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in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o must_v be_v either_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o or_o in_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o it_o must_v be_v either_o that_o it_o do_v not_o give_v we_o sufficient_a direction_n what_o to_o do_v or_o that_o it_o do_v not_o propose_v sufficient_a motive_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o do_v what_o it_o require_v and_o therefore_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o head_n i_o shall_v show_v 1._o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v we_o sufficient_a direction_n what_o to_o do_v 2._o that_o the_o motive_n which_o the_o scripture_n propose_v be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v we_o to_o do_v what_o it_o require_v and_o 3._o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n give_v we_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o consequent_o of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v teach_v by_o it_o 1._o i_o shall_v show_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v we_o sufficient_a 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all_o true_a we_o be_v tell_v by_o st._n john_n who_o write_v his_o gospel_n the_o last_o of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n joh._n 20.30_o many_o other_o sign_n true_o do_v jesus_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o disciple_n which_o be_v not_o write_v in_o this_o book_n and_o again_o ch._n 21._o verse_n 25._o there_o be_v also_o many_o other_o thing_n which_o jesus_n do_v the_o which_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v write_v every_o one_o i_o suppose_v that_o even_o the_o world_n its_o self_n can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v write_v now_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v several_a other_o book_n former_o extant_a but_o which_o be_v now_o lose_v that_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o inspire_a man_n and_o consequent_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n either_o these_o be_v needless_a when_o write_v and_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o any_o book_n write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v needless_a or_o else_o the_o loss_n of_o these_o book_n be_v a_o loss_n to_o religion_n and_o we_o can_v be_v well_o assure_v that_o those_o which_o we_o have_v now_o remain_v do_v sufficient_o instruct_v we_o in_o all_o point_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o practice_n but_o admit_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n viz._n that_o more_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o inspire_v man_n than_o be_v now_o extant_a which_o i_o will_v not_o now_o dispute_v because_o i_o think_v it_o needless_a because_o i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v grant_v without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o christian_a cause_n although_o there_o be_v none_o or_o at_o most_o but_o very_o slender_a evidence_n of_o it_o nay_o admit_v more_o than_o be_v upon_o any_o good_a ground_n allege_v viz._n not_o only_o that_o several_a but_o that_o every_o one_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o immediate_a disciple_n of_o
infinite_a difference_n be_v there_o between_o these_o two_o state_n and_o how_o well_o must_v we_o needs_o think_v it_o worth_a all_o the_o pain_n and_o labour_n that_o we_o can_v take_v in_o this_o world_n to_o secure_v to_o ourselves_o a_o portion_n in_o that_o better_a sort_n of_o everlasting_a life_n in_o that_o life_n in_o which_o there_o be_v no_o pain_n though_o there_o be_v but_o little_a pleasure_n but_o still_o our_o thought_n be_v short_a we_o have_v not_o yet_o a_o just_a notion_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o state_n for_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o i_o speak_v now_o to_o those_o that_o do_v believe_v it_o that_o everlasting_a pain_n which_o the_o wicked_a will_v be_v condemn_v to_o be_v not_o a_o light_n or_o gentle_a pain_n but_o the_o sharp_a the_o acute_a the_o most_o torment_a that_o can_v be_v endure_v and_o that_o eternal_a joy_n which_o we_o have_v a_o good_a hope_n of_o by_o the_o gospel_n be_v likewise_o the_o great_a the_o 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our_o sense_n now_o though_o these_o representation_n or_o description_n of_o hell_n and_o heaven_n be_v not_o perhaps_o to_o be_v understand_v liâ—erally_o the_o scripture_n herein_o speak_v not_o according_a â—o_o the_o strictness_n of_o truth_n but_o according_a to_o our_o preâ—ent_a capacity_n and_o apprehension_n who_o have_v now_o very_o â—ittle_a notion_n of_o any_o pain_n or_o pleasure_n but_o what_o affect_v â—he_n sense_n of_o our_o body_n yet_o thus_o much_o may_v most_o certain_o be_v conclude_v from_o those_o description_n of_o these_o two_o state_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o scripture_n that_o both_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n be_v as_o great_a as_o they_o can_v possible_o be_v far_o beyond_o any_o thing_n that_o we_o now_o feel_v or_o enjoy_v or_o can_v have_v any_o notion_n of_o and_o in_o a_o word_n that_o as_o the_o pain_n of_o hell_n be_v endless_a so_o it_o be_v likewise_o intolerable_a and_o that_o as_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n be_v perpetual_a so_o it_o be_v likewise_o unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n and_o now_o after_o this_o short_a though_o very_o imperfect_a representation_n of_o these_o two_o vast_o different_a state_n of_o man_n in_o that_o other_o and_o everlasting_a life_n that_o will_v begin_v when_o this_o be_v over_o i_o think_v i_o may_v fair_o ask_v again_o what_o god_n can_v have_v do_v more_o either_o to_o deter_v we_o from_o sin_n than_o to_o threaten_v hell_n torment_n to_o those_o that_o live_v in_o it_o or_o to_o encourage_v we_o to_o obedience_n than_o to_o promise_v to_o those_o that_o continue_v in_o well_o do_v the_o unspeakable_a happiness_n of_o heaven_n certain_o if_o these_o motive_n will_v not_o prevail_v upon_o we_o no_o other_o can_v be_v propose_v that_o will_v prevail_v nay_o further_o though_o i_o have_v hitherto_o speak_v to_o you_o as_o to_o christian_n which_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o that_o there_o will_v certain_o be_v another_o life_n after_o this_o even_o such_o a_o life_n as_o i_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o a_o everlasting_a life_n of_o perfect_a happiness_n or_o extreme_a misery_n yet_o if_o you_o have_v at_o all_o attend_v to_o and_o be_v any_o whit_n affect_v by_o that_o representation_n that_o i_o have_v make_v to_o you_o of_o the_o pain_n of_o hell_n and_o of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o of_o the_o eternity_n of_o both_o i_o shall_v now_o dare_v to_o address_v myself_o to_o you_o even_o though_o i_o think_v you_o believe_v very_o little_a of_o these_o thing_n and_o methinks_v i_o shall_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o i_o may_v prevail_v with_o you_o and_o persuade_v you_o to_o repentance_n by_o these_o gospel_n motive_n of_o heaven_n and_o hell_n even_o although_o the_o revelation_n thereof_o be_v not_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a although_o there_o be_v some_o just_a reason_n to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o for_o put_v the_o case_n that_o it_o be_v very_o uncertain_a whether_o there_o will_v be_v a_o eternal_a life_n or_o no_o nay_o put_v the_o case_n that_o it_o be_v ten_o to_o one_o that_o it_o be_v much_o more_o probable_a