holy_a ghost_n but_o perhaps_o it_o be_v a_o question_n whether_o there_o be_v ever_o any_o christian_a church_n found_v at_o jerusalem_n if_o so_o then_o must_v the_o ancient_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o live_v in_o different_a time_n and_o in_o different_a place_n have_v conspire_v together_o to_o deceive_v we_o in_o this_o respect_n and_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n and_o all_o other_o profess_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o well_o ancient_a as_o modern_a who_o never_o contest_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n must_v utter_o have_v lose_v their_o reason_n in_o a_o word_n suppose_v the_o book_n of_o act_n compose_v long_o after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v when_o there_o can_v be_v no_o long_o any_o flourish_a church_n in_o that_o city_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o point_n gain_v for_o it_o be_v true_a still_o that_o the_o apostle_n set_v down_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o speak_v of_o and_o that_o their_o epistle_n be_v fill_v with_o such_o thing_n as_o visible_o relate_v to_o it_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o further_o add_v that_o the_o book_n of_o act_n mention_n nothing_o of_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o manifest_o show_v that_o it_o be_v compose_v during_o their_o life_n and_o consequent_o in_o a_o time_n wherein_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n flourish_v nor_o that_o it_o mention_n nothing_o of_o the_o last_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o any_o of_o the_o sign_n or_o presage_n of_o it_o which_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o that_o book_n be_v compose_v some_o time_n before_o that_o great_a event_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o author_n who_o compose_v it_o mere_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o the_o incredulous_a undoubted_o imagine_v will_v never_o have_v fail_v to_o have_v insert_v in_o it_o the_o history_n of_o all_o those_o dreadful_a misfortune_n which_o fall_v upon_o the_o jew_n and_o which_o the_o christian_n look_v upon_o as_o the_o effect_n of_o their_o reject_v the_o messiah_n but_o since_o my_o design_n be_v not_o to_o leave_v the_o reader_n the_o least_o shadow_n of_o a_o doubt_n i_o promise_v to_o prove_v by_o and_o by_o that_o the_o apostle_n both_o receive_v and_o impart_v many_o miraculous_a gift_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n till_o the_o method_n i_o have_v prescribe_v to_o myself_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o enter_v upon_o that_o subject_n i_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o make_v some_o few_o reflection_n concern_v the_o success_n of_o the_o apostle_n preach_v which_o be_v that_o essential_a head_n to_o which_o all_o other_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o act_n relate_v chap._n x._o wherein_o we_o shall_v take_v into_o consideration_n what_o success_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o apostle_n have_v this_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v relate_v with_o very_o remarkable_a circumstannce_n as_o i._o that_o those_o man_n who_o first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v fisherman_n that_o be_v gross_a and_o ignorant_a people_n of_o no_o appearance_n or_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n ii_o that_o those_o man_n go_v about_o preach_v that_o they_o have_v see_v jesus_n christ_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o that_o they_o have_v long_o before_o be_v eye-witness_n to_o his_o miracle_n iii_o that_o they_o offend_v by_o their_o preach_v all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o expose_v their_o person_n to_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o danger_n and_o misfortune_n iv._o that_o they_o suffer_v they_o with_o patience_n or_o rather_o with_o joy_n v._o that_o the_o success_n of_o their_o preach_n be_v so_o swift_a and_o sudden_a as_o be_v almost_o inconceivable_a in_o all_o this_o st._n luke_n have_v tell_v we_o nothing_o but_o what_o our_o own_o reason_n will_v tell_v we_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v man_n of_o no_o extraordinary_a birth_n or_o credit_n in_o the_o world_n that_o first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n since_o no_o body_n have_v ever_o say_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o those_o man_n ought_v to_o have_v testify_v that_o they_o have_v see_v jesus_n christ_n work_v many_o miracle_n see_v he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n because_o they_o will_v never_o have_v convert_v so_o many_o nation_n as_o they_o do_v have_v they_o only_o say_v they_o know_v all_o those_o thing_n by_o hear_v say_v and_o beside_o that_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n inform_v we_o that_o that_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o their_o preach_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n persecute_v these_o man_n for_o as_o much_o as_o policy_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o all_o new_a sect_n and_o the_o people_n themselves_o be_v always_o jealous_a of_o their_o religion_n it_o can_v be_v doubt_v neither_o but_o that_o the_o apostle_n very_o courageous_o suffer_v the_o effect_n of_o that_o persecution_n because_o have_v they_o recant_v or_o draw_v back_o for_o fear_n of_o punishment_n their_o design_n will_v have_v miscarry_v in_o its_o very_a beginning_n last_o who_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o success_n of_o their_o preach_n be_v very_o swift_a and_o sudden_a in_o as_o much_o as_o in_o a_o short_a time_n there_o be_v several_a church_n establish_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o know_a world_n this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v never_o contest_v and_o therefore_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o st._n luke_n tell_v we_o all_o these_o thing_n the_o book_n of_o act_n inform_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o they_o be_v so_o which_o utter_o destroy_v the_o suspicion_n we_o may_v entertain_v that_o they_o be_v all_o forge_v or_o invent_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o can_v consider_v all_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n nor_o unite_v they_o together_o and_o observe_v the_o proportion_n they_o have_v one_o with_o another_o without_o present_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o so_o plain_o prove_v and_o establish_v chap._n xi_o wherein_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n though_o the_o ancient_n have_v not_o unanimous_o receive_v the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n though_o clemens_n polycarp_n and_o barnabas_n have_v make_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o observe_v that_o they_o be_v write_v to_o some_o church_n that_o be_v to_o whole_a society_n who_o for_o a_o long_a while_n preserve_v the_o original_n of_o they_o to_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v not_o forge_v it_o be_v then_o our_o concern_n to_o see_v whether_o we_o can_v find_v therein_o any_o character_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o religion_n we_o can_v read_v st._n paul_n epistle_n without_o observe_v therein_o i._o the_o piety_n and_o charity_n of_o that_o apostle_n ii_o his_o impartiality_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n iii_o his_o courage_n in_o endure_a affliction_n which_o instead_o of_o dishearten_v rather_o overjoy_v he_o iv._o a_o continual_a repetition_n of_o the_o testimony_n which_o the_o apostle_n bear_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o lord_n v._o such_o thing_n which_o manifest_o denote_v that_o st._n paul_n have_v receive_v the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o those_o that_o then_o believe_v very_o frequent_o receive_v they_o the_o piety_n of_o that_o apostle_n so_o various_o discover_v itself_o in_o his_o write_n that_o we_o can_v think_v it_o dissemble_v without_o offer_v violence_n to_o our_o understanding_n for_o though_o a_o man_n shall_v constrain_v himself_o upon_o some_o occasion_n yet_o be_v it_o possible_a he_o shall_v after_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n during_o a_o great_a part_n of_o his_o life_n in_o all_o his_o action_n in_o all_o his_o word_n in_o his_o manner_n of_o tell_v of_o thing_n which_o often_o discover_v the_o bottom_n of_o the_o heart_n than_o the_o thing_n he_o speak_v of_o i_o know_v very_o well_o hypocrisy_n cover_v itself_o with_o the_o external_a show_n of_o virtue_n but_o real_o there_o be_v yet_o something_o which_o i_o can_v express_v a_o simple_a and_o natural_a air_n in_o true_a virtue_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o hypocrisy_n or_o rather_o hypocrisy_n be_v neither_o so_o subtle_a nor_o clear_v sight_v but_o that_o it_o discover_v itself_o on_o one_o side_n or_o other_o nay_o often_o it_o let_v drop_v a_o wordwhich_v unmasque_n it_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n however_o i_o be_o willing_a the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n shall_v be_v strict_o examine_v to_o see_v whether_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v very_o natural_a and_o sincere_a can_v be_v find_v
the_o emperor_n that_o have_v strict_o inquire_v into_o the_o life_n of_o the_o christian_n he_o find_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o they_o assemble_v together_o in_o remote_a place_n early_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o there_o say_v their_o prayer_n to_o heaven_n and_o bind_v themselves_o under_o a_o solemn_a oath_n not_o to_o commit_v murder_n adultery_n injustice_n or_o any_o other_o crime_n they_o will_v also_o produce_v a_o answer_n from_o trajan_n to_o pliny_n wherein_o that_o emperor_n give_v positive_a order_n that_o for_o the_o future_a there_o shall_v be_v no_o particular_a inquiry_n make_v after_o the_o christian_n but_o those_o only_a shall_v be_v punish_v who_o shall_v discover_v themselves_o and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o think_v that_o these_o letter_n be_v forge_v we_o may_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v tertulian_n that_o mention_n they_o in_o his_o discourse_n to_o the_o senate_n and_o the_o roman_a emperor_n who_o he_o can_v not_o impose_v upon_o without_o endanger_v his_o own_o life_n and_o prejudice_v his_o religion_n chap._n ii_o wherein_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o martyrdom_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n but_o perhaps_o we_o may_v soon_o suspect_v the_o credulity_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n than_o their_o innocence_n we_o be_v sure_a their_o constancy_n proceed_v from_o their_o hope_n and_o their_o hope_n from_o their_o persuasion_n but_o who_o know_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o persuasion_n be_v there_o not_o mahumetan_n so_o strong_o persuade_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o alcoran_n as_o to_o die_v in_o defence_n of_o that_o error_n the_o multitude_n then_o of_o martyr_n show_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n to_o be_v strong_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o prove_v not_o that_o persuasion_n to_o be_v well_o ground_v we_o mâ—st_v therefore_o go_v a_o little_a further_o and_o here_o we_o may_v easy_o suppose_v without_o fear_n of_o be_v mistake_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v some_o sort_n of_o common_a sense_n those_o who_o make_v it_o their_o profession_n to_o ridicule_n the_o plurality_n of_o god_n and_o the_o many_o superstition_n of_o the_o heathen_n which_o be_v real_o contrary_a to_o reason_n those_o who_o put_v in_o practice_n such_o wise_a rule_n of_o morality_n who_o be_v so_o regular_a in_o their_o behaviour_n so_o averse_a to_o all_o the_o excess_n that_o disorder_n reason_n who_o form_v to_o themselves_o such_o rational_a idea_n of_o the_o deity_n in_o comparison_n to_o other_o those_o man_n i_o say_v can_v not_o be_v whole_o destitute_a of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n now_o suppose_v they_o to_o have_v but_o the_o least_o glimmer_a of_o that_o light_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o conceiuâ—_v that_o they_o shall_v whole_o renounce_v their_o estate_n and_o fortune_n and_o courageous_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o any_o cause_n whatsoever_o unless_o they_o have_v very_o powerful_a reason_n to_o believe_v it_o be_v good_a this_o consideration_n will_v be_v further_o strengthen_v by_o two_o very_a important_a reflection_n and_o first_o we_o speak_v not_o here_o of_o such_o only_a who_o be_v bear_v christian_n blind_o follow_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o birth_n and_o education_n but_o also_o of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o person_n who_o renounce_v paganism_n to_o embrace_v christianity_n and_o lay_v aside_o the_o favourable_a prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n and_o birth_n which_o in_o they_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v yet_o willing_a to_o die_v for_o it_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v know_v and_o embrace_v second_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v altogether_o found_v upon_o mattter_n of_o fact_n for_o if_o jesus_n christ_n wrought_v miracle_n and_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a than_o be_v the_o christian_a faith_n true_a but_o if_o jesus_n christ_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n nor_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a then_o be_v the_o christian_a faith_n false_a and_o sure_o it_o will_v have_v be_v folly_n or_o madness_n in_o those_o man_n to_o forsake_v so_o flourish_v a_o communion_n as_o paganism_n to_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n a_o name_n so_o vile_a and_o contemptible_a in_o those_o day_n to_o suffer_v voluntary_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o estate_n and_o undergo_v a_o most_o terrible_a death_n only_o to_o defend_v a_o religion_n ground_v upon_o such_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a those_o indeed_o that_o be_v bear_v and_o live_v peacable_o in_o a_o communion_n may_v blind_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o but_o he_o that_o be_v never_o so_o little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o constitution_n of_o man_n heart_n can_v scarce_o imagine_v man_n to_o be_v so_o senseless_a as_o to_o renounce_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o birth_n and_o education_n to_o offer_v violence_n to_o their_o dear_a and_o most_o tender_a inclination_n and_o embrace_v a_o faith_n pursue_v with_o fire_n and_o sword_n and_o persecute_v by_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n unless_o they_o have_v first_o due_o examine_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o know_v well_o upon_o what_o ground_n they_o thus_o embrace_v it_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o some_o of_o these_o man_n be_v of_o the_o mean_a sort_n of_o people_n who_o example_n can_v be_v allege_v as_o a_o precedent_n for_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n we_o will_v grant_v it_o but_o than_o it_o must_v also_o be_v confess_v that_o the_o vulgar_a usual_o embrace_v that_o religion_n which_o be_v attend_v with_o power_n and_o prosperity_n pomp_n and_o authority_n and_o hate_v even_o truth_n itself_o when_o once_o destitute_a of_o all_o these_o outward_a help_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a then_o that_o against_o all_o outward_a appearance_n they_o shall_v have_v act_v so_o contrary_o to_o themselves_o in_o this_o occasion_n but_o suppose_v the_o commmon_a sort_n of_o christian_n to_o have_v lose_v their_o reason_n can_v we_o say_v the_o same_o of_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o clement_n polycarp_n justin_n iraeneus_n &_o c_o it_o be_v certain_a on_o one_o hÄnd_n these_o man_n be_v man_n of_o very_a good_a sense_n as_o their_o write_n those_o monument_n they_o have_v leave_v we_o evident_o demonstrate_v and_o on_o the_o other_o it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v they_o live_v in_o a_o time_n so_o very_o near_o to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v be_v deceive_v in_o this_o respect_n for_o polycarp_n converse_v a_o long_a while_n with_o st._n john_n iraeneus_n see_v polycarp_n and_o justin_n be_v a_o more_o ancient_a father_n than_o iraeneus_n have_v those_o doctor_n only_o tell_v we_o that_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v several_a miracle_n we_o may_v perhaps_o have_v suspend_v our_o belief_n upon_o their_o bare_a word_n but_o since_o they_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o certain_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o must_v necessary_o have_v full_o be_v inform_v of_o since_o i_o see_v that_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n disciple_n and_o contemporary_n with_o the_o apostle_n cheerful_o come_v to_o the_o stake_n to_o maintain_v a_o religion_n essential_o found_v upon_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n such_o as_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o divers_a language_n confer_v upon_o the_o apostle_n the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n and_o impart_v those_o very_a gift_n themselves_o to_o other_o since_o i_o say_v these_o christian_a doctor_n suffer_v martyrdom_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v essential_o unite_v to_o i_o confess_v i_o begin_v to_o be_v convince_v nevertheless_o let_v we_o search_v more_o narrow_o into_o this_o matter_n and_o see_v whether_o we_o shall_v yet_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o entertain_v any_o further_a scruple_n chap._n iii_o in_o which_o we_o further_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n by_o several_a undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n who_o tell_v we_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n suffer_v martyrdom_n and_o suppose_v they_o do_v who_o will_v assure_v we_o they_o be_v not_o delude_v by_o the_o apostle_n nay_o who_o can_v tell_v whether_o there_o ever_o be_v any_o such_o man_n i_o suppose_v i_o shall_v not_o be_v oblige_v to_o prove_v with_o a_o great_a many_o argument_n there_o be_v such_o man_n as_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n who_o suffer_v martyrdom_n eusebius_n who_o write_v their_o history_n can_v not_o whole_o have_v invent_v it_o unless_o he_o have_v corrupt_v all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n that_o live_v before_o he_o for_o they_o all_o speak_v of_o it_o iraeneus_n justin_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n etc._n etc._n mention_v it_o as_o a_o know_a matter_n of_o fact_n the_o first_o of_o they_o glory_n in_o several_a place_n of_o his_o work_n that_o he_o have_v see_v polycarp_n in_o his_o youth_n and_o it_o appear_v they_o all_o suffer_v martyrdom_n
