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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 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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 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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 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lie_v give_v they_o what_o therefore_o be_v general_o think_v to_o be_v a_o great_a reproach_n it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v presume_v unless_o the_o contrary_n appear_v a_o man_n will_v be_v careful_a to_o avoid_v by_o not_o give_v any_o just_a occasion_n to_o have_v it_o cast_v upon_o he_o and_o this_o be_v one_o ground_n of_o that_o great_a credit_n that_o be_v general_o give_v to_o ancient_a history_n it_o be_v presume_v unless_o there_o be_v evident_a cause_n to_o think_v otherwise_o that_o the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v man_n of_o so_o much_o honour_n and_o that_o they_o have_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o reproach_n and_o discredit_v that_o it_o will_v be_v to_o they_o to_o be_v find_v out_o in_o a_o lie_n as_o make_v they_o careful_a not_o to_o record_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o certain_a truth_n but_o what_o they_o have_v good_a knowledge_n or_o information_n of_o but_o that_o this_o obligation_n to_o truth_n be_v strong_a on_o the_o author_n of_o the_o evangelical_n history_n than_o on_o most_o other_o historian_n be_v abundant_o evident_a from_o what_o be_v note_v the_o last_o time_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o thing_n by_o they_o relate_v and_o of_o their_o history_n of_o they_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o most_o other_o ancient_a history_n be_v such_o that_o the_o historian_n may_v report_v many_o thing_n untrue_o or_o upon_o slight_a information_n and_o yet_o be_v pretty_a well_o assure_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v repute_v liar_n because_o the_o matter_n record_v by_o they_o be_v thing_n either_o do_v in_o some_o place_n a_o good_a way_n of_o or_o in_o some_o time_n long_o before_o or_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o but_o few_o person_n they_o may_v know_v that_o none_o of_o those_o into_o who_o hand_n their_o history_n will_v fall_v will_v be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o contradict_v they_o though_o they_o be_v false_a or_o they_o may_v reasonable_o suppose_v that_o their_o reader_n will_v rather_o acquiesce_v in_o their_o report_n than_o travel_n so_o far_o or_o take_v so_o much_o pain_n as_o they_o must_v have_v do_v to_o disprove_v it_o especial_o if_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a consequence_n to_o their_o reader_n whether_o their_o report_n be_v true_a or_o false_a but_o in_o the_o gospel_n history_n the_o case_n be_v quite_o otherwise_o and_o the_o historian_n themselves_o can_v not_o but_o know_v that_o it_o be_v so_o for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o concern_v to_o find_v out_o some_o falsity_n in_o it_o and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o that_o will_v have_v take_v any_o pain_n to_o have_v do_v it_o and_o yet_o the_o matter_n relate_v by_o the_o evangelist_n and_o their_o manner_n of_o relate_v they_o be_v such_o that_o their_o history_n if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a in_o any_o particular_a may_v have_v be_v disprove_v with_o the_o great_a ease_n without_o be_v at_o any_o pain_n to_o do_v it_o because_o most_o of_o those_o into_o who_o hand_n it_o first_o come_v will_v 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
well_o be_v account_v a_o martyr_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n no_o less_o than_o the_o other_o apostle_n although_o he_o do_v not_o actual_o expire_v under_o his_o suffering_n as_o they_o do_v now_o if_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o a_o man_n especial_o one_o who_o stand_v much_o upon_o his_o credit_n may_v be_v willing_a after_o he_o have_v tell_v a_o lie_n to_o suffer_v a_o great_a deal_n rather_o than_o own_v himself_o a_o liar_n though_o i_o think_v it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v either_o that_o any_o man_n will_v suffer_v so_o many_o other_o great_a evil_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v only_o upon_o a_o point_n