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 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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 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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
offer_v himself_o a_o sacrifice_n upon_o the_o cross_n be_v make_v a_o curse_n die_v be_v bury_v rise_v again_o and_o be_v sit_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o our_o iniquity_n and_o from_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n be_v a_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o reconcile_v we_o to_o his_o father_n through_o his_o blood_n that_o our_o trespass_n may_v not_o be_v impute_v to_o we_o but_o that_o by_o his_o obedience_n we_o shall_v be_v make_v righteous_a that_o he_o may_v become_v the_o mediator_n of_o a_o new_a and_o better_a covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n than_o that_o which_o god_n make_v with_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n when_o he_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o that_o he_o may_v abolish_v the_o law_n of_o commandment_n contain_v in_o ordinance_n and_o break_v down_o the_o middle_a wall_n of_o partition_n between_o jew_n and_o gentile_n that_o so_o both_o may_v be_v unite_v in_o one_o building_n of_o which_o christ_n be_v the_o chief_a corner_n stone_n and_o all_o of_o we_o be_v member_n of_o one_o body_n or_o church_n of_o which_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n when_o we_o sin_n and_o make_v continual_a intercession_n for_o we_o that_o so_o upon_o our_o confession_n and_o repentance_n god_n may_v forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n and_o cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o unrighteousness_n and_o last_o that_o he_o may_v obtain_v a_o kingdom_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n spoil_v principality_n and_o power_n triumph_v over_o they_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o put_v all_o enemy_n under_o his_o foot_n and_o that_o when_o death_n the_o last_o enemy_n be_v destroy_v he_o may_v raise_v the_o dead_a and_o judge_v the_o world_n part_v of_o which_o he_o have_v already_o perform_v and_o the_o rest_n he_o do_v and_o will_v hereafter_o fulfil_v the_o most_o remarkable_a matter_n that_o occur_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n concern_v the_o nature_n condition_n and_o circumstance_n of_o mankind_n be_v these_o adam_n be_v the_o first_o man_n adam_n be_v first_o form_v than_o eve_n the_o first_o man_n adam_n be_v make_v a_o live_a soul_n the_o last_o adam_n by_o which_o be_v mean_v christ_n be_v make_v a_o quicken_a spirit_n which_o two_o different_a expression_n be_v distinguish_v as_o natural_a and_o spiritual_a earthly_a and_o heavenly_a by_o one_o man_n sin_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n and_o death_n by_o sin_n and_o so_o death_n pass_v upon_o all_o man_n for_o that_o all_o have_v sin_v adam_n be_v not_o deceive_v but_o the_o woman_n be_v deceive_v be_v in_o the_o trangression_n notwithstanding_o she_o shall_v be_v save_v in_o child-bearing_a if_o they_o continue_v in_o faith_n and_o charity_n and_o holiness_n with_o sobriety_n death_n reign_v from_o adam_n unto_o moses_n even_o over_o they_o that_o have_v not_o sin_v after_o the_o similitude_n of_o adam_n be_v transgression_n who_o be_v the_o figure_n of_o he_o that_o be_v to_o come_v a_o man_n be_v the_o image_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n but_o the_o woman_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o man_n notwithstanding_o which_o all_o that_o be_v of_o the_o race_n of_o mankind_n be_v style_v and_o account_v in_o the_o scripture_n sinner_n ungodly_a enemy_n of_o god_n dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n servant_n of_o sin_n and_o corruption_n child_n of_o the_o devil_n by_o nature_n child_n of_o wrath_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v further_o that_o sin_n dwell_v in_o we_o and_o reign_v in_o our_o mortal_a body_n that_o when_o we_o will_v do_v good_a evil_a be_v present_a with_o we_o and_o we_o find_v the_o flesh_n lust_a against_o the_o spirit_n and_o a_o law_n in_o our_o member_n war_a against_o the_o law_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o bring_v it_o into_o captivity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n the_o jew_n be_v represent_v as_o subject_a to_o ordinance_n and_o a_o law_n which_o have_v only_o a_o shadow_n of_o good_a thing_n to_o come_v and_o as_o in_o bondage_n to_o weak_a and_o beggarly_a element_n and_o all_o other_o nation_n be_v reckon_v as_o alien_n and_o stranger_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o promise_n have_v no_o hope_n and_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o mankind_n consider_v without_o relation_n to_o christ_n but_o by_o christ_n we_o be_v cleanse_v from_o our_o sin_n we_o be_v make_v free_a we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n in_o he_o and_o by_o his_o righteousness_n we_o be_v save_v but_o the_o advantage_n which_o accrue_v to_o mankind_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o change_n that_o be_v make_v in_o our_o condition_n by_o he_o will_v be_v more_o full_o understand_v from_o these_o follow_a passage_n as_o by_o one_o man_n disobedience_n many_o be_v make_v sinner_n so_o by_o the_o obedience_n of_o one_o shall_v many_o be_v make_v righteous_a as_o sin_n have_v reign_v unto_o death_n so_o shall_v grace_n reign_v through_o righteousness_n unto_o eternal_a life_n by_o jesus_n christ_n curse_a be_v every_o man_n that_o continue_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n to_o do_v they_o the_o man_n that_o do_v they_o shall_v live_v in_o they_o but_o this_o be_v impossible_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o no_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n if_o there_o have_v be_v a_o law_n give_v which_o can_v have_v give_v life_n righteousness_n shall_v have_v be_v by_o the_o law_n but_o the_o scripture_n have_v conclude_v all_o under_o sin_n that_o the_o promise_n of_o faith_n by_o jesus_n christ_n may_v be_v give_v to_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o but_o if_o we_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o believe_v and_o show_v our_o faith_n by_o our_o work_n and_o persevere_v unto_o the_o end_n we_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o if_o we_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n and_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o repent_v not_o of_o the_o evil_n we_o have_v commit_v we_o shall_v be_v damn_v those_o that_o have_v embrace_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n with_o his_o deed_n and_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o be_v renew_v in_o knowledge_n after_o the_o image_n of_o he_o that_o create_v he_o thus_o through_o christ_n only_o we_o be_v to_o expect_v salvation_n there_o be_v no_o other_o name_n give_v under_o heaven_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v save_v which_o salvation_n if_o we_o neglect_v we_o shall_v be_v condemn_v by_o god_n at_o the_o last_o day_n when_o he_o come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n by_o his_o son_n who_o he_o have_v appoint_v judge_n of_o the_o quick_a and_o dead_a then_o shall_v we_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a by_o christ_n and_o receive_v every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o work_n as_o in_o adam_n all_o die_v so_o in_o christ_n shall_v all_o be_v make_v alive_a and_o since_o by_o man_n come_v death_n by_o man_n come_v also_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a the_o dead_a shall_v be_v raise_v incorruptible_a their_o mortal_a corruptible_a body_n shall_v put_v on_o immortality_n and_o incorruption_n and_o those_o which_o be_v alive_a at_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v change_v in_o a_o moment_n at_o the_o last_o trump_n as_o we_o have_v bear_v the_o image_n of_o the_o earthly_a man_n adam_n so_o we_o shall_v also_o bear_v the_o image_n of_o the_o heavenly_a man_n christ_n then_o shall_v they_o which_o have_v do_v evil_a be_v condemn_v to_o everlasting_a torment_n and_o misery_n and_o they_o which_o have_v do_v good_a shall_v be_v reward_v with_o everlasting_a joy_n and_o happiness_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o be_v teach_v and_o propose_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o i_o have_v express_v as_o near_o as_o ever_o i_o can_v in_o the_o very_a language_n of_o scripture_n as_o my_o design_n plain_o oblige_v i_o to_o do_v the_o other_o branch_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o concern_v the_o practice_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o may_v proper_o be_v style_v christian_a morality_n consist_v of_o such_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o action_n as_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n be_v oblige_v to_o conform_v his_o life_n to_o and_o without_o which_o his_o faith_n be_v dead_a and_o vain_a he_o be_v still_o in_o his_o sin_n and_o he_o must_v expect_v the_o wage_n of_o they_o eternal_a death_n the_o principal_a head_n of_o christian_a duty_n be_v these_o to_o love_n god_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o our_o power_n to_o honour_n praise_n