in_o imitation_n of_o those_o primitive_a christian_n that_o the_o apostle_n deceive_v polycarp_n and_o clemens_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o disciple_n be_v a_o thing_n much_o less_o to_o be_v suspect_v because_o they_o themselves_o stick_v not_o to_o boast_v of_o their_o be_v able_a to_o work_v miracle_n heal_v all_o kind_n of_o disease_n speak_v all_o sort_n of_o language_n and_o impart_v to_o other_o those_o gift_n they_o call_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o clemens_n polycarp_n etc._n etc._n shall_v have_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v deceive_v in_o this_o respect_n especial_o to_o â—uch_v a_o degree_n as_o to_o suffer_v death_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o religion_n found_v on_o so_o many_o imposture_n but_o whence_o appear_v it_o that_o the_o apostle_n boast_v of_o a_o power_n to_o work_v miracle_n and_o impart_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o appear_v not_o only_o from_o their_o own_o epistle_n which_o can_v 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be_v we_o not_o assure_v of_o they_o from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o have_v we_o not_o a_o clear_a proof_n in_o the_o complaint_n of_o the_o father_n who_o certain_o be_v not_o so_o extravagant_a as_o public_o to_o complain_v of_o a_o imaginary_a persecution_n when_o it_o be_v so_o dangerous_a to_o complain_v of_o one_o that_o be_v real_a and_o therefore_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o this_o christian_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n be_v which_o make_v man_n so_o patient_o suffer_v and_o abandon_v all_o thing_n but_o to_o my_o great_a amazement_n i_o find_v that_o they_o believe_v that_o a_o certain_a crucify_a man_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o a_o man_n hang_v and_o nail_v on_o a_o cross_n be_v the_o sovereign_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o object_n of_o our_o adoration_n i_o confess_v i_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v some_o supernatural_a power_n in_o all_o this_o for_o though_o man_n of_o as_o mean_a appearance_n as_o those_o who_o first_o preach_v the_o 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the_o messiah_n but_o can_v they_o still_o believe_v it_o when_o they_o see_v he_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n or_o if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o be_v they_o now_o grow_v bold_a to_o maintain_v a_o imposture_n than_o before_o to_o follow_v their_o master_n when_o they_o think_v he_o the_o true_a messiah_n can_v certain_a fisherman_n deject_v fearful_a fisherman_n who_o ought_v with_o shame_n to_o have_v own_v their_o error_n can_v they_o invent_v such_o a_o fable_n preach_v it_o with_o so_o much_o confidence_n maintain_v it_o with_o so_o much_o boldness_n expose_v their_o person_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o torment_n and_o even_o to_o death_n itself_o in_o defence_n of_o such_o a_o incredible_a fiction_n can_v any_o of_o they_o imagine_v that_o they_o can_v seduce_v mankind_n or_o have_v any_o one_o of_o they_o imagine_v it_o can_v the_o rest_n have_v be_v so_o extravagant_a as_o to_o approve_v of_o his_o ridiculous_a fancy_n do_v they_o think_v the_o world_n will_v believe_v they_o 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which_o appear_v to_o i_o so_o very_o absurd_a and_o extravagant_a that_o i_o question_n whether_o our_o incredulous_a adversary_n can_v persuade_v themselves_o of_o it_o provide_v they_o will_v but_o reflect_v never_o so_o little_a upon_o it_o but_o let_v we_o continue_v still_o to_o distrust_v ourselves_o may_v we_o not_o probable_o have_v make_v some_o false_a supposition_n in_o what_o we_o just_a now_o affirm_v we_o will_v therefore_o go_v over_o again_o the_o same_o principle_n we_o just_o now_o establish_v and_o indeed_o the_o more_o i_o reflect_v upon_o they_o the_o less_o i_o conceive_v how_o we_o can_v possible_o call_v any_o of_o they_o in_o question_n for_o can_v i_o deny_v that_o jesus_n ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n that_o he_o ever_o have_v any_o disciple_n or_o that_o those_o disciple_n think_v he_o at_o first_o the_o promise_a messiah_n but_o why_o shall_v i_o alone_o question_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o the_o thalmudist_n nay_o julian_n porphirius_fw-la and_o all_o other_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n have_v always_o acknowledge_v this_o be_v what_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v absurd_a can_v i_o question_v but_o that_o if_o jesus_n die_v and_o rise_v not_o again_o from_o the_o dead_a his_o disciple_n be_v then_o undeceive_v of_o the_o opinion_n they_o probable_o entertain_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n the_o son_n of_o god_n if_o so_o either_o they_o understand_v nothing_o at_o all_o by_o these_o two_o word_n the_o messiah_n the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o else_o they_o understand_v quite_o another_o thing_n than_o that_o he_o be_v a_o mere_a man_n who_o be_v to_o remain_v for_o ever_o under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n after_o his_o crucifixion_n can_v i_o deny_v that_o the_o disciple_n declare_v the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n after_o his_o crucifixion_n it_o be_v self_n evident_a all_o
to_o look_v upon_o that_o word_n as_o divine_v which_o those_o tongue_n have_v preach_v we_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o those_o write_n as_o divine_a in_o which_o that_o word_n itself_o be_v contain_v i_o hope_v that_o whosoever_o shall_v serious_o reflect_v on_o the_o connexion_n of_o all_o these_o principle_n will_v full_o be_v persuade_v that_o their_o union_n be_v not_o to_o be_v dissolve_v if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o book_n as_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o day_n of_o clemens_n polycarp_n and_o of_o the_o primitive_a father_n as_o without_o dispute_n there_o be_v that_o book_n can_v never_o have_v be_v forge_v if_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v not_o have_v be_v forge_v it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o certain_a public_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v insert_v in_o that_o book_n as_o be_v public_o know_v by_o all_o the_o christian_n be_v true_a and_o if_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v true_a it_o can_v never_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o 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original_a and_o proceed_v from_o god_n but_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o difficulty_n that_o be_v oppose_v against_o this_o grand_a principle_n chap._n fourteen_o wherein_o we_o shall_v examine_v those_o difficulty_n which_o may_v probable_o be_v raise_v against_o the_o forego_n truth_n truth_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o all_o shift_n and_o trick_n let_v we_o therefore_o brief_o consider_v what_o doubt_n we_o may_v possible_o entertain_v in_o the_o forego_n truth_n let_v we_o give_v full_a scope_n to_o our_o imagination_n to_o frame_v what_o suspicion_n we_o can_v as_o to_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n their_o miracle_n the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o the_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v impart_v to_o mankind_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o i._o to_o begin_v with_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v some_o who_o believe_v that_o 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extraordinary_a morality_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n but_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o refute_v this_o notion_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o sect_n as_o that_o of_o the_o essenes_n in_o galilee_n which_o be_v the_o native_a country_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o essenes_n avoid_v all_o correspondence_n with_o other_o man_n as_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o impure_a and_o profane_a and_o for_o that_o reason_n dwell_v not_o in_o any_o great_a city_n whereas_o jesus_n christ_n traverse_v town_n and_o village_n teach_v multitude_n preach_v in_o the_o synagogue_n etc._n etc._n beside_o the_o essenes_n abhor_a matrimony_n whereas_o jesus_n christ_n make_v choice_n of_o such_o disciple_n as_o be_v marry_v and_o last_o that_o he_o have_v several_a fisherman_n to_o attend_v he_o but_o none_o of_o they_o be_v essenes_n but_o ii_o may_v we_o not_o think_v that_o jesus_n christ_n owe_v his_o knowledge_n to_o his_o education_n but_o how_o can_v that_o be_v for_o as_o much_o as_o he_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o shop_n of_o a_o carpenter_n as_o his_o enemy_n themselves_o confess_v in_o their_o reproach_n of_o he_o iii_o some_o will_v object_v that_o it_o be_v out_o of_o spite_n to_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o other_o ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o he_o first_o exclaim_v so_o much_o against_o they_o and_o after_o invent_v on_o purpose_n to_o thwart_v they_o a_o religion_n quite_o opposite_a to_o they_o but_o what_o have_v the_o son_n of_o mary_n to_o do_v with_o all_o those_o teacher_n since_o he_o neither_o be_v priest_n nor_o levite_n nor_o pretend_v to_o any_o such_o dignity_n what_o shall_v make_v he_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o they_o beside_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o assert_v that_o jesus_n christ_n seem_v very_o much_o exasperate_v against_o their_o doctrine_n and_o behaviour_n it_o must_v also_o be_v consider_v whether_o he_o have_v not_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v so_o iu._n it_o be_v object_v that_o perhaps_o he_o be_v ambitious_a of_o be_v think_v a_o prophet_n or_o it_o may_v be_v not_o right_o understand_v certain_a oracle_n which_o seem_v to_o determine_v at_o that_o time_n the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n he_o real_o think_v himself_o to_o be_v that_o messiah_n but_o nothing_o of_o this_o be_v true_a for_o jesus_n christ_n can_v not_o have_v think_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n out_o of_o mere_a simplicity_n and_o ignorance_n nor_o have_v endeavour_v to_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v it_o out_o of_o malice_n or_o deceit_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o former_a if_o we_o consider_v his_o morality_n and_o doctrine_n and_o his_o holiness_n of_o life_n give_v we_o no_o occasion_n to_o imagine_v the_o latter_a the_o incredulous_a will_n soon_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o evident_a absurdity_n if_o they_o assert_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o most_o ignorant_a or_o most_o wicked_a of_o man_n the_o most_o ignorant_a if_o he_o think_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n without_o be_v real_o so_o or_o the_o most_o wicked_a if_o he_o endeavour_v to_o make_v other_o man_n believe_v it_o when_o he_o believe_v it_o not_o himself_o because_o one_o must_v be_v wilful_o blind_a not_o to_o perceive_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n proceed_v both_o from_o a_o very_a clear_a principle_n and_o a_o good_a foundation_n too_o v._n but_o may_v we_o not_o say_v the_o same_o of_o mahomet_n the_o incredulous_a compare_v they_o often_o together_o they_o pretend_v that_o jesus_n christ_n and_o mahomet_n may_v have_v be_v animate_v both_o with_o the_o same_o spirit_n but_o of_o all_o the_o shift_n of_o the_o incredulous_a this_o be_v certain_o their_o weak_a and_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o they_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o idea_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o speak_v of_o when_o they_o insist_v upon_o this_o comparison_n for_o we_o can_v here_o produce_v several_a essential_a difference_n betwixt_o jesus_n christ_n and_o mahomet_n 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down_o from_o the_o cross_n and_o we_o will_v believe_v in_o he_o nay_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v say_v if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n why_o do_v he_o not_o show_v and_o manifest_v himself_o after_o a_o sensible_a manner_n by_o speak_v to_o man_n immediate_o from_o the_o high_a heaven_n and_o than_o they_o will_v all_o be_v force_v in_o spite_n of_o themselves_o to_o acknowledge_v he_o but_o god_n do_v not_o desire_v we_o to_o acknowledge_v he_o against_o our_o own_o inclination_n and_o consequent_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o manifest_v himself_o as_o we_o in_o our_o extravagant_a desire_n will_v have_v he_o but_o as_o it_o seem_v best_a to_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n have_v christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n raise_v all_o the_o dead_a they_o find_v to_o life_n again_o we_o shall_v then_o contrary_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o almighty_a have_v have_v no_o other_o faith_n but_o what_o depend_v entire_o upon_o our_o sense_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o they_o heal_v 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and_o choose_v rather_o to_o believe_v our_o own_o sense_n and_o i_o dare_v affirm_v without_o beg_v any_o excuse_n for_o the_o boldness_n of_o my_o assertion_n that_o there_o never_o be_v nor_o never_o will_v be_v any_o matter_n of_o fact_n against_o which_o we_o may_v not_o raise_v several_a plausible_a objection_n and_o considerable_a difficulty_n that_o be_v mere_o speculative_a some_o be_v daily_o raise_v against_o the_o flux_n and_o reflux_n of_o the_o sea_n against_o the_o attraction_n of_o the_o loadstone_n with_o iron_n the_o source_n or_o head_n of_o the_o river_n nile_n against_o comet_n and_o meteor_n nay_o even_o against_o the_o people_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o propagation_n of_o mankind_n we_o ready_o grant_v the_o incredulous_a that_o several_a considerable_a difficulty_n may_v be_v raise_v against_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n as_o we_o see_v there_o be_v no_o less_o considerable_a one_o daily_o raise_v even_o against_o the_o mystery_n and_o secret_a operation_n of_o nature_n but_o i_o still_o affirm_v that_o we_o must_v renounce_v the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n if_o we_o prefer_v any_o difficulty_n of_o mere_a speculation_n before_o those_o argument_n which_o be_v take_v from_o undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n though_o we_o shall_v argue_v only_o upon_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n