of_o honour_n or_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v stand_v so_o much_o upon_o their_o honour_n yet_o when_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o this_o that_o a_o man_n who_o have_v tell_v a_o lie_n must_v either_o retract_v it_o or_o die_v for_o it_o and_o that_o he_o may_v in_o all_o probability_n save_o his_o life_n by_o retract_v it_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o any_o man_n will_v be_v a_o martyr_n for_o a_o know_a falsehood_n for_o it_o be_v a_o very_a true_a say_v and_o to_o which_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o exception_n though_o it_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n 2.4_o job_n 2.4_o that_o skin_n for_o skin_n yea_o all_o that_o a_o man_n have_v he_o will_v give_v for_o his_o life_n it_o be_v not_o credible_a therefore_o that_o so_o much_o as_o one_o man_n shall_v be_v find_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o sacrifice_v his_o life_n to_o a_o know_a lie_n and_o that_o too_o a_o unprofitable_a lie_n to_o himself_o to_o his_o family_n and_o to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o this_o only_a to_o save_v his_o reputation_n it_o be_v much_o less_o credible_a that_o so_o many_o man_n viz._n all_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n and_o most_o if_o not_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v immediate_a disciple_n shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o such_o prodigious_a and_o unheard_a of_o folly_n and_o it_o be_v least_o of_o all_o credible_a that_o among_o so_o many_o as_o there_o be_v that_o bear_v witness_n of_o the_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o evangelical_n history_n not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o man_n shall_v be_v find_v that_o be_v honest_a and_o wise_a than_o the_o rest_n not_o one_o that_o can_v be_v persuade_v to_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n by_o the_o confession_n of_o his_o fault_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o world_n by_o a_o public_a own_n of_o the_o cheat_n he_o have_v be_v engage_v in_o not_o one_o that_o will_v choose_v to_o undergo_v the_o disgrace_n of_o a_o liar_n rather_o than_o the_o shameful_a death_n of_o a_o malefactor_n these_o be_v in_o short_a the_o evidence_n we_o have_v of_o the_o honesty_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o evangelical_n historian_n those_o evidence_n i_o mean_v which_o they_o themselves_o have_v give_v thereof_o and_o they_o be_v plain_o as_o good_a as_o can_v be_v desire_v they_o be_v the_o best_a that_o can_v be_v give_v by_o men._n and_o put_v together_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v on_o this_o and_o the_o forego_n head_n now_o and_o in_o my_o last_o discourse_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o evangelical_n history_n i_o think_v we_o may_v true_o and_o confident_o affirm_v that_o although_o we_o consider_v it_o only_o as_o a_o mere_a humane_a history_n we_o have_v much_o great_a reason_n to_o give_v credit_n to_o it_o than_o to_o any_o history_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o but_o if_o we_o receive_v the_o witness_n of_o man_n and_o who_o be_v there_o that_o do_v not_o 5.9_o 1_o joh._n 5.9_o the_o witness_n of_o god_n be_v great_a and_o therefore_o in_o order_n to_o show_v further_o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o the_o evangelical_n historian_n in_o their_o relation_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o have_v record_v i_o propose_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o five_o and_o last_o place_n 5_o the_o confirmation_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o history_n by_o god_n himself_o for_o what_o st._n paul_n say_v of_o his_o own_o be_v likewise_o true_a of_o the_o speech_n and_o preach_v of_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n 5._o 1_o cor._n 2.4_o 5._o that_o the_o faith_n of_o their_o hearer_n shall_v not_o stand_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o so_o st._n luke_n say_v act_v 4.33_o with_o great_a power_n give_v the_o apostle_n witness_v of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o witness_v the_o miracle_n of_o their_o master_n they_o give_v assurance_n to_o man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n by_o do_v the_o like_a miracle_n themselves_o heal_v the_o sick_a