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 soever_o they_o be_v of_o the_o person_n beforementioned_a be_v of_o good_a ability_n and_o integrity_n and_o well_o instruct_v in_o that_o doctrine_n and_o religion_n which_o they_o write_v about_o and_o of_o this_o beside_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o ancient_n there_o be_v good_a evidence_n enough_o in_o the_o write_n themselves_o 2._o in_o answer_n to_o this_o and_o to_o all_o other_o objection_n of_o this_o sort_n against_o these_o or_o any_o other_o book_n or_o chapter_n or_o paragraph_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o have_v be_v far_o true_o say_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o singular_a in_o these_o book_n that_o there_o be_v no_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n teach_v in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o the_o author_n or_o authority_n of_o which_o there_o have_v ever_o be_v any_o doubt_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o teach_v in_o some_o other_o undoubted_a and_o uncontroverted_a part_n of_o the_o same_o book_n so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o those_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o which_o there_o have_v be_v former_o any_o doubt_n be_v still_o of_o uncertain_a authority_n our_o christianity_n will_v suffer_v no_o real_a loss_n thereby_o only_o give_v up_o these_o controvert_v place_n we_o shall_v sometime_o want_v a_o good_a help_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o understand_v ready_o those_o other_o uncontroverted_a place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n wherein_o the_o same_o doctrine_n be_v but_o perhaps_o more_o brief_o or_o obscure_o deliver_v 2._o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o some_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v be_v reject_v in_o ancient_a time_n this_o be_v grant_v but_o than_o it_o have_v be_v show_v that_o consider_v by_o who_o they_o have_v be_v reject_v and_o under_o what_o notion_n and_o for_o what_o reason_n they_o be_v reject_v this_o objection_n be_v of_o no_o force_n to_o invalidate_v the_o authority_n even_o of_o those_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o have_v be_v so_o reject_v and_o much_o less_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o book_n which_o have_v be_v allow_v by_o all_o thus_o some_o portion_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v be_v reject_v by_o heretic_n because_o they_o contradict_v their_o private_a and_o singular_a notion_n some_o by_o judaize_v christian_n as_o the_o two_o first_o chapter_n of_o st._n matthew_n because_o they_o be_v not_o find_v in_o that_o hebrew_n copy_n of_o that_o gospel_n which_o they_o use_v and_o all_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v likewise_o reject_v by_o the_o same_o person_n but_o not_o as_o not_o write_v by_o st._n paul_n but_o only_o because_o they_o be_v write_v by_o he_o who_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o enemy_n to_o their_o nation_n because_o he_o level_v they_o with_o other_o nation_n and_o as_o too_o averse_a to_o that_o religion_n which_o have_v be_v introduce_v by_o moses_n which_o they_o continue_v so_o wed_v to_o even_o after_o their_o embrace_a christianity_n that_o they_o can_v not_o but_o suspect_v he_o to_o be_v a_o false_a apostle_n who_o have_v so_o plain_o teach_v the_o abrogation_n thereof_o and_o for_o the_o like_a reason_n some_o other_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v be_v likewise_o reject_v by_o some_o few_o man_n that_o be_v not_o because_o they_o want_v the_o same_o attestation_n which_o the_o other_o part_n of_o it_o have_v or_o because_o it_o appear_v by_o credible_a history_n that_o they_o be_v spurious_a but_o only_o because_o they_o contradict_v too_o plain_o some_o notion_n which_o their_o former_a prejudices_fw-la or_o education_n have_v make_v they_o fond_a of_o so_o that_o this_o argument_n against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n take_v from_o the_o rejection_n of_o some_o part_n of_o it_o by_o some_o particular_a man_n or_o sect_n be_v manifest_o of_o no_o strength_n unless_o there_o be_v some_o good_a reason_n for_o their_o reject_v they_o and_o that_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v show_v but_o the_o contrary_n have_v be_v show_v very_o plain_o by_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n in_o several_a book_n write_v by_o they_o in_o confutation_n of_o those_o sect_n and_o heresy_n which_o be_v still_o extant_a and_o 3._o whereas_o it_o be_v further_o say_v that_o some_o book_n which_o be_v now_o receive_v as_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o universal_o receive_v in_o the_o most_o early_a time_n when_o their_o authority_n if_o they_o be_v authentic_a may_v have_v be_v assert_v upon_o more_o certain_a ground_n than_o it_o can_v be_v now_o viz._n the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o epistle_n of_o st._n james_n the_o second_o of_o st._n peter_n the_o second_o and_o 3d._n of_o st._n john_n the_o epistle_n of_o st._n judas_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n this_o be_v likewise_o grant_v but_o in_o answer_n to_o it_o it_o be_v say_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v good_a evidence_n from_o antiquity_n that_o these_o controvert_v book_n be_v receive_v in_o the_o most_o early_a time_n by_o those_o who_o have_v the_o best_a opportunity_n of_o satisfy_v themselves_o of_o the_o author_n and_o authority_n thereof_o viz._n by_o those_o to_o who_o they_o be_v send_v and_o in_o general_a by_o the_o whole_a greek_a church_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o these_o book_n be_v write_v either_o to_o christian_n disperse_v and_o consequent_o only_o publish_v by_o give_v out_o copy_n thereof_o to_o some_o to_o be_v communicate_v as_o there_o be_v opportunity_n to_o other_o or_o else_o to_o private_a person_n live_v perhaps_o at_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o place_n from_o which_o they_o be_v send_v be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o be_v attest_v and_o upon_o that_o account_n be_v not_o at_o first_o so_o general_o receive_v as_o the_o other_o be_v which_o be_v either_o write_v to_o particular_a church_n to_o which_o the_o author_n hand_n and_o the_o messenger_n that_o bring_v they_o be_v well_o know_v or_o which_o be_v first_o publish_v and_o receive_v in_o the_o same_o place_n where_o they_o be_v write_v and_o 3._o that_o even_o those_o church_n which_o do_v for_o some_o time_n doubt_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o book_n be_v persuade_v at_o last_o to_o receive_v they_o as_o the_o authentic_a write_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o other_o inspire_a men._n if_o therefore_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o while_o they_o doubt_v of_o these_o book_n they_o have_v reason_n for_o their_o doubt_n that_o be_v that_o they_o do_v it_o because_o they_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o full_o satisfy_v that_o they_o be_v apostolical_a write_n which_o the_o objector_n i_o believe_v will_v ready_o enough_o grant_v it_o may_v be_v very_o reasonable_o presume_v that_o they_o have_v afterward_o great_a reason_n to_o lay_v aside_o their_o doubt_n and_o that_o when_o they_o do_v receive_v
in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o must_v be_v either_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o or_o in_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o it_o must_v be_v either_o that_o it_o do_v not_o give_v we_o sufficient_a direction_n what_o to_o do_v or_o that_o it_o do_v not_o propose_v sufficient_a motive_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o do_v what_o it_o require_v and_o therefore_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o head_n i_o shall_v show_v 1._o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v we_o sufficient_a direction_n what_o to_o do_v 2._o that_o the_o motive_n which_o the_o scripture_n propose_v be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v we_o to_o do_v what_o it_o require_v and_o 3._o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n give_v we_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o consequent_o of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v teach_v by_o it_o 1._o i_o shall_v show_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v we_o sufficient_a direction_n what_o to_o do_v and_o of_o this_o there_o can_v be_v little_a doubt_n among_o those_o that_o believe_v the_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n because_o to_o they_o its_o own_o testimony_n of_o its_o own_o sufficiency_n be_v a_o proof_n thereof_o beyond_o all_o exception_n for_o if_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 2._o tim._n 3.16_o it_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n and_o for_o reproof_n and_o for_o correction_n and_o for_o instruction_n in_o rigteousness_n it_o be_v plain_o profitable_a for_o all_o the_o purpose_n for_o which_o we_o can_v desire_v a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o if_o as_o he_o say_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n it_o be_v give_v to_o make_v perfect_a the_o man_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o man_n who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v other_o and_o thorough_o to_o furnish_v he_o unto_o all_o good_a work_n it_o can_v be_v deficient_a in_o deliver_v all_o such_o rule_n and_o direction_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v give_v by_o a_o pastor_n to_o the_o people_n commit_v to_o his_o care_n and_o if_o as_o the_o same_o apostle_n have_v say_v at_o the_o 15_o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n it_o be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o desire_v to_o be_v wise_a than_o this_o excellent_a book_n can_v make_v we_o and_o if_o all_o this_o can_v true_o be_v say_v by_o the_o apostle_n before_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v complete_v if_o it_o can_v be_v say_v by_o he_o of_o those_o holy_a scripture_n which_o timothy_n have_v know_v from_o a_o child_n that_o be_v of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n only_o much_o more_o may_v it_o be_v now_o say_v of_o the_o book_n of_o both_o testament_n together_o but_o to_o speak_v at_o large_a of_o this_o point_n at_o present_a will_v be_v too_o great_a a_o digression_n from_o the_o design_n of_o these_o lecture_n which_o be_v intend_v only_o against_o infidel_n not_o against_o any_o sect_n of_o christian_n and_o such_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v such_o because_o they_o hold_v the_o foundation_n christ_n jesus_n they_o may_v in_o charity_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v who_o do_v chief_o differ_v from_o we_o in_o this_o article_n and_o deny_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n only_o because_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o maintain_v some_o gainful_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o their_o own_o church_n which_o they_o be_v sensible_a have_v no_o warrant_n from_o scripture_n and_o so_o can_v be_v maintain_v no_o other_o way_n but_o by_o affirm_v that_o they_o have_v