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and_o that_o his_o father_n and_o he_o will_v come_v and_o make_v their_o abode_n with_o they_o whosoever_o drink_v of_o the_o water_n that_o he_o shall_v give_v he_o he_o say_v shall_v never_o thirst_v but_o that_o water_n shall_v be_v in_o he_o a_o well_o of_o water_n spring_v up_o into_o everlasting_a life_n and_o whoso_o eat_v his_o flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n have_v eternal_a life_n and_o he_o will_v raise_v he_o up_o at_o the_o last_o day_n he_o tell_v one_o of_o the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v with_o he_o that_o day_n in_o paradise_n and_o in_o general_a to_o all_o those_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o obey_v his_o word_n and_o commandment_n he_o give_v assurance_n of_o salvation_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n in_o another_o world_n beside_o many_o other_o occasional_a blessing_n and_o assistance_n in_o this_o and_o those_o that_o will_v not_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o obey_v his_o gospel_n he_o threaten_v with_o eternal_a punishment_n in_o 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of_o a_o amaze_a greatness_n and_o power_n in_o jesus_n christ_n so_o be_v all_o his_o sermon_n and_o discourse_n his_o manner_n of_o preach_v and_o converse_v and_o the_o whole_a scheme_n both_o of_o his_o life_n and_o doctrine_n manifest_a proof_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a kind_n of_o wisdom_n it_o do_v not_o appear_v from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o christ_n have_v read_v any_o other_o book_n but_o the_o old_a testament_n or_o that_o he_o have_v have_v the_o advantage_n of_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o meaning_n and_o sense_n of_o that_o by_o any_o master_n or_o teacher_n whatsoever_o yet_o we_o find_v he_o teach_v reason_v answer_v question_n that_o be_v put_v
to_o he_o and_o expound_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o all_o that_o hear_v he_o be_v astonish_v at_o his_o understanding_n his_o doctrine_n and_o answer_n his_o usual_a way_n of_o teach_v the_o people_n that_o believe_v on_o he_o and_o reprove_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o other_o that_o be_v unbeliever_n and_o seek_v occasion_n to_o find_v fault_n with_o what_o he_o say_v be_v by_o parable_n which_o be_v such_o familiar_a resemblance_n of_o or_o allusion_n to_o the_o common_a and_o most_o observe_v accident_n of_o life_n as_o be_v more_o easy_o apprehend_v by_o ordinary_a capacity_n better_o attend_v to_o and_o remember_v and_o not_o so_o liable_a to_o censure_n and_o misinterpretation_n as_o plain_a and_o proper_a expression_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n that_o be_v deliver_v this_o way_n will_v have_v be_v but_o sometime_o he_o both_o teach_v and_o reprove_v open_o without_o any_o disguise_n or_o reserve_v and_o some_o of_o his_o parable_n be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o understand_v even_o by_o his_o disciple_n till_o he_o be_v please_v in_o private_a to_o show_v they_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o and_o acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o part_n of_o his_o conduct_n his_o answer_n to_o those_o that_o accuse_v he_o of_o any_o crime_n as_o of_o eat_v with_o sinner_n break_v of_o the_o sabbath_n blasphemy_n and_o the_o like_a or_o that_o seek_v to_o entrap_v he_o in_o his_o discourse_n and_o to_o find_v matter_n of_o accusation_n against_o he_o be_v very_o surprise_v and_o unexpected_a and_o such_o as_o always_o silence_v and_o disappoint_v his_o enemy_n his_o exposition_n of_o some_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o inference_n he_o draw_v from_o they_o seem_v whole_o new_a to_o all_o the_o jewish_a teacher_n and_o expositor_n that_o hear_v he_o and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o read_v that_o they_o confute_v or_o so_o much_o as_o oppose_v either_o his_o comment_n or_o his_o argument_n and_o in_o fine_a his_o whole_a behaviour_n and_o conversation_n be_v so_o careful_o and_o wise_o order_v that_o though_o he_o be_v constant_o watch_v and_o observe_v by_o cunning_a and_o malicious_a man_n of_o different_a opinion_n design_n and_o interest_n yet_o no_o man_n be_v ever_o able_a to_o convince_v he_o either_o of_o sin_n or_o ignorance_n as_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o answer_v he_o give_v to_o those_o who_o censure_v or_o despise_v he_o or_o think_v to_o puzzle_v he_o by_o difficult_a question_n and_o from_o the_o whole_a process_n against_o he_o when_o he_o be_v condemn_v to_o die_v thus_o live_v jesus_n christ_n a_o perfect_a pattern_n and_o example_n of_o the_o religion_n he_o establish_v in_o all_o holiness_n and_o