ground_v or_o not_o be_v now_o the_o enquiry_n that_o it_o be_v i_o shall_v prove_v by_o show_v that_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v relate_v and_o attest_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o can_v possible_o be_v call_v in_o question_n but_o that_o the_o strength_n and_o validity_n of_o what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v upon_o this_o head_n may_v be_v better_o and_o more_o clear_o perceive_v i_o think_v fit_a by_o way_n of_o introduction_n to_o show_v first_o what_o i_o mean_v by_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n and_o second_o what_o kind_n of_o evidence_n these_o fact_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o which_o way_n they_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v by_o miracle_n then_o i_o will_v now_o be_v understand_v to_o mean_v only_o strange_a unusual_a event_n out_o of_o the_o common_a road_n and_o course_n of_o thing_n which_o by_o all_o the_o knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o nature_n we_o can_v tell_v how_o to_o bring_v to_o pass_v nor_o account_n for_o when_o they_o have_v happen_v and_o these_o be_v to_o be_v distinguish_v into_o such_o as_o be_v absolute_o at_o all_o time_n strange_a and_o not_o to_o be_v account_v for_o by_o what_o we_o know_v of_o the_o power_n and_o force_n of_o nature_n as_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a etc._n etc._n and_o such_o as_o be_v so_o only_o in_o consideration_n of_o some_o particular_a circumstance_n as_o heal_v the_o sick_a which_o be_v in_o itself_o no_o strange_a thing_n but_o only_o when_o it_o be_v do_v in_o a_o short_a time_n than_o medicine_n be_v ever_o know_v to_o operate_v or_o without_o the_o assistance_n of_o any_o visible_a mean_n or_o the_o like_a by_o prophecy_n i_o here_o understand_v relation_n of_o such_o future_a event_n as_o have_v no_o perceivable_a connexion_n with_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n at_o the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v utter_v this_o be_v all_o i_o mean_v at_o present_a by_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n and_o every_o body_n i_o be_o sure_a 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design_n in_o the_o follow_a method_n first_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o miracle_n by_o themselves_o and_o this_o according_a to_o the_o different_a period_n in_o which_o they_o be_v do_v and_o the_o different_a person_n they_o be_v do_v by_o second_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o prophecy_n apart_o according_a to_o the_o same_o distinction_n of_o time_n and_o person_n as_o i_o observe_v in_o treat_v of_o miracle_n three_o i_o shall_v make_v some_o general_a reflection_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a miracle_n and_o prophecy_n take_v altogether_o first_o then_z as_o to_z miracle_n it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o a_o great_a many_o such_o fact_n as_o these_o that_o i_o call_v miracle_n be_v say_v to_o be_v do_v by_o jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v every_o where_o assert_v or_o suppose_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o gospel_n give_v a_o very_a particular_a and_o circumstantial_a account_n of_o several_a of_o they_o it_o be_v certain_a also_o from_o the_o general_a proof_n before_o give_v of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o these_o miracle_n be_v believe_v by_o the_o first_o christian_n both_o by_o those_o that_o live_v in_o judea_n and_o those_o that_o dwell_v in_o other_o country_n and_o the_o real_a truth_n of_o they_o will_v as_o evident_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v at_o first_o believe_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o miracle_n record_v of_o christ_n be_v do_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o great_a multitude_n at_o the_o most_o public_a place_n in_o judea_n and_o at_o the_o most_o solemn_a time_n of_o meet_v nay_o he_o be_v so_o constant_o employ_v in_o travel_v and_o go_v about_o and_o perform_v so_o many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n wherever_o he_o come_v and_o give_v so_o many_o repeat_v instance_n of_o his_o power_n in_o the_o same_o place_n that_o there_o be_v very_o few_o in_o that_o whole_a country_n who_o have_v not_o see_v some_o of_o his_o mighty_a work_n themselves_o and_o therefore_o the_o sole_a ground_n and_o reason_n upon_o which_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n of_o palestine_n believe_v these_o miracle_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o their_o own_o sense_n the_o fact_n themselves_o be_v so_o level_a to_o their_o capacity_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v they_o be_v so_o open_a and_o so_o easy_o and_o full_o perceive_v that_o they_o find_v no_o reason_n to_o distrust_v their_o sense_n and_o therefore_o they_o ready_o conclude_v they_o to_o be_v true_a a_o great_a many_o of_o the_o first_o believer_n of_o christ_n miracle_n have_v a_o further_a and_o more_o intimate_a perception_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o than_o the_o rest_n viz._n those_o upon_o who_o some_o of_o the_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v or_o who_o be_v make_v to_o have_v a_o share_n in_o the_o action_n themselves_o such_o be_v all_o those_o that_o be_v heal_v or_o feed_v by_o christ_n that_o have_v devil_n cast_v out_o of_o they_o that_o have_v their_o secret_a thought_n or_o private_a action_n reveal_v to_o they_o etc._n etc._n those_o who_o see_v none_o of_o these_o mighty_a work_n themselves_o but_o believe_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o be_v confirm_v in_o their_o faith_n by_o a_o universal_a concurrence_n of_o all_o person_n their_o curiosity_n or_o concern_v dispose_v they_o to_o inquire_v of_o for_o as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n all_o kind_n of_o people_n believe_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o those_o who_o reverence_v his_o person_n and_o character_n and_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n but_o even_o those_o who_o despise_v he_o and_o set_v he_o at_o nought_o and_o reject_v his_o gospel_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o be_v the_o most_o powerful_a and_o most_o zealous_a enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n acknowledge_v his_o miracle_n but_o attribute_v they_o to_o evil_a spirit_n some_o of_o the_o pharisee_n can_v not_o deny_v his_o wonderful_a cure_n of_o a_o blind_a man_n but_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o he_o be_v of_o god_n because_o he_o keep_v not_o the_o sabbath-day_n though_o other_o of_o they_o say_v how_o can_v a_o man_n that_o be_v a_o sinner_n do_v such_o miracle_n none_o of_o the_o jew_n upon_o the_o strict_a examination_n be_v able_a to_o disprove_v this_o or_o any_o other_o of_o his_o miracle_n but_o notwithstanding_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v in_o christ_n or_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n because_o they_o be_v moses_n disciple_n and_o they_o know_v that_o god_n speak_v unto_o moses_n but_o as_o for_o that_o fellow_n who_o cure_v the_o blind_a man_n they_o know_v not_o from_o whence_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a priest_n and_o elder_n never_o doubt_v of_o the_o mighty_a work_v do_v by_o he_o but_o only_o question_v his_o authority_n in_o do_v