it_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o compare_v the_o obscurity_n which_o cause_n those_o difficulty_n with_o the_o evidence_n which_o clear_v they_o that_o the_o latter_a will_v gain_v more_o upon_o our_o belief_n than_o the_o former_a and_o this_o truth_n we_o think_v we_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v in_o our_o first_o part_n of_o this_o work_n but_o though_o we_o shall_v meet_v with_o nothing_o else_o but_o difficulty_n in_o those_o natural_a principle_n without_o any_o light_n at_o all_o to_o clear_v they_o yet_o ought_v we_o to_o banish_v all_o scruple_n and_o doubt_n that_o arise_v mere_o from_o speculation_n the_o better_a to_o embrace_v the_o opinion_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o argument_n draw_v from_o undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n unless_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o absurdity_n not_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o which_o be_v whole_o contrary_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n but_o have_v thus_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o essential_o of_o our_o religion_n namely_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o remain_v only_o that_o we_o make_v man_n further_o sensible_a of_o they_o by_o lay_v down_o a_o few_o short_a remark_n which_o we_o shall_v make_v on_o several_a place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n who_o whole_a purport_n shall_v be_v either_o to_o persuade_v we_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v real_o teach_v all_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o sincere_o believe_v the_o thing_n which_o they_o declare_v or_o else_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v impose_v upon_o in_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o from_o those_o three_o principle_n be_v form_v the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n some_o reflection_n on_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o s._n matthew_n chapt_n ii_o 1._o now_o when_o jesus_n be_v bear_v in_o bethlehem_n of_o judea_n behold_v there_o come_v wiseman_n etc._n etc._n those_o wiseman_n be_v of_o all_o nation_n the_o first_o that_o come_v to_o pay_v their_o homage_n to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o priest_n and_o elder_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v consult_v concern_v the_o birth_n of_o the_o messiah_n free_o own_v he_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v in_o bethlehem_n and_o be_v quite_o of_o another_o opinion_n than_o the_o modern_a jew_n who_o pervert_v the_o mean_v of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o micah_n chap._n 5._o as_o to_o what_o concern_v we_o we_o affirm_v that_o the_o history_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o wiseman_n can_v not_o be_v false_o invent_v i._o because_o it_o agree_v admirable_o with_o the_o prophecy_n of_o balaam_n numb_a 24._o 17._o where_o he_o cry_v out_o i_o shall_v sâ—e_v he_o but_o not_o now_o i_o shall_v behold_v he_o but_o not_o nigh_o there_o shall_v come_v a_o star_n out_o of_o jacob_n and_o a_o sceptre_n shall_v rise_v out_o of_o israel_n a_o star_n of_o the_o wiseman_n indeed_o and_o a_o sceptre_n of_o jesus_n christ_n ii_o the_o evangelist_n can_v not_o have_v make_v the_o whole_a city_n of_o jerusalem_n believe_v that_o they_o be_v trouble_v and_o astonish_v at_o the_o come_v of_o those_o wiseman_n and_o much_o less_o persuade_v the_o inhabitant_n against_o their_o own_o public_a knowledge_n that_o herod_n have_v so_o barbarouf_o shed_v so_o much_o innocent_a blood_n iii_o herod_n must_v necessary_o have_v be_v tell_v that_o the_o christ_n or_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v in_o bethlehem_n because_o thither_o he_o send_v direct_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o execrable_a fury_n iu._n and_o last_o joseph_n flee_v into_o egypt_n and_o be_v afraid_a to_o return_v again_o into_o judea_n when_o he_o hear_v that_o archelaus_n reign_v in_o the_o room_n of_o his_o father_n herod_n a_o circumstance_n that_o wonderful_o agree_v with_o all_o the_o rest_n chapt._n iii_o 1._o in_o those_o day_n come_v john_n the_o baptist_n in_o this_o chapter_n john_n foretell_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o these_o word_n o_o generation_n of_o viper_n who_o have_v warn_v you_o to_o fly_v from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v and_o now_o also_o the_o axe_n be_v lay_v to_o the_o root_n of_o the_o tree_n therefore_o every_o tree_n which_o bring_v not_o forth_o good_a fruit_n be_v hew_v down_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n etc._n etc._n he_o foretell_v also_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o apostle_n in_o these_o word_n i_o indeed_o baptize_v you_o with_o water_n unto_o repentance_n but_o he_o that_o
be_v several_a famous_a emperor_n who_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceal_v from_o the_o world_n their_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o some_o of_o they_o have_v for_o inscription_n in_o their_o public_a edifice_n several_a maxim_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o other_o will_v have_v consecrate_v church_n for_o the_o use_v of_o the_o christian_n and_o last_o that_o other_o profess_a themselves_o admirer_n of_o the_o morality_n of_o christ._n but_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n who_o not_o be_v able_a to_o deny_v christ_n miracle_n be_v force_v to_o refer_v they_o some_o to_o a_o magic_a power_n and_o other_o to_o a_o certain_a i_o know_v not_o what_o mysterious_a pronunciation_n of_o the_o word_n jehovah_n so_o strange_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v that_o even_o the_o very_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n shall_v thus_o testify_v of_o it_o and_o yet_o scarce_o perceive_v it_o the_o seven_o testimony_n be_v that_o of_o several_a strange_a event_n which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n so_o order_v that_o they_o firm_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n of_o these_o there_o be_v several_a very_o remarkable_a but_o it_o shall_v suffice_v at_o present_a to_o mention_v three_o only_a which_o among_o the_o rest_n deserve_v a_o particular_a consideration_n the_o first_o be_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o four_o monarchy_n which_o have_v sore_o afflict_v and_o harass_v god_n people_n at_o the_o end_n of_o which_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v immediate_o to_o be_v establish_v the_o second_o the_o entire_a destruction_n of_o the_o jewish_a government_n and_o the_o signal_n devastation_n of_o the_o holy_a land_n a_o effect_n of_o the_o divine_a wrath_n pour_v out_o upon_o that_o nation_n the_o three_o and_o last_o the_o settlement_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n or_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n attend_v with_o so_o many_o circumstance_n as_o plain_o show_v that_o nothing_o but_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n can_v perfect_v so_o great_a a_o work_n the_o eight_o be_v that_o testimony_n give_v of_o christ_n by_o the_o revelation_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o nine_o that_o which_o be_v give_v of_o he_o by_o natural_a religion_n but_o of_o these_o two_o testimony_n we_o shall_v not_o speak_v at_o present_a for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o design_v to_o end_v this_o work_n with_o a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o they_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v plain_a the_o christian_a religion_n must_v be_v true_a because_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o so_o many_o authentic_a person_n which_o can_v be_v suspect_v of_o deceit_n and_o it_o will_v be_v extravagant_o ridiculous_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o prophet_n shall_v have_v so_o clear_a a_o insight_n into_o futurity_n mere_o to_o countenance_n and_o authorise_v a_o fiction_n that_o john_n the_o baptist_n have_v be_v at_o first_o take_v by_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o messiah_n shall_v renounce_v the_o honour_n which_o that_o title_n will_v have_v confer_v upon_o he_o only_o out_o of_o love_n and_o complaisance_n to_o a_o impostor_n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n shall_v so_o ready_o sacrifice_v their_o estate_n reputation_n repose_v and_o life_n itself_o to_o a_o person_n they_o know_v to_o be_v a_o false_a christ_n that_o the_o heaven_n shall_v countenance_v a_o flame_n and_o a_o lie_n by_o work_v such_o signal_n and_o sensible_a miracle_n that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n shall_v have_v find_v every_o thing_n that_o can_v supply_v its_o want_n and_o necessity_n in_o a_o mere_a cheat_n that_o even_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n shall_v countenance_v and_o approve_v of_o our_o false_a prejudices_fw-la that_o all_o event_n shall_v so_o exact_o coincide_v with_o a_o erroneous_a imposture_n and_o that_o the_o revelation_n of_o moses_n and_o natural_a religion_n shall_v thus_o testify_v so_o palpable_a a_o fiction_n to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v the_o necessity_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n since_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n lead_v we_o to_o it_o by_o so_o many_o different_a way_n as_o also_o the_o admirable_a perfection_n and_o transcendency_n of_o it_o since_o in_o a_o manner_n heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o time_n past_a and_o present_a event_n ordinary_a and_o natural_a as_o well_o as_o those_o supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a since_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n who_o be_v altogether_o unknown_a to_o one_o another_o have_v agree_v unanimous_o to_o reveal_v it_o and_o propose_v it_o to_o we_o as_o a_o object_n for_o its_o transcendent_a excellency_n worthy_a of_o our_o great_a admiration_n two_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o all_o other_o religion_n all_o these_o truth_n will_v more_o evident_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o its_o opposition_n to_o all_o other_o religion_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n consist_v in_o that_o it_o have_v advantage_n which_o other_o religion_n have_v not_o and_o yet_o none_o of_o their_o fault_n i_o say_v no_o other_o religion_n have_v advantage_n equal_a to_o those_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o no_o other_o can_v boast_v of_o its_o have_v be_v confirm_v by_o ancient_a prophecy_n even_o mahomet_n think_v it_o better_a to_o oblige_v man_n to_o call_v the_o scripture_n in_o question_n than_o do_v derive_v any_o argument_n from_o it_o which_o may_v serve_v to_o confirm_v his_o mission_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o not_o boast_v that_o he_o have_v be_v precede_v by_o any_o forerunner_n who_o make_v his_o path_n straight_o there_o be_v indeed_o several_a religion_n which_o perhaps_o may_v have_v have_v their_o martyr_n but_o what_o sort_n of_o martyr_n superstitious_a man_n who_o blind_o expose_v themselves_o to_o death_n without_o know_v what_o they_o do_v like_o those_o barbarian_n who_o prostrate_v themselves_o by_o thousand_o before_o their_o idol_n that_o their_o colossus_n may_v crush_v they_o in_o piece_n with_o its_o wheel_n as_o it_o pass_v along_o but_o no_o religion_n beside_o the_o christian_a be_v ever_o confirm_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o sensible_a understand_a martyr_n who_o voluntary_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o what_o they_o have_v see_v who_o from_o vicious_a and_o profligate_v person_n become_v saint_n upon_o the_o confidence_n they_o have_v in_o their_o master_n and_o who_o at_o length_n be_v disperse_v in_o all_o place_n of_o the_o world_n by_o their_o death_n gain_v proselyte_n and_o make_a their_o blood_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n cheerful_o suffer_v martyrdom_n have_v certain_a assurance_n of_o be_v crown_v after_o their_o death_n a_o certain_a assurance_n which_o they_o derive_v from_o what_o they_o themselves_o have_v former_o see_v we_o find_v other_o religion_n which_o pretend_v to_o be_v confirm_v and_o authorize_v by_o several_a sign_n and_o extraordinary_a event_n from_o heaven_n the_o 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witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n we_o mean_v only_o those_o event_n which_o have_v be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n final_o there_o may_v be_v several_a religion_n that_o may_v deceive_v but_o none_o but_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o can_v true_o satisfy_v mankind_n there_o be_v some_o religion_n ground_v upon_o fabulous_a miracle_n and_o confirm_v by_o witness_n easy_o convince_v of_o imposture_n but_o none_o but_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v firm_o and_o solid_o establish_v to_o upon_o true_a miracle_n and_o valid_a testimony_n it_o appear_v then_o that_o no_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n have_v such_o extraordinary_a qualification_n as_o the_o christian_a religion_n of_o which_o it_o must_v also_o be_v affirm_v that_o it_o be_v free_a from_o all_o such_o defect_n as_o be_v incident_a to_o other_o religion_n we_o need_v no_o deep_a
though_o perhaps_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o true_a and_o real_a one_o he_o frame_v at_o least_o a_o imaginary_a one_o to_o himself_o and_o will_v feign_v outlive_v his_o day_n in_o spite_n of_o death_n by_o immortalise_a himself_n in_o the_o remembrance_n of_o men._n who_o then_o can_v reconcile_v man_n to_o himself_o how_o come_v such_o lofty_a sentiment_n to_o be_v join_v with_o so_o much_o wretchedness_n and_o misery_n or_o why_o shall_v a_o be_v so_o mean_a and_o humble_a have_v such_o great_a and_o elevate_a notion_n if_o we_o consult_v the_o christian_a religion_n we_o shall_v soon_o be_v satisfy_v in_o this_o point_n for_o the_o first_o rudiment_n of_o it_o will_v solve_v all_o the_o seem_a riddle_n it_o will_v teach_v we_o that_o man_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n body_n and_o soul_n who_o quality_n and_o part_n be_v very_o different_a the_o body_n make_v he_o a_o member_n of_o the_o material_a world_n from_o whence_o he_o derive_v his_o wretchedness_n and_o misery_n in_o his_o soul_n he_o bear_v the_o image_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o real_a goodness_n if_o the_o mind_n be_v subject_a to_o matter_n we_o see_v only_o his_o imperfection_n and_o find_v nothing_o but_o a_o sensitive_a man_n in_o he_o but_o if_o the_o body_n be_v whole_o subject_a to_o the_o soul_n then_o only_o the_o greatness_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o soul_n appear_v and_o we_o find_v a_o spiritual_a man_n in_o he_o whatever_o therefore_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o greatness_n of_o man_n become_v a_o incredible_a paradox_n if_o apply_v to_o his_o outward_a and_o carnal_a part_n and_o whatever_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v his_o imperfection_n and_o unworthiness_n will_v be_v utter_o false_a if_o apply_v to_o he_o as_o a_o be_v glorious_a and_o pure_o spiritual_a but_o in_o our_o present_a state_n the_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v in_o a_o continual_a war_n sometime_o the_o excellence_n and_o greatness_n of_o man_n nature_n and_o sometime_o the_o weakness_n and_o vnworthiness_n of_o it_o appear_v according_a as_o the_o flesh_n or_o spirit_n be_v predominant_a and_o this_o serve_v for_o a_o certain_a rule_n to_o judge_v of_o man_n perfection_n or_o imperfection_n that_o every_o thing_n be_v great_a and_o noble_a in_o he_o that_o bring_v the_o flesh_n in_o subjection_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o every_o thing_n seem_v vile_a and_o contemptible_a that_o base_o bring_v the_o spirit_n in_o subjection_n to_o the_o flesh_n for_o what_o sort_n of_o greatness_n can_v we_o find_v in_o the_o latter_a and_o wherein_o consist_v the_o excellence_n of_o his_o outward_a qualification_n by_o which_o alone_o he_o endeavour_v to_o procure_v the_o esteem_n of_o other_o man_n not_o in_o the_o antiquity_n of_o his_o original_a for_o that_o bring_v he_o but_o the_o near_a to_o his_o primitive_a nothing_o or_o to_o the_o clay_n out_o of_o which_o he_o be_v first_o form_v he_o betray_v his_o weak_a judgement_n in_o esteem_v so_o much_o the_o original_a of_o his_o body_n and_o not_o regard_v that_o of_o his_o soul_n as_o for_o the_o good_n of_o fortune_n they_o swell_v his_o heart_n with_o pride_n and_o therefore_o he_o value_v himself_o more_o for_o what_o he_o enjoy_v than_o for_o what_o he_o real_o be_v suppose_v he_o a_o conqueror_n or_o if_o you_o please_v lord_n