their_o life_n to_o bring_v other_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o their_o example_n do_v a_o thing_n very_o useful_a to_o the_o society_n it_o be_v therefore_o false_a that_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v arbitrary_a law_n and_o no_o commandment_n give_v to_o man_n for_o their_o good_n it_o be_v also_o false_a that_o god_n will_v have_v mystery_n in_o religion_n altogether_o incomprehensible_a only_o to_o humble_v man._n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o real_a presence_n of_o christ_n body_n in_o the_o eucharist_n be_v no_o apostolical_a doctrine_n and_o the_o apostle_n have_v teach_v none_o of_o which_o we_o can_v have_v no_o notion_n not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o confuse_a one_o as_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o that_o to_o believe_v a_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o have_v a_o exact_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o it_o but_o we_o must_v have_v at_o least_o a_o general_a and_o confuse_a notion_n of_o it_o for_o no_o body_n can_v believe_v what_o he_o understand_v not_o at_o all_o see_v to_o believe_v that_o a_o proposition_n be_v true_a be_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o relation_n which_o be_v perceive_v between_o the_o term_n it_o be_v make_v of_o as_o logician_n teach_v and_o none_o can_v acquiesce_v in_o a_o relation_n that_o be_v not_o perceive_v for_o example_n when_o i_o be_o tell_v the_o dead_a shall_v rise_v i_o understand_v not_o only_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n the_o dead_a and_o to_o rise_v but_o also_o clear_o perceive_v the_o relation_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v between_o those_o two_o thing_n though_o i_o do_v know_v distinct_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o resurrection_n but_o if_o i_o be_v tell_v the_o dead_a shall_v rise_v and_o not_o rise_v at_o the_o same_o time_n without_o any_o equivocation_n in_o the_o word_n dead_a and_o to_o rise_v perceive_v no_o relation_n between_o a_o affirmation_n and_o a_o negation_n i_o can_v not_o believe_v it_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o 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the_o wrong_n they_o bold_o maintain_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n than_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o modern_a miracle_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o unbeliever_n who_o see_v that_o the_o latter_a be_v mere_a imposture_n fancy_v the_o former_a be_v so_o too_o those_o who_o cast_v in_o their_o way_n that_o stumbling-block_n be_v bind_v to_o remove_v it_o and_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n unless_o they_o will_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o man_n of_o no_o judgement_n or_o less_o conscience_n but_o though_o unbeliever_n may_v triumph_v over_o that_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o undertake_v to_o assert_v some_o fact_n which_o can_v be_v maintain_v they_o can_v say_v against_o christian_n in_o general_a that_o the_o miracle_n on_o which_o their_o faith_n be_v ground_v be_v like_o those_o which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v wrought_v every_o day_n first_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n affect_v not_o to_o work_v miracle_n every_o minute_n and_o out_o of_o ostentation_n such_o as_o be_v those_o that_o be_v now_o talk_v of_o second_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o those_o in_o who_o behalf_n those_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v get_v no_o money_n by_o publish_v they_o abroad_o as_o it_o be_v now_o practise_v by_o those_o to_o who_o those_o church_n belong_v wherein_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v wrought_v that_o very_a thing_n viz._n that_o the_o opinion_n of_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v in_o a_o certain_a place_n bring_v wealth_n to_o the_o master_n of_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v one_o right_o suspect_v whatever_o be_v say_v about_o it_o three_o the_o miracle_n on_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v ground_v be_v do_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n among_o who_o it_o be_v not_o safe_a to_o bear_v witness_n to_o those_o miracle_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o who_o have_v examine_v they_o shall_v have_v discover_v the_o falsity_n of_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o fear_v such_o a_o discovery_n have_v be_v very_o acceptable_a to_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n but_o now_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v among_o man_n ready_a to_o believe_v any_o thing_n or_o at_o least_o to_o say_v they_o believe_v it_o for_o fear_v of_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o inquisition_n where_o it_o be_v set_v up_o or_o of_o draw_v on_o themselves_o the_o hatred_n of_o the_o mob_n which_o sometime_o be_v not_o less_o to_o be_v fead_v than_o that_o dreadful_a tribunal_n to_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o testimony_n of_o another_o be_v wellgrounded_n he_o ought_v to_o have_v the_o liberty_n to_o say_v the_o contrary_a but_o when_o he_o expose_v himself_o to_o danger_n if_o he_o say_v the_o contrary_a his_o testimony_n be_v of_o no_o weight_n beside_o to_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o fact_n one_o ought_v to_o have_v the_o liberty_n of_o examine_v it_o but_o no_o body_n dare_v do_v that_o now_o with_o respect_n to_o modern_a miracle_n in_o the_o place_n wherein_o they_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o true_a thus_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n and_o what_o be_v say_v for_o those_o of_o our_o time_n none_o but_o those_o who_o want_v either_o judgement_n or_o sincerity_n will_v compare_v the_o one_o with_o the_o other_o but_o i_o must_v not_o forget_v here_o that_o unbeliever_n pretend_v to_o take_v advantage_n of_o what_o i_o have_v suppose_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v no_o miracle_n now_o they_o say_v that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o make_v we_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v necessary_a now_o there_o be_v none_o neither_o that_o can_v persuade_v we_o that_o there_o be_v any_o former_o because_o the_o only_a reason_n that_o can_v oblige_v god_n to_o work_v miracle_n many_o century_n ago_o be_v the_o incredulity_n of_o man_n which_o can_v not_o be_v cure_v and_o other_o way_n and_o that_o the_o same_o reason_n subsist_v still_o so_o that_o if_o they_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v god_n be_v not_o less_o oblige_v to_o work_v miracle_n out_o of_o his_o goodness_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o those_o who_o doubt_v now_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o he_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o answer_n to_o it_o i_o say_v first_o that_o the_o proof_n we_o have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o ancient_a miracle_n make_v they_o as_o it_o be_v sensible_a if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o