unblameableness_n of_o conversation_n show_v in_o all_o the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n record_v of_o he_o a_o entire_a submission_n and_o resignation_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o exceed_v great_a charity_n and_o compassion_n towards_o men._n and_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o which_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n for_o which_o he_o publish_v his_o gospel_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n endure_v the_o contradiction_n and_o persecution_n of_o sinner_n be_v that_o also_o which_o make_v he_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n and_o submit_v to_o all_o the_o indignity_n and_o torment_n that_o accompany_v it_o the_o only_a cause_n motive_n and_o end_v of_o all_o these_o action_n and_o suffering_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o love_n of_o mankind_n as_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n so_o he_o give_v his_o life_n a_o ransom_n for_o many_o to_o free_a man_n from_o eternal_a misery_n render_v they_o capable_a of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o to_o direct_v and_o assist_v they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n be_v his_o sole_a work_n and_o design_n these_o be_v the_o large_a and_o most_o remarkable_a line_n in_o the_o character_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o first_o author_n of_o that_o religion_n we_o profess_v and_o defend_v in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o give_v a_o short_a draught_n or_o representation_n of_o his_o doctrine_n or_o gospel_n or_o as_o we_o now_o call_v it_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v plain_o deliver_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o all_o religion_n as_o every_o one_o know_v consist_v of_o faith_n and_o practice_n thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v in_o consequence_n of_o such_o belief_n i_o shall_v first_o consider_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o afterward_o what_o concern_v the_o practice_n of_o a_o christian_n the_o sum_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v to_o believe_v in_o one_o god_n such_o as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n set_v forth_o to_o we_o and_o in_o jesus_n christ_n his_o only_o beget_v son_n our_o lord_n according_a to_o the_o history_n and_o character_n before_o give_v or_o whatever_o else_o the_o scripture_n say_v of_o he_o and_o by_o faith_n in_o he_o accompany_v with_o a_o sincere_a universal_a and_o persevere_v endeavour_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o rule_n and_o law_n prescribe_v by_o he_o and_o a_o hearty_a repentance_n for_o the_o sin_n and_o frailty_n we_o do_v at_o any_o time_n fall_v into_o to_o expect_v eternal_a inexpressible_a happiness_n or_o in_o case_n of_o infidelity_n or_o disobedience_n attend_v with_o impenitency_n to_o be_v assure_v of_o suffer_v eternal_a inexpressible_a misery_n in_o another_o life_n the_o particular_a doctrine_n which_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o these_o thing_n more_o at_o large_a may_v be_v consider_v under_o these_o three_o head_n god_n christ_n and_o man._n the_o god_n propose_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v believe_v in_o be_v represent_v as_o a_o spirit_n invisible_a incorruptible_a eternal_a that_o be_v that_o be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v almighty_a that_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o yet_o who_o judgement_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n therein_o who_o uphold_v all_o thing_n by_o his_o power_n in_o who_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v of_o who_o and_o through_o who_o and_o to_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n most_o holy_a just_a righteous_a and_o perfect_a who_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o with_o purity_n of_o heart_n no_o respecter_n of_o person_n of_o great_a goodness_n and_o forbearance_n and_o yet_o who_o will_v render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deed_n to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n seek_v for_o glory_n and_o immortality_n eternal_a life_n but_o to_o they_o that_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n but_o obey_v unrighteousness_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n of_o who_o it_o be_v further_o say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o father_n the_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o our_o father_n a_o title_n he_o be_v frequent_o and_o peculiar_o distinguish_v by_o all_o over_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o he_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o die_v for_o we_o and_o by_o he_o reconcile_v we_o