be_v deliver_v down_o to_o they_o by_o tradition_n and_o that_o unwritten_a tradition_n be_v a_o necessary_a supplement_n to_o the_o write_a word_n and_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o it_o for_o between_o we_o and_o infidel_n who_o reject_v the_o scripture_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n be_v hardly_o matter_n of_o controversy_n for_o these_o do_v not_o reject_v the_o scripture_n because_o it_o teach_v too_o little_a but_o rather_o because_o it_o teach_v too_o much_o because_o it_o teach_v doctrine_n above_o their_o reason_n and_o command_v such_o duty_n as_o they_o do_v not_o like_a to_o practice_v and_o if_o it_o teach_v less_o than_o it_o do_v they_o will_v be_v more_o ready_a to_o own_o its_o divine_a authority_n but_o nevertheless_o even_a these_o man_n that_o they_o may_v leave_v no_o stone_n unturned_a will_v be_v sometime_o discourse_v upon_o this_o point_n and_o although_o those_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v now_o extant_a and_o which_o be_v now_o general_o receive_v do_v teach_v much_o more_o than_o they_o themselves_o be_v willing_a to_o believe_v and_o practice_v yet_o that_o they_o may_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v unsettle_v the_o belief_n of_o other_o do_v not_o stick_v to_o argue_v againast_n the_o christian_a religion_n from_o this_o topick_n and_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v now_o receive_v do_v not_o contain_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n for_o there_o be_v say_v they_o in_o former_a time_n several_a other_o gospel_n and_o epistle_n and_o other_o tract_n design_v to_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o other_o inspire_a man_n and_o which_o be_v consequent_o of_o the_o same_o authority_n in_o themselves_o with_o those_o which_o be_v now_o receive_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o which_o nevertheless_o we_o have_v nothing_o now_o leave_v but_o the_o name_n and_o title_n or_o some_o imperfect_a and_o uncertain_a fragment_n so_o that_o it_o may_v well_o be_v doubt_v whether_o those_o few_o book_n which_o be_v now_o remain_v be_v sufficient_a to_o instruct_v we_o in_o all_o necessary_a point_n of_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n and_o of_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n there_o be_v they_o say_v some_o evidence_n even_o from_o the_o scripture_n its_o self_n for_o st._n luke_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o his_o gospel_n take_v notice_n that_o many_o before_o he_o have_v take_v in_o hand_n to_o set_v forth_o a_o declaration_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v sure_o believe_v among_o christian_n that_o be_v have_v write_v and_o publish_v narrative_n of_o the_o life_n action_n miracle_n preach_v death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o there_o be_v no_o history_n of_o this_o kind_a no_o gospel_n now_o extant_a that_o be_v write_v before_o st._n luke_n except_o only_o st._n matthew'_v and_o st._n mark_n be_v and_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o more_o extant_a at_o that_o time_n it_o will_v have_v be_v very_o improper_a they_o say_v for_o the_o evangelist_n to_o have_v say_v that_o many_o have_v write_v upon_o this_o subject_a when_o he_o speak_v only_o of_o those_o two_o and_o that_o there_o be_v matter_n enough_o for_o several_a such_o narrative_n so_o that_o though_o they_o be_v very_o different_a gospel_n they_o may_v nevertheless_o be_v all_o true_a we_o be_v tell_v by_o st._n john_n who_o write_v his_o gospel_n the_o last_o of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n joh._n 20.30_o many_o other_o sign_n true_o do_v jesus_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o disciple_n which_o be_v not_o write_v in_o this_o book_n and_o again_o ch._n 21._o verse_n 25._o there_o be_v also_o many_o other_o thing_n which_o jesus_n do_v the_o which_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v write_v every_o one_o i_o suppose_v that_o even_o the_o world_n its_o self_n can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v write_v now_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v several_a other_o book_n former_o extant_a but_o which_o be_v now_o lose_v that_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o inspire_a man_n and_o consequent_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n either_o these_o be_v needless_a when_o write_v and_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o any_o book_n write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v needless_a or_o else_o the_o loss_n of_o these_o book_n be_v a_o loss_n to_o religion_n and_o we_o can_v be_v well_o assure_v that_o those_o which_o we_o have_v now_o remain_v do_v sufficient_o instruct_v we_o in_o all_o point_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o practice_n but_o admit_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n viz._n that_o more_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o inspire_v man_n than_o be_v now_o extant_a which_o i_o will_v not_o now_o dispute_v because_o i_o think_v it_o needless_a because_o i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v grant_v without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o christian_a cause_n although_o there_o be_v none_o or_o at_o most_o but_o very_o slender_a evidence_n of_o it_o nay_o admit_v more_o than_o be_v upon_o any_o good_a ground_n allege_v viz._n not_o only_o that_o several_a but_o that_o every_o one_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o immediate_a disciple_n of_o
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 catholic_n church_n for_o they_o be_v all_o teach_v by_o the_o same_o master_n christ_n and_o be_v all_o enlighten_v by_o the_o same_o holy_a ghost_n so_o that_o if_o any_o of_o they_o do_v as_o it_o be_v report_v they_o do_v write_v any_o gospel_n for_o the_o present_a use_n of_o those_o particular_a church_n which_o they_o have_v plant_v though_o they_o may_v be_v somewhat_o different_a from_o any_o of_o the_o four_o gospel_n which_o we_o now_o have_v in_o the_o expression_n or_o perhaps_o in_o the_o relation_n of_o some_o particular_a passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n which_o our_o evangelist_n have_v omit_v just_a as_o the_o four_o gospel_n which_o we_o now_o have_v do_v differ_v from_o one_o another_o yet_o for_o substance_n they_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v the_o same_o with_o these_o and_o with_o one_o another_o if_o indeed_o they_o be_v all_o true_a relation_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o which_o the_o author_n thereof_o have_v be_v witness_n so_o that_o if_o we_o have_v they_o all_o now_o they_o can_v all_o together_o teach_v we_o no_o other_o doctrine_n than_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n nevertheless_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o if_o we_o have_v more_o book_n of_o this_o kind_a than_o we_o have_v that_o if_o we_o have_v all_o the_o book_n that_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o their_o immediate_a successor_n who_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o they_o they_o may_v be_v of_o very_o good_a use_n to_o we_o to_o help_v we_o to_o understand_v more_o ready_o and_o easy_o those_o book_n which_o we_o have_v as_o now_o we_o receive_v from_o some_o portion_n of_o holy_a scripture_n great_a light_n to_o help_v we_o to_o understand_v and_o to_o put_v a_o right_a interpretation_n upon_o other_o but_o perhaps_o it_o be_v for_o this_o very_a reason_n that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v order_v no_o more_o to_o be_v write_v than_o be_v write_v or_o have_v suffer_v those_o to_o be_v lose_v that_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v lose_v that_o it_o may_v cost_v we_o some_o pain_n and_o study_n to_o understand_v our_o religion_n that_o so_o our_o knowledge_n as_o well_o as_o our_o practice_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n the_o fruit_n of_o our_o own_o industry_n may_v be_v a_o proper_a subject_n of_o reward_n in_o short_a that_o there_o be_v more_o book_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n write_v by_o apostle_n or_o other_o inspire_a man_n than_o be_v now_o extant_a or_o than_o if_o extant_a can_v be_v well_o prove_v to_o be_v of_o their_o write_n be_v a_o point_n which_o i_o believe_v can_v be_v now_o upon_o any_o certain_a evidence_n either_o affirm_v or_o deny_v but_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v i_o say_v however_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o infer_v from_o thence_o that_o those_o which_o we_o now_o have_v be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o truth_n in_o the_o scripture_n declaration_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n and_o that_o he_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n most_o certain_o the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o man_n salvation_n be_v a_o proper_a subject_n of_o the_o divine_a care_n and_o if_o so_o it_o can_v be_v think_v but_o that_o the_o same_o good_a providence_n which_o as_o be_v now_o suppose_v take_v care_n for_o the_o write_n of_o more_o book_n when_o more_o may_v be_v necessary_a have_v likewise_o take_v care_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o so_o many_o of_o these_o book_n as_o be_v now_o sufficient_a or_o if_o the_o man_n we_o be_v now_o argue_v with_o will_v not_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o particular_a providence_n of_o god_n yet_o if_o they_o will_v but_o allow_v that_o god_n be_v just_a that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o hard_a master_n expect_v to_o reap_v where_o he_o have_v not_o sow_o i_o think_v they_o must_v allow_v that_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n not_o knowable_a by_o reason_n be_v teach_v in_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o we_o now_o have_v because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o book_n extant_a which_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o receive_v and_o accept_v as_o divine_a revelation_n or_o if_o they_o deny_v this_o it_o will_v lie_v upon_o they_o to_o produce_v those_o other_o book_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o receive_v beside_o these_o and_o to_o give_v good_a evidence_n to_o the_o world_n of_o their_o divine_a authority_n which_o when_o they_o have_v do_v or_o if_o they_o shall_v but_o only_o show_v that_o there_o be_v as_o good_a reason_n to_o receive_v they_o as_o these_o we_o must_v own_v ourselves_o to_o blame_v if_o we_o shall_v not_o then_o take_v they_o also_o into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n but_o till_o that_o shall_v be_v do_v what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v be_v enough_o to_o show_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o complete_a rule_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o manner_n especial_o consider_v as_o be_v note_v before_o that_o whenever_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o scripture_n in_o this_o respect_n be_v urge_v by_o those_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o person_n i_o have_v now_o to_o deal_v with_o it_o can_v be_v only_o for_o cavil_v