that_o there_o will_v not_o be_v any_o such_o life_n after_o this_o yet_o when_o we_o consider_v what_o eternity_n be_v and_o what_o a_o vast_a difference_n there_o be_v between_o live_v in_o perfect_a joy_n and_o in_o everlasting_a burn_a and_o when_o we_o consider_v withal_o the_o shortness_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o how_o little_a we_o can_v lose_v in_o it_o by_o abstain_v from_o sin_n and_o how_o little_a we_o can_v suffer_v in_o it_o by_o the_o strict_a holiness_n and_o virtue_n even_o the_o bare_a possibility_n that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o eternal_a life_n though_o we_o have_v no_o certain_a revelation_n and_o no_o other_o very_o good_a assurance_n give_v we_o of_o it_o will_v be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o deter_v we_o from_o sin_n and_o to_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o well-doing_n for_o if_o we_o live_v well_o here_o and_o there_o be_v real_o 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and_o convenient_o be_v do_v even_o against_o possibility_n too_o we_o reckon_v he_o a_o unwise_a man_n for_o the_o world_n who_o be_v in_o a_o good_a way_n of_o get_v spend_v all_o as_o fast_o as_o it_o come_v in_o when_o he_o have_v no_o present_a need_n to_o spend_v so_o much_o and_o lay_v up_o nothing_o against_o old_a age_n when_o if_o he_o live_v to_o it_o he_o will_v be_v past_o his_o labour_n and_o not_o in_o a_o capacity_n to_o get_v enough_o to_o support_v himself_o and_o yet_o of_o all_o those_o that_o do_v wise_o make_v some_o provision_n for_o old_a age_n not_o one_o in_o ten_o perhaps_o live_v to_o it_o but_o nevertheless_o the_o bare_a possibility_n that_o a_o man_n may_v live_v to_o old_a age_n and_o the_o very_a great_a inconvenience_n that_o he_o will_v suffer_v if_o he_o shall_v have_v nothing_o then_o to_o live_v upon_o make_v it_o very_o adviseable_a for_o every_o one_o of_o the_o ten_o to_o lay_v up_o somewhat_o if_o he_o can_v do_v it_o against_o that_o time_n 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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 that_o there_o be_v between_o be_v eternal_o happy_a and_o eternal_o miserable_a it_o be_v enough_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a it_o be_v more_o than_o enough_o that_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o there_o will_v be_v such_o a_o state_n and_o if_o we_o neglect_v to_o make_v provision_n for_o it_o because_o we_o be_v not_o absolute_o certain_a that_o it_o will_v be_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o do_v not_o act_v so_o prudent_o in_o this_o as_o we_o do_v in_o other_o case_n that_o be_v of_o infinite_o less_o moment_n and_o concern_v to_o we_o and_o that_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v the_o child_n of_o tâ—â—_n world_n be_v in_o their_o generation_n wise_a than_o the_o child_n of_o light_n now_o this_o be_v the_o most_o that_o the_o profess_a atheist_n or_o infidel_n can_v pretend_v they_o will_v say_v perhaps_o that_o for_o their_o own_o part_n they_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n or_o a_o judgement_n or_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o see_v any_o 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these_o truth_n be_v plain_o teach_v but_o this_o be_v too_o large_a a_o subject_a to_o be_v handle_v now_o i_o have_v already_o say_v i_o will_v defer_v it_o to_o the_o next_o opportunity_n finis_fw-la the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture-revelation_n as_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o part_n i._n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n march_v the_o 4_o the_o 1699_o 700._o be_v the_o three_o for_o the_o year_n 1700_o of_o the_o lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o offspring_n blackall_n rector_n of_o st._n marry_o aldermary_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v by_o j._n leake_n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n 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 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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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 i_o add_v 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 and_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o will_n i_o suppose_v sufficient_o appear_v if_o these_o follow_a thing_n be_v consider_v 1._o that_o we_o can_v have_v better_a or_o strong_a motive_n to_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n than_o be_v already_o offer_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o persuade_v we_o 2._o that_o the_o proof_n and_o evidence_n already_o give_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v such_o as_o can_v be_v fair_o except_v against_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o proof_n thereof_o that_o can_v be_v offer_v but_o what_o be_v liable_a to_o cavil_n and_o unreasonable_a exception_n 3._o that_o if_o god_n shall_v gratify_v all_o man_n in_o this_o request_n the_o abundance_n and_o commonness_n of_o the_o 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to_o we_o or_o indeed_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v there_o be_v any_o new_a revelation_n at_o all_o for_o these_o thing_n be_v already_o promise_v and_o threaten_v clear_o enough_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n life_n and_o immortality_n be_v already_o full_o bring_v to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o if_o the_o dread_a of_o everlasting_a and_o intolerable_a torment_n will_v not_o persuade_v we_o nothing_o certain_o will_n or_o can_v persuade_v we_o all_o that_o i_o think_v can_v in_o any_o new_a revelation_n be_v add_v to_o that_o encouragement_n that_o be_v already_o give_v we_o in_o scripture_n to_o virtue_n and_o godliness_n or_o to_o that_o discouragement_n that_o be_v therein_o give_v as_o to_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n will_v be_v a_o assurance_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v always_o as_o remarkable_a a_o difference_n make_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n in_o this_o 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to_o see_v whether_o we_o love_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n whether_o we_o can_v believe_v he_o for_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v not_o see_v and_o whether_o we_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o prefer_v a_o great_a future_a good_n before_o a_o less_o that_o be_v present_a a_o bless_a and_o glorious_a immortality_n after_o this_o life_n before_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o season_n for_o if_o the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o vice_n be_v always_o visible_a and_o present_a there_o will_v be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o faith_n in_o god_n which_o be_v a_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o promise_n and_o threaten_n though_o we_o do_v not_o see_v a_o present_a performance_n of_o they_o 11.1_o heb._n 11.1_o faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n define_v it_o be_v the_o substance_n or_o loc._n or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hom._n in_o loc._n confident_a expectation_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o the_o evidence_n or_o 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d conviction_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v and_o if_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n both_o of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o the_o next_o be_v the_o