of_o the_o universe_n but_o alas_o that_o can_v be_v of_o no_o great_a continuance_n his_o reason_n indeed_o exalt_v he_o far_o above_o all_o other_o creature_n but_o even_o that_o reason_n be_v a_o slave_n to_o his_o scnse_n his_o passion_n deject_v rather_o than_o elevate_v he_o ambition_n be_v a_o weakness_n which_o make_v he_o unable_a to_o rule_v his_o desire_n pride_n a_o imperfection_n which_o so_o possess_v his_o mind_n that_o he_o can_v pass_v by_o the_o least_o affront_n to_o his_o reputation_n avarice_n a_o base_a fear_n of_o future_a want_n a_o limit_a consideration_n of_o self-love_n that_o forget_v itself_o to_o think_v better_o upon_o what_o be_v least_o valuable_a in_o its_o condition_n the_o punctilio_n of_o honour_n a_o vain_a imperfection_n that_o make_v a_o idol_n of_o itself_o that_o valour_n which_o affront_v death_n nothing_o but_o a_o man_n strange_o forget_v himself_o and_o be_v insensible_a of_o the_o danger_n that_o surround_v he_o and_o last_o all_o the_o passion_n but_o so_o many_o deviation_n from_o the_o end_n we_o ought_v to_o pursue_v so_o many_o disorder_n and_o irregularity_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o appear_v full_o by_o what_o we_o have_v say_v elsewhere_o concern_v the_o end_n for_o which_o man_n be_v original_o design_v and_o though_o these_o be_v all_o moral_a truth_n they_o be_v not_o the_o less_o certain_a experience_n confirm_v they_o and_o â—he_v free_a confession_n of_o the_o incredulous_a who_o be_v glad_a of_o any_o opportunity_n of_o make_v we_o observe_v all_o these_o sign_n and_o character_n of_o our_o wretchedness_n and_o misery_n think_v thereby_o to_o persuade_v we_o that_o so_o miserable_a a_o creature_n be_v not_o design_v for_o such_o a_o glorious_a end_n as_o we_o imagine_v but_o let_v they_o only_o consider_v how_o true_o great_a man_n be_v when_o he_o submit_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o they_o will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o their_o false_a opinion_n they_o will_v find_v he_o indeed_o a_o be_v that_o have_v a_o beginning_n but_o yet_o one_o that_o glory_v in_o god_n as_o the_o author_n of_o it_o they_o will_v find_v he_o a_o atom_n that_o raise_v its_o self_n above_o all_o other_o creature_n by_o run_v back_o to_o its_o first_o author_n and_o pay_v he_o homage_n for_o its_o unworthiness_n a_o worm_n that_o have_v the_o honour_n of_o refer_v its_o self_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o which_o also_o all_o other_o being_n be_v refer_v but_o without_o know_v it_o they_o will_v find_v he_o a_o be_v that_o be_v indeed_o mortal_a carry_v its_o hope_n beyond_o death_n a_o be_v that_o be_v finite_a yet_o its_o desire_n and_o intention_n be_v unlimited_a a_o small_a quantity_n of_o earth_n will_v cover_v his_o body_n yet_o nothing_o but_o immensity_n will_v satisfy_v his_o soul_n he_o possess_v all_o thing_n for_o he_o call_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o he_o that_o create_v all_o thing_n he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v rank_v among_o those_o creature_n which_o grow_v proud_a by_o promotion_n or_o can_v be_v humble_a without_o debase_v themselves_o he_o be_v great_a but_o not_o proud_a because_o he_o know_v his_o natural_a vileness_n and_o he_o be_v humble_a but_o not_o base_a because_o he_o be_v sensible_a of_o his_o true_a greatness_n and_o worth_n he_o have_v make_v such_o a_o covenant_n with_o his_o god_n as_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o body_n be_v not_o able_a to_o dissolve_v though_o he_o conqer_v not_o kingdom_n nor_o raze_v city_n yet_o he_o be_v able_a to_o overcome_v those_o passion_n which_o have_v produce_v the_o like_a effect_n he_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n those_o very_a passion_n to_o which_o man_n heretofore_o sacrifice_v all_o their_o possession_n he_o esteem_v not_o a_o crown_n and_o the_o high_a dignity_n be_v of_o no_o value_n in_o his_o thought_n he_o quit_v a_o throne_n to_o equal_v himself_o to_o shepherd_n and_o though_o but_o a_o shepherd_n he_o think_v himself_o as_o great_a as_o the_o most_o powerful_a monarch_n what_o the_o world_n admire_v be_v but_o a_o dream_n to_o he_o though_o he_o enjoy_v the_o great_a title_n yet_o have_v he_o the_o same_o humble_a thought_n of_o himself_o shall_v the_o world_n afflict_v he_o on_o every_o side_n it_o can_v lessen_v his_o opinion_n of_o himself_o he_o raise_v himself_o above_o what_o he_o see_v to_o humble_v himself_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n who_o be_v invisible_a he_o possess_v eternity_n though_o he_o exist_v in_o time_n he_o be_v a_o child_n of_o god_n though_o he_o live_v among_o man_n he_o be_v sensible_a of_o his_o exaltation_n above_o all_o other_o being_n but_o he_o be_v true_o great_a in_o his_o own_o humility_n thus_o the_o christian_a religion_n not_o only_o show_v we_o man_n excellence_n but_o be_v also_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o by_o make_v the_o mean_a part_n of_o our_o nature_n subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o noble_a he_o therefore_o that_o utter_o renounce_v all_o religion_n lose_v the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o less_o he_o believe_v the_o more_o he_o debase_v himself_o below_o other_o creature_n it_o be_v therefore_o the_o christian_a religion_n alone_o that_o show_v we_o the_o cure_n as_o well_o as_o the_o disease_n that_o produce_v our_o hide_a virtue_n and_o unmask_v our_o vice_n that_o discover_v to_o we_o our_o misery_n and_o free_v we_o from_o it_o that_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o the_o wretchedness_n of_o our_o nature_n by_o make_v we_o true_o sensible_a of_o it_o that_o make_v we_o great_a by_o make_v
nature_n and_o what_o be_v most_o surprise_a in_o the_o former_a of_o those_o two_o union_n be_v to_o see_v that_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v so_o noble_a a_o be_v shall_v be_v so_o close_o fasten_v and_o unite_v to_o matter_n and_o even_o depend_v upon_o it_o in_o all_o its_o operation_n now_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o can_v never_o be_v say_v that_o the_o divine_a nature_n depend_v on_o the_o humane_a but_o contrariwise_o it_o be_v the_o humane_a nature_n which_o depend_v on_o the_o divine_a in_o this_o union_n god_n remain_v the_o same_o as_o before_o all-perfect_a almighty_a all-full_a eternal_a and_o immutable_a but_o man_n be_v change_v and_o sanctify_a and_o exalt_v by_o it_o what_o inconveniency_n then_o can_v there_o result_v from_o it_o as_o it_o be_v surprise_v to_o see_v a_o most_o noble_a be_v subject_n to_o a_o less_o perfect_a be_v so_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o a_o less_o perfect_a be_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o one_o more_o noble_a now_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n evident_o demonstrate_v and_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o the_o body_n discover_v the_o former_a it_o follow_v hence_o therefore_o that_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o the_o body_n be_v in_o some_o sense_n very_o extraordinary_a and_o far_o more_o surprise_a than_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n 3._o if_o still_o you_o require_v another_o representation_n of_o this_o object_n that_o may_v further_o give_v you_o a_o clear_a notion_n of_o the_o same_o conceive_v a_o false_a sun_n compose_v of_o two_o different_a thing_n so_o close_o unite_v together_o that_o they_o seem_v as_o it_o be_v confound_v together_o viz._n a_o cloud_n and_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n the_o cloud_n be_v not_o the_o sun_n nor_o be_v the_o sun_n the_o cloud_n and_o thus_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o same_o with_o the_o humane_a this_o false_a sun_n be_v a_o sun_n and_o yet_o a_o cloud_n so_o likewise_o christ_n be_v god_n and_o christ_n be_v man._n this_o false_a sun_n be_v form_v of_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o earth_n because_o it_o be_v compose_v of_o a_o cloud_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o vapour_n of_o it_o and_o of_o the_o sun_n himself_o be_v form_v out_o of_o those_o beam_n in_o which_o the_o body_n of_o that_o planet_n consist_v so_o in_o likemanner_n christ_n be_v take_v from_o the_o earth_n and_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o common_a lump_n of_o mankind_n because_o he_o be_v man_n which_o do_v not_o hinder_v he_o from_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o father_n since_o he_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n this_o be_v a_o very_a just_a representation_n of_o that_o great_a mystery_n but_o not_o perfect_a but_o we_o hope_v every_o just_a and_o equitable_a reader_n will_v easy_o forgive_v the_o defect_n of_o this_o comparison_n in_o a_o subject_a that_o be_v so_o far_o exalt_v above_o our_o weak_a imagination_n 4._o moreover_o of_o all_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o treat_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o deity_n none_o but_o the_o epicurean_o who_o think_v it_o be_v idle_a and_o lazy_a divide_v it_o entire_o from_o its_o creature_n and_o all_o other_o man_n beside_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o unite_v to_o its_o work_n the_o heathen_n for_o instance_n imagine_v it_o be_v affix_v to_o their_o temple_n and_o statue_n to_o which_o they_o suppose_v it_o constant_o unite_v but_o the_o jew_n more_o proper_o look_v upon_o god_n as_o be_v unite_v in_o a_o more_o partilar_a manner_n to_o a_o bush_n or_o a_o cloud_n or_o the_o ark._n and_o several_a of_o the_o incredulous_a now_o adays_o represent_v the_o deity_n to_o themselves_o as_o a_o universal_a soul_n affix_v to_o universal_a matter_n just_a as_o our_o soul_n be_v unite_v to_o our_o body_n if_o then_o it_o be_v so_o common_a to_o man_n to_o conceive_v god_n as_o be_v unite_v to_o his_o work_n why_o shall_v it_o seem_v so_o strange_a to_o they_o to_o represent_v he_o as_o close_o unite_v to_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o too_o in_o a_o more_o particular_a manner_n than_o to_o any_o of_o his_o other_o creature_n for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o creature_n which_o the_o deity_n may_v be_v unite_v to_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v such_o a_o holy_a and_o innocent_a creature_n as_o that_o be_v and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o god_n to_o unite_v himself_o to_o any_o live_a body_n it_o be_v much_o more_o likely_a he_o shall_v impart_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o jesus_n christ._n if_o a_o ark_n be_v capable_a to_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o difficulty_n in_o conceive_v that_o humane_a nature_n be_v pure_a and_o holy_a and_o far_o perfect_a than_o all_o the_o ark_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v have_v be_v thus_o honour_v in_o a_o more_o particular_a manner_n and_o if_o man_n in_o short_a stick_v not_o to_o make_v the_o universal_a soul_n as_o it_o be_v depend_v upon_o matter_n by_o its_o union_n to_o it_o why_o shall_v we_o refuse_v to_o admit_v of_o a_o union_n which_o leave_v to_o god_n his_o entire_a independence_n and_o liberty_n and_o aim_v at_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o bring_v the_o body_n and_o soul_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o great_a subjection_n to_o he_o we_o no_o soon_o embrace_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n but_o every_o thing_n that_o seem_v offensive_a in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a religion_n will_v present_o vanish_v we_o shall_v then_o easy_o comprehend_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o christ_n to_o die_v since_o he_o be_v man_n and_o that_o his_o death_n be_v infinite_o valuable_a since_o he_o be_v god_n and_o so_o great_a be_v the_o dignity_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o union_n of_o those_o two_o nature_n that_o it_o make_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n equivalent_a to_o the_o punishment_n our_o sin_n have_v so_o just_o deserve_v we_o shall_v not_o then_o think_v it_o difficult_a to_o be_v full_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n for_o it_o will_v be_v unreasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o a_o nature_n as_o have_v be_v honour_v with_o so_o particular_a a_o union_n to_o the_o deity_n shall_v yet_o have_v be_v for_o ever_o dissolve_v and_o remain_v to_o all_o eternity_n under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n but_o we_o shall_v think_v it_o very_o reasonable_a to_o imagine_v that_o it_o can_v not_o but_o have_v rise_v from_o the_o grave_a into_o which_o it_o have_v be_v please_v to_o descend_v if_o then_o christ_n be_v true_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a can_v our_o incredulous_a reason_n still_o refuse_v to_o believe_v that_o we_o shall_v also_o rise_v again_o but_o how_o can_v that_o reason_n contradict_v a_o truth_n which_o the_o disciple_n see_v they_o behold_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n both_o in_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o perform_v and_o in_o his_o holiness_n of_o life_n they_o see_v god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o be_v witness_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n they_o perceive_v angel_n come_v down_o towards_o he_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v to_o the_o gentile_n by_o their_o ministry_n the_o world_n believe_v on_o their_o preach_a and_o last_o they_o see_v christ_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n all_o which_o be_v very_o sensible_a and_o evident_a matter_n of_o fact_n the_o mystery_n then_o of_o the_o incarnation_n though_o the_o hard_a to_o comprehend_v of_o all_o those_o of_o christian_a religion_n imply_v however_o nothing_o contrary_a to_o reason_n but_o we_o must_v except_v the_o most_o holy_a and_o everblessed_n trinity_n another_o mystery_n which_o be_v infinite_o exalt_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o shallow_a capacity_n be_v not_o easy_o reconcilable_a to_o it_o nevertheless_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o sublimity_n of_o its_o nature_n render_v it_o not_o any_o way_n repugnant_a to_o reason_n 1_o sy_n because_o the_o word_n person_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n with_o that_o of_o essence_n i_o grant_v that_o three_o person_n and_o one_o person_n one_o essence_n and_o three_o essence_n imply_v a_o contradiction_n but_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o essence_n and_o three_o person_n be_v not_o liable_a to_o any_o after_o you_o know_v the_o signification_n of_o those_o two_o term_n 2_o lie_n because_o the_o deity_n be_v so_o great_a and_o so_o sublime_a a_o subject_n that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o wonder_v if_o we_o can_v reach_v to_o the_o greatness_n of_o it_o by_o our_o weak_a imagination_n 3_o dly_z because_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v the_o most_o considerable_a difficulty_n of_o this_o mystery_n proceed_v from_o a_o defect_n of_o revelation_n or_o the_o silence_n which_o holy_a writ_n observe_v on_o that_o
