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teacher_n and_o multitude_n of_o their_o disciple_n and_o the_o christian_n that_o live_v in_o nero_n time_n must_v have_v believe_v most_o of_o this_o to_o have_v happen_v in_o half_a that_o space_n thus_o by_o the_o help_n of_o mere_a tradition_n only_o do_v it_o plain_o appear_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o same_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a as_o it_o be_v when_o it_o be_v first_o publish_a and_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o that_o all_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n such_o as_o i_o have_v before_o give_v a_o account_n of_o be_v all_o along_o believe_v by_o those_o who_o style_v themselves_o christian_n and_o therefore_o all_o those_o common_a historical_a fact_n the_o certainty_n of_o which_o it_o be_v my_o present_a business_n to_o show_v must_v be_v true_a all_o the_o authority_n i_o have_v make_v use_n of_o to_o strengthen_v this_o tradition_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o some_o 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endeavour_v to_o evince_v that_o several_a testimony_n of_o the_o prophet_n which_o he_o quote_v be_v cut_v out_o of_o the_o bible_n by_o the_o jew_n which_o charge_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a prove_v thus_o much_o that_o the_o jew_n have_v no_o other_o way_n of_o resist_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o by_o deny_v or_o in_o some_o manner_n evade_n the_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n here_o they_o place_v the_o chief_a strength_n of_o their_o cause_n and_o not_o in_o the_o confutation_n of_o the_o christian_a history_n the_o great_a part_n of_o which_o be_v plain_o grant_v in_o the_o argument_n they_o make_v use_v of_o to_o overthrow_v the_o faith_n build_v upon_o it_o and_o the_o inference_n draw_v from_o it_o particular_o josephus_n do_v comfirm_v the_o truth_n of_o several_a of_o the_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o such_o as_o necessary_o determine_v the_o oririginal_a of_o christianity_n the_o like_a
that_o be_v do_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o be_v likewise_o own_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o avast_o multitude_n more_o both_o of_o such_o as_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o of_o such_o as_o reject_v and_o oppose_v it_o and_o violent_o persecute_v the_o teacher_n of_o it_o to_o omit_v the_o testimony_n of_o true_a believer_n thus_o it_o be_v record_v concern_v those_o upon_o who_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n have_v no_o power_n nor_o influence_n the_o ruler_n elder_n scribe_n and_o high_a priest_n among_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o summon_v peter_n and_o john_n before_o they_o for_o cure_v a_o lame_a man_n can_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o a_o notable_a miracle_n have_v be_v do_v by_o they_o which_o be_v manifest_a to_o all_o they_o that_o dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v afterward_o fill_v with_o indignation_n and_o take_v counsel_n to_o slay_v they_o because_o they_o can_v not_o restrain_v they_o from_o do_v more_o miracle_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n but_o they_o never_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n stephen_n full_a of_o faith_n and_o power_n do_v great_a wonder_n and_o miracle_n among_o the_o people_n but_o he_o be_v accuse_v and_o condemn_v by_o the_o council_n of_o the_o jew_n not_o for_o deceive_v the_o people_n with_o false_a miracle_n but_o for_o speak_v thing_n against_o the_o holy_a place_n and_o the_o law_n for_o say_v that_o jesus_n shall_v destroy_v that_o place_n and_o change_v the_o custom_n which_o moses_n deliver_v they_o when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v say_v that_o all_o that_o sit_v in_o the_o council_n look_v steadfast_o on_o he_o see_v his_o face_n as_o it_o have_v be_v the_o face_n of_o a_o angel_n neither_o have_v they_o any_o thing_n to_o object_n against_o his_o life_n or_o his_o work_n simon_n the_o sorcerer_n to_o who_o all_o the_o people_n in_o samaria_n give_v heed_n from_o the_o least_o to_o the_o great_a look_v upon_o he_o to_o be_v the_o great_a power_n of_o god_n be_v himself_o as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o be_v bewitch_v by_o he_o baptise_a by_o philip_n and_o believe_v when_o he_o behold_v the_o miracle_n and_o sign_n that_o be_v do_v but_o afterward_o we_o find_v by_o the_o wickedness_n of_o his_o heart_n which_o he_o discover_v to_o peter_n that_o he_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n elymas_n the_o sorcerer_n who_o be_v strike_v blind_a by_o paul_n and_o yet_o not_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n be_v another_o unwilling_a witness_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o people_n of_o lystra_n confirm_v the_o same_o truth_n who_o take_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n for_o god_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o miracle_n they_o see_v perform_v by_o they_o and_o afterward_o by_o the_o instigation_n of_o the_o jew_n stone_v paul_n the_o damsel_n possess_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o divination_n and_o her_o master_n who_o see_v the_o hope_n of_o their_o gain_n go_v by_o paul_n command_v the_o spirit_n to_o come_v out_o of_o she_o several_a vagabond_n jew_n exorcist_n who_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o cast_v out_o evil_a spirit_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n but_o suffer_v very_o much_o for_o the_o impudence_n of_o their_o pretence_n and_o a_o great_a many_o other_o such_o like_a be_v witness_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o wicked_a or_o dishonourable_a motive_n reject_v the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v or_o profess_v to_o embrace_v it_o upon_o ill_a design_n or_o after_o they_o have_v receive_v it_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o the_o faith_n great_a complaint_n of_o all_o which_o sort_n of_o man_n we_o find_v in_o the_o epistle_n thus_o be_v the_o miracle_n of_o the_o first_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n declare_v and_o attest_v but_o moreover_o it_o be_v record_v of_o they_o that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n themselves_o but_o that_o they_o be_v authorize_v and_o enable_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n to_o convey_v the_o like_a power_n to_o other_o and_o according_o we_o find_v a_o great_a many_o instance_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o private_a christian_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o power_n they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v confer_v upon_o they_o by_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n after_o which_o action_n of_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v immediate_o say_v to_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o according_a to_o the_o different_a exigency_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o