certain_a portion_n of_o virtue_n and_o all_o the_o evil_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v suffer_v both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o the_o other_o be_v the_o certain_a and_o never-failing_a consequence_n of_o sin_n there_o will_v be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o a_o virtuous_a and_o wise_a choice_n nay_o indeed_o there_o will_v be_v hardly_o matter_n for_o choice_n at_o all_o for_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v that_o a_o creature_n that_o have_v understanding_n and_o a_o power_n of_o choose_v and_o refuse_v shall_v know_o choose_v all_o misery_n rather_o than_o all_o happiness_n such_o a_o revelation_n as_o this_o be_v therefore_o so_o evident_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n and_o with_o the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o send_v we_o into_o this_o world_n can_v be_v expect_v and_o i_o say_v that_o bate_v this_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o add_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o scripture_n revelation_n from_o whence_o therefore_o it_o plain_o follow_v that_o such_o as_o be_v not_o persuade_v by_o the_o gospel_n motive_n to_o repentance_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v persuade_v by_o any_o such_o motive_n as_o consistent_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n and_o virtue_n can_v be_v offer_v to_o they_o and_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o any_o true_a divine_a revelation_n shall_v ever_o offer_v any_o motive_n to_o persuade_v we_o that_o be_v not_o such_o but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v perhaps_o that_o though_o better_a or_o strong_a motive_n to_o repentance_n can_v be_v offer_v by_o any_o new_a revelation_n than_o be_v offer_v already_o in_o holy_a scripture_n yet_o we_o may_v by_o a_o new_a revelation_n have_v better_a assurance_n give_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n motive_n and_o that_o if_o we_o have_v it_o be_v very_o like_a they_o will_v be_v then_o more_o prevail_a than_o they_o now_o be_v and_o this_o likewise_o i_o believe_v must_v be_v grant_v but_o then_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n and_o of_o that_o state_n of_o trial_n which_o we_o be_v now_o in_o require_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o reasonable_a boundary_a set_v to_o the_o clearness_n of_o that_o evidence_n that_o be_v give_v to_o man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o motive_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o be_v persuade_v as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o force_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o motive_n themselves_o because_o as_o i_o note_v in_o my_o last_o discourse_n such_o very_a clear_a and_o strong_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n as_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o a_o possibility_n of_o doubt_v will_v destroy_v
our_o freedom_n of_o choice_n and_o with_o it_o the_o virtue_n and_o excellency_n of_o believe_v for_o it_o be_v not_o faith_n to_o believe_v what_o we_o see_v and_o feel_v and_o it_o be_v no_o commendation_n to_o a_o man_n to_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a if_o his_o virtue_n be_v not_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o wise_a judgement_n and_o a_o free_a choice_n which_o it_o will_v not_o be_v if_o his_o judgement_n be_v over_o bear_v by_o irrefragable_a demonstration_n and_o if_o that_o far_a proof_n and_o evidence_n that_o be_v desire_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v no_o other_o than_o such_o as_o will_v leave_v we_o a_o freedom_n of_o choice_n and_o a_o possibility_n of_o doubt_v than_o i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o likely_a it_o shall_v be_v more_o convince_a to_o we_o than_o that_o which_o we_o have_v already_o in_o the_o stand_a revelation_n of_o holy_a scripture_n for_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v further_o in_o the_o second_o place_n 2._o that_o the_o proof_n and_o evidence_n already_o give_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v such_o as_o can_v fair_o be_v except_v against_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o proof_n thereof_o that_o can_v be_v give_v we_o unless_o it_o be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o resistible_a and_o consequent_o such_o as_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o god_n to_o give_v we_o while_o we_o be_v here_o in_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n but_o what_o be_v liable_a to_o foolish_a cavil_n and_o unreasonable_a exception_n so_o that_o consequent_o the_o same_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n and_o the_o same_o unwillingness_n to_o believe_v which_o now_o dispose_v man_n to_o infidelity_n and_o prompt_v they_o to_o make_v exception_n to_o the_o present_a ground_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n will_v work_v the_o same_o effect_n in_o case_n other_o proof_n and_o evidence_n be_v give_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o i_o say_v first_o that_o the_o proof_n and_o evidence_n already_o give_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v such_o as_o can_v fair_o be_v except_v against_o to_o show_v this_o have_v be_v the_o design_n of_o several_a former_a discourse_n vi_o serm._n iii_n iv_o five_o vi_o and_o therefore_o to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o if_o the_o exception_n that_o be_v make_v to_o the_o evidence_n already_o give_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v fair_a and_o reasonable_a they_o will_v be_v allow_v by_o mankind_n to_o be_v so_o in_o other_o case_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n which_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o nay_o if_o they_o who_o make_v these_o exception_n in_o the_o case_n of_o religion_n do_v themselves_o think_v that_o they_o be_v just_a and_o reasonable_a they_o ought_v to_o make_v the_o same_o in_o all_o other_o case_n that_o be_v equal_o liable_a to_o the_o same_o exception_n and_o in_o all_o other_o such_o case_n they_o ought_v to_o live_v and_o act_v as_o if_o they_o have_v the_o same_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n upon_o they_o which_o they_o say_v they_o have_v in_o the_o case_n of_o religion_n but_o we_o see_v the_o quite_o contrary_a every_o day_n we_o live_v for_o that_o same_o infidel_n who_o will_v not_o allow_v of_o the_o testimony_n which_o be_v give_v to_o our_o saviour_n by_o his_o apostle_n though_o they_o give_v the_o best_a assurance_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o give_v both_o of_o their_o knowledge_n of_o what_o they_o testify_v and_o of_o their_o honesty_n in_o relate_v it_o yet_o ready_o allow_v that_o in_o all_o other_o case_n the_o testimony_n of_o two_o or_o three_o credible_a person_n shall_v be_v receive_v without_o any_o collateral_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n and_o think_v it_o reasonable_a that_o all_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n among_o man_n concern_v their_o civil_a right_n their_o estate_n nay_o and_o their_o life_n too_o shall_v be_v thereby_o determine_v and_o he_o that_o question_n whether_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v by_o the_o repute_a author_n yet_o make_v no_o question_n but_o that_o other_o book_n of_o as_o ancient_a or_o old_a date_n and_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o which_o there_o be_v not_o half_a so_o much_o traditional_a evidence_n be_v write_v by_o