i_o mean_v such_o as_o be_v as_o well_o attest_v to_o have_v be_v do_v as_o those_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o can_v no_o more_o be_v account_v for_o without_o the_o power_n of_o god_n than_o they_o can_v many_o of_o which_o i_o will_v allow_v to_o have_v be_v do_v upon_o other_o occasion_n without_o any_o application_n of_o they_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o those_o that_o perform_v they_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n may_v have_v be_v wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o false_a doctrine_n and_o may_v have_v deceive_v many_o who_o simplicity_n and_o bigotry_n to_o the_o cause_n they_o make_v for_o dispose_v to_o entertain_v they_o but_o we_o have_v no_o record_n of_o any_o such_o ill-intended_n miracle_n leave_v which_o by_o the_o nature_n circumstance_n effect_n or_o attestation_n of_o they_o can_v dispose_v a_o rational_a man_n to_o ascribe_v they_o to_o god_n and_o whatever_o pretence_n of_o this_o kind_n there_o 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knowledge_n have_v force_v the_o patron_n of_o irreligion_n upon_o new_a absurdity_n now_o the_o argument_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v express_v in_o such_o a_o form_n be_v this_o that_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n upon_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v principal_o build_v proceed_v from_o impression_n make_v upon_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o prophet_n which_o impression_n be_v always_o agreeable_a to_o their_o several_a temper_n complexion_n and_o opinion_n from_o whence_o it_o must_v be_v infer_v that_o such_o visionary_a scene_n and_o figurative_a expression_n as_o these_o prophecy_n be_v deliver_v in_o can_v be_v attribute_v to_o god_n only_o in_o a_o popular_a way_n as_o all_o other_o extraordinary_a and_o unusual_a event_n be_v and_o therefore_o can_v be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o prove_v a_o divine_a revelation_n because_o they_o proceed_v whole_o from_o natural_a cause_n though_o unknown_a to_o we_o but_o whatever_o of_o this_o nature_n be_v advance_v by_o spinoza_n or_o whatever_o inference_n be_v draw_v from_o it_o by_o other_o who_o apply_v it_o further_o than_o he_o dare_v open_o assert_v nothing_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o his_o account_n of_o prophecy_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o scripture-revelation_n be_v all_o his_o observation_n upon_o this_o subject_a true_a as_o it_o be_v manifest_a to_o any_o one_o that_o read_v the_o bible_n they_o be_v not_o for_o suppose_v all_o he_o say_v upon_o this_o head_n be_v true_a viz._n that_o the_o prophet_n be_v person_n of_o lively_a imagination_n than_o other_o as_o it_o be_v plain_a of_o some_o of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v not_o that_o the_o angry_a cheerful_a or_o melancholy_a prophet_n always_o prophesy_v thing_n suitable_a to_o his_o particular_a temper_n as_o there_o be_v several_a instance_n to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o that_o the_o jew_n have_v a_o pious_a way_n of_o attribute_v every_o thing_n strange_a or_o unusual_a to_o god_n etc._n etc._n what_o if_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o spinoza_n observe_v the_o knowledge_n which_o these_o angry_a cheerful_a etc._n etc._n prophet_n of_o lively_a imagination_n have_v of_o future_a thing_n must_v be_v allow_v to_o come_v from_o god_n in_o a_o different_a manner_n from_o that_o whereby_o they_o receive_v all_o their_o other_o knowledge_n as_o spinoza_n himself_o plain_o own_v and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o it_o be_v a_o very_a good_a argument_n that_o the_o doctrine_n preach_v by_o those_o prophet_n be_v deliver_v to_o they_o by_o god_n also_o in_o the_o same_o way_n that_o their_o prophecy_n be_v which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o enforce_v the_o obligation_n of_o they_o upon_o we_o whatever_o natural_a cause_n god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o revelation_n and_o that_o be_v all_o we_o contend_v for_o or_o be_v concern_v to_o maintain_v this_o be_v all_o that_o either_o the_o ancient_n or_o modern_a enemy_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v or_o can_v have_v to_o object_n to_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n record_v in_o the_o bible_n except_v what_o have_v be_v already_o answer_v in_o the_o direct_a proof_n that_o be_v give_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o the_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n be_v charge_v with_o almost_o all_o the_o fault_n which_o any_o humane_a write_n be_v capable_a of_o viz._n contradiction_n to_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n contradiction_n of_o one_o part_n to_o another_o mistake_v as_o to_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n connexion_n of_o the_o part_n chronology_n geography_n etc._n etc._n ridiculous_a and_o improbable_a story_n absurd_a and_o irrational_a law_n and_o injunction_n trifle_a and_o impertinent_a reason_n and_o argument_n low_o and_o unartful_a language_n the_o injustice_n of_o which_o objection_n i_o shall_v show_v very_o brief_o as_o sie_v very_o open_a and_o obvious_a as_o to_o contradiction_n to_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n pretend_v to_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n no_o body_n have_v be_v acute_a enough_o yet_o or_o sufficient_o instruct_v in_o the_o true_a system_n of_o thing_n to_o make_v good_a this_o charge_n we_o have_v live_v to_o see_v several_a new_a scheme_n hypothesis_n and_o theory_n of_o the_o world_n confute_v and_o explode_v but_o the_o plain_a simple_a and_o most_o demonstrative_a account_n of_o nature_n that_o be_v now_o extant_a be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o most_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n and_o answer_v all_o the_o ancient_a blasphemy_n against_o providence_n which_o be_v ground_v upon_o false_a hypothesis_n then_o in_o reputation_n but_o after_o all_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o write_v to_o teach_v we_o philosophy_n if_o this_o have_v be_v the_o design_n of_o they_o no_o doubt_n but_o we_o have_v have_v a_o true_a scheme_n of_o knowledge_n than_o any_o philosopher_n have_v be_v yet_o able_a to_o give_v we_o but_o then_o it_o be_v certain_a we_o shall_v have_v have_v much_o less_o religion_n if_o that_o and_o our_o philosophy_n have_v be_v reveal_v to_o we_o together_o have_v the_o language_n of_o scripture_n be_v every_o where_o adapt_v to_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v hard_a to_o conceive_v how_o it_o shall_v ever_o have_v come_v to_o be_v believe_v for_o suppose_v these_o notion_n to_o be_v true_a that_o the_o earth_n move_v that_o the_o sun_n be_v a_o hundred_o thousand_o time_n big_a than_o the_o earth_n that_o the_o moon_n and_o the_o other_o planet_n be_v inhabit_v that_o beast_n be_v senseless_a machine_n and_o mere_a clockwork_n and_o the_o like_a and_o suppose_v all_o the_o popular_a expression_n of_o scripture_n concern_v such_o matter_n be_v change_v and_o suit_v to_o these_o notion_n will_v not_o all_o the_o learned_a part_n of_o mankind_n who_o live_v before_o these_o new_a discovery_n in_o nature_n be_v make_v have_v be_v apt_a to_o reject_v the_o whole_a revelation_n as_o absurd_a and_o unphilosophical_a but_o if_o some_o of_o the_o learned_a have_v be_v so_o sensible_a of_o 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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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that_o be_v do_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o be_v likewise_o own_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o avast_o multitude_n more_o both_o of_o such_o as_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o of_o such_o as_o reject_v and_o oppose_v it_o and_o violent_o persecute_v the_o teacher_n of_o it_o to_o omit_v the_o testimony_n of_o true_a believer_n thus_o it_o be_v record_v concern_v those_o upon_o who_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n have_v no_o power_n nor_o influence_n the_o ruler_n elder_n scribe_n and_o high_a