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be_v to_o say_v on_o the_o contrary_a my_o opinion_n be_v that_o it_o be_v only_o in_o prophecy_n and_o some_o other_o place_n as_o in_o the_o sermon_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o where_o god_n himself_o be_v introduce_v speak_v that_o the_o matter_n or_o thing_n have_v be_v immediate_o reveal_v to_o those_o who_o speak_v they_o that_o the_o style_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o liberty_n of_o those_o who_o speak_v or_o write_v that_o there_o be_v some_o book_n that_o be_v not_o inspire_v neither_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n nor_o word_n as_o job_n ecclesiastes_n etc._n etc._n that_o there_o be_v some_o passage_n which_o passion_n dictate_v to_o those_o that_o write_v they_o as_o many_o curse_n in_o the_o psalm_n that_o the_o sacred_a historian_n may_v commit_v and_o have_v actual_o commit_v some_o light_a fault_n which_o be_v of_o no_o moment_n that_o the_o apostle_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n or_o in_o write_v their_o work_n be_v not_o ordinary_o inspire_v 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the_o sacred_a penman_n and_o it_o be_v herein_o precise_o that_o i_o differ_v from_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o divine_n you_o see_v how_o much_o these_o principle_n be_v contrary_a to_o those_o of_o the_o deist_n who_o reject_v all_o sort_n of_o inspiration_n and_o who_o look_v upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o a_o work_n full_a of_o falsity_n and_o wherein_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v pure_o human_a the_o divine_n that_o have_v accuse_v i_o of_o deism_n on_o account_n of_o this_o write_n certain_o either_o never_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o read_v it_o or_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o for_o i_o can_v believe_v that_o they_o will_v accuse_v i_o of_o so_o detestable_a a_o opinion_n out_o of_o pure_a malice_n and_o against_o their_o own_o conscience_n they_o be_v undoubted_o in_o some_o measure_n mislead_v by_o a_o false_a zeal_n that_o render_v they_o little_a attentive_a to_o what_o they_o read_v or_o make_v they_o suspect_v that_o the_o author_n have_v not_o 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be_v pretend_v to_o be_v draw_v from_o his_o discourse_n and_o which_o to_o he_o seem_v not_o to_o be_v deducible_a from_o they_o by_o this_o explanation_n of_o mr._n n_n principle_n which_o i_o receive_v from_o himself_o you_o may_v see_v sir_n that_o he_o be_v very_o far_o from_o those_o impious_a opinion_n which_o some_o too_o hotheaded_a divine_n have_v charge_v he_o with_o candid_a and_o equitable_a reader_n have_v no_o need_n of_o this_o explanation_n in_o which_o i_o see_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v plain_o enough_o set_v down_o in_o his_o first_o write_v but_o as_o equity_n be_v a_o virtue_n seldom_o practise_v in_o theological_a controversy_n he_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o give_v these_o further_a explication_n to_o those_o who_o persist_v still_o in_o suspect_v he_o to_o believe_v thing_n which_o he_o abhor_v we_o shall_v see_v hereafter_o if_o any_o ill_a consequence_n can_v be_v draw_v from_o his_o opinion_n but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o that_o i_o will_v transcribe_v 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prove_v the_o contrary_a by_o scripture_n and_o by_o some_o jewish_a author_n grotius_n reply_v to_o he_o in_o these_o term_n 672._o in_o his_o vow_n for_o peace_n etc._n i_o say_v indeed_o that_o the_o book_n in_o the_o hebrew_n canon_n be_v not_o all_o dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v write_v with_o a_o pious_a intention_n of_o mind_n and_o this_o be_v the_o determination_n of_o the_o great_a synagogue_n who_o judgement_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o jew_n submit_v to_o for_o there_o be_v no_o need_n that_o the_o history_n shall_v be_v dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o writer_n have_v a_o good_a memory_n for_o the_o thing_n he_o have_v see_v or_o that_o he_o be_v careful_a in_o transcribe_v the_o ancient_a record_n the_o word_n holy_a
away_o religion_n will_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o be_v destroy_v thus_o some_o romish_a doctor_n have_v fancy_v that_o man_n for_o the_o most_o part_n not_o be_v capable_a to_o examine_v religion_n themselves_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v settle_v a_o way_n whereby_o they_o may_v find_v it_o without_o examination_n viz._n by_o the_o way_n of_o authority_n and_o from_o thence_o they_o have_v conclude_v that_o to_o deny_v there_o be_v a_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n to_o which_o people_n ought_v entire_o to_o submit_v be_v to_o overthrow_v religion_n but_o to_o these_o gentleman_n it_o be_v answer_v that_o it_o be_v absurd_a in_o they_o to_o fancy_v that_o god_n will_v not_o preserve_v the_o true_a religion_n among_o man_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o the_o way_n that_o they_o have_v imagine_v the_o same_o may_v be_v answer_v to_o our_o protestant_a divine_n who_o believe_v the_o inspiration_n of_o every_o