those_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v ascribe_v and_o he_o will_v think_v those_o very_a unreasonable_a man_n who_o when_o he_o be_v argue_v any_o point_n of_o learning_n with_o they_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o virgil_n or_o cicero_n or_o seneca_n shall_v refuse_v to_o admit_v his_o argument_n till_o he_o have_v first_o undeniable_o and_o demonstrative_o prove_v that_o the_o aeneid_n be_v write_v by_o virgil_n or_o that_o the_o other_o piece_n that_o have_v be_v allow_v in_o all_o age_n ever_o since_o to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o cicero_n or_o seneca_n be_v not_o false_o father_v upon_o those_o author_n the_o infidel_n who_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel-history_n at_o the_o same_o time_n have_v no_o doubt_n at_o all_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o other_o history_n as_o ancient_a and_o much_o more_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o there_o be_v not_o the_o hundred_o part_n of_o thâ—t_a evidence_n that_o there_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o and_o he_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o there_o ever_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n and_o whether_o he_o say_v and_o do_v the_o thing_n record_v of_o he_o by_o the_o evangelist_n and_o whether_o by_o the_o preach_a of_o his_o apostle_n he_o do_v spread_v his_o spiritual_a empire_n over_o all_o the_o country_n of_o the_o world_n a_o empire_n which_o be_v still_o keep_v up_o in_o most_o of_o the_o country_n over_o which_o it_o be_v first_o extend_v and_o of_o which_o there_o be_v evident_a mark_n and_o memorial_n still_o remain_v even_o in_o those_o country_n that_o have_v since_o revolt_v from_o it_o he_o i_o say_v that_o doubt_n of_o these_o thing_n although_o witness_v by_o the_o write_n of_o those_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n thereof_o yet_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o alexander_n the_o great_a who_o live_v above_o three_o hundred_o year_n before_o and_o that_o he_o translate_v the_o empire_n of_o the_o world_n from_o persia_n to_o greece_n and_o he_o also_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o the_o other_o thing_n which_o he_o find_v relate_v of_o he_o by_o curtius_n plutarch_n and_o arrian_n although_o none_o of_o these_o author_n be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o war_n and_o greatness_n but_o either_o copy_v what_o they_o write_v from_o former_a history_n or_o take_v it_o up_o from_o report_n and_o although_o there_o be_v perhaps_o no_o remain_n of_o that_o empire_n now_o leave_v in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o he_o be_v but_o as_o sure_a of_o a_o good_a estate_n as_o that_o the_o history_n of_o alexander_n expedition_n and_o conquest_n be_v in_o the_o main_a a_o true_a history_n he_o will_v not_o i_o believe_v give_v the_o hundreth_o part_n of_o its_o value_n to_o ascertain_v his_o title_n to_o it_o those_o therefore_o be_v manifest_o unreasonable_a exception_n to_o the_o proof_n of_o christianity_n which_o no_o man_n will_v allow_v which_o even_o those_o that_o make_v they_o in_o this_o case_n do_v not_o think_v reasonable_a to_o make_v in_o other_o case_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o likely_a that_o any_o person_n that_o be_v not_o convince_v by_o these_o proof_n shall_v be_v convince_v if_o more_o be_v give_v for_o as_o i_o far_o note_v there_o be_v no_o proof_n that_o can_v be_v give_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n unless_o it_o be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o resistible_a and_o consequent_o not_o fit_a for_o god_n to_o give_v we_o while_o we_o be_v here_o in_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n but_o what_o be_v liable_a to_o foolish_a cavil_n and_o unreasonable_a exception_n this_o i_o think_v be_v so_o self-evident_a that_o nothing_o plain_a or_o more_o undeniable_a can_v be_v say_v to_o prove_v it_o for_o though_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v as_o plain_a as_o demonstration_n in_o the_o mathematics_n yet_o even_o these_o may_v be_v cavile_v at_o by_o such_o as_o will_v allow_v of_o no_o postulata_n nor_o grant_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o clear_a axiom_n nay_o there_o have_v be_v sceptic_n in_o the_o plain_a matter_n of_o sense_n and_o some_o have_v deny_v motion_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o their_o own_o tongue_n be_v move_v to_o deny_v it_o not_o that_o i_o think_v the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v as_o clear_a as_o any_o propostion_n in_o euclid_n or_o as_o the_o shine_a of_o the_o sun_n at_o noon_n for_o that_o can_v be_v and_o i_o have_v
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 three_o thousand_o that_o believe_v upon_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o st._n peter_n and_o sight_n of_o that_o great_a miracle_n the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n wherewith_o the_o apostle_n be_v endue_v but_o than_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o miracle_n that_o convince_v they_o i_o mean_v not_o that_o alone_o for_o many_o that_o be_v then_o present_a 13._o verse_n 13._o and_o hear_v the_o apostle_n speak_v with_o tongue_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v persuade_v thereby_o that_o they_o most_o false_o blaspheme_v that_o as_o they_o have_v do_v all_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n before_o attribute_v the_o fruit_n of_o that_o most_o evident_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o new_a wine_n and_o it_o may_v be_v further_o note_v that_o those_o who_o be_v persuade_v by_o it_o be_v such_o as_o before_o they_o see_v the_o miracle_n be_v in_o a_o good_a disposition_n to_o embrace_v that_o pure_a religion_n that_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o gospel_n or_o else_o that_o miracle_n will_v not_o have_v persuade_v they_o for_o the_o person_n convince_v thereby_o be_v not_o of_o the_o pharisee_n or_o unbelieving_a jew_n that_o have_v reject_v our_o saviour_n before_o 5._o verse_n 5._o but_o they_o be_v devout_a person_n jew_n or_o proselyte_n who_o have_v come_v at_o that_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n from_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o jerusalem_n to_o worship_n and_o who_o have_v probable_o never_o hear_v of_o our_o saviour_n before_o more_o than_o by_o uncertain_a report_n but_o be_v well_o read_v in_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o give_v good_a heed_n to_o they_o be_v convert_v more_o by_o the_o manifest_a accomplishment_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n in_o the_o person_n of_o our_o saviour_n than_o by_o the_o sight_n of_o that_o great_a miracle_n this_o therefore_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o experience_n what_o have_v be_v do_v and_o come_v to_o pass_v already_o that_o new_a miracle_n have_v be_v general_o unsuccessful_a upon_o such_o as_o have_v not_o regard_v a_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n we_o may_v reasonable_o infer_v that_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a if_o not_o certain_a that_o the_o same_o experiment_n try_v over_o again_o will_v have_v no_o better_a success_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o therefore_o be_v this_o such_o as_o be_v as_o st._n luke_n say_v they_o be_v who_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o preach_a and_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d predisposed_a or_o fit_v for_o eternal_a life_n 13.46_o act_n 13.46_o