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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n apostle_n doctrine_n receive_v 1,639 5 4.9836 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A28280 The sufficiency of a standing revelation in general, and of the Scripture revelation in particular both as to the matter of it and as to the proof of it : and that new revelations cannot reasonably be desired and would probably be unsuccessful in eight sermons preach'd in the Cathedral-Church of St. Paul, London, at the lecture founded by the Honourable Robert Boyle, Esq., in the year MDCC / by Ofspring Blackall ... Blackall, Offspring, 1654-1716. 1700 (1700) Wing B3055; ESTC R6615 150,254 268

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my_o father_n have_v send_v i_o so_o send_v i_o you_o and_o again_o mat._n xxviii_o 19_o 20._o go_v you_o and_o disciple_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o that_o he_o have_v authority_n to_o grant_v they_o such_o a_o commission_n he_o show_v in_o the_o word_n before_o all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o i_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n etc._n etc._n and_o 2._o that_o they_o be_v teach_v by_o god_n and_o enlighten_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n be_v what_o can_v be_v doubt_v if_o we_o believe_v the_o power_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o before_o our_o lord_n go_v from_o they_o 20.22_o joh_n 20.22_o he_o breathe_v on_o they_o and_o say_v receive_v you_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o what_o purpose_v the_o holy-ghost_n be_v to_o be_v give_v they_o he_o have_v tell_v they_o before_o 14.26_o joh._n 14.26_o the_o comforter_n which_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o the_o father_n will_v send_v in_o my_o name_n he_o shall_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n to_o your_o remembrance_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v say_v unto_o you_o and_o when_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v 16.13_o joh._n 16.13_o he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n be_v thus_o therefore_o teach_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n our_o saviour_n may_v well_o say_v as_o he_o do_v luke_n x._o 16._o he_o that_o hear_v you_o hear_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v i_o despise_v he_o that_o send_v i_o and_o 3._o last_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o receive_v they_o as_o messenger_n from_o god_n and_o to_o believe_v that_o all_o that_o they_o have_v teach_v be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n because_o they_o have_v the_o same_o attestation_n of_o god_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o have_v to_o he_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o god_n do_v bear_v they_o witness_v all_o those_o way_n by_o which_o he_o bare_a witness_n to_o our_o saviour_n for_o that_o can_v not_o be_v but_o he_o bare_a witness_n to_o they_o all_o those_o way_n by_o which_o it_o be_v proper_a for_o he_o to_o do_v it_o and_o by_o which_o he_o have_v bear_v witness_n to_o any_o former_a prophet_n for_o he_o bare_a witness_n to_o they_o that_o they_o be_v send_v by_o he_o 21._o joh._n 13.22.20_o 21._o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o he_o have_v do_v to_o our_o saviour_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o john_n and_o if_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o prophet_n be_v credible_a concern_v our_o saviour_n much_o more_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n high_o credible_a concern_v a_o messenger_n send_v by_o he_o he_o bare_a witness_n to_o they_o also_o by_o indue_a they_o with_o 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paul_n perhaps_o it_o will_v be_v say_v of_o who_o write_v be_v most_o of_o the_o epistle_n be_v not_o one_o of_o they_o not_o call_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v a_o apostle_n as_o they_o be_v nor_o so_o much_o as_o a_o eye_n and_o earwitness_n of_o our_o lord_n miracle_n and_o doctrine_n what_o reason_n then_o have_v we_o to_o receive_v his_o write_n as_o portion_n of_o holy_a scripture_n i_o answer_v as_o good_a though_o not_o in_o every_o particular_a just_a the_o same_o that_o we_o have_v to_o receive_v the_o write_n of_o the_o other_o apostle_n as_o such_o for_o he_o be_v convert_v and_o ordain_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n in_o a_o more_o wonderful_a manner_n than_o they_o be_v as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o act_n 9_o and_o as_o our_o lord_n himself_o give_v witness_v to_o their_o divine_a mission_n so_o he_o do_v also_o to_o he_o act_v ix_o 15._o he_o be_v say_v our_o lord_n a_o choose_a vessel_n unto_o i_o to_o bear_v my_o name_n before_o the_o gentile_n and_o king_n and_o the_o 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the_o act_n from_o the_o 10_o chapter_n to_o the_o end_n contain_v little_a else_o but_o a_o account_n of_o st._n paul_n preach_v and_o of_o the_o miracle_n that_o be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n so_o that_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o gospel-history_n we_o can_v no_o more_o doubt_n of_o his_o divine_a mission_n and_o inspiration_n than_o we_o can_v of_o they_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o if_o they_o be_v apostle_n so_o be_v he_o that_o if_o they_o be_v minister_n of_o christ_n 12.11_o 2_o cor._n 11.23_o 2_o cor._n 11.5_o 2_o cor._n 12.11_o so_o be_v he_o too_o forasmuch_o as_o in_o nothing_o he_o be_v behind_o the_o very_o chief_a apostle_n so_o that_o consequent_o we_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v his_o write_n to_o be_v inspire_v as_o we_o have_v they_o and_o now_o by_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v i_o hope_v i_o have_v full_o make_v good_a the_o point_n i_o be_v to_o prove_v viz._n that_o if_o the_o matter_n 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disprove_v but_o that_o there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o history_n can_v with_o certainty_n be_v affirm_v this_o therefore_o say_v they_o be_v our_o unhappiness_n that_o though_o we_o have_v a_o good_a cause_n we_o be_v destitute_a of_o mean_n to_o support_v it_o and_o be_v in_o the_o condition_n that_o the_o israelite_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v in_o in_o the_o day_n of_o saul_n 13.22_o 1_o sam._n 13.22_o when_o they_o have_v war_n with_o the_o philistine_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o day_n of_o battle_n there_o be_v neither_o sword_n nor_o spear_n find_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o any_o of_o the_o people_n but_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o why_o the_o philistine_n have_v disarm_v they_o 19_o ver._n 19_o they_o have_v take_v away_o the_o weapon_n they_o have_v before_o and_o will_v not_o permit_v more_o to_o be_v make_v and_o this_o say_v the_o infidel_n be_v exact_o our_o case_n in_o the_o war_n we_o have_v now_o with_o the_o christian_n we_o be_v force_v to_o fight_v 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man_n we_o be_v now_o argue_v with_o will_v not_o allow_v this_o to_o be_v a_o good_a account_n of_o the_o loss_n of_o such_o very_a valuable_a book_n as_o they_o think_v these_o anti-gospel_n history_n be_v let_v they_o find_v out_o a_o better_a but_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o that_o before_o suggest_v by_o they_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v by_o design_n the_o first_o christian_n purposely_o abolish_n and_o destroy_v all_o testimony_n and_o record_n that_o make_v against_o they_o be_v a_o much_o worse_a account_n of_o it_o and_o infinite_o more_o improbable_a than_o that_o which_o i_o have_v give_v for_o it_o must_v be_v suppose_v either_o that_o these_o anti-gospel_n history_n be_v write_v very_o early_o as_o soon_o almost_o as_o the_o gospel_n history_n be_v publish_v by_o the_o preach_a or_o write_v
well_o be_v account_v a_o martyr_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n no_o less_o than_o the_o other_o apostle_n although_o he_o do_v not_o actual_o expire_v under_o his_o suffering_n as_o they_o do_v now_o if_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o a_o man_n especial_o one_o who_o stand_v much_o upon_o his_o credit_n may_v be_v willing_a after_o he_o have_v tell_v a_o lie_n to_o suffer_v a_o great_a deal_n rather_o than_o own_v himself_o a_o liar_n though_o i_o think_v it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v either_o that_o any_o man_n will_v suffer_v so_o many_o other_o great_a evil_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v only_o upon_o a_o point_n of_o honour_n or_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v stand_v so_o much_o upon_o their_o honour_n yet_o when_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o this_o that_o a_o man_n who_o have_v tell_v a_o lie_n must_v either_o retract_v it_o or_o die_v for_o it_o and_o that_o he_o may_v in_o all_o probability_n save_o his_o life_n by_o retract_v it_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o any_o man_n will_v be_v a_o martyr_n for_o a_o know_a falsehood_n for_o it_o be_v a_o very_a true_a say_v and_o to_o which_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o exception_n though_o it_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n 2.4_o job_n 2.4_o that_o skin_n for_o skin_n yea_o all_o that_o a_o man_n have_v he_o will_v give_v for_o his_o life_n it_o be_v not_o credible_a therefore_o that_o so_o much_o as_o one_o man_n shall_v be_v find_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o sacrifice_v his_o life_n to_o a_o know_a lie_n and_o that_o too_o a_o unprofitable_a lie_n to_o himself_o to_o his_o family_n and_o to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o this_o only_a to_o save_v his_o reputation_n it_o be_v much_o less_o credible_a that_o so_o many_o man_n viz._n all_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n and_o most_o if_o not_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v immediate_a disciple_n shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o such_o prodigious_a and_o unheard_a of_o folly_n and_o it_o be_v least_o of_o all_o credible_a that_o among_o so_o many_o as_o there_o be_v that_o bear_v witness_n of_o the_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o evangelical_n history_n not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o man_n shall_v be_v find_v that_o be_v honest_a and_o wise_a than_o the_o rest_n not_o one_o that_o can_v be_v persuade_v to_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n by_o the_o confession_n of_o his_o fault_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o