then_o must_v that_o person_n do_v or_o rather_o what_o must_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n do_v who_o utter_o renounce_v all_o thing_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o gospel_n iii_o there_o have_v be_v find_v some_o who_o have_v counterfeit_v book_n of_o humane_a learning_n but_o none_o ever_o know_v that_o be_v willing_a to_o die_v in_o defence_n of_o their_o forgery_n now_o none_o here_o can_v be_v suspect_v to_o have_v forge_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o only_o those_o who_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o consequent_o to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n on_o which_o chistianity_n itself_o be_v found_v iv._o a_o man_n may_v very_o well_o counterfeit_a a_o book_n of_o humane_a learning_n but_o not_o always_o nor_o in_o all_o circumstance_n and_o it_o will_v be_v very_o ridiculous_a in_o a_o man_n to_o forge_v letter_n that_o must_v have_v be_v write_v not_o long_o ago_o to_o whole_a society_n or_o epistle_n that_o must_v have_v be_v deposit_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n and_o in_o very_a many_o different_a place_n now_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v affirm_v of_o all_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o make_v up_o a_o very_a considerable_a part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o how_o can_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v possible_o be_v make_v to_o believe_v that_o st._n paul_n write_v a_o epistle_n to_o she_o or_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n that_o she_o have_v receive_v two_o epistle_n from_o he_o and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n unless_o it_o have_v be_v so_o v._o this_o argument_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o considerable_a since_o he_o that_o grant_v one_o point_n in_o this_o matter_n unavoidable_o grant_v the_o whole_a and_o if_o you_o shall_v agree_v with_o i_o that_o perhaps_o one_o single_a epistle_n among_o all_o those_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o forge_v you_o must_v grant_v the_o same_o thing_n of_o they_o all_o or_o at_o least_o it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o the_o incredulous_a to_o to_o cavil_v thereupon_o for_o what_o if_o i_o shall_v grant_v the_o four_o gospel_n to_o be_v forge_v do_v not_o the_o book_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n contain_v nay_o do_v it_o not_o necessary_o suppose_v the_o same_o essential_a matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n shall_v i_o grant_v the_o same_o of_o the_o book_n of_o act_n be_v not_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n sufficient_a to_o inform_v we_o that_o jesus_n christ_n wrought_v several_a miracle_n rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v upon_o the_o disciple_n on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n and_o that_o be_v as_o much_o as_o i_o desire_v in_o a_o word_n shall_v i_o grant_v all_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o be_v the_o work_n of_o another_o man_n i_o need_v but_o receive_v those_o of_o st._n peter_n or_o those_o of_o st._n john_n to_o prove_v the_o same_o thing_n there_o be_v never_o a_o epistle_n in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o what_o mention_n or_o imply_v those_o essential_a matter_n of_o fact_n without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n let_v we_o now_o see_v whether_o we_o can_v persuade_v ourselves_o that_o all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n without_o except_v one_o fragment_n or_o single_a epistle_n among_o they_o be_v forge_v and_o whether_o we_o can_v entertain_v such_o a_o suspicion_n which_o no_o heretic_n no_o impious_a or_o incredulous_a person_n ever_o entertain_v but_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a all_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v forge_v since_o they_o must_v have_v be_v commit_v to_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n as_o they_o be_v real_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n and_o since_o tertullian_n tell_v we_o that_o in_o his_o time_n they_o careful_o preserve_v in_o several_a church_n the_o original_n of_o those_o epistle_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v write_v to_o they_o again_o in_o what_o time_n and_o on_o what_o occasion_n can_v this_o forgery_n have_v be_v make_v be_v it_o during_o the_o life_n of_o the_o apostle_n no_o for_o can_v the_o world_n consider_v those_o book_n as_o sacred_a and_o divine_a which_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o forge_v be_v it_o then_o immediate_o after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n do_v we_o owe_v it_o to_o clemens_n polycarp_n and_o the_o other_o doctor_n of_o that_o age_n by_o no_o mean_n for_o those_o disciple_n of_o the_o apostle_n separate_v themselves_o as_o soon_o as_o those_o great_a light_n of_o the_o world_n be_v extinguish_v polycarp_n go_v to_o rome_n to_o decide_v a_o controversy_n with_o a_o bishop_n of_o rome_n occasion_v in_o the_o church_n about_o the_o time_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o celebrate_v the_o feast_n of_o the_o christian_a resurrection_n or_o passover_n those_o two_o great_a man_n differ_v much_o in_o that_o point_n but_o yet_o they_o both_o agree_v unanimous_o to_o receive_v the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o true_a standard_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o manner_n moreover_o what_o probability_n be_v there_o that_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o church_n can_v have_v be_v induce_v to_o receive_v so_o many_o false_a epistle_n so_o soon_o after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o person_n yet_o live_v who_o have_v converse_v with_o they_o in_o truth_n this_o be_v so_o extravagant_a a_o notion_n that_o we_o hold_v ourselves_o not_o at_o all_o oblige_a to_o refute_v it_o but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n question_v the_o authority_n of_o some_o epistle_n such_o as_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n who_o author_n be_v never_o certain_o know_v the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n that_o of_o st._n judas_n etc._n etc._n i_o grant_v it_o but_o then_o i_o presume_v that_o this_o consideration_n make_v for_o we_o since_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v that_o the_o ancient_a primitive_a christian_n shall_v dispute_v so_o long_o about_o some_o epistle_n in_o particular_a have_v the_o rest_n altogether_o be_v as_o liable_a to_o suspicion_n but_o may_v we_o not_o reasonable_o imagine_v that_o during_o those_o strange_a disorder_n which_o follow_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n some_o christian_n either_o perfect_a cheat_n or_o but_o partly_o persuade_v of_o that_o faith_n may_v have_v compose_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o so_o after_o have_v insert_v in_o they_o whatever_o story_n they_o please_v ascribe_v they_o to_o the_o apostle_n to_o gain_v the_o great_a veneration_n and_o respect_n for_o their_o fiction_n no_o certain_o because_o the_o devastation_n of_o jerusalem_n hinder_v not_o but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v very_o numerous_a church_n at_o rome_n at_o antioch_n at_o thessalonica_n philippi_n etc._n etc._n who_o it_o will_v have_v be_v impossible_a to_o have_v persuade_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v write_v they_o some_o epistle_n which_o must_v have_v be_v already_o deposit_v in_o their_o hand_n and_o beside_o that_o it_o appear_v plain_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v compose_v before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n because_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o church_n establish_v at_o jerusalem_n be_v often_o mention_v therein_o without_o the_o least_o hint_n that_o jerusalem_n be_v then_o utter_o destroy_v beside_o how_o can_v it_o come_v into_o any_o man_n mind_n to_o forge_v such_o book_n after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n who_o design_n be_v only_o to_o humble_v the_o pride_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o induce_v they_o no_o long_o to_o hate_v the_o heathen_n as_o be_v stranger_n and_o to_o persuade_v they_o that_o though_o god_n as_o yet_o suffer_v the_o carnal_a worship_n of_o their_o law_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o expect_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o that_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o especial_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o seem_v earnest_o to_o desire_v to_o unite_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o two_o nation_n and_o heaven_n have_v sufficient_o declare_v itself_o against_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o destruction_n of_o their_o city_n the_o confusion_n of_o their_o tribe_n and_o family_n and_o that_o general_a dispersion_n which_o make_v they_o tributary_n to_o all_o other_o nation_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o further_a reason_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o the_o only_a nation_n call_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o this_o proof_n be_v evident_o write_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o the_o just_a punishment_n of_o that_o people_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o observe_v
holy_a ghost_n but_o perhaps_o it_o be_v a_o question_n whether_o there_o be_v ever_o any_o christian_a church_n found_v at_o jerusalem_n if_o so_o then_o must_v the_o ancient_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o live_v in_o different_a time_n and_o in_o different_a place_n have_v conspire_v together_o to_o deceive_v we_o in_o this_o respect_n and_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n and_o all_o other_o profess_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o well_o ancient_a as_o modern_a who_o never_o contest_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n must_v utter_o have_v lose_v their_o reason_n in_o a_o word_n suppose_v the_o book_n of_o act_n compose_v long_o after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v when_o there_o can_v be_v no_o long_o any_o flourish_a church_n in_o that_o city_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o point_n gain_v for_o it_o be_v true_a still_o that_o the_o apostle_n set_v down_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o speak_v of_o and_o that_o their_o epistle_n be_v fill_v with_o such_o thing_n as_o visible_o relate_v to_o it_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o further_o add_v that_o the_o book_n of_o act_n mention_n nothing_o of_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o manifest_o show_v that_o it_o be_v compose_v during_o their_o life_n and_o consequent_o in_o a_o time_n wherein_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n flourish_v nor_o that_o it_o mention_n nothing_o of_o the_o last_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o any_o of_o the_o sign_n or_o presage_n of_o it_o which_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o that_o book_n be_v compose_v some_o time_n before_o that_o great_a event_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o author_n who_o compose_v it_o mere_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o the_o incredulous_a undoubted_o imagine_v will_v never_o have_v fail_v to_o have_v insert_v in_o it_o the_o history_n of_o all_o those_o dreadful_a misfortune_n which_o fall_v upon_o the_o jew_n and_o which_o the_o christian_n look_v upon_o as_o the_o effect_n of_o their_o reject_v the_o messiah_n but_o since_o my_o design_n be_v not_o to_o leave_v the_o reader_n the_o least_o shadow_n of_o a_o doubt_n i_o promise_v to_o prove_v by_o and_o by_o that_o the_o apostle_n both_o receive_v and_o impart_v many_o miraculous_a gift_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n till_o the_o method_n i_o have_v prescribe_v to_o myself_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o enter_v upon_o that_o subject_n i_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o make_v some_o few_o reflection_n concern_v the_o success_n of_o the_o apostle_n preach_v which_o be_v that_o essential_a head_n to_o which_o all_o other_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o act_n relate_v chap._n x._o wherein_o we_o shall_v take_v into_o consideration_n what_o success_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o apostle_n have_v this_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v relate_v with_o very_o remarkable_a circumstannce_n as_o i._o that_o those_o man_n who_o first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v fisherman_n that_o be_v gross_a and_o ignorant_a people_n of_o no_o appearance_n or_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n ii_o that_o those_o man_n go_v about_o preach_v that_o they_o have_v see_v jesus_n christ_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o that_o they_o have_v long_o before_o be_v eye-witness_n to_o his_o miracle_n iii_o that_o they_o offend_v by_o their_o preach_v all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o expose_v their_o person_n to_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o danger_n and_o misfortune_n iv._o that_o they_o suffer_v they_o with_o patience_n or_o rather_o with_o joy_n v._o that_o the_o success_n of_o their_o preach_n be_v so_o swift_a and_o sudden_a as_o be_v almost_o inconceivable_a in_o all_o this_o st._n luke_n have_v tell_v we_o nothing_o but_o what_o our_o own_o reason_n will_v tell_v we_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v man_n of_o no_o extraordinary_a birth_n or_o credit_n in_o the_o world_n that_o first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n since_o no_o body_n have_v ever_o say_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o those_o man_n ought_v to_o have_v testify_v that_o they_o have_v see_v jesus_n christ_n work_v many_o miracle_n see_v he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n because_o they_o will_v never_o have_v convert_v so_o many_o nation_n as_o they_o do_v have_v they_o only_o say_v they_o know_v all_o those_o thing_n by_o hear_v say_v and_o beside_o that_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n inform_v we_o that_o that_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o their_o preach_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n persecute_v these_o man_n for_o as_o much_o as_o policy_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o all_o new_a sect_n and_o the_o people_n themselves_o be_v always_o jealous_a of_o their_o religion_n it_o can_v be_v doubt_v neither_o but_o that_o the_o apostle_n very_o courageous_o suffer_v the_o effect_n of_o that_o persecution_n because_o have_v they_o recant_v or_o draw_v back_o for_o fear_n of_o punishment_n their_o design_n will_v have_v miscarry_v in_o its_o very_a beginning_n last_o who_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o success_n of_o their_o preach_n be_v very_o swift_a and_o sudden_a in_o as_o much_o as_o in_o a_o short_a time_n there_o be_v several_a church_n establish_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o know_a world_n this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v never_o contest_v and_o therefore_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o st._n luke_n tell_v we_o all_o these_o thing_n the_o book_n of_o act_n inform_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o they_o be_v so_o which_o utter_o destroy_v the_o suspicion_n we_o may_v entertain_v that_o they_o be_v all_o forge_v or_o invent_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o can_v consider_v all_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n nor_o unite_v they_o together_o and_o observe_v the_o proportion_n they_o have_v one_o with_o another_o without_o present_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o so_o plain_o prove_v and_o establish_v chap._n xi_o wherein_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n though_o the_o ancient_n have_v not_o unanimous_o receive_v the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n though_o clemens_n polycarp_n and_o barnabas_n have_v make_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o observe_v that_o they_o be_v write_v to_o some_o church_n that_o be_v to_o whole_a society_n who_o for_o a_o long_a while_n preserve_v the_o original_n of_o they_o to_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v not_o forge_v it_o be_v then_o our_o concern_n to_o see_v whether_o we_o can_v find_v therein_o any_o character_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o religion_n we_o can_v read_v st._n paul_n epistle_n without_o observe_v therein_o i._o the_o piety_n and_o charity_n of_o that_o apostle_n ii_o his_o impartiality_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n iii_o his_o courage_n in_o endure_a affliction_n which_o instead_o of_o dishearten_v rather_o overjoy_v he_o iv._o a_o continual_a repetition_n of_o the_o testimony_n which_o the_o apostle_n bear_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o lord_n v._o such_o thing_n which_o manifest_o denote_v that_o st._n paul_n have_v receive_v the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o those_o that_o then_o believe_v very_o frequent_o receive_v they_o the_o piety_n of_o that_o apostle_n so_o various_o discover_v itself_o in_o his_o write_n that_o we_o can_v think_v it_o dissemble_v without_o offer_v violence_n to_o our_o understanding_n for_o though_o a_o man_n shall_v constrain_v himself_o upon_o some_o occasion_n yet_o be_v it_o possible_a he_o shall_v after_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n during_o a_o great_a part_n of_o his_o life_n in_o all_o his_o action_n in_o all_o his_o word_n in_o his_o manner_n of_o tell_v of_o thing_n which_o often_o discover_v the_o bottom_n of_o the_o heart_n than_o the_o thing_n he_o speak_v of_o i_o know_v very_o well_o hypocrisy_n cover_v itself_o with_o the_o external_a show_n of_o virtue_n but_o real_o there_o be_v yet_o something_o which_o i_o can_v express_v a_o simple_a and_o natural_a air_n in_o true_a virtue_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o hypocrisy_n or_o rather_o hypocrisy_n be_v neither_o so_o subtle_a nor_o clear_v sight_v but_o that_o it_o discover_v itself_o on_o one_o side_n or_o other_o nay_o often_o it_o let_v drop_v a_o wordwhich_v unmasque_n it_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n however_o i_o be_o willing_a the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n shall_v be_v strict_o examine_v to_o see_v whether_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v very_o natural_a and_o sincere_a can_v be_v find_v
the_o emperor_n that_o have_v strict_o inquire_v into_o the_o life_n of_o the_o christian_n he_o find_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o they_o assemble_v together_o in_o remote_a place_n early_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o there_o say_v their_o prayer_n to_o heaven_n and_o bind_v themselves_o under_o a_o solemn_a oath_n not_o to_o commit_v murder_n adultery_n injustice_n or_o any_o other_o crime_n they_o will_v also_o produce_v a_o answer_n from_o trajan_n to_o pliny_n wherein_o that_o emperor_n give_v positive_a order_n that_o for_o the_o future_a there_o shall_v be_v no_o particular_a inquiry_n make_v after_o the_o christian_n but_o those_o only_a shall_v be_v punish_v who_o shall_v discover_v themselves_o and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o think_v that_o these_o letter_n be_v forge_v we_o may_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v tertulian_n that_o mention_n they_o in_o his_o discourse_n to_o the_o senate_n and_o the_o roman_a emperor_n who_o he_o can_v not_o impose_v upon_o without_o endanger_v his_o own_o life_n and_o prejudice_v his_o religion_n chap._n ii_o wherein_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o martyrdom_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n but_o perhaps_o we_o may_v soon_o suspect_v the_o credulity_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n than_o their_o innocence_n we_o be_v sure_a their_o constancy_n proceed_v from_o their_o hope_n and_o their_o hope_n from_o their_o persuasion_n but_o who_o know_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o persuasion_n be_v there_o not_o mahumetan_n so_o strong_o persuade_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o alcoran_n as_o to_o die_v in_o defence_n of_o that_o error_n the_o multitude_n then_o of_o martyr_n show_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n to_o be_v strong_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o prove_v not_o that_o persuasion_n to_o be_v well_o ground_v we_o mâ—st_v therefore_o go_v a_o little_a further_o and_o here_o we_o may_v easy_o suppose_v without_o fear_n of_o be_v mistake_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v some_o sort_n of_o common_a sense_n those_o who_o make_v it_o their_o profession_n to_o ridicule_n the_o plurality_n of_o god_n and_o the_o many_o superstition_n of_o the_o heathen_n which_o be_v real_o contrary_a to_o reason_n those_o who_o put_v in_o practice_n such_o wise_a rule_n of_o morality_n who_o be_v so_o regular_a in_o their_o behaviour_n so_o averse_a to_o all_o the_o excess_n that_o disorder_n reason_n who_o form_v to_o themselves_o such_o rational_a idea_n of_o the_o deity_n in_o comparison_n to_o other_o those_o man_n i_o say_v can_v not_o be_v whole_o destitute_a of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n now_o suppose_v they_o to_o have_v but_o the_o least_o glimmer_a of_o that_o light_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o conceiuâ—_v that_o they_o shall_v whole_o renounce_v their_o estate_n and_o fortune_n and_o courageous_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o any_o cause_n whatsoever_o unless_o they_o have_v very_o powerful_a reason_n to_o believe_v it_o be_v good_a this_o consideration_n will_v be_v further_o strengthen_v by_o two_o very_a important_a reflection_n and_o first_o we_o speak_v not_o here_o of_o such_o only_a who_o be_v bear_v christian_n blind_o follow_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o birth_n and_o education_n but_o also_o of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o person_n who_o renounce_v paganism_n to_o embrace_v christianity_n and_o lay_v aside_o the_o favourable_a prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n and_o birth_n which_o in_o they_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v yet_o willing_a to_o die_v for_o it_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v know_v and_o embrace_v second_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v altogether_o found_v upon_o mattter_n of_o fact_n for_o if_o jesus_n christ_n wrought_v miracle_n and_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a than_o be_v the_o christian_a faith_n true_a but_o if_o jesus_n christ_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n nor_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a then_o be_v the_o christian_a faith_n false_a and_o sure_o it_o will_v have_v be_v folly_n or_o madness_n in_o those_o man_n to_o forsake_v so_o flourish_v a_o communion_n as_o paganism_n to_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n a_o name_n so_o vile_a and_o contemptible_a in_o those_o day_n to_o suffer_v voluntary_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o estate_n and_o undergo_v a_o most_o terrible_a death_n only_o to_o defend_v a_o religion_n ground_v upon_o such_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a those_o indeed_o that_o be_v bear_v and_o live_v peacable_o in_o a_o communion_n may_v blind_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o but_o he_o that_o be_v never_o so_o little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o constitution_n of_o man_n heart_n can_v scarce_o imagine_v man_n to_o be_v so_o senseless_a as_o to_o renounce_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o birth_n and_o education_n to_o offer_v violence_n to_o their_o dear_a and_o most_o tender_a inclination_n and_o embrace_v a_o faith_n pursue_v with_o fire_n and_o sword_n and_o persecute_v by_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n unless_o they_o have_v first_o due_o examine_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o know_v well_o upon_o what_o ground_n they_o thus_o embrace_v it_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o some_o of_o these_o man_n be_v of_o the_o mean_a sort_n of_o people_n who_o example_n can_v be_v allege_v as_o a_o precedent_n for_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n we_o will_v grant_v it_o but_o than_o it_o must_v also_o be_v confess_v that_o the_o vulgar_a usual_o embrace_v that_o religion_n which_o be_v attend_v with_o power_n and_o prosperity_n pomp_n and_o authority_n and_o hate_v even_o truth_n itself_o when_o once_o destitute_a of_o all_o these_o outward_a help_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a then_o that_o against_o all_o outward_a appearance_n they_o shall_v have_v act_v so_o contrary_o to_o themselves_o in_o this_o occasion_n but_o suppose_v the_o commmon_a sort_n of_o christian_n to_o have_v lose_v their_o reason_n can_v we_o say_v the_o same_o of_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o clement_n polycarp_n justin_n iraeneus_n &_o c_o it_o be_v certain_a on_o one_o hÄnd_n these_o man_n be_v man_n of_o very_a good_a sense_n as_o their_o write_n those_o monument_n they_o have_v leave_v we_o evident_o demonstrate_v and_o on_o the_o other_o it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v they_o live_v in_o a_o time_n so_o very_o near_o to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v be_v deceive_v in_o this_o respect_n for_o polycarp_n converse_v a_o long_a while_n with_o st._n john_n iraeneus_n see_v polycarp_n and_o justin_n be_v a_o more_o ancient_a father_n than_o iraeneus_n have_v those_o doctor_n only_o tell_v we_o that_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v several_a miracle_n we_o may_v perhaps_o have_v suspend_v our_o belief_n upon_o their_o bare_a word_n but_o since_o they_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o certain_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o must_v necessary_o have_v full_o be_v inform_v of_o since_o i_o see_v that_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n disciple_n and_o contemporary_n with_o the_o apostle_n cheerful_o come_v to_o the_o stake_n to_o maintain_v a_o religion_n essential_o found_v upon_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n such_o as_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o divers_a language_n confer_v upon_o the_o apostle_n the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n and_o impart_v those_o very_a gift_n themselves_o to_o other_o since_o i_o say_v these_o christian_a doctor_n suffer_v martyrdom_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v essential_o unite_v to_o i_o confess_v i_o begin_v to_o be_v convince_v nevertheless_o let_v we_o search_v more_o narrow_o into_o this_o matter_n and_o see_v whether_o we_o shall_v yet_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o entertain_v any_o further_a scruple_n chap._n iii_o in_o which_o we_o further_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n by_o several_a undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n who_o tell_v we_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n suffer_v martyrdom_n and_o suppose_v they_o do_v who_o will_v assure_v we_o they_o be_v not_o delude_v by_o the_o apostle_n nay_o who_o can_v tell_v whether_o there_o ever_o be_v any_o such_o man_n i_o suppose_v i_o shall_v not_o be_v oblige_v to_o prove_v with_o a_o great_a many_o argument_n there_o be_v such_o man_n as_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n who_o suffer_v martyrdom_n eusebius_n who_o write_v their_o history_n can_v not_o whole_o have_v invent_v it_o unless_o he_o have_v corrupt_v all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n that_o live_v before_o he_o for_o they_o all_o speak_v of_o it_o iraeneus_n justin_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n etc._n etc._n mention_v it_o as_o a_o know_a matter_n of_o fact_n the_o first_o of_o they_o glory_n in_o several_a place_n of_o his_o work_n that_o he_o have_v see_v polycarp_n in_o his_o youth_n and_o it_o appear_v they_o all_o suffer_v martyrdom_n