word_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v deceive_v in_o believe_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v found_v upon_o that_o opinion_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o reckon_v every_o thing_n among_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o unto_o we_o seem_v proper_a to_o strengthen_v it_o nor_o to_o trouble_v ourselves_o in_o examine_v after_o what_o manner_n we_o will_v have_v establish_v it_o have_v the_o thing_n depend_v upon_o we_o or_o in_o assert_v how_o god_n ought_v to_o have_v do_v it_o but_o we_o ought_v to_o consider_v thing_n in_o themselves_o as_o they_o real_o be_v and_o learn_v what_o have_v be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n by_o what_o he_o have_v do_v not_o conclude_v that_o he_o have_v do_v this_o or_o the_o other_o thing_n because_o we_o fancy_v he_o ought_v to_o have_v will_v it_o libertine_n who_o see_v that_o to_o uphold_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n man_n bring_v long_o metaphysical_a argument_n which_o often_o prove_v nothing_o but_o that_o according_a to_o the_o supposition_n they_o have_v think_v 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seem_v to_o understand_v neither_o what_o mr._n n._n have_v say_v nor_o what_o himself_n object_n other_o confess_v that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n and_o pretend_v that_o therefore_o a_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o trouble_v himself_o with_o it_o nor_o raise_v scruple_n in_o weak_a head_n which_o the_o strong_a will_v find_v it_o a_o difficulty_n to_o remove_v to_o satisfy_v the_o first_o it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o show_v that_o the_o objection_n propose_v be_v not_o strong_a enough_o to_o refute_v mr._n n_n opinion_n and_o that_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o will_v infallible_o offend_v the_o other_o who_o will_v have_v nothing_o say_v on_o that_o subject_a if_o the_o advice_n of_o these_o last_o be_v take_v the_o first_o will_v undoubted_o say_v that_o we_o be_v much_o in_o the_o wrong_n to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v very_o hard_o to_o confute_v a_o opinion_n which_o they_o have_v easy_o overthrow_v they_o will_v be_v apt_a even_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o without_o design_n that_o we_o have_v make_v use_n of_o weak_a argument_n and_o their_o crazy_a fancy_n will_v set_v no_o bound_n to_o their_o suspicion_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o too_o many_o divine_n who_o glory_n in_o a_o show_n of_o dive_v into_o other_o man_n thought_n what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n one_o of_o the_o two_o must_v unavoidable_o be_v displease_v i_o will_v not_o then_o be_v afraid_a sir_n to_o communicate_v to_o you_o the_o answer_n of_o mr._n n._n to_o some_o objection_n such_o as_o have_v not_o read_v the_o explanation_n which_o i_o send_v you_o a_o while_n ago_o with_o sufficient_a attention_n may_v perhaps_o by_o our_o friend_n answer_n better_o apprehend_v his_o true_a meaning_n objection_n 1._o to_o say_v that_o the_o prophet_n have_v often_o express_v themselves_o in_o their_o prophecy_n 15._o after_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o do_v on_o other_o occasion_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o constant_o 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ben._n israel_n after_o many_o other_o rabbin_n be_v in_o every_o respect_n more_o honourable_a and_o more_o excellent_a than_o the_o prophecy_n of_o all_o the_o other_o prophet_n for_o to_o they_o whensoever_o they_o receive_v the_o prophecy_n the_o sense_n only_o or_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o matter_n to_o be_v foretell_v be_v reveal_v but_o they_o declare_v to_o the_o people_n this_o thing_n or_o matter_n in_o their_o own_o word_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n they_o make_v use_v of_o this_o form_n of_o speak_v and_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o i_o as_o if_o they_o will_v say_v these_o thing_n which_o we_o say_v to_o you_o although_o we_o express_v they_o in_o our_o word_n contain_v the_o sense_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n etc._n etc._n many_o christian_a divine_n have_v say_v the_o same_o thing_n of_o all_o the_o prophet_n in_o general_a as_o mr._n huet_n in_o his_o demonstration_n who_o plain_o affirm_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o the_o word_n and_o the_o language_n to_o the_o prophet_n he_o say_v also_o elsewhere_o that_o prophetic_a ecstasy_n do_v ordinary_o produce_v a_o dissipatum_fw-la hard_a rough_a and_o break_a style_n many_o other_o have_v hold_v the_o same_o thing_n without_o be_v think_v guilty_a of_o heterodoxy_n objection_n 2._o it_o have_v be_v say_v that_o david_n say_v many_o thing_n of_o himself_o 23._o and_o of_o his_o enemy_n not_o think_v to_o prophesy_v which_o contain_v notwithstanding_o prediction_n of_o what_o be_v to_o happen_v to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o enemy_n as_o what_o he_o say_v psal._n xli_o 10._o lxix_o 26._o cix_o 8._o place_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n apply_v to_o judas_n nevertheless_o st._n peter_n after_o cite_v some_o word_n of_o psal._n xvi_o where_o david_n speak_v of_o himself_o in_o the_o
