necessity_n in_o persecution_n in_o distress_n for_o christ_n sake_n for_o when_o i_o be_o weak_a then_o be_o i_o strong_a nay_o he_o pretend_v that_o all_o those_o who_o be_v animate_v with_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o he_o be_v can_v forbear_v pious_o rejoice_v in_o their_o suffering_n but_o the_o fruit_n say_v he_o of_o the_o spirit_n be_v loâ—â—_n joy_n peace_n long_o suffer_v gentleness_n goodness_n faitâ—_n meekness_n temperance_n gal._n 5._o 22._o that_o be_v the_o trâ—â—_n character_n of_o a_o christian_n and_o the_o apostle_n desigâ—_n in_o preach_v be_v to_o plant_v these_o virtue_n in_o the_o mindâ—_n of_o man_n but_o let_v we_o see_v further_o some_o other_o mark_n of_o the_o joyfulness_n and_o confidence_n of_o st._n paul_n he_o express_v himself_o after_o this_o manner_n in_o some_o of_o his_o epistle_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 8_o 9_o 10._o we_o be_v trouble_v on_o every_o side_n yet_o not_o distress_v we_o be_v perplex_v but_o not_o in_o despair_n persecute_v but_o not_o forsake_v cast_v down_o but_o not_o destroy_v always_o bear_v about_o in_o the_o body_n the_o die_a of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o the_o life_n also_o of_o jesus_n may_v be_v mde_v manifest_a in_o our_o body_n and_o in_o another_o place_n yea_o and_o if_o i_o be_v offer_v upon_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o your_o faith_n i_o rejoice_v with_o you_o â—ll_v for_o the_o same_o cause_n also_o do_v you_o rejoice_v with_o i_o phil._n 2._o â—7_n from_o whence_o can_v proceed_v those_o motion_n of_o joy_n which_o st._n paul_n so_o natural_o express_v which_o no_o art_n can_v imitate_v which_o run_v through_o all_o his_o epistle_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n and_o which_o seem_v to_o spring_v from_o a_o heart_n which_o not_o be_v able_a to_o contain_v its_o inward_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n open_v and_o â—nlarges_v itself_o and_o break_v forth_o into_o these_o lively_a â—xpressions_n of_o joy_n certain_o such_o sentiment_n as_o these_o can_v never_o spring_v from_o nature_n for_o nature_n send_v forth_o sigh_n â—nd_v groan_n under_o her_o suffering_n the_o stoic_n who_o â—ndeavoured_v to_o stifle_v her_o innocent_a complaint_n preâ—ended_v that_o a_o man_n may_v overcome_v himself_o to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o preserve_v his_o mind_n serene_a and_o calm_a in_o â—he_n midst_n of_o torment_n but_o the_o stoic_n never_o go_v â—o_o far_o as_o to_o believe_v that_o joy_n can_v spring_v out_o of_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o bitterness_n of_o affliction_n none_o but_o the_o christian_n can_v ever_o find_v unspeakable_a joy_n and_o comâ—ort_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o sorrow_n who_o be_v that_o â—aul_n then_o that_o have_v thought_n so_o elevate_v only_o a_o impostor_n if_o we_o will_v believe_v the_o incredulous_a by_o â—hat_n strength_n or_o power_n do_v he_o so_o much_o surpass_v the_o virtue_n of_o the_o stoic_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o great_a imposture_n that_o ever_o be_v and_o can_v any_o one_o real_o be_v persuade_v of_o such_o a_o thing_n for_o my_o part_n the_o only_a difficulty_n i_o find_v in_o all_o this_o be_v to_o imagine_v that_o the_o proud_a pretended_a patron_n of_o humane_a reason_n shall_v be_v so_o â—nreasonable_a and_o extravagant_a chap._n xii_o wherein_o we_o further_o examine_v the_o epistle_n of_o st_n paul_n the_o three_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v that_o they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o continual_a repetition_n of_o the_o death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n or_o at_o least_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o essential_o belong_v to_o they_o so_o that_o although_o the_o four_o gospel_n shall_v be_v lose_v still_o the_o substance_n and_o essential_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o write_n of_o st._n paul_n now_o this_o appear_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o almost_o every_o one_o of_o his_o epistle_n concern_v his_o son_n say_v he_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n chap._n 1._o v._n 4._o which_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n by_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o this_o appear_v yet_o more_o express_o in_o several_a other_o place_n as_o in_o the_o 15._o chap._n of_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n v_o 3_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o for_o i_o deliver_v unto_o you_o first_o of_o all_o that_o which_o i_o also_o receive_v how_o that_o christ_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o he_o be_v bury_v and_o that_o he_o rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o thâ—â—_n he_o be_v see_v of_o cephas_n then_o of_o the_o twelve_o after_o thâ—â—_n he_o be_v see_v of_o above_o five_o hundred_o brethren_n at_o once_o of_o who_o the_o great_a part_n remain_v unto_o this_o present_a but_o soâ—â—_n be_v fall_v a_o sleep_n after_o that_o he_o be_v see_v of_o james_n thâ—â—_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o last_o of_o all_o he_o be_v see_v of_o 〈◊〉_d also_o as_o of_o one_o bear_v out_o of_o due_a time_n so_o bold_o do_v this_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ._n he_o do_v not_o only_o say_v in_o general_a term_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v see_v after_o his_o resurrection_n but_o in_o particular_a that_o he_o be_v see_v of_o cephas_n of_o james_n of_o the_o other_o apostle_n and_o of_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v see_v by_o five_o hundred_o brethren_n at_o once_o of_o who_o the_o great_a part_n be_v then_o live_v who_o he_o appeal_v to_o as_o witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v and_o who_o may_v easy_o have_v contradict_v he_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a but_o if_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o people_n real_o see_v jesus_n christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n that_o matter_n of_o fact_n can_v never_o be_v false_a for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o five_o hundred_o three_o hundred_o nay_o fifty_o person_n shall_v maugre_o all_o punishment_n conspire_v together_o to_o maintain_v a_o fiction_n but_o if_o such_o a_o number_n of_o person_n neither_o see_v nor_o certify_v they_o have_v see_v christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n how_o shall_v st._n paul_n have_v presume_v to_o write_v this_o to_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n who_o see_v and_o converse_v with_o the_o apostle_n must_v have_v know_v the_o certainty_n of_o it_o how_o dare_v he_o name_v those_o who_o he_o pretend_v that_o jesus_n christ_n appear_v to_o after_o his_o resurrection_n how_o great_a be_v his_o boldness_n to_o assign_v so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o witness_n of_o that_o truth_n and_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v still_o live_v how_o come_v he_o to_o speak_v of_o it_o slight_o by_o the_o way_n or_o only_o as_o a_o thing_n universal_o know_v he_o tell_v it_o but_o not_o with_o any_o turn_n of_o wit_n or_o fineness_n of_o expression_n which_o impostor_n use_v to_o varnish_v over_o a_o specious_a lie_n who_o use_v the_o more_o art_n and_o insinuation_n the_o more_o incredible_a the_o thing_n be_v they_o will_v induce_v man_n to_o believe_v but_o why_o shall_v not_o he_o bold_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n since_o as_o he_o pretend_v the_o holy_a ghost_n evident_o bare_a record_n of_o it_o in_o a_o word_n st._n paul_n speak_v in_o his_o epistle_n of_o miraculous_a gift_n as_o of_o a_o thing_n universal_o know_v he_o call_v they_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o sometime_o only_a the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o that_o shall_v attempt_v to_o cut_v off_o from_o his_o epistle_n every_o place_n wherein_o he_o menâ—ions_v they_o will_v certain_o take_v away_o the_o most_o considerable_a part_n of_o they_o to_o one_o say_v he_o be_v give_v â—he_n spirit_n the_o gift_n of_o wisdom_n to_o another_o the_o gift_n of_o knowledge_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n to_o another_o faith_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n to_o another_o the_o gift_n of_o heal_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n to_o another_o the_o work_n of_o miracle_n to_o another_o prophecy_n to_o another_o discern_v of_o spirit_n to_o another_o divers_a kind_n of_o tongue_n but_o all_o these_o work_v that_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o spirit_n divide_v to_o every_o man_n several_o as_o he_o will_v 1_o cor._n 12._o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o you_o see_v how_o st._n paul_n cursory_o mention_n this_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o uncontested_a experience_n mean_a while_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o we_o have_v not_o to_o do_v with_o one_o single_a gift_n but_o several_a miraculous_a gift_n in_o which_o there_o be_v no_o artifice_n or_o illusion_n for_o though_o it_o may_v be_v pretend_v that_o some_o certain_a people_n have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o although_o those_o very_a people_n shall_v
quiet_a of_o their_o dear_a blood_n and_o even_o of_o their_o life_n but_o also_o because_o they_o mention_v the_o place_n the_o occasion_n the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v do_v and_o general_o all_o the_o circumstance_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o discover_v the_o truth_n and_o render_v the_o design_n of_o impose_v upon_o mankind_n altogether_o impossible_a and_o beside_o that_o they_o confirm_v those_o miracle_n by_o other_o full_a as_o great_a if_o not_o great_a than_o they_o be_v which_o they_o pretend_v to_o do_v even_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o those_o to_o who_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n not_o only_o tell_v they_o that_o which_o we_o have_v hear_v which_o we_o have_v see_v with_o our_o eye_n which_o we_o have_v look_v upon_o and_o our_o hand_n have_v handle_v of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n declare_v we_o unto_o you_o 1_o john_n 1._o 1._o allude_v thereby_o to_o christ_n have_v deliver_v himself_o to_o be_v touch_v and_o handle_v by_o his_o disciple_n after_o his_o resurrection_n but_o also_o add_v these_o word_n in_o another_o place_n therefore_o he_o have_v shed_v forth_o this_o which_o you_o now_o see_v and_o hear_v there_o be_v this_o further_a very_o remarkable_a in_o those_o expression_n namely_o that_o they_o pretend_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v not_o in_o great_a abundance_n upon_o they_o till_o after_o christ_n glorification_n for_o they_o make_v this_o truth_n one_o of_o the_o chief_a article_n of_o their_o gospel_n the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v they_o be_v not_o yet_o give_v because_o that_o jesus_n be_v not_o yet_o glorify_v john_n 7._o 39_o thus_o it_o appear_v what_o it_o be_v they_o understand_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n only_o which_o they_o have_v already_o receive_v when_o christ_n be_v yet_o with_o they_o not_o a_o few_o of_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o they_o have_v partly_o receive_v they_o when_o they_o be_v send_v into_o the_o different_a part_n of_o judea_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o work_n miracle_n in_o the_o name_n of_o their_o master_n but_o also_o that_o extraordinary_a and_o abundant_a effusion_n of_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n which_o they_o receive_v on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n for_o as_o they_o be_v then_o oblige_v to_o speak_v to_o all_o sort_n of_o nation_n so_o they_o receive_v the_o gift_n of_o speak_v divers_a tongue_n and_o be_v baptize_v and_o fill_v with_o that_o spirit_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v but_o in_o part_n before_o and_o this_o they_o call_v the_o receive_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o promise_n which_o every_o one_o of_o the_o evangelist_n also_o term_v baptise_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n but_o though_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o disciple_n sincere_o believe_v christ_n miracle_n yet_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o they_o sincere_o believe_v his_o resurrection_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v either_o unanimous_o agree_v to_o testify_v the_o same_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o severe_a trial_n they_o be_v force_v to_o undergo_v in_o a_o time_n they_o must_v otherwise_o have_v be_v so_o much_o deject_v or_o that_o they_o can_v be_v able_a to_o maintain_v that_o cheat_n with_o so_o much_o constancy_n as_o they_o do_v and_o the_o same_o thing_n i_o also_o affirm_v of_o his_o glorious_a ascension_n certain_o though_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o disciple_n may_v be_v just_o suspect_v in_o both_o these_o two_o last_o event_n yet_o it_o can_v never_o be_v call_v in_o question_n concern_v the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o if_o christ_n disciple_n be_v not_o true_o sincere_a than_o they_o necessary_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v deceiver_n and_o consequent_o not_o able_a to_o work_v any_o miracle_n or_o speak_v all_o sort_n of_o language_n and_o if_o so_o they_o can_v not_o have_v boast_v that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v both_o and_o make_v this_o a_o essential_a article_n of_o their_o gospel_n nay_o they_o can_v not_o so_o much_o as_o have_v any_o thought_n of_o attempt_v it_o and_o be_v they_o as_o some_o pretend_v persuade_v that_o they_o can_v perform_v no_o miracle_n nor_o speak_v any_o language_n but_o their_o own_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v yet_o declare_v that_o god_n have_v send_v they_o to_o work_v miracle_n and_o preach_v to_o all_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n in_o their_o respective_a tongue_n it_o be_v yet_o still_o more_o impossible_a they_o shall_v promise_v to_o enable_v their_o proselyte_n to_o perform_v the_o same_o miracle_n and_o speak_v all_o sort_n of_o language_n so_o that_o they_o themselves_o and_o those_o to_o who_o they_o speak_v shall_v equal_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o at_o the_o same_o time_n for_o if_o the_o disciple_n know_v by_o experience_n they_o can_v speak_v no_o language_n but_o their_o own_o they_o will_v easy_o know_v by_o the_o same_o experience_n that_o their_o proselyte_n will_v soon_o perceive_v how_o false_o they_o have_v promise_v they_o the_o gift_n of_o several_a language_n and_o though_o one_o single_a disciple_n of_o christ_n shall_v have_v be_v so_o foolish_a and_o stupid_a as_o not_o to_o perceive_v it_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v that_o all_o of_o they_o together_o shall_v be_v