sake_n the_o true_a reason_n of_o their_o backwardness_n to_o receive_v it_o as_o a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v not_o because_o it_o teach_v not_o enough_o but_o because_o it_o teach_v more_o than_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o believe_v and_o command_v more_o than_o they_o be_v dispose_v to_o practice_v for_o i_o can_v imagine_v that_o these_o man_n do_v true_o desire_v more_o duty_n than_o be_v lay_v upon_o they_o in_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n now_o receive_v by_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o what_o they_o may_v most_o reasonable_o be_v think_v to_o desire_v be_v either_o some_o better_a encouragement_n to_o undertake_v that_o difficult_a task_n which_o the_o scripture_n lay_v upon_o they_o or_o some_o better_a evidence_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n i_o proceed_v now_o therefore_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n propound_v which_o be_v 2._o to_o show_v that_o the_o motive_n which_o the_o scripture_n propose_v be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o do_v what_o it_o require_v now_o hope_n and_o fear_n be_v the_o great_a spring_n of_o action_n and_o the_o great_a the_o good_a be_v we_o hope_v for_o or_o the_o evil_n we_o fear_v the_o strongly_a do_v they_o move_v and_o incline_v we_o to_o action_n and_o therefore_o how_o difficult_a soever_o the_o undertake_n be_v so_o it_o be_v but_o possible_a if_o the_o motive_n be_v proportion_v to_o the_o difficulty_n they_o must_v be_v grant_v to_o be_v sufficient_a inducement_n to_o undertake_v it_o but_o that_o the_o task_n or_o business_n require_v of_o we_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v do_v need_v not_o to_o be_v prove_v now_o because_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v by_o those_o who_o say_v they_o believe_v they_o shall_v be_v persuade_v to_o do_v what_o be_v require_v if_o they_o have_v better_a encouragement_n for_o no_o argument_n or_o motive_n whatsoever_o can_v reasonable_o persuade_v a_o man_n to_o undertake_v a_o thing_n that_o he_o believe_v impossible_a suppose_v it_o therefore_o possible_a i_o say_v that_o whatsoever_o difficulty_n there_o real_o be_v or_o we_o may_v apprehend_v there_o be_v in_o a_o christian_a life_n if_o any_o motive_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o can_v be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o induce_v we_o to_o undertake_v it_o most_o evident_o those_o motive_n which_o the_o gospel_n propose_v be_v so_o because_o better_a or_o great_a can_v be_v so_o much_o as_o conceive_v or_o imagine_v see_v both_o the_o good_a thing_n which_o it_o promise_v to_o persuade_v we_o to_o virtue_n and_o
and_o we_o do_v not_o take_v care_n to_o avoid_v it_o our_o lot_n will_v be_v extreme_o miserable_a and_o we_o shall_v be_v torment_v day_n and_o night_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o in_o the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n and_o when_o we_o consider_v withal_o the_o very_a little_a trouble_n in_o comparison_n that_o it_o will_v cost_v we_o to_o attain_v that_o and_o to_o avoid_v this_o that_o it_o be_v but_o the_o labour_n of_o a_o few_o year_n and_o that_o the_o most_o we_o can_v suffer_v by_o it_o be_v the_o loss_n of_o a_o little_a sensual_a pleasure_n for_o which_o after_o this_o life_n be_v over_o we_o shall_v be_v never_o the_o better_a or_o the_o endure_a of_o some_o little_a pain_n or_o hardship_n which_o will_v be_v soon_o over_o and_o for_o which_o if_o no_o good_a shall_v ever_o come_v of_o it_o after_o this_o life_n we_o shall_v however_o be_v then_o never_o the_o worse_o consider_v i_o say_v thus_o the_o infinite_o vast_a and_o wide_a difference_n that_o there_o be_v between_o be_v eternal_o happy_a and_o eternal_o miserable_a it_o be_v enough_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a it_o be_v more_o than_o enough_o that_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o there_o will_v be_v such_o a_o state_n and_o if_o we_o neglect_v to_o make_v provision_n for_o it_o because_o we_o be_v not_o absolute_o certain_a that_o it_o will_v be_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o do_v not_o act_v so_o prudent_o in_o this_o as_o we_o do_v in_o other_o case_n that_o be_v of_o infinite_o less_o moment_n and_o concern_v to_o we_o and_o that_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v the_o child_n of_o tâ—â—_n world_n be_v in_o their_o generation_n wise_a than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n now_o this_o be_v the_o most_o that_o the_o profess_a atheist_n or_o infidel_n can_v pretend_v they_o will_v say_v perhaps_o that_o for_o their_o own_o part_n they_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n or_o a_o judgement_n or_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o see_v any_o good_a reason_n to_o believe_v these_o thing_n forasmuch_o as_o all_o the_o proof_n that_o be_v bring_v for_o they_o do_v in_o their_o judgement_n fall_v short_a of_o demonstration_n and_o they_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o believe_v they_o till_o such_o proof_n thereof_o shall_v be_v offer_v as_o they_o can_v make_v no_o exception_n against_o not_o till_o they_o shall_v see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n that_o there_o be_v a_o heaven_n and_o a_o hell_n or_o till_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o messenger_n send_v to_o they_o from_o thence_o on_o purpose_n to_o assure_v they_o thereof_o and_o be_v it_o so_o as_o they_o say_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v not_o yet_o such_o a_o sure_a proof_n of_o they_o as_o ocular_a or_o mathematical_a demonstration_n will_v be_v yet_o this_o be_v the_o most_o they_o can_v say_v they_o themselves_o can_v pretend_v that_o there_o be_v any_o demonstration_n on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o be_v not_o sure_a they_o say_v that_o there_o will_v be_v another_o life_n or_o that_o it_o will_v be_v everlasting_a well_o but_o be_v they_o sure_a that_o there_o will_v not_o be_v such_o a_o life_n be_v it_o absurd_a or_o impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o life_n this_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o can_v say_v and_o all_o that_o they_o have_v yet_o dare_v to_o say_v be_v only_o that_o those_o proof_n thereof_o that_o we_o rely_v upon_o be_v not_o in_o their_o opinion_n sufficient_a but_o suppose_v they_o as_o insufficient_a as_o they_o can_v think_v they_o yet_o still_o if_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o certainty_n they_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o probability_n of_o what_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o prove_v or_o if_o not_o so_o yet_o still_o a_o future_a life_n if_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a nay_o if_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a however_o may_v be_v possible_a and_o if_o it_o be_v only_o possible_a that_o we_o may_v live_v for_o ever_o and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v eternal_o happy_a or_o eternal_o miserable_a this_o possibility_n alone_o consider_v what_o a_o infinite_a difference_n there_o be_v between_o these_o two_o state_n ought_v in_o reason_n to_o put_v we_o upon_o take_v the_o best_a care_n we_o can_v that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o eternal_a life_n we_o may_v be_v eternal_o happy_a in_o it_o but_o after_o all_o our_o proof_n of_o this_o and_o other_o great_a truth_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v not_o so_o very_o weak_a and_o slender_a as_o these_o man_n will_v represent_v it_o it_o be_v indeed_o as_o good_a as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v bear_v and_o he_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a man_n that_o require_v a_o better_a proof_n of_o any_o thing_n than_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o therefore_o be_v what_o i_o shall_v now_o in_o the_o next_o place_n proceed_v to_o do_v viz._n 3._o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o these_o truth_n be_v plain_o teach_v but_o this_o be_v too_o large_a a_o subject_a to_o be_v handle_v now_o i_o have_v already_o say_v i_o will_v defer_v it_o to_o the_o next_o opportunity_n finis_fw-la 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 i._n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n march_v the_o 4_o the_o 1699_o 700._o be_v the_o three_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 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 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 be_v as_o i_o say_v either_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o or_o in_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o if_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o it_o must_v be_v either_o that_o it_o do_v not_o give_v sufficient_a direction_n what_o to_o do_v or_o that_o it_o do_v not_o propose_v sufficient_a motive_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o do_v what_o it_o require_v and_o therefore_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o head_n i_o propound_v to_o show_v 1._o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v we_o sufficient_a direction_n what_o to_o do_v 2._o that_o the_o motive_n which_o it_o propose_v be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v we_o to_o do_v what_o it_o require_v and_o 3._o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n give_v we_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o consequent_o of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o it_o and_o the_o two_o first_o of_o these_o i_o have_v already_o do_v i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o three_o viz._n 3._o 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 holy_a scripture_n and_o consequent_o of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o it_o and_o that_o i_o shall_v presume_v to_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n in_o this_o case_n which_o we_o ready_o accept_v and_o allow_v of_o as_o sufficient_a in_o all_o other_o case_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o i_o suppose_v it_o will_v be_v grant_v that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a proof_n give_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o holy_a scripture_n and_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o it_o if_o it_o can_v be_v show_v 1._o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o book_n