different_a qualification_n of_o the_o person_n endue_v with_o they_o be_v divers_a and_o among_o these_o be_v reckon_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o of_o interpretation_n the_o gift_n of_o healing_n and_o of_o miracle_n which_o gift_n be_v say_v to_o be_v very_o common_a among_o the_o first_o convert_v to_o christianity_n in_o all_o place_n where_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v and_o the_o same_o be_v plain_o imply_v by_o the_o frequent_a rule_n and_o caution_n that_o be_v give_v by_o the_o apostle_n concern_v the_o due_a exercise_n of_o they_o and_o the_o fear_n and_o apprehension_n they_o often_o express_v lest_o the_o christian_n thus_o impower_v shall_v by_o covet_v one_o another_o gift_n or_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o those_o they_o be_v several_o possess_v of_o neglect_v to_o apply_v themselves_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v the_o scripture-account_a of_o miracle_n and_o these_o be_v those_o wonderful_a fact_n believe_v by_o the_o first_o christian_n their_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o be_v the_o chief_a ground_n and_o motive_n of_o their_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n or_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v likewise_o other_o strange_a matter_n of_o fact_n call_v prophecy_n which_o be_v most_o sure_o believe_v among_o they_o and_o which_o contribute_v very_o much_o to_o their_o receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o continue_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n without_o waver_v and_o these_o i_o shall_v consider_v in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o method_n i_o do_v miracle_n for_o there_o be_v several_a prophecy_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o utter_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o together_o with_o several_a other_o speak_v with_o relation_n to_o he_o and_o fulfil_v by_o he_o other_o there_o be_v mention_v as_o speak_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v receive_v the_o power_n of_o prophecy_n immediate_o from_o he_o it_o be_v plain_a also_o from_o several_a instance_n and_o passage_n in_o the_o sacred_a write_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n be_v convey_v by_o the_o first_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n to_o private_a christian_n and_o be_v very_o common_a among_o they_o the_o prophecy_n speak_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v most_o of_o they_o 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 belong_v to_o the_o whole_a dispensation_n of_o his_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v find_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v manifest_o write_v long_o before_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n and_o be_v now_o extant_a and_o may_v then_o and_o may_v still_o be_v compare_v with_o those_o event_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a which_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v completion_n of_o they_o and_o some_o prophecy_n there_o be_v concern_v our_o saviour_n speak_v by_o holy_a person_n a_o little_a before_o and_o after_o his_o birth_n and_o at_o his_o presentation_n in_o the_o temple_n as_o also_o other_o concern_v john_n his_o forerunner_n and_o all_o the_o preach_a of_o john_n be_v prophetical_a of_o christ_n the_o truth_n of_o all_o which_o matter_n of_o fact_n do_v not_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o
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 discovery_n of_o it_o then_o as_o to_o those_o who_o reject_v the_o authority_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o continue_v in_o the_o religion_n they_o be_v at_o first_o educate_v in_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o miracle_n they_o see_v who_o as_o we_o find_v by_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v frequent_o reproach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o their_o infidelity_n and_o obstinate_a adherence_n to_o the_o religion_n and_o tradition_n of_o their_o father_n the_o great_a part_n of_o who_o and_o those_o person_n of_o the_o great_a dignity_n authority_n and_o learning_n among_o they_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o persecute_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o all_o that_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v plain_o as_o impossible_a to_o imagine_v that_o person_n of_o this_o character_n shall_v agree_v to_o own_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n miracle_n which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v false_a as_o that_o honest_a sincere_a christian_n who_o abhor_v a_o lie_n and_o be_v thorough_o persuade_v eternal_a misery_n be_v the_o certain_a punishment_n of_o lie_v shall_v conspire_v to_o deceive_v the_o world_n by_o contrive_v spread_a and_o continual_o support_v what_o they_o be_v sure_o be_v the_o gross_a cheat_n imaginable_a but_o without_o consider_v the_o character_n of_o the_o witness_n the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n in_o which_o they_o first_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n miracle_n make_v a_o confederacy_n to_o deceive_v utter_o impossible_a for_o in_o many_o instance_n of_o public_a miracle_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o find_v that_o upon_o the_o sight_n of_o something_o do_v by_o jesus_n christ_n the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o spectator_n immediate_o declare_v their_o belief_n and_o admiration_n by_o open_o glorify_v god_n or_o express_v their_o wonder_n to_o one_o another_o so_o that_o it_o plain_o appeat_v from_o hence_o that_o they_o be_v all_o several_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o wonderfulness_n of_o what_o they_o see_v before_o they_o can_v know_v one_o another_o mind_n concern_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o agreement_n of_o their_o testimony_n can_v not_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o any_o antecedent_n concert_n among_o themselves_o thus_o have_v i_o evident_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o public_a miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o whatever_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o subject_n will_v hold_v with_o the_o same_o or_o rather_o great_a degree_n of_o certainty_n concern_v the_o public_a miracle_n of_o the_o first_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n who_o receive_v that_o power_n immediate_o from_o their_o master_n and_o of_o all_o other_o christian_a believer_n to_o who_o the_o same_o gift_n be_v convey_v by_o their_o hand_n for_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n record_v to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o any_o of_o they_o be_v as_o easy_o know_v and_o distinguish_v by_o vulgar_a sense_n and_o capacity_n as_o those_o of_o christ_n the_o character_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o witness_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v