the_o paper_n it_o be_v write_v upon_o yet_o they_o be_v enjoin_v to_o oppress_v man_n that_o bear_v the_o image_n of_o god_n by_o their_o religion_n which_o breathe_v out_o nothing_o but_o violence_n fury_n and_o oppression_n the_o reason_n why_o man_n usual_o refer_v thus_o every_o thing_n to_o their_o sense_n be_v because_o a_o worship_n that_o be_v corporeal_a and_o sensual_a be_v far_o more_o easy_a it_o be_v much_o easy_a for_o a_o man_n to_o take_v the_o sun_n for_o a_o god_n than_o to_o be_v continual_o take_v up_o in_o seek_v after_o a_o god_n that_o be_v invisible_a to_o solemnize_v game_n and_o festival_n in_o honour_n of_o a_o pretend_a deity_n than_o to_o renounce_v himself_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o true_a one_o it_o be_v much_o easy_a for_o he_o to_o fast_o than_o to_o renounce_v his_o vice_n to_o sing_v spiritual_a song_n or_o bow_v to_o a_o statue_n than_o forgive_v his_o enemy_n it_o appear_v then_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n bear_v a_o more_o excellent_a character_n in_o that_o it_o give_v we_o for_o the_o object_n of_o our_o worship_n not_o a_o god_n under_o a_o human_a shape_n but_o a_o god_n that_o be_v a_o spirit_n in_o that_o it_o teach_v we_o to_o honour_v he_o not_o with_o a_o carnal_a but_o a_o spiritual_a worship_n and_o this_o christ_n himself_o have_v very_o elegant_o tell_v we_o in_o these_o word_n god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n john_n 4._o 24._o who_o can_v fill_v his_o mind_n with_o such_o elevate_a notion_n and_o how_o come_v it_o that_o he_o so_o excellent_o set_v down_o in_o that_o short_a precept_n the_o genius_n of_o true_a religion_n of_o which_o man_n before_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a v._o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o other_o religion_n without_o exception_n that_o they_o induce_v we_o to_o look_v after_o the_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n whereas_o the_o christian_a religion_n make_v we_o glorify_v god_n by_o renounce_v the_o world_n thus_o the_o heathen_n design_v rather_o to_o please_v themselves_o than_o their_o deity_n introduce_v into_o religion_n whatever_o can_v any_o way_n flatter_v and_o divert_v they_o and_o the_o mahumatan_n religion_n not_o be_v encumber_v with_o many_o ceremony_n at_o least_o affix_n temporal_a advantage_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o its_o worship_n as_o if_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v the_o future_a reward_n of_o religion_n but_o certain_o both_o of_o they_o be_v much_o mistake_v for_o the_o heathen_n shall_v have_v know_v that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n consist_v not_o in_o divert_v and_o please_v themselves_o and_o the_o mahometan_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v ignorant_a that_o since_o temporal_a and_o worldly_a advantage_n be_v insufficient_a in_o themselves_o to_o satisfy_v the_o boundless_a desire_n of_o man_n heart_n they_o can_v not_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o those_o benefit_n which_o true_a religion_n have_v peculiar_o design_v for_o he_o but_o both_o these_o follow_v the_o motion_n of_o self-love_n which_o be_v natural_o hold_v in_o suspense_n between_o the_o world_n and_o religion_n imagine_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o pleasant_a than_o to_o unite_v they_o both_o think_v thereby_o to_o reconcile_v its_o inclination_n and_o duty_n consecrate_v its_o pleasure_n and_o put_v no_o difference_n between_o conscience_n and_o interest_n but_o the_o first_o rule_n of_o true_a religion_n teach_v we_o that_o that_o mutual_a agreement_n be_v impossible_a or_o to_o use_v it_o be_v own_o word_n that_o christ_n and_o belial_n be_v incompatible_a one_o with_o the_o other_o that_o we_o must_v either_o glorify_v god_n at_o the_o expense_n of_o worldly_a pleasure_n or_o possess_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n with_o the_o loss_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o this_o certain_o show_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o have_v a_o divine_a character_n vi_o other_o false_a religion_n debase_v the_o deity_n and_o exalt_v man_n whereas_o the_o christian_a religion_n humble_v man_n and_o exalt_v the_o deity_n the_o egyptian_n a_o nation_n that_o boast_v so_o much_o of_o their_o antiquity_n make_v monster_n of_o their_o deity_n and_o the_o roman_n make_v deity_n of_o their_o emperor_n who_o be_v rather_o monster_n than_o man_n the_o most_o famous_a philosopher_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o rank_v their_o deity_n below_o themselves_o and_o themselves_o ever_o before_o jupiter_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n teach_v we_o that_o we_o owe_v all_o to_o god_n who_o owe_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o we_o it_o humble_v we_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o infinite_a distance_n there_o be_v between_o god_n and_o we_o it_o show_v that_o we_o be_v miserable_a despicable_a creature_n in_o comparison_n of_o god_n who_o be_v a_o supreme_a be_v and_o only_o worthy_a our_o love_n and_o adoration_n who_o then_o can_v choose_v but_o admire_v so_o excellent_a a_o religion_n vii_o other_o religion_n make_v we_o depend_v upon_o those_o being_n which_o be_v give_v we_o to_o command_v and_o saucy_o pretend_v a_o power_n over_o that_o supreme_a be_v upon_o who_o we_o ought_v whole_o to_o depend_v they_o teach_v man_n to_o burn_v incense_n to_o the_o mean_a creature_n and_o impudent_o to_o equal_v themselves_o to_o the_o universal_a monarch_n of_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o impious_a as_o to_o desire_v to_o become_v god_n since_o they_o be_v so_o base_a as_o to_o forget_v that_o they_o be_v man_n and_o yet_o how_o ill_o their_o pride_n become_v they_o when_o they_o disdain_v not_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o fourfooted_a beast_n to_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n the_o creep_a animal_n and_o plant_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o st._n paul_n reproach_n they_o and_o how_o base_o superstitious_a be_v they_o in_o that_o they_o be_v not_o content_a to_o deify_v themselves_o but_o will_v also_o deify_v their_o own_o vice_n and_o imperfection_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n alone_o restore_v that_o equitable_a order_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n by_o submit_v every_o thing_n to_o the_o power_n of_o man_n that_o he_o may_v submit_v himself_o to_o the_o will_n of_o his_o god_n and_o what_o can_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o true_a religion_n but_o to_o restore_v such_o just_a and_o become_a order_n in_o the_o world_n viii_o we_o need_v no_o deep_a search_n into_o other_o religion_n to_o find_v that_o they_o chief_o tend_v to_o flatter_v man_n corrupt_a desire_n and_o efface_v those_o principle_n of_o justice_n and_o uprightness_n which_o god_n have_v imprint_v on_o their_o mind_n but_o he_o that_o shall_v true_o consider_v the_o christian_a religion_n will_v certain_o find_v that_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o root_n up_o those_o corrupt_a desire_n out_o of_o our_o heart_n and_o restore_v those_o bright_a character_n of_o honesty_n and_o justice_n imprint_v on_o our_o mind_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n the_o heathen_n flatter_v their_o passion_n to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o erect_v altar_n in_o honour_n of_o they_o and_o mahomet_n be_v so_o well_o please_v with_o temporal_a prosperity_n that_o he_o make_v it_o the_o end_n and_o reward_n of_o his_o religion_n the_o gnostic_n imagine_v that_o when_o they_o have_v arrive_v to_o a_o certain_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n which_o they_o call_v a_o state_n of_o perfection_n they_o may_v commit_v all_o sort_n of_o action_n without_o any_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o sin_n which_o pollute_a other_o will_v be_v sanctify_v in_o they_o but_o what_o blindness_n what_o impiety_n be_v this_o how_o admirable_a be_v the_o christian_a religion_n which_o alone_o among_o all_o other_o show_v we_o our_o own_o wickedness_n and_o corruption_n and_o heal_v it_o with_o such_o remedy_n as_o be_v as_o wholesome_a to_o the_o soul_n as_o unpleasing_a to_o the_o body_n ix_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o other_o religion_n be_v contrary_a to_o policy_n either_o in_o favour_v or_o restrain_v too_o much_o human_a weakness_n and_o corruption_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o policy_n whereas_o the_o christian_a religion_n preserve_v its_o right_n and_o privilege_n inviolable_a independent_a from_o either_o the_o pagan_a religion_n be_v against_o policy_n in_o give_v too_o much_o to_o human_a weakness_n and_o corruption_n it_o will_v have_v be_v much_o better_a for_o the_o good_a and_o welfare_n of_o the_o state_n if_o man_n have_v frame_v to_o themselves_o a_o great_a idea_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o their_o god_n because_o they_o will_v have_v be_v less_o licentious_a and_o more_o submissive_a to_o the_o civil_a law_n whereas_o they_o be_v encourage_v by_o the_o example_n of_o their_o deity_n to_o violate_v the_o most_o sacred_a and_o inviolable_a right_n mahomet_n desirous_a to_o avoid_v this_o irregularity_n retain_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o true_a