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 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 and_o i_o hope_v enough_o be_v say_v the_o last_o time_n to_o show_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 be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o what_o i_o be_o next_o to_o do_v be_v 2._o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o these_o author_n 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 i_o hope_v none_o of_o you_o that_o hear_v i_o who_o i_o presume_v to_o be_v all_o christian_n will_v take_v offence_n at_o it_o if_o now_o while_o i_o be_o argue_v this_o point_n i_o sometime_o speak_v of_o the_o holy_a evangelist_n with_o the_o same_o freedom_n that_o may_v be_v use_v in_o speak_v concern_v any_o other_o author_n and_o if_o i_o sometime_o plead_v for_o no_o more_o credit_n to_o be_v give_v to_o they_o in_o their_o relation_n than_o be_v fit_a and_o reasonable_a to_o be_v give_v to_o any_o other_o historian_n that_o be_v natural_o as_o well_o furnish_v and_o qualify_v to_o write_v a_o true_a history_n as_o they_o be_v and_o who_o fidelity_n and_o veracity_n be_v as_o well_o attest_v and_o confirm_v other_o way_n as_o they_o be_v for_o you_o will_v consider_v i_o hope_v that_o my_o business_n be_v now_o with_o infidel_n with_o who_o we_o can_v argue_v only_o upon_o the_o principle_n of_o common_a reason_n and_o though_o we_o who_o be_v christian_n already_o do_v believe_v as_o one_o of_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o these_o sacred_a writer_n be_v divine_o and_o supernatural_o assist_v in_o their_o work_n and_o that_o upon_o that_o account_n they_o deserve_v much_o great_a credit_n in_o what_o they_o have_v write_v than_o other_o historian_n do_v yet_o this_o be_v what_o those_o who_o be_v yet_o infidel_n will_v not_o allow_v and_o in_o disputation_n nothing_o be_v to_o be_v presume_v on_o one_o side_n but_o what_o will_v be_v ready_o allow_v by_o the_o other_o party_n so_o that_o the_o divine_a inspiration_n of_o the_o evangelical_n writer_n and_o the_o supernatural_a assistance_n which_o we_o believe_v they_o have_v in_o their_o write_n can_v as_o yet_o be_v regular_o insist_v upon_o as_o a_o argument_n to_o gain_v they_o credit_n but_o it_o be_v what_o will_v easy_o be_v grant_v afterward_o when_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o history_n shall_v be_v well_o establish_v upon_o other_o ground_n as_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v be_v in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n and_o it_o be_v what_o may_v then_o serve_v to_o procure_v a_o religious_a respect_n and_o reverence_n to_o these_o sacred_a write_n 2.13_o 1_o thess_n 2.13_o and_o to_o engage_v we_o to_o receive_v they_o not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o they_o be_v in_o truth_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o this_o one_o thing_n nevertheless_o i_o suppose_v i_o may_v presume_v viz._n that_o if_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o historical_a part_n of_o it_o in_o particular_a be_v write_v by_o those_o author_n to_o who_o they_o be_v ascribe_v which_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n record_v by_o the_o evangelist_n in_o write_v be_v the_o same_o which_o they_o and_o the_o other_o apostle_n testify_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n in_o their_o preach_a for_o it_o can_v i_o think_v with_o any_o reason_n be_v suspect_v that_o their_o preach_a and_o write_n be_v disagreeable_a to_o each_o other_o because_o such_o disagreement_n will_v most_o certain_o have_v utter_o destroy_v the_o credit_n of_o they_o both_o and_o this_o be_v suppose_v i_o hope_v it_o will_v clear_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o these_o write_n if_o these_o follow_a thing_n be_v consider_v 1._o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n condition_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o matter_n that_o be_v record_v in_o the_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o of_o the_o history_n its_o self_n 2._o if_o we_o consider_v the_o good_a capacity_n that_o the_o author_n thereof_o be_v in_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o have_v relate_v 3._o if_o we_o consider_v the_o strong_a obligation_n they_o be_v under_o to_o write_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o knowledge_n or_o information_n 4._o if_o we_o consider_v the_o good_a evidence_n that_o we_o have_v of_o their_o honesty_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o 5._o last_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o confirmation_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o history_n by_o god_n himself_o 1._o i_o say_v the_o evangelical_n history_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v high_o credible_a if_o without_o any_o regard_n as_o yet_o have_v to_o the_o ability_n and_o integrity_n of_o its_o author_n we_o only_o consider_v the_o nature_n condition_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o matter_n therein_o record_v and_o of_o the_o history_n its_o self_n concern_v which_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n especial_o that_o may_v be_v observe_v 1._o that_o the_o matter_n record_v by_o the_o evangelical_n writer_n be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v certain_o know_v and_o 2._o that_o they_o be_v such_o and_o in_o such_o manner_n relate_v by_o the_o evangelist_n that_o if_o their_o history_n of_o they_o have_v be_v false_a it_o can_v never_o have_v gain_v credit_n in_o the_o world_n 1._o first_o i_o say_v the_o matter_n record_v by_o the_o evangelical_n writer_n be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v certain_o know_v i_o mean_v either_o by_o the_o historian_n themselves_o or_o by_o those_o from_o who_o they_o have_v their_o information_n for_o 1._o they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n plain_a matter_n of_o sense_n which_o those_o who_o be_v present_a at_o they_o can_v have_v no_o doubt_n of_o without_o distrust_v their_o own_o faculty_n of_o hear_v or_o see_v and_o which_o those_o who_o testify_v they_o may_v be_v as_o certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o as_o we_o can_v be_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o we_o hear_v with_o our_o own_o ear_n or_o see_v with_o our_o own_o eye_n for_o thus_o whether_o our_o saviour_n give_v out_o himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n whether_o he_o say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o whether_o he_o utter_v those_o other_o speech_n which_o the_o evangelist_n have_v record_v as_o speak_v by_o he_o can_v not_o but_o be_v certain_o know_v by_o the_o people_n who_o often_o hear_v he_o and_o especial_o by_o his_o apostle_n who_o constant_o attend_v he_o and_o so_o likewise_o whether_o he_o do_v those_o many_o wonderful_a work_n which_o the_o evangelist_n have_v record_v of_o he_o can_v not_o but_o be_v know_v by_o those_o that_o be_v present_a with_o he_o they_o may_v be_v certain_a either_o that_o he_o do_v they_o or_o that_o he_o do_v not_o do_v they_o thus_o for_o instance_n it_o may_v be_v certain_o know_v to_o those_o that_o first_o affirm_v that_o he_o give_v sight_n to_o the_o blind_a whether_o those_o person_n have_v be_v once_o blind_a and_o whether_o afterward_o they_o â—aw_v and_o to_o those_o that_o witness_v that_o he_o give_v strength_n â—o_o the_o cripple_n whether_o the_o man_n who_o they_o say_v he_o wrought_v this_o cure_n upon_o have_v be_v lame_a or_o disable_v â—n_o their_o foot_n hand_n or_o body_n before_o and_o whether_o â—fterwards_o they_o walk_v and_o have_v strength_n like_o other_o man_n and_o to_o those_o that_o testify_v that_o he_o raise_v the_o dead_a whether_o the_o person_n say_v to_o have_v be_v raise_v by_o â—im_n have_v be_v true_o dead_a and_o whether_o afterward_o â—hey_n live_v but_o above_o all_o his_o own_o resurrection_n which_o the_o preâ—ent_a season_n as_o well_o as_o the_o wonderfulness_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o thing_n oblige_v we_o to_o have_v a_o special_a â—egard_n to_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v most_o certain_o know_v to_o those_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v witness_n of_o it_o week_n this_o sermon_n be_v preach_v on_o the_o monday_n in_o easter_n week_n â—hey_n may_v be_v certain_a whether_o he_o have_v be_v once_o dead_a â—nd_v whether_o he_o show_v himself_o alive_a after_o his_o passion_n â—y_a many_o infallible_a proof_n and_o be_v see_v of_o they_o forty_o day_n of_o this_o they_o may_v be_v rather_o more_o certain_a than_o â—f_a any_o other_o of_o his_o miracle_n because_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n â—ot_n to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o one_o sense_n only_o as_o some_o of_o the_o â—est_n be_v
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
tit._n 2.12_o who_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o by_o teach_v they_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n now_o the_o devil_n be_v certain_o as_o subtle_a as_o he_o be_v powerful_a and_o therefore_o if_o he_o have_v indeed_o any_o power_n to_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o to_o do_v a_o real_a miracle_n he_o will_v not_o however_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a make_v use_n of_o this_o power_n against_o himself_o he_o will_v not_o thereby_o assist_v another_o to_o destroy_v his_o own_o kingdom_n and_o by_o this_o argument_n our_o saviour_n himself_o clear_o confute_v this_o calumny_n in_o mat._n twelve_o 25._o when_o the_o pharisee_n have_v say_v that_o he_o cast_v out_o devil_n by_o beelzebub_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o devil_n he_o answer_v every_o kingdom_n divide_v against_o itself_o be_v bring_v to_o desolation_n and_o if_o satan_n cast_v out_o satan_n he_o be_v divide_v against_o himself_o how_o then_o shall_v his_o kingdom_n stand_v and_o 3._o last_o as_o it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o the_o devil_n have_v such_o power_n or_o if_o he_o have_v and_o be_v let_v alone_o to_o himself_o that_o he_o will_v make_v use_n of_o this_o power_n to_o destroy_v his_o own_o kingdom_n so_o neither_o be_v it_o credible_a that_o almighty_a god_n who_o have_v all_o power_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o can_v control_v and_o limit_v the_o working_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o all_o create_a being_n as_o he_o please_v will_v ever_o permit_v the_o devil_n to_o outdo_v himself_o in_o such_o wonderful_a operation_n so_o that_o more_o and_o great_a miracle_n shall_v be_v do_v by_o a_o impostor_n than_o ever_o have_v be_v do_v before_o by_o any_o true_a prophet_n which_o yet_o be_v manifest_o the_o case_n if_o indeed_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o impostor_n 3.8_o 2_o tim._n 3.8_o he_o suffer_v indeed_o janne_n and_o jambres_n to_o withstand_v his_o servant_n moses_n and_o aaron_n for_o some_o time_n and_o to_o do_v or_o seem_v to_o do_v some_o wonderful_a work_n like_o to_o they_o 12._o ex._n 7.10_o 12._o for_o aaron_n cast_v his_o rod_n upon_o the_o ground_n and_o it_o become_v a_o serpent_n and_o so_o do_v they_o and_o aaron_n stretch_v out_o his_o hand_n over_o the_o water_n 7._o ex._n 8.6_o 7._o and_o the_o frog_n come_v up_o and_o cover_v the_o land_n and_o the_o magician_n do_v so_o with_o their_o enchantment_n and_o bring_v up_o frog_n upon_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n but_o though_o he_o suffer_v the_o magician_n thus_o to_o contend_v with_o his_o prophet_n the_o victory_n be_v clear_o on_o his_o prophet_n side_n 7.12.8.18_o ex._n 7.12.8.18_o for_o aaron_n rod_n swallow_v up_o their_o rod_n and_o when_o the_o magician_n endeavour_v by_o their_o enchantment_n to_o bring_v forth_o louse_n as_o aaron_n have_v do_v they_o can_v not_o but_o be_v force_v to_o own_o before_o pharaoh_n that_o it_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o from_o that_o time_n forward_o strive_v no_o more_o for_o