subject_a but_o also_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o by_o which_o they_o have_v be_v express_o forbid_v to_o lie_v one_o to_o another_o and_o by_o which_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v that_o a_o false_a witness_n that_o speak_v lie_n be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n 19_o leu._n 19.11_o pro._n 6.16_o 19_o and_o especial_o by_o the_o strict_a command_n of_o he_o who_o they_o have_v late_o take_v for_o their_o master_n and_o who_o law_n and_o religion_n they_o be_v to_o preach_v and_o propagate_v in_o the_o world_n by_o which_o they_o be_v oblige_v and_o under_o the_o severe_a penalty_n no_o less_o than_o eternal_a damnation_n to_o put_v away_o all_o lie_v 21.8_o eph._n 4.25_o rev._n 21.8_o and_o to_o speak_v every_o man_n the_o truth_n to_o his_o neighbour_n the_o subject_a matter_n of_o their_o relation_n do_v also_o lay_v upon_o they_o the_o strong_a obligation_n to_o have_v a_o strict_a regard_n to_o truth_n in_o every_o 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the_o four_o evangelist_n but_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n who_o preach_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o they_o write_v do_v consent_n to_o the_o report_n of_o so_o many_o and_o such_o notorious_a and_o hurtful_a untruth_n but_o this_o it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v say_v be_v not_o a_o direct_a proof_n that_o the_o evangelist_n be_v true_a and_o faithful_a in_o their_o relation_n but_o only_o a_o probable_a ground_n of_o presume_v that_o they_o be_v so_o and_o i_o grant_v it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o nevertheless_o i_o think_v if_o nothing_o more_o can_v be_v offer_v this_o alone_a will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o render_v their_o testimony_n high_o credible_a so_o long_o as_o nothing_o be_v allege_v on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o disprove_v it_o and_o in_o all_o other_o case_n we_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v so_o for_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o person_n of_o who_o truth_n we_o have_v no_o other_o assurance_n but_o such_o a_o probable_a presumption_n all_o question_n and_o controversy_n 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for_o though_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o we_o lay_v no_o great_a stress_n upon_o in_o this_o case_n yet_o i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v omit_v because_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a evidence_n that_o we_o can_v have_v of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o any_o historian_n who_o personal_a character_n be_v unknown_a to_o we_o that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o evangelical_n history_n seem_v to_o have_v relate_v all_o matter_n with_o the_o great_a impartiality_n that_o they_o seem_v as_o free_v in_o tell_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v or_o may_v be_v account_v disgraceful_a to_o their_o master_n or_o themselves_o as_o in_o tell_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o glorious_a and_o reputable_a for_o thus_o in_o their_o history_n of_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n as_o they_o tell_v we_o the_o wonderfulness_n of_o his_o birth_n the_o many_o miracle_n that_o he_o wrought_v the_o testimony_n that_o be_v give_v he_o by_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o he_o and_o by_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n his_o glorious_a resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n so_o they_o stick_v not_o to_o tell_v we_o also_o the_o meanness_n of_o his_o parentage_n the_o obscurity_n of_o his_o birth_n his_o poor_a and_o low_a condition_n in_o the_o world_n the_o affront_v that_o be_v give_v he_o the_o contempt_n he_o be_v have_v in_o and_o the_o shameful_a death_n he_o be_v put_v to_o and_o of_o themselves_o they_o have_v leave_v it_o upon_o record_n to_o all_o posterity_n that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o mean_a extraction_n and_o breed_v up_o to_o very_o poor_a or_o scandalous_a employment_n that_o they_o be_v fisherman_n tentmakers_n publican_n they_o own_o that_o they_o be_v ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a man_n they_o tell_v their_o own_o childish_a mistake_v about_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n they_o mention_v their_o own_o foolish_a and_o ambitious_a contention_n with_o one_o another_o about_o worldly_a greatness_n they_o confess_v their_o own_o baseness_n and_o cowardice_n in_o forsake_v their_o master_n when_o in_o danger_n after_o the_o most_o solemn_a profession_n of_o friendship_n and_o repeat_v assurance_n of_o steadfastness_n and_o fidelity_n st._n peter_n denial_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o thing_n note_v by_o all_o the_o evangelist_n and_o by_o st._n peter_n himself_o if_o the_o gospel_n of_o st._n mark_v be_v account_v his_o be_v tell_v with_o its_o worst_a circumstance_n and_o st._n paul_n free_o own_v that_o before_o his_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n he_o be_v a_o blasphemer_n a_o persecutor_n and_o injurious_a and_o the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n now_o their_o record_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o concern_v their_o master_n and_o themselves_o as_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o their_o impartiality_n be_v consequent_o a_o good_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o history_n for_o have_v they_o allow_v themselves_o a_o liberty_n of_o vary_v from_o the_o truth_n in_o any_o particular_a it_o can_v be_v imagine_v but_o that_o they_o will_v at_o least_o have_v conceal_v their_o own_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n it_o can_v be_v suppose_v they_o will_v have_v furnish_v their_o adversary_n with_o matter_n wherewith_o to_o reproach_v they_o but_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o a_o historian_n who_o mean_v to_o deceive_v his_o reader_n in_o some_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n may_v purposely_o insert_v some_o few_o such_o passage_n as_o these_o thereby_o to_o gain_v himself_o a_o easy_a belief_n in_o other_o thing_n and_o to_o cover_v his_o wicked_a design_n it_o be_v therefore_o another_o and_o a_o better_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n history_n that_o the_o evangelist_n and_o other_o witness_n of_o the_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v person_n not_o liable_a to_o any_o just_a
gratify_v man_n in_o this_o unreasonable_a desire_n work_v every_o day_n new_a miracle_n before_o their_o eye_n or_o send_v their_o decease_a friend_n to_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a to_o assure_v they_o of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o to_o warn_v they_o to_o prepare_v for_o it_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o very_o few_o or_o none_o of_o those_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o be_v not_o bring_v to_o repentance_n by_o the_o preach_a and_o stand_v revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v persuade_v by_o this_o mean_n if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n nor_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a i._o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o the_o present_a stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o repentance_n if_o they_o be_v not_o unreasonable_o blind_a and_o obstinate_a they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o i_o think_v that_o if_o the_o stand_a revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v of_o his_o will_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n can_v upon_o any_o account_n be_v think_v insufficient_a to_o effect_v this_o design_n it_o must_v be_v upon_o one_o of_o these_o two_o account_n viz._n either_o 1._o because_o no_o stand_a revelation_n can_v be_v sufficient_a for_o this_o purpose_n or_o 2._o because_o there_o be_v some_o particular_a defect_n in_o that_o stand_a revelation_n which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o render_v it_o not_o so_o sufficient_a for_o this_o purpose_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a a_o stand_a revelation_n may_v be_v 1._o it_o may_v be_v pretend_v that_o no_o stand_a revelation_n can_v be_v sufficient_a for_o this_o purpose_n i_o be_o now_o therefore_o to_o inquire_v with_o what_o reason_n this_o can_v be_v pretend_v and_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o point_n it_o do_v not_o lie_v upon_o i_o to_o prove_v that_o god_n can_v not_o reveal_v his_o mind_n afresh_o to_o every_o man_n in_o every_o age_n of_o the_o world_n if_o he_o so_o please_v for_o there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o that_o the_o same_o god_n who_o in_o divers_a manner_n speak_v in_o time_n pass_v to_o our_o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n can_v if_o he_o please_v speak_v to_o every_o one_o of_o we_o their_o child_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o he_o then_o speak_v to_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o so_o that_o we_o may_v be_v all_o immediate_o teach_v of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v but_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v do_v be_v not_o expedient_a to_o be_v do_v and_o whether_o this_o method_n will_v be_v expedient_a or_o not_o will_v be_v hereafter_o inquire_v neither_o do_v it_o now_o lie_v upon_o i_o to_o prove_v that_o this_o way_n which_o god_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o take_v to_o instruct_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n viz._n by_o a_o stand_a revelation_n be_v the_o best_a way_n and_o the_o most_o like_a to_o be_v effectual_a of_o any_o that_o can_v be_v use_v of_o this_o i_o shall_v likewise_o