in_o imitation_n of_o those_o primitive_a christian_n that_o the_o apostle_n deceive_v polycarp_n and_o clemens_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o disciple_n be_v a_o thing_n much_o less_o to_o be_v suspect_v because_o they_o themselves_o stick_v not_o to_o boast_v of_o their_o be_v able_a to_o work_v miracle_n heal_v all_o kind_n of_o disease_n speak_v all_o sort_n of_o language_n and_o impart_v to_o other_o those_o gift_n they_o call_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o clemens_n polycarp_n etc._n etc._n shall_v have_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v deceive_v in_o this_o respect_n especial_o to_o â—uch_v a_o degree_n as_o to_o suffer_v death_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o religion_n found_v on_o so_o many_o imposture_n but_o whence_o appear_v it_o that_o the_o apostle_n boast_v of_o a_o power_n to_o work_v miracle_n and_o impart_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o appear_v not_o only_o from_o their_o own_o epistle_n which_o can_v be_v forge_v as_o we_o shall_v prove_v by_o and_o by_o but_o also_o from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o in_o fine_a it_o be_v manifest_a of_o itself_o for_o as_o we_o can_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o alexander_n the_o great_a without_o overthrow_v the_o common_a opinion_n that_o he_o subvert_v the_o empire_n of_o darius_n and_o the_o macedonian_n subdue_v all_o asia_n under_o his_o conduct_n because_o one_o matter_n of_o fact_n depend_v upon_o the_o other_o so_o we_o can_v acknowledge_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n without_o believe_v the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o resurrection_n his_o pour_v out_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n impart_v to_o those_o that_o believe_v for_o take_v away_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n wherein_o will_v the_o divinity_n of_o it_o consist_v wherein_o will_v lie_v the_o strength_n promise_n and_o essential_o of_o it_o since_o therefore_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n suffer_v martyrdom_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n it_o follow_v also_o that_o they_o die_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o just_o now_o mention_v so_o that_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v very_o palpable_a and_o it_o be_v very_o easy_a for_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n who_o live_v and_o converse_v with_o the_o apostle_n to_o know_v certain_o whether_o they_o real_o have_v the_o pretend_a gift_n of_o divers_a tongue_n of_o heal_v all_o sort_n of_o disease_n and_o of_o communicate_v these_o extraordinary_a gift_n to_o other_o so_o as_o to_o render_v they_o frequent_v in_o the_o church_n i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o its_o possible_a to_o call_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o in_o question_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n however_o fruitful_a in_o imagination_n can_v hardly_o raise_v here_o a_o doubt_n of_o a_o moment_n continuance_n for_o shall_v i_o fancy_v they_o may_v have_v give_v i_o a_o false_a relation_n of_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o clemens_n of_o polycarp_n and_o the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n this_o thought_n soon_o vanish_v when_o i_o consider_v the_o number_n quality_n and_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o witness_n of_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o can_v we_o think_v that_o the_o sucessour_n of_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n will_v have_v suffer_v a_o real_a martyrdom_n in_o imitation_n of_o one_o that_o be_v but_o imaginary_a will_v they_o so_o courageous_o have_v imitate_v a_o fictitious_a martyrdom_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o shall_v i_o imagine_v clemens_n and_o polycarp_n be_v impose_v on_o by_o the_o apostle_n i_o be_o soon_o convince_v of_o the_o contrary_a since_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o we_o have_v now_o before_o we_o be_v matter_n of_o experience_n so_o evident_a in_o themselves_o that_o we_o can_v be_v mistake_v in_o they_o last_o shall_v i_o doubt_v whether_o the_o apostle_n endeavour_v to_o persuade_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o i_o be_o make_v to_o understand_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o christianity_n without_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n can_v never_o have_v establish_v the_o christian_a religion_n unless_o they_o have_v first_o persuade_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o this_o will_v be_v far_o see_v by_o what_o we_o shall_v offer_v in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n may_v we_o not_o know_v what_o the_o profess_a enemy_n of_o christianity_n say_v of_o they_o for_o it_o seem_v unjust_a to_o hearken_v to_o that_o only_a which_o the_o christian_n allege_v in_o defence_n of_o their_o own_o cause_n this_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n we_o find_v porphirius_fw-la celsus_n and_o julian_n surname_v the_o apostate_n maintain_v that_o jesus_n christ_n do_v no_o miracle_n at_o all_o but_o by_o a_o magic_a power_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o fantom_n which_o appear_v to_o the_o disciple_n instead_o of_o jesus_n christ_n rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a whereupon_o i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o make_v some_o few_o reflection_n it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o those_o who_o be_v far_o more_o exasperate_v against_o the_o christian_n than_o the_o incredulous_a of_o these_o ime_n be_v and_o who_o live_v in_o a_o time_n near_o to_o that_o â—f_n the_o apostle_n may_v have_v easy_o know_v the_o truthâ—r_a â—r_z falsehood_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n i_o say_v it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o those_o man_n dare_v not_o in_o the_o least_o call_v â—ny_n of_o they_o in_o question_n but_o be_v force_v to_o have_v â—ecourse_n to_o ghost_n and_o a_o magic_a power_n to_o avoid_v â—eing_v perplex_v with_o they_o it_o be_v also_o worth_a our_o while_n to_o observe_v that_o celsus_n himself_o who_o ever_o before_o question_v magician_n be_v at_o length_n force_v to_o ascribe_v the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o a_o magic_a power_n â—s_a origen_n himself_o upbraid_v he_o in_o some_o part_n of_o his_o work_n thus_o it_o immediate_o appear_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v man_n of_o very_a good_a sense_n and_o very_o honest_a and_o sincere_a principle_n too_o that_o part_n of_o they_o live_v in_o a_o time_n so_o very_o near_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n in_o who_o day_n all_o those_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o must_v necessary_o have_v know_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o suffer_v death_n to_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o religion_n found_v upon_o all_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o last_o that_o their_o enemy_n themselves_o dare_v not_o presume_v entire_o to_o call_v any_o of_o they_o in_o question_n but_o i_o will_v not_o yield_v myself_o conquer_v for_o all_o that_o but_o rather_o raise_v myself_o a_o little_a high_o and_o stop_v for_o a_o while_n at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o first_o century_n which_o be_v the_o time_n wherein_o st._n john_n the_o last_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v yet_o live_v and_o wherein_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n who_o we_o just_a now_o mention_v flourish_v and_o this_o shall_v be_v our_o fix_a point_n in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n chap._n iu._n where_o we_o yet_o further_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o several_a undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n it_o be_v a_o hundred_o year_n since_o there_o be_v no_o christian_n at_o all_o in_o the_o world_n and_o now_o there_o be_v some_o in_o all_o part_n of_o it_o at_o rome_n and_o at_o antioch_n at_o alexandria_n at_o corinth_n at_o ephesus_n in_o spain_n and_o among_o the_o gaul_n etc._n etc._n i_o confess_v i_o be_o some_o what_o surprise_v to_o see_v this_o progress_n yet_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n because_o mahomet_n religion_n be_v establish_v in_o a_o lesser_a time_n we_o must_v then_o go_v yet_o far_o and_o consider_v that_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v not_o only_o destitute_a of_o the_o assistance_n of_o policy_n and_o authority_n but_o receive_v notwithstanding_o the_o continual_a opposition_n of_o both_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o other_o religion_n as_o that_o of_o the_o heathen_n and_o turk_n be_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n by_o some_o singular_a and_o extraordinary_a prosperity_n and_o by_o the_o policy_n of_o person_n raise_v to_o dignity_n and_o grandeur_n but_o christianity_n in_o a_o small_a time_n become_v master_n of_o man_n heart_n and_o understanding_n though_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o nothing_o but_o shame_n and_o misery_n though_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n strive_v to_o stifle_v it_o in_o its_o very_a birth_n and_o for_o that_o purpose_n invent_v such_o torture_n and_o punishment_n as_o no_o other_o interest_n can_v have_v make_v man_n devise_v we_o may_v indeed_o question_v the_o suffering_n of_o the_o christian_n
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of_o jesus_n christ_n on_o the_o contrary_n confirm_v whatever_o they_o say_v not_o as_o those_o impostor_n by_o some_o eternal_a invisible_a spirit_n and_o some_o abstract_a and_o impenetrable_a speculation_n but_o by_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n who_o knowledge_n mere_o depend_v upon_o the_o sense_n themselves_o now_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o most_o simple_a be_v as_o much_o enlighten_v as_o those_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a which_o evident_o denote_v they_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o design_n of_o impose_v upon_o man_n but_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o show_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o of_o such_o a_o character_n as_o to_o invent_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o preach_v let_v we_o therefore_o proceed_v yet_o further_o and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v have_v invent_v those_o matter_n chap._n iu._n that_o the_o 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be_v several_a famous_a emperor_n who_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceal_v from_o the_o world_n their_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o some_o of_o they_o have_v for_o inscription_n in_o their_o public_a edifice_n several_a maxim_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o other_o will_v have_v consecrate_v church_n for_o the_o use_v of_o the_o christian_n and_o last_o that_o other_o profess_a themselves_o admirer_n of_o the_o morality_n of_o christ._n but_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n who_o not_o be_v able_a to_o deny_v christ_n miracle_n be_v force_v to_o refer_v they_o some_o to_o a_o magic_a power_n and_o other_o to_o a_o certain_a i_o know_v not_o what_o mysterious_a pronunciation_n of_o the_o word_n jehovah_n so_o strange_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v that_o even_o the_o very_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n shall_v thus_o testify_v of_o it_o and_o yet_o scarce_o perceive_v it_o the_o seven_o testimony_n be_v that_o of_o several_a strange_a 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have_v confer_v upon_o he_o only_o out_o of_o love_n and_o complaisance_n to_o a_o impostor_n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n shall_v so_o ready_o sacrifice_v their_o estate_n reputation_n repose_v and_o life_n itself_o to_o a_o person_n they_o know_v to_o be_v a_o false_a christ_n that_o the_o heaven_n shall_v countenance_v a_o flame_n and_o a_o lie_n by_o work_v such_o signal_n and_o sensible_a miracle_n that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n shall_v have_v find_v every_o thing_n that_o can_v supply_v its_o want_n and_o necessity_n in_o a_o mere_a cheat_n that_o even_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n shall_v countenance_v and_o approve_v of_o our_o false_a prejudices_fw-la that_o all_o event_n shall_v so_o exact_o coincide_v with_o a_o erroneous_a imposture_n and_o that_o the_o revelation_n of_o moses_n and_o natural_a religion_n shall_v thus_o testify_v so_o palpable_a a_o fiction_n to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v the_o necessity_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n since_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n lead_v we_o to_o it_o by_o so_o many_o different_a way_n as_o also_o the_o admirable_a perfection_n and_o transcendency_n of_o it_o since_o in_o a_o manner_n heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o time_n past_a and_o present_a event_n ordinary_a and_o natural_a as_o well_o as_o those_o supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a since_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n who_o be_v altogether_o unknown_a to_o one_o another_o have_v agree_v unanimous_o to_o reveal_v it_o and_o propose_v it_o to_o we_o as_o a_o object_n for_o its_o transcendent_a excellency_n worthy_a of_o our_o great_a admiration_n two_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o all_o other_o religion_n all_o these_o truth_n will_v more_o evident_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o its_o opposition_n to_o all_o other_o religion_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n consist_v in_o that_o it_o have_v 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the_o earth_n have_v hear_v of_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o all_o unanimous_o declare_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o it_o be_v pure_o upon_o their_o testimony_n that_o the_o world_n believe_v it_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n let_v slip_v a_o long_a period_n of_o time_n as_o twenty_o or_o thirty_o year_n after_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o their_o master_n and_o so_o have_v have_v time_n to_o embolden_v themselves_o and_o to_o contrive_v a_o imposture_n they_o sudden_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v that_o jesus_n be_v rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a if_o so_o how_o can_v the_o compiler_n or_o forger_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n preach_v his_o resurrection_n a_o few_o week_n after_o his_o crucifixion_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o jew_n never_o have_v the_o least_o thought_n of_o contradict_v our_o 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in_o they_o can_v there_o proceed_v from_o the_o malice_n and_o perfidiousness_n of_o a_o man_n who_o have_v so_o late_o accuse_v his_o nation_n of_o a_o crime_n he_o know_v to_o be_v utter_o false_a so_o many_o exhortation_n to_o fear_n god_n so_o strong_a so_o move_v in_o themselves_o and_o so_o often_o repeat_v that_o they_o whole_o take_v up_o the_o write_n of_o this_o apostle_n can_v his_o humility_n proceed_v from_o thence_o whereby_o he_o refer_v every_o thing_n to_o god_n as_o to_o the_o centre_n of_o all_o good_a thing_n so_o sincere_o tell_v we_o what_o have_v thou_o that_o thou_o do_v not_o receive_v and_o if_o thou_o do_v receive_v it_o why_o do_v thou_o glory_n as_o if_o thou_o have_v not_o receive_v it_o 1_o cor._n 4._o 7._o we_o be_v you_o you_o be_v christ_n and_o christ_n be_v god_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 23._o can_v his_o hatred_n too_o for_o vice_n arise_v from_o thence_o which_o upon_o all_o occasion_n he_o testify_v and_o express_v after_o so_o strong_a and_o lively_a a_o 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superstition_n he_o prefer_v charity_n to_o miraculous_a gift_n and_o therein_o appear_v the_o spirit_n of_o true_a religion_n this_o consideration_n of_o the_o character_n and_o virtue_n of_o this_o apostle_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o considerable_a that_o it_o force_v we_o in_o despite_n of_o ourselves_o to_o assertâ—_n one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n either_o that_o st._n paul_n be_v a_o wicked_a man_n and_o a_o notorious_a impostor_n or_o else_o that_o he_o have_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o jesus_n chrict_a in_o the_o way_n to_o damascus_n that_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v true_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o whosoever_o prove_v that_o st._n paul_n be_v no_o wicked_a person_n do_v even_o thereby_o prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o christian_a religion_n i_o desire_v therefore_o the_o reader_n thorough_o to_o consider_v the_o style_n of_o his_o epistle_n and_o examine_v they_o from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n to_o discover_v the_o true_a genius_n and_o character_n of_o they_o what_o be_v it_o this_o apostle_n desire_v of_o god_n that_o those_o who_o he_o speak_v to_o may_v live_v good_a life_n and_o that_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v by_o their_o work_n what_o do_v he_o complain_v of_o vice_n what_o be_v it_o he_o chief_o praise_n virtue_n by_o what_o motive_n do_v he_o act_v or_o speak_v as_o he_o do_v by_o quite_o another_o motive_n than_o that_o of_o self_n interest_n st._n luke_n have_v already_o tell_v we_o in_o the_o book_n of_o act_n that_o he_o work_v for_o his_o live_n and_o that_o his_o employment_n be_v to_o make_v tent_n whereupon_o we_o shall_v make_v these_o two_o observation_n i._o that_o st._n paul_n have_v be_v a_o pharisee_n breed_v up_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o gamaliel_n will_v have_v think_v it_o beneath_o he_o to_o follow_v so_o vile_a a_o profession_n have_v he_o be_v worldly_a mind_a or_o ambitious_a second_o that_o this_o apostle_n resolve_v to_o work_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n for_o his_o live_n in_o a_o time_n which_o other_o people_n will_v have_v greedy_o embrace_v to_o acquire_v wealth_n for_o what_o can_v have_v be_v refuse_v to_o those_o man_n who_o open_v to_o mankind_n the_o direct_a way_n way_n to_o heaven_n and_o give_v they_o certain_a hope_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n with_o regard_n to_o the_o apostle_n but_o if_o st._n luke_n shall_v be_v think_v to_o have_v impose_v upon_o we_o in_o the_o relation_n of_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v but_o hear_v what_o st._n paul_n himself_o say_v of_o it_o who_o certain_o will_v not_o have_v undertake_v to_o persuade_v those_o people_n of_o it_o against_o their_o own_o proper_a knowledge_n behold_v say_v he_o to_o the_o corinthian_n the_o three_o time_n i_o be_o ready_a to_o come_v to_o you_o and_o i_o will_v not_o be_v burdensome_a to_o you_o for_o i_o seek_v not_o you_o but_o you_o for_o the_o child_n ought_v not_o to_o lay_v up_o for_o the_o parent_n but_o the_o parent_n for_o the_o child_n 2_o cor._n 12._o 14._o and_o i_o will_v very_o glad_o spend_v and_o be_v spend_v for_o you_o etc._n etc._n and_o then_o have_v i_o catch_v you_o with_o guile_n and_o in_o another_o place_n have_v i_o commit_v a_o offence_n in_o abase_v myself_o that_o you_o may_v be_v exalt_v because_o i_o have_v preach_v to_o you_o the_o gospel_n of_o god_n free_o 2_o cor._n 11._o 7._o st._n paul_n will_v never_o have_v speak_v to_o they_o after_o this_o manner_n have_v he_o preach_v only_o out_o of_o self_n interest_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o those_o who_o carry_v a_o worldly_a mind_n along_o with_o they_o into_o the_o sanctuary_n be_v mere_a huchster_n of_o religion_n and_o make_v a_o trade_n of_o the_o most_o sacred_a and_o sublime_a mystery_n of_o christianity_n but_o suppose_v st._n paul_n act_v not_o by_o a_o principle_n of_o self_n interest_n which_o be_v generaly_a the_o centre_n of_o other_o man_n action_n who_o will_v assure_v we_o that_o he_o owe_v not_o his_o virtue_n to_o pride_n which_o be_v another_o nice_a kind_n of_o interest_n to_o which_o some_o man_n direct_v all_o their_o action_n i_o be_o very_a well_o persuade_v that_o man_n may_v out_o of_o a_o capricious_a fancy_n ascribe_v the_o best_a action_n to_o pride_n and_o give_v the_o name_n of_o hypocrisy_n to_o the_o most_o sincere_a virtue_n for_o what_o can_v put_v a_o stop_n to_o the_o continual_a roving_n of_o a_o soul_n that_o endeavour_n only_o to_o raise_v doubt_n and_o scruple_n but_o then_o i_o also_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v such_o visible_a mark_n in_o the_o conduct_n and_o action_n of_o st._n paul_n as_o manifest_o evince_v in_o spite_n of_o incredulity_n that_o his_o virtue_n be_v solid_a and_o his_o self_n denial_n sincere_a but_o this_o i_o hope_v will_v more_o plain_o appear_v by_o the_o follow_a reflection_n we_o need_v but_o a_o very_a indifferent_a knowledge_n of_o man_n heart_n and_o inclination_n to_o know_v that_o as_o there_o be_v two_o different_a state_n into_o which_o man_n may_v fall_v so_o likewise_o there_o be_v two_o different_a sort_n of_o passion_n which_o then_o arise_v in_o the_o soul_n prosperity_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o pride_n with_o all_o the_o other_o vice_n that_o accompany_v it_o poverty_n and_o misery_n that_o of_o covetousness_n with_o all_o that_o be_v consequent_a upon_o it_o not_o but_o that_o covetousness_n be_v find_v sometime_o even_o in_o prosperity_n as_o well_o as_o pride_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o misery_n but_o that_o be_v not_o my_o meaning_n i_o only_o will_v say_v that_o prosperity_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o pride_n and_o poverty_n the_o kingdom_n of_o avarice_n because_o a_o man_n that_o be_v
