the_o advancement_n of_o the_o flourish_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o mere_o by_o outward_a pomp_n and_o grandeur_n and_o that_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o a_o state_n of_o outward_a difficulty_n which_o the_o experience_n oâ—_n the_o primitive_a church_n give_v a_o irrefragable_a demonstration_n of_o thus_o much_o may_v serve_v to_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n conjoin_v with_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o manifest_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o by_o overthrow_v the_o kingdom_n of_o that_o great_a antichrist_n the_o devil_n who_o have_v usurp_v so_o much_o tyranny_n over_o the_o world_n the_o last_o reason_n why_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n be_v so_o necessary_a 9_o for_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v because_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v propagate_v over_o the_o world_n without_o any_o other_o rational_a evidence_n than_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o now_o the_o admirable_a success_n which_o this_o doctrine_n find_v in_o the_o world_n consider_v all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o do_v make_v it_o clear_v what_o certainty_n there_o be_v that_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v be_v true_a and_o they_o be_v certain_a evidence_n that_o the_o doctrine_n attest_v by_o they_o be_v from_o god_n now_o this_o will_v appear_v from_o these_o two_o thing_n that_o no_o rational_a account_n can_v be_v give_v why_o the_o apostle_n shall_v undertake_v to_o publish_v such_o a_o doctrine_n unless_o they_o have_v 1._o be_v undoubted_o certain_a that_o the_o doctrine_n be_v true_a and_o they_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n to_o persuade_v other_o to_o believe_v it_o that_o no_o satisfactory_a account_n can_v be_v give_v consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o propagation_n why_o it_o shall_v meet_v with_o so_o great_a acceptance_n in_o the_o world_n have_v there_o not_o be_v such_o convince_a evidence_n as_o may_v full_o persuade_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o from_o the_o publisher_n of_o this_o doctrine_n 2._o in_o the_o world_n all_o that_o i_o here_o require_v by_o way_n of_o a_o postulatum_fw-la or_o supposition_n be_v onlythese_fw-mi two_o thing_n which_o no_o man_n right_a in_o his_o wit_n i_o suppose_v will_v deny_v 1._o that_o man_n be_v so_o far_o rational_a agent_n that_o they_o will_v not_o set_v upon_o any_o work_n of_o moment_n and_o difficulty_n without_o sufficient_a ground_n induce_v they_o to_o it_o and_o by_o so_o much_o the_o great_a the_o work_n be_v the_o more_o sure_a and_o steadfast_a have_v the_o ground_n need_v to_o be_v which_o they_o proceed_v upon_o 2._o that_o the_o apostle_n or_o first_o publisher_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v not_o man_n distract_v or_o bereave_v of_o their_o wit_n but_o act_v by_o principle_n of_o common_a sense_n reason_n and_o understanding_n as_o other_o man_n in_o the_o world_n do_v which_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o beside_o his_o wit_n as_o to_o question_v if_o he_o have_v but_o patience_n and_o understanding_n enough_o to_o read_v and_o consider_v those_o admirable_a write_n of_o they_o which_o be_v convey_v to_o we_o by_o as_o certain_a uninterrupted_a a_o tradition_n as_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n have_v be_v and_o by_o that_o time_n he_o will_v see_v cause_n to_o alter_v his_o judgement_n and_o to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o mad_a but_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o the_o great_a truth_n and_o soberness_n these_o thing_n suppose_v i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o prove_v of_o the_o thing_n in_o hand_n which_o will_v be_v do_v by_o these_o three_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o but_o know_v how_o hazardous_a a_o employment_n the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v to_o they_o second_o that_o no_o motive_n can_v be_v conceive_v sufficient_a for_o they_o to_o undertake_v such_o a_o employment_n but_o the_o infallible_a truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v three_o that_o the_o great_a assurance_n they_o have_v themselves_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n be_v by_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ._n first_o that_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o but_o understand_v the_o hazard_n of_o their_o employment_n notwithstanding_o which_o they_o cheerful_o undertake_v it_o that_o man_n arm_v with_o no_o external_a power_n nor_o cry_v up_o for_o their_o wit_n and_o learning_n and_o carry_v a_o doctrine_n with_o they_o so_o contraâ—y_o to_o the_o general_a inclination_n of_o the_o world_n have_v nothing_o in_o it_o to_o recommend_v it_o to_o mankind_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o persuade_v the_o world_n to_o part_v with_o the_o religion_n they_o own_v and_o be_v settle_v by_o their_o law_n and_o to_o embrace_v such_o a_o religion_n as_o call_v they_o off_o from_o all_o the_o thing_n they_o love_v in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o prepare_v themselves_o by_o mortification_n &_o self-denial_n for_o another_o world_n be_v a_o thing_n to_o humane_a reason_n incredible_a unless_o we_o suppose_v they_o act_v by_o a_o high_a spirit_n than_o mankind_n be_v ordinary_o act_v by_o for_o what_o be_v there_o so_o desirable_a in_o continual_a reproach_n &_o contumely_n what_o delight_n be_v there_o in_o rack_n and_o prison_n what_o agreeableness_n in_o flame_n and_o martyrdom_n to_o make_v man_n undergo_v some_o nay_o all_o of_o these_o rather_o than_o disow_v that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o come_v to_o publish_v yet_o these_o do_v the_o apostle_n cheerful_o undergo_v in_o order_n to_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o deliver_v to_o it_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o though_o they_o do_v foresee_v they_o they_o be_v not_o discourage_v from_o this_o undertake_n by_o it_o i_o confess_v when_o man_n be_v upon_o hope_n of_o profit_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o world_n engage_v upon_o a_o design_n which_o they_o promise_v themselves_o impunity_n in_o have_v power_n on_o their_o side_n though_o afterward_o thing_n shall_v fall_v out_o contrary_a to_o their_o expectation_n such_o person_n may_v die_v in_o such_o a_o cause_n because_o they_o must_v and_o some_o may_v carry_v it_o out_o with_o more_o resolution_n partly_o through_o a_o innate_a fortitude_n of_o spirit_n heighten_v with_o the_o advantage_n of_o religion_n or_o a_o enthusiastic_a temper_n but_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v that_o such_o person_n will_v have_v undertake_v so_o hazardous_a a_o employment_n if_o beforehand_o they_o have_v foresee_v what_o they_o must_v have_v undergo_v for_o it_o but_o now_o the_o apostle_n do_v foreknow_v that_o bond_n and_o imprisonment_n nay_o death_n its_o self_n must_v be_v undergo_v in_o a_o violent_a manner_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v yet_o not_o withstand_v all_o this_o they_o go_v bold_o and_o with_o resolution_n on_o with_o their_o work_n and_o give_v not_o over_o because_o of_o any_o hardship_n and_o persecution_n they_o meet_v withal_o one_o of_o the_o chies_a of_o they_o s._n peter_n and_o as_o forward_o as_o any_o in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n have_v the_o very_a manner_n of_o his_o death_n foretell_v he_o by_o christ_n himself_o 19_o before_o his_o ascension_n yet_o soon_o after_o we_o find_v he_o preach_v christ_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o those_o who_o have_v crucify_v he_o and_o tell_v they_o to_o their_o face_n the_o greatness_n of_o their_o sin_n in_o it_o and_o appeal_n to_o the_o miracle_n which_o christ_n have_v do_v among_o they_o and_o bid_v they_o repent_v and_o believe_v in_o he_o who_o they_o have_v crucify_v if_o ever_o they_o will_v be_v save_v and_o this_o he_o do_v 5._o not_o only_o among_o the_o people_n who_o give_v their_o consent_n to_o the_o crucify_a of_o christ_n but_o soon_o after_o be_v conventedâ—ogether_o â—ogether_z with_o john_n before_o the_o court_n of_o sanbedrin_n probable_o the_o very_a same_o which_o not_o long_o before_o have_v sentence_v christ_n to_o death_n for_o a_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o they_o with_o what_o incredible_a boldness_n do_v he_o to_o their_o face_n tell_v they_o of_o their_o murder_a 12._o christ_n and_o withal_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o salvation_n but_o by_o he_o who_o they_o have_v crucify_v be_v it_o know_v unto_o you_o all_o say_v peter_n to_o the_o sanhedrin_n and_o to_o all_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n that_o by_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o you_o have_v crucify_v who_o god_n raise_v from_o the_o dead_a even_o by_o he_o do_v this_o man_n stand_v here_o before_o you_o whole_a neither_o be_v there_o salvation_n in_o any_o other_o for_o there_o be_v none_o other_o name_n under_o heaven_n give_v among_o man_n whereby_o we_o must_v be_v save_v what_o
more_o blind_a and_o wilful_a heathen_n deride_v they_o as_o such_o but_o who_o be_v the_o more_o infatuate_v let_v any_o sober_a person_n judge_n they_o who_o slight_v and_o reject_v a_o doctrine_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n which_o come_v attest_v with_o so_o much_o resolution_n and_o courage_n in_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o or_o they_o who_o be_v so_o far_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o that_o they_o will_v rather_o die_v than_o deny_v it_o dicimus_fw-la &_o palam_fw-la dicimus_fw-la et_fw-la vobis_fw-la torquentibus_fw-la lacerati_fw-la et_fw-la cruenti_fw-la 2d_o vociferamur_fw-la deum_fw-la colimus_fw-la per_fw-la christum_fw-la they_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o believe_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n even_o when_o their_o own_o blood_n run_v down_o besore_n their_o eye_n and_o confess_v christ_n with_o their_o mouth_n when_o their_o body_n be_v upon_o the_o rack_n certain_o then_o there_o be_v some_o very_a powerful_a and_o convince_a argument_n which_o buoy_v up_o the_o spirit_n of_o true_a christian_n in_o that_o deluge_n of_o suffering_n which_o they_o be_v to_o swim_v through_o it_o must_v be_v a_o strong_a and_o well_o ground_a faith_n which_o will_v hold_v out_o under_o so_o great_a trial_n and_o they_o can_v not_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o the_o most_o persuasive_a motive_n to_o faith_n who_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o give_v a_o account_n to_o other_o of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o they_o and_o to_o persuade_v all_o other_o person_n to_o the_o embrace_v of_o it_o with_o what_o face_n and_o confidence_n otherwise_o can_v they_o persuade_v man_n to_o embrace_v a_o doctrine_n so_o dangerous_a as_o that_o be_v have_v there_o not_o be_v motive_n sufficient_a to_o bear_v up_o against_o the_o weight_n of_o susfering_n and_o argument_n persuasive_a to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o undoubted_a certainty_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o encourage_v they_o to_o believe_v now_o that_o which_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v the_o main_a ground_n of_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n and_o 13._o certainty_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v this_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v at_o first_o deliver_v to_o the_o world_n by_o those_o person_n who_o be_v themselves_o eye-witness_n of_o all_o the_o miracle_n which_o our_o saviour_n wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o speak_v they_o be_v such_o person_n who_o have_v be_v themselves_o present_a not_o only_o to_o hear_v most_o of_o our_o saviour_n admirable_a discourse_n when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o to_o see_v all_o those_o glorious_a thing_n which_o be_v do_v by_o he_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v immediate_o send_v from_o god_n let_v we_o now_o appeal_v to_o our_o own_o faculty_n and_o examine_v a_o little_a what_o rational_a evidence_n can_v possible_o be_v desire_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_a which_o god_n do_v not_o afford_v to_o the_o world_n what_o can_v the_o person_n who_o be_v the_o auditor_n of_o our_o saviour_n desire_v more_o as_o a_o evidence_n that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n than_o his_o do_v such_o thing_n which_o be_v certain_o above_o any_o create_a power_n either_o humane_a or_o diabolical_a and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v divine_a what_o can_v other_o person_n desire_v more_o who_o be_v not_o present_a at_o the_o do_v of_o these_o miracle_n but_o that_o the_o report_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v convey_v to_o they_o in_o a_o undoubted_a manner_n by_o those_o person_n who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o they_o and_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n they_o be_v far_o from_o any_o intention_n of_o deceive_v it_o now_o this_o make_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o in_o their_o own_o write_n though_o they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v appeal_v to_o the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o that_o they_o be_v deliver_v by_o they_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o they_o there_o st._n peter_n speak_v thus_o to_o the_o disperse_a jew_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 16._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o we_o have_v not_o follow_v cunning_o devise_v fable_n when_o we_o make_v know_v unto_o you_o the_o power_n and_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o majesty_n the_o power_n and_o come_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o be_v not_o as_o some_o improbable_o conceive_v either_o his_o general_a come_n to_o judgement_n upon_o the_o world_n or_o his_o particular_a come_n upon_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o by_o a_o hendyade_n by_o his_o power_n and_o come_n be_v mean_v his_o powerful_a appearance_n in_o the_o world_n whereby_o he_o mighty_o discover_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n now_o this_o say_v the_o apostle_n be_v no_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o like_o the_o heathen_a mythology_n concern_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o their_o god_n among_o they_o which_o be_v so_o frequent_o believe_v among_o they_o that_o dionysin_n 128._o halycarnassaeus_n condemn_v the_o epicurean_o because_o they_o do_v deride_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o appearance_n of_o their_o god_n in_o the_o world_n now_o say_v the_o apostle_n assure_v yourselves_o this_o be_v no_o such_o appearance_n of_o a_o god_n on_o earth_n as_o that_o among_o the_o heathen_n be_v for_o say_v he_o we_o our_o self_n who_o declare_v these_o thing_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o full_o understand_v this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n for_o we_o see_v his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o great_a majesty_n which_o attend_v he_o in_o all_o which_o he_o speak_v or_o do_v we_o see_v all_o those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o great_a 11._o thing_n of_o god_n which_o be_v manifest_a in_o he_o all_o those_o miraculous_a operation_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o he_o therefore_o as_o this_o be_v a_o great_a confirmation_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o that_o they_o see_v all_o these_o thing_n so_o we_o see_v it_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n to_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o their_o belief_n that_o the_o gospel_n be_v no_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n in_o that_o it_o be_v deliver_v by_o such_o who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d eye-witness_n of_o what_o they_o declare_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n st._n john_n speak_v ad_fw-la conciliandam_fw-la fidem_fw-la to_o make_v it_o appear_v how_o true_a what_o they_o deliver_v be_v in_o the_o entrance_n of_o his_o epistle_n that_o which_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v which_o we_o have_v see_v with_o 3._o our_o eye_n which_o we_o have_v look_v upon_o and_o our_o hand_n have_v handle_v of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n for_o the_o life_n be_v manifest_v and_o we_o have_v see_v it_o and_o bear_v witness_n and_o show_v unto_o you_o that_o eternal_a life_n which_o be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o be_v manifest_v unto_o we_o that_o which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v declare_v we_o unto_o you_o we_o see_v what_o great_a force_n and_o weight_n the_o apostle_n lay_v upon_o this_o that_o they_o deliver_v nothing_o but_o what_o they_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v as_o they_o hear_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n so_o they_o see_v the_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o it_o st._n luke_n likewise_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o gospel_n declare_v that_o he_o intend_v to_o write_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o have_v perfect_a understanding_n of_o from_o such_o person_n who_o have_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d eye-witness_n 3._o and_o instrument_n themselves_o in_o part_n of_o what_o be_v write_v for_o that_o be_v mean_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v he_o say_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thing_n which_o be_v abundant_o prove_v to_o be_v true_a for_o be_v matter_n of_o â—act_n there_o can_v be_v no_o strong_a proof_n of_o they_o then_o by_o such_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o what_o they_o speak_v and_o this_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o very_o cautious_a about_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o new_a apostle_n in_o the_o room_n of_o judas_n wherefore_o of_o these_o 22._o man_n which_o have_v company_v with_o we_o all_o the_o time_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n go_v in_o and_o out_o among_o we_o begin_v from_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n unto_o that_o same_o day_n that_o he_o be_v take_v from_o we_o must_v one_o be_v ordain_v to_o be_v a_o witness_n of_o his_o resurrection_n for_o because_o christ_n be_v mighty_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a as_o that_o which_o
be_v the_o great_a seal_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n therefore_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n so_o frequent_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o themselves_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o it_o this_o jesus_n say_v peter_n have_v god_n raise_v up_o whereof_o we_o all_o be_v witness_n and_o again_o and_o kill_v the_o prince_n of_o life_n who_o 32._o god_n have_v raise_v up_o from_o the_o dead_a whereof_o we_o be_v witness_n and_o both_o peter_n and_o john_n to_o the_o sanhedrin_n for_o we_o can_v 15._o but_o speak_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o the_o 20._o whole_a college_n of_o apostle_n afterward_o and_o we_o be_v his_o witness_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o so_o be_v also_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o god_n 32._o have_v give_v to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o in_o which_o word_n they_o give_v they_o that_o twofold_a rational_a evidence_n which_o do_v manifest_v the_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o what_o they_o speak_v for_o they_o deliver_v nothing_o but_o what_o themselves_o be_v witness_n of_o and_o withal_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v true_a by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o and_o upon_o believer_n afterward_o we_o read_v the_o sum_n oâ—_n the_o apostle_n preach_v and_o the_o manner_n use_v by_o they_o to_o persuade_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o the_o word_n of_o peter_n to_o cernâ—lius_n and_o his_o company_n how_o god_n anoint_v jesus_n of_o nazareth_n with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o power_n who_o go_v about_o do_v good_a and_o heal_v all_o that_o be_v 42._o oppress_v of_o the_o devil_n for_o god_n be_v with_o he_o and_o we_o be_v witness_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v both_o in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o in_o jerusalem_n who_o they_o stew_n and_o hang_v on_o a_o tree_n him_n god_n raise_v up_o the_o three_o day_n and_o show_v he_o open_o not_o to_o all_o the_o people_n but_o unto_o witness_n choose_v before_o of_o god_n even_o to_o we_o who_o do_v eat_v and_o drink_v with_o he_o after_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o he_o command_v we_o to_o â—reach_v unto_o the_o people_n that_o it_o be_v be_v which_o be_v ordain_v of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o quick_a and_o dead_a by_o all_o which_o we_o see_v what_o care_n god_n be_v please_v to_o take_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o world_n in_o point_n of_o rational_a evidence_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n which_o be_v discover_v concern_v our_o saviour_n christ_n because_o he_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o person_n to_o be_v the_o preacher_n and_o writer_n of_o these_o thing_n who_o be_v the_o best_a able_a to_o satisfy_v the_o world_n about_o they_o viz._n such_o as_o have_v be_v eye_n witness_n of_o they_o now_o in_o order_n to_o the_o make_v it_o more_o full_o evident_a what_o 14._o strength_n there_o be_v in_o this_o testimony_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n we_o shall_v more_o full_o manifest_v the_o rational_a evidence_n which_o attend_v it_o in_o these_o follow_a proposition_n where_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o doctrine_n depend_v upon_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v sufficient_o manifest_v if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v evident_o prove_v in_o the_o high_a way_n it_o be_v capable_a 1._o of_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o be_v so_o interweave_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o story_n of_o christ_n that_o if_o the_o relation_n concern_v christ_n be_v true_a his_o doctrine_n must_v needs_o be_v divine_a and_o infallible_a for_o if_o it_o be_v undoubted_o true_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o christ_n bear_v at_o bethlehem_n who_o do_v so_o many_o miracle_n and_o at_o last_o suffer_v the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o after_o he_o have_v lie_v three_o day_n in_o the_o grave_n rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a what_o reason_n imaginable_a can_v i_o have_v to_o question_v but_o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o this_o person_n be_v certain_o divine_a and_o consequent_o what_o ever_o he_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n be_v most_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n so_o that_o if_o we_o have_v clear_a evidence_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o passage_n concern_v our_o saviour_n we_o must_v likewise_o believe_v his_o doctrine_n which_o come_v attest_v with_o such_o pregnant_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a commission_n which_o he_o have_v from_o god_n to_o the_o world_n no_o prince_n can_v think_v he_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o refuse_v audience_n to_o a_o ambassador_n when_o he_o find_v his_o credential_n such_o as_o he_o may_v rely_v upon_o although_o himself_o do_v not_o see_v the_o seal_n of_o they_o much_o less_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o we_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v christ_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o those_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v prove_v the_o great_a evidence_n which_o can_v be_v give_v to_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n 2._o be_v the_o attest_v of_o it_o by_o those_o person_n who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n whereon_o the_o firm_a assent_n be_v build_v as_o to_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o although_o we_o conceive_v we_o have_v reason_n to_o suspect_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o story_n as_o long_o as_o it_o be_v convey_v only_o in_o a_o general_a way_n by_o a_o uncertain_a fame_n and_o tradition_n yet_o when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v attest_v by_o a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o credible_a person_n who_o profess_v themselves_o the_o cye-witness_n of_o it_o it_o be_v account_v a_o unreasonable_a thing_n to_o distrust_v any_o long_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o especial_o in_o these_o two_o case_n 1._o when_o the_o matter_n they_o bear_v witness_v to_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o they_o may_v easy_o and_o clear_o perceive_v 2._o when_o many_o witness_n exact_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o testimony_n 1._o when_o the_o matter_n itself_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o may_v be_v full_o perceive_v by_o those_o who_o see_v it_o i._n e._n if_o it_o be_v a_o common_a object_n of_o sense_n and_o thus_o it_o certain_o be_v as_o to_o the_o person_n and_o action_n of_o jesus_n christ._n for_o he_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o mankind_n and_o they_o have_v as_o great_a evidence_n that_o they_o converse_v with_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n as_o we_o can_v have_v that_o we_o converse_v one_o with_o another_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n be_v real_a and_o visible_a miracle_n they_o can_v be_v no_o illusion_n of_o sense_n nor_o deceit_n of_o their_o eye_n the_o man_n who_o be_v bear_v blind_a and_o cure_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v know_v to_o have_v be_v bear_v blind_a through_o all_o the_o country_n and_o his_o cure_n be_v after_o as_o public_a as_o his_o blindness_n before_o and_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o 26._o christ_n at_o the_o time_n of_o its_o be_v do_v when_o christ_n raise_v up_o the_o dead_a man_n at_o naim_n it_o be_v before_o much_o people_n and_o such_o 12._o person_n in_o probability_n who_o be_v many_o of_o they_o present_a at_o his_o death_n but_o least_o there_o may_v be_v any_o suspicion_n as_o to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v not_o real_o dead_a the_o case_n be_v plain_a and_o beyond_o all_o dispute_n in_o lazarus_n who_o have_v be_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o person_n thereabouts_o dead_a four_o day_n here_o can_v be_v no_o deceit_n at_o all_o 39_o when_o the_o stone_n be_v roll_v away_o and_o lazarus_n come_v forth_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o they_o all_o and_o yet_o further_o the_o death_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o plain_a object_n of_o sense_n do_v in_o presence_n of_o his_o great_a adversary_n the_o soldier_n themselves_o be_v sufficient_a witness_n of_o his_o be_v real_o dead_a when_o they_o come_v to_o break_v his_o bone_n and_o spare_v he_o because_o they_o see_v he_o be_v dead_a already_o at_o his_o resurrection_n the_o stone_n be_v roll_v away_o from_o the_o sepulchre_n and_o no_o body_n find_v therein_o although_o the_o sepulchre_n be_v guard_v by_o soldier_n and_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n all_o so_o fearful_a that_o they_o be_v disperse_v up_o and_o down_o in_o several_a place_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o same_o real_a body_n which_o he_o rise_v withal_o and_o no_o aerial_a vehicle_n appear_v by_o thomas_n his_o serupulosity_n and_o unbelief_n who_o will_v not_o believe_v unless_o â—e_n may_v put_v his_o hand_n into_o the_o hole_n of_o his_o side_n and_o see_v 27._o