have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v somewhat_o hereafter_o but_o what_o lie_v upon_o i_o at_o present_a to_o make_v good_a be_v only_o this_o that_o a_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n may_v be_v so_o well_o contrive_v and_o so_o well_o attest_v as_o to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v men._n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o ground_n for_o the_o contrary_a pretence_n i_o think_v it_o must_v be_v either_o 1._o because_o all_o matter_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o do_v by_o man_n at_o all_o time_n can_v at_o once_o be_v commit_v to_o write_v or_o 2._o because_o there_o can_v be_v sufficient_a evidence_n give_v to_o satisfy_v a_o rational_a man_n that_o any_o write_v that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o authority_n be_v indeed_o so_o 1._o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o all_o matter_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o do_v by_o man_n at_o all_o time_n can_v be_v at_o once_o commit_v to_o write_v because_o every_o age_n of_o the_o world_n produce_v new_a opinion_n which_o whether_o they_o be_v erroneous_a or_o not_o can_v be_v judge_v by_o a_o criterion_n that_o be_v give_v many_o age_n before_o these_o opinion_n be_v broach_v and_o as_o the_o world_n grow_v old_a in_o year_n it_o likewise_o improve_v in_o wickedness_n which_o can_v be_v restrain_v and_o suppress_v by_o a_o old_a law_n which_o be_v make_v before_o several_a instance_n of_o those_o wickedness_n that_o be_v now_o practise_v be_v either_o know_v or_o think_v of_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o what_o need_n will_v there_o be_v of_o such_o a_o number_n of_o book_n as_o be_v write_v in_o every_o age_n to_o direct_v man_n how_o to_o distinguish_v between_o truth_n and_o error_n and_o what_o opinion_n to_o fix_v upon_o in_o that_o great_a variety_n of_o opinion_n that_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o or_o what_o need_n will_v there_o be_v of_o so_o many_o new_a law_n as_o be_v daily_o make_v in_o every_o commonwealth_n to_o restrain_v the_o grow_a extravagance_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o within_o due_a bound_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o necessity_n at_o all_o of_o divine_a revelation_n to_o teach_v man_n the_o belief_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o righteousness_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o new_a and_o fresh_a revelation_n make_v at_o least_o as_o often_o as_o any_o new_a error_n be_v broach_v or_o any_o new_a piece_n of_o villainy_n be_v practise_v in_o the_o world_n but_o to_o this_o objection_n against_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o a_o stand_a revelation_n i_o suppose_v a_o full_a answer_n will_v be_v give_v in_o these_o two_o particular_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o argue_n from_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o man_n to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n it_o may_v be_v grant_v to_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o write_v such_o a_o book_n as_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o confute_v all_o the_o error_n that_o can_v possible_o at_o any_o time_n afterward_o spring_v up_o or_o to_o compile_v such_o a_o body_n of_o law_n as_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o prevent_v or_o punish_v all_o future_a crime_n but_o what_o be_v impossible_a with_o man_n may_v be_v possible_a with_o god_n who_o have_v a_o perfect_a foresight_n of_o all_o the_o error_n that_o will_v ever_o be_v broach_v and_o of_o all_o the_o wickedness_n that_o will_v ever_o be_v practise_v by_o man_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o a_o be_v of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n it_o may_v be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o very_o easy_a so_o to_o contrive_v a_o revelation_n design_v by_o he_o for_o the_o direction_n of_o future_a age_n that_o no_o addition_n shall_v ever_o after_o need_n to_o be_v make_v to_o it_o nay_o indeed_o 2._o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o be_v that_o a_o stand_a revelation_n shall_v be_v thus_o perfect_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o contrive_v at_o once_o and_o at_o first_o as_o to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o answer_v all_o the_o end_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n as_o long_o as_o the_o world_n shall_v last_v be_v not_o very_o hard_a to_o be_v conceive_v for_o though_o error_n be_v infinite_a truth_n at_o least_o all_o truth_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v be_v finite_a and_o limit_v and_o after_o a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v once_o give_v no_o more_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o after_o age_n than_o be_v at_o first_o nor_o will_v there_o ever_o be_v more_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n unless_o god_n shall_v please_v to_o add_v some_o new_a revelation_n to_o the_o former_a and_o this_o revelation_n of_o all_o necessary_a truth_n once_o make_v be_v give_v to_o man_n that_o be_v endue_v with_o reason_n nothing_o more_o be_v or_o ever_o will_v be_v needful_a for_o the_o discovery_n and_o confutation_n of_o all_o error_n 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of_o book_n as_o write_v by_o such_o and_o such_o author_n without_o sufficient_a assurance_n thereof_o but_o i_o believe_v the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v some_o man_n who_o for_o reason_n best_o know_v to_o themselves_o but_o which_o may_v some_o of_o they_o be_v easy_o enough_o guess_v at_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o to_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n that_o a_o book_n be_v write_v by_o a_o prophet_n or_o a_o apostle_n which_o they_o must_v and_o do_v allow_v to_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n in_o any_o other_o case_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n for_o in_o other_o case_n we_o make_v no_o doubt_n to_o receive_v a_o book_n as_o write_v by_o such_o a_o author_n if_o he_o own_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o or_o if_o it_o be_v show_v write_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n or_o if_o they_o that_o be_v the_o publisher_n of_o it_o declare_v that_o they_o have_v it_o from_o he_o as_o his_o own_o or_o that_o they_o transcribe_v or_o print_v it_o from_o a_o copy_n which_o they_o 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his_o right_a wit_n can_v ever_o be_v sure_a of_o a_o revelation_n but_o suppose_v a_o man_n at_o the_o first_o be_v as_o it_o may_v well_o be_v imagine_v he_o must_v be_v in_o a_o great_a surprise_n and_o astonishment_n at_o the_o strangeness_n and_o novelty_n of_o the_o thing_n shall_v not_o be_v very_o certain_a of_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o revelation_n shall_v not_o well_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v awake_a or_o asleep_a yet_o certain_o the_o same_o sign_n which_o be_v sufficient_a afterward_o to_o satisfy_v other_o man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o inspiration_n or_o revelation_n must_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v himself_o of_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o therefore_o if_o moses_n for_o instance_n when_o god_n first_o speak_v to_o he_o in_o horeb_n out_o of_o the_o burn_a bush_n 3._o exod._n 3._o be_v in_o some_o doubt_n whether_o he_o be_v in_o a_o trance_n or_o awake_v and_o in_o his_o right_a mind_n whether_o he_o real_o hear_v a_o voice_n or_o only_o 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full_o persuade_v of_o his_o divine_a mission_n but_o likewise_o all_o the_o other_o great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n mention_v in_o the_o seven_o and_o follow_v chapter_n of_o exodus_fw-la some_o of_o which_o the_o egyptian_n and_o even_o the_o magician_n themselves_o can_v not_o but_o acknowledge_v be_v do_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n but_o this_o it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v say_v be_v prove_v one_o doubtful_a thing_n by_o another_o as_o doubtful_a a_o revelation_n by_o a_o miracle_n for_o it_o be_v further_o urge_v in_o the_o objection_n that_o no_o author_n of_o any_o book_n can_v be_v sure_a that_o he_o be_v not_o deceive_v in_o any_o