it_o so_o that_o they_o may_v also_o be_v of_o use_n to_o cure_v our_o doubt_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v work_v miracle_n to_o establish_v the_o christian_a religion_n but_o be_v establish_v they_o be_v no_o long_o necessary_a because_o the_o history_n of_o religion_n preserve_v the_o proof_n of_o those_o that_o be_v do_v at_o its_o first_o establishment_n but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o history_n be_v doubt_v of_o and_o that_o therefore_o new_a miracle_n be_v now_o require_v i_o answer_v in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o if_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n be_v good_a as_o we_o affirm_v and_o if_o they_o be_v doubt_v of_o only_o out_o of_o a_o ill_a principle_n they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o complain_v of_o god_n goodness_n if_o there_o remain_v no_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o god_n have_v forsake_v we_o and_o deal_v with_o we_o much_o worse_a than_o with_o those_o in_o who_o behalf_n he_o wrought_v miracle_n former_o but_o have_v very_o good_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o history_n to_o be_v true_a they_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o we_o instead_o of_o miracle_n this_o be_v so_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o man_n have_v not_o now_o the_o same_o reason_n
disciple_n of_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o all_o place_n that_o not_o only_a jesus_n of_o nazareth_n who_o the_o jew_n have_v crucify_v do_v work_v numberless_a miracle_n whilst_o he_o dwell_v among_o man_n but_o that_o he_o also_o leave_v the_o same_o power_n to_o his_o apostle_n and_o that_o in_o effect_n they_o wrought_v miracle_n every_o day_n what_o can_v be_v say_v more_o to_o excite_v the_o curiosity_n of_o the_o jew_n they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o epicurean_o who_o think_v no_o miracle_n be_v to_o be_v wrought_v nor_o do_v they_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v send_v they_o no_o more_o prophet_n to_o work_v any_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o expect_v the_o messiah_n the_o great_a of_o all_o the_o prophet_n and_o notwithstanding_o they_o give_v so_o little_a heed_n to_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o the_o chief_a of_o their_o nation_n never_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o use_v they_o ill_o without_o examine_v in_o the_o least_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o doctrine_n we_o have_v two_o jewish_a author_n who_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n namely_o philo_n and_o joseph_n but_o nevertheless_o they_o do_v not_o vouchsafe_v to_o inform_v themselves_o about_o these_o matter_n as_o may_v be_v see_v by_o their_o write_n philo_z write_v a_o great_a many_o book_n whereof_o the_o most_o part_n be_v allegorical_a discourse_n upon_o the_o old_a testament_n now_o in_o some_o of_o these_o he_o have_v a_o thousand_o occasion_n to_o mention_v the_o gospel_n if_o he_o have_v any_o idea_n of_o it_o if_o he_o disbelieved_a the_o truth_n of_o it_o he_o shall_v at_o least_o have_v endeavour_v to_o confute_v it_o somewhere_o but_o he_o say_v not_o a_o word_n for_o or_o against_o it_o which_o be_v sign_n enough_o that_o he_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v i_o know_v very_o well_o how_o eusebius_n therapeutes_fw-gr eusebius_n hist_o ecclesiast_fw-la l._n 2._o c._n 17._o see_v jos_n scaliger_n l._n 7._o de_fw-la emendat_fw-la temp._n valesius_fw-la upon_o eusebius_n and_o thomas_n brown_a in_o his_o dissertation_n concern_v the_o therapeutes_fw-gr and_o some_o learned_a man_n after_o he_o pretend_v that_o the_o therapeutes_fw-gr of_o alexandria_n who_o encomium_n be_v write_v by_o philo_n in_o one_o of_o his_o piece_n be_v christian_n but_o nothing_o except_o a_o desire_n of_o confound_v the_o jew_n by_o their_o own_o author_n can_v discover_v christian_n to_o eusebius_n and_o those_o that_o follow_v he_o in_o the_o description_n of_o the_o therapeutes_fw-gr where_o one_o syllable_n be_v not_o speak_v of_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o where_o all_o that_o philo_n say_v do_v perfect_o quadrate_n to_o some_o of_o the_o essean_n who_o form_v as_o it_o be_v well_o know_v a_o particular_a sect_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o desire_n of_o convince_a infidel_n shall_v not_o induce_v we_o to_o make_v use_n of_o weak_a proof_n against_o they_o for_o certain_o such_o method_n must_v needs_o render_v they_o more_o averse_a to_o christianity_n what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v will_v be_v easy_o grant_v i_o by_o man_n of_o any_o tolerable_a read_n or_o judgement_n but_o it_o may_v be_v dispute_v with_o respect_n to_o 8._o to_o antiq._n jud._n l._n 18._o c._n 4_o &_o 8._o joseph_n by_o reason_n of_o a_o passage_n or_o two_o produce_v out_o of_o he_o wherein_o he_o speak_v of_o jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v not_o the_o place_n to_o examine_v these_o passage_n which_o learned_a man_n letter_n man_n see_v le_fw-fr feure_n in_o his_o critical_a letter_n believe_v be_v insert_v by_o some_o christian_a into_o the_o text_n of_o joseph_n but_o be_v this_o as_o it_o will_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o joseph_n say_v nothing_o of_o the_o slaughter_n of_o the_o child_n whereof_o st._n matthew_n speak_v nor_o of_o most_o part_n of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n nor_o of_o his_o doctrine_n nor_o can_v he_o be_v suppose_v by_o any_o to_o have_v be_v acquaint_v 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tacitus_n ep._n l._n 10._o plinius_n and_o 25._o and_o in_o claud._n c._n 25._o suetonius_n have_v speak_v of_o it_o and_o want_v not_o opportunity_n to_o understand_v it_o though_o it_o appear_v they_o do_v not_o they_o be_v polite_a and_o learned_a man_n and_o have_v spend_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o those_o age_n a_o great_a deal_n of_o time_n in_o the_o study_n of_o the_o greek_a philosophy_n now_o this_o philosophy_n be_v not_o upon_o any_o account_n comparable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n or_o moral_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o can_v the_o learned_a of_o rome_n neglect_v these_o thing_n only_o because_o barbarian_n as_o the_o grecian_n speak_v have_v declare_v they_o for_o they_o well_o know_v that_o the_o most_o famous_a sage_n of_o greece_n have_v undertake_v long_a voyage_n to_o the_o barbarian_n to_o learn_v their_o opinion_n what_o make_v they_o contemn_v the_o christian_n then_o we_o need_v not_o seek_v for_o any_o other_o reason_n but_o a_o scandalous_a neglect_n proceed_v from_o the_o predominant_a passion_n of_o most_o people_n for_o ordinary_o they_o apply_v themselves_o only_o to_o what_o be_v esteem_v in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o may_v contribute_v to_o have_v they_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o place_n of_o their_o abide_v the_o literature_n and_o philosophy_n of_o the_o laertius_n the_o see_v the_o preface_n of_o diogen_n laertius_n greek_n be_v for_o