besot_v with_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o stupidity_n shall_v we_o suppose_v that_o all_o the_o disciple_n have_v undertake_v to_o persuade_v their_o proselyte_n that_o they_o have_v confer_v upon_o they_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n yet_o we_o can_v suppose_v that_o those_o proselyte_n will_v believe_v it_o against_o their_o continual_a experience_n to_o the_o contrary_a for_o if_o the_o disciple_n know_v by_o experience_n they_o can_v speak_v no_o language_n but_o their_o own_o by_o the_o same_o experience_n their_o proselyte_n will_v have_v know_v that_o they_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o though_o one_o single_a person_n may_v have_v fancy_v he_o have_v receive_v it_o which_o be_v yet_o impossible_a in_o itself_o yet_o a_o whole_a multitude_n can_v never_o be_v persuade_v of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v still_o much_o more_o impossible_a that_o this_o pretend_a illusion_n shall_v have_v grow_v so_o universal_a and_o durable_a that_o st._n paul_n not_o only_o suppose_v but_o find_v it_o settle_v in_o the_o world_n and_o undertake_v to_o reform_v the_o disorder_n which_o arise_v in_o several_a particular_a church_n concern_v the_o use_n of_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o though_o christ_n disciple_n may_v have_v promise_v out_o of_o a_o particular_a design_n of_o their_o own_o to_o impart_v these_o miraculous_a gift_n which_o they_o be_v sensible_a they_o have_v not_o and_o make_v other_o man_n speak_v such_o language_n as_o they_o neither_o understand_v nor_o speak_v themselves_o and_o though_o a_o multidude_v of_o proselyte_n and_o disciple_n may_v have_v persuade_v themselves_o against_o their_o own_o experience_n and_o inward_a sense_n that_o they_o understand_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o understand_v not_o or_o speak_v those_o language_n which_o they_o real_o speak_v no_o more_o than_o they_o do_v before_o their_o call_n yet_o it_o be_v still_o impossible_a that_o those_o miraculous_a gift_n suppose_v they_o to_o exist_v only_o in_o the_o imaginary_a conceit_n of_o the_o one_o and_o of_o the_o other_o shall_v have_v such_o a_o effect_n as_o any_o way_n to_o move_v the_o sight_n of_o the_o spectator_n or_o make_v the_o jew_n glorify_v god_n in_o that_o they_o have_v see_v his_o spirit_n descend_v upon_o the_o gentile_n but_o grant_v all_o this_o possible_a though_o this_o illusion_n shall_v have_v take_v place_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o gift_n of_o speak_v divers_a tongue_n yet_o man_n can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o the_o gift_n of_o interpret_n they_o and_o much_o less_o in_o all_o the_o other_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n add_v to_o this_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o patience_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o their_o holiness_n of_o life_n their_o charity_n their_o zeal_n their_o unaffected_a way_n of_o express_v themselves_o their_o self-denial_n sincerity_n and_o plain_a ingenuity_n methinks_v all_o these_o character_n put_v together_o necessary_o and_o evident_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o disciple_n be_v plain_a honest_a sincere_a man_n that_o have_v not_o in_o the_o least_o any_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o we_o so_o that_o this_o truth_n need_v no_o further_a demonstration_n it_o may_v not_o however_o be_v amiss_o to_o remove_v some_o few_o small_a difficulty_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o oppose_v what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v these_o miraculous_a matter_n of_o fact_n the_o first_o difficulty_n be_v to_o know_v how_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v be_v able_a to_o extinguish_v the_o knowledge_n of_o so_o many_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o seem_v sufficient_a to_o convert_v all_o
to_o he_o about_o eat_v he_o answer_v that_o his_o meat_n be_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n and_o when_o he_o sit_v on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o well_o he_o speak_v of_o his_o divine_a grace_n as_o of_o a_o well_o of_o water_n spring_v up_o into_o everlasting_a life_n who_o be_v not_o fill_v with_o admiration_n when_o he_o consider_v these_o thing_n verse_n 24._o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n this_o be_v tell_v man_n in_o short_a what_o they_o shall_v have_v know_v and_o what_o all_o till_o then_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o this_o be_v what_o be_v most_o conformable_a to_o a_o reasonable_a nature_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a revelation_n what_o distinguish_v true_a religion_n from_o superstition_n what_o the_o wise_a among_o the_o heathen_n have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discover_v at_o a_o time_n when_o reason_v and_o speculation_n be_v at_o the_o height_n at_o lest_o what_o they_o have_v but_o a_o very_a faint_a knowledge_n of_o what_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o have_v speak_v of_o but_o obscure_o and_o what_o the_o jew_n who_o in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o saviour_n mind_v nothing_o in_o religion_n but_o the_o external_n corporeal_a part_n of_o it_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o what_o manner_n of_o man_n than_o be_v he_o who_o alone_o have_v so_o much_o wisdom_n chap._n v._o 25._o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o the_o hour_n be_v come_v and_o now_o be_v when_o the_o dead_a shall_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o they_o that_o hear_v shall_v live_v he_o that_o can_v raise_v the_o dead_a to_o life_n again_o may_v well_o speak_v after_o this_o manner_n but_o such_o expression_n will_v have_v be_v extravagant_a in_o any_o other_o but_o he_o verse_n 36._o but_o i_o have_v great_a witness_n than_o that_o of_o john_n for_o the_o work_n which_o the_o father_n have_v give_v i_o to_o finish_v the_o same_o work_n that_o i_o do_v bear_v witness_n of_o i_o that_o the_o father_n have_v send_v i_o those_o work_n must_v have_v be_v very_o extraordinary_a indeed_o since_o he_o prefer_v the_o witness_n they_o bear_v of_o he_o before_o that_o of_o john_n the_o baptist_n for_o be_v it_o otherwise_o he_o will_v have_v expose_v himself_o to_o the_o scorn_n of_o those_o that_o hear_v he_o verse_n 44._o how_o can_v you_o believe_v which_o receive_v honour_n one_o of_o another_o and_o seek_v not_o the_o honour_n that_o come_v from_o god_n only_o he_o that_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o do_v not_o express_v himself_o after_o this_o manner_n christ_n shall_v rather_o have_v make_v use_n of_o the_o vanity_n and_o weakness_n of_o man_n which_o be_v nice_o to_o be_v touch_v and_o delicate_o to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o in_o such_o case_n chap._n vi_o 14_o 15._o then_o those_o man_n when_o they_o have_v see_v the_o miracle_n that_o jesus_n do_v say_v this_o be_v of_o a_o truth_n that_o prophet_n that_o shall_v come_v into_o the_o world_n when_o jesus_n therefore_o perceive_v that_o they_o will_v come_v and_o take_v he_o by_o force_n to_o make_v he_o a_o king_n he_o depart_v again_o into_o a_o mountain_n himself_o alone_o it_o be_v not_o out_o of_o any_o weakness_n or_o fear_n that_o christ_n refuse_v to_o put_v himself_o at_o the_o head_n of_o those_o that_o will_v have_v make_v he_o king_n he_o that_o foretell_v his_o suffering_n and_o establish_v a_o memorial_n of_o they_o nay_o he_o who_o assemble_v together_o a_o company_n of_o distress_a wretch_n who_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o lead_v about_o will_v not_o sure_o have_v be_v afraid_a os_fw-la the_o fortune_n of_o war_n since_o he_o may_v have_v be_v follow_v by_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o people_n who_o will_v have_v daily_o increase_v be_v delude_v by_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o those_o day_n that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v a_o great_a king_n what_o then_o deter_v he_o from_o it_o only_o his_o humility_n verse_n 35._o i_o be_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n he_o that_o come_v to_o i_o shall_v never_o hunger_n and_o he_o that_o come_v to_o i_o shall_v never_o thirst_v do_v ever_o any_o man_n use_v a_o expression_n like_o this_o how_o can_v a_o man_n be_v the_o bread_n of_o life_n and_o what_o can_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o expression_n be_v go_v to_o christ_n enough_o to_o satisfy_v hunger_n and_o thirst_n no_o one_o but_o a_o enthusiast_n or_o one_o that_o be_v real_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o instruct_v mankind_n can_v have_v express_v himself_o thus_o but_o who_o be_v he_o that_o shall_v dare_v to_o blaspheme_n against_o the_o wisdom_n of_o that_o divine_a person_n verse_n 63._o the_o flesh_n profit_v nothing_o the_o word_n that_o i_o speak_v unto_o you_o they_o be_v spirit_n and_o they_o be_v life_n this_o comment_n excellent_o justify_v the_o wisdom_n of_o that_o wonderful_a teacher_n and_o clear_o show_v we_o what_o we_o shall_v think_v of_o those_o seem_a paradox_n he_o advance_v in_o the_o forego_n verse_n so_o contrary_a to_o all_o our_o former_a idea_n and_o prejudices_fw-la chap._n vii_o 17._o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o this_o be_v the_o best_a and_o sure_a rule_n whereby_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v first_o requisite_a that_o his_o heart_n be_v right_o dispose_v rather_o than_o his_o understanding_n full_o enlighten_v man_n at_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o this_o great_a and_o noble_a truth_n they_o make_v a_o science_n of_o religion_n which_o none_o can_v understand_v but_o the_o learned_a and_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n which_o will_v know_v every_o thing_n but_o scarce_o know_v any_o thing_n perfect_o proud_o assume_v to_o itself_o the_o privilege_n of_o judge_v in_o matter_n of_o salvation_n but_o be_v that_o a_o certain_a rule_n to_o go_v by_o the_o proud_a will_v be_v the_o great_a favourite_n of_o god_n and_o the_o more_o man_n strive_v out_o of_o vanity_n or_o ambition_n to_o become_v learn_v the_o clear_a insight_n they_o will_v have_v into_o revelation_n that_o indeed_o will_v be_v proper_a to_o make_v a_o considerable_a progress_n in_o humane_a science_n but_o the_o science_n of_o salvation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v acquire_v but_o by_o holiness_n and_o humility_n for_o virtue_n be_v a_o practical_a habit._n the_o more_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a we_o be_v the_o more_o our_o eye_n will_v be_v open_a the_o better_a we_o live_v the_o less_o scruple_n we_o shall_v entertain_v the_o more_o we_o love_v god_n the_o more_o sensible_a we_o shall_v grow_v of_o his_o admirable_a precept_n what_o great_a wisdom_n then_o do_v this_o maxim_n contain_v which_o man_n in_o past_a age_n be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o and_o which_o the_o present_a age_n scarce_o yet_o understand_v verse_n 37_o 38_o 39_o in_o the_o last_o day_n that_o great_a day_n of_o the_o feast_n jesus_n stand_v and_o cry_v say_v if_o any_o man_n thirst_n let_v he_o come_v unto_o i_o and_o drink_n he_o that_o believe_v on_o i_o as_o the_o scripture_n have_v say_v out_o of_o his_o belly_n shall_v flow_v river_n of_o live_a water_n but_o this_o speak_v he_o of_o the_o spirit_n which_o they_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v receive_v for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o yet_o give_v because_o that_o jesus_n be_v not_o yet_o glorify_v how_o can_v the_o evangelist_n have_v make_v christ_n utter_v such_o word_n as_o these_o and_o a_o little_a after_o add_v this_o annotation_n concern_v the_o effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v he_o real_o see_v nothing_o happen_v that_o be_v like_o it_o who_o see_v not_o plain_o that_o the_o parenthesis_n suppose_v that_o event_n to_o be_v well_o know_v since_o it_o inform_v we_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o verse_n 40_o 41._o many_o of_o the_o people_n therefore_o when_o they_o hear_v this_o say_v of_o a_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o prophet_n other_o say_v this_o be_v the_o christ_n but_o some_o say_v shall_v christ_n come_v out_o of_o galilee_n all_o these_o dispute_n and_o little_a contest_v manifest_o show_v the_o great_a impression_n the_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n of_o christ_n have_v already_o make_v upon_o people_n mind_n beside_o they_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o not_o easy_o to_o be_v think_v of_o by_o a_o person_n who_o can_v invent_v lie_n chap._n viii_o 7._o 10_o 11_o so_o when_o they_o continue_v ask_v he_o he_o lift_v up_o himself_o and_o say_v unto_o they_o he_o that_o be_v without_o sin_n among_o you_o let_v he_o first_o cast_v a_o stone_n