that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v modest_a and_o teachable_a who_o hear_v without_o prejudice_n and_o judge_v without_o partiality_n and_o have_v no_o interest_n of_o sin_n or_o the_o world_n that_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o their_o desire_n to_o obtain_v everlasting_a happiness_n such_o as_o inquire_v out_o the_o truth_n with_o the_o same_o indifference_n that_o a_o traveller_n do_v his_o way_n who_o have_v 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and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n such_o as_o only_o do_v need_v they_o that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v of_o perverse_a mind_n and_o stubborn_a will_n and_o devote_v to_o sin_n will_v not_o hearken_v to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n nor_o to_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n will_v very_o probable_o receive_v no_o benefit_n from_o new_a miracle_n or_o new_a revelation_n for_o nothing_o will_v serve_v to_o convince_v those_o who_o will_v not_o be_v convince_v at_o all_o no_o argument_n can_v be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v a_o man_n to_o that_o which_o he_o be_v strong_o prejudice_v and_o full_o resolve_v against_o and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o all_o those_o who_o do_v not_o hear_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n preach_v to_o they_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o be_v not_o persuade_v by_o they_o we_o may_v well_o conclude_v with_o abraham_n in_o the_o text_n that_o any_o other_o mean_n that_o may_v be_v use_v 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of_o that_o god_n who_o be_v a_o merciful_a god_n will_v deal_v merciful_o with_o they_o 15.22_o john_n 15.22_o if_o i_o have_v not_o come_v and_o speak_v unto_o they_o say_v our_o saviour_n they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n but_o the_o case_n will_v be_v quite_o otherwise_o with_o those_o 12.47_o luke_n 12.47_o who_o know_v their_o master_n will_n and_o do_v not_o do_v it_o they_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n and_o it_o will_v be_v all_o one_o if_o they_o do_v not_o know_v it_o if_o their_o ignorance_n of_o it_o be_v occasion_v by_o their_o own_o fault_n in_o neglect_v those_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n which_o god_n have_v afford_v they_o and_o much_o rather_o if_o their_o ignorance_n of_o their_o duty_n be_v affect_v and_o choose_v that_o they_o may_v sin_n with_o less_o disturbance_n of_o mind_n for_o our_o saviour_n judgement_n in_o this_o case_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o and_o it_o be_v his_o judgement_n by_o which_o we_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v to_o all_o eternity_n joh._n iii._o 19_o this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil._n have_v therefore_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o also_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n continual_o preach_v to_o we_o in_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n let_v we_o hear_v they_o this_o be_v both_o our_o duty_n and_o our_o interest_n and_o that_o our_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v with_o good_a success_n and_o we_o may_v thereby_o be_v thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n let_v we_o pray_v as_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o our_o church_n in_o a_o most_o excellent_a collect_v suit_v to_o the_o subject_a i_o have_v be_v discourse_v of_o advent_n collect_v for_o 2d_o sunday_n in_o advent_n bless_a lord_n who_o have_v cause_v all_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n grant_v that_o we_o may_v in_o such_o wise_a hear_v they_o read_z mark_v learn_v and_o inward_o digest_v they_o that_o by_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o thy_o holy_a word_n we_o may_v embrace_v and_o ever_o hold_v 〈◊〉_d â—he_v bless_v hope_n of_o everlasting_a life_n which_o thou_o have_v give_v we_o 〈…〉_o â—ur_n jesus_n christ_n amen_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la page_n 55._o line_n 10._o for_o some_o read_v same_o
he_o think_v he_o himself_o have_v write_v enough_o in_o his_o gospel_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o to_o direct_v they_o in_o the_o way_n to_o eternal_a life_n there_o be_v therefore_o in_o those_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o we_o now_o have_v several_a abridgement_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a doctrine_n it_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n be_v pretend_v that_o all_o these_o book_n together_o be_v not_o sufficient_a full_o to_o instruct_v we_o therein_o beside_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v preach_v suppose_v by_o st._n thomas_n in_o india_n or_o by_o st._n simon_n in_o africa_n or_o by_o any_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n in_o country_n remote_a from_o judea_n or_o without_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n be_v undoubted_o the_o very_a same_o gospel_n that_o be_v preach_v by_o st._n peter_n and_o st._n paul_n or_o those_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n who_o book_n be_v now_o extant_a and_o receive_v by_o the_o 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matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o have_v record_v and_o 3._o that_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v true_a they_o be_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v therein_o teach_v and_o i_o hope_v enough_o be_v say_v the_o last_o time_n to_o show_v that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v by_o those_o person_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o what_o i_o be_o next_o to_o do_v be_v 2._o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o these_o author_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 and_o i_o hope_v none_o of_o you_o that_o hear_v i_o who_o i_o presume_v to_o be_v all_o christian_n will_v take_v offence_n at_o it_o if_o now_o while_o i_o be_o argue_v this_o point_n i_o sometime_o speak_v of_o 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high_o credible_a if_o without_o any_o regard_n as_o yet_o have_v to_o the_o ability_n and_o integrity_n of_o its_o author_n we_o only_o consider_v the_o nature_n condition_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o matter_n therein_o record_v and_o of_o the_o history_n its_o self_n concern_v which_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n especial_o that_o may_v be_v observe_v 1._o that_o the_o matter_n record_v by_o the_o evangelical_n writer_n be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v certain_o know_v and_o 2._o that_o they_o be_v such_o and_o in_o such_o manner_n relate_v by_o the_o evangelist_n that_o if_o their_o history_n of_o they_o have_v be_v false_a it_o can_v never_o have_v gain_v credit_n in_o the_o world_n 1._o first_o i_o say_v the_o matter_n record_v by_o the_o evangelical_n writer_n be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v certain_o know_v i_o mean_v either_o by_o the_o historian_n themselves_o or_o by_o those_o from_o who_o they_o have_v their_o information_n for_o 1._o they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n plain_a matter_n of_o sense_n which_o those_o who_o be_v present_a at_o they_o can_v have_v no_o doubt_n of_o without_o distrust_v their_o own_o faculty_n of_o hear_v or_o see_v and_o which_o those_o who_o testify_v they_o may_v be_v as_o certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o as_o we_o can_v be_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o