search_n no_o great_a sagacity_n or_o penetration_n of_o mind_n to_o discover_v this_o truth_n for_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o design_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a appetite_n of_o man_n as_o that_o of_o the_o present_a jew_n who_o aspire_v only_o after_o temporal_a prosperity_n and_o worldy_a pomp_n nor_o be_v it_o a_o monstrous_a medley_n like_o that_o of_o the_o samaritan_n make_v up_o of_o a_o ridiculous_a mixture_n of_o the_o pagan_a and_o jewish_a religion_n nor_o be_v it_o impious_a and_o cruel_a like_o that_o of_o the_o gnostic_n nor_o have_v it_o any_o of_o the_o fault_n or_o extravagant_a superstition_n of_o the_o pagan_a religion_n but_o since_o we_o have_v not_o leisure_n to_o oppose_v it_o particular_o to_o all_o the_o error_n of_o other_o religion_n we_o must_v be_v content_v to_o show_v in_o this_o comparison_n the_o advantage_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v above_o all_o the_o rest_n by_o lay_v down_o the_o follow_a rule_n i._n other_o religion_n as_o be_v principal_o of_o human_a invention_n and_o institution_n be_v form_v by_o degree_n from_o the_o different_a imagination_n of_o several_a person_n who_o successive_o make_v such_o addition_n or_o alteration_n as_o they_o think_v convenient_a the_o greek_n for_o example_n add_v several_a thing_n to_o that_o religion_n they_o receive_v from_o the_o egyptian_n and_o the_o roman_n to_o that_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o greek_n menander_n sâ—â—ll_o improve_v the_o â—ottish_a impiety_n of_o simon_n magus_n and_o saturninus_n and_o basilides_n add_v to_o those_o of_o menander_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o man_n be_v never_o weary_a of_o invent_v nor_o the_o people_n of_o believe_a novelty_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v whole_o deliver_v by_o christ_n be_v entire_o contain_v in_o every_o one_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o even_o in_o each_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n what_o ever_o alteration_n man_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o make_v in_o the_o doctrine_n christ_n bring_v into_o the_o world_n do_v only_o corrupt_v the_o purity_n and_o spirituality_n of_o it_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o great_a disproportion_n there_o be_v betwixt_o the_o apostolical_a doctrine_n and_o the_o ordinary_a speculation_n of_o men._n ii_o other_o religion_n dare_v not_o show_v themselves_o open_o in_o full_a light_n and_o therefore_o be_v veil_v over_o with_o a_o mysterious_a silence_n and_o affect_a darkness_n the_o gnostic_n choose_v the_o night_n to_o cover_v the_o impurity_n of_o juvenal_n their_o abominable_a mystery_n and_o the_o roman_n expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o satirical_a raillery_n of_o their_o poet_n 〈◊〉_d be_v so_o careful_a to_o conceal_v the_o worship_n they_o pay_v to_o their_o goddess_n bona_n julian_n and_o porphyrius_n set_v all_o their_o wit_n to_o work_v either_o to_o set_v off_o the_o ridiculous_a and_o offensive_a ceremony_n of_o paganism_n or_o to_o palliate_v their_o superstition_n by_o several_a various_a explanation_n of_o it_o as_o when_o they_o so_o stiff_o affirm_v that_o they_o worship_v one_o only_o supreme_a god_n though_o they_o acknowledge_v at_o the_o same_o time_n other_o subordinate_a deity_n depend_v one_o upon_o another_o and_o when_o they_o endeavour_v to_o justify_v the_o worship_n they_o pay_v to_o their_o idol_n by_o use_v many_o subtle_a and_o nice_a distinction_n it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o pride_n implant_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n they_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v accuse_v of_o entertain_v any_o absurd_a and_o extravagant_a opinion_n so_o that_o when_o ever_o their_o passion_n have_v make_v they_o embrace_v a_o religion_n which_o seem_v not_o very_o reasonable_a they_o employ_v all_o heir_n wit_n to_o make_v it_o at_o least_o appear_v consonant_a to_o reason_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n require_v no_o veil_n to_o cover_v it_o no_o mysterious_a silence_n no_o dark_a dissimulation_n or_o close_a disguise_n although_o it_o propose_v such_o kind_n of_o object_n to_o we_o as_o be_v vast_o contrary_a to_o all_o our_o prejudices_fw-la and_o receive_v opinion_n the_o apostle_n free_o confess_v that_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o apparent_a folly_n but_o yet_o they_o assure_v we_o god_n be_v resolve_v to_o save_v the_o world_n by_o that_o seem_a folly_n they_o know_v that_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n become_v a_o scandal_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o a_o folly_n to_o the_o greek_a yet_o they_o public_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v determine_v not_o to_o know_v any_o thing_n save_o jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v and_o how_o come_v it_o then_o that_o they_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o mince_n or_o endeavour_v to_o soften_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o seem_a paradox_n so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o conceal_v it_o but_o that_o they_o be_v strong_o and_o full_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o adorable_a mystery_n and_o that_o the_o abundance_n of_o their_o understanding_n serve_v only_o to_o make_v they_o more_o full_o comprehend_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o cross_n iii_o shall_v we_o strict_o consider_v some_o religion_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o be_v first_o for_o the_o most_o part_n institue_v either_o by_o poet_n or_o philosopher_n and_o that_o they_o general_o spring_v from_o the_o sportive_a conceit_n or_o witty_a speculation_n of_o the_o understanding_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n they_o be_v not_o so_o universal_o approve_v the_o philosopher_n always_o deride_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o vulgar_a and_o the_o vulgar_a understand_v nothing_o of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o philosopher_n socrates_n ridicule_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o athenian_n and_o the_o athenian_n accuse_v socrates_n of_o impiety_n and_o atheism_n and_o condemn_v he_o to_o death_n the_o christian_a religion_n alone_o be_v approve_v of_o as_o well_o by_o the_o philosopher_n as_o the_o vulgar_a people_n as_o neither_o depend_v upon_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o latter_a nor_o proceed_v from_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o former_a it_o have_v a_o divine_a efficacy_n and_o agreeable_a power_n suitable_a to_o all_o heart_n it_o be_v adapt_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o most_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a though_o infinite_o raise_v above_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o wise_a it_o be_v sublime_a without_o be_v