to_o he_o and_o expound_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o all_o that_o hear_v he_o be_v astonish_v at_o his_o understanding_n his_o doctrine_n and_o answer_n his_o usual_a way_n of_o teach_v the_o people_n that_o believe_v on_o he_o and_o reprove_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o other_o that_o be_v unbeliever_n and_o seek_v occasion_n to_o find_v fault_n with_o what_o he_o say_v be_v by_o parable_n which_o be_v such_o familiar_a resemblance_n of_o or_o allusion_n to_o the_o common_a and_o most_o observe_v accident_n of_o life_n as_o be_v more_o easy_o apprehend_v by_o ordinary_a capacity_n better_o attend_v to_o and_o remember_v and_o not_o so_o liable_a to_o censure_n and_o misinterpretation_n as_o plain_a and_o proper_a expression_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n that_o be_v deliver_v this_o way_n will_v have_v be_v but_o sometime_o he_o both_o teach_v and_o reprove_v open_o without_o any_o disguise_n or_o reserve_v and_o some_o of_o 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comment_n or_o his_o argument_n and_o in_o fine_a his_o whole_a behaviour_n and_o conversation_n be_v so_o careful_o and_o wise_o order_v that_o though_o he_o be_v constant_o watch_v and_o observe_v by_o cunning_a and_o malicious_a man_n of_o different_a opinion_n design_n and_o interest_n yet_o no_o man_n be_v ever_o able_a to_o convince_v he_o either_o of_o sin_n or_o ignorance_n as_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o answer_v he_o give_v to_o those_o who_o censure_v or_o despise_v he_o or_o think_v to_o puzzle_v he_o by_o difficult_a question_n and_o from_o the_o whole_a process_n against_o he_o when_o he_o be_v condemn_v to_o die_v thus_o live_v jesus_n christ_n a_o perfect_a pattern_n and_o example_n of_o the_o religion_n he_o establish_v in_o all_o holiness_n and_o unblameableness_n of_o conversation_n show_v in_o all_o the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n record_v of_o he_o a_o entire_a submission_n and_o resignation_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o exceed_v great_a charity_n and_o compassion_n towards_o men._n and_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o which_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n for_o which_o he_o publish_v his_o gospel_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n endure_v the_o contradiction_n and_o persecution_n of_o sinner_n be_v that_o also_o which_o make_v he_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n and_o submit_v to_o all_o the_o indignity_n and_o torment_n that_o accompany_v it_o the_o only_a cause_n motive_n and_o end_v of_o all_o these_o action_n and_o suffering_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o love_n of_o mankind_n as_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n so_o he_o give_v his_o life_n a_o ransom_n for_o many_o to_o free_a man_n from_o eternal_a misery_n render_v they_o capable_a of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o to_o direct_v and_o assist_v they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n be_v his_o sole_a work_n and_o design_n these_o be_v the_o large_a and_o most_o remarkable_a line_n in_o the_o character_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o first_o author_n of_o that_o religion_n we_o profess_v and_o defend_v in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o give_v a_o short_a draught_n or_o representation_n of_o his_o doctrine_n or_o gospel_n or_o as_o we_o now_o call_v it_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v plain_o deliver_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o all_o religion_n as_o every_o one_o know_v consist_v of_o faith_n and_o practice_n thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v in_o consequence_n of_o such_o belief_n i_o shall_v first_o consider_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o afterward_o what_o concern_v the_o practice_n of_o a_o christian_n the_o sum_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v to_o believe_v in_o one_o god_n such_o as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n set_v forth_o to_o we_o and_o in_o jesus_n christ_n his_o only_o beget_v son_n our_o lord_n according_a to_o the_o history_n and_o character_n before_o give_v or_o whatever_o else_o the_o scripture_n say_v of_o he_o and_o by_o faith_n in_o he_o accompany_v with_o a_o sincere_a universal_a and_o persevere_v endeavour_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n prescribe_v by_o he_o and_o a_o hearty_a repentance_n for_o the_o sin_n and_o frailty_n we_o do_v at_o any_o time_n