_n such_o full_a direction_n for_o practice_n and_o such_o strong_a motive_n to_o repentance_n as_o i_o have_v show_v we_o have_v in_o that_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a request_n to_o desire_v more_o nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o the_o request_n which_o the_o rich_a man_n here_o make_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o his_o brethren_n viz._n that_o god_n will_v be_v please_v to_o send_v one_o from_o the_o dead_a to_o preach_v to_o they_o or_o in_o general_a how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v for_o man_n now_o a-days_o to_o desire_v or_o look_v for_o more_o mean_n of_o conversion_n or_o motive_n to_o repentance_n than_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o afford_v we_o in_o the_o stand_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o follow_a thing_n 1._o that_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o motive_n to_o repentance_n which_o we_o have_v already_o be_v well_o ground_v upon_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o have_v be_v once_o already_o sufficient_o prove_v and_o attest_v it_o be_v altogether_o needless_a that_o any_o fresh_a or_o further_a proof_n shall_v be_v give_v of_o they_o and_o it_o be_v what_o we_o never_o think_v reasonable_a to_o desire_v in_o other_o the_o like_a case_n that_o when_o god_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n and_o send_v a_o special_a messenger_n to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o his_o will_n he_o shall_v grant_v to_o this_o messenger_n such_o testimonial_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v reasonable_a man_n that_o he_o be_v no_o impostor_n but_o a_o teacher_n send_v from_o god_n be_v indeed_o a_o thing_n that_o may_v fair_o be_v expect_v and_o if_o god_n shall_v not_o do_v thus_o we_o shall_v be_v excusable_a in_o not_o harken_v to_o such_o a_o messenger_n because_o we_o can_v not_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v a_o true_a or_o a_o false_a prophet_n and_o god_n do_v not_o require_v neither_o indeed_o be_v it_o reasonable_a that_o we_o shall_v believe_v every_o pretender_n to_o revelation_n and_o the_o clear_a proof_n of_o any_o man_n be_v be_v send_v from_o god_n to_o teach_v we_o any_o thing_n be_v a_o power_n of_o do_v such_o miracle_n and_o mighty_a work_n as_o be_v manifest_o above_o the_o skill_n and_o strength_n of_o a_o man_n to_o do_v it_o be_v therefore_o high_o requisite_a and_o what_o may_v reasonable_o be_v look_v for_o that_o god_n shall_v grant_v such_o a_o power_n as_o this_o to_o all_o those_o who_o he_o have_v ever_o inspire_v with_o new_a light_n and_o commission_v to_o make_v any_o new_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o mankind_n and_o this_o he_o have_v always_o do_v he_o give_v this_o power_n to_o moses_n in_o a_o large_a measure_n because_o the_o matter_n that_o man_n be_v to_o trust_v he_o for_o be_v many_o and_o very_o considerable_a he_o give_v it_o also_o to_o some_o of_o the_o succeed_a prophet_n but_o in_o a_o less_o measure_n because_o their_o business_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v only_o to_o interpret_v or_o to_o press_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o have_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v before_o and_o he_o give_v it_o in_o the_o large_a measure_n of_o all_o to_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n because_o the_o revelation_n make_v by_o they_o be_v of_o truth_n very_o mysterious_a some_o of_o they_o above_o the_o reach_n and_o comprehension_n of_o humane_a reason_n it_o be_v also_o a_o revelation_n in_o a_o manner_n whole_o new_a even_o to_o the_o jew_n themselves_o and_o much_o more_o to_o the_o gentile_n and_o beside_o it_o be_v a_o revelation_n in_o many_o point_n to_o appearance_n contrary_a to_o a_o former_a divine_a revelation_n inasmuch_o as_o it_o order_v the_o abolition_n of_o many_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v before_o enjoin_v by_o divine_a authority_n viz._n all_o the_o ritual_a and_o ceremonial_a law_n of_o moses_n and_o therefore_o to_o gain_v credit_n to_o their_o testimony_n that_o they_o be_v inspire_v and_o send_v by_o god_n to_o teach_v such_o thing_n it_o be_v very_o requisite_a that_o they_o shall_v produce_v