priest_n among_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o summon_v peter_n and_o john_n before_o they_o for_o cure_v a_o lame_a man_n can_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o a_o notable_a miracle_n have_v be_v do_v by_o they_o which_o be_v manifest_a to_o all_o they_o that_o dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v afterward_o fill_v with_o indignation_n and_o take_v counsel_n to_o slay_v they_o because_o they_o can_v not_o restrain_v they_o from_o do_v more_o miracle_n 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by_o paul_n command_v the_o spirit_n to_o come_v out_o of_o she_o several_a vagabond_n jew_n exorcist_n who_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o cast_v out_o evil_a spirit_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n but_o suffer_v very_o much_o for_o the_o impudence_n of_o their_o pretence_n and_o a_o great_a many_o other_o such_o like_a be_v witness_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o wicked_a or_o dishonourable_a motive_n reject_v the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v or_o profess_v to_o embrace_v it_o upon_o ill_a design_n or_o after_o they_o have_v receive_v it_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o the_o faith_n great_a complaint_n of_o all_o which_o sort_n of_o man_n we_o find_v in_o the_o epistle_n thus_o be_v the_o miracle_n of_o the_o first_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n declare_v and_o attest_v but_o moreover_o it_o be_v record_v of_o they_o that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n themselves_o but_o that_o they_o be_v authorize_v and_o 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all_o place_n where_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v and_o the_o same_o be_v plain_o imply_v by_o the_o frequent_a rule_n and_o caution_n that_o be_v give_v by_o the_o apostle_n concern_v the_o due_a exercise_n of_o they_o and_o the_o fear_n and_o apprehension_n they_o often_o express_v lest_o the_o christian_n thus_o impower_v shall_v by_o covet_v one_o another_o gift_n or_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o those_o they_o be_v several_o possess_v of_o neglect_v to_o apply_v themselves_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v the_o scripture-account_a of_o miracle_n and_o these_o be_v those_o wonderful_a fact_n believe_v by_o the_o first_o christian_n their_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o be_v the_o chief_a ground_n and_o motive_n of_o their_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n or_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v likewise_o other_o strange_a matter_n of_o fact_n call_v prophecy_n which_o be_v most_o sure_o believe_v among_o they_o and_o which_o contribute_v very_o much_o to_o their_o receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o continue_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n without_o waver_v and_o these_o i_o shall_v consider_v in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o method_n i_o do_v miracle_n for_o there_o be_v several_a prophecy_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o utter_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o together_o with_o several_a other_o speak_v with_o relation_n to_o he_o and_o fulfil_v by_o he_o other_o there_o be_v mention_v as_o speak_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v receive_v the_o power_n of_o prophecy_n immediate_o from_o he_o it_o be_v plain_a also_o from_o several_a instance_n and_o passage_n in_o the_o sacred_a write_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n be_v convey_v by_o the_o first_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n to_o private_a christian_n and_o be_v very_o common_a among_o they_o the_o prophecy_n speak_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v most_o of_o they_o deliver_v in_o private_a to_o his_o disciple_n some_o of_o which_o be_v not_o write_v till_o after_o the_o thing_n happen_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o the_o disciple_n be_v whole_o answerable_a for_o and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v publish_v in_o write_v before_o the_o thing_n happen_v and_o these_o may_v then_o and_o may_v still_o be_v examine_v by_o the_o circumstance_n of_o they_o other_o of_o they_o be_v speak_v public_o and_o frequent_o before_o great_a multitude_n of_o people_n as_o those_o about_o his_o suffer_v and_o resurrection_n etc._n etc._n and_o several_a beside_o their_o be_v speak_v open_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o many_o be_v also_o spread_v abroad_o in_o write_v long_o before_o the_o event_n actual_o happen_v as_o particular_o that_o remarkable_a one_o concern_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n prophecy_n speak_v of_o christ_n in_o former_a time_n with_o relation_n to_o his_o person_n action_n suffering_n and_o doctrine_n with_o the_o several_a circumstance_n 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believe_v there_o be_v other_o being_n beside_o god_n of_o a_o superior_a nature_n to_o man_n who_o it_o be_v probable_a may_v and_o do_v by_o some_o invisible_a unperceivable_a way_n act_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o we_o be_v sure_a man_n act_v upon_o one_o another_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o external_n sensible_a sign_n but_o if_o god_n so_o please_v we_o may_v distinguish_v as_o true_o and_o certain_o betwixt_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n and_o the_o suggestion_n of_o other_o spirit_n as_o we_o can_v betwixt_o the_o thought_n arise_v within_o we_o from_o ourselves_o and_o those_o raise_v in_o we_o by_o other_o man_n upon_o occasion_n of_o external_n sign_n and_o though_o some_o may_v have_v mistake_v the_o suggestion_n of_o other_o spirit_n for_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o more_o reason_n from_o hence_o for_o those_o who_o have_v have_v true_a revelation_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o they_o than_o there_o be_v for_o i_o to_o distrust_v the_o evidence_n of_o my_o own_o perception_n when_o i_o judge_v such_o idea_n be_v occasion_v in_o i_o by_o the_o real_a voice_n and_o presence_n of_o other_o man_n because_o some_o have_v imagine_v they_o hear_v such_o and_o such_o word_n speak_v by_o such_o person_n when_o these_o idea_n come_v from_o their_o own_o mind_n only_o without_o any_o external_n occasion_n to_o execute_v they_o from_o all_o which_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n may_v be_v infallible_o convince_v that_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n they_o wrought_v be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o future_a event_n be_v communicate_v to_o they_o by_o god_n and_o that_o the_o doctrine_n they_o preach_v be_v deliver_v to_o they_o by_o god_n all_o this_o i_o say_v they_o may_v be_v infallible_o convince_v of_o by_o a_o immediate_a consciousness_n not_o only_o of_o their_o own_o disability_n to_o do_v and_o say_v such_o thing_n of_o themselves_o without_o the_o assistance_n of_o some_o high_a power_n but_o of_o god_n express_a revelation_n of_o himself_o to_o they_o in_o all_o these_o instance_n which_o sort_n of_o evidence_n and_o satisfaction_n though_o it_o reach_v no_o further_a than_o the_o person_n themselves_o who_o pretend_v to_o have_v receive_v any_o revelation_n from_o god_n yet_o be_v it_o of_o great_a use_n for_o the_o conviction_n of_o other_o by_o make_v way_n for_o such_o proof_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o that_o end_n and_o which_o will_v not_o have_v any_o force_n at_o all_o without_o it_o for_o except_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o divine_a revelation_n be_v possible_a and_o that_o the_o person_n to_o who_o the_o revelation_n be_v make_v may_v be_v certain_a of_o it_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o persuade_v any_o man_n that_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o do_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n because_o they_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n for_o if_o revelation_n be_v impossible_a it_o be_v plain_o absurd_a to_o make_v that_o a_o foundation_n either_o of_o faith_n or_o obedience_n and_o if_o revelation_n be_v possible_a but_o no_o man_n can_v be_v