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passage_n in_o josephus_n relate_v to_o christ_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o suppose_v they_o all_o forge_v or_o only_o some_o of_o they_o so_o some_o accidental_o mistake_v and_o other_o doubtful_a whoever_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o so_o long_o as_o it_o plain_o appear_v they_o be_v of_o such_o and_o such_o antiquity_n they_o be_v certain_a proof_n of_o the_o general_a faith_n of_o christian_n at_o the_o respective_a time_n when_o any_o of_o they_o be_v publish_v and_o consequent_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o fact_n in_o question_n forasmuch_o as_o they_o all_o evident_o suppose_v a_o antecedent_n belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n found_v upon_o those_o fact_n as_o be_v visible_a by_o all_o the_o remain_v we_o have_v leave_v of_o they_o and_o therefore_o be_v as_o good_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o be_o prove_v as_o the_o most_o genuine_a unquestionable_a write_n of_o any_o other_o author_n whatsoever_o viz._n that_o the_o common_a historical_a 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doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v always_o the_o same_o from_o the_o time_n of_o tiberius_n to_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a and_o from_o thence_o to_o the_o present_a age_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v always_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o genuine_a work_n of_o those_o who_o name_n they_o bear_v and_o to_o contain_v the_o unalterable_a ground_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v 2._o in_o the_o next_o place_n then_o i_o be_o to_o prove_v that_o those_o extraordinary_a fact_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o we_o call_v miracle_n and_o prophecy_n be_v real_o true_a according_a the_o relation_n there_o give_v of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v constant_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a by_o all_o christian_n ever_o since_o the_o time_n in_o which_o they_o be_v first_o say_v to_o happen_v have_v already_o be_v prove_v but_o whether_o their_o faith_n be_v well_o
ground_v or_o not_o be_v now_o the_o enquiry_n that_o it_o be_v i_o shall_v prove_v by_o show_v that_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v relate_v and_o attest_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o can_v possible_o be_v call_v in_o question_n but_o that_o the_o strength_n and_o validity_n of_o what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v upon_o this_o head_n may_v be_v better_o and_o more_o clear_o perceive_v i_o think_v fit_a by_o way_n of_o introduction_n to_o show_v first_o what_o i_o mean_v by_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n and_o second_o what_o kind_n of_o evidence_n these_o fact_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o which_o way_n they_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v by_o miracle_n then_o i_o will_v now_o be_v understand_v to_o mean_v only_o strange_a unusual_a event_n out_o of_o the_o common_a road_n and_o course_n of_o thing_n which_o by_o all_o the_o knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o nature_n we_o can_v tell_v how_o to_o bring_v to_o pass_v nor_o account_n for_o when_o they_o have_v happen_v and_o these_o be_v to_o be_v distinguish_v into_o such_o as_o be_v absolute_o at_o all_o time_n strange_a and_o not_o to_o be_v account_v for_o by_o what_o we_o know_v of_o the_o power_n and_o force_n of_o nature_n as_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a etc._n etc._n and_o such_o as_o be_v so_o only_o in_o consideration_n of_o some_o particular_a circumstance_n as_o heal_v the_o sick_a which_o be_v in_o itself_o no_o strange_a thing_n but_o only_o when_o it_o be_v do_v in_o a_o short_a time_n than_o medicine_n be_v ever_o know_v to_o operate_v or_o without_o the_o assistance_n of_o any_o visible_a mean_n or_o the_o like_a by_o prophecy_n i_o here_o understand_v relation_n of_o such_o future_a event_n as_o have_v no_o perceivable_a connexion_n with_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n at_o the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v utter_v this_o be_v all_o i_o mean_v at_o present_a by_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n and_o every_o body_n i_o be_o sure_a will_v allow_v i_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o such_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o these_o mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o be_v do_v whether_o they_o be_v natural_a or_o supernatural_a effect_n whether_o they_o be_v the_o work_n of_o art_n or_o magic_n whether_o god_n or_o man_n or_o some_o good_a or_o evil_a spirit_n be_v the_o autohr_n of_o they_o be_v not_o my_o present_a business_n to_o inquire_v that_o belong_v to_o another_o place_n all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o undertake_v to_o show_v be_v that_o they_o be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o real_o do_v according_a to_o the_o relation_n we_o have_v of_o they_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n now_o i_o know_v of_o no_o other_o way_n of_o prove_v this_o but_o by_o the_o number_n and_o character_n of_o the_o witness_n who_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o fact_n and_o by_o the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o fact_n themselves_o according_a as_o they_o appear_v from_o the_o account_n the_o witness_n give_v of_o they_o if_o the_o witness_n be_v such_o as_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v can_v be_v deceive_v themselves_o in_o what_o they_o relate_v or_o will_v offer_v to_o impose_v upon_o other_o and_o if_o the_o fact_n be_v such_o as_o can_v not_o be_v represent_v by_o the_o witness_n otherwise_o than_o they_o be_v without_o a_o certain_a discovery_n of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o their_o relation_n nothing_o more_o can_v be_v require_v to_o justify_v our_o belief_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n this_o be_v premise_v i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o the_o christian_a miracle_n and_o prophecy_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v all_o the_o forementioned_a character_n of_o truth_n belong_v to_o they_o and_o be_v therefore_o very_o reasonable_o and_o just_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a which_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o have_v oblige_v myself_o to_o make_v good_a and_o shall_v prosecute_v my_o design_n in_o the_o follow_a method_n first_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o miracle_n by_o themselves_o and_o this_o according_a to_o the_o different_a period_n in_o which_o they_o be_v do_v and_o the_o different_a person_n they_o be_v do_v by_o second_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o prophecy_n apart_o according_a to_o the_o same_o distinction_n of_o time_n and_o person_n as_o i_o observe_v in_o treat_v of_o miracle_n three_o i_o shall_v make_v some_o general_a reflection_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a miracle_n and_o prophecy_n take_v altogether_o first_o then_z as_o to_z miracle_n it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o a_o great_a many_o such_o fact_n as_o these_o that_o i_o call_v miracle_n be_v say_v to_o be_v do_v by_o jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v every_o where_o assert_v or_o suppose_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o gospel_n give_v a_o very_a particular_a and_o circumstantial_a account_n of_o several_a of_o they_o it_o be_v certain_a also_o from_o the_o general_a proof_n before_o give_v of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o these_o miracle_n be_v believe_v by_o the_o first_o