the_o evil_a thing_n which_o it_o threaten_v to_o deter_v we_o from_o sin_n be_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o the_o great_a that_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o enjoy_v or_o suffer_v and_o consequent_o the_o most_o probable_a to_o raise_v our_o hope_n and_o to_o excite_v our_o fear_n to_o the_o high_a pitch_n for_o the_o argument_n that_o do_v most_o strong_o persuade_v we_o to_o any_o thing_n be_v from_o interest_n from_o the_o profit_n and_o advantage_n we_o shall_v reap_v by_o do_v it_o from_o the_o tendency_n it_o have_v to_o make_v we_o happy_a and_o happiness_n consist_v in_o be_v perfect_o free_a from_o all_o pain_n and_o trouble_v and_o vexation_n and_o in_o the_o full_a and_o free_a enjoyment_n of_o whatsoever_o be_v please_v and_o delightful_a to_o we_o but_o now_o both_o these_o the_o gospel_n give_v assurance_n of_o to_o all_o those_o that_o believe_v and_o obey_v it_o that_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v thereby_o be_v free_v from_o that_o intolerable_a pain_n and_o misery_n which_o the_o wicked_a and_o unbeliever_n shall_v be_v condemn_v to_o and_o also_o that_o they_o shall_v thereby_o be_v instate_v in_o the_o perfect_a and_o compleat_a happiness_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o a_o happiness_n far_o great_a than_o any_o they_o do_v or_o can_v enjoy_v now_o nay_o in_o a_o happiness_n much_o great_a than_o any_o they_o can_v now_o have_v so_o much_o as_o a_o conception_n or_o idea_n of_o in_o their_o mind_n 2.9_o 1_o cor._n 2.9_o for_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n the_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o but_o there_o be_v beside_o a_o remarkable_a circumstance_n which_o do_v much_o enhanse_v the_o value_n of_o any_o good_a and_o likewise_o much_o aggravate_v the_o evil_a of_o any_o pain_n or_o misery_n viz._n its_o duration_n for_o how_o great_a soever_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a propose_v to_o persuade_v we_o to_o any_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v but_o of_o short_a continuance_n if_o they_o will_v soon_o expire_v and_o be_v at_o a_o end_n we_o reckon_v it_o not_o worth_a while_n to_o be_v at_o much_o pain_n to_o obtain_v such_o a_o short-lived_a good_a or_o to_o avoid_v such_o a_o transient_a evil_n but_o in_o this_o respect_n also_o the_o motive_n both_o of_o hope_n and_o of_o fear_n which_o the_o gospel_n propose_v to_o we_o do_v far_o surpass_v all_o those_o persuasive_n or_o inducement_n which_o sin_n can_v offer_v for_o the_o most_o we_o can_v hope_v to_o escape_v by_o the_o commission_n of_o any_o sin_n be_v the_o pain_n and_o suffer_v of_o a_o few_o week_n or_o year_n or_o a_o temporal_a death_n which_o last_o yet_o we_o can_v be_v so_o vain_a as_o to_o hope_v to_o escape_v clear_o for_o we_o can_v at_o most_o but_o delay_n it_o for_o a_o short_a season_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o great_a good_a we_o can_v propose_v to_o ourselves_o or_o so_o much_o as_o hope_v to_o 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advantage_n that_o be_v possible_a for_o the_o misery_n we_o shall_v escape_v and_o the_o blessedness_n we_o shall_v attain_v by_o yield_a belief_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n be_v both_o of_o they_o 20.10.14.11_o mark_v 9.46_o 48._o matth._n 25.46_o mark_v 3.29_o matth._n 18.8_o 2_o thess_n 1.9_o judas_n 13._o rev._n 20.10.14.11_o of_o eternal_a and_o endless_a duration_n a_o worm_n that_o never_o die_v a_o fire_n that_o never_o shall_v be_v quench_v everlasting_a punishment_n eternal_a damnation_n everlasting_a fire_n everlasting_a destruction_n the_o blackness_n of_o darkness_n for_o ever_o a_o lake_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n where_o they_o shall_v be_v torment_v day_n and_o night_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o and_o where_o the_o smoke_n of_o their_o torment_n ascend_v up_o for_o ever_o and_o ever_o these_o be_v the_o evil_n which_o the_o gospel_n threaten_v to_o sin_n and_o if_o these_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o deter_v man_n from_o it_o what_o can_v be_v sufficient_a what_o evil_a can_v that_o man_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v afraid_a of_o who_o be_v not_o afraid_a of_o everlasting_a burn_v a_o great_a evil_n can_v be_v threaten_v and_o he_o who_o be_v not_o scare_v by_o this_o will_v certain_o be_v less_o scare_v by_o the_o threaten_v of_o a_o less_o evil._n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n everlasting_a life_n a_o crown_n that_o fade_v not_o away_o a_o kingdom_n that_o can_v be_v move_v a_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n fullness_n of_o joy_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o pleasure_n for_o evermore_o at_o his_o right_a hand_n these_o be_v the_o good_a thing_n promise_v to_o obedience_n and_o can_v great_a thing_n be_v promise_v than_o these_o can_v we_o ourselves_o if_o we_o be_v put_v to_o desire_v what_o we_o will_v desire_v more_o and_o if_o the_o promise_n of_o unspeakable_a and_o everlasting_a blessedness_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prevail_v with_o we_o to_o undertake_v a_o godly_a and_o christian_a life_n certain_o 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and_o we_o do_v not_o take_v care_n to_o avoid_v it_o our_o lot_n will_v be_v extreme_o miserable_a and_o we_o shall_v be_v torment_v day_n and_o night_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o in_o the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n and_o when_o we_o consider_v withal_o the_o very_a little_a trouble_n in_o comparison_n that_o it_o will_v cost_v we_o to_o attain_v that_o and_o to_o avoid_v this_o that_o it_o be_v but_o the_o labour_n of_o a_o few_o year_n and_o that_o the_o most_o we_o can_v suffer_v by_o it_o be_v the_o loss_n of_o a_o little_a sensual_a pleasure_n for_o which_o after_o this_o life_n be_v over_o we_o shall_v be_v never_o the_o better_a or_o the_o endure_a of_o some_o little_a pain_n or_o hardship_n which_o will_v be_v soon_o over_o and_o for_o which_o if_o no_o good_a shall_v ever_o come_v of_o it_o after_o this_o life_n we_o shall_v however_o be_v then_o never_o the_o worse_o consider_v i_o say_v thus_o the_o infinite_o vast_a and_o wide_a difference_n 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the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a have_v in_o my_o first_o discourse_n on_o these_o word_n endeavour_v to_o show_v in_o general_n that_o a_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n may_v be_v so_o well_o contrive_v and_o so_o well_o attest_v as_o to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o repentance_n if_o they_o be_v not_o unreasonable_o blind_a and_o obstinate_a i_o come_v the_o last_o time_n to_o consider_v whether_o that_o stand_a revelation_n which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v such_o a_o revelation_n or_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o some_o particular_a defect_n in_o it_o which_o render_v it_o not_o so_o sufficient_a for_o this_o purpose_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a a_o stand_a revelation_n may_v be_v and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o defect_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o must_v 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truth_n of_o the_o rest_n 5._o it_o may_v be_v further_o consider_v that_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n record_v by_o the_o evangelist_n be_v relate_v by_o they_o as_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v very_o public_o as_o thing_n that_o be_v well_o know_v to_o a_o great_a many_o for_o very_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o those_o discourse_n of_o our_o lord_n that_o be_v record_v by_o the_o evangelist_n be_v address_v in_o private_a to_o his_o apostle_n only_o but_o most_o of_o they_o be_v speak_v in_o public_a his_o set_a sermon_n common_o to_o great_a multitude_n gather_v together_o on_o a_o mountain_n on_o the_o seashore_n or_o in_o a_o synagogue_n and_o the_o rest_n more_o common_o in_o place_n of_o resort_v in_o populous_a town_n or_o city_n in_o jerusalem_n or_o the_o temple_n when_o many_o be_v by_o to_o hear_v what_o he_o say_v and_o his_o miracle_n be_v do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o the_o best_a inhabit_a city_n of_o judea_n and_o galilee_n or_o if_o in_o other_o place_n yet_o in_o 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towards_o the_o render_n it_o easy_a to_o disprove_v that_o relation_n which_o they_o have_v give_v of_o they_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a for_o when_o a_o man_n witness_v a_o thing_n of_o his_o own_o private_a knowledge_n there_o may_v be_v no_o way_n to_o invalidate_v his_o testimony_n but_o either_o by_o show_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o testify_v be_v not_o possible_a or_o by_o offer_v some_o just_a exception_n to_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o witness_n but_o when_o neither_o of_o these_o can_v be_v do_v and_o they_o can_v always_o be_v do_v although_o the_o thing_n testify_v be_v false_a yet_o in_o case_n the_o matter_n be_v do_v public_o it_o be_v the_o easy_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o convict_v a_o false_a witness_n by_o the_o contrary_a testimony_n of_o several_a other_o that_o be_v present_a and_o as_o capable_a of_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o himself_o or_o by_o the_o clash_v of_o the_o witness_n among_o themselves_o nothing_o therefore_o can_v 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the_o false_a evidence_n they_o have_v give_v concern_v it_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a may_v easy_o have_v be_v show_v other_o way_n for_o what_o they_o testify_v be_v that_o that_o same_o jesus_n who_o the_o jew_n have_v crucify_a and_o who_o they_o have_v see_v lay_v into_o the_o sepulchre_n be_v rise_v again_o and_o have_v be_v see_v alive_a three_o day_n after_o his_o passion_n by_o several_a of_o his_o disciple_n have_v this_o therefore_o be_v false_a how_o very_o easy_a will_v it_o have_v be_v for_o the_o jew_n to_o have_v disprove_v their_o evidence_n of_o it_o by_o only_o go_v to_o the_o sepulchre_n and_o take_v out_o thence_o his_o dead_a body_n and_o expose_v it_o for_o some_o time_n to_o public_a view_n and_o thither_o doubtless_o they_o do_v go_v and_o with_o this_o design_n but_o the_o body_n they_o can_v not_o find_v and_o yet_o they_o have_v take_v all_o the_o caution_n that_o be_v possible_a to_o prevent_v its_o be_v convey_v away_o 27.62_o mat._n 27.62_o have_v obtain_v from_o pilate_n a_o guard_n of_o soldier_n on_o purpose_n to_o keep_v watch_n over_o it_o for_o three_o day_n this_o therefore_o be_v a_o strong_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o apostle_n testimony_n concern_v our_o lord_n resurrection_n that_o it_o be_v such_o as_o may_v with_o the_o great_a ease_n in_o the_o world_n have_v be_v disprove_v if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a the_o jew_n have_v nothing_o to_o say_v against_o it_o nothing_o to_o oppose_v to_o it_o but_o only_o that_o very_o ill_o contrive_v that_o self-contradicting_a evidence_n of_o the_o