fall_v into_o to_o expect_v eternal_a inexpressible_a happiness_n or_o in_o case_n of_o infidelity_n or_o disobedience_n attend_v with_o impenitency_n to_o be_v assure_v of_o suffer_v eternal_a inexpressible_a misery_n in_o another_o life_n the_o particular_a doctrine_n which_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o these_o thing_n more_o at_o large_a may_v be_v consider_v under_o these_o three_o head_n god_n christ_n and_o man._n the_o god_n propose_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v believe_v in_o be_v represent_v as_o a_o spirit_n invisible_a incorruptible_a eternal_a that_o be_v that_o be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v almighty_a that_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o yet_o who_o judgement_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n therein_o who_o uphold_v all_o thing_n by_o his_o power_n in_o who_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v of_o who_o and_o through_o who_o and_o to_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n most_o holy_a just_a righteous_a and_o perfect_a who_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o with_o purity_n of_o heart_n no_o respecter_n of_o person_n of_o great_a goodness_n and_o forbearance_n and_o yet_o who_o will_v render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deed_n to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n seek_v for_o glory_n and_o immortality_n eternal_a life_n but_o to_o they_o that_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n but_o obey_v unrighteousness_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n of_o who_o it_o be_v further_o say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o father_n the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o our_o father_n a_o title_n he_o be_v frequent_o and_o peculiar_o distinguish_v by_o all_o over_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o he_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o die_v for_o we_o and_o by_o he_o reconcile_v we_o to_o himself_o that_o the_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n he_o wink_v at_o but_o that_o now_o at_o the_o appoint_a time_n when_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n he_o call_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v that_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n he_o speak_v in_o time_n pass_v by_o the_o prophet_n but_o in_o these_o last_o day_n have_v speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n who_o he_o have_v appoint_v heir_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o who_o also_o he_o have_v make_v the_o world_n that_o he_o foreknow_v predestinate_v and_o elect_v some_o in_o christ_n and_o adopt_v they_o for_o son_n to_o be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n and_o to_o obtain_v a_o heavenly_a inheritance_n all_o which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o be_v often_o call_v the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o son_n in_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n be_v join_v together_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n and_o frequent_o talk_v of_o as_o a_o person_n act_v after_o such_o and_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o god_n be_v in_o other_o place_n represent_v to_o do_v and_o many_o of_o the_o same_o title_n character_n and_o attribute_n be_v ascribe_v to_o he_o as_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o one_o only_o supreme_a god_n the_o principal_a thing_n that_o be_v teach_v we_o in_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n concern_v christ_n beside_o what_o we_o have_v already_o mention_v in_o his_o history_n and_o character_n be_v that_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n take_v upon_o he_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v obedient_a to_o the_o law_n
and_o his_o birth_n proclaim_v by_o angel_n that_o his_o come_v into_o the_o world_n be_v signify_v by_o a_o star_n which_o bring_v wise_a man_n from_o the_o east_n to_o worship_v he_o that_o mighty_a thing_n be_v immediate_o before_o and_o after_o his_o birth_n say_v of_o he_o by_o angel_n and_o just_a person_n move_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n from_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n till_o he_o be_v thirty_o year_n of_o age_n very_o little_o be_v mention_v of_o he_o beside_o some_o discourse_n he_o hold_v with_o the_o doctor_n in_o the_o temple_n at_o twelve_o but_o when_o he_o begin_v to_o be_v about_o thirty_o he_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n who_o be_v