but_o thus_o much_o in_o this_o place_n shall_v suffice_v all_o particular_n have_v be_v large_o insist_v upon_o in_o their_o proper_a place_n and_o since_o as_o sure_a as_o there_o be_v a_o god_n there_o must_v be_v a_o reveal_v religion_n if_o any_o man_n will_v dispute_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n let_v he_o instance_n in_o any_o other_o religion_n that_o can_v make_v a_o better_a plea_n and_o have_v more_o certainty_n that_o it_o come_v from_o god_n let_v he_o produce_v any_o other_o religion_n that_o have_v more_o visible_a character_n of_o divinity_n in_o it_o and_o we_o will_v not_o scruple_n to_o be_v of_o it_o but_o if_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o show_v any_o such_o as_o have_v be_v prove_v than_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v of_o this_o since_o there_o must_v be_v some_o reveal_v religion_n and_o if_o that_o religion_n which_o have_v more_o evidence_n for_o it_o than_o any_o other_o religion_n can_v be_v pretend_v to_o have_v and_o all_o that_o it_o can_v be_v requisite_a for_o it_o to_o have_v suppose_v it_o true_a and_o which_o it_o be_v therefore_o impossible_a to_o discover_v to_o be_v false_a if_o it_o be_v so_o if_o this_o religion_n be_v not_o true_a god_n must_v be_v want_v to_o mankind_n in_o what_o concern_v their_o eternal_a interest_n and_o happiness_n he_o must_v be_v want_v to_o himself_o and_o to_o his_o own_o attribute_n of_o goodness_n justice_n and_o truth_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o upon_o a_o due_a examination_n of_o all_o the_o reason_n and_o motive_n to_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o christian_n can_v be_v no_o better_o than_o a_o atheist_n if_o he_o discern_v the_o consequence_n of_o thing_n and_o will_v hold_v to_o his_o own_o principle_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o medium_fw-la if_o we_o right_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o as_o sure_a as_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o certain_a the_o gospel_n be_v reveal_v by_o he_o chap._n ii_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n have_v prove_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o our_o religion_n i_o shall_v in_o the_o last_o place_n upon_o these_o principle_n give_v a_o resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o subject_n that_o have_v cause_v such_o unnecessary_a and_o unhappy_a dispute_n among_o christian_n in_o these_o latter_a age_n for_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n this_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o controversy_n as_o indeed_o it_o can_v not_o then_o and_o ought_v not_o now_o to_o be_v 1._o consider_v the_o scripture_n only_o as_o a_o history_n contain_v the_o action_n and_o doctrine_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n we_o have_v the_o great_a humane_a testimony_n that_o can_v be_v of_o man_n who_o have_v all_o the_o opportunity_n of_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o miracle_n etc._n etc._n which_o give_v evidence_n and_o authority_n to_o the_o doctrine_n as_o reveal_v from_o god_n and_o who_o can_v have_v no_o interest_n to_o deceive_v other_o but_o expose_v themselves_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o danger_n and_o infamy_n and_o torment_n by_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n whereas_o imposture_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v invent_v not_o to_o incur_v such_o suffering_n but_o to_o avoid_v they_o or_o to_o obtain_v the_o advantage_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n and_o so_o this_o testimony_n amount_v to_o a_o moral_a certainty_n or_o as_o it_o be_v proper_o enough_o call_v by_o some_o to_o a_o moral_a infallibility_n because_o it_o imply_v a_o moral_a impossibility_n of_o our_o be_v deceive_v by_o it_o such_o a_o certainty_n it_o be_v as_o that_o nothing_o with_o any_o reason_n can_v be_v object_v against_o it_o we_o can_v have_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o doubt_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v and_o suffer_v and_o teach_v what_o the_o scripture_n relate_v of_o they_o in_o jerusalem_n antioch_n etc._n etc._n as_o that_o there_o ever_o be_v such_o place_n in_o the_o world_n nay_o we_o have_v that_o much_o better_o attest_v than_o this_o for_o many_o man_n have_v die_v in_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o ii_o this_o testimony_n be_v consider_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n testify_v as_o it_o concern_v eternal_a salvation_n which_o be_v of_o the_o great_a concernment_n to_o all_o mankind_n it_o appear_v that_o god_n veracity_n and_o goodness_n be_v engage_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v deceive_v inevitable_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o consequence_n so_o that_o this_o moral_a infallibility_n become_v hereby_o absolute_a infallibility_n and_o that_o which_o be_v before_o but_o humane_a faith_n become_v divine_a be_v ground_v not_o upon_o humane_a testimony_n but_o upon_o the_o divine_a attribute_n which_o do_v attest_v and_o confirm_v that_o humane_a testimony_n and_o so_o divine_a testimony_n be_v the_o ultimate_a ground_n why_o i_o believe_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v no_o particular_a reveal_v testimony_n indeed_o but_o that_o which_o be_v equivalent_a to_o it_o viz._n the_o constant_a attestation_n of_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n for_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o god_n to_o let_v man_n be_v deceive_v without_o any_o possible_a help_n or_o remedy_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o importance_n and_o so_o we_o have_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n absolute_o infallible_a because_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o divine_a attribute_n that_o god_n do_v confirm_v this_o humane_a testimony_n by_o his_o own_o iii_o the_o argument_n than_o proceed_v thus_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v false_a it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o discover_v they_o to_o be_v so_o and_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o almighty_a god_n to_o suffer_v a_o deceit_n of_o this_o nature_n to_o pass_v upon_o mankind_n without_o any_o possibility_n of_o a_o discovery_n therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v not_o false_a here_o be_v 1._o the_o object_n or_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v viz._n that_o the_o revelation_n deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v from_o god_n 2._o the_o motive_n or_o evidence_n to_o induce_v our_o belief_n viz._n humane_a testimony_n 3._o a_o confirmation_n of_o that_o testimony_n or_o the_o formal_a principle_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o belief_n viz._n the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o truth_n the_o object_n therefore_o or_o thing_n believe_v be_v the_o same_o to_o we_o that_o it_o be_v to_o those_o who_o see_v the_o miracle_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n stand_v confirm_v viz._n the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o our_o belief_n be_v the_o same_o that_o they_o be_v viz._n the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o truth_n whereby_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v miracle_n to_o be_v wrought_v in_o his_o own_o name_n according_a to_o prophecy_n former_o deliver_v and_o with_o all_o other_o circumstance_n of_o credibility_n only_o to_o confirm_v a_o lye_n the_o only_a difference_n then_o between_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n in_o we_o and_o in_o the_o christian_n who_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v this_o that_o though_o we_o believe_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o reason_n with_o they_o yet_o we_o have_v not_o the_o same_o immediate_a motive_n or_o evidence_n to_o induce_v our_o belief_n or_o to_o satisfy_v we_o in_o these_o reason_n and_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v upon_o these_o ground_n that_o be_v to_o satisfy_v and_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v final_o resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o be_v as_o well_o certify_v to_o we_o as_o his_o divine_a attribute_n can_v render_v it_o for_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o this_o from_o what_o their_o own_o sense_n receive_v but_o we_o have_v our_o assurance_n of_o it_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o the_o question_n therefore_o will_v be_v whether_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n for_o this_o belief_n in_o we_o or_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o become_v assure_v that_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o as_o sufficient_a to_o produce_v a_o divine_a faith_n in_o we_o and_o to_o establish_v our_o faith_n upon_o the_o divine_a authority_n as_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n which_o those_o have_v who_o live_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o see_v their_o miracle_n can_v be_v to_o produce_v that_o faith_n in_o they_o which_o resolve_v itself_o into_o the_o divine_a authority_n and_o this_o enquiry_n will_v depend_v upon_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o whether_o