watchman_n 29.13_o mat._n 29.13_o who_o say_v that_o while_n they_o be_v asleep_a that_o be_v when_o all_o their_o sense_n be_v bind_v up_o and_o when_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o capacity_n of_o know_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v the_o disciple_n come_v and_o steal_v the_o body_n away_o but_o if_o they_o see_v the_o body_n remove_v in_o which_o case_n only_o they_o can_v be_v good_a witness_n of_o it_o they_o be_v not_o as_o they_o say_v they_o be_v asleep_z when_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v or_o if_o indeed_o they_o be_v asleep_a when_o it_o be_v remove_v they_o can_v not_o be_v positive_a how_o it_o be_v remove_v they_o can_v not_o say_v he_o be_v not_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a 6._o another_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v consider_v in_o order_n to_o show_v how_o very_a improbable_a or_o rather_o how_o impossible_a it_o be_v that_o the_o gospel_n history_n shall_v ever_o have_v gain_v credit_n in_o the_o world_n if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a be_v this_o that_o as_o it_o be_v a_o history_n of_o such_o matter_n and_o be_v so_o contrive_v that_o it_o may_v with_o the_o great_a ease_n have_v be_v disprove_v so_o the_o matter_n therein_o relate_v be_v in_o themselves_o and_o especial_o in_o their_o consequence_n such_o as_o must_v needs_o have_v engage_v a_o great_a many_o to_o make_v the_o strict_a examination_n that_o be_v possible_a into_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o if_o they_o have_v discover_v any_o thing_n of_o falsehood_n therein_o to_o make_v know_v their_o discovery_n to_o the_o world_n for_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o evangelical_n history_n this_o disprove_v will_v have_v destroy_v that_o and_o this_o be_v admit_v there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o the_o spread_a of_o that_o and_o the_o certain_a consequence_n of_o receive_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o abolish_n of_o all_o the_o other_o form_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v then_o any_o where_o receive_v or_o establish_v even_o of_o that_o which_o have_v be_v introduce_v by_o moses_n among_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n himself_o as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o paganism_n and_o idolatry_n that_o be_v receive_v in_o other_o country_n now_o when_o any_o religion_n be_v it_o true_a or_o false_a be_v the_o establish_a religion_n of_o a_o country_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a many_o engage_v by_o the_o strong_a worldly_a interest_n to_o support_v and_o maintain_v it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o at_o ephesus_n that_o a_o great_a number_n of_o craftsman_n get_v their_o wealth_n by_o make_v silver_n shrine_v for_o diana_n etc._n act_n 19.24_o etc._n etc._n but_o in_o every_o other_o country_n the_o live_n of_o a_o considerable_a number_n depend_v upon_o the_o religion_n that_o be_v therein_o receive_v which_o be_v destroy_v and_o their_o trade_n or_o profession_n thereby_o at_o a_o end_n they_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v hard_o put_v to_o it_o to_o get_v bread_n by_o take_v up_o some_o new_a employment_n and_o beside_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o all_o man_n of_o what_o trade_n or_o profession_n soever_o they_o be_v be_v general_o so_o zealous_a and_o concern_v about_o nothing_o that_o they_o be_v so_o afraid_a of_o any_o change_n or_o innovation_n in_o as_o religion_n this_o be_v it_o well_o or_o weak_o ground_v yet_o if_o it_o be_v that_o form_n of_o religion_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o their_o father_n and_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o from_o their_o childhood_n they_o will_v not_o easy_o let_v go_v so_o that_o i_o say_v too_o little_a when_o i_o say_v before_o that_o a_o great_a many_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v engage_v to_o set_v themselves_o to_o discover_v the_o falsity_n of_o the_o evangelical_n history_n for_o this_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o common_a concern_v of_o all_o mankind_n except_o only_o of_o those_o few_o person_n who_o have_v be_v instruct_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o christ_n all_o other_o whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n rich_a or_o poor_a learned_a or_o ignorant_a priest_n or_o people_n be_v engage_v either_o by_o interest_n or_o prejudice_n or_o conscience_n or_o upon_o some_o other_o account_n to_o convict_v the_o apostle_n of_o falsehood_n in_o their_o relation_n of_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o evangelical_n history_n and_o if_o any_o falsehood_n have_v be_v therein_o it_o be_v impossible_a consider_v how_o obvious_a it_o must_v needs_o lie_v to_o discovery_n and_o how_o many_o be_v at_o work_n to_o find_v it_o out_o that_o they_o can_v have_v fail_v of_o their_o aim_n and_o if_o any_o one_o have_v make_v the_o discovery_n it_o can_v be_v imagine_v he_o will_v have_v be_v long_o before_o he_o have_v impart_v to_o other_o a_o piece_n of_o news_n so_o very_o welcome_a as_o that_o will_v have_v be_v to_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n or_o that_o such_o a_o discovery_n of_o the_o falsity_n of_o the_o gospel_n history_n in_o any_o one_o particular_a once_o make_v and_o publish_v shall_v ever_o after_o have_v be_v stifle_v or_o suppress_v because_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o put_v they_o at_o first_o upon_o make_v the_o discovery_n be_v of_o the_o same_o force_n afterward_o to_o engage_v they_o to_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o any_o discovery_n of_o that_o kind_n that_o have_v be_v make_v and_o therefore_o i_o add_v in_o the_o last_o place_n and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o give_v weight_n and_o strength_n to_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v before_o upon_o this_o subject_a and_o full_o complete_v that_o argument_n which_o i_o be_o now_o upon_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n history_n 7._o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o easiness_n of_o the_o disproof_n of_o this_o history_n if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a and_o the_o incessant_a endeavour_n of_o the_o adversary_n of_o christianity_n to_o find_v out_o some_o falsehood_n therein_o to_o do_v which_o â—hey_n be_v not_o only_o prompt_v by_o their_o own_o interest_n â—nd_v inclination_n but_o also_o frequent_o and_o bold_o challenge_v by_o the_o christian_n themselves_o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o â—he_n ancient_a apology_n for_o the_o christian_a faith_n it_o be_v nevertheless_o a_o history_n of_o very_a good_a credit_n now_o cavil_v â—t_a perhaps_o but_o not_o deny_v not_o pretend_v to_o be_v disprove_v either_o by_o jew_n or_o mahometan_n or_o any_o other_o â—ort_n of_o infidel_n and_o that_o it_o have_v be_v of_o the_o like_a good_a credit_n for_o many_o hundred_o year_n past_a even_o ever_o since_o â—he_n first_o publication_n of_o it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o â—s_v contradict_v in_o any_o point_n by_o any_o other_o historianâ—hat_o â—hat_z live_v in_o or_o near_o the_o time_n of_o its_o write_n be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o contradict_v it_o upon_o good_a ground_n viz._n upon_o either_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o his_o own_o or_o very_o credible_a information_n from_o other_o that_o any_o matter_n therein_o have_v be_v false_o relate_v true_o perhaps_o the_o infidel_n will_v say_v there_o be_v indeed_o no_o history_n of_o competent_a antiquity_n now_o extant_a by_o which_o the_o gospel_n history_n can_v be_v
evidence_n of_o his_o own_o sense_n but_o the_o gospel_n of_o st._n luke_n it_o must_v be_v grant_v be_v not_o of_o this_o sort_n he_o himself_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o the_o matter_n by_o he_o record_v be_v of_o his_o own_o knowledge_n he_o only_o say_v 3._o luke_n 1.2_o 3._o he_o have_v perfect_a understanding_n of_o they_o from_o the_o very_a first_o from_o those_o who_o from_o the_o beginning_n be_v eye-witness_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o of_o some_o few_o matter_n record_v by_o the_o other_o evangelist_n the_o same_o must_v likewise_o be_v grant_v particular_o of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v before_o they_o be_v call_v to_o be_v apostle_n of_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a they_o be_v not_o matter_n of_o their_o own_o knowledge_n that_o they_o record_v they_o only_o upon_o credible_a information_n from_o other_o but_o when_o it_o be_v consider_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o there_o be_v very_o few_o thing_n relate_v by_o st._n luke_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o some_o of_o the_o other_o gospel_n his_o testimony_n that_o he_o have_v perfect_a information_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o have_v record_v from_o several_a eye-witness_n add_v a_o degree_n of_o credibility_n even_o to_o the_o other_o gospel_n and_o be_v a_o good_a corroborate_n evidence_n of_o their_o truth_n and_o all_o the_o matter_n record_v by_o he_o or_o the_o other_o evangelist_n only_o upon_o information_n of_o other_o must_v be_v grant_v to_o be_v more_o credible_a than_o the_o matter_n of_o most_o other_o ancient_a history_n of_o good_a credit_n be_v if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o former_a discourse_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o thing_n record_v particular_o that_o they_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o may_v be_v most_o certain_o know_v and_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o best_a attestation_n and_o that_o