shell_n and_o bark_n if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o examine_v all_o those_o argument_n that_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o external_a testimony_n which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n give_v of_o it_o and_o by_o consider_v their_o natural_a capacity_n the_o discovery_n that_o be_v make_v to_o they_o their_o prejudices_fw-la the_o peculiar_a frame_n of_o their_o mind_n their_o martyrdom_n and_o the_o reason_n that_o induce_v they_o to_o suffer_v it_o etc._n etc._n and_o all_o this_o before_o we_o proceed_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new-testament_n ii_o we_o shall_v consider_v these_o write_n themselves_o and_o inquire_v whether_o they_o be_v forge_v or_o not_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o subject-matter_n of_o they_o and_o endeavour_n both_o to_o defend_v they_o against_o the_o suspicion_n of_o the_o incredulous_a by_o show_v that_o they_o contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v certain_o true_a and_o to_o evince_v the_o divinity_n of_o they_o by_o the_o character_n of_o those_o thing_n they_o contain_v iii_o and_o last_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o very_a substance_n and_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n by_o discover_v the_o excellence_n use_n advantage_n the_o end_n genius_n and_o in_o general_a all_o the_o beauty_n which_o be_v proper_a and_o natural_a to_o it_o and_o this_o be_v what_o we_o design_v to_o treat_v of_o in_o the_o follow_a section_n whereof_o this_o second_o part_n be_v compose_v but_o since_o our_o adversary_n by_o their_o prejudices_fw-la may_v be_v incline_v to_o fear_v lest_o we_o shall_v impose_v upon_o they_o by_o make_v they_o believe_v such_o doctrine_n as_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o reason_n and_o since_o it_o be_v much_o for_o our_o advantage_n to_o remove_v all_o such_o suspicion_n we_o will_v for_o a_o while_o doubt_v of_o every_o thing_n with_o they_o and_o raise_v ourselves_o by_o degree_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o establish_v christianity_n itself_o admit_v of_o nothing_o for_o truth_n but_o so_o far_o as_o appear_v evident_a chap._n i._n where_o we_o shall_v inquire_v whence_o the_o christian_n have_v their_o original_a and_o what_o their_o profession_n be_v by_o look_v back_o into_o the_o first_o age_n wherein_o they_o appear_v in_o order_n to_o which_o we_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v now_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n and_o there_o have_v not_o always_o be_v such_o from_o this_o i_o gather_v that_o i_o must_v look_v back_o into_o past_a age_n to_o find_v out_o the_o original_a of_o my_o religion_n in_o this_o search_n i_o pass_v therefore_o from_o age_n to_o age_n till_o i_o come_v to_o constantine_n without_o be_v able_a to_o clear_v this_o doubt_n but_o here_o we_o must_v make_v a_o little_a stop_n the_o prosperity_n of_o this_o prince_n give_v at_o first_o some_o occasion_n of_o suspicion_n and_o we_o easy_o mistrust_v a_o man_n who_o be_v master_n of_o the_o most_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o world_n seem_v probable_o to_o have_v establish_v the_o christian_a religion_n therein_o either_o by_o force_n or_o policy_n look_v perhaps_o upon_o it_o as_o more_o proper_a than_o that_o of_o the_o heathen_n to_o carry_v on_o his_o design_n yet_o that_o suspicion_n soon_o vanish_v since_o we_o be_v assure_v there_o be_v christian_n in_o the_o world_n before_o constantine_n time_n all_o the_o heathen_a writer_n who_o live_v before_o he_o speak_v of_o they_o and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a historian_n be_v whole_o employ_v in_o describe_v their_o suffering_n but_o suppose_v that_o these_o historian_n live_v in_o the_o day_n of_o constantine_n or_o after_o he_o they_o must_v needs_o have_v either_o lose_v the_o use_n of_o their_o reason_n themselves_o or_o have_v imagine_v that_o the_o man_n of_o their_o age_n have_v lose_v they_o when_o they_o give_v they_o the_o history_n of_o the_o christian_n church_n down_o from_o the_o apostle_n to_o constantine_n if_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o have_v not_o be_v christian_n in_o the_o world_n before_o that_o prince_n and_o therefore_o this_o must_v be_v too_o extravagant_a a_o suspicion_n to_o be_v entertain_v long_o but_o here_o be_v something_o still_o more_o observable_a viz._n that_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o christian_n who_o live_v before_o constantine_n be_v then_o possess_v of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n and_o on_o the_o other_o that_o those_o very_a christian_n be_v so_o strong_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n of_o his_o miracle_n of_o the_o pour_v out_o the_o holy_a spirit_n on_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o all_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o establish_v the_o christian_a religion_n that_o they_o hardly_o speak_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o their_o book_n be_v full_a of_o they_o and_o their_o doctrine_n be_v altogether_o build_v upon_o this_o foundation_n and_o therefore_o if_o constantine_n invent_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o establish_v christianity_n he_o must_v not_o only_o have_v forge_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n but_o also_o the_o write_n of_o clemens_n justin_n iraeneus_n athenagoras_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n tertullian_n origen_n and_o in_o general_a of_o all_o the_o father_n who_o live_v before_o he_o because_o every_o one_o of_o their_o write_n have_v a_o essential_a relation_n to_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o shall_v we_o go_v up_o a_o little_a high_o than_o the_o reign_n of_o constantine_n we_o shall_v hear_v of_o christian_n that_o be_v afflict_v during_o the_o three_o first_o century_n of_o the_o church_n and_o persecute_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o punish_v with_o most_o barbarous_a and_o new_a invent_v torment_n they_o be_v put_v to_o death_n upon_o wheel_n and_o scaffold_n torture_v by_o fire_n their_o flesh_n tear_v with_o pincer_n their_o body_n be_v mangle_v by_o cut_v off_o limb_n one_o after_o another_o they_o be_v throw_v into_o river_n and_o cast_v into_o the_o sea_n and_o expose_v to_o wild_a beast_n wrap_v up_o in_o garment_n dip_v in_o sulphur_n to_o serve_v for_o torch_n and_o set_v up_o to_o light_a passenger_n in_o their_o way_n in_o fine_a it_o be_v never_o know_v that_o man_n so_o universal_o agree_v in_o any_o one_o thing_n as_o in_o their_o design_n of_o torment_v the_o christian_n in_o so_o much_o that_o the_o ordinary_a people_n who_o have_v general_o some_o compassion_n for_o the_o great_a malefactor_n upon_o the_o scaffold_n conduct_v the_o christian_n to_o the_o place_n of_o execution_n with_o acclamation_n of_o joy_n certain_o it_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n to_o restrain_v one_o curiosity_n so_o much_o as_o not_o to_o desire_v a_o more_o particular_a knowledge_n of_o a_o people_n persecute_v by_o the_o world_n with_o so_o much_o rage_n and_o malice_n for_o to_o see_v the_o whole_a world_n so_o strange_o incense_v against_o one_o sect_n of_o man_n one_o will_v easy_o think_v they_o the_o common_a enemy_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o the_o offspring_n of_o hell_n itself_o bear_v for_o a_o common_a plague_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n apolog._n what_o then_o be_v the_o great_a crime_n these_o christian_n be_v guilty_a of_o they_o be_v accuse_v of_o impiety_n murder_n and_o incest_n it_o be_v pretend_v that_o they_o violate_v the_o respect_n due_a to_o the_o god_n that_o they_o murder_v their_o own_o child_n which_o they_o scruple_v not_o to_o eat_v up_o after_o have_v kill_v they_o and_o last_o that_o they_o lie_v promiscuous_o together_o the_o brother_n with_o the_o sister_n and_o the_o son_n with_o the_o mother_n but_o first_o of_o all_o there_o be_v little_a likelihood_n that_o the_o christian_n shall_v suffer_v death_n and_o torment_n worse_o than_o death_n itself_o in_o defence_n of_o a_o religion_n which_o engage_v they_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o such_o infamous_a action_n that_o steadfast_a constancy_n they_o show_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o torment_n and_o which_o their_o enemy_n themselves_o acknowledge_v suit_n very_o ill_o with_o the_o voluptuousness_n and_o enormity_n they_o be_v accuse_v of_o beside_o be_v they_o question_v concern_v these_o crime_n which_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o clear_v themselves_o of_o they_o will_v produce_v in_o their_o behalf_n the_o apology_n of_o justin_n athenagoras_n and_o tertullian_n wherein_o they_o earnest_o desire_v the_o senate_n and_o roman_a emperor_n that_o they_o will_v make_v a_o strict_a enquiry_n into_o their_o life_n and_o inflict_v upon_o they_o such_o torment_n as_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n if_o possible_o more_o cruel_a than_o those_o they_o have_v already_o endure_v if_o they_o be_v real_o guilty_a of_o what_o they_o be_v accuse_v they_o will_v show_v we_o likewise_o a_o letter_n from_o pliny_n to_o trajan_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o authentic_a monument_n of_o their_o innocence_n since_o pliny_n there_o inform_v
be_v clear_o explain_v by_o their_o event_n neither_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n bear_v the_o least_o record_n of_o mahomet_n whereas_o the_o prophet_n have_v foretell_v the_o come_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o of_o a_o messiah_n that_o be_v to_o unite_v the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o to_o carry_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n mahomet_n establish_v himself_o in_o the_o world_n by_o force_n and_o violence_n but_o jesus_n christ_n only_o by_o patience_n and_o suffering_n the_o former_a be_v environ_v with_o soldier_n the_o latter_a be_v attend_v with_o martyr_n the_o one_o put_v man_n to_o death_n but_o the_o other_o receive_v death_n for_o our_o sake_n mahomet_n ambition_n who_o establish_v such_o a_o flourish_a empire_n be_v present_o see_v in_o the_o success_n he_o have_v in_o his_o undertake_n but_o jesus_n christ_n be_v far_o from_o self_n interest_n or_o ambition_n since_o he_o withdraw_v himself_o when_o they_o will_v have_v make_v he_o king_n and_o declare_v his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n instead_o of_o encourage_v the_o carnal_a prejudices_fw-la of_o his_o disciple_n he_o take_v care_n to_o undeceive_v they_o and_o to_o foretell_v all_o the_o evil_n they_o be_v to_o expect_v and_o though_o any_o shall_v presume_v open_o to_o dispute_v all_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n still_o they_o appear_v by_o the_o end_n and_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o design_n of_o which_o be_v to_o sanctify_v the_o heart_n and_o calm_v the_o disorderly_a passion_n of_o the_o soul_n mahomet_n invent_v such_o a_o religion_n which_o agree_v only_o with_o corrupt_a reason_n and_o the_o loose_a inordinate_a desire_n of_o the_o heart_n he_o make_v the_o scandal_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o give_v place_n to_o the_o magnificence_n and_o grandeur_n of_o the_o world_n he_o take_v away_o the_o most_o spiritual_a and_o difficult_a matter_n of_o morality_n to_o fill_v the_o mind_n of_o his_o disciple_n with_o carnal_a and_o sensual_a idea_n but_o not_o so_o do_v our_o saviour_n act_n who_o propose_v his_o cross_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o a_o astonish_a paradox_n and_o a_o continual_a cause_n of_o mortification_n and_o repentance_n mahomet_n establish_v his_o religion_n by_o the_o help_n of_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n by_o suppress_v such_o book_n as_o may_v have_v enlighten_v man_n understanding_n and_o by_o require_v a_o blind_a submission_n from_o they_o jesus_n christ_n on_o the_o contrary_n will_v not_o have_v they_o believe_v his_o doctrine_n but_o as_o they_o find_v it_o conformable_a to_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n search_v the_o scripture_n say_v he_o for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 5._o 39_o mahomet_n establish_v himself_o in_o the_o world_n by_o dissemble_v and_o disguise_v his_o thought_n he_o promise_v in_o the_o begin_n a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n carry_v it_o fair_a to_o the_o christian_n but_o afterwasd_n do_v his_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o extirpate_v they_o utter_o but_o jesus_n christ_n declare_v at_o first_o his_o intention_n and_o design_n which_o be_v to_o save_v mankind_n and_o overthrow_v superstition_n itself_o nor_o he_o nor_o his_o disciple_n use_v any_o policy_n or_o circumvention_n in_o this_o respect_n mahomet_n die_v but_o never_o rise_v nor_o pretend_v to_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a thereby_o to_o show_v he_o be_v approve_v of_o god_n jesus_n christ_n die_v but_o it_o be_v believe_v he_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o have_v see_v he_o after_o his_o resurrection_n and_o testify_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o all_o the_o world_n at_o the_o expense_n of_o their_o life_n and_o effusion_n of_o their_o blood_n mahomet_n religion_n be_v invent_v maintain_v and_o support_v by_o policy_n but_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v at_o first_o offensive_a to_o all_o the_o prince_n upon_o earth_n and_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o endeavour_n to_o the_o contrary_n mahomets_n religion_n appear_v at_o first_o view_n to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o triumph_n of_o humane_a industry_n and_o covetousness_n but_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n show_v that_o of_o integrity_n and_o justice_n in_o their_o full_a perfection_n and_o natural_a religion_n in_o that_o proper_a purity_n and_o simplicity_n that_o be_v restore_v to_o it_o by_o charity_n mahomet_n lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o particular_a monarchy_n and_o establish_v such_o law_n as_o human_o speak_v be_v serviceable_a only_o in_o those_o place_n wherein_o he_o have_v settle_v his_o dominion_n but_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v we_o new_a principle_n of_o union_n and_o intelligence_n very_o useful_a to_o the_o good_a of_o public_a society_n in_o general_n and_o very_o fit_a to_o cement_v the_o union_n of_o all_o man_n together_o by_o make_v the_o spirit_n of_o charity_n reign_v in_o the_o world_n the_o come_n of_o mahomet_n do_v not_o sanctify_v mankind_n but_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v attend_v with_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o person_n who_o all_o renounce_v the_o world_n mere_o by_o the_o faith_n they_o have_v in_o he_o it_o be_v not_o mahomet_n but_o jesus_n christ_n who_o exact_o fulfil_v the_o oracle_n concern_v the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n because_o mahomet_n derive_v all_o his_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n from_o jesus_n christ_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v last_o temporal_a prosperity_n be_v the_o true_a character_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o mahomet_n and_o it_o may_v be_v very_o well_o affirm_v that_o mahomet_n be_v a_o man_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o all_o those_o who_o enjoy_v the_o great_a prosperity_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v all_o tyrant_n wicked_a and_o unjust_a man_n be_v the_o favourite_n of_o god_n but_o the_o character_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v patience_n self-denial_n innocence_n and_o a_o simplicity_n of_o manner_n and_o certain_o he_o be_v approve_v of_o god_n if_o god_n approve_v of_o virtuous_a patient_a humble_a and_o charitable_a man_n it_o concern_v now_o the_o incredulous_a to_o answer_v all_o these_o difference_n if_o they_o will_v have_v we_o allow_v of_o this_o comparison_n for_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v ever_o reject_v it_o as_o be_v very_o ridiculous_a and_o extravagant_a chap._n xv._n where_o we_o further_o examine_v the_o objection_n of_o the_o incredulous_a the_o incredulous_a be_v apt_a to_o raise_v as_o many_o suspicion_n against_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o against_o his_o person_n because_o of_o all_o those_o proof_n which_o establish_v his_o religion_n there_o be_v none_o that_o can_v move_v the_o sense_n so_o much_o as_o that_o take_v from_o true_a miracle_n i._o then_o they_o object_n that_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n may_v have_v heal_v two_o or_o three_o people_n either_o by_o chance_n or_o by_o virtue_n of_o second_o cause_n and_o that_o that_o good_a success_n may_v have_v get_v he_o afterward_o the_o name_n of_o a_o prophet_n through_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v wont_a to_o ascribe_v to_o supernatural_a cause_n every_o thing_n that_o be_v unknown_a to_o they_o we_o answer_v that_o we_o have_v here_o a_o very_a great_a number_n of_o miracle_n all_o of_o different_a kind_n evident_a and_o sensible_a miracle_n in_o their_o nature_n unimitable_a and_o above_o all_o imposture_n such_o be_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a heal_v the_o blind_a the_o lame_a and_o the_o sick_a of_o the_o palsy_n etc._n etc._n ii_o they_o pretend_v that_o he_o may_v perhaps_o have_v suborn_v witness_n to_o testify_v some_o fabulous_a miracle_n but_o how_o can_v this_o be_v since_o jesus_n christ_n have_v neither_o money_n to_o give_v nor_o dignity_n to_o promise_v and_o as_o for_o cunning_a politic_a nicety_n riches_n and_o credit_n they_o be_v only_o among_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o doctor_n of_o the_o law_n his_o implacable_a enemy_n who_o take_v all_o opportunity_n to_o prejudice_v he_o because_o he_o public_o censure_v their_o hypocrisy_n upon_o all_o occasion_n iii_o they_o object_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v so_o prudent_a as_o to_o work_v his_o miracle_n only_o before_o three_o of_o his_o choose_a disciple_n viz._n peter_n james_n and_o john_n now_o say_v they_o who_o know_v but_o that_o those_o three_o disciple_n to_o flatter_v the_o ambition_n of_o their_o master_n may_v have_v attest_v certain_a miracle_n as_o true_a which_o be_v not_o real_o so_o to_o remove_v this_o suspicion_n we_o need_v only_o reflect_v upon_o the_o many_o miracle_n jesus_n christ_n wrought_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o other_o disciple_n he_o raise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o son_n of_o the_o widow_n of_o naim_n as_o he_o be_v a_o carry_v to_o be_v inter_v he_o raise_v lazarus_n from_o the_o grave_n in_o