necessity_n in_o persecution_n in_o distress_n for_o christ_n sake_n for_o when_o i_o be_o weak_a then_o be_o i_o strong_a nay_o he_o pretend_v that_o all_o those_o who_o be_v animate_v with_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o he_o be_v can_v forbear_v pious_o rejoice_v in_o their_o suffering_n but_o the_o fruit_n say_v he_o of_o the_o spirit_n be_v loâ—â—_n joy_n peace_n long_o suffer_v gentleness_n goodness_n faitâ—_n meekness_n temperance_n gal._n 5._o 22._o that_o be_v the_o trâ—â—_n character_n of_o a_o christian_n and_o the_o apostle_n desigâ—_n in_o preach_v be_v to_o plant_v these_o virtue_n in_o the_o mindâ—_n of_o man_n but_o let_v we_o see_v further_o some_o other_o mark_n of_o the_o joyfulness_n and_o confidence_n of_o st._n paul_n he_o express_v himself_o after_o this_o manner_n in_o some_o of_o his_o epistle_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 8_o 9_o 10._o we_o be_v trouble_v on_o every_o side_n yet_o not_o distress_v we_o be_v perplex_v but_o not_o in_o despair_n persecute_v but_o not_o forsake_v cast_v down_o but_o not_o destroy_v always_o bear_v about_o in_o the_o body_n the_o die_a of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o the_o life_n also_o of_o jesus_n may_v be_v mde_v manifest_a in_o our_o body_n and_o in_o another_o place_n yea_o and_o if_o i_o be_v offer_v upon_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o your_o faith_n i_o rejoice_v with_o you_o â—ll_v for_o the_o same_o cause_n also_o do_v you_o rejoice_v with_o i_o phil._n 2._o â—7_n from_o whence_o can_v proceed_v those_o motion_n of_o joy_n which_o st._n paul_n so_o natural_o express_v which_o no_o art_n can_v imitate_v which_o run_v through_o all_o his_o epistle_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n and_o which_o seem_v to_o spring_v from_o a_o heart_n which_o not_o be_v able_a to_o contain_v its_o inward_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n open_v and_o â—nlarges_v itself_o and_o break_v forth_o into_o these_o lively_a â—xpressions_n of_o joy_n certain_o such_o sentiment_n as_o these_o can_v never_o spring_v from_o nature_n for_o nature_n send_v forth_o sigh_n â—nd_v groan_n under_o her_o suffering_n the_o stoic_n who_o â—ndeavoured_v to_o stifle_v her_o innocent_a complaint_n preâ—ended_v that_o a_o man_n may_v overcome_v himself_o to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o preserve_v his_o mind_n serene_a and_o calm_a in_o â—he_n midst_n of_o torment_n but_o the_o stoic_n never_o go_v â—o_o far_o as_o to_o believe_v that_o joy_n can_v spring_v out_o of_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o bitterness_n of_o affliction_n none_o but_o the_o christian_n can_v ever_o find_v unspeakable_a joy_n and_o comâ—ort_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o sorrow_n who_o be_v that_o â—aul_n then_o that_o have_v thought_n so_o elevate_v only_o a_o impostor_n if_o we_o will_v believe_v the_o incredulous_a by_o â—hat_n strength_n or_o power_n do_v he_o so_o much_o surpass_v the_o virtue_n of_o the_o stoic_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o great_a imposture_n that_o ever_o be_v and_o can_v any_o one_o real_o be_v persuade_v of_o such_o a_o thing_n for_o my_o part_n the_o only_a difficulty_n i_o find_v in_o all_o this_o be_v to_o imagine_v that_o the_o proud_a pretended_a patron_n of_o humane_a reason_n shall_v be_v so_o â—nreasonable_a and_o extravagant_a chap._n xii_o wherein_o we_o further_o examine_v the_o epistle_n of_o st_n paul_n the_o three_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v that_o they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o continual_a repetition_n of_o the_o death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n or_o at_o least_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o essential_o belong_v to_o they_o so_o that_o although_o the_o four_o gospel_n shall_v be_v lose_v still_o the_o substance_n and_o essential_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o write_n of_o st._n paul_n now_o this_o appear_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o almost_o every_o one_o of_o his_o epistle_n concern_v his_o son_n say_v he_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n chap._n 1._o v._n 4._o which_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n by_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o this_o appear_v yet_o more_o express_o in_o several_a other_o place_n as_o in_o the_o 15._o chap._n of_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n v_o 3_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o for_o i_o deliver_v unto_o you_o first_o of_o all_o that_o which_o i_o also_o receive_v how_o that_o christ_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o he_o be_v bury_v and_o that_o he_o rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o thâ—â—_n he_o be_v see_v of_o cephas_n then_o of_o the_o twelve_o after_o thâ—â—_n he_o be_v see_v of_o above_o five_o hundred_o brethren_n at_o once_o of_o who_o the_o great_a part_n remain_v unto_o this_o present_a but_o soâ—â—_n be_v fall_v a_o sleep_n after_o that_o he_o be_v see_v of_o james_n thâ—â—_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o last_o of_o all_o he_o be_v see_v of_o 〈◊〉_d also_o as_o of_o one_o bear_v out_o of_o due_a time_n so_o bold_o do_v this_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ._n he_o do_v not_o only_o say_v in_o general_a term_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v see_v after_o his_o resurrection_n but_o in_o particular_a that_o he_o be_v see_v of_o cephas_n of_o james_n of_o the_o other_o apostle_n and_o of_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v see_v by_o five_o hundred_o brethren_n at_o once_o of_o who_o the_o great_a part_n be_v then_o live_v who_o he_o appeal_v to_o as_o witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v and_o who_o may_v easy_o have_v contradict_v he_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a but_o if_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o people_n real_o see_v jesus_n christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n that_o matter_n of_o fact_n can_v never_o be_v false_a for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o five_o hundred_o three_o hundred_o nay_o fifty_o person_n shall_v maugre_o all_o punishment_n conspire_v together_o to_o maintain_v a_o fiction_n but_o if_o such_o a_o number_n of_o person_n neither_o see_v nor_o certify_v they_o have_v see_v christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n how_o shall_v st._n paul_n have_v presume_v to_o write_v this_o to_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n who_o see_v and_o converse_v with_o the_o apostle_n must_v have_v know_v the_o certainty_n of_o it_o how_o dare_v he_o name_v those_o who_o he_o pretend_v that_o jesus_n christ_n appear_v to_o after_o his_o resurrection_n how_o great_a be_v his_o boldness_n to_o assign_v so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o witness_n of_o that_o truth_n and_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v still_o live_v how_o come_v he_o to_o speak_v of_o it_o slight_o by_o the_o way_n or_o only_o as_o a_o thing_n universal_o know_v he_o tell_v it_o but_o not_o with_o any_o turn_n of_o wit_n or_o fineness_n of_o expression_n which_o impostor_n use_v to_o varnish_v over_o a_o specious_a lie_n who_o use_v the_o more_o art_n and_o insinuation_n the_o more_o incredible_a the_o thing_n be_v they_o will_v induce_v man_n to_o believe_v but_o why_o shall_v not_o he_o bold_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n since_o as_o he_o pretend_v the_o holy_a ghost_n evident_o bare_a record_n of_o it_o in_o a_o word_n st._n paul_n speak_v in_o his_o epistle_n of_o miraculous_a gift_n as_o of_o a_o thing_n universal_o know_v he_o call_v they_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o sometime_o only_a the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o that_o shall_v attempt_v to_o cut_v off_o from_o his_o epistle_n every_o place_n wherein_o he_o menâ—ions_v they_o will_v certain_o take_v away_o the_o most_o considerable_a part_n of_o they_o to_o one_o say_v he_o be_v give_v â—he_n spirit_n the_o gift_n of_o wisdom_n to_o another_o the_o gift_n of_o knowledge_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n to_o another_o faith_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n to_o another_o the_o gift_n of_o heal_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n to_o another_o the_o work_n of_o miracle_n to_o another_o prophecy_n to_o another_o discern_v of_o spirit_n to_o another_o divers_a kind_n of_o tongue_n but_o all_o these_o work_v that_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o spirit_n divide_v to_o every_o man_n several_o as_o he_o will_v 1_o cor._n 12._o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o you_o see_v how_o st._n paul_n cursory_o mention_n this_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o uncontested_a experience_n mean_a while_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o we_o have_v not_o to_o do_v with_o one_o single_a gift_n but_o several_a miraculous_a gift_n in_o which_o there_o be_v no_o artifice_n or_o illusion_n for_o though_o it_o may_v be_v pretend_v that_o some_o certain_a people_n have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o although_o those_o very_a people_n shall_v
considerable_a number_n of_o they_o at_o rome_n under_o the_o emperor_n claud._n claudius_n cesar_n as_o it_o appear_v more_o at_o large_a by_o the_o history_n of_o suetonius_n it_o must_v therefore_o be_v out_o of_o policy_n that_o josephus_n make_v no_o mention_n of_o they_o and_o we_o can_v never_o suspect_v he_o of_o have_v have_v a_o design_n to_o conceal_v by_o his_o silence_n those_o impostor_n which_o arise_v among_o the_o jew_n because_o he_o speak_v of_o all_o the_o rest_n nor_o to_o spare_v the_o shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o his_o own_o nation_n because_o he_o so_o particular_o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o discover_v the_o fury_n and_o lewdness_n of_o that_o people_n let_v any_o one_o thorough_o consider_v all_o these_o thing_n and_o he_o will_v then_o necessary_o confess_v that_o the_o silence_n of_o josephus_n which_o be_v occasion_v mere_o by_o policy_n can_v but_o be_v very_o advantageous_a to_o our_o cause_n vi_o but_o last_o it_o be_v object_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o frequent_a than_o to_o see_v some_o man_n endeavour_v to_o make_v other_o believe_v those_o miracle_n as_o be_v never_o in_o be_v it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v how_o strange_o people_n have_v always_o be_v infatuate_v in_o this_o respect_n and_o what_o a_o easy_a matter_n it_o be_v to_o impose_v 13._o upon_o they_o tacitus_n relate_v that_o vespasian_n be_v one_o day_n at_o alexandria_n he_o heal_v two_o blind_a man_n and_o that_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n will_v have_v be_v altogether_o incredible_a hadnot_v the_o whole_a court_n be_v a_o eye-witness_n to_o it_o we_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a vespasian_n be_v willing_a to_o be_v think_v to_o have_v do_v some_o miracle_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o prophecy_n which_o seem_v to_o promise_v he_o the_o empire_n of_o the_o world_n according_a to_o the_o false_a application_n josephus_n have_v make_v of_o they_o to_o his_o person_n he_o be_v at_o first_o well_o enough_o please_v to_o see_v that_o jew_n flatter_v he_o by_o such_o a_o agreeable_a prediction_n but_o be_v sometime_o after_o come_v to_o alexandria_n and_o perceive_v that_o his_o concern_v successful_o go_v on_o he_o think_v it_o behove_v he_o to_o persuade_v the_o people_n that_o he_o be_v call_v to_o the_o empire_n by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o doubtless_o with_o that_o design_n he_o command_v two_o man_n that_o counterfeit_a blindness_n to_o be_v bring_v unto_o he_o on_o purpose_n to_o work_v upon_o they_o a_o false_a miracle_n but_o give_v this_o objection_n a_o great_a latitude_n i_o answer_v that_o there_o be_v no_o miracle_n whatever_o but_o what_o i_o very_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a and_o which_o appear_v to_o i_o past_o all_o contradiction_n if_o they_o have_v those_o ten_o character_n which_o any_o one_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n i._o if_o they_o be_v as_o the_o former_a foretell_v in_o the_o ancient_a oracle_n ii_o if_o they_o be_v very_o frequent_a very_o numerous_a various_a and_o evident_a iii_o if_o the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v a_o simple_a and_o disinterest_v sort_n of_o people_n who_o in_o all_o appearance_n have_v neither_o malice_n enough_o to_o have_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v nor_o understanding_n enough_o to_o have_v the_o power_n to_o do_v it_o nor_o boldness_n to_o undertake_v it_o nor_o credit_n to_o maintain_v it_o iv._o if_o those_o miracle_n be_v so_o try_v by_o the_o prudence_n and_o industry_n of_o the_o most_o skilful_a man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o they_o not_o be_v able_a altogether_o to_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o refer_v they_o to_o several_a odd_a and_o extravagant_a cause_n v._o if_o there_o be_v a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o witness_n who_o die_v and_o rejoice_v to_o die_v in_o the_o testimony_n not_o that_o they_o only_o hear_v of_o they_o but_o that_o they_o both_o see_v and_o work_v they_o themselves_o vi_o if_o the_o end_n of_o those_o miracle_n be_v not_o to_o satisfy_v man_n passion_n or_o loose_a desire_n but_o to_o sanctify_v their_o heart_n and_o regulate_v their_o manner_n vii_o if_o those_o person_n which_o both_o testify_v and_o admit_v of_o they_o seem_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n to_o aim_v at_o nothing_o else_o but_o their_o own_o salvation_n and_o that_o of_o their_o brethren_n and_o on_o the_o other_o if_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o their_o salvation_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o imposture_n and_o deceit_n viii_o if_o those_o who_o testify_v they_o proffer_v to_o do_v the_o like_a if_o they_o pretend_v themselves_o able_a to_o impart_v any_o miraculous_a gift_n to_o other_o and_o if_o by_o the_o help_n of_o that_o sensible_a mean_n and_o of_o that_o proof_n which_o they_o call_v the_o conviction_n of_o the_o mind_n they_o make_v great_a progress_n than_o ever_o the_o most_o fortunate_a conqueror_n do_v by_o the_o force_n of_o their_o arm_n ix_o if_o those_o who_o refuse_v to_o allow_v of_o all_o these_o miraculous_a matter_n of_o fact_n must_v unavoidable_o fall_v into_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o self_n evident_a contradiction_n as_o for_o instance_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o wise_a among_o man_n be_v the_o most_o foolish_a and_o the_o most_o constant_a the_o most_o deceitful_a x._o if_o all_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v so_o strict_o unite_v to_o one_o another_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o own_o the_o one_o without_o present_o grant_v the_o other_o too_o and_o so_o inseparable_o interweave_v with_o some_o other_o undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n that_o can_v be_v call_v in_o question_n without_o utter_o renounce_v our_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o last_o if_o they_o end_v in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o a_o man_n who_o be_v vain_o seek_v for_o in_o his_o grave_n after_o his_o death_n notwithstanding_o his_o sepulchre_n have_v be_v seal_v and_o surround_v with_o a_o watch_n of_o such_o a_o man_n who_o above_o five_o hundred_o witness_n affirm_v they_o have_v see_v and_o who_o converse_v with_o his_o disciple_n forty_o day_n after_o his_o resurrection_n as_o they_o unanimous_o testify_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o punishment_n inflict_v on_o they_o for_o the_o same_o the_o incredulous_a must_v either_o show_v we_o to_o be_v deceive_v in_o ascribe_v all_o these_o character_n to_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n or_o else_o forbear_v make_v such_o comparison_n chap._n xvi_o where_o we_o further_o examine_v those_o difficulty_n which_o may_v be_v raise_v against_o our_o principle_n those_o who_o regard_v not_o the_o master_n of_o the_o house_n doubtless_o will_v not_o respect_v the_o person_n of_o his_o servant_n the_o incredulous_a no_o doubt_n have_v many_o thing_n to_o object_n against_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o will_v ask_v why_o the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v so_o small_a wherefore_o he_o choose_v they_o so_o poor_a and_o ignorant_a since_o your_o famous_a teacher_n such_o as_o the_o pharisee_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o stoic_n among_o the_o heathen_n woâ—ld_v have_v probable_o gain_v his_o sect_n more_o credit_n and_o respect_n wherefore_o be_v he_o attend_v with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n nay_o even_o with_o harlot_n and_o last_o why_o shall_v we_o rather_o believe_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o disciple_n concern_v their_o master_n than_o that_o of_o those_o man_n who_o the_o jew_n employ_v to_o signify_v that_o jesus_n a_o galilean_a be_v a_o impostor_n and_o that_o his_o disciple_n have_v take_v away_o his_o body_n by_o night_n from_o the_o sepulchre_n wherein_o he_o have_v be_v lay_v justin_n be_v the_o man_n who_o speak_v of_o those_o choose_v by_o the_o synagogue_n to_o spread_v abroad_o this_o report_n in_o his_o dialogue_n against_o tryphon_n it_o will_v be_v easy_a for_o we_o not_o only_o to_o answer_v all_o their_o objection_n but_o even_o to_o draw_v from_o they_o several_a very_o considerable_a advantage_n to_o our_o cause_n for_o as_o to_o the_o first_o we_o answer_v that_o beside_o the_o twelve_o disciple_n common_o call_v apostle_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v choose_v to_o himself_o in_o the_o beginning_n he_o also_o send_v seventy_o other_o who_o be_v not_o only_a eye-witness_n to_o all_o his_o action_n but_o also_o the_o very_a instrument_n he_o make_v use_v of_o to_o advance_v his_o kingdom_n that_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n be_v testify_v and_o see_v by_o above_o five_o hundred_o brethren_n at_o once_o and_o that_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n which_o fall_v on_o the_o disciple_n after_o the_o ascension_n of_o their_o master_n and_o the_o miracle_n which_o god_n wrought_v by_o their_o hand_n have_v as_o many_o witness_n as_o their_o be_v people_n that_o believe_v there_o preach_v as_o to_o the_o second_o we_o answer_v that_o the_o choice_n of_o such_o vile_a contemptible_a instrument_n as_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o noble_a design_n be_v one_o of_o
well_o enough_o with_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o the_o vulgar_a but_o here_o that_o a_o man_n die_v a_o death_n proper_a only_o to_o slave_n that_o he_o rise_v again_o and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o can_v not_o easy_o enter_v of_o itself_o into_o any_o man_n mind_n there_o a_o senator_n make_v use_v of_o a_o lie_n to_o free_v the_o senate_n from_o the_o accusation_n of_o have_v murder_v their_o king_n but_o here_o we_o find_v man_n who_o expose_v themselves_o to_o death_n and_o to_o torment_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a more_o insufferable_a than_o death_n itself_o to_o bear_v witness_n of_o that_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o truth_n there_o it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v a_o cunning_a man_n who_o soften_v a_o multitude_n enrage_v for_o the_o murder_n of_o their_o king_n by_o impose_v upon_o their_o beleif_n but_o here_o we_o have_v only_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a person_n who_o by_o their_o testimony_n convince_v even_o the_o most_o obstinate_a among_o the_o learned_a and_o engage_v they_o also_o to_o suffer_v martyrdom_n there_o a_o single_a person_n bare_o affirm_v without_o any_o proof_n that_o romulus_n have_v appear_v to_o he_o here_o we_o have_v such_o witness_n as_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n by_o the_o most_o real_a and_o sensible_a proof_n in_o the_o world_n viz._n the_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n confer_v upon_o they_o and_o which_o they_o themselves_o frequent_o impart_v to_o other_o but_o last_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o we_o see_v now_o a_o day_n certain_a enthusiast_n and_o quaker_n pretend_v themselves_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o reveal_v to_o they_o as_o they_o say_v both_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v and_o believe_v whereas_o all_o man_n of_o sense_n know_v very_o well_o they_o do_v but_o dream_v all_o this_o while_n and_o perhaps_o too_o the_o disciple_n may_v have_v false_o pretend_v they_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o will_v soon_o be_v see_v how_o wretched_o foolish_a and_o trivial_a this_o same_o objection_n be_v if_o it_o be_v only_o consider_v that_o though_o these_o enthusiast_n vain_o boast_v of_o their_o be_v divine_o inspire_v yet_o they_o pretend_v not_o to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n by_o work_v any_o miracle_n or_o speak_v strange_a language_n etc._n etc._n they_o think_v themselves_o inspire_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o doctrine_n only_o and_o since_o they_o common_o speak_v in_o the_o stile_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o they_o have_v continual_o before_o their_o eye_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o wonder_v at_o their_o take_n for_o a_o inspiration_n a_o continual_a repetition_n of_o that_o they_o have_v so_o often_o read_v over_o but_o the_o apostle_n not_o only_o pretend_v themselves_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o they_o may_v not_o advance_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v orthodox_n and_o conformable_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o they_o affirm_v also_o they_o have_v receive_v some_o supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a gift_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o they_o can_v at_o any_o time_n justify_v by_o their_o work_n and_o if_o you_o shall_v doubt_v it_o you_o need_v only_o observe_v they_o do_v not_o prove_v the_o same_o by_o mere_a speculation_n but_o by_o call_v to_o bear_v witness_n of_o what_o they_o say_v the_o sense_n of_o those_o they_o speak_v to_o nay_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o jew_n themselves_o both_o their_o master_n and_o their_o enemy_n too_o he_o therefore_o be_v say_v they_o by_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n exalt_v have_v shed_v forth_o this_o which_o you_o now_o see_v and_o hear_v act_v 2._o 33._o if_o you_o shall_v doubt_v whether_o st._n peter_n real_o speak_v just_a after_o this_o manner_n to_o the_o jew_n the_o multitude_n of_o those_o proselyte_n convert_v by_o the_o evidence_n of_o this_o demonstration_n and_o a_o whole_a church_n pure_o found_v by_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o same_o will_v sufficient_o warrant_v the_o certainty_n of_o it_o shall_v you_o suppose_v that_o the_o disciple_n deceive_v the_o multitude_n we_o will_v only_o remind_v you_o that_o they_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o several_a learned_a and_o skilful_a adversary_n though_o they_o themselves_o be_v but_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a people_n if_o you_o shall_v imagine_v that_o the_o vulgar_a delight_v in_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v thus_o miserable_o delude_v we_o will_v only_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o faith_n more_o grievous_a or_o terrible_a according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n than_o that_o which_o they_o embrace_v when_o they_o turn_v christian_n that_o it_o high_o concern_v they_o thorough_o to_o examine_v such_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o belief_n of_o which_o oblige_v they_o to_o suffer_v martyrdom_n that_o those_o of_o berea_n who_o daily_o take_v care_n to_o compare_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o know_v whether_o all_o thing_n be_v real_o so_o as_o st._n paul_n have_v tell_v they_o certain_o will_v not_o have_v fail_v to_o consult_v their_o eye_n and_o ear_n to_o be_v assure_v whether_o the_o apostle_n have_v any_o reason_n to_o pretend_v they_o can_v do_v sign_n and_o wonder_n this_o latter_a examination_n be_v more_o sure_a and_o easy_a than_o the_o former_a that_o it_o be_v not_o once_o or_o twice_o only_o st._n paul_n boast_v of_o have_v make_v himself_o know_v by_o many_o sign_n miracle_n and_o wonder_n wrought_v by_o he_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o those_o he_o write_v his_o exhortation_n to_o that_o every_o one_o of_o his_o epistle_n be_v full_a of_o declaration_n of_o this_o kind_n or_o of_o those_o thing_n visible_o relate_v thereunto_o that_o he_o derive_v both_o his_o argument_n and_o the_o motive_n of_o his_o exhortation_n from_o that_o undeniable_o know_a effusion_n of_o the_o supernatural_a grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n certain_o no_o man_n can_v imagine_v st._n paul_n so_o senseless_a as_o to_o write_v to_o the_o corinthian_n in_o these_o word_n wherefore_o brethren_n covet_v to_o prophecy_n and_o forbid_v not_o to_o speak_v with_o tongue_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 19_o suppose_v those_o gift_n have_v not_o be_v actual_o visible_a in_o the_o church_n nor_o will_v he_o have_v take_v so_o much_o care_n to_o remedy_v those_o disorder_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o abuse_n of_o those_o miraculous_a gift_n as_o we_o have_v already_o observe_v he_o do_v neither_o will_v he_o have_v warn_v they_o that_o the_o end_n of_o prophesy_v be_v to_o edify_v the_o faithful_a but_o that_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n as_o be_v miraculous_a be_v to_o convince_v the_o incredulous_a last_o he_o will_v never_o have_v undertake_v to_o correct_v the_o disorder_n of_o man_n who_o value_v those_o extraordinary_a gift_n more_o than_o charity_n itself_o as_o we_o see_v he_o do_v when_o he_o observe_v that_o whether_o there_o be_v prophecy_n they_o shall_v fail_v whether_o there_o be_v language_n they_o shall_v cease_v but_o that_o charity_n do_v never_o fail_v but_o we_o may_v easy_o see_v by_o his_o word_n how_o full_o he_o be_v persuade_v of_o these_o thing_n he_o have_v so_o great_a a_o admiration_n for_o so_o many_o miracle_n sign_n and_o wonderful_a work_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n wrought_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n that_o he_o know_v not_o well_o what_o suitable_a name_n to_o give_v to_o that_o divine_a principle_n sometime_o he_o call_v it_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 7._o sometime_o the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n eph._n 1._o 19_o sometime_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n eph._n 6._o 10._o all_o which_o expression_n be_v to_o the_o full_a as_o natural_a as_o they_o be_v strong_a and_o discover_v to_o we_o beyond_o all_o the_o argument_n in_o the_o world_n the_o idea_n st._n paul_n have_v of_o those_o miraculous_a gift_n and_o consequent_o that_o too_o which_o we_o ourselves_o ought_v to_o have_v of_o they_o section_n iii_o wherein_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o carry_v even_o to_o a_o demonstration_n the_o proof_n draw_v from_o the_o external_a evidence_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o inward_a sense_n we_o have_v of_o they_o chap._n i._n of_o the_o natural_a temper_n disposition_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o disciple_n and_o what_o sort_n of_o prejudices_fw-la they_o be_v possess_v with_o when_o jesus_n christ_n manifest_v himself_o to_o they_o we_o can_v better_o discover_v what_o impression_n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o gospel_n may_v have_v or_o aught_o to_o have_v wrought_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o disciple_n than_o by_o consider_v what_o sort_n of_o prejudices_fw-la they_o be_v till_o then_o possess_v with_o we_o shall_v therefore_o begin_v this_o three_o section_n with_o the_o examination_n of_o