christian_n both_o by_o those_o that_o live_v in_o judea_n and_o those_o that_o dwell_v in_o other_o country_n and_o the_o real_a truth_n of_o they_o will_v as_o evident_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v at_o first_o believe_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o miracle_n record_v of_o christ_n be_v do_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o great_a multitude_n at_o the_o most_o public_a place_n in_o judea_n and_o at_o the_o most_o solemn_a time_n of_o meet_v nay_o he_o be_v so_o constant_o employ_v in_o travel_v and_o go_v about_o and_o perform_v so_o many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n wherever_o he_o come_v and_o give_v so_o many_o repeat_v instance_n of_o his_o power_n in_o the_o same_o place_n that_o there_o be_v very_o few_o in_o that_o whole_a country_n who_o have_v not_o see_v some_o of_o his_o mighty_a work_n themselves_o and_o therefore_o the_o sole_a ground_n and_o reason_n upon_o which_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n of_o palestine_n believe_v these_o miracle_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o their_o own_o sense_n the_o fact_n themselves_o be_v so_o level_a to_o their_o capacity_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v they_o be_v so_o open_a and_o so_o easy_o and_o full_o perceive_v that_o they_o find_v no_o reason_n to_o distrust_v their_o sense_n and_o therefore_o they_o ready_o conclude_v they_o to_o be_v true_a a_o great_a many_o of_o the_o first_o believer_n of_o christ_n miracle_n have_v a_o further_a and_o more_o intimate_a perception_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o than_o the_o rest_n viz._n those_o upon_o who_o some_o of_o the_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v or_o who_o be_v make_v to_o have_v a_o share_n in_o the_o action_n themselves_o such_o be_v all_o those_o that_o be_v heal_v or_o feed_v by_o christ_n that_o have_v devil_n cast_v out_o of_o they_o that_o have_v their_o secret_a thought_n or_o private_a action_n reveal_v to_o they_o etc._n etc._n those_o who_o see_v none_o of_o these_o mighty_a work_n themselves_o but_o believe_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o be_v confirm_v in_o their_o faith_n by_o a_o universal_a concurrence_n of_o all_o person_n their_o curiosity_n or_o concern_v dispose_v they_o to_o inquire_v of_o for_o as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n all_o kind_n of_o people_n believe_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o those_o who_o reverence_v his_o person_n and_o character_n and_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n but_o even_o those_o who_o despise_v he_o and_o set_v he_o at_o nought_o and_o reject_v his_o gospel_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o be_v the_o most_o powerful_a and_o most_o zealous_a enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n acknowledge_v his_o miracle_n but_o attribute_v they_o to_o evil_a spirit_n some_o of_o the_o pharisee_n can_v not_o deny_v his_o wonderful_a cure_n of_o a_o blind_a man_n but_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o he_o be_v of_o god_n because_o he_o keep_v not_o the_o sabbath-day_n though_o other_o of_o they_o say_v how_o can_v a_o man_n that_o be_v a_o sinner_n do_v such_o miracle_n none_o of_o the_o jew_n upon_o the_o strict_a examination_n be_v able_a to_o disprove_v this_o or_o any_o other_o of_o his_o miracle_n but_o notwithstanding_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v in_o christ_n or_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n because_o they_o be_v moses_n disciple_n and_o they_o know_v that_o god_n speak_v unto_o moses_n but_o as_o for_o that_o fellow_n who_o cure_v the_o blind_a man_n they_o know_v not_o from_o whence_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a priest_n and_o elder_n never_o doubt_v of_o the_o mighty_a work_v do_v by_o he_o but_o only_o question_v his_o authority_n in_o do_v
that_o be_v do_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o be_v likewise_o own_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o avast_o multitude_n more_o both_o of_o such_o as_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o of_o such_o as_o reject_v and_o oppose_v it_o and_o violent_o persecute_v the_o teacher_n of_o it_o to_o omit_v the_o testimony_n of_o true_a believer_n thus_o it_o be_v record_v concern_v those_o upon_o who_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n have_v no_o power_n nor_o influence_n the_o ruler_n elder_n scribe_n and_o high_a priest_n among_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o summon_v peter_n and_o john_n before_o they_o for_o cure_v a_o lame_a man_n can_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o a_o notable_a miracle_n have_v be_v do_v by_o they_o which_o be_v manifest_a to_o all_o they_o that_o dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v afterward_o fill_v with_o indignation_n and_o take_v counsel_n to_o slay_v they_o because_o they_o can_v not_o restrain_v they_o from_o do_v more_o miracle_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n but_o they_o never_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n stephen_n full_a of_o faith_n and_o power_n do_v great_a wonder_n and_o miracle_n among_o the_o people_n but_o he_o be_v accuse_v and_o condemn_v by_o the_o council_n of_o the_o jew_n not_o for_o deceive_v the_o people_n with_o false_a miracle_n but_o for_o speak_v thing_n against_o the_o holy_a place_n and_o the_o law_n for_o say_v that_o jesus_n shall_v destroy_v that_o place_n and_o change_v the_o custom_n which_o moses_n deliver_v they_o when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v say_v that_o all_o that_o sit_v in_o the_o council_n look_v steadfast_o on_o he_o see_v his_o face_n as_o it_o have_v be_v the_o face_n of_o a_o angel_n neither_o have_v they_o any_o thing_n to_o object_n against_o his_o life_n or_o his_o work_n simon_n the_o sorcerer_n to_o who_o all_o the_o people_n in_o samaria_n give_v heed_n from_o the_o least_o to_o the_o great_a look_v upon_o he_o to_o be_v the_o great_a power_n of_o god_n be_v himself_o as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o be_v bewitch_v by_o he_o baptise_a by_o philip_n and_o believe_v when_o he_o behold_v the_o miracle_n and_o sign_n that_o be_v do_v but_o afterward_o we_o find_v by_o the_o wickedness_n of_o his_o heart_n which_o he_o discover_v to_o peter_n that_o he_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n elymas_n the_o sorcerer_n who_o be_v strike_v blind_a by_o paul_n and_o yet_o not_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n be_v another_o unwilling_a witness_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o people_n of_o lystra_n confirm_v the_o same_o truth_n who_o take_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n for_o god_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o miracle_n they_o see_v perform_v by_o they_o and_o afterward_o by_o the_o instigation_n of_o the_o jew_n stone_v paul_n the_o damsel_n possess_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o divination_n and_o her_o master_n who_o see_v the_o hope_n of_o their_o gain_n go_v by_o paul_n command_v the_o spirit_n to_o come_v out_o of_o she_o several_a vagabond_n jew_n exorcist_n who_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o cast_v out_o evil_a spirit_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n but_o suffer_v very_o much_o for_o the_o impudence_n of_o their_o pretence_n and_o a_o great_a many_o other_o such_o like_a be_v witness_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o wicked_a or_o dishonourable_a motive_n reject_v the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v or_o profess_v to_o embrace_v it_o upon_o ill_a design_n or_o after_o they_o have_v receive_v