victory_n and_o thus_o it_o may_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n etc._n deut_n 13.1_o etc._n etc._n at_o any_o time_n in_o order_n prove_v his_o people_n and_o to_o know_v whether_o they_o love_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n 24.24_o mat._n 24.24_o to_o suffer_v the_o sign_n or_o wonder_v foretell_v by_o a_o enticer_n to_o idolatry_n to_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o to_o distinguish_v his_o elect_n from_o reprobate_n to_o permit_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n 10._o 2_o thes_n 2.8_o 9_o 10._o to_o show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o in_o just_a judgement_n upon_o such_o as_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v to_o let_v they_o alone_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o that_o wicked_a one_o who_o come_v be_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_a wonder_n and_o with_o all_o deceiveableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v but_o it_o can_v i_o think_v be_v reconcile_v to_o these_o attribute_n of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v permit_v great_a wonder_n and_o more_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a miracle_n to_o be_v do_v by_o a_o false_a prophet_n than_o ever_o be_v do_v by_o any_o true_a prophet_n because_o this_o will_v be_v too_o great_a a_o trial_n for_o humane_a nature_n such_o sign_n and_o wonder_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o deceive_v even_o those_o that_o inquire_v after_o truth_n with_o the_o great_a sincerity_n of_o heart_n and_o i_o can_v conceive_v it_o consistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o permit_v that_o such_o as_o be_v of_o honest_a mind_n and_o sincere_a lover_n of_o truth_n shall_v after_o a_o fair_a examination_n of_o the_o proof_n on_o both_o side_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o embrace_v error_n than_o truth_n which_o yet_o they_o plain_o have_v in_o case_n the_o miracle_n do_v by_o false_a prophet_n be_v more_o and_o great_a than_o have_v be_v do_v by_o any_o true_a prophet_n unless_o the_o falseness_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o will_v thereby_o establish_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o miracle_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a i_o think_v we_o may_v well_o conclude_v this_o head_n with_o those_o word_n of_o nicodemus_n to_o our_o saviour_n joh._n iii._o 2._o we_o know_v we_o be_v assure_v of_o it_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o it_o that_o thou_o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v do_v these_o miracle_n that_o thou_o do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o 6._o another_o way_n by_o which_o god_n himself_o bare_a witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n testimony_n be_v by_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a 4._o joh._n 2.19_o mat._n 12.40.16_o 4._o to_o this_o great_a miracle_n he_o himself_o often_o refer_v those_o that_o have_v any_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o other_o miracle_n as_o what_o can_v not_o but_o be_v satisfactory_a to_o all_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v satisfaction_n and_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a subject_n of_o the_o apostle_n sermon_n 2.24.32.3.15.4.10.10.40.13.30_o act_n 2.24.32.3.15.4.10.10.40.13.30_o the_o main_a proof_n that_o they_o insist_v upon_o to_o convince_v man_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n and_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v no_o doubt_n upon_o they_o that_o if_o they_o can_v but_o persuade_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n they_o will_v ready_o own_v that_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n and_o without_o further_a scruple_n receive_v every_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v teach_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n as_o a_o divine_a truth_n 17.30_o act_n 17.30_o by_o this_o say_v they_o god_n have_v give_v assurance_n unto_o all_o man_n that_o he_o have_v ordain_v he_o to_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n by_o this_o say_v they_o he_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n because_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n evident_a to_o all_o 1.4_o rom._n 1.4_o that_o no_o power_n less_o than_o god_n can_v raise_v the_o dead_a when_o therefore_o this_o be_v do_v and_o it_o be_v do_v if_o the_o gospel-history_n be_v true_a this_o be_v a_o plain_a seal_n set_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o our_o saviour_n testimony_n a_o seal_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v counterfeit_v and_o wherein_o the_o divine_a power_n be_v so_o clear_o and_o deep_o engrave_v that_o whoever_o look_v attent_o upon_o it_o must_v be_v satisfy_v who_o seal_n it_o be_v so_o that_o to_o grant_v the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o yet_o to_o doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v the_o person_n he_o give_v out_o himself_o to_o be_v be_v to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n himself_o for_o grant_v our_o saviour_n resurrection_n it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o he_o be_v a_o impostor_n without_o suppose_v that_o god_n himself_o do_v consent_n to_o the_o imposture_n and_o work_v the_o most_o evident_a miracle_n that_o ever_o wâ—s_v do_v on_o purpose_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o believe_v a_o lye_n i_o shall_v mention_v at_o present_a but_o one_o way_n more_o whereby_o god_n be_v please_v to_o confirm_v our_o saviour_n testimony_n of_o himself_o and_o that_o be_v 7._o by_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n which_o witness_n be_v give_v to_o he_o at_o his_o baptism_n etc._n joh._n 1.32_o etc._n etc._n when_o the_o holy-ghost_n descend_v in_o a_o visible_a manner_n as_o a_o dove_n and_o rest_v on_o he_o it_o be_v also_o give_v to_o he_o during_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o ministry_n for_o the_o holy-ghost_n not_o only_o descend_v but_o abode_n upon_o he_o and_o therefore_o st._n peter_n speak_v of_o he_o etc._n act._n 10.38_o etc._n etc._n say_v that_o god_n anoint_v he_o with_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o with_o power_n but_o that_o
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 to_o he_o joh._n xv_o 26._o when_o the_o comforter_n be_v come_v who_o i_o will_v send_v unto_o you_o from_o the_o father_n even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o father_n he_o shall_v testify_v of_o i_o and_o the_o testimony_n indeed_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o full_a for_o by_o this_o it_o clear_o appear_v that_o all_o his_o former_a miracle_n have_v be_v true_a and_o have_v be_v wrought_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n when_o even_o after_o he_o have_v leave_v this_o world_n he_o be_v still_o able_a to_o make_v good_a this_o promise_n to_o his_o disciple_n and_o to_o empower_v they_o to_o do_v great_a work_n in_o his_o name_n than_o he_o himself_o have_v do_v while_o he_o be_v live_v upon_o earth_n this_o be_v a_o clear_a demonstration_n that_o he_o be_v the_o belove_a son_n of_o the_o father_n and_o be_v as_o st._n peter_n say_v 2.33_o act._n 2.33_o exalt_v at_o god_n right_a hand_n when_o he_o do_v shed_v forth_o that_o wonderful_a power_n upon_o his_o apostle_n of_o which_o all_o that_o then_o dwell_v in_o jerusalem_n or_o have_v come_v thither_o from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o worship_n be_v eye_n and_o ear-witness_n and_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n be_v give_v to_o our_o saviour_n not_o at_o that_o time_n only_o not_o one_o day_n and_o no_o more_o but_o be_v continue_v to_o be_v give_v to_o he_o all_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n preach_v who_o be_v also_o enable_v to_o communicate_v to_o other_o by_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n 2.38.8.17.10.44.19.6_o act._n 2.38.8.17.10.44.19.6_o the_o same_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n which_o they_o themselves_o have_v receive_v until_o they_o have_v finish_v their_o ministry_n and_o plant_v christian_a church_n in_o all_o the_o country_n of_o the_o then_o know_v world_n thus_o i_o have_v brief_o mention_v the_o great_a evidence_n that_o the_o gospel_n history_n afford_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n testimony_n of_o himself_o the_o matter_n 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 we_o and_o if_o indeed_o we_o be_v deceive_v in_o our_o saviour_n it_o must_v be_v say_v that_o god_n himself_o have_v deceive_v we_o have_v give_v we_o all_o the_o reason_n imaginable_a to_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v as_o he_o say_v he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o now_o have_v be_v so_o large_a in_o show_v the_o evidence_n that_o there_o be_v 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 himself_o be_v a_o teacher_n send_v from_o god_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o spend_v much_o time_n in_o show_v that_o his_o apostle_n be_v likewise_o commission_v by_o god_n to_o instruct_v the_o world_n and_o consequent_o that_o we_o ought_v also_o to_o receive_v all_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o they_o whether_o in_o their_o epistle_n or_o in_o their_o discourse_n interweave_v by_o st._n luke_n with_o his_o history_n of_o their_o act_n as_o true_a and_o divine_a for_o 1._o there_o be_v plain_o no_o reason_n why_o we_o 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