i_o have_v first_o observe_v that_o several_a great_a man_n and_o who_o have_v pass_v for_o good_a christian_n have_v hold_v this_o opinion_n without_o lose_v the_o reputation_n they_o have_v of_o piety_n there_o be_v not_o a_o man_n of_o worth_n and_o honour_n among_o the_o protestant_n who_o will_v dare_v to_o say_v that_o erasmus_n and_o grotius_n be_v libertine_n and_o yet_o both_o of_o they_o defend_v open_o this_o same_o opinion_n but_o because_o there_o be_v some_o divine_n who_o esteem_v none_o but_o those_o that_o have_v be_v of_o the_o society_n they_o live_v in_o i_o will_v repeat_v some_o reremarkable_a word_n of_o a_o divine_a famous_a among_o the_o presbyterian_o in_o england_n and_o even_o among_o those_o on_o this_o side_n the_o water_n it_o be_v mr._n richard_n baxter_n who_o speak_v thus_o in_o a_o english_a book_n translate_v not_o long_o since_o into_o dutch_a and_o entitle_v the_o saint_n everlasting_a rest._n 22._o 210._o though_o all_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n yet_o he_o who_o believe_v but_o some_o one_o book_n that_o contain_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n may_v be_v save_v much_o more_o they_o that_o have_v doubt_v but_o of_o some_o particular_a book_n 23._o they_o that_o take_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v but_o the_o write_n of_o godly_a honest_a man_n and_o so_o to_o be_v only_o a_o mean_n of_o make_v know_v christ_n have_v a_o gradual_a precedency_n to_o the_o write_n of_o other_o godly_a man_n and_o do_v believe_v in_o christ_n upon_o those_o strong_a ground_n which_o be_v draw_v from_o his_o doctrine_n miracle_n etc._n etc._n rather_o than_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o write_n it_o be_v pure_o infallible_a and_o divine_a may_v yet_o have_v a_o divine_a and_o save_a faith_n 24._o much_o more_o those_o that_o believe_v the_o whole_a write_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n where_o it_o handle_v the_o substance_n but_o doubt_v whether_o god_n infallible_o guide_v they_o in_o every_o circumstance_n and_o in_o the_o next_o page_n 32._o the_o circumstantial_o be_v many_o of_o they_o divine_a yet_o so_o as_o they_o have_v in_o they_o something_o (null)_o as_o the_o bring_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v cloak_n and_o the_o parchment_n and_o as_o it_o seem_v his_o counsel_n about_o marriage_n etc._n etc._n 33._o much_o more_o be_v there_o something_o human_a in_o the_o method_n and_o phrase_n which_o be_v not_o so_o immediate_o divine_a as_o the_o doctrine_n 34._o yet_o be_v there_o nothing_o sinful_o (null)_o and_o therefore_o nothing_o false_a in_o all_o 35._o but_o all_o innocent_a imperfection_n here_o be_v in_o the_o method_n and_o phrase_n which_o of_o we_o deny_v we_o must_v renounce_v most_o of_o our_o logic_n and_o rhetoric_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o express_o say_v for_o the_o justification_n of_o our_o friend_n those_o who_o have_v a_o value_n for_o mr._n baxter_n must_v forgo_v their_o esteem_n of_o he_o or_o else_o not_o condemn_v so_o light_o those_o who_o in_o his_o judgement_n may_v have_v a_o save_a faith_n together_o with_o some_o opinion_n different_a from_o those_o common_o receive_v it_o may_v likewise_o be_v observe_v that_o many_o of_o those_o who_o have_v write_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v prove_v it_o without_o suppose_v the_o particular_a inspiration_n of_o the_o historian_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v such_o as_o it_o be_v ordinary_o take_v to_o be_v as_o grotius_n who_o book_n have_v be_v alike_o esteem_v by_o all_o party_n which_o show_v that_o our_o belief_n be_v not_o found_v upon_o this_o supposition_n and_o that_o consequent_o one_o may_v be_v a_o good_a christian_n without_o admit_v it_o but_o it_o be_v better_a to_o represent_v this_o by_o a_o example_n which_o will_v give_v you_o a_o more_o lively_a impression_n of_o what_o i_o aim_v at_o i_o will_v therefore_o now_o endeavour_n in_o as_o few_o word_n as_o be_v possible_a to_o give_v you_o the_o idea_n of_o a_o method_n that_o seem_v to_o i_o very_o strong_a and_o very_o proper_a to_o convince_v a_o libertine_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n without_o once_o mention_v any_o thing_n of_o particular_a inspiration_n i_o do_v not_o pretend_v thereby_o to_o condemn_v all_o other_o method_n that_o may_v be_v use_v to_o the_o like_a purpose_n but_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o that_o this_o be_v the_o simple_a of_o all_o and_o subject_a to_o the_o few_o difficulty_n you_o will_v allow_v i_o sir_n this_o small_a digression_n which_o may_v perhaps_o not_o be_v unuseful_a in_o a_o time_n when_o there_o be_v every_o where_o so_o many_o that_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o first_o and_o the_o great_a objection_n the_o libertine_n make_v we_o be_v that_o our_o judgement_n be_v prepossessed_a which_o hinder_v we_o from_o be_v undeceive_v we_o say_v the_o same_o of_o they_o and_o maintain_v that_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o sensual_a inclination_n that_o raise_v those_o difficulty_n in_o their_o mind_n which_o will_v vanish_v if_o they_o examine_v they_o without_o passion_n it_o be_v