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that_o be_v do_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o be_v likewise_o own_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o avast_o multitude_n more_o both_o of_o such_o as_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o of_o such_o as_o reject_v and_o oppose_v it_o and_o violent_o persecute_v the_o teacher_n of_o it_o to_o omit_v the_o testimony_n of_o true_a believer_n thus_o it_o be_v record_v concern_v those_o upon_o who_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n have_v no_o power_n nor_o influence_n the_o ruler_n elder_n scribe_n and_o high_a priest_n among_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o summon_v peter_n and_o john_n before_o they_o for_o cure_v a_o lame_a man_n can_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o a_o notable_a miracle_n have_v be_v do_v by_o they_o which_o be_v manifest_a to_o all_o they_o that_o dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v afterward_o fill_v with_o indignation_n and_o take_v counsel_n to_o slay_v they_o because_o they_o can_v not_o restrain_v they_o from_o do_v more_o miracle_n 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by_o paul_n command_v the_o spirit_n to_o come_v out_o of_o she_o several_a vagabond_n jew_n exorcist_n who_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o cast_v out_o evil_a spirit_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n but_o suffer_v very_o much_o for_o the_o impudence_n of_o their_o pretence_n and_o a_o great_a many_o other_o such_o like_a be_v witness_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o wicked_a or_o dishonourable_a motive_n reject_v the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v or_o profess_v to_o embrace_v it_o upon_o ill_a design_n or_o after_o they_o have_v receive_v it_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o the_o faith_n great_a complaint_n of_o all_o which_o sort_n of_o man_n we_o find_v in_o the_o epistle_n thus_o be_v the_o miracle_n of_o the_o first_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n declare_v and_o attest_v but_o moreover_o it_o be_v record_v of_o they_o that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n themselves_o but_o that_o they_o be_v authorize_v and_o 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all_o place_n where_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v and_o the_o same_o be_v plain_o imply_v by_o the_o frequent_a rule_n and_o caution_n that_o be_v give_v by_o the_o apostle_n concern_v the_o due_a exercise_n of_o they_o and_o the_o fear_n and_o apprehension_n they_o often_o express_v lest_o the_o christian_n thus_o impower_v shall_v by_o covet_v one_o another_o gift_n or_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o those_o they_o be_v several_o possess_v of_o neglect_v to_o apply_v themselves_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v the_o scripture-account_a of_o miracle_n and_o these_o be_v those_o wonderful_a fact_n believe_v by_o the_o first_o christian_n their_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o be_v the_o chief_a ground_n and_o motive_n of_o their_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n or_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v likewise_o other_o strange_a matter_n of_o fact_n call_v prophecy_n which_o be_v most_o sure_o believe_v among_o they_o and_o which_o contribute_v very_o much_o to_o their_o receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o continue_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n without_o waver_v and_o these_o i_o shall_v consider_v in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o method_n i_o do_v miracle_n for_o there_o be_v several_a prophecy_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o utter_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o together_o with_o several_a other_o speak_v with_o relation_n to_o he_o and_o fulfil_v by_o he_o other_o there_o be_v mention_v as_o speak_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v receive_v the_o power_n of_o prophecy_n immediate_o from_o he_o it_o be_v plain_a also_o from_o several_a instance_n and_o passage_n in_o the_o sacred_a write_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n be_v convey_v by_o the_o first_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n to_o private_a christian_n and_o be_v very_o common_a among_o they_o the_o prophecy_n speak_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v most_o of_o they_o deliver_v in_o private_a to_o his_o disciple_n some_o of_o which_o be_v not_o write_v till_o after_o the_o thing_n happen_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o the_o disciple_n be_v whole_o answerable_a for_o and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v publish_v in_o write_v before_o the_o thing_n happen_v and_o these_o may_v then_o and_o may_v still_o be_v examine_v by_o the_o circumstance_n of_o they_o other_o of_o they_o be_v speak_v public_o and_o frequent_o before_o great_a multitude_n of_o people_n as_o those_o about_o his_o suffer_v and_o resurrection_n etc._n etc._n and_o several_a beside_o their_o be_v speak_v open_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o many_o be_v also_o spread_v abroad_o in_o write_v long_o before_o the_o event_n actual_o happen_v as_o particular_o that_o remarkable_a one_o concern_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n prophecy_n speak_v of_o christ_n in_o former_a time_n with_o relation_n to_o his_o person_n action_n suffering_n and_o doctrine_n with_o the_o several_a circumstance_n 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of_o the_o world_n they_o continue_v still_o in_o their_o sin_n and_o