style_v his_o forerunner_n that_o prepare_v the_o way_n for_o he_o and_o at_o his_o baptism_n the_o heaven_n be_v open_v and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n descend_v upon_o he_o like_o a_o dove_n and_o a_o voice_n be_v hear_v from_o heaven_n say_v this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v the_o principal_a thing_n that_o be_v afterward_o record_v of_o he_o be_v his_o call_n of_o disciple_n and_o apostle_n his_o sermon_n and_o instruction_n to_o the_o people_n his_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n and_o his_o suffering_n death_n and_o burial_n with_o some_o other_o remarkable_a passage_n that_o happen_v after_o his_o death_n his_o disciple_n and_o apostle_n but_o more_o especial_o twelve_o of_o they_o be_v favour_v with_o a_o near_a and_o more_o intimate_a conversation_n than_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n he_o direct_v his_o instruction_n to_o these_o be_v the_o constant_a companion_n of_o his_o labour_n and_o witness_n of_o his_o most_o private_a behaviour_n these_o he_o instruct_v in_o a_o more_o plain_a and_o open_a manner_n than_o he_o do_v other_o and_o communicate_v several_a thing_n to_o they_o which_o he_o keep_v secret_a from_o his_o common_a auditor_n and_o follower_n to_o these_o he_o give_v a_o commission_n to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v the_o jew_n and_o to_o do_v mighty_a thing_n among_o they_o while_o he_o live_v and_o to_o preach_v to_o all_o nation_n after_o his_o death_n and_o propagate_v his_o doctrine_n with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n he_o himself_o be_v represent_v as_o preach_v and_o teach_v throughout_o all_o judea_n and_o several_a of_o his_o public_a sermon_n and_o discourse_n as_o also_o many_o thing_n which_o he_o say_v in_o private_a to_o his_o disciple_n be_v every_o where_n throughout_o the_o several_a gospel_n repeat_v sometime_o in_o short_a and_o only_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o sometime_o more_o at_o large_a in_o the_o same_o form_n and_o manner_n in_o which_o they_o be_v deliver_v the_o miracle_n or_o wonderful_a thing_n mention_v to_o be_v do_v by_o christ_n exceed_v all_o the_o observation_n and_o power_n of_o mankind_n be_v these_o fast_v forty_o day_n and_o forty_o night_n together_o turn_v water_n into_o wine_n still_v tempest_n walk_v upon_o the_o sea_n tell_v the_o secret_a thought_n of_o man_n heart_n cure_v the_o blind_a lame_a and_o maim_a heal_v all_o manner_n of_o disease_n with_o a_o word_n or_o touch_v of_o his_o garment_n cast_v out_o devil_n and_o unclean_a spirit_n and_o restore_a man_n possess_v with_o they_o to_o their_o former_a state_n of_o health_n and_o sense_n feed_v vast_a multitude_n of_o people_n with_o a_o few_o small_a loaf_n and_o fish_n by_o his_o bare_a word_n cause_v a_o figtree_n immediate_o to_o wither_v great_a number_n of_o fish_n to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o net_n and_o a_o single_a fish_n to_o come_v to_o the_o hook_n with_o money_n in_o its_o mouth_n to_o pay_v his_o tribute_n with_o transfigure_v himself_o before_o some_o of_o his_o disciple_n so_o that_o they_o see_v the_o fashion_n of_o his_o face_n alter_v and_o his_o raiment_n change_v raise_v the_o dead_a and_o rise_v himself_o after_o his_o burial_n appear_v to_o his_o disciple_n after_o he_o be_v rise_v and_o converse_v with_o they_o forty_o day_n sometime_o be_v know_v by_o they_o and_o sometime_o not_o according_a as_o he_o please_v and_o at_o last_o in_o their_o presence_n ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n the_o matter_n we_o find_v in_o the_o gospel_n foretell_v by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v his_o own_o passion_n death_n resurrection_n ascension_n and_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n or_o comforter_n with_o several_a particular_a circumstance_n of_o they_o the_o persecution_n and_o suffering_n of_o his_o disciple_n the_o death_n of_o some_o of_o they_o and_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o they_o be_v to_o die_v as_o also_o their_o future_a glory_n and_o office_n at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o rejection_n of_o the_o jew_n vocation_n of_o the_o gentile_n success_n and_o continuance_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o christian_a religion_n the_o appearance_n of_o false_a prophet_n and_o teacher_n and_o false_a christ_n the_o spring_v up_o of_o heresy_n and_o fall_v away_o of_o professor_n the_o destruction_n of_o the_o jewish_a temple_n and_o constitution_n and_o dispersion_n of_o that_o whole_a