it_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o the_o faith_n great_a complaint_n of_o all_o which_o sort_n of_o man_n we_o find_v in_o the_o epistle_n thus_o be_v the_o miracle_n of_o the_o first_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n declare_v and_o attest_v but_o moreover_o it_o be_v record_v of_o they_o that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n themselves_o but_o that_o they_o be_v authorize_v and_o enable_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n to_o convey_v the_o like_a power_n to_o other_o and_o according_o we_o find_v a_o great_a many_o instance_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o private_a christian_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o power_n they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v confer_v upon_o they_o by_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n after_o which_o action_n of_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v immediate_o say_v to_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o according_a to_o the_o different_a exigency_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o different_a qualification_n of_o the_o person_n endue_v with_o they_o be_v divers_a and_o among_o these_o be_v reckon_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o of_o interpretation_n the_o gift_n of_o healing_n and_o of_o miracle_n which_o gift_n be_v say_v to_o be_v very_o common_a among_o the_o first_o convert_v to_o christianity_n in_o all_o place_n where_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v and_o the_o same_o be_v plain_o imply_v by_o the_o frequent_a rule_n and_o caution_n that_o be_v give_v by_o the_o apostle_n concern_v the_o due_a exercise_n of_o they_o and_o the_o fear_n and_o apprehension_n they_o often_o express_v lest_o the_o christian_n thus_o impower_v shall_v by_o covet_v one_o another_o gift_n or_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o those_o they_o be_v several_o possess_v of_o neglect_v to_o apply_v themselves_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v the_o scripture-account_a of_o miracle_n and_o these_o be_v those_o wonderful_a fact_n believe_v by_o the_o first_o christian_n their_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o be_v the_o chief_a ground_n and_o motive_n of_o their_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n or_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v likewise_o other_o strange_a matter_n of_o fact_n call_v prophecy_n which_o be_v most_o sure_o believe_v among_o they_o and_o which_o contribute_v very_o much_o to_o their_o receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o continue_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n without_o waver_v and_o these_o i_o shall_v consider_v in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o method_n i_o do_v miracle_n for_o there_o be_v several_a prophecy_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o utter_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o together_o with_o several_a other_o speak_v with_o relation_n to_o he_o and_o fulfil_v by_o he_o other_o there_o be_v mention_v as_o speak_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v receive_v the_o power_n of_o prophecy_n immediate_o from_o he_o it_o be_v plain_a also_o from_o several_a instance_n and_o passage_n in_o the_o sacred_a write_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n be_v convey_v by_o the_o first_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n to_o private_a christian_n and_o be_v very_o common_a among_o they_o the_o prophecy_n speak_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v most_o of_o they_o 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receive_v from_o a_o constant_a repetition_n of_o the_o same_o appearance_n but_o it_o be_v not_o to_o prove_v a_o god_n or_o providence_n or_o the_o first_o general_n principles_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o miracle_n be_v urge_v these_o thing_n be_v all_o so_o plain_a and_o easy_a without_o such_o a_o confirmation_n that_o they_o be_v altogether_o without_o excuse_n who_o do_v not_o believe_v they_o or_o act_v contrary_a to_o their_o belief_n but_o when_o man_n be_v lose_v and_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o be_v become_v altogether_o corrupt_a when_o through_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o serve_v god_n aright_o and_o when_o those_o who_o use_v their_o endeavour_n to_o do_v it_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n of_o be_v accept_v if_o in_o compassion_n to_o this_o sad_a and_o distress_a estate_n of_o mankind_n god_n be_v please_v to_o reveal_v himself_o to_o they_o and_o acquaint_v they_o with_o a_o true_a and_o certain_a way_n to_o happiness_n which_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o find_v out_o of_o themselves_o what_o perfection_n of_o god_n be_v it_o contrary_a to_o to_o make_v such_o a_o discovery_n to_o his_o creature_n and_o how_o can_v he_o take_v a_o more_o effectual_a way_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n than_o by_o miracle_n which_o be_v real_a effect_n of_o divine_a power_n and_o which_o man_n be_v ready_o dispose_v to_o acknowledge_v as_o infallible_a sign_n and_o indication_n of_o it_o if_o these_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o may_v certain_o be_v know_v to_o be_v so_o as_o have_v already_o be_v prove_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n than_o be_v they_o very_o fit_a and_o proper_a proof_n that_o the_o doctrine_n they_o be_v intend_v to_o comfirm_v come_v from_o god_n though_o they_o be_v not_o bring_v about_o by_o a_o immediate_a interposition_n but_o be_v part_n of_o the_o general_n scheme_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v a_o derogation_n to_o god_n to_o make_v he_o the_o author_n of_o those_o work_v we_o call_v miracle_n by_o a_o present_a and_o immediate_a exercise_n of_o his_o power_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v no_o diminution_n to_o any_o of_o his_o perfection_n to_o affirm_v that_o original_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n he_o order_v such_o effect_n to_o proceed_v from_o the_o general_a law_n of_o nature_n at_o such_o a_o time_n that_o they_o may_v be_v for_o sign_n and_o token_n to_o mankind_n that_o the_o revelation_n which_o shall_v then_o be_v give_v they_o come_v from_o he_o another_o objection_n make_v to_o the_o argument_n of_o miracle_n be_v that_o miracle_n have_v be_v wrought_v by_o other_o man_n as_o well_o as_o moses_n and_o christ_n and_o as_o great_a as_o those_o that_o be_v record_v of_o they_o from_o whence_o it_o be_v infer_v that_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v be_v never_o the_o true_a for_o their_o work_a miracle_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v none_o of_o it_o sufficient_o attest_v a_o great_a deal_n or_o it_o manifest_o false_a and_o be_v it_o all_o true_a the_o inference_n draw_v from_o it_o do_v not_o hold_v to_o make_v good_a this_o charge_n i_o shall_v instance_n in_o the_o miracle_n attribute_v to_o vespasian_n and_o apollonius_n tyanaeus_n which_o have_v be_v particular_o make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o lessen_v the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o of_o vespasian_n it_o be_v record_v that_o he_o once_o cure_v two_o blind_a man_n but_o the_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a work_n of_o apollonius_n fill_v a_o book_n write_v on_o purpose_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o they_o now_o as_o to_o vespasian_n cure_n of_o the_o blind_a it_o be_v but_o one_o single_a miracle_n and_o therefore_o be_v very_o unjust_o compare_v with_o that_o multitude_n of_o mighty_a work_n that_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n neither_o be_v it_o so_o well_o attest_v