other_o it_o seem_v probable_a that_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o excommunication_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v style_v shammatha_n which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o maran_n atha_n sham_n signify_v lord_n as_o 22._o as_o vid._n grot._n &_o ham._n ad_fw-la 1_o cor._n xuj_o 22._o maran_n also_o do_v in_o the_o syriac_a and_o other_o language_n and_o atha_n signify_v come_v atha_n may_v either_o ignorant_o or_o malicious_o be_v mistake_v for_o athon_n which_o signify_v a_o ass_n and_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o this_o calumny_n may_v be_v first_o raise_v by_o some_o body_n who_o have_v be_v excommunicate_v and_o turn_v apostate_n it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a wrong_a inference_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n in_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a and_o other_o heathen_a historian_n for_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o relation_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o divers_a author_n may_v put_v most_o part_n of_o history_n past_o doubt_n but_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o those_o which_o have_v be_v mention_v be_v exception_n to_o which_o the_o sacred_a historian_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n liable_a they_o do_v not_o charge_v one_o another_o with_o falsehood_n nothing_o can_v be_v discover_v of_o partiality_n in_o their_o write_n but_o they_o tell_v the_o most_o disgraceful_a truth_n of_o their_o ancestor_n and_o of_o themselves_o and_o the_o history_n itself_o have_v so_o many_o public_a circumstance_n that_o they_o clear_v it_o beyond_o all_o suspicion_n of_o deceit_n if_o the_o name_n of_o some_o man_n be_v omit_v upon_o particular_a occasion_n in_o the_o scripture_n we_o find_v they_o mention_v there_o upon_o other_o and_o there_o be_v evident_a reason_n that_o the_o name_n of_o infamous_a man_n shall_v in_o some_o case_n be_v omit_v and_o shall_v not_o be_v insert_v in_o genealogy_n and_o enroll_v in_o the_o register_n of_o honour_n but_o when_o the_o memory_n of_o person_n and_o action_n be_v total_o suppress_v this_o must_v extreme_o abate_v the_o credit_n of_o any_o history_n the_o jew_n be_v the_o only_a people_n in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v have_v their_o antiquity_n by_o a_o uninterrupted_a tradition_n deliver_v down_o and_o preserve_v in_o a_o authentic_a book_n unanimous_o assert_v by_o the_o whole_a nation_n in_o all_o age_n which_o they_o have_v never_o change_v nor_o alter_v but_o have_v in_o great_a number_n sacrifice_v their_o life_n in_o testimony_n of_o it_o if_o the_o heathen_n in_o divers_a thing_n contradict_v the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n they_o contradict_v one_o another_o as_o much_o in_o the_o account_n of_o their_o own_o antiquity_n and_o what_o they_o relate_v of_o the_o jew_n be_v upon_o uncertain_a and_o contrary_a report_n if_o they_o conceal_v what_o concern_v the_o jew_n it_o be_v their_o custom_n to_o stifle_v that_o which_o do_v not_o please_v they_o the_o history_n as_o well_o as_o the_o religion_n of_o most_o other_o nation_n be_v keep_v secret_a and_o not_o communicate_v to_o the_o people_n no_o book_n of_o history_n among_o they_o be_v ever_o put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o whole_a nation_n with_o a_o strict_a charge_n to_o every_o one_o to_o read_v and_o study_v it_o as_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n be_v when_o the_o principal_a and_o most_o memorable_a thing_n relate_v be_v within_o the_o knowledge_n and_o memory_n of_o all_o that_o read_v they_o the_o jew_n be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o preserve_v their_o genealogy_n with_o all_o imaginable_a care_n and_o exactness_n if_o they_o will_v make_v good_a the_o claim_n and_o title_n to_o their_o inheritance_n so_o that_o the_o mean_a among_o they_o can_v with_o the_o great_a certainty_n derive_v his_o line_n from_o adam_n whereas_o the_o persian_a king_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o 11._o from_o herod_n lib._n seven_o c._n 11._o herodotus_n can_v boast_v but_o of_o a_o short_a descent_n and_o the_o king_n and_o emperor_n of_o the_o roman_n and_o of_o other_o nation_n to_o advance_v their_o pedigree_n be_v force_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o fabulous_a report_n and_o the_o heathen_a account_n of_o the_o original_a not_o only_o of_o particular_a family_n but_o of_o the_o several_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v fabulous_a or_o at_o the_o best_a but_o very_o uncertain_a by_o the_o most_o accurate_a historian_n the_o account_n of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v mistake_v at_o first_o and_o it_o have_v be_v transmit_v with_o all_o the_o certainty_n that_o any_o history_n be_v capable_a of_o to_o posterity_n and_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n all_o agree_v in_o the_o account_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o deluge_n of_o abraham_n and_o the_o other_o patriarch_n of_o the_o bondage_n of_o the_o israelite_n in_o egypt_n their_o miraculous_a deliverance_n from_o thence_o and_o their_o journey_v into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n they_o all_o frequent_o assert_v suppose_v or_o imply_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n there_o be_v a_o continue_a series_n and_o line_n of_o truth_n observable_a throughout_o the_o whole_a scripture_n but_o among_o heathen_a writer_n it_o be_v otherwise_o they_o contradict_v one_o another_o in_o matter_n of_o any_o considerable_a antiquity_n if_o they_o agree_v in_o some_o material_a passage_n it_o be_v common_o with_o much_o variation_n in_o the_o circumstance_n and_o with_o great_a uncertainty_n and_o doubtfulness_n and_o the_o thing_n in_o which_o they_o most_o agree_v be_v such_o as_o have_v be_v take_v from_o the_o scripture_n which_o compose_v a_o book_n that_o if_o it_o be_v but_o for_o the_o antiquity_n and_o learning_n of_o it_o be_v the_o most_o valuable_a of_o any_o book_n in_o the_o world_n and_o nothing_o but_o vice_n and_o ignorance_n and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o worst_a sort_n of_o ignorance_n a_o pretence_n to_o learning_n can_v make_v it_o so_o much_o despise_v ii_o if_o the_o history_n of_o heathen_a nation_n be_v so_o little_a to_o be_v rely_v upon_o their_o philosophy_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v worthy_a of_o no_o more_o regard_n which_o for_o any_o thing_n of_o truth_n and_o usefulness_n there_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o it_o depend_v so_o much_o upon_o historical_a tradition_n that_o poetry_n be_v the_o most_o ancient_a way_n of_o write_v be_v not_o only_o assert_v by_o heathen_a author_n but_o may_v with_o great_a probability_n be_v make_v out_o from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o poet_n be_v the_o chief_a upholder_n of_o the_o religion_n and_o the_o philosophy_n in_o use_n among_o the_o heathen_n both_o these_o be_v at_o the_o first_o teach_v in_o short_a maxim_n which_o that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o receive_v and_o the_o more_o easy_o retain_v in_o memory_n be_v put_v into_o verse_n without_o any_o far_a ornament_n than_o just_a what_o be_v necessary_a to_o give_v a_o clear_a and_o full_a expression_n to_o their_o notion_n and_o precept_n 1._o precept_n xenoph._n conviv_n &_o memorab_n lib._n 1._o socrates_n and_o the_o philosopher_n of_o his_o time_n have_v a_o value_n for_o the_o verse_n of_o theognis_n and_o those_o