never_o live_v up_o to_o those_o holy_a rule_n he_o prescribe_v these_o who_o never_o feel_v the_o power_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v never_o be_v so_o concern_v for_o the_o interest_n of_o it_o as_o constant_o to_o vouch_v and_o maintain_v a_o unprofitable_a lie_n in_o its_o defence_n when_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a they_o may_v have_v have_v easy_a conscience_n and_o better_a fortune_n for_o disprove_v the_o pretence_n it_o be_v build_v upon_o other_o of_o they_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o turn_v again_o unto_o those_o beggarly_a element_n or_o idol_n they_o be_v free_v from_o neither_o can_v these_o be_v suspect_v of_o justify_v what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v false_a in_o behalf_n of_o a_o religion_n they_o have_v forsake_v it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v have_v they_o be_v privy_a to_o any_o deceit_n that_o they_o will_v have_v be_v very_o zealous_a in_o the_o 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those_o fact_n we_o have_v undertake_v to_o prove_v and_o do_v also_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v the_o tradition_n of_o those_o other_o custom_n and_o institution_n we_o have_v before_o instance_a in_o especial_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o the_o same_o history_n that_o give_v we_o this_o account_n inform_v we_o of_o viz._n that_o the_o christian_a custom_n now_o mention_v be_v not_o look_v upon_o as_o such_o necessary_a part_n of_o that_o religion_n nor_o of_o so_o early_a a_o original_a as_o the_o other_o and_o that_o both_o these_o and_o the_o former_a be_v in_o several_a place_n and_o age_n practise_v after_o several_a manner_n with_o different_a additional_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o general_a reception_n of_o some_o custom_n and_o general_a distinction_n betwixt_o necessary_a and_o unnecessary_a substance_n and_o manner_n in_o all_o that_o be_v receive_v be_v certain_a argument_n of_o a_o sincere_a and_o well-examined_a
they_o among_o the_o chief_a ruler_n many_o believe_v on_o he_o but_o do_v not_o confess_v he_o lest_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n his_o countryman_n acknowledge_v that_o mighty_a work_n be_v wrought_v by_o his_o hand_n but_o be_v offend_v because_o so_o mean_a a_o person_n do_v they_o who_o birth_n relation_n and_o education_n they_o know_v the_o gergesenes_n be_v astonish_v at_o the_o wonderful_a thing_n he_o do_v though_o they_o beseech_v he_o to_o depart_v out_o of_o their_o coast_n and_o the_o devil_n confess_v his_o power_n before_o they_o be_v cast_v out_o though_o he_o come_v to_o torment_v they_o before_o the_o time_n a_o great_a many_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o miracle_n but_o do_v not_o hearken_v to_o what_o he_o teach_v because_o none_o of_o the_o ruler_n or_o pharisee_n believe_v on_o he_o and_o because_o they_o take_v he_o for_o a_o galilean_a and_o think_v that_o no_o prophet_n arise_v out_o of_o galilee_n several_n will_v not_o believe_v on_o he_o because_o they_o know_v whence_o he_o be_v and_o when_o christ_n come_v no_o man_n they_o suppose_v know_v from_o whence_o he_o be_v though_o they_o be_v thus_o answer_v by_o other_o who_o believe_v when_o christ_n come_v will_v he_o do_v more_o miracle_n than_o these_o which_o this_o man_n have_v do_v some_o be_v entire_o satisfy_v of_o his_o miraculous_a power_n by_o be_v heal_v by_o he_o as_o nine_o of_o the_o ten_o leper_n and_o nevertheless_o regard_v he_o not_o abundance_n of_o people_n accompany_v he_o wherever_o he_o go_v and_o be_v continual_a witness_n of_o the_o sign_n and_o miracle_n do_v by_o he_o and_o yet_o follow_v he_o not_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o they_o but_o because_o they_o be_v feed_v by_o he_o and_o many_o there_o be_v that_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n when_o they_o see_v the_o miracle_n that_o he_o do_v but_o jesus_n do_v not_o commit_v himself_o to_o they_o because_o he_o know_v all_o men._n so_o that_o all_o these_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christ_n miracle_n as_o well_o as_o those_o who_o become_v his_o disciple_n and_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n but_o other_o miracle_n there_o be_v record_v of_o christ_n which_o be_v do_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n only_o who_o already_o believe_v on_o he_o some_o of_o which_o continual_o attend_v he_o and_o other_o of_o they_o be_v very_o frequent_o with_o he_o several_a of_o these_o miracle_n be_v do_v in_o his_o life-time_n sometime_o before_o the_o whole_a twelve_o who_o be_v peculiar_o style_v apostle_n sometime_o before_o a_o select_a number_n of_o the_o twelve_o sometime_o before_o a_o promiscuous_a company_n of_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n together_o after_o his_o death_n he_o appear_v at_o several_a time_n to_o different_a person_n and_o different_a company_n but_o his_o resurrection_n and_o whatever_o he_o do_v or_o say_v during_o forty_o day_n converse_v upon_o earth_n after_o he_o be_v rise_v his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n with_o many_o extraordinary_a sign_n and_o wonder_n none_o be_v witness_n of_o but_o his_o own_o disciple_n and_o follower_n and_o therefore_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o these_o miracle_n must_v principal_o depend_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n that_o relate_v they_o beside_o all_o these_o wonderful_a thing_n immediate_o attribute_v to_o christ_n himself_o we_o meet_v with_o several_a other_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v represent_v as_o do_v by_o some_o other_o