i_o have_v fight_v with_o beast_n at_o ephesus_n what_o advantage_v it_o i_o if_o the_o dead_a rise_v not_o let_v we_o eat_v and_o drink_v for_o to_o morrow_n we_o die_v since_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n man_n of_o worldly_a mind_n and_o carnal_a appetite_n who_o aim_v only_o at_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n have_v always_o argue_v thus_o and_o indeed_o they_o will_v have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n in_o argue_v thus_o and_o pursue_v their_o reason_n be_v there_o no_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a chap._n xvi_o 21._o the_o salutation_n of_o i_o paul_n with_o my_o own_o hand_n if_o any_o man_n love_v not_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n let_v he_o be_v anathema_n maranatha_n he_o begin_v still_o and_o end_v with_o christ_n which_o evident_o show_v the_o strong_a persuasion_n of_o his_o mind_n second_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n i._n 8_o 9_o for_o we_o will_v not_o brethren_n have_v you_o ignorant_a of_o our_o trouble_n etc._n etc._n that_o we_o shall_v not_o trust_v in_o ourselves_o but_o in_o god_n which_o raise_v the_o dead_a by_o these_o word_n we_o perceive_v what_o trouble_v they_o undergo_v and_o what_o hope_n they_o have_v to_o sustain_v they_o in_o their_o suffering_n chap._n ii_o 14_o 15_o 16._o now_o thanks_o be_v unto_o god_n which_o always_o cause_v we_o to_o triumph_v in_o christ_n and_o make_v manifest_v the_o savour_n of_o his_o knowledge_n by_o we_o in_o every_o place_n for_o we_o be_v unto_o god_n a_o sweet_a savour_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n to_o the_o one_o we_o be_v the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n and_o to_o the_o other_o the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n and_o who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n and_o who_o be_v sufficient_a to_o express_v all_o the_o force_n and_o energy_n of_o these_o word_n unlike_o the_o false_a charm_n of_o humane_a eloquence_n yet_o such_o as_o be_v easy_o discern_v by_o a_o heart_n right_o dispose_v chap._n iu._n 6._o for_o god_n who_o command_v the_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n have_v shine_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ._n the_o eloquence_n of_o man_n which_o be_v general_o above_o the_o thing_n it_o represent_v have_v usual_o but_o one_o idea_n to_o represent_v one_o single_a object_n but_o if_o that_o idea_n be_v a_o complex_fw-la one_o than_o it_o be_v compose_v of_o several_a other_o proportionable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o it_o there_o cant_v well_o be_v in_o this_o sort_n of_o eloquence_n a_o mixture_n of_o various_a idea_n and_o different_a metaphor_n together_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o period_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o eloquence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v always_o inferior_a to_o those_o object_n it_o lay_v before_o we_o make_v use_n of_o several_a different_a image_n and_o idea_n at_o once_o because_o a_o single_a one_o can_v not_o express_v what_o it_o endeavour_v to_o represent_v as_o for_o instance_n in_o these_o expression_n 78._o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n with_o the_o heal_n of_o his_o wing_n have_v visit_v we_o through_o his_o tender_a mercy_n as_o also_o in_o this_o place_n where_o the_o apostle_n think_v he_o can_v never_o say_v enough_o this_o be_v a_o light_n which_o shine_v which_o shine_v into_o the_o heart_n which_o give_v the_o light_n the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ._n for_o a_o man_n to_o express_v himself_o thus_o he_o must_v real_o be_v very_o strong_o persuade_v of_o what_o he_o can_v say_v the_o orator_n of_o this_o world_n be_v usual_o master_n of_o their_o own_o thought_n but_o this_o writer_n here_o be_v as_o it_o be_v fill_v and_o whole_o take_v up_o with_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o object_n he_o be_v about_o to_o represent_v verse_n 15._o for_o all_o thing_n be_v for_o your_o sake_n that_o the_o abundant_a grace_n may_v through_o the_o thanksgiving_n of_o many_o redound_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n thanksgiving_n gratefulness_n acknowledgement_n glory_n of_o god_n charity_n confession_n of_o their_o frailty_n prayer_n exhortation_n etc._n etc._n be_v the_o only_a subject_n that_o all_o the_o write_n of_o those_o pretend_a impostor_n be_v full_a of_o verse_n 17._o for_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n no_o writer_n ever_o speak_v with_o so_o much_o energy_n because_o no_o writer_n be_v so_o strong_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o deliver_v chap._n v._o 17._o therefore_o if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n what_o teacher_n ever_o require_v such_o thing_n of_o their_o disciple_n what_o mean_v these_o word_n and_o this_o strange_a exhortation_n chap._n vi_o 1_o 4_o 5_o 6._o we_o then_o as_o worker_n together_o with_o he_o beseech_v you_o also_o that_o you_o receive_v not_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a etc._n etc._n but_o in_o all_o thing_n approve_v ourselves_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n in_o much_o patience_n in_o affliction_n in_o necessity_n in_o distress_n in_o stripe_n in_o imprisonment_n in_o tumult_n in_o labour_n in_o watch_n in_o fasting_n by_o pureness_n by_o knowledge_n by_o long-suffering_a by_o kindness_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o love_n unfeigned_a do_v such_o exhortation_n usual_o come_v from_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n or_o rather_o do_v they_o not_o proceed_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o chap._n viii_o 18._o and_o we_o have_v send_v with_o he_o the_o brother_n who_o praise_n be_v in_o the_o gospel_n throughout_o all_o the_o church_n he_o speak_v of_o st._n luke_n in_o this_o place_n and_o what_o he_o say_v of_o he_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o understand_v that_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o st._n luke_n be_v read_v even_o in_o those_o day_n in_o all_o the_o christian_n churchès_fw-fr which_o overthrow_v all_o suspicion_n that_o that_o gospel_n have_v be_v fill_v with_o shame_n story_n of_o certain_a matter_n of_o fact_n in_o a_o time_n when_o every_o body_n have_v yet_o fresh_a in_o their_o remembrance_n all_o that_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o those_o day_n chap._n xii_o 12._o true_o the_o sign_n of_o a_o apostle_n be_v wrought_v among_o you_o in_o all_o patience_n in_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o mighty_a deed_n st._n paul_n write_v these_o thing_n to_o several_a numerous_a church_n and_o to_o whole_a society_n and_o can_v we_o suppose_v he_o can_v persuade_v they_o that_o he_o wrought_v so_o many_o wonder_n and_o sign_n among_o they_o when_o he_o wrought_v none_o chap._n xiii_o 5._o examine_v yourselves_o etc._n etc._n prove_v your_o own_o self_n etc._n etc._n how_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o you_o what_o mean_v these_o expession_n we_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o we_o and_o whence_o come_v they_o who_o first_o establish_v such_o a_o strange_a language_n and_o who_o do_v the_o apostle_n learn_v this_o style_n from_o a_o style_n till_o then_o unknown_a to_o the_o world_n have_v man_n ever_o say_v before_o that_o time_n cesar_n be_v in_o we_o no_o sure_o because_o they_o have_v never_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o cesar_n but_o the_o disciple_n have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n chap._n iii_o 4_o 5._o o_o foolish_a galatian_n etc._n etc._n have_v you_o suffer_v so_o many_o thing_n in_o vain_a if_o it_o be_v yet_o in_o vain_a he_o therefore_o that_o minister_v to_o you_o the_o spirit_n and_o work_v miracle_n among_o you_o do_v he_o it_o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n or_o by_o the_o hear_n of_o faith_n what_o mean_v this_o interrogation_n if_o the_o miracle_n and_o the_o miraculous_a and_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v be_v only_o mere_a fiction_n be_v it_o possible_a we_o shall_v not_o perceive_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o matter_n of_o fact_n by_o the_o ingenuous_a simplicity_n wherewith_o this_o author_n take_v it_o for_o grant_v when_o he_o make_v it_o a_o principle_n of_o his_o argument_n and_o take_v a_o occasion_n from_o thence_o to_o censure_v the_o galatian_n after_o so_o sharp_a and_o severe_a a_o manner_n chap._n vi_o 12_o 14_o 15._o as_o many_o as_o desire_v to_o make_v a_o fair_a show_n in_o the_o flesh_n they_o constrain_v you_o to_o be_v circumcise_a only_a lest_o they_o shall_v suffer_v persecution_n for_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n but_o god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v glory_n save_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o the_o world_n be_v crucify_v unto_o i_o and_o i_o unto_o the_o world_n for_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o
upon_o as_o so_o many_o abominable_a murderer_n that_o all_o the_o disciple_n shall_v contrive_v this_o design_n together_o that_o not_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v confess_v the_o truth_n that_o the_o distance_n of_o place_n the_o severity_n of_o punishment_n the_o force_n of_o truth_n the_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n which_o they_o utter_o lose_v by_o their_o profession_n shall_v not_o be_v capable_a to_o break_v off_o this_o unanimous_a contrivance_n of_o falsehood_n that_o they_o shall_v glad_o suffer_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o fable_n that_o they_o shall_v add_v to_o constancy_n a_o virtuous_a life_n that_o these_o cheat_n shall_v preach_v nothing_o but_o virtue_n temperance_n charity_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o humility_n that_o they_o shall_v command_v we_o to_o love_v our_o enemy_n and_o bless_v they_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o god_n which_o curse_v we_o that_o falsehood_n shall_v immediate_o undergo_v the_o trial_n of_o torment_n that_o the_o simplicity_n of_o some_o gross_a sort_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v capable_a of_o that_o nice_a ambition_n which_o consist_v in_o make_v man_n desire_v to_o immortalize_v their_o own_o name_n by_o suffer_a torment_n and_o death_n itself_o and_o that_o the_o malice_n of_o some_o impostor_n shall_v be_v capable_a to_o make_v charity_n reign_v to_o establish_v in_o the_o world_n all_o sort_n of_o virtue_n to_o destroy_v the_o heathenish_a idolatry_n by_o make_v the_o true_a god_n be_v every_o where_o adore_v and_o to_o accomplish_v all_o those_o oracle_n which_o concern_v the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n but_o this_o consideration_n will_v be_v much_o strong_a and_o more_o considerable_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o behaviour_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o opposition_n to_o that_o of_o those_o heretic_n who_o so_o much_o disturb_v the_o church_n almost_o in_o its_o infancy_n what_o pride_n self_n interest_n and_o ambition_n be_v there_o not_o see_v in_o they_o their_o thought_n be_v whole_o bend_v upon_o make_v new_a sect_n every_o one_o of_o they_o set_v up_o for_o a_o ringleader_n of_o faction_n simon_n call_v himself_o the_o great_a virtue_n of_o god_n and_o his_o helena_n the_o holy_a ghost_n menander_n who_o succeed_v he_o pretend_v that_o he_o be_v virtue_n itself_o which_o be_v send_v down_o from_o heaven_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n basilides_n boast_v that_o he_o declare_v thing_n more_o sublime_a and_o far_o more_o wonderful_a than_o the_o two_o former_a and_o among_o this_o same_o rank_n must_v be_v also_o insert_v cerinthus_n carpocrates_n martion_n etc._n etc._n who_o all_o endeavour_v to_o excel_v one_o another_o in_o the_o particular_a design_n of_o raise_v themselves_o above_o all_o not_o to_o mention_v at_o this_o time_n that_o which_o they_o pretend_v that_o those_o who_o have_v attain_v to_o a_o certain_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n which_o according_a to_o they_o be_v a_o state_n of_o perfection_n may_v live_v as_o they_o please_v and_o give_v themselves_o over_o to_o all_o sort_n of_o passion_n such_o you_o see_v be_v the_o character_n of_o impostor_n if_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n invent_v those_o matter_n which_o they_o write_v after_o have_v preach_v they_o they_o must_v themselves_o have_v look_v upon_o religion_n as_o a_o mere_a fiction_n what_o be_v then_o the_o reason_n they_o seem_v to_o we_o so_o different_a from_o those_o heretic_n which_o we_o just_o now_o mention_v and_o wherefore_o instead_o of_o invent_v as_o the_o gnostic_n such_o doctrine_n as_o be_v favourable_a to_o their_o several_a passion_n do_v they_o on_o the_o contrary_n preach_v a_o morality_n which_o whole_o tend_v to_o mortify_v all_o evil_a and_o irregular_a affection_n why_o do_v they_o not_o set_v up_o for_o ringleader_n of_o faction_n why_o do_v not_o every_o one_o of_o they_o take_v a_o pride_n in_o himself_o why_o do_v they_o plot_v together_o to_o raise_v another_o man_n be_v so_o unanimous_a that_o they_o never_o contradict_v one_o another_o so_o humble_a that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o among_o they_o that_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o be_v head_n and_o master_n so_o disinterest_v that_o not_o one_o of_o all_o the_o passion_n incident_a to_o man_n seem_v to_o have_v a_o share_n in_o their_o conduct_n further_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o those_o ancient_a heretic_n we_o just_o now_o mention_v invent_v many_o point_n of_o doctrine_n in_o opposition_n to_o one_o another_o they_o talk_v of_o invisible_a eternal_a spirit_n they_o reason_v about_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o world_n they_o give_v out_o many_o very_a fantastical_a idea_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o establish_v a_o subordination_n of_o heavenly_a virtue_n and_o because_o all_o these_o doctrine_n do_v mere_o depend_v upon_o speculation_n and_o not_o on_o experience_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n for_o they_o to_o use_v they_o to_o seduce_v the_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n on_o the_o contrary_n confirm_v whatever_o they_o say_v not_o as_o those_o impostor_n by_o some_o eternal_a invisible_a spirit_n and_o some_o abstract_a and_o impenetrable_a speculation_n but_o by_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n who_o knowledge_n mere_o depend_v upon_o the_o sense_n themselves_o now_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o most_o simple_a be_v as_o much_o enlighten_v as_o those_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a which_o evident_o denote_v they_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o design_n of_o impose_v upon_o man_n but_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o show_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o of_o such_o a_o character_n as_o to_o invent_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o preach_v let_v we_o therefore_o proceed_v yet_o further_o and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v have_v invent_v those_o matter_n chap._n iu._n that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n can_v not_o impose_v upon_o man_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o write_n or_o preach_v since_o the_o principal_a design_n of_o a_o impostor_n be_v to_o conceal_v the_o cheat_n he_o intend_v to_o play_v it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o observe_v his_o intention_n and_o cunning_a in_o his_o choice_n of_o the_o circumstance_n he_o relate_v for_o if_o he_o invent_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n he_o will_v certain_o pretend_v either_o that_o it_o happen_v long_o since_o or_o it_o be_v in_o a_o remote_a country_n or_o that_o there_o be_v but_o few_o spectator_n of_o it_o who_o be_v since_o dead_a or_o that_o â—t_a be_v a_o singular_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o draw_v no_o consequence_n after_o it_o and_o of_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o sensible_a evidence_n give_v in_o short_a whatever_o a_o man_n invent_v he_o still_o reserve_v to_o himself_o some_o mean_n or_o other_o to_o bring_v himself_o off_o in_o case_n he_o be_v too_o far_o urge_v by_o some_o people_n who_o may_v interess_n themselves_o in_o the_o thing_n relate_v but_o here_o we_o observe_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n that_o man_n be_v more_o particular_o concern_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o the_o apostle_n relate_v nay_o and_o all_o mankind_n the_o jew_n who_o be_v represent_v in_o they_o as_o most_o abominable_a parricide_n can_v not_o look_v upon_o they_o without_o some_o concern_n the_o christian_n who_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n engage_v to_o suffer_v martyrdom_n can_v not_o but_o examine_v they_o with_o attention_n and_o the_o heathen_n who_o religion_n those_o matter_n of_o fact_n will_v certain_o subvert_v if_o once_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v true_a be_v very_o much_o concern_v not_o to_o consent_v to_o such_o a_o forgery_n last_o the_o high-priest_n be_v too_o jealous_a of_o their_o authority_n the_o magistrate_n too_o much_o averse_a to_o all_o new_a sect_n and_o the_o people_n too_o much_o devote_v to_o prejudice_n and_o superstition_n ever_o to_o admit_v of_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n without_o a_o strict_a examination_n we_o observe_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o those_o very_a man_n who_o publish_v they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v spare_v or_o cautious_a in_o their_o choice_n of_o the_o circumstance_n they_o relate_v that_o they_o set_v down_o express_o so_o many_o that_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v well_o know_v that_o either_o they_o must_v have_v be_v immediate_o convince_v of_o their_o falsehood_n or_o we_o acquiesce_v in_o what_o they_o tell_v we_o for_o i._o if_o you_o ask_v in_o what_o place_n do_v they_o testify_v and_o affirm_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o answer_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o judea_n the_o very_a place_n where_o all_o these_o thing_n occur_v and_o lest_o you_o shall_v any_o way_n question_v it_o we_o will_v prove_v further_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o all_o antiquity_n that_o the_o apostle_n establish_v by_o their_o