more_o and_o more_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a 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than_o it_o do_v they_o or_o how_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a force_n upon_o our_o choice_n than_o it_o be_v upon_o they_o to_o have_v the_o very_a same_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o they_o have_v but_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v that_o as_o they_o then_o have_v some_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o we_o have_v not_o so_o we_o now_o have_v some_o evidence_n thereof_o which_o they_o have_v not_o they_o indeed_o see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n some_o of_o the_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o christianity_n but_o they_o have_v not_o as_o we_o now_o have_v a_o credible_a history_n or_o record_n of_o a_o very_a great_a number_n of_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v for_o that_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o without_o consider_v at_o present_a which_o of_o these_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n upon_o which_o our_o religion_n be_v 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compare_v the_o same_o with_o we_o 1._o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o case_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o both_o see_v our_o lord_n miracle_n and_o be_v enable_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n to_o do_v the_o like_v themselves_o and_o that_o they_o have_v a_o sure_a ground_n of_o faith_n than_o any_o since_o or_o than_o any_o beside_o themselves_o ever_o have_v i_o believe_v must_v be_v grant_v but_o then_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v on_o the_o other_o side_n 1._o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v but_o few_o in_o number_n only_o twelve_o person_n or_o if_o we_o shall_v reckon_v in_o to_o the_o number_n as_o in_o this_o respect_n equal_a to_o the_o apostle_n all_o those_o that_o be_v call_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o to_o be_v his_o disciple_n and_o who_o be_v very_o much_o though_o not_o so_o constant_o in_o his_o company_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v we_o read_v but_o of_o seventy_o of_o they_o or_o if_o we_o add_v to_o these_o all_o those_o that_o be_v convince_v by_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n that_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n 10.1_o luke_n 10.1_o and_o that_o own_a themselves_o his_o disciple_n while_o he_o be_v upon_o earth_n it_o be_v probable_a that_o all_o these_o together_o be_v no_o more_o than_o five_o hundred_o viz._n those_o five_o hundred_o brethren_n 15.6_o 1_o cor._n 15.6_o to_o who_o when_o meet_v together_o in_o galilee_n our_o lord_n show_v himself_o alive_a after_o his_o passion_n 2._o it_o may_v be_v also_o consider_v that_o their_o case_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o peculiar_a and_o that_o this_o advantage_n of_o great_a evidence_n as_o we_o reckon_v it_o which_o they_o have_v above_o all_o other_o be_v not_o more_o than_o be_v necessary_a to_o qualify_v they_o for_o that_o special_a office_n which_o they_o and_o none_o but_o they_o be_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o which_o be_v to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o man_n of_o that_o generation_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o to_o all_o future_a age_n by_o their_o write_a testimony_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o no_o man_n be_v a_o proper_a witness_n of_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o only_o he_o who_o be_v a_o eye_n witness_v thereof_o 3._o it_o may_v be_v further_o consider_v that_o as_o they_o have_v a_o more_o clear_a and_o unexceptionable_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n than_o any_o beside_o ever_o have_v so_o they_o have_v also_o a_o great_a burden_n lay_v upon_o they_o than_o any_o christian_n since_o have_v have_v and_o it_o may_v be_v no_o more_o than_o necessary_a that_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o faith_n shall_v be_v as_o much_o sure_a and_o strong_a than_o those_o on_o which_o other_o man_n faith_n be_v build_v as_o their_o duty_n be_v large_a and_o more_o difficult_a