certain_a when_o any_o thing_n be_v reveal_v to_o he_o and_o when_o not_o there_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n find_v to_o convince_v another_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o revelation_n which_o the_o person_n that_o pretend_v to_o it_o can_v be_v satisfy_v of_o himself_o but_o both_o these_o thing_n be_v prove_v we_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o examine_v how_o other_o people_n can_v be_v satisfy_v that_o god_n reveal_v himself_o to_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n now_o it_o be_v plain_a by_o the_o account_n before_o give_v that_o they_o themselves_o may_v be_v entire_o satisfy_v by_o the_o immediate_a assurance_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n that_o god_n have_v give_v they_o a_o power_n of_o say_v and_o do_v such_o thing_n and_o have_v make_v such_o thing_n actual_o present_a to_o their_o mind_n as_o can_v proceed_v from_o he_o only_o and_o from_o no_o other_o be_v but_o except_o they_o communicate_v what_o be_v give_v and_o reveal_v to_o they_o by_o external_n sign_n it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o revelation_n can_v not_o be_v know_v to_o or_o concern_v any_o other_o but_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o the_o only_a way_n that_o other_o have_v of_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a revelation_n be_v from_o the_o external_n sign_n and_o appearance_n by_o which_o it_o be_v communicate_v to_o they_o from_o those_o who_o first_o receive_v it_o which_o as_o have_v be_v before_o observe_v may_v be_v consider_v under_o the_o style_n of_o miracle_n prophecy_n and_o doctrine_n so_o that_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o miracle_n prophecy_n and_o doctrine_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v proceed_v from_o god_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v we_o that_o god_n have_v speak_v to_o we_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o deliver_v to_o we_o by_o divine_a revelation_n and_o authority_n the_o proof_n i_o shall_v give_v of_o this_o great_a and_o concern_v point_n shall_v consist_v of_o these_o three_o part_n first_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n consider_v as_o mere_a man_n unassisted_a by_o any_o high_a power_n can_v not_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o miracle_n prophecy_n and_o doctrine_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n second_o i_o will_v make_v it_o appear_v not_o only_o that_o god_n may_v be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o but_o that_o they_o have_v such_o certain_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o divinity_n upon_o they_o that_o we_o can_v be_v mistake_v in_o attribute_v they_o to_o god_n three_o i_o will_v prove_v 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 first_o then_o i_o be_o to_o show_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n can_v not_o by_o any_o humane_a skill_n or_o power_n be_v the_o author_n of_o those_o wonderful_a thing_n say_v and_o do_v by_o their_o ministry_n it_o be_v say_v of_o christ_n that_o he_o speak_v as_o never_o man_n speak_v and_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o do_v those_o thing_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o man_n never_o do_v which_o he_o use_v as_o a_o argument_n to_o prove_v their_o unbelief_n in_o he_o inexcusable_a the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o both_o which_o phrase_n here_o be_v not_o only_o that_o no_o man_n can_v of_o himself_o speak_v like_o christ_n or_o perform_v such_o thing_n as_o he_o do_v but_o that_o no_o man_n have_v ever_o speak_v like_o he_o or_o do_v what_o he_o do_v however_o assist_v by_o any_o other_o power_n this_o appear_v from_o several_a other_o passage_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o particular_o from_o christ_n own_o argument_n against_o the_o jew_n for_o he_o know_v that_o they_o believe_v in_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o the_o miracle_n record_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o therefore_o he_o do_v not_o think_v it_o sufficient_a for_o they_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o work_n though_o he_o have_v do_v what_o no_o man_n without_o divine_a assistance_n be_v able_a to_o do_v if_o he_o have_v not_o also_o do_v great_a thing_n than_o moses_n or_o any_o other_o person_n divine_o assist_v have_v do_v before_o so_o much_o be_v necessary_a to_o convince_v the_o jew_n and_o supersede_n a_o former_a revelation_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o revelation_n in_o general_n both_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n seem_v to_o make_v this_o the_o only_a test_n that_o what_o they_o say_v and_o do_v exceed_v the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o man_n from_o whence_o they_o immediate_o conclude_v that_o therefore_o it_o be_v from_o god_n if_o this_o than_o be_v the_o standard_n we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o revelation_n by_o it_o will_v be_v easy_o make_v out_o that_o neither_o the_o miracle_n prophecy_n nor_o doctrine_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v be_v from_o man_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o come_v from_o god_n who_o assist_v and_o reveal_v himself_o to_o those_o man_n that_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v already_o that_o a_o man_n may_v take_v such_o a_o certain_a estimate_n of_o his_o own_o capacity_n and_o power_n and_o of_o his_o present_a stock_n of_o knowledge_n as_o to_o be_v infallible_o sure_a that_o he_o can_v do_v or_o know_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n either_o at_o all_o or_o not_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o if_o we_o know_v any_o thing_n certain_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n in_o general_n we_o may_v confident_o affirm_v that_o we_o be_v make_v and_o fashion_v with_o such_o resemblance_n to_o one_o another_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o
receive_v from_o a_o constant_a repetition_n of_o the_o same_o appearance_n but_o it_o be_v not_o to_o prove_v a_o god_n or_o providence_n or_o the_o first_o general_n principles_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o miracle_n be_v urge_v these_o thing_n be_v all_o so_o plain_a and_o easy_a without_o such_o a_o confirmation_n that_o they_o be_v altogether_o without_o excuse_n who_o do_v not_o believe_v they_o or_o act_v contrary_a to_o their_o belief_n but_o when_o man_n be_v lose_v and_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o be_v become_v altogether_o corrupt_a when_o through_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o serve_v god_n aright_o and_o when_o those_o who_o use_v their_o endeavour_n to_o do_v it_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n of_o be_v accept_v if_o in_o compassion_n to_o this_o sad_a and_o distress_a estate_n of_o mankind_n god_n be_v please_v to_o reveal_v himself_o to_o they_o and_o acquaint_v they_o with_o a_o true_a and_o certain_a way_n to_o happiness_n which_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o find_v out_o of_o themselves_o what_o perfection_n of_o god_n be_v it_o contrary_a to_o to_o make_v such_o a_o discovery_n to_o his_o creature_n and_o how_o can_v he_o take_v a_o more_o effectual_a way_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n than_o by_o miracle_n which_o be_v real_a effect_n of_o divine_a power_n and_o which_o man_n be_v ready_o dispose_v to_o acknowledge_v as_o infallible_a sign_n and_o indication_n of_o it_o if_o these_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o may_v certain_o be_v know_v to_o be_v so_o as_o have_v already_o be_v prove_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n than_o be_v they_o very_o fit_a and_o proper_a proof_n that_o the_o doctrine_n they_o be_v intend_v to_o comfirm_v come_v from_o god_n though_o they_o be_v not_o bring_v about_o by_o a_o immediate_a interposition_n but_o be_v part_n of_o the_o general_n scheme_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v a_o derogation_n to_o god_n to_o make_v he_o the_o author_n of_o those_o work_v we_o call_v miracle_n by_o a_o present_a and_o immediate_a exercise_n of_o his_o power_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v