world_n by_o a_o public_a own_n of_o the_o cheat_n he_o have_v be_v engage_v in_o not_o one_o that_o will_v choose_v to_o undergo_v the_o disgrace_n of_o a_o liar_n rather_o than_o the_o shameful_a death_n of_o a_o malefactor_n these_o be_v in_o short_a the_o evidence_n we_o have_v of_o the_o honesty_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o evangelical_n historian_n those_o evidence_n i_o mean_v which_o they_o themselves_o have_v give_v thereof_o and_o they_o be_v plain_o as_o good_a as_o can_v be_v desire_v they_o be_v the_o best_a that_o can_v be_v give_v by_o men._n and_o put_v together_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v on_o this_o and_o the_o forego_n head_n now_o and_o in_o my_o last_o discourse_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o evangelical_n history_n i_o think_v we_o may_v true_o and_o confident_o affirm_v that_o although_o we_o consider_v it_o only_o as_o a_o mere_a humane_a history_n we_o have_v much_o great_a reason_n to_o give_v credit_n to_o it_o than_o to_o any_o history_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o but_o if_o we_o receive_v the_o witness_n of_o man_n and_o who_o be_v there_o that_o do_v not_o 5.9_o 1_o joh._n 5.9_o the_o witness_n of_o god_n be_v great_a and_o therefore_o in_o order_n to_o show_v further_o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o the_o evangelical_n historian_n in_o their_o relation_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o have_v record_v i_o propose_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o five_o and_o last_o place_n 5_o the_o confirmation_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o history_n by_o god_n himself_o for_o what_o st._n paul_n say_v of_o his_o own_o be_v likewise_o true_a of_o the_o speech_n and_o preach_v of_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n 5._o 1_o cor._n 2.4_o 5._o that_o the_o faith_n of_o their_o hearer_n shall_v not_o stand_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o so_o st._n luke_n say_v act_v 4.33_o with_o great_a power_n give_v the_o apostle_n witness_v of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o witness_v the_o miracle_n of_o their_o master_n they_o give_v assurance_n to_o man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n by_o do_v the_o like_a miracle_n themselves_o heal_v the_o sick_a cast_v out_o devil_n raise_v the_o dead_a etc._n etc._n just_a as_o jesus_n himself_o have_v do_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o pursuant_n to_o their_o commission_n they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o man_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o language_n they_o plain_o demonstrate_v both_o that_o they_o have_v such_o a_o commission_n from_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o they_o preach_v by_o speak_v to_o every_o man_n of_o every_o nation_n in_o his_o own_o tongue_n thus_o as_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n say_v 2.4_o heb._n 2.4_o god_n do_v bear_v they_o witness_n both_o with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will._n and_o he_o may_v well_o say_v that_o god_n do_v hereby_o bear_v they_o witness_n because_o that_o power_n wherewith_o they_o be_v endue_v be_v so_o evident_o from_o on_o high_a that_o none_o that_o see_v their_o work_n 24.49_o luke_n 24.49_o and_o consider_v withal_o the_o purity_n and_o excellence_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n that_o be_v thereby_o establish_v can_v have_v any_o reasonable_a doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n or_o no._n we_o know_v 3.2_o joh._n 3.2_o say_v nicodemus_n to_o our_o saviour_n that_o thou_o be_v a_o teacher_n send_v from_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v do_v the_o miracle_n that_o thou_o do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o 14.12_o joh._n 14.12_o but_o the_o same_o work_n that_o jesus_n do_v do_v his_o disciple_n also_o after_o he_o have_v send_v down_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o father_n upon_o they_o on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n yea_o and_o great_a work_n than_o those_o do_v they_o do_v so_o that_o whoever_o behold_v their_o work_n may_v so_o far_o as_o miracle_n be_v evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n be_v rather_o more_o certain_a that_o god_n be_v with_o they_o than_o nicodemus_n can_v be_v that_o he_o be_v with_o our_o lord_n himself_o for_o though_o their_o other_o miracle_n that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o sort_n with_o those_o which_o our_o saviour_n have_v do_v be_v such_o proof_n of_o divine_a assistance_n as_o can_v not_o with_o any_o reason_n be_v gainsay_v yet_o i_o think_v it_o may_v true_o be_v affirm_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o they_o and_o wherein_o they_o do_v as_o we_o may_v say_v excel_v even_o our_o lord_n himself_o be_v more_o convince_a than_o any_o of_o they_o for_o he_o that_o see_v one_o of_o their_o other_o miracle_n may_v possible_o entertain_v some_o little_a doubt_n whether_o the_o effect_n that_o appear_v to_o he_o to_o be_v miraculous_a may_v not_o yet_o be_v do_v by_o some_o secret_a power_n of_o natural_a cause_n that_o be_v unknown_a to_o he_o but_o we_o all_o know_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n so_o well_o that_o we_o be_v sure_a the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o language_n can_v possible_o be_v attain_v natural_o even_o by_o a_o person_n of_o the_o quick_a part_n and_o faithful_a memory_n but_o in_o so_o much_o time_n at_o the_o least_o as_o it_o will_v necessary_o take_v up_o to_o be_v tell_v by_o tutor_n or_o to_o learn_v from_o lexicon_n what_o every_o particular_a word_n of_o the_o language_n to_o be_v learn_v be_v by_o the_o people_n of_o that_o language_n design_v to_o signify_v because_o word_n have_v not_o a_o natural_a relation_n to_o the_o notion_n or_o thing_n thereby_o express_v but_o be_v mere_a arbitrary_a sign_n thereof_o so_o that_o whoever_o know_v the_o education_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o they_o be_v before_o altogether_o ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a and_o yet_o see_v they_o every_o one_o on_o a_o sudden_a on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n able_a to_o speak_v ready_o in_o all_o the_o language_n of_o all_o the_o nation_n under_o heaven_n from_o whence_o have_v come_v some_o of_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v present_a at_o jerusalem_n at_o that_o
sermon_n iii_o page_n 25._o line_n 1._o for_o once_o read_v now_o for_o those_o read_v these_o advertisement_n the_o three_o remain_a lecture_n for_o this_o year_n be_v to_o be_v at_o st._n paul_n on_o the_o first_o mondays_n in_o september_n october_n and_o november_n but_o the_o first_o monday_n in_o september_n be_v the_o fast-day_n for_o the_o fire_n of_o london_n when_o there_o will_v be_v in_o the_o morning_n a_o sermon_n suitable_a to_o that_o occasion_n preach_v before_o the_o lord_n mayor_n aldermen_z and_o company_n of_o the_o city_n mr._n boyle_n lecture_n on_o that_o day_n be_v order_v to_o be_v preach_v in_o the_o afternoon_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture-revelation_n as_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o part_n iii_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n september_n 2d_o 1700._o be_v the_o six_o for_o the_o year_n 1700_o of_o th●_n lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o offspring_n blackall_n d._n d._n rector_n of_o st._n marry_o aldermary_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v by_o j._n leake_n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._o st._n luke_n xvi_o 29_o 30_o 31._o abraham_n say_v unto_o he_o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o he_o say_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a in_o order_n to_o show_v that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n give_v we_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o new-testament_n and_o of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o it_o i_o have_v former_o propound_v to_o show_v 1._o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n be_v write_v by_o those_o person_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o 2._o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o they_o in_o their_o relation_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o have_v record_v and_o 3._o that_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n therein_o record_v be_v true_a they_o be_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v therein_o teach_v and_o the_o two_o first_o of_o these_o point_n i_o have_v i_o hope_v already_o make_v good_a i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o three_o viz._n 3._o to_o show_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v well_o ground_v upon_o the_o history_n of_o it_o that_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o new-testament_n be_v true_a they_o be_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v therein_o teach_v and_o here_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o understand_v both_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o it_o propose_v to_o our_o belief_n and_o the_o rule_n which_o it_o prescribe_v to_o our_o practice_n many_o of_o the_o former_a of_o which_o be_v themselves_o part_v of_o the_o gospel_n history_n as_o the_o incarnation_n life_n suffering_n death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o both_o sort_n be_v teach_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n either_o by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o or_o by_o his_o apostle_n and_o i_o suppose_v it_o will_v be_v ready_o grant_v that_o all_o their_o doctrine_n be_v true_a and_o also_o of_o divine_a authority_n if_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o they_o be_v commission_v and_o send_v by_o god_n to_o instruct_v the_o world_n for_o he_o who_o god_n have_v send_v speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n joh._n iii._o 34._o the_o single_a point_n therefore_o to_o be_v consider_v at_o this_o time_n be_v whether_o there_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n from_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v commission_v and_o send_v by_o god_n to_o instruct_v the_o world_n and_o first_o whether_o there_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n from_o thence_o that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o be_v a_o teacher_n send_v from_o god_n now_o that_o he_o say_v he_o be_v send_v from_o god_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o a_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n history_n joh._n twelve_o 49._o 24._o see_v joh._n 5.37_o 