to_o himself_o that_o the_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n he_o wink_v at_o but_o that_o now_o at_o the_o appoint_a time_n when_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n he_o call_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v that_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n he_o speak_v in_o time_n pass_v by_o the_o prophet_n but_o in_o these_o last_o day_n have_v speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n who_o he_o have_v appoint_v heir_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o who_o also_o he_o have_v make_v the_o world_n that_o he_o foreknow_v predestinate_v and_o elect_v some_o in_o christ_n and_o adopt_v they_o for_o son_n to_o be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n and_o to_o obtain_v a_o heavenly_a inheritance_n all_o which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o be_v often_o 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the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n many_o of_o they_o that_o believe_v come_v and_o confess_v and_o show_v their_o deed_n many_o also_o of_o they_o which_o use_v curious_a art_n bring_v their_o book_n together_o and_o burn_v they_o before_o all_o men._n but_o in_o process_n of_o time_n when_o the_o number_n of_o believer_n increase_v though_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o manifest_v their_o faith_n by_o their_o work_n turn_v from_o the_o vanity_n of_o idol_n to_o the_o live_a god_n renounce_v all_o the_o hide_a work_n of_o sin_n and_o darkness_n and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o those_o thing_n in_o which_o before_o they_o take_v pleasure_n yet_o offence_n and_o heresy_n do_v spring_v up_o among_o christian_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o care_n of_o those_o that_o first_o plant_v the_o church_n and_o those_o that_o afterward_o preside_v over_o they_o and_o some_o there_o be_v that_o walk_v disorderly_a that_o preach_v christ_n out_o of_o envy_n that_o teach_v other_o doctrine_n than_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v that_o turn_v after_o satan_n that_o love_v this_o present_a world_n that_o put_v away_o faith_n and_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n but_o these_o bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o faithful_a who_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n be_v speak_v of_o throughout_o the_o world_n such_o be_v the_o first_o publisher_n and_o believer_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o person_n who_o endeavour_v to_o discourage_v the_o belief_n and_o oppose_v the_o establishment_n of_o it_o by_o all_o the_o mean_n they_o can_v but_o especial_o by_o contemn_v disgrace_v revile_v and_o persecute_v those_o who_o be_v any_o way_n concern_v in_o maintain_v or_o propagate_a this_o new_a religion_n be_v among_o the_o jew_n their_o king_n governor_n chief_a priest_n elder_n and_o chief_a of_o the_o jew_n as_o also_o the_o scribe_n pharisee_n and_o saducee_n who_o be_v the_o man_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o jewish_a nation_n some_o of_o which_o be_v represent_v as_o very_o wicked_a man_n and_o notorious_a hypocrite_n and_o other_o as_o disbeliever_n of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o among_o the_o gentile_n the_o magistrate_n ruler_n and_o chief_a of_o the_o city_n philosopher_n sorcerer_n craftsman_n for_o idolatrous_a shrine_n and_o certain_a lewd_a fellow_n of_o the_o base_a sort_n most_o of_o which_o be_v stir_v up_o and_o move_v to_o what_o they_o do_v by_o the_o jew_n that_o live_v among_o they_o this_o be_v the_o short_a and_o plain_a account_n i_o can_v give_v of_o the_o subject_a of_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o that_o book_n which_o be_v such_o as_o every_o body_n that_o read_v it_o will_v find_v there_o and_o consequent_o must_v subscribe_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o representation_n however_o he_o may_v doubt_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o original_a the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o way_n and_o manner_n in_o which_o the_o several_a matter_n before_o mention_v be_v there_o relate_v with_o such_o other_o circumstance_n as_o refer_v to_o the_o form_n or_o composition_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n and_o the_o several_a part_n of_o which_o it_o consist_v now_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o any_o man_n that_o read_v over_o the_o new_a testament_n with_o the_o same_o care_n attention_n and_o impartiality_n as_o he_o do_v another_o book_n that_o it_o be_v not_o all_o writ_n by_o the_o same_o person_n at_o one_o continue_a time_n but_o by_o several_a person_n at_o different_a time_n and_o upon_o different_a occasion_n and_o that_o in_o general_a it_o be_v write_v with_o great_a plainness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o style_n without_o art_n or_o affection_n and_o with_o many_o extraordinary_a mark_n of_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n but_o to_o be_v more_o particular_a the_o four_o first_o book_n call_v gospel_n