which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o pythagoras_n be_v at_o least_o as_o ancient_a as_o 2._o as_o apuâ—_n a_o gell._n lib._n vi_o c._n 2._o chrysippus_n who_o allege_v their_o authority_n solon_n himself_o write_v elegy_n whereof_o some_o remain_n be_v still_o preserve_v this_o give_v the_o poet_n a_o mighty_a reputation_n and_o we_o find_v not_o only_a solon_n but_o other_o of_o they_o quote_v and_o appeal_v to_o by_o demosthenes_n and_o aeschines_n in_o the_o court_n of_o judicature_n as_o well_o as_o by_o philosopher_n in_o their_o discourse_n but_o the_o poet_n for_o the_o more_o delightful_a entertainment_n of_o the_o people_n not_o only_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o that_o ancient_a and_o useful_a way_n of_o instruction_n by_o fable_n for_o he_o plâ—et_n he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d plat._n plâ—et_n be_v hardly_o esteem_v a_o poet_n who_o have_v be_v the_o author_n of_o none_o but_o they_o become_v the_o promoter_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o superstition_n and_o idolatrous_a worship_n the_o oracle_n be_v deliver_v in_o verse_n every_o poet_n write_v something_o in_o honour_n of_o the_o false_a god_n and_o â—b_n and_o plat._n â—b_n socrates_n himself_o during_o his_o imprisonment_n make_v a_o hymn_n in_o praise_n of_o apollo_n by_o which_o mean_v the_o original_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v so_o obscure_v and_o corrupt_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a in_o any_o humane_a way_n to_o provide_v a_o sufficient_a remedy_n plato_n complain_v of_o the_o fiction_n of_o poet_n but_o when_o he_o set_v himself_o to_o recover_v man_n to_o a_o true_a sense_n and_o notion_n of_o thing_n by_o the_o help_n of_o some_o ancient_a tradition_n which_o he_o have_v meet_v withal_o he_o fall_v into_o very_o absurd_a and_o sinful_a
eloquence_n as_o well_o as_o the_o power_n and_o prejudices_fw-la and_o vice_n of_o mankind_n be_v combine_v against_o it_o and_o yet_o less_o elegancy_n and_o accuracy_n of_o style_n be_v employ_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n than_o have_v be_v before_o use_v by_o moses_n and_o thâ—_n prophet_n who_o yet_o have_v nothing_o which_o seem_v so_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a to_o deliver_v which_o be_v one_o great_a argument_n of_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o it_o can_v prevail_v so_o much_o against_o all_o the_o opposition_n in_o the_o world_n only_o by_o tell_v a_o plain_a truth_n and_o in_o the_o plain_a manner_n for_o where_o the_o thing_n be_v evident_a the_o few_o and_o plain_a word_n be_v best_a as_o in_o mathematical_a demonstration_n it_o be_v enough_o if_o man_n make_v themselves_o to_o be_v understand_v this_o likewise_o be_v all_o that_o the_o apostle_n aim_v at_o 24._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d euseb_n hist_o lib._n iii._o c._n 24._o their_o cause_n and_o doctrine_n be_v so_o certain_a and_o demonstrable_a that_o any_o word_n which_o do_v but_o full_o and_o clear_o express_v their_o meaning_n be_v sufficient_a for_o their_o purpose_n their_o rhetoric_n lie_v in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o not_o in_o word_n there_o be_v no_o great_a art_n require_v to_o prove_v that_o to_o any_o man_n which_o he_o see_v with_o his_o eye_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n be_v great_a under_o the_o gospel_n than_o under_o the_o law_n so_o there_o be_v less_o need_n of_o eloquence_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o in_o the_o old_a yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v as_o a_o 4._o a_o mer_n casaub_n of_o enthus_n c._n 4._o learned_a critic_n have_v declare_v that_o st_n paul_n in_o some_o kind_n and_o upon_o some_o subject_n be_v as_o eloquent_a as_o ever_o man_n be_v not_o inferior_a to_o demosthenes_n in_o who_o writing_n he_o believe_v that_o apostle_n have_v be_v much_o conversant_a or_o aeschines_n or_o any_o other_o ancient_o most_o admire_v 3._o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v write_v in_o the_o word_n and_o phrase_n of_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o they_o and_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v permit_v they_o to_o use_v their_o own_o style_n so_o direct_v they_o still_o and_o overrule_a they_o in_o every_o word_n and_o sentence_n that_o it_o shall_v infallible_o express_v his_o own_o full_a sense_n and_o meaning_n and_o speak_v the_o truth_n which_o he_o inspire_v and_o therefore_o though_o there_o be_v divers_a style_n in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n and_o certainty_n of_o they_o isaiah_n for_o instance_n be_v of_o the_o blood_n royal_a and_o educate_v at_o court_n may_v write_v in_o a_o more_o refine_a and_o lofty_a style_n and_o amos_n who_o be_v bring_v up_o among_o the_o herdsman_n of_o tekoa_n may_v speak_v in_o a_o more_o humble_a strain_n and_o fetch_v his_o metaphor_n from_o low_a and_o mean_a thing_n and_o yet_o the_o sense_n and_o substance_n of_o both_o may_v be_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o as_o exact_o true_a and_o infallible_a as_o if_o every_o word_n and_o syllable_n be_v dictate_v by_o he_o but_o this_o have_v be_v already_o consider_v under_o its_o proper_a head_n chap._n iu._n of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n whatever_o uncertainty_n there_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v concern_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o the_o catalogue_n and_o number_n of_o book_n of_o divine_a revelation_n this_o aught_o to_o be_v make_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a revelation_n itself_o or_o against_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o book_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v and_o receive_v by_o all_o church_n for_o if_o this_o be_v a_o true_a way_n of_o argue_v than_o whatever_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o must_v be_v a_o argument_n against_o the_o certainty_n of_o what_o we_o know_v and_o by_o consequence_n no_o man_n can_v be_v certain_a of_o any_o thing_n since_o the_o wise_a man_n be_v ignorant_a of_o so_o many_o thing_n that_o he_o know_v very_o little_a in_o comparison_n of_o what_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o author_n of_o great_a note_n and_o fame_n but_o that_o critic_n have_v have_v dispute_n concern_v the_o number_n of_o his_o genuine_a work_n and_o yet_o this_o have_v never_o be_v think_v any_o prejudice_n to_o such_o as_o be_v allow_v by_o all_o to_o be_v genuine_a will_v not_o that_o man_n make_v himself_o ridiculous_a who_o shall_v reject_v the_o philippic_n of_o tully_n or_o virgil_n aeneis_n as_o spurious_a because_o other_o book_n either_o doubtful_a or_o counterfeit_v have_v past_a under_o the_o name_n of_o these_o two_o author_n if_o some_o book_n have_v be_v dispute_v the_o rest_n certain_o be_v genuine_a beyond_o all_o dispute_n because_o they_o have_v never_o be_v call_v into_o question_n or_o doubt_v now_o if_o these_o book_n only_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n concern_v which_o there_o have_v never_o be_v any_o dispute_n they_o contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v and_o as_o to_o the_o rest_n concern_v which_o there_o have_v be_v any_o controversy_n though_o they_o be_v exceed_o useful_a to_o explain_v divers_a thing_n which_o we_o find_v in_o these_o and_o perhaps_o to_o teach_v we_o some_o thing_n not_o essential_a to_o our_o religion_n nor_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v elsewhere_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v receive_v because_o whatever_o doctrine_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a they_o be_v to_o be_v find_v full_o and_o plain_o deliver_v in_o those_o book_n of_o scripture_n which_o have_v ever_o be_v receive_v without_o contradiction_n or_o dispute_n many_o man_n be_v undoubted_o save_v before_o the_o write_n of_o these_o controvert_v book_n nay_o before_o the_o write_n of_o any_o book_n at_o all_o write_n be_v no_o further_o necessary_a than_o as_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o convey_v the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o be_v write_v when_o the_o thing_n now_o write_v can_v be_v as_o well_o know_v without_o writing_n book_n be_v not_o necessary_a and_o though_o for_o after_o age_n it_o become_v necessary_a that_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n shall_v consign_v their_o doctrine_n