than_o other_o man_n duty_n be_v for_o a_o weak_a foundation_n be_v as_o well_o able_a to_o support_v a_o low_a building_n place_v in_o a_o bottom_n and_o well_o shelter_v from_o storm_n as_o a_o much_o strong_a be_v to_o bear_v a_o high_a build_v tower_n situate_v on_o the_o top_n of_o a_o hill_n or_o by_o the_o seashore_n and_o continual_o expose_v to_o violent_a wind_n and_o tempest_n and_o this_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o comparison_n with_o we_o we_o have_v indeed_o several_a temptation_n to_o resist_v by_o the_o power_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n but_o then_o they_o be_v only_o such_o temptation_n as_o be_v common_a to_o man_n and_o for_o the_o overcome_v whereof_o a_o faith_n ground_v only_o upon_o good_a historical_a evidence_n be_v sufficient_a for_o by_o the_o power_n of_o such_o a_o faith_n a_o great_a many_o in_o all_o age_n have_v happy_o overcome_v they_o but_o the_o apostle_n have_v difficulty_n and_o temptation_n of_o another_o sort_n to_o contend_v with_o they_o wrestle_v not_o only_o against_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o against_o principality_n against_o power_n against_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o darkness_n of_o this_o world_n against_o spiritual_a wickedness_n in_o high_a place_n it_o be_v their_o business_n to_o go_v in_o a_o untrodden_a path_n to_o break_v the_o ice_n and_o to_o make_v plain_a the_o way_n for_o all_o that_o be_v to_o follow_v and_o our_o work_n very_o easy_a in_o comparison_n with_o they_o be_v only_o to_o follow_v in_o that_o way_n which_o they_o have_v make_v plain_a and_o smooth_a to_o that_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n into_o which_o they_o can_v not_o enter_v but_o through_o manifold_a tribulation_n that_o the_o apostle_n therefore_o have_v strong_a and_o more_o convince_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o we_o have_v and_o such_o as_o they_o can_v not_o so_o easy_o resist_v as_o we_o may_v those_o which_o be_v afford_v to_o we_o may_v be_v grant_v and_o yet_o it_o may_v
his_o grave_a and_o appear_v to_o they_o which_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o the_o rich_a man_n here_o desire_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o his_o brethren_n as_o be_v in_o his_o judgement_n the_o most_o powerful_a and_o so_o like_a to_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a method_n to_o reclaim_v they_o when_o i_o say_v this_o be_v do_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o great_a number_n so_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n can_v not_o be_v doubt_v and_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o any_o of_o they_o all_o the_o effect_n that_o it_o have_v upon_o those_o obstinate_a and_o incredulous_a man_n be_v only_o that_o it_o make_v they_o enter_v present_o soon_o perhaps_o then_o otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v do_v into_o a_o close_a consultation_n to_o put_v to_o death_n both_o jesus_n and_o lazarus_n too_o some_o example_n indeed_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v there_o be_v on_o the_o other_o side_n for_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o act_n xi_o 41._o of_o a_o great_a number_n about_o three_o thousand_o that_o believe_v upon_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o st._n peter_n and_o sight_n of_o that_o great_a miracle_n the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n wherewith_o the_o apostle_n be_v endue_v but_o than_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o miracle_n that_o convince_v they_o i_o mean_v not_o that_o alone_o for_o many_o that_o be_v then_o present_a 13._o verse_n 13._o and_o hear_v the_o apostle_n speak_v with_o tongue_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v persuade_v thereby_o that_o they_o most_o false_o blaspheme_v that_o as_o they_o have_v do_v all_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n before_o attribute_v the_o fruit_n of_o that_o most_o evident_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o new_a wine_n and_o it_o may_v be_v further_o note_v that_o those_o who_o be_v persuade_v by_o it_o be_v such_o as_o before_o they_o see_v the_o miracle_n be_v in_o a_o good_a disposition_n to_o embrace_v that_o pure_a religion_n