no_o diminution_n to_o any_o of_o his_o perfection_n to_o affirm_v that_o original_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n he_o order_v such_o effect_n to_o proceed_v from_o the_o general_a law_n of_o nature_n at_o such_o a_o time_n that_o they_o may_v be_v for_o sign_n and_o token_n to_o mankind_n that_o the_o revelation_n which_o shall_v then_o be_v give_v they_o come_v from_o he_o another_o objection_n make_v to_o the_o argument_n of_o miracle_n be_v that_o miracle_n have_v be_v wrought_v by_o other_o man_n as_o well_o as_o moses_n and_o christ_n and_o as_o great_a as_o those_o that_o be_v record_v of_o they_o from_o whence_o it_o be_v infer_v that_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v be_v never_o the_o true_a for_o their_o work_a miracle_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v none_o of_o it_o sufficient_o attest_v a_o great_a deal_n or_o it_o manifest_o false_a and_o be_v it_o all_o true_a the_o inference_n draw_v from_o it_o do_v not_o hold_v to_o make_v good_a this_o charge_n i_o shall_v instance_n in_o the_o miracle_n attribute_v to_o vespasian_n and_o apollonius_n tyanaeus_n which_o have_v be_v particular_o make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o lessen_v the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o of_o vespasian_n it_o be_v record_v that_o he_o once_o cure_v two_o blind_a man_n but_o the_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a work_n of_o apollonius_n fill_v a_o book_n write_v on_o purpose_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o they_o now_o as_o to_o vespasian_n cure_n of_o the_o blind_a it_o be_v but_o one_o single_a miracle_n and_o therefore_o be_v very_o unjust_o compare_v with_o that_o multitude_n of_o mighty_a work_n that_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n neither_o be_v it_o so_o well_o attest_v but_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v why_o it_o shall_v be_v false_a notwithstanding_o the_o reality_n of_o all_o the_o appear_a circumstance_n of_o it_o several_a inducement_n may_v be_v allege_v that_o very_o probable_o dispose_v this_o emperor_n to_o pretend_v to_o such_o a_o miracle_n it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o conceive_v how_o his_o design_n may_v be_v bring_v about_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o great_a many_o people_n without_o their_o discover_v the_o cheat_n and_o shall_v any_o have_v find_v it_o out_o it_o be_v very_o obvious_a to_o imagine_v why_o they_o do_v not_o publish_v it_o but_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o will_v hold_v when_o apply_v to_o christ_n have_v he_o pretend_v to_o no_o more_o than_o the_o cure_n of_o two_o blind_a man_n a_o man_n of_o his_o character_n and_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n can_v not_o promise_v himself_o any_o honour_n respect_n or_o advantage_n from_o such_o a_o pretence_n and_o shall_v he_o have_v make_v this_o use_n of_o it_o he_o will_v very_o probable_o have_v raise_v the_o envy_n of_o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o same_o rank_n and_o the_o jealousy_n of_o his_o superior_n upon_o these_o and_o other_o motive_n as_o well_o as_o natural_a curiosity_n a_o great_a many_o will_v have_v be_v very_o industrious_a and_o inquisitive_a in_o search_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o who_o can_v we_o imagine_v so_o far_o concern_v for_o such_o a_o pretender_n as_o to_o be_v privy_a or_o assist_v to_o his_o cheat_n at_o the_o first_o or_o to_o conceal_v his_o shame_n after_o they_o have_v find_v it_o out_o but_o suppose_v a_o account_n can_v be_v give_v in_o one_o or_o two_o instance_n how_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o christ_n to_o pretend_v to_o such_o work_v as_o be_v never_o do_v there_o be_v abundance_n still_o remain_v upon_o record_n that_o be_v manifest_o incapable_a of_o such_o a_o solution_n which_o put_v a_o unanswerable_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o pretence_n of_o other_o men._n as_o to_o the_o story_n of_o apollonius_n the_o whole_a credit_n of_o it_o depend_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o one_o single_a author_n who_o live_v too_o long_o after_o he_o to_o be_v a_o competent_a witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o relate_v and_o be_v too_o credulous_a and_o partial_a to_o be_v believe_v if_o he_o have_v live_v at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o he_o the_o strange_a unusual_a thing_n relate_v to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o this_o apollonius_n bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n either_o as_o to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o person_n concern_v in_o they_o the_o wonderful_a and_o extraordinary_a nature_n of_o they_o the_o beneficial_a design_n of_o they_o or_o the_o public_a and_o hazardous_a manner_n in_o which_o they_o be_v do_v and_o a_o great_a many_o of_o these_o have_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a upon_o examination_n from_o the_o manifest_a inconsistency_n and_o contradiction_n in_o the_o relation_n of_o they_o but_o suppose_v the_o miracle_n attribute_v to_o vespasian_n and_o apollonius_n be_v true_a in_o fact_n what_o reason_n can_v we_o allege_v either_o from_o the_o character_n of_o the_o pretend_a author_n the_o end_n and_o design_n they_o act_v upon_o the_o consequence_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o pretence_n or_o from_o any_o other_o circumstance_n of_o their_o story_n that_o the_o strange_a thing_n record_v of_o they_o be_v not_o do_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o evil_a spirit_n let_v we_o suppose_v far_o that_o the_o fact_n be_v not_o only_o real_a but_o true_a and_o proper_a miracle_n perform_v by_o the_o express_a and_o immediate_a assistance_n of_o god_n what_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o thence_o not_o that_o the_o heathen_a religion_n be_v true_a because_o these_o miracle_n be_v not_o design_v or_o intend_v for_o a_o confirmation_n of_o it_o not_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v pure_o humane_a because_o the_o whole_a end_n of_o christ_n work_a miracle_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o his_o doctrine_n come_v from_o god_n there_o may_v be_v several_a reason_n give_v why_o it_o may_v please_v god_n sometime_o to_o work_v miracle_n indifferent_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o good_a or_o ill_a man_n man_n of_o a_o true_a or_o false_a religion_n but_o it_o can_v possible_o be_v suppose_v of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v employ_v good_a man_n or_o concur_v with_o the_o wicked_a in_o work_a miracle_n in_o order_n to_o their_o deceive_a mankind_n and_o establish_v a_o lie_n by_o such_o evidence_n as_o can_v be_v disprove_v and_o no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v where_o any_o one_o true_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o a_o person_n that_o make_v use_v of_o it_o to_o prove_v any_o other_o doctrine_n by_o than_o what_o we_o have_v deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n by_o a_o true_a miracle_n