in_o his_o hand_n the_o â—rint_n of_o the_o nail_n now_o our_o saviour_n condeseend_v so_o far_o as_o to_o satisfy_v the_o incredulity_n of_o thomas_n have_v make_v it_o thereby_o evident_a that_o the_o body_n which_o our_o saviour_n rise_v from_o the_o grave_n with_o be_v the_o same_o individual_a body_n which_o before_o be_v crucify_v and_o bury_v in_o the_o sepulchre_n and_o we_o sin_v all_o the_o apostle_n together_o upon_o our_o saviour_n appearance_n to_o they_o after_o his_o resurrection_n so_o far_o from_o be_v credulous_a in_o embrace_v a_o phantasm_n instead_o of_o christ_n that_o they_o suspect_v that_o it_o be_v either_o a_o mere_a phantasm_n or_o a_o evil_a spirit_n which_o appear_v among_o they_o upon_o which_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v terrify_v 37._o and_o affright_v and_o suppose_v they_o have_v see_v a_o spirit_n which_o our_o saviour_n can_v not_o beat_v they_o off_o from_o but_o by_o appeal_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o sense_n handle_v i_o and_o see_v for_o a_o spirit_n 39_o have_v not_o flesh_n and_o bone_n as_o you_o see_v i_o have_v and_o afterward_o more_o full_o to_o convince_v they_o he_o do_v eat_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o now_o the_o more_o suspicious_a and_o incredulous_a the_o apostle_n themselves_o 43._o at_o first_o be_v the_o great_a evidence_n be_v it_o how_o far_o they_o be_v from_o any_o design_n of_o abuse_v the_o world_n in_o what_o they_o after_o preach_v unto_o it_o and_o what_o strong_a conviction_n there_o be_v in_o the_o thing_n its_o self_n which_o be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v such_o scrupulous_a and_o suspicious_a person_n 2._o when_o many_o witness_n concur_v in_o the_o same_o testimony_n nothing_o can_v disparage_v more_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o testimony_n than_o the_o counter_a witness_n of_o such_o who_o be_v present_a at_o the_o same_o action_n but_o when_o all_o the_o witness_n full_o agree_v not_o only_o in_o the_o substance_n but_o in_o all_o material_a circumstance_n of_o the_o story_n what_o ground_n or_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v to_o suspect_v a_o forgery_n or_o design_n in_o it_o especial_o when_o the_o person_n can_v by_o any_o fear_n or_o threaten_n be_v bring_v to_o vary_v from_o each_o other_o in_o it_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o our_o present_a case_n we_o find_v no_o real_a dissent_n at_o all_o mention_v either_o as_o to_o the_o birth_n miracle_n life_n death_n or_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n all_o the_o witness_n attest_v the_o same_o thing_n though_o write_v in_o different_a place_n and_o upon_o different_a occasion_n no_o alteration_n in_o any_o circumstance_n of_o the_o story_n out_o of_o any_o design_n of_o please_a or_o gratify_v any_o person_n by_o it_o most_o of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n not_o only_o his_o apostle_n but_o the_o people_n and_o his_o very_a enemy_n be_v witness_n of_o who_o posterity_n to_o this_o day_n dare_v not_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o such_o strange_a work_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o he_o and_o for_o his_o resurrection_n it_o will_v be_v very_o strange_a that_o five_o hundred_o person_n shall_v all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o that_o no_o torment_n or_o death_n can_v bring_v any_o of_o they_o to_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o have_v there_o not_o be_v the_o great_a certainty_n in_o it_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o suspect_v such_o a_o testimony_n which_o be_v give_v by_o eye-witness_n but_o either_o from_o question_v their_o knowledge_n 3._o of_o the_o thing_n they_o speak_v of_o or_o their_o fidelity_n in_o report_v they_o now_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n to_o doubt_n either_o of_o these_o in_o reference_n to_o those_o person_n who_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o world_n concern_v the_o person_n and_o action_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n for_o first_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v intimate_o conversant_a both_o with_o the_o person_n and_o action_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v 1._o choose_v and_o train_v up_o for_o that_o very_a end_n that_o they_o may_v be_v sufficient_o qualify_v to_o acquaint_v the_o world_n with_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n concern_v himself_o after_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o according_o they_o follow_v he_o up_o and_o down_o wheresoever_o he_o go_v they_o be_v with_o he_o in_o his_o solitude_n and_o retirement_n and_o have_v thereby_o occasion_n to_o observe_v all_o his_o action_n and_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o unspotted_a innocency_n of_o his_o life_n some_o of_o his_o disciple_n be_v with_o he_o in_o his_o transfiguration_n other_o in_o his_o agony_n and_o bloody_a sweat_n they_o hear_v the_o expression_n which_o come_v from_o his_o mouth_n in_o all_o which_o he_o discover_v a_o wonderful_a submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o a_o great_a readiness_n of_o mind_n to_o suffer_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o world_n now_o therefore_o the_o first_o thing_n can_v at_o all_o be_v question_v their_o mean_n of_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o speak_v neither_o second_o be_v there_o any_o reasâ—n_n to_o suspect_v their_o fidelity_n 1_o in_o report_v what_o they_o know_v for_o 1._o the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n wrought_v so_o far_o upon_o they_o that_o they_o part_v with_o all_o their_o worldly_a subsistence_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o although_o their_o riches_n be_v not_o great_a yet_o their_o way_n of_o subsistence_n in_o the_o world_n be_v necessary_a they_o leave_v their_o house_n their_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o all_o for_o christ_n and_o that_o not_o to_o gain_v any_o high_a preferment_n in_o this_o world_n which_o have_v they_o do_v it_o will_v have_v render_v their_o design_n suspicious_a to_o the_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a world_n but_o they_o let_v go_v at_o least_o a_o quiet_a and_o easy_a life_n for_o one_o most_o troublesome_a and_o dangerous_a so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o how_o much_o they_o part_v withal_o but_o how_o free_o they_o do_v it_o and_o with_o what_o cheerfulness_n they_o undergo_v disgrace_n persecution_n nay_o death_n its_o self_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o ever_o man_n be_v so_o prodigal_a of_o their_o ease_n and_o life_n as_o to_o throw_v both_o of_o they_o away_o upon_o a_o thing_n which_o themselves_o be_v not_o full_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o have_v be_v the_o high_a folly_n imaginable_a to_o have_v deceive_v themselves_o in_o a_o thing_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n to_o they_o as_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v be_v because_o all_o their_o hope_n and_o happiness_n depend_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v and_o as_o tertullian_n observe_v non_fw-la fas_fw-la est_fw-la ulli_fw-la de_fw-fr suâ_fw-la religione_fw-la mentiri_fw-la for_o say_v he_o he_o that_o say_v he_o worship_v any_o thing_n be_v side_n what_o he_o do_v he_o deny_v what_o he_o do_v worship_n and_o transfer_v his_o worship_n upon_o another_o and_o thereby_o do_v not_o worship_n that_o which_o he_o thus_o deny_v beside_o what_o probability_n be_v there_o man_n shall_v lie_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o tell_v they_o that_o those_o which_o do_v so_o shall_v not_o receive_v the_o reward_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o those_o who_o cordial_o adhere_v unto_o it_o nay_o they_o declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o most_o miserable_a of_o all_o person_n if_o their_o hope_n be_v only_o in_o this_o present_a life_n can_v we_o now_o 19_o think_v that_o any_o who_o have_v the_o common_a reason_n of_o man_n will_v part_v with_o all_o the_o contentment_n of_o this_o world_n and_o expose_v themselves_o to_o continual_a hazard_n and_o at_o last_o undergo_v death_n its_o self_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o something_o which_o be_v mere_o the_o fiction_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n what_o shall_v make_v they_o so_o sedulous_a and_o industrious_a in_o preach_v such_o thing_n that_o they_o can_v say_v necessity_n be_v lay_v upon_o they_o yea_o woe_n be_v unto_o they_o if_o they_o preach_v not_o the_o 16._o gospel_n when_o yet_o they_o see_v so_o many_o woe_n attend_v they_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o have_v there_o not_o be_v some_o more_o powerful_a attractive_a in_o the_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v than_o any_o can_v be_v in_o the_o ease_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o this_o present_a world_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o fidelity_n of_o the_o apostle_n manifest_v in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o no_o other_o witness_n be_v ever_o yet_o willing_a to_o hazard_v they_o and_o therefore_o origen_n deserve_o 127_o condemn_v celsus_n of_o a_o ridiculous_a impertinency_n when_o he_o will_v parallel_v the_o relation_n of_o herodotus_n and_o pindarus_n concern_v aristeus_n proconnesius_n with_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v christ_n for_o faith_n he_o do_v either_o of_o those_o two_o
then_o these_o be_v have_v there_o be_v any_o ground_n of_o suspicion_n concern_v the_o design_n of_o christ_n why_o can_v not_o the_o jew_n prevail_v with_o judas_n to_o discover_v it_o as_o well_o as_o to_o betray_v his_o person_n judas_n have_v do_v but_o a_o good_a work_n if_o christ_n have_v be_v such_o a_o impostor_n as_o the_o jew_n blasphemous_o say_v he_o be_v what_o make_v judas_n then_o so_o little_o satisfy_v with_o his_o work_n that_o he_o grow_v weary_a of_o his_o life_n upon_o it_o and_o throw_v himself_o away_o in_o the_o most_o horrid_a despair_n no_o person_n certain_o have_v be_v so_o fit_a to_o have_v be_v produce_v as_o a_o witness_n against_o christ_n as_o judas_n who_o have_v be_v so_o long_o with_o he_o and_o have_v hear_v his_o speech_n and_o observe_v his_o miracle_n but_o he_o have_v not_o patience_n enough_o to_o stay_v after_o that_o horrid_a fact_n to_o be_v a_o witness_n against_o he_o nay_o he_o be_v the_o great_a witness_n at_o that_o time_n for_o he_o when_o he_o who_o have_v betray_v he_o come_v to_o the_o sanhedrim_n when_o consult_v about_o his_o death_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o have_v sin_v in_o betray_v innocent_a blood_n what_o possible_a evidence_n 5._o can_v have_v be_v give_v more_o in_o behalf_n of_o our_o saviour_n then_o that_o be_v when_o a_o person_n so_o covetous_a as_o to_o betray_v his_o master_n for_o thirty_o piece_n of_o silver_n be_v so_o weary_a of_o his_o bargain_n that_o he_o come_v and_o throw_v back_o the_o money_n and_o declare_v the_o person_n innocent_a who_o he_o have_v betray_v and_o this_o person_n too_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o know_v our_o saviour_n far_o better_o than_o any_o of_o the_o witness_n who_o afterward_o they_o suborn_v against_o he_o who_o yet_o contradict_v each_o other_o and_o at_o last_o can_v produce_v nothing_o which_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o heathen_a governor_n can_v make_v he_o judge_n christ_n worthy_a of_o death_n 3._o the_o apostle_n be_v free_a from_o design_n then_o any_o counterwitness_n at_o that_o time_n can_v be_v we_o have_v already_o prove_v the_o apostle_n can_v not_o possible_o have_v any_o other_o motive_n to_o affirm_v what_o they_o do_v but_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o speak_v but_o now_o if_o any_o among_o the_o jew_n at_o that_o time_n have_v assert_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n we_o have_v a_o clear_a account_n of_o it_o and_o what_o motive_n may_v induce_v they_o to_o it_o viz._n the_o preserve_n of_o their_o honour_n and_o reputation_n with_o the_o people_n the_o uphold_v their_o tradition_n beside_o their_o open_a and_o declare_v enmity_n against_o christ_n without_o any_o sufficient_a reason_n at_o all_o for_o it_o now_o who_o will_v believe_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o have_v so_o great_a authority_n among_o the_o people_n which_o they_o be_v like_a to_o lose_v if_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v true_a before_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n who_o part_v with_o all_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o venture_v themselves_o whole_o upon_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n 4._o none_o ever_o do_v so_o much_o to_o attest_v the_o negative_a as_o the_o apostle_n do_v to_o prove_v their_o fidelity_n as_o to_o the_o affirmative_a have_v sufficient_a counterwitness_n be_v timely_o produce_v we_o can_v think_v the_o apostle_n will_v have_v run_v so_o many_o continual_a hazard_n in_o preach_v the_o thing_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o person_n and_o action_n of_o christ._n do_v ever_o any_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n to_o undeceive_v the_o world_n if_o the_o apostle_n be_v guilty_a of_o abuse_v it_o 5._o the_o number_n of_o such_o person_n have_v be_v inconsiderable_a in_o comparison_n of_o those_o who_o be_v so_o full_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v our_o saviour_n who_o be_v all_o ready_a as_o most_o of_o they_o do_v to_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o with_o their_o life_n whence_o shall_v so_o many_o man_n grow_v so_o sudden_o confident_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o former_a persuasion_n interest_n education_n have_v they_o not_o be_v deliver_v in_o such_o a_o way_n that_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o they_o which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o last_o proposition_n which_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n be_v first_o believe_v on_o the_o account_n of_o eye-witness_n and_o receive_v with_o a_o universal_a and_o uncontrolled_a 5._o assent_n by_o all_o such_o person_n who_o have_v think_v themselves_o concern_v in_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o do_v yield_v a_o sufficient_a foundation_n for_o a_o firm_a assent_n to_o be_v build_v upon_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a foundation_n for_o a_o firm_a assent_n where_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n give_v to_o question_v the_o evidence_n which_o that_o there_o be_v not_o in_o this_o present_a case_n will_v appear_v from_o these_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o that_o the_o multitude_n of_o those_o person_n who_o do_v believe_v these_o thing_n have_v liberty_n and_o opportunity_n to_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o before_o they_o believe_v they_o therefore_o no_o reason_n or_o motive_n can_v be_v assign_v on_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v induce_v to_o believe_v these_o thing_n but_o the_o undoubted_a evidence_n of_o truth_n which_o go_v along_o with_o they_o i_o confess_v in_o mahumetism_n a_o very_a great_a number_n of_o person_n have_v for_o some_o century_n of_o year_n continue_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o mahomet_n but_o then_o withal_o there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a account_n to_o be_v give_v of_o that_o viz._n the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n which_o keep_v they_o in_o awe_n and_o strict_o forbid_v all_o the_o follower_n of_o mahomet_n to_o dispute_v their_o religion_n at_o all_o or_o compare_v it_o with_o any_o other_o therefore_o i_o can_v no_o more_o wonder_n at_o this_o than_o i_o do_v to_o see_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o world_n under_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o greâ—t_n turk_n neither_o on_o the_o other_o side_n do_v i_o wonder_v that_o such_o a_o multitude_n of_o those_o profess_v christianity_n shall_v together_o with_o it_o believe_v a_o great_a number_n of_o erroneous_a doctrine_n and_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o many_o gross_a superstition_n because_o i_o consider_v what_o a_o strange_a prevalency_n education_n have_v upon_o soft_a spirit_n and_o more_o easy_a intellectual_n and_o what_o a_o awe_n a_o inquisition_n bear_v upon_o timorous_a and_o irresolved_a person_n but_o now_o when_o a_o great_a multitude_n of_o person_n sober_a and_o inquisitive_a shall_v contrary_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o education_n and_o without_o fear_n of_o any_o humane_a force_n which_o they_o beforehand_o see_v will_v persecute_v they_o and_o after_o diligent_a enquiry_n make_v into_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o they_o believe_v for_o sake_n all_o their_o former_a persuasion_n and_o resolve_o adhere_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n propound_v to_o they_o though_o it_o cost_v they_o their_o life_n if_o this_o give_v we_o not_o reason_n to_o think_v this_o doctrine_n true_a we_o must_v believe_v mankind_n to_o be_v the_o most_o miserable_a unhappy_a creature_n in_o the_o world_n that_o will_v with_o so_o much_o resolution_n part_n with_o all_o advantage_n of_o this_o life_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o one_o to_o come_v if_o that_o be_v not_o undoubted_o certain_a and_o the_o doctrine_n propose_v it_o infallible_o true_a it_o be_v a_o observable_a circumstance_n in_o the_o propagation_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o though_o god_n make_v choice_n at_o first_o of_o person_n general_o of_o mean_a rank_n and_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n god_n thereby_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o our_o faith_n do_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 therefore_o choose_v the_o weak_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v 27._o the_o strong_a yet_o soon_o afâ—er_v the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n we_o find_v person_n of_o great_a place_n and_o reputation_n of_o great_a part_n and_o ability_n engage_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n we_o read_v of_o sergius_n a_o proconsul_n of_o dionysius_n the_o areopagite_n convert_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o follow_a age_n of_o the_o church_n many_o person_n of_o great_a esteem_n for_o their_o excellent_a learning_n and_o ability_n such_o be_v justin_n martyr_n one_o who_o before_o he_o become_v a_o christian_a be_v conversant_a with_o all_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n stoic_n peripatetic_n pythagorean_n and_o at_o last_o be_v a_o profess_a platonist_n till_o he_o
eorum_fw-la qui_fw-la eam_fw-la non_fw-la putamus_fw-la in_o manibus_fw-la esse_fw-la plumbatis_fw-la the_o accusation_n for_o treason_n lie_v in_o their_o refuse_v to_o supplicate_v the_o idol_n for_o the_o emperor_n welfare_n 2._o because_o they_o will_v not_o swear_v by_o the_o emperor_n genius_n thence_o 29._o saturnius_n say_v to_o the_o martyr_n tantum_n jura_fw-la per_fw-la genium_fw-la caesaris_fw-la nostri_fw-la if_o he_o will_v but_o swear_v by_o the_o genius_n of_o caesar_n he_o shall_v be_v save_v yet_o though_o they_o refuse_v to_o swear_v by_o the_o emperor_n genius_n they_o do_v not_o refuse_v to_o testify_v their_o allegiance_n and_o to_o swear_v by_o the_o emperor_n safety_n sed_fw-la &_o juramus_fw-la say_v tertullian_n sicut_fw-la non_fw-la per_fw-la genio_n caesarum_fw-la it_o ae_z 32._o per_fw-la salutem_fw-la corum_fw-la quae_fw-la est_fw-la augustior_fw-la omnibus_fw-la geniis_fw-la 3._o because_o they_o will_v not_o worship_v the_o emperor_n as_o god_n which_o be_v then_o grow_v a_o common_a custom_n non_fw-la enim_fw-la deum_fw-la imperatorem_fw-la dicam_fw-la vel_fw-la quia_fw-la mentirinescio_fw-la vel_fw-la quia_fw-la illum_fw-la deridere_fw-la non_fw-la audeo_fw-la vel_fw-la quia_fw-la necipse_n se_fw-la deum_fw-la volet_fw-la dici_fw-la si_fw-la homo_fw-la sit_fw-la as_o the_o same_o author_n speak_v nay_o the_o primitive_a christian_n 33._o be_v very_o scrupulous_a of_o call_v the_o emperor_n dominus_fw-la hoc_fw-la enim_fw-la dei_fw-la est_fw-la cognomen_fw-la because_o the_o name_n lord_n be_v a_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o apply_v as_o his_o name_n to_o he_o in_o scripture_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o scrupulosity_n be_v not_o from_o any_o question_n they_o make_v of_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o prince_n or_o their_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n to_o they_o which_o they_o be_v very_o free_a in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o but_o from_o a_o jealousy_n and_o just_a suspicion_n that_o something_o of_o divine_a honour_n may_v be_v employ_v in_o it_o when_o the_o adoration_n of_o prince_n be_v grow_v a_o custom_n therefore_o tertullian_n to_o prevent_v misunderstanding_n say_v dicam_fw-la plane_n imperatorem_fw-la dominum_fw-la sed_fw-la more_fw-it communi_fw-la sed_fw-la 34._o quando_fw-la non_fw-la cogor_fw-la ut_fw-la dominum_fw-la dei_fw-la vice_fw-la dicam_fw-la they_o refuse_v not_o the_o name_n in_o a_o common_a sense_n but_o as_o it_o employ_v divine_a honour_n 4._o because_o they_o will_v not_o observe_v the_o public_a festival_n of_o the_o emperor_n in_o the_o way_n that_o other_o do_v which_o it_o seem_v be_v observe_v with_o abundance_n of_o looseness_n and_o debauchery_n by_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n and_o as_o tertullian_n smart_o say_v malorum_fw-la 35._o morum_fw-la licentia_fw-la piet_fw-la as_o erit_fw-la &_o occasio_fw-la luxuriae_fw-la religio_fw-la deputabitur_fw-la debauchery_n be_v account_v a_o piece_n of_o loyalty_n and_o intemperance_n a_o part_n of_o religion_n which_o make_v the_o christian_n rather_o hazard_v the_o reputation_n of_o their_o loyalty_n then_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o so_o much_o rudeness_n as_o be_v then_o use_v and_o thence_o they_o abhor_v all_o the_o solemn_a spectacle_n of_o the_o roman_n nihil_fw-la est_fw-la nobis_fw-la say_v the_o same_o author_n dictu_fw-la visu_fw-la auditu_fw-la cum_fw-la insania_fw-la circi_fw-la cum_fw-la impudicitia_fw-la theatri_fw-la cum_fw-la atrocitate_fw-la arenae_fw-la cum_fw-la 38._o xysti_fw-la vanitate_fw-la they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v either_o with_o the_o madness_n of_o the_o cirque_fw-la or_o the_o immodesty_n of_o the_o theatre_n or_o the_o cruelty_n of_o the_o amphitheatre_n or_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o public_a wrestle_n we_o see_v then_o what_o a_o hard_a province_n the_o christian_n have_v when_o so_o many_o law_n be_v lay_v as_o birdlime_n in_o their_o way_n to_o catch_v they_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n and_o not_o run_v into_o a_o praemunire_n by_o their_o law_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v that_o many_o out_o of_o affectation_n of_o novelty_n shall_v then_o declare_v themselves_o christian_n when_o so_o great_a hazard_n be_v run_v upon_o the_o profess_v of_o it_o few_o soft-spirited_n man_n and_o lover_n of_o their_o own_o ease_n but_o will_v have_v find_v some_o fine_a distinction_n and_o nice_a evasion_n to_o have_v reconcile_v themselves_o to_o the_o public_a law_n by_o such_o thing_n which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n so_o unaenimous_o refuse_v when_o tend_v to_o profaneness_n or_o idolatry_n and_o from_o this_o discourse_n we_o can_v but_o conclude_v with_o the_o apostle_n paul_n that_o the_o weapon_n whereby_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n encounter_v the_o heathen_a world_n be_v not_o 5._o fleshly_a or_o weak_a but_o exceed_v strong_a and_o powerful_a in_o that_o they_o obtain_v so_o great_a a_o conquest_n over_o the_o imagination_n and_o carnal_a reason_n of_o man_n which_o be_v their_o strong_a hold_n they_o secure_v themselves_o in_o as_o to_o make_v they_o ready_o to_o forsake_v their_o heathen_a worship_n and_o become_v cheerful_a servant_n to_o christ._n thus_o we_o see_v the_o power_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o prevail_v over_o the_o principle_n of_o education_n though_o back_v with_o pretend_a antiquity_n universality_n and_o establishment_n by_o civil_a law_n but_o this_o will_v further_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o not_o only_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o education_n 2._o but_o because_o many_o of_o they_o seem_v incredible_a to_o man_n natural_a reason_n that_o we_o can_v think_v person_n will_v be_v over_o forward_o to_o believe_v such_o thing_n every_o one_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o take_v any_o advantage_n against_o a_o religion_n which_o do_v so_o little_o flatter_v corrupt_a nature_n either_o as_o to_o its_o power_n or_o capacity_n in_o so_o much_o that_o those_o who_o preach_v this_o doctrine_n declare_v open_o to_o the_o world_n that_o such_o person_n who_o will_v judge_v of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n by_o such_o principle_n which_o mere_a natural_a reason_n do_v proceed_v upon_o such_o one_o i_o suppose_v it_o be_v who_o the_o apostle_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o that_o own_v nothing_o but_o 14._o natural_a reason_n whereby_o to_o judge_v of_o divine_a truth_n can_v not_o entertain_v matter_n of_o faith_n or_o of_o divine_a revelation_n because_o such_o thing_n will_v seem_v but_o folly_n to_o he_o that_o own_v no_o high_a principle_n than_o philosophy_n or_o that_o do_v not_o believe_v any_o divine_a inspiration_n neither_o can_v such_o a_o one_o know_v they_o because_o a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o come_v to_o a_o through_o understanding_n of_o they_o and_o a_o person_n who_o do_v not_o believe_v such_o a_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v be_v a_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n so_o that_o the_o only_a ground_n of_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v upon_o a_o divine_a revelation_n that_o god_n himself_o by_o his_o son_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v reveal_v these_o deep_a mystery_n to_o the_o world_n on_o which_o account_n it_o be_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o receive_v they_o although_o they_o go_v beyond_o our_o reach_n and_o comprehension_n but_o we_o see_v general_o in_o the_o heathen_a world_n how_o few_o of_o those_o do_v believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o comparison_n who_o be_v the_o great_a admirer_n of_o the_o philosophy_n and_o way_n of_o learning_n which_o be_v then_o cry_v up_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o christianity_n not_o only_o contain_v far_o deep_a mystery_n than_o any_o they_o be_v acquaint_v with_o but_o deliver_v they_o in_o such_o a_o way_n of_o authority_n command_v they_o to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n they_o preach_v on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o revealer_n of_o it_o such_o a_o way_n of_o proposal_n of_o doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o greek_n be_v unacquainted_a with_o which_o on_o that_o account_n they_o deride_v as_o not_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o exact_a method_n which_o their_o science_n proceed_v in_o no_o doubt_n have_v the_o apostle_n come_v among_o the_o greek_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o pomp_n and_o ostentation_n and_o have_v feed_v man_n curiosity_n with_o vain_a and_o unnecessary_a speculation_n they_o may_v have_v have_v as_o many_o follower_n among_o the_o greek_n for_o their_o sake_n as_o christ_n have_v among_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o loaf_n but_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v more_o of_o inward_a worth_n and_o moment_n then_o of_o outward_a pomp_n and_o show_n the_o vain_a and_o empty_a greek_n present_o find_v a_o quarrel_n with_o the_o manner_n of_o propose_v they_o that_o they_o come_v not_o in_o a_o way_n of_o clear_a demonstration_n but_o stand_v so_o much_o upon_o faith_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v deliver_v thence_o celsus_n and_o galen_n think_v they_o have_v
origines_fw-la sacrae_fw-la or_o a_o rational_a account_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o christian_a faith_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o matter_n therein_o contain_v by_o edward_n stillingfleet_n rector_n of_o sutton_n in_o bedfordshire_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 16._o for_o we_o have_v not_o follow_v cunning_o devise_v fable_n when_o we_o make_v know_v to_o you_o the_o power_n and_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o majesty_n neque_fw-la religio_fw-la ulla_fw-la sine_fw-la sapientia_fw-la suscipienda_fw-la est_fw-la nec_fw-la ulla_fw-la sine_fw-la religione_fw-la probanda_fw-la sapientia_fw-la lactant._n the_o fall_v relig_n cap._n 1._o london_n print_v by_o r._n w._n for_o henry_n mortlock_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o phoenix_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n near_o the_o little_a north-door_n 1662._o to_o his_o most_o honour_a friend_n and_o patron_n sr._n roger_n burgoine_n knight_n and_o baronet_n sir_n it_o be_v the_o early_a felicity_n of_o moses_n when_o expose_v in_o a_o ark_n of_o nilotick_a papyre_n to_o be_v adopt_v into_o the_o favour_n of_o so_o great_a a_o personage_n as_o the_o daughter_n of_o pharaoh_n such_o another_o ark_n be_v this_o vindication_n of_o the_o write_n of_o that_o divine_a and_o excellent_a person_n expose_v to_o the_o world_n in_o and_o the_o great_a ambition_n of_o the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v to_o have_v it_o receive_v into_o your_o patronage_n and_o protection_n but_o although_o the_o contexture_n and_o frame_n of_o this_o treatise_n be_v far_o below_o the_o excellency_n and_o worth_n of_o the_o subject_n as_o you_o know_v the_o ark_n in_o which_o moses_n be_v put_v be_v of_o bulrush_n daub_v with_o slime_n and_o pitch_n yet_o when_o you_o please_v to_o cast_v your_o eye_n on_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o it_o you_o will_v not_o think_v it_o beneath_o your_o favour_n and_o unworthy_a your_o protection_n for_o if_o truth_n be_v the_o great_a present_n which_o god_n can_v bestow_v or_o man_n receive_v according_a to_o that_o of_o plurarch_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d then_o certain_o those_o oâ—â—â—_n truth_n deserve_v our_o most_o ready_a acceptance_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o of_o great_a importance_n and_o have_v the_o great_a evidence_n that_o they_o come_v from_o god_n and_o although_o i_o have_v have_v the_o happiness_n of_o so_o near_a relation_n to_o you_o &_o acquaintance_n with_o you_o as_o to_o know_v how_o little_a you_o need_v such_o discourse_n which_o tend_v to_o settle_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n which_o you_o have_v raise_v so_o happy_a a_o superstructure_n upon_o yet_o withal_o i_o consider_v what_o particular_a kindness_n the_o soul_n of_o all_o good_a man_n bear_v to_o such_o design_n who_o end_n be_v to_o assert_v and_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o religion_n for_o those_o who_o be_v enrich_v themselves_o with_o the_o inestimable_a treasure_n of_o true_a goodness_n and_o piety_n be_v far_o from_o that_o envious_a temper_n to_o think_v nothing_o valuable_a but_o what_o they_o be_v the_o sole_a possessor_n of_o but_o such_o be_v the_o most_o satisfy_v themselves_o when_o they_o see_v other_o not_o only_o admire_v but_o enjoy_v what_o they_o have_v the_o high_a estimation_n of_o be_v all_o who_o make_v a_o show_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n real_o such_o as_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n will_v be_v no_o more_o seasonable_a than_o the_o commendation_n of_o a_o great_a beauty_n to_o one_o who_o be_v already_o a_o passionate_a admirer_n of_o it_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o see_v how_o common_a it_o be_v for_o man_n first_o to_o throw_v dirt_n in_o the_o face_n of_o religion_n and_o then_o persuade_v themselves_o it_o be_v its_o natural_a complexion_n they_o represent_v it_o to_o themselves_o in_o a_o shape_n least_o please_n to_o they_o and_o then_o bring_v that_o as_o a_o plea_n why_o they_o give_v it_o no_o better_a entertainment_n it_o may_v just_o seem_v strange_a that_o true_a religion_n which_o contain_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o what_o be_v true_o noble_a and_o generous_a most_o rational_a and_o please_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o all_o good_a man_n shall_v yet_o suffer_v so_o much_o in_o its_o esteem_n in_o the_o world_n through_o those_o strange_a and_o uncouth_a vizard_n it_o be_v represent_v under_o some_o accout_v the_o life_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o as_o it_o speak_v subdue_a our_o will_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o all_o religion_n a_o thing_n too_o low_a and_o mean_a for_o their_o rank_n and_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n while_o other_o pretend_v a_o quarrel_n against_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o as_o unsatisfactory_a to_o humane_a reason_n thus_o religion_n suffer_v with_o the_o author_n of_o it_o between_o two_o thief_n and_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o define_v which_o be_v more_o injurious_a to_o it_o that_o which_o question_n the_o principle_n or_o that_o which_o despise_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o nothing_o certain_o will_n more_o incline_v man_n to_o believe_v that_o we_o live_v in_o a_o age_n of_o prodigy_n then_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o such_o in_o the_o christian_a world_n who_o shall_v account_v it_o a_o piece_n of_o gentility_n to_o despise_v religion_n and_o a_o piece_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v atheist_n for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n as_o a_o true_a height_n and_o magnanimity_n of_o spirit_n if_o there_o be_v any_o solid_a reason_n and_o depth_n of_o judgement_n they_o be_v not_o only_o consistent_a with_o but_o only_o attainable_a by_o a_o true_a generous_a spirit_n of_o religion_n but_o if_o we_o look_v at_o that_o which_o the_o loose_a and_o profane_a world_n be_v apt_a to_o account_v the_o great_a gallantry_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o make_v up_o of_o such_o pitiful_a ingredient_n which_o any_o skilful_a &_o rational_a mind_n will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o plead_v for_o much_o less_o to_o mention_v they_o in_o competition_n with_o true_a goodness_n and_o unfeigned_a piety_n for_o how_o easy_a be_v it_o to_o observe_v such_o who_o will_v be_v account_v the_o most_o high_a and_o gallant_a spirit_n to_o quarry_n on_o such_o mean_a prey_n which_o only_o tend_v to_o satisfy_v their_o brutish_a appetite_n or_o flesh_n revenge_n with_o the_o blood_n of_o such_o who_o have_v stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o that_o airy_a title_n honour_n or_o else_o they_o be_v so_o little_a apprehensive_a of_o the_o in_o ward_n worth_a and_o excellency_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o envy_v the_o gallantry_n of_o peacock_n and_o strive_v to_o outvie_v they_o in_o the_o gaiety_n of_o their_o plume_n such_o who_o be_v as_o seneca_v say_v ad_fw-la similitudinem_fw-la parietum_fw-la extrinsecùs_fw-la culti_fw-la who_o imitate_v the_o wall_n of_o their_o house_n in_o the_o fairness_n of_o the_o outside_n but_o matter_n not_o what_o rubbish_n there_o lie_v within_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o ambition_n be_v to_o attain_v enervatam_fw-la felicitatem_fw-la quâ_fw-la permadescunt_fw-la animi_fw-la such_o a_o felicity_n as_o evigorate_v the_o soul_n by_o too_o long_o steep_v it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o terrestrial_a pleasure_n that_o they_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o degree_n consume_v reason_n by_o effeminate_v and_o soften_a the_o intellectual_n must_v we_o appeal_v then_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o sardanapalus_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o felicity_n or_o inquire_v of_o apicius_n what_o temperance_n be_v or_o desire_v that_o sybarite_n to_o define_v magnanimity_n who_o faint_v to_o see_v a_o man_n at_o hard_a labour_n or_o do_v now_o the_o conquest_n of_o passion_n forgive_a injury_n do_v good_a self-denial_n humility_n patience_n under_o cross_n which_o be_v the_o real_a expression_n of_o piety_n speak_v nothing_o more_o noble_a &_o generous_a than_o a_o luxurious_a malicious_a proud_a and_o impatient_a spirit_n be_v there_o nothing_o more_o become_v and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o exemplary_a piety_n and_o a_o holy_a well-orderd_a conversation_n then_o in_o the_o lightness_n and_o vanity_n not_o to_o say_v rudeness_n and_o debauchery_n of_o those_o who_o the_o world_n account_v the_o great_a gallant_n be_v there_o nothing_o more_o graceful_a and_o please_a in_o the_o sweetness_n candour_n and_o ingenuity_n of_o a_o true_o christian_a temper_n and_o disposition_n then_o in_o the_o revengeful_a implacable_a spirit_n of_o such_o who_o honour_n live_v and_o be_v feed_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o their_o enemy_n be_v it_o not_o more_o true_o honourable_a and_o glorious_a to_o serve_v that_o god_n who_o command_v the_o world_n then_o to_o be_v a_o slave_n to_o those_o passion_n and_o lust_n which_o put_v man_n upon_o continual_a hard_a service_n and_o torment_v they_o for_o it_o when_o they_o have_v do_v it_o be_v there_o nothing_o else_o to_o commend_v religion_n