not_o just_a that_o either_o they_o or_o we_o shall_v take_v for_o grant_v our_o prepossession_n as_o principle_n demonstrate_v or_o which_o need_v not_o be_v demonstrate_v let_v we_o then_o act_n on_o both_o side_n as_o if_o we_o have_v not_o yet_o espouse_v any_o party_n and_o let_v we_o urge_v nothing_o that_o be_v not_o found_v upon_o principle_n which_o both_o side_n acknowledge_v it_o be_v agree_v that_o there_o be_v certain_a character_n by_o which_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v whether_o a_o thing_n have_v be_v do_v or_o no_o and_o by_o which_o we_o may_v distinguish_v the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o a_o history_n if_o we_o do_v not_o agree_v in_o that_o we_o be_v pyrrhoniens_fw-la or_o to_o give_v it_o a_o better_a name_n altogether_o senseless_a for_o none_o but_o a_o madman_n can_v doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o the_o history_n in_o the_o world_n but_o far_a we_o must_v also_o agree_v in_o another_o thing_n which_o be_v no_o less_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v certain_a matter_n of_o fact_n the_o truth_n whereof_o be_v better_a conceive_v than_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v and_o which_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v in_o a_o proper_a disposition_n of_o mind_n he_o can_v hardly_o be_v induce_v to_o believe_v they_o for_o example_n if_o any_o one_o shall_v tell_v we_o here_o that_o the_o inquisition_n of_o spain_n and_o italy_n have_v approve_v the_o work_n of_o calvin_n and_o allow_v the_o people_n to_o read_v they_o in_o spanish_a and_o italian_a although_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v it_o and_o that_o we_o be_v firm_o persuade_v of_o the_o contrary_a we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o convince_v a_o person_n who_o shall_v be_v obstinate_a in_o maintain_v it_o until_o we_o have_v give_v he_o evident_a proof_n thereof_o in_o like_a manner_n if_o there_o be_v false_a witness_n ready_a to_o swear_v that_o one_o of_o our_o friend_n who_o virtue_n have_v be_v well_o know_v to_o we_o for_o divers_a year_n and_o who_o but_o just_a then_o be_v go_v out_o of_o our_o company_n go_v then_o immediate_o in_o cold_a blood_n to_o assassinate_v a_o person_n unknown_a to_o he_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o only_o to_o make_v a_o anatomical_a dissection_n of_o his_o body_n it_o be_v certain_a we_o shall_v not_o believe_v they_o although_o it_o may_v not_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o prove_v judicial_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o imagine_v a_o thousand_o example_n of_o such_o like_a truth_n which_o we_o apprehend_v better_a than_o we_o can_v prove_v that_o be_v suppose_v if_o we_o come_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n there_o occur_v at_o the_o very_a first_o a_o difficulty_n in_o discern_v what_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o religion_n for_o christian_n have_v great_a controversy_n among_o themselves_o about_o their_o belief_n there_o will_v be_v no_o end_n of_o go_v about_o to_o examine_v all_o these_o controversy_n let_v we_o therefore_o suspend_v our_o judgement_n thereupon_o and_o see_v first_o wherein_o all_o christian_n be_v agree_v they_o all_o agree_v for_o example_n that_o most_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o write_n of_o those_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v and_o who_o write_v they_o more_o than_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n ago_o that_o the_o history_n therein_o be_v true_a and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o obey_v the_o commandment_n therein_o contain_v this_o obedience_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o general_a head_n a_o render_v to_o god_n the_o service_n due_a to_o he_o a_o trust_n in_o his_o promise_n and_o a_o keep_v his_o commandment_n in_o what_o concern_v both_o ourselves_o and_o our_o neighbour_n but_o this_o suppose_v a_o belief_n of_o
make_v i_o believe_v that_o i_o can_v not_o get_v out_o the_o truth_n better_o than_o by_o put_v to_o the_o rack_n two_o woman_n servant_n who_o they_o call_v diaconess_n but_o i_o discover_v nothing_o but_o a_o strange_a and_o excessive_a superstition_n they_o that_o understand_v the_o latin_a tongue_n will_v not_o wonder_v that_o tacitus_n and_o pliny_n make_v use_n of_o the_o word_n superstition_n the_o roman_n give_v that_o name_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o religious_a worship_n that_o be_v not_o establish_v by_o public_a authority_n two_o such_o witness_n as_o these_o can_v be_v except_v against_o seeing_n it_o be_v evident_a they_o have_v no_o favour_n for_o christian_n and_o be_v perhaps_o the_o most_o able_a man_n of_o their_o time_n but_o especial_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o they_o treat_v of_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o themselves_o have_v either_o see_v or_o which_o be_v know_v by_o all_o man_n as_o be_v the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n under_o pontius_n pilate_n the_o write_n that_o we_o have_v of_o christian_n live_v between_o the_o time_n of_o pilate_n and_o those_o of_o tacitus_n or_o trajan_n attest_v the_o same_o truth_n they_o date_n