power_n but_o be_v such_o as_o have_v a_o manifest_a relation_n to_o christ_n and_o be_v design_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o pretence_n such_o be_v the_o appearance_n of_o angel_n to_o mary_n the_o mother_n of_o christ_n zachariah_n the_o father_n of_o john_n and_o to_o the_o shepherd_n the_o appearance_n of_o a_o star_n in_o the_o east_n to_o the_o wiseman_n the_o dumbness_n of_o zachariah_n and_o other_o sign_n that_o attend_v the_o birth_n of_o john_n and_o christ_n the_o dove_n and_o voice_n from_o heaven_n at_o the_o baptism_n of_o christ_n the_o darkness_n earthquake_n rent_v of_o the_o veil_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o resurrection_n of_o dead_a body_n at_o his_o crucifixion_n several_a of_o these_o thing_n can_v not_o be_v know_v immediate_o to_o the_o evangelist_n that_o relate_v they_o or_o to_o any_o other_o disciple_n of_o christ_n but_o to_o those_o only_o who_o they_o be_v tell_v of_o and_o upon_o their_o credit_n we_o must_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n rely_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o but_o several_a of_o they_o be_v very_o public_a and_o consequent_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o rest_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o witness_n beside_o those_o that_o relate_v they_o in_o this_o manner_n be_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o the_o wonder_n and_o sign_n that_o accompany_v he_o from_o his_o conception_n to_o his_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o his_o apostle_n relate_v and_o attest_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o of_o the_o same_o jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v so_o many_o wonderful_a thing_n there_o report_v of_o he_o it_o be_v far_o testify_v that_o he_o confer_v a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n upon_o a_o great_a many_o of_o his_o follower_n who_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o that_o a_o great_a many_o miracle_n be_v according_o perform_v by_o their_o hand_n in_o his_o life-time_n it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o give_v this_o power_n to_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o seventy_o disciple_n who_o he_o send_v out_o into_o all_o the_o town_n and_o village_n of_o judea_n with_o a_o commission_n to_o preach_v his_o gospel_n to_o cast_v out_o devil_n and_o to_o cure_v disease_n and_o they_o go_v about_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o heal_v every_o where_o and_o the_o devil_n be_v subject_a to_o they_o through_o his_o name_n this_o we_o have_v their_o own_o testimony_n for_o and_o whoever_o be_v cure_a or_o dispossess_v by_o they_o and_o all_o that_o see_v what_o they_o do_v be_v so_o many_o more_o witness_n of_o the_o miracle_n they_o wrought_v but_o none_o of_o the_o particular_a fact_n or_o circumstance_n of_o they_o be_v mention_v after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n we_o read_v that_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n receive_v a_o large_a power_n of_o work_v all_o kind_n of_o miracle_n by_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o according_a to_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v constant_o with_o they_o to_o guide_v and_o assist_v they_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o ministry_n this_o power_n immediate_o show_v itself_o by_o their_o speak_n in_o several_a different_a language_n before_o unknown_a to_o they_o the_o witness_n of_o which_o fact_n be_v not_o only_o these_o apostle_n themselves_o but_o a_o great_a many_o other_o that_o hear_v they_o parthian_n and_o elamites_n and_o the_o dweller_n in_o mesopotamia_n and_o in_o judea_n and_o cappadocia_n in_o pontus_n and_o asia_n phrygia_n and_o pamphylia_n in_o egypt_n and_o in_o the_o part_n of_o libya_n about_o cyrene_n and_o stranger_n of_o rome_n jew_n and_o proselyte_n cretes_n and_o arabian_n who_o be_v amaze_v to_o hear_v galilean_n speak_v in_o their_o tougues_n the_o wonderful_a thing_n of_o god_n those_o also_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n who_o foolish_o impute_v it_o to_o new_a wine_n after_o this_o we_o read_v of_o a_o great_a many_o other_o miracle_n of_o different_a kind_n perform_v by_o several_a apostle_n and_o disciple_n who_o receive_v their_o power_n immediate_o from_o jesus_n christ_n and_o by_o the_o account_n that_o be_v give_v we_o of_o they_o we_o find_v that_o the_o particular_a fact_n be_v more_o numerous_a more_o frequent_a and_o more_o public_a than_o those_o of_o their_o master_n christ_n himself_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n ministry_n be_v but_o three_o year_n or_o thereabouts_o the_o exercise_n and_o manifestation_n of_o his_o power_n be_v confine_v to_o the_o country_n of_o palestine_n and_o whatever_o mighty_a thing_n he_o do_v he_o do_v they_o in_o his_o own_o single_a person_n whereas_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o great_a many_o all_o which_o be_v constant_o employ_v in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o confirm_v it_o every_o where_o with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n during_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o several_a life_n and_o they_o perform_v this_o work_n with_o diligence_n not_o only_o in_o judea_n and_o samaria_n but_o in_o divers_a other_o city_n and_o country_n throughout_o the_o whole_a roman_a empire_n by_o which_o account_v it_o plain_o appear_v that_o most_o of_o the_o same_o person_n who_o be_v witness_n of_o those_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v also_o witness_n of_o those_o