that_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o gospel_n or_o else_o that_o miracle_n will_v not_o have_v persuade_v they_o for_o the_o person_n convince_v thereby_o be_v not_o of_o the_o pharisee_n or_o unbelieving_a jew_n that_o have_v reject_v our_o saviour_n before_o 5._o verse_n 5._o but_o they_o be_v devout_a person_n jew_n or_o proselyte_n who_o have_v come_v at_o that_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n from_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o jerusalem_n to_o worship_n and_o who_o have_v probable_o never_o hear_v of_o our_o saviour_n before_o more_o than_o by_o uncertain_a report_n but_o be_v well_o read_v in_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o give_v good_a heed_n to_o they_o be_v convert_v more_o by_o the_o manifest_a accomplishment_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n in_o the_o person_n of_o our_o saviour_n than_o by_o the_o sight_n of_o that_o great_a miracle_n this_o therefore_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o experience_n what_o have_v be_v do_v and_o come_v to_o pass_v already_o that_o new_a miracle_n have_v be_v general_o unsuccessful_a upon_o such_o as_o have_v not_o regard_v a_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n we_o may_v reasonable_o infer_v that_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a if_o not_o certain_a that_o the_o same_o experiment_n try_v over_o again_o will_v have_v no_o better_a success_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o therefore_o be_v this_o such_o as_o be_v as_o st._n luke_n say_v they_o be_v who_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o preach_a and_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d predisposed_a or_o fit_v for_o eternal_a life_n 13.46_o act_n 13.46_o that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v modest_a and_o teachable_a who_o hear_v without_o prejudice_n and_o judge_v without_o partiality_n and_o have_v no_o interest_n of_o sin_n or_o the_o world_n that_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o their_o desire_n to_o obtain_v everlasting_a happiness_n such_o as_o inquire_v out_o the_o truth_n with_o the_o same_o indifference_n that_o a_o traveller_n do_v his_o way_n who_o have_v no_o inclination_n to_o one_o way_n more_o than_o to_o another_o but_o only_o desire_v to_o be_v direct_v right_a and_o be_v resolve_v to_o take_v that_o way_n which_o he_o be_v persuade_v be_v the_o right_n though_o it_o shall_v not_o prove_v so_o very_o clean_a and_o smooth_a and_o pleasant_a as_o he_o hope_v it_o will_v such_o i_o say_v as_o be_v of_o this_o honest_a and_o docible_a mind_n will_v be_v persuade_v by_o a_o good_a reason_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v as_o good_a as_o the_o matter_n be_v capable_a of_o though_o it_o fall_v short_a of_o demonstration_n and_o if_o there_o be_v reason_n or_o appearance_n of_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n they_o will_v judge_v on_o that_o side_n on_o which_o the_o reason_n seem_v most_o weighty_a and_o for_o the_o conviction_n of_o such_o as_o these_o the_o stand_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o well_o prove_v as_o it_o be_v be_v abundant_o sufficient_a so_o that_o such_o shall_v not_o need_v new_a miracle_n or_o new_a revelation_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n such_o as_o only_o do_v need_v they_o that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v of_o perverse_a mind_n and_o stubborn_a will_n and_o devote_v to_o sin_n will_v not_o hearken_v to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n nor_o to_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n will_v very_o probable_o receive_v no_o benefit_n from_o new_a miracle_n or_o new_a revelation_n for_o nothing_o will_v serve_v to_o convince_v those_o who_o will_v not_o be_v convince_v at_o all_o no_o argument_n can_v be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v a_o man_n to_o that_o which_o he_o be_v strong_o prejudice_v and_o full_o resolve_v against_o and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o all_o those_o who_o do_v not_o hear_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n preach_v to_o they_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o be_v not_o persuade_v by_o they_o we_o