people_n with_o many_o strange_a and_o terrible_a sign_n forego_v and_o last_o the_o second_o appearance_n of_o himself_o in_o glory_n to_o judge_v the_o world_n which_o be_v set_v forth_o in_o a_o very_a large_a and_o pompous_a description_n of_o the_o whole_a scene_n as_o to_o his_o suffering_n death_n and_o burial_n and_o what_o follow_v afterward_o which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n that_o challenge_v our_o consideration_n we_o read_v that_o he_o be_v betray_v by_o one_o of_o his_o disciple_n deny_v by_o another_o and_o desert_v by_o all_o the_o rest_n that_o he_o be_v take_v and_o carry_v first_o before_o the_o high_a priest_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o afterward_o before_o pilate_n and_o herod_n that_o he_o be_v scourge_v mock_v spit_v upon_o revile_v and_o at_o last_o upon_o false_a and_o frivolous_a accusation_n condemn_v by_o pilate_n contrary_a to_o his_o conscience_n only_o to_o please_v the_o jew_n and_o then_o crucify_v between_o two_o common_a malefactor_n one_o of_o which_o reproach_v he_o the_o other_o believe_v in_o he_o while_o he_o be_v upon_o the_o cross_n the_o sun_n be_v darken_v the_o veil_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v rend_v in_o twain_o and_o the_o earth_n quake_v and_o the_o rock_n rend_v and_o the_o grave_n be_v open_v and_o many_o body_n that_o sleep_v arise_v and_o come_v out_o of_o their_o grave_n after_o his_o resurrection_n and_o appear_v unto_o many_o his_o body_n be_v take_v down_o from_o the_o cross_a unbroken_a be_v lay_v in_o a_o sepulchre_n hew_v out_o of_o a_o rock_n with_o a_o stone_n roll_v to_o the_o door_n of_o it_o and_o the_o sepulchre_n be_v make_v sure_a by_o seal_v the_o stone_n and_o set_v a_o watch_n notwithstanding_o which_o he_o rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n after_o he_o be_v bury_v and_o appear_v to_o his_o disciple_n and_o many_o other_o but_o the_o soldier_n that_o be_v appoint_v to_o watch_v the_o sepulchre_n be_v affright_v by_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o angel_n who_o descend_v from_o heaven_n and_o roll_v back_o the_o stone_n from_o the_o door_n come_v into_o the_o city_n and_o show_v the_o chief_a priest_n all_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v and_o have_v money_n give_v they_o to_o say_v his_o disciple_n come_v by_o night_n and_o steal_v he_o away_o after_o this_o the_o disciple_n that_o betray_v he_o repent_v of_o the_o fact_n bring_v back_o the_o money_n he_o have_v receive_v for_o betray_v he_o and_o hang_v himself_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o four_o gospel_n in_o the_o next_o book_n call_v the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o find_v the_o eleven_o who_o be_v peculiar_o style_v apostle_n after_o their_o return_n from_o behold_v the_o ascension_n of_o their_o master_n assemble_v together_o at_o jerusalem_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o those_o who_o be_v more_o particular_o distinguish_v by_o the_o name_n of_o disciple_n where_o they_o make_v choice_n of_o another_o apostle_n to_o supply_v the_o room_n of_o judas_n that_o have_v hang_v himself_o after_o which_o choice_n the_o twelve_o be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n they_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o speak_v with_o other_o tongue_n as_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o utterance_n which_o wonderful_a gift_n of_o divers_a language_n be_v confer_v upon_o they_o with_o very_o strange_a amaze_a sign_n and_o appearance_n viz._n a_o sound_n from_o heaven_n as_o of_o a_o rush_v mighty_a wind_n cleave_a tongue_n like_o as_o of_o fire_n etc._n etc._n have_v receive_v this_o extraordinary_a assistance_n we_o find_v they_o whole_o employ_v in_o preach_v the_o thing_n concern_v jesus_n interpret_n the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n with_o relation_n to_o he_o baptise_v in_o his_o name_n convert_v people_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o doctrine_n build_v upon_o they_o