a_o long_a time_n in_o great_a repute_n at_o rome_n and_o person_n of_o the_o first_o quality_n do_v value_v themselves_o upon_o these_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n but_o the_o gospel_n be_v unknown_a there_o because_o it_o contain_v not_o any_o doctrine_n proper_a to_o add_v more_o lustre_n to_o such_o as_o do_v aspire_v to_o the_o great_a dignity_n something_o of_o this_o nature_n make_v the_o athenian_n neglect_v the_o opportunity_n they_o have_v in_o their_o hand_n of_o understand_v the_o gospel_n when_o st._n paul_n be_v in_o their_o city_n to_o preach_v it_o if_o they_o will_v hear_v he_o and_o questionless_a they_o will_v have_v hear_v he_o have_v they_o as_o much_o good_a sense_n as_o they_o have_v vanity_n at_o the_o very_a first_o they_o call_v he_o a_o babbler_n 22._o act_n 17.18_o 22._o and_o after_o listen_v a_o while_n to_o he_o about_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a some_o of_o they_o laugh_v at_o he_o other_o put_v he_o off_o till_o some_o other_o time_n and_o there_o be_v but_o a_o small_a number_n of_o they_o that_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o preach_v to_o they_o this_o proceed_v in_o part_n from_o a_o unblamable_a neglect_n that_o will_v not_o let_v they_o inform_v themselves_o thorough_o about_o what_o st._n paul_n declare_v although_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o athenian_n and_o the_o stranger_n who_o follow_v their_o study_n there_o be_v man_n of_o much_o leisure_n and_o great_a lover_n of_o news_n 21._o ver._n 21._o but_o the_o apostle_n not_o teach_v his_o doctrine_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o philosopher_n they_o be_v wont_a to_o hear_v whether_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o method_n or_o the_o elocution_n they_o be_v out_o of_o conceit_n with_o his_o discourse_n let_v we_o suppose_v with_o they_o that_o the_o outward_a appearance_n of_o s._n paul_n be_v not_o so_o take_v as_o that_o of_o their_o philosopher_n but_o shall_v this_o extinguish_v their_o curiosity_n be_v truth_n always_o necessary_o accompany_v with_o eloquence_n none_o of_o they_o dare_v maintain_v such_o a_o thing_n notwithstanding_o s._n paul_n be_v there_o do_v they_o no_o good_a and_o they_o neglect_v acquaint_v themselves_o with_o his_o doctrine_n which_o be_v infinite_o more_o reasonable_a than_o that_o of_o their_o philosopher_n they_o lose_v a_o world_n of_o time_n in_o the_o study_n of_o very_o ridiculous_a doctrine_n as_o be_v the_o physics_n of_o all_o their_o philosopher_n without_o except_v any_o and_o the_o moral_n of_o the_o great_a part_n
divers_a passage_n in_o the_o gospel_n if_o i_o bear_v witness_n of_o myself_o say_v he_o 5.31_o joh._n 5.31_o my_o witness_n be_v not_o true_a that_o be_v it_o can_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o true_a unless_o there_o be_v some_o other_o proof_n of_o it_o beside_o my_o say_n so_o then_o after_o tell_v that_o john_n baptist_n have_v bear_v he_o witness_v he_o add_v 36._o ver._n 36._o i_o have_v a_o 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 he_o further_o say_v to_o those_o that_o desire_v he_o to_o declare_v if_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o work_n that_o i_o do_v in_o my_o father_n name_n bear_v witness_n of_o i_o 10.25_o ch._n 10.25_o and_o a_o little_a low_o if_o i_o do_v not_o the_o work_v of_o my_o father_n believe_v i_o not_o 37._o ver._n 37._o but_o if_o i_o do_v though_o you_o believe_v not_o i_o believe_v the_o work_n what_o can_v be_v say_v more_o to_o the_o purpose_n than_o what_o you_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o same_o gospel_n viz._n 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 15.24_o ch._n 15.24_o they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n by_o this_o it_o appear_v clear_o that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o require_v assent_n to_o his_o bare_a word_n his_o apostle_n have_v act_v just_a after_o the_o same_o manner_n for_o they_o do_v not_o only_o affirm_v that_o they_o have_v see_v the_o miracle_n of_o their_o master_n or_o that_o he_o have_v speak_v to_o they_o from_o heaven_n after_o his_o ascension_n but_o they_o have_v also_o join_v to_o their_o testimony_n all_o the_o mark_n of_o truth_n that_o can_v be_v possible_o defire_v their_o doctrine_n consider_v in_o itself_o do_v not_o afford_v the_o least_o occasion_n to_o suspect_v imposture_n they_o can_v not_o expect_v any_o temporal_a advantage_n by_o 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they_o it_o can_v be_v say_v therefore_o that_o it_o be_v interest_n which_o engage_v they_o in_o it_o or_o that_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o first_o undertake_n have_v jesus_n christ_n make_v a_o considerable_a provision_n for_o such_o as_o will_v preach_v his_o gospel_n as_o he_o may_v and_o his_o doctrine_n be_v never_o the_o false_a it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v somewhat_o difficult_a to_o show_v unbeliever_n that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o act_v at_o all_o by_o any_o interest_n and_o we_o shall_v want_v a_o most_o considerable_a proof_n of_o their_o sincerity_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o preach_v herein_o we_o have_v matter_n of_o praise_v divine_a providence_n that_o have_v take_v such_o care_n about_o the_o first_o establish_v of_o the_o gospel_n as_o to_o prevent_v those_o disadvantageous_a suspicion_n which_o people_n may_v nourish_v concern_v any_o establishment_n like_o the_o 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can_v without_o injustice_n be_v attribute_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n nor_o to_o the_o founder_n of_o it_o as_o i_o have_v show_v nor_o can_v they_o be_v blame_v neither_o who_o have_v augment_v the_o dignity_n and_o revenue_n of_o churchman_n because_o they_o do_v it_o with_o a_o good_a design_n and_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a enough_o for_o such_o as_o enjoy_v those_o dignity_n and_o revenue_n to_o make_v a_o better_a use_n of_o they_o than_o most_o do_v if_o after_o make_v as_o modest_a expense_n as_o can_v be_v for_o the_o external_a part_n they_o spend_v the_o rest_n of_o their_o revenue_n to_o some_o good_a purpose_n where_o be_v the_o harm_n of_o this_o be_v there_o any_o law_n in_o be_v that_o prohibit_v it_o no_o sure_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n that_o hinder_v they_o from_o be_v oblige_v humble_a and_o moderate_a or_o from_o remember_v their_o former_a condition_n before_o they_o come_v to_o these_o dignity_n who_o will_v not_o heap_v commendation_n upon_o they_o if_o they_o do_v so_o manage_v themselves_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v as_o much_o as_o possible_a that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o satisfy_v their_o avarice_n or_o any_o other_o passion_n they_o endeavour_v to_o obtain_v the_o dignity_n aforesaid_a but_o to_o edify_v the_o church_n more_o and_o to_o lead_v the_o people_n to_o piety_n and_o charity_n by_o their_o example_n which_o be_v of_o much_o great_a efficacy_n than_o their_o discourse_n have_v there_o not_o be_v in_o divers_a