38.8.38.14.10_o 24._o i_o have_v not_o speak_v of_o myself_o but_o the_o father_n which_o send_v i_o he_o give_v i_o a_o commandment_n what_o i_o shall_v say_v and_o what_o i_o shall_v speak_v and_o that_o he_o say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n which_o have_v be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n be_v likewise_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o a_o part_n of_o the_o same_o history_n joh._n four_o 25_o 26._o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n say_v unto_o he_o i_o know_v that_o messiah_n come_v which_o be_v call_v christ_n 9.47_o mat._n 16.16_o 17._o mar._n 9.41_o luke_n 24.46_o joh._n 9.47_o when_o he_o be_v come_v he_o will_v tell_v we_o all_o thing_n jesus_n say_v unto_o he_o i_o that_o speak_v unto_o thou_o am_z he._n the_o question_n therefore_o be_v whether_o from_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v record_v of_o he_o by_o the_o evangelist_n there_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o either_o or_o both_o these_o pretence_n i_o say_v of_o either_o or_o both_o of_o they_o because_o either_o of_o they_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o receive_v his_o doctrine_n as_o true_a and_o divine_a for_o which_o cause_n therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o subject_a distinguish_v between_o the_o evidence_n which_o the_o gospel-history_n afford_v of_o his_o be_v a_o prophet_n and_o those_o which_o it_o afford_v of_o his_o be_v the_o messiah_n but_o shall_v propose_v they_o promiscuous_o as_o they_o come_v to_o mind_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v consider_v first_o the_o credibility_n of_o our_o saviour_n own_o testimony_n concern_v himself_o and_o second_o the_o confirmation_n that_o be_v give_v to_o this_o testimony_n by_o god_n ground_v all_o that_o shall_v be_v say_v on_o both_o these_o head_n upon_o the_o gospel-history_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o i_o now_o take_v for_o grant_v as_o be_v i_o hope_v already_o sufficient_o prove_v first_o then_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o credibility_n of_o our_o saviour_n own_o testimony_n concern_v himself_o when_o he_o say_v that_o he_o be_v send_v by_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o i_o know_v it_o be_v common_o say_v that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v in_o his_o own_o case_n and_o this_o very_a thing_n be_v object_v to_o our_o saviour_n by_o the_o jew_n joh._n viij_o 13._o thou_o bear_v record_n of_o thyself_o thy_o record_n be_v not_o true_a but_o this_o say_v be_v not_o without_o exception_n when_o indeed_o what_o a_o man_n witness_n be_v for_o his_o own_o benefit_n his_o testimony_n if_o it_o be_v single_a may_v reasonable_o be_v reject_v especial_o if_o any_o proof_n be_v make_v that_o at_o other_o time_n he_o have_v tell_v a_o lie_n or_o do_v any_o other_o ill_a thing_n for_o his_o advantage_n but_o otherwise_o a_o man_n testimony_n concern_v himself_n may_v be_v credible_a nay_o in_o some_o case_n it_o may_v be_v more_o credible_a than_o another_o man_n because_o he_o may_v sometime_o be_v sure_a of_o what_o he_o say_v concern_v himself_o than_o another_o man_n can_v be_v and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n who_o in_o joh._n v._n 31._o allow_v of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o that_o say_v if_o i_o bear_v witness_n of_o myself_o my_o witness_n be_v not_o true_a yet_o when_o this_o very_a thing_n be_v afterward_o object_v to_o he_o by_o the_o pharisee_n in_o the_o place_n before-cited_n make_v answer_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n though_o i_o bear_v record_n of_o myself_o 8.14_o joh._n 8.14_o yet_o my_o record_n be_v true_a for_o i_o know_v whence_o i_o come_v etc._n etc._n and_o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n concern_v his_o own_o divine_a mission_n be_v such_o as_o we_o may_v rational_o give_v credit_n to_o though_o we_o have_v no_o other_o evidence_n of_o it_o will_n i_o suppose_v sufficient_o appear_v if_o these_o follow_a thing_n be_v consider_v 1._o that_o his_o whole_a life_n according_a to_o the_o account_n that_o be_v give_v of_o it_o by_o the_o evangelist_n which_o we_o now_o build_v upon_o as_o true_a be_v in_o all_o respect_n spotless_a and_o unblameable_a 1.19_o 1_o pet._n 2.22_o 1_o pet._n 1.19_o he_o do_v no_o sin_n neither_o be_v guile_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n he_o be_v a_o lamb_n without_o blemish_n and_o without_o spot_n
word_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n all_o israel_n from_o dan_n even_o to_o beersheba_n know_v that_o he_o be_v establish_v to_o be_v a_o prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o beforenamed_n exception_n have_v therefore_o no_o place_n in_o our_o saviour_n for_o his_o doctrine_n be_v thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n 4.10_o mat._n 4.10_o and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v and_o there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o those_o many_o prediction_n that_o he_o give_v forth_o though_o several_a of_o they_o be_v concern_v the_o most_o casual_a event_n that_o can_v be_v which_o have_v not_o be_v in_o its_o due_a time_n fulfil_v we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v a_o true_a prophet_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v hearken_v to_o in_o every_o thing_n that_o he_o say_v 5._o another_o testimony_n that_o be_v give_v by_o god_n to_o the_o divine_a mission_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v by_o the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n more_o and_o great_a miracle_n than_o ever_o have_v be_v do_v before_o since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n the_o relation_n of_o which_o make_v up_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o gospel-history_n 38.14.11.15.24_o mat._n 11.4_o 5._o joh._n 10.25_o 37_o 38.14.11.15.24_o and_o to_o these_o our_o saviour_n himself_o frequent_o appeal_v as_o to_o a_o most_o evident_a proof_n that_o he_o be_v send_v by_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n joh._n v._n 36._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 and_o indeed_o what_o better_a evidence_n can_v be_v desire_v that_o a_o person_n speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v send_v by_o he_o than_o to_o see_v he_o do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n that_o be_v such_o work_n as_o can_v be_v do_v but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o that_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n be_v such_o can_v i_o think_v be_v doubt_v by_o those_o who_o believe_v they_o be_v true_o relate_v in_o the_o gospel_n which_o it_o be_v now_o suppose_a they_o be_v and_o if_o to_o this_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o first_o opposer_n of_o christianity_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n who_o either_o see_v the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n or_o have_v such_o good_a assurance_n thereof_o from_o eye-witness_n or_o credible_a history_n that_o they_o can_v not_o deny_v they_o yet_o be_v not_o thereby_o convince_v that_o he_o be_v a_o prophet_n of_o god_n but_o rather_o think_v that_o he_o do_v all_o his_o mighty_a work_n by_o magic_a art_n and_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o devil_n i_o answer_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v be_v sure_a of_o that_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o any_o of_o those_o who_o see_v our_o saviour_n miracle_n or_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o do_v yet_o refuse_v to_o receive_v he_o as_o a_o prophet_n send_v from_o god_n be_v because_o they_o be_v not_o convince_v that_o his_o miracle_n be_v do_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n for_o man_n do_v not_o always_o act_v according_a to_o their_o judgement_n for_o we_o read_v of_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a ruler_n in_o joh._n twelve_o 42._o that_o they_o believe_v on_o he_o that_o be_v they_o be_v convince_v in_o their_o judgement_n by_o the_o mighty_a work_n that_o he_o do_v that_o he_o be_v the_o person_n he_o pretend_v to_o be_v but_o they_o do_v not_o confess_v he_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n for_o they_o love_v the_o praise_n of_o man_n more_o than_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o i_o think_v it_o most_o probable_a that_o they_o who_o attribute_v those_o miracle_n of_o he_o which_o they_o can_v not_o deny_v to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n do_v not_o nay_o can_v not_o believe_v what_o they_o say_v but_o only_o say_v it_o because_o they_o be_v resolve_v never_o to_o receive_v a_o doctrine_n whatever_o evidence_n be_v give_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o that_o be_v so_o contrary_a as_o our_o saviour_n be_v to_o their_o prejudices_fw-la lust_n and_o worldly_a interest_n and_o they_o can_v not_o tell_v what_o else_o to_o say_v to_o justify_v themselves_o to_o the_o world_n but_o 2._o if_o their_o blasphemy_n in_o ascribe_v our_o saviour_n miracle_n to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v not_o mere_o malicious_a it_o be_v however_o most_o evident_o groundless_a for_o 1._o though_o the_o devil_n be_v without_o doubt_n of_o much_o great_a power_n than_o we_o be_v and_z understand_v better_a than_o we_o do_v the_o force_n of_o natural_a cause_n can_v do_v many_o thing_n which_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n may_v appear_v miraculous_a because_o it_o may_v be_v past_o their_o skill_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o they_o by_o natural_a cause_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n however_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o can_v do_v a_o true_a miracle_n that_o be_v that_o he_o can_v ever_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n or_o produce_v any_o effect_n but_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o natural_a cause_n work_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o by_o such_o law_n and_o rule_n as_o god_n have_v appoint_v and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n call_v those_o strange_a appearance_n which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n 2.9_o 2_o thes_n 2.9_o lie_v wonder_n but_o they_o be_v not_o lie_v wonder_n which_o be_v do_v by_o our_o saviour_n they_o do_v not_o only_o seem_v to_o be_v do_v but_o be_v do_v and_o they_o be_v miracle_n not_o only_o in_o appearance_n but_o in_o truth_n be_v many_o of_o they_o such_o effect_n as_o be_v evident_o above_o and_o beyond_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o such_o as_o can_v not_o be_v do_v but_o by_o a_o power_n