thing_n credible_a which_o in_o itself_o be_v incredible_a and_o such_o it_o may_v be_v pretend_v some_o of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v which_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o especial_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v clear_o teach_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o free_o grant_v but_o why_o shall_v it_o be_v deem_v incredible_a do_v it_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n can_v they_o that_o except_o against_o it_o or_o against_o the_o gospel-revelation_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o it_o show_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v true_a can_v they_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a be_v to_o beget_v a_o son_n in_o his_o own_o likeness_n 1.3_o heb._n 1.3_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n or_o can_v they_o show_v it_o to_o be_v impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o three_o person_n proceed_v from_o both_o these_o no_o perhaps_o they_o will_v say_v but_o that_o these_o three_o shall_v be_v one_o as_o the_o scripture_n teach_v that_o they_o think_v exceed_v all_o the_o measure_n of_o belief_n that_o they_o can_v but_o think_v a_o manifest_a contradiction_n but_o why_o so_o do_v the_o christian_n hold_v or_o do_v the_o scripture_n say_v that_o they_o be_v three_o and_o one_o in_o the_o same_o respect_n do_v it_o say_v that_o the_o one_o god_n be_v three_o god_n or_o that_o those_o three_o who_o it_o speak_v of_o as_o three_o distinct_a person_n ascribe_v personal_a act_n to_o each_o of_o they_o be_v nevertheless_o but_o one_o single_a person_n no_o it_o only_o tell_v we_o in_o general_a that_o these_o three_o be_v one_o but_o how_o they_o be_v three_o or_o how_o they_o be_v one_o wherein_o consist_v their_o distinction_n and_o wherein_o their_o unity_n it_o say_v not_o at_o least_o not_o very_o plain_o and_o i_o think_v it_o the_o safe_a course_n in_o such_o high_a matter_n 131.1_o psal_n 131.1_o in_o matter_n so_o much_o too_o high_a for_o we_o not_o to_o exercise_v ourselves_o nor_o to_o pretend_v to_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v if_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n as_o there_o be_v not_o unless_o we_o say_v that_o god_n be_v one_o and_o three_o in_o the_o same_o respect_n that_o be_v enough_o that_o be_v all_o that_o need_v to_o be_v say_v upon_o this_o occasion_n for_o though_o we_o may_v as_o indeed_o we_o must_v allow_v it_o to_o be_v a_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o cavil_v at_o the_o gospel-revelation_n or_o to_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v a_o true_a divine_a revelation_n upon_o this_o account_n for_o we_o live_v in_o a_o world_n of_o mystery_n we_o must_v believe_v mystery_n in_o abundance_n whether_o we_o will_v or_o no_o i_o mean_v there_o be_v some_o truth_n so_o very_o plain_a even_o to_o our_o reason_n that_o we_o can_v doubt_v of_o they_o and_o yet_o so_o very_o high_a and_o mysterious_a that_o we_o can_v no_o more_o fathom_v they_o than_o we_o can_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n for_o thus_o that_o matter_n be_v not_o eternal_a we_o be_v as_o sure_a almost_o as_o we_o be_v of_o any_o thing_n for_o matter_n can_v not_o exist_v of_o itself_o and_o yet_o how_o matter_n shall_v be_v make_v out_o of_o nothing_o be_v as_o incomprehensible_a by_o we_o as_o it_o be_v how_o the_o one_o undivided_a godhead_n do_v personal_o subsist_v in_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy-ghost_n and_o thus_o again_o that_o god_n be_v eternal_a we_o be_v certain_a by_o reason_n for_o by_o god_n we_o mean_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o and_o he_o who_o be_v first_o can_v have_v none_o before_o he_o and_o yet_o that_o any_o thing_n shall_v exist_v without_o a_o cause_n of_o its_o existence_n be_v unaccountable_a and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o it_o must_v be_v so_o we_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a and_o a_o manifest_a contradiction_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o thus_o i_o say_v we_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n only_o to_o a_o firm_a belief_n of_o some_o truth_n which_o yet_o we_o can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o by_o our_o reason_n and_o i_o think_v it_o be_v very_o hard_a that_o we_o will_v not_o receive_v a_o incomprehensible_a doctrine_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o a_o very_a plain_a and_o well_o attest_v divine_a revelation_n as_o well_o as_o we_o do_v and_o must_v do_v the_o same_o upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o natural_a reason_n especial_o consider_v the_o subject_a of_o this_o incomprehensible_a doctrine_n which_o be_v the_o essence_n or_o substance_n of_o god_n who_o be_v a_o infinite_a be_v and_o so_o must_v needs_o be_v incomprehensible_a by_o our_o finite_a understanding_n by_o our_o understanding_n i_o say_v which_o be_v so_o very_o shallow_a that_o i_o believe_v i_o may_v true_o say_v we_o understand_v not_o the_o essence_n or_o substance_n of_o any_o thing_n for_o we_o understand_v not_o what_o be_v the_o essence_n or_o substance_n of_o matter_n or_o body_n though_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o all_o our_o sense_n be_v continual_o exercise_v about_o all_o that_o we_o know_v of_o it_o be_v some_o property_n or_o accident_n thereof_o that_o it_o be_v something_o but_o what_o we_o know_v not_o that_o have_v figure_n and_o dimension_n that_o be_v hard_a soft_a fix_a fluid_a or_o the_o like_a and_o we_o understand_v no_o more_o but_o rather_o less_o what_o the_o essence_n or_o substance_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v all_o that_o we_o know_v of_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v something_o that_o think_v and_o because_o it_o think_v we_o know_v it_o must_v be_v something_o and_o because_o none_o of_o those_o property_n which_o we_o observe_v in_o matter_n have_v any_o relation_n at_o all_o to_o thought_n we_o conclude_v that_o the_o think_v soul_n be_v a_o immaterial_a something_o though_o what_o be_v immaterial_a can_v be_v explain_v by_o we_o unless_o we_o can_v say_v what_o be_v material_a see_v therefore_o as_o the_o wise_a hebrew_n speak_v we_o do_v hardly_o guess_v aright_o at_o thing_n that_o be_v upon_o earth_n 9.16_o wisd_v 9.16_o and_o with_o labour_n do_v find_v out_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o we_o be_v it_o any_o wonder_n that_o we_o can_v search_v out_o and_o full_o know_v and_o comprehend_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n if_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o understand_v even_o our_o own_o essence_n and_o how_o by_o a_o ineffable_a union_n of_o spirit_n with_o matter_n the_o whole_a together_o become_v one_o man_n be_v it_o any_o wonder_n 11.7_o job_n 11.7_o that_o by_o all_o our_o search_v we_o can_v find_v out_o god_n that_o we_o can_v find_v out_o the_o almighty_a unto_o perfection_n and_o what_o have_v be_v thus_o brief_o say_v be_v i_o hope_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o a_o divine_a revelation_n can_v reasonable_o be_v except_v against_o or_o refuse_v only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o some_o mysterious_a and_o incomprehensible_a doctrine_n that_o be_v therein_o contain_v and_o if_o not_o then_o i_o hope_v what_o be_v say_v before_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v any_o consider_a man_n that_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o true_a divine_a revelation_n to_o conclude_v all_o therefore_o have_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n continual_o preach_v to_o we_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n 22._o jam._n 1.21_o 22._o let_v we_o as_o the_o text_n say_v hear_v they_o let_v we_o reverence_n these_o sacred_a write_n as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v with_o meekness_n the_o engraft_a word_n which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v our_o soul_n but_o let_v we_o be_v doer_n of_o the_o word_n and_o not_o hearer_n only_o deceive_v our_o own_o self_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n argue_v heb._n 11.3_o etc._n etc._n if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a and_o every_o transgression_n and_o disobedience_n receive_v a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n which_o at_o the_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v confirm_v unto_o we_o by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o god_n also_o bear_v they_o witness_n both_o with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la in_o sermon_n iv_o and_o v._o page_n 14._o line_n 23._o for_o more_o read_v most_o p._n 47._o l._n 12._o for_o they_o r._n be_v l._n 27._o for_o there_o r._n they_o in_o sermon_n vi_o p._n 5._o l._n 3._o for_o he_o r._n by'r_o no_o reason_n to_o desire_v new_a revelation_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n october_n seven_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 testimonial_n of_o their_o divine_a mission_n than_o moses_n himself_o have_v do_v and_o such_o testimonial_n they_o have_v such_o they_o do_v produce_v work_v more_o miracle_n and_o those_o as_o i_o may_v say_v more_o wonderful_a and_o miraculous_a than_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n together_o have_v wrought_v before_o but_o when_o these_o testimonial_n have_v be_v once_o fair_o produce_v and_o examine_v and_o by_o all_o reasonable_a man_n allow_v to_o be_v true_a and_o sufficient_a and_o when_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v make_v and_o publish_v all_o that_o revelation_n which_o they_o be_v commissioned_n to_o make_v and_o when_o to_o prevent_v all_o misunderstanding_n of_o it_o or_o mistake_v concern_v it_o they_o have_v commit_v it_o all_o to_o write_v and_o the_o man_n that_o live_v in_o those_o time_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o the_o book_n say_v to_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n be_v indeed_o they_o and_o contain_v in_o substance_n all_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o no_o other_o which_o they_o have_v before_o declare_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n after_o this_o i_o say_v when_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v thus_o once_o at_o the_o first_o publish_v of_o it_o so_o full_o confirm_v there_o be_v no_o need_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v prove_v any_o more_o and_o all_o other_o proof_n thereof_o will_v have_v be_v superfluous_a because_o the_o whole_a matter_n both_o doctrine_n and_o proof_n be_v once_o faithful_o record_v and_o those_o record_n well_o attest_v there_o can_v afterward_o be_v no_o reasonable_a cause_n to_o call_v it_o again_o in_o question_n so_o that_o the_o reason_n of_o work_a miracle_n be_v then_o cease_v it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o the_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 make_v long_o before_o his_o time_n and_o there_o be_v none_o now_o alive_a that_o be_v present_a at_o the_o make_n of_o it_o show_v he_o the_o law_n in_o the_o statute_n book_n why_o how_o do_v he_o know_v he_o will_v say_v but_o that_o the_o printer_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o put_v a_o cheat_n upon_o the_o nation_n by_o print_v a_o law_n of_o their_o own_o make_n as_o a_o law_n make_v by_o some_o of_o our_o ancient_a king_n nay_o show_v he_o the_o original_a record_n still_o he_o will_v say_v there_o have_v be_v abundance_n of_o forgery_n in_o the_o world_n and_o how_o do_v he_o know_v but_o that_o this_o be_v one_o the_o record_n he_o will_v own_v perhaps_o look_v like_o a_o ancient_a deed_n and_o have_v all_o the_o mark_n of_o such_o antiquity_n as_o it_o pretend_v to_o but_o after_o all_o it_o be_v possible_a it_o may_v be_v and_o therefore_o he_o can_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v not_o a_o forgery_n and_o till_o he_o be_v assure_v of_o this_o he_o will_v not_o plead_v to_o a_o indictment_n that_o be_v ground_v upon_o it_o but_o if_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n that_o now_o be_v will_v be_v please_v to_o declare_v that_o this_o be_v a_o good_a law_n and_o if_o he_o himself_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v by_o when_o they_o shall_v declare_v it_o or_o if_o at_o least_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n that_o he_o can_v trust_v shall_v testify_v upon_o oath_n that_o they_o be_v present_a when_o it_o be_v pass_v into_o a_o law_n than_o he_o will_v allow_v it_o to_o be_v a_o good_a law_n and_o after_o that_o will_v be_v content_a to_o suffer_v the_o punishment_n of_o it_o if_o he_o shall_v ever_o again_o be_v a_o transgressor_n now_o what_o man_n be_v there_o that_o will_v think_v this_o a_o reasonable_a demand_n or_o what_o judge_n or_o