to_o writing_n yet_o no_o more_o of_o their_o writing_n can_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v by_o we_o than_o what_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n it_o be_v the_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o afford_v we_o more_o than_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o our_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a life_n as_o he_o have_v do_v for_o our_o natural_a and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n in_o any_o man_n to_o reject_v any_o mean_n of_o salvation_n or_o instruction_n which_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o allow_v but_o still_o that_o man_n will_v sustain_v his_o natural_a life_n and_o health_n who_o shall_v think_v all_o that_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o support_n of_o it_o common_a or_o unclean_a and_o not_o fit_a to_o be_v use_v for_o food_n and_o if_o a_o man_n without_o any_o of_o his_o own_o fault_n or_o neglect_n shall_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n only_o of_o the_o uncontrrovert_v book_n he_o will_v find_v they_o abundant_o sufficient_a to_o answer_v all_o the_o end_n of_o revelation_n and_o to_o procure_v his_o salvation_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o one_o infallible_a authority_n be_v as_o great_a a_o security_n as_o never_o so_o many_o can_v be_v but_o the_o same_o doctrine_n be_v teach_v in_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n and_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n for_o it_o that_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o furnish_v we_o with_o so_o much_o more_o than_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o to_o repeat_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o sundry_a place_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n for_o our_o further_a instruction_n and_o confirmation_n in_o the_o faith_n though_o it_o will_v be_v absurd_a and_o wicked_a to_o say_v that_o he_o who_o believe_v all_o the_o point_n of_o necessary_a faith_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o one_o book_n of_o scripture_n have_v no_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o salvation_n unless_o he_o likewise_o believe_v they_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n not_o that_o i_o suppose_v any_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n can_v now_o find_v any_o cause_n to_o doubt_v of_o any_o book_n in_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n whether_o it_o be_v genuine_a or_o no_o but_o to_o suppose_v the_o most_o and_o the_o worst_a that_o can_v be_v suppose_v if_o those_o book_n which_o at_o any_o time_n have_v be_v call_v in_o
question_n be_v not_o only_o dubious_a but_o certain_o spurious_a the_o remain_a book_n which_o be_v never_o doubt_v of_o be_v sufficient_a for_o all_o the_o necessary_a end_n and_o purpose_n of_o a_o revelation_n and_o therefore_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o some_o book_n have_v be_v former_o matter_n of_o controversy_n i_o shall_v enter_v upon_o no_o discourse_n concern_v the_o apocryphal_a book_n the_o authority_n whereof_o have_v be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o effectual_o disprove_v by_o protestant_n that_o the_o most_o learned_a papist_n have_v now_o little_a to_o say_v for_o they_o but_o â—re_n force_v only_o to_o fly_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o beg_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n or_o to_o beg_v something_o as_o hard_a to_o be_v grant_v viz._n the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o i_o shall_v here_o engage_v in_o no_o controversy_n of_o that_o nature_n both_o protestant_n and_o papist_n be_v general_o speak_v agree_v that_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a be_v of_o divine_a authority_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o the_o christian_a religion_n must_v be_v true_a whether_o there_o be_v or_o be_v not_o other_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o of_o equal_a authority_n these_o book_n in_o the_o main_n have_v already_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v genuine_a and_o without_o any_o material_a corruption_n or_o alteration_n i_o shall_v now_o only_o propose_v such_o general_a consideration_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o obviate_v objection_n the_o agreement_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o samaritan_n in_o the_o pentateuch_n be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n for_o its_o authority_n and_o though_o there_o be_v many_o and_o great_a idolatry_n commit_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n yet_o by_o the_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n there_o never_o be_v such_o a_o total_a apostasy_n in_o the_o people_n nor_o so_o long_a a_o succession_n of_o idolatrous_a king_n as_o that_o the_o book_n either_o of_o the_o law_n or_o the_o prophet_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v suppress_v or_o alter_v for_o three_o year_n under_o rehoboam_n they_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o david_n and_o solomon_n 2_o chron._n 11.17.12.1_o and_o though_o afterward_o he_o forsake_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o all_o israel_n with_o he_o his_o reign_n be_v in_o all_o but_o seventeen_o year_n abijam_n be_v a_o wicked_a king_n but_o he_o reign_v no_o long_o than_o three_o year_n 1_o king_n xv_o 2._o asa_n the_o three_o from_o solomon_n and_o jehoshaphat_n his_o son_n be_v great_a reformer_n and_o asa_n reign_v one_o and_o forty_o year_n and_o jehoshaphat_n five_o and_o twenty_o year_n 2_o chron._n xuj_o 13._o xx_o 31._o the_o two_o next_o king_n in_o succession_n do_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o their_o reign_n be_v short_a jehoram_n reign_v eight_o year_n and_o ahaziah_n but_o one_o 2_o chron._n xxi_o 20._o xxii_o 2._o during_o the_o interval_n of_o six_o year_n under_o the_o usurpation_n of_o athaliah_n the_o people_n can_v not_o be_v great_o corrupt_v for_o she_o be_v hateful_a to_o they_o as_o jehoram_n her_o husband_n have_v be_v before_o she_o and_o they_o ready_o join_v with_o jehoiada_n in_o slay_v she_o and_o in_o restore_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n 2_o chron._n xxii_o joash_n the_o son_n of_o ahaziah_n do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n all_o the_o day_n of_o jehoiada_n 2_o chron._n xxiv_o 2._o we_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o reign_v well_o three_o and_o twenty_o year_n 2_o king_n twelve_o 6._o and_o probable_o much_o long_o for_o jehoiada_n live_v to_o a_o very_a great_a age_n 2_o chron._n xxiv_o 15._o amaziah_n his_o son_n have_v the_o same_o character_n and_o with_o the_o same_o abatement_n that_o he_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o not_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n 2_o chron._n twenty-five_o 2._o or_o yet_o not_o like_o david_n his_o father_n he_o do_v according_a to_o all_o thing_n as_o joash_n his_o father_n do_v 2_o king_n fourteen_o 3._o vzziah_n son_n to_o amaziah_n reign_v well_o and_o seek_v god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o zachariah_n 2_o chron._n xxvi_o 5._o and_o after_o he_o be_v seize_v with_o the_o leprosy_n for_o invade_v the_o priest_n office_n the_o administration_n of_o affair_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o son_n jotham_n vers_fw-la 21._o who_o imitate_v the_o good_a part_n of_o his_o father_n reign_n chap._n xxvii_o 2._o ahaz_n be_v wicked_a and_o a_o idolater_n but_o he_o reign_v only_o sixteen_o year_n chap._n xxviii_o 1._o and_o his_o son_n hezekiah_n wrought_v a_o great_a reformation_n who_o reign_v twenty_o nine_o year_n chap._n xxix_o 1._o manasses_n be_v much_o give_v to_o idolatry_n in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o his_o reign_n but_o after_o his_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n he_o be_v very_o zealous_a against_o it_o chap._n xxxiii_o 15_o 16._o amon_n imitate_v the_o ill_a part_n of_o his_o father_n reign_n but_o his_o own_o continue_v no_o long_o than_o two_o year_n chap._n xxxiii_o 21._o the_o next_o be_v josiah_n in_o who_o time_n the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n be_v find_v in_o the_o temple_n which_o must_v be_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n own_o hand-writing_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o book_n of_o the_o law_n can_v be_v