but_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v why_o it_o shall_v be_v false_a notwithstanding_o the_o reality_n of_o all_o the_o appear_a circumstance_n of_o it_o several_a inducement_n may_v be_v allege_v that_o very_o probable_o dispose_v this_o emperor_n to_o pretend_v to_o such_o a_o miracle_n it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o conceive_v how_o his_o design_n may_v be_v bring_v about_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o great_a many_o people_n without_o their_o discover_v the_o cheat_n and_o shall_v any_o have_v find_v it_o out_o it_o be_v very_o obvious_a to_o imagine_v why_o they_o do_v not_o publish_v it_o but_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o will_v hold_v when_o apply_v to_o christ_n have_v he_o pretend_v to_o no_o more_o than_o the_o cure_n of_o two_o blind_a man_n a_o man_n of_o his_o character_n and_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n can_v not_o promise_v himself_o any_o honour_n respect_n or_o advantage_n from_o such_o a_o pretence_n and_o shall_v he_o have_v make_v this_o use_n of_o it_o he_o will_v very_o probable_o have_v raise_v the_o envy_n of_o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o same_o rank_n and_o the_o jealousy_n of_o his_o superior_n upon_o these_o and_o other_o motive_n as_o well_o as_o natural_a curiosity_n a_o great_a many_o will_v have_v be_v very_o industrious_a and_o inquisitive_a in_o search_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o who_o can_v we_o imagine_v so_o far_o concern_v for_o such_o a_o pretender_n as_o to_o be_v privy_a or_o assist_v to_o his_o cheat_n at_o the_o first_o or_o to_o conceal_v his_o shame_n after_o they_o have_v find_v it_o out_o but_o suppose_v a_o account_n can_v be_v give_v in_o one_o or_o two_o instance_n how_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o christ_n to_o pretend_v to_o such_o work_v as_o be_v never_o do_v there_o be_v abundance_n still_o remain_v upon_o record_n that_o be_v manifest_o incapable_a of_o such_o a_o solution_n which_o put_v a_o unanswerable_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o pretence_n of_o other_o men._n as_o to_o the_o story_n of_o apollonius_n the_o whole_a credit_n of_o it_o depend_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o one_o single_a author_n who_o live_v too_o long_o after_o he_o to_o be_v a_o competent_a witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o relate_v and_o be_v too_o credulous_a and_o partial_a to_o be_v believe_v if_o he_o have_v live_v at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o he_o the_o strange_a unusual_a thing_n relate_v to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o this_o apollonius_n bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n either_o as_o to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o person_n concern_v in_o they_o the_o wonderful_a and_o extraordinary_a nature_n of_o they_o the_o beneficial_a design_n of_o they_o or_o the_o public_a and_o hazardous_a manner_n in_o which_o they_o be_v do_v and_o a_o great_a many_o of_o these_o have_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a upon_o examination_n from_o the_o manifest_a inconsistency_n and_o contradiction_n in_o the_o relation_n of_o they_o but_o suppose_v the_o miracle_n attribute_v to_o vespasian_n and_o apollonius_n be_v true_a in_o fact_n what_o reason_n can_v we_o allege_v either_o from_o the_o character_n of_o the_o pretend_a author_n the_o end_n and_o design_n they_o act_v upon_o the_o consequence_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o pretence_n or_o from_o any_o other_o circumstance_n of_o their_o story_n that_o the_o strange_a thing_n record_v of_o they_o be_v not_o do_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o evil_a spirit_n let_v we_o suppose_v far_o that_o the_o fact_n be_v not_o only_o real_a but_o true_a and_o proper_a miracle_n perform_v by_o the_o express_a and_o immediate_a assistance_n of_o god_n what_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o thence_o not_o that_o the_o heathen_a religion_n be_v true_a because_o these_o miracle_n be_v not_o design_v or_o intend_v for_o a_o confirmation_n of_o it_o not_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v pure_o humane_a because_o the_o whole_a end_n of_o christ_n work_a miracle_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o his_o doctrine_n come_v from_o god_n there_o may_v be_v several_a reason_n give_v why_o it_o may_v please_v god_n sometime_o to_o work_v miracle_n indifferent_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o good_a or_o ill_a man_n man_n of_o a_o true_a or_o false_a religion_n but_o it_o can_v possible_o be_v suppose_v of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v employ_v good_a man_n or_o concur_v with_o the_o wicked_a in_o work_a miracle_n in_o order_n to_o their_o deceive_a mankind_n and_o establish_v a_o lie_n by_o such_o evidence_n as_o can_v be_v disprove_v and_o no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v where_o any_o one_o true_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o a_o person_n that_o make_v use_v of_o it_o to_o prove_v any_o other_o doctrine_n by_o than_o what_o we_o have_v deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n by_o a_o true_a miracle_n
to_o convince_v they_o that_o there_o be_v at_o present_a other_o strange_a thing_n which_o they_o do_v not_o see_v and_o which_o they_o believe_v their_o sense_n as_o capable_a judge_n of_o as_o of_o those_o which_o they_o do_v see_v but_o whether_o the_o scripture_n be_v believe_v in_o this_o case_n by_o few_o or_o more_o those_o who_o have_v not_o be_v dispose_v to_o like_v they_o will_v have_v have_v great_a and_o more_o unanswerable_a objection_n to_o make_v to_o they_o from_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n than_o our_o present_a unbeliever_n have_v how_o can_v a_o faithful_a christian_a who_o live_v before_o copernicus_n and_o des_n cartes_n have_v defend_v the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o scripture_n against_o such_o as_o reject_v the_o forementioned_a notion_n and_o expose_v they_o as_o ridiculous_a and_o absurd_a the_o bare_a authority_n of_o the_o revelation_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o all_o our_o modern_a experiment_n and_o observation_n will_v have_v be_v less_o effectual_a to_o convince_v gainsayer_n then_o than_o it_o be_v now_o because_o the_o opinion_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n than_o will_v have_v be_v more_o easy_a and_o popular_a than_o those_o contain_v in_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o scripture_n notion_n be_v not_o true_a no_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o they_o shall_v be_v there_o for_o it_o can_v not_o then_o be_v say_v as_o it_o be_v very_o just_o and_o proper_o now_o in_o several_a case_n that_o the_o expression_n of_o scripture_n be_v suit_v to_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v to_o read_v they_o from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o appear_a falsehood_n of_o the_o opinion_n abovementioned_a if_o they_o have_v be_v find_v in_o scripture_n will_v have_v be_v a_o more_o puzzle_v objection_n to_o the_o christian_n of_o former_a time_n than_o the_o allow_a falsehood_n of_o the_o common_a vulgar_a notion_n of_o philosophy_n which_o the_o scripture_n be_v at_o present_a charge_v with_o can_v be_v to_o we_o and_o what_o we_o suppose_v of_o the_o time_n before_o copernicus_n will_v hold_v good_a of_o the_o present_a upon_o the_o like_a trial_n for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v contest_v but_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o other_o true_a notion_n in_o philosophy_n hitherto_o unknown_a to_o we_o which_o upon_o the_o first_o discovery_n will_v appear_v as_o shock_v and_o