they_o be_v thing_n do_v in_o the_o same_o age_n and_o in_o the_o same_o country_n in_o which_o they_o live_v who_o have_v write_v the_o history_n thereof_o and_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v i_o hope_v sufficient_a to_o show_v the_o good_a capacity_n the_o author_n of_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v in_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o have_v record_v most_o of_o they_o be_v such_o as_o it_o be_v probable_a three_o of_o the_o evangelist_n as_o two_o of_o they_o without_o all_o dispute_n be_v eye_n witness_n of_o and_o the_o rest_n such_o as_o they_o may_v have_v certain_a information_n of_o from_o several_a person_n then_o alive_a and_o well_o able_a to_o witness_v the_o same_o of_o the_o ability_n then_o of_o these_o author_n to_o write_v a_o true_a history_n of_o these_o matter_n i_o think_v there_o can_v be_v no_o reasonable_a doubt_n and_o that_o there_o be_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o their_o honesty_n and_o faithfulness_n will_v in_o part_n appear_v if_o we_o 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lie_v give_v they_o what_o therefore_o be_v general_o think_v to_o be_v a_o great_a reproach_n it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v presume_v unless_o the_o contrary_n appear_v a_o man_n will_v be_v careful_a to_o avoid_v by_o not_o give_v any_o just_a occasion_n to_o have_v it_o cast_v upon_o he_o and_o this_o be_v one_o ground_n of_o that_o great_a credit_n that_o be_v general_o give_v to_o ancient_a history_n it_o be_v presume_v unless_o there_o be_v evident_a cause_n to_o think_v otherwise_o that_o the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v man_n of_o so_o much_o honour_n and_o that_o they_o have_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o reproach_n and_o discredit_v that_o it_o will_v be_v to_o they_o to_o be_v find_v out_o in_o a_o lie_n as_o make_v they_o careful_a not_o to_o record_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o certain_a truth_n but_o what_o they_o have_v good_a knowledge_n or_o information_n of_o but_o that_o this_o obligation_n to_o truth_n be_v strong_a on_o the_o author_n of_o the_o evangelical_n history_n than_o on_o most_o other_o historian_n be_v abundant_o evident_a from_o what_o be_v note_v the_o last_o time_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o thing_n by_o they_o relate_v and_o of_o their_o history_n of_o they_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o most_o other_o ancient_a history_n be_v such_o that_o the_o historian_n may_v report_v many_o thing_n untrue_o or_o upon_o slight_a information_n and_o yet_o be_v pretty_a well_o assure_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v repute_v liar_n because_o the_o matter_n record_v by_o they_o be_v thing_n either_o do_v in_o some_o place_n a_o good_a way_n of_o or_o in_o some_o time_n long_o before_o or_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o but_o few_o person_n they_o may_v know_v that_o none_o of_o those_o into_o who_o hand_n their_o history_n will_v fall_v will_v be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o contradict_v they_o though_o they_o be_v false_a or_o they_o may_v reasonable_o suppose_v that_o their_o reader_n will_v rather_o acquiesce_v in_o their_o report_n than_o travel_n so_o far_o or_o take_v so_o much_o pain_n as_o they_o must_v have_v do_v to_o disprove_v it_o especial_o if_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a consequence_n to_o their_o reader_n whether_o their_o report_n be_v true_a or_o false_a but_o in_o the_o gospel_n history_n the_o case_n be_v quite_o otherwise_o and_o the_o historian_n themselves_o can_v not_o but_o know_v that_o it_o be_v so_o for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o concern_v to_o find_v out_o some_o falsity_n in_o it_o and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o that_o will_v have_v take_v any_o pain_n to_o have_v do_v it_o and_o yet_o the_o matter_n relate_v by_o the_o evangelist_n and_o their_o manner_n of_o relate_v they_o be_v such_o that_o their_o history_n if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a in_o any_o particular_a may_v have_v be_v disprove_v with_o the_o great_a ease_n without_o be_v at_o any_o pain_n to_o do_v it_o because_o most_o of_o those_o into_o who_o hand_n it_o first_o come_v will_v 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sense_n that_o all_o man_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v of_o the_o natural_a turpitude_n of_o a_o lie_n be_v the_o chief_a ground_n of_o that_o very_a great_a credit_n that_o we_o give_v to_o humane_a testimony_n in_o case_n of_o the_o great_a concern_v and_o consequence_n but_o this_o obligation_n to_o truth_n be_v likewise_o strong_a on_o the_o author_n of_o the_o evangelical_n history_n than_o on_o most_o other_o historian_n it_o be_v indeed_o so_o very_o strong_a that_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o evident_a proof_n of_o their_o falsity_n can_v justify_v the_o entertain_v so_o much_o as_o a_o suspicion_n of_o it_o for_o to_o speak_v and_o write_v the_o truth_n be_v what_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o not_o only_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o which_o all_o man_n be_v alike_o
well_o be_v account_v a_o martyr_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n no_o less_o than_o the_o other_o apostle_n although_o he_o do_v not_o actual_o expire_v under_o his_o suffering_n as_o they_o do_v now_o if_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o a_o man_n especial_o one_o who_o stand_v much_o upon_o his_o credit_n may_v be_v willing_a after_o he_o have_v tell_v a_o lie_n to_o suffer_v a_o great_a deal_n rather_o than_o own_v himself_o a_o liar_n though_o i_o think_v it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v either_o that_o any_o man_n will_v suffer_v so_o many_o other_o great_a evil_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v only_o upon_o a_o point_n of_o honour_n or_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v stand_v so_o much_o upon_o their_o honour_n yet_o when_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o this_o that_o a_o man_n who_o have_v tell_v a_o lie_n must_v either_o retract_v it_o or_o die_v for_o it_o and_o that_o he_o may_v in_o all_o probability_n save_o his_o life_n by_o retract_v it_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o any_o man_n will_v be_v a_o martyr_n for_o a_o know_a falsehood_n for_o it_o be_v a_o very_a true_a say_v and_o to_o which_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o exception_n though_o it_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n 2.4_o job_n 2.4_o that_o skin_n for_o skin_n yea_o all_o that_o a_o man_n have_v he_o will_v give_v for_o his_o life_n it_o be_v not_o credible_a therefore_o that_o so_o much_o as_o one_o man_n shall_v be_v find_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o sacrifice_v his_o life_n to_o a_o know_a lie_n and_o that_o too_o a_o unprofitable_a lie_n to_o himself_o to_o his_o family_n and_o to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o this_o only_a to_o save_v his_o reputation_n it_o be_v much_o less_o credible_a that_o so_o many_o man_n viz._n all_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n and_o most_o if_o not_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v immediate_a disciple_n shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o such_o prodigious_a and_o unheard_a of_o folly_n and_o it_o be_v least_o of_o all_o credible_a that_o among_o so_o many_o as_o there_o be_v that_o bear_v witness_n of_o the_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o evangelical_n history_n not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o man_n shall_v be_v find_v that_o be_v honest_a and_o wise_a than_o the_o rest_n not_o one_o that_o can_v be_v persuade_v to_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n by_o the_o confession_n of_o his_o fault_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o world_n by_o a_o public_a own_n of_o the_o cheat_n he_o have_v be_v engage_v in_o not_o one_o that_o will_v choose_v to_o undergo_v the_o disgrace_n of_o a_o liar_n rather_o than_o the_o shameful_a death_n of_o a_o malefactor_n these_o be_v in_o short_a the_o evidence_n we_o have_v of_o the_o honesty_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o evangelical_n historian_n those_o evidence_n i_o mean_v which_o they_o themselves_o have_v give_v thereof_o and_o they_o be_v plain_o as_o good_a as_o can_v be_v desire_v they_o be_v the_o best_a that_o can_v be_v give_v by_o men._n and_o put_v together_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v on_o this_o and_o the_o forego_n head_n now_o and_o in_o my_o last_o discourse_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o evangelical_n history_n i_o think_v we_o may_v true_o and_o confident_o affirm_v that_o although_o we_o consider_v it_o only_o as_o a_o mere_a humane_a history_n we_o have_v much_o great_a reason_n to_o give_v credit_n to_o it_o than_o to_o any_o history_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o but_o if_o we_o receive_v the_o witness_n of_o man_n and_o who_o be_v there_o that_o do_v not_o 5.9_o 1_o joh._n 5.9_o the_o witness_n of_o god_n be_v great_a and_o therefore_o in_o order_n to_o show_v further_o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o the_o evangelical_n historian_n in_o their_o relation_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o have_v record_v i_o propose_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o five_o and_o last_o place_n 5_o the_o confirmation_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o history_n by_o god_n himself_o for_o what_o st._n paul_n say_v of_o his_o own_o be_v likewise_o true_a of_o the_o speech_n and_o preach_v