place_n and_o time_n some_o clergyman_n that_o behave_v themselves_o after_o this_o manner_n and_o who_o draw_v upon_o themselves_o the_o respect_n and_o admiration_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n such_o be_v the_o bishop_n whereof_o ammianus_n marcellinus_n speak_v immediate_o after_o give_v that_o description_n of_o those_o bishop_n of_o rome_n which_o i_o mention_v before_o his_o testimony_n be_v of_o so_o much_o great_a weight_n as_o he_o be_v a_o heathen_a and_o show_v every_o where_o clear_a 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to_o provide_v a_o remedy_n against_o this_o disgrace_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o unbeliever_n if_o the_o author_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o those_o who_o first_o spread_v it_o throughout_o all_o the_o world_n have_v order_v their_o disciple_n to_o suffer_v no_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n not_o even_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o essential_a and_o to_o persecute_v those_o who_o will_v not_o in_o every_o thing_n follow_v the_o sentiment_n of_o the_o great_a number_n the_o libertine_n may_v then_o questionless_a just_o attribute_v to_o they_o all_o the_o sad_a consequence_n that_o proceed_v from_o that_o intolerate_a principle_n whereof_o some_o divine_n make_v profession_n but_o it_o be_v just_a the_o contrary_a the_o founder_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n recommend_v nothing_o so_o much_o as_o moderation_n and_o charity_n in_o such_o dissension_n the_o jew_n and_o the_o heathen_n that_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n agree_v not_o well_o with_o one_o another_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o jew_n among_o other_o thing_n will_v have_v the_o gentile_n observe_v the_o distinction_n of_o meat_n which_o the_o levitical_a law_n introduce_v and_o condemn_v all_o those_o who_o refuse_v to_o do_v it_o the_o gentile_n who_o know_v that_o god_n require_v this_o observation_n only_o from_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o too_o but_o whilst_o they_o have_v a_o separate_a government_n to_o themselves_o deny_v submission_n to_o this_o yoke_n and_o laugh_v at_o the_o superstition_n of_o the_o jew_n now_o what_o do_v the_o apostle_n in_o this_o affair_n what_o counsel_n do_v st._n paul_n give_v his_o disciple_n do_v they_o say_v that_o the_o one_o must_v follow_v the_o practice_n and_o opinion_n of_o the_o other_o in_o all_o thing_n under_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n do_v they_o order_v the_o christian_a church_n to_o persecute_v as_o soon_o as_o she_o can_v be_v able_a all_o those_o who_o sentiment_n shall_v
religion_n which_o be_v see_v in_o the_o world_n it_o can_v be_v doubt_v but_o these_o be_v most_o violent_a prejudices_fw-la against_o some_o christian_a society_n but_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o show_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o involve_v all_o christianity_n in_o general_n first_o unbeliever_n can_v suppose_v without_o examination_n as_o they_o do_v on_o this_o occasion_n that_o the_o notion_n man_n have_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o their_o country_n or_o that_o of_o some_o divine_n who_o they_o have_v read_v be_v real_o the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o its_o founder_n some_o alteration_n may_v have_v by_o degree_n creep_v into_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_n who_o they_o know_v and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v very_o different_a from_o that_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n no_o body_n can_v be_v sure_a of_o the_o contrary_a without_o go_v to_o the_o source_n to_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o stream_n which_o be_v say_v to_o flow_v from_o it_o that_o be_v without_o read_v the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o compare_v their_o doctrine_n with_o that_o which_o be_v now_o pretend_a to_o be_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o founder_n of_o christianity_n this_o unbeliever_n be_v necessary_o oblige_v to_o do_v before_o they_o affirm_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v false_a else_o they_o will_v imitate_v corrupt_a judge_n who_o vouchsafe_v not_o to_o examine_v the_o instrument_n of_o a_o suit_n in_o law_n but_o give_v their_o sentence_n at_o the_o first_o report_n of_o it_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o if_o the_o unbeliever_n of_o the_o abovementioned_a place_n will_v undertake_v that_o examination_n they_o will_v present_o see_v that_o most_o of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o dislike_v be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o consequent_o that_o whatever_o christian_n think_v now_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o they_o the_o same_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v observe_v 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they_o that_o name_n as_o if_o such_o preacher_n be_v inspire_v apostle_n and_o authorise_a with_o miracle_n they_o shall_v have_v a_o great_a respect_n for_o the_o gospel_n than_o to_o call_v such_o meditation_n by_o the_o same_o name_n with_o the_o discourse_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n i_o have_v not_o make_v this_o remark_n be_v it_o not_o that_o such_o expression_n give_v occasion_n to_o unbeliever_n to_o despise_v christianity_n which_o deserve_v as_o much_o to_o be_v admire_v by_o the_o most_o penetrate_a and_o solid_a wit_n as_o many_o sermon_n deserve_v to_o be_v despise_v by_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o illiterate_a person_n as_o no_o body_n can_v bear_v the_o injustice_n of_o that_o man_n who_o shall_v judge_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o a_o author_n by_o the_o discourse_n of_o another_o who_o perhaps_o understand_v they_o not_o and_o who_o interest_n it_o be_v to_o explain_v they_o otherwise_o and_o then_o pretend_v he_o may_v with_o reason_n vent_v his_o 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some_o lie_n have_v be_v find_v in_o it_o be_v there_o for_o example_n any_o profane_a history_n either_o ancient_a or_o modern_a without_o a_o mixture_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n yet_o no_o body_n say_v that_o history_n contain_v nothing_o that_o be_v true_a and_o certain_a they_o endeavour_v only_o to_o distinguish_v what_o be_v true_a from_o what_o be_v false_a the_o like_a aught_o to_o be_v practise_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o explication_n of_o christian_n doctrine_n which_o we_o read_v or_o hear_v we_o ought_v neither_o whole_o to_o reject_v they_o nor_o embrace_v they_o because_o there_o may_v be_v a_o mixture_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n we_o ought_v as_o i_o say_v before_o to_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o write_n of_o the_o founder_n of_o christianity_n and_o judge_v by_o those_o write_n of_o religion_n itself_o and_o of_o what_o be_v true_a in_o the_o opinion_n of_o modern_a divine_n this_o be_v if_o i_o may_v say_v so_o the_o touchstone_n by_o