superior_a to_o nature_n that_o be_v by_o god_n for_o who_o but_o he_o only_o who_o at_o first_o bring_v all_o thing_n out_o of_o nothing_o 6._o mat._n 14._o mark_v 6._o luke_n 9_o john_n 6._o can_v with_o five_o loaf_n and_o two_o small_a fish_n satisfy_v the_o hunger_n of_o more_o than_o five_o thousand_o person_n leave_v a_o remainder_n of_o more_o than_o twice_o the_o number_n of_o baskets-full_a of_o fragment_n that_o there_o have_v be_v of_o loaf_n at_o the_o first_o etc._n luk._n 7.11_o etc._n etc._n joh._n 11.39_o etc._n etc._n or_o who_o can_v restore_v to_o life_n a_o dead_a carcase_n that_o begin_v to_o putrefy_v but_o he_o only_o who_o first_o form_v it_o out_o of_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o ground_n who_o can_v call_v back_o the_o depart_a soul_n and_o fix_v it_o to_o its_o former_a residence_n but_o he_o only_o into_o who_o hand_n it_o be_v return_v and_o who_o first_o breathe_v into_o our_o body_n these_o immortal_a spirit_n and_o as_o to_o some_o other_o of_o his_o work_n which_o may_v be_v think_v to_o be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v produce_v by_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n only_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o they_o be_v do_v plain_o show_v that_o they_o also_o be_v do_v by_o a_o power_n superior_a to_o nature_n for_o thus_o a_o sick_a man_n may_v be_v restore_v to_o perfect_a health_n in_o time_n and_o by_o degree_n by_o the_o use_n of_o proper_a medicine_n and_o such_o a_o cure_n we_o reckon_v natural_a but_o those_o be_v plain_o supernatural_a cure_n which_o be_v wrought_v as_o our_o saviour_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v without_o the_o use_n of_o any_o medicine_n only_o by_o a_o word_n speak_v and_o many_o time_n at_o a_o great_a distance_n and_o by_o which_o those_o who_o have_v be_v long_o sick_a or_o infirm_a or_o cripple_n be_v restore_v to_o perfect_a health_n and_o strength_n in_o a_o instant_n of_o time_n to_o suppose_v therefore_o that_o the_o devil_n can_v thus_o at_o his_o will_v alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n be_v to_o attribute_v to_o he_o such_o a_o power_n as_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n who_o only_o do_v great_a wonder_n 72.18.136.4_o ps_n 72.18.136.4_o but_o 2._o if_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n have_v be_v only_o such_o as_o we_o may_v reasonable_o think_v do_v not_o exceed_v the_o devil_n power_n to_o do_v yet_o that_o they_o be_v not_o wrought_v by_o his_o help_n and_o consequent_o that_o they_o be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v abundant_o evident_a from_o the_o design_n of_o they_o which_o be_v to_o establish_v a_o doctrine_n the_o most_o contrary_a that_o can_v be_v to_o the_o devil_n interest_n for_o to_o this_o purpose_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v that_o he_o may_v destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o he_o do_v it_o 3.8_o 1_o joh._n 3.8_o by_o preach_v to_o man_n to_o turn_v from_o the_o vanity_n of_o idol_n to_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o the_o live_a god_n 2.12_o act._n 14.15_o
tit._n 2.12_o who_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o by_o teach_v they_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n now_o the_o devil_n be_v certain_o as_o subtle_a as_o he_o be_v powerful_a and_o therefore_o if_o he_o have_v indeed_o any_o power_n to_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o to_o do_v a_o real_a miracle_n he_o will_v not_o however_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a make_v use_n of_o this_o power_n against_o himself_o he_o will_v not_o thereby_o assist_v another_o to_o destroy_v his_o own_o kingdom_n and_o by_o this_o argument_n our_o saviour_n himself_o clear_o confute_v this_o calumny_n in_o mat._n twelve_o 25._o when_o the_o pharisee_n have_v say_v that_o he_o cast_v out_o devil_n by_o beelzebub_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o devil_n he_o answer_v every_o kingdom_n divide_v against_o itself_o be_v bring_v to_o desolation_n and_o if_o satan_n cast_v out_o satan_n he_o be_v divide_v against_o himself_o how_o then_o shall_v his_o kingdom_n stand_v and_o 3._o last_o as_o it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o the_o devil_n have_v such_o power_n or_o if_o he_o have_v and_o be_v let_v alone_o to_o himself_o that_o he_o will_v make_v use_n of_o this_o power_n to_o destroy_v his_o own_o kingdom_n so_o neither_o be_v it_o credible_a that_o almighty_a god_n who_o have_v all_o power_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o can_v control_v and_o limit_v the_o working_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o all_o create_a being_n as_o he_o please_v will_v ever_o permit_v the_o devil_n to_o outdo_v himself_o in_o such_o wonderful_a operation_n so_o that_o more_o and_o great_a miracle_n shall_v be_v do_v by_o a_o impostor_n than_o ever_o have_v be_v do_v before_o by_o any_o true_a prophet_n which_o yet_o be_v manifest_o the_o case_n if_o indeed_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o impostor_n 3.8_o 2_o tim._n 3.8_o he_o suffer_v indeed_o janne_n and_o jambres_n to_o withstand_v his_o servant_n moses_n and_o aaron_n for_o some_o time_n and_o to_o do_v or_o seem_v to_o do_v some_o wonderful_a work_n like_o to_o they_o 12._o ex._n 7.10_o 12._o for_o aaron_n cast_v his_o rod_n upon_o the_o ground_n and_o it_o become_v a_o serpent_n and_o so_o do_v they_o and_o aaron_n stretch_v out_o his_o hand_n over_o the_o water_n 7._o ex._n 8.6_o 7._o and_o the_o frog_n come_v up_o and_o cover_v the_o land_n and_o the_o magician_n do_v so_o with_o their_o enchantment_n and_o bring_v up_o frog_n upon_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n but_o though_o he_o suffer_v the_o magician_n thus_o to_o contend_v with_o his_o prophet_n the_o victory_n be_v clear_o on_o his_o prophet_n side_n 7.12.8.18_o ex._n 7.12.8.18_o for_o aaron_n rod_n swallow_v up_o their_o rod_n and_o when_o the_o magician_n endeavour_v by_o their_o enchantment_n to_o bring_v forth_o louse_n as_o aaron_n have_v do_v they_o can_v not_o but_o be_v force_v to_o own_o before_o pharaoh_n that_o it_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o from_o that_o time_n forward_o strive_v no_o more_o for_o victory_n and_o thus_o it_o may_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n etc._n deut_n 13.1_o etc._n etc._n at_o any_o time_n in_o order_n prove_v his_o people_n and_o to_o know_v whether_o they_o love_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n 24.24_o mat._n 24.24_o to_o suffer_v the_o sign_n or_o wonder_v foretell_v by_o a_o enticer_n to_o idolatry_n to_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o to_o distinguish_v his_o elect_n from_o reprobate_n to_o permit_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n 10._o 2_o thes_n 2.8_o 9_o 10._o to_o show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o in_o just_a judgement_n upon_o such_o as_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v to_o let_v they_o alone_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o that_o wicked_a one_o who_o come_v be_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_a wonder_n and_o with_o all_o deceiveableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v but_o it_o can_v i_o think_v be_v reconcile_v to_o these_o attribute_n of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v permit_v great_a wonder_n and_o more_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a miracle_n to_o be_v do_v by_o a_o false_a prophet_n than_o ever_o be_v do_v by_o any_o true_a prophet_n because_o this_o will_v be_v too_o great_a a_o trial_n for_o humane_a nature_n such_o sign_n and_o wonder_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o deceive_v even_o those_o that_o inquire_v after_o truth_n with_o the_o great_a sincerity_n of_o heart_n and_o i_o can_v conceive_v it_o consistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o permit_v that_o such_o as_o be_v of_o honest_a mind_n and_o sincere_a lover_n of_o truth_n shall_v after_o a_o fair_a examination_n of_o the_o proof_n on_o both_o side_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o embrace_v error_n than_o truth_n which_o yet_o they_o plain_o have_v in_o case_n the_o miracle_n do_v by_o false_a prophet_n be_v more_o and_o great_a than_o have_v be_v do_v by_o any_o true_a prophet_n unless_o the_o falseness_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o will_v thereby_o establish_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o miracle_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a i_o think_v we_o may_v well_o conclude_v this_o head_n with_o those_o word_n of_o nicodemus_n to_o our_o saviour_n joh._n iii._o 2._o we_o know_v we_o be_v assure_v of_o it_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o it_o that_o thou_o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v do_v these_o miracle_n that_o thou_o do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o 6._o another_o way_n by_o which_o god_n himself_o bare_a witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n testimony_n be_v by_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a 4._o joh._n 2.19_o mat._n 12.40.16_o 4._o to_o this_o great_a miracle_n he_o himself_o often_o refer_v those_o that_o have_v any_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o other_o miracle_n as_o what_o can_v not_o but_o be_v satisfactory_a to_o all_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v satisfaction_n and_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a subject_n of_o the_o apostle_n sermon_n 2.24.32.3.15.4.10.10.40.13.30_o act_n 2.24.32.3.15.4.10.10.40.13.30_o the_o main_a proof_n that_o they_o insist_v upon_o to_o convince_v man_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n and_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v no_o doubt_n upon_o they_o that_o if_o they_o can_v but_o persuade_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n they_o will_v ready_o own_v that_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n and_o without_o further_a scruple_n receive_v every_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v teach_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n as_o a_o divine_a truth_n 17.30_o act_n 17.30_o by_o this_o say_v they_o god_n have_v give_v assurance_n unto_o all_o man_n that_o he_o have_v ordain_v he_o to_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n by_o this_o say_v they_o he_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n because_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n evident_a to_o all_o 1.4_o rom._n 1.4_o that_o no_o power_n less_o than_o god_n can_v raise_v the_o dead_a when_o therefore_o this_o be_v