and_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o concern_v they_o yet_o be_v the_o account_n they_o give_v we_o of_o such_o a_o nature_n and_o write_v at_o such_o time_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v ever_o have_v be_v believe_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v true_a from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o history_n of_o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v true_a and_o the_o doctrine_n they_o contain_v give_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n though_o the_o person_n that_o record_v the_o wonderful_a work_n and_o revelation_n of_o god_n be_v not_o divine_o assist_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n in_o the_o write_n as_o they_o themselves_o or_o other_o they_o write_v of_o be_v in_o the_o first_o preach_v and_o publish_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o to_o the_o remain_a objection_n to_o scripture_n viz._n ridiculous_a and_o improbable_a story_n absurd_a law_n and_o injunction_n impertinent_a reason_n and_o argument_n low_a and_o unartful_a expression_n all_o those_o will_v admit_v of_o one_o common_a answer_n and_o be_v easy_o and_o just_o accountable_a for_o from_o our_o ignorance_n of_o the_o language_n in_o which_o the_o scripture_n and_o especial_o those_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v write_v ancient_a custom_n and_o usage_n in_o speak_v and_o act_v and_o the_o temper_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o people_n where_o the_o thing_n be_v say_v and_o do_v the_o wisdom_n of_o all_o law_n and_o institution_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o the_o temper_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o person_n for_o who_o they_o be_v make_v particular_o at_o the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v make_v the_o eloquence_n and_o propriety_n at_o all_o discourse_n and_o the_o force_n and_o weight_n of_o argument_n depend_v likewise_o upon_o the_o character_n of_o the_o person_n the_o discourse_n be_v direct_v to_o or_o intend_v for_o and_o their_o peculiar_a disposition_n and_o circumstance_n at_o such_o and_o such_o time_n ridiculous_a and_o absurd_a be_v arbitrary_a and_o relative_a term_n and_o vary_v according_a to_o the_o different_a notion_n of_o the_o person_n that_o use_v they_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n which_o to_o some_o appear_v absurd_a and_o ludicrous_a which_o consider_v by_o other_o in_o different_a circumstance_n appear_v proper_a and_o grave_a from_o these_o consideration_n may_v all_o the_o particular_a thing_n object_v under_o the_o forementioned_a head_n be_v answer_v as_o a_o great_a many_o of_o they_o have_v be_v already_o be_v we_o thorough_o instruct_v in_o those_o matter_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o make_v any_o judgement_n upon_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n which_o at_o this_o distance_n from_o the_o first_o delivery_n of_o they_o be_v in_o several_a case_n impossible_a but_o in_o defect_n of_o such_o information_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o give_v a_o clear_a and_o particular_a account_n of_o all_o the_o passage_n of_o scripture_n except_v against_o by_o profane_a and_o cavil_v man_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o say_v in_o general_n what_o have_v be_v before_o unanswerable_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o holy_a write_n upon_o which_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o religion_n therein_o contain_v be_v found_v be_v beyond_o all_o exception_n true_a for_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o will_v bear_v down_o and_o over-rule_v all_o other_o seem_a difficulty_n that_o occur_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o manifest_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o our_o knowledge_n upon_o which_o all_o our_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n be_v ground_v there_o be_v several_a relation_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o most_o approve_a book_n which_o i_o shall_v not_o believe_v so_o ready_o if_o they_o be_v not_o support_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o rest_n but_o when_o i_o have_v unquestionable_a proof_n of_o the_o veracity_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o writer_n in_o some_o thing_n i_o can_v easy_o believe_v other_o thing_n which_o he_o say_v must_v be_v true_a and_o wise_a though_o they_o seem_v to_o i_o foolish_a and_o untrue_a and_o therefore_o when_o i_o be_o certain_o convince_v it_o be_v god_n that_o speak_v by_o infallible_a sign_n and_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o discourse_n appear_v to_o i_o worthy_a of_o god_n i_o can_v doubt_v but_o all_o the_o rest_n must_v proceed_v from_o god_n and_o be_v worthy_a of_o he_o though_o it_o will_v not_o appear_v so_o without_o this_o support_n have_v the_o bible_n come_v down_o to_o we_o with_o all_o the_o exceptionable_a story_n and_o expression_n put_v together_o without_o the_o other_o part_n of_o it_o i_o can_v not_o have_v perceive_v it_o belong_v to_o god_n without_o many_o wonderful_a sign_n to_o confirm_v it_o and_o i_o shall_v have_v be_v very_o distrustful_a of_o the_o sign_n but_o when_o i_o be_o thorough_o convince_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o testimony_n nothing_o but_o a_o downright_a contradiction_n will_v shock_v my_o belief_n do_v twelve_o man_n of_o know_a integrity_n to_o i_o affirm_v they_o hear_v a_o ass_n or_o serpent_n speak_v or_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v record_v in_o scriture_n i_o shall_v believe_v they_o without_o any_o manner_n of_o scruple_n or_o hesitation_n and_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o importance_n of_o what_o be_v say_v i_o shall_v judge_v it_o proceed_v either_o from_o the_o secret_a force_n of_o nature_n or_o from_o evil_a spirit_n or_o from_o god_n if_o therefore_o we_o be_v satisfy_v by_o undeniable_a argument_n that_o the_o substance_n and_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o scripture-history_n be_v true_a and_o consequent_o that_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o questionable_a place_n of_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o such_o a_o solution_n as_o be_v very_o consistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o design_n of_o god_n and_o with_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o reason_n though_o we_o shall_v 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belief_n or_o disbelief_n of_o which_o our_o utmost_a happiness_n or_o misery_n seem_v to_o depend_v and_o we_o shall_v prefer_v a_o mere_a suspicion_n to_o all_o the_o appear_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o truth_n god_n may_v as_o just_o punish_v we_o for_o disbelieve_v a_o real_a error_n upon_o such_o ground_n as_o for_o reject_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o whether_o our_o opinion_n be_v true_a or_o false_a but_o whether_o we_o have_v judge_v well_o or_o ill_o that_o we_o be_v accountable_a for_o neither_o in_o matter_n of_o mere_a speculation_n be_v it_o of_o much_o concern_v whether_o we_o judge_v well_o or_o ill_o because_o it_o be_v of_o no_o great_a moment_n whether_o we_o judge_v at_o all_o but_o it_o be_v not_o indifferent_a to_o we_o whether_o we_o will_v be_v happy_a or_o no_o happiness_n be_v and_o must_v be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o our_o thought_n and_o the_o govern_v principle_n of_o our_o life_n upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v as_o we_o have_v see_v in_o a_o 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scheme_n be_v false_a but_o amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o something_o else_o like_o something_o contain_v in_o the_o history_n of_o christianity_n have_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a therefore_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o imposture_n for_o all_o that_o have_v ever_o be_v urge_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v in_o short_a but_o this_o that_o history_n have_v be_v false_a prophecy_n and_o miracle_n have_v be_v counterfeit_a there_o have_v be_v false_a pretence_n to_o revelation_n book_n have_v be_v forge_v strange_a thing_n have_v be_v say_v and_o do_v by_o man_n and_o stranger_n by_o evil_a spirit_n but_o it_o can_v no_o more_o be_v infer_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o christian_a history_n and_o revelation_n and_o all_o the_o christian_a prophecy_n and_o miracle_n be_v false_a and_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v forge_v than_o it_o can_v be_v conclude_v that_o all_o man_n be_v mad_a or_o asleep_a because_o there_o have_v be_v several_a in_o these_o condition_n that_o have_v think_v themselves_o awake_a and_o in_o their_o sense_n or_o that_o all_o the_o argument_n and_o proof_n make_v use_v of_o in_o mathematical_a knowledge_n be_v false_a because_o some_o pretend_a demonstration_n have_v be_v undemonstrate_v and_o confute_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o utmost_a defence_n that_o infidelity_n can_v make_v for_o itself_o as_o have_v before_o be_v more_o particular_o show_v wherefore_o they_o be_v utter_o inexcusable_a whoever_o they_o be_v who_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o all_o those_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o and_o yet_o reject_v so_o plain_a and_o evident_a a_o revelation_n of_o