to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n beside_o that_o tranquillity_n and_o calmness_n of_o spirit_n that_o serene_a and_o peaceable_a temper_n which_o follow_v a_o good_a conscience_n wherever_o it_o dwell_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v man_n welcome_v that_o guest_n which_o bring_v such_o good_a entertainment_n with_o it_o whereas_o the_o amazement_n horror_n and_o anxiety_n of_o mind_n which_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o haunt_v such_o who_o prostitute_v their_o conscience_n to_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o rectify_a reason_n may_v be_v enough_o to_o persuade_v any_o rational_a person_n that_o impiety_n be_v the_o great_a folly_n and_o irreligion_n madness_n it_o can_v be_v then_o but_o matter_n of_o great_a pity_n to_o consider_v that_o any_o person_n who_o birth_n and_o education_n have_v raise_v they_o above_o the_o common_a people_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o their_o own_o enemy_n as_o to_o observe_v the_o fashion_n more_o than_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o study_v compliment_n more_o than_o themselves_o and_o read_v romance_n more_o than_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n which_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o make_v they_o wise_a to_o salvation_n but_o sir_n i_o need_v not_o mention_v these_o thing_n to_o you_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o let_v you_o see_v the_o excellency_n of_o your_o choice_n in_o prefer_v true_a virtue_n and_o piety_n above_o the_o ceremony_n and_o grandeur_n of_o the_o world_n go_v on_o sir_n to_o value_v and_o measure_v true_a religion_n not_o by_o the_o uncertain_a measure_n of_o the_o world_n but_o by_o the_o infallible_a dictate_v of_o god_n himself_o in_o his_o sacred_a oracle_n be_v it_o not_o for_o these_o what_o certain_a foundation_n can_v there_o be_v for_o our_o faith_n to_o stand_v on_o and_o who_o dare_v venture_v his_o soul_n as_o to_o its_o future_a condition_n upon_o any_o authority_n less_o than_o the_o infallible_a veracity_n of_o god_n himself_o what_o certain_a direction_n for_o practice_n shall_v we_o have_v what_o rule_n to_o judge_v of_o opinion_n by_o have_v not_o god_n out_o of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n provide_v and_o preserve_v this_o authentic_a instrument_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n what_o a_o strange_a religion_n will_v christianity_n seem_v shall_v we_o frame_v the_o model_n of_o it_o from_o any_o other_o thing_n then_o the_o word_n of_o god_n without_o all_o controversy_n the_o disesteem_a of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o be_v the_o decay_n of_o religion_n and_o through_o many_o wind_n and_o turn_n lead_v man_n at_o last_o into_o the_o very_a depth_n of_o atheism_n whereas_o the_o frequent_a and_o serious_a converse_v with_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n be_v incomparable_o useful_a not_o only_o for_o keep_v up_o in_o we_o a_o true_a notion_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v easy_o mistake_v when_o man_n look_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o it_o in_o any_o other_o glass_n than_o that_o of_o the_o scripture_n but_o likewise_o for_o maintain_v a_o powerful_a sense_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o a_o due_a valuation_n of_o it_o whatever_o its_o esteem_n or_o entertainment_n be_v in_o the_o world_n for_o though_o the_o true_a genuine_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v know_v by_o the_o purity_n and_o peaceableness_n of_o it_o shall_v grow_v never_o so_o much_o out_o of_o credit_n with_o the_o world_n yet_o none_o who_o hearty_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o matter_n reveal_v therein_o be_v infallible_o true_a will_v ever_o have_v the_o less_o estimation_n of_o it_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o the_o credit_n of_o religion_n have_v much_o suffer_v in_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o through_o the_o vain_a pretence_n of_o many_o to_o it_o who_o have_v only_o act_v a_o part_n in_o it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o private_a interest_n of_o their_o own_o and_o it_o be_v the_o usual_a logic_n of_o atheist_n crimine_fw-la ab_fw-la uno_fw-la disce_fw-la omnes_fw-la if_o there_o be_v any_o hypocrite_n all_o who_o make_v show_v of_o religion_n be_v such_o on_o which_o account_n the_o hypocrisy_n of_o one_o age_n make_v way_n for_o the_o atheism_n of_o the_o next_o but_o how_o unreasonable_a and_o unjust_a that_o imputation_n be_v there_o need_v not_o much_o to_o discover_v unless_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n there_o be_v no_o true_a man_n in_o the_o world_n because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o ape_n which_o imitate_v they_o or_o that_o there_o be_v no_o jewel_n because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o counterfeit_n and_o bless_v be_v god_n our_o age_n be_v not_o barren_a of_o instance_n of_o real_a goodness_n and_o unaffected_a piety_n there_o be_v some_o such_o generous_a spirit_n as_o dare_v love_n religion_n without_o the_o dowry_n of_o interest_n and_o manifest_v their_o affection_n to_o it_o in_o the_o plain_a dress_n of_o the_o scripture_n without_o the_o paint_n and_o set-offs_a which_o be_v add_v to_o it_o by_o the_o several_a contend_a party_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n be_v there_o more_o such_o noble_a spirit_n of_o religion_n in_o our_o age_n atheism_n will_v want_v one_o of_o the_o great_a plea_n which_o it_o now_o make_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n for_o nothing_o enlarge_v more_o the_o gulf_n of_o atheism_n than_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o wide_a passage_n which_o lie_v between_o the_o faith_n and_o life_n of_o man_n pretend_v to_o be_v christian_n i_o must_v needs_o say_v there_o be_v nothing_o seem_v more_o strange_a and_o unaccountable_a to_o i_o then_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o unquestionable_a duty_n of_o christianity_n shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o countenance_n or_o slight_v by_o any_o who_o own_o profess_v and_o contend_v for_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o can_v the_o profession_n of_o that_o be_v honourable_a who_o practice_n be_v not_o if_o the_o principle_n be_v true_a why_o be_v they_o not_o practise_v if_o they_o be_v not_o true_a why_o be_v they_o profess_v you_o see_v sir_n to_o what_o a_o unexpected_a length_n my_o desire_n to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n as_o well_o as_o truth_n of_o religion_n have_v draw_v out_o this_o present_a address_n but_o i_o may_v soon_o hope_v for_o your_o pardon_n in_o it_o then_o if_o i_o have_v spend_v so_o much_o paper_n after_o the_o usual_a manner_n of_o dedication_n in_o represent_v you_o to_o yourself_o or_o the_o world_n sir_n i_o know_v you_o have_v too_o much_o of_o that_o i_o have_v be_v commend_v to_o delight_v in_o your_o own_o deserve_a praise_n much_o less_o in_o flattery_n which_o so_o benign_a a_o subject_n may_v easy_o make_v one_o pen_n run_v over_o in_o and_o therein_o i_o may_v not_o much_o have_v digress_v from_o my_o design_n since_o i_o know_v few_o more_o exemplary_a for_o that_o rare_a mixture_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o the_o high_a civility_n together_o in_o who_o that_o inestimable_a jewel_n of_o religion_n be_v place_v in_o a_o most_o sweet_a affable_a and_o oblige_a temper_n but_o although_o none_o will_v be_v more_o ready_a on_o any_o occasion_n with_o all_o gratitude_n to_o acknowledge_v the_o great_a obligation_n you_o have_v lay_v upon_o i_o yet_o i_o be_o so_o far_o sensible_a of_o the_o common_a vanity_n of_o epistle_n dedicatory_a that_o i_o can_v so_o hearty_o comply_v with_o they_o in_o any_o thing_n as_o in_o my_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o almighty_a for_o your_o good_a and_o welfare_n and_o in_o subscribe_v myself_o sir_n your_o most_o humble_a and_o affectionate_a servant_n june_n 5._o 1662._o ed._n stillingfleet_n the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n it_o be_v neither_o to_o satisfy_v the_o importunity_n of_o friend_n nor_o to_o prevent_v false_a copy_n which_o and_o such_o like_a excuse_n i_o know_v be_v expect_v in_o usual_a preface_n that_o i_o have_v adventure_v abroad_o this_o follow_a treatise_n but_o it_o be_v out_o of_o a_o just_a resentment_n of_o the_o affront_n and_o indignity_n which_o have_v be_v cast_v on_o religion_n by_o such_o who_o account_v it_o a_o matter_n of_o judgement_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o scripture_n and_o a_o piece_n of_o wit_n to_o dispute_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o possibility_n of_o be_v happy_a in_o another_o world_n when_o yet_o the_o more_o acute_a and_o subtle_a their_o argument_n be_v the_o great_a their_o strength_n be_v against_o themselves_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v so_o much_o wit_n and_o subtlety_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v they_o not_o of_o a_o more_o excellent_a nature_n than_o they_o imagine_v they_o to_o be_v and_o how_o contradictious_a be_v it_o for_o such_o person_n to_o be_v ambitious_a of_o be_v cry_v up_o for_o wit_n and_o reason_n who_o design_n be_v to_o degrade_v the_o rational_a soul_n so_o far_o below_o herself_o as_o to_o make_v she_o become_v like_o the_o beast_n
will_n unto_o the_o true_a prophet_n the_o grand_a question_n propound_v how_o it_o may_v be_v know_v when_o prediction_n express_v god_n decree_n and_o when_o only_o the_o series_n of_o cause_n for_o the_o first_o several_a rule_n lay_v down_o 1._o when_o the_o prediction_n be_v confirm_v by_o a_o present_a miracle_n 2._o when_o the_o thing_n foretell_v exceed_v the_o probability_n of_o second_o cause_n 3._o when_o confirm_v by_o god_n oath_n 4._o when_o the_o blessing_n foretold_v be_v pure_o spiritual_a three_o rule_n for_o interpret_n the_o prophecy_n which_o respect_v the_o state_n of_o thing_n under_o the_o gospel_n 5._o when_o all_o circumstance_n be_v foretell_v 6._o when_o many_o prophet_n in_o several_a age_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o prediction_n prediction_n do_v not_o express_v god_n unalterable_a purpose_n when_o they_o only_o contain_v commination_n of_o judgement_n or_o be_v prediction_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n the_o case_n of_o the_o ninivites_n hezekiah_n and_o other_o open_v of_o repentance_n in_o god_n what_o it_o imply_v the_o jewish_a objection_n â—bout_o prediction_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n answer_v in_o what_o case_n miracle_n be_v expect_v from_o the_o prophet_n when_o they_o be_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n instance_a in_o the_o prophet_n at_o bethel_n elijah_n elishah_n and_o of_o moses_n himself_o who_o divine_a authority_n that_o it_o be_v prove_v by_o miracle_n be_v demonstrate_v against_o the_o modern_a jew_n and_o their_o pretence_n answer_v p._n 177_o chap._n vii_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n discuss_v the_o second_o case_n wherein_o miracle_n may_v be_v expect_v when_o a_o divine_a positive_a law_n be_v to_o be_v repeal_v and_o another_o way_n of_o worship_n establish_v in_o stead_n of_o it_o the_o possibility_n in_o general_n of_o a_o repeal_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n assert_v the_o particular_a case_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n dispute_v against_o the_o jew_n the_o matter_n of_o that_o law_n prove_v not_o to_o be_v immutable_o obligatory_a because_o the_o ceremonial_a precept_n be_v require_v not_o for_o themselves_o but_o for_o some_o further_a end_n that_o prove_v from_o maimonides_n his_o confession_n the_o precept_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n frequent_o dispense_v with_o while_n the_o law_n be_v in_o force_n of_o the_o passover_n of_o hezekiah_n and_o several_a other_o instance_n it_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o repeal_v such_o a_o establish_a law_n abravanels_n argument_n answer_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n compare_v with_o the_o gospel_n whether_o god_n have_v ever_o declare_v he_o will_v never_o repeal_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n of_o add_v to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o expression_n seem_v to_o imply_v the_o perpetuity_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n reason_n assign_v why_o those_o expression_n be_v use_v though_o perpetuity_n be_v not_o employ_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n not_o build_v upon_o immutable_a reason_n because_o many_o particular_a precept_n be_v found_v upon_o particular_a occasion_n as_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o zabii_n many_o ceremonial_a precept_n thence_o deduce_v out_o of_o maimonides_n and_o because_o such_o a_o state_n of_o thing_n be_v foretell_v with_o which_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n will_v be_v inconsistent_a that_o large_o discover_v from_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n chap._n viii_o general_a hypothesis_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n the_o great_a prejudice_n against_o our_o saviour_n among_o jew_n and_o heathen_n be_v the_o meaness_n of_o his_o appearance_n the_o difference_n of_o the_o miracle_n at_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o law_n and_o gospel_n some_o general_a hypothesis_n to_o clear_v the_o subserviency_n of_o miracle_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n 1._o that_o where_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o doctrine_n depend_v not_o on_o evidence_n but_o authority_n the_o only_a way_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v to_o prove_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o revealer_n to_o be_v infallible_a thing_n may_v be_v true_a which_o depend_v not_o on_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n what_o that_o be_v and_o on_o what_o it_o depend_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n the_o existence_n of_o god_n the_o foundation_n of_o all_o certainty_n the_o certainty_n of_o matter_n of_o faith_n prove_v from_o the_o same_o principle_n our_o knowledge_n of_o any_o thing_n suppose_v something_o incomprehensible_a the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n as_o great_a as_o that_o of_o knowledge_n the_o ground_n of_o it_o strong_a the_o consistency_n of_o rational_a evidence_n with_o faith_n yet_o object_n of_o faith_n exceed_v reason_n the_o absurdity_n follow_v the_o contrary_a opinion_n the_o uncertainty_n of_o that_o which_o be_v call_v reason_n philosophical_a dictate_v no_o standard_n of_o reason_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o ubiquity_n etc._n etc._n why_o reject_v as_o contrary_a to_o reason_n the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n in_o matter_n above_o reason_n which_o be_v infallible_a testimony_n that_o there_o be_v way_n to_o know_v which_o be_v infallible_a prove_v 2._o hypoth_o a_o divine_a testimony_n the_o most_o infallible_a the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n into_o god_n veracity_n as_o its_o formal_a object_n 3._o hypoth_o a_o divine_a testimony_n may_v be_v know_v though_o god_n speak_v not_o immediate_o of_o inspiration_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o divination_n among_o the_o heathen_n 4._o hyp._n the_o evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n must_v be_v clear_a and_o certain_a of_o the_o common_a motive_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o obligation_n to_o faith_n arise_v from_o they_o the_o original_n of_o infidelity_n chap._n ix_o the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n from_o miracle_n the_o possibility_n of_o miracle_n appear_v from_o god_n and_o providence_n the_o evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n by_o they_o god_n alone_o can_v real_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n the_o devil_n power_n of_o work_a miracle_n consider_v of_o simon_n magus_n apollonius_n the_o cure_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o aeseulapius_n at_o rome_n etc._n etc._n god_n never_o work_v miracle_n but_o for_o some_o particular_a end_n the_o particular_a reason_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ._n the_o repeal_n the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o have_v be_v settle_v by_o miracle_n why_o christ_n check_v the_o pharisee_n for_o demand_v a_o sign_n when_o himself_o appeal_v to_o his_o miracle_n the_o power_n of_o christ_n miracle_n on_o many_o who_o do_v not_o thorough_o belieuâ—_v christ_n miracle_n make_v it_o evident_a that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n because_o the_o prediction_n be_v fulfil_v in_o he_o why_o john_n baptist_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n christ_n miracle_n necessary_a for_o the_o everthrow_n of_o the_o devil_n kingdom_n of_o the_o daemoniaek_n and_o lunatic_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o power_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n over_o they_o large_o prove_v by_o several_a testimony_n the_o evidence_n thence_o of_o a_o divine_a power_n in_o christ._n of_o counterfeit_a dispossession_n of_o miracle_n wrought_v among_o infidel_n of_o the_o future_a state_n of_o the_o church_n the_o necessity_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o the_o propagation_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o prove_v from_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o publisher_n and_o the_o success_n of_o the_o doctrine_n the_o apostle_n know_v the_o hazard_n of_o their_o employment_n before_o they_o enter_v on_o it_o the_o boldness_n and_o resolution_n of_o the_o apostle_n notwithstanding_o this_o compare_v with_o heathen_a philosopher_n no_o motive_n can_v carry_v the_o apostle_n through_o their_o employment_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n not_o seek_v the_o honour_n profit_n or_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n the_o apostle_n evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n lie_v in_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n and_o resurrection_n that_o attest_v by_o themselves_o their_o sufficiency_n thence_o for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n contrariety_n of_o it_o to_o natural_a inclination_n strange_a success_n of_o it_o notwithstanding_o it_o come_v not_o with_o humane_a power_n no_o christian_a emperor_n till_o the_o gospel_n universal_o preach_v the_o weakness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o instrument_n which_o preach_v the_o gospel_n from_o all_o which_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n be_v prove_v pag._n 252_o chap._n x._o the_o difference_n of_o true_a miracle_n from_o false_a the_o unreasonableness_n of_o reject_v the_o evidence_n from_o miracle_n because_o of_o imposture_n that_o there_o be_v certain_a rule_n of_o distinguish_v true_a miracle_n from_o false_a and_o divine_a from_o diabolical_a prove_v from_o god_n intention_n in_o give_v a_o power_n of_o miracle_n and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n the_o inconvenience_n of_o take_v
truth_n but_o contrary_a to_o their_o pre-conception_n or_o interest_n have_v be_v forbid_a entrance_n prejudice_n be_v the_o wrong_a bias_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o effectual_o keep_v it_o from_o come_v near_o the_o mark_n of_o truth_n nay_o set_v it_o at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o it_o there_o be_v few_o in_o the_o world_n that_o look_v after_o truth_n with_o their_o own_o eye_n most_o make_v use_n of_o spectacle_n of_o other_o make_v which_o make_v they_o so_o seldom_o behold_v the_o proper_a lineament_n in_o the_o face_n of_o truth_n which_o the_o several_a tincture_n from_o education_n authority_n custom_n and_o predisposition_n do_v exceed_o hinder_v man_n from_o discern_v of_o another_o reason_n why_o there_o be_v so_o few_o who_o find_v truth_n when_o so_o many_o pretend_v to_o seek_v it_o be_v that_o near_a resemblance_n which_o 7._o error_n often_o bear_v to_o truth_n it_o have_v be_v well_o observe_v that_o error_n seldom_o walk_v abroad_o the_o world_n in_o her_o own_o raiment_n she_o always_o borrow_v something_o of_o truth_n to_o make_v she_o more_o acceptable_a to_o the_o world_n it_o have_v be_v always_o the_o subtlety_n of_o grand_a deceiver_n to_o graft_v their_o great_a error_n on_o some_o material_a truth_n to_o make_v they_o pass_v more_o undiscernible_a to_o all_o such_o who_o look_v more_o at_o the_o root_n on_o which_o they_o stand_v then_o on_o the_o fruit_n which_o they_o bring_v forth_o it_o will_v hereafter_o appear_v how_o most_o of_o the_o gross_a of_o the_o heathen_a error_n have_v as_o plutarch_n say_v of_o the_o egyptian_a fable_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d some_o faint_a and_o obscure_a resemblance_n of_o truth_n nay_o more_o than_o so_o as_o most_o pernicious_a weed_n be_v breed_v in_o the_o fat_a soyl_n their_o most_o destructive_a principle_n have_v be_v found_v on_o some_o necessary_a and_o important_a truth_n thus_o idolatry_n do_v suppose_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o superstition_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n the_o devil_n can_v never_o have_v build_v his_o chapel_n but_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n whereon_o god_n temple_n stand_v which_o make_v i_o far_o less_o wonder_n than_o many_o do_v at_o the_o meeting_n with_o many_o expression_n concern_v these_o two_o grand_a truth_n in_o the_o write_n of_o ancient_a heathen_n know_v how_o willing_a the_o devil_n may_v be_v to_o have_v such_o principle_n still_o own_v in_o the_o world_n which_o by_o his_o deprave_v of_o they_o may_v be_v the_o nourisher_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n for_o the_o general_a knowledge_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n suppose_v man_n ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a god_n do_v only_o lay_v a_o foundation_n to_o erect_v his_o idolatrous_a temple_n upon_o and_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o soul_n survive_v the_o body_n after_o death_n without_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a way_n of_o attain_v happiness_n do_v make_v man_n more_o eager_a of_o embrace_v those_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o canie_n with_o a_o pretence_n of_o show_v the_o way_n to_o a_o bless_a immortality_n which_o may_v be_v a_o most_o probable_a reason_n why_o philosophy_n and_o idolatry_n do_v increase_v so_o much_o together_o as_o they_o do_v for_o 8._o though_o right_a reason_n full_o improve_v will_v have_v overthrow_v all_o those_o curse_a and_o idolatrous_a practice_n among_o the_o heathen_n yet_o reason_n only_o discern_v some_o general_a notion_n without_o their_o particular_a application_n and_o improvement_n do_v only_o dispose_v the_o most_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o people_n to_o a_o more_o ready_a entertainment_n of_o the_o most_o gross_a idolatry_n for_o hereby_o they_o discern_v the_o necessity_n of_o some_o kind_n of_o worship_n but_o can_v not_o find_v out_o the_o right_a way_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o greedy_o follow_v that_o which_o be_v commend_v to_o they_o by_o such_o who_o do_v withal_o agree_v with_o they_o in_o the_o common_a sentiment_n 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receive_v notion_n
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as_o stephanus_n tell_v we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v use_v as_o a_o proverb_n for_o to_o speak_v never_o a_o word_n of_o truth_n aristeus_n proconnesius_n live_v 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o time_n of_o cyrus_n and_o write_v a_o history_n of_o the_o arimaspi_n in_o three_o book_n who_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o sir_n john_n maridevil_n of_o greece_n from_o his_o story_n of_o the_o arimaspi_n with_o one_o eye_n in_o their_o forehead_n and_o their_o continual_a fight_v with_o the_o gryphens_n for_o gold_n yet_o the_o story_n be_v take_v upon_o trust_n by_o herodotus_n pliny_n and_o many_o other_o though_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o who_o have_v visit_v those_o northern_a climate_n do_v sufficient_o refute_v these_o folly_n strabo_n say_v of_o this_o aristeus_n that_o he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o inferior_a to_o none_o for_o juggle_a which_o cenfure_n be_v probable_o occasion_v by_o â—3_n the_o common_a story_n of_o he_o that_o he_o can_v let_v his_o soul_n out_o 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serve_v other_o go_n how_o unlikely_a then_o be_v it_o that_o this_o tradition_n 2._o shall_v be_v afterward_o preserve_v entire_a when_o the_o people_n god_n have_v peculiar_o choose_v to_o himself_o be_v so_o mix_v among_o the_o egyptian_n and_o so_o prone_a to_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o they_o and_o that_o even_o after_o god_n have_v give_v they_o a_o write_a law_n attest_v with_o the_o great_a miracle_n what_o will_v they_o have_v do_v then_o have_v they_o never_o be_v bring_v forth_o of_o egypt_n by_o such_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o have_v no_o certain_a record_n leave_v to_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o former_a age_n thus_o we_o see_v how_o much_o it_o stand_v to_o the_o great_a reason_n that_o so_o memorable_a thing_n shall_v be_v digest_v into_o sacred_a record_n we_o have_v as_o great_a certainty_n that_o moses_n be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o record_n go_v under_o his_o name_n as_o we_o can_v have_v of_o any_o matter_n of_o 2._o fact_n do_v 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all_o we_o desire_v from_o he_o 3._o do_v we_o not_o see_v that_o the_o most_o concern_v and_o weighty_a 3._o action_n of_o man_n life_n be_v build_v on_o no_o other_o foundation_n than_o this_o moral_a certainty_n yet_o man_n do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o rely_v upon_o as_o be_v most_o evident_a in_o all_o title_n to_o estate_n derive_v from_o ancestor_n either_o by_o donation_n or_o purchase_n in_o all_o trade_n which_o go_v upon_o the_o moral_a certainty_n that_o there_o be_v such_o place_n as_o the_o indies_n or_o france_n or_o spain_n etc._n etc._n in_o all_o journeying_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n as_o that_o i_o be_o go_v to_o and_o this_o be_v the_o way_n thither_o for_o these_o we_o have_v but_o this_o moral_a certainty_n for_o the_o contrary_a to_o both_o these_o be_v possible_a and_o the_o affirmative_n be_v indemonstrable_a in_o eat_v and_o drink_v there_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o be_v poison_v by_o every_o bit_n of_o meat_n or_o drop_n of_o drink_n do_v we_o therefore_o continual_o doubt_v whether_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o or_o no_o chief_o this_o be_v see_v in_o all_o natural_a affection_n and_o piety_n in_o child_n towards_o parent_n which_o undoubted_o suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o can_v be_v witness_n of_o themselves_o viz._n their_o come_n out_o of_o their_o mother_n womb_n and_o do_v any_o one_o think_v this_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o question_v his_o mother_n because_o the_o contrary_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v demonstrate_v to_o he_o in_o short_a then_o either_o we_o must_v destroy_v all_o historical_a faith_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o believe_v nothing_o though_o never_o so_o much_o attest_v but_o what_o we_o see_v ourselves_o or_o else_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o a_o moral_a certainty_n be_v a_o sufficient_a foundation_n for_o a_o undoubted_a assent_n not_o such_o a_o one_o cui_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la subesse_fw-la falsum_fw-la but_o such_o a_o one_o cui_fw-la non_fw-la subest_fw-la dubium_fw-la i._n e._n a_o assent_n undoubted_a though_o not_o infallible_a by_o which_o we_o see_v what_o little_a reason_n the_o atheist_n on_o one_o side_n can_v have_v to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o history_n of_o it_o and_o what_o little_a ground_n the_o papist_n on_o the_o other_o side_n have_v to_o make_v a_o pretence_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o infallibility_n as_o to_o the_o proposal_n of_o such_o thing_n where_o moral_a certainty_n be_v sufficient_a