do_v and_o it_o be_v do_v if_o the_o gospel-history_n be_v true_a this_o be_v a_o plain_a seal_n set_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o our_o saviour_n testimony_n a_o seal_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v counterfeit_v and_o wherein_o the_o divine_a power_n be_v so_o clear_o and_o deep_o engrave_v that_o whoever_o look_v attent_o upon_o it_o must_v be_v satisfy_v who_o seal_n it_o be_v so_o that_o to_o grant_v the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o yet_o to_o doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v the_o person_n he_o give_v out_o himself_o to_o be_v be_v to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n himself_o for_o grant_v our_o saviour_n resurrection_n it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o he_o be_v a_o impostor_n without_o suppose_v that_o god_n himself_o do_v consent_n to_o the_o imposture_n and_o work_v the_o most_o evident_a miracle_n that_o ever_o w●s_v do_v on_o purpose_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o believe_v a_o lye_n i_o shall_v mention_v at_o present_a but_o one_o way_n more_o whereby_o god_n be_v please_v to_o confirm_v our_o saviour_n testimony_n of_o himself_o and_o that_o be_v 7._o by_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n which_o witness_n be_v give_v to_o he_o at_o his_o baptism_n etc._n joh._n 1.32_o etc._n etc._n when_o the_o holy-ghost_n descend_v in_o a_o visible_a manner_n as_o a_o dove_n and_o rest_v on_o he_o it_o be_v also_o give_v to_o he_o during_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o ministry_n for_o the_o holy-ghost_n not_o only_o descend_v but_o abode_n upon_o he_o and_o therefore_o st._n peter_n speak_v of_o he_o etc._n act._n 10.38_o etc._n etc._n say_v that_o god_n anoint_v he_o with_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o with_o power_n but_o that_o
thing_n credible_a which_o in_o itself_o be_v incredible_a and_o such_o it_o may_v be_v pretend_v some_o of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v which_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o especial_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v clear_o teach_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o free_o grant_v but_o why_o shall_v it_o be_v deem_v incredible_a do_v it_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n can_v they_o that_o except_o against_o it_o or_o against_o the_o gospel-revelation_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o it_o show_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v true_a can_v they_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a be_v to_o beget_v a_o son_n in_o his_o own_o likeness_n 1.3_o heb._n 1.3_o the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n or_o can_v they_o show_v it_o to_o be_v impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o three_o person_n proceed_v from_o both_o these_o no_o perhaps_o they_o will_v say_v but_o that_o these_o three_o shall_v be_v one_o as_o the_o scripture_n teach_v that_o they_o think_v exceed_v all_o the_o measure_n of_o belief_n that_o they_o can_v but_o think_v a_o manifest_a contradiction_n but_o why_o so_o do_v the_o christian_n hold_v or_o do_v the_o scripture_n say_v that_o they_o be_v three_o and_o one_o in_o the_o same_o respect_n do_v it_o say_v that_o the_o one_o god_n be_v three_o god_n or_o that_o those_o three_o who_o it_o speak_v of_o as_o three_o distinct_a person_n ascribe_v personal_a act_n to_o each_o of_o they_o be_v nevertheless_o but_o one_o single_a person_n no_o it_o only_o tell_v we_o in_o general_a that_o these_o three_o be_v one_o but_o how_o they_o be_v three_o or_o how_o they_o be_v one_o wherein_o consist_v their_o distinction_n and_o wherein_o their_o unity_n it_o say_v not_o at_o least_o not_o very_o plain_o and_o i_o think_v it_o the_o safe_a course_n in_o such_o high_a matter_n 131.1_o psal_n 131.1_o in_o matter_n so_o much_o too_o high_a for_o we_o not_o to_o exercise_v ourselves_o nor_o to_o pretend_v to_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v if_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n as_o there_o be_v not_o unless_o we_o say_v that_o god_n be_v one_o and_o three_o in_o the_o same_o respect_n that_o be_v enough_o that_o be_v all_o that_o need_v to_o be_v say_v upon_o this_o occasion_n for_o though_o we_o may_v as_o indeed_o we_o must_v allow_v it_o to_o be_v a_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o cavil_v at_o the_o gospel-revelation_n or_o to_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v a_o true_a divine_a revelation_n upon_o this_o account_n for_o we_o live_v in_o a_o world_n of_o mystery_n we_o must_v believe_v mystery_n in_o abundance_n whether_o we_o will_v or_o no_o i_o mean_v there_o be_v some_o truth_n so_o very_o plain_a even_o to_o our_o reason_n that_o we_o can_v doubt_v of_o they_o and_o yet_o so_o very_o high_a and_o mysterious_a that_o we_o can_v no_o more_o fathom_v they_o than_o we_o can_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n for_o thus_o that_o matter_n be_v not_o eternal_a we_o be_v as_o sure_a almost_o as_o we_o be_v of_o any_o thing_n for_o matter_n can_v not_o exist_v of_o itself_o and_o yet_o how_o matter_n shall_v be_v make_v out_o of_o nothing_o be_v as_o incomprehensible_a by_o we_o as_o it_o be_v how_o the_o one_o undivided_a godhead_n do_v personal_o subsist_v in_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy-ghost_n and_o thus_o again_o that_o god_n be_v eternal_a we_o be_v certain_a by_o reason_n for_o by_o god_n we_o mean_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o and_o he_o who_o be_v first_o can_v have_v none_o before_o he_o and_o yet_o that_o any_o thing_n shall_v exist_v without_o a_o cause_n of_o its_o existence_n be_v unaccountable_a and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o it_o must_v be_v so_o we_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a and_o a_o manifest_a contradiction_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o thus_o i_o say_v we_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n only_o to_o a_o firm_a belief_n of_o some_o truth_n which_o yet_o we_o can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o by_o our_o reason_n and_o i_o think_v it_o be_v very_o hard_a that_o we_o will_v not_o receive_v a_o incomprehensible_a doctrine_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o a_o very_a plain_a and_o well_o attest_v divine_a revelation_n as_o well_o as_o we_o do_v and_o must_v do_v the_o same_o upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o natural_a reason_n especial_o consider_v the_o subject_a of_o this_o incomprehensible_a doctrine_n which_o be_v the_o essence_n or_o substance_n of_o god_n who_o be_v a_o infinite_a be_v and_o so_o must_v needs_o be_v incomprehensible_a by_o our_o finite_a understanding_n by_o our_o understanding_n i_o say_v which_o be_v so_o very_o shallow_a that_o i_o believe_v i_o may_v true_o say_v we_o understand_v not_o the_o essence_n or_o substance_n of_o any_o thing_n for_o we_o understand_v not_o what_o be_v the_o essence_n or_o substance_n of_o matter_n or_o body_n though_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o all_o our_o sense_n be_v continual_o exercise_v about_o all_o that_o we_o know_v of_o it_o be_v some_o property_n or_o accident_n thereof_o that_o it_o be_v something_o but_o what_o we_o know_v not_o that_o have_v figure_n and_o dimension_n that_o be_v hard_a soft_a fix_a fluid_a or_o the_o like_a and_o we_o understand_v no_o more_o but_o rather_o less_o what_o the_o essence_n or_o substance_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v all_o that_o we_o know_v of_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v something_o that_o think_v and_o because_o it_o think_v we_o know_v it_o must_v be_v something_o and_o because_o none_o of_o those_o property_n which_o we_o observe_v in_o matter_n have_v any_o relation_n at_o all_o to_o thought_n we_o conclude_v that_o the_o think_v soul_n be_v a_o immaterial_a something_o though_o what_o be_v immaterial_a can_v be_v explain_v by_o we_o unless_o we_o can_v say_v what_o be_v material_a see_v therefore_o as_o the_o wise_a hebrew_n speak_v we_o do_v hardly_o guess_v aright_o at_o thing_n that_o be_v upon_o earth_n 9.16_o wisd_v 9.16_o and_o with_o labour_n do_v find_v out_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o we_o be_v it_o any_o wonder_n that_o we_o can_v search_v out_o and_o full_o know_v and_o comprehend_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n if_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o understand_v even_o our_o own_o essence_n and_o how_o by_o a_o ineffable_a union_n of_o spirit_n with_o matter_n the_o whole_a together_o become_v one_o man_n be_v it_o any_o wonder_n 11.7_o job_n 11.7_o that_o by_o all_o our_o search_v we_o can_v find_v out_o god_n that_o we_o can_v find_v out_o the_o almighty_a unto_o perfection_n and_o what_o have_v be_v thus_o brief_o say_v be_v i_o hope_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o a_o divine_a revelation_n can_v reasonable_o be_v except_v against_o or_o refuse_v only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o some_o mysterious_a and_o incomprehensible_a doctrine_n that_o be_v therein_o contain_v and_o if_o not_o then_o i_o hope_v what_o be_v say_v before_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v any_o consider_a man_n that_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o true_a divine_a revelation_n to_o conclude_v all_o therefore_o have_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n continual_o preach_v to_o we_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n 22._o jam._n 1.21_o 22._o let_v we_o as_o the_o text_n say_v hear_v they_o let_v we_o reverence_n these_o sacred_a write_n as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v with_o meekness_n the_o engraft_a word_n which_o be_v able_a to_o save_v our_o soul_n but_o let_v we_o be_v doer_n of_o the_o word_n and_o not_o hearer_n only_o deceive_v our_o own_o self_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n argue_v heb._n 11.3_o etc._n etc._n if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a and_o every_o transgression_n and_o disobedience_n receive_v a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n which_o at_o the_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v confirm_v unto_o we_o by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o god_n also_o bear_v they_o witness_n both_o with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la in_o sermon_n iv_o and_o v._o page_n 14._o line_n 23._o for_o more_o read_v most_o p._n 47._o l._n 12._o for_o they_o r._n be_v l._n 27._o for_o there_o r._n they_o in_o sermon_n vi_o p._n 5._o l._n 3._o for_o he_o r._n by'r_o no_o reason_n to_o desire_v new_a revelation_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n october_n seven_o