he_o when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o so_o well_o have_v prepare_v himself_o for_o death_n as_o to_o have_v institute_v a_o sacrament_n for_o a_o commemoration_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n his_o complain_n that_o his_o heavenly_a father_n have_v forsake_v he_o whilst_o he_o promise_v heaven_n to_o a_o thief_n that_o glorify_v he_o upon_o the_o cross_n a_o hundred_o other_o mysterious_a contrariety_n there_o be_v which_o divine_a providence_n inspire_v the_o evangelist_n to_o write_v against_o their_o profess_a opinion_n against_o the_o bias_n of_o their_o passion_n and_o their_o natural_a idea_n that_o their_o gospel_n may_v have_v a_o more_o extraordinary_a and_o more_o divine_a character_n but_o these_o be_v not_o the_o circumstance_n i_o mean_v when_o i_o speak_v of_o such_o extraordinary_a one_o in_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o disciple_n will_v not_o have_v forge_v if_o they_o can_v by_o they_o i_o mean_v all_o the_o sensible_a and_o extraordinary_a miracle_n which_o christ_n himself_o wrought_v and_o his_o disciple_n have_v relate_v to_o we_o and_o these_o i_o say_v the_o disciple_n will_v not_o invent_v have_v they_o be_v false_a which_o i_o prove_v by_o these_o two_o invincible_a argument_n first_o that_o by_o their_o relate_v they_o and_o above_o all_o their_o mention_v both_o place_n and_o person_n as_o it_o appear_v they_o have_v do_v they_o manifest_o engage_v themselves_o both_o to_o maintain_v and_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o certain_o they_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o they_o they_o who_o so_o very_o well_o knâ—w_v how_o difficult_a it_o have_v be_v for_o they_o to_o escape_v free_a when_o their_o master_n himself_o be_v put_v to_o death_n they_o know_v they_o shall_v be_v compel_v to_o maintain_v what_o they_o have_v thus_o affirm_v and_o they_o know_v also_o they_o can_v never_o be_v able_a to_o defend_v their_o imposture_n if_o they_o shall_v by_o chance_n be_v confront_v with_o the_o witness_n they_o mention_v and_o all_o this_o be_v no_o very_o hard_a thing_n for_o any_o one_o to_o foresee_v a_o man_n though_o not_o over-wise_a may_v easy_o presage_v these_o thing_n and_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o he_o be_v in_o his_o sense_n to_o make_v he_o cautious_a of_o advance_v such_o matter_n as_o he_o think_v himself_o incapable_a to_o maintain_v the_o falsehood_n of_o which_o will_v be_v present_o discover_v by_o the_o very_a witness_n he_o mention_n by_o the_o place_n he_o set_v down_o and_o the_o other_o circumstance_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n he_o thus_o expose_v to_o public_a view_n 2._o the_o second_o argument_n which_o prove_v that_o the_o evangelist_n will_v never_o have_v forge_v the_o like_a matter_n of_o fact_n suppose_v they_o have_v be_v altogether_o false_a be_v that_o by_o counterfeit_v they_o they_o necessary_o render_v themselves_o liable_a to_o be_v put_v to_o a_o great_a confusion_n when_o they_o shall_v find_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o perform_v the_o very_a same_o miracle_n for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v very_o natural_a for_o any_o one_o to_o say_v to_o they_o thus_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o your_o master_n have_v wrought_v so_o many_o strange_a miracle_n sure_o he_o have_v also_o give_v you_o power_n to_o do_v the_o like_v yourselves_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o first_o thing_n they_o teach_v be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v send_v they_o abroad_o with_o power_n to_o perform_v the_o very_a same_o work_v he_o have_v do_v it_o be_v no_o time_n therefore_o to_o use_v shift_n or_o stand_v doubt_v and_o shuffle_n they_o be_v oblige_v either_o to_o suppress_v what_o they_o know_v concern_v the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n or_o to_o perform_v the_o same_o themselves_o christ_n himself_o when_o he_o send_v they_o to_o preach_v in_o the_o different_a part_n of_o judea_n command_v they_o say_v heal_n the_o sick_a cleanse_v the_o leper_n raise_v the_o dead_a cast_v out_o devil_n free_o you_o have_v receive_v free_o give_v matth._n 10._o 8._o and_o these_o be_v the_o character_n he_o give_v of_o the_o call_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o these_o sign_n shall_v follow_v they_o that_o believe_v in_o my_o name_n shall_v they_o cast_v out_o devil_n they_o shall_v speak_v with_o new_a tongue_n they_o shall_v take_v up_o serpent_n and_o if_o they_o drink_v any_o deadly_a thing_n it_o shall_v not_o hurt_v they_o they_o shall_v lay_v hand_n on_o the_o sick_a and_o they_o shall_v recover_v etc._n etc._n and_o they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_o the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o and_o comfirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n etc._n etc._n mark_v 16._o 17_o 18_o 20._o thus_o it_o appear_v they_o can_v not_o well_o relate_v what_o jesus_n christ_n have_v do_v without_o at_o the_o same_o time_n publish_v what_o they_o themselves_o be_v oblige_v to_o perform_v for_o the_o further_a confirmation_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o they_o do_v not_o relate_v the_o least_o miracle_n without_o at_o the_o same_o time_n affirm_v they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v the_o like_a it_o must_v therefore_o certain_o be_v one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n either_o that_o those_o man_n have_v utter_o lose_v their_o reason_n or_o that_o they_o sincere_o believe_v the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v they_o think_v they_o to_o be_v false_a they_o will_v neither_o have_v engage_v themselves_o to_o maintain_v a_o unwarrantable_a fiction_n by_o set_v down_o so_o many_o circumstance_n more_o than_o sufficient_a to_o discover_v the_o real_a truth_n of_o it_o nor_o have_v render_v themselves_o liable_a to_o shame_n and_o confusion_n by_o relate_v such_o miracle_n they_o be_v not_o able_a so_o much_o as_o to_o imitate_v at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o they_o profess_v themselves_o absolute_o capable_a of_o do_v every_o thing_n their_o master_n himself_o have_v do_v thus_o it_o appear_v to_o we_o that_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v such_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o the_o disciple_n have_v neither_o the_o boldness_n the_o power_n nor_o the_o will_n to_o counterfeit_v suppose_v they_o never_o have_v be_v do_v and_o i_o think_v this_o enough_o to_o convince_v we_o in_o this_o respect_n and_o to_o make_v we_o look_v upon_o those_o miracle_n which_o have_v illustrate_v the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o a_o centre_n of_o truth_n that_o will_v infallible_o persuade_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christanity_n we_o profess_v chap._n iii_o the_o second_o centre_n of_o truth_n a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v speak_v of_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n we_o come_v now_o to_o his_o resurrection_n a_o event_n which_o ought_v chief_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o connexion_n it_o have_v with_o those_o miracle_n for_o if_o this_o resurrection_n be_v true_a without_o dispute_v those_o miracle_n be_v so_o too_o and_o if_o those_o miracle_n be_v true_a one_o can_v easy_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n now_o to_o take_v away_o all_o scruple_n that_o may_v arise_v in_o our_o mind_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v but_o reflect_v a_o while_n upon_o christ_n himself_o upon_o the_o jewish_a doctor_n who_o use_v all_o possible_a care_n and_o precaution_n to_o prevent_v so_o much_o as_o a_o report_n after_o his_o death_n that_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o watch_n appoint_v to_o guard_v his_o sepulchre_n upon_o the_o procedure_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o discourse_n of_o all_o the_o disciple_n in_o general_a and_o last_o upon_o that_o ready_a disposition_n of_o mind_n find_v in_o a_o great_a number_n of_o jew_n to_o embrace_v christianity_n aâ—_n jerusalem_n a_o few_o week_n after_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o at_o a_o time_n when_o nothing_o can_v be_v easy_a than_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n as_o for_o jesus_n christ_n the_o evangelist_n unanimous_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o have_v several_a time_n foretell_v his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n to_o his_o disciple_n nay_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o those_o very_a prediction_n be_v oftentimes_o intermix_v either_o with_o such_o circumstance_n as_o do_v not_o easy_o of_o themselves_o enter_v into_o any_o man_n mind_n or_o with_o those_o which_o seem_v to_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o relation_n one_o with_o another_o which_o prove_v that_o they_o can_v be_v the_o imaginary_a conceit_n of_o a_o pleasant_a fancy_n that_o delight_n in_o the_o invention_n of_o fable_n it_o be_v very_o improbable_a that_o the_o evangelist_n shall_v have_v invent_v the_o discourse_n of_o jesus_n christ_n with_o st._n peter_n concern_v the_o suffering_n that_o shall_v certain_o besall_n he_o at_o his_o go_v
incapable_a of_o illusion_n and_o deceit_n at_o least_o with_o respect_n to_o those_o who_o wrought_v they_o jesus_n christ_n can_v never_o imagine_v that_o he_o have_v fill_v five_o thousand_o man_n at_o one_o time_n three_o thousand_o at_o another_o that_o he_o have_v raise_v to_o life_n the_o widow_n son_n of_o naim_n the_o daughter_n of_o jairus_n and_o lazarus_n of_o bethany_n that_o he_o have_v make_v st._n peter_n walk_v upon_o the_o sea_n etc._n etc._n if_o all_o these_o thing_n have_v not_o real_o be_v true_a no_o one_o sure_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o jesus_n christ_n foretell_v his_o resurrection_n if_o he_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o account_n only_o that_o the_o jewish_a doctor_n appoint_v a_o watch_n to_o guard_v his_o sepulchre_n and_o command_v the_o stone_n of_o it_o to_o be_v seal_v sir_n we_o remember_v say_v they_o to_o pilate_n that_o that_o deceiver_n say_v while_o he_o be_v yet_o alive_a after_o three_o day_n i_o will_v rise_v again_o command_v therefore_o that_o the_o sepulchre_n be_v make_v sure_a until_o the_o three_o day_n lest_o his_o disciple_n come_v by_o night_n and_o steal_v he_o away_o and_o say_v unto_o the_o people_n he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a so_o the_o last_o error_n shall_v be_v worse_o than_o the_o first_o pilate_n say_v unto_o they_o you_o have_v a_o watch_n go_v your_o way_n make_v it_o as_o sure_a as_o you_o can_v so_o they_o go_v and_o make_v the_o sepulchre_n sure_a seal_v the_o stone_n and_o set_v a_o watch_n mat._n 27._o 63_o 64_o 65_o 66._o this_o be_v such_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o the_o disciple_n can_v not_o dare_v not_o invent_v against_o the_o public_a knowledge_n every_o body_n have_v of_o it_o and_o which_o beside_o agree_v very_o well_o with_o the_o other_o circumstance_n of_o that_o event_n for_o how_o come_v that_o report_n to_o be_v spread_v in_o jerusalem_n that_o the_o watch_v sleep_v when_o the_o disciple_n take_v away_o the_o body_n of_o jesus_n have_v they_o not_o real_o set_v a_o watch_n to_o guard_v his_o sepulchre_n and_o what_o necessity_n be_v there_o to_o appoint_v a_o watch_n to_o guard_v it_o have_v it_o not_o be_v to_o hinder_v the_o disciple_n from_o report_v abroad_o that_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o if_o christ_n real_o believe_v that_o he_o shall_v rise_v again_o he_o can_v not_o have_v believe_v it_o but_o upon_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o miracle_n neither_o can_v he_o have_v believe_v his_o miracle_n to_o be_v true_a have_v they_o be_v false_a thus_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o connexion_n of_o all_o those_o circumstance_n if_o narrow_o consider_v form_n as_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o a_o moral_a demonstration_n which_o can_v but_o thorough_o convince_v any_o just_a and_o reasonable_a man._n but_o let_v we_o not_o slight_o pass_v over_o that_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o have_v see_v what_o christ_n think_v concern_v his_o resurrection_n let_v we_o next_o consider_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n concern_v it_o and_o the_o report_n the_o soldier_n make_v that_o be_v appoint_v to_o guard_v this_o sepulchre_n for_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o circumstance_n may_v give_v we_o some_o light_n in_o the_o discovery_n of_o that_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o most_o important_a and_o the_o most_o essential_a that_o ever_o be_v or_o ever_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o scribes_z and_o pharisee_n and_o general_o every_o member_n of_o the_o sanhedrin_n be_v instigate_v by_o the_o very_a same_o spirit_n that_o have_v induce_v they_o to_o put_v jesus_n christ_n to_o death_n be_v in_o a_o great_a apprehension_n lest_o his_o disciple_n shall_v take_v away_o his_o body_n and_o afterward_o report_v abroad_o that_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a we_o may_v judge_v how_o much_o they_o think_v it_o for_o their_o interest_n to_o prevent_v it_o by_o the_o attempt_v they_o have_v already_o make_v to_o put_v he_o to_o death_n and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o since_o the_o sepulchre_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v to_o have_v be_v guard_v but_o three_o day_n they_o take_v all_o care_n imaginable_a before_o hand_n for_o fear_v the_o watch_n through_o negligence_n or_o otherwise_o shall_v have_v suffer_v that_o body_n to_o be_v take_v away_o which_o it_o so_o mighty_o behove_v they_o to_o keep_v in_o their_o custody_n but_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o event_n of_o all_o this_o the_o soldier_n that_o watch_v the_o body_n can_v not_o hinder_v it_o from_o rise_v out_o of_o its_o sepulchre_n how_o so_o be_v it_o because_o they_o be_v afraid_a or_o be_v they_o bribe_v not_o to_o discover_v the_o business_n have_v they_o be_v bribe_v one_o may_v very_o well_o imagine_v it_o be_v not_o in_o behalf_n of_o the_o disciple_n that_o they_o will_v run_v the_o hazard_n of_o lose_v their_o life_n for_o their_o negligence_n or_o treachery_n what_o then_o be_v they_o afraid_a but_o how_o can_v the_o watch_n prove_v so_o fearful_a and_o the_o disciple_n on_o a_o sudden_a so_o courageous_a as_o to_o attempt_v the_o take_v away_o the_o dead_a body_n of_o one_o from_o who_o they_o have_v so_o late_o flee_v while_o he_o be_v yet_o alive_a beside_o how_o can_v those_o soldier_n have_v report_v such_o thing_n as_o they_o do_v without_o manifest_o contradict_v themselves_o for_o if_o they_o be_v asleep_a how_o do_v they_o know_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n have_v take_v away_o his_o body_n but_o why_o do_v not_o the_o sanhedrin_n for_o their_o own_o honour_n and_o the_o respect_n they_o bear_v to_o the_o truth_n put_v all_o those_o soldier_n to_o the_o rack_n and_o if_o that_o thought_n come_v not_o present_o into_o their_o head_n be_v it_o not_o natural_a to_o think_v they_o will_v have_v do_v it_o when_o they_o find_v awhile_o after_o all_o jerusalem_n inclinable_a to_o believe_v in_o that_o crucify_a man_n and_o that_o about_o six_o thousand_o soul_n have_v already_o believe_v in_o he_o in_o one_o day_n and_o that_o too_o but_o fifty_o day_n after_o his_o death_n certain_o the_o soldier_n that_o watch_v his_o body_n be_v still_o at_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o sanhedrin_n have_v still_o the_o same_o power_n and_o authority_n as_o before_o it_o high_o concern_v they_o to_o punish_v the_o negligence_n of_o those_o soldier_n or_o make_v they_o confess_v the_o secret_a of_o their_o perfidy_n and_o who_o it_o be_v that_o suborn_v they_o i_o say_v it_o high_o concern_v they_o to_o make_v that_o strict_a examination_n both_o to_o justify_v their_o own_o procedure_n and_o prevent_v the_o utter_a loss_n of_o almost_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n that_o have_v already_o side_v with_o the_o disciple_n of_o that_o pretend_a impostor_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o when_o on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n that_o be_v fifty_o day_n after_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o apostle_n show_v themselves_o in_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o testify_v there_o that_o they_o have_v see_v he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o after_o he_o have_v several_a time_n appear_v to_o they_o and_o be_v go_v up_o into_o heaven_n he_o have_v pour_v down_o upon_o they_o the_o miraculous_a and_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n why_o do_v not_o the_o sanhedrin_n then_o who_o be_v so_o high_o concern_v in_o discover_v the_o author_n of_o the_o take_v away_o the_o body_n of_o jesus_n christ_n i_o say_v why_o do_v they_o not_o seize_v upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o so_o make_v they_o confess_v how_o all_o thing_n have_v happen_v why_o do_v they_o not_o confront_v they_o with_o the_o watch_n why_o do_v they_o not_o cast_v joseph_n of_o arimathea_n and_o those_o man_n in_o prison_n till_o they_o have_v make_v they_o confess_v what_o be_v become_v of_o that_o body_n as_o also_o every_o other_o circumstance_n of_o their_o imposture_n it_o be_v already_o very_o unlikely_a that_o if_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n have_v come_v by_o night_n and_o have_v steal_v his_o body_n away_o they_o dare_v have_v show_v themselves_o and_o appear_v in_o public_a nay_o immediate_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v his_o disciple_n it_o be_v much_o more_o credible_a they_o will_v have_v hide_v themselves_o after_o such_o a_o action_n and_o that_o if_o they_o preach_v at_o all_o it_o will_v have_v be_v to_o people_n more_o remote_a and_o not_o in_o jerusalem_n the_o very_a place_n where_o those_o thing_n have_v happen_v nor_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o that_o very_a sanhedrin_n they_o be_v so_o much_o afraid_a of_o and_o have_v so_o much_o offend_v why_o then_o do_v not_o the_o sanhedrin_n take_v the_o ordinary_a method_n make_v use_v of_o to_o discover_v criminal_n they_o be_v very_o ready_a by_o threat_n torment_n and_o persecution_n to_o oblige_v the_o apostle_n not_o to_o preach_v up_o the_o name_n of_o
man_n will_v conceive_v or_o endeavour_v to_o put_v in_o practice_n it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a to_o find_v any_o man_n so_o much_o a_o enemy_n to_o himself_o as_o willing_o to_o lose_v his_o quiet_a his_o liberty_n friend_n relation_n and_o all_o his_o acquaintance_n only_o to_o assert_v and_o defend_v a_o lie_n that_o must_v unavoidable_o be_v attend_v by_o such_o fatal_a and_o sorrowful_a consequence_n for_o nature_n be_v not_o insensible_a of_o grief_n and_o pain_n as_o she_o be_v expose_v to_o grief_n and_o suffering_n so_o when_o she_o suffer_v it_o be_v with_o reluctance_n complaint_n sigh_n and_o tear_n she_o can_v accustom_v herself_o to_o bear_v slight_o contempt_n or_o infamy_n nothing_o disturb_v and_o exasperate_v she_o more_o nothing_o make_v she_o more_o impatient_a than_o mortification_n and_o disgrace_n how_o then_o be_v it_o possible_a so_o great_a a_o company_n of_o people_n shall_v on_o a_o sudden_a renounce_v all_o those_o inviolable_a sentiment_n of_o nature_n which_o no_o violence_n can_v root_v out_o on_o purpose_n to_o maintain_v that_o they_o have_v see_v a_o thing_n which_o they_o real_o never_o see_v this_o be_v a_o consideration_n that_o can_v be_v too_o often_o repeat_v last_o it_o be_v such_o a_o design_n as_o be_v not_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v for_o to_o maintain_v a_o imposture_n with_o such_o constancy_n as_o the_o disciple_n do_v be_v such_o a_o piece_n of_o extraordinary_a courage_n as_o be_v above_o the_o nature_n or_o power_n of_o man._n a_o impostor_n that_o think_v and_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v one_o who_o mind_n tell_v he_o that_o he_o act_v contrary_a to_o his_o natural_a sentiment_n can_v go_v long_o undiscovered_a he_o be_v seize_v with_o remorse_n and_o his_o conscience_n be_v awaken_v he_o tremble_v and_o unwary_o discover_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n upon_o the_o least_o danger_n he_o meet_v with_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o confess_v the_o whole_a cheat_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v 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the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o other_o perhaps_o it_o be_v their_o mistake_n if_o you_o will_v have_v it_o so_o but_o that_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n i_o now_o contend_v about_o whether_o they_o be_v mistake_v indeed_o or_o not_o still_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o unless_o they_o have_v sincere_o believe_v that_o mistake_v or_o that_o profess_a opinion_n they_o dare_v never_o have_v make_v such_o promise_n it_o be_v plain_a enough_o that_o a_o man_n who_o do_v not_o think_v within_o himself_o that_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v never_o promise_v to_o impart_v they_o to_o other_o now_o i_o will_v desire_v the_o reader_n careful_o to_o consider_v this_o last_o principle_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o give_v a_o invincible_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n in_o a_o word_n if_o the_o
neither_o be_v it_o because_o of_o his_o extraordinary_a piety_n for_o moses_n call_v the_o meek_a of_o man_n be_v without_o doubt_n in_o that_o equal_a to_o he_o it_o be_v then_o because_o of_o the_o advantage_n he_o enjoy_v both_o in_o see_v and_o hear_v the_o messiah_n but_o how_o come_v our_o saviour_n to_o add_v that_o the_o least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v great_a than_o he_o must_v we_o understand_v by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o kingdom_n of_o which_o john_n himself_o say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v at_o hand_n be_v it_o not_o rather_o because_o john_n see_v none_o of_o all_o the_o wonder_n of_o that_o kingdom_n which_o the_o least_o of_o christ_n disciple_n have_v see_v which_o indeed_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o our_o saviour_n tell_v they_o bless_a be_v your_o eye_n for_o they_o see_v and_o your_o ear_n for_o they_o hear_v for_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o many_o prophet_n and_o righteous_a man_n have_v desire_v to_o see_v those_o 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history_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n shall_v tell_v we_o also_o some_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v at_o first_o view_n easy_o comprehend_v though_o they_o have_v a_o true_a and_o reasonable_a meaning_n on_o purpose_n to_o make_v we_o understand_v that_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a those_o obscure_a and_o difficult_a say_n ascribe_v to_o he_o by_o they_o shall_v come_v of_o themselves_o into_o their_o thought_n have_v not_o he_o real_o speak_v they_o so_o consequent_o it_o can_v never_o be_v suppose_v that_o those_o man_n shall_v have_v forge_v the_o history_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n or_o their_o discourse_n with_o he_o after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a as_o for_o instance_n these_o word_n which_o he_o speak_v to_o mary_n touch_v i_o not_o for_o i_o be_o not_o yet_o ascend_v to_o my_o father_n john_n 20._o 17._o we_o can_v make_v almost_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o such_o remark_n as_o these_o which_o though_o they_o can_v come_v up_o to_o a_o evident_a 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pure_o upon_o probable_a reason_n though_o never_o so_o probable_a and_o sufficient_a of_o themselves_o to_o form_v a_o true_a and_o perfect_a demonstration_n when_o join_v together_o i_o therefore_o proceed_v to_o that_o which_o be_v in_o itself_o whole_o demonstrative_a now_o the_o whole_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n depend_v upon_o this_o argument_n namely_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n sincere_o believe_v his_o miracle_n resurrection_n ascension_n and_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v most_o certain_o true_a we_o have_v already_o give_v a_o invincible_a proof_n of_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o argument_n by_o show_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o disciple_n shall_v have_v be_v impose_v upon_o in_o all_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o though_o they_o may_v have_v be_v deceive_v in_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o his_o resurrection_n that_o though_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v impose_v upon_o in_o his_o resurrection_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o his_o ascension_n and_o that_o though_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v deceive_v in_o his_o ascension_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o be_v so_o too_o in_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n that_o they_o know_v by_o inward_a sense_n and_o continual_a experience_n i_o prove_v also_o the_o principle_n of_o this_o argument_n viz._n that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n sincere_o believe_v all_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n by_o the_o same_o gradation_n i_o say_v then_o that_o the_o disciple_n can_v not_o impose_v upon_o man_n as_o to_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o because_o they_o assert_v they_o at_o the_o expense_n of_o their_o own_o