nice_o speculative_a and_o simple_a without_o be_v mean_a in_o its_o sublimity_n preserve_v its_o clearness_n and_o in_o its_o simplicity_n preserve_v its_o dignity_n in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v nothing_o so_o great_a nor_o so_o inconsiderable_a in_o human_a society_n but_o what_o may_v some_o way_n fall_n under_o its_o consideration_n and_o it_o be_v equal_o approve_v of_o and_o admire_v by_o all_o iv._o other_o religion_n bring_v man_n from_o spiritual_a object_n to_o those_o that_o be_v corporeal_a and_o earthly_a the_o christian_a religion_n bring_v they_o from_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n to_o those_o of_o the_o understanding_n we_o all_o know_v that_o the_o heathen_n when_o they_o deify_v man_n or_o worship_v a_o deity_n under_o a_o human_a shape_n they_o be_v so_o far_o pay_v that_o deity_n a_o worship_n due_a to_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n that_o their_o adoration_n consist_v in_o several_a game_n show_n and_o divers_a exercise_n of_o the_o body_n the_o jew_n and_o samaritan_n by_o their_o eager_a dispute_n whether_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v in_o jerusalem_n or_o in_o mount_n gerazim_n extinguish_v charity_n the_o true_a spirit_n of_o religion_n in_o their_o too_o hot_a defence_n of_o the_o external_a part_n 5._o of_o it_o nay_o the_o prophet_n complain_v former_o that_o the_o jew_n make_v 〈…〉_z to_o consist_v in_o bow_v down_o their_o head_n as_o a_o â—â—â—rush_n and_o put_v on_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n observe_v that_o the_o priest_n of_o 28._o baal_n be_v wont_a to_o cut_v themselves_o with_o knife_n and_o lance_n when_o they_o sacrifice_v to_o he_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o make_v their_o god_n hear_v their_o prayer_n but_o by_o inflict_v such_o punishment_n on_o their_o own_o body_n the_o modern_a jew_n can_v be_v persuade_v that_o we_o have_v be_v call_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n though_o they_o find_v we_o all_o profess_v to_o put_v our_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o because_o they_o perceive_v not_o that_o we_o use_v any_o corporeal_a ceremony_n and_o the_o mahometan_n more_o irreligious_a than_o superstitious_a make_v their_o religion_n and_o its_o happiness_n depend_v chief_o on_o their_o sense_n when_o they_o worship_n they_o turn_v themselves_o towards_o mecha_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v towards_o jerusalem_n and_o earnest_o desire_v of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v gratify_v their_o sense_n and_o though_o they_o have_v a_o sort_n of_o a_o religious_a respect_n for_o the_o letter_n that_o compose_v the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o
shell_n and_o bark_n if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o examine_v all_o those_o argument_n that_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o external_a testimony_n which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n give_v of_o it_o and_o by_o consider_v their_o natural_a capacity_n the_o discovery_n that_o be_v make_v to_o they_o their_o prejudices_fw-la the_o peculiar_a frame_n of_o their_o mind_n their_o martyrdom_n and_o the_o reason_n that_o induce_v they_o to_o suffer_v it_o etc._n etc._n and_o all_o this_o before_o we_o proceed_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new-testament_n ii_o we_o shall_v consider_v these_o write_n themselves_o and_o inquire_v whether_o they_o be_v forge_v or_o not_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o subject-matter_n of_o they_o and_o endeavour_n both_o to_o defend_v they_o against_o the_o suspicion_n of_o the_o incredulous_a by_o show_v that_o they_o contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v certain_o true_a and_o to_o evince_v the_o divinity_n of_o they_o by_o the_o character_n of_o those_o thing_n they_o contain_v iii_o and_o last_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o very_a substance_n and_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n by_o discover_v the_o excellence_n use_n advantage_n the_o end_n genius_n and_o in_o general_a all_o the_o beauty_n which_o be_v proper_a and_o natural_a to_o it_o and_o this_o be_v what_o we_o design_v to_o treat_v of_o in_o the_o follow_a section_n whereof_o this_o second_o part_n be_v compose_v but_o since_o our_o adversary_n by_o their_o prejudices_fw-la may_v be_v incline_v to_o fear_v lest_o we_o shall_v impose_v upon_o they_o by_o make_v they_o believe_v such_o doctrine_n as_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o reason_n and_o since_o it_o be_v much_o for_o our_o advantage_n to_o remove_v all_o such_o suspicion_n we_o will_v for_o a_o while_o doubt_v of_o every_o thing_n with_o they_o and_o raise_v ourselves_o by_o degree_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o establish_v christianity_n itself_o admit_v of_o nothing_o for_o truth_n but_o so_o far_o as_o appear_v evident_a chap._n i._n where_o we_o shall_v inquire_v whence_o the_o christian_n have_v their_o original_a and_o what_o their_o profession_n be_v by_o look_v back_o into_o the_o first_o age_n wherein_o they_o appear_v in_o order_n to_o which_o we_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v now_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n and_o there_o have_v not_o always_o be_v such_o from_o this_o i_o gather_v that_o i_o must_v look_v back_o into_o past_a age_n to_o find_v out_o the_o original_a of_o my_o religion_n in_o this_o search_n i_o pass_v therefore_o from_o age_n to_o age_n till_o i_o come_v to_o constantine_n without_o be_v able_a to_o clear_v this_o doubt_n but_o here_o we_o must_v make_v a_o little_a stop_n the_o prosperity_n of_o this_o prince_n give_v at_o first_o some_o occasion_n of_o suspicion_n and_o we_o easy_o mistrust_v a_o man_n who_o be_v master_n of_o the_o most_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o world_n seem_v probable_o to_o have_v establish_v the_o christian_a religion_n therein_o either_o by_o force_n or_o policy_n look_v perhaps_o upon_o it_o as_o more_o proper_a than_o that_o of_o the_o heathen_n to_o carry_v on_o his_o design_n yet_o that_o suspicion_n soon_o vanish_v since_o we_o be_v assure_v there_o be_v christian_n in_o the_o world_n before_o constantine_n time_n all_o the_o heathen_a writer_n who_o live_v before_o he_o speak_v of_o they_o and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a historian_n be_v whole_o employ_v in_o describe_v their_o suffering_n but_o suppose_v that_o these_o historian_n live_v in_o the_o day_n of_o constantine_n or_o after_o he_o they_o must_v needs_o have_v either_o lose_v the_o use_n of_o their_o reason_n themselves_o or_o have_v imagine_v that_o the_o man_n of_o their_o age_n have_v lose_v they_o when_o they_o give_v they_o the_o history_n of_o the_o christian_n church_n down_o from_o the_o apostle_n to_o constantine_n if_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o have_v not_o be_v christian_n in_o the_o world_n before_o that_o prince_n and_o therefore_o this_o must_v be_v too_o extravagant_a a_o suspicion_n to_o be_v entertain_v long_o but_o here_o be_v something_o still_o more_o observable_a viz._n that_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o christian_n who_o live_v before_o constantine_n be_v then_o possess_v of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n and_o on_o the_o other_o that_o those_o very_a christian_n be_v so_o strong_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n of_o his_o miracle_n of_o the_o pour_v out_o the_o holy_a spirit_n on_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o all_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o establish_v the_o christian_a religion_n that_o they_o hardly_o speak_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o their_o book_n be_v full_a of_o they_o and_o their_o doctrine_n be_v altogether_o build_v upon_o this_o foundation_n and_o therefore_o if_o constantine_n invent_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o establish_v christianity_n he_o must_v not_o only_o have_v forge_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n but_o also_o the_o write_n of_o clemens_n justin_n