contrary_a to_o all_o our_o former_a knowledge_n as_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o planetary_a world_n etc._n etc._n do_v to_o our_o predecessor_n and_o be_v these_o deliver_v in_o our_o bibles_n as_o we_o have_v suppose_v the_o other_o to_o be_v they_o will_v furnish_v as_o much_o matter_n of_o cavil_v to_o our_o modern_a and_o all_o succeed_a sceptic_n as_o those_o will_v have_v do_v to_o the_o philosopher_n of_o former_a age_n till_o further_a experience_n have_v reconcile_v they_o to_o their_o reason_n which_o can_v never_o be_v expect_v in_o all_o point_n for_o 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belief_n or_o disbelief_n of_o which_o our_o utmost_a happiness_n or_o misery_n seem_v to_o depend_v and_o we_o shall_v prefer_v a_o mere_a suspicion_n to_o all_o the_o appear_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o truth_n god_n may_v as_o just_o punish_v we_o for_o disbelieve_v a_o real_a error_n upon_o such_o ground_n as_o for_o reject_v the_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o whether_o our_o opinion_n be_v true_a or_o false_a but_o whether_o we_o have_v judge_v well_o or_o ill_o that_o we_o be_v accountable_a for_o neither_o in_o matter_n of_o mere_a speculation_n be_v it_o of_o much_o concern_v whether_o we_o judge_v well_o or_o ill_o because_o it_o be_v of_o no_o great_a moment_n whether_o we_o judge_v at_o all_o but_o it_o be_v not_o indifferent_a to_o we_o whether_o we_o will_v be_v happy_a or_o no_o happiness_n be_v and_o must_v be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o our_o thought_n and_o the_o govern_v principle_n of_o our_o life_n upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v as_o we_o have_v see_v in_o a_o 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believe_v in_o god_n be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n also_o since_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v a_o great_a many_o extraordinary_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o truth_n to_o recommend_v it_o and_o be_v press_v upon_o our_o belief_n under_o the_o consideration_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o misery_n and_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o oppose_v to_o all_o the_o appear_a evidence_n it_o be_v build_v upon_o but_o bare_o a_o suspicion_n that_o notwithstanding_o what_o appear_v to_o we_o it_o may_v possible_o be_v false_a the_o two_o first_o of_o these_o assertion_n be_v manifest_a and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o latter_a will_v be_v very_o visible_a to_o any_o one_o that_o will_v give_v himself_o the_o trouble_n of_o consider_v all_o the_o objection_n that_o have_v ever_o be_v make_v to_o the_o christian_a revelation_n which_o take_v altogether_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o make_v out_o the_o mere_a possibility_n of_o the_o christian_a scheme_n be_v false_a but_o amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o something_o else_o like_o something_o contain_v in_o the_o history_n of_o christianity_n have_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a therefore_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v a_o imposture_n for_o all_o that_o have_v ever_o be_v urge_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v in_o short_a but_o this_o that_o history_n have_v be_v false_a prophecy_n and_o miracle_n have_v be_v counterfeit_a there_o have_v be_v false_a pretence_n to_o revelation_n book_n have_v be_v forge_v strange_a thing_n have_v be_v say_v and_o do_v by_o man_n and_o stranger_n by_o evil_a spirit_n but_o it_o can_v no_o more_o be_v infer_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o christian_a history_n and_o revelation_n and_o all_o the_o christian_a prophecy_n and_o miracle_n be_v false_a and_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v forge_v than_o it_o can_v be_v conclude_v that_o all_o man_n be_v mad_a or_o asleep_a because_o there_o have_v be_v several_a in_o these_o condition_n that_o have_v think_v themselves_o awake_a and_o in_o their_o sense_n or_o that_o all_o the_o argument_n and_o proof_n make_v use_v of_o in_o mathematical_a knowledge_n be_v false_a because_o some_o pretend_a demonstration_n have_v be_v undemonstrate_v and_o confute_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o utmost_a defence_n that_o infidelity_n can_v make_v for_o itself_o as_o have_v before_o be_v more_o particular_o show_v wherefore_o they_o be_v utter_o inexcusable_a whoever_o they_o be_v who_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o all_o those_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o and_o yet_o reject_v so_o plain_a and_o evident_a a_o revelation_n of_o himself_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v but_o there_o be_v very_o few_o i_o believe_v of_o this_o character_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o those_o among_o we_o who_o will_v not_o have_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o reign_v over_o they_o have_v as_o little_a regard_n for_o the_o father_n that_o send_v he_o and_o that_o if_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n nor_o be_v persuade_v by_o one_o that_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a neither_o will_v they_o understand_v the_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o our_o modern_a deist_n and_o unbeliever_n if_o their_o mind_n be_v blind_v and_o their_o foolish_a heart_n darken_v to_o such_o a_o degree_n that_o they_o can_v perceive_v god_n in_o any_o of_o the_o other_o way_n he_o have_v take_v of_o reveal_v himself_o to_o they_o we_o must_v leave_v they_o to_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o last_o revelation_n that_o will_v be_v make_v of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o believe_v and_o tremble_v finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o tho._n bennet_n folio_n thuidides_n greek_n and_o latin_a collate_v with_o five_o entire_a mannscript_a copy_n and_o all_o the_o edition_n extant_a also_o illustrate_v with_o map_n large_a annotation_n and_o index_n by_o j._n hudson_n m._n a._n and_o fellow_n of_o university_n coll._n oxon._n to_o which_o be_v add_v a_o exact_a chronology_n by_o the_o learned_a hen._n dodwell_n never_o before_o publish_v print_v at_o the_o theatre_n oxon._n octavo_fw-la and_o twelves_o sermon_n and_o discourse_n upon_o several_a occasion_n by_o dr._n stradling_n dean_n of_o chichester_n together_o with_o a_o account_n of_o the_o author_n by_o james_n harrington_n esq_n sermon_n and_o discourse_n upon_o several_a occasion_n by_o dr._n meggot_n dean_n of_o chichester_n the_o meditation_n of_o marcus_n aurelius_n antonius_n the_o roman_a emperor_n translate_v out_o of_o greek_a into_o english_a by_o dr._n causabon_n with_o note_n to_o this_o edition_n be_v add_v the_o life_n of_o the_o emperor_n with_o a_o account_n of_o stoic_a philosophy_n as_o also_o remark_n on_o the_o meditation_n all_o new_o write_v by_o monsieur_n and_o madam_n dacier_n the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n assert_v and_o explain_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o six_o letter_n of_o inspiration_n from_o holland_n etc._n etc._n by_o mr._n l._n moth._n the_o certainty_n and_o necessity_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n etc._n etc._n the_o content_n introduction_n show_v the_o design_n of_o the_o discourse_n and_o the_o method_n in_o which_o it_o be_v prosecute_v page_n 1._o a_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v religion_n p._n 9_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n p._n 16._o of_o the_o relation_n there_o be_v betwixt_o god_n and_o man._n p._n 18._o a_o direct_a proof_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n p._n 19_o consider_v as_o possible_a p._n 20._o consider_v as_o probable_a p._n 26._o consider_v as_o certain_a p._n 40._o the_o certainty_n of_o god_n existence_n prove_v