the_o credibility_n of_o their_o testimony_n be_v very_o near_o the_o same_o but_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o by_o a_o intimate_a consciousness_n of_o their_o own_o power_n know_v they_o perform_v such_o work_n of_o those_o who_o feel_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o miraculous_a power_n in_o themselves_o and_o of_o those_o who_o see_v the_o external_n sign_n and_o appearance_n of_o it_o in_o the_o fact_n that_o be_v do_v be_v very_o far_o great_a than_o in_o the_o former_a case_n and_o the_o impossibility_n of_o a_o general_a agreement_n to_o deceive_v more_o manifest_a here_o than_o there_o and_o consequent_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o these_o fact_n be_v as_o evident_a as_o that_o of_o the_o other_o before_o prove_v as_o to_o the_o more_o private_a miracle_n do_v by_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o disciple_n only_o and_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n employ_v by_o some_o other_o power_n for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o christ_n to_o a_o few_o choose_a person_n we_o have_v these_o reason_n to_o believe_v they_o true_a the_o fact_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o as_o easy_a to_o be_v know_v and_o discern_v as_o the_o other_o before_o mention_v the_o several_a witness_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o happen_v at_o several_a time_n take_v altogether_o be_v a_o great_a many_o which_o make_v a_o agreement_n of_o they_o all_o to_o deceive_v and_o a_o constant_a invincible_a perseverance_n in_o a_o cheat_n very_o difficult_a to_o imagine_v the_o character_n of_o they_o as_o far_o as_o appear_v from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v such_o as_o leave_v no_o room_n to_o suspect_v the_o fidelity_n of_o their_o relation_n for_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o disciple_n especial_o who_o be_v principal_o concern_v in_o the_o present_a cause_n represent_v as_o honest_a sincere_a undesigning_a person_n that_o fear_v god_n and_o love_a mankind_n that_o be_v free_a from_o pride_n and_o vanity_n and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o seek_v their_o own_o interest_n or_o advancement_n in_o this_o world_n that_o they_o be_v despise_v and_o set_v at_o nought_o and_o evil_o entreat_v wherever_o they_o come_v and_o be_v as_o to_o this_o life_n of_o all_o man_n most_o miserable_a for_o constant_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o christ_n and_o such_o other_o fact_n now_o in_o question_n all_o which_o they_o be_v as_o firm_o persuade_v of_o as_o of_o any_o of_o the_o public_a miracle_n of_o jesus_n crrist_n and_o several_a of_o they_o they_o preach_v up_o as_o more_o necessary_a and_o impottant_a to_o be_v believe_v beside_o all_o this_o many_o of_o these_o miraculous_a fact_n which_o be_v full_o discover_v only_o to_o a_o few_o be_v accompany_v with_o several_a circumstance_n more_o public_o know_v with_o which_o they_o have_v so_o near_o and_o almost_o necessary_a a_o connexion_n that_o 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according_o do_v upon_o their_o promise_n to_o persuade_v the_o governor_n if_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o his_o ear_n and_o secure_v they_o now_o if_o all_o these_o circumstance_n be_v true_a for_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o which_o the_o chief_a priest_n pharisee_n and_o elder_n pilate_n and_o the_o soldier_n that_o watch_v the_o sepulchre_n of_o christ_n be_v cite_v as_o witness_n then_o be_v it_o certain_a that_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o sepulchre_n by_o a_o extraordinary_a power_n agreeable_a to_o his_o own_o prediction_n the_o belief_n of_o which_o will_v render_v all_o the_o after-account_n of_o christ_n very_o easy_a and_o probable_a and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o witness_n that_o relate_v they_o will_v take_v away_o all_o manner_n of_o doubt_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o which_o sincerity_n of_o the_o witness_n be_v manifest_a not_o only_o from_o the_o constant_a settle_a character_n of_o the_o man_n but_o from_o a_o great_a many_o 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till_o they_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o own_o sense_n all_o which_o passion_n be_v express_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o none_o but_o honest_a sincere_a person_n who_o be_v thorough_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o express_v several_a other_o circumstance_n may_v be_v allege_v and_o all_o of_o they_o further_o enlarge_v upon_o to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o have_v advance_v and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v do_v in_o many_o other_o fact_n beside_o that_o of_o the_o resurrection_n as_o may_v be_v plain_o see_v in_o the_o gospel-account_n of_o they_o but_o this_o single_a instance_n be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o private_a miracle_n of_o christ_n be_v support_v by_o the_o public_a circumstance_n with_o which_o they_o be_v attend_v as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o character_n of_o the_o witness_n that_o relate_v they_o but_o the_o great_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o these_o 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falsehood_n and_o lie_v pretence_n but_o if_o notwithstanding_o this_o wonderful_a power_n and_o appearance_n of_o divine_a aid_n they_o be_v person_n of_o a_o contrary_a character_n and_o otherwise_o assist_v then_o be_v it_o utter_o inconceivable_a they_o shall_v be_v so_o much_o concern_v to_o invent_v and_o propagate_v and_o so_o earnest_a to_o persuade_v all_o people_n to_o believe_v what_o only_o make_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o another_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o know_v it_o to_o be_v false_a when_o they_o may_v better_o have_v serve_v their_o own_o end_n whatever_o they_o be_v in_o conceal_v it_o from_o the_o world_n if_o it_o have_v be_v true_a for_o whatever_o far_a design_n they_o have_v it_o be_v certain_a they_o intend_v to_o have_v their_o own_o miracle_n believe_v in_o order_n to_o compass_v they_o and_o they_o can_v not_o possible_o hope_v to_o make_v people_n believe_v they_o work_v miracle_n open_o and_o public_o in_o their_o presence_n by_o vouch_v some_o do_v by_o another_o which_o they_o themselves_o only_a be_v witness_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o believe_v these_o be_v likely_a to_o lessen_v than_o increase_v the_o credibility_n of_o their_o own_o the_o uncontested_a certainty_n of_o which_o be_v the_o chief_a thing_n that_o make_v the_o other_o believe_v this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o establish_v the_o private_a miracle_n of_o christ_n whatever_o miracle_n be_v record_v as_o do_v by_o the_o first_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n or_o any_o other_o christian_a believer_n afterward_o private_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o few_o the_o