no_o such_o rare_a thing_n at_o that_o time_n in_o jerusalem_n as_o to_o be_v take_v so_o much_o notice_n of_o unless_o it_o have_v be_v that_o book_n which_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o side_n of_o the_o ark_n and_o be_v to_o be_v transcribe_v by_o every_o king_n it_o seem_v that_o book_n of_o the_o law_n have_v be_v purposely_o hide_v to_o preserve_v it_o from_o the_o attempt_n of_o idolater_n who_o it_o be_v fear_v may_v have_v a_o design_n to_o destroy_v it_o for_o if_o it_o have_v only_o lie_v by_o neglect_a the_o find_n of_o it_o can_v have_v be_v no_o such_o surprise_v thing_n because_o the_o place_n in_o the_o temple_n be_v well_o know_v where_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v keep_v in_o the_o side_n of_o the_o ark_n and_o where_o they_o may_v have_v seek_v for_o it_o but_o it_o be_v probable_o at_o that_o time_n suppose_v to_o have_v be_v utter_o lose_v and_o its_o be_v find_v in_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v build_v for_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o and_o where_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v keep_v with_o the_o great_a care_n as_o a_o most_o inestimable_a treasure_n the_o veneration_n which_o josiah_n have_v for_o so_o sacred_a a_o write_n and_o the_o happy_a and_o unexpected_a recovery_n of_o it_o when_o it_o have_v be_v disregard_v and_o almost_o lose_v through_o the_o iniquity_n of_o his_o predecessor_n these_o consideration_n can_v not_o but_o exceed_o move_v a_o mind_n so_o tender_a and_o affectionate_o pious_a as_o that_o king_n when_o he_o receive_v the_o law_n under_o moses_n own_o hand_n send_v he_o as_o he_o believe_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o deliver_v to_o he_o as_o it_o be_v anew_o from_o heaven_n not_o long_o after_o his_o time_n be_v the_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n till_o which_o there_o be_v always_o prophet_n frequent_a reformation_n and_o never_o any_o succession_n of_o idolatrous_a king_n which_o continue_v for_o a_o long_a time_n together_o very_o few_o king_n be_v idolatrous_a throughout_o their_o whole_a reign_n and_o those_o that_o be_v reign_v but_o a_o short_a time_n 9_o time_n book_n 1._o part_n 2._o c._n 6._o &_o 9_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o pentateuch_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n write_v before_o the_o captivity_n be_v preserve_v among_o the_o jew_n till_o their_o return_n and_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o those_o who_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n that_o ezra_n who_o compose_v the_o canon_n do_v it_o by_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n or_o have_v the_o assistance_n of_o prophet_n in_o the_o do_v it_o 1._o it_o joseph_n câ—nt_fw-la apion_n lib._n 1._o josephus_n say_v that_o their_o book_n after_o the_o time_n of_o artaxerxes_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o those_o before_o his_o time_n for_o want_v of_o a_o certain_a succession_n of_o prophet_n and_o since_o the_o jew_n admit_v no_o writing_n as_o inspire_v into_o the_o canon_n after_o malachi_n prophecy_n this_o show_v their_o sincerity_n and_o exactness_n in_o examine_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o such_o write_n as_o they_o admit_v into_o their_o canon_n of_o scripture_n the_o pharisee_n make_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n of_o no_o effect_n by_o their_o tradition_n but_o never_o dare_v presume_v to_o impose_v they_o under_o the_o notion_n and_o
to_o the_o computation_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o eight_o day_n which_o they_o reckon_v for_o the_o circumcision_n of_o their_o child_n and_o in_o their_o other_o account_n for_o they_o compute_v inclusive_o any_o part_n of_o the_o day_n in_o which_o the_o child_n be_v bear_v for_o the_o whole_a thus_o the_o seven_o the_o annum_fw-la ita_fw-la diviserunt_fw-la ut_fw-la nonis_fw-la modo_fw-la diâ—bus_fw-la urbanâ—s_fw-la re_fw-la usu_fw-la parent_n reliquis_fw-la seven_o ut_fw-la rura_fw-la colerent_fw-la varde_v rust_n lib._n two_o prait_fw-fr 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d diony_n halicarn_n antiqa_fw-la rom._n lib._n seven_o roman_n compute_v their_o nundinae_fw-la and_o their_o calends_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o olypmiad_n among_o the_o greek_n contain_v 5_o year_n inclusive_o and_o thus_o we_o call_v that_o tertian_n ague_n which_o have_v but_o one_o day_n intermission_n but_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o these_o type_n and_o prophecy_n be_v matter_n of_o fact_n must_v be_v prove_v as_o all_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v by_o witness_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o a_o body_n offer_v themselves_o as_o witness_n to_o testify_v this_o great_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n this_o jesus_n have_v god_n raise_v up_o whereof_o we_o all_o be_v witness_n act._n two_o 32._o the_o thing_n therefore_o to_o be_v consider_v be_v whether_o they_o be_v effectual_o qualify_v to_o be_v witness_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o to_o prove_v that_o they_o have_v all_o the_o qualification_n which_o can_v be_v require_v in_o any_o witness_n i_o shall_v show_v 1._o that_o they_o have_v certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v witness_n of_o and_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o in_o it_o 2._o that_o they_o will_v not_o deceive_v other_o have_v no_o temptation_n to_o it_o but_o act_v against_o all_o the_o interest_n and_o advantage_n of_o this_o world_n 3._o that_o they_o allege_v such_o circumstance_n as_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o deceive_v those_o to_o who_o they_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n though_o they_o have_v have_v never_o so_o much_o mind_n to_o do_v it_o and_o when_o man_n testify_v thing_n which_o they_o have_v such_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o know_v as_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v mistake_v in_o they_o when_o they_o can_v have_v no_o advantage_n but_o by_o tell_v the_o truth_n and_o can_v expect_v nothing_o but_o suffering_n from_o it_o in_o this_o life_n when_o they_o produce_v such_o circumstance_n as_o put_v it_o out_o of_o their_o own_o power_n to_o deceive_v and_o such_o as_o those_o before_o who_o they_o speak_v may_v know_v to_o be_v false_a if_o they_o be_v so_o this_o certain_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v desire_v in_o any_o witness_n i._o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v witness_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n can_v not_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o in_o it_o they_o be_v ever_o far_o from_o be_v credulous_a and_o easy_a of_o belief_n as_o they_o show_v upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o particular_o they_o never_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n till_o their_o own_o sense_n have_v convince_v they_o but_o before_o they_o have_v wrong_a notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o it_o and_o either_o misunderstand_v and_o misapply_v all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v to_o they_o about_o it_o or_o whatever_o they_o know_v or_o believe_v concern_v it_o before_o they_o have_v no_o expectation_n of_o it_o when_o he_o be_v once_o dead_a our_o saviour_n have_v in_o express_a term_n foretell_v his_o resurrection_n upon_o the_o three_o day_n several_a time_n matt._n xuj_o 21._o xvii_o 23._o xx_o 19_o but_o his_o disciple_n do_v not_o right_o apprehend_v or_o thorough_o consider_v what_o he_o say_v to_o they_o though_o he_o express_v himself_o in_o the_o plain_a word_n for_o they_o be_v whole_o take_v up_o with_o great_a thought_n and_o expectation_n of_o a_o earthly_a kingdom_n and_o of_o temporal_a power_n and_o honour_n at_o one_o time_n peter_n take_v he_o and_o begin_v to_o rebuke_v he_o say_v be_v it_o far_o from_o thou_o lord_n this_o shall_v not_o be_v unto_o thou_o matt._n xuj_o 22._o and_o at_o another_o time_n just_a before_o his_o passion_n our_o saviour_n have_v no_o soon_o do_v speak_v to_o they_o of_o his_o crucifixion_n and_o his_o rise_n again_o the_o three_o day_n but_o the_o two_o son_n of_o zebedee_n petition_v that_o one_o may_v sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o other_o on_o the_o left_a in_o his_o kingdom_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n