may_v well_o conclude_v with_o abraham_n in_o the_o text_n that_o any_o other_o mean_n that_o may_v be_v use_v 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be_v upon_o this_o account_n but_o upon_o very_o good_a ground_n though_o what_o the_o ground_n thereof_o be_v they_o â—â—ve_v not_o yet_o inquire_v their_o be_v in_o possession_n be_v â—one_n reason_n enough_o to_o acknowledge_v and_o assert_v their_o â—â—tle_n it_o lie_v upon_o they_o that_o deny_v these_o book_n to_o 〈◊〉_d they_o to_o produce_v satisfactory_a evidence_n of_o their_o â—ing_n forge_v or_o counterfeit_a and_o till_o they_o shall_v proâ—â—ce_v some_o evidence_n thereof_o that_o have_v a_o show_n and_o appearance_n of_o truth_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v stagger_v in_o our_o belief_n by_o their_o bare_a however_o bold_a and_o confident_a denial_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o much_o â—s_n shall_v we_o need_v to_o give_v our_o reason_n for_o our_o reâ—â—ving_v they_o as_o write_v by_o the_o apostle_n till_o our_o adversary_n shall_v offer_v some_o reason_n why_o we_o ought_v not_o 〈◊〉_d receive_v they_o as_o such_o but_o nevertheless_o because_o we_o see_v there_o be_v some_o in_o â—s_n incredulous_a age_n that_o show_v a_o good_a will_n to_o deny_v 〈◊〉_d authority_n of_o these_o sacred_a book_n and_o who_o inâ—est_n it_o will_v be_v to_o prove_v they_o spurious_a and_o beâ—se_o we_o can_v tell_v what_o unwarrantable_a practice_n â—ir_a inclination_n and_o interest_n may_v put_v they_o upon_o 〈◊〉_d what_o write_n or_o evidence_n plausible_o forge_a 〈◊〉_d counterfeit_v they_o may_v hereafter_o produce_v it_o can_v be_v amiss_o for_o we_o to_o inquire_v and_o see_v and_o it_o can_v but_o be_v a_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o we_o who_o hold_v our_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n chief_o by_o these_o write_n to_o find_v and_o consider_v how_o well_o provide_v we_o be_v to_o detect_v and_o disprove_v any_o such_o forgery_n if_o they_o shall_v be_v offer_v by_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v in_o opposition_n thereto_o as_o good_a positive_a proof_n that_o these_o book_n be_v genuine_a as_o such_o a_o matter_n be_v capable_a of_o much_o 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be_v enough_o in_o all_o reason_n and_o as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v expect_v in_o this_o case_n suppose_v there_o fact_n to_o be_v true_a that_o they_o be_v not_o by_o any_o historian_n that_o be_v of_o another_o religion_n contradict_v or_o attempt_v to_o be_v disprove_v more_o than_o this_o will_v have_v be_v too_o much_o and_o shall_v we_o now_o in_o some_o ancient_a manuscript_n history_n new_o bring_v 〈◊〉_d light_n and_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o some_o jewish_a or_o heathen_a author_n find_v a_o large_a and_o formal_a account_n of_o any_o of_o those_o fact_n relate_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o be_v record_v in_o the_o gospel_n this_o will_v give_v very_o just_a ground_n to_o suspect_v that_o the_o whole_a history_n whatever_o other_o appearance_n it_o have_v of_o truth_n be_v forge_v and_o counterfeit_n or_o at_o least_o that_o those_o passage_n speak_v honourable_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v knavish_o foist_v into_o the_o 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so_o but_o there_o be_v they_o say_v beside_o in_o their_o several_a history_n compare_v together_o some_o flat_a contradiction_n and_o repugnancy_n i_o intend_v therefore_o at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o discourse_n if_o i_o have_v have_v time_n for_o it_o to_o have_v speak_v large_o upon_o this_o subject_a but_o because_o i_o have_v not_o must_v refer_v you_o to_o those_o book_n that_o have_v be_v write_v on_o purpose_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o difficult_a text_n of_o scripture_n and_o to_o reconcile_v those_o that_o be_v seem_o repugnant_a or_o for_o want_v of_o such_o book_n to_o any_o good_a commentary_n on_o the_o bible_n in_o which_o you_o will_v hardly_o fail_v to_o meet_v with_o satisfaction_n in_o any_o difficulty_n of_o this_o kind_n if_o you_o read_v it_o with_o a_o mind_n dispose_v to_o receive_v satisfaction_n and_o