the_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n from_o the_o same_o christ_n that_o pilate_n put_v to_o death_n and_o they_o preach_v to_o we_o precise_o the_o same_o moral_n we_o must_v then_o necessary_o allow_v that_o there_o be_v in_o judaea_n during_o the_o reign_n of_o tiberius_n a_o person_n that_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o have_v many_o disciple_n let_v we_o now_o examine_v some_o of_o his_o first_o disciple_n and_o see_v what_o sort_n of_o people_n they_o be_v let_v we_o read_v the_o epistle_n which_o clement_n bishop_n of_o rome_n write_v to_o the_o christian_n of_o corinth_n forty_o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o vespasian_n there_o appear_v in_o this_o epistle_n a_o spirit_n of_o peace_n of_o charity_n of_o humility_n and_o many_o lively_a and_o pathetical_a exhortation_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o gospel-moral_n he_o reprove_v severe_o those_o that_o have_v not_o observe_v they_o but_o commend_v those_o that_o have_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o that_o epistle_n he_o say_v among_o other_o thing_n that_o the_o christian_n of_o corinth_n have_v labour_v day_n and_o night_n for_o their_o brethren_n to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_n may_v be_v save_v in_o apply_v themselves_o to_o work_n of_o mercy_n and_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n that_o they_o have_v be_v sincere_a without_o malice_n and_o without_o remember_v the_o ill_a that_o any_o of_o they_o may_v former_o have_v do_v to_o one_o another_o that_o all_o division_n and_o schism_n be_v abhor_v by_o they_o that_o they_o be_v afflict_v for_o their_o neighbour_n fail_n that_o they_o look_v upon_o his_o necessity_n as_o their_o own_o that_o they_o never_o repent_v they_o of_o well-doing_n but_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o do_v all_o sort_n of_o good_a work_n that_o in_o their_o conversation_n full_a of_o virtue_n and_o worthy_a of_o veneration_n they_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n who_o commandment_n be_v write_v in_o their_o heart_n he_o add_v afterward_o that_o he_o have_v know_v may_v christian_n o_o who_o to_o redeem_v other_o out_o of_o slavery_n have_v put_v themselves_o in_o chain_n that_o many_o have_v sell_v themselves_o for_o slave_n have_v maintain_v other_o out_o of_o the_o price_n of_o their_o own_o liberty_n the_o master_n of_o this_o clement_n be_v the_o first_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n who_o be_v the_o first_o teacher_n of_o christianity_n and_o he_o give_v testimony_n of_o their_o great_a piety_n indeed_o if_o we_o read_v their_o write_n we_o find_v nothing_o in_o they_o but_o what_o speak_v a_o profound_a veneration_n of_o the_o deity_n a_o extreme_a tenderness_n towards_o all_o man_n and_o a_o extraordinary_a strictness_n in_o all_o that_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o a_o man_n self_n let_v we_o choose_v which_o we_o will_v of_o they_o we_o shall_v find_v nothing_o in_o their_o work_n but_o what_o tend_v to_o piety_n if_o some_o of_o their_o write_n have_v be_v question_v let_v we_o take_v those_o concern_v which_o there_o never_o be_v any_o question_n or_o without_o look_v further_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o st._n luke_n and_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o corinthian_n which_o be_v cite_v by_o clement_n and_o we_o shall_v perceive_v every_o where_o the_o same_o moral_n which_o they_o endeavour_v to_o implant_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o their_o disciple_n i_o suppose_v all_o along_o that_o the_o reader_n have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v give_v some_o attention_n to_o what_o i_o say_v at_o the_o beginning_n and_o then_o i_o dare_v bold_o say_v that_o unless_o he_o have_v lose_v all_o sense_n he_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o reasonable_a that_o the_o moral_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o all_o the_o world_n observe_v they_o the_o apostle_n then_o in_o exhort_v their_o hearer_n to_o live_v after_o a_o manner_n so_o reasonable_a and_o so_o profitable_a to_o human_a society_n require_v nothing_o of_o they_o contrary_a to_o reason_n or_o to_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o this_o put_v i_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o say_v of_o a_o person_n that_o once_o have_v no_o great_a opinion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n when_o the_o moral_n which_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n preach_v throughout_o the_o world_n be_v thus_o lively_o describe_v to_o he_o he_o can_v not_o but_o fall_v into_o these_o word_n which_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n draw_v from_o he_o i_o wish_v all_o the_o world_n have_v believe_v they_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n ought_v undoubted_o to_o make_v all_o those_o who_o love_v human_a society_n and_o their_o own_o advantage_n to_o listen_v to_o it_o but_o it_o may_v here_o be_v object_v that_o perhaps_o the_o apostle_n preach_v not_o this_o doctrine_n but_o in_o design_n to_o insinuate_v themselves_o into_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n and_o afterward_o upon_o pretext_n