of_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n 5._o 1_o cor._n 2.4_o 5._o that_o the_o faith_n of_o their_o hearer_n shall_v not_o stand_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o so_o st._n luke_n say_v act_v 4.33_o with_o great_a power_n give_v the_o apostle_n witness_v of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o witness_v the_o miracle_n of_o their_o master_n they_o give_v assurance_n to_o man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n by_o do_v the_o like_a miracle_n themselves_o heal_v the_o sick_a cast_v out_o devil_n raise_v the_o dead_a etc._n etc._n just_a as_o jesus_n himself_o have_v do_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o pursuant_n to_o their_o commission_n they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o man_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o language_n they_o plain_o demonstrate_v both_o that_o they_o have_v such_o a_o commission_n from_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o they_o preach_v by_o speak_v to_o every_o man_n of_o every_o nation_n in_o his_o own_o tongue_n thus_o as_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n say_v 2.4_o heb._n 2.4_o god_n do_v bear_v they_o witness_n both_o with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will._n and_o he_o may_v well_o say_v that_o god_n do_v hereby_o bear_v they_o witness_n because_o that_o power_n wherewith_o they_o be_v endue_v be_v so_o evident_o from_o on_o high_a that_o none_o that_o see_v their_o work_n 24.49_o luke_n 24.49_o and_o consider_v withal_o the_o purity_n and_o excellence_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n that_o be_v thereby_o establish_v can_v have_v any_o reasonable_a doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n or_o no._n we_o know_v 3.2_o joh._n 3.2_o say_v nicodemus_n to_o our_o saviour_n that_o thou_o be_v a_o teacher_n send_v from_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v do_v the_o miracle_n that_o thou_o do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o 14.12_o joh._n 14.12_o but_o the_o same_o work_n that_o jesus_n do_v do_v his_o disciple_n also_o after_o he_o have_v send_v down_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o father_n upon_o they_o on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n yea_o and_o great_a work_n than_o those_o do_v they_o do_v so_o that_o whoever_o behold_v their_o work_n may_v so_o far_o as_o miracle_n be_v evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n be_v rather_o more_o certain_a that_o god_n be_v with_o they_o than_o nicodemus_n can_v be_v that_o he_o be_v with_o our_o lord_n himself_o for_o though_o their_o other_o miracle_n that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o sort_n with_o those_o which_o our_o saviour_n have_v do_v be_v such_o proof_n of_o divine_a assistance_n as_o can_v not_o with_o any_o reason_n be_v gainsay_v yet_o i_o think_v it_o may_v true_o be_v affirm_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o they_o and_o wherein_o they_o do_v as_o we_o may_v say_v excel_v even_o our_o lord_n himself_o be_v more_o convince_a than_o any_o of_o they_o for_o he_o that_o see_v one_o of_o their_o other_o miracle_n may_v possible_o entertain_v some_o little_a doubt_n whether_o the_o effect_n that_o appear_v to_o he_o to_o be_v miraculous_a may_v not_o yet_o be_v do_v by_o some_o secret_a power_n of_o natural_a cause_n that_o be_v unknown_a to_o he_o but_o we_o all_o know_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n so_o well_o that_o we_o be_v sure_a the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o language_n can_v possible_o be_v attain_v natural_o even_o by_o a_o person_n of_o the_o quick_a part_n and_o faithful_a memory_n but_o in_o so_o much_o time_n at_o the_o least_o as_o it_o will_v necessary_o take_v up_o to_o be_v tell_v by_o tutor_n or_o to_o learn_v from_o lexicon_n what_o every_o particular_a word_n of_o the_o language_n to_o be_v learn_v be_v by_o the_o people_n of_o that_o language_n design_v to_o signify_v because_o word_n have_v not_o a_o natural_a relation_n to_o the_o notion_n or_o thing_n thereby_o express_v but_o be_v mere_a arbitrary_a sign_n thereof_o so_o that_o whoever_o know_v the_o education_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o they_o be_v before_o altogether_o ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a and_o yet_o see_v they_o every_o one_o on_o a_o sudden_a on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n able_a to_o speak_v ready_o in_o all_o the_o language_n of_o all_o the_o nation_n under_o heaven_n from_o whence_o have_v come_v some_o of_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v present_a at_o jerusalem_n at_o that_o
and_o this_o he_o himself_o urge_v as_o a_o reason_n why_o his_o testimony_n ought_v to_o be_v credit_v joh._n viij_o 46._o which_o of_o you_o convince_v i_o of_o sin_n and_o if_o i_o say_v the_o truth_n why_o do_v you_o not_o believe_v i_o and_o a_o very_a good_a reason_n it_o be_v for_o it_o can_v not_o just_o be_v suspect_v that_o a_o person_n of_o who_o no_o other_o ill_a thing_n can_v be_v say_v be_v yet_o indeed_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n guilty_a of_o a_o crime_n of_o the_o great_a magnitude_n viz._n of_o lie_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n of_o say_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v send_v he_o when_o indeed_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o send_v he_o nor_o speak_v by_o he_o 2._o it_o may_v be_v also_o consider_v that_o this_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n though_o it_o be_v concern_v himself_o yet_o be_v not_o for_o himself_o i_o mean_v it_o be_v not_o for_o his_o own_o worldly_a advantage_n and_o this_o consideration_n he_o himself_o likewise_o offer_v to_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o testimony_n joh._n seven_o 18._o he_o that_o speak_v of_o himself_o seek_v his_o own_o glory_n but_o he_o that_o seek_v his_o glory_n that_o send_v he_o the_o same_o be_v true_a and_o no_o unrighteousness_n be_v in_o he_o have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o he_o pretend_v be_v what_o god_n have_v command_v he_o to_o teach_v be_v contrive_v to_o advance_v the_o worldly_a honour_n and_o greatness_n of_o himself_o or_o his_o follower_n this_o will_v have_v be_v a_o just_a prejudice_n against_o it_o and_o a_o reasonable_a ground_n of_o suspect_v that_o he_o speak_v of_o himself_o but_o when_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o all_o that_o hear_v his_o discourse_n and_o be_v no_o less_o so_o to_o we_o that_o read_v they_o that_o he_o seek_v not_o his_o own_o glory_n in_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o glory_n of_o he_o that_o send_v he_o and_o that_o his_o whole_a doctrine_n tend_v to_o advance_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o promote_v the_o practice_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n in_o the_o world_n this_o render_v his_o testimony_n very_o credible_a when_o he_o say_v he_o be_v send_v by_o god_n to_o teach_v it_o to_o the_o world_n for_o when_o a_o doctrine_n be_v plain_o worthy_a of_o god_n and_o according_a to_o godliness_n 6.3_o 1_o tim._n 6.3_o it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v presume_v that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o 3._o it_o may_v be_v further_o consider_v that_o this_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n concern_v himself_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v to_o his_o own_o benefit_n that_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o any_o thing_n can_v possible_o be_v to_o his_o worldly_a disadvantage_n expose_v he_o to_o the_o envy_n and_o malice_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o the_o jealousy_n of_o the_o roman_n and_o to_o all_o the_o cruel_a suffering_n which_o he_o endure_v from_o both_o of_o they_o and_o certain_o a_o man_n testimony_n concern_v himself_n may_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v credible_a if_o it_o be_v against_o his_o own_o interest_n if_o he_o himself_o be_v a_o great_a loser_n or_o sufferer_n by_o what_o he_o testify_v for_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v what_o else_o but_o only_o the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n and_o a_o obligation_n to_o declare_v it_o shall_v ever_o induce_v a_o man_n to_o say_v such_o thing_n concern_v himself_o as_o will_v procure_v his_o own_o mischief_n and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o can_v be_v say_v to_o avoid_v the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n testimony_n that_o he_o be_v send_v from_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n unless_o it_o be_v that_o he_o be_v disappoint_v in_o his_o expectation_n and_o that_o he_o hope_v to_o make_v himself_o rich_a and_o great_a in_o the_o world_n by_o these_o glorious_a pretence_n though_o in_o the_o event_n it_o prove_v otherwise_o but_o the_o gospel-history_n furnish_v we_o with_o a_o very_a clear_a and_o full_a answer_n to_o this_o objection_n in_o those_o many_o prediction_n of_o our_o lord_n therein_o record_v concern_v his_o own_o suffering_n 16.31.20.17_o mat._n 16.31.20.17_o whereby_o it_o clear_o appear_v that_o the_o suffering_n which_o befall_v he_o for_o give_v this_o testimony_n concern_v himself_o do_v not_o happen_v to_o he_o unexpected_o but_o that_o he_o know_v long_o before_o all_o that_o afterward_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o therefore_o i_o say_v again_o that_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v imagine_v why_o he_o shall_v say_v that_o he_o be_v send_v from_o god_n but_o only_o because_o he_o know_v it_o be_v true_a and_o have_v receive_v a_o command_n from_o his_o father_n to_o declare_v this_o truth_n to_o the_o world_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v