which_o only_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n can_v be_v know_v three_o unbeliever_n undoubted_o know_v that_o a_o truth_n change_v not_o its_o nature_n for_o be_v ill_o defend_v we_o see_v every_o day_n very_o good_a cause_n ill_o plead_v by_o some_o lawyer_n who_o understand_v not_o their_o profession_n nay_o it_o be_v confess_v among_o all_o christian_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o book_n who_o author_n be_v real_o engage_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o truth_n but_o they_o do_v it_o so_o ill_a that_o it_o will_v certain_o be_v condemn_v if_o it_o have_v no_o better_a support_n many_o people_n for_o example_n who_o have_v not_o study_v well_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o see_v no_o character_n of_o divinity_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o can_v convince_v a_o unbeliever_n of_o it_o but_o nevertheless_o they_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v divine_a with_o as_o great_a a_o certainty_n as_o if_o they_o perceive_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n in_o 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enthusiasm_n other_o to_o do_v the_o christian_a religion_n a_o great_a honour_n ascribe_v to_o the_o apostle_n a_o art_n which_o they_o themselves_o serious_o etc._n serious_o 1_o cor._n 1.17_o &_o 11.4_o 13_o etc._n etc._n say_v they_o have_v not_o they_o set_v forth_o their_o style_n as_o a_o admirable_a pattern_n of_o eloquence_n which_o exceed_v that_o of_o the_o grecian_n and_o roman_n what_o follow_v from_o thence_o unbeliever_n read_v the_o write_n of_o those_o holy_a man_n to_o seek_v what_o they_o be_v tell_v be_v contain_v in_o they_o and_o because_o they_o do_v find_v it_o they_o fancy_v that_o those_o who_o say_v so_o design_v to_o deceive_v they_o and_o thereupon_o be_v exasperate_v against_o they_o who_o ground_v in_o part_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n upon_o their_o wonderful_a style_n they_o whole_o reject_v it_o they_o can_v not_o be_v
apostle_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v inspire_v but_o i_o affirm_v again_o that_o that_o very_a thing_n will_v raise_v suspicion_n against_o they_o and_o doubt_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n before_o i_o show_v it_o i_o must_v not_o forget_v to_o say_v that_o i_o do_v blame_v art_n and_o eloquence_n as_o be_v pernicious_a and_o useless_a on_o all_o occasion_n on_o the_o contrary_a those_o that_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o it_o can_v be_v too_o much_o esteem_v that_o be_v those_o who_o use_v it_o to_o vindicate_v and_o clear_a truth_n or_o to_o lead_v man_n to_o virtue_n i_o only_o design_v to_o show_v that_o it_o fall_v out_o better_o that_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v destitute_a of_o it_o let_v we_o suppose_v again_o the_o contrary_a of_o what_o happen_v and_o that_o the_o apostle_n who_o leave_v to_o posterity_n the_o life_n discourse_n and_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v man_n of_o great_a eloquence_n and_o perfect_a master_n 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the_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v no_o inconsiderable_a mark_n of_o its_o divinity_n will_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o eloquence_n of_o its_o first_o preacher_n not_o of_o a_o extraordinary_a providence_n it_o will_v have_v be_v say_v at_o most_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a and_o rational_a philosophy_n that_o have_v be_v teach_v till_o that_o time_n but_o by_o grant_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o moral_a rule_n they_o will_v have_v doubt_v of_o its_o divinity_n and_o look_v upon_o it_o rather_o as_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o apostle_n meditation_n than_o a_o divine_a revelation_n but_o have_v write_v the_o life_n of_o their_o master_n and_o publish_v his_o discourse_n without_o any_o art_n or_o method_n they_o can_v be_v suspect_v neither_o to_o have_v contrive_v what_o they_o say_v nor_o to_o have_v use_v any_o artifice_n to_o make_v a_o lie_n look_v with_o the_o air_n of_o truth_n their_o great_a 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not_o thorough_o examine_v we_o shall_v see_v that_o god_n can_v not_o give_v more_o sensible_a mark_n of_o the_o care_n he_o take_v about_o it_o but_o by_o choose_v those_o who_o ministry_n he_o make_v use_v of_o to_o propagate_v it_o through_o the_o whole_a world_n i_o shall_v not_o undertake_v to_o resolve_v the_o particular_a objection_n which_o unbeliever_n may_v raise_v against_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o answer_n to_o which_o must_v be_v look_v for_o in_o the_o write_n of_o those_o who_o have_v direct_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o or_o write_v upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o second_o part._n i_o think_v i_o may_v conclude_v now_o nor_o can_v unbeliever_n accuse_v i_o of_o draw_v a_o consequence_n that_o extend_v far_a than_o the_o proof_n i_o make_v use_v of_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o false_a than_o to_o fancy_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v ground_v upon_o mere_a credulity_n that_o the_o ignorance_n or_o corrupt_a manner_n of_o those_o who_o profess_v it_o ought_v not_o to_o prejudice_v it_o in_o the_o least_o that_o though_o many_o profess_v it_o out_o of_o interest_n for_o many_o age_n past_a rather_o than_o out_o of_o persuasion_n no_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v suspect_v concern_v its_o first_o founder_n that_o the_o division_n which_o be_v among_o christian_n ought_v not_o to_o make_v one_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v very_o useful_a to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o next_o that_o the_o falsity_n which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o some_o christian_n now_o must_v not_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o apostle_n last_o that_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o god_n revelation_n to_o man_n such_o as_o the_o christian_n represent_v it_o contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n and_o most_o worthy_a of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n if_o unbeliever_n will_v serious_o think_v upon_o what_o i_o have_v say_v concern_v those_o proposition_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o they_o will_v easy_o grant_v they_o and_o then_o they_o may_v find_v without_o any_o difficulty_n a_o answer_n to_o all_o their_o particular_a objection_n as_o soon_o as_o some_o undeniable_a principle_n have_v be_v lay_v down_o which_o influence_n all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a theology_n several_a thing_n which_o before_o seem_v difficult_a cease_v then_o to_o be_v so_o and_o thus_o one_o knowledge_n may_v be_v increase_v every_o day_n on_o the_o contrary_a the_o general_a principle_n of_o religion_n remain_v uncertain_a or_o unknown_a every_o thing_n make_v man_n perplex_v and_o the_o long_o they_o live_v in_o such_o a_o state_n the_o more_o the_o difficulty_n increase_v as_o soon_o as_o man_n have_v learn_v to_o distinguish_v the_o religion_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n from_o what_o be_v teach_v in_o several_a part_n of_o europe_n and_o the_o maxim_n of_o the_o first_o founder_n of_o christianity_n from_o those_o of_o many_o christian_n of_o this_o time_n they_o may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o be_v offend_v at_o and_o the_o behaviour_n which_o they_o dislike_v be_v not_o at_o all_o like_a the_o doctrine_n of_o ancient_a christianity_n or_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n the_o thing_n we_o treat_v of_o be_v not_o a_o dispute_n wherein_o man_n only_a design_n to_o show_v their_o wit_n and_o get_v the_o victory_n but_o the_o question_n be_v about_o the_o search_n of_o a_o truth_n the_o knowledge_n whereof_o be_v equal_o useful_a to_o both_o side_n unbeliever_n ought_v therefore_o to_o part_v altogether_o with_o that_o spirit_n of_o wrangle_a which_o make_v they_o so_o eager_a to_o