ground_v or_o not_o be_v now_o the_o enquiry_n that_o it_o be_v i_o shall_v prove_v by_o show_v that_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v relate_v and_o attest_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o can_v possible_o be_v call_v in_o question_n but_o that_o the_o strength_n and_o validity_n of_o what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v upon_o this_o head_n may_v be_v better_o and_o more_o clear_o perceive_v i_o think_v fit_a by_o way_n of_o introduction_n to_o show_v first_o what_o i_o mean_v by_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n and_o second_o what_o kind_n of_o evidence_n these_o fact_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o which_o way_n they_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v by_o miracle_n then_o i_o will_v now_o be_v understand_v to_o mean_v only_o strange_a unusual_a event_n out_o of_o the_o common_a road_n and_o course_n of_o thing_n which_o by_o all_o the_o knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o nature_n we_o can_v tell_v how_o to_o bring_v to_o pass_v nor_o account_n for_o when_o they_o have_v happen_v and_o these_o be_v to_o be_v distinguish_v into_o such_o as_o be_v absolute_o at_o all_o time_n strange_a and_o not_o to_o be_v account_v for_o by_o what_o we_o know_v of_o the_o power_n and_o force_n of_o nature_n as_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a etc._n etc._n and_o such_o as_o be_v so_o only_o in_o consideration_n of_o some_o particular_a circumstance_n as_o heal_v the_o sick_a which_o be_v in_o itself_o no_o strange_a thing_n but_o only_o when_o it_o be_v do_v in_o a_o short_a time_n than_o medicine_n be_v ever_o know_v to_o operate_v or_o without_o the_o assistance_n of_o any_o visible_a mean_n or_o the_o like_a by_o prophecy_n i_o here_o understand_v relation_n of_o such_o future_a event_n as_o have_v no_o perceivable_a connexion_n with_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n at_o the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v utter_v this_o be_v all_o i_o mean_v at_o present_a by_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n and_o every_o body_n i_o be_o sure_a will_v allow_v i_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o such_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o these_o mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o be_v do_v whether_o they_o be_v natural_a or_o supernatural_a effect_n whether_o they_o be_v the_o work_n of_o art_n or_o magic_n whether_o god_n or_o man_n or_o some_o good_a or_o evil_a spirit_n be_v the_o autohr_n of_o they_o be_v not_o my_o present_a business_n to_o inquire_v that_o belong_v to_o another_o place_n all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o undertake_v to_o show_v be_v that_o they_o be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o real_o do_v according_a to_o the_o relation_n we_o have_v of_o they_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n now_o i_o know_v of_o no_o other_o way_n of_o prove_v this_o but_o by_o the_o number_n and_o character_n of_o the_o witness_n who_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o fact_n and_o by_o the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o fact_n themselves_o according_a as_o they_o appear_v from_o the_o 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design_n in_o the_o follow_a method_n first_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o miracle_n by_o themselves_o and_o this_o according_a to_o the_o different_a period_n in_o which_o they_o be_v do_v and_o the_o different_a person_n they_o be_v do_v by_o second_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o prophecy_n apart_o according_a to_o the_o same_o distinction_n of_o time_n and_o person_n as_o i_o observe_v in_o treat_v of_o miracle_n three_o i_o shall_v make_v some_o general_a reflection_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a miracle_n and_o prophecy_n take_v altogether_o first_o then_z as_o to_z miracle_n it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o a_o great_a many_o such_o fact_n as_o these_o that_o i_o call_v miracle_n be_v say_v to_o be_v do_v by_o jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v every_o where_o assert_v or_o suppose_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o gospel_n give_v a_o very_a particular_a and_o circumstantial_a account_n of_o several_a of_o they_o it_o be_v certain_a also_o from_o the_o general_a proof_n