of_o piety_n to_o get_v from_o they_o whatsoever_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o but_o to_o answer_v that_o objection_n in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o observe_v and_o suppose_v it_o will_v be_v grant_v i_o that_o this_o suspicion_n have_v no_o foundation_n in_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v for_o that_o condemn_v the_o love_n of_o honour_n of_o riches_n and_o of_o pleasure_n there_o can_v so_o much_o as_o one_o single_a passage_n of_o their_o work_n be_v allege_v that_o favour_n ambition_n covetousness_n or_o concupiscence_n this_o be_v so_o this_o suspicion_n can_v be_v ground_v but_o upon_o one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n either_o that_o the_o apostle_n can_v hope_v to_o make_v some_o advantage_n of_o this_o their_o doctrine_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v receive_v or_o that_o they_o actual_o make_v it_o when_o they_o preach_v it_o i_o understand_v here_o by_o advantage_n a_o good_a out-ballancing_a all_o the_o inconvenience_n that_o the_o apostle_n undergo_v in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n or_o at_o least_o such_o a_o one_o as_o they_o esteem_v in_o that_o degree_n it_o be_v not_o probable_a if_o they_o be_v deceiver_n but_o that_o they_o propose_v a_o advantage_n to_o themselves_o great_a than_o the_o pain_n they_o take_v otherwise_o they_o may_v just_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o fool_n which_o they_o can_v without_o great_a impertinence_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v by_o any_o that_o read_v their_o write_n now_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o hope_v to_o make_v any_o advantage_n of_o their_o doctrine_n unless_o it_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o among_o who_o they_o preach_v it_o for_o without_o that_o they_o will_v have_v be_v expose_v 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have_v a_o great_a share_n of_o this_o knowledge_n as_o appear_v by_o their_o write_n can_v less_o than_o other_o imagine_v such_o a_o thing_n the_o jew_n be_v so_o passionate_o wed_v to_o their_o ceremony_n that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o likelihood_n of_o succeed_v with_o they_o the_o roman_n and_o greek_n be_v so_o over_o head_n and_o ear_n in_o pleasure_n so_o covetous_a so_o ambitious_a that_o the_o small_a number_n among_o they_o who_o have_v not_o lose_v all_o thought_n of_o virtue_n speak_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o that_o age_n with_o horror_n and_o detestation_n the_o history_n of_o both_o those_o people_n if_o we_o judge_v of_o they_o by_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o gospel_n present_v we_o in_o the_o event_n of_o those_o time_n with_o a_o picture_n of_o the_o most_o horrible_a corruption_n that_o ever_o be_v and_o can_v it_o then_o be_v imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v hope_v to_o draw_v to_o their_o opinion_n the_o generality_n of_o those_o that_o live_v in_o 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we_o see_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v necessary_o expose_v to_o cruel_a persecution_n all_o their_o life_n scorn_v and_o hate_v alike_o by_o jew_n and_o gentile_n they_o can_v have_v no_o recompense_n any_o way_n proportionable_a to_o their_o labour_n and_o so_o they_o tell_v we_o plain_o that_o they_o expect_v nothing_o but_o affliction_n in_o this_o life_n and_o that_o it_o be_v all_o they_o hope_v for_o from_o man_n of_o this_o world_n in_o recompense_n of_o what_o they_o undertake_v in_o preach_v unto_o they_o a_o doctrine_n so_o reasonable_a as_o be_v the_o gospel-moral_n nor_o be_v they_o deceive_v for_o after_o have_v suffer_v great_a torment_n they_o in_o the_o end_n lose_v their_o life_n in_o a_o ignominious_a manner_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o executioner_n assert_v to_o the_o last_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o have_v preach_v it_o be_v by_o great_a injustice_n and_o malice_n say_v clement_n who_o we_o cite_v before_o that_o peter_n undergo_v not_o one_o or_o two_o but_o many_o pain_n and_o after_o have_v thereby_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n go_v to_o the_o place_n of_o glory_n that_o be_v due_a to_o he_o it_o be_v through_o the_o like_a malice_n of_o man_n that_o paul_n receive_v the_o reward_n of_o his_o patience_n have_v be_v seven_o time_n put_v in_o chain_n whip_v and_o stone_v have_v be_v the_o herald_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o east_n and_o in_o the_o west_n and_o have_v render_v his_o faith_n illustrious_a have_v preach_v justice_n to_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o be_v arrive_v at_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o west_n after_o have_v bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n before_o the_o principal_a ruler_n there_o he_o depart_v out_o of_o this_o world_n this_o event_n of_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o apostle_n absolute_o overthrow_v the_o second_o ground_n whereon_o man_n may_v build_v suspicion_n of_o their_o sincerity_n viz._n that_o they_o have_v make_v a_o advantage_n by_o their_o preach_v equivalent_a to_o the_o trouble_n and_o danger_n