court_n will_v ever_o allow_v of_o such_o a_o plea_n and_o yet_o as_o unreasonable_a as_o it_o be_v it_o be_v just_a the_o same_o with_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v more_o wise_a and_o cautious_a than_o their_o neighbour_n will_v not_o allow_v of_o the_o same_o sort_n of_o proof_n though_o indeed_o much_o better_a in_o its_o kind_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o though_o we_o have_v as_o authentic_a history_n as_o any_o be_v in_o the_o world_n such_o history_n as_o the_o great_a adversary_n of_o christianity_n have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o say_v any_o thing_n to_o invalidate_v the_o truth_n of_o which_o declare_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v such_o and_o such_o doctrine_n and_o wrought_v such_o and_o such_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n yet_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v true_a and_o divine_a unless_o they_o may_v have_v special_a messenger_n send_v to_o they_o to_o declare_v afresh_o all_o the_o same_o thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n once_o do_v and_o those_o endue_v with_o a_o power_n of_o work_v in_o their_o sight_n and_o presence_n the_o same_o miracle_n over_o again_o that_o be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v former_o do_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o confirm_v the_o testimony_n that_o they_o give_v 2._o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o that_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 make_v a_o new_a revelation_n for_o their_o particular_a conversion_n or_o in_o general_a the_o unreasonableness_n of_o our_o now_o desire_v fresh_a revelation_n new_a miracle_n or_o apparition_n of_o man_n from_o the_o dead_a to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v already_o sufficient_o prove_v to_o we_o by_o the_o stand_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v further_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o to_o we_o who_o live_v now_o in_o christian_a country_n other_o ground_n of_o faith_n or_o strong_a motive_n to_o repentance_n than_o we_o have_v already_o in_o the_o stand_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o excellency_n of_o faith_n may_v destroy_v the_o virtue_n of_o believe_v and_o may_v be_v too_o great_a a_o force_n and_o constraint_n upon_o we_o such_o as_o will_v in_o a_o manner_n take_v away_o our_o liberty_n of_o choice_n for_o there_o be_v no_o virtue_n at_o all_o in_o believe_v what_o we_o see_v there_o be_v no_o praise_n or_o thanks_o at_o all_o due_a for_o do_v what_o we_o be_v drive_v or_o force_v to_o do_v and_o for_o we_o who_o have_v already_o abundant_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v and_o embrace_v christianity_n to_o have_v fresh_a miracle_n wrought_v every_o day_n before_o our_o own_o eye_n such_o miracle_n as_o we_o can_v not_o possible_o doubt_v the_o truth_n of_o to_o confirm_v those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v already_o sufficient_o confirm_v will_v not_o be_v to_o persuade_v we_o but_o to_o force_v we_o to_o be_v christian_o so_o that_o then_o the_o state_n we_o be_v now_o in_o will_v not_o be_v as_o god_n design_v it_o shall_v be_v a_o state_n of_o trial_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o wisdom_n be_v when_o there_o be_v some_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n and_o he_o be_v the_o wise_a man_n who_o in_o that_o case_n give_v judgement_n on_o that_o side_n on_o which_o the_o reason_n be_v strong_a but_o against_o what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o the_o evidence_n which_o we_o desire_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v no_o more_o than_o we_o be_v tell_v have_v be_v already_o give_v to_o some_o man_n particular_o to_o those_o who_o live_v in_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n time_n and_o we_o can_v see_v why_o it_o will_v be_v more_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n now_o than_o it_o be_v then_o or_o how_o it_o will_v more_o destroy_v our_o freedom_n
be_v unreasonable_a for_o we_o to_o desire_v the_o same_o unless_o we_o be_v to_o be_v put_v to_o the_o same_o trial_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o they_o be_v which_o in_o a_o christian_a country_n can_v hardly_o be_v and_o indeed_o as_o desirous_a as_o we_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o have_v such_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v the_o apostle_n have_v i_o believe_v there_o be_v very_o few_o of_o we_o but_o have_v rather_o be_v content_v with_o less_o evidence_n than_o have_v so_o much_o as_o the_o apostle_n have_v with_o its_o appendant_a burden_n which_o be_v to_o travel_v all_o the_o world_n over_o even_o into_o the_o most_o rude_a and_o barbarous_a country_n to_o plant_v christianity_n expect_v wherever_o they_o come_v bond_n and_o affliction_n meet_v every_o where_n with_o the_o most_o violent_a opposition_n and_o rough_a usage_n encounter_v every_o where_o the_o great_a danger_n and_o sure_a at_o last_o to_o be_v make_v a_o bloody_a sacrifice_n to_o the_o malice_n and_o fury_n of_o their_o persecutor_n how_o much_o st._n paul_n alone_o endure_v and_o it_o be_v like_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o other_o apostle_n be_v not_o much_o less_o you_o may_v see_v in_o 2_o cor._n xi_o 23_o etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o then_o come_v to_o the_o end_n of_o his_o suffering_n in_o labour_n abundant_a in_o stripe_n above_o measure_n in_o prison_n frequent_a in_o death_n oft_o of_o the_o jew_n five_o time_n receive_v i_o forty_o stripe_n save_o one_o thrice_o be_v i_o beat_v with_o rod_n once_o be_v i_o stone_v thrice_o i_o suffer_v shipwreck_n a_o night_n and_o a_o day_n i_o have_v be_v in_o the_o deep_a in_o journeying_n often_o in_o peril_n of_o water_n in_o peril_n of_o robber_n in_o peril_n by_o my_o own_o countryman_n in_o peril_n by_o the_o heathen_a in_o peril_n in_o the_o city_n in_o peril_n in_o the_o wilderness_n in_o peril_n in_o the_o sea_n in_o peril_n among_o false_a brethren_n in_o weariness_n and_o painfulness_n in_o watch_n often_o in_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n in_o fast_n often_o in_o cold_a and_o nakedness_n beside_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v without_o that_o which_o come_v upon_o i_o daily_o the_o care_n of_o all_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o he_o may_v well_o say_v as_o he_o do_v 1_o cor._n four_o 9_o etc._n etc._n i_o think_v that_o god_n have_v set_v forth_o we_o the_o apostle_n last_o as_o it_o be_v appoint_v to_o death_n for_o we_o be_v make_v a_o spectacle_n to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o angel_n and_o to_o man_n we_o be_v fool_n for_o christ_n sake_n we_o be_v weak_a we_o be_v despise_v even_o unto_o this_o very_a hour_n we_o both_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n and_o be_v naked_a and_o be_v buffet_v and_o have_v no_o certain_a dwell_n place_n and_o labour_v work_v with_o our_o hand_n be_v revile_v persecute_v defame_v we_o be_v make_v as_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v the_o off-scowring_a of_o all_o thing_n unto_o this_o day_n it_o be_v therefore_o plain_o necessary_a that_o a_o faith_n which_o be_v to_o undergo_v these_o severe_a trial_n shall_v be_v build_v upon_o the_o sure_a ground_n but_o for_o we_o and_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o overcome_v the_o world_n a_o faith_n that_o be_v found_v upon_o less_o certain_a evidence_n may_v be_v as_o sufficient_a 2._o the_o second_o case_n beforementioned_a be_v of_o those_o who_o hear_v with_o their_o own_o ear_n the_o testimony_n which_o the_o apostle_n give_v concern_v our_o lord_n and_o see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n the_o wonderful_a work_n that_o they_o do_v in_o confirmation_n of_o their_o testimony_n we_o can_v wish_v at_o least_o that_o we_o have_v such_o strong_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o they_o have_v and_o if_o we_o have_v we_o see_v not_o why_o there_o will_v not_o be_v as_o much_o choice_n and_o consequent_o as_o much_o virtue_n in_o our_o believe_v as_o there_o be_v in_o they_o but_o here_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o lot_n but_o of_o very_a few_o even_o of_o those_o that_o live_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n except_o of_o the_o jew_n that_o dwell_v in_o judea_n to_o hear_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o or_o to_o see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n the_o miracle_n that_o they_o wrought_v and_o even_o of_o these_o there_o be_v but_o few_o that_o have_v the_o opportunity_n of_o see_v many_o of_o their_o mighty_a work_n so_o that_o all_o thing_n consider_v the_o evidence_n that_o we_o have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n if_o it_o be_v not_o full_o equal_a to_o be_v very_o little_a inferior_a to_o that_o which_o they_o have_v for_o it_o be_v as_o have_v be_v former_o show_v moral_o impossible_a that_o the_o gospel_n history_n which_o be_v now_o in_o our_o hand_n shall_v be_v forge_v or_o spurious_a or_o corrupt_v and_o alter_v what_o can_v be_v think_v to_o be_v want_v in_o the_o clearness_n of_o the_o evidence_n that_o we_o have_v be_v give_v in_o write_v and_o not_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n be_v make_v up_o by_o the_o fullness_n and_o abundance_n of_o it_o we_o have_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n several_a witness_n testify_v the_o same_o miracle_n and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o witness_v more_o miracle_n than_o any_o except_o those_o who_o be_v constant_a attendant_n upon_o our_o lord_n or_o companion_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o witness_v but_o 2._o grant_v it_o to_o be_v true_a that_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n those_o to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v have_v general_o clear_a and_o strong_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n than_o we_o have_v now_o yet_o i_o say_v even_o that_o evidence_n of_o sense_n which_o they_o have_v be_v not_o more_o apt_a or_o like_a to_o convince_v and_o persuade_v they_o than_o the_o proof_n which_o we_o now_o have_v though_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v less_o be_v to_o convince_v and_o persuade_v we_o for_o when_o man_n have_v already_o take_v up_o a_o opinion_n no_o matter_n upon_o what_o ground_n or_o when_o by_o their_o worldly_a interest_n they_o be_v engage_v to_o be_v of_o such_o a_o opinion_n it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o the_o same_o reason_n i_o mean_v reason_n of_o the_o same_o strength_n in_o themselves_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v they_o to_o alter_v their_o opinion_n which_o will_v have_v suffice_v to_o have_v fix_v and_o establish_v they_o in_o their_o former_a notion_n and_o this_o be_v plain_o the_o difference_n between_o those_o time_n and_o we_o for_o when_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o make_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n all_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v most_o strong_o prejudice_v against_o it_o each_o of_o