three_o year_n or_o three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a as_o long_o as_o his_o office_n last_v wrought_v more_o surprise_v miracle_n than_o have_v be_v either_o see_v or_o know_v since_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n be_v firm_o to_o believe_v that_o christ_n work_v those_o miracle_n which_o be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o circumstantial_o repeat_v in_o it_o and_o so_o inseparable_a from_o the_o other_o part_n and_o accident_n of_o his_o life_n it_o must_v not_o then_o be_v affirm_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n embrace_v christianity_n without_o inquire_v in_o the_o least_o into_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n for_o that_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n neither_o must_v we_o say_v that_o they_o believe_v those_o miracle_n without_o a_o due_a examination_n of_o they_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o indeed_o require_v no_o very_a great_a examination_n but_o they_o can_v not_o avoid_v examine_v they_o have_v they_o endeavour_v it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o whole_o leave_v to_o my_o choice_n either_o to_o know_v or_o not_o to_o know_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v in_o the_o place_n which_o i_o inhabit_v neither_o do_v it_o whole_o depend_v upon_o i_o to_o believe_v or_o not_o to_o believe_v certain_a matter_n of_o fact_n that_o be_v contradictory_n to_o public_a knowledge_n and_o though_o a_o man_n under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n or_o otherwise_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v i_o believe_v he_o have_v raise_v a_o dead_a man_n to_o life_n again_o in_o a_o village_n a_o few_o mile_n distant_a from_o the_o place_n i_o dwell_v in_o who_o i_o may_v have_v both_o see_v and_o know_v after_o his_o resurrection_n or_o if_o i_o have_v not_o see_v he_o myself_o many_o other_o have_v both_o see_v and_o know_v and_o many_o go_v to_o see_v i_o say_v all_o this_o be_v no_o more_o leave_v to_o my_o choice_n to_o know_v or_o not_o to_o know_v than_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o my_o choice_n to_o be_v mad_a or_o in_o my_o sense_n for_o the_o better_a apprehend_v the_o strength_n of_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v make_v this_o supposition_n what_o if_o we_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o christ_n do_v all_o those_o miracle_n the_o gospel_n relate_v have_v go_v up_o to_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o reach_v thither_o just_a at_o the_o evening_n of_o that_o day_n of_o pentecost_n on_o which_o st._n peter_n convert_v so_o many_o people_n by_o convince_a they_o that_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o dare_v maintain_v first_o that_o we_o can_v not_o have_v forbear_v examine_v such_o thing_n which_o make_v so_o great_a a_o noise_n then_o second_o i_o affirm_v that_o however_o willing_a we_o may_v have_v be_v to_o delude_v and_o impose_v upon_o ourselves_o we_o can_v not_o have_v be_v so_o much_o as_o twenty_o four_o hour_n at_o jerusalem_n without_o know_v very_o distinct_o the_o certain_a truth_n of_o all_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n it_o will_v have_v be_v no_o very_o great_a trouble_n for_o we_o to_o have_v inquire_v how_o lazarus_n do_v and_o his_o two_o sister_n mary_n and_o martha_n and_o though_o by_o chance_n they_o may_v have_v be_v all_o three_o dead_a to_o have_v desire_v to_o speak_v with_o their_o friend_n and_o relation_n or_o with_o those_o that_o have_v see_v lazarus_n and_o eat_v with_o he_o both_o before_o and_o after_o his_o resurrection_n in_o like_a manner_n we_o may_v have_v easy_o speak_v with_o the_o friend_n and_o relation_n of_o jairus_n and_o with_o those_o too_o of_o other_o people_n who_o christ_n have_v heal_v or_o raise_v from_o the_o dead_a in_o the_o different_a part_n of_o judea_n and_o galilee_n and_o that_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o easy_a because_o commerce_n be_v much_o more_o stir_v between_o the_o metropolis_n of_o judea_n and_o the_o other_o city_n of_o the_o holy_a land_n than_o between_o the_o metropolis_n and_o the_o other_o city_n of_o the_o other_o province_n the_o jew_n be_v wont_a to_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n at_o least_o on_o every_o solemn_a feast-day_n nay_o far_o we_o may_v have_v inquire_v about_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o those_o wonderful_a prodigy_n which_o as_o the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o attend_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o since_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o several_a thousand_o witness_n shall_v have_v be_v impose_v upon_o concern_v so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o evident_a and_o sensible_a matter_n of_o fact_n so_o in_o like_a manner_n it_o will_v have_v be_v absolute_o impossible_a we_o shall_v have_v become_v christian_n only_o for_o twenty_o four_o hour_n after_o we_o have_v leave_v jerusalem_n suppose_v those_o matter_n of_o fact_n have_v be_v utter_o false_a i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v attend_v with_o such_o wonderful_a circumstance_n as_o the_o evangelist_n dare_v not_o have_v presume_v to_o invent_v have_v they_o be_v utter_o false_a neither_o have_v the_o power_n to_o forge_v or_o make_v one_o single_a person_n believe_v they_o have_v they_o design_v to_o impose_v upon_o man_n belief_n there_o remain_v only_o for_o our_o full_a conviction_n in_o this_o matter_n to_o show_v that_o they_o will_v not_o have_v forge_v they_o have_v it_o be_v whole_o leave_v to_o their_o choice_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o allege_v that_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n according_a to_o the_o recital_n of_o the_o evangelist_n be_v attend_v with_o such_o circumstance_n and_o so_o many_o strange_a event_n that_o it_o be_v inconceivable_a the_o disciple_n shall_v take_v any_o pleasure_n in_o invent_v they_o such_o be_v for_o example_n the_o tempt_a of_o our_o saviour_n a_o strange_a and_o most_o scandalous_a passage_n indeed_o to_o all_o those_o who_o be_v not_o full_o acquaint_v with_o the_o true_a mystery_n of_o it_o since_o it_o represent_v christ_n to_o we_o as_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o sport_v himself_o with_o his_o weakness_n though_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o overcome_v his_o virtue_n one_o while_o place_v he_o upon_o the_o pinnacle_n of_o the_o temple_n whence_o he_o advise_v he_o to_o cast_v himself_o down_o another_o while_n upon_o a_o exceed_a high_a mountain_n from_o whence_o he_o show_v he_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o now_o to_o see_v a_o man_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o satan_n will_v be_v a_o sight_n that_o will_v shock_v we_o to_o see_v a_o just_a man_n will_v be_v a_o object_n more_o terrible_a but_o to_o see_v a_o prophet_n himself_o will_v be_v a_o wonder_n that_o will_v create_v horror_n in_o we_o what_o must_v it_o be_v then_o to_o see_v a_o divine_a person_n in_o his_o clutch_n or_o rather_o one_o that_o be_v both_o god_n and_o man_n one_o that_o be_v call_v by_o way_n of_o eminence_n the_o just_a the_o holy_a the_o man_n without_o sin_n or_o blemish_n the_o great_a of_o all_o the_o prophet_n in_o â—ine_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o he_o must_v necessary_o be_v much_o mistake_v that_o can_v imagine_v that_o such_o thought_n as_o these_o can_v have_v natural_o offer_v themselves_o to_o any_o man_n mind_n much_o less_o to_o the_o mind_n of_o ignorant_a people_n who_o judge_n of_o thing_n by_o the_o prejudices_fw-la they_o be_v general_o possess_v with_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o christ_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n as_o surround_v with_o angel_n who_o minister_v unto_o he_o after_o his_o temptation_n but_o yet_o that_o circumstance_n be_v so_o far_o from_o remove_v that_o which_o may_v seem_v offensive_a and_o surprise_v in_o that_o event_n that_o it_o rather_o make_v it_o the_o more_o strange_a and_o incomprehensible_a nothing_o so_o ill_o befit_v a_o man_n who_o be_v but_o just_a now_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o carry_v about_o by_o he_o wherever_o he_o please_v as_o to_o be_v immediate_o after_o wait_v upon_o by_o angel_n add_v to_o this_o the_o unite_n of_o so_o many_o mean_a circumstance_n with_o so_o many_o glorious_a one_o that_o occur_v in_o his_o nativity_n in_o his_o life_n and_o in_o his_o death_n to_o instance_n in_o christ_n lie_v in_o a_o manger_n whilst_o he_o be_v praise_v by_o the_o host_n of_o heaven_n his_o have_n not_o a_o hole_n wherein_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n whilst_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o command_v the_o fish_n of_o the_o sea_n to_o bring_v he_o money_n to_o pay_v tribute_n to_o those_o who_o ask_v it_o of_o he_o his_o show_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o fear_n nay_o even_o apparent_a weakness_n whilst_o he_o shake_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o world_n and_o make_v the_o earth_n tremble_v and_o the_o sky_n to_o become_v dark_a his_o beg_n of_o his_o father_n that_o the_o cup_n of_o his_o suffering_n may_v pass_v away_o from_o
at_o she_o etc._n etc._n when_o jesus_n have_v lift_v up_o himself_o and_o see_v none_o but_o the_o woman_n he_o say_v unto_o she_o woman_n where_o be_v those_o thy_o accuser_n have_v no_o man_n condemn_v thou_o she_o say_v no_o man_n lord_n and_o jesus_n say_v unto_o she_o neither_o do_v i_o condemn_v thou_o go_v and_o sin_n no_o more_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o comment_n to_o understand_v the_o divine_a energy_n of_o these_o word_n a_o heart_n right_o dispose_v will_v soon_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o than_o able_a to_o express_v it_o verse_n 51._o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o if_o a_o man_n keep_v my_o say_n he_o shall_v never_o see_v death_n how_o can_v christ_n advance_v such_o a_o paradox_n or_o how_o be_v it_o probable_a that_o john_n shall_v make_v he_o utter_v it_o he_o who_o have_v already_o see_v several_a of_o his_o master_n disciple_n die_v these_o word_n than_o must_v secret_o imply_v something_o more_o sublime_a and_o uncommon_a than_o appear_v to_o we_o at_o first_o sight_n and_o those_o who_o teach_v they_o have_v deep_a understanding_n and_o more_o pierce_a judgement_n than_o other_o men._n chap._n xi_o 25._o i_o be_o the_o resurrection_n and_o the_o life_n he_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o though_o he_o be_v dead_a yet_o shall_v he_o live_v this_o be_v such_o a_o strange_a discourse_n as_o be_v never_o meet_v with_o before_o verse_n 43_o 44._o and_o when_o he_o have_v thus_o speak_v he_o cry_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n lazarus_n come_v forth_o and_o he_o that_o be_v dead_a come_v forth_o bind_v hand_n and_o foot_n with_o grave-cloath_n and_o his_o face_n be_v bind_v about_o with_o a_o napkin_n etc._n etc._n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o circumstantial_o tell_v than_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n lazarus_n have_v be_v dead_a about_o four_o day_n he_o be_v bury_v and_o a_o stone_n have_v be_v roll_v over_o his_o grave_n nay_o he_o already_o begin_v to_o stink_n some_o of_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v there_o present_a murmur_v and_o say_v among_o themselves_o can_v not_o this_o man_n who_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a have_v cause_v that_o even_o this_o man_n shall_v not_o have_v die_v john_n 11._o 37._o and_o other_o that_o be_v come_v to_o comfort_v the_o two_o sister_n be_v there_o assemble_v the_o dead_a person_n be_v raise_v to_o life_n again_o he_o be_v see_v and_o hear_v to_o speak_v several_a that_o be_v there_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n so_o that_o the_o great_a council_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v terrify_v at_o it_o and_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o pharisee_n be_v gather_v together_o upon_o this_o occasion_n many_o of_o they_o cry_v out_o and_o say_v what_o do_v we_o for_o this_o man_n do_v many_o miracle_n if_o we_o let_v he_o thus_o alone_o all_o man_n will_v believe_v on_o he_o and_o the_o roman_n shall_v come_v and_o take_v away_o both_o our_o place_n and_o nation_n etc._n etc._n have_v this_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v false_o invent_v how_o dare_v the_o evangelist_n so_o exact_o describe_v it_o with_o all_o its_o circumstance_n why_o do_v not_o other_o make_v a_o strict_a enquiry_n and_o dive_v into_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o do_v the_o christian_n want_v enemy_n to_o do_v it_o they_o who_o be_v continual_o expose_v to_o the_o persecution_n of_o all_o the_o power_n upon_o earth_n this_o gospel_n be_v believe_v at_o jerusalem_n which_o place_n be_v yet_o extant_a and_o bethany_n be_v but_o a_o few_o furlong_n distant_a from_o jerusalem_n the_o falsehood_n alone_o of_o that_o single_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v so_o signal_n and_o so_o public_o know_v will_v have_v utter_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o the_o apostle_n new_a religion_n give_v up_o the_o cause_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o universal_o silence_v the_o christian_n why_o then_o do_v they_o not_o manifest_v the_o truth_n upon_o the_o spot_n chap._n xiii_o 35._o by_o this_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o have_v love_v one_o to_o another_o a_o divine_a mark_n indeed_o and_o a_o character_n not_o in_o the_o least_o to_o be_v suspect_v chap._n fourteen_o 11_o 12._o believe_v i_o that_o i_o be_o in_o the_o father_n and_o the_o father_n in_o i_o or_o else_o believe_v i_o for_o the_o very_a work_n sake_n very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o he_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o the_o work_n that_o i_o do_v shall_v he_o do_v also_o and_o great_a work_n than_o these_o shall_v he_o do_v what_o can_v the_o evangelist_n think_v when_o he_o relate_v these_o thing_n if_o he_o be_v true_o convince_v by_o his_o own_o experience_n and_o by_o that_o of_o his_o associate_n that_o christ_n be_v disciple_n can_v not_o perform_v any_o miracle_n chap._n xv._n 24._o if_o i_o have_v not_o do_v among_o they_o the_o work_n which_o none_o other_o man_n do_v they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n he_o continual_o lay_v before_o their_o eye_n the_o testimony_n of_o his_o work_n chap._n xvi_o 2._o they_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n yea_o the_o time_n come_v that_o whosoever_o kill_v you_o will_v think_v that_o he_o do_v god_n service_n it_o be_v evident_a by_o this_o prediction_n the_o evangelist_n ascribe_v to_o jesus_n that_o the_o disciple_n do_v not_o then_o expect_v nay_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v any_o thing_n but_o cross_n and_o tribulation_n what_o then_o can_v support_v they_o in_o their_o present_a suffering_n and_o the_o dismal_a prospect_n of_o worse_a to_o come_v but_o the_o hope_n of_o such_o a_o reward_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o quality_n of_o impostor_n a_o name_n which_o our_o incredulous_a adversary_n be_v please_v to_o give_v they_o verse_n 33._o in_o the_o world_n you_o shall_v have_v tribulation_n but_o be_v of_o good_a cheer_n i_o have_v overcome_v the_o world_n he_o be_v continual_o foretell_v they_o what_o misfortune_n they_o be_v to_o expect_v this_o in_o all_o appearance_n shall_v have_v dishearten_v they_o but_o it_o only_o serve_v to_o try_v their_o patience_n and_o confirm_v the_o word_n which_o they_o preach_v chap._n xvii_o 25_o 26._o o_o righteous_a father_n the_o world_n have_v not_o know_v thou_o but_o i_o have_v know_v thou_o and_o these_o have_v know_v that_o thou_o have_v send_v i_o and_o i_o have_v declare_v unto_o they_o thy_o name_n that_o thy_o love_n wherewith_o thou_o have_v love_v i_o may_v be_v in_o they_o and_o i_o in_o they_o can_v a_o man_n imagine_v that_o a_o impostor_n shall_v express_v himself_o thus_o be_v falsehood_n then_o so_o different_a here_o from_o what_o it_o usual_o be_v and_o do_v it_o breath_n out_o nothing_o but_o virtue_n innocence_n love_n and_o charity_n have_v it_o altogether_o that_o spirit_n of_o pure_a holiness_n and_o elevate_a simplicity_n of_o ineffable_a consolation_n and_o wonderful_a trust_n and_o reliance_n upon_o god_n which_o run_v through_o all_o the_o latter_a discourse_n jesus_n make_v to_o his_o disciple_n to_o comfort_v they_o for_o his_o approach_a departure_n chap._n xviii_o 36_o 37._o my_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n etc._n etc._n pilate_n therefore_o say_v unto_o he_o be_v thou_o a_o king_n then_o jesus_n answer_v thou_o say_v that_o i_o be_o a_o king_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n that_o i_o shall_v bear_v witness_n unto_o the_o truth_n every_o one_o that_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n hear_v my_o voice_n jesus_n plain_o declare_v that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n yet_o he_o call_v himself_o king_n have_v he_o be_v a_o impostor_n he_o will_v have_v pretend_v to_o have_v reign_v somewhere_o or_o at_o least_o show_v some_o ambition_n of_o it_o chap._n xx._n 25_o 26._o the_o other_o disciple_n therefore_o say_v unto_o he_o we_o have_v see_v the_o lord_n but_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o except_o i_o shall_v see_v in_o his_o hand_n the_o print_n of_o the_o nail_n and_o thrust_v my_o hand_n into_o his_o side_n i_o will_v not_o believe_v etc._n etc._n jesus_n say_v unto_o he_o thomas_z because_o thou_o have_v see_v i_o thou_o have_v believe_v bless_a be_v they_o that_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o have_v believe_v can_v any_o one_o have_v make_v thomas_n believe_v that_o he_o have_v be_v more_o incredulous_a than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v till_o he_o have_v see_v and_o feel_v the_o body_n of_o his_o master_n chap._n xxi_o 3._o simon_n peter_n say_v unto_o they_o i_o go_v a_o fish_n they_o say_v unto_o he_o we_o also_o go_v with_o thou_o they_o go_v forth_o and_o enter_v into_o a_o ship_n immediate_o and_o that_o night_n they_o catch_v nothing_o but_o when_o the_o morning_n be_v now_o come_v jesus_n stand_v on_o the_o shore_n etc._n etc._n christ_n be_v dead_a the_o disciple_n betake_v themselves_o again_o