i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o discourse_n with_o only_o observe_v in_o general_n 1._o that_o the_o pretend_a impossibility_n that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o sacred_a history_n be_v only_a difficulty_n they_o be_v indeed_o event_n above_o and_o beyond_o the_o know_a power_n and_o common_a course_n of_o nature_n but_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v easy_o credible_a when_o they_o be_v ascribe_v as_o they_o must_v be_v to_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n 2._o that_o the_o difference_n that_o may_v sometime_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o several_a relation_n of_o the_o same_o story_n by_o the_o several_a evangelist_n be_v very_o inconsiderable_a consist_v only_o in_o this_o that_o one_o perhaps_o relate_v the_o story_n in_o a_o different_a order_n of_o thing_n than_o another_o do_v or_o that_o one_o tell_v it_o brief_o another_o more_o at_o large_a or_o one_o with_o a_o few_o another_o with_o more_o circumstance_n or_o that_o some_o circumstance_n be_v mention_v by_o each_o of_o they_o which_o the_o other_o have_v omit_v so_o that_o this_o observation_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o just_a objection_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n that_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o proof_n and_o confirmation_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o the_o evangelist_n do_v not_o confer_v together_o in_o the_o write_n of_o their_o history_n and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o copy_n or_o transcribe_v from_o one_o another_o but_o that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o report_v the_o story_n he_o write_v in_o such_o manner_n as_o he_o himself_o remember_v it_o to_o have_v be_v and_o with_o such_o circumstance_n as_o he_o himself_o take_v most_o notice_n of_o and_o 3._o as_o to_o the_o repugnancy_n and_o inconsistence_n that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o the_o evangelical_n history_n these_o we_o absolute_o deny_v i_o have_v not_o time_n now_o to_o consider_v or_o attempt_v to_o reconcile_v all_o the_o place_n that_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v contradictory_n to_o each_o other_o but_o those_o passage_n which_o seem_v most_o liable_a to_o this_o exception_n be_v i_o think_v the_o relation_n of_o judas_n death_n and_o the_o account_n of_o our_o saviour_n genealogy_n but_o as_o to_o the_o first_o there_o be_v plain_o no_o impossibility_n no_o contradiction_n in_o it_o if_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o after_o he_o have_v hang_v himself_o as_o st._n matthew_n 1.18_o mat._n 27.5_o act_n 1.18_o say_v he_o do_v fall_v down_o and_o his_o bowel_n gush_v out_o as_o st._n luke_n affirm_v or_o it_o may_v be_v that_o he_o do_v not_o hang_v himself_o but_o only_o be_v 〈◊〉_d be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d choke_v or_o suffocate_v by_o the_o violence_n of_o his_o grief_n and_o that_o the_o same_o passion_n by_o which_o he_o be_v strangle_v make_v he_o also_o fall_v down_o headlong_o and_o burst_v asunder_o in_o the_o midst_n so_o that_o all_o his_o bowel_n gush_v out_o and_o as_o to_o the_o other_o when_o it_o be_v remember_v that_o by_o the_o jewish_a law_n the_o next_o of_o kin_n be_v to_o raise_v up_o seed_n to_o his_o near_a relation_n that_o die_v without_o issue_n 25.5_o deut._n 25.5_o by_o marry_v his_o widow_n and_o that_o the_o first-born_a of_o the_o woman_n after_o such_o second_o marriage_n be_v repute_v in_o law_n the_o son_n as_o well_o as_o he_o be_v the_o heir_n of_o the_o decease_a so_o that_o consequent_o the_o same_o person_n may_v be_v the_o legal_a son_n of_o one_o man_n and_o the_o natural_a son_n of_o another_o man_n though_o it_o may_v be_v difficult_a perhaps_o impossible_a for_o we_o at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n to_o say_v with_o certainty_n which_o of_o the_o two_o different_a line_n by_o which_o our_o saviour_n pedigree_n be_v deduce_v from_o david_n be_v the_o legal_a and_o which_o the_o natural_a line_n it_o be_v very_o easy_a nevertheless_o to_o believe_v that_o one_o be_v the_o legal_a and_o that_o the_o other_o be_v the_o natural_a line_n and_o if_o so_o there_o be_v plain_o no_o contradiction_n between_o the_o two_o