believe_v there_o be_v other_o being_n beside_o god_n of_o a_o superior_a nature_n to_o man_n who_o it_o be_v probable_a may_v and_o do_v by_o some_o invisible_a unperceivable_a way_n act_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o we_o be_v sure_a man_n act_v upon_o one_o another_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o external_n sensible_a sign_n but_o if_o god_n so_o please_v we_o may_v distinguish_v as_o true_o and_o certain_o betwixt_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n and_o the_o suggestion_n of_o other_o spirit_n as_o we_o can_v betwixt_o the_o thought_n arise_v within_o we_o from_o ourselves_o and_o those_o raise_v in_o we_o by_o other_o man_n upon_o occasion_n of_o external_n sign_n and_o though_o some_o may_v have_v mistake_v the_o suggestion_n of_o other_o spirit_n for_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o more_o reason_n from_o hence_o for_o those_o who_o have_v have_v true_a revelation_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o they_o than_o there_o be_v for_o i_o to_o distrust_v the_o evidence_n of_o my_o own_o perception_n when_o i_o judge_v such_o idea_n be_v occasion_v in_o i_o by_o the_o real_a voice_n and_o presence_n of_o other_o man_n because_o some_o have_v imagine_v they_o hear_v such_o and_o such_o word_n speak_v by_o such_o person_n when_o these_o idea_n come_v from_o their_o own_o mind_n only_o without_o any_o external_n occasion_n to_o execute_v they_o from_o all_o which_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n may_v be_v infallible_o convince_v that_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n they_o wrought_v be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o future_a event_n be_v communicate_v to_o they_o by_o god_n and_o that_o the_o doctrine_n they_o preach_v be_v deliver_v to_o they_o by_o god_n all_o this_o i_o say_v they_o may_v be_v infallible_o convince_v of_o by_o a_o immediate_a consciousness_n not_o only_o of_o their_o own_o disability_n to_o do_v and_o say_v such_o thing_n of_o themselves_o without_o the_o assistance_n of_o some_o high_a power_n but_o of_o god_n express_a revelation_n of_o himself_o to_o they_o in_o all_o these_o instance_n which_o sort_n of_o evidence_n and_o satisfaction_n though_o it_o reach_v no_o further_a than_o the_o person_n themselves_o who_o pretend_v to_o have_v receive_v any_o revelation_n from_o god_n yet_o be_v it_o of_o great_a use_n for_o the_o conviction_n of_o other_o by_o make_v way_n for_o such_o proof_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o that_o end_n and_o which_o will_v not_o have_v any_o force_n at_o all_o without_o it_o for_o except_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o divine_a revelation_n be_v possible_a and_o that_o the_o person_n to_o who_o the_o revelation_n be_v make_v may_v be_v certain_a of_o it_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o persuade_v any_o man_n that_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o do_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n because_o they_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n for_o if_o revelation_n be_v impossible_a it_o be_v plain_o absurd_a to_o make_v that_o a_o foundation_n either_o of_o faith_n or_o obedience_n and_o if_o revelation_n be_v possible_a but_o no_o man_n can_v be_v certain_a when_o any_o thing_n be_v reveal_v to_o he_o and_o when_o not_o there_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n find_v to_o convince_v another_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o revelation_n which_o the_o person_n that_o pretend_v to_o it_o can_v be_v satisfy_v of_o himself_o but_o both_o these_o thing_n be_v prove_v we_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o examine_v how_o other_o people_n can_v be_v satisfy_v that_o god_n reveal_v himself_o to_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n now_o it_o be_v plain_a by_o the_o account_n before_o give_v that_o they_o themselves_o may_v be_v entire_o satisfy_v by_o the_o immediate_a assurance_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n that_o god_n have_v give_v they_o a_o power_n of_o say_v and_o do_v such_o thing_n and_o have_v make_v such_o thing_n actual_o present_a to_o their_o mind_n as_o can_v proceed_v from_o he_o only_o and_o from_o no_o other_o be_v but_o except_o they_o communicate_v what_o be_v give_v and_o reveal_v to_o they_o by_o external_n sign_n it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o revelation_n can_v not_o be_v know_v to_o or_o concern_v any_o other_o but_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o the_o only_a way_n that_o other_o have_v of_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a revelation_n be_v from_o the_o external_n sign_n and_o appearance_n by_o which_o it_o be_v communicate_v to_o they_o from_o those_o who_o first_o receive_v it_o which_o as_o have_v be_v before_o observe_v may_v be_v consider_v under_o the_o style_n of_o miracle_n prophecy_n and_o doctrine_n so_o that_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o miracle_n prophecy_n and_o doctrine_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v proceed_v from_o god_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v we_o that_o god_n have_v speak_v to_o we_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o deliver_v to_o we_o by_o divine_a revelation_n and_o authority_n the_o proof_n i_o shall_v give_v of_o this_o great_a and_o concern_v point_n shall_v consist_v of_o these_o three_o part_n first_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n consider_v as_o mere_a man_n unassisted_a by_o any_o high_a power_n can_v not_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o miracle_n prophecy_n and_o doctrine_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n second_o