indirect_o and_o negative_o by_o show_v that_o none_o of_o those_o supposition_n which_o exclude_v the_o be_v of_o god_n can_v be_v true_a p._n 57_o matter_n alone_o consider_v at_o rest_n can_v not_o be_v eternal_a and_o in_o time_n produce_v the_o present_a frame_n of_o the_o world_n p._n 59_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o account_v for_o the_o production_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o atheist_n hypothesis_n of_o move_a atom_n p._n 61._o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o suppose_v that_o the_o world_n have_v exi_v eternal_o under_o the_o same_o form_n we_o now_o behold_v it_o without_o a_o god_n p._n 64._o the_o eternal_a coexistence_n of_o matter_n and_o mind_n improbable_a p._n 71._o suppose_v it_o probable_a neither_o matter_n alone_o nor_o matter_n and_o motion_n nor_o the_o present_a constitution_n of_o thing_n can_v have_v be_v eternal_a independent_o of_o god_n p._n 77._o the_o original_a of_o all_o thing_n from_o god_n further_o evince_v from_o general_a reflection_n p._n 81._o a_o positive_a and_o direct_a proof_n of_o religion_n draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o man_n and_o the_o relation_n there_o be_v betwixt_o they_o p._n 91._o of_o the_o nature_n and_o ground_n of_o obligation_n together_o with_o the_o right_n and_o power_n of_o oblige_v ib._n that_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o order_v his_o life_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v prove_v p._n 102._o from_o the_o natural_a judgement_n we_o make_v concern_v our_o action_n p._n 105._o from_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o god_n in_o make_v we_o which_o appear_v by_o several_a token_n and_o indication_n p._n 117._o in_o the_o frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o our_o mind_n p._n 118._o and_o in_o the_o oeconomy_n and_o constitution_n of_o humane_a society_n p._n 125._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n itself_o a_o regular_a practice_n of_o which_o conduce_v to_o the_o great_a happiness_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o life_n p._n 129._o and_o from_o the_o certainty_n of_o a_o future_a state_n which_o be_v prove_v p._n 137._o from_o the_o defect_n of_o a_o general_n and_o regular_a practice_n of_o religion_n here_o p._n 138._o and_o from_o the_o general_n want_v necessity_n and_o imperfection_n of_o our_o present_a nature_n p._n 141._o from_o all_o which_o consideration_n it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v more_o for_o our_o happiness_n to_o live_v religious_o then_o otherwise_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o live_v so_o p._n 146._o the_o certainty_n and_o necessity_n of_o religion_n further_o show_v from_o the_o pernicious_a effect_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o irreligion_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n p._n 149._o the_o absurdity_n and_o folly_n of_o all_o the_o ground_n and_o pretence_n of_o irreligion_n and_o whatever_o be_v allege_v in_o defence_n of_o it_o p._n 181._o irreligion_n not_o capable_a of_o any_o direct_a proof_n p._n 183._o the_o usual_a way_n and_o method_n of_o defend_v it_o improper_a and_o insufficient_a p._n 187._o ridicul_v religion_n prove_v nothing_o against_o it_o ib._n require_v a_o more_o certain_a and_o mathematical_a proof_n of_o it_o unreasonable_a p._n 188._o scheme_n and_o hypothesis_n to_o account_v for_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n without_o god_n and_o religion_n absurd_a and_o inconsistent_a p._n 192._o the_o chief_a and_o most_o common_a objection_n against_o religion_n answer_v viz._n p._n 200._o mystery_n seem_v inconsistency_n and_o absurdity_n in_o scripture_n p._n 201._o extravagant_a notion_n and_o pernicious_a doctrine_n maintain_v under_o the_o name_n of_o religion_n p._n 202._o variety_n of_o opinion_n among_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o same_o religion_n p._n 204._o foolish_a and_o ridiculous_a argument_n urge_v in_o defence_n of_o it_o p._n 205._o scandalous_a life_n of_o great_a pretender_n to_o piety_n and_o virtue_n p._n 206._o religion_n the_o effect_n of_o fear_n and_o education_n p._n 209._o religion_n a_o politic_a contrivance_n p._n 211._o the_o absurdity_n and_o folly_n of_o irreligious_a principle_n and_o practice_n demonstrate_v from_o general_a reflection_n upon_o the_o different_a ground_n and_o foundation_n religion_n and_o irreligion_n stand_v upon_o and_o the_o different_a conduct_n of_o those_o that_o act_n under_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o p._n 213._o irreligion_n further_o expose_v from_o the_o cause_n and_o reason_n that_o induce_v man_n to_o take_v up_o atheistical_a and_o profane_a opinion_n p._n 227._o the_o chief_a cause_n of_o atheism_n show_v to_o be_v these_o two_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o after_o reckon_v for_o a_o wicked_a life_n and_o the_o vanity_n of_o appear_v great_a and_o wise_a than_o other_o men._n p._n 230._o the_o doctrine_n of_o irreligion_n the_o sole_a result_n of_o prejudice_n and_o not_o deliberate_a reason_v more_o plain_o make_v out_o p._n 239._o from_o the_o character_n and_o capacity_n of_o the_o atheist_n ib._n from_o the_o manner_n and_o process_n of_o their_o infidelity_n p._n 242._o and_o from_o the_o confession_n of_o several_a atheist_n themselves_o p._n 246._o a_o account_n of_o the_o notion_n of_o atheism_n and_o deism_n and_o how_o they_o be_v to_o be_v distinguish_v p._n 249._o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a revelation_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v it_o etc._n etc._n the_o content_n the_o connexion_n of_o this_o discourse_n with_o the_o former_a page_n 1._o the_o method_n lay_v down_o for_o the_o establish_n the_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a revelation_n p._n 3._o a_o abstract_n or_o summary_n of_o the_o christian_a scheme_n as_o it_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n p._n 8._o the_o general_n subject_a of_o the_o several_a book_n or_o volume_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n p._n 9_o the_o character_n of_o jesus_n christ_n p._n 19_o a_o short_a account_n of_o his_o doctrine_n or_o gospel_n p._n 31._o the_o character_n of_o those_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o that_o assist_v he_o in_o the_o publishing_n and_o propagate_a his_o gospel_n p._n 42._o the_o character_n of_o those_o that_o persecute_v he_o and_o his_o disciple_n and_o oppose_v the_o establishment_n of_o his_o religion_n p._n 50._o the_o way_n and_o manner_n in_o which_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v with_o all_o the_o important_a circumstance_n which_o refer_v to_o the_o form_n and_o composition_n of_o those_o write_n p._n 51._o all_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n show_v to_o be_v true_a by_o a_o plain_a direct_a proof_n according_a to_o this_o distinction_n of_o they_o premise_v viz_o common_a matter_n of_o fact_n miracle_n and_o prophecy_n divine_a assistance_n and_o revelation_n p._n 59_o the_o common_a historical_a fact_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n prove_v to_o be_v true_a in_o the_o follow_a manner_n p._n 60._o the_o original_a of_o christianity_n right_o assign_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n p._n 61._o a_o survey_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n p._n 70._o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o same_o in_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n as_o it_o be_v at_o and_o immediate_o after_o the_o first_o publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n p._n 74._o this_o proposition_n make_v out_o from_o the_o constant_a tradition_n of_o