they_o be_v subject_a to_o if_o they_o be_v esteem_v by_o a_o small_a number_n of_o person_n of_o mean_a condition_n that_o hinder_v they_o not_o from_o be_v despise_v by_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n jew_n and_o gentile_n from_o be_v ill_o treat_v and_o persecute_v from_o suffer_v extreme_a poverty_n and_o at_o last_o from_o die_v upon_o scaffold_n and_o gross_v as_o we_o have_v see_v by_o what_o clement_n say_v and_o as_o all_o their_o disciple_n unanimous_o affirm_v one_o of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o also_o tell_v we_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o one_o of_o his_o epistle_n even_o to_o this_o present_a hour_n say_v he_o we_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n 11._o and_o be_v naked_a and_o buffet_v and_o have_v no_o certain_a dwelling-place_n and_o labour_n work_v with_o our_o own_o hand_n 19_o and_o again_o if_o in_o this_o life_n only_o we_o have_v hope_n in_o christ_n we_o be_v of_o all_o man_n most_o miserable_a there_o be_v no_o body_n sure_o that_o have_v common_a sense_n who_o to_o obtain_v the_o esteem_n of_o a_o small_a number_n of_o people_n without_o power_n and_o without_o reputation_n will_v suffer_v so_o great_a trouble_n become_v the_o horror_n of_o mankind_n be_v use_v as_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n and_o as_o those_o that_o be_v condemn_v to_o the_o amphitheatre_n be_v make_v a_o spectacle_n to_o the_o people_n 9_o a_o man_n may_v be_v tickle_v with_o the_o itch_n of_o glory_n when_o he_o fancy_n to_o himself_o that_o most_o of_o those_o among_o who_o he_o live_v will_v applaud_v that_o which_o he_o be_v do_v but_o it_o never_o come_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o any_o man_n to_o expose_v himself_o to_o long_a suffering_n and_o at_o last_o to_o a_o cruel_a and_o ignominious_a death_n to_o the_o end_n only_o to_o be_v esteem_v by_o a_o very_a few_o contemptible_a people_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o wicked_a and_o as_o a_o mad_a man_n by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o with_o who_o he_o live_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n can_v be_v deny_v that_o they_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o read_v in_o their_o write_n and_o whereof_o the_o christian_n still_o make_v profession_n in_o the_o reign_v of_o tiberius_n and_o some_o of_o the_o follow_a emperor_n that_o they_o live_v in_o great_a trouble_n and_o under_o many_o affliction_n and_o that_o at_o last_o they_o die_v miserable_o in_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n they_o have_v for_o divers_a year_n publish_v we_o have_v see_v these_o truth_n attest_v by_o heathen_n as_o well_o as_o by_o their_o own_o disciple_n if_o we_o will_v suppose_v that_o the_o apostle_n live_v after_o a_o voluptuous_a manner_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o moral_n they_o preach_v we_o must_v be_v oblige_v to_o deny_v their_o have_v undergo_v those_o suffering_n which_o be_v attest_v by_o their_o disciple_n the_o first_o whereof_o in_o imitation_n of_o their_o master_n as_o they_o themselves_o say_v offer_v themselves_o courageous_o to_o very_a many_o affliction_n without_o make_v any_o advantage_n thereof_o in_o this_o life_n to_o these_o man_n say_v clement_n speak_v of_o st._n peter_n and_o st._n paul_n who_o live_v after_o a_o divine_a manner_n there_o join_v themselves_o a_o great_a number_n of_o the_o elect_n who_o have_v suffer_v many_o punishment_n and_o torment_n have_v leave_v we_o a_o fair_a example_n nay_o suppose_v their_o live_n so_o voluptuous_o we_o must_v also_o suppose_v a_o absurdity_n that_o be_v inconsistent_a even_o with_o common_a sense_n viz._n that_o they_o preach_v that_o man_n ought_v to_o undergo_v much_o suffer_v for_o religion_n exhort_v the_o people_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o virtue_n and_o yet_o live_v themselves_o at_o their_o ease_n without_o take_v care_n to_o practice_v the_o precept_n they_o give_v to_o other_o except_o only_o so_o far_o as_o may_v serve_v to_o deceive_v the_o world_n do_v nevertheless_o make_v a_o great_a number_n of_o disciple_n not_o only_o sincere_a imitator_n of_o their_o master_n pretend_a virtue_n but_o who_o also_o die_v for_o a_o doctrine_n for_o which_o those_o that_o have_v teach_v they_o it_o refuse_v to_o suffer_v any_o thing_n it_o be_v conceivable_a enough_o that_o seduce_v person_n may_v be_v as_o thorough_o persuade_v of_o a_o falsehood_n as_o other_o be_v of_o the_o most_o evident_a truth_n and_o may_v consequent_o in_o maintenance_n of_o a_o falsehood_n do_v all_o that_o the_o most_o resolute_a man_n will_v do_v in_o justification_n of_o truth_n of_o the_o great_a importance_n but_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v that_o person_n prepossess_v from_o their_o infancy_n with_o opinion_n contrary_a to_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n will_v let_v themselves_o be_v so_o miserable_o seduce_v that_o after_o have_v embrace_v their_o doctrine_n they_o will_v suffer_v for_o it_o the_o