to_o their_o former_a employment_n for_o they_o can_v not_o subsist_v without_o do_v something_o to_o get_v a_o livelihood_n and_o jesus_n after_o his_o resurrection_n appear_v sometime_o to_o they_o on_o the_o sea_n shore_n where_o they_o be_v a_o fish_n what_o can_v be_v suspect_v in_o all_o this_o verse_n 20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o then_o peter_n turn_v about_o seethe_v the_o disciple_n who_o jesus_n love_v follow_v which_o also_o lean_v on_o his_o breast_n at_o supper_n and_o say_v lord_n who_o be_v it_o that_o betray_v thou_o peter_n see_v he_o say_v to_o jesus_n lord_n and_o what_o shall_v this_o man_n do_v jesus_n say_v unto_o he_o if_o i_o will_v that_o he_o tarry_v till_o i_o come_v what_o be_v that_o to_o thou_o follow_v thou_o i_o then_o go_v this_o say_n abroad_o among_o the_o brethren_n that_o that_o disciple_n shall_v not_o die_v yet_o jesus_n say_v not_o unto_o he_o he_o shall_v not_o die_v but_o if_o i_o will_v that_o he_o tarry_v till_o i_o come_v what_o be_v that_o to_o thou_o this_o be_v the_o disciple_n which_o testify_v of_o these_o thing_n and_o write_v these_o thing_n etc._n etc._n can_v we_o imagine_v that_o the_o evangelist_n himself_o invent_v this_o report_n which_o he_o pretend_v go_v about_o concern_v his_o immortality_n and_o do_v such_o thought_n come_v into_o a_o man_n head_n however_o do_v but_o observe_v how_o all_o the_o particular_n of_o this_o matter_n hang_v so_o one_o upon_o another_o that_o whosoever_o grant_v one_o of_o they_o must_v grant_v also_o the_o rest_n for_o the_o report_n spread_v abroad_o that_o john_n shall_v not_o die_v be_v ground_v upon_o the_o answer_n which_o christ_n return_v to_o peter_n and_o he_o return_v not_o that_o answer_n to_o peter_n till_o after_o his_o resurrection_n and_o after_o have_v foretell_v peter_n himself_o with_o what_o kind_n of_o death_n he_o shall_v glorify_v god_n this_o connexion_n therefore_o plain_o show_v we_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v upon_o this_o account_n chap._n viii_o wherein_o we_o shall_v further_o produce_v from_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n several_a place_n very_o proper_a to_o make_v we_o true_o sensible_a of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_n religion_n chap._n i._n 8._o but_o you_o shall_v receive_v power_n after_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v come_v upon_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v witness_n unto_o i_o both_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o all_o judea_n and_o in_o samaria_n etc._n etc._n unto_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n â—et_z these_o witness_n be_v strict_o examine_v let_v their_o patience_n be_v try_v with_o all_o kind_n of_o severe_a punishment_n and_o it_o will_v then_o appear_v whether_o it_o be_v possible_a ever_o to_o force_v they_o to_o recant_v their_o opinion_n verse_n 26._o and_o the_o lot_n fall_v upon_o mathias_n and_o he_o be_v number_v with_o the_o eleven_o apostle_n in_o this_o election_n there_o appear_v neither_o bribe_n preeminence_n or_o arbitrary_a partiality_n so_o different_a be_v that_o society_n from_o these_o now_o establish_v in_o the_o world_n chap._n ii_o 13_o other_o mock_v say_v these_o man_n be_v full_a of_o new_a wine_n these_o sort_n of_o circumstance_n be_v of_o excellent_a use_n to_o show_v the_o exactness_n and_o sincerity_n of_o the_o historian_n verse_n 22._o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n a_o man_n approve_v of_o god_n among_o you_o by_o miracle_n and_o wonder_n and_o sign_n as_o you_o yourselves_o also_o know_v how_o come_v they_o to_o know_v it_o have_v christ_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n among_o they_o and_o what_o a_o strange_a piece_n of_o confidence_n must_v it_o have_v be_v in_o the_o apostle_n to_o speak_v thus_o verse_n 41._o and_o the_o same_o day_n be_v add_v unto_o they_o about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n what_o but_o the_o wonderful_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v to_o the_o apostle_n can_v make_v so_o many_o proselyte_n verse_n 44_o 45._o and_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v together_o and_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a and_o sell_v their_o possession_n and_o good_n and_o part_v they_o to_o all_o man_n as_o every_o man_n have_v need_v a_o holy_a society_n indeed_o consist_v of_o none_o but_o such_o as_o have_v give_v up_o all_o their_o interest_n in_o this_o world_n and_o glorify_a god_n by_o offer_v up_o themselves_o and_o what_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o as_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o he_o what_o can_v they_o hope_v for_o who_o absolute_o renounce_v every_o thing_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n let_v a_o man_n reason_n never_o so_o much_o upon_o the_o manner_n of_o unite_n man_n in_o a_o body_n together_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v never_o a_o more_o effectual_a method_n to_o form_v a_o society_n than_o charity_n for_o it_o make_v those_o thing_n equal_a which_o humane_a passion_n have_v before_o distinguish_v it_o subvert_v all_o competition_n destroy_v all_o interest_n banish_v the_o design_n of_o pride_n and_o ambition_n and_o all_o the_o little_a distinction_n vanity_n create_v in_o a_o word_n it_o unite_v man_n in_o a_o state_n wherein_o they_o all_o equal_o enjoy_v the_o same_o revelation_n the_o same_o spiritual_a worship_n and_o the_o same_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n all_o which_o represent_v as_o it_o be_v on_o earth_n the_o joy_n we_o may_v partake_v hereafter_o and_o give_v we_o a_o lively_a image_n and_o idea_n of_o heaven_n and_o what_o great_a miracle_n than_o this_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o a_o religion_n verse_n 46._o and_o they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n do_v eat_v their_o meat_n with_o gladness_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n what_o perseverance_n what_o joy_n nay_o what_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n do_v the_o apostle_n here_o show_v suppose_v they_o to_o have_v be_v deceiver_n for_o we_o must_v either_o acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v such_o or_o else_o allow_v the_o gospel_n they_o preach_v to_o be_v most_o certain_o true_a and_o divine_a chap._n iii_o 8_o 9_o and_o he_o enter_v with_o they_o into_o the_o temple_n walk_v and_o leap_v and_o praise_v god_n and_o all_o the_o people_n see_v he_o walk_v and_o praise_v god_n be_v it_o a_o easy_a matter_n to_o make_v other_o man_n believe_v such_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o these_o suppose_v they_o be_v altogether_o false_a verse_n 12._o and_o when_o peter_n see_v it_o he_o answer_v unto_o the_o people_n you_o man_n of_o israel_n why_o marvel_v you_o at_o this_o or_o why_o look_v you_o so_o earnest_o on_o we_o as_o though_o by_o our_o own_o power_n or_o holiness_n we_o have_v make_v this_o man_n to_o walk_v have_v simon_n magus_n perform_v such_o a_o miracle_n he_o will_v certain_o have_v take_v all_o the_o honour_n of_o it_o to_o himself_o and_o now_o more_o confident_o than_o ever_o affirm_v that_o he_o be_v the_o great_a power_n of_o god_n observe_v i_o pray_v here_o a_o character_n of_o ingenuity_n humility_n and_o sincerity_n which_o can_v be_v sufficient_o express_v verse_n 16._o and_o his_o name_n through_o faith_n in_o his_o name_n have_v make_v this_o man_n strong_a who_o you_o see_v and_o know_v yea_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v by_o he_o have_v give_v he_o this_o perfect_a soundness_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o you_o all_o this_o multiply_a expression_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v not_o so_o well_o please_v some_o man_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o empty_a flourish_n of_o word_n or_o a_o put_v some_o good_a word_n fine_o together_o to_o signify_v little_a a_o thing_n not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o true_a eloquence_n man_n ought_v to_o use_v but_o here_o it_o be_v not_o real_o so_o the_o apostle_n here_o regard_v not_o politness_v in_o the_o least_o but_o rather_o be_v afraid_a they_o can_v not_o use_v expression_n strong_a enough_o to_o let_v they_o know_v that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o own_o name_n but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v do_v it_o be_v no_o matter_n then_o whether_o the_o ear_n be_v offend_v at_o it_o or_o not_o provide_v the_o understanding_n humble_v itself_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o ascribe_v that_o extraordinary_a miracle_n to_o none_o but_o christ_n himself_o verse_n 14._o but_o you_o deny_v the_o holy_a one_o and_o the_o just_a and_o desire_v a_o murderer_n to_o be_v grant_v unto_o you_o observe_v how_o little_o he_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o flatter_v those_o man_n he_o speak_v to_o chap._n iu._n 4._o howbeit_o many_o of_o they_o which_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o man_n be_v about_o five_o thousand_o how_o can_v s._n luke_n who_o write_v in_o a_o time_n when_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o so_o many_o proselyte_n flourish_v i_o say_v how_o can_v he_o have_v make_v so_o many_o believe_v such_o miraculous_a
have_v for_o ever_o divide_v now_o the_o christian_a religion_n restore_v the_o society_n of_o nature_n for_o by_o unite_n man_n so_o strict_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o charity_n it_o far_o strengthen_v that_o natural_a love_n which_o we_o call_v humanity_n it_o destroy_v too_o the_o society_n of_o interest_n and_o ambition_n because_o it_o extirpate_v such_o inordinate_a desire_n as_o be_v not_o true_a principle_n of_o union_n and_o good_a understanding_n one_o among_o another_o it_o also_o strengthen_v civil_a society_n by_o command_v we_o to_o obey_v our_o superior_n and_o teach_v we_o to_o render_v unto_o cesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n and_o unto_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v go_n last_o it_o establish_v such_o a_o society_n as_o restore_v the_o equality_n of_o nature_n among_o we_o and_o whereas_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n till_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n a_o society_n of_o man_n external_o indeed_o unite_v by_o the_o bond_n of_o civil_a law_n government_n and_o the_o degree_n of_o proximity_n of_o blood_n but_o internal_o divide_v by_o their_o irregular_a passion_n christ_n show_v we_o a_o society_n of_o man_n external_o divide_v by_o the_o distance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n and_o the_o disparity_n of_o their_o condition_n but_o internal_o unite_v by_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n the_o same_o hope_n and_o the_o same_o charity_n nor_o be_v these_o mere_a idea_n or_o speculation_n for_o beside_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n visible_o relate_v whole_o to_o the_o design_n of_o make_v man_n holy_a and_o pure_a and_o dedicate_a they_o to_o god_n beside_o that_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v the_o end_n of_o their_o preach_v direct_v themselves_o in_o their_o epistle_n to_o those_o that_o be_v call_v to_o be_v saint_n and_o to_o the_o spiritual_a israel_n and_o declare_v concern_v apostate_n that_o they_o go_v from_o they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o they_o beside_o that_o jesus_n christ_n on_o all_o occasion_n make_v the_o very_a same_o distinction_n refuse_v to_o own_v they_o for_o his_o disciple_n that_o shall_v be_v whole_o take_v up_o with_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n and_o give_v this_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o those_o who_o he_o own_v for_o his_o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o the_o world_n hate_v they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o world_n joh._n 17._o 14._o i_o say_v beside_o all_o this_o we_o have_v this_o satisfaction_n that_o we_o can_v produce_v a_o society_n of_o holy_a man_n that_o yield_v not_o to_o any_o power_n of_o the_o world_n but_o withstand_v the_o most_o rigorous_a trial_n of_o persecution_n and_o renounce_v the_o entice_a charm_n of_o the_o world_n the_o better_a to_o adhere_v to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n a_o society_n victorious_a in_o temptation_n that_o overcome_v vice_n and_o delude_v the_o indefatigable_a endeavour_n of_o tyrant_n a_o society_n compose_v of_o mortal_a man_n yet_o not_o to_o be_v exstinguish_v by_o 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if_o it_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o literal_a sense_n let_v not_o then_o philosophy_n any_o long_o be_v offend_v at_o any_o of_o the_o scripture_n phrase_n or_o its_o figurative_a expression_n let_v it_o not_o object_n that_o a_o material_a fire_n proper_o so_o call_v can_v burn_v up_o our_o soul_n that_o angel_n have_v no_o mouth_n to_o sound_a trumpet_n that_o the_o valley_n of_o josaphat_n be_v too_o little_a to_o contain_v all_o mankind_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v such_o trivial_a difficulty_n as_o can_v puzzle_v those_o who_o be_v never_o so_o little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o language_n of_o canaan_n beside_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o mixture_n man_n have_v make_v of_o philosophy_n and_o religion_n have_v be_v considerable_o prejudicial_a to_o our_o faith_n for_o first_o philosophy_n as_o it_o be_v heap_v up_o one_o speculation_n upon_o another_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a extension_n of_o matter_n that_o there_o be_v other_o globe_n inhabit_v and_o 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ourselves_o only_o a_o disposition_n indeed_o absolute_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n which_o require_v of_o we_o a_o belief_n pure_o ground_v on_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n but_o man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o rely_v upon_o it_o that_o they_o be_v continual_o ask_v demonstration_n of_o we_o and_o those_o too_o they_o will_v have_v to_o be_v geometrical_a one_o that_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o evident_a as_o to_o be_v free_a from_o all_o perplex_v obscurity_n these_o man_n make_v large_a pretension_n and_o demand_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a demonstration_n but_o they_o be_v all_o demonstration_n of_o faith_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o faith_n but_o what_o have_v some_o obscurity_n as_o well_o as_o light_n three_o another_o very_a dangerous_a effect_n of_o philosophy_n be_v that_o it_o change_v religion_n from_o practice_n into_o speculation_n for_o the_o nice_a and_o sublime_a our_o