that_o be_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o fâ—ct_n which_o i_o now_o come_v to_o prove_v as_o to_o the_o subject_n in_o hand_n 4._o viz._n that_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n be_v undoubted_o he_o which_o i_o prove_v by_o a_o twofold_a argument_n 1._o a_o universal_a consent_n of_o person_n who_o be_v best_a able_a to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n 2._o the_o settle_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n upon_o the_o law_n 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be_v in_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o opinion_n there_o must_v be_v immediate_a inspiration_n as_o to_o that_o act_n of_o faith_n whereby_o we_o believe_v any_o one_o to_o have_v be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o consequent_o to_o that_o whereby_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n second_o do_v 2._o not_o this_o make_v the_o fair_a plea_n for_o man_n unbelief_n for_o i_o demand_v be_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o those_o who_o want_v that_o immediate_a illumination_n to_o believe_v or_o no_o if_o it_o be_v not_o their_o duty_n unbelief_n can_v be_v no_o sin_n to_o they_o if_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n it_o must_v be_v make_v know_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o how_o can_v that_o be_v make_v know_v to_o they_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n when_o they_o want_v the_o only_a and_o necessary_a mean_n of_o instruction_n in_o order_n to_o it_o will_v god_n condemn_v they_o for_o that_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v unless_o god_n give_v it_o they_o and_o how_o can_v they_o be_v leave_v inexcusable_a who_o want_v so_o much_o as_o rational_a inducement_n to_o faith_n for_o of_o these_o i_o now_o speak_v and_o not_o of_o efficacious_a persuasion_n of_o the_o mind_n when_o there_o be_v rational_a argument_n for_o faith_n propound_v but_o last_o 3._o i_o suppose_v the_o case_n will_v be_v clear_v when_o we_o take_v notice_n what_o course_n god_n have_v always_o take_v to_o give_v all_o rational_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n concern_v the_o person_n who_o he_o have_v employ_v in_o either_o of_o the_o forementioned_a case_n first_o for_o those_o who_o have_v be_v employ_v upon_o some_o special_a message_n and_o service_n for_o god_n he_o have_v send_v they_o forth_o sufficient_o provide_v with_o manifestation_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n whereby_o they_o act_v as_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o evident_a in_o the_o present_a case_n of_o moses_n exodus_fw-la 4._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o where_o moses_n put_v the_o case_n to_o god_n which_o we_o be_v now_o debate_v of_o suppose_v say_v he_o that_o i_o shall_v go_v to_o the_o israelite_n and_o tell_v they_o god_n have_v appear_v to_o i_o and_o send_v i_o to_o deliver_v they_o and_o they_o shall_v say_v god_n have_v not_o appear_v unto_o i_o how_o shall_v i_o satisfy_v they_o god_n do_v not_o reject_v this_o objection_n of_o moses_n as_o favour_v of_o unbelief_n but_o present_o show_v he_o how_o he_o shall_v satisfy_v they_o by_o cause_v a_o miracle_n before_o his_o face_n turn_v his_o rod_n into_o a_o serpent_n and_o god_n give_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o vers_n 5._o that_o they_o may_v believe_v that_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n the_o god_n of_o abraham_n the_o god_n of_o isaac_n the_o god_n of_o jacob_n have_v appear_v unto_o thou_o it_o seem_v god_n himself_o think_v this_o will_v be_v the_o most_o pregnant_a evidence_n of_o god_n appear_v to_o he_o if_o he_o wrought_v miracle_n before_o their_o face_n nay_o lest_o they_o shall_v think_v one_o single_a miracle_n be_v not_o sufficient_a god_n in_o the_o immediate_a follow_a verse_n adjoin_v two_o more_o which_o he_o shall_v do_v in_o order_n to_o their_o satisfaction_n and_o further_o verse_n 21._o god_n give_v he_o a_o charge_n to_o do_v all_o those_o wonder_n before_o pharaoh_n which_o he_o have_v put_v into_o his_o hand_n and_o according_o we_o find_v pharaoh_n present_o demand_v a_o miracle_n of_o moses_n exodus_fw-la 7._o 9_o which_o according_o moses_n do_v in_o his_o presence_n though_o he_o may_v suppose_v pharoahs_n demand_n not_o to_o proceed_v from_o desire_n of_o satisfaction_n but_o from_o some_o hope_n that_o for_o want_n of_o it_o he_o may_v have_v render_v his_o credit_n suspect_v among_o the_o israelite_n indeed_o after_o god_n have_v deliver_v his_o people_n and_o have_v settle_v they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o serve_v he_o according_a to_o the_o law_n deliver_v 6._o by_o moses_n which_o he_o have_v confirm_v by_o unquestionable_a miracle_n among_o they_o we_o find_v a_o caution_n lay_v in_o by_o moses_n himself_o against_o those_o which_o shall_v pretend_v sign_n and_o wonder_n to_o draw_v they_o off_o from_o the_o religion_n establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o so_o likewise_o under_o the_o gospel_n after_o 3._o that_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o unparalleled_a miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n we_o find_v frequent_a caution_n against_o be_v deceive_v by_o those_o who_o come_v with_o pretence_n of_o do_v great_a miracle_n but_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o infringe_v the_o credibility_n of_o such_o a_o testimony_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n that_o it_o yield_v a_o strong_a confirmation_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o now_o assert_v for_o the_o doctrine_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v already_o establish_v by_o miracle_n according_a to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o such_o pretender_n now_o it_o stand_v to_o the_o great_a reason_n that_o when_o a_o religion_n be_v once_o establish_v by_o uncontrolled_a miracle_n we_o shall_v not_o hearken_v to_o every_o whiffle_a conjurer_n that_o will_v pretend_v to_o do_v great_a feat_n to_o draw_v we_o off_o from_o the_o truth_n establish_v in_o which_o case_n the_o sure_a way_n to_o discover_v the_o imposture_n be_v to_o compare_v his_o pretend_a miracle_n with_o those_o true_a and_o real_a one_o which_o be_v do_v by_o moses_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v because_o every_o person_n be_v no_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o miracle_n for_o the_o devil_n by_o his_o power_n and_o subtlety_n may_v easy_o deceive_v all_o such_o as_o will_v be_v lead_v by_o the_o nose_n by_o he_o in_o expectation_n of_o some_o wonder_n to_o be_v do_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o as_o long_o as_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o question_v the_o oertainty_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o christ_n or_o moses_n i_o be_o bind_v to_o adhere_v to_o the_o doctrine_n establish_v by_o those_o miracle_n and_o to_o make_v they_o my_o rule_n of_o judge_v all_o person_n who_o shall_v pretend_v to_o work_v miracle_n because_o 1._o i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o far_o god_n may_v give_v man_n over_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o lie_a wonder_n 1._o who_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o i._n e._n those_o that_o think_v not_o the_o christian_a religion_n sufficient_o confirm_v by_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v at_o the_o first_o promulgation_n of_o it_o god_n in_o justice_n may_v permit_v the_o devil_n to_o go_v further_o than_o otherwise_o he_o can_v and_o leave_v such_o person_n to_o their_o own_o credulity_n to_o believe_v every_o imposture_n and_o illusion_n of_o their_o sense_n for_o true_a miracle_n 2._o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o undoubted_a miracle_n have_v assure_v we_o of_o the_o come_n of_o lie_v 2._o wonder_n whereby_o many_o shall_v be_v deceive_v now_o this_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o certain_o true_a as_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n for_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o same_o miracle_n that_o the_o other_o be_v and_o beside_o that_o the_o very_a come_n of_o such_o miracle_n be_v a_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o it_o fall_v out_o so_o exact_o according_a to_o what_o be_v foretell_v so_o many_o hundred_o year_n since_o now_o if_o this_o doctrine_n be_v true_a then_o be_o i_o certain_a the_o intent_n of_o these_o miracle_n be_v to_o deceive_v and_o that_o those_o be_v deceive_v who_o hearken_v to_o they_o and_o what_o reason_n then_o have_v i_o to_o believe_v they_o 3._o to_o what_o end_n do_v these_o miracle_n serve_v be_v they_o to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n contain_v in_o scripture_n 3._o but_o what_o need_v they_o any_o confirmation_n now_o when_o we_o be_v assure_v by_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o the_o doctrine_n by_o they_o preach_v come_v from_o god_n and_o so_o have_v be_v receive_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o those_o miracle_n ever_o since_o be_v these_o truth_n sufficient_o prove_v to_o be_v from_o god_n before_o or_o no_o if_o not_o than_o all_o former_a age_n have_v believe_v without_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o faith_n if_o they_o be_v than_o what_o ground_n can_v there_o be_v to_o confirm_v we_o in_o they_o now_o certain_o god_n who_o never_o do_v anything_o but_o for_o very_o great_a purpose_n will_v never_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n mere_o for_o satisfaction_n of_o man_n vain_a curiosity_n but_o it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v say_v it_o be_v something_o not_o full_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v thus_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n but_o 7._o where_o have_v the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o anything_o not_o full_o reveal_v
resolve_v the_o particular_a emergent_a case_n concern_v prediction_n the_o prediction_n of_o future_a event_n be_v no_o further_o a_o argument_n of_o prophetic_a spirit_n then_o as_o the_o foreknowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n hypoth_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o any_o create_a understanding_n and_o therefore_o god_n challenge_v this_o to_o himself_o in_o scripture_n as_o a_o peculiar_a prerogative_n of_o his_o own_o to_o declare_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o come_v and_o thereby_o manifest_v the_o idol_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o be_v no_o god_n because_o they_o can_v not_o show_v to_o their_o worshipper_n the_o thing_n to_o come_v isaiah_n 44._o 6_o 7._o from_o this_o hypothesis_n these_o two_o consectary_n follow_v 1._o that_o the_o event_n which_o be_v foretell_v must_v be_v such_o as_o do_v exceed_v the_o reach_n of_o any_o create_a intellect_n for_o otherwise_o it_o can_v be_v no_o evidence_n of_o a_o spirit_n of_o true_a prophecy_n so_o that_o the_o foretell_v of_o such_o event_n as_o depend_v upon_o a_o series_n of_o natural_a cause_n or_o such_o as_o though_o they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o humane_a understanding_n yet_o be_v not_o of_o the_o diabolical_a or_o such_o thing_n as_o fall_v out_o casual_o true_a but_o by_o no_o certain_a ground_n of_o prediction_n can_v none_o of_o they_o be_v any_o argument_n of_o a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n 2._o that_o where_o there_o be_v any_o other_o evidence_n that_o the_o prophet_n speak_v by_o divine_a revelation_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o wait_v the_o fulfil_n of_o every_o particular_a prophecy_n before_o he_o be_v believe_v as_o a_o prophet_n if_o so_o than_o many_o of_o god_n chief_a prophet_n can_v not_o have_v be_v believe_v in_o their_o own_o generation_n because_o their_o prophecy_n do_v reach_v so_o far_o beyond_o they_o as_o isaiahs_n concern_v cyrus_n the_o prophet_n at_o bethel_n concern_v josias_n and_o all_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o captivity_n and_o deliverance_n from_o it_o must_v not_o have_v be_v believe_v till_o fulfil_v that_o be_v not_o believe_v at_o all_o for_o when_o prophecy_n be_v accomplish_v they_o be_v no_o long_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n but_o of_o sense_n where_o then_o god_n give_v other_o evidence_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n the_o credit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v not_o suspend_v upon_o the_o minute_n accomplishment_n of_o every_o event_n foretell_v by_o he_o now_o it_o be_v evident_a there_o may_v be_v particular_a divine_a revelation_n of_o other_o thing_n beside_o future_a contingency_n so_o that_o if_o a_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v why_o event_n once_o foretell_v may_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o credit_n of_o any_o prophecy_n shall_v be_v invalidate_v on_o that_o account_n because_o every_o event_n be_v not_o exact_o correspondent_a to_o the_o prediction_n it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o what_o ever_o come_v under_o divine_a knowledge_n may_v be_v divine_o reveal_v for_o the_o manifestation_n which_o be_v cause_v by_o any_o light_n may_v extend_v its_o self_n to_o all_o thing_n to_o which_o that_o light_n be_v extend_v but_o that_o light_a which_o the_o prophet_n see_v by_o be_v a_o divine_a light_n and_o therefore_o may_v equal_o extend_v it_o self_n to_o all_o kind_n of_o object_n but_o because_o future_a contingency_n be_v the_o most_o remote_a from_o humane_a knowledge_n therefore_o the_o foretell_v of_o these_o have_v be_v account_v the_o great_a evidence_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n but_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v a_o knowledge_n of_o other_o thing_n in_o a_o low_a degree_n then_o future_a contingency_n which_o may_v immediate_o depend_v upon_o divine_a revelation_n and_o these_o be_v 1._o such_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v know_v by_o one_o particular_a man_n but_o yet_o be_v certain_o know_v by_o other_o man_n as_o the_o present_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n do_v by_o person_n at_o a_o remote_a distance_n from_o they_o thus_o elisha_n know_v what_o gehezi_n do_v when_o he_o 26._o follow_v nâ—aman_n and_o thus_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o another_o heart_n depend_v upon_o immediate_a divine_a revelation_n whereas_o every_o one_o may_v certain_o know_v the_o thought_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o therefore_o to_o some_o those_o thing_n may_v be_v 25._o matter_n of_o sense_n or_o evident_a demenstration_n which_o to_o another_o may_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o immediate_a revelation_n 2._o such_o thing_n as_o relate_v not_o to_o future_a contingency_n but_o be_v matter_n of_o faith_n exceed_v the_o reach_n of_o humane_a apprehension_n such_o thing_n as_o may_v be_v know_v when_o reveal_v but_o can_v never_o have_v be_v find_v out_o without_o immediate_a revelation_n such_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n hypostatical_a union_n the_o death_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n now_o the_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o either_o of_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o object_n speak_v as_o much_o a_o true_o prophetical_a spirit_n as_o the_o prediction_n of_o future_a contingency_n so_o that_o this_o must_v not_o be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o just_a and_o adequate_a rule_n to_o measure_v a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n by_o because_o the_o ground_n of_o judge_v a_o prophetical_a spirit_n by_o that_o be_v common_a with_o other_o thing_n without_o that_o see_v other_o object_n be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o humane_a understanding_n as_o well_o as_o future_a event_n and_o therefore_o the_o discovery_n of_o they_o must_v immediate_o flow_v from_o divine_a revelation_n 3._o the_o revelation_n of_o future_a event_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o a_o prophet_n be_v never_o the_o less_o immediate_a although_o the_o event_n may_v not_o be_v correspondent_a to_o the_o prediction_n so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o god_n immediate_o reveal_v such_o future_a contingency_n to_o a_o prophet_n he_o will_v be_v nevertheless_o a_o true_a prophet_n whether_o those_o prediction_n take_v effect_n or_o no._n for_o a_o true_a prophet_n be_v know_v by_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o not_o by_o the_o success_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o as_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o hypothesis_n be_v no_o further_o a_o evidence_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n then_o as_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n a_fw-fr posteriori_fw-la to_o prove_v divine_a revelation_n by_o if_o then_o the_o alteration_n of_o event_n after_o prediction_n be_v reconcileable_a with_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o it_o be_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o prophetical_a spirit_n the_o formality_n of_o which_o lie_v in_o immediate_a revelation_n the_o prophet_n can_v not_o declare_v any_o thing_n more_o to_o the_o people_n 2._o than_o be_v immediate_o reveal_v unto_o themselves_o what_o be_v present_o reveal_v so_o much_o they_o know_v and_o no_o more_o because_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n come_v upon_o they_o per_fw-la modum_fw-la impressionis_fw-la transeuntis_fw-la as_o the_o school_n speak_v and_o not_o per_fw-la modum_fw-la habitus_fw-la the_o lumen_fw-la propheticum_fw-la be_v in_o they_o not_o as_o lumen_fw-la in_o corpore_fw-la lucido_fw-la but_o as_o lumen_fw-la in_o aëre_fw-la and_o therefore_o the_o light_n of_o revelation_n in_o their_o spirit_n depend_v upon_o the_o immediate_a irradiation_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n the_o prophet_n have_v not_o always_o a_o power_n to_o prophecy_n when_o they_o will_v themselves_o and_o thence_o it_o be_v say_v when_o they_o prophesy_v that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o school_n determine_v that_o a_o prophet_n upon_o a_o immediate_a revelation_n do_v not_o know_v omne_fw-la prophetabilia_fw-la as_o they_o speak_v in_o their_o barbarous_a language_n all_o thing_n which_o god_n may_v reveal_v the_o reason_n whereof_o aquinas_n thus_o give_v the_o ground_n say_v he_o of_o the_o connexion_n of_o diverse_a object_n together_o be_v some_o common_a tie_n or_o principle_n which_o 4._o join_v they_o together_o as_o charity_n or_o prudence_n be_v in_o moral_a virtue_n and_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o a_o science_n be_v the_o ground_n why_o all_o thing_n belong_v to_o that_o science_n be_v understand_v but_o now_o in_o divine_a revelation_n that_o which_o connect_v the_o object_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v god_n himself_o now_o because_o he_o can_v be_v full_o apprehend_v by_o any_o humane_a intellect_n therefore_o the_o understanding_n of_o a_o prophet_n can_v comprehend_v all_o matter_n capable_a of_o be_v reveal_v but_o only_o such_o as_o it_o please_v god_n himself_o free_o to_o communicate_v to_o the_o prophet_n understanding_n by_o immediate_a revelation_n this_o be_v further_a evident_a by_o all_o those_o different_a degree_n of_o illumination_n and_o prophecy_n which_o the_o jew_n and_o other_o
convince_v they_o of_o that_o which_o they_o believe_v already_o for_o we_o never_o read_v among_o all_o the_o revolt_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o be_v lapse_v so_o far_o as_o total_o to_o reject_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o have_v be_v to_o alter_v the_o constitution_n of_o their_o commonwealth_n although_o they_o do_v enormous_o offend_v against_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o and_o that_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v main_o concern_v as_o be_v most_o plain_a in_o their_o frequent_a and_o gross_a idolatry_n which_o we_o be_v not_o so_o to_o understand_v as_o though_o they_o whole_o cast_v off_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n but_o they_o superinduce_v as_o the_o samaritan_n do_v the_o worship_n of_o heathen_a idol_n with_o that_o of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n but_o when_o the_o revolt_n grow_v so_o great_a and_o dangerous_a that_o it_o be_v ready_a to_o swallow_v up_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n unless_o some_o apparent_a evidence_n be_v give_v of_o the_o falsity_n of_o those_o heathen_a mixture_n and_o further_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o establish_a religion_n it_o please_v god_n sometime_o to_o send_v his_o prophet_n on_o this_o peculiar_a message_n to_o the_o main_a instrument_n of_o this_o revolt_n as_o be_v most_o conspicuous_a in_o that_o dangerous_a design_n of_o jeroboam_fw-la when_o he_o out_o of_o a_o politic_a end_n set_v up_o his_o two_o calf_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o therein_o it_o be_v the_o more_o dangerous_a in_o that_o in_o all_o probability_n he_o design_v not_o the_o alteration_n of_o the_o worship_n itself_o but_o the_o establishment_n of_o it_o in_o dan_n and_o bethel_n for_o his_o interest_n lie_v not_o in_o draw_v of_o the_o people_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o from_o his_o worship_n at_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o 27._o design_n of_o cantonize_a the_o kingdom_n and_o take_v the_o great_a share_n to_o himself_o now_o that_o god_n may_v confirm_v his_o people_n faith_n in_o this_o dangerous_a juncture_n of_o time_n he_o send_v a_o prophet_n to_o bethel_n who_o by_o the_o work_n of_o present_a miracle_n there_o viz._n the_o rent_v the_o altar_n and_o wither_v of_o jeroboam_n hand_n do_v manifest_a to_o they_o that_o these_o altar_n be_v displease_v to_o god_n 2._o and_o that_o the_o true_a place_n of_o worship_n be_v at_o jerusalem_n so_o in_o that_o famous_a fire-ordeal_a for_o try_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n between_o 38._o god_n and_o baal_n upon_o mount_n carmel_n by_o elijah_n god_n be_v please_v in_o a_o miraculous_a way_n to_o give_v the_o most_o pregnant_a testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o own_o worship_n by_o cause_v a_o fire_n to_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o consume_v the_o sacrifice_n by_o which_o the_o priest_n of_o baal_n be_v confound_v and_o the_o people_n confirm_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n for_o present_o upon_o the_o sight_n of_o this_o miracle_n the_o people_n fall_v on_o their_o face_n and_o say_v the_o lord_n he_o be_v god_n the_o lord_n he_o be_v god_n whereby_o we_o plain_o 39_o see_v what_o clear_a evidence_n be_v give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v attest_v with_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n thus_o the_o widow_n of_o sarepta_n which_o be_v in_o the_o country_n of_o zidon_n be_v bring_v to_o believe_v elijah_n to_o be_v a_o true_a prophet_n by_o his_o raise_n up_o her_o son_n to_o life_n and_o the_o woman_n say_v to_o elijah_n now_o by_o this_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o be_v a_o man_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o 24._o thy_o mouth_n be_v truth_n so_o we_o see_v how_o naaman_n be_v convince_v of_o the_o true_a god_n by_o his_o miraculous_a cure_n in_o jordan_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o elisha_n behold_v now_o i_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n in_o 15._o all_o the_o earth_n but_o in_o israel_n by_o which_o instance_n it_o be_v demonstrable_a that_o either_o the_o faith_n of_o all_o these_o person_n be_v build_v upon_o weak_a and_o insufficient_a ground_n or_o that_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n be_v a_o evident_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o they_o for_o this_o we_o see_v be_v the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o god_n do_v improve_v any_o of_o his_o prophet_n to_o work_v miracle_n viz._n to_o be_v as_o a_o evident_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v reveal_v by_o he_o so_o that_o this_o power_n of_o miracle_n be_v not_o mere_o a_o motive_n of_o credibility_n or_o a_o probable_a inducement_n to_o remove_v prejudice_n from_o the_o person_n as_o many_o of_o our_o divine_n speak_v but_o it_o do_v contain_v a_o evident_a demonstration_n to_o common_a sense_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o they_o and_o thus_o we_o assert_v it_o to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o moses_n the_o truth_n of_o who_o message_n be_v attest_v both_o among_o the_o 16._o egyptian_n and_o the_o israelite_n by_o that_o power_n of_o miracle_n which_o he_o have_v but_o herein_o we_o have_v the_o great_a patron_n of_o moses_n our_o great_a enemy_n viz_o the_o present_a jew_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o enmity_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v attest_v by_o unparallelled_a miracle_n be_v grow_v very_o shy_a of_o the_o argument_n draw_v from_o thence_o in_o so_o much_o that_o their_o great_a dr._n maimonides_n lay_v down_o this_o for_o a_o confident_a maxim_n 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o israelite_n do_v not_o believe_v in_o moses_n our_o master_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v do_v they_o not_o the_o more_o shame_n for_o they_o and_o if_o they_o do_v the_o more_o shame_n for_o this_o great_a rabbi_n thus_o to_o bely_v they_o but_o the_o reason_n he_o give_v for_o it_o be_v because_o there_o may_v remain_v some_o suspicion_n in_o one_o mind_n that_o all_o miracle_n may_v be_v wrought_v by_o a_o power_n of_o magic_n or_o incantation_n say_v you_o so_o what_o when_o moses_n confound_v all_o the_o magician_n in_o egypt_n and_o make_v themselves_o who_o be_v the_o most_o cunning_a in_o these_o thing_n confess_v it_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o at_o last_o give_v out_o as_o not_o able_a to_o stand_v before_o moses_n may_v one_o still_o suspect_v all_o this_o to_o be_v do_v by_o a_o magical_a power_n credat_fw-la judaeus_fw-la apella_n non_fw-la ego_fw-la this_o be_v much_o like_o what_o another_o of_o their_o doctor_n say_v who_o they_o call_v the_o divine_a philosopher_n that_o elisha_n his_o raise_v the_o child_n 18._o to_o life_n and_o cure_v naaman_n leprosy_n and_o daniel_n escape_v the_o lion_n and_o jonas_n out_o of_o the_o whale_n belly_n may_v all_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o star_n or_o by_o pythonisme_n very_o probable_a but_o it_o be_v most_o true_a which_o vortius_n there_o observe_v of_o the_o jew_n nibil_n non_fw-la nugacissimi_fw-la mortalium_fw-la fingunt_fw-la ne_fw-la cogantur_fw-la agnoscere_fw-la virtute_fw-la ac_fw-la digito_fw-la quasi_fw-la ipsius_fw-la dei_fw-la jesum_fw-la nostrum_fw-la effecisse_fw-la miracula_fw-la sua_fw-la all_o their_o design_n in_o this_o be_v only_o to_o elevate_v the_o miracle_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o to_o derogate_v all_o they_o can_v from_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o hence_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o nothing_o be_v so_o easy_a to_o be_v do_v as_o miracle_n the_o mere_a recital_n of_o the_o tetragrammaton_fw-gr will_n work_v wonder_n &_o that_o by_o this_o jeremiah_n and_o our_o saviour_n do_v all_o their_o miracle_n it_o be_v well_o yet_o that_o he_o do_v more_o than_o one_o of_o their_o own_o prophet_n have_v do_v before_o he_o but_o where_o i_o wonder_v do_v we_o read_v that_o ever_o the_o pronounce_v of_o four_o letter_n raise_v one_o from_o the_o dead_a who_o have_v lie_v four_o day_n in_o the_o grave_n or_o by_o what_o power_n do_v christ_n raise_v himself_o from_o the_o dead_a which_o be_v the_o great_a miracle_n of_o all_o can_v his_o dead_a body_n pronounce_v the_o tetragrammaton_fw-gr to_o awaken_v its_o self_n with_o but_o maimonides_n further_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o miracle_n which_o moses_n wrought_v among_o the_o israelite_n be_v mere_o for_o necessity_n and_o not_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o divine_a commission_n for_o which_o he_o instance_v in_o divide_v the_o red_a sea_n the_o rain_v of_o manna_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o corah_n and_o his_o complice_n but_o set_v aside_o that_o these_o two_o latter_a be_v the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o not_o miracle_n do_v by_o moses_n yet_o it_o be_v evidence_n that_o the_o intent_n of_o they_o be_v to_o manifest_v a_o divine_a