the_o gospel_n will_v have_v we_o to_o sacrifice_v all_o our_o pleasure_n to_o what_o it_o ordain_v we_o and_o that_o we_o resolve_v upon_o suffer_v all_o sort_n of_o evil_n rather_o than_o neglect_v one_o of_o its_o command_n these_o be_v the_o principal_a duty_n very_o near_o that_o regard_n ourselves_o for_o i_o design_v not_o to_o make_v here_o a_o complete_a abridgement_n of_o the_o christian_a moral_n for_o my_o subject_n do_v not_o require_v it_o and_o it_o suffice_v that_o i_o bring_v to_o mind_v the_o chief_a head_n of_o they_o the_o justice_n which_o the_o gospel_n recommend_v to_o we_o do_v contain_v two_o thing_n one_o be_v to_o render_v every_o one_o his_o due_a and_o this_o be_v what_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o call_v justice_n the_o other_o be_v to_o do_v for_o our_o neighbour_n all_o that_o we_o will_v wish_v he_o to_o do_v for_o we_o be_v we_o in_o his_o condition_n that_o we_o shall_v pardon_v he_o for_o example_n when_o he_o do_v we_o wrong_n rather_o than_o to_o 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that_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n viz._n to_o love_v our_o enemy_n because_o be_v natural_o revengeful_a and_o have_v be_v ill_o use_v by_o the_o jew_n of_o amsterdam_n he_o can_v never_o find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o forgive_v they_o he_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o command_n be_v impossible_a it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o give_v it_o to_o man_n and_o can_v not_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v reveal_v it_o it_o be_v true_a that_o a_o man_n extreme_o vindicative_a and_o for_o many_o year_n indulge_v himself_o in_o this_o passion_n can_v without_o a_o miracle_n be_v bring_v of_o a_o sudden_a to_o pardon_v or_o patient_o to_o suffer_v injury_n in_o this_o disposition_n he_o be_v always_o sure_a to_o reject_v the_o gospel_n by_o reason_n of_o this_o one_o precept_n or_o at_o least_o to_o refuse_v submission_n to_o this_o article_n suppose_v that_o the_o rest_n be_v not_o too_o repugnant_a to_o his_o inclination_n but_o if_o in_o those_o interval_n wherein_o 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head_n but_o for_o this_o there_o be_v more_o caution_n and_o moderation_n requisite_a than_o unbeliever_n common_o have_v who_o look_v upon_o such_o a_o examen_fw-la to_o be_v impossible_a choose_v rather_o to_o deny_v all_o at_o once_o this_o be_v just_a as_o if_o any_o reader_n because_o he_o have_v discover_v by_o chance_n a_o error_n in_o some_o historian_n will_v immediate_o conclude_v without_o read_v any_o further_a that_o the_o whole_a be_v pure_a romance_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n as_o a_o true_a history_n notwithstanding_o such_o a_o ridiculous_a and_o hasty_a judgement_n unbeliever_n seem_v to_o live_v in_o as_o profound_a a_o tranquillity_n as_o a_o man_n can_v do_v who_o know_v by_o mathematical_a demonstration_n that_o all_o religion_n be_v false_a they_o appear_v to_o have_v so_o great_a a_o indifference_n for_o truth_n in_o this_o respect_n as_o if_o it_o do_v not_o concern_v they_o to_o know_v it_o they_o be_v ready_a while_o 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according_a to_o their_o own_o judgement_n every_o moment_n in_o a_o condition_n of_o part_v for_o ever_o with_o what_o they_o love_v and_o which_o to_o acquire_v or_o preserve_v have_v frequent_o occasion_v they_o infinite_a trouble_n this_o loss_n may_v happen_v by_o a_o thousand_o unforeseen_a accident_n and_o at_o last_o it_o be_v sure_a to_o come_v unavoidable_o by_o death_n beyond_o which_o they_o expect_v nothing_o nevertheless_o they_o live_v secure_o they_o behave_v themselves_o much_o worse_o than_o a_o man_n will_v do_v who_o be_v serious_o tell_v that_o he_o be_v condemn_v to_o death_n but_o that_o there_o be_v mean_n of_o escape_v it_o if_o he_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o know_v they_o and_o yet_o will_v think_v of_o nothing_o but_o divert_v himself_o without_o vouchsafe_v to_o give_v attention_n to_o what_o be_v say_v to_o he_o though_o with_o the_o hazard_n of_o lose_v his_o life_n in_o case_n those_o adviser_n who_o he_o will_v not_o believe_v speak_v truth_n if_o what_o christianity_n tell_v we_o be_v indeed_o true_a there_o be_v pain_n infinite_o surpass_v death_n to_o be_v fear_v by_o such_o as_o reject_v it_o and_o yet_o unbeliever_n who_o have_v no_o certainty_n that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o true_a rest_v secure_o in_o their_o infidelity_n and_o lazine_n without_o inform_v themselves_o any_o further_a in_o good_a truth_n such_o as_o live_v in_o this_o disposition_n and_o who_o imagine_v themselves_o exalt_v above_o the_o vulgar_a be_v not_o in_o this_o respect_n much_o elevate_v above_o the_o brute_n which_o be_v only_o concern_v about_o the_o present_a now_o on_o the_o contrary_a let_v we_o suppose_v a_o man_n who_o have_v well_o study_v the_o principle_n of_o true_a christianity_n satisfy_v in_o himself_o with_o the_o truth_n he_o have_v discover_v he_o observe_v the_o precept_n they_o enjoin_v he_o with_o all_o tranquillity_n in_o this_o life_n and_o after_o death_n he_o expect_v the_o reward_n of_o his_o faith_n with_o a_o contentment_n of_o mind_n that_o can_v be_v equal_v the_o most_o refine_a reason_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o society_n wherein_o man_n must_v necessary_o live_v with_o one_o another_o require_v nothing_o of_o he_o but_o he_o obey_v it_o without_o hesitate_v and_o whatever_o befall_v he_o he_o look_v upon_o death_n only_o as_o a_o passage_n to_o a_o much_o better_a life_n than_o this_o i_o dare_v affirm_v something_o beyond_o all_o this_o and_o it_o be_v that_o suppose_v this_o man_n deceive_v yet_o his_o condition_n will_v be_v infinite_o more_o desirable_a than_o that_o of_o such_o as_o refuse_v to_o examine_v religion_n reject_v it_o nevertheless_o with_o the_o hazard_n of_o lose_v themselves_o for_o ever_o and_o be_v withal_o in_o a_o perpetual_a fear_n if_o not_o quite_o bewitch_v with_o their_o incredulity_n and_o laziness_n of_o lose_v for_o ever_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o