inquiry_n be_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o mystery_n the_o more_o we_o neglect_v the_o body_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v essential_o practical_a religion_n appear_v not_o then_o to_o we_o in_o its_o usual_a brightness_n and_o majesty_n and_o the_o more_o we_o pursue_v it_o by_o nice_a speculation_n the_o far_a it_o get_v out_o of_o our_o reach_n experience_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o progress_n we_o make_v in_o reason_v set_v we_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o true_a centre_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v piety_n and_o that_o the_o more_o metaphysical_a it_o be_v the_o less_o able_a it_o be_v to_o satisfy_v our_o mind_n but_o rather_o raise_v scruple_n in_o the_o understanding_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o more_o we_o practise_v religion_n the_o better_a we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o because_o we_o grow_v then_o sensible_a of_o its_o divine_a efficacy_n by_o our_o own_o experience_n and_o be_v make_v to_o believe_v the_o true_a value_n of_o it_o by_o the_o impression_n it_o leave_v in_o our_o heart_n have_v religion_n indeed_o be_v pure_o design_v to_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o philosophize_v and_o argue_v about_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n it_o will_v have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o take_v the_o measure_n of_o it_o from_o a_o speculative_a knowledge_n of_o the_o understanding_n but_o since_o it_o be_v give_v we_o to_o sanctify_v our_o heart_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o contemplation_n shall_v yield_v to_o practice_n and_o the_o inward_a sense_n we_o have_v of_o its_o divine_a efficacy_n viii_o policy_n be_v yet_o a_o far_o great_a enemy_n to_o religion_n than_o philosophy_n not_o but_o that_o it_o often_o happy_o make_v use_v of_o religion_n to_o keep_v man_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o duty_n but_o it_o pretend_v to_o have_v a_o right_n of_o superiority_n over_o it_o it_o will_v have_v religion_n submit_v to_o its_o order_n whereas_o religion_n submit_v only_o to_o the_o order_n of_o god_n policy_n general_o look_v upon_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n as_o no_o better_a than_o slave_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o power_n but_o religion_n in_o spite_n of_o policy_n make_v all_o man_n equal_a and_o effectual_o remove_v all_o those_o distinction_n which_o humane_a passion_n have_v put_v between_o they_o policy_n according_a to_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o pride_n and_o ambition_n act_v as_o if_o the_o live_v of_o the_o mean_a sort_n of_o people_n be_v of_o no_o more_o value_n than_o those_o of_o brute_n but_o religion_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o peasant_n be_v as_o dear_a and_o precious_a to_o god_n as_o that_o of_o a_o monarch_n what!_o say_v the_o ambitious_a man_n must_v all_o people_n become_v my_o equal_n and_o companion_n yes_o certain_o reply_v religion_n and_o far_o happy_a than_o thou_o be_v like_a to_o be_v unless_o thou_o repente_v a_o great_a and_o mighty_a character_n indeed_o which_o true_o convince_v we_o that_o it_o sole_o spring_v from_o god_n
against_o their_o so_o very_a simple_a and_o natural_a expression_n it_o be_v our_o chief_a concern_v to_o regard_v the_o substance_n and_o essential_a part_n of_o their_o preach_n and_o that_o be_v god_n design_n to_o save_v mankind_n by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n to_o this_o every_o thing_n relate_v and_o it_o be_v support_v by_o three_o other_o very_a great_a and_o important_a object_n the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n attest_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o the_o completion_n of_o all_o the_o prophecy_n contain_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n all_o which_o thing_n the_o apostle_n see_v and_o clear_o and_o distinct_o teach_v man_n and_o at_o last_o digest_v in_o write_v direct_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n when_o the_o whole_a earth_n seem_v full_a of_o astonishment_n at_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n god_n pour_v down_o upon_o man_n at_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o so_o many_o prophecy_n in_o 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such_o impious_a and_o foolish_a thought_n we_o therefore_o here_o intend_v only_o to_o assert_v two_o thing_n 1_o sy_n that_o all_o those_o small_a difficulty_n the_o critic_n raise_v against_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o any_o way_n sufficient_a to_o shake_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v wonderful_o provide_v that_o our_o faith_n shall_v be_v establish_v without_o respect_n have_v to_o those_o difficulty_n the_o second_o be_v that_o those_o very_a difficulty_n be_v not_o only_o of_o excellent_a use_n to_o humble_v our_o mind_n but_o also_o necessary_a to_o keep_v we_o from_o the_o superstition_n of_o insist_v only_o upon_o a_o literal_a signification_n and_o from_o that_o folly_n which_o we_o may_v call_v the_o adoration_n of_o word_n we_o must_v therefore_o grant_v that_o all_o thing_n our_o sense_n education_n the_o curiosity_n of_o the_o mind_n superstition_n philosophy_n policy_n humane_a eloquence_n and_o grammar_n be_v as_o so_o many_o instrument_n which_o our_o passion_n employ_v to_o make_v void_a that_o submission_n which_o our_o faith_n owe_v to_o god_n that_o through_o the_o ill_a use_n we_o put_v they_o to_o they_o be_v convert_v into_o so_o many_o different_a way_n of_o shake_v off_o that_o divine_a obedience_n and_o that_o the_o speculation_n which_o spring_n from_o all_o these_o principle_n aim_v at_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o weaken_n our_o faith_n just_a as_o the_o loose_a and_o remiss_a maxim_n of_o some_o casuist_n tend_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o morality_n it_o be_v as_o difficult_a for_o the_o understanding_n to_o believe_v as_o for_o our_o heart_n to_o mortify_v itself_o nevertheless_o it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v affirm_v 1_o sy_n that_o this_o submission_n of_o ourselves_o to_o god_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o that_o unless_o we_o pay_v it_o he_o by_o ready_o receive_v the_o principle_n of_o his_o religion_n we_o must_v inevitable_o yield_v it_o up_o to_o matter_n and_o so_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o the_o most_o wretched_a and_o impious_a ignorance_n and_o horrid_a darkness_n of_o understanding_n it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o we_o shall_v no_o better_o comprehend_v what_o eternity_n infinity_o extension_n the_o manner_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o matter_n be_v than_o we_o already_o know_v what_o pass_v within_o god_n 2_o lie_v that_o our_o heart_n be_v dispose_v to_o such_o a_o submission_n of_o mind_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o relate_v to_o our_o civil_a and_o natural_a concern_v and_o if_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o do_v not_o defer_v to_o receive_v nourishment_n till_o we_o be_v full_o instruct_v after_o what_o manner_n nutrition_n be_v make_v within_o we_o and_o if_o we_o be_v easy_o induce_v to_o believe_v the_o attraction_n of_o the_o magnetic_a stone_n though_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o manner_n of_o that_o operation_n why_o shall_v we_o not_o in_o like_a manner_n as_o
we_o humble_a that_o fit_v itself_o to_o all_o the_o condition_n of_o life_n and_o satisfy_v all_o the_o desire_n of_o our_o heart_n in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v the_o christian_a religion_n that_o sanctify_v we_o exalt_v we_o and_o complete_v all_o our_o wish_n and_o though_o man_n and_o angel_n shall_v joint_o endeavour_v to_o contrive_v a_o more_o excellent_a one_o and_o more_o suitable_a to_o our_o want_n and_o necessity_n than_o this_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o can_v never_o accomplish_v their_o design_n vi_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o relation_n it_o bear_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n it_o be_v with_o the_o deity_n as_o with_o the_o sun_n which_o be_v bright_a in_o itself_o diffuse_v abroad_o its_o glory_n by_o its_o beam_n and_o imprint_n upon_o the_o cloud_n or_o water_n a_o imperfect_a image_n of_o itself_o which_o image_n though_o it_o want_v the_o full_a splendour_n of_o its_o original_a be_v yet_o pure_a agreeable_a and_o adorn_v with_o sufficient_a brightness_n and_o majesty_n the_o deity_n have_v a_o essential_a glory_n consist_v in_o its_o supereminent_a virtue_n and_o infinite_a perfection_n to_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v superad_v and_o the_o brightness_n of_o it_o be_v more_o than_o man_n can_v bear_v this_o glory_n stream_v from_o the_o eternal_a author_n of_o all_o thing_n diffuse_v itself_o abroad_o in_o all_o his_o work_n and_o form_n out_o of_o the_o bright_a efflux_n of_o those_o beam_n which_o strike_v by_o reflection_n upon_o we_o and_o be_v unite_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n a_o image_n of_o that_o refulgent_a and_o immortal_a sun_n which_o image_n though_o it_o have_v not_o all_o it_o be_v full_a perfect_a and_o dazzle_a splendour_n be_v yet_o pure_a bright_a lively_a and_o transcendent_a and_o this_o glory_n be_v what_o we_o call_v the_o christian_a religion_n easy_o prove_v to_o be_v so_o in_o that_o it_o refer_v itself_o sole_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o lively_a image_n and_o transcript_n of_o his_o perfection_n and_o our_o duty_n this_o religion_n be_v alone_o capable_a of_o undeceive_a man_n by_o remove_v those_o false_a notion_n they_o have_v so_o long_o entertain_v of_o the_o deity_n this_o alone_a discover_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o god_n remove_v all_o symbol_n type_n shadow_n material_a and_o sensible_a appearance_n under_o which_o he_o be_v worship_v all_o which_o be_v more_o proper_a to_o disguise_v than_o discover_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o deity_n it_o give_v we_o some_o insight_n into_o that_o nature_n by_o assure_v we_o that_o god_n be_v invisible_a and_o remove_v he_o from_o our_o sense_n to_o make_v he_o the_o object_n of_o our_o understanding_n it_o be_v this_o religion_n alone_o that_o discover_v that_o eternal_a counsel_n of_o god_n so_o full_a of_o mercy_n and_o consolation_n to_o we_o that_o he_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n it_o be_v this_o alone_a that_o glorify_v god_n in_o his_o attribute_n and_o show_v distinct_o their_o infinite_a perfection_n by_o this_o alone_a we_o be_v teach_v that_o god_n govern_v all_o thing_n by_o his_o providence_n that_o he_o make_v evil_a itself_o instrumental_a to_o our_o good_a that_o by_o his_o goodness_n he_o supply_v all_o our_o necessity_n that_o our_o sin_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o his_o truth_n and_o justice_n he_o can_v consequent_o bear_v with_o they_o and_o yet_o that_o his_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n be_v without_o bound_n it_o teach_v we_o not_o only_o that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o worship_n god_n and_o serve_v he_o but_o assure_v we_o also_o that_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o our_o creation_n it_o teach_v we_o to_o ask_v of_o he_o above_o all_o thing_n the_o advancement_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o to_o begin_v our_o petition_n with_o this_o form_n hallow_a be_v thy_o name_n thy_o kingdom_n come_v thy_o will_v be_v do_v it_o require_v of_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v glorify_v he_o not_o only_o with_o our_o lip_n or_o bare_o by_o our_o spiritual_a song_n but_o with_o all_o our_o thought_n word_n and_o work_n it_o show_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o creature_n but_o what_o be_v under_o his_o providence_n no_o sin_n but_o what_o may_v fall_v under_o his_o justice_n no_o sinner_n but_o what_o may_v experience_n his_o mercy_n no_o motion_n or_o inclination_n to_o â—â—â—ty_n but_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o grace_n nor_o no_o unlawful_a action_n but_o what_o will_v one_o day_n fall_v under_o his_o judgement_n it_o discover_v to_o we_o such_o miracle_n as_o glorify_v his_o infinite_a power_n such_o event_n as_o clear_o manifest_v the_o wonder_n of_o his_o providence_n such_o benefit_n as_o evince_v his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o it_o allow_v all_o his_o divine_a attribute_n a_o thing_n before_o unknown_a to_o man_n their_o just_a extent_n that_o be_v a_o extent_n without_o limit_n now_o from_o whence_o can_v proceed_v those_o idea_n we_o have_v of_o the_o eternity_n of_o god_n of_o his_o immensity_n omnipotence_n his_o infinite_a knowledge_n and_o immutability_n etc._n etc._n but_o from_o this_o divine_a religion_n no_o other_o religion_n can_v at_o once_o elevate_v both_o god_n and_o man._n it_o show_v we_o how_o admirable_o man_n be_v unite_v to_o god_n and_o god_n to_o man._n it_o alone_o induce_v we_o to_o submit_v our_o will_n to_o god_n to_o acquiesce_v without_o any_o murmur_a to_o the_o decree_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o to_o direct_v all_o our_o desire_n and_o affection_n to_o he_o as_o our_o supreme_a good_n man_n indeed_o heretofore_o endeavour_v to_o honour_v their_o deity_n by_o offer_v beast_n as_o a_o sacrifice_n but_o be_v it_o ever_o know_v before_o that_o they_o be_v to_o glorify_v god_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o themselves_o and_o what_o other_o religion_n but_o this_o can_v incite_v man_n to_o offer_v such_o a_o sacrifice_n in_o which_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o much_o pain_n and_o reluctance_n certain_o unless_o we_o wilful_o blind_v ourselves_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n incredible_a that_o we_o shall_v not_o perceive_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a communion_n between_o the_o perfection_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n which_o make_v man_n sensible_a of_o their_o effect_n and_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o man_n heart_n which_o glorify_v god_n neither_o flesh_n and_o blood_n neither_o the_o world_n nature_n or_o education_n be_v forcible_a enough_o to_o produce_v so_o great_a and_o sublime_a a_o effect_n and_o this_o can_v be_v the_o work_n of_o none_o but_o he_o who_o perfect_o know_v the_o agreement_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o be_v certain_a that_o our_o heart_n be_v whole_o make_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o sentiment_n of_o his_o glory_n be_v to_o be_v imprint_v in_o our_o heart_n only_o by_o the_o help_n of_o religion_n vii_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o its_o morality_n be_v we_o never_o so_o little_o acquaint_v with_o what_o pass_v within_o we_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o find_v that_o the_o two_o principal_a faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o sensitive_a and_o intellectual_a appetite_n by_o consent_n alternate_o deceive_v one_o another_o but_o we_o shall_v also_o perceive_v that_o it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a to_o undertake_v to_o rectify_v the_o one_o without_o increase_v the_o disorder_n of_o the_o other_o if_o by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n we_o be_v before_o ignorant_a of_o we_o remove_v the_o darkness_n of_o our_o understanding_n we_o usual_o then_o grow_v proud_a of_o our_o learning_n and_o if_o we_o satisfy_v our_o desire_n by_o soothe_v our_o passion_n we_o often_o cherish_v the_o most_o dangerous_a principle_n of_o error_n and_o prejudice_n that_o obscure_a the_o light_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n but_o too_o well_o experience_v that_o the_o knowledge_n which_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n often_o corrupt_v the_o heart_n and_o a_o sin_n indulge_v in_o which_o satisfy_v the_o heart_n corrupt_v the_o understanding_n and_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o ill_a success_n those_o man_n have_v meet_v with_o who_o endeavour_v to_o regulate_v the_o desire_n of_o man._n for_o some_o observe_v not_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n in_o be_v too_o indulgent_a to_o their_o passion_n as_o the_o epicurean_o who_o make_v pleasure_n the_o only_a end_n of_o man_n debase_v he_o to_o a_o brute_n to_o render_v he_o more_o happy_a other_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o a_o kind_n of_o spiritual_a pride_n in_o ascribe_v the_o knowledge_n of_o too_o many_o thing_n to_o their_o reason_n such_o be_v the_o stoic_n who_o forget_v that_o they_o be_v man_n because_o they_o have_v