be_v move_v with_o indignation_n against_o they_o for_o prefer_v such_o a_o request_n and_o it_o appear_v from_o our_o saviour_n discourse_n to_o they_o upon_o it_o that_o their_o mind_n be_v all_o bent_n upon_o the_o thought_n of_o temporal_a glory_n and_o dominion_n matt._n xx_o 20._o and_o after_o our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v they_o that_o he_o must_v be_v put_v to_o death_n and_o rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n st._n luke_n add_v that_o they_o understand_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n and_o this_o say_n be_v hide_v from_o they_o neither_o know_v they_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v speak_v luke_n xviii_o 34._o and_o we_o find_v the_o same_o expression_n before_o luke_n ix_o 45._o even_o after_o our_o saviour_n have_v eat_v the_o passover_n with_o they_o and_o institute_v the_o sacrament_n of_o his_o body_n which_o be_v just_a then_o to_o be_v give_v up_o and_o to_o be_v crucify_a and_o of_o his_o blood_n which_o be_v to_o be_v shed_v for_o they_o they_o be_v still_o intent_n upon_o temporal_a thing_n and_o have_v expectation_n of_o be_v advance_v to_o place_n of_o authority_n and_o pre-eminence_n and_o there_o be_v a_o â—iâ—fe_n among_o they_o which_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v account_v the_o great_a luke_n xxii_o 24._o at_o his_o passion_n as_o one_o of_o they_o deny_v he_o thrice_o so_o all_o the_o rest_n forseek_v he_o and_o flee_v the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n write_v without_o any_o design_n or_o any_o end_n to_o serve_v but_o that_o of_o tell_v the_o truth_n and_o therefore_o they_o conceal_v nothing_o of_o their_o own_o fail_n and_o fault_n though_o they_o may_v prove_v never_o so_o disgraceful_a to_o they_o they_o acquaint_v we_o that_o they_o be_v ambitious_a and_o have_v a_o vain_a prospect_n of_o temporal_a grandeur_n that_o they_o be_v timorous_a and_o of_o little_a faith_n till_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o which_o appear_v in_o nothing_o more_o than_o in_o this_o point_n of_o the_o resurrection_n they_o be_v man_n of_o no_o great_a natural_a capacity_n or_o quick_a apprehension_n and_o they_o have_v sometime_o find_v themselves_o mistake_v in_o understanding_n that_o literal_o which_o be_v speak_v to_o they_o in_o parable_n and_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o man_n to_o run_v from_o one_o extreme_a to_o another_o and_o usual_a for_o ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a man_n to_o imagine_v difficulty_n where_o there_o be_v none_o and_o this_o meeting_n with_o their_o wish_n and_o long_n after_o temporal_a greatness_n make_v they_o take_v all_o that_o be_v say_v to_o they_o concern_v the_o passion_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n in_o some_o such_o sense_n as_o may_v answer_v their_o hope_n and_o desire_n of_o temporal_a felicity_n but_o when_o his_o crucifixion_n have_v undeceive_v they_o in_o this_o conceit_n they_o be_v in_o such_o confusion_n and_o consternation_n of_o mind_n as_o not_o to_o be_v able_a â—o_o recollect_v themselves_o or_o to_o promise_v themselves_o any_o thing_n by_o his_o resurrection_n which_o they_o have_v no_o hope_n or_o expectation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v common_o as_o low_a as_o their_o education_n and_o their_o condition_n and_o station_n in_o the_o world_n be_v and_o be_v easy_o sink_v and_o depress_v much_o low_a by_o any_o great_a and_o sudden_a calamity_n and_o man_n who_o be_v bear_v in_o so_o mean_v a_o condition_n and_o have_v entertain_v a_o conceit_n of_o great_a and_o vain_a hope_n and_o then_o as_o unexpected_o fall_v from_o they_o must_v be_v so_o deject_v at_o it_o that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o they_o think_v of_o nothing_o but_o their_o sorrow_n and_o have_v little_a heart_n to_o imagine_v any_o possibility_n of_o relief_n from_o the_o revive_n of_o he_o who_o they_o have_v see_v in_o that_o infamous_a and_o cruel_a manner_n put_v to_o death_n they_o be_v so_o possess_v with_o a_o opinion_n of_o a_o temporal_a kingdom_n that_o when_o they_o have_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o have_v afterward_o converse_v a_o long_a time_n with_o he_o they_o can_v not_o put_v it_o out_o of_o their_o mind_n act_n i_o 6._o and_o thetefore_o it_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n that_o when_o they_o see_v he_o dead_a and_o in_o the_o grave_a
and_o have_v see_v his_o miracle_n and_o have_v be_v enable_v by_o he_o to_o do_v the_o like_a and_o they_o be_v never_o credulous_a but_o always_o backward_o and_o slow_a of_o belief_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o surprise_v thing_n to_o they_o for_o though_o he_o have_v often_o plain_o foretell_v it_o to_o they_o yet_o the_o disappointment_n of_o their_o hope_n of_o a_o temporal_a kingdom_n and_o the_o great_a terror_n and_o consternation_n that_o his_o death_n have_v put_v they_o into_o have_v quite_o break_v their_o spirit_n and_o thrust_v all_o hope_n or_o thought_n of_o a_o resurrection_n out_o of_o their_o mind_n and_o they_o be_v very_o hardly_o bring_v to_o a_o belief_n of_o it_o but_o he_o overcome_v their_o unbelief_n and_o satisfy_v all_o their_o scruple_n by_o such_o way_n as_o must_v be_v convince_a or_o else_o we_o can_v never_o be_v convince_v that_o there_o be_v any_o real_a man_n beside_o ourselves_o in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v not_o mere_a shadow_n and_o ghost_n they_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 they_o all_o behold_v the_o mark_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o in_o his_o side_n and_o one_o of_o they_o who_o will_v not_o otherwise_o be_v persuade_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o resurrection_n do_v thrust_v his_o finger_n into_o the_o print_n of_o the_o nail_n by_o which_o he_o be_v fasten_v to_o the_o cross_n and_o his_o hand_n into_o the_o wound_n of_o his_o side_n which_o be_v make_v by_o the_o soldier_n spear_n just_a before_o he_o be_v take_v down_o from_o it_o so_o that_o they_o know_v he_o as_o certain_o to_o be_v rise_v again_o as_o they_o have_v ever_o know_v he_o to_o be_v alive_a before_o his_o death_n the_o apostle_n be_v so_o diffident_a that_o our_o saviour_n upbraid_v they_o with_o their_o unbelief_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n because_o they_o believe_v not_o they_o which_o have_v see_v he_o after_o he_o be_v rise_v mark_v xuj_o 14._o but_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o as_o st._n thomas_n be_v at_o first_o absent_a and_o be_v suffer_v afterward_o to_o be_v so_o very_o difficult_a of_o belief_n so_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o two_o disciple_n that_o be_v walk_v to_o emaus_n that_o their_o eye_n be_v hold_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o know_v he_o it_o be_v purposely_o so_o order_v by_o the_o divine_a providence_n that_o they_o may_v not_o ready_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v he_o but_o that_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o manifestation_n of_o himself_o to_o they_o may_v be_v a_o invincible_a argument_n against_o all_o opposer_n that_o no_o man_n may_v have_v any_o thing_n to_o object_n when_o every_o circumstance_n be_v as_o narrow_o examine_v and_o with_o as_o great_a caution_n and_o circumspection_n and_o diffidence_n as_o it_o can_v have_v be_v do_v by_o himself_o if_o he_o have_v be_v there_o for_o i_o think_v we_o may_v challenge_v the_o bold_a and_o subtle_a adversary_n to_o say_v what_o he_o can_v have_v do_v more_o to_o discover_v the_o truth_n if_o he_o have_v be_v then_o live_v and_o among_o the_o apostle_n than_o be_v do_v by_o they_o that_o which_o we_o have_v hear_v say_v st._n john_n which_o we_o have_v see_v with_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 that_o which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v declare_v we_o unto_o you_o 1_o joh._n 1.2_o 3._o which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o witness_n to_o say_v as_o to_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o they_o who_o can_v speak_v and_o write_v in_o this_o manner_n must_v be_v competent_a witness_n if_o no_o other_o exception_n can_v lie_v against_o they_o they_o certain_o speak_v home_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o all_o that_o any_o witness_n can_v be_v desire_v or_o suppose_v to_o speak_v ii_o as_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o