christ_n the_o first_o author_n of_o this_o sect_n of_o man_n call_v christian_n begin_v to_o publish_v his_o doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n be_v very_o particular_o and_o circumstantial_o set_v down_o by_o st._n luke_n in_o the_o three_o chapter_n of_o his_o gospel_n to_o be_v the_o fifteen_o year_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o tiberius_n cesar_n pontius_n pilate_n be_v governor_n of_o judea_n and_o herod_n be_v tetrarch_n of_o galilee_n and_o his_o brother_n philip_n tetrarch_n of_o iturea_n and_o of_o the_o region_n of_o trachonitis_n and_o lysanias_n the_o tetrarch_n of_o abilene_n annas_n and_o caiaphas_n be_v the_o high_a priest_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o in_o the_o book_n call_v the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n say_v to_o be_v write_v by_o the_o same_o st._n luke_n it_o be_v affirm_v that_o the_o disciple_n by_o which_o word_n be_v there_o mean_v all_o those_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o he_o be_v call_v christian_n first_o at_o antioch_n which_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o christian_a historian_n record_v to_o have_v happen_v at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o caligula_n who_o be_v the_o next_o that_o succeed_v tiberius_n in_o the_o empire_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o low_a point_n of_o time_n it_o can_v be_v fix_v at_o appear_v from_o the_o same_o place_n of_o st._n luke_n where_o immediate_o after_o the_o word_n before_o cite_v it_o follow_v and_o in_o these_o day_n come_v prophet_n from_o jerusalem_n unto_o antioch_n and_o there_o stand_v up_o one_o of_o they_o name_v agabus_n and_o signify_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v great_a dearth_n throughout_o all_o the_o world_n which_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o day_n of_o claudius_n cesar_n from_o whence_o i_o infer_v that_o this_o relation_n of_o agabus_n concur_v in_o time_n with_o that_o other_o account_n of_o the_o disciple_n be_v first_o call_v christian_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o what_o be_v say_v concern_v the_o completion_n of_o agabus_n prophecy_n in_o the_o day_n of_o claudius_n cesar_n that_o he_o first_o utter_v his_o prophecy_n some_o time_n before_o the_o day_n of_o claudius_n cesar_n the_o time_n when_o the_o disciple_n be_v first_o call_v christian_n must_v likewise_o be_v soon_o or_o late_a before_o the_o reign_n of_o claudius_n which_o claudius_n be_v the_o immediate_a successor_n of_o caligula_n in_o the_o empire_n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o question_n must_v happen_v in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o caligula_n or_o at_o some_o time_n before_o now_o from_o the_o fifteen_o year_n of_o tiberius_n when_o christ_n first_o publish_v his_o doctrine_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o the_o last_o of_o caligula_n when_o his_o disciple_n be_v first_o call_v christian_n at_o antioch_n be_v about_o twelve_o year_n from_o whence_o to_o the_o ten_o year_n of_o nero_n when_o the_o christian_n be_v first_o persecute_v at_o rome_n be_v a_o little_a above_o twenty_o year_n within_o five_o year_n after_o which_o jerusalem_n be_v destroy_v and_o a_o end_n be_v put_v to_o the_o jewish_a government_n and_o policy_n so_o that_o from_o the_o fifteen_o of_o tiberius_n when_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o christ_n first_o publish_v his_o gospel_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o the_o first_o of_o vespasian_n when_o jerusalem_n be_v destroy_v be_v about_o forty_o year_n and_o no_o more_o if_o therefore_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v the_o neronian_a persecution_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v true_a as_o be_v constant_o attest_v by_o heathen_a and_o jewish_a as_o well_o as_o christian_a writer_n it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o those_o mention_v by_o st._n luke_n be_v so_o too_o for_o before_o the_o fifteen_o of_o tiberius_n no_o sign_n or_o footstep_n of_o christianity_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n neither_o be_v it_o pretend_v by_o any_o of_o the_o adversary_n of_o this_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v early_o and_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n fall_v in_o the_o first_o year_n of_o vespasian_n the_o propagation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o thence_o to_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n must_v needs_o have_v have_v as_o early_o a_o date_n of_o that_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o find_v great_a number_n of_o christian_n at_o rome_n in_o nero_n time_n both_o the_o propagation_n as_o well_o as_o original_a of_o the_o christian_a religion_n must_v have_v happen_v not_o only_o before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o some_o time_n between_o the_o fifteen_o year_n of_o tiberius_n and_o the_o ten_o of_o nero_n and_o consequent_o the_o account_n before_o give_v by_o st._n luke_n of_o these_o great_a event_n can_v well_o be_v imagine_v to_o be_v false_a