mankind_n or_o at_o least_o those_o country_n where_o all_o those_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v i_o answer_v first_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o stifle_v or_o conceal_v they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o it_o that_o they_o convert_v a_o infinite_a number_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o that_o too_o in_o a_o very_a short_a time_n second_o there_o be_v several_a external_a cause_n which_o very_o much_o contribute_v towards_o the_o weaken_n the_o impression_n they_o will_v otherwise_o have_v make_v upon_o mankind_n for_o first_o the_o elder_n among_o the_o jew_n endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v to_o persuade_v the_o people_n that_o all_o those_o miracle_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o product_n of_o some_o magic_a power_n or_o a_o kind_n of_o compact_n with_o the_o devil_n second_o those_o that_o be_v in_o power_n be_v so_o much_o exasperate_v against_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n that_o whosoever_o resolve_v to_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n must_v immediate_o prepare_v himself_o to_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o dungeon_n or_o execute_v upon_o a_o scaffold_n nay_o to_o undergo_v if_o possible_a any_o thing_n more_o sorrowful_a and_o fatal_a than_o this_o and_o because_o nothing_o make_v a_o great_a impression_n upon_o man_n than_o to_o see_v punishment_n inflict_v on_o other_o all_o parent_n strict_o charge_v their_o child_n not_o to_o hold_v any_o conversation_n with_o the_o christian_n lest_o they_o shall_v see_v they_o end_v their_o day_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o torment_n nay_o they_o be_v very_o cautious_a and_o strict_a themselves_o in_o avoid_v their_o society_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o keep_v such_o a_o extraordinary_a distance_n from_o the_o christian_n they_o shut_v their_o eye_n and_o stop_v their_o ear_n that_o they_o may_v not_o hear_v their_o word_n nor_o see_v the_o miracle_n which_o they_o perform_v three_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o opinion_n the_o jew_n have_v be_v prepossess_v with_o that_o they_o can_v not_o but_o hate_n and_o avoid_v it_o for_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n become_v a_o scandal_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o be_v treat_v as_o a_o folly_n by_o the_o greek_n last_o the_o christian_a religion_n put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o bondage_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o heathen_n a_o jew_n then_o can_v not_o be_v convert_v to_o christanity_n without_o utter_o renounce_v what_o he_o always_o esteem_v inviolable_a nor_o can_v a_o heathen_a believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n without_o look_v upon_o that_o as_o profane_v which_o he_o think_v before_o most_o sacred_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n speak_v to_o we_o of_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o gospel_n attend_v with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o new_a heaven_n and_o of_o a_o new_a earth_n if_o we_o add_v to_o this_o the_o extraordinary_a care_n the_o jewish_a and_o heathenish_a priest_n and_o the_o 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and_o extravagant_a to_o draw_v any_o further_a consequence_n from_o a_o principle_n which_o prove_v more_o than_o enough_o already_o it_o be_v true_a the_o heathen_a writer_n say_v little_a or_o nothing_o concern_v jesus_n christ_n for_o they_o hardly_o know_v his_o name_n suetonius_n speak_v of_o he_o after_o this_o manner_n judaei_n tumultuati_fw-la sunt_fw-la cresto_n impulsore_fw-la but_o what_o then_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o suetonius_n hardly_o know_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o person_n as_o christ_n or_o that_o he_o be_v not_o real_o call_v christus_fw-la the_o heathen_a author_n you_o see_v relate_v not_o how_o several_a christian_a church_n be_v in_o a_o small_a time_n settle_v at_o rome_n at_o corinth_n at_o ephesus_n at_o sardis_n at_o smirna_n at_o philippi_n at_o thessalonica_n etc._n etc._n but_o must_v it_o follow_v from_o thence_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n certain_o if_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v true_a this_o be_v undoubted_o true_a i_o grant_v indeed_o that_o the_o miracle_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v all_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o may_v be_v doubt_v of_o yet_o we_o may_v at_o least_o affirm_v that_o the_o establishment_n of_o those_o christian_a church_n compose_v of_o such_o man_n as_o believe_v all_o those_o thing_n be_v a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v doubt_v of_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n very_o important_a and_o remarkable_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o mention_v by_o the_o historian_n of_o that_o age_n therefore_o the_o objection_n go_v too_o far_o it_o prove_v too_o much_o and_o so_o consequent_o prove_v nothing_o second_o i_o say_v that_o the_o historian_n of_o those_o time_n have_v so_o ignorant_o treat_v of_o the_o jewish_a affair_n that_o we_o need_v not_o wonder_v they_o appear_v so_o little_o instruct_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o concern_v the_o christian_n who_o they_o suppose_v to_o have_v be_v a_o sect_n belong_v to_o the_o jew_n for_o if_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o history_n those_o author_n compose_v of_o they_o agree_v not_o very_o well_o with_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v but_o compare_v it_o with_o that_o of_o josephus_n and_o we_o may_v clear_o see_v that_o it_o agree_v no_o better_a with_o one_o than_o with_o the_o other_o last_o the_o heathen_a author_n consider_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o a_o kind_n of_o magic_n and_o a_o detestable_a superstition_n which_o aim_v at_o the_o total_a destruction_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o some_o man_n earnest_o endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o pass_v for_o such_o among_o those_o who_o live_v both_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o long_o after_o they_o and_o it_o be_v very_o dangerous_a to_o give_v it_o any_o other_o name_n the_o world_n be_v divide_v between_o the_o friend_n and_o enemy_n of_o christanity_n those_o who_o be_v the_o friend_n of_o it_o profess_v it_o and_o deliver_v not_o only_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n but_o in_o write_v what_o they_o know_v concern_v the_o wonder_n of_o it_o as_o for_o its_o enemy_n they_o neither_o have_v the_o boldness_n power_n or_o will_v to_o write_v ofit_n as_o the_o former_a have_v do_v they_o will_v not_o do_v it_o lest_o they_o shall_v wrong_v their_o own_o cause_n and_o dishonour_v their_o own_o religion_n and_o they_o can_v not_o do_v it_o because_o they_o themselves_o be_v not_o so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o miracle_n of_o christanity_n have_v always_o be_v afraid_a to_o converse_v with_o the_o christian_n and_o esteem_v the_o belief_n of_o those_o man_n a_o very_a sorrowful_a and_o dangerous_a persuasion_n since_o by_o profess_v their_o religion_n they_o be_v sure_a of_o get_v nothing_o but_o torment_n and_o death_n itself_o last_o they_o dare_v not_o presume_v to_o write_v thing_n as_o they_o real_o be_v though_o they_o have_v be_v never_o so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o they_o because_o their_o own_o write_n will_v accuse_v they_o of_o have_v embrace_v christianity_n a_o crime_n which_o be_v so_o severe_o punish_v in_o those_o day_n that_o it_o will_v unavoidable_o have_v bring_v upon_o they_o certain_a death_n and_o ruin_n or_o at_o least_o after_o their_o death_n shame_n and_o infamy_n upon_o their_o family_n but_o three_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v why_o the_o apostle_n who_o have_v power_n to_o heal_v the_o sick_a and_o raise_v the_o dead_a do_v not_o raise_v all_o the_o dead_a to_o life_n again_o nor_o heal_v all_o the_o sick_a that_o be_v in_o judea_n because_o then_o all_o the_o world_n will_v have_v be_v force_v in_o spite_n of_o themselves_o to_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n we_o answer_v that_o this_o question_n be_v much_o like_o what_o the_o murderer_n of_o jesus_n christ_n say_v to_o he_o upon_o the_o cross_n he_o save_v other_o let_v he_o save_v himself_o let_v he_o come_v
down_o from_o the_o cross_n and_o we_o will_v believe_v in_o he_o nay_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v say_v if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n why_o do_v he_o not_o show_v and_o manifest_v himself_o after_o a_o sensible_a manner_n by_o speak_v to_o man_n immediate_o from_o the_o high_a heaven_n and_o than_o they_o will_v all_o be_v force_v in_o spite_n of_o themselves_o to_o acknowledge_v he_o but_o god_n do_v not_o desire_v we_o to_o acknowledge_v he_o against_o our_o own_o inclination_n and_o consequent_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o manifest_v himself_o as_o we_o in_o our_o extravagant_a desire_n will_v have_v he_o but_o as_o it_o seem_v best_a to_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n have_v christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n raise_v all_o the_o dead_a they_o find_v to_o life_n again_o we_o shall_v then_o contrary_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o almighty_a have_v have_v no_o other_o faith_n but_o what_o depend_v entire_o upon_o our_o sense_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o they_o heal_v almost_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o sick_a people_n and_o raise_v not_o only_o one_o but_o several_a dead_a man_n to_o life_n so_o much_o indeed_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o call_v because_o they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o make_v man_n believe_v in_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n and_o adore_v he_o as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o also_o to_o oblige_v they_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o undergo_v martyrdom_n more_o than_o this_o will_v have_v be_v but_o superfluous_a because_o they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o alter_v the_o oeconomy_n of_o faith_n but_o only_o to_o perfect_v it_o not_o to_o make_v man_n believe_v against_o their_o own_o inclination_n but_o conformable_o to_o the_o light_n of_o their_o own_o understanding_n but_o though_o i_o shall_v grant_v all_o these_o difficulty_n to_o be_v great_a than_o they_o real_o be_v yet_o we_o ought_v to_o regulate_v our_o speculative_a opinion_n by_o some_o argument_n draw_v from_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o not_o on_o the_o contrary_a regulate_v the_o argument_n draw_v from_o matter_n of_o fact_n by_o any_o speculative_a opinion_n and_o this_o be_v such_o a_o general_a maxim_n that_o it_o hold_v good_a in_o all_o respect_n many_o difficulty_n arise_v at_o first_o about_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o antipode_n some_o pretend_v that_o such_o a_o opinion_n be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n other_o affirm_v it_o can_v never_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o both_o party_n raise_v several_a notable_a objection_n against_o it_o but_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o thing_n be_v evident_o prove_v from_o undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n all_o their_o objection_n and_o difficulty_n be_v turn_v into_o ridicule_n some_o philosopher_n have_v pretend_v to_o prove_v by_o argument_n that_o motion_n be_v impossible_a but_o since_o we_o have_v daily_a experience_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o motion_n we_o let_v these_o philosopher_n talk_v on_o and_o choose_v rather_o to_o believe_v our_o own_o sense_n and_o i_o dare_v affirm_v without_o beg_v any_o excuse_n for_o the_o boldness_n of_o my_o assertion_n that_o there_o never_o be_v nor_o never_o will_v be_v any_o matter_n of_o fact_n against_o which_o we_o may_v not_o raise_v several_a plausible_a objection_n and_o considerable_a difficulty_n that_o be_v mere_o speculative_a some_o be_v daily_o raise_v against_o the_o flux_n and_o reflux_n of_o the_o sea_n against_o the_o attraction_n of_o the_o loadstone_n with_o iron_n the_o source_n or_o head_n of_o the_o river_n nile_n against_o comet_n and_o meteor_n nay_o even_o against_o the_o people_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o propagation_n of_o mankind_n we_o ready_o grant_v the_o incredulous_a that_o several_a considerable_a difficulty_n may_v be_v raise_v against_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n as_o we_o see_v there_o be_v no_o less_o considerable_a one_o daily_o raise_v even_o against_o the_o mystery_n and_o secret_a operation_n of_o nature_n but_o i_o still_o affirm_v that_o we_o must_v renounce_v the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n if_o we_o prefer_v any_o difficulty_n of_o mere_a speculation_n before_o those_o argument_n which_o be_v take_v from_o undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n though_o we_o shall_v argue_v only_o upon_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n it_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o compare_v the_o obscurity_n which_o cause_n those_o difficulty_n with_o the_o evidence_n which_o clear_v they_o that_o the_o latter_a will_v gain_v more_o upon_o our_o belief_n than_o the_o former_a and_o this_o truth_n we_o think_v we_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v in_o our_o first_o part_n of_o this_o work_n but_o though_o we_o shall_v meet_v with_o nothing_o else_o but_o difficulty_n in_o those_o natural_a principle_n without_o any_o light_n at_o all_o to_o clear_v they_o yet_o ought_v we_o to_o banish_v all_o scruple_n and_o doubt_n that_o arise_v mere_o from_o speculation_n the_o better_a to_o embrace_v the_o opinion_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o argument_n draw_v from_o undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n unless_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o absurdity_n not_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o which_o be_v whole_o contrary_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n but_o have_v thus_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o essential_o of_o our_o religion_n namely_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o remain_v only_o that_o we_o make_v man_n further_o sensible_a of_o they_o by_o lay_v down_o a_o few_o short_a remark_n which_o we_o shall_v make_v on_o several_a place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n who_o whole_a purport_n shall_v be_v either_o to_o persuade_v we_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v real_o teach_v all_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o sincere_o believe_v the_o thing_n which_o they_o declare_v or_o else_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v impose_v upon_o in_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o from_o those_o three_o principle_n be_v form_v the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n some_o reflection_n on_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o s._n matthew_n chapt_n ii_o 1._o now_o when_o jesus_n be_v bear_v in_o bethlehem_n of_o judea_n behold_v there_o come_v wiseman_n etc._n etc._n those_o wiseman_n be_v of_o all_o nation_n the_o first_o that_o come_v to_o pay_v their_o homage_n to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o priest_n and_o elder_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v consult_v concern_v the_o birth_n of_o the_o messiah_n free_o own_v he_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v in_o bethlehem_n and_o be_v quite_o of_o another_o opinion_n than_o the_o modern_a jew_n who_o pervert_v the_o mean_v of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o micah_n chap._n 5._o as_o to_o what_o concern_v we_o we_o affirm_v that_o the_o history_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o wiseman_n can_v not_o be_v false_o invent_v i._o because_o it_o agree_v admirable_o with_o the_o prophecy_n of_o balaam_n numb_a 24._o 17._o where_o he_o cry_v out_o i_o shall_v sâ—e_v he_o but_o not_o now_o i_o shall_v behold_v he_o but_o not_o nigh_o there_o shall_v come_v a_o star_n out_o of_o jacob_n and_o a_o sceptre_n shall_v rise_v out_o of_o israel_n a_o star_n of_o the_o wiseman_n indeed_o and_o a_o sceptre_n of_o jesus_n christ_n ii_o the_o evangelist_n can_v not_o have_v make_v the_o whole_a city_n of_o jerusalem_n believe_v that_o they_o be_v trouble_v and_o astonish_v at_o the_o come_v of_o those_o wiseman_n and_o much_o less_o persuade_v the_o inhabitant_n against_o their_o own_o public_a knowledge_n that_o herod_n have_v so_o barbarouf_o shed_v so_o much_o innocent_a blood_n iii_o herod_n must_v necessary_o have_v be_v tell_v that_o the_o christ_n or_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v in_o bethlehem_n because_o thither_o he_o send_v direct_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o execrable_a fury_n iu._n and_o last_o joseph_n flee_v into_o egypt_n and_o be_v afraid_a to_o return_v again_o into_o judea_n when_o he_o hear_v that_o archelaus_n reign_v in_o the_o room_n of_o his_o father_n herod_n a_o circumstance_n that_o wonderful_o agree_v with_o all_o the_o rest_n chapt._n iii_o 1._o in_o those_o day_n come_v john_n the_o baptist_n in_o this_o chapter_n john_n foretell_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o these_o word_n o_o generation_n of_o viper_n who_o have_v warn_v you_o to_o fly_v from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v and_o now_o also_o the_o axe_n be_v lay_v to_o the_o root_n of_o the_o tree_n therefore_o every_o tree_n which_o bring_v not_o forth_o good_a fruit_n be_v hew_v down_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n etc._n etc._n he_o foretell_v also_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o apostle_n in_o these_o word_n i_o indeed_o baptize_v you_o with_o water_n unto_o repentance_n but_o he_o that_o
be_v here_o if_o thou_o will_v let_v we_o make_v here_o three_o tabernacle_n what_o a_o strange_a piece_n of_o stupidity_n be_v this_o and_o how_o well_o do_v it_o appear_v how_o incapable_a such_o gross_a and_o ignorant_a man_n be_v of_o entertain_v the_o least_o design_n of_o impose_v upon_o other_o beside_o what_o make_v st._n matthew_n relate_v this_o circumstance_n what_o honour_n can_v accrue_v thereby_o to_o peter_n and_o how_o can_v it_o of_o itself_o enter_v into_o his_o mind_n verse_n 16._o and_o i_o bring_v he_o to_o thy_o disciple_n and_o they_o can_v not_o cure_v he_o in_o this_o passage_n appear_v the_o evangelist_n sincerity_n for_o nothing_o else_o can_v have_v oblige_v he_o to_o relate_v that_o circumstance_n or_o make_v he_o so_o free_o own_o the_o defect_n and_o want_n of_o faith_n in_o a_o society_n he_o himself_o be_v a_o member_n of_o chap._n xviii_o 3._o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o except_o you_o be_v convert_v and_o become_v as_o little_a child_n you_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o child_n shall_v be_v so_o simple_a no_o man_n ought_v to_o wonder_v because_o their_o want_n of_o knowledge_n be_v a_o pure_a effect_n of_o their_o age_n but_o that_o even_a man_n shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o return_v from_o the_o most_o refine_a notion_n of_o worldly_a policy_n from_o that_o sinful_a cunning_n and_o dexterity_n so_o often_o see_v in_o they_o to_o a_o state_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o amiable_a sincerity_n that_o they_o shall_v at_o once_o become_v simple_a and_o prudent_a righteous_a and_o religious_o wise_a be_v such_o a_o thing_n that_o man_n be_v whole_o unacquainted_a with_o and_o which_o discover_v to_o we_o both_o the_o greatness_n and_o high_a perfection_n of_o that_o person_n who_o teach_v man_n a_o doctrine_n so_o sublime_a and_o elevate_v verse_n 4._o whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v humble_v himself_o as_o this_o little_a child_n the_o same_o be_v great_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n how_o different_a be_v these_o notion_n from_o the_o common_a one_o of_o man_n how_o different_a be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n from_o all_o worldly_a empire_n and_o how_o well_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o such_o surprise_a maxim_n as_o these_o can_v not_o possible_o proceed_v from_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n verse_n 9_o and_o if_o thy_o eye_n offend_v thou_o pluck_v it_o out_o etc._n etc._n by_o the_o eye_n here_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v our_o darling_n sin_n or_o whatever_o else_o be_v dear_a to_o we_o so_o that_o christ_n hereby_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o sacrifice_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n whatever_o we_o dear_o prize_v and_o value_v most_o do_v ever_o any_o teacher_n less_o flatter_v man_n vanity_n verse_n 22._o i_o say_v not_o unto_o thou_o until_o seven_o time_n but_o until_o seventy_o time_n seven_o this_o be_v a_o certain_a number_n make_v use_v of_o for_o a_o uncertain_a one_o which_o signify_v that_o we_o must_v continual_o forgive_v that_o mercy_n have_v no_o bound_n and_o that_o charity_n can_v be_v limit_v who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o such_o a_o concern_v to_o unite_v all_o heart_n together_o to_o banish_v all_o misunderstanding_n among_o man_n in_o give_v so_o vast_a a_o latitude_n to_o charity_n and_o mercy_n can_v proceed_v from_o none_o but_o he_o that_o be_v master_n of_o all_o heart_n and_o the_o common_a father_n of_o mankind_n chap._n xxi_o 43._o therefore_o say_v i_o unto_o you_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o you_o and_o give_v to_o a_o nation_n bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o this_o be_v indeed_o a_o very_a express_a prediction_n of_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n verse_n 46._o but_o when_o they_o think_v to_o lay_v hand_n on_o he_o they_o fear_v the_o multitude_n because_o they_o hold_v he_o for_o a_o prophet_n what_o can_v be_v so_o remarkable_a in_o jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v take_v for_o a_o prophet_n but_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o miracle_n whereby_o he_o confirm_v it_o chap._n xxiii_o 36_o 37._o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v come_v upon_o this_o generation_n o_o jerusalem_n jerusalem_n thou_o that_o kill_v etc._n etc._n here_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v very_o plain_o set_v down_o chap._n xxiv_o 28._o for_o wheresoever_o the_o carcase_n be_v there_o will_v the_o eagle_n be_v gather_v together_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n crucify_v be_v the_o carcase_n and_o the_o roman_a standard_n where_o the_o eagle_n which_o be_v to_o fall_v upon_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n where_o the_o carcase_n be_v verse_n 34._o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o this_o generation_n shall_v pass_v till_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v fulfil_v the_o same_o reflection_n must_v be_v make_v in_o this_o place_n as_o we_o have_v make_v above_o chap._n xxvi_o 13._o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o wheresoever_o this_o gospel_n shall_v be_v preach_v in_o the_o whole_a world_n there_o shall_v also_o this_o that_o this_o woman_n have_v do_v be_v tell_v for_o a_o memorial_n of_o she_o a_o prophecy_n that_o have_v be_v sufficient_o fulfil_v verse_n 28._o for_o this_o be_v my_o blood_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v shed_v for_o many_o for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n do_v ever_o any_o man_n act_n or_o speak_v after_o so_o unheard_a of_o and_o surprise_v a_o manner_n can_v we_o find_v a_o man_n who_o not_o only_o foretell_v his_o suffering_n but_o also_o establish_v beforehand_o some_o memorial_n of_o a_o death_n he_o may_v easy_o have_v avoid_v and_o who_o but_o christ_n ever_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o shed_v his_o blood_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n verse_n 38_o 39_o then_o say_v he_o unto_o they_o my_o soul_n be_v exceed_o sorrowful_a even_o unto_o death_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o go_v a_o little_a further_o and_o fall_v on_o his_o face_n and_o pray_v say_v o_o my_o father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v away_o from_o i_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o explain_v what_o this_o exceed_a sorrow_n and_o agony_n be_v yet_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o it_o present_v we_o at_o first_o view_n with_o a_o object_n very_o surprise_v and_o that_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o those_o man_n who_o chief_a design_n be_v to_o invent_v such_o thing_n as_o shall_v be_v most_o for_o their_o master_n honour_n shall_v yet_o give_v we_o such_o a_o description_n of_o his_o suffering_n at_o least_o we_o find_v here_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o disciple_n which_o sincerity_n show_v we_o that_o we_o ought_v without_o scruple_n to_o receive_v the_o rest_n of_o their_o relation_n chap._n xxvii_o 42._o he_o save_v other_o himself_z he_o can_v save_v if_o he_o be_v the_o king_n of_o israel_n let_v he_o now_o come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n and_o we_o will_v believe_v he_o by_o this_o text_n it_o appear_v that_o christ_n pass_v for_o a_o person_n that_o have_v perform_v several_a miracle_n verse_n 45._o now_o from_o the_o six_o hour_n there_o be_v darkness_n over_o all_o the_o land_n unto_o the_o nine_o hour_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o can_v have_v make_v a_o whole_a city_n believe_v such_o a_o thing_n be_v it_o not_o true_a verse_n 51_o 52_o 53._o and_o behold_v the_o vail_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v rend_v in_o twain_o from_o the_o top_n to_o the_o bottom_n and_o the_o earth_n do_v quake_v and_o the_o rock_n rend_v and_o the_o grave_n be_v open_v etc._n etc._n how_o can_v st._n matthew_n have_v persuade_v man_n to_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o against_o their_o own_o knowledge_n to_o the_o contrary_a can_v the_o veil_n of_o the_o temple_n or_o the_o rock_n be_v rend_v can_v the_o earth_n quake_v and_o the_o grave_n open_a and_o yet_o the_o jew_n know_v nothing_o of_o it_o to_o who_o do_v the_o evangelist_n relate_v all_o these_o thing_n he_o write_v they_o before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n nay_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o consequent_o in_o a_o time_n when_o there_o be_v several_a thousand_o of_o people_n still_o live_v that_o can_v witness_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o how_o then_o can_v he_o so_o much_o as_o imagine_v he_o can_v deceive_v so_o many_o witness_n concern_v in_o the_o business_n to_o who_o he_o preach_v these_o thing_n and_o who_o he_o design_v to_o bring_v over_o to_o his_o party_n nay_o some_o of_o who_o have_v already_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n and_o form_v a_o very_a numerous_a and_o considerable_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n where_o all_o these_o thing_n have_v happen_v and_o where_o he_o attempt_v to_o persuade_v other_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o chap._n vii_o wherein_o we_o shall_v further_o produce_v out_o of_o the_o other_o gospel_n several_a place_n very_o proper_a to_o make_v we_o true_o sensible_a of_o