be_v not_o true_a it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v that_o they_o have_v go_v about_o to_o deceive_v we_o for_o example_n they_o can_v not_o be_v mistake_v in_o christ_n ascension_n into_o heaven_n which_o they_o have_v constant_o affirm_v and_o of_o which_o the_o christian_n from_o the_o very_a beginning_n have_v make_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a article_n of_o their_o faith_n those_o who_o as_o pliny_n report_v sing_v hymn_n to_o jesus_n christ_n as_o to_o a_o god_n believe_v without_o doubt_n that_o christ_n be_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o indeed_o i_o can_v but_o think_v that_o any_o who_o will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o read_v only_o the_o gospel_n of_o st._n luke_n and_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o corinthian_n where_o be_v relate_v the_o circumstance_n of_o many_o of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o particular_o of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o after_o that_o of_o his_o appear_v divers_a time_n unto_o the_o disciple_n must_v certain_o agree_v that_o those_o who_o speak_v after_o that_o manner_n be_v not_o seduce_v and_o that_o if_o what_o they_o say_v be_v not_o true_a of_o necessity_n they_o must_v have_v design_v to_o deceive_v those_o to_o who_o they_o relate_v these_o matter_n now_o it_o have_v be_v show_v demonstrative_o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v very_o sincere_a person_n and_o those_o who_o 〈◊〉_d to_o admit_v their_o testimony_n do_v not_o tax_v they_o of_o have_v be_v deceive_v nor_o do_v they_o undertake_v to_o oppose_v direct_o the_o reason_n by_o which_o we_o prove_v their_o sincerity_n they_o content_v themselves_o in_o make_v objection_n upon_o the_o nature_n of_o miracle_n and_o so_o reduce_v themselves_o to_o the_o second_o way_n of_o know_v the_o falsehood_n of_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o consist_v in_o show_v that_o the_o thing_n relate_v be_v in_o itself_o absolute_o impossible_a i_o can_v engage_v myself_o here_o in_o the_o examination_n of_o their_o reason_n neither_o be_v it_o necessary_a it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o observe_v in_o general_a that_o all_o the_o argument_n with_o which_o spinoza_n and_o those_o that_o follow_v his_o opinion_n do_v dispute_v against_o miracle_n be_v not_o comparable_a in_o evidence_n and_o force_n to_o the_o principle_n we_o have_v establish_v these_o man_n endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o the_o extraordinary_a effect_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n which_o we_o call_v miracle_n may_v be_v the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o some_o of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o we_o unknown_a and_o that_o they_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o as_o proof_n in_o this_o matter_n than_o those_o which_o occur_v daily_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n they_o bring_v also_o some_o metaphysical_a argument_n to_o show_v that_o every_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v necessary_o but_o all_o this_o overthrow_v not_o the_o direct_a proof_n which_o we_o have_v bring_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o event_n and_o which_o be_v infinite_o more_o clear_a than_o their_o reason_n which_o no_o body_n can_v understand_v as_o perhaps_o neither_o do_v they_o themselves_o but_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n that_o they_o shall_v persuade_v any_o man_n that_o the_o resurrection_n of_o a_o dead_a body_n or_o the_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n into_o heaven_n can_v happen_v as_o natural_o as_o the_o birth_n of_o a_o man_n into_o the_o world_n as_o long_o as_o the_o direct_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n hold_v good_a no_o man_n will_v be_v persuade_v that_o the_o miracle_n which_o the_o apostle_n relate_v be_v natural_a effect_n of_o certain_a law_n of_o nature_n unknown_a to_o man_n because_o it_o will_v present_o be_v ask_v why_o then_o be_v no_o more_o of_o these_o effect_n produce_v how_o can_v jesus_n christ_n know_v that_o after_o he_o be_v bury_v he_o shall_v rise_v again_o and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v at_o that_o instant_n that_o he_o command_v a_o lame_a or_o a_o paralytic_a man_n to_o go_v etc._n etc._n that_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n unknown_a to_o we_o be_v prepare_v and_o ready_a to_o cause_v the_o lame_a or_o paralytic_a man_n to_o walk_v it_o be_v plain_a then_o that_o the_o philosophical_a difficulty_n allege_v against_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o of_o so_o great_a force_n as_o the_o argument_n we_o have_v bring_v to_o confirm_v it_o nor_o can_v they_o rake_v place_n so_o long_o as_o a_o man_n be_v persuade_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o first_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ._n and_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o those_o who_o make_v these_o objection_n do_v take_v this_o course_n only_o because_o they_o can_v possible_o allege_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o we_o have_v prove_v they_o endeavour_v to_o confound_v the_o mind_n of_o their_o admirer_n by_o obscure_a metaphysical_a argument_n and_o supposition_n which_o they_o can_v prove_v and_o which_o they_o assert_v 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