before_o give_v of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o these_o miracle_n be_v believe_v by_o the_o first_o christian_n both_o by_o those_o that_o live_v in_o judea_n and_o those_o that_o dwell_v in_o other_o country_n and_o the_o real_a truth_n of_o they_o will_v as_o evident_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v at_o first_o believe_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o miracle_n record_v of_o christ_n be_v do_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o great_a multitude_n at_o the_o most_o public_a place_n in_o judea_n and_o at_o the_o most_o solemn_a time_n of_o meet_v nay_o he_o be_v so_o constant_o employ_v in_o travel_v and_o go_v about_o and_o perform_v so_o many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n wherever_o he_o come_v and_o give_v so_o many_o repeat_v instance_n of_o his_o power_n in_o the_o same_o place_n that_o there_o be_v very_o few_o in_o that_o whole_a country_n who_o have_v not_o see_v some_o of_o his_o mighty_a work_n themselves_o and_o therefore_o the_o sole_a ground_n and_o reason_n upon_o which_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n of_o palestine_n believe_v these_o miracle_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o their_o own_o sense_n the_o fact_n themselves_o be_v so_o level_a to_o their_o capacity_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v they_o be_v so_o open_a and_o so_o easy_o and_o full_o perceive_v that_o they_o find_v no_o reason_n to_o distrust_v their_o sense_n and_o therefore_o they_o ready_o conclude_v they_o to_o be_v true_a a_o great_a many_o of_o the_o first_o believer_n of_o christ_n miracle_n have_v a_o further_a and_o more_o intimate_a perception_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o than_o the_o rest_n viz._n those_o upon_o who_o some_o of_o the_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v or_o who_o be_v make_v to_o have_v a_o share_n in_o the_o action_n themselves_o such_o be_v all_o those_o that_o be_v heal_v or_o feed_v by_o christ_n that_o have_v devil_n cast_v out_o of_o they_o that_o have_v their_o secret_a thought_n or_o private_a action_n reveal_v to_o they_o etc._n etc._n those_o who_o see_v none_o of_o these_o mighty_a work_n themselves_o but_o believe_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o be_v confirm_v in_o their_o faith_n by_o a_o universal_a concurrence_n of_o all_o person_n their_o curiosity_n or_o concern_v dispose_v they_o to_o inquire_v of_o for_o as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n all_o kind_n of_o people_n believe_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o those_o who_o reverence_v his_o person_n and_o character_n and_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n but_o even_o those_o who_o despise_v he_o and_o set_v he_o at_o nought_o and_o reject_v his_o gospel_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o be_v the_o most_o powerful_a and_o most_o zealous_a enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n acknowledge_v his_o miracle_n but_o attribute_v they_o to_o evil_a spirit_n some_o of_o the_o pharisee_n can_v not_o deny_v his_o wonderful_a cure_n of_o a_o blind_a man_n but_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o he_o be_v of_o god_n because_o he_o keep_v not_o the_o sabbath-day_n though_o other_o of_o they_o say_v how_o can_v a_o man_n that_o be_v a_o sinner_n do_v such_o miracle_n none_o of_o the_o jew_n upon_o the_o strict_a examination_n be_v able_a to_o disprove_v this_o or_o any_o other_o of_o his_o miracle_n but_o notwithstanding_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v in_o christ_n or_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n because_o they_o be_v moses_n disciple_n and_o they_o know_v that_o god_n speak_v unto_o moses_n but_o as_o for_o that_o fellow_n who_o cure_v the_o blind_a man_n they_o know_v not_o from_o whence_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a priest_n and_o elder_n never_o doubt_v of_o the_o mighty_a work_v do_v by_o he_o but_o only_o question_v his_o authority_n in_o do_v