such_o a_o belief_n together_o with_o many_o sensible_a infallible_a effect_n of_o it_o p._n 75._o and_o from_o many_o other_o extrinsic_a sign_n and_o monument_n remain_v at_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a under_o constantine_n p._n 105._o such_o as_o be_v several_a custom_n and_o usage_n p._n 107._o relic_n building_n and_o other_o the_o like_a monnment_n p._n 108._o book_n and_o write_a record_n of_o several_a kind_n viz._n p._n 109._o copy_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n p._n 110._o public_a act_n and_o record_n belong_v to_o society_n p._n 113._o genuine_a write_n of_o orthodox_n christian_n p._n 119._o book_n write_v by_o heretic_n p._n 132._o jewish_a and_o pagan_a book_n p._n 133._o forge_v and_o suppositious_a write_n of_o uncertain_a author_n p._n 137._o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n show_v to_o be_v true_a fact_n according_a to_o the_o relation_n there_o give_v of_o they_o p._n 140._o a_o account_n by_o way_n of_o introduction_n of_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n in_o this_o place_n p._n 141._o and_o what_o kind_n of_o evidence_n these_o fact_n be_v capable_a of_o p._n 143._o the_o miracle_n consider_v by_o themselves_o according_a to_o the_o different_a period_n in_o which_o they_o be_v do_v and_o the_o different_a person_n they_o be_v do_v by_o p._n 144._o the_o prophecy_n consider_v apart_o according_a to_o the_o same_o distinction_n of_o time_n and_o person_n p._n 158._o the_o truth_n of_o these_o extraordinary_a fact_n call_v miracle_n and_o prophecy_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o those_o
sense_n or_o first_o obtain_v credit_n among_o those_o who_o live_v afterward_o without_o any_o proof_n of_o their_o be_v do_v or_o believe_v before_o and_o if_o we_o suppose_v the_o christian_a morality_n entertain_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o world_n without_o the_o present_a history_n we_o have_v of_o it_o the_o forgery_n of_o that_o afterward_o will_v have_v be_v whole_o unnecessary_a and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o get_v such_o a_o forgery_n believe_v much_o great_a from_o hence_o then_o it_o plain_o follow_v that_o there_o can_v never_o have_v be_v such_o a_o state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n as_o we_o now_o perceive_v if_o all_o the_o principal_a part_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o christian_a history_n as_o it_o be_v at_o present_a general_o believe_v be_v not_o true_a and_o have_v some_o time_n or_o other_o real_o happen_v out_o according_a to_o the_o relation_n we_o find_v give_v of_o they_o this_o do_v likewise_o further_o appear_v from_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n in_o which_o those_o book_n that_o contain_v this_o history_n be_v write_v where_o we_o find_v so_o many_o extraordinary_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o the_o simplicity_n integrity_n and_o undesigning_a humility_n of_o the_o writer_n their_o hearty_a belief_n of_o what_o they_o write_v themselves_o and_o their_o great_a zeal_n and_o concern_v for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n as_o plain_o show_v they_o to_o have_v be_v influence_v not_o only_o by_o the_o force_n of_o well-attested_n truth_n but_o by_o some_o extraordinary_a and_o more_o than_o humane_a impression_n 3._o these_o be_v in_o short_a the_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o validity_n and_o force_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o more_o full_o under_o the_o three_o head_n where_o i_o be_o to_o show_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o proof_n that_o have_v be_v give_v of_o the_o christian_a matter_n of_o fact_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n upon_o which_o the_o certainty_n of_o all_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o well_o as_o other_o truth_n be_v ultimate_o found_v now_o the_o chief_a and_o immediate_a reason_n of_o believe_v most_o fact_n be_v take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o we_o be_v so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o as_o the_o common_a original_a capacity_n and_o power_n inclination_n and_o aversion_n of_o mankind_n and_o consequent_o their_o end_n and_o motive_n of_o act_v it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o show_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n before_o give_v be_v not_o only_o sufficient_a to_o determine_v our_o assent_n to_o it_o but_o do_v in_o evidence_n and_o multiplicity_n of_o conviction_n far_o exceed_v the_o proof_n any_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o the_o first_o place_n then_o let_v we_o consider_v why_o we_o believe_v any_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o never_o fall_v within_o our_o own_o particular_a and_o immediate_a cognizance_n why_o do_v we_o so_o firm_o believe_v the_o story_n of_o julius_n cesar_n and_o william_n the_o conqueror_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n as_o italy_n or_o china_n &_o c_o now_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o upon_o examine_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v find_v to_o be_v because_o a_o great_a many_o man_n have_v acquaint_v we_o that_o there_o be_v former_o such_o person_n who_o do_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o be_v now_o such_o place_n in_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n which_o man_n be_v competent_a judge_n of_o what_o they_o tell_v we_o have_v sufficient_a opportunity_n of_o know_v the_o truth_n themselves_o no_o motive_n conceivable_a that_o can_v dispose_v they_o to_o lie_v to_o other_o and_o be_v contradict_v by_o no_o body_n of_o equal_a authority_n with_o they_o these_o be_v all_o the_o ground_n of_o credibility_n upon_o which_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v general_o believe_v and_o no_o further_a character_n of_o truth_n be_v require_v by_o one_o that_o be_v satisfy_v of_o these_o but_o we_o have_v all_o these_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o common_a matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o full_a force_n and_o extent_n of_o they_o and_o several_a other_o beside_o as_o the_o incapacity_n of_o the_o witness_n to_o deceive_v if_o they_o have_v be_v dispose_v to_o do_v it_o the_o great_a motive_n they_o have_v not_o to_o say_v what_o they_o do_v than_o to_o say_v it_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a and_o the_o great_a motive_n other_o person_n have_v to_o contradict_v they_o if_o they_o can_v have_v be_v disprove_v let_v we_o examine_v all_o these_o character_n of_o truth_n and_o see_v how_o far_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a history_n exceed_v that_o of_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o how_o far_o the_o suppose_a falsehood_n of_o it_o notwithstanding_o these_o character_n be_v consistent_a with_o that_o certain_a knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o humane_a nature_n as_o to_o the_o first_o character_n require_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o number_n of_o the_o witness_n there_o never_o be_v certain_o so_o vast_a a_o multitude_n of_o person_n all_o unanimous_o agree_v to_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o so_o great_a a_o variety_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o case_n before_o we_o because_o the_o progress_n of_o christianity_n be_v so_o swift_a that_o we_o can_v suppose_v more_o person_n can_v have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o history_n and_o doctrine_n of_o it_o in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n and_o there_o never_o be_v such_o industrious_a care_n take_v to_o propagate_v the_o belief_n of_o any_o other_o fact_n and_o opinion_n that_o we_o ever_o read_v of_o it_o be_v