they_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o a_o persuasion_n that_o their_o own_o way_n of_o worship_n be_v right_a add_v the_o jew_n in_o particular_a have_v have_v good_a assurance_n that_o their_o law_n give_v by_o moses_n to_o which_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n seem_v very_o opposite_a have_v be_v of_o divine_a institution_n but_o however_o when_o a_o man_n have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o thing_n and_o have_v believe_v it_o a_o good_a while_n he_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o he_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v it_o whether_o be_v have_v so_o or_o not_o so_o that_o the_o prejudice_n against_o christianity_n be_v as_o powerful_a though_o not_o altogether_o so_o just_a in_o the_o gentile_n who_o religion_n be_v mere_o fabulous_a as_o in_o the_o jew_n who_o law_n be_v indeed_o of_o divine_a institution_n and_o beside_o which_o be_v a_o impediment_n alike_o common_a both_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n they_o can_v not_o either_o of_o they_o then_o embrace_v and_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n without_o apparent_o hazard_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o in_o this_o world_n and_o how_o very_o apt_a a_o strong_a worldly_a interest_n be_v to_o blind_a man_n eye_n and_o to_o bias_n their_o judgement_n be_v what_o we_o can_v but_o daily_o observe_v in_o all_o other_o case_n but_o our_o case_n now_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o our_o prejudices_fw-la and_o our_o interest_n be_v both_o for_o christianity_n for_o we_o suck_v it_o in_o with_o our_o mother_n milk_n and_o we_o find_v it_o the_o establish_a religion_n of_o the_o country_n where_o we_o be_v bear_v for_o which_o reason_n we_o believe_v it_o or_o at_o least_o be_v strong_o incline_v to_o believe_v it_o before_o we_o know_v or_o have_v beard_n of_o any_o other_o reason_n so_o that_o to_o we_o who_o be_v already_o incline_v on_o this_o side_n to_o we_o who_o to_o be_v sure_a be_v not_o prejudice_v against_o it_o to_o we_o who_o interest_n
overbalance_v the_o other_o so_o that_o it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v hope_v that_o some_o small_a addition_n to_o the_o proof_n of_o religion_n no_o more_o than_o may_v be_v make_v to_o it_o without_o destroy_v either_o our_o freedom_n of_o choice_n or_o the_o excellency_n of_o faith_n and_o virtue_n will_v prevail_v with_o these_o half_n christian_n and_o perhaps_o it_o may_v but_o god_n be_v wise_a than_o we_o be_v and_o know_v better_a than_o we_o what_o be_v fit_a for_o he_o to_o do_v towards_o the_o conversion_n of_o men._n we_o ought_v therefore_o to_o conclude_v that_o he_o do_v all_o that_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v though_o we_o do_v not_o see_v but_o that_o he_o may_v do_v more_o but_o this_o it_o may_v be_v will_v not_o be_v take_v for_o a_o answer_n but_o will_v rather_o be_v think_v a_o way_n of_o avoid_v a_o difficulty_n too_o hard_o to_o be_v account_v for_o and_o therefore_o i_o say_v further_o and_o it_o be_v the_o three_o thing_n which_o i_o propose_v to_o be_v consider_v 3._o that_o if_o god_n shall_v gratify_v all_o man_n in_o this_o request_n work_v new_a miracle_n every_o day_n for_o the_o conviction_n of_o particular_a person_n vii_o sermon_n vii_o and_o as_o i_o have_v former_o note_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n why_o any_o one_o man_n shall_v be_v gratify_v in_o this_o request_n rather_o than_o other_o when_o they_o have_v all_o equal_a reason_n and_o equal_v right_o to_o desire_v it_o shall_v god_n i_o say_v gratify_v all_o man_n in_o this_o request_n the_o abundance_n of_o the_o miracle_n that_o must_v then_o be_v wrought_v will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o add_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o christianity_n that_o if_o will_v rather_o lessen_v or_o weaken_v that_o proof_n of_o it_o which_o we_o have_v already_o because_o miracle_n the_o proper_a proof_n of_o a_o public_a divine_a revelation_n will_v not_o be_v then_o so_o convince_a as_o they_o be_v now_o for_o that_o which_o most_o of_o all_o affect_v man_n in_o a_o miracle_n be_v the_o unusualness_n of_o it_o because_o it_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o be_v never_o or_o but_o rare_o before_o ever_o see_v or_o hear_v of_o as_o the_o blind_a man_n that_o have_v be_v cure_a by_o our_o saviour_n well_o observe_v joh._n ix_o 32._o since_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n have_v it_o not_o be_v hear_v that_o any_o man_n have_v open_v the_o eye_n of_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a have_v â—t_a be_v a_o common_a thing_n it_o will_v have_v be_v no_o miracle_n i_o mean_v it_o will_v not_o have_v appear_v so_o it_o will_v â—ot_n have_v be_v think_v so_o by_o men._n for_o that_o which_o make_v man_n wonder_v even_o at_o a_o true_a miracle_n be_v not_o so_o much_o because_o it_o be_v such_o a_o operation_n as_o they_o can_v â—ive_a a_o fair_a account_n of_o by_o natural_a cause_n for_o this_o â—hey_n can_v do_v i_o be_o confident_a i_o may_v say_v they_o have_v not_o â—et_v do_v it_o of_o many_o of_o the_o work_n and_o production_n â—f_a nature_n but_o they_o therefore_o conclude_v such_o a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v a_o natural_a operation_n because_o it_o be_v not_o usual_a because_o it_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o be_v never_o before_o know_v to_o be_v do_v and_o if_o the_o same_o thing_n which_o now_o for_o this_o reason_n we_o shall_v account_v a_o miracle_n be_v do_v every_o day_n the_o virtuoso_n will_v present_o set_v themselves_o to_o invent_v and_o will_v quick_o fancy_v they_o have_v find_v out_o some_o natural_a solution_n of_o it_o and_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v not_o many_o miracle_n that_o have_v be_v do_v which_o they_o may_v not_o after_o long_a study_n be_v able_a to_o give_v as_o clear_v and_o probable_a a_o account_n of_o by_o natural_a cause_n as_o they_o have_v do_v of_o gravity_n of_o fire_n of_o the_o loadstone_n of_o vision_n of_o the_o production_n of_o vegetable_n of_o the_o generation_n of_o animal_n and_o of_o many_o other_o thing_n which_o yet_o be_v doubtless_o the_o work_n and_o effect_n of_o natural_a cause_n so_o that_o i_o say_v the_o most_o probable_a consequence_n of_o have_v miracle_n so_o very_o common_a as_o they_o must_v be_v if_o they_o be_v wrought_v for_o the_o conviction_n of_o particular_a man_n will_v be_v this_o that_o they_o will_v cease_v to_o serve_v for_o that_o purpose_n for_o which_o miracle_n be_v design_v because_o be_v common_a they_o will_v be_v disregard_v or_o will_v quick_o be_v look_v upon_o to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o natural_a cause_n only_o there_o will_v not_o be_v want_v those_o that_o will_v offer_v to_o give_v a_o account_n how_o they_o be_v do_v and_o all_o those_o will_v be_v despise_v by_o the_o scorner_n of_o religion_n as_o too_o much_o addict_v to_o superstition_n who_o rather_o than_o attribute_v the_o great_a miracle_n to_o a_o supernatural_a power_n will_v not_o acquiesce_v in_o that_o solution_n how_o silly_a soever_o that_o be_v give_v of_o it_o by_o mere_a matter_n and_o motion_n and_o in_o particular_a i_o question_v not_o but_o that_o if_o it_o be_v a_o common_a thing_n for_o dead_a man_n after_o they_o have_v lie_v in_o their_o grave_n for_o some_o time_n to_o come_v forth_o again_o and_o show_v themselves_o alive_a to_o their_o friend_n this_o wonderful_a effect_n will_v be_v attribute_v by_o a_o great_a many_o to_o some_o vital_a principle_n in_o the_o body_n which_o only_o sleep_v for_o a_o while_n as_o it_o do_v in_o corn_n or_o other_o seed_n while_o they_o be_v keep_v dry_a and_o above_o ground_n but_o afterward_o when_o the_o body_n be_v bury_v a_o while_n be_v excite_v by_o some_o natural_a virtue_n that_o be_v in_o the_o earth_n to_o exert_v itself_o and_o so_o by_o its_o plastic_a power_n form_v the_o body_n into_o the_o same_o shape_n it_o be_v in_o before_o this_o i_o say_v will_v in_o all_o probability_n be_v the_o effect_n that_o the_o great_a miracle_n will_v have_v in_o the_o world_n if_o they_o be_v very_o common_a they_o only_o serve_v to_o set_v the_o philosopher_n wit_n to_o work_v to_o invent_v new_a form_n of_o matter_n and_o new_a law_n of_o motion_n by_o which_o to_o solve_v they_o and_o any_o solution_n of_o they_o though_o never_o so_o improbable_a though_o only_o by_o occult_a quality_n will_v serve_v turn_n and_o be_v think_v better_a than_o to_o recur_v to_o a_o almighty_a power_n the_o consequence_n of_o which_o will_v be_v that_o this_o which_o we_o desire_v as_o a_o additional_a proof_n of_o christianity_n will_v in_o effect_n destroy_v one_o of_o the_o best_a proof_n of_o it_o that_o we_o have_v already_o but_o 4._o last_o if_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o miracle_n will_v still_o be_v think_v miracle_n notwithstanding_o their_o commonness_n yet_o abraham_n may_v well_o deliver_v it_o as_o a_o general_n truth_n to_o which_o there_o be_v none_o or_o very_o few_o exception_n that_o he_o who_o be_v not_o wrought_v upon_o by_o a_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n will_v not_o be_v persuade_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a message_n or_o a_o new_a miracle_n because_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o experience_n that_o this_o last_o method_n have_v be_v general_o unsuccessful_a upon_o those_o who_o have_v not_o hearken_v to_o nor_o be_v convince_v by_o a_o stand_a revelation_n for_o this_o be_v the_o very_a case_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n the_o parable_n be_v literal_o fulfil_v in_o they_o for_o as_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n testify_v of_o our_o saviour_n so_o neither_o do_v they_o any_o more_o believe_v our_o saviour_n himself_o when_o he_o come_v down_o to_o they_o from_o heaven_n in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o as_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v he_o while_o he_o live_v among_o they_o and_o go_v about_o preach_v and_o do_v miracle_n so_o neither_o do_v they_o believe_v he_o a_o jot_n more_o after_o he_o come_v again_o to_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a never_o be_v there_o such_o sign_n and_o miracle_n wrought_v for_o man_n conviction_n and_o yet_o never_o be_v there_o such_o a_o number_n of_o obstinate_a infidel_n as_o then_o very_o few_o even_n of_o those_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n be_v the_o better_a for_o they_o but_o many_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n worse_o wilful_o blaspheme_v that_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o wrought_v they_o and_o attribute_v those_o operation_n to_o the_o help_n of_o the_o devil_n which_o they_o be_v convince_v in_o their_o own_o judgement_n be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n the_o open_n the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a 9.39.11.47.12.10_o joh._n 9.39.11.47.12.10_o do_v but_o make_v those_o that_o see_v the_o miracle_n more_o blind_a than_o they_o be_v before_o and_o when_o once_o a_o dead_a lazarus_n do_v come_v forth_o out_o of_o