cast_v out_o devil_n raise_v the_o dead_a etc._n etc._n just_a as_o jesus_n himself_o have_v do_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o pursuant_n to_o their_o commission_n they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o man_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o language_n they_o plain_o demonstrate_v both_o that_o they_o have_v such_o a_o commission_n from_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o they_o preach_v by_o speak_v to_o every_o man_n of_o every_o nation_n in_o his_o own_o tongue_n thus_o as_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n say_v 2.4_o heb._n 2.4_o god_n do_v bear_v they_o witness_n both_o with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will._n and_o he_o may_v well_o say_v that_o god_n do_v hereby_o bear_v they_o witness_n because_o that_o power_n wherewith_o they_o be_v endue_v be_v so_o evident_o from_o on_o high_a that_o none_o that_o see_v their_o work_n 24.49_o luke_n 24.49_o and_o consider_v withal_o the_o purity_n and_o excellence_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n that_o be_v thereby_o establish_v can_v have_v any_o reasonable_a doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n or_o no._n we_o know_v 3.2_o joh._n 3.2_o say_v nicodemus_n to_o our_o saviour_n that_o thou_o be_v a_o teacher_n send_v from_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v do_v the_o miracle_n that_o thou_o do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o 14.12_o joh._n 14.12_o but_o the_o same_o work_n that_o jesus_n do_v do_v his_o disciple_n also_o after_o he_o have_v send_v down_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o father_n upon_o they_o on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n yea_o and_o great_a work_n than_o those_o do_v they_o do_v so_o that_o whoever_o behold_v their_o work_n may_v so_o far_o as_o miracle_n be_v evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n be_v rather_o more_o certain_a that_o god_n be_v with_o they_o than_o nicodemus_n can_v be_v that_o he_o be_v with_o our_o lord_n himself_o for_o though_o their_o other_o miracle_n that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o sort_n with_o those_o which_o our_o saviour_n have_v do_v be_v such_o proof_n of_o divine_a assistance_n as_o can_v not_o with_o any_o reason_n be_v gainsay_v yet_o i_o think_v it_o may_v true_o be_v affirm_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o they_o and_o wherein_o they_o do_v as_o we_o may_v say_v excel_v even_o our_o lord_n himself_o be_v more_o convince_a than_o any_o of_o they_o for_o he_o that_o see_v one_o of_o their_o other_o miracle_n may_v possible_o entertain_v some_o little_a doubt_n whether_o the_o effect_n that_o appear_v to_o he_o to_o be_v miraculous_a may_v not_o yet_o be_v do_v by_o some_o secret_a power_n of_o natural_a cause_n that_o be_v unknown_a to_o he_o but_o we_o all_o know_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n so_o well_o that_o we_o be_v sure_a the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o language_n can_v possible_o be_v attain_v natural_o even_o by_o a_o person_n of_o the_o quick_a part_n and_o faithful_a memory_n but_o in_o so_o much_o time_n at_o the_o least_o as_o it_o will_v necessary_o take_v up_o to_o be_v tell_v by_o tutor_n or_o to_o learn_v from_o lexicon_n what_o every_o particular_a word_n of_o the_o language_n to_o be_v learn_v be_v by_o the_o people_n of_o that_o language_n design_v to_o signify_v because_o word_n have_v not_o a_o natural_a relation_n to_o the_o notion_n or_o thing_n thereby_o express_v but_o be_v mere_a arbitrary_a sign_n thereof_o so_o that_o whoever_o know_v the_o education_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o they_o be_v before_o altogether_o ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a and_o yet_o see_v they_o every_o one_o on_o a_o sudden_a on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n able_a to_o speak_v ready_o in_o all_o the_o language_n of_o all_o the_o nation_n under_o heaven_n from_o whence_o have_v come_v some_o of_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v present_a at_o jerusalem_n at_o that_o