character_n and_o public_a miracle_n of_o the_o person_n that_o do_v they_o be_v to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o witness_n of_o they_o a_o sufficient_a warrant_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o relation_n or_o of_o any_o other_o account_v not_o contradict_v by_o they_o and_o those_o few_o who_o be_v witness_n have_v a_o more_o sensible_a conviction_n themselves_o and_o be_v a_o further_a 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agreement_n of_o several_a person_n who_o be_v at_o different_a time_n witness_n to_o several_a part_n of_o it_o but_o then_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o prediction_n only_o as_o well_o attest_v and_o record_v in_o write_v before_o the_o appoint_a time_n of_o its_o accomplishment_n a_o prophecy_n will_v have_v this_o advantage_n of_o a_o miracle_n that_o more_o people_n may_v have_v read_v the_o prediction_n in_o write_v than_o can_v possible_o be_v witness_n of_o a_o miracle_n at_o the_o time_n when_o it_o be_v do_v and_o consequent_o there_o may_v be_v oftentime_o more_o witness_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o a_o prophecy_n than_o of_o the_o performance_n of_o a_o miracle_n forasmuch_o as_o thing_n prophesy_v of_o be_v common_o event_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o have_v a_o more_o fix_v and_o continue_a existence_n and_o a_o much_o wide_a compass_n of_o appearance_n than_o miracle_n have_v and_o beside_o this_o for_o a_o person_n acquaint_v with_o the_o prediction_n to_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o accomplishment_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o know_v such_o a_o event_n be_v any_o way_n come_v to_o pass_v without_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o power_n by_o which_o it_o be_v do_v or_o perceive_v any_o thing_n extraordinary_a or_o unusual_a in_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o happen_v thus_o for_o example_n the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o extirpation_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n be_v event_n of_o a_o wide_a and_o more_o last_a congizance_n than_o heal_v a_o sick_a or_o raise_v a_o dead_a man_n and_o a_o person_n who_o know_v the_o former_a be_v foretell_v by_o read_v the_o prediction_n in_o write_v may_v be_v more_o easy_o and_o certain_o satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o accomplishment_n than_o one_o who_o be_v not_o a_o actual_a spectator_n of_o the_o other_o fact_n can_v be_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o for_o to_o be_v assure_v that_o that_o
upon_o the_o prospect_n of_o which_o the_o whole_a religion_n be_v found_v may_v not_o shock_v the_o faith_n of_o mankind_n what_o wise_a and_o more_o convince_a method_n can_v be_v take_v than_o by_o various_a instance_n of_o thing_n actual_o do_v in_o their_o presence_n of_o as_o strange_a and_o surprise_v a_o nature_n as_o those_o foretell_v and_o some_o of_o they_o of_o the_o very_a same_o kind_n as_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a ascension_n into_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n how_o i_o say_v can_v man_n be_v better_o satisfy_v than_o by_o such_o present_a experience_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n that_o nothing_o be_v impossible_a to_o god_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v such_o thing_n in_o a_o future_a state_n which_o eye_n have_v not_o yet_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v thus_o have_v i_o prove_v in_o short_a that_o the_o prophecy_n miracle_n and_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o consequent_o the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n which_o be_v before_o show_v to_o exceed_v all_o humane_a reach_n and_o capacity_n do_v certain_o proceed_v from_o god_n after_o which_o proof_n the_o three_o thing_n propose_v will_v be_v very_o easy_o make_v out_o viz._n 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 all_o that_o we_o know_v of_o good_a or_o evil_a spirit_n without_o revelation_n be_v that_o there_o have_v be_v some_o man_n unaccountable_o assist_v by_o some_o invisible_a power_n to_o say_v and_o do_v certain_a thing_n which_o they_o know_v they_o can_v not_o have_v say_v or_o do_v without_o such_o assistance_n that_o if_o what_o be_v say_v or_o do_v this_o way_n be_v serious_a and_o concern_v and_o seem_v to_o contribute_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o good_a of_o man_n it_o be_v reckon_v to_o proceed_v from_o a_o good_a spirit_n appoint_v by_o the_o supreme_a god_n for_o that_o end_n if_o the_o thing_n say_v or_o do_v be_v trifle_a or_o hurtful_a they_o be_v think_v to_o come_v from_o evil_a spirit_n permit_v by_o the_o supreme_a god_n to_o amuse_v or_o punish_v man_n and_o that_o sacrifice_n and_o other_o religious_a rite_n be_v perform_v by_o the_o person_n particular_o concern_v to_o express_v their_o thanks_o to_o the_o one_o or_o to_o appease_v the_o other_o these_o good_a and_o evil_a spirit_n be_v esteem_v as_o god_n of_o a_o low_a order_n who_o have_v different_a office_n assign_v they_o by_o the_o supreme_a in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n we_o have_v a_o more_o particular_a account_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a spirit_n the_o first_o occasion_n of_o their_o distinction_n and_o their_o different_a office_n and_o employment_n as_o such_o and_o there_o we_o find_v that_o what_o be_v say_v or_o do_v by_o angel_n or_o good_a spirit_n be_v by_o the_o express_a order_n and_o command_n of_o god_n and_o be_v attribute_v to_o he_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o if_o it_o have_v proceed_v immediate_o from_o himself_o and_o what_o be_v say_v or_o do_v by_o devil_n or_o evil_a spirit_n be_v by_o the_o permission_n of_o god_n for_o the_o trial_n or_o punishment_n of_o men._n the_o power_n god_n suffer_v evil_a spirit_n to_o exercise_n and_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n he_o permit_v they_o to_o do_v in_o order_n to_o tempt_v man_n from_o the_o belief_n or_o practice_n of_o those_o thing_n he_o have_v enjoin_v and_o command_v they_o be_v so_o easy_o distinguishable_a from_o the_o positive_a express_a manifestation_n of_o divine_a power_n that_o any_o man_n be_v just_o to_o be_v condemn_v for_o be_v deceive_v by_o they_o for_o beside_o that_o miracle_n do_v by_o the_o help_n of_o evil_a spirit_n be_v pascal_n pascal_n as_o a_o judicious_a author_n well_o observe_v always_o foretell_v or_o outdo_v or_o both_o and_o consequent_o can_v never_o be_v of_o force_n enough_o to_o invalidate_v a_o divine_a revelation_n beside_o this_o i_o say_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n be_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o reason_n and_o true_a interest_n of_o mankind_n and_o so_o easy_o know_v to_o be_v so_o especial_o when_o compare_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o that_o no_o miracle_n or_o sign_n whatsoever_o can_v be_v sufficient_a to_o establish_v their_o credit_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o