power_n of_o work_a miracle_n shall_v cease_v too_o at_o least_o till_o such_o time_n as_o god_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o make_v some_o alteration_n in_o or_o addition_n to_o his_o former_a revelation_n which_o we_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o think_v he_o will_v never_o do_v or_o till_o he_o shall_v please_v to_o undertake_v the_o conversion_n of_o those_o nation_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n to_o who_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o former_a miracle_n that_o have_v be_v wrought_v for_o its_o confirmation_n can_v not_o be_v so_o well_o communicate_v by_o credible_a history_n as_o it_o be_v to_o we_o for_o as_o be_v hint_v before_o credible_a history_n be_v all_o the_o proof_n and_o evidence_n that_o we_o ever_o think_v reasonable_a to_o require_v in_o other_o case_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n as_o for_o instance_n when_o a_o new_a law_n be_v make_v concern_v any_o matter_n it_o be_v requisite_a according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o our_o country_n that_o it_o shall_v pass_v both_o house_n of_o parliament_n and_o that_o the_o king_n shall_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v it_o and_o that_o afterward_o it_o shall_v be_v some_o way_n so_o publish_v and_o promulge_v that_o all_o the_o subject_n that_o be_v then_o alive_a shall_v have_v sufficient_a assurance_n give_v they_o that_o such_o a_o law_n be_v make_v but_o after_o this_o law_n have_v be_v once_o so_o pass_v and_o ratify_v and_o promulge_v it_o be_v pass_v and_o ratify_v and_o promulge_v for_o ever_o and_o no_o man_n be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o expect_v that_o every_o parliament_n that_o be_v call_v afterward_o shall_v read_v and_o pass_v over_o again_o all_o the_o law_n that_o have_v be_v make_v before_o their_o time_n or_o that_o every_o king_n that_o succeed_v to_o the_o throne_n shall_v afresh_o ratify_v and_o publish_v all_o the_o law_n that_o be_v make_v by_o all_o his_o predecessor_n but_o all_o the_o proof_n that_o we_o ever_o require_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o ancient_a law_n be_v a_o true_a copy_n of_o it_o and_o a_o good_a history_n or_o record_n of_o its_o be_v make_v at_o such_o a_o time_n by_o such_o a_o king_n confirm_v by_o the_o tradition_n of_o all_o the_o intermediate_v age_n to_o our_o time_n which_o have_v allow_v of_o its_o authority_n by_o cite_v it_o as_o a_o law_n of_o the_o land_n by_o plead_v from_o it_o and_o by_o give_v judgement_n according_a to_o it_o and_o he_o who_o will_v not_o allow_v of_o the_o same_o proof_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o christian_a institution_n so_o many_o hundred_o year_n ago_o establish_v but_o will_v needs_o have_v new_a miracle_n and_o new_a revelation_n to_o confirm_v the_o former_a be_v every_o whit_n as_o unreasonable_a as_o that_o criminal_a will_v be_v who_o be_v indict_v upon_o some_o ancient_a statute_n shall_v refuse_v to_o plead_v to_o his_o indictment_n upon_o pretence_n that_o he_o know_v not_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o law_n or_o not_o it_o be_v make_v if_o ever_o it_o be_v 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indictment_n that_o be_v ground_v upon_o it_o but_o if_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n that_o now_o be_v will_v be_v please_v to_o declare_v that_o this_o be_v a_o good_a law_n and_o if_o he_o himself_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v by_o when_o they_o shall_v declare_v it_o or_o if_o at_o least_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n that_o he_o can_v trust_v shall_v testify_v upon_o oath_n that_o they_o be_v present_a when_o it_o be_v pass_v into_o a_o law_n than_o he_o will_v allow_v it_o to_o be_v a_o good_a law_n and_o after_o that_o will_v be_v content_a to_o suffer_v the_o punishment_n of_o it_o if_o he_o shall_v ever_o again_o be_v a_o transgressor_n now_o what_o man_n be_v there_o that_o will_v think_v this_o a_o reasonable_a demand_n or_o what_o judge_n or_o court_n will_v ever_o allow_v of_o such_o a_o plea_n and_o yet_o as_o unreasonable_a as_o it_o be_v it_o be_v just_a the_o same_o with_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v more_o wise_a and_o cautious_a than_o their_o neighbour_n 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the_o honesty_n and_o veracity_n of_o other_o man_n it_o give_v but_o too_o just_a ground_n to_o think_v that_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o aptness_n to_o distrust_v all_o other_o be_v his_o consciousness_n of_o his_o own_o evil_a design_n and_o of_o the_o little_a regard_n that_o he_o himself_o have_v to_o truth_n in_o his_o own_o assertion_n and_o if_o those_o he_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o shall_v refuse_v to_o give_v any_o credit_n to_o any_o thing_n that_o he_o affirm_v because_o according_a to_o his_o own_o declare_a opinion_n very_o little_a credit_n can_v reasonable_o be_v give_v to_o the_o report_n and_o affirmation_n of_o other_o i_o do_v not_o see_v with_o what_o reason_n he_o can_v blame_v they_o for_o so_o do_v not_o but_o that_o after_o all_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o a_o man_n may_v it_o be_v doubtless_o what_o have_v be_v do_v by_o some_o give_v out_o a_o report_n or_o write_v book_n on_o purpose_n to_o deceive_v mankind_n but_o nevertheless_o i_o say_v that_o it_o ought_v not_o without_o very_o good_a reason_n to_o be_v suspect_v that_o this_o be_v any_o man_n design_n and_o that_o we_o may_v have_v assurance_n enough_o that_o a_o thing_n be_v not_o which_o yet_o we_o must_v grant_v be_v possible_a to_o have_v be_v particular_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o first_o in_o case_n the_o author_n of_o any_o book_n or_o of_o any_o report_n relate_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n of_o which_o there_o be_v not_o nor_o well_o can_v be_v any_o other_o witness_n but_o himself_o as_o if_o he_o say_v that_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n such_o a_o revelation_n with_o order_n to_o publish_v it_o to_o the_o world_n or_o that_o he_o himself_o be_v a_o eye_n or_o earwitness_n that_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v private_o do_v or_o speak_v by_o another_o the_o credibility_n of_o such_o a_o report_n whether_o write_v or_o speak_v depend_v partly_o upon_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o report_n its_o self_n partly_o upon_o the_o credit_n of_o its_o 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christ_n every_o one_o that_o have_v hear_v he_o preach_v and_o have_v be_v a_o witness_n of_o his_o life_n and_o miracle_n and_o resurrection_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v write_v a_o distinct_a gospel_n give_v a_o account_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n which_o he_o have_v be_v a_o witness_n of_o and_o do_v likewise_o as_o he_o have_v occasion_n write_v epistle_n or_o other_o tract_n for_o the_o use_n and_o instruction_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n every_o one_o of_o all_o which_o book_n if_o they_o be_v now_o extant_a and_o as_o well_o attest_v as_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v will_v be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o they_o because_o dictate_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n by_o which_o all_o the_o apostle_n be_v lead_v into_o all_o truth_n and_o have_v all_o thing_n that_o jesus_n have_v speak_v bring_v to_o their_o remembrance_n yet_o i_o say_v it_o will_v 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the_o false_a evidence_n they_o have_v give_v concern_v it_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a may_v easy_o have_v be_v show_v other_o way_n for_o what_o they_o testify_v be_v that_o that_o same_o jesus_n who_o the_o jew_n have_v crucify_a and_o who_o they_o have_v see_v lay_v into_o the_o sepulchre_n be_v rise_v again_o and_o have_v be_v see_v alive_a three_o day_n after_o his_o passion_n by_o several_a of_o his_o disciple_n have_v this_o therefore_o be_v false_a how_o very_o easy_a will_v it_o have_v be_v for_o the_o jew_n to_o have_v disprove_v their_o evidence_n of_o it_o by_o only_o go_v to_o the_o sepulchre_n and_o take_v out_o thence_o his_o dead_a body_n and_o expose_v it_o for_o some_o time_n to_o public_a view_n and_o thither_o doubtless_o they_o do_v go_v and_o with_o this_o design_n but_o the_o body_n they_o can_v not_o find_v and_o yet_o they_o have_v take_v all_o the_o caution_n that_o be_v possible_a to_o prevent_v its_o be_v convey_v away_o 27.62_o mat._n 27.62_o have_v obtain_v from_o pilate_n a_o guard_n of_o soldier_n on_o purpose_n to_o keep_v watch_n over_o it_o for_o three_o day_n this_o therefore_o be_v a_o strong_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o apostle_n testimony_n concern_v our_o lord_n resurrection_n that_o it_o be_v such_o as_o may_v with_o the_o great_a ease_n in_o the_o world_n have_v be_v disprove_v if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a the_o jew_n have_v nothing_o to_o say_v against_o it_o nothing_o to_o oppose_v to_o it_o but_o only_o that_o very_o ill_o contrive_v that_o self-contradicting_a evidence_n of_o the_o watchman_n 29.13_o mat._n 29.13_o who_o say_v that_o while_n they_o be_v asleep_a that_o be_v when_o all_o their_o sense_n be_v bind_v up_o and_o when_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o capacity_n of_o know_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v the_o disciple_n come_v and_o steal_v the_o body_n away_o but_o if_o they_o see_v the_o body_n remove_v in_o which_o case_n only_o they_o can_v be_v good_a witness_n of_o it_o they_o be_v not_o as_o they_o say_v they_o be_v asleep_z when_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v or_o if_o indeed_o they_o be_v asleep_a when_o it_o be_v remove_v they_o can_v not_o be_v positive_a how_o it_o be_v remove_v they_o can_v not_o say_v he_o be_v not_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a 6._o another_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v consider_v in_o order_n to_o show_v how_o very_a improbable_a or_o rather_o how_o impossible_a it_o be_v that_o the_o gospel_n history_n shall_v ever_o have_v gain_v credit_n in_o the_o world_n if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a be_v this_o that_o as_o it_o be_v a_o history_n of_o such_o matter_n and_o be_v so_o contrive_v that_o it_o may_v with_o the_o great_a ease_n have_v be_v disprove_v so_o the_o matter_n therein_o relate_v be_v in_o themselves_o and_o especial_o in_o