26.31_o mat._n 26.31_o he_o tell_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n that_o they_o will_v all_o forsake_v he_o when_o they_o every_o one_o profess_a themselves_o resolve_v to_o suffer_v with_o he_o 3.14.8.28.12.32_o joh._n 3.14.8.28.12.32_o rather_o than_o leave_v he_o he_o signify_v before_o by_o what_o death_n he_o shall_v die_v and_o who_o shall_v be_v instrumental_a therein_o 16.21.26.32.28.16_o mat._n 16.21.26.32.28.16_o he_o assure_v his_o disciple_n that_o after_o three_o day_n he_o will_v rise_v again_o and_o appoint_v they_o a_o place_n in_o galilee_n where_o they_o shall_v all_o see_v he_o he_o prophesy_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o contempt_n he_o be_v have_v in_o and_o the_o great_a contempt_n that_o his_o ignominious_a death_n will_v bring_v upon_o he_o his_o religion_n shall_v by_o their_o mean_n a_o company_n of_o poor_a illiterate_a fisherman_n be_v preach_v with_o good_a success_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n 24.14.3.19_o mat._n 24.14.3.19_o he_o foretell_v likewise_o the_o utter_a destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o temple_n 21._o mat._n 24._o mar._n 13._o luk._n 21._o before_o that_o generation_n pass_v away_o and_o the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o jew_n into_o all_o nation_n and_o several_a other_o thing_n which_o it_o will_v take_v up_o too_o much_o time_n now_o to_o mention_v he_o foretell_v shall_v be_v just_a in_o that_o manner_n in_o which_o they_o afterward_o come_v to_o pass_v concern_v which_o it_o may_v be_v note_v that_o some_o of_o his_o prophecy_n be_v fulfil_v soon_o after_o they_o be_v speak_v the_o punctual_a accomplishment_n whereof_o be_v to_o those_o that_o both_o hear_v they_o speak_v and_o see_v they_o fulfil_v a_o evident_a proof_n of_o his_o prophetical_a spirit_n and_o a_o just_a ground_n of_o expect_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o all_o his_o other_o prophecy_n in_o their_o season_n and_o that_o other_o be_v not_o to_o be_v fulfil_v till_o a_o good_a while_n after_o the_o accomplishment_n whereof_o at_o the_o time_n foretell_v and_o long_o after_o the_o prediction_n thereof_o have_v be_v record_v by_o the_o evangelist_n be_v a_o good_a evidence_n to_o those_o that_o live_v then_o and_o be_v also_o to_o we_o that_o live_v now_o and_o either_o read_v the_o accomplishment_n thereof_o in_o history_n or_o see_v the_o same_o with_o our_o own_o eye_n that_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o divine_a spirit_n and_o likewise_o take_v away_o all_o reasonable_a ground_n of_o a_o suspicion_n which_o we_o may_v otherwise_o have_v have_v that_o in_o those_o instance_n wherein_o both_o the_o prophecy_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o it_o be_v relate_v by_o the_o same_o author_n the_o prophecy_n be_v forge_v after_o the_o event_n be_v come_v to_o pass_v now_o if_o this_o be_v true_a and_o it_o be_v certain_o true_a if_o the_o gospel-history_n be_v so_o that_o our_o saviour_n do_v foretell_v many_o thing_n which_o afterward_o happen_v and_o those_o very_a casual_a and_o contingent_a thing_n depend_v upon_o the_o free_a will_n of_o man_n this_o be_v a_o evident_a token_n that_o he_o have_v a_o divine_a spirit_n for_o none_o can_v certain_o foretell_v such_o thing_n but_o god_n only_o or_o those_o who_o he_o enlighten_v with_o his_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n make_v this_o challenge_n to_o the_o idol_n of_o the_o heathen_n isa_n 41.23_o show_v the_o thing_n that_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o that_o we_o may_v know_v that_o you_o be_v go_n and_o if_o to_o this_o it_o shall_v be_v object_v that_o future_a event_n have_v be_v sometime_o foretell_v by_o such_o as_o have_v not_o be_v true_a prophet_n of_o god_n nor_o enlighten_v by_o his_o spirit_n as_o by_o diviner_n astrologer_n and_o south-sayers_n and_o by_o the_o oracle_n of_o the_o heathen_n this_o may_v be_v grant_v without_o any_o weaken_n of_o the_o argument_n i_o be_o now_o upon_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o our_o saviour_n divine_a mission_n for_o there_o may_v be_v some_o future_a event_n upforeseen_a by_o we_o and_o yet_o depend_v so_o entire_o upon_o the_o course_n of_o natural_a cause_n that_o unless_o hinder_v by_o a_o miracle_n they_o will_v as_o certain_o come_v to_o pass_v as_o the_o sun_n will_v rise_v tomorrow_o and_o these_o the_o devil_n who_o understand_v much_o better_a than_o we_o do_v the_o power_n and_o course_n of_o nature_n may_v foresee_v and_o consequent_o foretell_v and_o