i_o will_v make_v it_o appear_v not_o only_o that_o god_n may_v be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o but_o that_o they_o have_v such_o certain_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o divinity_n upon_o they_o that_o we_o can_v be_v mistake_v in_o attribute_v they_o to_o god_n three_o i_o will_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v very_o improper_a and_o absurd_a to_o ascribe_v these_o thing_n to_o evil_a spirit_n first_o then_o i_o be_o to_o show_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n can_v not_o by_o any_o humane_a skill_n or_o power_n be_v the_o author_n of_o those_o wonderful_a thing_n say_v and_o do_v by_o their_o ministry_n it_o be_v say_v of_o christ_n that_o he_o speak_v as_o never_o man_n speak_v and_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o do_v those_o thing_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o man_n never_o do_v which_o he_o use_v as_o a_o argument_n to_o prove_v their_o unbelief_n in_o he_o inexcusable_a the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o both_o which_o phrase_n here_o be_v not_o only_o that_o no_o man_n can_v of_o himself_o speak_v like_o christ_n or_o perform_v such_o thing_n as_o he_o do_v but_o that_o no_o man_n have_v ever_o speak_v like_o he_o or_o do_v what_o he_o do_v however_o assist_v by_o any_o other_o power_n this_o appear_v from_o several_a other_o passage_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o particular_o from_o christ_n own_o argument_n against_o the_o jew_n for_o he_o know_v that_o they_o believe_v in_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o the_o miracle_n record_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o therefore_o he_o do_v not_o think_v it_o sufficient_a for_o they_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o work_n though_o he_o have_v do_v what_o no_o man_n without_o divine_a assistance_n be_v able_a to_o do_v if_o he_o have_v not_o also_o do_v great_a thing_n than_o moses_n or_o any_o other_o person_n divine_o assist_v have_v do_v before_o so_o much_o be_v necessary_a to_o convince_v the_o jew_n and_o supersede_n a_o former_a revelation_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o revelation_n in_o general_n both_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n seem_v to_o make_v this_o the_o only_a test_n that_o what_o they_o say_v and_o do_v exceed_v the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o man_n from_o whence_o they_o immediate_o conclude_v that_o therefore_o it_o be_v from_o god_n if_o this_o than_o be_v the_o standard_n we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o revelation_n by_o it_o will_v be_v easy_o make_v out_o that_o neither_o the_o miracle_n prophecy_n nor_o doctrine_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v be_v from_o man_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o come_v from_o god_n who_o assist_v and_o reveal_v himself_o to_o those_o man_n that_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v already_o that_o a_o man_n may_v take_v such_o a_o certain_a estimate_n of_o his_o own_o capacity_n and_o power_n and_o of_o his_o present_a stock_n of_o knowledge_n as_o to_o be_v infallible_o sure_a that_o he_o can_v do_v or_o know_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n either_o at_o all_o or_o not_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o if_o we_o know_v any_o thing_n certain_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n in_o general_n we_o may_v confident_o affirm_v that_o we_o be_v make_v and_o fashion_v with_o such_o resemblance_n to_o one_o another_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o
receive_v from_o a_o constant_a repetition_n of_o the_o same_o appearance_n but_o it_o be_v not_o to_o prove_v a_o god_n or_o providence_n or_o the_o first_o general_n principles_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o miracle_n be_v urge_v these_o thing_n be_v all_o so_o plain_a and_o easy_a without_o such_o a_o confirmation_n that_o they_o be_v altogether_o without_o excuse_n who_o do_v not_o believe_v they_o or_o act_v contrary_a to_o their_o belief_n but_o when_o man_n be_v lose_v and_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o be_v become_v altogether_o corrupt_a when_o through_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o serve_v god_n aright_o and_o when_o those_o who_o use_v their_o endeavour_n to_o do_v it_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n of_o be_v accept_v if_o in_o compassion_n to_o this_o sad_a and_o distress_a estate_n of_o mankind_n god_n be_v please_v to_o reveal_v himself_o to_o they_o and_o acquaint_v they_o with_o a_o true_a and_o certain_a way_n to_o happiness_n which_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o find_v out_o of_o themselves_o what_o perfection_n of_o god_n be_v it_o contrary_a to_o to_o make_v such_o a_o discovery_n to_o his_o creature_n and_o how_o can_v he_o take_v a_o more_o effectual_a way_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n than_o by_o miracle_n which_o be_v real_a effect_n of_o divine_a power_n and_o which_o man_n be_v ready_o dispose_v to_o acknowledge_v as_o infallible_a sign_n and_o indication_n of_o it_o if_o these_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o may_v certain_o be_v know_v to_o be_v so_o as_o have_v already_o be_v prove_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n than_o be_v they_o very_o fit_a and_o proper_a proof_n that_o the_o doctrine_n they_o be_v intend_v to_o comfirm_v come_v from_o god_n though_o they_o be_v not_o bring_v about_o by_o a_o immediate_a interposition_n but_o be_v part_n of_o the_o general_n scheme_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v