relate_v such_o thing_n as_o at_o first_o shock_n our_o thought_n and_o which_o impious_a man_n chief_o insist_v upon_o such_o as_o this_o complaint_n of_o jesus_n christ_n my_o god_n my_o god_n etc._n etc._n beside_o this_o the_o circumstance_n with_o which_o they_o relate_v all_o the_o action_n of_o their_o master_n will_v sufficient_o convince_v we_o of_o their_o sincerity_n for_o be_v it_o probable_a the_o evangelist_n shall_v have_v invent_v or_o forge_v the_o murmur_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o reproach_v they_o say_v why_o do_v you_o eat_v and_o drink_v with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o controversy_n betwixt_o the_o ambitious_a disciple_n on_o who_o account_n it_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v take_v up_o a_o little_a child_n tell_v they_o they_o must_v be_v like_o that_o child_n if_o they_o will_v qualify_v themselves_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n a_o wonderful_a discourse_n indeed_o both_o for_o its_o shortness_n and_o simplicity_n which_o sufficient_o show_v we_o the_o very_a soul_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n it_o be_v not_o one_o single_a writer_n of_o all_o these_o that_o relate_v those_o action_n there_o be_v three_o of_o they_o who_o write_v after_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o manifest_o evince_v they_o copy_v not_o one_o another_o write_n and_o if_o you_o will_v be_v further_o satisfy_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o prove_v the_o holiness_n of_o life_n of_o their_o divine_a master_n by_o imitate_v his_o action_n the_o primitive_a christian_n show_v we_o how_o well_o the_o apostle_n live_v by_o follow_v their_o example_n if_o you_o shall_v desire_v we_o shall_v produce_v some_o authentical_a testimony_n of_o holiness_n virtue_n sweet_a and_o peaceable_a temper_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n there_o be_v abundance_n to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o write_n of_o their_o very_a enemy_n we_o need_v only_o a_o indifferent_a knowledge_n of_o antiquity_n to_o banish_v all_o suspicion_n in_o that_o respect_n thus_o the_o truth_n appear_v on_o all_o side_n and_o i_o sensible_o perceive_v it_o as_o soon_o as_o i_o frame_v any_o idea_n to_o myself_o of_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o jesus_n christ_n yet_o i_o be_o willing_a however_o that_o the_o incredulous_a shall_v not_o whole_o conform_v their_o judgement_n to_o i_o and_o if_o this_o argument_n do_v not_o move_v and_o convince_v they_o as_o much_o as_o it_o do_v i_o they_o need_v only_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o other_o chap._n viii_o of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o will_v perhaps_o be_v much_o more_o affect_v with_o the_o prophecy_n that_o occur_v in_o the_o gospel_n several_a of_o which_o be_v very_o express_o deliver_v but_o among_o the_o rest_n we_o shall_v make_v choice_n of_o one_o which_o we_o shall_v particular_o examine_v it_o be_v that_o concern_v the_o final_a destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n we_o may_v easy_o perceive_v how_o clear_o it_o be_v set_v down_o by_o the_o evangelist_n who_o bring_v in_o jesus_n christ_n foretel_v it_o and_o how_o exact_o it_o be_v afterward_o fulfil_v the_o word_n of_o the_o prophecy_n be_v these_o and_o jesus_n answer_v say_v unto_o he_o see_v thou_o these_o 2._o â—reat_a building_n there_o shall_v not_o be_v leave_v one_o â—tone_n upon_o another_o that_o shall_v not_o be_v throw_v down_o etc._n etc._n and_o when_o you_o shall_v hear_v of_o war_n and_o rumour_n of_o war_n be_v you_o not_o trouble_v for_o all_o these_o thing_n must_v come_v to_o pass_v but_o the_o end_n be_v not_o yet_o for_o nation_n shall_v rise_v against_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n against_o kingdom_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v earthquake_n in_o divers_a place_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v famine_n and_o trouble_n for_o all_o these_o be_v but_o the_o beginning_n of_o sorrow_n etc._n etc._n when_o you_o therefore_o shall_v see_v the_o abomination_n of_o desolation_n speak_v of_o by_o daniel_n the_o prophet_n stand_v where_o it_o ought_v not_o whoso_o read_v let_v he_o understand_v then_o let_v they_o which_o be_v in_o judea_n flee_v into_o the_o mountain_n let_v he_o which_o be_v on_o the_o house_n top_n not_o come_v down_o to_o take_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o his_o house_n etc._n etc._n but_o woe_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v with_o child_n and_o to_o they_o that_o give_v suck_v in_o those_o day_n for_o in_o those_o day_n shall_v be_v affliction_n such_o as_o be_v not_o since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o creation_n which_o god_n create_v unto_o this_o time_n neither_o shall_v be_v again_o and_o except_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v shorten_v those_o day_n no_o flesh_n shall_v be_v save_v but_o for_o the_o elect_v sake_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v say_v unto_o you_o lo_o here_o be_v christ_n or_o lo_o he_o be_v there_o believe_v it_o not_o for_o there_o shall_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n to_o seduce_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a even_o the_o elect._n but_o take_v you_o heed_n behold_v i_o have_v foretell_v you_o all_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o requisite_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v very_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o jewish_a history_n to_o know_v that_o this_o prophecy_n be_v exact_o fulfil_v those_o who_o doubt_v it_o may_v consult_v the_o history_n josephus_n write_v of_o it_o there_o they_o will_v hear_v of_o trouble_n of_o war_n rumour_n of_o war_n of_o famine_n earthquake_n from_o place_n to_o place_n which_o precede_v for_o some_o year_n the_o final_a destruction_n of_o judea_n therein_o they_o will_v find_v jerusalem_n surround_v with_o army_n and_o tread_v down_o by_o the_o gentile_n there_o they_o will_v read_v of_o a_o time_n wherein_o it_o be_v much_o better_a for_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o miserable_a country_n to_o forsake_v their_o abode_n in_o the_o city_n and_o to_o flee_v to_o the_o mountain_n there_o they_o will_v see_v the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n burn_v down_o and_o demolish_v without_o have_v one_o stone_n leave_v upon_o another_o and_o sure_o be_v convince_v that_o there_o be_v never_o tribulation_n like_a unto_o the_o tribulation_n of_o those_o day_n they_o will_v be_v no_o long_o ignorant_a of_o the_o abomination_n of_o desolation_n set_v up_o in_o the_o holy_a place_n which_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n speak_v of_o when_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o jew_n rush_v into_o the_o temple_n and_o there_o cut_v one_o another_o throat_n on_o a_o solemn_a feast_n day_n but_o if_o they_o will_v further_o consult_v our_o ecclesiastical_a historian_n or_o the_o primitive_a father_n they_o will_v find_v they_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o relation_n that_o the_o faithful_a disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n flee_v to_o a_o little_a city_n call_v pella_n after_o have_v be_v forewarn_v of_o it_o by_o the_o spirit_n and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o long_o reason_n to_o think_v these_o word_n of_o jesus_n christ_n obscure_a but_o pray_v you_o that_o your_o flight_n be_v not_o in_o the_o winter_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v few_o people_n but_o what_o perceive_v the_o exact_a conformity_n of_o this_o prophecy_n with_o its_o event_n and_o we_o need_v not_o at_o all_o question_n the_o certainty_n of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o very_o certain_a that_o it_o be_v not_o compose_v after_o the_o event_n and_o it_o will_v concern_v we_o to_o inquire_v into_o it_o it_o appear_v then_o first_o that_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o it_o be_v relate_v be_v compose_v before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n because_o st._n luke_n write_v not_o the_o book_n of_o act_n till_o some_o time_n after_o he_o have_v compose_v his_o gospel_n as_o he_o testify_v himself_o in_o these_o word_n the_o former_a treatise_n have_v i_o make_v o_o theophilus_n of_o all_o that_o jesus_n begin_v both_o to_o do_v and_o to_o teach_v etc._n etc._n act_v 1._o 1._o beside_o it_o seem_v that_o st._n luke_n have_v write_v the_o book_n of_o act_n before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n because_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o speak_v of_o that_o event_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o speak_v of_o jerusalem_n as_o of_o a_o city_n that_o be_v still_o in_o be_v and_o wherein_o there_o be_v a_o flourish_a christian_a church_n but_o perhaps_o this_o be_v not_o so_o much_o insist_v upon_o it_o may_v be_v further_o ask_v whether_o that_o prophecy_n may_v not_o have_v be_v insert_v in_o the_o gospel_n by_o some_o zealous_a christian_n who_o have_v see_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n may_v have_v take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o to_o honour_v their_o master_n by_o pretend_v he_o have_v foretell_v it_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o doubt_n we_o shall_v observe_v first_o that_o though_o this_o prophecy_n be_v the_o same_o in_o substance_n in_o the_o three_o gospel_n wherein_o it_o be_v relate_v yet_o it_o be_v express_v after_o a_o very_a different_a
character_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v infinite_o more_o excellent_a than_o that_o of_o the_o write_n of_o all_o the_o father_n who_o live_v successive_o from_o the_o apostle_n down_o to_o we_o wherein_o any_o one_o may_v easy_o observe_v a_o strange_a affectation_n a_o particular_a vanity_n of_o show_v their_o part_n and_o learning_n and_o sometime_o much_o heat_n and_o passion_n because_o they_o be_v far_o from_o the_o perfection_n in_o christianity_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v iv._o that_o the_o best_a sort_n of_o godly_a book_n write_v among_o the_o christian_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n down_o to_o we_o i_o mean_v those_o book_n that_o most_o establish_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o public_a society_n and_o chief_o tend_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v write_v in_o imitation_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o which_o they_o have_v their_o material_n to_o compose_v they_o with_o this_o be_v what_o in_o my_o opinion_n be_v very_o sure_a and_o certain_a and_o as_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o if_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o divine_o inspire_v they_o must_v necessary_o be_v impostor_n nay_o such_o abominable_a man_n as_o desire_v only_o to_o dishonour_v their_o nation_n and_o to_o sacrifice_v to_o a_o vain_a flatter_a idea_n of_o glory_n the_o life_n and_o fortune_n of_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n who_o they_o encourage_v to_o suffer_v martyrdom_n let_v we_o now_o see_v whether_o we_o can_v persuade_v ourselves_o that_o the_o most_o excellent_a book_n that_o be_v ever_o know_v i_o mean_v those_o book_n that_o be_v most_o proper_a to_o inspire_v we_o with_o piety_n with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n that_o be_v the_o source_n of_o the_o best_a matter_n that_o ever_o be_v write_v and_o the_o original_n of_o the_o piety_n and_o virtue_n of_o all_o those_o person_n who_o be_v convert_v by_o they_o be_v only_o the_o invention_n of_o the_o most_o wicked_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v certain_o since_o all_o 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acknowledge_v and_o we_o as_o well_o as_o they_o for_o the_o word_n preach_v and_o the_o word_n write_v by_o the_o apostle_n differ_v not_o essential_o from_o one_o another_o so_o that_o if_o the_o former_a be_v divine_a the_o latter_a must_v necessary_o be_v so_o too_o and_o who_o doubt_v but_o that_o word_n must_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o divine_a which_o god_n himself_o authorise_v by_o so_o many_o miracle_n perhaps_o some_o will_v reply_v that_o it_o will_v be_v of_o a_o very_a dangerous_a consequence_n to_o reason_n often_o after_o this_o manner_n and_o that_o although_o a_o false_a prophet_n shall_v work_v prodigious_a miracle_n yet_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o follow_v he_o upon_o a_o bare_a supposition_n that_o god_n never_o assist_v a_o impostor_n with_o his_o infinite_a power_n but_o this_o i_o own_o and_o affirm_v also_o that_o we_o ought_v strict_o to_o examine_v both_o his_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n to_o find_v out_o by_o that_o comparison_n the_o true_a original_a of_o both_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v this_o advantage_n that_o we_o not_o only_o find_v here_o such_o miracle_n as_o excel_v all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n such_o as_o for_o example_n the_o raise_v a_o man_n from_o the_o dead_a but_o that_o this_o doctrine_n also_o visible_o bear_v all_o the_o character_n of_o one_o that_o proceed_v from_o heaven_n those_o miracle_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n so_o great_a and_o numerous_a that_o the_o people_n cry_v out_o sure_o this_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n take_v away_o all_o suspicion_n of_o the_o falsity_n and_o