we_o hear_v with_o our_o own_o ear_n or_o see_v with_o our_o own_o eye_n for_o thus_o whether_o our_o saviour_n give_v out_o himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n whether_o he_o say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o whether_o he_o utter_v those_o other_o speech_n which_o the_o evangelist_n have_v record_v as_o speak_v by_o he_o can_v not_o but_o be_v certain_o know_v by_o the_o people_n who_o often_o hear_v he_o and_o especial_o by_o his_o apostle_n who_o constant_o attend_v he_o and_o so_o likewise_o whether_o he_o do_v those_o many_o wonderful_a work_n which_o the_o evangelist_n have_v record_v of_o he_o can_v not_o but_o be_v know_v by_o those_o that_o be_v present_a with_o he_o they_o may_v be_v certain_a either_o that_o he_o do_v they_o or_o that_o he_o do_v not_o do_v they_o thus_o for_o instance_n it_o may_v be_v certain_o know_v to_o those_o that_o first_o affirm_v that_o he_o give_v sight_n to_o the_o blind_a whether_o those_o person_n have_v be_v once_o blind_a and_o whether_o afterward_o they_o â—aw_v and_o to_o those_o that_o witness_v that_o he_o give_v strength_n â—o_o the_o cripple_n whether_o the_o man_n who_o they_o say_v he_o wrought_v this_o cure_n upon_o have_v be_v lame_a or_o disable_v â—n_o their_o foot_n hand_n or_o body_n before_o and_o whether_o â—fterwards_o they_o walk_v and_o have_v strength_n like_o other_o man_n and_o to_o those_o that_o testify_v that_o he_o raise_v the_o dead_a whether_o the_o person_n say_v to_o have_v be_v raise_v by_o â—im_n have_v be_v true_o dead_a and_o whether_o afterward_o â—hey_n live_v but_o above_o all_o his_o own_o resurrection_n which_o the_o preâ—ent_a season_n as_o well_o as_o the_o wonderfulness_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o thing_n oblige_v we_o to_o have_v a_o special_a â—egard_n to_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v most_o certain_o know_v to_o those_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v witness_n of_o it_o week_n this_o sermon_n be_v preach_v on_o the_o monday_n in_o easter_n week_n â—hey_n may_v be_v certain_a whether_o he_o have_v be_v once_o dead_a â—nd_v whether_o he_o show_v himself_o alive_a after_o his_o passion_n â—y_a many_o infallible_a proof_n and_o be_v see_v of_o they_o forty_o day_n of_o this_o they_o may_v be_v rather_o more_o certain_a than_o â—f_a any_o other_o of_o his_o miracle_n because_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n â—ot_n to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o one_o sense_n only_o as_o some_o of_o the_o â—est_n be_v
alone_o present_o reject_v either_o of_o they_o but_o we_o inquire_v which_o of_o they_o be_v in_o the_o best_a capacity_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o which_o of_o they_o be_v the_o least_o liable_a to_o the_o suspicion_n of_o falsehood_n and_o which_o story_n be_v the_o most_o probable_o relate_v and_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o that_o we_o incline_v if_o therefore_o there_o be_v any_o man_n that_o think_v there_o be_v any_o truth_n in_o history_n and_o who_o do_v give_v credit_n to_o other_o history_n and_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o do_v so_o and_o yet_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o allow_v that_o the_o gospel_n history_n be_v very_o credible_a which_o contain_v a_o relation_n only_o of_o such_o matter_n of_o sense_n as_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o cheat_n or_o deceit_n in_o and_o in_o which_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o deceit_n or_o mistake_v it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v discover_v and_o disprove_v and_o which_o yet_o neither_o be_v now_o nor_o ever_o be_v contradict_v by_o any_o history_n of_o competent_a antiquity_n and_o good_a credit_n i_o think_v we_o may_v very_o well_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v not_o reason_n or_o judgement_n but_o prejudice_n or_o interest_n or_o the_o love_n of_o some_o vice_n or_o lust_n that_o make_v he_o a_o infidel_n the_o end_n of_o the_o four_o sermon_n the_o five_o sermon_n 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 the_o subject_n i_o be_v upon_o in_o my_o last_o discourse_n on_o these_o word_n and_o which_o i_o leave_v unfinished_a be_v to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o the_o author_n of_o the_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_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 for_o the_o proof_n of_o which_o i_o propose_v these_o follow_a thing_n to_o be_v consider_v 1_o the_o nature_n condition_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o matter_n they_o have_v record_v and_o of_o the_o history_n its_o self_n 2_o the_o good_a capacity_n they_o be_v in_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o have_v relate_v 3_o the_o strong_a obligation_n they_o be_v under_o to_o write_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o knowledge_n or_o information_n 4_o the_o good_a evidence_n that_o we_o have_v of_o their_o honesty_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o 5_o last_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 the_o last_o discourse_n be_v spend_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o thing_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o viz._n 2._o the_o good_a capacity_n that_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o evangelical_n history_n be_v in_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v relate_v now_o the_o matter_n of_o history_n which_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o epistle_n be_v but_o few_o and_o those_o for_o the_o most_o part_n such_o as_o have_v be_v do_v by_o or_o have_v happen_v to_o either_o the_o person_n that_o write_v they_o or_o the_o church_n or_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v write_v so_o that_o of_o these_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o bulk_n or_o body_n of_o the_o evangelical_n history_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o four_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o author_n of_o these_o book_n there_o be_v no_o controversy_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o if_o they_o be_v write_v by_o the_o repute_a author_n a_o few_o word_n will_v suffice_v to_o show_v that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o very_a good_a capacity_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o have_v record_v much_o better_a than_o most_o other_o ancient_a historian_n who_o relation_n nevertheless_o be_v general_o think_v worthy_a of_o credit_n for_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n john_n two_o of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o twelve_o who_o be_v in_o constant_a attendance_n upon_o our_o lord_n from_o the_o time_n that_o he_o first_o begin_v to_o preach_v and_o to_o make_v disciple_n until_o he_o be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n so_o that_o they_o be_v themselves_o eye_n or_o ear-witness_n of_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v record_v of_o st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n indeed_o the_o same_o can_v be_v say_v neither_o be_v it_o certain_a that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n though_o that_o be_v affirm_v by_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n but_o this_o i_o think_v be_v agree_v to_o by_o all_o that_o st._n mark_n be_v for_o some_o part_n of_o his_o life_n a_o constant_a companion_n of_o st._n peter_n who_o be_v not_o only_o one_o of_o the_o twelve_o but_o most_o probable_o the_o first_o that_o