that_o be_v do_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o be_v likewise_o own_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o avast_o multitude_n more_o both_o of_o such_o as_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o of_o such_o as_o reject_v and_o oppose_v it_o and_o violent_o persecute_v the_o teacher_n of_o it_o to_o omit_v the_o testimony_n of_o true_a believer_n thus_o it_o be_v record_v concern_v those_o upon_o who_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n have_v no_o power_n nor_o influence_n the_o ruler_n elder_n scribe_n and_o high_a priest_n among_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o summon_v peter_n and_o john_n before_o they_o for_o cure_v a_o lame_a man_n can_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o a_o notable_a miracle_n have_v be_v do_v by_o they_o which_o be_v manifest_a to_o all_o they_o that_o dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v afterward_o fill_v with_o indignation_n and_o take_v counsel_n to_o slay_v they_o because_o they_o can_v not_o restrain_v they_o from_o do_v more_o miracle_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n but_o they_o never_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n stephen_n full_a of_o faith_n and_o power_n do_v great_a wonder_n and_o miracle_n among_o the_o people_n but_o he_o be_v accuse_v and_o condemn_v by_o the_o council_n of_o the_o jew_n not_o for_o deceive_v the_o people_n with_o false_a miracle_n but_o for_o speak_v thing_n against_o the_o holy_a place_n and_o the_o law_n for_o say_v that_o jesus_n shall_v destroy_v that_o place_n and_o change_v the_o custom_n which_o moses_n deliver_v they_o when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v say_v that_o all_o that_o sit_v in_o the_o council_n look_v steadfast_o on_o he_o see_v his_o face_n as_o it_o have_v be_v the_o face_n of_o a_o angel_n neither_o have_v they_o any_o thing_n to_o object_n against_o his_o life_n or_o his_o work_n simon_n the_o sorcerer_n to_o who_o all_o the_o people_n in_o samaria_n give_v heed_n from_o the_o least_o to_o the_o great_a look_v upon_o he_o to_o be_v the_o great_a power_n of_o god_n be_v himself_o as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o be_v bewitch_v by_o he_o baptise_a by_o philip_n and_o believe_v when_o he_o behold_v the_o miracle_n and_o sign_n that_o be_v do_v but_o afterward_o we_o find_v by_o the_o wickedness_n of_o his_o heart_n which_o he_o discover_v to_o peter_n that_o he_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n elymas_n the_o sorcerer_n who_o be_v strike_v blind_a by_o paul_n and_o yet_o not_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n be_v another_o unwilling_a witness_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o people_n of_o lystra_n confirm_v the_o same_o truth_n who_o take_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n for_o god_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o miracle_n they_o see_v perform_v by_o they_o and_o afterward_o by_o the_o instigation_n of_o the_o jew_n stone_v paul_n the_o damsel_n possess_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o divination_n and_o her_o master_n who_o see_v the_o hope_n of_o their_o gain_n go_v by_o paul_n command_v the_o spirit_n to_o come_v out_o of_o she_o several_a vagabond_n jew_n exorcist_n who_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o cast_v out_o evil_a spirit_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n but_o suffer_v very_o much_o for_o the_o impudence_n of_o their_o pretence_n and_o a_o great_a many_o other_o such_o like_a be_v witness_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o wicked_a or_o dishonourable_a motive_n reject_v the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v or_o profess_v to_o embrace_v it_o upon_o ill_a design_n or_o after_o they_o have_v receive_v it_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o the_o faith_n great_a complaint_n of_o all_o which_o sort_n of_o man_n we_o find_v in_o the_o epistle_n thus_o be_v the_o miracle_n of_o the_o first_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n declare_v and_o attest_v but_o moreover_o it_o be_v record_v of_o they_o that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n themselves_o but_o that_o they_o be_v authorize_v and_o enable_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n to_o convey_v the_o like_a power_n to_o other_o and_o according_o we_o find_v a_o great_a many_o instance_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o private_a christian_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o power_n they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v confer_v upon_o they_o by_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n after_o which_o action_n of_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v immediate_o say_v to_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o according_a to_o the_o different_a exigency_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o different_a qualification_n of_o the_o person_n endue_v with_o they_o be_v divers_a and_o among_o these_o be_v reckon_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o of_o interpretation_n the_o gift_n of_o healing_n and_o of_o miracle_n which_o gift_n be_v say_v to_o be_v very_o common_a among_o the_o first_o convert_v to_o christianity_n in_o all_o place_n where_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v and_o the_o same_o be_v plain_o imply_v by_o the_o frequent_a rule_n and_o