pernicious_a consequence_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o confirm_v because_o the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o usual_o employ_v in_o favour_n of_o a_o imposture_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v so_o holy_a and_o so_o perfect_o tend_v to_o the_o union_n and_o welfare_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v so_o worthy_a of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o man_n sufficient_o warrant_v we_o that_o the_o miracle_n whereby_o it_o be_v confirm_v proceed_v not_o in_o the_o least_o from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n as_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n seem_v to_o believe_v hell_n never_o concern_v itself_o either_o to_o unite_v or_o sanctify_v mankind_n all_o the_o apostle_n express_o declare_v that_o the_o word_n which_o they_o preach_v proceed_v not_o from_o themselves_o but_o god_n but_o i_o certify_v you_o brethren_n say_v st._n paul_n in_o his_o epist_n to_o the_o galatian_n chap._n 1._o v._n 11._o that_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v preach_v of_o i_o be_v not_o after_o man_n for_o i_o neither_o receive_v of_o man_n neither_o be_v i_o teach_v it_o but_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n thus_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v assemble_v together_o at_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o first_o council_n that_o ever_o be_v hold_v and_o write_v to_o some_o chnrche_n concern_v several_a question_n that_o be_v then_o in_o agitation_n they_o make_v use_v of_o this_o manner_n of_o speak_v for_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o act._n 15._o 28._o it_o appear_v then_o that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v by_o the_o order_n and_o revelation_n of_o god_n which_o be_v give_v several_a way_n viz._n sometime_o by_o vision_n as_o when_o st._n peter_n see_v a_o certain_a vessel_n descend_v from_o heaven_n as_o it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a sheet_n knit_v by_o the_o four_o corner_n wherein_o be_v all_o kind_n of_o unclean_a beast_n and_o he_o be_v command_v say_v peter_n kill_v and_o eat_v act._n 10._o 13._o on_o purpose_n to_o signify_v that_o he_o ought_v to_o preach_v â—he_v gospel_n to_o the_o gentile_n who_o be_v no_o long_o a_o unclean_a nation_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n sometime_o by_o dream_n as_o when_o a_o certain_a macedonian_a appear_v unto_o st._n paul_n command_v he_o to_o go_v into_o macedonia_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n there_o sometime_o by_o ecstasy_n as_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o st._n paul_n be_v catch_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n but_o yet_o much_o often_o by_o the_o inward_a dictate_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n form_v as_o it_o be_v â—n_v their_o soul_n as_o when_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o peter_n concern_v the_o man_n which_o cornelius_n send_v to_o inquire_v for_o he_o go_v thou_o with_o they_o doubt_v nothing_o for_o i_o â—ave_n send_v they_o act._n 10._o 20._o it_o be_v true_a one_o may_v very_o well_o suspect_v these_o revelation_n if_o one_o single_a man_n boast_v of_o have_v have_v â—hem_fw-mi impart_v to_o he_o but_o here_o we_o have_v several_a god_n do_v not_o reveal_v himself_o to_o they_o after_o one_o single_a manner_n but_o after_o divers_a they_o assert_v not_o only_o â—hat_n god_n have_v reveal_v some_o thing_n to_o they_o in_o order_n â—o_o induce_v mankind_n to_o believe_v it_o but_o they_o wrought_v many_o miracle_n speak_v divers_a language_n impart_v â—hose_v gift_n to_o other_o thereby_o convert_v the_o world_n â—nd_v exact_o fulfil_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n that_o spirit_n which_o fill_v they_o and_o be_v necessary_o to_o fill_v â—hem_fw-mi because_o the_o time_n of_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentilesâ—as_v â—as_z come_v be_v outward_o produce_v by_o such_o effect_n â—s_v undoubted_o will_v confound_v the_o incredulous_a if_o they_o â—eflect_v upon_o they_o certain_o if_o it_o be_v true_a as_o it_o be_v that_o god_n pour_v down_o his_o spirit_n upon_o the_o apostle_n on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n it_o be_v only_a that_o they_o may_v preach_v unto_o man_n by_o their_o ministry_n unless_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o the_o tongue_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v exalt_v after_o a_o supernatural_a manner_n so_o far_o as_o to_o speak_v all_o sort_n of_o language_n be_v to_o confine_v themselves_o to_o that_o particular_a employ_v and_o not_o to_o reveal_v unto_o man_n the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o if_o we_o ought_v
apostle_n sincere_o believe_v they_o can_v speak_v all_o sort_n of_o language_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v be_v deceiver_n as_o to_o the_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v believe_v they_o have_v receive_v those_o miraculous_a gift_n unless_o they_o also_o believe_v the_o miracle_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v true_a and_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v believe_v the_o miracle_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v true_a if_o all_o those_o event_n have_v not_o be_v true_a indeed_o because_o as_o we_o have_v already_o plain_o make_v it_o appear_v it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n shall_v have_v be_v capable_a of_o illusion_n and_o deceit_n chap._n vi_o wherein_o we_o shall_v join_v all_o the_o miraculous_a matter_n of_o fact_n together_o and_o form_n thereby_o a_o full_a and_o perfect_a demonstration_n of_o they_o shall_v we_o consider_v all_o those_o event_n in_o general_a we_o may_v form_v a_o invincible_a demonstration_n of_o they_o by_o suppose_v the_o three_o follow_a principle_n which_o in_o my_o opinion_n will_v hereafter_o appear_v to_o be_v very_o evident_o prove_v the_o first_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n do_v real_o testify_v his_o miracle_n resurrection_n ascension_n and_o the_o pour_v out_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o the_o apostle_n the_o second_o that_o they_o sincere_o believe_v what_o they_o so_o testify_v and_o the_o three_o that_o they_o have_v firm_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n wrought_v many_o wonderful_a miracle_n that_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o have_v pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n upon_o all_o his_o disciple_n of_o all_o which_o event_n they_o be_v eye-witness_n it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v from_o thence_o that_o all_o those_o thing_n be_v certain_o true_a the_o first_o of_o these_o principle_n be_v undeniable_a in_o itself_o for_o it_o appear_v that_o these_o four_o event_n be_v the_o whole_a subject_a matter_n of_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n which_o too_o be_v plain_a because_o they_o themselves_o tell_v it_o 〈…〉_z thâ—ir_n write_n or_o rather_o because_o their_o writing_n 〈…〉_z continual_a history_n of_o they_o because_o they_o 〈…〉_z oâ—_n any_o thing_n else_o in_o all_o their_o epistle_n but_o of_o those_o four_o wonderful_a event_n in_o those_o epistle_n they_o write_v to_o whole_a society_n who_o so_o careful_o preserve_v they_o as_o write_n of_o the_o great_a value_n because_o there_o be_v no_o fragment_n page_n or_o scarce_o a_o line_n in_o all_o those_o write_n but_o what_o either_o relate_v those_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o evident_o suppose_v they_o because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o christianity_n establish_v in_o the_o world_n without_o this_o foundation_n because_o they_o have_v be_v confirm_v to_o we_o by_o person_n who_o live_v since_o the_o bless_a apostle_n and_o discourse_v familiar_o with_o they_o because_o the_o publication_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o establish_n very_o numerous_a church_n almost_o every_o where_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o because_o reason_n and_o common_a sense_n sufficient_o assure_v we_o that_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n can_v never_o have_v believe_v in_o a_o crucify_a man_n as_o such_o without_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n also_o teach_v that_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a because_o the_o faithful_a only_o believe_v the_o last_o resurrection_n upon_o their_o certain_a hope_n and_o strong_a persuasion_n that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o the_o glorious_a body_n of_o their_o divine_a redeemer_n because_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n copy_v not_o one_o another_o write_n and_o yet_o unanimous_o agree_v in_o the_o relation_n of_o those_o four_o surprise_a event_n as_o be_v the_o very_a essential_o of_o their_o doctrine_n because_o the_o primitive_a christian_n will_v not_o have_v sanctify_v themselves_o nor_o utter_o renounce_v the_o entice_a charm_n of_o the_o world_n but_o that_o they_o trust_v whole_o in_o a_o man_n that_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n because_o the_o most_o obstinate_a and_o most_o insolent_a enemy_n of_o christianity_n never_o entertain_v the_o least_o scruple_n in_o that_o respect_n nor_o presume_v to_o deny_v but_o that_o christ_n disciple_n bold_o testify_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n because_o the_o jew_n always_o acknowledge_v this_o to_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o last_o because_o the_o union_n of_o all_o those_o and_o many_o other_o circumstance_n we_o have_v already_o handle_v render_v the_o thing_n itself_o whole_o undeniable_a and_o evident_a in_o the_o high_a degree_n so_o that_o it_o be_v almost_o to_o no_o purpose_n to_o insist_v any_o long_o on_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o first_o principle_n the_o second_o be_v no_o less_o certain_a than_o the_o first_o for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o apostle_n sincere_o believe_v that_o whatever_o they_o relate_v be_v most_o certain_o true_a because_o those_o thing_n they_o deliver_v to_o we_o in_o their_o write_n be_v the_o motive_n and_o incitement_n they_o have_v to_o their_o virtue_n self_n denial_n and_o patience_n so_o often_o try_v in_o the_o danger_n they_o undergo_v because_o they_o make_v such_o simple_a and_o natural_a allusion_n to_o they_o that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a one_o shall_v not_o perceive_v their_o be_v true_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o in_o so_o much_o that_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o future_a happiness_n of_o their_o condition_n maugre_o all_o the_o reason_n they_o may_v have_v to_o think_v it_o shall_v be_v miserable_a and_o sorrowful_a because_o it_o be_v this_o very_a persuasion_n which_o give_v they_o the_o courage_n they_o have_v to_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o great_a danger_n and_o undergo_v the_o most_o severe_a trial_n because_o they_o rejoice_v with_o one_o another_o in_o that_o they_o be_v think_v worthy_a of_o spend_v their_o life_n and_o whatever_o else_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n though_o they_o must_v needs_o have_v very_o well_o know_v the_o cheat_n they_o have_v forge_v among_o themselves_o if_o what_o they_o say_v be_v not_o certain_o true_a and_o above_o all_o because_o they_o pretend_v to_o show_v very_o sensible_a and_o miraculous_a proof_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o have_v deliver_v in_o fine_a the_o last_o of_o these_o principle_n be_v still_o if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v more_o evident_a than_o either_o of_o the_o former_a for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n shall_v have_v be_v deceive_v 1._o in_o such_o evident_a matter_n of_o fact_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o they_o may_v so_o easy_o have_v be_v assure_v of_o by_o sensible_a experience_n 2._o in_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n so_o different_a from_o one_o another_o by_o their_o circumstance_n and_o 3._o in_o such_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o be_v so_o link_v and_o unite_v one_o with_o another_o that_o whosoever_o grant_v but_o one_o must_v necessary_o grant_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o rest_n and_o now_o let_v the_o reader_n but_o thorough_o consider_v all_o these_o thing_n within_o himself_o and_o i_o be_o full_o persuade_v he_o can_v never_o doubt_v of_o any_o of_o these_o three_o principle_n for_o he_o can_v so_o much_o as_o deny_v one_o of_o they_o without_o a_o extraordinary_a reluctance_n in_o his_o mind_n which_o will_v force_v back_o the_o truth_n upon_o he_o shall_v he_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n never_o preach_v the_o miracle_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o the_o pour_v out_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o it_o will_v be_v as_o great_a a_o falsehood_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v that_o there_o be_v never_o any_o such_o man_n as_o the_o apostle_n or_o that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n nor_o preach_v that_o man_n must_v necessary_o believe_v on_o he_o and_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o he_o will_v present_o reject_v all_o these_o proposition_n as_o be_v absurd_o false_a and_o extravagant_a in_o themselves_o again_o shall_v he_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o sincere_o believe_v the_o miracle_n resurrection_n ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v affirm_v they_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o work_v any_o miracle_n speak_v strange_a language_n or_o think_v