it_o be_v therefore_o infinite_o more_o reasonable_a and_o more_o sure_a both_o for_o this_o and_o the_o other_o life_n if_o there_o be_v one_o to_o search_v after_o truth_n and_o to_o examine_v the_o proof_n of_o religion_n than_o to_o live_v and_o die_v in_o the_o most_o extravagant_a carelessness_n imaginable_a this_o be_v all_o that_o i_o desire_v shall_v be_v grant_v i_o here_o and_o that_o can_v be_v deny_v i_o by_o any_o without_o act_v against_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o common_a sense_n those_o who_o refuse_v to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n ought_v careful_o to_o examine_v themselves_o and_o see_v whether_o this_o laziness_n i_o have_v describe_v be_v not_o at_o least_o in_o some_o part_n the_o cause_n of_o their_o incredulity_n this_o examination_n be_v of_o the_o utmost_a importance_n there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v lose_v by_o make_v of_o it_o and_o you_o risk_v all_o by_o neglect_v it_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o first_o part._n i_o have_v describe_v in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n those_o disposition_n and_o motive_n 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upon_o this_o disquisition_n can_v be_v count_v lose_v or_o vain_o spend_v see_v the_o matter_n in_o debate_n be_v the_o most_o important_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o discovery_n of_o truth_n must_v at_o all_o time_n necessary_o produce_v joy_n satisfaction_n and_o tranquillity_n or_o augment_v they_o if_o enjoy_v already_o the_o second_o part._n of_o the_o motive_n of_o incredulity_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o occasion_n give_v unbeliever_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o entire_o to_o reject_v it_o chap._n i._o that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v call_v in_o question_n because_o some_o embrace_v it_o more_o from_o credulity_n than_o reason_n although_o as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v there_o be_v no_o unbeliever_n but_o be_v in_o some_o unblamable_a disposition_n which_o incline_v he_o to_o reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v however_o that_o there_o be_v many_o other_o 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blame_v for_o that_o if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o boast_v of_o their_o eloquence_n but_o see_v they_o say_v quite_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v a_o great_a piece_n of_o injustice_n to_o condemn_v they_o as_o impostor_n upon_o the_o assertion_n of_o those_o who_o ascribe_v to_o they_o what_o they_o never_o have_v nor_o pretend_v to_o have_v the_o true_a character_n of_o the_o apostle_n style_v to_o say_v so_o by_o the_o by_o be_v this_o first_o it_o be_v simple_a and_o plain_a such_o as_o be_v the_o style_n of_o those_o who_o propose_v some_o thing_n of_o which_o they_o be_v full_o persuade_v second_o it_o be_v a_o style_n without_o any_o ornament_n of_o rhetoric_n whether_o it_o be_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o word_n or_o the_o disposition_n if_o a_o thousand_o sublime_a stroke_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o it_o they_o come_v from_o the_o thing_n they_o say_v which_o be_v very_o sublime_a not_o from_o the_o word_n or_o order_n three_o we_o must_v add_v to_o it_o 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in_o their_o work_n if_o i_o have_v be_v mistake_v in_o any_o thing_n i_o desire_v those_o mistake_v may_v be_v ascribe_v to_o i_o and_o not_o at_o all_o to_o the_o religion_n i_o vindicate_v there_o be_v no_o need_n i_o shall_v say_v here_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v no_o temporal_a interest_n to_o move_v they_o to_o preach_v such_o a_o doctrine_n i_o have_v already_o say_v so_o elsewhere_o and_o i_o will_v prove_v it_o more_o at_o large_a in_o my_o first_o letter_n at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o discourse_n i_o will_v not_o repent_v neither_o that_o they_o pretend_v not_o their_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v receive_v with_o any_o examination_n because_o i_o have_v prove_v it_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o this_o second_o part._n so_o that_o if_o self-interest_n and_o ambition_n be_v often_o the_o reason_n why_o divine_n maintain_v now_o some_o opinion_n and_o after_o a_o manner_n unbecoming_a christianity_n it_o be_v their_o fault_n not_o the_o apostle_n who_o can_v be_v charge_v 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that_o ever_o be_v teach_v among_o man_n and_o which_o contain_v the_o best_a principle_n that_o can_v be_v think_v of_o to_o oblige_v they_o to_o live_v well_o one_o with_o another_o but_o they_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v impostor_n only_o because_o they_o say_v they_o see_v their_o master_n work_v miracle_n that_o he_o be_v see_v by_o they_o after_o their_o resurrection_n and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n in_o their_o sight_n let_v we_o see_v why_o they_o do_v so_o the_o falsity_n of_o a_o history_n can_v be_v know_v but_o two_o way_n first_o when_o we_o perceive_v that_o the_o witness_n who_o relate_v it_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o or_o design_v to_o deceive_v other_o though_o what_o they_o relate_v be_v very_o possible_a second_o when_o we_o know_v by_o clear_a and_o evident_a argument_n that_o the_o fact_n in_o question_n be_v absolute_o impossible_a in_o themselves_o i_o have_v clear_o show_v that_o the_o apostle_n design_v not_o to_o deceive_v other_o and_o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o they_o themselves_o be_v always_o deceive_v in_o all_o the_o miracle_n they_o relate_v if_o the_o question_n be_v about_o a_o small_a number_n of_o miracle_n difficult_a to_o examine_v one_o may_v have_v such_o a_o suspicion_n with_o some_o likelihood_n but_o they_o relate_v so_o many_o and_o of_o so_o many_o sort_n that_o if_o what_o they_o say_v be_v not_o true_a they_o must_v necessary_o have_v be_v deceiver_n for_o example_n they_o can_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o christ_n ascension_n into_o heaven_n which_o they_o constant_o preach_v and_o of_o which_o the_o christian_n make_v from_o the_o beginning_n one_o of_o the_o chief_a article_n of_o their_o faith_n those_o who_o as_o pliny_n relate_v it_o sing_v hymn_n to_o christ_n as_o to_o a_o god_n believe_v without_o doubt_n that_o he_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n if_o we_o read_v only_o st._n luke_n 15._o luke_n luke_n 24._o 1_o cor._n 15._o gospel_n and_o the_o first_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o corinthian_n which_o contain_v several_a particular_a circumstance_n of_o many_o miracle_n of_o christ_n especial_o of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o his_o several_a apparition_n after_o he_o come_v out_o of_o his_o grave_n we_o may_v certain_o know_v that_o those_o who_o speak_v so_o be_v not_o seduce_v and_o that_o if_o what_o they_o say_v be_v not_o true_a they_o must_v necessary_o have_v design_v to_o deceive_v those_o to_o who_o they_o relate_v such_o fact_n but_o i_o have_v undeniable_o show_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v sincere_a man_n and_o consequent_o that_o their_o testimony_n can_v be_v reject_v wherefore_o those_o who_o believe_v it_o not_o accuse_v they_o not_o of_o have_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v seduce_v neither_o do_v they_o undertake_v to_o overthrow_v the_o argument_n by_o which_o we_o