to_o he_o about_o eat_v he_o answer_v that_o his_o meat_n be_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n and_o when_o he_o sit_v on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o well_o he_o speak_v of_o his_o divine_a grace_n as_o of_o a_o well_o of_o water_n spring_v up_o into_o everlasting_a life_n who_o be_v not_o fill_v with_o admiration_n when_o he_o consider_v these_o thing_n verse_n 24._o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n this_o be_v tell_v man_n in_o short_a what_o they_o shall_v have_v know_v and_o what_o all_o till_o then_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o this_o be_v what_o be_v most_o conformable_a to_o a_o reasonable_a nature_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a revelation_n what_o distinguish_v true_a religion_n from_o superstition_n what_o the_o wise_a among_o the_o heathen_n have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discover_v at_o a_o time_n when_o reason_v and_o speculation_n be_v at_o the_o height_n at_o lest_o what_o they_o have_v but_o a_o very_a faint_a knowledge_n of_o what_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o have_v speak_v of_o but_o obscure_o and_o what_o the_o jew_n who_o in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o saviour_n mind_v nothing_o in_o religion_n but_o the_o external_n corporeal_a part_n of_o it_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o what_o manner_n of_o man_n than_o be_v he_o who_o alone_o have_v so_o much_o wisdom_n chap._n v._o 25._o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o the_o hour_n be_v come_v and_o now_o be_v when_o the_o dead_a shall_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o they_o that_o hear_v shall_v live_v he_o that_o can_v raise_v the_o dead_a to_o life_n again_o may_v well_o speak_v after_o this_o manner_n but_o such_o expression_n will_v have_v be_v extravagant_a in_o any_o other_o but_o he_o verse_n 36._o but_o i_o have_v great_a witness_n than_o that_o of_o john_n for_o the_o work_n which_o the_o father_n have_v give_v i_o to_o finish_v the_o same_o work_n that_o i_o do_v bear_v witness_n of_o i_o that_o the_o father_n have_v send_v i_o those_o work_n must_v have_v be_v very_o extraordinary_a indeed_o since_o he_o prefer_v the_o witness_n they_o bear_v of_o he_o before_o that_o of_o john_n the_o baptist_n for_o be_v it_o otherwise_o he_o will_v have_v expose_v himself_o to_o the_o scorn_n of_o those_o that_o hear_v he_o verse_n 44._o how_o can_v you_o believe_v which_o receive_v honour_n one_o of_o another_o and_o seek_v not_o the_o honour_n that_o come_v from_o god_n only_o he_o that_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o do_v not_o express_v himself_o after_o this_o manner_n christ_n shall_v rather_o have_v make_v use_n of_o the_o vanity_n and_o weakness_n of_o man_n which_o be_v nice_o to_o be_v touch_v and_o delicate_o to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o in_o such_o case_n chap._n vi_o 14_o 15._o then_o those_o man_n when_o they_o have_v see_v the_o miracle_n that_o jesus_n do_v say_v this_o be_v of_o a_o truth_n that_o prophet_n that_o shall_v come_v into_o the_o world_n when_o jesus_n therefore_o perceive_v that_o they_o will_v come_v and_o take_v he_o by_o force_n to_o make_v he_o a_o king_n he_o depart_v again_o into_o a_o mountain_n himself_o alone_o it_o be_v not_o out_o of_o any_o weakness_n or_o fear_n that_o christ_n refuse_v to_o put_v himself_o at_o the_o head_n of_o those_o that_o will_v have_v make_v he_o king_n he_o that_o foretell_v his_o suffering_n and_o establish_v a_o memorial_n of_o they_o nay_o he_o who_o assemble_v together_o a_o company_n of_o distress_a wretch_n who_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o lead_v about_o will_v not_o sure_o have_v be_v afraid_a os_fw-la the_o fortune_n of_o war_n since_o he_o may_v have_v be_v follow_v by_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o people_n who_o will_v have_v daily_o increase_v be_v delude_v by_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o those_o day_n that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v a_o great_a king_n what_o then_o deter_v he_o from_o it_o only_o his_o humility_n verse_n 35._o i_o be_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n he_o that_o come_v to_o i_o shall_v never_o hunger_n and_o he_o that_o come_v to_o i_o shall_v never_o thirst_v do_v ever_o any_o man_n use_v a_o expression_n like_o this_o how_o can_v a_o man_n be_v the_o bread_n of_o life_n and_o what_o can_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o expression_n be_v go_v to_o christ_n enough_o to_o satisfy_v hunger_n and_o thirst_n no_o one_o but_o a_o enthusiast_n or_o one_o that_o be_v real_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o instruct_v mankind_n can_v have_v express_v himself_o thus_o but_o who_o be_v he_o that_o shall_v dare_v to_o blaspheme_n against_o the_o wisdom_n of_o that_o divine_a person_n verse_n 63._o the_o flesh_n profit_v nothing_o the_o word_n that_o i_o speak_v unto_o you_o they_o be_v spirit_n and_o they_o be_v life_n this_o comment_n excellent_o justify_v the_o wisdom_n of_o that_o wonderful_a teacher_n and_o clear_o show_v we_o what_o we_o shall_v think_v of_o those_o seem_a paradox_n he_o advance_v in_o the_o forego_n verse_n so_o contrary_a to_o all_o our_o former_a idea_n and_o prejudices_fw-la chap._n vii_o 17._o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o this_o be_v the_o best_a and_o sure_a rule_n whereby_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v first_o requisite_a that_o his_o heart_n be_v right_o dispose_v rather_o than_o his_o understanding_n full_o enlighten_v man_n at_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o this_o great_a and_o noble_a truth_n they_o make_v a_o science_n of_o religion_n which_o none_o can_v understand_v but_o the_o learned_a and_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n which_o will_v know_v every_o thing_n but_o scarce_o know_v any_o thing_n perfect_o proud_o assume_v to_o itself_o the_o privilege_n of_o judge_v in_o matter_n of_o salvation_n but_o be_v that_o a_o certain_a rule_n to_o go_v by_o the_o proud_a will_v be_v the_o great_a favourite_n of_o god_n and_o the_o more_o man_n strive_v out_o of_o vanity_n or_o ambition_n to_o become_v learn_v the_o clear_a insight_n they_o will_v have_v into_o revelation_n that_o indeed_o will_v be_v proper_a to_o make_v a_o considerable_a progress_n in_o humane_a science_n but_o the_o science_n of_o salvation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v acquire_v but_o by_o holiness_n and_o humility_n for_o virtue_n be_v a_o practical_a habit._n the_o more_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a we_o be_v the_o more_o our_o eye_n will_v be_v open_a the_o better_a we_o live_v the_o less_o scruple_n we_o shall_v entertain_v the_o more_o we_o love_v god_n the_o more_o sensible_a we_o shall_v grow_v of_o his_o admirable_a precept_n what_o great_a wisdom_n then_o do_v this_o maxim_n contain_v which_o man_n in_o past_a age_n be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o and_o which_o the_o present_a age_n scarce_o yet_o understand_v verse_n 37_o 38_o 39_o in_o the_o last_o day_n that_o great_a day_n of_o the_o feast_n jesus_n stand_v and_o cry_v say_v if_o any_o man_n thirst_n let_v he_o come_v unto_o i_o and_o drink_n he_o that_o believe_v on_o i_o as_o the_o scripture_n have_v say_v out_o of_o his_o belly_n shall_v flow_v river_n of_o live_a water_n but_o this_o speak_v he_o of_o the_o spirit_n which_o they_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v receive_v for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o yet_o give_v because_o that_o jesus_n be_v not_o yet_o glorify_v how_o can_v the_o evangelist_n have_v make_v christ_n utter_v such_o word_n as_o these_o and_o a_o little_a after_o add_v this_o annotation_n concern_v the_o effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v he_o real_o see_v nothing_o happen_v that_o be_v like_o it_o who_o see_v not_o plain_o that_o the_o parenthesis_n suppose_v that_o event_n to_o be_v well_o know_v since_o it_o inform_v we_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o verse_n 40_o 41._o many_o of_o the_o people_n therefore_o when_o they_o hear_v this_o say_v of_o a_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o prophet_n other_o say_v this_o be_v the_o christ_n but_o some_o say_v shall_v christ_n come_v out_o of_o galilee_n all_o these_o dispute_n and_o little_a contest_v manifest_o show_v the_o great_a impression_n the_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n of_o christ_n have_v already_o make_v upon_o people_n mind_n beside_o they_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o not_o easy_o to_o be_v think_v of_o by_o a_o person_n who_o can_v invent_v lie_n chap._n viii_o 7._o 10_o 11_o so_o when_o they_o continue_v ask_v he_o he_o lift_v up_o himself_o and_o say_v unto_o they_o he_o that_o be_v without_o sin_n among_o you_o let_v he_o first_o cast_v a_o stone_n
at_o she_o etc._n etc._n when_o jesus_n have_v lift_v up_o himself_o and_o see_v none_o but_o the_o woman_n he_o say_v unto_o she_o woman_n where_o be_v those_o thy_o accuser_n have_v no_o man_n condemn_v thou_o she_o say_v no_o man_n lord_n and_o jesus_n say_v unto_o she_o neither_o do_v i_o condemn_v thou_o go_v and_o sin_n no_o more_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o comment_n to_o understand_v the_o divine_a energy_n of_o these_o word_n a_o heart_n right_o dispose_v will_v soon_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o than_o able_a to_o express_v it_o verse_n 51._o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o if_o a_o man_n keep_v my_o say_n he_o shall_v never_o see_v death_n how_o can_v christ_n advance_v such_o a_o paradox_n or_o how_o be_v it_o probable_a that_o john_n shall_v make_v he_o utter_v it_o he_o who_o have_v already_o see_v several_a of_o his_o master_n disciple_n die_v these_o word_n than_o must_v secret_o imply_v something_o more_o sublime_a and_o uncommon_a than_o appear_v to_o we_o at_o first_o sight_n and_o those_o who_o teach_v they_o have_v deep_a understanding_n and_o more_o pierce_a judgement_n than_o other_o men._n chap._n xi_o 25._o i_o be_o the_o resurrection_n and_o the_o life_n he_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o though_o he_o be_v dead_a yet_o shall_v he_o live_v this_o be_v such_o a_o strange_a discourse_n as_o be_v never_o meet_v with_o before_o verse_n 43_o 44._o and_o when_o he_o have_v thus_o speak_v he_o cry_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n lazarus_n come_v forth_o and_o he_o that_o be_v dead_a come_v forth_o bind_v hand_n and_o foot_n with_o grave-cloath_n and_o his_o face_n be_v bind_v about_o with_o a_o napkin_n etc._n etc._n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o circumstantial_o tell_v than_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n lazarus_n have_v be_v dead_a about_o four_o day_n he_o be_v bury_v and_o a_o stone_n have_v be_v roll_v over_o his_o grave_n nay_o he_o already_o begin_v to_o stink_n some_o of_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v there_o present_a murmur_v and_o say_v among_o themselves_o can_v not_o this_o man_n who_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a have_v cause_v that_o even_o this_o man_n shall_v not_o have_v die_v john_n 11._o 37._o and_o other_o that_o be_v come_v to_o comfort_v the_o two_o sister_n be_v there_o assemble_v the_o dead_a person_n be_v raise_v to_o life_n again_o he_o be_v see_v and_o hear_v to_o speak_v several_a that_o be_v there_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n so_o that_o the_o great_a council_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v terrify_v at_o it_o and_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o pharisee_n be_v gather_v together_o upon_o this_o occasion_n many_o of_o they_o cry_v out_o and_o say_v what_o do_v we_o for_o this_o man_n do_v many_o miracle_n if_o we_o let_v he_o thus_o alone_o all_o man_n will_v believe_v on_o he_o and_o the_o roman_n shall_v come_v and_o take_v away_o both_o our_o place_n and_o nation_n etc._n etc._n have_v this_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v false_o invent_v how_o dare_v the_o evangelist_n so_o exact_o describe_v it_o with_o all_o its_o circumstance_n why_o do_v not_o other_o make_v a_o strict_a enquiry_n and_o dive_v into_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o do_v the_o christian_n want_v enemy_n to_o do_v it_o they_o who_o be_v continual_o expose_v to_o the_o persecution_n of_o all_o the_o power_n upon_o earth_n this_o gospel_n be_v believe_v at_o jerusalem_n which_o place_n be_v yet_o extant_a and_o bethany_n be_v but_o a_o few_o furlong_n distant_a from_o jerusalem_n the_o falsehood_n alone_o of_o that_o single_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v so_o signal_n and_o so_o public_o know_v will_v have_v utter_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o the_o apostle_n new_a religion_n give_v up_o the_o cause_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o universal_o silence_v the_o christian_n why_o then_o do_v they_o not_o manifest_v the_o truth_n upon_o the_o spot_n chap._n xiii_o 35._o by_o this_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o have_v love_v one_o to_o another_o a_o divine_a mark_n indeed_o and_o a_o character_n not_o in_o the_o least_o to_o be_v suspect_v chap._n fourteen_o 11_o 12._o believe_v i_o that_o i_o be_o in_o the_o father_n and_o the_o father_n in_o i_o or_o else_o believe_v i_o for_o the_o very_a work_n sake_n very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o he_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o the_o work_n that_o i_o do_v shall_v he_o do_v also_o and_o great_a work_n than_o these_o shall_v he_o do_v what_o can_v the_o evangelist_n think_v when_o he_o relate_v these_o thing_n if_o he_o be_v true_o convince_v by_o his_o own_o experience_n and_o by_o that_o of_o his_o associate_n that_o christ_n be_v disciple_n can_v not_o perform_v any_o miracle_n chap._n xv._n 24._o if_o i_o have_v not_o do_v among_o they_o the_o work_n which_o none_o other_o man_n do_v they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n he_o continual_o lay_v before_o their_o eye_n the_o testimony_n of_o his_o work_n chap._n xvi_o 2._o they_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n yea_o the_o time_n come_v that_o whosoever_o kill_v you_o will_v think_v that_o he_o do_v god_n service_n it_o be_v evident_a by_o this_o prediction_n the_o evangelist_n ascribe_v to_o jesus_n that_o the_o disciple_n do_v not_o then_o expect_v nay_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v any_o thing_n but_o cross_n and_o tribulation_n what_o then_o can_v support_v they_o in_o their_o present_a suffering_n and_o the_o dismal_a prospect_n of_o worse_a to_o come_v but_o the_o hope_n of_o such_o a_o reward_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o quality_n of_o impostor_n a_o name_n which_o our_o incredulous_a adversary_n be_v please_v to_o give_v they_o verse_n 33._o in_o the_o world_n you_o shall_v have_v tribulation_n but_o be_v of_o good_a cheer_n i_o have_v overcome_v the_o world_n he_o be_v continual_o foretell_v they_o what_o misfortune_n they_o be_v to_o expect_v this_o in_o all_o appearance_n shall_v have_v dishearten_v they_o but_o it_o only_o serve_v to_o try_v their_o patience_n and_o confirm_v the_o word_n which_o they_o preach_v chap._n xvii_o 25_o 26._o o_o righteous_a father_n the_o world_n have_v not_o know_v thou_o but_o i_o have_v know_v thou_o and_o these_o have_v know_v that_o thou_o have_v send_v i_o and_o i_o have_v declare_v unto_o they_o thy_o name_n that_o thy_o love_n wherewith_o thou_o have_v love_v i_o may_v be_v in_o they_o and_o i_o in_o they_o can_v a_o man_n imagine_v that_o a_o impostor_n shall_v express_v himself_o thus_o be_v falsehood_n then_o so_o different_a here_o from_o what_o it_o usual_o be_v and_o do_v it_o breath_n out_o nothing_o but_o virtue_n innocence_n love_n and_o charity_n have_v it_o altogether_o that_o spirit_n of_o pure_a holiness_n and_o elevate_a simplicity_n of_o ineffable_a consolation_n and_o wonderful_a trust_n and_o reliance_n upon_o god_n which_o run_v through_o all_o the_o latter_a discourse_n jesus_n make_v to_o his_o disciple_n to_o comfort_v they_o for_o his_o approach_a departure_n chap._n xviii_o 36_o 37._o my_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n etc._n etc._n pilate_n therefore_o say_v unto_o he_o be_v thou_o a_o king_n then_o jesus_n answer_v thou_o say_v that_o i_o be_o a_o king_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n that_o i_o shall_v bear_v witness_n unto_o the_o truth_n every_o one_o that_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n hear_v my_o voice_n jesus_n plain_o declare_v that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n yet_o he_o call_v himself_o king_n have_v he_o be_v a_o impostor_n he_o will_v have_v pretend_v to_o have_v reign_v somewhere_o or_o at_o least_o show_v some_o ambition_n of_o it_o chap._n xx._n 25_o 26._o the_o other_o disciple_n therefore_o say_v unto_o he_o we_o have_v see_v the_o lord_n but_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o except_o i_o shall_v see_v in_o his_o hand_n the_o print_n of_o the_o nail_n and_o thrust_v my_o hand_n into_o his_o side_n i_o will_v not_o believe_v etc._n etc._n jesus_n say_v unto_o he_o thomas_z because_o thou_o have_v see_v i_o thou_o have_v believe_v bless_a be_v they_o that_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o have_v believe_v can_v any_o one_o have_v make_v thomas_n believe_v that_o he_o have_v be_v more_o incredulous_a than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v till_o he_o have_v see_v and_o feel_v the_o body_n of_o his_o master_n chap._n xxi_o 3._o simon_n peter_n say_v unto_o they_o i_o go_v a_o fish_n they_o say_v unto_o he_o we_o also_o go_v with_o thou_o they_o go_v forth_o and_o enter_v into_o a_o ship_n immediate_o and_o that_o night_n they_o catch_v nothing_o but_o when_o the_o morning_n be_v now_o come_v jesus_n stand_v on_o the_o shore_n etc._n etc._n christ_n be_v dead_a the_o disciple_n betake_v themselves_o again_o
the_o paper_n it_o be_v write_v upon_o yet_o they_o be_v enjoin_v to_o oppress_v man_n that_o bear_v the_o image_n of_o god_n by_o their_o religion_n which_o breathe_v out_o nothing_o but_o violence_n fury_n and_o oppression_n the_o reason_n why_o man_n usual_o refer_v thus_o every_o thing_n to_o their_o sense_n be_v because_o a_o worship_n that_o be_v corporeal_a and_o sensual_a be_v far_o more_o easy_a it_o be_v much_o easy_a for_o a_o man_n to_o take_v the_o sun_n for_o a_o god_n than_o to_o be_v continual_o take_v up_o in_o seek_v after_o a_o god_n that_o be_v invisible_a to_o solemnize_v game_n and_o festival_n in_o honour_n of_o a_o pretend_a deity_n than_o to_o renounce_v himself_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o true_a one_o it_o be_v much_o easy_a for_o he_o to_o fast_o than_o to_o renounce_v his_o vice_n to_o sing_v spiritual_a song_n or_o bow_v to_o a_o statue_n than_o forgive_v his_o enemy_n it_o appear_v then_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n bear_v a_o more_o excellent_a character_n in_o that_o it_o give_v we_o for_o the_o object_n of_o our_o worship_n not_o a_o god_n under_o a_o human_a shape_n but_o a_o god_n that_o be_v a_o spirit_n in_o that_o it_o teach_v we_o to_o honour_v he_o not_o with_o a_o carnal_a but_o a_o spiritual_a worship_n and_o this_o christ_n himself_o have_v very_o elegant_o tell_v we_o in_o these_o word_n god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n john_n 4._o 24._o who_o can_v fill_v his_o mind_n with_o such_o elevate_a notion_n and_o how_o come_v it_o that_o he_o so_o excellent_o set_v down_o in_o that_o short_a precept_n the_o genius_n of_o true_a religion_n of_o which_o man_n before_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a v._o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o other_o religion_n without_o exception_n that_o they_o induce_v we_o to_o look_v after_o the_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n whereas_o the_o christian_a religion_n make_v we_o glorify_v god_n by_o renounce_v the_o world_n thus_o the_o heathen_n design_v rather_o to_o please_v themselves_o than_o their_o deity_n introduce_v into_o religion_n whatever_o can_v any_o way_n flatter_v and_o divert_v they_o and_o the_o mahumatan_n religion_n not_o be_v encumber_v with_o many_o ceremony_n at_o least_o affix_n temporal_a advantage_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o its_o worship_n as_o if_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v the_o future_a reward_n of_o religion_n but_o certain_o both_o of_o they_o be_v much_o mistake_v for_o the_o heathen_n shall_v have_v know_v that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n consist_v not_o in_o divert_v and_o please_v themselves_o and_o the_o mahometan_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v ignorant_a that_o since_o temporal_a and_o worldly_a advantage_n be_v insufficient_a in_o themselves_o to_o satisfy_v the_o boundless_a desire_n of_o man_n heart_n they_o can_v not_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o those_o benefit_n which_o true_a religion_n have_v peculiar_o design_v for_o he_o but_o both_o these_o follow_v the_o motion_n of_o self-love_n which_o be_v natural_o hold_v in_o suspense_n between_o the_o world_n and_o religion_n imagine_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o pleasant_a than_o to_o unite_v they_o both_o think_v thereby_o to_o reconcile_v its_o inclination_n and_o duty_n consecrate_v its_o pleasure_n and_o put_v no_o difference_n between_o conscience_n and_o interest_n but_o the_o first_o rule_n of_o true_a religion_n teach_v we_o that_o that_o mutual_a agreement_n be_v impossible_a or_o to_o use_v it_o be_v own_o word_n that_o christ_n and_o belial_n be_v incompatible_a one_o with_o the_o other_o that_o we_o must_v either_o glorify_v god_n at_o the_o expense_n of_o worldly_a pleasure_n or_o possess_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n with_o the_o loss_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o this_o certain_o show_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o have_v a_o divine_a character_n vi_o other_o false_a religion_n debase_v the_o deity_n and_o exalt_v man_n whereas_o the_o christian_a religion_n humble_v man_n and_o exalt_v the_o deity_n the_o egyptian_n a_o nation_n that_o boast_v so_o much_o of_o their_o antiquity_n make_v monster_n of_o their_o deity_n and_o the_o roman_n make_v deity_n of_o their_o emperor_n who_o be_v rather_o monster_n than_o man_n the_o most_o famous_a philosopher_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o rank_v their_o deity_n below_o themselves_o and_o themselves_o ever_o before_o jupiter_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n teach_v we_o that_o we_o owe_v all_o to_o god_n who_o owe_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o we_o it_o humble_v we_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o infinite_a distance_n there_o be_v between_o god_n and_o we_o it_o show_v that_o we_o be_v miserable_a despicable_a creature_n in_o comparison_n of_o god_n who_o be_v a_o supreme_a be_v and_o only_o worthy_a our_o love_n and_o adoration_n who_o then_o can_v choose_v but_o admire_v so_o excellent_a a_o religion_n vii_o other_o religion_n make_v we_o depend_v upon_o those_o being_n which_o be_v give_v we_o to_o command_v and_o saucy_o pretend_v a_o power_n over_o that_o supreme_a be_v upon_o who_o we_o ought_v whole_o to_o depend_v they_o teach_v man_n to_o burn_v incense_n to_o the_o mean_a creature_n and_o impudent_o to_o equal_v themselves_o to_o the_o universal_a monarch_n of_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o impious_a as_o to_o desire_v to_o become_v god_n since_o they_o be_v so_o base_a as_o to_o forget_v that_o they_o be_v man_n and_o yet_o how_o ill_o their_o pride_n become_v they_o when_o they_o disdain_v not_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o fourfooted_a beast_n to_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n the_o creep_a animal_n and_o plant_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o st._n paul_n reproach_n they_o and_o how_o base_o superstitious_a be_v they_o in_o that_o they_o be_v not_o content_a to_o deify_v themselves_o but_o will_v also_o deify_v their_o own_o vice_n and_o imperfection_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n alone_o restore_v that_o equitable_a order_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n by_o submit_v every_o thing_n to_o the_o power_n of_o man_n that_o he_o may_v submit_v himself_o to_o the_o will_n of_o his_o god_n and_o what_o can_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o true_a religion_n but_o to_o restore_v such_o just_a and_o become_a order_n in_o the_o world_n viii_o we_o need_v no_o deep_a search_n into_o other_o religion_n to_o find_v that_o they_o chief_o tend_v to_o flatter_v man_n corrupt_a desire_n and_o efface_v those_o principle_n of_o justice_n and_o uprightness_n which_o god_n have_v imprint_v on_o their_o mind_n but_o he_o that_o shall_v true_o consider_v the_o christian_a religion_n will_v certain_o find_v that_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o root_n up_o those_o corrupt_a desire_n out_o of_o our_o heart_n and_o restore_v those_o bright_a character_n of_o honesty_n and_o justice_n imprint_v on_o our_o mind_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n the_o heathen_n flatter_v their_o passion_n to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o erect_v altar_n in_o honour_n of_o they_o and_o mahomet_n be_v so_o well_o please_v with_o temporal_a prosperity_n that_o he_o make_v it_o the_o end_n and_o reward_n of_o his_o religion_n the_o gnostic_n imagine_v that_o when_o they_o have_v arrive_v to_o a_o certain_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n which_o they_o call_v a_o state_n of_o perfection_n they_o may_v commit_v all_o sort_n of_o action_n without_o any_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o sin_n which_o pollute_a other_o will_v be_v sanctify_v in_o they_o but_o what_o blindness_n what_o impiety_n be_v this_o how_o admirable_a be_v the_o christian_a religion_n which_o alone_o among_o all_o other_o show_v we_o our_o own_o wickedness_n and_o corruption_n and_o heal_v it_o with_o such_o remedy_n as_o be_v as_o wholesome_a to_o the_o soul_n as_o unpleasing_a to_o the_o body_n ix_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o other_o religion_n be_v contrary_a to_o policy_n either_o in_o favour_v or_o restrain_v too_o much_o human_a weakness_n and_o corruption_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o policy_n whereas_o the_o christian_a religion_n preserve_v its_o right_n and_o privilege_n inviolable_a independent_a from_o either_o the_o pagan_a religion_n be_v against_o policy_n in_o give_v too_o much_o to_o human_a weakness_n and_o corruption_n it_o will_v have_v be_v much_o better_a for_o the_o good_a and_o welfare_n of_o the_o state_n if_o man_n have_v frame_v to_o themselves_o a_o great_a idea_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o their_o god_n because_o they_o will_v have_v be_v less_o licentious_a and_o more_o submissive_a to_o the_o civil_a law_n whereas_o they_o be_v encourage_v by_o the_o example_n of_o their_o deity_n to_o violate_v the_o most_o sacred_a and_o inviolable_a right_n mahomet_n desirous_a to_o avoid_v this_o irregularity_n retain_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o true_a