absurd_a and_o contrary_a to_o all_o that_o the_o scripture_n inform_v we_o of_o concern_v devil_n or_o evil_a spirit_n to_o suppose_v that_o they_o shall_v employ_v all_o their_o power_n and_o cunning_a to_o promote_v a_o pure_a and_o holy_a service_n of_o one_o god_n and_o to_o destroy_v all_o the_o pretence_n of_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n it_o be_v contrary_a to_o all_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n as_o our_o saviour_n argue_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v divide_v against_o itself_o and_o that_o some_o evil_a spirit_n shall_v disturb_v and_o oppose_v the_o 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finish_v what_o i_o undertake_v under_o my_o second_o general_n and_o by_o a_o full_a and_o direct_a proof_n make_v it_o very_o evident_a that_o all_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v true_a iii_o i_o shall_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v the_o same_o truth_n by_o show_v the_o improbability_n and_o absurdity_n of_o a_o contrary_a supposition_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o objection_n raise_v against_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o which_o be_v the_o three_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o make_v good_a in_o order_n to_o my_o main_a design_n which_o be_v to_o establish_v a_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o all_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o it_o have_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v already_o that_o if_o all_o the_o common_a matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o only_o the_o principal_n of_o they_o such_o as_o have_v be_v before_o mention_v be_v true_a in_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n there_o set_v down_o it_o necessary_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n there_o record_v must_v be_v true_a also_o and_o if_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n be_v true_a they_o must_v certain_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o divine_a assistance_n and_o revelation_n and_o consequent_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o person_n so_o assist_v must_v come_v from_o god_n this_o i_o say_v have_v be_v full_o make_v out_o beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o a_o a_o reasonable_a contradiction_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v suppose_v all_o the_o different_a account_n that_o can_v be_v give_v of_o these_o matter_n in_o order_n to_o invalidate_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o inference_n draw_v from_o they_o have_v be_v show_v to_o be_v false_a and_o groundless_a the_o next_o pretence_n which_o the_o enemy_n of_o reveal_v religion_n make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o infidelity_n be_v that_o the_o whole_a 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publish_v a_o strange_a unheard_a of_o story_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o absurdity_n in_o this_o supposition_n it_o be_v impossible_a the_o christian_a religion_n shall_v have_v be_v first_o promulge_v any_o time_n after_o the_o period_n assign_v for_o its_o publication_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n because_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v ever_o have_v be_v believe_v as_o it_o now_o be_v if_o it_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o may_v be_v say_v to_o prove_v the_o christian_a religion_n no_o imposture_n and_o to_o expose_v the_o gross_a absurdity_n of_o such_o a_o supposition_n but_o i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o point_n both_o because_o i_o have_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n prevent_v myself_o in_o the_o direct_a proof_n i_o have_v before_o give_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o with_o a_o different_a manner_n of_o application_n will_v serve_v the_o same_o purpose_n here_o and_o because_o this_o be_v 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there_o record_v the_o relation_n and_o connexion_n they_o have_v to_o one_o another_o the_o time_n and_o manner_n in_o which_o they_o be_v record_v the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o they_o together_o with_o the_o character_n and_o circumstance_n of_o all_o the_o person_n concern_v in_o they_o he_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o doubt_v but_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n mention_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v true_a it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v they_o shall_v have_v be_v forge_v either_o altogether_o or_o separately_z since_o they_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o jewish_a religion_n and_o policy_n and_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o we_o can_v suppose_v any_o time_n when_o the_o forgery_n shall_v begin_v without_o a_o discovery_n of_o it_o which_o will_v appear_v more_o evident_o if_o we_o apply_v all_o the_o character_n of_o truth_n and_o divinity_n remarkable_a in_o the_o christian_a revelation_n to_o the_o jewish_a but_o such_o a_o repetition_n be_v altogether_o unnecessary_a in_o its_o self_n and_o without_o the_o bound_n of_o my_o present_a subject_n i_o shall_v immediate_o proceed_v to_o examine_v the_o deist_n objection_n to_o scripture_n and_o revelation_n now_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o they_o have_v to_o say_v which_o have_v not_o be_v already_o particular_o consider_v tend_v to_o show_v that_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n allow_v the_o account_n there_o give_v of_o the_o fact_n to_o be_v true_a be_v no_o proof_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o such_o fault_n observable_a in_o the_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n as_o prove_v the_o whole_a to_o be_v a_o pure_a humane_a composure_n what_o they_o object_n against_o miracle_n be_v use_v as_o a_o argument_n to_o prove_v a_o doctrine_n reveal_v from_o god_n be_v that_o it_o derogate_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n to_o work_v miracle_n and_o that_o the_o regular_a frame_n of_o the_o world_n with_o a_o constant_a unalterable_a connexion_n of_o cause_n and_o effect_n in_o it_o give_v we_o a_o true_a and_o just_a idea_n of_o god_n and_o be_v a_o better_a argument_n of_o his_o be_v than_o any_o extraordinary_a interposition_n of_o providence_n which_o alter_v and_o pervert_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o i_o can_v see_v how_o it_o derogate_v from_o god_n to_o suppose_v his_o immediate_a interposition_n in_o some_o case_n or_o how_o his_o work_n of_o miracle_n be_v a_o pervert_n of_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n any_o more_o than_o it_o derogate_v from_o the_o soul_n or_o the_o soul_n pervert_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n when_o by_o a_o think_v it_o change_v or_o stop_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o animal_n spirit_n which_o according_a to_o their_o usual_a course_n will_v have_v