so_o they_o will_v not_o deceive_v other_o have_v no_o temptation_n to_o it_o but_o act_v against_o all_o the_o interest_n and_o advantage_n of_o this_o world_n and_o those_o who_o have_v deny_v or_o forsake_v christ_n when_o he_o be_v live_v will_v never_o have_v be_v so_o zealous_a and_o resolute_a to_o suffer_v for_o he_o after_o he_o be_v crucify_a if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v full_o assure_v of_o his_o resurrection_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v they_o will_v have_v suffer_v all_o manner_n of_o torment_n and_o death_n only_o to_o bear_v witness_n to_o a_o thing_n they_o have_v know_v to_o be_v false_a and_o it_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o it_o but_o must_v have_v know_v it_o to_o be_v false_a if_o it_o have_v be_v so_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v true_a that_o christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a or_o else_o we_o must_v suppose_v the_o apostle_n to_o have_v be_v of_o so_o different_a a_o nature_n from_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n as_o to_o delight_v in_o the_o thing_n which_o all_o other_o fear_n and_o abhor_v even_o in_o bond_n and_o imprisonment_n in_o infamy_n and_o torment_n and_o all_o the_o punishment_n that_o can_v be_v inflict_v he_o that_o will_v endure_v all_o these_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o what_o he_o know_v to_o be_v false_a must_v sure_o not_o be_v of_o humane_a nature_n and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o doubt_v whether_o the_o apostle_n be_v man_n as_o we_o be_v as_o whether_o christ_n do_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a iii_o they_o allege_v such_o circumstance_n as_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o deceive_v those_o to_o who_o they_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n though_o they_o have_v have_v never_o so_o much_o mind_n to_o do_v it_o they_o declare_v that_o that_o jesus_n who_o the_o jew_n have_v cause_v to_o be_v crucify_a and_o have_v then_o place_v a_o guard_n of_o soldier_n to_o secure_v his_o sepulchre_n lest_o his_o disciple_n shall_v take_v he_o away_o be_v notwithstanding_o all_o their_o care_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o that_o report_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o his_o disciple_n come_v by_o night_n and_o steal_v he_o away_o while_o the_o watch_n sleep_v be_v utter_o false_a nay_o that_o it_o be_v a_o suborn_a story_n and_o that_o the_o chief_a priest_n have_v give_v the_o soldier_n money_n to_o say_v it_o now_o if_o christ_n have_v not_o real_o be_v rise_v how_o easy_o have_v all_o this_o be_v disprove_v and_o what_o a_o provocation_n be_v this_o to_o the_o chief_a priest_n to_o disprove_v it_o if_o they_o can_v their_o honour_n and_o reputation_n and_o their_o interest_n with_o the_o people_n be_v high_o concern_v to_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o report_n which_o they_o have_v hire_v the_o soldier_n to_o give_v out_o and_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o report_n what_o reason_n can_v st._n matthew_n have_v to_o pretend_v there_o be_v and_o if_o against_o all_o reason_n and_o common_a sense_n he_o have_v pretend_v such_o a_o report_n when_o there_o have_v be_v none_o it_o must_v have_v be_v the_o great_a disservice_n to_o his_o cause_n that_o can_v have_v be_v think_v of_o but_o when_o there_o be_v such_o a_o report_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o his_o disciple_n have_v steal_v he_o away_o by_o night_n if_o this_o can_v have_v be_v make_v good_a against_o they_o will_v his_o disciple_n so_o soon_o after_o in_o the_o very_a city_n where_o he_o have_v be_v crucify_a declare_v to_o the_o face_n of_o the_o chief_a priest_n assemble_v in_o counsel_n the_o god_n of_o our_o father_n have_v raise_v up_o jesus_n who_o you_o slay_v and_o hang_v on_o a_o tree_n he_o have_v god_n exalt_v with_o his_o right_a hand_n to_o be_v a_o prince_n and_o a_o saviour_n and_o to_o give_v repentance_n to_o israel_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o we_o be_v his_o witness_n of_o these_o thing_n act_v v._o 30_o 31_o 32._o be_v not_o this_o as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v say_v to_o challenge_v they_o to_o produce_v those_o soldier_n to_o confront_v they_o but_o beside_o the_o senseless_a story_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o know_v what_o be_v do_v when_o they_o confess_v themselves_o to_o have_v be_v asleep_o the_o apostle_n can_v soon_o have_v confute_v that_o calumny_n by_o the_o miracle_n which_o they_o wrought_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o resurrection_n if_o the_o soldier_n have_v be_v asleep_o when_o the_o body_n be_v take_v away_o yet_o the_o jew_n be_v certain_o awake_a when_o they_o invent_v and_o spread_v the_o report_n and_o when_o they_o see_v the_o miracle_n and_o hear_v the_o strange_a language_n by_o which_o the_o apostle_n prove_v it_o to_o be_v false_a and_o declare_v that_o
christ_n be_v rise_v by_o the_o omnipotent_a power_n of_o god_n beside_o st._n matthew_n write_v that_o the_o grave_n be_v open_v and_o many_o body_n of_o saint_n which_o sleep_v arise_v and_o appear_v unto_o many_o mat._n xxvii_o 52_o 53._o many_o see_v they_o who_o be_v appeal_v to_o as_o witness_n of_o their_o resurrection_n and_o the_o miraculous_a event_n at_o the_o death_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o be_v so_o many_o certain_a presage_n and_o forerunner_n of_o his_o resurrection_n as_o the_o earthquake_n and_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o sun_n for_o three_o hour_n together_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o day_n contrary_a to_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n the_o moon_n be_v in_o the_o full_a the_o rend_a the_o veil_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o like_a these_o be_v thing_n which_o must_v be_v notorious_a and_o which_o can_v not_o have_v be_v pretend_v to_o have_v happen_v but_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o the_o jew_n must_v be_v appeal_v to_o as_o witness_n of_o they_o and_o it_o be_v a_o custom_n for_o the_o deputy_n of_o province_n to_o certify_v the_o emperor_n of_o whatever_o happen_v considerable_a under_o their_o government_n the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n with_o the_o miracle_n which_o accompany_v it_o be_v so_o remarkable_a that_o pontius_n pilate_n give_v a_o account_n both_o of_o his_o miracle_n and_o his_o resurrection_n to_o the_o emperor_n tiberius_n who_o thereupon_o propose_v it_o to_o the_o senate_n to_o have_v he_o take_v into_o the_o number_n of_o their_o god_n and_o make_v it_o punishable_a to_o accuse_v any_o man_n for_o be_v a_o christian_n during_o his_o reign_n and_o this_o information_n of_o pontius_n pilate_n be_v enter_v upon_o record_n at_o rome_n to_o which_o justin_n martyr_n appeal_v in_o his_o apology_n to_o the_o emperor_n antoninus_n pius_n and_o the_o senate_n and_o tertullian_n in_o his_o apology_n which_o be_v likewise_o present_v to_o the_o senate_n of_o rome_n or_o at_o least_o to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o province_n they_o both_o live_v in_o the_o next_o age_n and_o be_v both_o educate_v in_o a_o different_a religion_n and_o upon_o these_o and_o such_o like_a proof_n become_v christian_n and_o they_o be_v man_n of_o excellent_a learning_n and_o judgement_n but_o no_o man_n who_o can_v write_v a_o apology_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v so_o much_o confidence_n and_o so_o little_a understanding_n as_o to_o appeal_v to_o that_o account_n which_o pilate_n send_v to_o tiberius_n concern_v the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n in_o apology_n dedicate_v and_o present_v to_o the_o roman_a emperor_n himself_o and_o to_o the_o senate_n or_o the_o chief_a magistrate_n of_o the_o empire_n if_o no_o such_o account_n have_v ever_o be_v send_v or_o none_o have_v be_v then_o extant_a to_o be_v produce_v but_o by_o the_o special_a providence_n of_o god_n both_o the_o birth_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v insert_v into_o the_o public_a record_n at_o rome_n and_o be_v to_o be_v see_v there_o for_o a_o long_a time_n after_o and_o the_o heathen_n in_o who_o custody_n they_o be_v be_v desire_v by_o the_o primitive_a christian_n to_o consult_v they_o for_o they_o be_v content_a to_o put_v the_o matter_n upon_o this_o issue_n