when_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v foretell_v we_o who_o understand_v very_o little_a of_o nature_n may_v think_v it_o a_o prophecy_n whereas_o in_o truth_n there_o be_v no_o more_o of_o a_o prophetical_a spirit_n in_o the_o devil_n when_o he_o foretell_v such_o thing_n than_o there_o be_v in_o a_o skilful_a astronomer_n when_o he_o calculate_v and_o foretell_v to_o a_o minute_n for_o several_a age_n to_o come_v the_o motion_n and_o eclipse_n of_o the_o sun_n moon_n and_o planet_n and_o even_o in_o future_a contingency_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o the_o event_n have_v sometime_o verify_v the_o prediction_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o prophet_n for_o this_o also_o may_v well_o enough_o be_v account_v for_o without_o allow_v that_o any_o be_v have_v a_o certain_a foreknowledge_n of_o future_a contingency_n but_o god_n only_o if_o we_o do_v but_o suppose_v as_o we_o may_v very_o reasonable_o do_v that_o the_o devil_n have_v a_o perfect_a knowledge_n than_o we_o can_v have_v of_o the_o counsel_n intrigue_n and_o interest_n of_o man_n that_o he_o understand_v their_o temper_n and_o inclination_n that_o he_o have_v live_v a_o great_a while_n and_o make_v very_o exact_a observation_n that_o he_o have_v have_v a_o long_a experience_n of_o thing_n and_o have_v also_o a_o notable_a sagacity_n much_o beyond_o what_o be_v in_o any_o man_n for_o so_o even_o a_o wise_a observe_v and_o experience_a man_n may_v without_o a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n see_v much_o further_a before_o he_o than_o man_n common_o do_v and_o may_v foretell_v by_o a_o guest_n that_o shall_v rare_o fail_v a_o great_a many_o thing_n which_o a_o less_o think_v and_o experience_a man_n will_v never_o have_v think_v of_o and_o when_o the_o thing_n happen_v that_o be_v foretell_v it_o may_v be_v past_o the_o skill_n of_o other_o to_o judge_v whether_o it_o be_v foretell_v by_o a_o sagacious_a guest_n or_o by_o a_o certain_a foreknowledge_n of_o what_o will_v be_v and_o that_o the_o prediction_n of_o diviner_n and_o the_o oracle_n of_o the_o heathen_n concern_v future_a contingency_n have_v be_v no_o more_o than_o only_o probable_a conjecture_n unless_o when_o they_o have_v be_v borrow_v from_o divine_a prophecy_n as_o they_o may_v have_v often_o be_v be_v evident_a by_o their_o uncertain_a accomplishment_n some_o thing_n indeed_o have_v happen_v as_o they_o have_v be_v foretell_v but_o other_o have_v not_o so_o happen_v and_o because_o the_o devil_n can_v not_o always_o certain_o tell_v what_o the_o event_n of_o those_o thing_n will_v be_v which_o he_o be_v consult_v with_o about_o he_o common_o give_v out_o his_o oracle_n in_o ambiguous_a expression_n that_o so_o whatever_o happen_v he_o may_v be_v think_v to_o have_v foretell_v it_o and_o when_o the_o prediction_n of_o any_o person_n pretend_v to_o prophecy_n have_v fail_v in_o some_o instance_n though_o in_o other_o they_o have_v be_v accomplish_v this_o be_v a_o certain_a argument_n that_o he_o do_v not_o prophesy_v by_o a_o divine_a spirit_n according_a to_o what_o be_v say_v deut._n xviii_o 21_o 22._o if_o thou_o say_v in_o thy_o heart_n how_o shall_v we_o know_v the_o word_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o speak_v when_o a_o prophet_n speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o the_o thing_n follow_v not_o nor_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o speak_v but_o the_o propheth_n have_v speak_v it_o presumptuous_o in_o which_o word_n it_o seem_v to_o be_v imply_v though_o it_o be_v not_o express_o say_v that_o if_o the_o thing_n foretell_v do_v come_v to_o pass_v and_o especial_o that_o if_o of_o many_o thing_n which_o the_o prophet_n have_v foretell_v and_o which_o can_v not_o be_v fore-known_a by_o the_o great_a skill_n in_o natural_a cause_n such_o as_o be_v the_o action_n of_o a_o free_a agent_n not_o one_o thing_n fail_v but_o his_o word_n be_v make_v good_a by_o the_o event_n in_o every_o particular_a they_o may_v then_o depend_v upon_o it_o that_o he_o be_v a_o true_a prophet_n except_o only_o in_o one_o case_n mention_v in_o deut._n 13._o 3._o deut._n 13.1_o 2_o 3._o viz._n when_o he_o make_v use_v of_o that_o credit_n which_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o prediction_n have_v gain_v he_o to_o draw_v man_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a and_o only_o god_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n and_o according_o it_o be_v observe_v in_o 1_o sam._n three_o 19_o 20._o that_o because_o the_o lord_n do_v let_v none_o of_o samuel_n