move_v otherwise_o when_o the_o soul_n exercise_v this_o power_n over_o the_o body_n the_o sinew_n and_o bone_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v and_o so_o do_v the_o bulk_n and_o principal_a part_n of_o nature_n for_o all_o miracle_n god_n do_v not_o order_n man_n to_o be_v bear_v of_o beast_n nor_o change_v beast_n into_o man_n nor_o create_v new_a sun_n nor_o annihilate_v any_o system_n of_o matter_n to_o work_v miracle_n but_o by_o a_o thought_n he_o separate_v or_o unite_v the_o insensible_a part_n of_o matter_n he_o stop_v retard_v or_o quicken_v their_o motion_n or_o alter_v their_o figure_n this_o be_v god_n common_a method_n of_o work_a miracle_n but_o in_o the_o next_o place_n what_o if_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o god_n do_v every_o thing_n by_o a_o immediate_a will_n what_o if_o we_o affirm_v that_o he_o often_o create_v some_o being_n and_o destroy_v other_o that_o he_o change_v the_o law_n of_o motion_n and_o suspend_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o none_o of_o these_o way_n of_o act_v can_v derogate_v from_o god_n forasmuch_o as_o they_o can_v be_v prove_v either_o to_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n in_o themselves_o to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o happiniss_n of_o god_n or_o to_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o goodness_n or_o justice_n of_o his_o deal_n with_o his_o intelligent_a creature_n these_o be_v the_o true_a and_o only_o measure_v of_o all_o the_o other_o notion_n we_o frame_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o say_v god_n can_v act_v contrary_a to_o nature_n we_o must_v mean_v it_o in_o one_o of_o these_o sense_n either_o that_o he_o can_v act_v what_o be_v a_o contradiction_n in_o itself_o or_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o own_o nature_n or_o to_o the_o nature_n he_o have_v give_v his_o intelligent_a creature_n but_o when_o any_o change_n or_o alteration_n in_o material_a being_n consistent_a with_o the_o forementioned_a principle_n be_v say_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o nature_n that_o be_v only_o a_o popular_a expression_n which_o signify_v that_o the_o course_n of_o thing_n be_v different_a from_o what_o it_o constant_o appear_v to_o we_o before_o but_o no_o colour_n of_o reason_n can_v possible_o be_v give_v either_o from_o the_o property_n of_o body_n or_o the_o constancy_n of_o appearance_n why_o such_o a_o change_n shall_v not_o be_v make_v by_o god_n that_o miracle_n be_v not_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n a_o better_a proof_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n than_o the_o stand_a frame_n and_o regular_a order_n and_o disposition_n of_o thing_n be_v certain_a but_o if_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o forget_v god_n notwithstanding_o they_o be_v surround_v with_o so_o many_o visible_a evidence_n of_o his_o be_v why_o be_v it_o not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o raise_v and_o excite_v their_o attention_n by_o new_a and_o surprise_v manifestation_n of_o his_o power_n the_o impression_n of_o which_o will_v be_v much_o lively_a and_o strong_a than_o those_o they_o
i_o mean_v such_o as_o be_v as_o well_o attest_v to_o have_v be_v do_v as_o those_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o can_v no_o more_o be_v account_v for_o without_o the_o power_n of_o god_n than_o they_o can_v many_o of_o which_o i_o will_v allow_v to_o have_v be_v do_v upon_o other_o occasion_n without_o any_o application_n of_o they_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o those_o that_o perform_v they_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n may_v have_v be_v wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o false_a doctrine_n and_o may_v have_v deceive_v many_o who_o simplicity_n and_o bigotry_n to_o the_o cause_n they_o make_v for_o dispose_v to_o entertain_v they_o but_o we_o have_v no_o record_n of_o any_o such_o ill-intended_n miracle_n leave_v which_o by_o the_o nature_n circumstance_n effect_n or_o attestation_n of_o they_o can_v dispose_v a_o rational_a man_n to_o ascribe_v they_o to_o god_n and_o whatever_o pretence_n of_o this_o kind_n there_o may_v have_v be_v it_o be_v a_o very_a good_a argument_n that_o the_o world_n can_v distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n and_o the_o little_a feat_n of_o man_n and_o evil_a spirit_n that_o there_o be_v now_o no_o opinion_n or_o doctrine_n whatsoever_o remain_v beside_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a revelation_n nor_o any_o particular_a explication_n of_o or_o deduction_n from_o they_o which_o be_v at_o first_o believe_v and_o propagate_v upon_o the_o strength_n and_o authority_n of_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a fact_n public_o and_o real_o do_v for_o that_o end_n the_o next_o intimation_n make_v use_v of_o to_o overthrow_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture-revelation_n concern_v the_o prophecy_n which_o make_v a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o and_o this_o as_o well_o as_o the_o first_o objection_n against_o miracle_n be_v whole_o new_a the_o invention_n of_o these_o latter_a day_n wherein_o the_o improvement_n of_o rational_a knowledge_n have_v force_v the_o patron_n of_o irreligion_n upon_o new_a absurdity_n now_o the_o argument_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v express_v in_o such_o a_o form_n be_v this_o that_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n upon_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v principal_o build_v proceed_v from_o impression_n make_v upon_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o prophet_n which_o impression_n be_v always_o agreeable_a to_o their_o several_a temper_n complexion_n and_o opinion_n from_o whence_o it_o must_v be_v infer_v that_o such_o visionary_a scene_n and_o figurative_a expression_n as_o these_o prophecy_n be_v deliver_v in_o can_v be_v attribute_v to_o god_n only_o in_o a_o popular_a way_n as_o all_o other_o extraordinary_a and_o unusual_a event_n be_v and_o therefore_o can_v be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o prove_v a_o divine_a revelation_n because_o they_o proceed_v whole_o from_o natural_a cause_n though_o unknown_a to_o we_o but_o whatever_o of_o this_o nature_n be_v advance_v by_o spinoza_n or_o whatever_o inference_n be_v draw_v from_o it_o by_o other_o who_o apply_v it_o further_o than_o he_o dare_v open_o assert_v nothing_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o his_o account_n of_o prophecy_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o scripture-revelation_n be_v all_o his_o observation_n upon_o this_o subject_a true_a as_o it_o be_v manifest_a to_o any_o one_o that_o read_v the_o bible_n they_o be_v not_o for_o suppose_v all_o he_o say_v upon_o this_o head_n be_v true_a viz._n that_o the_o prophet_n be_v person_n of_o lively_a imagination_n than_o other_o as_o it_o be_v plain_a of_o some_o of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v not_o that_o the_o angry_a