their_o consequence_n such_o as_o must_v needs_o have_v engage_v a_o great_a many_o to_o make_v the_o strict_a examination_n that_o be_v possible_a into_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o if_o they_o have_v discover_v 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great_a many_o engage_v by_o the_o strong_a worldly_a interest_n to_o support_v and_o maintain_v it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o at_o ephesus_n that_o a_o great_a number_n of_o craftsman_n get_v their_o wealth_n by_o make_v silver_n shrine_v for_o diana_n etc._n act_n 19.24_o etc._n etc._n but_o in_o every_o other_o country_n the_o live_n of_o a_o considerable_a number_n depend_v upon_o the_o religion_n that_o be_v therein_o receive_v which_o be_v destroy_v and_o their_o trade_n or_o profession_n thereby_o at_o a_o end_n they_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v hard_o put_v to_o it_o to_o get_v bread_n by_o take_v up_o some_o new_a employment_n and_o beside_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o all_o man_n of_o what_o trade_n or_o profession_n soever_o they_o be_v be_v general_o so_o zealous_a and_o concern_v about_o nothing_o that_o they_o be_v so_o afraid_a of_o any_o change_n or_o innovation_n in_o as_o religion_n this_o be_v it_o well_o or_o weak_o ground_v yet_o if_o it_o be_v that_o form_n of_o religion_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o their_o father_n and_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o from_o their_o childhood_n they_o will_v not_o easy_o let_v go_v so_o that_o i_o say_v too_o little_a when_o i_o say_v before_o that_o a_o great_a many_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v engage_v to_o set_v themselves_o to_o discover_v the_o falsity_n of_o the_o evangelical_n history_n for_o this_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o common_a concern_v of_o all_o mankind_n except_o only_o of_o those_o few_o person_n who_o have_v be_v instruct_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o christ_n all_o other_o whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n rich_a or_o poor_a learned_a or_o ignorant_a priest_n or_o people_n be_v engage_v either_o by_o interest_n or_o prejudice_n or_o conscience_n or_o upon_o some_o other_o account_n to_o convict_v the_o apostle_n of_o falsehood_n in_o their_o relation_n of_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o evangelical_n history_n and_o if_o any_o falsehood_n have_v be_v therein_o it_o be_v impossible_a consider_v how_o obvious_a it_o must_v needs_o lie_v to_o discovery_n and_o how_o many_o be_v at_o work_n to_o find_v it_o out_o that_o they_o can_v have_v fail_v of_o their_o aim_n and_o if_o any_o one_o have_v make_v the_o discovery_n it_o can_v be_v imagine_v he_o will_v have_v be_v long_o before_o he_o have_v impart_v to_o other_o a_o piece_n of_o news_n so_o very_o welcome_a as_o that_o will_v have_v be_v to_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n or_o that_o such_o a_o discovery_n of_o the_o falsity_n of_o the_o gospel_n history_n in_o any_o one_o particular_a once_o make_v and_o publish_v shall_v ever_o after_o have_v be_v stifle_v or_o suppress_v because_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o put_v they_o at_o first_o upon_o make_v the_o discovery_n be_v of_o the_o same_o force_n afterward_o to_o engage_v they_o to_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o any_o discovery_n of_o that_o kind_n that_o have_v be_v make_v and_o therefore_o i_o add_v in_o the_o last_o place_n and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o give_v weight_n and_o strength_n to_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v before_o upon_o this_o subject_a and_o full_o complete_v that_o argument_n which_o i_o be_o now_o upon_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n history_n 7._o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o easiness_n of_o the_o disproof_n of_o this_o history_n if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a and_o the_o incessant_a endeavour_n of_o the_o adversary_n of_o christianity_n to_o find_v out_o some_o falsehood_n therein_o to_o do_v which_o ●hey_n be_v not_o only_o prompt_v by_o their_o own_o interest_n ●nd_v inclination_n but_o also_o frequent_o and_o bold_o challenge_v by_o the_o christian_n themselves_o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o ●he_n ancient_a apology_n for_o the_o christian_a faith_n it_o be_v nevertheless_o a_o history_n of_o very_a good_a credit_n now_o cavil_v ●t_a perhaps_o but_o not_o deny_v not_o pretend_v to_o be_v disprove_v either_o by_o jew_n or_o mahometan_n or_o any_o other_o ●ort_n of_o infidel_n and_o that_o it_o have_v be_v of_o the_o like_a good_a credit_n for_o many_o hundred_o year_n past_a even_o ever_o since_o ●he_n first_o publication_n of_o it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o ●s_v contradict_v in_o any_o point_n by_o any_o other_o historian●hat_o ●hat_z live_v in_o or_o near_o the_o time_n of_o its_o write_n be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o contradict_v it_o upon_o good_a ground_n viz._n upon_o either_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o his_o own_o or_o very_o credible_a information_n from_o other_o that_o any_o matter_n therein_o have_v be_v false_o relate_v true_o perhaps_o the_o infidel_n will_v say_v there_o be_v indeed_o no_o history_n of_o competent_a antiquity_n now_o extant_a by_o which_o the_o gospel_n history_n can_v be_v
alone_o present_o reject_v either_o of_o they_o but_o we_o inquire_v which_o of_o they_o be_v in_o the_o best_a capacity_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o which_o of_o they_o be_v the_o least_o liable_a to_o the_o suspicion_n of_o falsehood_n and_o which_o story_n be_v the_o most_o probable_o relate_v and_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o that_o we_o incline_v if_o therefore_o there_o be_v any_o man_n that_o think_v there_o be_v any_o truth_n in_o history_n and_o who_o do_v give_v credit_n to_o other_o history_n and_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o do_v so_o and_o yet_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o allow_v that_o the_o gospel_n history_n be_v very_o credible_a which_o contain_v a_o relation_n only_o of_o such_o matter_n of_o sense_n as_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o cheat_n or_o deceit_n in_o and_o in_o which_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o deceit_n or_o mistake_v it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v discover_v and_o disprove_v and_o which_o yet_o neither_o be_v now_o nor_o ever_o be_v contradict_v by_o any_o history_n of_o competent_a antiquity_n and_o good_a credit_n i_o think_v we_o may_v very_o well_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v not_o reason_n or_o judgement_n but_o prejudice_n or_o interest_n or_o the_o love_n of_o some_o vice_n or_o lust_n that_o make_v he_o a_o infidel_n the_o end_n of_o the_o four_o sermon_n the_o five_o sermon_n st._n luke_n xvi_o 29_o 30_o 31._o abraham_n say_v unto_o he_o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o he_o say_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o subject_n i_o be_v upon_o in_o my_o last_o discourse_n on_o these_o word_n and_o which_o i_o leave_v unfinished_a be_v to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o the_o author_n of_o the_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o their_o relation_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o have_v record_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o which_o i_o propose_v these_o follow_a thing_n to_o be_v consider_v 1_o the_o nature_n condition_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o matter_n they_o have_v record_v and_o of_o the_o history_n its_o self_n 2_o the_o good_a capacity_n they_o be_v in_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o have_v relate_v 3_o the_o strong_a obligation_n they_o be_v under_o to_o write_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o knowledge_n or_o information_n 4_o the_o good_a evidence_n that_o we_o have_v of_o their_o honesty_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o 5_o last_o the_o confirmation_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o history_n by_o god_n himself_o the_o last_o discourse_n be_v spend_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o thing_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o viz._n 2._o the_o good_a capacity_n that_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o evangelical_n history_n be_v in_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v relate_v now_o the_o matter_n of_o history_n which_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o epistle_n be_v but_o few_o and_o those_o for_o the_o most_o part_n such_o as_o have_v be_v do_v by_o or_o have_v happen_v to_o either_o the_o person_n that_o write_v they_o or_o the_o church_n or_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v write_v so_o that_o of_o these_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o bulk_n or_o body_n of_o the_o evangelical_n history_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o four_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o author_n of_o these_o book_n there_o be_v no_o controversy_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o if_o they_o be_v write_v by_o the_o repute_a author_n a_o few_o word_n will_v suffice_v to_o show_v that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o very_a good_a capacity_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o have_v record_v much_o better_a than_o most_o other_o ancient_a historian_n who_o relation_n nevertheless_o be_v general_o think_v worthy_a of_o credit_n for_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n john_n two_o of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o twelve_o who_o be_v in_o constant_a attendance_n upon_o our_o lord_n from_o the_o time_n that_o he_o first_o begin_v to_o preach_v and_o to_o make_v disciple_n until_o he_o be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n so_o that_o they_o be_v themselves_o eye_n or_o ear-witness_n of_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v record_v of_o st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n indeed_o the_o same_o can_v be_v say_v neither_o be_v it_o certain_a that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n though_o that_o be_v affirm_v by_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n but_o this_o i_o think_v be_v agree_v to_o by_o all_o that_o st._n mark_n be_v for_o some_o part_n of_o his_o life_n a_o constant_a companion_n of_o st._n peter_n who_o be_v not_o only_o one_o of_o the_o twelve_o but_o most_o probable_o the_o first_o that_o