my_o father_n have_v send_v i_o so_o send_v i_o you_o and_o again_o mat._n xxviii_o 19_o 20._o go_v you_o and_o disciple_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o that_o he_o have_v authority_n to_o grant_v they_o such_o a_o commission_n he_o show_v in_o the_o word_n before_o all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o i_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n etc._n etc._n and_o 2._o that_o they_o be_v teach_v by_o god_n and_o enlighten_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n be_v what_o can_v be_v doubt_v if_o we_o believe_v the_o power_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o before_o our_o lord_n go_v from_o they_o 20.22_o joh_n 20.22_o he_o breathe_v on_o they_o and_o say_v receive_v you_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o what_o purpose_v the_o holy-ghost_n be_v to_o be_v give_v they_o he_o have_v tell_v they_o before_o 14.26_o joh._n 14.26_o the_o comforter_n which_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o the_o father_n will_v send_v in_o my_o name_n he_o shall_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n to_o your_o remembrance_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v say_v unto_o you_o and_o when_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v 16.13_o joh._n 16.13_o he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n be_v thus_o therefore_o teach_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n our_o saviour_n may_v well_o say_v as_o he_o do_v luke_n x._o 16._o he_o that_o hear_v you_o hear_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v i_o despise_v he_o that_o send_v i_o and_o 3._o last_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o receive_v they_o as_o messenger_n from_o god_n and_o to_o believe_v that_o all_o that_o they_o have_v teach_v be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n because_o they_o have_v the_o same_o attestation_n of_o god_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o have_v to_o he_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o god_n do_v bear_v they_o witness_v all_o those_o way_n by_o which_o he_o bare_a witness_n to_o our_o saviour_n for_o that_o can_v not_o be_v but_o he_o bare_a witness_n to_o they_o all_o those_o way_n by_o which_o it_o be_v proper_a for_o he_o to_o do_v it_o and_o by_o which_o he_o have_v bear_v witness_n to_o any_o former_a prophet_n for_o he_o bare_a witness_n to_o they_o that_o they_o be_v send_v by_o he_o 21._o joh._n 13.22.20_o 21._o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o he_o have_v do_v to_o our_o saviour_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o john_n and_o if_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o prophet_n be_v credible_a concern_v our_o saviour_n much_o more_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n high_o credible_a concern_v a_o messenger_n send_v by_o he_o he_o bare_a witness_n to_o they_o also_o by_o indue_a they_o with_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n 16.13_o joh._n 16.13_o for_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v say_v our_o saviour_n he_o will_v show_v you_o thing_n to_o come_v and_o last_o he_o bare_a witness_n to_o they_o by_o that_o which_o be_v the_o most_o plain_a and_o sensible_a proof_n of_o a_o divine_a mission_n 16.20_o mar._n 16.20_o viz._n by_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n and_o manifold_a gift_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o and_o confirm_v their_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v say_v st._n mark_n and_o with_o great_a power_n say_v st._n luke_n give_v 4.33_o act_n 4.33_o the_o apostle_n witness_v of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v spend_v in_o relate_v the_o wonderful_a work_n that_o they_o do_v by_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n but_o st._n paul_n perhaps_o it_o will_v be_v say_v of_o who_o write_v be_v most_o of_o the_o epistle_n be_v not_o one_o of_o they_o not_o call_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v a_o apostle_n as_o they_o be_v nor_o so_o much_o as_o a_o eye_n and_o earwitness_n of_o our_o lord_n miracle_n and_o doctrine_n what_o reason_n then_o have_v