iraeneus_n athenagoras_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n tertullian_n origen_n and_o in_o general_a of_o all_o the_o father_n who_o live_v before_o he_o because_o every_o one_o of_o their_o write_n have_v a_o essential_a relation_n to_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o shall_v we_o go_v up_o a_o little_a high_o than_o the_o reign_n of_o constantine_n we_o shall_v hear_v of_o christian_n that_o be_v afflict_v during_o the_o three_o first_o century_n of_o the_o church_n and_o persecute_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o punish_v with_o most_o barbarous_a and_o new_a invent_v torment_n they_o be_v put_v to_o death_n upon_o wheel_n and_o scaffold_n torture_v by_o fire_n their_o flesh_n tear_v with_o pincer_n their_o body_n be_v mangle_v by_o cut_v off_o limb_n one_o after_o another_o they_o be_v throw_v into_o river_n and_o cast_v into_o the_o sea_n and_o expose_v to_o wild_a beast_n wrap_v up_o in_o garment_n dip_v in_o sulphur_n to_o serve_v for_o torch_n and_o set_v up_o to_o light_a passenger_n in_o their_o way_n in_o fine_a it_o be_v never_o know_v that_o man_n so_o universal_o agree_v in_o any_o one_o thing_n as_o in_o their_o design_n of_o torment_v the_o christian_n in_o so_o much_o that_o the_o ordinary_a people_n who_o have_v general_o some_o compassion_n for_o the_o great_a malefactor_n upon_o the_o scaffold_n conduct_v the_o christian_n to_o the_o place_n of_o execution_n with_o acclamation_n of_o joy_n certain_o it_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n to_o restrain_v one_o curiosity_n so_o much_o as_o not_o to_o desire_v a_o more_o particular_a knowledge_n of_o a_o people_n persecute_v by_o the_o world_n with_o so_o much_o rage_n and_o malice_n for_o to_o see_v the_o whole_a world_n so_o strange_o incense_v against_o one_o sect_n of_o man_n one_o will_v easy_o think_v they_o the_o common_a enemy_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o the_o offspring_n of_o hell_n itself_o bear_v for_o a_o common_a plague_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n apolog._n what_o then_o be_v the_o great_a crime_n these_o christian_n be_v guilty_a of_o they_o be_v accuse_v of_o impiety_n murder_n and_o incest_n it_o be_v pretend_v that_o they_o violate_v the_o respect_n due_a to_o the_o god_n that_o they_o murder_v their_o own_o child_n which_o they_o scruple_v not_o to_o eat_v up_o after_o have_v kill_v they_o and_o last_o that_o they_o lie_v promiscuous_o together_o the_o brother_n with_o the_o sister_n and_o the_o son_n with_o the_o mother_n but_o first_o of_o all_o there_o be_v little_a likelihood_n that_o the_o christian_n shall_v suffer_v death_n and_o torment_n worse_o than_o death_n itself_o in_o defence_n of_o a_o religion_n which_o engage_v they_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o such_o infamous_a action_n that_o steadfast_a constancy_n they_o show_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o torment_n and_o which_o their_o enemy_n themselves_o acknowledge_v suit_n very_o ill_o with_o the_o voluptuousness_n and_o enormity_n they_o be_v accuse_v of_o beside_o be_v they_o question_v concern_v these_o crime_n which_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o clear_v themselves_o of_o they_o will_v produce_v in_o their_o behalf_n the_o apology_n of_o justin_n athenagoras_n and_o tertullian_n wherein_o they_o earnest_o desire_v the_o senate_n and_o roman_a emperor_n that_o they_o will_v make_v a_o strict_a enquiry_n into_o their_o life_n and_o inflict_v upon_o they_o such_o torment_n as_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n if_o possible_o more_o cruel_a than_o those_o they_o have_v already_o endure_v if_o they_o be_v real_o guilty_a of_o what_o they_o be_v accuse_v they_o will_v show_v we_o likewise_o a_o letter_n from_o pliny_n to_o trajan_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o authentic_a monument_n of_o their_o innocence_n since_o pliny_n there_o inform_v
in_o they_o can_v there_o proceed_v from_o the_o malice_n and_o perfidiousness_n of_o a_o man_n who_o have_v so_o late_o accuse_v his_o nation_n of_o a_o crime_n he_o know_v to_o be_v utter_o false_a so_o many_o exhortation_n to_o fear_n god_n so_o strong_a so_o move_v in_o themselves_o and_o so_o often_o repeat_v that_o they_o whole_o take_v up_o the_o write_n of_o this_o apostle_n can_v his_o humility_n proceed_v from_o thence_o whereby_o he_o refer_v every_o thing_n to_o god_n as_o to_o the_o centre_n of_o all_o good_a thing_n so_o sincere_o tell_v we_o what_o have_v thou_o that_o thou_o do_v not_o receive_v and_o if_o thou_o do_v receive_v it_o why_o do_v thou_o glory_n as_o if_o thou_o have_v not_o receive_v it_o 1_o cor._n 4._o 7._o we_o be_v you_o you_o be_v christ_n and_o christ_n be_v god_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 23._o can_v his_o hatred_n too_o for_o vice_n arise_v from_o thence_o which_o upon_o all_o occasion_n he_o testify_v and_o express_v after_o so_o strong_a and_o lively_a a_o manner_n his_o charity_n appear_v no_o less_o in_o his_o passionate_a concern_v for_o the_o sanctification_n of_o his_o brethren_n all_o his_o epistle_n be_v a_o continue_a serious_a of_o tender_a or_o move_a exhortation_n or_o rather_o ardent_a request_n he_o make_v they_o to_o love_v one_o another_o he_o desire_v they_o shall_v live_v sober_o just_o and_o religious_o he_o addresses_z himself_o both_o to_o servant_n and_o master_n to_o poor_a and_o rich_a to_o parent_n and_o child_n to_o young_a man_n and_o old_a man_n have_v no_o prejudice_n nor_o hatred_n for_o any_o one_o he_o pour_v out_o himself_o in_o thanksgiving_n and_o blessing_n for_o all_o man_n he_o speak_v to_o they_o after_o a_o very_a tender_a and_o move_a manner_n he_o call_v they_o his_o little_a child_n his_o belove_a his_o bowel_n his_o glory_n and_o his_o crown_n and_o what_o be_v his_o design_n in_o all_o this_o only_o to_o inspire_v they_o with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o their_o neighbour_n how_o do_v he_o extol_v the_o excellence_n of_o charity_n though_o i_o speak_v say_v he_o with_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o of_o angel_n and_o have_v no_o charity_n i_o be_o become_v as_o sound_a brass_n or_o tinkle_a cymbal_n and_o though_o i_o bestow_v all_o my_o good_n to_o feed_v the_o poor_a and_o though_o i_o give_v my_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v and_o have_v not_o charity_n it_o profit_v i_o nothing_o charity_n suffer_v long_o and_o be_v kind_a charity_n envy_v not_o charity_n vaunt_v not_o itself_o be_v not_o puff_v up_o do_v not_o behave_v itself_o unseemly_a seek_v not_o her_o own_o be_v not_o easy_o provoke_v think_v no_o evil_a rejoice_v not_o in_o iniquity_n but_o rejoice_v in_o the_o truth_n bear_v all_o thing_n believe_v all_o thing_n hope_v all_o thing_n 1_o cor._n 13._o 1_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o such_o be_v the_o idea_n st._n paul_n have_v of_o charity_n in_o which_o appear_v the_o force_n of_o reason_n and_o of_o true_a virtue_n without_o the_o fantastical_a weakness_n of_o superstition_n he_o prefer_v charity_n to_o miraculous_a gift_n and_o therein_o appear_v the_o spirit_n of_o true_a religion_n this_o consideration_n of_o the_o character_n and_o virtue_n of_o this_o apostle_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o considerable_a that_o it_o force_v we_o in_o despite_n of_o ourselves_o to_o assertâ—_n one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n either_o that_o st._n paul_n be_v a_o wicked_a man_n and_o a_o notorious_a impostor_n or_o else_o that_o he_o have_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o jesus_n chrict_a in_o the_o way_n to_o damascus_n that_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v true_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o whosoever_o prove_v that_o st._n paul_n be_v no_o wicked_a person_n do_v even_o thereby_o prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o christian_a religion_n i_o desire_v therefore_o the_o reader_n thorough_o to_o consider_v the_o style_n of_o his_o epistle_n and_o examine_v they_o from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n to_o discover_v the_o true_a genius_n and_o