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least_o it_o can_v not_o be_v doubt_v that_o he_o do_v a_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o all_o the_o strength_n and_o skill_n of_o man_n provide_v he_o have_v nothing_o under_o his_o foot_n that_o may_v be_v see_v or_o elsewhere_o to_o uphold_v he_o every_o one_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a relation_n of_o gravity_n between_o humane_a body_n and_o water_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n allow_v not_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v stand_v upon_o the_o water_n so_o that_o if_o it_o appear_v that_o any_o body_n walk_v upon_o the_o water_n as_o upon_o the_o land_n without_o have_v under_o his_o foot_n or_o elsewhere_o any_o thing_n to_o hold_v he_o so_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o a_o power_n great_a than_o that_o of_o man_n act_v in_o his_o behalf_n 4._o but_o because_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o natural_a cause_n which_o man_n make_v use_v of_o to_o produce_v some_o effect_n which_o they_o themselves_o can_v produce_v by_o their_o mere_a skill_n and_o strength_n a_o 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natural_a effect_n of_o the_o remedy_n which_o have_v be_v well_o apply_v but_o if_o we_o shall_v see_v a_o man_n who_o only_o by_o touch_v all_o sort_n of_o sick_a person_n or_o by_o speak_v to_o they_o without_o use_v any_o sensible_a remedy_n cure_v they_o upon_o the_o spot_n that_o effect_n can_v be_v ascribe_v only_o to_o some_o supernatural_a cause_n some_o 6._o some_o spinosa_n in_o tract_n theologico-polit_a cap._n 6._o unbeliever_n have_v endeavour_v to_o make_v that_o character_n of_o miracle_n uncertain_a by_o say_v that_o we_o know_v not_o so_o perfect_o natural_a cause_n and_o their_o effect_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v what_o they_o can_v produce_v from_o what_o be_v above_o their_o strength_n nay_o they_o pretend_v that_o what_o be_v call_v miraculous_a shall_v only_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o extraordinary_a or_o rare_a accident_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o natural_a cause_n which_o be_v not_o well_o know_v but_o though_o it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o 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be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n or_o angel_n one_o may_v easy_o apprehend_v that_o they_o be_v not_o contradictory_n thing_n that_o which_o be_v contradictory_n be_v the_o object_n of_o no_o power_n it_o be_v a_o mere_a nothing_o as_o all_o those_o who_o know_v the_o mean_v of_o that_o word_n will_v grant_v it_o no_o positive_a idea_n can_v be_v form_v of_o it_o and_o every_o contradictory_n proposition_n be_v unintelligible_a in_o itself_o if_o the_o miracle_n mention_v in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v examine_v not_o one_o of_o that_o nature_n will_v be_v find_v among_o they_o there_o be_v none_o but_o what_o may_v be_v express_v in_o intelligible_a proposition_n for_o example_n god_n can_v make_v a_o man_n who_o live_v to_o live_v no_o long_o that_o be_v his_o blood_n shall_v no_o more_o circulate_a and_o all_o his_o member_n shall_v cease_v to_o perform_v their_o function_n on_o the_o contrary_a he_o can_v make_v a_o man_n who_o blood_n be_v settle_v and_o who_o member_n perform_v none_o of_o their_o function_n to_o begin_v to_o live_v again_o as_o it_o do_v before_o those_o proposition_n be_v easy_o apprehend_v but_o to_o make_v a_o man_n to_o live_v and_o not_o to_o live_v at_o the_o same_o time_n take_v the_o word_n to_o live_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o sense_n be_v a_o contradictory_n thing_n which_o be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n god_n never_o wrought_v any_o such_o miracle_n those_o who_o rank_n among_o the_o miracle_n of_o christianity_n that_o whereby_o they_o pretend_v that_o god_n make_v a_o humane_a body_n to_o be_v extend_v and_o not_o extend_v at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o to_o be_v in_o many_o place_n at_o one_o time_n those_o man_n i_o say_v feign_v a_o miracle_n of_o which_o they_o have_v no_o idea_n and_o rest_v content_v with_o word_n they_o understand_v not_o they_o ascribe_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n a_o mystery_n absurd_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o clear_a light_n to_o reason_n and_o 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because_o he_o promise_v it_o but_o why_o will_v it_o be_v say_v do_v god_n make_v such_o promise_n which_o suppose_v that_o he_o work_v still_o some_o miracle_n of_o this_o latter_a sort_n see_v he_o will_v no_o more_o do_v sensible_a one_o i_o have_v show_v already_o why_o he_o work_v no_o more_o miracle_n that_o fall_v under_o our_o sense_n and_o there_o be_v no_o need_n i_o shall_v repeat_v what_o i_o have_v say_v about_o it_o as_o for_o the_o other_o they_o be_v a_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o god_n providence_n which_o consist_v not_o only_o in_o have_v give_v some_o law_n to_o nature_n according_a to_o which_o it_o act_n but_o in_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o those_o law_n and_o make_v such_o exception_n to_o they_o as_o god_n think_v fit_a see_v therefore_o providence_n exist_v not_o less_o now_o than_o it_o do_v former_o no_o body_n ought_v to_o wonder_v that_o god_n work_v miracle_n of_o that_o kind_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o that_o be_v unworthy_a of_o he_o and_o 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as_o we_o do_v now_o but_o their_o business_n be_v not_o only_o to_o show_v that_o they_o say_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n they_o teach_v not_o their_o doctrine_n as_o mere_a philosopher_n or_o divine_n but_o as_o man_n authorise_a by_o heaven_n they_o be_v therefore_o to_o convince_v man_n that_o they_o be_v send_v from_o god_n to_o prove_v it_o undeniable_o there_o be_v no_o better_a way_n than_o to_o do_v some_o thing_n above_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v sensible_a sign_n of_o god_n approve_v their_o doctrine_n and_o whereby_o they_o undeniable_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v his_o messenger_n if_o they_o have_v do_v or_o say_v nothing_o but_o what_o other_o man_n may_v have_v do_v of_o say_v they_o will_v have_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o divine_n or_o philosopher_n who_o vent_v their_o own_o thought_n but_o when_o man_n see_v that_o after_o they_o have_v appeal_v to_o the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o 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understanding_n by_o mr._n john_n wynne_n of_o jesus_n college_n oxford_n 8o._o