mystery_n our_o faith_n stand_v upon_o this_o twofold_a bottom_n first_o that_o the_o be_v understanding_n and_o power_n of_o god_n do_v infinite_o transcend_v we_o and_o therefore_o he_o may_v reveal_v to_o we_o matter_n above_o our_o reach_n and_o capacity_n second_o that_o whatever_o god_n do_v reveal_v be_v undoubted_o true_a though_o we_o may_v not_o full_o understand_v it_o for_o this_o be_v a_o most_o undoubted_a principle_n that_o god_n can_v and_o will_v not_o deceive_v any_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o reveal_v to_o man_n thus_o our_o first_o supposition_n be_v clear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n that_o a_o doctrine_n may_v be_v true_a which_o depend_v not_o on_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o second_o be_v that_o in_o matter_n who_o truth_n depend_v not_o on_o 2._o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o infallible_a testimony_n be_v the_o full_a demonstration_n of_o they_o for_o these_o thing_n not_o be_v of_o mathematical_a evidence_n there_o must_v be_v some_o other_o way_n find_v out_o for_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o in_o all_o those_o thing_n who_o truth_n depend_v on_o testimony_n the_o more_o creditable_a the_o testimony_n be_v the_o high_a evidence_n be_v give_v to_o they_o but_o that_o testimony_n which_o may_v deceive_v can_v give_v so_o pregnant_a a_o evidence_n as_o that_o which_o can_v for_o then_o all_o imaginable_a objection_n be_v take_v off_o this_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o it_o need_v no_o further_a proof_n and_o therefore_o the_o three_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v certain_a way_n whereby_o to_o know_v that_o a_o testimony_n deliver_v be_v infallible_a and_o that_o be_v full_o prove_v by_o 3._o these_o two_o argument_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v propound_v to_o believe_v it_o now_o how_o can_v that_o be_v a_o duty_n in_o they_o to_o believe_v which_o they_o have_v no_o way_n to_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o testimony_n to_o be_v believe_v or_o no._n 2._o because_o god_n will_v condemn_v the_o world_n for_o unbelief_n in_o which_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n proceed_n do_v necessary_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a argument_n to_o induce_v they_o to_o believe_v which_o can_v not_o be_v unless_o there_o be_v some_o certain_a way_n suppose_v whereby_o a_o testimony_n may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v infallible_a these_o three_o thing_n now_o be_v suppose_v viz._n that_o a_o doctrine_n may_v be_v true_a which_o depend_v not_o on_o evidonce_n of_o reason_n that_o the_o great_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o doctrine_n be_v its_o be_v deliver_v by_o infallible_a testimony_n and_o that_o there_o be_v certain_a way_n whereby_o a_o testimony_n may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v infallible_a our_o first_o principle_n be_v full_o confirm_v which_o be_v that_o where_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o doctrine_n depend_v not_o on_o evidence_n of_o reason_n but_o on_o the_o authority_n of_o he_o that_o reveal_v it_o the_o only_a way_n to_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v true_a be_v to_o prove_v the_o testimony_n of_o he_o that_o reveal_v it_o to_o be_v infallible_a the_o next_o principle_n or_o hypothesis_n which_o i_o lay_v down_o be_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a evidence_n that_o a_o testimony_n be_v infallible_a 2._o then_o that_o it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n himself_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o depend_v upon_o a_o common_a notion_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o be_v the_o veracity_n of_o god_n in_o whatever_o way_n he_o discover_v himself_o to_o man_n and_o therefore_o the_o ultimate_a resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n as_o to_o its_o formal_a object_n must_v be_v alone_o into_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n reveal_v thing_n unto_o we_o for_o the_o principium_fw-la certitudinis_fw-la or_o foundation_n of_o all_o certain_a assent_n can_v be_v fetch_v no_o high_o neither_o will_v it_o stand_v any_o low_a than_o the_o infallible_a verity_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o principium_fw-la patefactionis_fw-la or_o the_o ground_n of_o discovery_n of_o spiritual_a truth_n to_o our_o mind_n must_v be_v resolve_v into_o divine_a testimony_n or_o revelation_n these_o two_o than_o not_o take_v asunder_o but_o joint_o god_n who_o can_v lie_v have_v reveal_v these_o thing_n be_v the_o only_a certain_a foundation_n for_o a_o divine_a faith_n to_o rest_v its_o self_n upon_o but_o now_o the_o particular_a exercise_n of_o a_o divine_a faith_n lie_v in_o a_o firm_a assent_n to_o such_o a_o particular_a thing_n as_o divine_o reveal_v and_o herein_o lie_v not_o so_o much_o the_o testimony_n as_o the_o peculiar_a energy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o incline_v the_o soul_n to_o believe_v peculiar_a object_n of_o faith_n as_o of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o the_o general_a ground_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o call_v the_o formal_a object_n or_o the_o ratio_fw-la propter_fw-la quam_fw-la credimus_fw-la be_v the_o general_a infallibility_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n for_o in_o a_o matter_n concern_v divine_a revelation_n there_o be_v two_o great_a question_n to_o be_v resolve_v the_o first_o be_v why_o i_o believe_v a_o divine_a testimony_n with_o a_o firm_a assent_n the_o answer_n to_o that_o be_v because_o i_o be_o assure_v that_o what_o ever_o god_n speak_v be_v true_a the_o other_o be_v upon_o what_o ground_n do_v i_o believe_v this_o to_o be_v a_o divine_a testimony_n the_o resolution_n of_o which_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v understand_v must_v be_v fetch_v from_o those_o rational_a evidence_n whereby_o a_o divine_a testimony_n must_v be_v distinguish_v from_o one_o mere_o humane_a and_o fallible_a for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o its_o work_n upon_o the_o mind_n do_v not_o carry_v it_o on_o by_o a_o brutish_a impulse_n but_o draw_v it_o by_o a_o spiritual_a discovery_n of_o such_o strong_a and_o persuasive_a ground_n to_o assent_v to_o what_o be_v reveal_v that_o the_o mind_n do_v ready_o give_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o that_o which_o it_o see_v such_o convince_a reason_n to_o believe_v now_o the_o strong_a reason_n to_o believe_v be_v the_o manifestation_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n so_o clear_o discover_v to_o a_o true_a believer_n that_o he_o not_o only_o firm_o assent_v to_o the_o general_a foundation_n of_o faith_n the_o veracity_n of_o god_n but_o to_o the_o particular_a object_n propound_v as_o a_o matter_n of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o this_o latter_a question_n be_v not_o here_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o discourse_n our_o proposition_n only_o concern_v the_o general_a foundation_n of_o faith_n which_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o rational_a and_o evident_a as_o no_o principle_n in_o nature_n can_v be_v more_o for_o if_o the_o testimony_n on_o which_o i_o be_o to_o rely_v be_v only_a god_n and_o i_o be_v assure_v from_o natural_a reason_n that_o his_o testimony_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o infallible_a wherein_o do_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n fall_v short_a of_o that_o in_o any_o mathematical_a demonstration_n upon_o which_o account_n a_o divine_a testimony_n have_v be_v regard_v with_o so_o much_o veneration_n among_o all_o who_o have_v own_v a_o deity_n although_o they_o have_v be_v unacquainted_a with_o any_o certain_a way_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o any_o reject_v such_o a_o testimony_n among_o the_o heathen_n be_v either_o because_o they_o believe_v not_o a_o deity_n or_o else_o that_o the_o particular_a testimony_n produce_v be_v mere_a fraud_n and_o imposture_n and_o therefore_o no_o divine_a testimony_n as_o it_o be_v give_v out_o to_o be_v but_o the_o principle_n still_o remain_v indisputable_a that_o on_o supposition_n the_o testimony_n be_v what_o it_o pretend_v to_o be_v there_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o believe_v it_o although_o it_o come_v not_o in_o such_o a_o way_n of_o probation_n as_o their_o science_n proceed_v in_o from_o which_o principle_n arise_v that_o speech_n of_o tully_n which_o he_o have_v translate_v cicer._n out_o of_o plato_n timaeus_n ac_fw-la difficillimum_fw-la factu_fw-la à _fw-la diis_fw-la ortis_fw-la sidem_fw-la non_fw-la haberâ—_n quanquam_fw-la nec_fw-la argumentis_fw-la nec_fw-la rationibus_fw-la certis_fw-la eorum_fw-la oratio_fw-la confirmetur_fw-la by_o which_o we_o see_v what_o a_o presumption_n there_o be_v of_o truth_n where_o there_o be_v any_o evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n and_o no_o doubt_n upon_o the_o advantage_n of_o this_o principle_n it_o be_v the_o devil_n gain_v so_o great_a credit_n to_o his_o oracle_n for_o therein_o he_o do_v the_o most_o imitate_v divine_a revelation_n from_o hence_o then_o we_o see_v what_o a_o firm_a bottom_n faith_n in_o the_o general_n stand_v upon_o which_o be_v nothing_o short_a of_o a_o infallible_a divine_a testimony_n other_o thing_n may_v conduce_v by_o way_n of_o subserviency_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o this_o but_o nothing_o
of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o soul_n it_o cheerful_o embrace_v that_o truth_n which_o be_v reveal_v and_o cordial_o yield_v up_o its_o self_n in_o obedience_n to_o it_o this_o be_v the_o divine_a faith_n which_o the_o scripture_n acquaint_v we_o with_o and_o not_o such_o a_o one_o as_o mere_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n and_o as_o to_o the_o production_n of_o this_o faith_n i_o acknowledge_v mere_a rational_a evidence_n to_o be_v insufficient_a because_o they_o proceed_v in_o 2d_o very_o different_a way_n the_o one_o be_v to_o satisfy_v man_n mind_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n the_o other_o be_v to_o bring_v they_o effectual_o to_o adhere_v unto_o it_o the_o assert_v of_o the_o one_o therefore_o do_v no_o more_o tend_v to_o destroy_v the_o other_o than_o the_o say_n that_o a_o telescope_n will_v help_v we_o to_o discover_v very_o much_o of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n do_v imply_v that_o a_o blind_a man_n may_v see_v they_o if_o he_o make_v but_o use_v of_o they_o although_o therefore_o the_o natural_a man_n can_v saving_o apprehend_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n yet_o there_o may_v be_v so_o much_o rational_a evidence_n go_v along_o with_o divine_a revelation_n that_o suppose_v reason_n to_o be_v pure_a and_o not_o corrupt_v and_o steep_v in_o sense_n as_o now_o it_o be_v it_o will_v discover_v spiritual_a evidence_n to_o be_v the_o most_o real_a and_o convince_a evidence_n thus_o far_o we_o have_v prove_v that_o where_o there_o be_v any_o infallible_a testimony_n there_o be_v sufficient_a rational_a evidence_n go_v along_o with_o it_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n chap._n ix_o the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n from_o miracle_n the_o possibility_n of_o miracle_n appear_v from_o god_n and_o providence_n the_o evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n by_o they_o god_n alone_o can_v real_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n the_o devil_n power_n of_o work_a miracle_n consider_v of_o simon_n magus_n apollonius_n the_o cure_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o aesculapius_n at_o rome_n etc._n etc._n god_n never_o work_v miracle_n but_o for_o some_o particular_a end_n the_o particular_a reason_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ._n the_o repeal_n the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o have_v be_v settle_v by_o miracle_n why_o christ_n check_v the_o pharisee_n for_o demand_v a_o sign_n when_o himself_o appeal_v to_o his_o miracle_n the_o power_n of_o christ_n miracle_n on_o many_o who_o do_v not_o thorough_o believe_v christ_n miracle_n make_v it_o evident_a that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n because_o the_o prediction_n be_v fulfil_v in_o he_o why_o john_n baptist_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n christ_n miracle_n necessary_a for_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o devil_n kingdom_n of_o the_o daemoniack_n and_o lunatic_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o power_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n over_o they_o large_o prove_v by_o several_a testimony_n the_o evidence_n thence_o of_o a_o divine_a power_n in_o christ._n of_o counterfeit_a dispossession_n of_o miracle_n wrought_v among_o infidel_n of_o the_o future_a state_n of_o the_o church_n the_o necessity_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o the_o propagation_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o prove_v from_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o publisher_n and_o the_o success_n of_o the_o doctrine_n the_o apostle_n know_v the_o hazard_n of_o their_o employment_n before_o they_o enter_v on_o it_o the_o boldness_n and_o resolution_n of_o the_o apostle_n notwithstanding_o this_o compare_v with_o heathen_a philosopher_n no_o motive_n can_v carry_v the_o apostle_n through_o their_o employment_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n not_o seek_v the_o honour_n profit_n or_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n the_o apostle_n evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n lie_v in_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n and_o resurrection_n that_o attest_v by_o themselves_o their_o sufficiency_n thence_o for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n contrariety_n of_o it_o to_o natural_a inclination_n strange_a success_n of_o it_o notwithstanding_o it_o come_v not_o with_o humane_a power_n no_o christian_a emperor_n till_o the_o gospel_n universal_o preach_v the_o weakness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o instrument_n which_o preach_v the_o gospel_n from_o all_o which_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n be_v prove_v of_o all_o rational_a evidence_n which_o tend_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n there_o can_v be_v none_o great_a than_o 5._o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n for_o confirmation_n that_o the_o testimony_n which_o be_v reveal_v be_v infallible_a the_o possibility_n of_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n can_v be_v question_v by_o any_o who_o assert_v a_o deity_n and_o a_o providence_n for_o by_o the_o same_o power_n that_o thing_n be_v either_o at_o first_o produce_v or_o be_v still_o conserve_v which_o be_v equivalent_a to_o the_o other_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v alter_v and_o thing_n cause_v which_o be_v beyond_o the_o power_n of_o inferior_a cause_n for_o though_o that_o be_v a_o immutable_a law_n of_o nature_n as_o to_o physical_a being_n that_o every_o thing_n remain_v in_o the_o course_n and_o order_n wherein_o it_o be_v set_v at_o the_o creation_n yet_o that_o only_o hold_v till_o the_o same_o power_n which_o set_v it_o in_o that_o order_n shall_v otherwise_o dispose_v of_o it_o grant_v then_o the_o possibility_n of_o miracle_n the_o subject_n of_o this_o hypothesis_n be_v that_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n be_v the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n which_o will_v appear_v from_o these_o follow_a consideration_n god_n alone_o can_v real_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n i_o speak_v 1._o not_o of_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v apt_a only_o to_o raise_v admiration_n in_o we_o because_o of_o our_o unacquaintedness_n with_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o or_o manner_n of_o their_o production_n which_o be_v thence_o call_v wonder_n much_o less_o of_o mere_a juggle_v and_o imposture_n whereby_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n be_v deceive_v but_o i_o speak_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v in_o themselves_o either_o contrary_n to_o or_o above_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n i._n e._n that_o order_n which_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o universe_n the_o devil_n no_o question_n may_v and_o do_v often_o deceive_v the_o world_n and_o may_v by_o the_o subtlety_n and_o agility_n of_o his_o nature_n perform_v such_o thing_n as_o may_v amuse_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o sometime_o put_v they_o to_o it_o to_o find_v a_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o real_a miracle_n if_o they_o only_o make_v their_o sense_n judge_n of_o they_o and_o such_o kind_n of_o wonder_n though_o they_o be_v but_o spare_o do_v and_o with_o a_o kind_n of_o secrecy_n as_o though_o they_o be_v consult_v with_o catiline_n about_o the_o burn_a rome_n yet_o the_o devil_n will_v have_v some_o especial_o when_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n be_v ascendant_n to_o keep_v up_o his_o interest_n in_o the_o world_n or_o else_o when_o he_o be_v like_a to_o be_v dispossess_v and_o throw_v out_o of_o all_o he_o than_o try_v his_o utmost_a to_o keep_v as_o many_o to_o he_o as_o may_v be_v thus_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n appear_v in_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n he_o then_o conjure_v up_o all_o the_o infernal_a power_n to_o do_v something_o parallel_v to_o keep_v possession_n of_o his_o idolatrous_a temple_n as_o long_o as_o he_o can_v thus_o we_o find_v simon_n magus_n dog_v the_o apostle_n as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o heel_n that_o by_o his_o magic_n he_o may_v stagger_v the_o faith_n of_o people_n concern_v the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o apostle_n after_o he_o apollonius_n appear_v upon_o the_o stage_n but_o his_o wonder_n be_v such_o pitiful_a thing_n compare_v with_o those_o wrought_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n that_o it_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o malice_n in_o hierocles_n to_o mention_v he_o in_o competition_n with_o christ._n but_o those_o thing_n which_o seem_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o considerable_a then_o either_o of_o these_o be_v the_o cure_n of_o a_o blind_a man_n by_o vespasian_n in_o egypt_n 7._o mention_v by_o tacitus_n and_o suetonius_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o palpable_a imitation_n of_o our_o saviour_n cure_v the_o blind_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o man_n tell_v vespasian_n restituturum_fw-la oculos_fw-la si_fw-la inspuisset_fw-la that_o he_o shall_v receive_v his_o sight_n by_o his_o spittle_n so_o spartianus_n tell_v we_o of_o a_o woman_n that_o be_v cure_v of_o her_o blindness_n by_o kiss_v the_o knee_n of_o the_o emperor_n adrian_n and_o boxhornius_n have_v produce_v a_o old_a fable_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o
people_n in_o a_o condition_n to_o be_v feed_v by_o manna_n as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n god_n gracious_o suit_v the_o discovery_n of_o his_o power_n to_o the_o peculiar_a advantage_n of_o the_o people_n which_o they_o be_v make_v to_o and_o the_o dispensation_n they_o usher_v in_o those_o terrible_a sign_n at_o mount_n sinai_n be_v very_o suitable_a to_o the_o severity_n and_o rigour_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gracious_a miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o the_o sweetness_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o on_o this_o account_n our_o saviour_n charge_v the_o jew_n with_o hypocrisy_n in_o require_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o something_o above_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o prodigy_n rather_o than_o a_o miracle_n a_o evil_a and_o adulterous_a generation_n seek_v after_o a_o sign_n and_o there_o shall_v no_o sign_n 9_o be_v give_v it_o but_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n jonas_n i._n e._n this_o people_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o therefore_o be_v supposititious_a child_n that_o no_o miracle_n which_o i_o do_v will_v convince_v they_o but_o they_o seek_v only_o to_o have_v their_o humour_n gratify_v more_o than_o their_o faith_n confirm_v by_o some_o prodigy_n from_o heaven_n shall_v not_o by_o i_o be_v thus_o gratify_v but_o have_v do_v enough_o already_o to_o persuade_v they_o if_o they_o have_v any_o heart_n to_o believe_v instead_o of_o a_o sign_n from_o heaven_n they_o shall_v have_v only_o one_o from_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o not_o so_o much_o intend_v for_o the_o conversion_n of_o such_o wilful_a unbeliever_n as_o for_o the_o testify_a my_o innocency_n to_o the_o world_n viz._n his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o so_o elsewhere_o when_o the_o jew_n demand_v a_o sign_n it_o be_v upon_o the_o do_n of_o that_o which_o if_o they_o have_v attend_v to_o have_v be_v a_o sufficient_a sign_n to_o they_o viz._n his_o drive_v the_o buyer_n and_o seller_n out_o of_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n permit_v 18._o by_o the_o sanbedrim_n and_o the_o priest_n how_o can_v they_o think_v so_o mean_a a_o person_n in_o appearance_n as_o our_o saviour_n be_v can_v ever_o have_v effect_v it_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o a_o divine_a majesty_n and_o power_n which_o appear_v in_o he_o it_o be_v not_o then_o the_o expectation_n of_o miracle_n which_o our_o saviour_n rebuke_v in_o the_o jew_n but_o be_v unsatisfied_a with_o the_o kind_n and_o nature_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n it_o be_v their_o hypocrisy_n and_o unbelief_n which_o christ_n condemn_v notwithstanding_o the_o frequent_a miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v among_o they_o for_o we_o plain_o find_v our_o saviour_n very_o often_o appeal_n to_o his_o miracle_n as_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o divine_a commission_n if_o i_o have_v not_o do_v the_o 24._o work_n among_o they_o which_o no_o man_n else_o do_v they_o have_v not_o sin_n i._n e._n in_o not_o believe_v i_o whereby_o christ_n both_o set_v forth_o the_o necessity_n of_o his_o work_a miracle_n in_o order_n to_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o woâ—ld_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v he_o do_v those_o no_o man_n else_o have_v do_v no_o not_o moses_n and_o elias_n in_o cure_v all_o manner_n of_o disease_n by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o those_o miracle_n which_o they_o have_v do_v he_o exceed_v they_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v they_o moses_n feed_v they_o with_o bread_n from_o heaven_n but_o christ_n multiply_v on_o earth_n some_o few_o loaf_n and_o fish_n to_o the_o feed_n of_o many_o thousand_o elias_n indeed_o raise_v one_o from_o the_o dead_a but_o christ_n raise_v more_o and_o one_o after_o he_o have_v be_v four_o day_n in_o the_o grave_n and_o upon_o this_o very_a evidence_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n we_o find_v many_o believe_v on_o he_o and_o even_o of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o so_o far_o wrought_v upon_o as_o to_o become_v follower_n of_o christ_n as_o 11._o the_o only_a messiah_n yet_o we_o find_v they_o so_o far_o persuade_v by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o miracle_n that_o they_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o great_a prophet_n or_o one_o that_o be_v send_v from_o god_n so_o nicodemus_n who_o come_v first_o to_o christ_n more_o as_o a_o rational_a enquirer_n than_o a_o believer_n yet_o we_o see_v he_o be_v persuade_v that_o he_o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n because_o no_o man_n can_v do_v 2._o the_o miracle_n which_o christ_n do_v unless_o god_n be_v with_o he_o and_o before_o he_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n at_o jerusalem_n believe_v in_o his_o 23._o name_n when_o they_o see_v the_o miracle_n which_o he_o do_v yet_o these_o person_n christ_n will_v not_o trust_v himself_o with_o because_o he_o know_v their_o heart_n be_v not_o subdue_v to_o his_o doctrine_n though_o their_o understanding_n be_v convince_v by_o his_o miracle_n and_o after_o this_o other_o of_o the_o jew_n that_o look_v not_o on_o he_o as_o the_o messiah_n yet_o it_o be_v say_v they_o believe_v on_o he_o on_o the_o account_n of_o his_o miracle_n and_o many_o of_o the_o people_n believe_v on_o he_o and_o say_v when_o christ_n come_v will_v he_o do_v more_o miracle_n than_o these_o which_o this_o man_n have_v do_v although_o herein_o they_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a in_o believe_v the_o evidence_n and_o not_o the_o truth_n attest_v by_o it_o in_o believe_v christ_n to_o be_v one_o send_v from_o god_n by_o his_o miracle_n 31._o and_o yet_o not_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n attest_v by_o they_o not_o that_o mere_a miracle_n will_v prove_v the_o person_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n who_o do_v they_o but_o the_o miracle_n prove_v the_o testimony_n to_o be_v divine_a now_o that_o which_o christ_n deliver_v to_o they_o as_o a_o divine_a testimony_n be_v his_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o therefore_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n they_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v one_o send_v from_o god_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n for_o one_o send_v from_o god_n can_v never_o falsify_v in_o the_o main_a of_o his_o message_n as_o this_o be_v of_o our_o saviour_n preach_v and_o thence_o it_o be_v observable_a our_o saviour_n do_v not_o show_v forth_o his_o divine_a power_n till_o he_o enter_v upon_o his_o office_n of_o preach_v thereby_o make_v it_o appear_v he_o intend_v this_o as_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o preach_v to_o they_o and_o herein_o the_o blind_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n see_v more_o truth_n and_o reason_n then_o the_o whole_a court_n of_o sanhedrin_n before_o which_o in_o probability_n he_o be_v convent_v about_o his_o cure_n by_o christ_n for_o when_o they_o seek_v to_o get_v something_o out_o of_o he_o in_o disparagement_n of_o our_o saviour_n person_n and_o miracle_n he_o sharp_o and_o round_o tell_v they_o when_o they_o say_v they_o know_v god_n speak_v to_o moses_n but_o for_o this_o fellow_n we_o know_v not_o from_o whence_o he_o be_v why_o herein_o say_v he_o be_v a_o marvellous_a thing_n that_o you_o know_v not_o from_o whence_o he_o be_v and_o yet_o he_o have_v open_v my_o eye_n if_o this_o man_n be_v not_o of_o god_n he_o 33._o can_v do_v nothing_o as_o though_o he_o have_v say_v be_v it_o not_o plain_a that_o this_o man_n be_v employ_v by_o god_n in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o do_v for_o otherwise_o god_n will_v not_o so_o ready_o assist_v he_o in_o do_v such_o great_a work_n for_o we_o know_v that_o god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n but_o if_o any_o man_n be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n 31._o and_o do_v his_o will_n he_o he_o hear_v i._n e._n if_o this_o man_n pretend_v a_o commission_n from_o heaven_n false_o whereby_o he_o will_v be_v the_o great_a of_o sinner_n can_v we_o think_v god_n will_v so_o miraculous_o assist_v he_o but_o we_o know_v by_o our_o law_n if_o one_o come_v with_o a_o commission_n from_o god_n and_o draw_v man_n not_o to_o idolatry_n which_o be_v mean_v by_o a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n such_o a_o one_o god_n be_v present_a with_o and_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v he_o and_o for_o this_o very_a miracle_n of_o cure_v one_o bear_v blind_a be_v the_o like_a ever_o hear_v of_o before_o do_v ever_o moses_n or_o the_o prophet_n do_v it_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o strong_a rational_a evidence_n there_o be_v in_o this_o miracle_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o this_o blind_a man_n which_o he_o utter_v with_o so_o much_o reason_n before_o the_o court_n of_o sanhedrin_n when_o he_o know_v how_o like_a he_o be_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v for_o it_o and_o yet_o this_o very_a person_n be_v as_o yet_o ignorant_a that_o christ_n be_v the_o
a_o heroickfreedom_n of_o spirit_n appear_v in_o these_o word_n what_o magnanimity_n and_o courage_n be_v there_o now_o in_o that_o person_n who_o dare_v in_o the_o face_n of_o this_o court_n tell_v they_o of_o their_o murder_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n but_o by_o he_o who_o they_o have_v crucify_v well_o may_v they_o wonder_v at_o the_o boldness_n of_o the_o man_n who_o fear_v not_o the_o same_o death_n which_o they_o have_v so_o late_o bring_v their_o lord_n and_o master_n to_o neither_o be_v this_o single_o the_o case_n of_o peter_n and_o john_n but_o all_o 10._o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n undertake_v their_o work_n with_o the_o same_o resolution_n and_o preparation_n of_o spirit_n to_o under_o go_v the_o great_a hardship_n in_o the_o world_n sor_n the_o sake_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o preach_v and_o according_o as_o far_a as_o ecclesiastical_a history_n can_v ascertain_v we_o of_o it_o they_o do_v all_o but_o john_n and_o that_o to_o make_v good_a 22._o the_o prediction_n of_o christ_n suffer_v violent_a death_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o who_o persecute_v they_o mere_o for_o their_o doctrine_n and_o which_o be_v most_o observable_a when_o christ_n design_v they_o first_o of_o all_o for_o this_o work_n he_o tell_v they_o before_o hand_n of_o reproach_n persecution_n all_o manner_n of_o hardship_n nay_o of_o death_n its_o self_n which_o they_o must_v undergo_v for_o his_o sake_n all_o that_o he_o give_v they_o 28._o by_o way_n of_o encouragement_n be_v that_o they_o can_v only_o kill_v the_o body_n and_o not_o the_o soul_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o shall_v fear_v he_o only_o who_o can_v destroy_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o hell_n all_o the_o support_n they_o have_v be_v a_o expectation_n in_o another_o world_n and_o that_o animate_v they_o to_o go_v through_o all_o the_o hardship_n of_o this_o where_o do_v we_o ever_o read_v of_o any_o such_o boldness_n and_o courage_n in_o the_o most_o know_v philosopher_n of_o the_o heathen_n with_o what_o saintness_n and_o misgive_n of_o mind_n do_v socrates_n speak_v in_o his_o famous_a discourse_n suppose_v to_o be_v make_v by_o he_o before_o his_o death_n how_o phaed._n uncertain_o do_v he_o speak_v of_o a_o state_n of_o immortality_n and_o yet_o in_o all_o probability_n plato_n set_v it_o forth_o with_o all_o advantage_n imaginable_a where_o do_v we_o find_v that_o ever_o any_o of_o the_o great_a friend_n of_o socrates_n who_o be_v present_a at_o his_o death_n as_o phaedo_fw-la cebes_n crito_n and_o simmias_n dare_v enter_v the_o areopagus_n and_o condemn_v they_o there_o for_o the_o murder_n of_o socrates_n though_o this_o will_v be_v far_o short_a of_o what_o the_o apostle_n do_v why_o be_v they_o not_o so_o charitable_a as_o to_o inform_v the_o world_n better_o of_o those_o grand_a truth_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o immortality_n of_o soul_n if_o at_o least_o they_o be_v full_o convince_v of_o they_o themselves_o why_o do_v not_o plato_n at_o least_o speak_v out_o and_o tell_v the_o world_n the_o truth_n and_o not_o disguise_v his_o discourse_n under_o feign_a name_n the_o better_a to_o avoid_v accusation_n and_o the_o fate_n of_o socrates_n how_o do_v he_o mince_v his_o excellent_a matter_n and_o play_v as_o it_o be_v at_o bo-peep_a with_o his_o reader_n sometime_o appear_v and_o then_o pull_v in_o his_o horn_n again_o it_o may_v not_o be_v a_o improbable_a conjecture_n that_o the_o death_n of_o socrates_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o academy_n i_o mean_v of_o that_o cautelous_a doctrine_n of_o withhold_v assent_n and_o be_v both_o pro_fw-la and_o con_v sometime_o of_o this_o side_n and_o sometime_o of_o that_o for_o socrates_n his_o death_n have_v make_v all_o his_o friend_n very_o fearful_a of_o be_v too_o dogmatical_a and_o plato_n himself_o have_v too_o much_o riches_n and_o withal_o too_o much_o of_o a_o courtier_n in_o he_o to_o hazard_v the_o dear_a prison_n of_o his_o soul_n viz._n his_o body_n mere_o for_o a_o aethereal_a vehicle_n he_o have_v rather_o let_v his_o soul_n flutter_v up_o and_o down_o in_o a_o terrestrial_a matter_n or_o the_o cage_n it_o be_v pâ—nt_v up_o in_o then_o hazard_v too_o violent_a a_o open_n of_o it_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o areopagus_n and_o the_o great_a roman_a orator_n among_o the_o rest_n of_o plato_n sentiment_n have_v learn_v this_o too_o for_o although_o in_o his_o discourse_n he_o have_v many_o time_n sufficient_o lay_v open_a the_o folly_n of_o the_o heathen_a worship_n and_o theology_n yet_o he_o know_v how_o to_o bring_v himself_o off_o safe_a enough_o with_o the_o people_n and_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v dogmatical_a only_o in_o this_o that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v innovate_v in_o the_o religion_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n and_o that_o the_o custom_n of_o our_o ancestor_n be_v inviolable_o to_o be_v observe_v which_o principle_n have_v they_o be_v true_a as_o they_o be_v safe_a for_o the_o person_n who_o speak_v they_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v never_o gain_v any_o entertainment_n in_o the_o world_n for_o where_o ever_o it_o come_v it_o meet_v with_o this_o potent_a prejudice_n that_o it_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o innovation_n and_o therefore_o be_v shrewd_o suspect_v by_o the_o governor_n of_o commonwealth_n and_o the_o preacher_n of_o it_o punish_v as_o factious_a and_o seditious_a person_n which_o be_v all_o the_o pretext_n the_o wise_a politician_n of_o the_o world_n have_v for_o their_o cruel_a and_o inhuman_a persecution_n of_o such_o multitude_n of_o peaceable_a and_o innocent_a christian_n now_o when_o these_o thing_n be_v foretell_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o before_o their_o go_v abroad_o so_o plain_o that_o with_o the_o same_o say_v they_o do_v believe_v the_o doctrine_n they_o preach_v to_o be_v true_a they_o must_v believe_v that_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v what_o courage_n and_o magnanimity_n of_o spirit_n be_v it_o in_o they_o thus_o to_o encounter_v danger_n and_o as_o it_o be_v court_v the_o slame_n nay_o and_o before_o the_o time_n be_v come_v that_o they_o must_v die_v to_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n their_o whole_a life_n be_v a_o continual_a peregrination_n wherein_o they_o be_v as_o so_o many_o job_n in_o pilgrimage_n encounter_v with_o peril_n and_o danger_n on_o every_o side_n of_o which_o one_o of_o the_o most_o painful_a and_o successful_a s._n paul_n have_v give_v in_o such_o a_o large_a inventory_n of_o his_o peril_n that_o the_o very_a read_n of_o they_o be_v 9_o enough_o to_o undo_v a_o poor_a epicurean_a philosopher_n and_o at_o once_o to_o spoil_v he_o of_o the_o two_o pillar_n of_o his_o happiness_n the_o quietness_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o ease_v of_o his_o body_n thus_o we_o see_v what_o a_o hazardous_a employment_n that_o be_v which_o the_o apostle_n go_v upon_o and_o that_o it_o be_v such_o as_o they_o very_o well_o understand_v the_o difficulty_n of_o before_o they_o set_v upon_o it_o second_o we_o can_v find_v out_o any_o rational_a motive_n which_o 11._o can_v carry_v they_o through_o so_o hazardous_a a_o employment_n but_o the_o full_a conviction_n of_o their_o mind_n of_o the_o undoubted_a truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o deliver_v we_o find_v before_o that_o no_o vulgar_a motive_n in_o the_o world_n can_v carry_v they_o upon_o that_o design_n which_o they_o go_v upon_o can_v they_o be_v lead_v by_o ambition_n and_o vain_a glory_n who_o meet_v with_o such_o reproach_n where_o ever_o they_o go_v and_o not_o only_a persecution_n of_o the_o tongue_n but_o the_o sharp_a one_o of_o the_o hand_n too_o we_o never_o read_v of_o any_o but_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o be_v ambitious_a of_o be_v martyr_n and_o think_v long_o till_o they_o be_v in_o the_o flame_n which_o make_v arrius_n antoninus_n be_v proconsul_n of_o asia_n when_o christian_n in_o multitude_n beset_v his_o tribunal_n and_o throng_v in_o to_o be_v condemn_v say_v to_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d o_o miserable_a people_n have_v not_o you_o way_v enough_o to_o 5._o end_v your_o life_n at_o hâ—me_n but_o you_o must_v crowd_n for_o a_o execution_n this_o be_v a_o high_a ambition_n by_o far_o then_o any_o of_o those_o mancipia_fw-la gloriae_fw-la those_o chamaeleon_n that_o live_v on_o the_o breath_n of_o applause_n the_o heathen_a philosopher_n ever_o reach_v to_o who_o be_v as_o tertullian_n express_v it_o homines_fw-la gloriae_fw-la &_o eloquentiae_fw-la solius_fw-la libidinosi_fw-la unsatiable_a thirster_n after_o the_o honour_n and_o eloquence_n of_o 47._o the_o world_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o christian_a do_v soar_v too_o high_a to_o quarry_n on_o so_o mean_v a_o prâ—y_n when_o the_o more_o sober_a heathen_n have_v take_v a_o strict_a notice_n of_o the_o carriage_n and_o life_n of_o the_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o all_o