character_n of_o they_o what_o be_v it_o this_o apostle_n desire_v of_o god_n that_o those_o who_o he_o speak_v to_o may_v live_v good_a life_n and_o that_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v by_o their_o work_n what_o do_v he_o complain_v of_o vice_n what_o be_v it_o he_o chief_o praise_n virtue_n by_o what_o motive_n do_v he_o act_v or_o speak_v as_o he_o do_v by_o quite_o another_o motive_n than_o that_o of_o self_n interest_n st._n luke_n have_v already_o tell_v we_o in_o the_o book_n of_o act_n that_o he_o work_v for_o his_o live_n and_o that_o his_o employment_n be_v to_o make_v tent_n whereupon_o we_o shall_v make_v these_o two_o observation_n i._o that_o st._n paul_n have_v be_v a_o pharisee_n breed_v up_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o gamaliel_n will_v have_v think_v it_o beneath_o he_o to_o follow_v so_o vile_a a_o profession_n have_v he_o be_v worldly_a mind_a or_o ambitious_a second_o that_o this_o apostle_n resolve_v to_o work_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n for_o his_o live_n in_o a_o time_n which_o other_o people_n will_v have_v greedy_o embrace_v to_o acquire_v wealth_n for_o what_o can_v have_v be_v refuse_v to_o those_o man_n who_o open_v to_o mankind_n the_o direct_a way_n way_n to_o heaven_n and_o give_v they_o certain_a hope_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n with_o regard_n to_o the_o apostle_n but_o if_o st._n luke_n shall_v be_v think_v to_o have_v impose_v upon_o we_o in_o the_o relation_n of_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v but_o hear_v what_o st._n paul_n himself_o say_v of_o it_o who_o certain_o will_v not_o have_v undertake_v to_o persuade_v those_o people_n of_o it_o against_o their_o own_o proper_a knowledge_n behold_v say_v he_o to_o the_o corinthian_n the_o three_o time_n i_o be_o ready_a to_o come_v to_o you_o and_o i_o will_v not_o be_v burdensome_a to_o you_o for_o i_o seek_v not_o you_o but_o you_o for_o the_o child_n ought_v not_o to_o lay_v up_o for_o the_o parent_n but_o the_o parent_n for_o the_o child_n 2_o cor._n 12._o 14._o and_o i_o will_v very_o glad_o spend_v and_o be_v spend_v for_o you_o etc._n etc._n and_o then_o have_v i_o catch_v you_o with_o guile_n and_o in_o another_o place_n have_v i_o commit_v a_o offence_n in_o abase_v myself_o that_o you_o may_v be_v exalt_v because_o i_o have_v preach_v to_o you_o the_o gospel_n of_o god_n free_o 2_o cor._n 11._o 7._o st._n paul_n will_v never_o have_v speak_v to_o they_o after_o this_o manner_n have_v he_o preach_v only_o out_o of_o self_n interest_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o those_o who_o carry_v a_o worldly_a mind_n along_o with_o they_o into_o the_o sanctuary_n be_v mere_a huchster_n of_o religion_n and_o make_v a_o trade_n of_o the_o most_o sacred_a and_o sublime_a mystery_n of_o christianity_n but_o suppose_v st._n paul_n act_v not_o by_o a_o principle_n of_o self_n interest_n which_o be_v generaly_a the_o centre_n of_o other_o man_n action_n who_o will_v assure_v we_o that_o he_o owe_v not_o his_o virtue_n to_o pride_n which_o be_v another_o nice_a kind_n of_o interest_n to_o which_o some_o man_n direct_v all_o their_o action_n i_o be_o very_a well_o persuade_v that_o man_n may_v out_o of_o a_o capricious_a fancy_n ascribe_v the_o best_a action_n to_o pride_n and_o give_v the_o name_n of_o hypocrisy_n to_o the_o most_o sincere_a virtue_n for_o what_o can_v put_v a_o stop_n to_o the_o continual_a roving_n of_o a_o soul_n that_o endeavour_n only_o to_o raise_v doubt_n and_o scruple_n but_o then_o i_o also_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v such_o visible_a mark_n in_o the_o conduct_n and_o action_n of_o st._n paul_n as_o manifest_o evince_v in_o spite_n of_o incredulity_n that_o his_o virtue_n be_v solid_a and_o his_o self_n denial_n sincere_a but_o this_o i_o hope_v will_v more_o plain_o appear_v by_o the_o follow_a reflection_n we_o need_v but_o a_o very_a indifferent_a knowledge_n of_o man_n heart_n and_o inclination_n to_o know_v that_o as_o there_o be_v two_o different_a state_n into_o which_o man_n may_v fall_v so_o likewise_o there_o be_v two_o different_a sort_n of_o passion_n which_o then_o arise_v in_o the_o soul_n prosperity_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o pride_n with_o all_o the_o other_o vice_n that_o accompany_v it_o poverty_n and_o misery_n that_o of_o covetousness_n with_o all_o that_o be_v consequent_a upon_o it_o not_o but_o that_o covetousness_n be_v find_v sometime_o even_o in_o prosperity_n as_o well_o as_o pride_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o misery_n but_o that_o be_v not_o my_o meaning_n i_o only_o will_v say_v that_o prosperity_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o pride_n and_o poverty_n the_o kingdom_n of_o avarice_n because_o a_o man_n that_o be_v
character_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v infinite_o more_o excellent_a than_o that_o of_o the_o write_n of_o all_o the_o father_n who_o live_v successive_o from_o the_o apostle_n down_o to_o we_o wherein_o any_o one_o may_v easy_o observe_v a_o strange_a affectation_n a_o particular_a vanity_n of_o show_v their_o part_n and_o learning_n and_o sometime_o much_o heat_n and_o passion_n because_o they_o be_v far_o from_o the_o perfection_n in_o christianity_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v iv._o that_o the_o best_a sort_n of_o godly_a book_n write_v among_o the_o christian_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n down_o to_o we_o i_o mean_v those_o book_n that_o most_o establish_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o public_a society_n and_o chief_o tend_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v write_v in_o imitation_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o which_o they_o have_v their_o material_n to_o compose_v they_o with_o this_o be_v what_o in_o my_o opinion_n be_v very_o sure_a and_o certain_a and_o as_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o if_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o divine_o inspire_v they_o must_v necessary_o be_v impostor_n nay_o such_o abominable_a man_n as_o desire_v only_o to_o dishonour_v their_o nation_n and_o to_o sacrifice_v to_o a_o vain_a flatter_a idea_n of_o glory_n the_o life_n and_o fortune_n of_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n who_o they_o encourage_v to_o suffer_v martyrdom_n let_v we_o now_o see_v whether_o we_o can_v persuade_v ourselves_o that_o the_o most_o excellent_a book_n that_o be_v ever_o know_v i_o mean_v those_o book_n that_o be_v most_o proper_a to_o inspire_v we_o with_o piety_n with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n that_o be_v the_o source_n of_o the_o best_a matter_n that_o ever_o be_v write_v and_o the_o original_n of_o the_o piety_n and_o virtue_n of_o all_o those_o person_n who_o be_v convert_v by_o they_o be_v only_o the_o invention_n of_o the_o most_o wicked_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v certain_o since_o all_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n consider_v this_o book_n as_o divine_a and_o as_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n whereby_o they_o distinguish_v it_o from_o all_o other_o book_n it_o follow_v thence_o that_o all_o the_o christian_n be_v either_o deceive_v in_o the_o essential_o of_o it_o and_o that_o their_o faith_n be_v false_a or_o else_o that_o book_n must_v in_o reality_n be_v of_o a_o divine_a authority_n for_o such_o a_o universal_a tradition_n so_o constant_a and_o so_o necessary_o affix_v to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o religion_n can_v never_o impose_v upon_o we_o it_o have_v be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n as_o we_o have_v already_o observe_v to_o take_v care_n that_o this_o book_n shall_v be_v leave_v to_o we_o as_o entire_a as_o when_o it_o come_v out_o of_o the_o apostle_n hand_n and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o all_o assure_v we_o that_o it_o be_v of_o a_o divine_a authority_n tell_v we_o only_o but_o what_o right_a reason_n oblige_v they_o to_o acknowledge_v and_o we_o as_o well_o as_o they_o for_o the_o word_n preach_v and_o the_o word_n write_v by_o the_o