further_o 4._o last_o that_o he_o continue_v to_o testify_v the_o same_o at_o his_o death_n which_o he_o have_v do_v before_o in_o his_o life_n give_v thereby_o the_o best_a assurance_n that_o a_o man_n can_v give_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o testimony_n for_o the_o main_a matter_n of_o his_o accusation_n to_o pilate_n be_v that_o he_o have_v give_v out_o himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o the_o messiah_n be_v according_a to_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o be_v a_o great_a temporal_a king_n have_v our_o lord_n therefore_o but_o deny_v this_o charge_n have_v he_o but_o grant_v that_o he_o be_v not_o the_o messiah_n he_o may_v have_v save_v his_o life_n but_o this_o he_o will_v not_o do_v he_o disown_v indeed_o the_o false_a notion_n that_o the_o jew_n have_v of_o the_o messiah_n my_o kingdom_n 62._o john_n 18.26_o mat._n 27.11_o joh._n 18.37_o mat._n 26.63_o 64._o mar._n 14.61_o 62._o say_v he_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n but_o that_o he_o be_v a_o king_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n he_o bold_o own_v as_o well_o when_o the_o question_n be_v put_v to_o he_o by_o the_o roman_a governor_n who_o have_v power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n as_o when_o it_o have_v be_v put_v to_o he_o before_o by_o the_o highpriest_n this_o therefore_o be_v a_o strong_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o be_v alone_o sufficient_a to_o make_v it_o credible_a that_o he_o witness_v the_o same_o good_a confession_n before_o pontius_n pilate_n 6.13_o 1_o tim._n 6.13_o which_o he_o have_v do_v before_o his_o own_o nation_n and_o seal_v his_o witness_n with_o his_o blood_n for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o any_o man_n tell_v a_o know_a lie_n for_o nothing_o and_o it_o be_v plain_o then_o too_o late_o for_o he_o to_o hope_v for_o any_o good_a to_o himself_o in_o this_o world_n by_o persist_v in_o this_o testimony_n his_o only_a hope_n have_v be_v in_o retract_v it_o and_o it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o expect_v to_o better_v himself_o in_o the_o other_o world_n by_o die_v with_o a_o lie_n in_o his_o mouth_n thus_o i_o hope_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n concern_v his_o own_o divine_a mission_n be_v credible_a in_o itself_o so_o that_o we_o may_v rational_o believe_v that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n although_o we_o have_v only_o his_o own_o word_n for_o it_o but_o we_o have_v more_o than_o his_o own_o word_n for_o it_o i_o be_o not_o alone_a say_v he_o joh._n viij_o 16_o etc._n etc._n but_o i_o and_o the_o father_n that_o send_v i_o it_o be_v also_o write_v in_o your_o law_n that_o the_o testimony_n of_o two_o man_n be_v true_a i_o be_o one_o that_o bear_v witness_v of_o myself_o and_o the_o father_n that_o send_v i_o bear_v witness_n of_o i_o and_o this_o be_v the_o other_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v in_o order_n to_o show_v the_o good_a reason_n that_o we_o have_v to_o believe_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v send_v from_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n viz._n second_o the_o confirmation_n that_o be_v give_v to_o this_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n by_o god_n himself_o and_o this_o be_v give_v several_a way_n 1._o god_n bear_v he_o witness_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o ancient_a prophet_n and_o to_o this_o our_o saviour_n frequent_o appeal_v joh._n v._n 39_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o and_o again_o v._o 46._o have_v you_o believe_v moses_n you_o will_v have_v believe_v i_o for_o he_o write_v of_o i_o and_o this_o st._n peter_n compare_v it_o with_o that_o voice_n from_o heaven_n testify_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 19_o 2_o pet._n 1.18_o 19_o of_o which_o he_o himself_o have_v be_v a_o earwitness_n call_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o
tit._n 2.12_o who_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o by_o teach_v they_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n now_o the_o devil_n be_v certain_o as_o subtle_a as_o he_o be_v powerful_a and_o therefore_o if_o he_o have_v indeed_o any_o power_n to_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o to_o do_v a_o real_a miracle_n he_o will_v not_o however_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a make_v use_n of_o this_o power_n against_o himself_o he_o will_v not_o thereby_o assist_v another_o to_o destroy_v his_o own_o kingdom_n and_o by_o this_o argument_n our_o saviour_n himself_o clear_o confute_v this_o calumny_n in_o mat._n twelve_o 25._o when_o the_o pharisee_n have_v say_v that_o he_o cast_v out_o devil_n by_o beelzebub_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o devil_n he_o answer_v every_o kingdom_n divide_v against_o itself_o be_v bring_v to_o desolation_n and_o if_o satan_n cast_v out_o satan_n he_o be_v divide_v against_o himself_o how_o then_o shall_v his_o kingdom_n stand_v and_o 3._o last_o as_o it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o the_o devil_n have_v such_o power_n or_o if_o he_o have_v and_o be_v let_v alone_o to_o himself_o that_o he_o will_v make_v use_n of_o this_o power_n to_o destroy_v his_o own_o kingdom_n so_o neither_o be_v it_o credible_a that_o almighty_a god_n who_o have_v all_o power_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o can_v control_v and_o limit_v the_o working_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o all_o create_a being_n as_o he_o please_v will_v ever_o permit_v the_o devil_n to_o outdo_v himself_o in_o such_o wonderful_a operation_n so_o that_o more_o and_o great_a miracle_n shall_v be_v do_v by_o a_o impostor_n than_o ever_o have_v be_v do_v before_o by_o any_o true_a prophet_n which_o yet_o be_v manifest_o the_o case_n if_o indeed_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o impostor_n 3.8_o 2_o tim._n 3.8_o he_o suffer_v indeed_o janne_n and_o jambres_n to_o withstand_v his_o servant_n moses_n and_o aaron_n for_o some_o time_n and_o to_o do_v or_o seem_v to_o do_v some_o wonderful_a work_n like_o to_o they_o 12._o ex._n 7.10_o 12._o for_o aaron_n cast_v his_o rod_n upon_o the_o ground_n and_o it_o become_v a_o serpent_n and_o so_o do_v they_o and_o aaron_n stretch_v out_o his_o hand_n over_o the_o water_n 7._o ex._n 8.6_o 7._o and_o the_o frog_n come_v up_o and_o cover_v the_o land_n and_o the_o magician_n do_v so_o with_o their_o enchantment_n and_o bring_v up_o frog_n upon_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n but_o though_o he_o suffer_v the_o magician_n thus_o to_o contend_v with_o his_o prophet_n the_o victory_n be_v clear_o on_o his_o prophet_n side_n 7.12.8.18_o ex._n 7.12.8.18_o for_o aaron_n rod_n swallow_v up_o their_o rod_n and_o when_o the_o magician_n endeavour_v by_o their_o enchantment_n to_o bring_v forth_o louse_n as_o aaron_n have_v do_v they_o can_v not_o but_o be_v force_v to_o own_o before_o pharaoh_n that_o it_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o from_o that_o time_n forward_o strive_v no_o more_o for_o victory_n and_o thus_o it_o may_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n etc._n deut_n 13.1_o etc._n etc._n at_o any_o time_n in_o order_n prove_v his_o people_n and_o to_o know_v whether_o they_o love_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n 24.24_o mat._n 24.24_o to_o suffer_v the_o sign_n or_o wonder_v foretell_v by_o a_o enticer_n to_o idolatry_n to_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o to_o distinguish_v his_o elect_n from_o reprobate_n to_o permit_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n 10._o 2_o thes_n 2.8_o 9_o 10._o to_o show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o in_o just_a judgement_n upon_o such_o as_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v to_o let_v they_o alone_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o that_o wicked_a one_o who_o come_v be_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_a wonder_n and_o with_o all_o deceiveableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v but_o it_o can_v i_o think_v be_v reconcile_v to_o these_o attribute_n of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v permit_v great_a wonder_n and_o more_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a miracle_n to_o be_v do_v by_o a_o false_a prophet_n than_o ever_o be_v do_v by_o any_o true_a prophet_n because_o this_o will_v be_v too_o great_a a_o trial_n for_o humane_a nature_n such_o sign_n and_o wonder_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o deceive_v even_o those_o that_o inquire_v after_o truth_n with_o the_o great_a sincerity_n of_o heart_n and_o i_o can_v conceive_v it_o consistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o permit_v that_o such_o as_o be_v of_o honest_a mind_n and_o sincere_a lover_n of_o truth_n shall_v after_o a_o fair_a examination_n of_o the_o proof_n on_o both_o side_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o embrace_v error_n than_o truth_n which_o yet_o they_o plain_o have_v in_o case_n the_o miracle_n do_v by_o false_a prophet_n be_v more_o and_o great_a than_o have_v be_v do_v by_o any_o true_a prophet_n unless_o the_o falseness_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o will_v thereby_o establish_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o miracle_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a i_o think_v we_o may_v well_o conclude_v this_o head_n with_o those_o word_n of_o nicodemus_n to_o our_o saviour_n joh._n iii._o 2._o we_o know_v we_o be_v assure_v of_o it_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o it_o that_o thou_o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v do_v these_o miracle_n that_o thou_o do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o 6._o