cheerful_a or_o melancholy_a prophet_n always_o prophesy_v thing_n suitable_a to_o his_o particular_a temper_n as_o there_o be_v several_a instance_n to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o that_o the_o jew_n have_v a_o pious_a way_n of_o attribute_v every_o thing_n strange_a or_o unusual_a to_o god_n 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to_o convince_v they_o that_o there_o be_v at_o present_a other_o strange_a thing_n which_o they_o do_v not_o see_v and_o which_o they_o believe_v their_o sense_n as_o capable_a judge_n of_o as_o of_o those_o which_o they_o do_v see_v but_o whether_o the_o scripture_n be_v believe_v in_o this_o case_n by_o few_o or_o more_o those_o who_o have_v not_o be_v dispose_v to_o like_v they_o will_v have_v have_v great_a and_o more_o unanswerable_a objection_n to_o make_v to_o they_o from_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n than_o our_o present_a unbeliever_n have_v how_o can_v a_o faithful_a christian_a who_o live_v before_o copernicus_n and_o des_n cartes_n have_v defend_v the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o scripture_n against_o such_o as_o reject_v the_o forementioned_a notion_n and_o expose_v they_o as_o ridiculous_a and_o absurd_a the_o bare_a authority_n of_o the_o revelation_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o all_o our_o modern_a experiment_n and_o observation_n will_v have_v be_v less_o 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world_n notwithstanding_o it_o be_v at_o first_o a_o imposture_n none_o of_o which_o i_o be_o sure_a can_v be_v prove_v yet_o even_o in_o this_o case_n the_o proof_n that_o have_v now_o be_v give_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v sufficient_a to_o build_v our_o faith_n upon_o because_o the_o most_o that_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o all_o these_o argument_n be_v only_o this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o bare_a possibility_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v be_v false_a but_o he_o that_o from_o hence_o shall_v conclude_v that_o it_o be_v real_o so_o without_o any_o other_o reason_n to_o support_v his_o opinion_n and_o in_o opposition_n to_o all_o that_o multiplicity_n of_o proof_n that_o have_v be_v offer_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o must_v not_o pretend_v reason_n but_o only_a resolution_n for_o his_o infidelity_n such_o therefore_o be_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o proof_n before_o give_v whatever_o be_v the_o nature_n or_o kind_a of_o it_o or_o however_o it_o may_v be_v think_v to_o differ_v from_o or_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o demonstration_n use_v in_o other_o matter_n that_o we_o be_v utter_o inexcusable_a if_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o it_o and_o god_n may_v just_o condemn_v we_o for_o our_o disbelief_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n 1._o because_o we_o believe_v other_o matter_n of_o fact_n upon_o less_o evidence_n and_o 2._o because_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v such_o fact_n as_o have_v these_o appearance_n of_o truth_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v though_o they_o shall_v real_o be_v false_a 1._o that_o we_o believe_v matter_n of_o fact_n upon_o less_o evidence_n than_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v receive_v upon_o be_v manifest_a by_o what_o have_v be_v before_o prove_v that_o no_o matter_n of_o fact_n have_v or_o be_v capable_a of_o so_o great_a and_o therefore_o to_o confirm_v this_o point_n i_o shall_v only_o bring_v that_o one_o instance_n of_o mahometism_n now_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o those_o who_o look_v upon_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o a_o imposture_n do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n profess_v to_o believe_v all_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o history_n of_o mahomet_n such_o as_o his_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n his_o write_v the_o alcoran_n and_o his_o propagate_a the_o belief_n of_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n therein_o mention_v these_o i_o say_v they_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o question_n notwithstanding_o that_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n pretend_v to_o a_o divine_a original_a as_o well_o as_o the_o christian_a and_o be_v in_o like_a manner_n address_v to_o mankind_n under_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o future_a happiness_n and_o misery_n though_o it_o be_v withal_o a_o very_a absurd_a composition_n in_o itself_o and_o of_o very_o pernicious_a consequence_n to_o the_o world_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o establish_v it_o be_v therefore_o very_o unreasonable_a for_o man_n that_o believe_v these_o thing_n to_o deny_v the_o common_a history_n of_o christianity_n such_o as_o the_o pretence_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n to_o revelation_n prophecy_n and_o miracle_n the_o write_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o those_o who_o name_n they_o bear_v or_o at_o least_o by_o some_o of_o christ_n immediate_a disciple_n and_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n according_a to_o the_o time_n place_n way_n and_o method_n record_v in_o those_o book_n it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a i_o say_v for_o man_n who_o believe_v the_o history_n of_o mahometism_n to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n because_o they_o be_v attest_v by_o a_o much_o great_a variety_n of_o book_n and_o other_o monument_n and_o a_o great_a multiplicity_n of_o the_o copy_n of_o the_o scripture_n all_o which_o testimony_n we_o be_v sure_a by_o a_o numerous_a succession_n of_o other_o be_v extant_a near_a the_o date_n of_o the_o several_a fact_n attest_v and_o in_o a_o age_n of_o learning_n among_o people_n of_o much_o high_a improvement_n than_o the_o first_o mahometan_n be_v and_o moreover_o because_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o pretence_n of_o christ_n be_v more_o difficult_a to_o be_v feign_v by_o himself_o or_o forge_v by_o other_o afterward_o that_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v of_o more_o concern_v and_o importance_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o and_o the_o establishment_n of_o christianity_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a in_o its_o original_a will_v so_o certain_o contribute_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n that_o it_o be_v one_o very_o good_a argument_n of_o its_o be_v true_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o make_v and_o contrive_v any_o other_o scheme_n every_o way_n so_o suitable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o humane_a nature_n from_o whence_o i_o conclude_v that_o we_o can_v question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n of_o christianity_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v the_o common_a matter_n of_o fact_n without_o distrust_v all_o the_o knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o every_o thing_n that_o happen_v at_o any_o distance_n from_o we_o and_o if_o the_o common_a matter_n of_o fact_n be_v true_a all_o the_o other_o be_v plain_o demonstrable_a from_o they_o as_o far_o as_o we_o have_v any_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n as_o have_v already_o be_v prove_v we_o be_v therefore_o oblige_v either_o to_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n or_o to_o renounce_v our_o belief_n of_o all_o other_o fact_n whatsoever_o because_o whatever_o of_o this_o kind_n we_o believe_v beside_o we_o believe_v upon_o less_o evidence_n 2._o but_o second_o whatever_o degree_n of_o evidence_n other_o matter_n of_o fact_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v we_o be_v absolute_o oblige_v to_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o that_o evidence_n that_o be_v bring_v for_o it_o because_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v such_o fact_n as_o have_v those_o appearance_n of_o truth_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v though_o they_o shall_v be_v real_o false_a we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o thing_n by_o the_o faculty_n god_n have_v give_v we_o according_a to_o those_o ground_n and_o measure_n of_o truth_n he_o have_v suit_v and_o proportion_v to_o they_o and_o therefore_o when_o we_o have_v the_o great_a assurance_n of_o a_o thing_n that_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o according_a to_o the_o present_a frame_n our_o nature_n and_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n it_o will_v be_v high_o unreasonable_a in_o we_o to_o deny_v it_o whatever_o it_o be_v bare_o upon_o a_o suspicion_n it_o may_v be_v false_a though_o it_o shall_v afterward_o real_o prove_v to_o be_v so_o but_o if_o what_o we_o have_v this_o apparent_a proof_n of_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o concern_v and_o importance_n to_o we_o upon_o the_o
ground_n upon_o which_o the_o first_o christian_n believe_v they_o evince_v from_o general_a reflection_n upon_o the_o scripture-account_n of_o they_o p._n 161._o what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n concern_v divin_n assistance_n and_o revelation_n prove_v to_o be_v true_a p._n 183._o the_o miracle_n prophecy_n and_o doctrine_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v all_o the_o matter_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o under_o this_o head_n do_v certain_o proceed_v from_o god_n p._n 185._o the_o person_n themselves_o who_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o immediate_a author_n of_o they_o may_v be_v infallible_o satisfy_v that_o whatever_o of_o this_o kind_n they_o say_v or_o do_v be_v from_o god_n p._n 186._o other_o may_v be_v likewise_o convince_v of_o the_o same_o truth_n by_o a_o certain_a proof_n of_o the_o follow_a point_n viz._n p._n 194._o that_o the_o miracle_n prophecy_n and_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v not_o be_v the_o work_n and_o contrivance_n of_o mere_a men._n p._n 195._o that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o all_o p._n 222._o and_o that_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o ascribe_v these_o thing_n to_o evil_a spirit_n p._n 242._o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a revelation_n deliver_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n prove_v indirect_o by_o show_v the_o absurdity_n of_o a_o contrary_a supposition_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o all_o the_o objection_n raise_v against_o scripture_n and_o revelation_n in_o general_n p._n 245._o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v not_o possible_o be_v forge_v and_o invent_v p._n 250._o because_o there_o be_v no_o end_n or_o design_n imaginable_a sufficient_a to_o have_v determine_v the_o suppose_a author_n of_o this_o work_n to_o have_v undertake_v it_o and_o because_o further_o if_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n both_o common_a and_o extraordinary_a have_v not_o be_v true_a it_o will_v have_v be_v utter_o impossible_a that_o the_o christian_a religion_n shall_v ever_o have_v be_v believe_v and_o propagate_v in_o the_o world_n p._n 264._o the_o principal_a objection_n against_o revelation_n and_o the_o scripture_n answer_v viz._n p._n 272._o that_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v no_o proof_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n p._n 276._o and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o fault_n observable_a in_o the_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n as_o show_v the_o whole_a to_o be_v a_o pure_a humane_a composure_n p._n 288._o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o proof_n before_o give_v of_o the_o christian_a revelation_n full_o and_o undeniable_o make_v out_o p._n 303._o from_o humane_a testimony_n p._n 305._o from_o the_o connexion_n of_o present_a appearance_n with_o former_a p._n 309._o and_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n in_o general_n and_o the_o particular_a fact_n in_o question_n p_o 317._o the_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n further_o make_v good_a by_o show_v that_o they_o be_v as_o just_a and_o conclude_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o any_o other_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v p._n 332._o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o proof_n before_o give_v be_v such_o that_o god_n may_v just_o condemn_v we_o for_o not_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o it_o p._n 349._o because_o we_o believe_v other_o matter_n of_o fact_n upon_o less_o evidence_n and_o ib._n because_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v such_o fact_n have_v those_o appearance_n of_o truth_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v though_o they_o shall_v real_o be_v false_a p._n 352._o finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o tho._n bennet_n the_o life_n of_o all_o the_o prince_n of_o orange_n from_o william_n the_o great_a founder_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o unite_a province_n to_o which_o be_v add_v the_o life_n of_o his_o present_a majesty_n king_n william_n iii_o from_o his_o birth_n to_o his_o land_n in_o england_n by_o mr._n tho._n brown_n together_o with_o all_o the_o prince_n head_n take_v from_o the_o original_a draught_n by_o mr._n robert_n white_a a_o voyage_n to_o the_o world_n of_o des_n certes_o translate_v from_o the_o french_a by_o t._n taylor_n m._n a._n of_o magd._n coll._n oxon._n thirty_o six_o sermon_n upon_o several_a occasion_n in_o three_o vol._n by_o robert_n south_n d._n d._n the_o second_o edition_n the_o certainty_n and_o necessity_n of_o religion_n in_o general_a or_o the_o first_o ground_n and_o principle_n of_o humane_a duty_n establish_v in_o eight_o sermon_n preach_v at_o st._n martin_n in_o the_o field_n at_o the_o lecture_n for_o the_o year_n 1697._o found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o f._n gastrel_n b._n d._n and_o student_n of_o christ_n church_n coll._n oxon._n