say_v that_o imposture_n and_o deceit_n never_o have_v such_o a_o design_n or_o the_o like_a success_n for_o though_o self-love_n may_v have_v hitherto_o make_v use_n of_o deceit_n and_o falsehood_n to_o effect_v its_o own_o desire_n without_o any_o regard_n have_v to_o justice_n and_o charity_n so_o indispensable_o due_a to_o our_o neighbour_n it_o be_v yet_o never_o know_v nor_o ever_o will_v be_v that_o charity_n make_v use_v of_o imposture_n and_o deceit_n to_o bring_v about_o its_o design_n for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o without_o the_o least_o consideration_n of_o its_o own_o interest_n and_o desire_n and_o to_o insist_v further_o upon_o it_o will_v be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o add_v light_n to_o the_o sun_n and_o prove_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v already_o as_o clear_a as_o noonday_n v._o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o its_o suitableness_n to_o the_o necessity_n of_o mankind_n we_o can_v serious_o reflect_v upon_o ourselves_o without_o immediate_o discover_v our_o own_o weakness_n misery_n and_o corruption_n neither_o can_v we_o look_v upon_o the_o christian_a religion_n without_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v peculiar_o design_v to_o free_v we_o from_o those_o three_o imperfection_n inherent_a in_o our_o nature_n as_o to_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o man_n most_o know_v and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v most_o ignorant_a of_o for_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v palpable_a and_o evident_a to_o the_o sense_n it_o be_v easy_o believe_v that_o man_n be_v very_o wicked_a and_o corrupt_a when_o it_o be_v so_o manifest_o see_v that_o they_o commit_v so_o many_o enormous_a crime_n but_o man_n be_v still_o ignorant_a that_o there_o be_v a_o general_a depravation_n from_o nature_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o man_n that_o dispose_v he_o to_o the_o strange_a irregularity_n and_o it_o have_v so_o happen_v that_o man_n have_v make_v no_o great_a reflection_n upon_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o original_a depravation_n so_o incident_a to_o mankind_n that_o it_o continual_o attend_v they_o from_o the_o cradle_n to_o the_o grave_a they_o only_o concern_v themselves_o about_o what_o be_v external_a without_o search_v into_o the_o bottom_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o conscience_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n give_v we_o in_o that_o respect_n all_o necessary_a light_n it_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o be_v corrupt_v and_o that_o that_o corruption_n proceed_v from_o ourselves_o it_o show_v we_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o and_o confirm_v what_o the_o old_a testament_n teach_v we_o that_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v his_o way_n gen._n 6._o 12._o it_o show_v we_o that_o that_o corruption_n make_v we_o subject_a to_o the_o curse_n of_o god_n and_o that_o we_o be_v by_o nature_n the_o child_n of_o wrath_n eph._n 2._o 3._o it_o assure_v we_o that_o that_o original_a corruption_n have_v such_o power_n over_o man_n heart_n that_o it_o move_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o his_o soul_n so_o that_o every_o imagination_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v only_o evil_a continual_o gen._n 6._o 5._o last_o it_o show_v we_o how_o impossible_a it_o be_v for_o man_n ever_o to_o recover_v himself_o of_o that_o malady_n so_o inveterate_a and_o deep_o root_v within_o he_o and_o that_o by_o represent_v he_o to_o we_o as_o one_o that_o be_v lame_a that_o have_v a_o lethargy_n that_o be_v dead_a in_o respect_n of_o life_n holiness_n and_o justice_n all_o which_o truth_n we_o know_v too_o well_o by_o reason_n and_o experience_n how_o come_v it_o then_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n teach_v we_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v so_o general_o unknown_a to_o mankind_n above_o all_o how_o come_v it_o to_o show_v we_o so_o distinct_o the_o true_a principle_n of_o our_o own_o corruption_n who_o teach_v the_o son_n of_o mary_n that_o self-love_n be_v the_o true_a source_n and_o original_a of_o all_o our_o irregularity_n and_o why_o do_v he_o make_v man_n to_o become_v a_o enemy_n to_o himself_o yet_o the_o christian_a religion_n not_o only_o teach_v we_o to_o know_v man_n and_o thorough_o to_o search_v into_o all_o his_o frailty_n but_o also_o that_o alone_o furnish_v we_o with_o such_o remedy_n as_o can_v cure_v all_o his_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n for_o we_o can_v see_v that_o any_o thing_n else_o can_v do_v it_o not_o education_n which_o be_v as_o often_o evil_a as_o good_a not_o the_o civil_a law_n who_o business_n be_v only_o to_o regulate_v outward_a action_n nor_o the_o law_n in_o general_n which_o instead_o of_o remove_v rather_o increase_v this_o original_a corruption_n be_v in_o that_o respect_n like_o a_o bank_n which_o cause_v the_o flood_n to_o swell_v not_o the_o decorum_n observe_v among_o man_n which_o usual_o vary_v according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o country_n nor_o the_o respect_n we_o common_o have_v for_o ourselves_o a_o thing_n too_o thin_a and_o metaphysical_a not_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o pleasure_n not_o reason_n itself_o which_o the_o passion_n so_o easy_o corrupt_a nor_o the_o example_n of_o man_n who_o common_o lead_v a_o very_a irregular_a life_n not_o worldly_a honour_n which_o regard_v only_o external_a pomp_n and_o grandeur_n nor_o last_o philosophy_n which_o want_v motive_n sufficient_a to_o effect_v it_o or_o if_o it_o have_v any_o it_o derive_v they_o all_o from_o our_o own_o pride_n must_v we_o then_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o virtue_n in_o fashion_n in_o the_o world_n we_o may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o they_o be_v only_a pride_n and_o interest_n different_o manage_v according_a to_o the_o various_a turn_v and_o affair_n since_o they_o have_v no_o other_o motive_n but_o what_o they_o have_v from_o the_o world_n the_o falsehood_n of_o human_a virtue_n be_v a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v dispute_v we_o all_o know_v that_o self-denial_n be_v only_o a_o piece_n of_o nice_a delicate_a interest_n liberality_n a_o mere_a trade_n of_o pride_n which_o value_v no_o gift_n provide_v it_o have_v the_o glory_n of_o be_v liberal_a modesty_n the_o art_n of_o conceal_v our_o vanity_n civility_n but_o a_o affect_a preference_n of_o other_o man_n before_o ourselves_o to_o conceal_v how_o much_o we_o real_o value_v ourselves_o above_o all_o the_o world_n bashfulness_n but_o a_o affect_a silence_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o our_o lust_n make_v we_o think_v of_o with_o pleasure_n the_o desire_n of_o oblige_v other_o man_n but_o a_o secret_a desire_n of_o oblige_v ourselves_o by_o get_v they_o to_o befriend_v we_o another_o time_n just_a as_o impatience_n to_o acquit_v ourselves_o of_o a_o obligation_n be_v but_o a_o shamefacedness_n for_o have_v be_v too_o long_o behold_v to_o other_o for_o some_o favour_n receive_v so_o that_o all_o these_o virtue_n in_o general_n be_v so_o many_o guard_n self-love_n make_v use_v of_o to_o prevent_v our_o darling_n and_o secret_a vice_n from_o appear_v outward_o what_o remedy_n then_o can_v be_v bring_v for_o the_o irregularity_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n the_o pernicious_a poison_n of_o which_o secret_o insinuate_v itself_o even_o into_o our_o virtuousaction_n and_o who_o can_v cure_v such_o a_o distemper_n when_o the_o remedy_n apply_v to_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o disease_n than_o a_o cure_n experience_n show_v we_o that_o by_o effectual_o resist_v one_o vice_n we_o often_o confirm_v and_o establish_v another_o will_v you_o destroy_v avarice_n you_o must_v attack_v it_o by_o such_o argument_n as_o necessary_o flatter_v pride_n and_o be_v pride_n to_o be_v overcome_v it_o must_v be_v impugned_a by_o such_o motive_n as_o encourage_v avarice_n in_o vain_a shall_v you_o strip_v self-love_n of_o all_o its_o please_a object_n and_o allurement_n still_o it_o will_v endeavour_v to_o secure_v itself_o either_o by_o contemn_v the_o good_n of_o fortune_n or_o by_o show_v its_o moderation_n in_o patient_o endure_v disgrace_n self-love_n when_o seat_v on_o the_o throne_n make_v tyrant_n when_o reduce_v to_o want_v and_o poverty_n it_o make_v philosopher_n who_o despise_v every_o thing_n they_o can_v enjoy_v it_o oft_o indeed_o change_v its_o object_n but_o not_o its_o disposition_n it_o be_v pride_n as_o i_o may_v say_v outlive_v its_o own_o death_n and_o not_o be_v able_a to_o prevent_v its_o perish_v it_o will_v seem_v to_o look_v pleasant_o upon_o its_o downfall_n and_o as_o it_o be_v triumph_n in_o its_o own_o ruin_n who_o then_o can_v give_v this_o hydra_n its_o death_n wound_n when_o the_o lop_n off_o one_o head_n serve_v only_o to_o give_v rise_v to_o another_o it_o be_v certain_a therefore_o that_o nothing_o can_v remedy_v this_o corruption_n unless_o it_o be_v more_o constant_a than_o the_o principle_n of_o education_n more_o infallible_a than_o the_o rule_n of_o decency_n and_o civility_n more_o holy_a than_o the_o civil_a law_n which_o require_v only_o a_o
the_o public_a good_a to_o concur_v with_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o private_a and_o the_o private_a with_o that_o of_o the_o public_a for_o instance_n what_o will_v follow_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o charity_n which_o enjoin_v we_o to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o our_o mind_n and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o the_o result_n of_o it_o will_v be_v that_o every_o man_n interest_n shall_v be_v the_o same_o that_o there_o shall_v reign_v no_o hatred_n or_o animosity_n no_o jealousy_n or_o competition_n among_o they_o that_o every_o man_n will_v thank_v god_n for_o the_o blessing_n that_o other_o have_v receive_v at_o his_o hand_n that_o charity_n will_v make_v every_o thing_n our_o own_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v happy_a in_o other_o man_n advantage_n as_o a_o son_n in_o the_o prosperity_n of_o his_o father_n and_o a_o father_n in_o that_o of_o his_o son_n that_o a_o public_a society_n will_v make_v but_o one_o family_n more_o close_o unite_v since_o charity_n can_v make_v those_o thing_n equal_a that_o humane_a passion_n have_v before_o distinguish_v and_o much_o the_o happy_a since_o the_o happiness_n of_o one_o single_a person_n shall_v be_v enjoy_v by_o all_o and_o the_o happiness_n of_o all_o by_o each_o single_a person_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o foresee_v what_o objection_n our_o incredulous_a adversary_n will_v make_v they_o will_v say_v that_o christian_a morality_n be_v undoubted_o a_o very_a fine_a idea_n of_o true_a perfection_n but_o very_o unprofitable_a since_o it_o be_v so_o far_o raise_v above_o our_o ordinary_a strength_n and_o capacity_n the_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n depend_v upon_o those_o reflection_n we_o shall_v continue_v to_o make_v upon_o the_o character_n of_o this_o morality_n viii_o we_o therefore_o assert_v that_o although_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o continual_a warfare_n betwixt_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n we_o can_v observe_v this_o christian_a morality_n in_o its_o full_a perfection_n and_o consequent_o can_v be_v sensible_a of_o the_o advantage_n which_o accrue_v to_o we_o from_o it_o in_o their_o utmost_a extent_n it_o be_v enough_o if_o by_o observe_v it_o according_a to_o our_o present_a condition_n it_o procure_v we_o a_o thousand_o advantageous_a effect_n which_o clear_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a idea_n and_o this_o be_v such_o a_o undeniable_a truth_n as_o be_v daily_o confirm_v by_o experience_n so_o true_a it_o be_v that_o the_o strict_a observance_n of_o this_o divine_a morality_n tend_v to_o our_o profit_n and_o welfare_n that_o parent_n themselves_o wish_v it_o to_o their_o child_n husband_n to_o their_o wife_n and_o wife_n to_o their_o husband_n servant_n to_o their_o master_n and_o master_n to_o their_o servant_n prince_n to_o their_o subject_n and_o subject_n to_o their_o prince_n creditor_n to_o their_o debtor_n and_o debtor_n to_o their_o creditor_n as_o the_o principle_n of_o fidelity_n love_n union_n virtue_n and_o even_o of_o joy_n and_o satisfaction_n self-love_n indeed_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o mere_a idea_n especial_o when_o it_o command_v it_o to_o shake_v off_o its_o evil_a inclination_n and_o think_v itself_o not_o able_a to_o observe_v it_o strict_o but_o still_o it_o think_v it_o very_o just_a reasonable_a and_o perfect_a when_o there_o be_v occasion_n to_o reform_v other_o man_n imperfection_n and_o vice_n and_o it_o be_v well_o please_v to_o see_v if_o it_o be_v not_o extreme_o degenerate_v into_o the_o worst_a irregularity_n that_o that_o bridle_v sufficient_o curb_v at_o least_o in_o other_o man_n their_o concupiscence_n and_o unruly_a passion_n who_o end_n be_v only_o to_o confound_v ruin_n and_o violate_v all_o thing_n ix_o but_o that_o which_o whole_o secure_v christian_n morality_n from_o the_o reproach_n it_o may_v be_v charge_v with_o in_o this_o respect_n be_v that_o it_o be_v itself_o either_o endow_v with_o such_o strength_n as_o must_v necessary_o exalt_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n or_o contain_v such_o object_n which_o together_o with_o the_o efficacy_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o continual_o attend_v they_o outweigh_v the_o most_o sensible_a object_n and_o that_o passionate_a inclination_n we_o all_o have_v for_o the_o world_n philosopher_n indeed_o may_v be_v very_o just_o charge_v with_o this_o reproach_n namely_o that_o their_o morality_n be_v mere_a speculation_n because_o their_o excellent_a maxim_n have_v no_o motive_n powerful_a enough_o to_o support_v they_o they_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v true_a that_o we_o must_v overcome_v ourselves_o and_o renounce_v our_o evil_a desire_n but_o if_o once_o they_o be_v ask_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o they_o be_v much_o perplex_v how_o to_o solve_v the_o query_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o their_o morality_n be_v very_o excellent_a but_o the_o motive_n that_o induce_v man_n to_o observe_v it_o be_v weak_a and_o a_o little_a renown_n acquire_v in_o practise_v that_o virtue_n they_o so_o strict_o recommend_v as_o also_o the_o title_n of_o wiseman_n and_o that_o abundance_n of_o vanity_n always_o concomitant_a with_o it_o be_v very_o weak_a inducement_n to_o constrain_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o deprive_v itself_o of_o its_o darling_n belove_v passion_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o the_o morality_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v wonderful_o support_v by_o the_o motive_n it_o lay_v before_o we_o every_o thing_n be_v coherent_a in_o it_o and_o all_o the_o part_n proportionable_a it_o require_v our_o observance_n of_o many_o hard_a and_o mortify_a duty_n it_o curb_v the_o affection_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o mortify_v the_o flesh_n but_o since_o that_o can_v be_v do_v without_o great_a difficulty_n and_o more_o than_o ordinary_a endeavour_n it_o promise_v we_o a_o magnificent_a and_o glorious_a reward_n the_o greatness_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v support_v by_o many_o terrible_a threaten_n and_o both_o these_o object_n be_v confirm_v by_o such_o favour_n as_o be_v very_o proper_a to_o gain_v our_o affection_n the_o blessing_n be_v a_o sure_a token_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o make_v we_o believe_v that_o of_o the_o threaten_n i_o grant_v the_o promise_n of_o a_o bless_a life_n and_o immortality_n which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v very_o great_a and_o glorious_a but_o still_o not_o great_a than_o that_o which_o jesus_n make_v to_o two_o of_o his_o disciple_n when_o he_o call_v they_o unto_o he_o say_v come_v after_o i_o and_o i_o will_v make_v you_o fisher_n of_o men._n there_o be_v less_o probability_n that_o a_o few_o poor_a ignorant_a fisherman_n shall_v have_v be_v able_a to_o catch_v in_o their_o net_n the_o doctrine_n authority_n wit_n and_o eloquence_n of_o man_n than_o that_o we_o shall_v see_v god_n after_o death_n the_o truth_n of_o his_o promise_n can_v subsist_v without_o that_o of_o his_o threaten_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a when_o he_o promise_v that_o the_o pure_a in_o heart_n shall_v see_v he_o he_o threaten_v also_o to_o exclude_v those_o that_o be_v not_o so_o from_o the_o beatific_a vision_n let_v not_o man_n therefore_o slatter_v themselves_o let_v they_o shake_v off_o their_o unbelief_n of_o the_o severe_a punishment_n that_o attend_v the_o wicked_a after_o this_o life_n their_o reason_n will_v tell_v they_o that_o god_n can_v do_v no_o less_o than_o banish_v those_o his_o presence_n who_o have_v persist_v in_o a_o wilful_a design_n of_o offend_v he_o by_o their_o sin_n and_o that_o such_o a_o banishment_n be_v attend_v with_o the_o great_a of_o all_o misery_n and_o that_o be_v eternal_a death_n the_o sting_n of_o conscience_n convince_v we_o of_o this_o and_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n inform_v we_o of_o it_o his_o justice_n point_v it_o out_o to_o we_o his_o law_n teach_v it_o and_o the_o gospel_n confirm_v it_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o thing_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o doubt_v it_o since_o god_n can_v direct_v man_n to_o the_o true_a end_n of_o his_o creation_n without_o reveal_v himself_o to_o he_o and_o he_o can_v reveal_v himself_o to_o he_o without_o make_v his_o will_n know_v to_o he_o according_a as_o he_o please_v nor_o can_v he_o make_v his_o will_n know_v to_o he_o without_o give_v he_o a_o law_n nor_o give_v he_o a_o law_n without_o annex_v to_o it_o such_o motive_n as_o must_v be_v either_o promise_n or_o threaten_n deep_o engravened_a in_o the_o conscience_n if_o they_o accompany_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o deliver_v in_o writing_n if_o they_o follow_v the_o write_a law_n nor_o can_v he_o make_v such_o promise_n or_o threaten_n unto_o man_n without_o be_v punctual_a in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o and_o can_v we_o have_v any_o great_a certainty_n than_o that_o which_o be_v so_o visible_o found_v upon_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n themselves_o there_o be_v nothing_o therefore_o capable_a to_o free_a man_n from_o
they_o on_o the_o bright_a side_n they_o appear_v great_a sublime_a and_o conformable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n worthy_a of_o god_n and_o close_o unite_v to_o the_o most_o inviolable_a principle_n both_o of_o our_o heart_n and_o understanding_n their_o greatness_n and_o sublimity_n cause_v such_o a_o admiration_n in_o those_o person_n who_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o divulge_v they_o to_o the_o world_n as_o they_o can_v not_o possible_o conceal_v for_o sometime_o they_o be_v force_v to_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v thing_n which_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 9_o a_o expression_n which_o be_v as_o natural_a as_o full_a of_o energy_n and_o clear_o demonstrate_v what_o great_a idea_n they_o have_v of_o they_o another_o while_n they_o express_v themselves_o after_o this_o manner_n and_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n 1_o tim._n 3._o 16._o and_o again_o colos_n 2._o 3._o they_o call_v they_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v continual_o at_o a_o loss_n to_o find_v out_o expression_n worthy_a the_o majesty_n of_o they_o and_o these_o object_n be_v infinite_o raise_v above_o our_o sense_n scarce_o seem_v to_o have_v any_o probability_n be_v altogether_o repugnant_a to_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o carnal_a notion_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v above_o any_o conjecture_n of_o man_n and_o consequent_o object_n worthy_a of_o god_n himself_o for_o they_o glorify_v he_o after_o a_o excellent_a manner_n and_o clear_o reveal_v unto_o we_o his_o greatness_n and_o majesty_n either_o in_o the_o gift_n he_o confer_v upon_o man_n or_o the_o sublimity_n of_o those_o duty_n he_o prescribe_v they_o to_o follow_v or_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o reward_n he_o propose_v to_o they_o or_o the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n whereby_o he_o lead_v they_o to_o it_o compare_v the_o notion_n of_o christianity_n with_o those_o of_o other_o religion_n and_o you_o will_v be_v convince_v of_o this_o truth_n but_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o those_o mystery_n seem_v to_o we_o far_o above_o the_o capacity_n of_o man_n who_o can_v never_o have_v invent_v they_o and_o worthy_a the_o majesty_n of_o god_n who_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o reveal_v they_o to_o we_o we_o may_v also_o further_o add_v that_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o natural_a religion_n exact_o fall_v in_o with_o they_o for_o they_o be_v not_o like_o the_o idle_a tale_n and_o fiction_n of_o the_o poet_n which_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n former_o so_o eager_o embrace_v when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n their_o reason_n condemn_v they_o for_o it_o the_o creation_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n by_o a_o almighty_a be_v the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o a_o mediator_n the_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n the_o communion_n of_o saint_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o life_n everlasting_a be_v all_o object_n equal_o reasonable_a sublime_a and_o full_a of_o majesty_n and_o the_o denial_n of_o they_o will_v take_v away_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n by_o the_o clear_a revelation_n and_o destroy_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o supreme_a be_v what_o will_v become_v then_o of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n will_v it_o suffer_v man_n to_o be_v whole_o take_v up_o by_o such_o end_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o design_n of_o their_o creation_n will_v god_n permit_v irregularity_n and_o confusion_n to_o reign_v in_o public_a society_n and_o never_o compose_v they_o whilst_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o establish_v a_o firm_a union_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o society_n among_o irrational_a creature_n if_o so_o what_o will_v then_o signify_v those_o principle_n of_o morality_n and_o that_o natural_a law_n which_o he_o have_v write_v in_o our_o heart_n wherefore_o shall_v he_o make_v so_o many_o thing_n for_o the_o good_a and_o preservation_n of_o man_n that_o be_v not_o the_o end_n he_o be_v design_v for_o what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o what_o will_v be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o conscience_n what_o will_v be_v the_o punishment_n reserve_v for_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o reward_n which_o attend_v the_o just_a what_o will_v become_v of_o our_o soul_n since_o reason_n have_v teach_v we_o that_o the_o think_v principle_n within_o we_o be_v distinct_a from_o matter_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n depend_v not_o upon_o any_o dissolution_n of_o the_o part_n of_o matter_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o this_o soul_n have_v notion_n of_o its_o immortality_n what_o use_n will_v there_o be_v of_o equity_n and_o justice_n why_o may_v not_o man_n rather_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o vice_n which_o will_v then_o be_v whole_o preferable_a before_o virtue_n who_o then_o will_v refuse_v to_o acknowledge_v such_o 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on_o the_o other_o not_o that_o they_o have_v or_o can_v contain_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v repugnant_a to_o sound_v and_o unprejudiced_a reason_n but_o it_o be_v because_o they_o can_v be_v fathom_v by_o our_o shallow_a understanding_n and_o that_o it_o be_v neither_o secure_a nor_o allowable_a or_o even_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o search_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o they_o now_o though_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o inquire_v why_o god_n be_v please_v not_o to_o explicate_v all_o difficulty_n in_o his_o mystery_n and_o though_o it_o be_v sufficient_a only_o to_o allege_v that_o such_o be_v his_o will_n and_o the_o decree_n of_o his_o wisdom_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o neglect_v to_o illustrate_v and_o interpret_v they_o as_o far_o as_o scripture_n and_o reason_n will_v permit_v every_o body_n know_v the_o difference_n between_o sight_n and_o faith_n sight_n admit_v of_o no_o difficulty_n but_o faith_n be_v intermix_v both_o with_o light_n and_o darkness_n both_o their_o object_n be_v very_o different_a from_o one_o another_o for_o we_o do_v not_o see_v what_o we_o believe_v and_o proper_o speak_v we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o which_o we_o see_v to_o see_v be_v to_o perceive_v by_o one_o self_n but_o to_o believe_v be_v to_o perceive_v by_o another_o man_n eye_n sight_n be_v twofold_a that_o of_o the_o sense_n which_o perceive_v those_o object_n only_o that_o be_v suitable_a to_o its_o nature_n and_o that_o of_o the_o understanding_n when_o it_o judge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n by_o its_o own_o proper_a light_n faith_n also_o be_v twofold_a humane_a and_o divine_a the_o first_o be_v that_o persuasion_n we_o have_v of_o sacred_a mystery_n ground_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n and_o the_o other_o that_o which_o be_v establish_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n so_o that_o after_o what_o have_v be_v thus_o premise_v it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n that_o be_v we_o must_v lay_v aside_o our_o reason_n and_o follow_v only_o the_o light_n of_o revelation_n and_o receive_v those_o truth_n which_o promise_v we_o salvation_n on_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n alone_o nevertheless_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o perceive_v how_o great_a a_o repugnance_n we_o have_v to_o it_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n in_o not_o give_v we_o mystery_n without_o difficulty_n restrain_v the_o rove_a speculation_n of_o our_o mind_n it_o humble_v the_o proud_a reason_n of_o man_n and_o rob_v he_o of_o the_o privilege_n of_o a_o full_a insight_n into_o matter_n which_o yet_o infinite_o concern_v he_o when_o we_o shall_v renounce_v the_o world_n which_o be_v present_a to_o our_o eye_n we_o will_v fain_o see_v those_o object_n religion_n have_v put_v in_o