their_o genuine_a follower_n they_o instead_o of_o the_o common_a and_o rude_a name_n of_o impostor_n give_v they_o a_o more_o civil_a title_n of_o philosopher_n and_o look_v upon_o their_o doctrine_n as_o a_o sublime_a kind_n of_o philosophy_n non_fw-la utique_fw-la divinum_fw-la negotium_fw-la existimant_fw-la sed_fw-la make_fw-mi be_v philosophiae_fw-la genus_fw-la as_o tertullian_n 46._o tell_v we_o because_o the_o philosopher_n pretend_v so_o much_o to_o moral_a virtue_n which_o they_o see_v the_o christian_n so_o excellent_a in_o but_o as_o tertullian_n there_o reply_v nomen_fw-la hoc_fw-la philosophorum_fw-la daemonia_fw-la non_fw-la fugat_fw-la the_o devil_n be_v never_o afraid_a of_o a_o philosopher_n beard_n nor_o be_v disease_n cure_v by_o the_o touch_n of_o a_o philosophic_a pallium_fw-la there_o be_v something_o more_o divine_a in_o christian_n then_o in_o the_o grave_a philosopher_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o reference_n to_o their_o life_n and_o the_o divine_a power_n which_o be_v see_v in_o they_o but_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o their_o doctrine_n it_o be_v a_o true_a character_n give_v of_o both_o by_o that_o same_o excellent_a writer_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o christian_n of_o his_o time_n veritatem_fw-la philosophi_fw-la quidem_fw-la affâ—ctant_fw-la possident_fw-la autem_fw-la christiani_n what_o the_o philosopher_n desire_v only_o the_o christian_n enjoy_v 4._o which_o be_v truth_n and_o as_o he_o elsewhere_o more_o full_o speak_v mimicè_fw-la philosophi_fw-la affectant_fw-la veritatem_fw-la &_o affectando_fw-la corrum_fw-la punt_n ut_fw-la qui_fw-la gloriam_fw-la captant_fw-la christianieam_fw-la necessariò_fw-la appetunt_fw-la 46._o &_o integri_fw-la praestant_fw-la ut_fw-la qui_fw-la saluti_fw-la suae_fw-la curant_fw-la truth_n be_v the_o philosopher_n mistress_n which_o by_o court_v he_o vitiate_v and_o corrupt_v look_v at_o nothing_o but_o his_o own_o glory_n but_o truth_n be_v the_o christian_n matron_n who_o direction_n he_o observe_v and_o follow_v because_o he_o regard_v no_o glory_n but_o that_o to_o come_v and_o to_o let_v they_o further_o see_v what_o a_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o a_o christian_a and_o a_o philosopher_n he_o conclude_v that_o discourse_n with_o these_o word_n quid_fw-la adeo_fw-la simile_n philosophus_fw-la &_o christianus_n graeciae_fw-la discipulus_fw-la et_fw-la coeli_fw-la famae_fw-la negotiator_fw-la et_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la verborum_fw-la et_fw-fr factorum_fw-la operator_fw-la rerum_fw-la aedificator_n et_fw-la destructor_n amicus_fw-la et_fw-fr inimicus_fw-la erroris_fw-la veritatis_fw-la interpolator_n et_fw-la integrator_fw-la furator_fw-la ejus_fw-la et_fw-la custos_fw-la as_o much_o distance_n say_v he_o as_o there_o be_v between_o greece_n and_o heaven_n between_o applause_n and_o eternal_a glory_n between_o word_n and_o thing_n between_o building_n and_o destroy_v between_o truth_n and_o error_n between_o a_o plagiary_n and_o corrupter_n of_o truth_n and_o a_o preserver_n and_o advancer_n of_o it_o so_o much_o be_v there_o between_o a_o philosopher_n and_o a_o christian._n the_o heathen_n may_v suspect_v indeed_o some_o kind_n of_o affinity_n between_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o ancient_a sophist_n of_o greece_n because_o of_o their_o frequent_a go_v from_o place_n to_o place_n and_o pretend_v a_o kind_n of_o enthusiasm_n as_o they_o do_v but_o as_o much_o difference_n as_o there_o be_v between_o a_o knight_n errant_a and_o hercules_n between_o a_o mountebank_n and_o hypocrates_n that_o and_o much_o great_a there_o be_v between_o a_o greek_a sophist_n and_o a_o apostle_n socrates_n in_o plato_n euthydemus_n have_v excellent_o discover_v the_o vanity_n and_o futility_n of_o those_o person_n under_o the_o person_n of_o euthydemus_n and_o dionysodorus_n and_o so_o likewise_o in_o his_o protagoras_n their_o intent_n be_v only_o like_o the_o retiaries_n in_o the_o roman_a spectacle_n to_o catch_v their_o adversary_n in_o a_o net_n to_o entangle_v they_o with_o some_o captious_a question_n or_o other_o but_o how_o vast_o different_a from_o this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o abhor_v those_o endless_a contention_n which_o then_o be_v in_o the_o heathen_a world_n and_o come_v to_o show_v they_o that_o truth_n which_o be_v reveal_v with_o a_o intent_n of_o make_v they_o better_a man_n we_o see_v the_o apostle_n be_v not_o carry_v forth_o by_o any_o mean_a 12._o and_o vulgar_a motive_n neither_o do_v they_o drive_v on_o any_o private_a end_n of_o their_o own_o all_o that_o they_o mind_v be_v the_o promote_a of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v nay_o they_o account_v no_o hazard_n comparable_a with_o the_o advantage_n which_o the_o world_n enjoy_v through_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n this_o show_v a_o true_o noble_a and_o generous_a spirit_n in_o they_o which_o will_v not_o be_v hinder_v from_o do_v the_o world_n good_a though_o they_o find_v so_o bad_a entertainment_n from_o it_o yea_o they_o rejoice_v in_o their_o great_a suffering_n which_o they_o undergo_v in_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n wherein_o those_o primitive_a christian_n who_o be_v the_o genuine_a follower_n of_o the_o apostle_n do_v so_o far_o imitate_v they_o that_o etiam_fw-la damnati_fw-la gratias_fw-la agunt_fw-la they_o give_v the_o judge_n 46._o thanks_o that_o they_o think_v they_o worthy_a to_o lose_v their_o life_n in_o a_o cause_n which_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o triumph_v in_o though_o they_o die_v for_o it_o and_o when_o any_o of_o they_o be_v apprehend_v they_o discover_v so_o little_a fear_n of_o punishment_n ut_fw-la unum_fw-la solummodo_fw-la quod_fw-la non_fw-la ante_fw-la suerint_fw-la paeniteret_fw-la that_o nothing_o trouble_v they_o so_o much_o as_o that_o they_o have_v be_v christian_n no_o soon_o as_o one_o of_o fellix_fw-la their_o number_n speak_v and_o when_o the_o heathen_n usual_o scoff_v at_o they_o and_o call_v they_o sarmentitii_fw-la and_o semaxii_fw-la because_o they_o be_v burn_v upon_o the_o cross_n one_o of_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n answer_v hic_fw-la est_fw-la habitus_fw-la victoriae_fw-la nostrae_fw-la haec_fw-la palmata_fw-la vestis_fw-la tali_fw-la curru_fw-la triumphamus_fw-la the_o cross_n be_v only_o 50._o their_o triumphant_a chariot_n which_o carry_v they_o soon_o to_o heaven_n now_o this_o courage_n and_o resolution_n of_o spirit_n which_o be_v see_v in_o the_o first_o planter_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n make_v all_o serious_a and_o inquisitive_a person_n look_v more_o narrow_o into_o those_o thing_n which_o make_v man_n slight_a so_o much_o the_o common_a bugbear_n of_o humane_a nature_n suffering_n and_o death_n quis_fw-la enim_fw-la non_fw-la contemplatione_fw-la ejus_fw-la concutitur_fw-la adrequirendum_fw-la â—_o quid_fw-la intus_fw-la in_o re_fw-la sit_fw-la quis_fw-la non_fw-la ubi_fw-la requisivit_fw-la accedit_fw-la ubi_fw-la accessit_fw-la patiexoptat_fw-la these_o suffering_n make_v man_n inquire_v this_o enquiry_n make_v they_o believe_v that_o belief_n make_v they_o as_o willing_a to_o suffer_v themselves_o as_o they_o have_v see_v other_o do_v it_o before_o they_o thus_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v true_a in_o they_o 〈◊〉_d qâ—â—que_fw-la crudelitas_fw-la illecebra_fw-la magis_fw-la est_fw-la sectae_fw-la plures_fw-la â—fficimur_fw-la quâ—â—ties_fw-la metimur_fw-la a_o vobis_fw-la semen_fw-mi est_fw-la sanguis_fw-la christianorum_fw-la the_o cruelty_n of_o their_o â—_z do_v but_o increase_v their_o number_n the_o harvest_n of_o their_o pretend_a justice_n be_v but_o the_o seedtime_n of_o christianity_n and_o no_o seed_n be_v so_o fruitful_a as_o that_o which_o be_v steep_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o martyr_n thence_o justin_n martyr_v ingenuous_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o while_o he_o be_v a_o platonic_a philosopher_n he_o deride_v and_o scoff_v at_o the_o christian_n but_o when_o he_o consider_v their_o great_a courage_n and_o constancy_n in_o die_v for_o their_o profession_n he_o can_v not_o think_v those_o can_v possible_o be_v man_n wicked_a and_o voluptuous_a who_o when_o offer_v of_o life_n be_v make_v they_o will_v rather_o choose_v death_n then_o deny_v christ._n by_o which_o he_o find_v plain_o that_o there_o be_v a_o high_a spirit_n in_o christianity_n then_o can_v be_v obtain_v by_o the_o sublime_a notion_n and_o speculation_n of_o plato_n and_o that_o a_o poor_a ignorant_a christian_n will_v do_v and_o suffer_v more_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n then_o any_o of_o the_o academy_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o master_n plato_n now_o since_o all_o man_n natural_o abhor_v suffering_n what_o be_v it_o which_o shall_v so_o powerful_o alter_v the_o nature_n and_o disposition_n of_o christian_n above_o all_o other_o person_n that_o they_o alone_o shall_v seem_v in_o that_o to_o have_v forget_v humanity_n that_o not_o only_o with_o patience_n but_o with_o joy_n they_o endure_v torment_n and_o abode_n the_o flame_n what!_o be_v they_o all_o possess_v with_o a_o far_o more_o than_o stoical_a apathy_n that_o no_o sense_n oâ—_n pain_n can_v work_v at_o all_o upon_o they_o or_o be_v they_o all_o besot_v and_o infatuate_v person_n that_o do_v not_o know_v what_o it_o be_v they_o undergo_v â—t_z be_v true_a some_o of_o the_o
venture_v their_o life_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o write_v concern_v he_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o preach_v concern_v our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n 2._o the_o fidelity_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v evident_a in_o their_o manner_n of_o 16._o report_v the_o thing_n which_o they_o deliver_v for_o if_o ever_o there_o may_v be_v any_o thing_n gather_v from_o the_o manner_n of_o expression_n or_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d concern_v the_o particular_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o person_n from_o who_o it_o come_v we_o may_v certain_o read_v the_o great_a fidelity_n in_o the_o apostle_n from_o the_o peculiar_a manner_n of_o their_o express_a themselves_o to_o the_o world_n which_o they_o do_v 1._o with_o the_o great_a impartiality_n not_o declare_v only_o what_o be_v glorious_a and_o admirable_a to_o the_o world_n but_o what_o they_o know_v will_v be_v account_v foolishness_n by_o it_o they_o who_o have_v seek_v only_o to_o have_v be_v admire_v for_o the_o rare_a discovery_n which_o they_o bring_v to_o the_o world_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o conceal_v any_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v account_v ridiculous_a but_o the_o apostle_n fix_v themselves_o most_o on_o what_o be_v most_o contemptible_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n and_o what_o they_o be_v most_o mock_v and_o deride_v for_o that_o they_o delight_v most_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o which_o be_v the_o cross_n of_o christ._n paul_n be_v so_o much_o in_o love_n with_o this_o which_o be_v a_o stumble_a block_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o foolishness_n to_o the_o greek_n that_o he_o value_v the_o knowledge_n of_o nothing_o else_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v nay_o 14._o he_o elsewhere_o say_v god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v glory_n save_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o christ._n what_o now_o shall_v be_v the_o reason_n that_o they_o shall_v rejoice_v in_o that_o most_o which_o be_v most_o despicable_a to_o the_o world_n have_v not_o they_o see_v far_o â—reater_a truth_n and_o excellency_n in_o it_o then_o in_o the_o most_o sublime_a speculation_n concern_v god_n or_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o the_o school_n of_o plato_n or_o any_o other_o heathen_a philosopher_n that_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o order_n to_o their_o salvation_n to_o believe_v in_o one_o who_o be_v crucify_v at_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o strange_a doctrine_n to_o the_o unbelieve_a world_n but_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v but_o endeavour_v to_o have_v suit_v their_o doctrine_n to_o the_o school_n of_o plato_n what_o rare_a person_n may_v they_o have_v be_v account_v among_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n have_v they_o only_o in_o general_a term_n discourse_v of_o the_o benignity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o divine_a goodness_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o bring_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o a_o near_a participation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o perfect_a idea_n of_o true_a goodness_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o the_o person_n of_o god_n and_o the_o resplendency_n of_o his_o glory_n have_v veil_v himself_o in_o humane_a nature_n and_o have_v everywhere_o scatter_v such_o beam_n of_o light_n and_o goodness_n as_o warm_v and_o invigorate_v the_o freeze_a spirit_n of_o man_n with_o high_a sentiment_n of_o god_n and_o themselves_o and_o raise_v they_o up_o above_o the_o feculency_n of_o this_o terrestrial_a matter_n to_o breath_n in_o a_o free_a air_n and_o converse_v with_o more_o noble_a object_n and_o by_o degree_n to_o fit_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n for_o those_o more_o pure_a illapse_n of_o real_a goodness_n which_o may_v always_o satisfy_v the_o soul_n desire_n and_o yet_o always_o keep_v they_o up_o till_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v sun_v its_o self_n to_o all_o eternity_n under_o the_o immediate_a beam_n of_o light_n and_o love_n and_o that_o after_o this_o incarnate_a deity_n have_v spread_v abroad_o the_o wing_n of_o his_o love_n for_o a_o while_n upon_o this_o low_a world_n till_o by_o his_o gentle_a heat_n and_o incubation_n he_o have_v quicken_v the_o more_o pliable_a world_n to_o some_o degree_n of_o a_o divine_a life_n he_o then_o retreat_v himself_o back_o again_o into_o the_o superior_a world_n and_o put_v off_o that_o vail_n by_o which_o he_o make_v himself_o know_v to_o those_o who_o be_v here_o confine_v to_o the_o prison_n of_o their_o body_n thus_o i_o say_v have_v the_o apostle_n mind_v applause_n among_o the_o admire_a philosopher_n of_o the_o heathen_n how_o easy_a have_v it_o be_v for_o they_o to_o have_v make_v some_o considerable_a addition_n to_o their_o high_a speculation_n and_o have_v leave_v out_o any_o thing_n which_o may_v seem_v so_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a as_o the_o death_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o this_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o that_o the_o main_a thing_n which_o they_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n be_v the_o vanity_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n without_o christ_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o all_o man_n believe_v in_o that_o jesus_n who_o be_v crucify_v at_o jerusalem_n the_o apostle_n indeed_o discover_v very_o much_o infinite_o more_o than_o ever_o the_o most_o lofty_a pl_z tonist_n can_v do_v concern_v the_o goodness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n but_o that_o wherein_o they_o manifest_v the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o the_o world_n be_v that_o he_o give_v his_o 16._o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o that_o herein_o be_v the_o love_n 8._o of_o god_n manifest_v that_o while_o we_o be_v yet_o sinner_n christ_n die_v for_o we_o and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a truth_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o 15._o acceptation_n that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n they_o never_o dream_v of_o any_o divine_a goodness_n which_o shall_v make_v man_n happy_a without_o christ_n no_o it_o be_v their_o design_n to_o persuade_v the_o world_n that_o all_o the_o communication_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o the_o world_n be_v whole_o in_o and_o through_o jesus_n christ_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o shall_v think_v otherwise_o unless_o plato_n know_v more_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n than_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o plotinus_n then_o saint_n paul_n can_v we_o think_v now_o that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v hazard_v the_o reputation_n of_o their_o own_o wit_n so_o much_o as_o they_o do_v to_o the_o world_n and_o be_v account_v babbler_n and_o fool_n and_o madman_n for_o preach_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n to_o be_v only_o by_o a_o person_n crucify_v between_o two_o thief_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v they_o not_o be_v convince_v not_o only_o of_o the_o truth_n but_o importance_n of_o it_o and_o that_o it_o concern_v man_n as_o much_o to_o believe_v it_o as_o it_o do_v to_o avoid_v eternal_a misery_n do_v saint_n paul_n preach_v ever_o the_o less_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o soberness_n because_o he_o be_v tell_v to_o his_o face_n that_o his_o learning_n have_v make_v he_o mad_a but_o if_o he_o be_v beside_o himself_o it_o be_v for_o christ_n and_o what_o wonder_n be_v it_o if_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o apostle_n shall_v make_v he_o willing_a to_o lose_v his_o reputation_n for_o he_o see_v christ_n make_v himself_o of_o no_o reputation_n that_o he_o may_v be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o do_v we_o good_a we_o see_v the_o apostle_n be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n because_o they_o know_v it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o neither_o in_o their_o preach_n or_o their_o write_n will_v they_o omit_v any_o of_o those_o passage_n concern_v our_o saviour_n death_n which_o may_v be_v account_v the_o most_o dishonourable_a to_o his_o person_n which_o be_v certain_o as_o great_a a_o evidence_n of_o their_o sidelity_n as_o can_v be_v expect_v which_o make_v origen_n say_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n write_v all_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o candour_n and_o cels._n love_n of_o truth_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o conceal_v from_o the_o world_n those_o passage_n of_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n which_o will_v be_v account_v most_o foolish_a and_o ridiculous_a 2._o with_o the_o great_a plainness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o speech_n such_o who_o design_n be_v to_o impose_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o some_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n love_v as_o much_o ambiguity_n as_o ever_o apollo_n do_v in_o his_o most_o wind_a oracle_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v ambage_n nexâ_fw-la delphico_n mos_fw-la est_fw-la dco_o arcana_fw-la tegere_fw-la servius_n tell_v we_o that_o jupiter_n ammon_n be_v therefore_o picture_v id_fw-la with_o rams-horn_n because_o his_o answer_n
have_v as_o many_o turn_n and_o wind_n as_o they_o have_v but_o the_o horn_n which_o moses_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v picture_v with_o do_v only_o note_v light_n and_o perspicuity_n from_o the_o ambiguity_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o note_v the_o send_v forth_o of_o ray_n of_o light_n like_o a_o horn_n and_o yet_o moses_n himself_o be_v veil_v in_o comparison_n of_o the_o openness_n and_o plainness_n of_o speech_n which_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n impostor_n cast_v a_o mist_n of_o many_o dark_a and_o cloudy_a word_n before_o they_o but_o when_o they_o be_v once_o bring_v into_o the_o open_a light_n their_o vizard_n fall_v off_o and_o their_o deformity_n appear_v such_o person_n delight_v in_o soar_v quite_o out_o of_o the_o apprehension_n of_o those_o who_o follow_v they_o and_o never_o think_v themselves_o better_a recompense_v for_o their_o pain_n than_o when_o they_o be_v most_o admire_v and_o least_o understand_v but_o never_o be_v christianity_n more_o dishonour_v then_o when_o man_n bring_v it_o from_o its_o native_a simplicity_n and_o plainness_n into_o a_o company_n of_o cloudy_a and_o insignificant_a expression_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v man_n better_o understand_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v certain_o the_o devil_n design_n by_o such_o obscure_a term_n to_o make_v way_n for_o a_o mystery_n to_o be_v advance_v but_o it_o be_v of_o iniquity_n and_o soon_o after_o we_o see_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o in_o another_o oracle_n set_v up_o at_o rome_n instead_o of_o delphos_n and_o all_o the_o pretence_n of_o it_o be_v the_o obscurity_n suppose_v in_o scripture_n what!_o darkness_n come_v by_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n or_o be_v the_o sun_n at_o last_o grow_v so_o beggarly_a that_o he_o be_v fain_o to_o borrow_v light_n of_o the_o earth_n must_v the_o scripture_n be_v behold_v to_o the_o church_n for_o its_o clearness_n and_o christ_n himself_o not_o speak_v intelligible_o unless_o the_o popâ—_n be_v his_o interpreter_n do_v christ_n reveal_v to_o the_o world_n the_o way_n to_o salvation_n and_o yet_o leave_v man_n to_o seâ—k_v which_o be_v it_o till_o a_o guide_n never_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o scripture_n come_v to_o direct_v they_o in_o the_o way_n to_o it_o what_o strange_a witness_n be_v the_o apostle_n if_o they_o do_v noâ—_n speak_v the_o truth_n with_o plainness_n how_o have_v man_n be_v to_o sâ—â—k_a as_o â—o_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n if_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o declare_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o all_o evidence_n and_o perspicuity_n who_o must_v we_o believe_v in_o this_o case_n the_o apostle_n or_o the_o roman_a oracle_n the_o apostle_n they_o tell_v we_o they_o speak_v 4._o with_o all_o plainness_n of_o speech_n and_o for_o that_o end_n purposely_o lay_v aside_o all_o excellency_n of_o word_n and_o humane_a wisdom_n that_o man_n may_v not_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o their_o mâ—aning_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n that_o the_o gospel_n be_v hide_v to_o none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v lose_v and_o who_o eye_n be_v blind_v by_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n that_o the_o doctrine_n reveal_v by_o they_o be_v a_o light_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o our_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o a_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o and_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a property_n of_o light_a to_o be_v obscure_a and_o of_o a_o rule_n to_o be_v crooked_a but_o it_o be_v not_o only_o evident_a from_o the_o apostle_n own_o affirmation_n that_o they_o lay_v aside_o all_o affect_a obscurity_n ambiguous_a expression_n and_o philosophical_a term_n whereby_o the_o world_n may_v have_v be_v to_o seek_v for_o what_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v but_o it_o be_v likewise_o clear_a from_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o preach_v and_o the_o design_n of_o their_o preach_n of_o it_o what_o need_v rhetoric_n in_o plain_a truth_n or_o affect_a phrase_n in_o give_v evidence_n how_o incongruous_a will_v obscure_v expression_n have_v be_v to_o the_o design_n of_o save_a soul_n by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v for_o if_o they_o have_v industrious_o speak_v in_o their_o preach_n above_o the_o capacity_n of_o those_o they_o speak_v to_o they_o can_v never_o have_v convert_v a_o soul_n without_o a_o miracle_n for_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o conversion_n must_v be_v by_o the_o understanding_n and_o how_o can_v that_o work_n upon_o the_o understanding_n which_o be_v so_o much_o above_o it_o but_o say_v the_o apostle_n we_o preach_v not_o ourselves_o but_o christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n and_o ourselves_o your_o servant_n for_o jesus_n sake_n if_o they_o have_v seek_v themselves_o or_o their_o own_o credit_n and_o reputation_n there_o may_v 5._o have_v be_v some_o reason_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v use_v the_o way_n of_o the_o sophist_n among_o the_o greek_n and_o by_o declamatory_n speech_n to_o have_v inhancee_v their_o esteem_n among_o the_o uâ—lgar_a but_o the_o apostle_n disow_v and_o reject_v all_o these_o vulgar_a artifices_fw-la of_o mean_a and_o low-spirited_a man_n they_o lay_v aside_o all_o those_o entice_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o heathen_a sophist_n and_o declare_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n with_o spiritual_a evidence_n 4._o they_o handle_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n deceitful_o but_o by_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n commend_v themselves_o to_o every_o man_n 2._o conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n now_o what_o can_v be_v so_o suitable_a to_o such_o a_o design_n as_o the_o great_a plainness_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o what_o they_o speak_v we_o find_v in_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o origen_n 135._o speak_v nothing_o that_o be_v spurious_a or_o counterfeit_a nothing_o savour_v of_o the_o cunning_a craftiness_n of_o such_o as_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v and_o say_v he_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o think_v that_o man_n never_o breed_v up_o in_o the_o sophistry_n of_o the_o greeks_n nor_o experience_v in_o the_o rhetorical_a insinuation_n use_v among_o they_o can_v ever_o be_v able_a so_o sudden_o to_o persuade_v the_o world_n to_o embrace_v that_o which_o have_v be_v a_o figment_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n the_o truth_n be_v the_o apostle_n speak_v like_a man_n very_o confident_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o speak_v and_o not_o like_o such_o who_o be_v fain_o to_o fetch_v in_o the_o help_n of_o all_o their_o topic_n to_o find_v out_o some_o probable_a argument_n to_o make_v man_n believe_v that_o which_o it_o be_v probable_a they_o do_v not_o believe_v themselves_o which_o be_v most_o common_o the_o case_n of_o the_o great_a orator_n among_o the_o heathen_n we_o find_v no_o pedantic_a flourish_n no_o slatter_a insinuation_n no_o affect_a cadencye_n no_o such_o great_a care_n of_o the_o rise_n and_o fall_v of_o word_n in_o the_o several_a sentence_n which_o make_v up_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o that_o which_o be_v account_v eloquence_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n these_o thing_n be_v too_o mean_v a_o prey_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o quarry_n upon_o every_o thing_n in_o they_o be_v grave_a and_o serious_a every_o word_n have_v its_o due_a weight_n every_o sentence_n brimful_a of_o spiritual_a matter_n their_o whole_a discourse_n most_o become_v the_o majesty_n and_o authority_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o they_o speak_v by_o and_o therein_o be_v see_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o choice_n he_o make_v of_o the_o person_n who_o be_v to_o propagate_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v not_o such_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o great_a repute_n and_o fame_n in_o the_o world_n may_v easy_o draw_v whole_a multitude_n to_o embrace_v their_o dictate_v but_o that_o there_o may_v not_o be_v the_o least_o foundation_n for_o a_o implicit_a faith_n they_o be_v of_o so_o mean_a rank_n and_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n that_o in_o all_o probability_n their_o name_n have_v never_o be_v hard_o of_o have_v not_o their_o doctrine_n make_v they_o famous_a to_o this_o purpose_n origen_n excellent_o speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o be_o of_o opinion_n say_v he_o that_o jesus_n do_v purposely_o make_v use_n of_o such_o preacher_n of_o his_o doctrine_n that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o place_n for_o suspicion_n that_o they_o come_v instruct_v with_o the_o art_n of_o sophistry_n but_o that_o it_o be_v clear_o manifest_a to_o all_o that_o will_v consider_v it_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o design_n in_o those_o who_o discover_v so_o much_o simplicity_n in_o their_o write_n and_o that_o they_o have_v a_o more_o divine_a power_n which_o be_v more_o efficacious_a than_o the_o great_a volubility_n of_o expression_n or_o ornament_n of_o speech_n or_o the_o artifices_fw-la which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o