but_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o mistake_n in_o time_n if_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o suppose_a can_v be_v considerable_a from_o all_o which_o i_o think_v i_o have_v reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v profess_v at_o rome_n in_o the_o time_n of_o nero_n and_o be_v derive_v from_o one_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o it_o and_o suffer_v death_n at_o jerusalem_n upon_o that_o account_n towards_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o tiberius_n reign_n as_o i_o find_v it_o record_v by_o st._n luke_n and_o the_o other_o writer_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o next_o view_n i_o shall_v take_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n shall_v be_v under_o constantine_n another_o emperor_n of_o rome_n who_o upon_o some_o occasion_n or_o other_o be_v dispose_v to_o embrace_v this_o religion_n about_o 300_o year_n after_o the_o first_o publication_n of_o it_o by_o christ_n at_o which_o time_n it_o be_v very_o notorious_a that_o christianity_n be_v the_o prevail_a religion_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n the_o extent_n of_o which_o be_v then_o very_o great_a this_o manifest_o appear_v from_o all_o the_o account_n we_o have_v of_o the_o history_n of_o this_o famous_a emperor_n and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n under_o his_o reign_n in_o the_o twenty_o year_n of_o which_o be_v hold_v a_o general_n council_n which_o be_v a_o meeting_n or_o assembly_n of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o bishop_n who_o come_v from_o all_o the_o different_a province_n and_o city_n both_o of_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a empire_n and_o be_v person_n that_o in_o their_o several_a district_n govern_v and_o direct_v in_o religion_n affair_n the_o chief_a design_n of_o that_o meeting_n be_v by_o constantine_n who_o call_v they_o together_o declare_v to_o be_v for_o the_o decision_n of_o a_o controversy_n that_o have_v happen_v between_o certain_a christian_a professor_n concern_v a_o particular_a article_n or_o doctrine_n of_o their_o religion_n which_o some_o affirm_v aught_o to_o be_v believe_v in_o one_o sense_n and_o some_o in_o another_o these_o bishop_n do_v meet_v according_o to_o the_o number_n of_o about_o 300_o decide_v the_o matter_n they_o be_v call_v about_o by_o appoint_v a_o form_n of_o word_n for_o all_o christian_n to_o express_v their_o belief_n of_o that_o and_o several_a other_o particular_n in_o which_o be_v unanimous_o approve_v and_o subscribe_v by_o all_o but_o two_o beside_o which_o form_n of_o faith_n they_o make_v several_a canon_n or_o rule_n with_o relation_n to_o discipline_n which_o concern_v the_o qualification_n of_o such_o person_n as_o be_v to_o perform_v religious_a office_n or_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o effect_n of_o they_o their_o manner_n of_o act_v upon_o such_o occasion_n and_o their_o behaviour_n to_o one_o another_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o any_o religious_a distinction_n but_o in_o order_n to_o take_v a_o more_o particular_a survey_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n under_o constantine_n from_o the_o account_n that_o be_v give_v we_o of_o this_o council_n by_o eusebius_n and_o athanasius_n who_o be_v present_a at_o it_o and_o other_o credible_a writer_n who_o live_v at_o or_o near_o the_o same_o time_n i_o shall_v draw_v these_o follow_a observation_n and_o reflection_n i._o constantine_n be_v the_o first_o roman_a emperor_n that_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n there_o be_v no_o king_n consul_n dictator_n emperor_n or_o any_o other_o the_o chief_a governor_n of_o the_o roman_a state_n before_o he_o that_o ever_o depart_v from_o the_o ancient_a institution_n make_v upon_o the_o first_o settlement_n of_o that_o commonwealth_n or_o public_o embrace_v a_o new_a religion_n of_o a_o different_a character_n from_o that_o establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o numa_n 2._o there_o never_o be_v before_o this_o council_n any_o such_o general_n meet_v of_o eminent_a and_o learned_a person_n who_o be_v assemble_v together_o from_o so_o many_o different_a quarter_n of_o the_o world_n pure_o to_o settle_v some_o controversy_n in_o religion_n which_o two_o surprise_a circumstance_n must_v make_v this_o