a_o derogation_n to_o god_n to_o make_v he_o the_o author_n of_o those_o work_v we_o call_v miracle_n by_o a_o present_a and_o immediate_a exercise_n of_o his_o power_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v no_o diminution_n to_o any_o of_o his_o perfection_n to_o affirm_v that_o original_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n he_o order_v such_o effect_n to_o proceed_v from_o the_o general_a law_n of_o nature_n at_o such_o a_o time_n that_o they_o may_v be_v for_o sign_n and_o token_n to_o mankind_n that_o the_o revelation_n which_o shall_v then_o be_v give_v they_o come_v from_o he_o another_o objection_n make_v to_o the_o argument_n of_o miracle_n be_v that_o miracle_n have_v be_v wrought_v by_o other_o man_n as_o well_o as_o moses_n and_o christ_n and_o as_o great_a as_o those_o that_o be_v record_v of_o they_o from_o whence_o it_o be_v infer_v that_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v be_v never_o the_o true_a for_o their_o work_a miracle_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v none_o of_o it_o sufficient_o attest_v a_o great_a deal_n or_o it_o manifest_o false_a and_o be_v it_o all_o true_a the_o inference_n draw_v from_o it_o do_v not_o hold_v to_o make_v good_a this_o charge_n i_o shall_v instance_n in_o the_o miracle_n attribute_v to_o vespasian_n and_o apollonius_n tyanaeus_n which_o have_v be_v particular_o make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o lessen_v the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o of_o vespasian_n it_o be_v record_v that_o he_o once_o cure_v two_o blind_a man_n but_o the_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a work_n of_o apollonius_n fill_v a_o book_n write_v on_o purpose_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o they_o now_o as_o to_o vespasian_n cure_n of_o the_o blind_a it_o be_v but_o one_o single_a miracle_n and_o therefore_o be_v very_o unjust_o compare_v with_o that_o multitude_n of_o mighty_a work_n that_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n neither_o be_v it_o so_o well_o attest_v but_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v why_o it_o shall_v be_v false_a notwithstanding_o the_o reality_n of_o all_o the_o appear_a circumstance_n of_o it_o several_a inducement_n may_v be_v allege_v that_o very_o probable_o dispose_v this_o emperor_n to_o pretend_v to_o such_o a_o miracle_n it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o conceive_v how_o his_o design_n may_v be_v bring_v about_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o great_a many_o people_n without_o their_o discover_v the_o cheat_n and_o shall_v any_o have_v find_v it_o out_o it_o be_v very_o obvious_a to_o imagine_v why_o they_o do_v not_o publish_v it_o but_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o will_v hold_v when_o apply_v to_o christ_n have_v he_o pretend_v to_o no_o more_o than_o the_o cure_n of_o two_o blind_a man_n a_o man_n of_o his_o character_n and_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n can_v not_o promise_v himself_o any_o honour_n respect_n or_o advantage_n from_o such_o a_o pretence_n and_o shall_v he_o have_v make_v this_o use_n of_o it_o he_o will_v very_o probable_o have_v raise_v the_o envy_n of_o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o same_o rank_n and_o the_o jealousy_n of_o his_o superior_n upon_o these_o and_o other_o motive_n as_o well_o as_o natural_a curiosity_n a_o great_a many_o will_v have_v be_v very_o industrious_a and_o inquisitive_a in_o search_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o who_o can_v we_o imagine_v so_o far_o concern_v for_o such_o a_o pretender_n as_o to_o be_v privy_a or_o assist_v to_o his_o cheat_n at_o the_o first_o or_o to_o conceal_v his_o shame_n after_o they_o have_v find_v it_o out_o but_o suppose_v a_o account_n can_v be_v give_v in_o one_o or_o two_o instance_n how_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o christ_n to_o pretend_v to_o such_o work_v as_o be_v never_o do_v there_o be_v abundance_n still_o remain_v upon_o record_n that_o be_v manifest_o incapable_a of_o such_o a_o solution_n which_o put_v a_o unanswerable_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o pretence_n of_o other_o men._n as_o to_o the_o story_n of_o apollonius_n the_o whole_a credit_n of_o it_o depend_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o one_o single_a author_n who_o live_v too_o long_o after_o he_o to_o be_v a_o competent_a witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o relate_v and_o be_v too_o credulous_a and_o partial_a to_o be_v believe_v if_o he_o have_v live_v at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o he_o the_o strange_a unusual_a thing_n relate_v to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o this_o apollonius_n bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n either_o as_o to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o person_n concern_v in_o they_o the_o wonderful_a and_o extraordinary_a nature_n of_o they_o the_o beneficial_a design_n of_o they_o or_o the_o public_a and_o hazardous_a manner_n in_o which_o they_o be_v do_v and_o a_o great_a many_o of_o these_o have_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a upon_o examination_n from_o the_o manifest_a inconsistency_n and_o contradiction_n in_o the_o relation_n of_o they_o but_o suppose_v the_o miracle_n attribute_v to_o vespasian_n and_o apollonius_n be_v true_a in_o fact_n what_o reason_n can_v we_o allege_v either_o from_o the_o character_n of_o the_o pretend_a author_n the_o end_n and_o design_n they_o act_v upon_o the_o consequence_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o pretence_n or_o from_o any_o other_o circumstance_n