caution_n that_o be_v give_v by_o the_o apostle_n concern_v the_o due_a exercise_n of_o they_o and_o the_o fear_n and_o apprehension_n they_o often_o express_v lest_o the_o christian_n thus_o impower_v shall_v by_o covet_v one_o another_o gift_n or_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o those_o they_o be_v several_o possess_v of_o neglect_v to_o apply_v themselves_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v the_o scripture-account_a of_o miracle_n and_o these_o be_v those_o wonderful_a fact_n believe_v by_o the_o first_o christian_n their_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o be_v the_o chief_a ground_n and_o motive_n of_o their_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n or_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v likewise_o other_o strange_a matter_n of_o fact_n call_v prophecy_n which_o be_v most_o sure_o believe_v among_o they_o and_o which_o contribute_v very_o much_o to_o their_o receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o continue_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n without_o waver_v and_o these_o i_o shall_v consider_v in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o method_n i_o do_v miracle_n for_o there_o be_v several_a prophecy_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o utter_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o together_o with_o several_a other_o speak_v with_o relation_n to_o he_o and_o fulfil_v by_o he_o other_o there_o be_v mention_v as_o speak_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v receive_v the_o power_n of_o prophecy_n immediate_o from_o he_o it_o be_v plain_a also_o from_o several_a instance_n and_o passage_n in_o the_o sacred_a write_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n be_v convey_v by_o the_o first_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n to_o private_a christian_n and_o be_v very_o common_a among_o they_o the_o prophecy_n speak_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v most_o of_o they_o deliver_v in_o private_a to_o his_o disciple_n some_o of_o which_o be_v not_o write_v till_o after_o the_o thing_n happen_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o the_o disciple_n be_v whole_o answerable_a for_o and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v publish_v in_o write_v before_o the_o thing_n happen_v and_o these_o may_v then_o and_o may_v still_o be_v examine_v by_o the_o circumstance_n of_o they_o other_o of_o they_o be_v speak_v public_o and_o frequent_o before_o great_a multitude_n of_o people_n as_o those_o about_o his_o suffer_v and_o resurrection_n etc._n etc._n and_o several_a beside_o their_o be_v speak_v open_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o many_o be_v also_o spread_v abroad_o in_o write_v long_o before_o the_o event_n actual_o happen_v as_o particular_o that_o remarkable_a one_o concern_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n prophecy_n speak_v of_o christ_n in_o former_a time_n with_o relation_n to_o his_o person_n action_n suffering_n and_o doctrine_n with_o the_o several_a circumstance_n belong_v to_o the_o whole_a dispensation_n of_o his_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v find_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v manifest_o write_v long_o before_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n and_o be_v now_o extant_a and_o may_v then_o and_o may_v still_o be_v compare_v with_o those_o event_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a which_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v completion_n of_o they_o and_o some_o prophecy_n there_o be_v concern_v our_o saviour_n speak_v by_o holy_a person_n a_o little_a before_o and_o after_o his_o birth_n and_o at_o his_o presentation_n in_o the_o temple_n as_o also_o other_o concern_v john_n his_o forerunner_n and_o all_o the_o preach_a of_o john_n be_v prophetical_a of_o christ_n the_o truth_n of_o all_o which_o matter_n of_o fact_n do_v not_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o
but_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o also_o that_o hear_v they_o and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v speak_v before_o much_o company_n particular_o what_o john_n say_v of_o christ_n be_v very_o public_a and_o frequent_o repeat_v and_o consequent_o there_o be_v great_a number_n of_o witness_n of_o it_o the_o particular_a prophecy_n of_o the_o first_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n and_o other_o christian_n preserve_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v but_o few_o and_o most_o of_o the_o event_n foretell_v be_v so_o near_o the_o time_n of_o their_o prediction_n that_o we_o can_v certain_o tell_v whether_o they_o be_v write_v before_o they_o be_v fulfil_v but_o some_o of_o