we_o to_o receive_v his_o write_n as_o portion_n of_o holy_a scripture_n i_o answer_v as_o good_a though_o not_o in_o every_o particular_a just_a the_o same_o that_o we_o have_v to_o receive_v the_o write_n of_o the_o other_o apostle_n as_o such_o for_o he_o be_v convert_v and_o ordain_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n in_o a_o more_o wonderful_a manner_n than_o they_o be_v as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o act_n 9_o and_o as_o our_o lord_n himself_o give_v witness_v to_o their_o divine_a mission_n so_o he_o do_v also_o to_o he_o act_v ix_o 15._o he_o be_v say_v our_o lord_n a_o choose_a vessel_n unto_o i_o to_o bear_v my_o name_n before_o the_o gentile_n and_o king_n and_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o he_o also_o as_o well_o as_o to_o they_o etc._n act._n 20.22_o 25.27.10_o 22._o 2_o th._n 2.3_o etc._n etc._n 1_o tim._n 4.1_o etc._n etc._n 2_o tim._n 3.1_o etc._n etc._n the_o spirit_n foreshow_v thing_n to_o come_v several_a proof_n of_o which_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n and_o in_o his_o epistle_n and_o last_o his_o speech_n and_o his_o preach_v be_v 12.12_o 1_o cor._n 2.4_o 2_o cor._n 12.12_o as_o they_o in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n in_o he_o all_o the_o sign_n of_o a_o apostle_n be_v see_v no_o less_o than_o in_o they_o viz._n sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o mighty_a deed_n and_o of_o he_o with_o barnabas_n in_o company_n 14.3_o act_n 14.3_o it_o be_v that_o st._n luke_n speak_v when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o lord_n give_v testimony_n to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o grant_v sign_n and_o wonder_n to_o be_v do_v by_o their_o hand_n and_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n from_o the_o 10_o chapter_n to_o the_o end_n contain_v little_a else_o but_o a_o account_n of_o st._n paul_n preach_v and_o of_o the_o miracle_n that_o be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n so_o that_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o gospel-history_n we_o can_v no_o more_o doubt_n of_o his_o divine_a mission_n and_o inspiration_n than_o we_o can_v of_o they_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o if_o they_o be_v apostle_n so_o be_v he_o that_o if_o they_o be_v minister_n of_o christ_n 12.11_o 2_o cor._n 11.23_o 2_o cor._n 11.5_o 2_o cor._n 12.11_o so_o be_v he_o too_o forasmuch_o as_o in_o nothing_o he_o be_v behind_o the_o very_o chief_a apostle_n so_o that_o consequent_o we_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v his_o write_n to_o be_v inspire_v as_o we_o have_v they_o and_o now_o by_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v i_o hope_v i_o have_v full_o make_v good_a the_o point_n i_o be_v to_o prove_v viz._n that_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n record_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 whether_o by_o christ_n himself_o or_o by_o his_o apostle_n for_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o they_o be_v send_v by_o god_n to_o instruct_v the_o world_n and_o to_o declare_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n and_o that_o they_o be_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o their_o credential_n letter_n which_o we_o have_v now_o peruse_v and_o examine_v we_o can_v no_o more_o doubt_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o as_o the_o messenger_n and_o ambassador_n of_o god_n have_v deliver_v to_o we_o in_o his_o name_n than_o if_o we_o have_v hear_v god_n himself_o utter_v the_o same_o by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n so_o that_o i_o can_v but_o persuade_v myself_o that_o the_o proof_n which_o have_v be_v offer_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v any_o rational_a and_o consider_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o doctrine_n the_o falsity_n whereof_o be_v not_o notorious_a and_o self-evident_a and_o therefore_o this_o i_o think_v be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v pretend_v by_o any_o person_n to_o justify_v his_o not_o receive_v the_o gospel_n as_o a_o divine_a revelation_n viz._n that_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o in_o some_o particular_n be_v such_o as_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o any_o proof_n at_o all_o because_o no_o argument_n can_v make_v a_o