apostle_n differ_v not_o essential_o from_o one_o another_o so_o that_o if_o the_o former_a be_v divine_a the_o latter_a must_v necessary_o be_v so_o too_o and_o who_o doubt_v but_o that_o word_n must_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o divine_a which_o god_n himself_o authorise_v by_o so_o many_o miracle_n perhaps_o some_o will_v reply_v that_o it_o will_v be_v of_o a_o very_a dangerous_a consequence_n to_o reason_n often_o after_o this_o manner_n and_o that_o although_o a_o false_a prophet_n shall_v work_v prodigious_a miracle_n yet_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o follow_v he_o upon_o a_o bare_a supposition_n that_o god_n never_o assist_v a_o impostor_n with_o his_o infinite_a power_n but_o this_o i_o own_o and_o affirm_v also_o that_o we_o ought_v strict_o to_o examine_v both_o his_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n to_o find_v out_o by_o that_o comparison_n the_o true_a original_a of_o both_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v this_o advantage_n that_o we_o not_o only_o find_v here_o such_o miracle_n as_o excel_v all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n such_o as_o for_o example_n the_o raise_v a_o man_n from_o the_o dead_a but_o that_o this_o doctrine_n also_o visible_o bear_v all_o the_o character_n of_o one_o that_o proceed_v from_o heaven_n those_o miracle_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n so_o great_a and_o numerous_a that_o the_o people_n cry_v out_o sure_o this_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n take_v away_o all_o suspicion_n of_o the_o falsity_n and_o pernicious_a consequence_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o confirm_v because_o the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o usual_o employ_v in_o favour_n of_o a_o imposture_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v so_o holy_a and_o so_o perfect_o tend_v to_o the_o union_n and_o welfare_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v so_o worthy_a of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o man_n sufficient_o warrant_v we_o that_o the_o miracle_n whereby_o it_o be_v confirm_v proceed_v not_o in_o the_o least_o from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n as_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n seem_v to_o believe_v hell_n never_o concern_v itself_o either_o to_o unite_v or_o sanctify_v mankind_n all_o the_o apostle_n express_o declare_v that_o the_o word_n which_o they_o preach_v proceed_v not_o from_o themselves_o but_o god_n but_o i_o certify_v you_o brethren_n say_v st._n paul_n in_o his_o epist_n to_o the_o galatian_n chap._n 1._o v._n 11._o that_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v preach_v of_o i_o be_v not_o after_o man_n for_o i_o neither_o receive_v of_o man_n neither_o be_v i_o teach_v it_o but_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n thus_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v assemble_v together_o at_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o first_o council_n that_o ever_o be_v hold_v and_o write_v to_o some_o chnrche_n concern_v several_a question_n that_o be_v then_o in_o agitation_n they_o make_v use_v of_o this_o manner_n of_o speak_v for_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o act._n 15._o 28._o it_o appear_v then_o that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v by_o the_o order_n and_o revelation_n of_o god_n which_o be_v give_v several_a way_n viz._n sometime_o by_o vision_n as_o when_o st._n peter_n see_v a_o certain_a vessel_n descend_v from_o heaven_n as_o it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a sheet_n knit_v by_o the_o four_o corner_n wherein_o be_v all_o kind_n of_o unclean_a beast_n and_o he_o be_v command_v say_v peter_n kill_v and_o eat_v act._n 10._o 13._o on_o purpose_n to_o signify_v that_o he_o ought_v to_o preach_v â—he_v gospel_n to_o the_o gentile_n who_o be_v no_o long_o a_o unclean_a nation_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n sometime_o by_o dream_n as_o when_o a_o certain_a macedonian_a appear_v unto_o st._n paul_n command_v he_o to_o go_v into_o macedonia_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n there_o sometime_o by_o ecstasy_n as_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o st._n paul_n be_v catch_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n but_o yet_o much_o often_o by_o the_o inward_a dictate_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n form_v as_o it_o be_v â—n_v their_o soul_n as_o when_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o peter_n concern_v the_o man_n which_o cornelius_n send_v to_o inquire_v for_o he_o go_v thou_o with_o they_o doubt_v nothing_o for_o i_o â—ave_n send_v they_o act._n 10._o 20._o it_o be_v true_a one_o may_v very_o well_o suspect_v these_o revelation_n if_o one_o single_a man_n boast_v of_o have_v have_v â—hem_fw-mi impart_v to_o he_o but_o here_o we_o have_v several_a god_n do_v not_o reveal_v himself_o to_o they_o after_o one_o single_a manner_n but_o after_o divers_a they_o assert_v not_o only_o â—hat_n god_n have_v reveal_v some_o thing_n to_o they_o in_o order_n â—o_o induce_v mankind_n to_o believe_v it_o but_o they_o wrought_v many_o miracle_n speak_v divers_a language_n impart_v â—hose_v gift_n to_o other_o thereby_o convert_v the_o world_n â—nd_v exact_o fulfil_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n that_o spirit_n which_o fill_v they_o and_o be_v necessary_o to_o fill_v â—hem_fw-mi because_o the_o time_n of_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentilesâ—as_v â—as_z come_v be_v outward_o produce_v by_o such_o effect_n â—s_v undoubted_o will_v confound_v the_o incredulous_a if_o they_o â—eflect_v upon_o they_o certain_o if_o it_o be_v true_a as_o it_o be_v that_o god_n pour_v down_o his_o spirit_n upon_o the_o apostle_n on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n it_o be_v only_a that_o they_o may_v preach_v unto_o man_n by_o their_o ministry_n unless_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o the_o tongue_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v exalt_v after_o a_o supernatural_a manner_n so_o far_o as_o to_o speak_v all_o sort_n of_o language_n be_v to_o confine_v themselves_o to_o that_o particular_a employ_v and_o not_o to_o reveal_v unto_o man_n the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o if_o we_o ought_v
the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n st._n mark_n chapt_n i._o 14._o now_o after_o that_o john_n be_v put_v in_o prison_n jesus_n come_v into_o galilee_n preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n all_o these_o expression_n the_o gospel_n or_o good_a tiding_n the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n be_v very_o strange_a and_o extraordinary_a and_o because_o our_o ear_n be_v somewhat_o use_v to_o they_o we_o do_v not_o reflect_v on_o they_o so_o much_o as_o we_o ought_v certain_o it_o must_v be_v a_o strange_a kind_n of_o mutual_a agreement_n that_o several_a fisherman_n make_v together_o to_o go_v preach_v about_o the_o world_n and_o call_v the_o subject_a of_o their_o preach_n by_o the_o name_n of_o gospel_n chap._n iu._n 19_o and_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o other_o thing_n enter_v in_o choke_v the_o word_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v not_o usual_a for_o other_o man_n thus_o to_o declare_v open_a war_n against_o their_o passion_n or_o if_o they_o do_v they_o fail_v not_o present_o to_o discover_v themselves_o and_o lay_v open_a their_o own_o hypocrisy_n to_o the_o world_n verse_n 41._o and_o they_o say_v one_o to_o another_o what_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v this_o that_o even_o the_o wind_n and_o sea_n obey_v he_o etc._n etc._n we_o too_o may_v as_o well_o say_v what_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v this_o that_o not_o only_o the_o sea_n and_o wind_n but_o disease_n grave_n death_n hell_n earth_n man_n and_o devil_n all_o obey_v he_o for_o it_o be_v observable_a there_o be_v nothing_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o nature_n but_o what_o be_v sensible_a of_o his_o miracle_n chap._n vi_o 2_o 3._o from_o whence_o have_v this_o