neither_o be_v it_o because_o of_o his_o extraordinary_a piety_n for_o moses_n call_v the_o meek_a of_o man_n be_v without_o doubt_n in_o that_o equal_a to_o he_o it_o be_v then_o because_o of_o the_o advantage_n he_o enjoy_v both_o in_o see_v and_o hear_v the_o messiah_n but_o how_o come_v our_o saviour_n to_o add_v that_o the_o least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v great_a than_o he_o must_v we_o understand_v by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o kingdom_n of_o which_o john_n himself_o say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v at_o hand_n be_v it_o not_o rather_o because_o john_n see_v none_o of_o all_o the_o wonder_n of_o that_o kingdom_n which_o the_o least_o of_o christ_n disciple_n have_v see_v which_o indeed_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o our_o saviour_n tell_v they_o bless_a be_v your_o eye_n for_o they_o see_v and_o your_o ear_n for_o they_o hear_v for_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o many_o prophet_n and_o righteous_a man_n have_v desire_v to_o see_v those_o thing_n which_o you_o see_v and_o have_v not_o see_v they_o and_o to_o hear_v those_o thing_n which_o you_o hear_v and_o have_v not_o hear_v they_o matth._n 13._o 16_o 17._o now_o all_o this_o evident_o suppose_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o the_o other_o marvellous_a event_n which_o serve_v for_o a_o confirmation_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n what_o he_o also_o say_v himself_o concern_v blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v altogether_o strange_a and_o very_a surprise_v nay_o the_o very_a name_n he_o give_v to_o that_o sin_n imply_v something_o in_o itself_o singular_a and_o extraordinary_a for_o no_o body_n before_o he_o ever_o express_v himself_o after_o this_o manner_n man_n be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o sin_v against_o god_n be_v a_o very_a great_a crime_n but_o they_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n much_o less_o be_v they_o satisfy_v if_o there_o be_v any_o harm_n in_o blaspheme_v against_o he_o this_o unusual_a language_n necessary_o proceed_v from_o a_o new_a revelation_n and_o from_o new_a and_o different_a object_n not_o see_v or_o hear_v of_o before_o for_o the_o jew_n know_v not_o what_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v if_o we_o take_v that_o word_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o evangelist_n nay_o there_o be_v some_o of_o they_o who_o though_o convert_v to_o the_o gopsel_n of_o christ_n yet_o still_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o that_o expression_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n if_o we_o will_v but_o consult_v the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o therein_o the_o gospel_n the_o act_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o the_o epistle_n of_o those_o great_a and_o extraordinary_a man_n they_o will_v present_o inform_v we_o that_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n must_v be_v understand_v in_o most_o of_o those_o place_n the_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n impart_v to_o the_o man_n of_o those_o day_n and_o that_o to_o blaspheme_n against_o he_o be_v downright_a blasphemy_n against_o that_o divine_a and_o glorious_a principle_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o perfection_n and_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o give_v such_o power_n unto_o men._n so_o that_o there_o be_v first_o in_o that_o text_n such_o a_o obscurity_n as_o prove_v that_o the_o evangelist_n can_v not_o have_v think_v of_o invent_v it_o have_v not_o christ_n himself_o real_o utter_v these_o very_a word_n and_o second_o it_o undeniable_o suppose_v the_o miraculous_a matter_n of_o fact_n the_o pharisee_n be_v wont_a to_o ascribe_v to_o the_o power_n of_o belzebub_n wherein_o indeed_o chief_o consist_v the_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o like_a manner_n this_o text_n except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n john_n 3._o 5._o imply_v a_o very_a puzzle_v difficulty_n because_o it_o be_v not_o usual_a former_o for_o man_n to_o express_v themselves_o after_o this_o manner_n it_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n indeed_o to_o understand_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o that_o text_n but_o it_o be_v yet_o far_o more_o difficult_a to_o invent_v it_o and_o all_o the_o doctor_n in_o the_o world_n may_v put_v their_o head_n together_o and_o yet_o never_o be_v able_a to_o invent_v the_o like_a text._n above_o all_o it_o be_v not_o natural_a for_o the_o jew_n to_o invent_v any_o such_o thing_n because_o they_o have_v no_o such_o object_n among_o they_o as_o can_v fill_v up_o their_o mind_n with_o any_o such_o idea_n when_o we_o suppose_v the_o baptism_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n confer_v upon_o christ_n disciple_n we_o may_v then_o easy_o comprehend_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o that_o mysterious_a but_o very_o remarkable_a expression_n we_o may_v also_o add_v to_o this_o text_n that_o other_o which_o mention_n the_o baptism_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o of_o fire_n in_o like_a manner_n it_o please_v god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n that_o they_o who_o relate_v to_o we_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n shall_v tell_v we_o also_o some_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v at_o first_o view_n easy_o comprehend_v though_o they_o have_v a_o true_a and_o reasonable_a meaning_n on_o purpose_n to_o make_v we_o understand_v that_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a those_o obscure_a and_o difficult_a say_n ascribe_v to_o he_o by_o they_o shall_v come_v of_o themselves_o into_o their_o thought_n have_v not_o he_o real_o speak_v they_o so_o consequent_o it_o can_v never_o be_v suppose_v that_o those_o man_n shall_v have_v forge_v the_o history_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n or_o their_o discourse_n with_o he_o after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a as_o for_o instance_n these_o word_n which_o he_o speak_v to_o mary_n touch_v i_o not_o for_o i_o be_o not_o yet_o ascend_v to_o my_o father_n john_n 20._o 17._o we_o can_v make_v almost_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o such_o remark_n as_o these_o which_o though_o they_o can_v come_v up_o to_o a_o evident_a demonstration_n yet_o be_v very_o proper_a to_o make_v we_o sensible_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o disciple_n will_v further_o appear_v by_o the_o great_a number_n of_o circumstance_n with_o which_o their_o narrative_n be_v fill_v some_o whereof_o be_v so_o singular_a that_o they_o can_v easy_o enter_v into_o any_o man_n mind_n and_o other_o so_o unbecoming_a their_o master_n or_o disadvantageous_a to_o themselves_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o probability_n they_o can_v have_v any_o desire_n to_o forge_v they_o other_o be_v so_o inseparable_o unite_v with_o those_o event_n which_o must_v necessary_o have_v be_v well_o know_v that_o they_o dare_v not_o so_o much_o as_o think_v of_o forge_v they_o against_o the_o public_a knowledge_n every_o body_n must_v have_v have_v of_o they_o as_o we_o have_v already_o prove_v at_o large_a but_o last_o it_o be_v not_o our_o present_a design_n to_o insist_v pure_o upon_o probable_a reason_n though_o never_o so_o probable_a and_o sufficient_a of_o themselves_o to_o form_v a_o true_a and_o perfect_a demonstration_n when_o join_v together_o i_o therefore_o proceed_v to_o that_o which_o be_v in_o itself_o whole_o demonstrative_a now_o the_o whole_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n depend_v upon_o this_o argument_n namely_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n sincere_o believe_v his_o miracle_n resurrection_n ascension_n and_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v most_o certain_o true_a we_o have_v already_o give_v a_o invincible_a proof_n of_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o argument_n by_o show_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o disciple_n shall_v have_v be_v impose_v upon_o in_o all_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o though_o they_o may_v have_v be_v deceive_v in_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o his_o resurrection_n that_o though_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v impose_v upon_o in_o his_o resurrection_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o his_o ascension_n and_o that_o though_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v deceive_v in_o his_o ascension_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o be_v so_o too_o in_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n that_o they_o know_v by_o inward_a sense_n and_o continual_a experience_n i_o prove_v also_o the_o principle_n of_o this_o argument_n viz._n that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n sincere_o believe_v all_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n by_o the_o same_o gradation_n i_o say_v then_o that_o the_o disciple_n can_v not_o impose_v upon_o man_n as_o to_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o because_o they_o assert_v they_o at_o the_o expense_n of_o their_o own_o
matter_n of_o fact_n as_o have_v they_o be_v real_a they_o must_v have_v see_v they_o with_o their_o own_o eye_n chap._n v._o 15._o insomuch_o that_o they_o bring_v forth_o the_o sick_a into_o the_o street_n and_o lay_v they_o on_o bed_n and_o couch_n that_o at_o the_o least_o the_o shadow_n of_o peter_n pass_v by_o may_v overshadow_v some_o of_o they_o behold_v the_o completion_n of_o that_o prophecy_n of_o christ_n who_o foretell_v that_o his_o disciple_n shall_v do_v far_o great_a work_n than_o himself_o verse_n 32._o and_o we_o be_v his_o witness_n of_o those_o thing_n and_o so_o be_v also_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o god_n have_v give_v to_o they_o that_o obey_v christ_n daily_o convince_v the_o unbeliever_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o work_n and_o his_o disciple_n convince_v they_o by_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n impart_v to_o they_o be_v there_o then_o any_o dream_n or_o euthusiasm_n any_o illusion_n or_o distraction_n of_o mind_n any_o mutual_a erroneous_a compact_n in_o all_o this_o or_o rather_o do_v we_o not_o here_o visible_o perceive_v the_o wisdom_n truth_n and_o power_n of_o god_n in_o this_o occasion_n chap._n vii_o 51._o you_o stiff-necked_a and_o uncircumcised_a in_o heart_n and_o ear_n you_o do_v always_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o your_o father_n do_v so_o do_v you_o which_o of_o the_o prophet_n have_v not_o your_o father_n persecute_v all_o deceiver_n and_o impostor_n use_v quite_o another_o method_n to_o flatter_v those_o they_o design_v to_o draw_v over_o to_o their_o side_n verse_n 59_o 60._o and_o they_o stone_v stephen_n call_v upon_o god_n and_o say_v lord_n jesus_n receive_v my_o spirit_n and_o he_o kneel_v down_o and_o cry_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n lord_n lay_v not_o this_o sin_n to_o their_o charge_n stephen_n die_v pray_v to_o god_n for_o his_o enemy_n in_o imitation_n of_o christ_n but_o he_o be_v not_o seize_v with_o sorrow_n anguish_n or_o fear_v he_o cry_v not_o out_o my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o can_v not_o he_o that_o represent_v the_o servant_n so_o courageous_a have_v give_v we_o a_o excellent_a description_n of_o the_o constancy_n of_o the_o master_n but_o that_o he_o have_v propose_v to_o himself_o to_o write_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n chap._n viii_o 14_o 15_o 16._o they_o send_v unto_o they_o peter_n and_o john_n who_o when_o they_o be_v come_v down_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o as_o yet_o he_o be_v fall_v upon_o none_o of_o they_o only_o they_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n by_o these_o word_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o every_o body_n may_v indifferent_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o the_o apostle_n alone_o can_v impart_v it_o to_o other_o a_o distinction_n that_o be_v very_o remarkable_a but_o it_o appear_v yet_o far_o that_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v so_o notable_a and_o visible_a that_o whosoever_o have_v receive_v they_o can_v not_o but_o present_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o and_o though_o this_o discourse_n of_o st._n luke_n may_v be_v whole_o invent_v yet_o it_o may_v well_o be_v suppose_v that_o it_o be_v invent_v upon_o some_o probable_a ground_n and_o reason_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o for_o it_o but_o this_o that_o in_o this_o time_n the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v impart_v to_o the_o faithful_a for_o otherwise_o to_o talk_v thus_o will_v be_v very_o impertinent_a and_o extravagant_a verse_n 20._o but_o peter_n say_v unto_o he_o thy_o money_n perish_v with_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v think_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n may_v be_v purchase_v with_o money_n how_o come_v peter_n to_o deal_v so_o nice_o and_o delicate_o be_v he_o a_o impostor_n indeed_o as_o well_o as_o simon_n magus_n verse_n 22_o 23._o repent_v therefore_o of_o this_o thy_o wickedness_n and_o pray_v god_n if_o perhaps_o the_o thought_n of_o thy_o heart_n may_v be_v forgive_v thou_o for_o i_o perceive_v that_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n how_o different_a be_v these_o expression_n from_o those_o of_o a_o man_n who_o conscience_n accuse_v he_o of_o imposture_n and_o infidelity_n chap._n ix_o 7_o 8_o 9_o and_o the_o man_n which_o journey_v with_o he_o stand_v speechless_a hear_v a_o voice_n but_o see_v no_o man._n but_o they_o lead_v he_o by_o the_o hand_n and_o bring_v he_o unto_o damascus_n and_o he_o be_v there_o three_o day_n without_o sight_n and_o neither_o eat_v nor_o drink_v have_v st._n luke_n design_v to_o impose_v upon_o our_o belief_n in_o this_o rehearsal_n he_o will_v have_v manage_v it_o with_o more_o judgement_n for_o what_o necessity_n be_v there_o of_o his_o relate_n how_o that_o st._n paul_n have_v company_n with_o he_o when_o the_o light_n of_o god_n shine_v round_o about_o he_o what_o make_v he_o quote_v the_o place_n the_o occasion_n and_o the_o witness_n of_o who_o the_o synagogue_n may_v have_v easy_o know_v the_o whole_a truth_n how_o can_v he_o make_v they_o believe_v that_o the_o man_n which_o accompany_v saul_n lead_v he_o by_o the_o hand_n to_o damascus_n and_o that_o he_o continue_v there_o three_o day_n and_o three_o night_n deprive_v of_o his_o sight_n verse_n 16._o for_o i_o will_v show_v he_o how_o great_a thing_n he_o must_v suffer_v for_o my_o name_n sake_n etc._n etc._n the_o whole_a life_n of_o s._n paul_n be_v a_o exact_a accomplishment_n of_o this_o prophecy_n verse_n 31._o then_o have_v the_o church_n rest_n throughout_o all_o judea_n and_o galilee_n and_o samaria_n and_o be_v edify_v and_o walk_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v multiply_v how_o strange_a and_o surprise_a be_v the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o found_v so_o many_o church_n almost_o every_o where_o in_o so_o small_a a_o time_n verse_n 34_o 35._o and_o peter_n say_v unto_o he_o aeneas_n jesus_n christ_n make_v thou_o whole_a arise_v etc._n etc._n and_o all_o that_o dwell_v at_o lydda_n and_o saron_n see_v he_o and_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n doubtless_o those_o man_n here_o mention_v know_v well_o enough_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o miracle_n perform_v and_o those_o church_n which_o consist_v altogether_o of_o proselyte_n who_o must_v necessary_o have_v be_v spectator_n of_o that_o miracle_n can_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o this_o respect_n verse_n 41_o 42._o and_o he_o give_v she_o his_o hand_n and_o lift_v she_o up_o and_o when_o he_o have_v call_v the_o saint_n and_o widow_n present_v her_o alive_a and_o it_o be_v know_v throughout_o all_o joppa_n and_o many_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n this_o be_v a_o miracle_n notorious_a enough_o and_o there_o be_v witness_n sufficient_a to_o contradict_v and_o convince_v the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n suppose_v this_o miracle_n have_v be_v only_o a_o frame_a story_n and_o a_o shame_n upon_o man_n belief_n chap._n x._o 45_o 46_o 47._o and_o they_o of_o the_o circumcision_n which_o believe_v be_v astonish_v as_o many_o as_o come_v with_o peter_n because_o that_o on_o the_o gentile_n also_o be_v pour_v out_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o they_o hear_v they_o speak_v with_o tongue_n and_o magnify_v god_n then_o answer_v peter_n can_v any_o one_o forbid_v water_n that_o these_o shall_v not_o be_v baptize_v which_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o well_o as_o we_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o astonishment_n in_o those_o of_o the_o circumcision_n it_o be_v because_o they_o have_v not_o see_v till_o then_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v impart_v to_o the_o gentile_n the_o very_a mixture_n of_o such_o circumstance_n as_o these_o be_v often_o of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o narration_n chap._n xi_o 18._o when_o they_o hear_v these_o thing_n they_o hold_v their_o peace_n and_o glorify_a god_n say_v then_o have_v god_n also_o to_o the_o gentile_n grant_v repentance_n unto_o life_n this_o indeed_o be_v the_o language_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o perfect_a stile_n of_o god_n and_o the_o very_a expression_n of_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n chap._n xii_o 18_o 19_o now_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v day_n there_o be_v no_o small_a stir_n among_o the_o soldier_n what_o be_v become_v of_o peter_n and_o when_o herod_n have_v seek_v for_o he_o and_o find_v he_o not_o he_o examine_v the_o keeper_n and_o command_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n a_o circumstance_n that_o can_v be_v forge_v and_o which_o excellent_o confirm_v the_o relation_n of_o peter_n be_v miraculous_a deliverance_n chap._n xiii_o 3._o and_o when_o they_o have_v fast_v and_o pray_v they_o lay_v hand_n on_o they_o this_o historian_n who_o