of_o their_o story_n that_o the_o strange_a thing_n record_v of_o they_o be_v not_o do_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o evil_a spirit_n let_v we_o suppose_v far_o that_o the_o fact_n be_v not_o only_o real_a but_o true_a and_o proper_a miracle_n perform_v by_o the_o express_a and_o immediate_a assistance_n of_o god_n what_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o thence_o not_o that_o the_o heathen_a religion_n be_v true_a because_o these_o miracle_n be_v not_o design_v or_o intend_v for_o a_o confirmation_n of_o it_o not_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v pure_o humane_a because_o the_o whole_a end_n of_o christ_n work_a miracle_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o his_o doctrine_n come_v from_o god_n there_o may_v be_v several_a reason_n give_v why_o it_o may_v please_v god_n sometime_o to_o work_v miracle_n indifferent_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o good_a or_o ill_a man_n man_n of_o a_o true_a or_o false_a religion_n but_o it_o can_v possible_o be_v suppose_v of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v employ_v good_a man_n or_o concur_v with_o the_o wicked_a in_o work_a miracle_n in_o order_n to_o their_o deceive_a mankind_n and_o establish_v a_o lie_n by_o such_o evidence_n as_o can_v be_v disprove_v and_o no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v where_o any_o one_o true_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o a_o person_n that_o make_v use_v of_o it_o to_o prove_v any_o other_o doctrine_n by_o than_o what_o we_o have_v deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n by_o a_o true_a miracle_n
sense_n or_o first_o obtain_v credit_n among_o those_o who_o live_v afterward_o without_o any_o proof_n of_o their_o be_v do_v or_o believe_v before_o and_o if_o we_o suppose_v the_o christian_a morality_n entertain_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o world_n without_o the_o present_a history_n we_o have_v of_o it_o the_o forgery_n of_o that_o afterward_o will_v have_v be_v whole_o unnecessary_a and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o get_v such_o a_o forgery_n believe_v much_o great_a from_o hence_o then_o it_o plain_o follow_v that_o there_o can_v never_o have_v be_v such_o a_o state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n as_o we_o now_o perceive_v if_o all_o the_o principal_a part_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o christian_a history_n as_o it_o be_v at_o present_a general_o believe_v be_v not_o true_a and_o have_v some_o time_n or_o other_o real_o happen_v out_o according_a to_o the_o relation_n we_o find_v give_v of_o they_o this_o do_v likewise_o further_o appear_v from_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n in_o which_o those_o book_n that_o contain_v this_o history_n be_v write_v where_o we_o find_v so_o many_o extraordinary_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o the_o simplicity_n integrity_n and_o undesigning_a humility_n of_o the_o writer_n their_o hearty_a belief_n of_o what_o they_o write_v themselves_o and_o their_o great_a zeal_n and_o concern_v for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n as_o plain_o show_v they_o to_o have_v be_v influence_v not_o only_o by_o the_o force_n of_o well-attested_n truth_n but_o by_o some_o extraordinary_a and_o more_o than_o humane_a impression_n 3._o these_o be_v in_o short_a the_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o validity_n and_o force_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o more_o full_o under_o the_o three_o head_n where_o i_o be_o to_o show_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o proof_n that_o have_v be_v give_v of_o the_o christian_a matter_n of_o fact_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n upon_o which_o the_o certainty_n of_o all_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o well_o as_o other_o truth_n be_v ultimate_o found_v now_o the_o chief_a and_o immediate_a reason_n of_o believe_v most_o fact_n be_v take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o we_o be_v so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o as_o the_o common_a original_a capacity_n and_o power_n inclination_n and_o aversion_n of_o mankind_n and_o consequent_o their_o end_n and_o motive_n of_o act_v it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o show_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n before_o give_v be_v not_o only_o sufficient_a to_o determine_v our_o assent_n to_o it_o but_o do_v in_o evidence_n and_o multiplicity_n of_o conviction_n far_o exceed_v the_o proof_n any_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o the_o first_o place_n then_o let_v we_o consider_v why_o we_o believe_v any_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o never_o fall_v within_o our_o own_o particular_a and_o immediate_a cognizance_n why_o do_v we_o so_o firm_o believe_v the_o story_n of_o julius_n cesar_n and_o william_n the_o conqueror_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n as_o italy_n or_o china_n &_o c_o now_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o upon_o examine_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v find_v to_o be_v because_o a_o great_a many_o man_n have_v acquaint_v we_o that_o there_o be_v former_o such_o person_n who_o do_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o be_v now_o such_o place_n in_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n which_o man_n be_v competent_a judge_n of_o what_o they_o tell_v we_o have_v sufficient_a opportunity_n of_o know_v the_o truth_n themselves_o no_o motive_n conceivable_a that_o can_v dispose_v they_o to_o lie_v to_o other_o and_o be_v contradict_v