himself_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v but_o there_o be_v very_o few_o i_o believe_v of_o this_o character_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o those_o among_o we_o who_o will_v not_o have_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o reign_v over_o they_o have_v as_o little_a regard_n for_o the_o father_n that_o send_v he_o and_o that_o if_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n nor_o be_v persuade_v by_o one_o that_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a neither_o will_v they_o understand_v the_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o our_o modern_a deist_n and_o unbeliever_n if_o their_o mind_n be_v blind_v and_o their_o foolish_a heart_n darken_v to_o such_o a_o degree_n that_o they_o can_v perceive_v god_n in_o any_o of_o the_o other_o way_n he_o have_v take_v of_o reveal_v himself_o to_o they_o we_o must_v leave_v they_o to_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o last_o revelation_n that_o will_v be_v make_v of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o believe_v and_o tremble_v finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o tho._n bennet_n folio_n thuidides_n greek_n and_o latin_a collate_v with_o five_o entire_a mannscript_a copy_n and_o all_o the_o edition_n extant_a also_o illustrate_v with_o map_n large_a annotation_n and_o index_n by_o j._n hudson_n m._n a._n and_o fellow_n of_o university_n coll._n oxon._n to_o which_o be_v add_v a_o exact_a chronology_n by_o the_o learned_a hen._n dodwell_n never_o before_o publish_v print_v at_o the_o theatre_n oxon._n octavo_fw-la and_o twelves_o sermon_n and_o discourse_n upon_o several_a occasion_n by_o dr._n stradling_n dean_n of_o chichester_n together_o with_o a_o account_n of_o the_o author_n by_o james_n harrington_n esq_n sermon_n and_o discourse_n upon_o several_a occasion_n by_o dr._n meggot_n dean_n of_o chichester_n the_o meditation_n of_o marcus_n aurelius_n antonius_n the_o roman_a emperor_n translate_v out_o of_o greek_a into_o english_a by_o dr._n causabon_n with_o note_n to_o this_o edition_n be_v add_v the_o life_n of_o the_o emperor_n with_o a_o account_n of_o stoic_a philosophy_n as_o also_o remark_n on_o the_o meditation_n all_o new_o write_v by_o monsieur_n and_o madam_n dacier_n the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n assert_v and_o explain_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o six_o letter_n of_o inspiration_n from_o holland_n etc._n etc._n by_o mr._n l._n moth._n the_o certainty_n and_o necessity_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n etc._n etc._n the_o content_n introduction_n show_v the_o design_n of_o the_o discourse_n and_o the_o method_n in_o which_o it_o be_v prosecute_v page_n 1._o a_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v religion_n p._n 9_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n p._n 16._o of_o the_o relation_n there_o be_v betwixt_o god_n and_o man._n p._n 18._o a_o direct_a proof_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n p._n 19_o consider_v as_o possible_a p._n 20._o consider_v as_o probable_a p._n 26._o consider_v as_o certain_a p._n 40._o the_o certainty_n of_o god_n existence_n prove_v
ground_n upon_o which_o the_o first_o christian_n believe_v they_o evince_v from_o general_a reflection_n upon_o the_o scripture-account_n of_o they_o p._n 161._o what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n concern_v divin_n assistance_n and_o revelation_n prove_v to_o be_v true_a p._n 183._o the_o miracle_n prophecy_n and_o doctrine_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v all_o the_o matter_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o under_o this_o head_n do_v certain_o proceed_v from_o god_n p._n 185._o the_o person_n themselves_o who_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o immediate_a author_n of_o they_o may_v be_v infallible_o satisfy_v that_o whatever_o of_o this_o kind_n they_o say_v or_o do_v be_v from_o god_n p._n 186._o other_o may_v be_v likewise_o convince_v of_o the_o same_o truth_n by_o a_o certain_a proof_n of_o the_o follow_a point_n viz._n p._n 194._o that_o the_o miracle_n prophecy_n and_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v not_o be_v the_o work_n and_o contrivance_n of_o mere_a men._n p._n 195._o that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o all_o p._n 222._o and_o that_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o ascribe_v these_o thing_n to_o evil_a spirit_n p._n 242._o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a revelation_n deliver_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n prove_v indirect_o by_o show_v the_o absurdity_n of_o a_o contrary_a supposition_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o all_o the_o objection_n raise_v against_o scripture_n and_o revelation_n in_o general_n p._n 245._o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v not_o possible_o be_v forge_v and_o invent_v p._n 250._o because_o there_o be_v no_o end_n or_o design_n imaginable_a sufficient_a to_o have_v determine_v the_o suppose_a author_n of_o this_o work_n to_o have_v undertake_v it_o and_o because_o further_o if_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n both_o common_a and_o extraordinary_a have_v not_o be_v true_a it_o will_v have_v be_v utter_o impossible_a that_o the_o christian_a religion_n shall_v ever_o have_v be_v believe_v and_o propagate_v in_o the_o world_n p._n 264._o the_o principal_a objection_n against_o revelation_n and_o the_o scripture_n answer_v viz._n p._n 272._o that_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v no_o proof_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n p._n 276._o and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o fault_n observable_a in_o the_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n as_o show_v the_o whole_a to_o be_v a_o pure_a humane_a composure_n p._n 288._o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o proof_n before_o give_v of_o the_o christian_a revelation_n full_o and_o undeniable_o make_v out_o p._n 303._o from_o humane_a testimony_n p._n 305._o from_o the_o connexion_n of_o present_a appearance_n with_o former_a p._n 309._o and_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n in_o general_n and_o the_o particular_a fact_n in_o question_n p_o 317._o the_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n further_o make_v good_a by_o show_v that_o they_o be_v as_o just_a and_o conclude_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o any_o other_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v p._n 332._o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o proof_n before_o give_v be_v such_o that_o god_n may_v just_o condemn_v we_o for_o not_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o it_o p._n 349._o because_o we_o believe_v other_o matter_n of_o fact_n upon_o less_o evidence_n and_o ib._n because_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v such_o fact_n have_v those_o appearance_n of_o truth_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v though_o they_o shall_v real_o be_v false_a p._n 352._o finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o tho._n bennet_n the_o life_n of_o all_o the_o prince_n of_o orange_n from_o william_n the_o great_a founder_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o unite_a province_n to_o which_o be_v add_v the_o life_n of_o his_o present_a majesty_n king_n william_n iii_o from_o his_o birth_n to_o his_o land_n in_o england_n by_o mr._n tho._n brown_n together_o with_o all_o the_o prince_n head_n take_v from_o the_o original_a draught_n by_o mr._n robert_n white_a a_o voyage_n to_o the_o world_n of_o des_n certes_o translate_v from_o the_o french_a by_o t._n taylor_n m._n a._n of_o magd._n coll._n oxon._n thirty_o six_o sermon_n upon_o several_a occasion_n in_o three_o vol._n by_o robert_n south_n d._n d._n the_o second_o edition_n the_o certainty_n and_o necessity_n of_o religion_n in_o general_a or_o the_o first_o ground_n and_o principle_n of_o humane_a duty_n establish_v in_o eight_o sermon_n preach_v at_o st._n martin_n in_o the_o field_n at_o the_o lecture_n for_o the_o year_n 1697._o found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o f._n gastrel_n b._n d._n and_o student_n of_o christ_n church_n coll._n oxon._n