represent_v the_o disciple_n continual_o fast_v and_o pray_v can_v not_o devise_v that_o matter_n of_o fact_n suppose_v it_o to_o be_v false_a he_o will_v be_v very_o extravagant_a that_o shall_v believe_v that_o the_o apostle_n lead_v a_o ill_a course_n of_o life_n and_o plunge_v themselves_o in_o all_o sort_n of_o lewd_a debauchery_n their_o word_n their_o action_n convince_v we_o of_o the_o contrary_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v villain_n indeed_o if_o what_o they_o preach_v be_v false_a but_o if_o they_o be_v downright_o plain_a honest_a man_n as_o their_o speech_n necessary_o evince_v to_o we_o than_o be_v their_o preach_v also_o necessary_o true_a verse_n 12._o then_o the_o deputy_n when_o he_o see_v what_o be_v do_v believe_v be_v astonish_v at_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o will_v argue_v but_o little_a judgement_n in_o any_o one_o that_o design_n to_o impose_v a_o fiction_n upon_o man_n belief_n to_o pitch_v upon_o circumstance_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o public_a knowledge_n the_o conversion_n of_o a_o deputy_n be_v certain_o a_o event_n very_o remarkable_a chap._n xv._n 39_o and_o the_o contention_n be_v so_o sharp_a between_o they_o that_o they_o depart_v asunder_o one_o from_o the_o other_o and_o so_o barnabas_n take_v mark_n and_o sail_v unto_o cyprus_n this_o historian_n be_v very_o exact_a in_o relate_v the_o least_o occurrence_n he_o be_v sincere_a too_o since_o he_o scruple_n not_o to_o relate_v the_o contention_n which_o arise_v among_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o chap._n xx._n 12._o and_o they_o bring_v the_o young_a man_n alive_a and_o be_v not_o a_o little_a comfort_v can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o surprise_v or_o convince_a than_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a chap._n xxiv_o 25._o and_o as_o he_o reason_v of_o righteousness_n temperance_n and_o judgement_n to_o come_v fellix_fw-la tremble_v and_o answer_v go_v thy_o way_n for_o this_o time_n when_o i_o have_v a_o convenient_a season_n i_o will_v call_v for_o thou_o great_a indeed_o be_v the_o divine_a efficacy_n of_o his_o word_n which_o make_v a_o judge_n tremble_v sit_v on_o his_o tribunal_n of_o justice_n and_o before_o the_o chain_n of_o his_o prisoner_n chap._n xxviii_o 30_o 31._o and_o paul_n dwell_v two_o whole_a year_n in_o his_o own_o hire_a house_n and_o receive_v all_o that_o come_v unto_o he_o preach_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n here_o end_v the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n write_v by_o st._n luke_n it_o be_v manifest_a he_o compile_v it_o before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n because_o he_o mention_n nothing_o of_o that_o event_n neither_o do_v the_o gospel_n or_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o it_o but_o they_o often_o speak_v of_o the_o sudden_a come_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o of_o the_o judgement_n he_o have_v resolve_v to_o execute_v upon_o the_o jewish_a nation_n cahp._n ix_o wherein_o we_o shall_v yet_o far_o produce_v from_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n st._n peter_n and_o st_n john_n several_a text_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_a religion_n epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n chap._n i._n 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o paul_n the_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n call_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n separate_v unto_o the_o gospel_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n concern_v his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n which_o be_v make_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n by_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a man_n general_o insert_v all_o their_o title_n in_o the_o epistle_n they_o write_v but_o st._n paul_n insert_v the_o whole_a gospel_n in_o he_o and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o because_o his_o mind_n and_o heart_n be_v so_o full_a of_o it_o that_o he_o can_v not_o speak_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o jesus_n christ_n be_v his_o alpha_n and_o his_o omega_n his_o beginning_n and_o his_o end_n verse_n 7._o to_o all_o that_o â—e_v in_o rome_n belove_v of_o god_n call_v to_o be_v saint_n grace_n be_v unto_o you_o and_o peace_n from_o god_n our_o father_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n do_v ever_o man_n before_o he_o write_v in_o this_o stile_n he_o direct_v his_o discourse_n to_o those_o only_a that_o be_v call_v to_o be_v saint_n he_o do_v not_o vain_o compliment_v they_o after_o the_o usual_a way_n of_o the_o world_n but_o wish_v they_o the_o peace_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n certain_o he_o will_v not_o have_v write_v thus_o have_v he_o be_v a_o impostor_n or_o a_o enemy_n to_o his_o country_n man_n who_o endeavour_v to_o render_v they_o odious_a throughout_o the_o world_n by_o accuse_v they_o of_o a_o imaginary_a crime_n verse_n 16._o for_o i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v etc._n etc._n how_o strong_o persuade_v must_v that_o man_n be_v of_o what_o he_o say_v who_o express_v himself_o after_o so_o pathetical_a a_o manner_n and_o how_o well_o do_v the_o fullness_n of_o his_o mind_n appear_v by_o all_o these_o manifold_a and_o multiply_v expression_n chap._n viii_o 37_o 38_o 39_o nay_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n through_o he_o that_o love_v we_o for_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n etc._n etc._n a_o immovable_a constancy_n indeed_o and_o a_o divine_a confidence_n which_o he_o so_o natural_o set_v down_o and_o which_o can_v not_o possible_o arise_v from_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o impostor_n chap._n xi_o 28_o 29._o as_o concern_v the_o gospel_n they_o be_v enemy_n for_o your_o sake_n but_o as_o touch_v the_o election_n they_o be_v belove_v for_o the_o father_n sake_n for_o the_o gift_n and_o call_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n why_o do_v st._n paul_n here_o speak_v so_o move_o and_o tender_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o why_o do_v he_o earnest_o endeavour_v to_o soften_v and_o mitigate_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o gentile_n towards_o they_o whence_o come_v that_o inclination_n both_o of_o his_o heart_n and_o affection_n to_o favour_v those_o implacable_a enemy_n who_o seek_v nothing_o but_o his_o destruction_n and_o ruin_n certain_o a_o man_n that_o have_v forsake_v his_o own_o nation_n out_o of_o spite_n or_o a_o desire_n of_o revenge_n can_v not_o be_v of_o such_o a_o temper_n chap._n xii_o 2._o and_o be_v not_o conform_v to_o this_o world_n but_o be_v you_o transform_v by_o the_o renew_n of_o your_o mind_n etc._n etc._n we_o have_v here_o a_o man_n who_o have_v be_v whole_o change_v have_v acquire_v new_a knowledge_n new_a habit_n and_o new_a affection_n speak_v of_o nothing_o but_o of_o be_v transform_v renew_v and_o become_v a_o new_a creature_n etc._n etc._n a_o man_n who_o have_v be_v enlighten_v in_o his_o way_n to_o damascus_n speak_v of_o nothing_o but_o of_o illumination_n of_o a_o light_n that_o shine_v from_o heaven_n of_o a_o kingdom_n of_o light_n a_o man_n in_o fine_a who_o have_v have_v mercy_n show_v he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o fury_n of_o his_o persecution_n speak_v of_o nothing_o but_o pardon_n and_o grace_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o collect_v his_o history_n from_o his_o very_a expression_n verse_n 10_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o be_v kind_o affection_a one_o to_o another_o with_o brotherly_a love_n in_o honour_n prefer_v one_o another_o not_o slothful_a in_o business_n fervent_a in_o spirit_n serve_v the_o lord_n rejoice_v in_o hope_n patient_a in_o tribulation_n continue_v instant_a in_o prayer_n distribute_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o saint_n give_v to_o hospitality_n bless_v they_o which_o persecute_v you_o bless_v and_o curse_v not_o rejoice_v with_o they_o that_o do_v rejoice_v etc._n etc._n can_v we_o suppose_v these_o to_o be_v the_o word_n or_o thought_n of_o a_o impostor_n chap._n xiii_o 5._o wherefore_o you_o must_v needs_o be_v subject_n not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o also_o for_o conscience_n sake_n religion_n as_o it_o be_v cement_v the_o good_a and_o welfare_n of_o a_o state_n and_o piety_n seem_v inseparable_a from_o the_o public_a good_a of_o a_o society_n because_o god_n by_o who_o appointment_n king_n reign_n be_v the_o prime_a author_n of_o religion_n verse_n 12_o 14_o the_o night_n be_v far_o spend_v the_o day_n be_v at_o hand_n etc._n etc._n but_o put_v you_o on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o make_v no_o provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o this_o author_n word_n continual_o follow_v and_o express_v his_o thought_n he_o consider_v the_o gospel_n as_o a_o light_n that_o dissipate_v all_o the_o erroneous_a darkness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o his_o mind_n he_o consider_v
christ_n as_o one_o that_o supply_v all_o his_o want_n and_o necessity_n he_o be_v therefore_o oblige_v to_o make_v use_n of_o such_o unusual_a and_o surprise_a expression_n first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n i._n 13._o be_v christ_n divide_v be_v paul_n crucify_v for_o you_o or_o be_v you_o baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o paul_n a_o singular_a and_o uncommon_a piece_n of_o humility_n since_o man_n be_v not_o by_o nature_n displease_v and_o disquiet_v at_o those_o who_o endeavour_n to_o pay_v they_o too_o much_o honour_n chap._n ii_o 4._o and_o my_o speech_n and_o my_o preach_n be_v not_o with_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n but_o in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n it_o be_v beneath_o a_o king_n to_o study_v how_o to_o adorn_v his_o discourse_n and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o charm_n of_o eloquence_n when_o he_o go_v about_o to_o speak_v to_o his_o subject_n to_o who_o he_o show_v mercy_n and_o prescribe_v obedience_n such_o a_o way_n of_o deal_n will_v be_v much_o more_o beneath_o the_o holy_a ghost_n wherefore_o paul_n oppose_v the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o serve_v he_o to_o confirm_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o eloquence_n of_o the_o man_n of_o his_o age_n which_o he_o absolute_o contemn_v and_o despise_v for_o the_o latter_a may_v but_o the_o former_a can_v be_v suspect_v chap._n iii_o 5._o who_o then_o be_v paul_n and_o who_o be_v apollo_n but_o minister_n by_o who_o you_o believe_v those_o man_n be_v not_o like_o simon_n magus_n cerinthus_n sâ—turninus_n basilides_n menander_n etc._n etc._n who_o positive_o affirm_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n the_o word_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o who_o strive_v to_o excel_v one_o another_o in_o extravagant_a vanity_n chap._n iu._n 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o even_o unto_o this_o present_a hour_n we_o both_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n and_o be_v naked_a and_o be_v buffet_v and_o have_v no_o certain_a dwell_n place_n and_o labour_n work_v with_o our_o own_o hand_n be_v revile_v we_o bless_v be_v persecute_v we_o suffer_v it_o be_v defame_v we_o entreat_v we_o be_v make_v as_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v the_o offscouring_a of_o all_o thing_n unto_o this_o day_n i_o write_v not_o these_o thing_n to_o shame_v you_o but_o as_o my_o belove_a son_n i_o warn_v you_o do_v paul_n imagine_v he_o can_v easy_o impose_v upon_o those_o he_o write_v this_o epistle_n to_o in_o those_o matter_n which_o must_v have_v be_v so_o public_o know_v or_o do_v he_o think_v he_o can_v incite_v they_o to_o emulate_v his_o patience_n by_o such_o narration_n as_o every_o body_n know_v to_o be_v utter_o false_a verse_n 19_o 20._o but_o i_o will_v come_v to_o you_o short_o if_o the_o lord_n will_v and_o will_v know_v not_o the_o speech_n of_o they_o which_o be_v puff_v up_o but_o the_o power_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o power_n by_o these_o word_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n justify_v in_o those_o day_n the_o mission_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o indeed_o what_o can_v be_v less_o liable_a to_o suspicion_n than_o such_o a_o mark_n and_o sign_n of_o they_o chap._n v._o 5._o to_o deliver_v such_o a_o one_o unto_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o apostle_n testify_v of_o the_o gospel_n by_o their_o work_n and_o not_o their_o word_n only_o verse_n 11._o if_o any_o man_n that_o be_v call_v a_o brother_n be_v a_o fornicator_n or_o covetous_a or_o a_o idolater_n or_o a_o railer_n or_o a_o drunkard_n or_o a_o extortioner_n with_o such_o a_o one_o do_v not_o eat_v what_o strange_a severity_n be_v this_o