grecian_a composition_n 3._o the_o apostle_n deliver_v their_o doctrine_n with_o the_o great_a openness_n and_o freedom_n of_o spirit_n they_o do_v not_o give_v out_o one_o thing_n to_o the_o world_n and_o another_o to_o their_o private_a disciple_n but_o with_o great_a freedom_n and_o boldness_n declare_v their_o doctrine_n in_o the_o most_o public_a place_n and_o before_o their_o great_a enemy_n they_o know_v they_o be_v look_v on_o as_o deceiver_n by_o the_o world_n but_o yet_o they_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v true_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v 8._o the_o usual_a requital_n good_a man_n have_v from_o the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o great_a deceiver_n of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v so_o with_o other_o they_o have_v much_o less_o cause_n to_o wonder_v at_o it_o when_o even_o he_o who_o by_o one_o prophet_n be_v style_v the_o desire_n of_o nation_n be_v 63._o by_o another_o say_v to_o be_v despise_v and_o reject_v of_o man_n and_o when_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o world_n he_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o deceiver_n no_o wonder_n then_o if_o his_o disciple_n be_v account_v such_o although_o they_o manifest_v their_o veracity_n by_o their_o open_a carriage_n and_o free_a speak_v to_o the_o face_n of_o their_o great_a adversary_n the_o apostle_n neither_o fear_v the_o jew_n skill_n in_o their_o law_n nor_o the_o wisdom_n and_o subtlety_n of_o the_o greek_n saint_n paul_n preach_v christ_n open_o among_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o synagogue_n and_o among_o the_o athenian_n he_o encounter_v the_o epicurean_o and_o stoic_n and_o preach_v to_o they_o jesus_n and_o the_o resurrection_n 18._o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v any_o thing_n of_o deceiver_n in_o they_o as_o to_o the_o thing_n they_o relate_v concern_v christ_n they_o will_v not_o certain_o have_v speak_v with_o so_o much_o confidence_n concern_v christ_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v his_o murderer_n but_o we_o see_v they_o appeal_v to_o themselves_o as_o to_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o have_v wrought_v among_o they_o and_o for_o his_o resurrection_n they_o be_v ready_a to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n in_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o that_o his_o body_n be_v go_v be_v evident_a that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v take_v it_o away_o be_v impossible_a consider_v what_o a_o guard_n of_o soldier_n they_o have_v set_v upon_o it_o and_o how_o timorous_a and_o fearful_a the_o apostle_n be_v that_o they_o flee_v upon_o christ_n be_v apprehend_v now_o what_o can_v it_o be_v can_v make_v such_o fearful_a person_n afterward_o so_o courageous_a and_o resolute_a as_o they_o be_v have_v there_o not_o be_v some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a power_n to_o convince_v and_o encourage_v they_o 4._o the_o apostle_n deliver_v their_o testimony_n with_o the_o great_a particularity_n as_o to_o all_o circumstance_n they_o do_v not_o change_v or_o alter_v any_o of_o they_o upon_o different_a examination_n before_o several_a person_n they_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o great_a constancy_n to_o themselves_o and_o uniformity_n with_o each_o other_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n we_o find_v the_o apostle_n very_o yield_v and_o condescend_v but_o as_o to_o any_o thing_n which_o concern_v their_o testimony_n most_o constant_a and_o resolve_v have_v the_o gospel_n be_v some_o cunning_o contrive_v fancy_n it_o have_v be_v impossible_a but_o so_o many_o different_a person_n in_o such_o different_a place_n and_o under_o such_o different_a condition_n will_v have_v vary_a as_o to_o some_o material_a circumstance_n of_o it_o or_o else_o they_o will_v have_v be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o have_v deliver_v it_o in_o general_a term_n without_o insist_v much_o on_o such_o particular_a circumstance_n which_o if_o they_o have_v be_v false_a may_v have_v be_v very_o easy_o disprove_v but_o with_o what_o particular_a enumeration_n of_o circumstance_n do_v the_o apostle_n preach_v christ_n to_o the_o world_n peter_n tell_v the_o jew_n that_o it_o be_v jesus_n 22._o of_o nazareth_n who_o he_o preach_v and_o lest_o they_o shall_v think_v it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o person_n who_o rise_v again_o with_o great_a boldness_n and_o freedom_n of_o spirit_n he_o say_v to_o they_o therefore_o let_v all_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n know_v assure_o that_o god_n have_v make_v that_o same_o 36._o jesus_n who_o you_o have_v crucify_v both_o lord_n and_o christ._n yea_o that_o same_o individual_a person_n who_o be_v conversant_a in_o the_o world_n and_o die_v upon_o the_o cross_n be_v now_o become_v a_o prince_n and_o saviour_n to_o 32._o give_v repentance_n to_o israel_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o ground_n of_o suspicion_n as_o to_o these_o thing_n who_o have_v be_v so_o able_a to_o disprove_v they_o or_o so_o ready_a to_o do_v it_o as_o those_o person_n who_o have_v crucify_v he_o for_o we_o can_v conceive_v but_o those_o who_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o his_o death_n will_v endeavour_v by_o all_o possible_a mean_n to_o disprove_v his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a for_o what_o a_o case_n be_v they_o like_v to_o be_v in_o if_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n so_o confident_o preach_v be_v true_a if_o christ_n have_v all_o power_n now_o in_o his_o hand_n and_o there_o be_v salvation_n in_o no_o other_o name_n but_o only_o in_o his_o who_o they_o have_v crucify_v they_o be_v like_a to_o be_v in_o a_o most_o desperate_a condition_n therefore_o if_o any_o man_n can_v be_v suppose_v inquisitive_a after_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o circumstance_n no_o doubt_n these_o be_v and_o if_o they_o can_v have_v find_v the_o least_o flaw_n in_o their_o testimony_n the_o world_n will_v soon_o have_v ring_v of_o it_o and_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v then_o so_o much_o disperse_v abroad_o will_v have_v divulge_v it_o into_o all_o part_n the_o apostle_n will_v have_v be_v tell_v of_o it_o as_o they_o preach_v christ_n in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o can_v we_o in_o any_o reason_n think_v but_o those_o jew_n who_o persecute_v paul_n as_o he_o preach_v in_o the_o synagogue_n of_o asia_n and_o afterward_o impeach_v he_o so_o open_o at_o jerusalem_n will_v there_o inquire_v into_o all_o the_o circumstance_n concern_v christ_n and_o all_o the_o other_o jew_n will_v write_v to_o their_o friend_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o be_v full_o inform_v of_o those_o strange_a thing_n which_o be_v tell_v they_o open_o in_o all_o place_n in_o their_o synagogue_n by_o man_n of_o their_o own_o nation_n and_o language_n concern_v one_o jesus_n who_o be_v crucify_v and_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a have_v there_o be_v now_o any_o so_o much_o as_o plausible_a pretext_n that_o any_o of_o these_o circumstance_n be_v not_o true_a can_v we_o think_v but_o that_o a_o people_n so_o unmeasureable_o give_v to_o their_o own_o way_n and_o tradition_n will_v in_o all_o place_n have_v vent_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v have_v tend_v to_o the_o disparagement_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o we_o see_v malice_n its_o self_n can_v not_o find_v any_o flaw_n in_o the_o apostle_n testimony_n for_o if_o it_o have_v we_o shall_v certain_o have_v hear_v of_o it_o either_o from_o the_o jew_n or_o from_o the_o great_a opposer_n of_o christianity_n among_o the_o heathen_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v curious_a and_o inquisitive_a person_n such_o as_o celsus_n julian_n hierocles_n and_o porphyry_n be_v what_o reason_n can_v we_o have_v then_o in_o the_o least_o to_o suspect_v such_o a_o testimony_n which_o pass_v so_o uncontrolled_a in_o that_o time_n when_o it_o be_v alone_o capable_a of_o be_v disprove_v and_o man_n interest_n and_o design_n will_v put_v they_o so_o much_o upon_o it_o the_o strength_n of_o which_o will_v appear_v from_o the_o next_o proposition_n which_o be_v no_o testimony_n ought_v to_o be_v take_v against_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n thus_o 4._o attest_v but_o from_o such_o person_n who_o have_v great_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n attest_v and_o manifest_v great_a fidelity_n in_o report_v they_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o suppose_v any_o person_n at_o that_o time_n have_v contradict_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v our_o saviour_n yet_o there_o have_v be_v no_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o have_v hearken_v to_o their_o testimony_n in_o opposition_n to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o on_o these_o account_n 1._o the_o apostle_n witness_v the_o affirmative_a which_o be_v more_o capable_a of_o be_v attest_v then_o any_o negative_a can_v be_v 2._o the_o apostle_n be_v more_o conversant_a with_o christ_n then_o any_o other_o person_n be_v because_o they_o be_v choose_v for_o that_o very_a end_n by_o he_o to_o be_v constant_o with_o he_o can_v any_o therefore_o be_v more_o capable_a of_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o particular_n concern_v christ_n
have_v believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o salvation_n have_v be_v deceive_v either_o we_o must_v deny_v altogether_o a_o divine_a providence_n or_o say_v the_o devil_n have_v more_o power_n to_o deceive_v man_n then_o god_n to_o direct_v they_o which_o be_v worse_o than_o the_o former_a or_o else_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n at_o all_o as_o either_o god_n or_o devil_n but_o that_o all_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v by_o chance_n and_o fortune_n and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v still_o more_o inexplicable_a why_o such_o multitude_n of_o rational_a and_o serious_a man_n and_o the_o most_o inquisitive_a part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o to_o such_o thing_n shall_v all_o be_v so_o possess_v with_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o more_o profane_a wicked_a and_o ignorant_a any_o person_n be_v the_o more_o prone_a they_o be_v to_o mock_v and_o deride_v they_o if_o such_o man_n than_o see_v more_o into_o truth_n and_o reason_n then_o the_o sober_a and_o judicious_a part_n of_o mankind_n let_v we_o bid_v adieu_o to_o humanity_n and_o adore_v the_o brute_n since_o we_o admire_v their_o judgement_n most_o who_o come_v the_o near_a to_o they_o 3._o the_o multitude_n of_o these_o person_n thus_o consent_v in_o this_o testimony_n can_v have_v no_o other_o engagement_n to_o this_o consent_n but_o only_o their_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n convey_v by_o it_o because_o those_o who_o unanimous_o agree_v in_o this_o thing_n be_v such_o person_n who_o other_o design_n and_o interest_n in_o this_o world_n differ_v as_o much_o as_o any_o man_n do_v if_o it_o have_v be_v only_o a_o consent_n of_o jew_n there_o may_v have_v be_v some_o probable_a pretence_n to_o have_v suspect_v a_o matter_n of_o interest_n in_o it_o but_o as_o to_o this_o thing_n we_o find_v the_o jew_n divide_v among_o themselves_o about_o it_o and_o the_o stiff_a denier_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o do_v yet_o inviolable_o preserve_v those_o sacred_a record_n among_o they_o from_o which_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v undoubted_o prove_v have_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v enforce_v upon_o the_o world_n by_o the_o roman_a emperor_n at_o the_o time_n of_o its_o first_o promulgation_n there_o will_v have_v be_v some_o suspicion_n of_o particular_a design_n in_o it_o but_o it_o come_v with_o no_o other_o strength_n but_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o own_o truth_n yet_o it_o find_v sudden_a and_o strange_a entertainment_n among_o person_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o degree_n of_o man_n in_o a_o short_a time_n it_o have_v eat_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o make_v so_o large_a a_o spread_v therein_o that_o it_o make_v tertullian_n say_v hesterni_fw-la sumus_fw-la &_o vestra_fw-la omne_fw-la implevimus_fw-la urbes_fw-la insulas_fw-la castella_fw-la municipia_fw-la conciliabula_fw-la castraipsa_fw-la tribus_fw-la decurias_fw-la 36._o palatium_fw-la senatum_fw-la forum_n sola_fw-la vobis_fw-la relinquimus_fw-la templa_fw-la we_o have_v but_o new_o appear_v say_v he_o &_o yet_o we_o have_v fill_v all_o place_n with_o our_o company_n but_o only_o your_o temple_n and_o before_o speak_v of_o the_o heathen_n obsessam_fw-la vociferantur_fw-la civitatem_fw-la in_fw-la agris_fw-la in_fw-la castellis_fw-la in_fw-la insulis_fw-la christianos_n omnem_fw-la sexum_fw-la aetatem_fw-la conditionem_fw-la etiam_fw-la dignitatem_fw-la transgredi_fw-la ad_fw-la hoc_fw-la nomen_fw-la 3._o quasi_fw-la detrimento_fw-la moerent_fw-la all_o sort_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n in_o all_o place_n be_v sudden_o become_v christian_n what_o common_a tie_n can_v there_o be_v now_o to_o unite_v all_o these_o person_n together_o if_o we_o set_v aside_o the_o undoubted_a truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v first_o preach_v to_o they_o by_o such_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o christ_n action_n and_o have_v leave_v sacred_a record_n behind_o they_o contain_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o those_o admirable_a instruction_n which_o be_v their_o only_a certain_a guide_n in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n 4._o because_o many_o person_n do_v join_v in_o this_o consent_n with_o true_a christian_n who_o yet_o can_v hearty_o with_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o true_a such_o be_v all_o those_o person_n who_o be_v sensual_a in_o their_o life_n and_o walk_v not_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o dare_v not_o question_n or_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o such_o who_o can_v hearty_o wish_v there_o be_v no_o future_a state_n nor_o judgement_n to_o come_v that_o they_o may_v indulge_v themselves_o in_o this_o world_n without_o fear_n of_o another_o yet_o their_o conscience_n be_v so_o far_o convince_v of_o and_o awe_v by_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o they_o raise_v many_o perplexity_n and_o anxiety_n in_o their_o mind_n which_o they_o will_v most_o willing_o be_v rid_v of_o which_o they_o can_v never_o thorough_o be_v till_o instead_o of_o have_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n they_o come_v to_o live_v the_o life_n of_o christian_n and_o become_v experimental_o acquaint_v with_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n and_o withal_o we_o find_v that_o the_o more_o man_n have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o christianity_n the_o great_a evidence_n they_o have_v have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o be_v more_o full_o and_o rational_o persuade_v of_o it_o to_o such_o i_o grant_v there_o be_v such_o powerful_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o soul_n that_o all_o other_o argument_n as_o to_o their_o own_o satisfaction_n may_v fall_v short_a of_o these_o as_o to_o which_o those_o verse_n of_o the_o poet_n dante_n be_v render_v into_o latin_a by_o f._n s._n be_v very_o pertinent_a and_o significant_a for_o when_o he_o have_v introduce_v the_o apostle_n peter_n ask_v he_o what_o it_o be_v which_o his_o faith_n be_v found_v on_o he_o answer_v deinde_fw-la exivit_fw-la ex_fw-la luce_fw-fr profundâ_fw-la quae_fw-la illic_fw-la splendebat_fw-la pretiosa_fw-la gemma_fw-la super_fw-la quam_fw-la omnis_fw-la virtus_fw-la fundatur_fw-la i_o e._n that_o god_n be_v please_v by_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o himself_o to_o discover_v that_o divine_a truth_n to_o the_o world_n whereon_o our_o faith_n do_v stand_v as_o on_o its_o sure_a foundation_n but_o when_o the_o apostle_n go_v on_o to_o inquire_v how_o he_o know_v this_o come_v at_o first_o from_o god_n his_o answer_n to_o that_o be_v larga_fw-la pluvia_fw-la spiritûs_fw-la sancti_fw-la quae_fw-la est_fw-la diffusa_fw-la super_fw-la veteres_fw-la &_o super_fw-la novas_fw-la membranas_fw-la est_fw-la syllogismus_fw-la ille_fw-la qui_fw-la eam_fw-la mihi_fw-la conclusit_fw-la adâ—ò_fw-la acutè_fw-la ut_fw-la prae_fw-la illâ_fw-la demonstratione_fw-la omnis_fw-la demonstratio_fw-la alia_fw-la mihi_fw-la videatur_fw-la obtusa_fw-la i_o e._n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v so_o full_o discover_v its_o self_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n that_o all_o other_o argument_n be_v but_o dull_a and_o heavy_a if_o compare_v with_o this_o it_o be_v true_a they_o be_v so_o to_o a_o true_o enlighten_v conscience_n which_o discover_v so_o much_o beauty_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o ravish_v the_o soul_n although_o it_o be_v unable_a to_o give_v so_o full_a a_o account_n of_o this_o unto_o other_o who_o want_v the_o eye_n to_o see_v that_o beauty_n with_o which_o a_o heart_n true_o gracious_a have_v we_o see_v ordinary_o in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o attraction_n of_o beauty_n be_v a_o unaccountable_a thing_n and_o one_o may_v discern_v that_o which_o ravish_v he_o which_o another_o look_v on_o as_o mean_v and_o ordinary_a and_o why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v much_o more_o thus_o in_o divine_a object_n which_o want_v spiritual_a eye_n to_o discover_v they_o therefore_o i_o grant_v that_o good_a man_n enjoy_v that_o satisfaction_n to_o their_o own_o conscience_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o other_o can_v attain_v to_o but_o yet_o i_o say_v that_o such_o do_v likewise_o see_v the_o most_o strong_a rational_a and_o convince_a evidence_n which_o do_v induce_v they_o to_o believe_v which_o evidence_n be_v then_o most_o convince_a when_o it_o be_v second_v by_o the_o peculiar_a energy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o true_a believer_n but_o yet_o we_o see_v that_o the_o power_n and_o force_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v so_o great_a even_o upon_o such_o mind_n which_o be_v not_o yet_o mould_v into_o the_o fashion_n of_o true_a goodness_n that_o it_o may_v awe_v with_o its_o light_n and_o clearness_n where_o it_o do_v not_o soften_v and_o alter_v by_o its_o heat_n and_o influence_n now_o whence_o can_v it_o be_v that_o such_o
seek_v for_o satisfaction_n as_o ever_o for_o grant_v that_o a_o divine_a power_n be_v see_v in_o one_o and_o not_o in_o the_o other_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v still_o dissatisfy_v unless_o it_o can_v be_v make_v evident_a to_o he_o that_o such_o thing_n be_v from_o divine_a power_n and_o other_o can_v be_v now_o the_o main_a distinction_n be_v place_v here_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n abstract_o consider_v and_o not_o as_o they_o bear_v any_o evidence_n to_o our_o understanding_n in_o stead_n of_o resolve_v doubt_n it_o increase_v more_o for_o as_o for_o instance_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o magician_n rod_n turn_v into_o scrpent_n as_o well_o as_o moses_n his_o what_o satisfaction_n can_v this_o yield_v to_o any_o spectator_n to_o tell_v he_o that_o in_o the_o one_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a power_n and_o not_o in_o the_o other_o unless_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v by_o some_o evidence_n from_o the_o thing_n that_o the_o one_o be_v a_o mere_a imposture_n and_o the_o other_o a_o real_a alteration_n in_o the_o thing_n itself_o i_o take_v it_o then_o for_o grant_v that_o no_o general_a discourse_n concern_v the_o formal_a difference_n of_o miracle_n and_o wonder_n consider_v in_o themselves_o can_v afford_v any_o rational_a satisfaction_n to_o a_o inquisitive_a mind_n that_o which_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o give_v it_o must_v be_v something_o which_o may_v be_v discern_v by_o any_o judicious_a and_o considerative_a person_n and_o that_o god_n never_o give_v to_o any_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n but_o he_o give_v some_o such_o ground_n of_o satisfaction_n concern_v they_o will_v appear_v upon_o these_o two_o consideration_n 1._o from_o god_n intention_n in_o give_v to_o any_o this_o power_n of_o do_v miracle_n we_o have_v large_o make_v it_o manifest_v that_o the_o end_n of_o true_a miracle_n be_v to_o be_v a_o confirmation_n to_o the_o world_n of_o the_o divine_a commission_n of_o the_o person_n who_o have_v it_o and_o that_o the_o testimony_n be_v divine_a which_o be_v confirm_v by_o it_o now_o if_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o know_v when_o miracle_n be_v true_a or_o false_a this_o power_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n at_o all_o for_o man_n be_v as_o much_o to_o seek_v for_o satisfaction_n as_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n at_o all_o therefore_o if_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v a_o divine_a testimony_n and_o to_o rely_v on_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o person_n bring_v it_o as_o a_o evidence_n of_o it_o they_o must_v have_v some_o assurance_n that_o these_o miracle_n can_v not_o come_v from_o any_o but_o a_o divine_a power_n 2._o from_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n which_o if_o we_o own_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v permit_v the_o devil_n who_o only_a design_n be_v to_o ruin_v mankind_n to_o abuse_v the_o credulity_n of_o the_o world_n so_o far_o as_o to_o have_v his_o lie_a wonder_n pass_v uncontrolled_a which_o they_o must_v do_v if_o nothing_o can_v be_v find_v out_o as_o a_o certain_a difference_n between_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v only_o of_o diabolical_a and_o such_o as_o be_v of_o divine_a power_n if_o then_o it_o may_v be_v discover_v that_o there_o be_v a_o malignant_a spirit_n which_o act_n in_o the_o world_n and_o do_v produce_v strange_a thing_n either_o we_o must_v impute_v all_o strange_a thing_n to_o he_o which_o must_v be_v to_o attribute_v to_o he_o a_o infinite_a power_n or_o else_o that_o there_o be_v a_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a which_o cross_v this_o malignant_a spirit_n in_o his_o design_n and_o if_o so_o we_o can_v imagine_v he_o shall_v suffer_v he_o to_o usurp_v so_o much_o tyranny_n over_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o to_o make_v those_o thing_n pass_v in_o the_o more_o sober_a and_o inquisitive_a part_n of_o the_o world_n for_o divine_a miracle_n which_o be_v only_a counterfeit_n and_o imposture_n if_o then_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v so_o deep_o engage_v in_o the_o discover_v the_o design_n of_o satan_n there_o must_v be_v some_o mean_n of_o this_o discovery_n and_o that_o mean_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v no_o other_o in_o this_o case_n but_o some_o rational_a and_o satisfactory_a evidence_n whereby_o we_o may_v know_v when_o strange_a and_o miraculous_a thing_n be_v do_v by_o satan_n to_o deceive_v man_n and_o when_o by_o a_o divine_a power_n to_o confirm_v a_o divine_a testimony_n but_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a say_v some_o that_o miracle_n shall_v be_v 2._o any_o ground_n on_o which_o to_o believe_v a_o testimony_n divine_a when_o christ_n himself_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o there_o shall_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o shall_v show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n in_o 24._o so_o much_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect_a and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o come_n of_o antichrist_n will_v be_v with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_a wonder_n how_o then_o can_v 9_o we_o fix_v on_o miracle_n as_o a_o evidence_n of_o divine_a testimony_n when_o we_o see_v they_o be_v common_a to_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n and_o may_v seal_v indifferent_o either_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n to_o this_o i_o reply_v 1._o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o do_v no_o small_a disservice_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n when_o upon_o such_o weak_a and_o frivolous_a pretence_n they_o give_v so_o great_a a_o advantage_n to_o infidelity_n as_o to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o validity_n of_o that_o which_o yield_v so_o ample_a a_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n for_o if_o once_o the_o rational_a ground_n on_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a be_v take_v away_o and_o the_o whole_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v lay_v on_o thing_n not_o only_o deride_v by_o man_n of_o atheistical_a spirit_n but_o in_o themselves_o such_o as_o can_v be_v discern_v or_o judge_v of_o by_o any_o but_o themselves_o upon_o what_o ground_n can_v we_o proceed_v to_o convince_v a_o unbeliever_n that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o believe_v be_v true_a if_o they_o tell_v he_o that_o as_o light_v and_o fire_n manifest_v themselves_o so_o do_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o those_o who_o believe_v it_o it_o will_v be_v soon_o reply_v that_o self-evidence_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o faith_n can_v imply_v nothing_o but_o either_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o mind_n concern_v the_o thing_n propound_v or_o else_o that_o there_o be_v such_o clear_a evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n it_o self_n that_o none_o who_o free_o use_v their_o reason_n can_v deny_v it_o the_o first_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n to_o any_o other_o person_n any_o further_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o person_n who_o declare_v it_o to_o have_v such_o self-evidence_n to_o he_o do_v extend_v its_o self_n over_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o other_o and_o to_o one_o self_n it_o seem_v a_o strange_a way_n of_o argue_v i_o believe_v the_o scripture_n because_o they_o be_v true_a and_o they_o be_v true_a because_o i_o believe_v they_o for_o self-evidence_n imply_v so_o much_o if_o by_o it_o be_v mean_v the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o mind_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v true_a but_o if_o by_o self-evidence_n be_v further_a mean_v such_o clear_a evidence_n in_o the_o matter_n propound_v that_o all_o who_o do_v consider_v it_o must_v believe_v it_o i_o then_o further_o inquire_v whether_o this_o evidence_n do_v lie_v in_o the_o nâ—ked_a proposal_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o the_o understanding_n and_o if_o so_o than_o every_o one_o who_o assent_v to_o this_o proposition_n that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o the_o part_n must_v likewise_o assent_v to_o this_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o whether_o do_v the_o evidence_n lie_v not_o in_o the_o naked_a proposal_n but_o in_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v propound_v then_o 1._o the_o self-evidence_n be_v take_v off_o from_o the_o write_a word_n which_o be_v the_o object_n and_o remove_v to_o a_o quite_o different_a thing_n which_o be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n 2._o whether_o then_o any_o person_n who_o want_v this_o efficacious_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v or_o can_v be_v bind_v to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v god_n word_n if_o they_o be_v bind_v the_o duty_n must_v be_v propound_v in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v they_o that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n but_o if_o all_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n lie_v on_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n than_o such_o as_o want_v this_o can_v have_v none_o at_o all_o but_o if_o â—astly_a by_o this_o self-evidence_n be_v mean_v