man_n these_o thing_n and_o what_o wisdom_n be_v this_o which_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o that_o even_o such_o mighty_a work_n be_v wrought_v by_o his_o hand_n be_v not_o this_o the_o carpenter_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n etc._n etc._n whence_o rather_o proceed_v this_o astonishment_n of_o they_o and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o reproach_n have_v not_o christ_n wrought_v several_a miracle_n among_o they_o verse_n 4_o 5_o 6._o but_o jesus_n say_v unto_o they_o a_o prophet_n be_v not_o without_o honour_n but_o in_o his_o own_o country_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o can_v not_o do_v many_o mighty_a work_n there_o save_v that_o he_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o a_o few_o sick_a folk_n and_o he_o heal_v they_o and_o he_o marvel_v because_o of_o their_o unbelief_n every_o thing_n in_o this_o passage_n carry_v with_o it_o a_o air_n of_o truth_n without_o the_o least_o semblance_n of_o falsity_n for_o he_o that_o will_v invent_v a_o story_n and_o desire_v other_o man_n shall_v believe_v it_o will_v never_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o circumstance_n as_o these_o verse_n 56._o and_o whithersoever_o he_o enter_v into_o village_n or_o city_n or_o country_n they_o lay_v the_o sick_a in_o the_o street_n and_o beseech_v that_o they_o may_v touch_v if_o it_o be_v but_o the_o border_n of_o his_o garment_n and_o as_o many_o as_o touch_v he_o be_v make_v whole_a it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o impose_v upon_o other_o people_n in_o such_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o these_o chap._n viii_o 27_o 28._o and_o by_o the_o way_n he_o ask_v his_o disciple_n say_v unto_o they_o who_o do_v man_n say_v that_o i_o be_o and_o they_o answer_v some_o say_v john_n the_o baptist_n but_o some_o say_v elias_n and_o other_o one_o of_o the_o prophet_n here_o we_o may_v observe_v what_o a_o great_a impression_n christ_n be_v miracle_n have_v already_o make_v upon_o other_o man_n mind_n chap._n fourteen_o 33._o and_o he_o begin_v to_o be_v sore_o amaze_v and_o to_o be_v very_o heavy_a to_o own_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v reduce_v to_o this_o state_n nay_o he_o who_o they_o will_v have_v man_n look_v upon_o as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o strange_a and_o surprise_v sincerity_n verse_n 62._o and_o jesus_n say_v i_o be_o and_o you_o shall_v see_v the_o son_n of_o man_n sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o power_n and_o come_v in_o the_o cloud_n of_o heaven_n do_v ever_o any_o criminal_a bring_v before_o a_o tribunal_n of_o justice_n speak_v thus_o chap._n xvi_o 17_o 18_o 20._o and_o these_o sign_n shall_v follow_v they_o that_o believe_v in_o my_o name_n they_o shall_v cast_v out_o devil_n they_o shall_v speak_v with_o strange_a tongue_n they_o shall_v take_v up_o serpent_n and_o if_o they_o drink_v any_o deadly_a thing_n it_o shall_v not_o hurt_v they_o they_o shall_v lay_v hand_n on_o the_o sick_a and_o they_o shall_v recover_v etc._n etc._n and_o they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_o the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o and_o confirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n etc._n etc._n either_o all_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n must_v have_v be_v necessary_o true_a or_o st._n mark_n must_v have_v be_v strange_o beside_o himself_o when_o he_o relate_v they_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o be_v it_o that_o he_o relate_v or_o who_o do_v he_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o nay_o what_o time_n do_v he_o choose_v to_o effect_v it_o how_o can_v he_o possible_o persuade_v the_o disciple_n that_o they_o have_v do_v such_o miracle_n as_o they_o be_v never_o able_a to_o do_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o christ_n have_v give_v they_o that_o power_n to_o do_v miracle_n which_o they_o never_o receive_v st._n luke_n chap._n i._n 64._o and_o his_o mouth_n be_v open_v immediate_o and_o his_o tongue_n loose_v and_o he_o speak_v and_o praise_v god_n and_o fear_n come_v on_o all_o that_o dwell_v round_o about_o they_o and_o all_o these_o say_n be_v noise_v abroad_o throughout_o all_o the_o hill_n country_n of_o judea_n no_o man_n be_v so_o mad_a as_o to_o pretend_v to_o impose_v upon_o man_n belief_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n so_o public_a as_o these_o he_o will_v rather_o make_v choice_n of_o passage_n scarce_o hear_v of_o or_o at_o least_o but_o obscure_o know_v chap._n ii_o 16._o and_o find_v mary_n and_o joseph_n and_o the_o babe_n lie_v in_o a_o manger_n great_a be_v the_o exactness_n of_o these_o writer_n in_o give_v we_o a_o simple_a relation_n of_o thing_n as_o they_o real_o be_v what_o can_v seem_v more_o contrary_a and_o irreconcilable_a one_o with_o another_o than_o all_o these_o circumstance_n a_o child_n sleep_v in_o a_o manger_n but_o a_o child_n who_o nativity_n be_v declare_v even_o by_o angel_n and_o celebrate_v by_o all_o the_o host_n of_o heaven_n a_o child_n that_o be_v banish_v the_o society_n of_o man_n but_o elevate_v in_o dignity_n even_o above_o the_o bless_a spirit_n a_o child_n that_o be_v inconsiderable_a and_o of_o no_o esteem_n on_o earth_n but_o great_a in_o heaven_n and_o adore_v by_o angel_n that_o be_v indeed_o a_o while_n after_o his_o birth_n worship_v by_o some_o wiseman_n that_o bring_v he_o present_n but_o soon_o force_v to_o fly_v into_o egypt_n for_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o life_n certain_o there_o appear_v nothing_o like_o a_o fiction_n in_o all_o these_o circumstance_n chap._n v._o 19_o and_o when_o they_o can_v not_o find_v by_o what_o way_n they_o may_v bring_v he_o in_o because_o of_o the_o multitude_n they_o go_v upon_o the_o housetop_n and_o let_v he_o down_o through_o the_o til_n with_o his_o couch_n into_o the_o midst_n before_o jesus_n do_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o enter_v easy_o of_o themselves_o into_o a_o man_n mind_n who_o write_v nothing_o but_o of_o his_o own_o invention_n chap._n vii_o 38._o and_o she_o stand_v at_o his_o foot_n behind_o he_o weep_v and_o begin_v to_o wash_v his_o foot_n with_o tear_n and_o do_v wipe_v they_o with_o the_o hair_n of_o her_o head_n and_o kiss_v his_o foot_n and_o anoint_v they_o with_o the_o ointment_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o know_v the_o redeemer_n of_o the_o world_n by_o that_o save_a alteration_n he_o be_v see_v to_o make_v in_o those_o that_o follow_v he_o chap._n ix_o 45._o but_o they_o understand_v not_o this_o say_n and_o it_o be_v hide_v from_o they_o that_o they_o perceive_v it_o not_o great_a indeed_o be_v the_o evangelist_n sincerity_n who_o stick_v not_o to_o own_v the_o ignorance_n and_o stupidity_n of_o the_o disciple_n chap._n x._o 19_o 20._o behold_v i_o give_v unto_o you_o power_n to_o tread_v on_o serpent_n and_o scorpion_n and_o over_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o enemy_n and_o nothing_o shall_v by_o any_o mean_n hurt_v you_o notwithstanding_o in_o this_o rejoice_v not_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v subject_a unto_o you_o but_o rather_o rejoice_v because_o your_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n a_o certain_a character_n of_o true_a religion_n indeed_o which_o set_v a_o great_a value_n upon_o