evangelist_n although_o st._n matthew_n 1.16_o mat._n 1.16_o make_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v descend_v from_o solomon_n and_o st._n luke_n from_o nathan_n although_o st._n matthew_n say_v that_o joseph_n the_o husband_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n be_v the_o son_n of_o jacob_n and_o st._n luke_n 3.23_o luâ—e_n 3.23_o that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o heli._n and_o now_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n history_n be_v as_o i_o hope_v by_o what_o have_v bâ—en_o say_v sufficient_o establish_v i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o show_v that_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v true_a they_o be_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v therein_o teach_v but_o i_o be_o sensible_a that_o i_o have_v trespass_v too_o much_o upon_o your_o patience_n already_o and_o so_o shall_v reserve_v this_o for_o the_o subject_a of_o my_o next_o discourse_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la in_o
power_n of_o work_a miracle_n shall_v cease_v too_o at_o least_o till_o such_o time_n as_o god_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o make_v some_o alteration_n in_o or_o addition_n to_o his_o former_a revelation_n which_o we_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o think_v he_o will_v never_o do_v or_o till_o he_o shall_v please_v to_o undertake_v the_o conversion_n of_o those_o nation_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n to_o who_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o former_a miracle_n that_o have_v be_v wrought_v for_o its_o confirmation_n can_v not_o be_v so_o well_o communicate_v by_o credible_a history_n as_o it_o be_v to_o we_o for_o as_o be_v hint_v before_o credible_a history_n be_v all_o the_o proof_n and_o evidence_n that_o we_o ever_o think_v reasonable_a to_o require_v in_o other_o case_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n as_o for_o instance_n when_o a_o new_a law_n be_v make_v concern_v any_o matter_n it_o be_v requisite_a according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o our_o country_n that_o it_o shall_v pass_v both_o house_n of_o parliament_n and_o that_o the_o king_n shall_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v it_o and_o that_o afterward_o it_o shall_v be_v some_o way_n so_o publish_v and_o promulge_v that_o all_o the_o subject_n that_o be_v then_o alive_a shall_v have_v sufficient_a assurance_n give_v they_o that_o such_o a_o law_n be_v make_v but_o after_o this_o law_n have_v be_v once_o so_o pass_v and_o ratify_v and_o promulge_v it_o be_v pass_v and_o ratify_v and_o promulge_v for_o ever_o and_o no_o man_n be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o expect_v that_o every_o parliament_n that_o be_v call_v afterward_o shall_v read_v and_o pass_v over_o again_o all_o the_o law_n that_o have_v be_v make_v before_o their_o time_n or_o that_o every_o king_n that_o succeed_v to_o the_o throne_n shall_v afresh_o ratify_v and_o publish_v all_o the_o law_n that_o be_v make_v by_o all_o his_o predecessor_n but_o all_o the_o proof_n that_o we_o ever_o require_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o ancient_a law_n be_v a_o true_a copy_n of_o it_o and_o a_o good_a history_n or_o record_n of_o its_o be_v make_v at_o such_o a_o time_n by_o such_o a_o king_n confirm_v by_o the_o tradition_n of_o all_o the_o intermediate_v age_n to_o our_o time_n which_o have_v allow_v of_o its_o authority_n by_o cite_v it_o as_o a_o law_n of_o the_o land_n by_o plead_v from_o it_o and_o by_o give_v judgement_n according_a to_o it_o and_o he_o who_o will_v not_o allow_v of_o the_o same_o proof_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o christian_a institution_n so_o many_o hundred_o year_n ago_o establish_v but_o will_v needs_o have_v new_a miracle_n and_o new_a revelation_n to_o confirm_v the_o former_a be_v every_o whit_n as_o unreasonable_a as_o that_o criminal_a will_v be_v who_o be_v indict_v upon_o some_o ancient_a statute_n shall_v refuse_v to_o plead_v to_o his_o indictment_n upon_o pretence_n that_o he_o know_v not_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o law_n or_o not_o it_o be_v make_v if_o ever_o it_o be_v 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