another_o way_n by_o which_o god_n himself_o bare_a witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n testimony_n be_v by_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a 4._o joh._n 2.19_o mat._n 12.40.16_o 4._o to_o this_o great_a miracle_n he_o himself_o often_o refer_v those_o that_o have_v any_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o other_o miracle_n as_o what_o can_v not_o but_o be_v satisfactory_a to_o all_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v satisfaction_n and_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a subject_n of_o the_o apostle_n sermon_n 2.24.32.3.15.4.10.10.40.13.30_o act_n 2.24.32.3.15.4.10.10.40.13.30_o the_o main_a proof_n that_o they_o insist_v upon_o to_o convince_v man_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n and_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v no_o doubt_n upon_o they_o that_o if_o they_o can_v but_o persuade_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n they_o will_v ready_o own_v that_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n and_o without_o further_a scruple_n receive_v every_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v teach_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n as_o a_o divine_a truth_n 17.30_o act_n 17.30_o by_o this_o say_v they_o god_n have_v give_v assurance_n unto_o all_o man_n that_o he_o have_v ordain_v he_o to_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n by_o this_o say_v they_o he_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n because_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n evident_a to_o all_o 1.4_o rom._n 1.4_o that_o no_o power_n less_o than_o god_n can_v raise_v the_o dead_a when_o therefore_o this_o be_v do_v and_o it_o be_v do_v if_o the_o gospel-history_n be_v true_a this_o be_v a_o plain_a seal_n set_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o our_o saviour_n testimony_n a_o seal_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v counterfeit_v and_o wherein_o the_o divine_a power_n be_v so_o clear_o and_o deep_o engrave_v that_o whoever_o look_v attent_o upon_o it_o must_v be_v satisfy_v who_o seal_n it_o be_v so_o that_o to_o grant_v the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o yet_o to_o doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v the_o person_n he_o give_v out_o himself_o to_o be_v be_v to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n himself_o for_o grant_v our_o saviour_n resurrection_n it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o he_o be_v a_o impostor_n without_o suppose_v that_o god_n himself_o do_v consent_n to_o the_o imposture_n and_o work_v the_o most_o evident_a miracle_n that_o ever_o wâ—s_v do_v on_o purpose_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o believe_v a_o lye_n i_o shall_v mention_v at_o present_a but_o one_o way_n more_o whereby_o god_n be_v please_v to_o confirm_v our_o saviour_n testimony_n of_o himself_o and_o that_o be_v 7._o by_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n which_o witness_n be_v give_v to_o he_o at_o his_o baptism_n etc._n joh._n 1.32_o etc._n etc._n when_o the_o holy-ghost_n descend_v in_o a_o visible_a manner_n as_o a_o dove_n and_o rest_v on_o he_o it_o be_v also_o give_v to_o he_o during_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o ministry_n for_o the_o holy-ghost_n not_o only_o descend_v but_o abode_n upon_o he_o and_o therefore_o st._n peter_n speak_v of_o he_o etc._n act._n 10.38_o etc._n etc._n say_v that_o god_n anoint_v he_o with_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o with_o power_n but_o that_o
power_n of_o work_a miracle_n shall_v cease_v too_o at_o least_o till_o such_o time_n as_o god_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o make_v some_o alteration_n in_o or_o addition_n to_o his_o former_a revelation_n which_o we_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o think_v he_o will_v never_o do_v or_o till_o he_o shall_v please_v to_o undertake_v the_o conversion_n of_o those_o nation_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n to_o who_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o former_a miracle_n that_o have_v be_v wrought_v for_o its_o confirmation_n can_v not_o be_v so_o well_o communicate_v by_o credible_a history_n as_o it_o be_v to_o we_o for_o as_o be_v hint_v before_o credible_a history_n be_v all_o the_o proof_n and_o evidence_n that_o we_o ever_o think_v reasonable_a to_o require_v in_o other_o case_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n as_o for_o instance_n when_o a_o new_a law_n be_v make_v concern_v any_o matter_n it_o be_v requisite_a according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o our_o country_n that_o it_o shall_v pass_v both_o house_n of_o parliament_n and_o that_o the_o king_n shall_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v it_o and_o that_o afterward_o it_o shall_v be_v some_o way_n so_o publish_v and_o promulge_v that_o all_o the_o subject_n that_o be_v then_o alive_a shall_v have_v sufficient_a assurance_n give_v they_o that_o such_o a_o law_n be_v make_v but_o after_o this_o law_n have_v be_v once_o so_o pass_v and_o ratify_v and_o promulge_v it_o be_v pass_v and_o ratify_v and_o promulge_v for_o ever_o and_o no_o man_n be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o expect_v that_o every_o parliament_n that_o be_v call_v afterward_o shall_v read_v and_o pass_v over_o again_o all_o the_o law_n that_o have_v be_v make_v before_o their_o time_n or_o that_o every_o king_n that_o succeed_v to_o the_o throne_n shall_v afresh_o ratify_v and_o publish_v all_o the_o law_n that_o be_v make_v by_o all_o his_o predecessor_n but_o all_o the_o proof_n that_o we_o ever_o require_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o ancient_a law_n be_v a_o true_a copy_n of_o it_o and_o a_o good_a history_n or_o record_n of_o its_o be_v make_v at_o such_o a_o time_n by_o such_o a_o king_n confirm_v by_o the_o tradition_n of_o all_o the_o intermediate_v age_n to_o our_o time_n which_o have_v allow_v of_o its_o authority_n by_o cite_v it_o as_o a_o law_n of_o the_o land_n by_o plead_v from_o it_o and_o by_o give_v judgement_n according_a to_o it_o and_o he_o who_o will_v not_o allow_v of_o the_o same_o proof_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o christian_a institution_n so_o many_o hundred_o year_n ago_o establish_v but_o will_v needs_o have_v new_a miracle_n and_o new_a revelation_n to_o confirm_v the_o former_a be_v every_o whit_n as_o unreasonable_a as_o that_o criminal_a will_v be_v who_o be_v indict_v upon_o some_o ancient_a statute_n shall_v refuse_v to_o plead_v to_o his_o indictment_n upon_o pretence_n that_o he_o know_v not_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o law_n or_o not_o it_o be_v make_v if_o ever_o it_o be_v make_v long_o before_o his_o time_n and_o there_o be_v none_o now_o alive_a that_o be_v present_a at_o the_o make_n of_o it_o show_v he_o the_o law_n in_o the_o statute_n book_n why_o how_o do_v he_o know_v he_o will_v say_v but_o that_o the_o printer_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o put_v a_o cheat_n upon_o the_o nation_n by_o print_v a_o law_n of_o their_o own_o make_n as_o a_o law_n make_v by_o some_o of_o our_o ancient_a king_n nay_o show_v he_o the_o original_a record_n still_o he_o will_v say_v there_o have_v be_v abundance_n of_o forgery_n in_o the_o world_n and_o how_o do_v he_o know_v but_o that_o this_o be_v one_o the_o record_n he_o will_v own_v perhaps_o look_v like_o a_o ancient_a deed_n and_o have_v all_o the_o mark_n of_o such_o antiquity_n as_o it_o pretend_v to_o but_o after_o all_o it_o be_v possible_a it_o may_v be_v and_o therefore_o he_o can_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v not_o a_o forgery_n and_o till_o he_o be_v assure_v of_o this_o he_o will_v not_o plead_v to_o a_o 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head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._o st._n luke_n xvi_o 29_o 30_o 31._o abraham_n say_v unto_o he_o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o he_o say_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a in_o discourse_v on_o these_o word_n i_o have_v already_o do_v these_o two_o thing_n i._o i_o have_v show_v that_o the_o present_a stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o repentance_n if_o they_o be_v not_o unreasonable_o blind_a and_o obstinate_a this_o be_v intimate_v in_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o the_o text_n they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o ii_o i_o have_v 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his_o grave_a and_o appear_v to_o they_o which_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o the_o rich_a man_n here_o desire_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o his_o brethren_n as_o be_v in_o his_o judgement_n the_o most_o powerful_a and_o so_o like_a to_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a method_n to_o reclaim_v they_o when_o i_o say_v this_o be_v do_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o great_a number_n so_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n can_v not_o be_v doubt_v and_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o any_o of_o they_o all_o the_o effect_n that_o it_o have_v upon_o those_o obstinate_a and_o incredulous_a man_n be_v only_o that_o it_o make_v they_o enter_v present_o soon_o perhaps_o then_o otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v do_v into_o a_o close_a consultation_n to_o put_v to_o death_n both_o jesus_n and_o lazarus_n too_o some_o example_n indeed_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v there_o be_v on_o the_o other_o side_n for_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o act_n xi_o 41._o of_o a_o great_a number_n about_o 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