by_o no_o body_n of_o equal_a authority_n with_o they_o these_o be_v all_o the_o ground_n of_o credibility_n upon_o which_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v general_o believe_v and_o no_o further_a character_n of_o truth_n be_v require_v by_o one_o that_o be_v satisfy_v of_o these_o but_o we_o have_v all_o these_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o common_a matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o full_a force_n and_o extent_n of_o they_o and_o several_a other_o beside_o as_o the_o incapacity_n of_o the_o witness_n to_o deceive_v if_o they_o have_v be_v dispose_v to_o do_v it_o the_o great_a motive_n they_o have_v not_o to_o say_v what_o they_o do_v than_o to_o say_v it_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a and_o the_o great_a motive_n other_o person_n have_v to_o contradict_v they_o if_o they_o can_v have_v be_v disprove_v let_v we_o examine_v all_o these_o character_n of_o truth_n and_o see_v how_o far_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a history_n exceed_v that_o of_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o how_o far_o the_o suppose_a falsehood_n of_o it_o notwithstanding_o these_o character_n be_v consistent_a with_o that_o certain_a knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o humane_a nature_n as_o to_o the_o first_o character_n require_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o number_n of_o the_o witness_n there_o never_o be_v certain_o so_o vast_a a_o multitude_n of_o person_n all_o unanimous_o agree_v to_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o so_o great_a a_o variety_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o case_n before_o we_o because_o the_o progress_n of_o christianity_n be_v so_o swift_a that_o we_o can_v suppose_v more_o person_n can_v have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o history_n and_o doctrine_n of_o it_o in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n and_o there_o never_o be_v such_o industrious_a care_n take_v to_o propagate_v the_o belief_n of_o any_o other_o fact_n and_o opinion_n that_o we_o ever_o read_v of_o it_o be_v likewise_o as_o certain_a that_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o first_o publisher_n and_o professor_n of_o christianity_n be_v as_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o matter_n they_o bear_v witness_n of_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o be_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o whatsoever_o we_o will_v only_o suppose_v now_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n pretend_v to_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v record_v of_o they_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o to_o believe_v their_o own_o pretence_n and_o that_o all_o other_o who_o profess_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n do_v declare_v their_o belief_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v relate_v as_o say_v or_o do_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o sure_o a_o man_n may_v infallible_o know_v his_o own_o thought_n and_o imagination_n he_o can_v tell_v whether_o he_o believe_v such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n or_o no_o or_o at_o least_o he_o can_v be_v certain_a that_o he_o think_v or_o fancy_n he_o believe_v it_o and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o intercourse_n or_o communication_n betwixt_o man_n one_o man_n may_v know_v that_o another_o pretend_v to_o believe_v or_o do_v a_o thing_n whether_o he_o real_o believe_v or_o do_v it_o or_o no._n if_o a_o multitude_n of_o man_n can_v be_v deceive_v in_o such_o judgement_n as_o these_o concern_v themselves_o and_o one_o another_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o knowledge_n at_o all_o if_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v allow_v that_o a_o vast_a multitude_n of_o person_n do_v pretend_v to_o believe_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o they_o be_v say_v to_o believe_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o necessary_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o they_o do_v real_o and_o true_o believe_v they_o or_o else_o they_o pretend_v to_o believe_v what_o they_o certain_o know_v to_o be_v false_a but_o that_o they_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o believe_v what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v false_a will_v evident_o appear_v from_o these_o further_a reflection_n upon_o humane_a nature_n first_o then_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o every_o man_n must_v act_v for_o some_o end_n or_o motive_n and_o here_o be_v no_o end_n or_o motive_n conceivable_a that_o can_v determine_v any_o of_o the_o first_o publisher_n or_o professor_n of_o christianity_n to_o pretend_v to_o believe_v those_o fact_n which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v false_a all_o the_o end_n and_o motive_n we_o can_v imagine_v any_o man_n to_o act_v upon_o in_o such_o a_o case_n we_o have_v reckon_v up_o before_o and_o we_o find_v that_o if_o we_o put_v ourselves_o into_o the_o same_o circumstance_n with_o those_o first_o witness_n of_o christianity_n it_o will_v have_v be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o have_v be_v influence_v by_o any_o of_o they_o to_o make_v the_o same_o pretence_n be_v infallible_o assure_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o be_v utter_o false_a and_o groundless_a from_o whence_o we_o conclude_v that_o neither_o do_v they_o since_o all_o man_n be_v so_o make_v and_o contrive_v as_o to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o same_o general_a motive_n though_o according_a to_o the_o difference_n of_o