be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n and_o who_o be_v also_o one_o of_o the_o three_o with_o who_o our_o lord_n be_v most_o intimate_a and_o familiar_a for_o we_o often_o read_v that_o peter_n 5.37_o matt._n 17.4.26_o 37._o mark_v 5.37_o and_o james_n and_o john_n be_v single_v from_o the_o rest_n to_o be_v witness_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o private_a transaction_n of_o his_o life_n and_o it_o be_v general_o believe_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n that_o st._n peter_n be_v more_o true_o the_o author_n of_o the_o gospel_n call_v st._n mark_n be_v then_o st._n mark_v himself_o he_o be_v only_o the_o scribe_n or_o amanuensis_fw-la and_o st._n peter_n the_o person_n that_o dictate_v the_o thing_n write_v by_o he_o whence_o also_o this_o gospel_n 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think_v thereon_o he_o weep_v it_o be_v likewise_o agree_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o st._n luke_n if_o not_o one_o of_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n which_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a he_o be_v not_o be_v however_o a_o very_a early_a convert_n to_o christianity_n that_o he_o converse_v frequent_o with_o the_o apostle_n and_o immediate_a disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o be_v a_o constant_a companion_n of_o st._n paul_n for_o a_o good_a while_n in_o his_o preach_a and_o travel_n so_o that_o of_o almost_o all_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o relate_v in_o his_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n he_o may_v be_v and_o of_o much_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a and_o of_o some_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o be_v a_o eye_n or_o earwitness_a so_o then_o there_o be_v three_o of_o the_o five_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o be_v write_v by_o those_o who_o be_v present_a at_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v relate_v 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1700._o be_v the_o seven_o for_o the_o year_n 1700_o of_o the_o lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o offspring_n blackall_n d._n d._n rector_n of_o st._n marry_o aldermary_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v by_o j._n leake_n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._o st._n luke_n xvi_o 29_o 30_o 31._o abraham_n say_v unto_o he_o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o he_o say_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a when_o i_o first_o begin_v to_o discourse_n on_o these_o word_n i_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o these_o three_o point_n i._o to_o show_v that_o the_o present_a stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n 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than_o it_o do_v they_o or_o how_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a force_n upon_o our_o choice_n than_o it_o be_v upon_o they_o to_o have_v the_o very_a same_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o they_o have_v but_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v that_o as_o they_o then_o have_v some_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o we_o have_v not_o so_o we_o now_o have_v some_o evidence_n thereof_o which_o they_o have_v not_o they_o indeed_o see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n some_o of_o the_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o christianity_n but_o they_o have_v not_o as_o we_o now_o have_v a_o credible_a history_n or_o record_n of_o a_o very_a great_a number_n of_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v for_o that_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o without_o consider_v at_o present_a which_o of_o these_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n upon_o which_o our_o religion_n be_v 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〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d conviction_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v and_o if_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n both_o of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o the_o next_o be_v the_o certain_a portion_n of_o virtue_n and_o all_o the_o evil_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v suffer_v both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o the_o other_o be_v the_o certain_a and_o never-failing_a consequence_n of_o sin_n there_o will_v be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o a_o virtuous_a and_o wise_a choice_n nay_o indeed_o there_o will_v be_v hardly_o matter_n for_o choice_n at_o all_o for_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v that_o a_o creature_n that_o have_v understanding_n and_o a_o power_n of_o choose_v and_o refuse_v shall_v know_o choose_v all_o misery_n rather_o than_o all_o happiness_n such_o a_o revelation_n as_o this_o be_v therefore_o so_o evident_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n and_o with_o the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o send_v we_o into_o this_o world_n can_v be_v expect_v and_o 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part_n of_o my_o discourse_n and_o therefore_o shall_v lengthen_v it_o no_o further_o 6.9_o heb._n 6.9_o i_o be_o persuade_v better_a thing_n of_o you_o and_o thing_n that_o accompany_v salvation_n for_o your_o presence_n here_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n make_v it_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o you_o be_v already_o convince_v not_o only_o of_o the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n but_o likewise_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 2._o to_o you_o therefore_o who_o be_v christian_n i_o shall_v now_o turn_v my_o discourse_n 13.22_o heb._n 13.22_o and_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n suffer_v the_o word_n of_o exhortation_n it_o be_v only_o this_o since_o you_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v messenger_n to_o you_o from_o god_n to_o instruct_v you_o 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our_o case_n who_o have_v not_o only_o these_o but_o also_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n preach_v to_o we_o if_o we_o do_v not_o hear_v they_o for_o what_o advantage_n can_v it_o be_v to_o we_o to_o have_v good_a instructor_n if_o we_o will_v not_o mind_v what_o they_o say_v if_o we_o stop_v our_o ear_n to_o all_o their_o counsel_n and_o reproof_n no_o man_n be_v ever_o make_v a_o scholar_n only_o by_o have_v a_o good_a library_n in_o his_o possession_n no_o man_n ever_o learn_v any_o art_n or_o science_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o well_o teach_v in_o any_o book_n only_o by_o keep_v the_o book_n in_o his_o chamber_n or_o carry_v it_o about_o in_o his_o pocket_n and_o as_o little_o shall_v we_o be_v the_o wise_a only_o by_o have_v the_o holy_a scripture_n though_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n 3.15_o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o if_o we_o do_v not_o read_v and_o study_v they_o with_o a_o honest_a design_n to_o furnish_v ourselves_o from_o thence_o with_o a_o stock_n of_o useful_a knowledge_n and_o with_o a_o firm_a resolution_n to_o lead_v our_o life_n according_a to_o the_o direction_n which_o they_o give_v we_o nay_o so_o far_o shall_v be_v from_o receive_v any_o advantage_n only_o by_o our_o have_v the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v we_o and_o free_a liberty_n allow_v we_o to_o look_v into_o they_o a_o privilege_n we_o of_o this_o nation_n have_v above_o most_o of_o our_o neighbour_n that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o read_v and_o study_v they_o it_o will_v be_v much_o the_o worse_o for_o we_o our_o condemnation_n will_v be_v the_o great_a and_o our_o destruction_n so_o much_o the_o more_o certain_a for_o the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o offend_v through_o ignorance_n when_o their_o ignorance_n be_v unaffected_a be_v very_o pitiable_a and_o though_o we_o can_v certain_o say_v how_o god_n will_v deal_v with_o those_o who_o have_v no_o clear_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n make_v to_o they_o this_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a of_o that_o god_n who_o be_v a_o merciful_a god_n will_v deal_v merciful_o with_o they_o 15.22_o john_n 15.22_o if_o i_o have_v not_o come_v and_o speak_v unto_o they_o say_v our_o saviour_n they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n but_o the_o case_n will_v be_v quite_o otherwise_o with_o those_o 12.47_o luke_n 12.47_o who_o know_v their_o master_n will_n and_o do_v not_o do_v it_o they_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n and_o it_o will_v be_v all_o one_o if_o they_o do_v not_o know_v it_o if_o their_o ignorance_n of_o it_o be_v occasion_v by_o their_o own_o fault_n in_o neglect_v those_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n which_o god_n have_v afford_v they_o and_o much_o rather_o if_o their_o ignorance_n of_o their_o duty_n be_v affect_v and_o choose_v that_o they_o may_v sin_n with_o less_o disturbance_n of_o mind_n for_o our_o saviour_n judgement_n in_o this_o case_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o and_o it_o be_v his_o judgement_n by_o which_o we_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v to_o all_o eternity_n joh._n iii._o 19_o this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil._n have_v therefore_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o also_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n continual_o preach_v to_o we_o in_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n let_v we_o hear_v they_o this_o be_v both_o our_o duty_n and_o our_o interest_n and_o that_o our_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v with_o good_a success_n and_o we_o may_v thereby_o be_v thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n let_v we_o pray_v as_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o our_o church_n in_o a_o most_o excellent_a collect_v suit_v to_o the_o subject_a i_o have_v be_v discourse_v of_o advent_n collect_v for_o 2d_o sunday_n in_o advent_n bless_a lord_n who_o have_v cause_v all_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n grant_v that_o we_o may_v in_o such_o wise_a hear_v they_o read_z mark_v learn_v and_o inward_o digest_v they_o that_o by_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o thy_o holy_a word_n we_o may_v embrace_v and_o ever_o hold_v 〈◊〉_d ●he_v bless_v hope_n of_o everlasting_a life_n which_o thou_o have_v give_v we_o 〈…〉_o ●ur_n jesus_n christ_n amen_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la page_n 55._o line_n 10._o for_o some_o read_v same_o