likewise_o as_o certain_a that_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o first_o publisher_n and_o professor_n of_o christianity_n be_v as_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o matter_n they_o bear_v witness_n of_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o be_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o whatsoever_o we_o will_v only_o suppose_v now_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n pretend_v to_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v record_v of_o they_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o to_o believe_v their_o own_o pretence_n and_o that_o all_o other_o who_o profess_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n do_v declare_v their_o belief_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v relate_v as_o say_v or_o do_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o sure_o a_o man_n may_v infallible_o know_v his_o own_o thought_n and_o imagination_n he_o can_v tell_v whether_o he_o believe_v such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n or_o no_o or_o at_o least_o he_o can_v be_v certain_a that_o he_o think_v or_o fancy_n he_o believe_v it_o and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o intercourse_n or_o communication_n betwixt_o man_n one_o man_n may_v know_v that_o another_o pretend_v to_o believe_v or_o do_v a_o thing_n whether_o he_o real_o believe_v or_o do_v it_o or_o no._n if_o a_o multitude_n 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publisher_n or_o professor_n of_o christianity_n to_o pretend_v to_o believe_v those_o fact_n which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v false_a all_o the_o end_n and_o motive_n we_o can_v imagine_v any_o man_n to_o act_v upon_o in_o such_o a_o case_n we_o have_v reckon_v up_o before_o and_o we_o find_v that_o if_o we_o put_v ourselves_o into_o the_o same_o circumstance_n with_o those_o first_o witness_n of_o christianity_n it_o will_v have_v be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o have_v be_v influence_v by_o any_o of_o they_o to_o make_v the_o same_o pretence_n be_v infallible_o assure_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o be_v utter_o false_a and_o groundless_a from_o whence_o we_o conclude_v that_o neither_o do_v they_o since_o all_o man_n be_v so_o make_v and_o contrive_v as_o to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o same_o general_a motive_n though_o according_a to_o the_o difference_n of_o
the_o object_n that_o affect_v they_o and_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o imagination_n of_o those_o that_o be_v affect_v the_o influence_n may_v be_v strong_a upon_o some_o than_o other_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o power_n and_o force_n of_o truth_n in_o general_n the_o natural_a ease_n and_o pleasure_n that_o accompany_v sincerity_n and_o the_o difficulty_n and_o reluctance_n with_o which_o man_n practise_v know_v deceit_n and_o falsehood_n we_o can_v but_o infer_v from_o hence_o that_o it_o very_o rare_o happen_v that_o any_o man_n come_v to_o find_v a_o pleasure_n in_o lie_v pure_o for_o deceive_a sake_n without_o any_o further_a end_n or_o prospect_n and_o all_o observation_n upon_o the_o history_n of_o mankind_n confirm_v this_o conclusion_n and_o therefore_o we_o judge_v it_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n to_o suppose_v there_o be_v a_o whole_a age_n of_o such_o deceiver_n as_o these_o who_o pretend_v to_o believe_v a_o great_a number_n of_o unprofitable_a lie_n 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repugnant_a be_v it_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o character_n of_o these_o pretender_n the_o great_a part_n of_o which_o be_v person_n of_o such_o steady_a integrity_n before_o that_o lie_v must_v have_v offer_v the_o great_a violence_n imaginable_a to_o their_o conscience_n but_o further_a suppose_v the_o first_o christian_n have_v some_o motive_n sufficient_a to_o determine_v they_o all_o to_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o false_a pretence_n notwithstanding_o that_o great_a contrariety_n of_o interest_n such_o a_o multitude_n be_v common_o govern_v by_o whatever_o advantage_n they_o propose_v to_o themselves_o they_o find_v such_o mighty_a disappointment_n every_o where_o in_o their_o hope_n and_o endure_v such_o unspeakable_a trouble_n and_o affliction_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o profession_n that_o they_o have_v strong_a motive_n for_o their_o discover_v and_o relinquish_a the_o cheat_n they_o have_v maintain_v than_o they_o can_v have_v at_o first_o to_o begin_v it_o and_o therefore_o if_o none_o of_o they_o be_v induce_v to_o confess_v their_o pretence_n false_a in_o such_o occasion_n where_o other_o man_n have_v be_v often_o tempt_v or_o force_v to_o disow_v the_o truth_n we_o must_v infer_v from_o hence_o that_o they_o do_v real_o believe_v all_o they_o pretend_v to_o or_o they_o be_v not_o like_o other_o man_n but_o of_o a_o strange_a nature_n different_a from_o whatever_o we_o have_v know_v or_o hear_v of_o this_o must_v be_v likewise_o say_v too_o of_o all_o the_o other_o people_n of_o that_o age_n when_o christianity_n be_v first_o publish_v who_o refuse_v to_o believe_v the_o christian_a pretence_n for_o how_o otherwise_o can_v we_o account_v for_o their_o not_o contradict_v and_o disprove_v they_o when_o they_o have_v all_o those_o motive_n and_o reason_n for_o discover_v the_o imposture_n which_o be_v manifest_o want_v for_o the_o invention_n and_o propagation_n of_o it_o from_o all_o which_o i_o think_v we_o may_v with_o confidence_n conclude_v that_o the_o first_o author_n publisher_n and_o professor_n of_o christianity_n do_v real_o believe_v all_o they_o declare_v and_o assert_v from_o whence_o it_o immediate_o and_o necessary_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o common_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a be_v actual_o true_a they_o have_v the_o same_o evidence_n of_o sense_n for_o they_o as_o we_o have_v now_o or_o any_o other_o generation_n of_o man_n ever_o have_v for_o whatever_o fall_v under_o the_o cognizance_n of_o their_o sense_n so_o that_o if_o they_o be_v deceive_v we_o must_v call_v in_o question_n all_o our_o own_o sensation_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o our_o other_o knowledge_n and_o the_o same_o evidence_n that_o they_o have_v for_o these_o common_a matter_n of_o fact_n they_o have_v also_o for_o all_o the_o extraordinary_a fact_n mention_v in_o the_o christian_a history_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v the_o thing_n do_v and_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o author_n and_o as_o to_o the_o power_n by_o which_o they_o be_v do_v i_o be_o as_o sure_o they_o exceed_v all_o humane_a strength_n and_o skill_n as_o i_o be_o sure_a any_o thing_n else_o do_v and_o then_o according_a to_o the_o best_a and_o true_a notion_n we_o be_v able_a to_o frame_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n we_o can_v but_o judge_v they_o be_v very_o proper_a mark_n and_o indication_n of_o his_o power_n manifest_a token_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o man_n and_o so_o suit_v and_o adapt_v to_o their_o capacity_n that_o we_o can_v frame_v or_o imagine_v a_o way_n whereby_o god_n can_v have_v more_o effectual_o reveal_v himself_o to_o we_o if_o he_o ever_o design_v to_o reveal_v himself_o to_o we_o at_o all_o and_o it_o appear_v very_o agreeable_a both_o to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n that_o he_o shall_v make_v such_o a_o revelation_n as_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v to_o we_o as_o have_v be_v show_v more_o at_o large_a before_o if_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o age_n when_o 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