be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n and_o who_o be_v also_o one_o of_o the_o three_o with_o who_o our_o lord_n be_v most_o intimate_a and_o familiar_a for_o we_o often_o read_v that_o peter_n 5.37_o matt._n 17.4.26_o 37._o mark_v 5.37_o and_o james_n and_o john_n be_v single_v from_o the_o rest_n to_o be_v witness_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o private_a transaction_n of_o his_o life_n and_o it_o be_v general_o believe_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n that_o st._n peter_n be_v more_o true_o the_o author_n of_o the_o gospel_n call_v st._n mark_n be_v then_o st._n mark_v himself_o he_o be_v only_o the_o scribe_n or_o amanuensis_fw-la and_o st._n peter_n the_o person_n that_o dictate_v the_o thing_n write_v by_o he_o whence_o also_o this_o gospel_n be_v by_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n style_v the_o gospel_n of_o st._n peter_n and_o of_o this_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v some_o token_n even_o in_o the_o history_n its_o self_n particular_o in_o that_o relation_n that_o be_v therein_o give_v of_o st._n peter_n denial_n of_o his_o master_n and_o of_o his_o repentance_n for_o it_o for_o his_o denial_n be_v there_o tell_v with_o some_o more_o circumstance_n than_o in_o the_o other_o gospel_n such_o as_o the_o person_n himself_o chief_o concern_v be_v best_o able_a to_o know_v and_o might_n best_o remember_v and_o the_o account_n that_o be_v give_v of_o his_o repentance_n be_v by_o this_o author_n express_v more_o modest_o as_o it_o best_o become_v a_o person_n to_o speak_v who_o speak_v of_o himself_o than_o it_o be_v by_o the_o other_o evangelist_n for_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n luke_n say_v that_o he_o weep_v bitter_o but_o st._n mark_n or_o rather_o st._n peter_n himself_o dictate_v those_o word_n only_o say_v that_o when_o he_o think_v thereon_o he_o weep_v it_o be_v likewise_o agree_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o st._n luke_n if_o not_o one_o of_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n which_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a he_o be_v not_o be_v however_o a_o very_a early_a convert_n to_o christianity_n that_o he_o converse_v frequent_o with_o the_o apostle_n and_o immediate_a disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o be_v a_o constant_a companion_n of_o st._n paul_n for_o a_o good_a while_n in_o his_o preach_a and_o travel_n so_o that_o of_o almost_o all_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o relate_v in_o his_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n he_o may_v be_v and_o of_o much_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a and_o of_o some_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o be_v a_o eye_n or_o earwitness_a so_o then_o there_o be_v three_o of_o the_o five_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o be_v write_v by_o those_o who_o be_v present_a at_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v relate_v viz._n the_o gospel_n of_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n john_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o another_o of_o they_o though_o it_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o st._n mark_v the_o person_n by_o who_o it_o be_v pen_v yet_o if_o it_o be_v as_o have_v be_v general_o believe_v dictate_v by_o st._n peter_n may_v be_v add_v to_o that_o number_n and_o be_v likewise_o reckon_v the_o testimony_n of_o one_o who_o be_v a_o eye_n witness_v of_o the_o thing_n he_o have_v relate_v in_o this_o respect_n therefore_o the_o gospel_n history_n be_v manifest_o as_o credible_a as_o it_o be_v possible_a any_o history_n shall_v be_v for_o no_o historian_n can_v record_v any_o thing_n upon_o better_a assurance_n of_o its_o truth_n than_o the_o
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 consider_v in_o the_o three_o place_n 3_o the_o strong_a obligation_n they_o be_v under_o to_o write_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o knowledge_n or_o information_n now_o the_o obligation_n that_o man_n be_v under_o to_o speak_v or_o write_v truth_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o two_o head_n honour_n and_o conscience_n by_o both_o which_o the_o evangelical_n writer_n be_v more_o strong_o oblige_v to_o truth_n in_o their_o relation_n than_o common_o other_o historian_n be_v 1._o one_o obligation_n that_o lie_v on_o all_o man_n to_o speak_v or_o write_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v true_a be_v honour_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o be_v general_o account_v more_o base_a or_o dishonourable_a than_o to_o tell_v a_o lie_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o by_o those_o who_o stand_v most_o upon_o their_o honour_n be_v think_v more_o reflect_v and_o disparage_v and_o more_o necessary_a to_o be_v resent_v as_o a_o high_a affront_n than_o to_o have_v the_o 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 either_o have_v know_v it_o to_o be_v false_a or_o will_v ready_o have_v be_v tell_v that_o it_o be_v so_o by_o abundance_n of_o person_n that_o can_v of_o their_o own_o knowledge_n have_v contradict_v it_o so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o evangelist_n have_v any_o regard_n at_o all_o to_o their_o own_o reputation_n it_o can_v be_v imagine_v either_o that_o they_o do_v record_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o their_o knowledge_n or_o that_o in_o matter_n that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o own_o knowledge_n they_o neglect_v to_o get_v the_o best_a information_n and_o intelligence_n that_o can_v be_v have_v because_o if_o they_o have_v do_v either_o of_o these_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v so_o vain_a as_o to_o hope_v to_o escape_v be_v censure_v as_o the_o most_o notorious_a and_o shameless_a liar_n that_o ever_o write_v but_o 2._o the_o strong_a obligation_n that_o lie_v on_o all_o man_n to_o speak_v or_o write_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n be_v conscience_n and_o the_o 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
of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v write_v by_o those_o person_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o 2._o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o they_o in_o their_o relation_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o have_v record_v and_o 3._o that_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a they_o be_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v therein_o teach_v these_o thing_n therefore_o i_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a but_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v for_o brevity_n sake_n confine_v my_o discourse_n only_o to_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n partly_o because_o these_o be_v the_o book_n wherein_o our_o christian_a religion_n be_v chief_o teach_v and_o especial_o because_o i_o think_v there_o be_v none_o who_o receive_v the_o new_a testament_n as_o of_o divine_a authority_n that_o do_v or_o â—ndeed_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n reject_v the_o old_a 1._o then_o i_o be_o to_o show_v that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o particular_a be_v write_v by_o those_o person_n that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o this_o indeed_o be_v a_o point_n that_o it_o do_v not_o proper_o lie_v upon_o we_o to_o make_v any_o proof_n of_o for_o as_o a_o man_n possession_n of_o a_o estate_n be_v alone_o a_o good_a and_o a_o sufficient_a title_n to_o it_o till_o a_o better_a be_v show_v by_o the_o