consequence_n only_o divine_a wisdom_n be_v also_o please_v that_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v be_v bear_v in_o obscurity_n and_o humiliation_n that_o those_o mean_v outward_a appearance_n be_v offensive_a to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a mind_a jew_n they_o may_v as_o it_o be_v by_o chance_n give_v occasion_n to_o the_o execution_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o council_n of_o god_n have_v determine_v and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o his_o poverty_n and_o humiliation_n of_o the_o meanness_n of_o his_o birth_n and_o the_o vnworthiness_n of_o his_o first_o profession_n the_o choice_n of_o his_o disciple_n etc._n etc._n the_o justice_n of_o god_n act_v in_o concert_n with_o his_o wisdom_n oblige_v he_o to_o speak_v to_o all_o profane_a contemner_n of_o his_o mystery_n in_o a_o obscure_a language_n and_o so_o as_o it_o be_v to_o conceal_v those_o pearl_n from_o they_o lest_o like_o unclean_a beast_n they_o shall_v trample_v they_o under_o their_o foot_n and_o this_o may_v very_o well_o serve_v for_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o denial_n which_o christ_n former_o make_v to_o the_o unbeliever_n of_o those_o time_n of_o signalize_v his_o power_n among_o they_o and_o of_o the_o great_a care_n he_o often_o take_v to_o conceal_v his_o miracle_n from_o they_o for_o this_o cause_n therefore_o speak_v he_o sometime_o in_o parable_n to_o stranger_n but_o he_o always_o very_o clear_o express_v himself_o to_o his_o disciple_n give_v they_o to_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o parable_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o as_o for_o they_o they_o have_v the_o privilege_n of_o see_v all_o thing_n open_o neither_o do_v his_o majesty_n suffer_v he_o to_o reveal_v himself_o as_o familiar_o to_o the_o sinful_a man_n as_o he_o will_v to_o the_o innocent_a this_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o wonder_v at_o since_o man_n themselves_o be_v wont_n so_o to_o deal_v with_o one_o another_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o common_a than_o for_o great_a man_n 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nothing_o but_o a_o external_a and_o corporeal_a purity_n be_v sufficient_a to_o qualify_v those_o that_o be_v to_o approach_v the_o deity_n manifest_v under_o corporeal_a symbol_n but_o christ_n fulfil_v in_o the_o spirit_n every_o thing_n hide_v in_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n teach_v we_o that_o those_o only_o shall_v see_v god_n who_o shall_v be_v find_v pure_a in_o heart_n so_o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o wonder_v if_o when_o man_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o gild_n hide_v himself_o from_o god_n the_o almighty_a withdraw_v the_o influence_n of_o his_o glorious_a majesty_n from_o man._n last_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n overshadow_v revelation_n with_o some_o sort_n of_o darkness_n to_o exercise_v our_o faith_n and_o keep_v up_o our_o mind_n in_o vigour_n which_o also_o will_v grow_v sluggish_a if_o not_o stir_v up_o by_o such_o difficulty_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o mystery_n as_o also_o to_o humble_v our_o proud_a and_o haughty_a reason_n which_o be_v immediate_o puff_v up_o with_o its_o own_o knowledge_n to_o make_v we_o submit_v our_o understanding_n to_o he_o since_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v any_o truth_n though_o incredible_a if_o he_o reveal_v they_o as_o also_o to_o sway_v our_o heart_n and_o affection_n which_o ought_v ready_o to_o embrace_v any_o sorrowful_a and_o mortify_a object_n that_o he_o be_v please_v to_o offer_v they_o to_o strip_v our_o pride_n of_o all_o its_o pretence_n and_o to_o dispose_v our_o mind_n that_o we_o must_v necessary_o acknowledge_v every_o benefit_n we_o enjoy_v spring_v from_o he_o and_o that_o too_o so_o much_o the_o more_o because_o we_o thereby_o attain_v to_o life_n eternal_a by_o such_o mean_n and_o object_n as_o be_v above_o our_o capacity_n to_o comprehend_v so_o necessary_a be_v it_o that_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v rom._n 1._o 16._o to_o this_o principle_n we_o owe_v the_o choice_n of_o those_o person_n which_o god_n have_v make_v use_n of_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n the_o nature_n of_o those_o seem_a paradox_n he_o command_v they_o to_o publish_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n the_o silence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o a_o few_o word_n from_o he_o will_v have_v render_v plain_a and_o easy_a to_o our_o understanding_n but_o god_n be_v not_o content_a to_o exercise_v our_o faith_n by_o those_o obscurity_n we_o find_v disperse_v throughout_o the_o divine_a revelation_n he_o further_o permit_v heresy_n schism_n and_o error_n nay_o superstition_n itself_o to_o reign_v among_o we_o that_o those_o who_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a thus_o we_o may_v say_v he_o suffer_v all_o egypt_n to_o be_v cover_v with_o darkness_n the_o more_o eminent_o to_o discover_v his_o wonderful_a protection_n in_o blessing_n at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o land_n of_o goshen_n with_o the_o light_n of_o his_o truth_n that_o be_v by_o give_v we_o a_o religion_n accompany_v with_o so_o bright_a a_o evidence_n as_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a mind_a man_n can_v never_o comprehend_v because_o their_o reason_n be_v eclipse_v by_o sensuality_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o their_o heart_n produce_v those_o thick_a cloud_n that_o hide_v the_o truth_n from_o their_o sight_n god_n it_o be_v true_a enlighten_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o man_n wilful_o blind_v themselves_o he_o permit_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o to_o confound_v their_o ignorance_n and_o demonstrate_v to_o we_o that_o he_o be_v the_o father_n of_o light_n but_o let_v we_o now_o inquire_v into_o the_o principle_n of_o that_o obscurity_n which_o sole_o spring_v from_o men._n and_o i._o so_o gross_a be_v all_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o sense_n that_o there_o be_v no_o body_n so_o void_a of_o shame_n as_o to_o follow_v they_o open_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o be_v very_o prevalent_a in_o the_o heart_n of_o most_o man_n who_o stick_v not_o to_o say_v i_o never_o see_v the_o like_a i_o can_v willing_o believe_v it_o if_o i_o shall_v but_o see_v it_o who_o ever_o see_v dead_a man_n rise_v again_o from_o their_o grave_n and_o who_o ever_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n or_o go_v down_o into_o the_o pit_n all_o which_o reason_v be_v manifest_o absurd_a for_o can_v there_o be_v any_o great_a folly_n in_o a_o man_n than_o to_o refuse_v to_o believe_v that_o which_o he_o do_v not_o see_v when_o these_o object_n of_o his_o faith_n can_v have_v no_o existence_n be_v they_o not_o invisible_a do_v any_o one_o ever_o see_v the_o time_n past_o long_a before_o he_o live_v or_o the_o future_a long_a after_o his_o death_n do_v he_o ever_o see_v his_o own_o soul_n the_o deity_n etc._n etc._n for_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o time_n past_a and_o the_o future_a the_o object_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n together_o with_o the_o benefit_n of_o god_n which_o faith_n offer_v to_o our_o consideration_n ii_o we_o be_v accustom_v by_o education_n not_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n that_o happen_v not_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n we_o confine_v ourselves_o as_o it_o be_v to_o a_o circle_n of_o object_n which_o we_o willing_o admit_v of_o because_o they_o contain_v nothing_o that_o be_v repugnant_a to_o experience_n or_o probability_n so_o that_o the_o custom_n we_o have_v of_o refuse_v to_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o all_o other_o thing_n reach_v even_o unto_o matter_n of_o religion_n inevitable_o cast_v we_o into_o scepticism_n and_o incredulity_n yet_o shall_v we_o but_o thorough_o consider_v those_o object_n which_o fall_v under_o common_a experience_n they_o will_v certain_o appear_v as_o surprise_v and_o incomprehensible_a as_o those_o of_o religion_n if_o you_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o the_o soul_n shall_v outlive_v
against_o their_o so_o very_a simple_a and_o natural_a expression_n it_o be_v our_o chief_a concern_v to_o regard_v the_o substance_n and_o essential_a part_n of_o their_o preach_n and_o that_o be_v god_n design_n to_o save_v mankind_n by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n to_o this_o every_o thing_n relate_v and_o it_o be_v support_v by_o three_o other_o very_a great_a and_o important_a object_n the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n attest_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o the_o completion_n of_o all_o the_o prophecy_n contain_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n all_o which_o thing_n the_o apostle_n see_v and_o clear_o and_o distinct_o teach_v man_n and_o at_o last_o digest_v in_o write_v direct_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n when_o the_o whole_a earth_n seem_v full_a of_o astonishment_n at_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o extraordinary_a gift_n god_n pour_v down_o upon_o man_n at_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o so_o many_o prophecy_n in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o at_o the_o suffering_n and_o trial_n of_o the_o witness_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o main_a substance_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o well_o as_o of_o their_o preach_v and_o divine_a providence_n be_v please_v that_o all_o those_o thing_n shall_v be_v digest_v in_o write_v in_o a_o time_n when_o they_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v forge_v or_o alter_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v receive_v and_o approve_v of_o in_o all_o christian_a society_n of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v first_o disperse_v every_o where_o by_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o copy_n and_o translation_n of_o they_o than_o afterward_o quote_v by_o almost_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o doctor_n careful_o preserve_v almost_o every_o where_o and_o carry_v general_o into_o those_o place_n whence_o persecution_n have_v banish_v and_o remove_v the_o christian_n nay_o god_n have_v please_v that_o those_o writer_n shall_v all_o conspire_v to_o teach_v we_o the_o same_o thing_n though_o each_o express_v himself_o after_o his_o own_o particular_a way_n that_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o composition_n shall_v be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o their_o speak_v that_o they_o shall_v exact_o follow_v in_o all_o their_o quotation_n the_o greek_a translation_n which_o be_v know_v of_o the_o people_n and_o not_o puzzle_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a by_o any_o critical_a remark_n which_o be_v thing_n beneath_o those_o man_n who_o have_v both_o see_v and_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o life_n have_v declare_v the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n that_o they_o may_v be_v clear_o understand_v by_o all_o men._n it_o be_v also_o necessary_a that_o those_o wonderful_a writer_n shall_v insist_v rather_o upon_o the_o thing_n themselves_o that_o they_o deliver_v than_o the_o order_n of_o their_o word_n that_o so_o they_o may_v keep_v up_o the_o great_a character_n of_o their_o office_n and_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o thence_o to_o regard_v rather_o the_o sense_n of_o what_o they_o have_v write_v than_o the_o accuracy_n of_o their_o expression_n they_o have_v sufficient_o expound_v all_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o religion_n which_o though_o not_o very_o many_o be_v yet_o repeat_v almost_o in_o every_o page_n of_o their_o write_n they_o leave_v to_o their_o disciple_n the_o care_n of_o collect_v their_o write_n and_o set_v together_o those_o canonical_a book_n which_o contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o salvation_n not_o that_o that_o collection_n have_v all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o it_o contain_v certain_a truth_n often_o and_o often_o repeat_v by_o they_o sufficient_a to_o promote_v the_o sanctification_n of_o mankind_n as_o for_o the_o various_a readins_n they_o be_v so_o few_o and_o so_o inconsiderable_a in_o themselves_o that_o they_o alter_v not_o in_o the_o least_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o book_n so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o change_v the_o unalterable_a substance_n of_o religion_n in_o as_o much_o as_o there_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o apostle_n write_n to_o which_o it_o be_v not_o inseparable_o unite_v and_o almost_o every_o where_o repeat_v and_o as_o for_o the_o objection_n about_o the_o hebrew_n grammar_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v all_o true_a as_o be_v object_v which_o yet_o be_v dubious_a it_o ought_v not_o to_o disturb_v we_o since_o christ_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o apostle_n have_v so_o full_o confirm_v those_o book_n those_o little_a and_o inconsiderable_a difficulty_n be_v far_o from_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o our_o faith_n since_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o know_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o we_o perceive_v by_o the_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o it_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o either_o through_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o transcriber_n or_o negligence_n of_o man_n or_o the_o want_n of_o exactness_n find_v in_o the_o translation_n or_o last_o through_o the_o multitude_n of_o equivocal_a term_n it_o shall_v ever_o want_v those_o important_a precept_n and_o evident_a truth_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o our_o salvation_n and_o sanctification_n and_o of_o which_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o constant_a repetition_n for_o otherwise_o god_n must_v either_o have_v deceive_v we_o or_o his_o wisdom_n have_v be_v deceive_v in_o be_v want_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o such_o mean_n as_o it_o pure_o design_v to_o maintain_v and_o keep_v up_o the_o faith_n of_o mankind_n however_o it_o be_v it_o be_v not_o our_o present_a design_n to_o blame_v in_o the_o least_o either_o the_o care_n which_o some_o take_v to_o instruct_v themselves_o in_o the_o criticism_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o the_o respect_n they_o have_v for_o its_o expression_n which_o be_v indeed_o worthy_a to_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o other_o god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v ever_o entertain_v any_o such_o impious_a and_o foolish_a thought_n we_o therefore_o here_o intend_v only_o to_o assert_v two_o thing_n 1_o sy_n that_o all_o those_o small_a difficulty_n the_o critic_n raise_v against_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o any_o way_n sufficient_a to_o shake_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v wonderful_o provide_v that_o our_o faith_n shall_v be_v establish_v without_o respect_n have_v to_o those_o difficulty_n the_o second_o be_v that_o those_o very_a difficulty_n be_v not_o only_o of_o excellent_a use_n to_o humble_v our_o mind_n but_o also_o necessary_a to_o keep_v we_o from_o the_o superstition_n of_o insist_v only_o upon_o a_o literal_a signification_n and_o from_o that_o folly_n which_o we_o may_v call_v the_o adoration_n of_o word_n we_o must_v therefore_o grant_v that_o all_o thing_n our_o sense_n education_n the_o curiosity_n of_o the_o mind_n superstition_n philosophy_n policy_n humane_a eloquence_n and_o grammar_n be_v as_o so_o many_o instrument_n which_o our_o passion_n employ_v to_o make_v void_a that_o submission_n which_o our_o faith_n owe_v to_o god_n that_o through_o the_o ill_a use_n we_o put_v they_o to_o they_o be_v convert_v into_o so_o many_o different_a way_n of_o shake_v off_o that_o divine_a obedience_n and_o that_o the_o speculation_n which_o spring_n from_o all_o these_o principle_n aim_v at_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o weaken_n our_o faith_n just_a as_o the_o loose_a and_o remiss_a maxim_n of_o some_o casuist_n tend_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o morality_n it_o be_v as_o difficult_a for_o the_o understanding_n to_o believe_v as_o for_o our_o heart_n to_o mortify_v itself_o nevertheless_o it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v affirm_v 1_o sy_n that_o this_o submission_n of_o ourselves_o to_o god_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o that_o unless_o we_o pay_v it_o he_o by_o ready_o receive_v the_o principle_n of_o his_o religion_n we_o must_v inevitable_o yield_v it_o up_o to_o matter_n and_o so_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o the_o most_o wretched_a and_o impious_a ignorance_n and_o horrid_a darkness_n of_o understanding_n it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o we_o shall_v no_o better_o comprehend_v what_o eternity_n infinity_o extension_n the_o manner_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o matter_n be_v than_o we_o already_o know_v what_o pass_v within_o god_n 2_o lie_v that_o our_o heart_n be_v dispose_v to_o such_o a_o submission_n of_o mind_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o relate_v to_o our_o civil_a and_o natural_a concern_v and_o if_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o do_v not_o defer_v to_o receive_v nourishment_n till_o we_o be_v full_o instruct_v after_o what_o manner_n nutrition_n be_v make_v within_o we_o and_o if_o we_o be_v easy_o induce_v to_o believe_v the_o attraction_n of_o the_o magnetic_a stone_n though_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o manner_n of_o that_o operation_n why_o shall_v we_o not_o in_o like_a manner_n as_o
must_v renounce_v ourselves_o and_o beg_v of_o almighty_a god_n that_o he_o will_v enlighten_v our_o understanding_n when_o we_o perceive_v that_o such_o a_o sublime_a and_o elevate_a science_n which_o offer_v such_o noble_a and_o magnificent_a object_n to_o our_o consideration_n be_v yet_o conceive_v by_o those_o only_a that_o be_v pure_a in_o heart_n here_o then_o ought_v we_o to_o cry_v out_o what_o a_o divine_a religion_n be_v this_o which_o at_o once_o enlighten_v and_o humble_v we_o which_o amaze_v and_o yet_o clear_v our_o understanding_n which_o lead_v we_o to_o save_a knowledge_n by_o the_o free_a and_o ready_a confession_n of_o our_o own_o ignorance_n and_o take_v away_o all_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o understanding_n by_o make_v it_o submit_v to_o faith_n where_o be_v the_o wise_a where_o be_v the_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n ix_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o the_o conformity_n of_o its_o mystery_n to_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n have_v look_v into_o the_o original_a of_o all_o our_o false_a prejudices_fw-la it_o be_v now_o no_o difficult_a matter_n to_o distinguish_v religion_n from_o superstition_n and_o divinity_n from_o philosophy_n without_o such_o a_o distinction_n we_o must_v inevitable_o fall_v into_o the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o by_o it_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o demonstrate_v that_o religion_n contain_v no_o great_a difficulty_n than_o even_o nature_n itself_o thus_o the_o doctrine_n of_o predestination_n of_o grace_n and_o original_a sin_n be_v such_o unfathomable_a depth_n as_o terrify_v at_o first_o view_v the_o mind_n of_o he_o that_o endeavour_v to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o methinks_v i_o already_o hear_v a_o multitude_n of_o doctor_n cry_v out_o against_o i_o that_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o presume_v to_o dive_v into_o thebottom_n of_o those_o profound_a mystery_n which_o confound_v their_o reason_n the_o more_o attentive_o they_o consider_v and_o reflect_v upon_o they_o but_o i_o beg_v leave_n of_o those_o worthy_a man_n to_o tell_v they_o that_o all_o those_o matter_n will_v seem_v to_o they_o less_o difficult_a than_o they_o do_v be_v they_o less_o philosopher_n than_o they_o be_v and_o i_o will_v have_v they_o always_o remember_v that_o faith_n and_o reason_n divinity_n and_o philosophy_n be_v essential_o distinct_a one_o from_o the_o other_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o former_a bare_o perceive_v the_o object_n itself_o without_o endeavour_v to_o search_v into_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o consist_v in_o that_o submission_n which_o prevent_v its_o further_a inquiry_n pride_n and_o rashness_n be_v contrary_a to_o it_o whereas_o the_o latter_a continual_o endeavour_n to_o know_v both_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o they_o together_o with_o the_o physical_a cause_n of_o they_o have_v no_o great_a enemy_n than_o ignorance_n to_o oppose_v its_o progress_n according_o a_o divine_a aught_o only_o to_o inquire_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o grace_n predestination_n original_a sin_n etc._n etc._n but_o a_o philosopher_n not_o satisfied-with_a a_o bare_a knowledge_n of_o it_o will_v yet_o further_o inquire_v what_o be_v the_o order_n of_o the_o immutable_a decree_n of_o god_n after_o what_o manner_n grace_n determine_v our_o free_a will_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v original_a sin_n be_v transmit_v from_o the_o first_o man_n to_o his_o posterity_n the_o apostle_n who_o be_v the_o true_a and_o indeed_o only_a divine_n that_o confine_v themselves_o within_o the_o due_a limit_n of_o divinity_n have_v very_o large_o instruct_v we_o in_o all_o those_o object_n by_o full_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n and_o necessity_n of_o they_o yet_o have_v not_o let_v fall_v the_o least_o word_n that_o can_v give_v we_o a_o insight_n into_o the_o manner_n of_o they_o but_o the_o succeed_a christian_n apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o platonic_a and_o aristotelian_a philosophy_n real_o think_v the_o knowledge_n of_o salvation_n a_o science_n as_o well_o as_o the_o rest_n and_o thereupon_o frame_v to_o themselves_o many_o fruitless_a and_o unprofitable_a speculative_a system_n which_o in_o many_o place_n be_v repugnant_a to_o piety_n and_o perplex_v our_o divine_a religion_n with_o several_a humane_a difficulty_n it_o will_v be_v injurious_a to_o imagine_v that_o st._n paul_n in_o his_o large_a discourse_n about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o predestination_n aim_v at_o nothing_o else_o but_o to_o gratify_v the_o vain_a curiosity_n of_o those_o he_o address_v himself_o to_o all_o that_o he_o there_o say_v though_o seem_o speculative_a be_v in_o reality_n practical_a the_o question_n be_v whether_o the_o distinction_n that_o be_v between_o the_o jew_n and_o gtntile_n be_v not_o whole_o take_v away_o and_o if_o so_o whether_o the_o gentile_n be_v not_o to_o make_v up_o one_o and_o the_o same_o body_n with_o the_o beliving_a jew_n those_o of_o the_o circumcision_n be_v accustom_v to_o look_v upon_o the_o heathen_n as_o a_o people_n that_o be_v curse_v can_v not_o easy_o imagine_v that_o they_o shall_v ever_o enjoy_v the_o same_o privilege_n with_o they_o but_o st._n paul_n the_o apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n endeavour_n to_o confute_v this_o prejudice_n of_o they_o and_o to_o that_o purpose_n he_o show_v they_o that_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o all_o man_n that_o he_o suffer_v that_o all_o man_n shall_v sin_n that_o he_o may_v thereby_o extend_v his_o grace_n to_o all_o that_o the_o choice_n he_o make_v of_o the_o jew_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n be_v a_o free_a and_o liberal_a election_n that_o it_o be_v by_o by_o faith_n alone_o and_o not_o by_o work_n that_o the_o patriarch_n be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o that_o his_o mercy_n be_v not_o entail_v upon_o the_o posterity_n of_o the_o patriarch_n that_o the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o acceptance_n with_o god_n that_o the_o law_n of_o itself_o can_v not_o have_v that_o effect_n that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o good_a work_n of_o jacob_n that_o his_o posterity_n be_v prefer_v before_o that_o of_o esau_n for_o whilst_o the_o child_n be_v yet_o in_o their_o mother_n womb_n and_o have_v do_v neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a it_o be_v tell_v rebekah_n consult_v the_o divine_a oracle_n about_o they_o that_o the_o elder_a shall_v serve_v the_o young_a now_o the_o reflection_n to_o be_v make_v upon_o this_o doctrine_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v these_o 1._o that_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n there_o be_v then_o to_o treat_v of_o those_o matter_n and_o the_o urgent_a occasion_n that_o oblige_v the_o apostle_n to_o speak_v of_o they_o be_v now_o whole_o at_o a_o end_n for_o there_o be_v none_o among_o the_o christian_n that_o either_o call_v or_o aught_o to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o election_n of_o those_o gentile_n who_o sincere_o believe_v the_o gospel_n so_o that_o if_o we_o happen_v now_o adays_o to_o be_v engage_v in_o any_o eager_a dispute_n about_o those_o matter_n it_o be_v mere_o out_o of_o a_o principle_n of_o vanity_n or_o obstinacy_n or_o a_o rash_a and_o impious_a curiosity_n every_o thing_n be_v practical_a in_o st_n paul_n discourse_n of_o predestination_n whereas_o those_o be_v whole_o speculative_a that_o be_v in_o these_o latter_a day_n compose_v about_o it_o st._n paul_n have_v no_o other_o design_n but_o to_o create_v peace_n and_o charity_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n by_o show_v they_o that_o they_o be_v both_o the_o object_n of_o the_o divine_a election_n but_o now_o this_o doctrine_n be_v change_v into_o speculation_n and_o philosophy_n and_o have_v no_o other_o use_n but_o to_o create_v scandalous_a division_n in_o christian_a society_n 2._o the_o best_a and_o sure_a method_n in_o this_o case_n be_v to_o imitate_v the_o modesty_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o bare_o assert_v the_o thing_n take_v great_a care_v not_o to_o search_v into_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o he_o only_o speak_v of_o election_n in_o general_n and_o when_o his_o curious_a and_o impertinent_a reason_n go_v about_o to_o examine_v the_o performance_n of_o it_o he_o only_o cry_v out_o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n etc._n etc._n it_o must_v be_v confess_v st._n paul_n have_v as_o much_o wit_n as_o any_o modern_a divine_n can_v pretend_v to_o and_o so_o can_v have_v frame_v as_o probable_a system_n of_o the_o consent_n and_o harmony_n of_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n or_o have_v find_v out_o either_o in_o the_o ill_a use_n we_o make_v of_o our_o free_a will_n or_o in_o the_o spring_n of_o our_o soul_n wherewith_o to_o solve_v these_o difficulty_n yet_o he_o never_o attempt_v it_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v he_o be_v a_o true_a divine_a and_o not_o a_o mere_a philosopher_n and_o know_v very_o well_o that_o the_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o faith_n consist_v in_o humble_o cast_v down_o our_o eye_n before_o the_o dark_a side_n of_o the_o mystery_n 3._o but_o because_o we_o be_v