upon_o the_o prospect_n of_o which_o the_o whole_a religion_n be_v found_v may_v not_o shock_v the_o faith_n of_o mankind_n what_o wise_a and_o more_o convince_a method_n can_v be_v take_v than_o by_o various_a instance_n of_o thing_n actual_o do_v in_o their_o presence_n of_o as_o strange_a and_o surprise_v a_o nature_n as_o those_o foretell_v and_o some_o of_o they_o of_o the_o very_a same_o kind_n as_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a ascension_n into_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n how_o i_o say_v can_v man_n be_v better_o satisfy_v than_o by_o such_o present_a experience_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n that_o nothing_o be_v impossible_a to_o god_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v such_o thing_n in_o a_o future_a state_n which_o eye_n have_v not_o yet_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v thus_o have_v i_o prove_v in_o short_a that_o the_o prophecy_n miracle_n and_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o consequent_o the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n which_o be_v before_o show_v to_o exceed_v all_o humane_a reach_n and_o capacity_n do_v certain_o proceed_v from_o god_n after_o which_o proof_n the_o three_o thing_n propose_v will_v be_v very_o easy_o make_v out_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v very_o improper_a and_o absurd_a to_o ascribe_v these_o thing_n to_o evil_a spirit_n all_o that_o we_o know_v of_o good_a or_o evil_a spirit_n without_o revelation_n be_v that_o there_o have_v be_v some_o man_n unaccountable_o assist_v by_o some_o invisible_a power_n to_o say_v and_o do_v certain_a thing_n which_o they_o know_v they_o can_v not_o have_v say_v or_o do_v without_o such_o assistance_n that_o if_o what_o be_v say_v or_o do_v this_o way_n be_v serious_a and_o concern_v and_o seem_v to_o contribute_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o good_a of_o man_n it_o be_v reckon_v to_o proceed_v from_o a_o good_a spirit_n appoint_v by_o the_o supreme_a god_n for_o that_o end_n if_o the_o thing_n say_v or_o do_v be_v trifle_a or_o hurtful_a they_o be_v think_v to_o come_v from_o evil_a spirit_n permit_v by_o the_o supreme_a god_n to_o amuse_v or_o punish_v man_n and_o that_o sacrifice_n and_o other_o religious_a rite_n be_v perform_v by_o the_o person_n particular_o concern_v to_o express_v their_o thanks_o to_o the_o one_o or_o to_o appease_v the_o other_o these_o good_a and_o evil_a spirit_n be_v esteem_v as_o god_n of_o a_o low_a order_n who_o have_v different_a office_n assign_v they_o by_o the_o supreme_a in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n we_o have_v a_o more_o particular_a account_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a spirit_n the_o first_o occasion_n of_o their_o distinction_n and_o their_o different_a office_n and_o employment_n as_o such_o and_o there_o we_o find_v that_o what_o be_v say_v or_o do_v by_o angel_n or_o good_a spirit_n be_v by_o the_o express_a order_n and_o command_n of_o god_n and_o be_v attribute_v to_o he_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o if_o it_o have_v proceed_v immediate_o from_o himself_o and_o what_o be_v say_v or_o do_v by_o devil_n or_o evil_a spirit_n be_v by_o the_o permission_n of_o god_n for_o the_o trial_n or_o punishment_n of_o men._n the_o power_n god_n suffer_v evil_a spirit_n to_o exercise_n and_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n he_o permit_v they_o to_o do_v in_o order_n to_o tempt_v man_n from_o the_o belief_n or_o practice_n of_o those_o thing_n he_o have_v enjoin_v and_o command_v they_o be_v so_o easy_o distinguishable_a from_o the_o positive_a express_a manifestation_n of_o divine_a power_n that_o any_o man_n be_v just_o to_o be_v condemn_v for_o be_v deceive_v by_o they_o for_o beside_o that_o miracle_n do_v by_o the_o help_n of_o evil_a spirit_n be_v pascal_n pascal_n as_o a_o judicious_a author_n well_o observe_v always_o foretell_v or_o outdo_v or_o both_o and_o consequent_o can_v never_o be_v of_o force_n enough_o to_o invalidate_v a_o divine_a revelation_n beside_o this_o i_o say_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n be_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o reason_n and_o true_a interest_n of_o mankind_n and_o so_o easy_o know_v to_o be_v so_o especial_o when_o compare_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o that_o no_o miracle_n or_o sign_n whatsoever_o can_v be_v sufficient_a to_o establish_v their_o credit_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o absurd_a and_o contrary_a to_o all_o that_o the_o scripture_n inform_v we_o of_o concern_v devil_n or_o evil_a spirit_n to_o suppose_v that_o they_o shall_v employ_v all_o their_o power_n and_o cunning_a to_o promote_v a_o pure_a and_o holy_a service_n of_o one_o