of_o rambam_n or_o r._n moses_n maimon_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n desire_v of_o he_o a_o sign_n and_o he_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v cut_v off_o his_o head_n and_o he_o will_v rise_v again_o which_o he_o cunning_o desire_v to_o avoid_v be_v torment_v which_o the_o king_n be_v resolve_v to_o try_v and_o according_o execute_v he_o but_o i_o suppose_v his_o resurrection_n and_o mahomet_n will_v be_v both_o in_o a_o day_n although_o maimonides_n tell_v we_o some_o of_o the_o jew_n be_v yet_o such_o fool_n as_o to_o expect_v his_o resurrection_n several_a other_o impostor_n maimonides_n dau._n mention_n in_o his_o epistle_n de_fw-fr australi_fw-la region_fw-la one_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o messiah_n because_o he_o cure_v himself_o of_o the_o leprosy_n in_o a_o night_n several_a other_o he_o mention_n in_o spain_n france_n and_o other_o part_n and_o the_o issue_n of_o they_o all_o be_v only_o a_o further_a aggravation_n of_o the_o misery_n and_o captivity_n of_o the_o poor_a jew_n who_o be_v so_o credulous_a in_o follow_v impostor_n and_o yet_o such_o strange_a infidel_n where_o there_o be_v plain_a and_o undoubted_a miracle_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o believe_v in_o our_o bless_a saviour_n as_o the_o true_a messiah_n we_o free_o grant_v then_o that_o many_o pretend_a miracle_n may_v be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n to_o deceive_v man_n with_o but_o do_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o either_o there_o be_v no_o true_a miracle_n do_v in_o the_o world_n or_o that_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a rule_n to_o distinguish_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o but_o as_o origen_n yet_o further_o reply_v to_o celsus_n as_o a_o wolf_n do_v very_o much_o resemble_v a_o dog_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n nor_o a_o turtle_n dove_n and_o a_o pigeon_n so_o that_o which_o be_v produce_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o which_o be_v produce_v by_o magic_n but_o as_o he_o argue_v be_v it_o possible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v only_a deceit_n in_o the_o world_n and_o magical_a operation_n and_o can_v there_o be_v no_o true_a miracle_n at_o all_o wrought_v be_v humane_a nature_n only_o capable_a of_o imposture_n or_o can_v none_o work_v miracle_n but_o devil_n where_o there_o be_v a_o worse_o there_o may_v be_v a_o better_a and_o so_o from_o the_o imposture_n &_o counterfeit_n we_o may_v infer_v that_o there_o be_v true_a miracle_n wrought_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n otherwise_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o say_v there_o be_v counterfeit_n but_o no_o jewel_n or_o there_o be_v sophism_n and_o paralogism_n but_o no_o legitimate_a demonstration_n if_o then_o there_o be_v such_o deceit_n there_o be_v true_a miracle_n too_o all_o the_o business_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d strict_o and_o severe_o to_o examine_v the_o pretâ—nders_n to_o do_v they_o and_o that_o from_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o those_o that_o do_v they_o and_o from_o the_o effect_n and_o consequent_n of_o they_o whether_o they_o do_v good_a or_o hurt_n in_o the_o world_n whâ—ther_o thâ—y_v correct_v man_n manner_n or_o bring_v man_n to_o goodness_n holiness_n and_o truth_n and_o on_o this_o account_n we_o be_v neither_o to_o reject_v all_o miracle_n nor_o embrace_v all_o pretence_n but_o careful_o and_o prudent_o examine_v the_o rational_a evidence_n whereby_o those_o which_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a may_v be_v know_v from_o such_o which_o be_v counterfeit_a and_o diabolical_a and_o this_o now_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o main_a subject_n of_o this_o chapter_n 4._o viz._n what_o rule_v we_o have_v to_o procee_v by_o in_o judge_a miracle_n to_o be_v true_a or_o false_a which_o may_v be_v these_o follow_v true_o divine_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o some_o 1._o divine_a testimony_n because_o we_o have_v manifest_v by_o all_o the_o precedent_a discourse_n that_o the_o intention_n of_o miracle_n be_v to_o seal_v some_o divine_a revelation_n therefore_o if_o god_n shall_v work_v miracle_n when_o no_o divine_a testimony_n be_v to_o be_v confirm_v god_n will_v set_v the_o broad_a seal_n of_o heaven_n to_o a_o blank_a if_o it_o be_v say_v no_o because_o it_o will_v witness_v to_o we_o now_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o testimony_n which_o be_v deliver_v so_o many_o age_n since_o i_o answer_v 1._o the_o truth_n of_o that_o testimony_n be_v sufficient_o seal_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o delivery_n of_o it_o and_o be_v convey_v down_o in_o a_o certain_a way_n to_o we_o be_v it_o not_o sufficient_a that_o the_o charter_n of_o a_o corporation_n have_v the_o prince_n broad_a seal_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o give_v of_o it_o but_o that_o every_o succâ—ssion_n of_o man_n in_o that_o corporation_n must_v have_v a_o new_a broad_a seal_n or_o else_o they_o ought_v to_o question_v their_o patent_n what_o ground_n can_v there_o be_v for_o that_o when_o the_o original_a seal_n and_o patent_n be_v preserve_v and_o be_v certain_o convey_v down_o from_o age_n to_o age_n so_o i_o say_v it_o be_v as_o to_o we_o god_n grand_a charter_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o the_o world_n through_o jesus_n christ_n be_v seal_v by_o divine_a miracle_n at_o the_o delivery_n of_o it_o to_o the_o world_n the_o original_a patent_n viz._n the_o scripture_n wherein_o this_o charter_n be_v contain_v be_v convey_v in_o a_o most_o certain_a manner_n to_o we_o to_o this_o patent_n the_o seal_n be_v annex_v and_o in_o it_o be_v contain_v those_o undoubted_a miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o it_o so_o that_o a_o new_a seal_n of_o this_o patent_n be_v whole_o needless_a unless_o we_o have_v some_o cause_n of_o suspicion_n that_o the_o original_a patent_n itself_o be_v lose_v or_o the_o first_o seal_v be_v not_o true_a if_o the_o lat_a than_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o true_a if_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v for_o confirmation_n of_o it_o be_v false_a because_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o depend_v so_o much_o on_o the_o verity_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v then_o wrought_v if_o the_o first_o be_v suspect_v viz._n the_o certain_a conveyance_n of_o the_o patent_n viz._n the_o scripture_n some_o certain_a ground_n of_o such_o a_o suspicion_n must_v be_v discover_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n especial_o when_o the_o great_a and_o many_o society_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n do_v all_o consent_n unanimous_o in_o the_o contrary_n nay_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o rational_a man_n can_v conceive_v that_o the_o patent_n which_o we_o now_o rely_v upon_o be_v supposititious_a or_o corrupt_v in_o any_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o concernment_n to_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o that_o on_o these_o account_n 1._o from_o the_o watchfulness_n of_o divine_a providence_n for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n can_v we_o conceive_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o rule_v and_o take_v care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o who_o to_o manifest_v his_o signal_n love_n to_o mankind_n shall_v not_o only_o grant_v a_o patent_n of_o mercy_n to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o son_n christ_n and_o then_o seal_v it_o by_o divine_a miracle_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o certain_a conveyance_n of_o it_o to_o the_o world_n cause_v it_o by_o person_n employ_v by_o himself_o to_o be_v record_v in_o a_o language_n fit_a for_o its_o disperse_v up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n all_o which_o i_o here_o suppose_v can_v we_o i_o say_v conceive_v that_o this_o god_n shall_v so_o far_o have_v cast_v off_o his_o care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n which_o be_v the_o original_a ground_n of_o the_o grant_v itself_o as_o to_o suffer_v any_o wicked_a man_n or_o malignant_a spirit_n to_o corrupt_v or_o alter_v any_o of_o those_o term_n in_o it_o on_o which_o man_n eternal_a salvation_n depend_v much_o less_o whole_o to_o suppress_v and_o destroy_v it_o and_o to_o send_v forth_o one_o that_o be_v counterfeit_a and_o supposititious_a instead_o of_o it_o and_o which_o shall_v not_o be_v discover_v by_o the_o christian_n of_o that_o age_n wherein_o that_o corrupt_a copy_n be_v set_v forth_o nor_o by_o any_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o inquisitive_a christian_n ever_o since_o they_o who_o can_v give_v any_o the_o least_o entertainment_n to_o so_o wild_a absurd_a and_o irrational_a a_o imagination_n be_v so_o far_o from_o reason_n that_o they_o be_v in_o good_a disposition_n to_o atheism_n and_o next_o to_o the_o suspect_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v corrupt_v they_o may_v rational_o suspect_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o god_n and_o providence_n in_o the_o world_n or_o that_o the_o world_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o spirit_n most_o malignant_a and_o envious_a of_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n which_o be_v a_o suspicion_n only_o become_v those_o heathen_n among_o
that_o when_o a_o divine_a testimony_n be_v already_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n undoubted_o divine_a that_o new_a miracle_n shall_v be_v wrought_v in_o the_o church_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o so_o chrysostome_n full_o express_v himself_o concern_v miracle_n speak_v of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a eton._n church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d miracle_n be_v very_o useful_a then_o and_o not_o at_o all_o useful_a now_o for_o now_o we_o manifest_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o speak_v from_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o they_o which_o that_o excellent_a author_n there_o full_o manifest_v in_o a_o discourse_n on_o this_o subject_n why_o miracle_n be_v necessary_a in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o be_v not_o now_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n st._n austin_n speak_v where_o he_o discourse_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n accepimus_fw-la majores_fw-la nostros_fw-la visibilia_fw-la miracula_fw-la secutos_fw-la esse_fw-la 25._o per_fw-la quos_fw-la id_fw-la actum_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la necessaria_fw-la non_fw-la essent_fw-la posteris_fw-la because_o the_o world_n believe_v by_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v at_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o miracle_n be_v no_o long_o necessary_a for_o we_o can_v conceive_v how_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v at_o first_o induce_v to_o believe_v without_o manifest_a and_o uncontrolled_a miracle_n for_o as_o chrysostome_n speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v the_o great_a miracle_n of_o all_o if_o the_o world_n shall_v believe_v without_o miracle_n which_o the_o poet_n dante_n be_v have_v well_o express_v in_o the_o twenty_o four_o canto_n of_o paradise_n for_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v there_o bring_v in_o ask_v the_o poet_n upon_o what_o account_n he_o take_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n his_o answer_n be_v probatio_fw-la quae_fw-la verum_fw-la hoc_fw-la mihi_fw-la recludit_fw-la sunt_fw-la opera_fw-la quae_fw-la secuta_fw-la sunt_fw-la ad_fw-la quae_fw-la natura_fw-la non_fw-la candefecit_fw-la ferrum_fw-la unquam_fw-la aut_fw-la percussit_fw-la incudem_fw-la i_o e._n the_o evidence_n of_o that_o be_v the_o divine_a power_n of_o miracle_n which_o be_v in_o those_o who_o deliver_v these_o thing_n to_o the_o world_n and_o when_o the_o apostle_n catechise_v he_o further_o how_o he_o know_v those_o miracle_n be_v such_o as_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v viz._n that_o they_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a his_o answer_n be_v si_fw-mi orbis_fw-la terrae_fw-la seize_v convertit_fw-la ad_fw-la christianismum_fw-la inquiebam_fw-la ego_fw-la sine_fw-la miraculis_fw-la hoc_fw-la unum_fw-la est_fw-la tale_n ut_fw-la reliqua_fw-la non_fw-la sint_fw-la ejus_fw-la cente_fw-la sima_fw-la pars_fw-la i_o e._n if_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n without_o miracle_n this_o will_v be_v so_o great_a a_o miracle_n that_o other_o be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v with_o it_o i_o conclude_v this_o then_o with_o that_o know_a saying_n of_o st._n austin_n quisquis_fw-la adhuc_fw-la prodigia_fw-la ut_fw-la credat_fw-la inquirit_fw-la magnum_fw-la est_fw-la ipse_fw-la prodigium_fw-la qui_fw-la mundo_fw-la credente_fw-la 8._o non_fw-la credit_n he_o that_o seek_v for_o miracle_n still_o to_o induce_v he_o to_o faith_n when_o the_o world_n be_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n he_o need_v not_o seek_v for_o prodigy_n abroad_o he_o want_v only_o a_o look_a glass_n to_o discover_v one_o for_o as_o he_o go_v on_o unde_fw-la temporibus_fw-la erudit_fw-la be_v &_o omne_fw-la quod_fw-la fieri_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la respuentibus_fw-la sine_fw-la ullis_fw-la miraculis_fw-la nimium_fw-la mirabiliter_fw-la incredibiliter_fw-la credidit_fw-la mundus_fw-la whence_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o in_o so_o learned_a and_o wary_a a_o age_n as_o that_o be_v which_o the_o apostle_n preach_v in_o the_o world_n without_o miracle_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o believe_v thing_n so_o strange_o incredible_a as_o those_o be_v which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n preach_v so_o that_o by_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o intention_n of_o miracle_n be_v to_o confirm_v a_o divine_a testimony_n to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o make_v that_o appear_v credible_a which_o otherwise_o will_v have_v seem_v incredible_a but_o to_o what_o end_n now_o when_o this_o divine_a testimony_n be_v believe_v in_o the_o world_n shall_v miracle_n be_v continue_v among_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v divine_a the_o miracle_n wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o to_o have_v be_v true_a and_o the_o scripture_n which_o contain_v both_o to_o be_v the_o undoubted_a word_n of_o god_n to_o what_o purpose_n then_o the_o huge_a outery_n of_o miracle_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v unless_o it_o be_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v how_o ambition_n that_o church_n be_v of_o be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o he_o who_o come_n 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 deceivableness_n 10._o of_o unrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v for_o have_v they_o receive_v the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o will_v have_v believe_v it_o on_o the_o account_n of_o those_o miracle_n and_o sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o be_v wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o not_o have_v go_v about_o by_o their_o juggle_n and_o imposture_n in_o stead_n of_o bring_v man_n to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n to_o make_v they_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o first_o miracle_n when_o they_o see_v so_o many_o counterfeit_n have_v we_o not_o great_a assurance_n the_o apostle_n be_v man_n of_o other_o design_n and_o interest_n then_o popish_a priest_n be_v and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o now_o any_o such_o necessity_n of_o miracle_n as_o there_o be_v then_o when_o a_o divine_a testimony_n reveal_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v confirm_v by_o they_o those_o miracle_n can_v be_v divine_a which_o be_v do_v now_o for_o 2._o the_o confirmation_n of_o any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o that_o divine_a testimony_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o uncontrolled_a divine_a miracle_n the_o case_n be_v not_o the_o same_o now_o which_o be_v before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n for_o than_o though_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n yet_o though_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n do_v null_a the_o obligation_n of_o that_o law_n the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o divine_a because_o god_n do_v not_o intend_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n to_o be_v perpetual_a and_o there_o be_v many_o prophecy_n which_o can_v not_o have_v their_o accomplishment_n but_o under_o a_o new_a state_n but_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n god_n have_v declare_v this_o to_o be_v the_o last_o revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o son_n that_o now_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v accomplish_v and_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o new_a respect_n only_o the_o various_a condition_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n without_o any_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o further_a revelation_n of_o god_n mind_n and_o will_n to_o the_o world_n so_o that_o now_o the_o scripture_n be_v our_o adequate_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o according_a to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v all_o pretender_n to_o inspiration_n or_o miracle_n and_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n we_o be_v to_o proceed_v in_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v propound_v to_o we_o to_o believe_v by_o any_o person_n upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o under_o the_o law_n after_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o law_n its_o self_n by_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n the_o rule_n of_o judge_v all_o pretender_n to_o miracle_n be_v by_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n if_o there_o arise_v 3._o among_o you_o a_o prophet_n or_o a_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n and_o give_v thou_o a_o sign_n or_o a_o wonder_n and_o the_o sign_n or_o the_o wonder_n come_v to_o pass_v whereof_o he_o speak_v to_o thou_o say_v let_v we_o go_v after_o other_o god_n which_o thou_o have_v not_o know_v and_o let_v we_o serve_v they_o thou_o shall_v not_o hearken_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o that_o prophet_n or_o that_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n for_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n prove_v you_o to_o know_v whether_o you_o love_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n with_o all_o your_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o your_o soul._n whereby_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o after_o the_o true_a doctrine_n be_v confirm_v by_o divine_a miracle_n god_n may_v give_v the_o devil_n or_o false_a prophet_n power_n to_o work_v if_o not_o real_a miracle_n yet_o such_o as_o man_n can_v judge_v by_o the_o thing_n themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v real_a or_o no_o and_o
from_o eternity_n together_o with_o matter_n it_o must_v necessary_o exist_v as_o matter_n do_v and_o so_o evil_a will_v be_v invincible_a and_o unavoidable_a in_o the_o world_n which_o if_o once_o grant_v render_v religion_n useless_a make_v god_n command_n unrighteous_a and_o destroy_v the_o foundation_n of_o god_n proceed_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n 3._o this_o opinion_n make_v god_n not_o to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o good_a while_o it_o deny_v he_o to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o evil_n 3._o for_o either_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o evil_a in_o this_o eternal_a matter_n or_o there_o be_v a_o mixture_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a if_o nothing_o else_o but_o evil_a which_o do_v necessary_o exist_v it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o god_n to_o produce_v good_a out_o of_o it_o as_o to_o annihilate_v the_o necessary_o existent_a matter_n if_o thâ—re_o be_v a_o mixture_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n they_o be_v both_o there_o either_o necessary_o or_o contingent_o how_o can_v either_o of_o they_o be_v contingent_o in_o that_o which_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v necessary_o existent_a and_o no_o free_a agent_n if_o they_o be_v both_o there_o necessary_o 1._o it_o be_v hard_o conceive_v how_o two_o such_o contrary_a thing_n as_o good_a and_o evil_n shall_v both_o necessary_o be_v in_o the_o same_o uniform_a matter_n 2._o then_o god_n be_v no_o more_o the_o author_n of_o good_a then_o of_o evil_n in_o the_o world_n for_o he_o be_v say_v not_o to_o be_v the_o authâ—r_n of_o evil_a because_o it_o come_v from_o matter_n and_o so_o it_o appear_v good_a do_v too_o and_o so_o god_n according_a to_o this_o opinion_n be_v no_o more_o the_o author_n of_o good_a than_o he_o be_v of_o evil_a but_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o good_a be_v not_o in_o matter_n but_o god_n produce_v that_o out_o of_o nothing_o then_o i_o reply_v 1._o if_o god_n do_v produce_v good_a out_o of_o nothing_o why_o do_v he_o not_o produce_v matter_n out_o of_o nothing_o too_o iâ—_n he_o be_v so_o powerful_a as_o to_o do_v the_o one_o there_o can_v be_v no_o de_fw-la ect_fw-la of_o power_n as_o to_o the_o other_o what_o insufficiency_n be_v there_o in_o god_n nature_n for_o produce_v all_o thing_n out_o of_o nothing_o if_o he_o can_v produce_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o nothing_o 2._o if_o god_n do_v produce_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a why_o can_v he_o not_o have_v remove_v all_o evil_a out_o of_o matter_n for_o good_a can_v not_o be_v produce_v but_o by_o the_o remove_n of_o some_o evil_n which_o be_v before_o that_o good_a and_o so_o god_n may_v have_v remove_v all_o evil_a out_o of_o matter_n and_o so_o by_o not_o do_v it_o when_o he_o may_v this_o opinion_n give_v not_o the_o least_o satisfaction_n in_o point_n of_o reason_n for_o acquit_v god_n from_o be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n nor_o for_o clear_v the_o true_a origine_fw-la of_o evil_a thus_o we_o have_v now_o compare_v the_o account_n give_v of_o it_o in_o scripture_n with_o that_o give_v by_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n and_o 13_o find_v it_o in_o every_o thing_n more_o clear_a rational_a and_o satisfactory_a than_o they_o be_v which_o doubtless_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o more_o modern_a philosopher_n such_o as_o hierocles_n porphyry_n simplicius_n and_o other_o though_o otherwise_o great_a opposer_n of_o christianity_n do_v yet_o in_o this_o side_n with_o the_o scripture_n and_o attribute_v the_o original_n of_o evil_n not_o to_o matter_n but_o to_o the_o will_n of_o man_n and_o whoever_o be_v serious_o conversant_a with_o the_o write_n of_o those_o philosopher_n who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o sacred_a succâ—ssion_n out_o of_o the_o school_n of_o ammonius_n at_o alexandria_n such_o as_o plotinus_n porphyrius_n jamblichus_n and_o hierocles_n will_v find_v they_o wriâ—â—_n in_o a_o high_a strain_n concern_v many_o weighty_a and_o important_a 〈◊〉_d as_o of_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o man_n soul_n from_o god_n and_o tâ—e_v way_n of_o the_o soul_n return_v to_o he_o than_o the_o most_o sublime_a of_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n have_v do_v which_o speculation_n of_o they_o no_o doubt_n arise_v not_o so_o much_o from_o the_o school_n of_o plato_n and_o pythagoras_n as_o of_o that_o great_a restorer_n oâ—_n philosophy_n ammonius_n of_o alexandria_n who_o sâ—bolars_n herâ—nnius_n origen_n and_o plotinus_n be_v who_o live_v and_o die_v a_o â—hristian_n as_o eusebius_n and_o hierom_n assure_v we_o whatever_o porphyrius_n suggest_v to_o the_o contrary_a do_v 6._o communicate_v to_o his_o scholar_n the_o sublime_a mystery_n of_o divine_a reuâ—lâ—tion_n together_o wâ—â—h_v the_o speculation_n of_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n which_o holstenius_fw-la conceive_v he_o do_v with_o a_o adjuration_n oâ—_n secrecy_n which_o he_o tell_v we_o porphyrius_n himself_o acknowledge_v that_o those_o three_o scholar_n of_o ammonius_n herennius_n origen_n and_o plâ—tinus_n be_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o each_o other_o not_o to_o reveal_v and_o discover_v though_o it_o be_v after_o violate_v by_o they_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o conceive_v what_o a_o excellent_a improvement_n may_v be_v make_v of_o the_o ancient_a platonic_a philosophy_n by_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o one_o who_o be_v so_o well_o verse_v in_o both_o of_o they_o as_o ammonius_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v and_o how_o agreeable_a and_o become_a will_v that_o philosophy_n seem_v which_o have_v only_o its_o rise_n from_o plato_n but_o its_o height_n and_o improvement_n from_o those_o rich_a and_o true_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v inlay_v with_o they_o the_o want_n of_o observe_v this_o viz._n whence_o it_o be_v that_o those_o excellent_a discourse_n in_o the_o late_a platonist_n have_v their_o true_a original_n have_v give_v occasion_n to_o several_a mistake_n among_o learned_a man_n as_o first_o the_o over_o value_v of_o the_o platonic_a philosophy_n as_o though_o in_o many_o of_o the_o discourse_n and_o notion_n of_o it_o it_o seem_v to_o some_o who_o be_v more_o in_o love_n with_o philosophy_n then_o the_o scripture_n to_o outgo_v what_o be_v discover_v therein_o concern_v the_o same_o thing_n a_o most_o groundless_a and_o unworthy_a censure_n when_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a and_o may_v be_v large_o manifest_v be_v it_o here_o a_o fit_a opportunity_n that_o whatever_o be_v true_o generous_a and_o noble_a in_o the_o sublimest_n discourse_n of_o the_o platonist_n have_v not_o only_o its_o primitive_a rise_n but_o its_o accession_n and_o improvement_n from_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o it_o be_v still_o contain_v in_o its_o native_a lustre_n and_o beauty_n without_o those_o painting_n and_o impure_a mixture_n which_o the_o suâ—â—â—mest_a truth_n be_v corrupt_v with_o in_o the_o platonic_a writing_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o be_v though_o these_o philosopher_n grow_v â—â—ddenly_o rich_a through_o the_o spoil_n they_o have_v take_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o be_v know_v from_o whence_o they_o have_v they_o and_o will_v seem_v to_o have_v have_v that_o out_o of_o their_o own_o garden_n which_o be_v only_o transplant_v from_o the_o sacred_a write_n therefore_o we_o find_v they_o not_o mention_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n without_o some_o contempt_n of_o its_o meanness_n and_o simplicity_n &_o what_o ever_o improvement_n they_o have_v gain_v by_o they_o they_o will_v have_v it_o less_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o profess_v their_o opposition_n to_o the_o christian_n as_o be_v notorious_a in_o those_o great_a philosopher_n porphyrius_n jamblichus_n hierocles_n simplicius_n and_o oâ—hers_n it_o be_v their_o design_n to_o take_v so_o much_o and_o no_o more_o out_o of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n as_o they_o can_v well_o suit_n with_o their_o platonic_a notion_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o so_o disguise_v the_o face_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o steal_v that_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o the_o right_a owner_n of_o they_o to_o know_v they_o again_o which_o 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of_o that_o god_n who_o reveal_v it_o who_o authority_n extend_v over_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n in_o its_o most_o secret_a and_o hide_a recess_n 3._o in_o a_o pure_a and_o unmixed_a manner_n in_o all_o other_o write_n how_o good_a soever_o we_o have_v a_o great_a mixture_n of_o dross_n and_o gold_n together_o here_o be_v nothing_o but_o pure_a gold_n diamond_n without_o flaw_n sun_n without_o spot_n the_o most_o current_a coin_n of_o the_o world_n have_v their_o alloyes_n of_o base_a metal_n there_o be_v no_o such_o mixture_n in_o divine_a truth_n as_o they_o all_o come_v from_o the_o same_o author_n so_o they_o all_o have_v the_o same_o purity_n there_o be_v a_o urim_n and_o thumim_n upon_o the_o whole_a scripture_n light_n and_o perfection_n in_o every_o part_n of_o it_o in_o the_o philosopher_n we_o may_v meet_v it_o may_v be_v with_o some_o scatter_a fragment_n of_o pure_a metal_n amid_o abundance_n of_o dross_n and_o impure_a oar_n here_o we_o have_v whole_a 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choice_n of_o man_n of_o all_o rank_n to_o be_v enditer_n of_o his_o oracle_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v it_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o state_n policy_n or_o particular_a interest_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o his_o word_n which_o person_n of_o such_o different_a interest_n can_v not_o have_v agree_v in_o as_o they_o do_v we_o have_v moses_n david_n solomon_n person_n of_o royal_a rank_n and_o quality_n and_o can_v it_o be_v any_o mean_a thing_n which_o these_o think_v it_o their_o glory_n to_o be_v penner_n of_o we_o have_v isaiah_n daniel_n and_o other_o person_n of_o the_o high_a education_n and_o accomplishment_n and_o can_v it_o be_v any_o trivial_a thing_n which_o these_o employ_v themselves_o in_o we_o have_v amos_n other_o prophet_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a of_o the_o mean_a sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o all_o these_o join_v in_o consort_n together_o when_o god_n tune_v their_o spirit_n all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o strain_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o give_v light_a and_o harmony_n to_o each_o other_o 3._o by_o person_n in_o different_a place_n and_o condition_n some_o in_o prosperity_n in_o their_o own_o country_n some_o under_o banishment_n and_o adversity_n yet_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o substance_n of_o doctrine_n of_o which_o no_o alteration_n we_o see_v be_v make_v either_o for_o the_o flattery_n of_o those_o in_o power_n or_o for_o avoid_v misery_n and_o calamity_n and_o under_o all_o the_o different_a dispensation_n before_o under_o and_o after_o the_o law_n though_o the_o management_n of_o thing_n be_v different_a yet_o the_o doctrine_n and_o design_n be_v for_o substance_n the_o same_o in_o all_o all_o the_o different_a dispensation_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o common_a principle_n of_o religion_n the_o same_o ground_n of_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o obligation_n to_o duty_n be_v common_a to_o all_o though_o the_o peculiar_a instance_n wherein_o god_n be_v serve_v may_v be_v different_a according_a to_o the_o age_n of_o growth_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n so_o that_o this_o great_a uniformity_n consider_v in_o these_o circumstance_n be_v a_o argument_n that_o these_o thing_n come_v original_o from_o the_o same_o spirit_n though_o convey_v through_o different_a instrument_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o world_n 5._o in_o a_o persuasive_a and_o convince_a manner_n and_o that_o these_o way_n 1._o bring_v divine_a truth_n down_o to_o our_o capacity_n clothing_n spiritual_a matter_n in_o familiar_a expression_n and_o similitude_n that_o so_o they_o may_v have_v the_o easy_a admission_n into_o our_o mind_n 2._o propound_v thing_n as_o our_o interest_n which_o be_v our_o duty_n thence_o god_n so_o frequent_o in_o scripture_n recommend_v our_o duty_n to_o we_o under_o all_o those_o motive_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o have_v the_o great_a force_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o annex_v gracious_a promise_n to_o our_o performance_n of_o they_o and_o those_o 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deliver_v thou_o israel_n how_o shall_v i_o make_v thou_o as_o admah_n how_o shall_v i_o set_v thou_o as_o zâ—boim_n i_o heart_n be_v turn_v within_o i_o my_o repenting_n be_v kindle_v together_o o_o jerusalem_n jerusalem_n how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thy_o 37_o child_n together_o as_o a_o hen_n gather_v her_o chicken_n under_o her_o wing_n and_o you_o will_v not_o what_o majesty_n and_o yet_o what_o sweetness_n and_o condescension_n be_v there_o in_o these_o expression_n what_o obstinacy_n and_o rebellion_n be_v it_o in_o man_n for_o they_o to_o stand_v out_o against_o god_n when_o he_o thus_o come_v down_o from_o his_o throne_n of_o majesty_n and_o woo_v rebellious_a sinner_n to_o return_v unto_o he_o that_o they_o may_v be_v pardon_v such_o a_o matchless_a and_o unparallelled_a strain_n of_o rhetoric_n be_v there_o in_o the_o scripture_n far_o above_o the_o art_n and_o insinuation_n of_o the_o most_o admire_a orator_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o peculiar_a excellency_n of_o the_o manner_n wherein_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v reveal_v to_o we_o thus_o we_o have_v consider_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v a_o discovery_n of_o god_n mind_n to_o the_o world_n the_o scripture_n may_v be_v consider_v as_o a_o rule_n of_o life_n or_o as_o a_o law_n of_o god_n which_o be_v give_v for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o life_n 2._o of_o man_n and_o therein_o the_o excellency_n of_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o the_o encouragement_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o 1._o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n require_v which_o be_v most_o become_a god_n to_o require_v most_o reasonable_a for_o we_o to_o perform_v 1._o most_o become_v god_n to_o require_v as_o they_o be_v most_o suitable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o imitation_n of_o which_o in_o our_o action_n be_v the_o