person_n that_o endeavour_v to_o eject_v he_o so_o it_o be_v here_o these_o book_n be_v general_o receive_v as_o write_v by_o such_o and_o such_o person_n these_o author_n have_v the_o name_n these_o have_v as_o it_o be_v â—he_v possession_n of_o they_o and_o that_o be_v title_n enough_o if_o no_o other_o can_v be_v produce_v so_o long_o as_o no_o evidence_n be_v offer_v to_o show_v that_o any_o other_o person_n have_v a_o better_a title_n â—o_o they_o it_o lie_v on_o they_o therefore_o who_o deny_v that_o the_o book_n be_v they_o to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o what_o they_o say_v â—ither_o by_o allege_v some_o special_a matter_n out_o of_o the_o book_n themselves_o whereby_o it_o may_v be_v prove_v that_o they_o can_v â—ot_n be_v of_o their_o write_n or_o by_o produce_v some_o credible_a and_o authentic_a history_n testify_v that_o they_o be_v write_v by_o some_o other_o person_n and_o not_o by_o they_o and_o â—ill_v they_o can_v and_o shall_v do_v this_o which_o i_o be_o persuade_v â—an_v never_o be_v do_v we_o may_v very_o well_o refuse_v to_o produce_v any_o positive_a evidence_n to_o affirm_v or_o prove_v their_o title_n their_o possession_n be_v a_o good_a title_n enough_o till_o a_o better_a appear_v and_o a_o tenant_n may_v with_o as_o good_a reason_n refuse_v to_o pay_v rend_v to_o the_o person_n of_o who_o he_o â—ook_v the_o estate_n and_o to_o who_o he_o have_v ever_o hitherto_o â—aid_v rent_n and_o who_o right_a to_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o controvert_v until_o he_o shall_v suffer_v his_o write_n to_o be_v peruse_v and_o examine_v and_o by_o they_o make_v it_o plain_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v the_o lawful_a landlord_n as_o any_o man_n can_v now_o refuse_v to_o give_v that_o credit_n to_o these_o book_n as_o write_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o have_v be_v give_v hitherto_o and_o be_v still_o give_v by_o all_o christian_n unless_o he_o may_v have_v now_o as_o good_a positive_a evidence_n of_o their_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n as_o may_v have_v be_v give_v thereof_o at_o first_o and_z as_o it_o may_v be_v presume_v be_v give_v before_o their_o title_n to_o they_o be_v so_o universal_o acknowledge_v but_o nevertheless_o what_o a_o man_n be_v not_o under_o any_o obligation_n to_o do_v for_o the_o assert_v of_o his_o right_n he_o may_v do_v wise_o enough_o for_o his_o own_o satisfaction_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o satisfaction_n and_o pleasure_n to_o a_o man_n although_o his_o title_n to_o his_o estate_n be_v not_o at_o present_a controvert_v if_o in_o look_v over_o the_o write_n and_o evidence_n of_o it_o he_o see_v plain_o how_o it_o descend_v to_o he_o by_o a_o lineal_a succession_n from_o father_n to_o son_n for_o many_o generation_n past_a and_o how_o it_o come_v at_o first_o to_o his_o ancestor_n by_o a_o clear_a and_o fair_a purchase_n from_o the_o former_a possessor_n or_o by_o donation_n from_o the_o prince_n in_o the_o division_n of_o a_o waist_n or_o conquer_a country_n and_o if_o he_o also_o find_v ancient_a terrier_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o measure_n and_o bounding_n and_o exact_o describe_v the_o same_o estate_n which_o he_o now_o possess_v and_o if_o moreover_o look_v far_o back_o he_o see_v that_o upon_o some_o dispute_n or_o lawsuit_n that_o have_v former_o be_v concern_v it_o judgement_n have_v be_v always_o give_v on_o his_o side_n it_o can_v but_o please_v he_o i_o say_v that_o upon_o such_o a_o search_n into_o antiquity_n he_o find_v that_o he_o be_v so_o very_o well_o provide_v to_o make_v out_o his_o title_n if_o there_o shall_v ever_o be_v any_o occasion_n for_o it_o although_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o long_a and_o quiet_a possession_n that_o he_o and_o his_o ancestor_n before_o he_o time_n out_o of_o mind_n have_v have_v of_o it_o he_o have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o fear_n he_o shall_v ever_o meet_v â—ith_o any_o disturbance_n and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o these_o write_n the_o book_n of_o â—he_n new_a testament_n be_v general_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v â—ritten_v by_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o their_o authority_n be_v at_o present_a uncontested_a it_o may_v therefore_o reasonable_o be_v presume_v especial_o by_o those_o who_o have_v â—ot_n part_n or_o learning_n or_o leisure_n to_o examine_v into_o the_o â—easons_n of_o such_o thing_n that_o they_o will_v not_o have_v â—â—en_o so_o universal_o acknowledge_v and_o reverence_v as_o â—â—ey_n be_v upon_o this_o account_n but_o upon_o very_o good_a ground_n though_o what_o the_o ground_n thereof_o be_v they_o â—â—ve_v not_o yet_o inquire_v their_o be_v in_o possession_n be_v â—one_n reason_n enough_o to_o acknowledge_v and_o assert_v their_o â—â—tle_n it_o lie_v upon_o they_o that_o deny_v these_o book_n to_o 〈◊〉_d they_o to_o produce_v satisfactory_a evidence_n of_o their_o â—ing_n forge_v or_o counterfeit_a and_o till_o they_o shall_v proâ—â—ce_v some_o evidence_n thereof_o that_o have_v a_o show_n and_o appearance_n of_o truth_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v stagger_v in_o our_o belief_n by_o their_o bare_a however_o bold_a and_o confident_a denial_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o much_o â—s_n shall_v we_o need_v to_o give_v our_o reason_n for_o our_o reâ—â—ving_v they_o as_o write_v by_o the_o apostle_n till_o our_o adversary_n shall_v offer_v some_o reason_n why_o we_o ought_v not_o 〈◊〉_d receive_v they_o as_o such_o but_o nevertheless_o because_o we_o see_v there_o be_v some_o in_o â—s_n incredulous_a age_n that_o show_v a_o good_a will_n to_o deny_v 〈◊〉_d authority_n of_o these_o sacred_a book_n and_o who_o inâ—est_n it_o will_v be_v to_o prove_v they_o spurious_a and_o beâ—se_o we_o can_v tell_v what_o unwarrantable_a practice_n â—ir_a inclination_n and_o interest_n may_v put_v they_o upon_o 〈◊〉_d what_o write_n or_o evidence_n plausible_o forge_a 〈◊〉_d counterfeit_v they_o may_v hereafter_o produce_v it_o can_v be_v amiss_o for_o we_o to_o inquire_v and_o see_v and_o it_o can_v but_o be_v a_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o we_o who_o hold_v our_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n chief_o by_o these_o write_n to_o find_v and_o consider_v how_o well_o provide_v we_o be_v to_o detect_v and_o disprove_v any_o such_o forgery_n if_o they_o shall_v be_v offer_v by_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v in_o opposition_n thereto_o as_o good_a positive_a proof_n that_o these_o book_n be_v genuine_a as_o such_o a_o matter_n be_v capable_a of_o much_o better_a than_o i_o believe_v can_v be_v produce_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o other_o book_n of_o the_o like_a antiquity_n and_o it_o give_v we_o some_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o belief_n wâ—_n have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o that_o these_o be_v the_o genuiâ—â—_n book_n of_o the_o author_n to_o who_o they_o be_v ascribe_v tâ—_n find_v that_o they_o be_v receive_v as_o such_o not_o by_o a_o smaâ—â—_n party_n of_o man_n not_o by_o that_o church_n and_o nation_n only_o to_o which_o we_o belong_v but_o by_o all_o christian_n disperseâ—_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o likewise_o that_o they_o aâ—_n agree_v with_o we_o in_o the_o same_o testimony_n viz._n that_o theâ—_n receive_v then_o as_o such_o from_o their_o father_n for_o thâ—â—_n these_o book_n shall_v be_v thus_o general_o receive_v anâ—_n acknowledge_v