god_n and_o to_o destroy_v all_o the_o pretence_n of_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n it_o be_v contrary_a to_o all_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n as_o our_o saviour_n argue_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v divide_v against_o itself_o and_o that_o some_o evil_a spirit_n shall_v disturb_v and_o oppose_v the_o rest_n when_o they_o be_v all_o carry_v on_o the_o same_o work_n but_o neither_o jew_n christian_n or_o heathen_n ever_o entertain_v any_o such_o notion_n of_o devil_n or_o evil_a spirit_n as_o to_o make_v they_o the_o author_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o recommend_v and_o establish_v what_o they_o call_v virtue_n in_o the_o world_n or_o contribute_v to_o the_o peace_n welfare_n or_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v manifest_a then_o that_o such_o a_o scheme_n as_o we_o have_v see_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v can_v not_o be_v contrive_v and_o propagate_v through_o the_o world_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n by_o evil_a spirit_n neither_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o the_o first_o preacher_n and_o professor_n of_o this_o religion_n shall_v derive_v their_o extraordinary_a character_n from_o the_o possession_n and_o influence_n of_o devil_n these_o be_v such_o notorious_a truth_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o further_a inlargment_n upon_o this_o head_n thus_o have_v i_o finish_v what_o i_o undertake_v under_o my_o second_o general_n and_o by_o a_o full_a and_o direct_a proof_n make_v it_o very_o evident_a that_o all_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v true_a iii_o i_o shall_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v the_o same_o truth_n by_o show_v the_o improbability_n and_o absurdity_n of_o a_o contrary_a supposition_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o objection_n raise_v against_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o which_o be_v the_o three_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o make_v good_a in_o order_n to_o my_o main_a design_n which_o be_v to_o establish_v a_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o all_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o it_o have_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v already_o that_o if_o all_o the_o common_a matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o only_o the_o principal_n of_o they_o such_o as_o have_v be_v before_o mention_v be_v true_a in_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n there_o set_v down_o it_o necessary_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n there_o record_v must_v be_v true_a also_o and_o if_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n be_v true_a they_o must_v certain_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o divine_a assistance_n and_o revelation_n and_o consequent_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o person_n so_o assist_v must_v come_v from_o god_n this_o i_o say_v have_v be_v full_o make_v out_o beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o a_o a_o reasonable_a contradiction_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v suppose_v all_o the_o different_a account_n that_o can_v be_v give_v of_o these_o matter_n in_o order_n to_o invalidate_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o inference_n draw_v from_o they_o have_v be_v show_v to_o be_v false_a and_o groundless_a the_o next_o pretence_n which_o the_o enemy_n of_o reveal_v religion_n make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o infidelity_n be_v that_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v forge_v and_o suppositious_a that_o all_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n there_o record_v with_o all_o the_o strange_a and_o new_a doctrine_n build_v upon_o they_o be_v pure_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n and_o that_o the_o book_n be_v give_v out_o by_o the_o contriver_n of_o they_o as_o contain_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o establish_v their_o credit_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o worst_a that_o the_o utmost_a malice_n of_o scoffer_n and_o unbeliever_n can_v suggest_v but_o the_o folly_n and_o unpresidented_a absurdity_n of_o this_o plea_n will_v easy_o appear_v upon_o a_o slight_a examination_n of_o it_o for_o first_o it_o be_v very_o manifest_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v already_o that_o it_o have_v be_v a_o constant_a and_o universal_a tradition_n in_o this_o part_n