what_o amaze_a and_o wonderful_a effect_n what_o surprise_v change_n in_o man_n be_v produce_v by_o the_o gospel_n believe_v it_o if_o you_o can_v after_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o this_o be_v a_o society_n of_o deceitful_a impostor_n as_o it_o must_v need_n be_v confess_v suppose_v their_o testimony_n false_a chap._n vi_o 9_o 10_o 11._o be_v not_o deceive_v neither_o fornicator_n nor_o idolater_n nor_o adulterer_n nor_o effeminate_a nor_o abuser_n of_o themselves_o with_o mankind_n etc._n etc._n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o such_o be_v some_o of_o you_o but_o you_o be_v wash_v but_o you_o be_v sanctify_v but_o you_o be_v justify_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n etc._n etc._n have_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v a_o mere_a imposture_n how_o can_v he_o have_v sanctify_a mankind_n and_o what_o can_v be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o deceive_a man_n to_o make_v they_o righteous_a in_o make_v a_o false_a belief_n serve_v to_o lead_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o virtue_n for_o such_o notion_n as_o these_o our_o incredulous_a adversary_n must_v necessary_o entertain_v chap._n xii_o 28_o 29_o 30._o and_o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostle_n second_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n after_o that_o miracle_n than_o gift_n of_o heal_a help_n government_n diversity_n of_o tongue_n be_v all_o apostle_n be_v all_o prophet_n be_v all_o teacher_n be_v all_o worker_n of_o miracle_n have_v all_o the_o gift_n of_o heal_v do_v all_o speak_v with_o tongue_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n by_o this_o enumeration_n of_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n suppose_v they_o to_o have_v be_v very_o common_a in_o the_o church_n as_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n public_o know_v be_v he_o then_o out_o of_o his_o sense_n to_o talk_v thus_o we_o have_v see_v man_n who_o false_o boast_v they_o can_v work_v many_o miracle_n but_o we_o never_o hear_v of_o any_o that_o pretend_v to_o make_v a_o numerous_a society_n believe_v that_o they_o also_o can_v work_v miracle_n when_o they_o have_v not_o indeed_o the_o power_n to_o perform_v any_o verse_n 31._o but_o covet_v earnest_o the_o best_a gift_n and_o yet_o show_v i_o unto_o you_o a_o more_o excellent_a way_n he_o prefer_v charity_n before_o miracle_n themselves_o and_o all_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n how_o different_a then_o be_v his_o opinion_n from_o the_o vanity_n ambition_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o world_n chap._n fourteen_o 24_o 25._o but_o if_o all_o prophesy_n and_o there_o come_v in_o one_o that_o believe_v not_o or_o one_o unlearned_a he_o be_v convince_v of_o all_o he_o be_v judge_v of_o all_o and_o thus_o be_v the_o secret_n of_o his_o heart_n make_v manifest_a and_o so_o fall_v down_o on_o his_o face_n he_o will_v worship_v god_n and_o report_n that_o god_n be_v in_o you_o of_o a_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o know_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n heart_n which_o this_o same_o author_n speak_v of_o in_o another_o place_n say_v though_o i_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o understand_v all_o mystery_n etc._n etc._n be_v there_o ever_o any_o seducer_n see_v who_o to_o prove_v their_o mission_n pretend_v themselves_o able_a to_o know_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n heart_n how_o come_v this_o author_n then_o to_o speak_v of_o it_o cursory_o and_o as_o a_o thing_n general_o know_v to_o they_o all_o chap._n xv._n 13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o 19_o but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a then_o be_v christ_n not_o rise_v and_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o rise_v then_o be_v our_o preach_v vain_a and_o your_o faith_n be_v vain_a also_o yea_o and_o we_o be_v find_v false_a witness_n of_o god_n because_o we_o have_v testify_v of_o god_n that_o he_o raise_v up_o christ_n who_o he_o raise_v not_o up_o if_o so_o be_v that_o the_o dead_a rise_v not_o etc._n etc._n and_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o raise_v your_o faith_n be_v vain_a you_o be_v yet_o in_o your_o sin_n then_o they_o also_o which_o be_v fall_v a_o sleep_n in_o christ_n be_v perish_v if_o in_o this_o life_n only_o we_o have_v hope_n in_o christ_n we_o be_v of_o all_o man_n most_o miserable_a nothing_o can_v better_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o persuasion_n of_o our_o apostle_n than_o these_o word_n for_o i_o pray_v observe_v after_o what_o manner_n he_o relate_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o man_n who_o think_v there_o be_v no_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a he_o seem_v very_o much_o surprise_v to_o see_v they_o prepossess_v with_o any_o such_o opinion_n after_o what_o they_o have_v know_v of_o christ_n be_v resurrection_n of_o their_o happiness_n that_o sleep_v in_o he_o and_o the_o affliction_n they_o endure_v in_o this_o life_n which_o they_o can_v not_o endure_v without_o some_o reason_n some_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o future_a happiness_n verse_n 32._o if_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n
search_n no_o great_a sagacity_n or_o penetration_n of_o mind_n to_o discover_v this_o truth_n for_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o design_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a appetite_n of_o man_n as_o that_o of_o the_o present_a jew_n who_o aspire_v only_o after_o temporal_a prosperity_n and_o worldy_a pomp_n nor_o be_v it_o a_o monstrous_a medley_n like_o that_o of_o the_o samaritan_n make_v up_o of_o a_o ridiculous_a mixture_n of_o the_o pagan_a and_o jewish_a religion_n nor_o be_v it_o impious_a and_o cruel_a like_o that_o of_o the_o gnostic_n nor_o have_v it_o any_o of_o the_o fault_n or_o extravagant_a superstition_n of_o the_o pagan_a religion_n but_o since_o we_o have_v not_o leisure_n to_o oppose_v it_o particular_o to_o all_o the_o error_n of_o other_o religion_n we_o must_v be_v content_v to_o show_v in_o this_o comparison_n the_o advantage_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v above_o all_o the_o rest_n by_o lay_v down_o the_o follow_a rule_n i._n other_o religion_n as_o be_v principal_o of_o human_a invention_n and_o institution_n be_v form_v by_o degree_n from_o the_o different_a imagination_n of_o several_a person_n who_o successive_o make_v such_o addition_n or_o alteration_n as_o they_o think_v convenient_a the_o greek_n for_o example_n add_v several_a thing_n to_o that_o religion_n they_o receive_v from_o the_o egyptian_n and_o the_o roman_n to_o that_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o greek_n menander_n sâ—â—ll_o improve_v the_o â—ottish_a impiety_n of_o simon_n magus_n and_o saturninus_n and_o basilides_n add_v to_o those_o of_o menander_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o man_n be_v never_o weary_a of_o invent_v nor_o the_o people_n of_o believe_a novelty_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v whole_o deliver_v by_o christ_n be_v entire_o contain_v in_o every_o one_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o even_o in_o each_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n what_o ever_o alteration_n man_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o make_v in_o the_o doctrine_n christ_n bring_v into_o the_o world_n do_v only_o corrupt_v the_o purity_n and_o spirituality_n of_o it_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o great_a disproportion_n there_o be_v betwixt_o the_o apostolical_a doctrine_n and_o the_o ordinary_a speculation_n of_o men._n ii_o other_o religion_n dare_v not_o show_v themselves_o open_o in_o full_a light_n and_o therefore_o be_v veil_v over_o with_o a_o mysterious_a silence_n and_o affect_a darkness_n the_o gnostic_n choose_v the_o night_n to_o cover_v the_o impurity_n of_o juvenal_n their_o abominable_a mystery_n and_o the_o roman_n expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o satirical_a raillery_n of_o their_o poet_n 〈◊〉_d be_v so_o careful_a to_o conceal_v the_o worship_n they_o pay_v to_o their_o goddess_n bona_n julian_n and_o porphyrius_n set_v all_o their_o wit_n to_o work_v either_o to_o set_v off_o the_o ridiculous_a and_o offensive_a ceremony_n of_o paganism_n or_o to_o palliate_v their_o superstition_n by_o several_a various_a explanation_n of_o it_o as_o when_o they_o so_o stiff_o affirm_v that_o they_o worship_v one_o only_o supreme_a god_n though_o they_o acknowledge_v at_o the_o same_o time_n other_o subordinate_a deity_n depend_v one_o upon_o another_o and_o when_o they_o endeavour_v to_o justify_v the_o worship_n they_o pay_v to_o their_o idol_n by_o use_v many_o subtle_a and_o nice_a distinction_n it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o pride_n implant_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n they_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v accuse_v of_o entertain_v any_o absurd_a and_o extravagant_a opinion_n so_o that_o when_o ever_o their_o passion_n have_v make_v they_o embrace_v a_o religion_n which_o seem_v not_o very_o reasonable_a they_o employ_v all_o heir_n wit_n to_o make_v it_o at_o least_o appear_v consonant_a to_o reason_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n require_v no_o veil_n to_o cover_v it_o no_o mysterious_a silence_n no_o dark_a dissimulation_n or_o close_a disguise_n although_o it_o propose_v such_o kind_n of_o object_n to_o we_o as_o be_v vast_o contrary_a to_o all_o our_o prejudices_fw-la and_o receive_v opinion_n the_o apostle_n free_o confess_v that_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o apparent_a folly_n but_o yet_o they_o assure_v we_o god_n be_v resolve_v to_o save_v the_o world_n by_o that_o seem_a folly_n they_o know_v that_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n become_v a_o scandal_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o a_o folly_n to_o the_o greek_a yet_o they_o public_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v determine_v not_o to_o know_v any_o thing_n save_o jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v and_o how_o come_v it_o then_o that_o they_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o mince_n or_o endeavour_v to_o soften_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o seem_a paradox_n so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o conceal_v it_o but_o that_o they_o be_v strong_o and_o full_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o adorable_a mystery_n and_o that_o the_o abundance_n of_o their_o understanding_n serve_v only_o to_o make_v they_o more_o full_o comprehend_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o cross_n iii_o shall_v we_o strict_o consider_v some_o religion_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o be_v first_o for_o the_o most_o part_n institue_v either_o by_o poet_n or_o philosopher_n and_o that_o they_o general_o spring_v from_o the_o sportive_a conceit_n or_o witty_a speculation_n of_o the_o understanding_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n they_o be_v not_o so_o universal_o approve_v the_o philosopher_n always_o deride_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o vulgar_a and_o the_o vulgar_a understand_v nothing_o of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o philosopher_n socrates_n ridicule_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o athenian_n and_o the_o athenian_n accuse_v socrates_n of_o impiety_n and_o atheism_n and_o condemn_v he_o to_o death_n the_o christian_a religion_n alone_o be_v approve_v of_o as_o well_o by_o the_o philosopher_n as_o the_o vulgar_a people_n as_o neither_o depend_v upon_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o latter_a nor_o proceed_v from_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o former_a it_o have_v a_o divine_a efficacy_n and_o agreeable_a power_n suitable_a to_o all_o heart_n it_o be_v adapt_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o most_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a though_o infinite_o raise_v above_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o wise_a it_o be_v sublime_a without_o be_v nice_o speculative_a and_o simple_a without_o be_v mean_a in_o its_o sublimity_n preserve_v its_o clearness_n and_o in_o its_o simplicity_n preserve_v its_o dignity_n in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v nothing_o so_o great_a nor_o so_o inconsiderable_a in_o human_a society_n but_o what_o may_v some_o way_n fall_n under_o its_o consideration_n and_o it_o be_v equal_o approve_v of_o and_o admire_v by_o all_o iv._o other_o religion_n bring_v man_n from_o spiritual_a object_n to_o those_o that_o be_v corporeal_a and_o earthly_a the_o christian_a religion_n bring_v they_o from_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n to_o those_o of_o the_o understanding_n we_o all_o know_v that_o the_o heathen_n when_o they_o deify_v man_n or_o worship_v a_o deity_n under_o a_o human_a shape_n they_o be_v so_o far_o pay_v that_o deity_n a_o worship_n due_a to_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n that_o their_o adoration_n consist_v in_o several_a game_n show_n and_o divers_a exercise_n of_o the_o body_n the_o jew_n and_o samaritan_n by_o their_o eager_a dispute_n whether_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v in_o jerusalem_n or_o in_o mount_n gerazim_n extinguish_v charity_n the_o true_a spirit_n of_o religion_n in_o their_o too_o hot_a defence_n of_o the_o external_a part_n 5._o of_o it_o nay_o the_o prophet_n complain_v former_o that_o the_o jew_n make_v 〈…〉_z to_o consist_v in_o bow_v down_o their_o head_n as_o a_o â—â—â—rush_n and_o put_v on_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n observe_v that_o the_o priest_n of_o 28._o baal_n be_v wont_a to_o cut_v themselves_o with_o knife_n and_o lance_n when_o they_o sacrifice_v to_o he_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o make_v their_o god_n hear_v their_o prayer_n but_o by_o inflict_v such_o punishment_n on_o their_o own_o body_n the_o modern_a jew_n can_v be_v persuade_v that_o we_o have_v be_v call_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n though_o they_o find_v we_o all_o profess_v to_o put_v our_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o because_o they_o perceive_v not_o that_o we_o use_v any_o corporeal_a ceremony_n and_o the_o mahometan_n more_o irreligious_a than_o superstitious_a make_v their_o religion_n and_o its_o happiness_n depend_v chief_o on_o their_o sense_n when_o they_o worship_n they_o turn_v themselves_o towards_o mecha_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v towards_o jerusalem_n and_o earnest_o desire_v of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v gratify_v their_o sense_n and_o though_o they_o have_v a_o sort_n of_o a_o religious_a respect_n for_o the_o letter_n that_o compose_v the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o