to_o he_o about_o eat_v he_o answer_v that_o his_o meat_n be_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n and_o when_o he_o sit_v on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o well_o he_o speak_v of_o his_o divine_a grace_n as_o of_o a_o well_o of_o water_n spring_v up_o into_o everlasting_a life_n who_o be_v not_o fill_v with_o admiration_n when_o he_o consider_v these_o thing_n verse_n 24._o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n this_o be_v tell_v man_n in_o short_a what_o they_o shall_v have_v know_v and_o what_o all_o till_o then_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o this_o be_v what_o be_v most_o conformable_a to_o a_o reasonable_a nature_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a revelation_n what_o distinguish_v true_a religion_n from_o superstition_n what_o the_o wise_a among_o the_o heathen_n have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discover_v at_o a_o time_n when_o reason_v and_o speculation_n be_v at_o the_o height_n at_o lest_o what_o they_o have_v but_o a_o very_a faint_a knowledge_n of_o what_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o have_v speak_v of_o but_o obscure_o and_o what_o the_o jew_n who_o in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o saviour_n mind_v nothing_o in_o religion_n but_o the_o external_n corporeal_a part_n of_o it_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o what_o manner_n of_o man_n than_o be_v he_o who_o alone_o have_v so_o much_o wisdom_n chap._n v._o 25._o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o the_o hour_n be_v come_v and_o now_o be_v when_o the_o dead_a shall_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o they_o that_o hear_v shall_v live_v he_o that_o can_v raise_v the_o dead_a to_o life_n again_o may_v well_o speak_v after_o this_o manner_n but_o such_o expression_n will_v have_v be_v extravagant_a in_o any_o other_o but_o he_o verse_n 36._o but_o i_o have_v great_a witness_n than_o that_o of_o john_n for_o the_o work_n which_o the_o father_n have_v give_v i_o to_o finish_v the_o same_o work_n that_o i_o do_v bear_v witness_n of_o i_o that_o the_o father_n have_v send_v i_o those_o work_n must_v have_v be_v very_o extraordinary_a indeed_o since_o he_o prefer_v the_o witness_n they_o bear_v of_o he_o before_o that_o of_o john_n the_o baptist_n for_o be_v it_o otherwise_o he_o will_v have_v expose_v himself_o to_o the_o scorn_n of_o those_o that_o hear_v he_o verse_n 44._o how_o can_v you_o believe_v which_o receive_v honour_n one_o of_o another_o and_o seek_v not_o the_o honour_n that_o come_v from_o god_n only_o he_o that_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o do_v not_o express_v himself_o after_o this_o manner_n christ_n shall_v rather_o have_v make_v use_n of_o the_o vanity_n and_o weakness_n of_o man_n which_o be_v nice_o to_o be_v touch_v and_o delicate_o to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o in_o such_o case_n chap._n vi_o 14_o 15._o then_o those_o man_n when_o they_o have_v see_v the_o miracle_n that_o jesus_n do_v say_v this_o be_v of_o a_o truth_n that_o prophet_n that_o shall_v come_v into_o the_o world_n when_o jesus_n therefore_o perceive_v that_o they_o will_v come_v and_o take_v he_o by_o force_n to_o make_v he_o a_o king_n he_o depart_v again_o into_o a_o mountain_n himself_o alone_o it_o be_v not_o out_o of_o any_o weakness_n or_o fear_n that_o christ_n refuse_v to_o put_v himself_o at_o the_o head_n of_o those_o that_o will_v have_v make_v he_o king_n he_o that_o foretell_v his_o suffering_n and_o establish_v a_o memorial_n of_o they_o nay_o he_o who_o assemble_v together_o a_o company_n of_o distress_a wretch_n who_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o lead_v about_o will_v not_o sure_o have_v be_v afraid_a os_fw-la the_o fortune_n of_o war_n since_o he_o may_v have_v be_v follow_v by_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o people_n who_o will_v have_v daily_o increase_v be_v delude_v by_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o those_o day_n that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v a_o great_a king_n what_o then_o deter_v he_o from_o it_o only_o his_o humility_n verse_n 35._o i_o be_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n he_o that_o come_v to_o i_o shall_v never_o hunger_n and_o he_o that_o come_v to_o i_o shall_v never_o thirst_v do_v ever_o any_o man_n use_v a_o expression_n like_o this_o how_o can_v a_o man_n be_v the_o bread_n of_o life_n and_o what_o can_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o expression_n be_v go_v to_o christ_n enough_o to_o satisfy_v hunger_n and_o thirst_n no_o one_o but_o a_o enthusiast_n or_o one_o that_o be_v real_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o instruct_v mankind_n can_v have_v express_v himself_o thus_o but_o who_o be_v he_o that_o shall_v dare_v to_o blaspheme_n against_o the_o wisdom_n of_o that_o divine_a person_n verse_n 63._o the_o flesh_n profit_v nothing_o the_o word_n that_o i_o speak_v unto_o you_o they_o be_v spirit_n and_o they_o be_v life_n this_o comment_n excellent_o justify_v the_o wisdom_n of_o that_o wonderful_a teacher_n and_o clear_o show_v we_o what_o we_o shall_v think_v of_o those_o seem_a paradox_n he_o advance_v in_o the_o forego_n verse_n so_o contrary_a to_o all_o our_o former_a idea_n and_o prejudices_fw-la chap._n vii_o 17._o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o this_o be_v the_o best_a and_o sure_a rule_n whereby_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v first_o requisite_a that_o his_o heart_n be_v right_o dispose_v rather_o than_o his_o understanding_n full_o enlighten_v man_n at_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o this_o great_a and_o noble_a truth_n they_o make_v a_o science_n of_o religion_n which_o none_o can_v understand_v but_o the_o learned_a and_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n which_o will_v know_v every_o thing_n but_o scarce_o know_v any_o thing_n perfect_o proud_o assume_v to_o itself_o the_o privilege_n of_o judge_v in_o matter_n of_o salvation_n but_o be_v that_o a_o certain_a rule_n to_o go_v by_o the_o proud_a will_v be_v the_o great_a favourite_n of_o god_n and_o the_o more_o man_n strive_v out_o of_o vanity_n or_o ambition_n to_o become_v learn_v the_o clear_a insight_n they_o will_v have_v into_o revelation_n that_o indeed_o will_v be_v proper_a to_o make_v a_o considerable_a progress_n in_o humane_a science_n but_o the_o science_n of_o salvation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v acquire_v but_o by_o holiness_n and_o humility_n for_o virtue_n be_v a_o practical_a habit._n the_o more_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a we_o be_v the_o more_o our_o eye_n will_v be_v open_a the_o better_a we_o live_v the_o less_o scruple_n we_o shall_v entertain_v the_o more_o we_o love_v god_n the_o more_o sensible_a we_o shall_v grow_v of_o his_o admirable_a precept_n what_o great_a wisdom_n then_o do_v this_o maxim_n contain_v which_o man_n in_o past_a age_n be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o and_o which_o the_o present_a age_n scarce_o yet_o understand_v verse_n 37_o 38_o 39_o in_o the_o last_o day_n that_o great_a day_n of_o the_o feast_n jesus_n stand_v and_o cry_v say_v if_o any_o man_n thirst_n let_v he_o come_v unto_o i_o and_o drink_n he_o that_o believe_v on_o i_o as_o the_o scripture_n have_v say_v out_o of_o his_o belly_n shall_v flow_v river_n of_o live_a water_n but_o this_o speak_v he_o of_o the_o spirit_n which_o they_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v receive_v for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o yet_o give_v because_o that_o jesus_n be_v not_o yet_o glorify_v how_o can_v the_o evangelist_n have_v make_v christ_n utter_v such_o word_n as_o these_o and_o a_o little_a after_o add_v this_o annotation_n concern_v the_o effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v he_o real_o see_v nothing_o happen_v that_o be_v like_o it_o who_o see_v not_o plain_o that_o the_o parenthesis_n suppose_v that_o event_n to_o be_v well_o know_v since_o it_o inform_v we_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o verse_n 40_o 41._o many_o of_o the_o people_n therefore_o when_o they_o hear_v this_o say_v of_o a_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o prophet_n other_o say_v this_o be_v the_o christ_n but_o some_o say_v shall_v christ_n come_v out_o of_o galilee_n all_o these_o dispute_n and_o little_a contest_v manifest_o show_v the_o great_a impression_n the_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n of_o christ_n have_v already_o make_v upon_o people_n mind_n beside_o they_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o not_o easy_o to_o be_v think_v of_o by_o a_o person_n who_o can_v invent_v lie_n chap._n viii_o 7._o 10_o 11_o so_o when_o they_o continue_v ask_v he_o he_o lift_v up_o himself_o and_o say_v unto_o they_o he_o that_o be_v without_o sin_n among_o you_o let_v he_o first_o cast_v a_o stone_n