they_o there_o be_v many_o witness_n of_o and_o consequent_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o do_v not_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o credit_n of_o their_o relation_n but_o what_o be_v frequent_o mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n concern_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n in_o the_o church_n by_o which_o expression_n be_v often_o signify_v a_o extraordinary_a power_n of_o foretell_v future_a event_n as_o well_o as_o interpret_n scripture_n be_v a_o plain_a appeal_n to_o the_o testimony_n of_o all_o christians_n in_o general_a for_o according_a to_o the_o account_n there_o give_v so_o many_o be_v endue_v with_o it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n in_o any_o place_n where_o the_o gospel_n be_v spread_v to_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o christian_a prophet_n or_o not_o thus_o have_v i_o take_v a_o short_a view_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o show_v how_o they_o be_v all_o attest_v and_o upon_o what_o ground_n they_o be_v at_o first_o believe_v in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o shall_v make_v some_o general_a reflection_n upon_o the_o account_n here_o give_v in_o order_n to_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o extraordinary_a fact_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o those_o ground_n upon_o which_o the_o first_o christian_n believe_v they_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v before_o that_o when_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v attest_v by_o such_o witness_n as_o can_v be_v imagine_v capable_a of_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o or_o willing_a to_o deceive_v other_o and_o the_o fact_n relate_v by_o they_o be_v such_o as_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v represent_v false_o without_o a_o certain_a discovery_n no_o great_a evidence_n can_v be_v require_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o they_o and_o that_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v such_o kind_n of_o fact_n and_o so_o attest_v will_v plain_o appear_v from_o the_o follow_a consideration_n first_o of_o all_o it_o be_v certain_a from_o the_o account_n before_o give_v that_o christ_n pretend_v to_o do_v a_o great_a many_o miracle_n and_o that_o vast_a multitude_n of_o people_n pretend_v to_o have_v see_v a_o great_a many_o miracle_n do_v by_o he_o and_o to_o believe_v that_o what_o they_o see_v be_v true_o and_o real_o perform_v by_o his_o mean_n and_o some_o pretend_v further_a to_o have_v experience_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o strange_a power_n in_o themselves_o from_o whence_o it_o evident_o follow_v that_o all_o these_o miracle_n so_o attest_v be_v true_a because_o it_o be_v very_o easy_a for_o christ_n to_o know_v whether_o he_o have_v such_o a_o power_n as_o this_o or_o not_o by_o a_o immediate_a consciousness_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o pretend_v to_o what_o he_o have_v not_o and_o the_o sincerity_n innocence_n and_o integrity_n of_o his_o life_n the_o disinterestedness_n of_o all_o his_o action_n the_o humility_n and_o uprightness_n of_o his_o carriage_n and_o the_o many_o trouble_n suffering_n and_o affliction_n he_o be_v actual_o expose_v to_o upon_o account_n of_o these_o pretence_n and_o which_o by_o his_o great_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o man_n he_o easy_o soresaw_v will_v happen_v to_o he_o all_o these_o i_o say_v do_v 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record_v
and_o now_o if_o we_o take_v a_o just_a view_n of_o they_o and_o consider_v they_o all_o together_o we_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o make_v the_o follow_a conclusion_n 1._o that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o thing_n discover_v or_o so_o much_o as_o suspect_v to_o be_v a_o imposture_n that_o have_v so_o many_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o truth_n upon_o it_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v 2._o that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o true_a matter_n of_o fact_n so_o well_o attest_v or_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o such_o a_o proof_n as_o the_o christian_a fact_n be_v there_o be_v no_o ancient_a fact_n which_o have_v so_o many_o sensible_a monument_n and_o effect_n of_o they_o leave_v and_o in_o the_o proof_n of_o which_o mankind_n be_v so_o near_o and_o necessary_o concern_v 3._o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v or_o frame_v any_o notion_n how_o or_o in_o what_o manner_n the_o christian_a religion_n may_v possible_o have_v be_v a_o imposture_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o 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