xxi_o issue_n justin_n apol._n two_o tertul._n apol_n c._n iii._o &_o xxi_o that_o if_o they_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o believe_v what_o the_o christian_n say_v yet_o they_o will_v at_o least_o credit_n their_o own_o record_n upon_o these_o proof_n and_o reason_n by_o the_o clear_a evidence_n and_o power_n of_o truth_n the_o word_n of_o god_n mighty_o grow_v and_o prevail_v against_o all_o that_o prejudice_n and_o malice_n and_o every_o vice_n can_v do_v to_o oppose_v it_o in_o rome_n and_o in_o jerusalem_n itself_o for_o in_o this_o very_a city_n where_o our_o saviour_n have_v be_v crucify_a and_o where_o it_o have_v be_v impossible_a to_o have_v make_v proselyte_n if_o his_o resurrection_n have_v not_o be_v evident_o prove_v beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o a_o confutation_n great_a number_n be_v daily_o add_v to_o the_o church_n a_o church_n be_v forthwith_o sound_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o a_o bishop_n appoint_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o both_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n and_o their_o 5._o their_o euseb_n hist_o lib._n 4._o c._n 5._o bishop_n be_v xv_o in_o number_n to_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o adrian_n be_v jew_n by_o nation_n we_o see_v then_o that_o as_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v in_o itself_o beyond_o all_o exception_n so_o it_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o to_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o deceive_v if_o they_o have_v intend_v it_o but_o indeed_o no_o man_n can_v have_v proceed_v in_o that_o manner_n or_o will_v have_v endeavour_v it_o who_o have_v have_v any_o intention_n to_o deceive_v and_o the_o event_n show_v that_o it_o be_v the_o direct_a and_o plain_a evidence_n and_o force_v of_o truth_n which_o support_v itself_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o advantage_n which_o its_o worst_a adversary_n have_v against_o it_o chap._n xv._o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n the_o principal_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v matter_n of_o fact_n as_o the_o passion_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o christ_n upon_o which_o the_o rest_n depend_v the_o great_a thing_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o be_v whether_o the_o apostle_n have_v all_o the_o qualification_n requisite_a to_o become_v witness_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n this_o have_v be_v already_o show_v as_o to_o the_o resurrection_n and_o if_o in_o general_a we_o examine_v whether_o we_o may_v safe_o rely_v upon_o that_o credibility_n wherewith_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o world_n the_o enquiry_n will_v fall_v under_o these_o head_n i._o whether_o they_o be_v man_n of_o sufficient_a ability_n to_o discern_v and_o understand_v what_o they_o testify_v ii_o whether_o they_o have_v sufficient_a mean_n and_o opportunity_n to_o know_v it_o iii_o whether_o they_o be_v man_n of_o integrity_n that_o without_o artifice_n or_o design_n true_o declare_v what_o they_o know_v i._o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v man_n of_o sufficient_a understanding_n to_o become_v witness_n of_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v never_o doubt_v by_o any_o one_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v question_v by_o such_o as_o peruse_v their_o write_n and_o indeed_o who_o be_v there_o of_o any_o common_a sense_n that_o be_v not_o a_o competent_a witness_n of_o what_o he_o see_v and_o hear_v and_o have_v the_o experience_n of_o for_o so_o long_a time_n together_o for_o ii_o by_o their_o conversation_n with_o our_o saviour_n both_o before_o his_o passion_n and_o after_o his_o resurrection_n the_o apostle_n have_v such_o opportunity_n of_o know_v what_o they_o attest_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v deceive_v in_o any_o part_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a qualification_n of_o all_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v converse_v with_o our_o saviour_n before_o his_o death_n and_o have_v see_v he_o after_o his_o resurrection_n for_o when_o one_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v in_o the_o room_n of_o judas_n to_o be_v a_o witness_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n he_o be_v to_o be_v one_o that_o have_v company_v with_o they_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 they_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 up_o from_o they_o act._n i._n 21_o 22._o they_o see_v his_o miracle_n and_o hear_v his_o doctrine_n and_o know_v his_o manner_n of_o life_n and_o have_v all_o the_o opportunity_n and_o use_v all_o the_o mean_n to_o inform_v themselves_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o do_v they_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o majesty_n 2_o pet._n i_o 16._o they_o have_v hear_v and_o see_v with_o their_o eye_n and_o have_v look_v upon_o or_o behold_v and_o discern_v for_o a_o long_a time_n together_o and_o their_o hand_n have_v handle_v that_o which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o their_o testimony_n 1_o joh._n i_o 1_o 2_o 3._o they_o have_v make_v all_o the_o search_n into_o it_o and_o have_v use_v all_o the_o exactness_n that_o can_v be_v and_o be_v as_o distrustful_a and_o as_o hard_a of_o belief_n as_o any_o man_n can_v have_v be_v who_o be_v most_o suspicious_a and_o jealous_a of_o be_v impose_v upon_o and_o of_o these_o apostle_n two_o write_v the_o life_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o all_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o these_o write_v and_o preach_v the_o same_o thing_n where_o ever_o they_o come_v of_o the_o two_o other_o evangelist_n st._n mark_n have_v his_o information_n from_o st._n peter_n who_o disciple_n and_o companion_n he_o be_v and_o st._n luke_n write_v his_o gospel_n from_o the_o account_n
of_o nature_n or_o that_o their_o superstition_n have_v make_v it_o customary_a to_o register_v all_o the_o eclipse_n which_o happen_v the_o dumbness_n of_o zacharias_n till_o the_o circumciston_n of_o his_o son_n john_n the_o baptist_n be_v a_o notorious_a public_a thing_n and_o the_o people_n who_o wait_v for_o he_o and_o marvel_v that_o he_o tarry_v so_o long_o in_o the_o temple_n perceive_v at_o his_o come_n out_o that_o he_o have_v see_v a_o vision_n and_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o that_o history_n be_v noise_v abroad_o through_o all_o the_o hill_n country_n of_o judea_n luke_n i_o 21._o that_o the_o wise_a man_n come_v from_o the_o east_n at_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o star_n that_o herod_n hear_v of_o this_o and_o be_v trouble_v at_o it_o and_o all_o jerusalem_n with_o he_o that_o he_o gather_v all_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o scribe_n together_o and_o demand_v of_o they_o where_o christ_n shall_v be_v bear_v and_o that_o they_o answer_v at_o bethlehem_n of_o judea_n cite_v the_o prophecy_n of_o micah_n that_o herod_n when_o he_o have_v inquire_v of_o the_o wise_a man_n concern_v the_o star_n and_o enjoin_v they_o to_o bring_v he_o word_n where_o the_o young_a child_n be_v be_v disappoint_v by_o their_o return_v home_o another_o way_n slay_v all_o the_o child_n that_o be_v in_o bethlehem_n and_o in_o all_o the_o coast_n thereof_o from_o two_o year_n old_a and_o under_o these_o be_v thing_n of_o that_o public_a nature_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v feign_v when_o st._n matthew_n gospel_n be_v first_o publish_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v true_a thousand_o must_v have_v be_v able_a to_o contradict_v they_o and_o discover_v the_o salsehood_n of_o they_o when_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v relate_v with_o so_o many_o manifest_a and_o public_a circumstance_n it_o be_v a_o appeal_n to_o the_o world_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v write_v and_o no_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n will_v contrive_v a_o false_a story_n with_o such_o public_a circumstance_n as_o that_o every_o reader_n may_v be_v able_a to_o disprove_v it_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v affirm_v that_o in_o such_o a_o city_n or_o village_n in_o england_n at_o the_o command_n of_o such_o a_o king_n and_o at_o such_o a_o time_n within_o our_o memory_n all_o the_o infant_n from_o two_o year_n old_a and_o under_o be_v murder_v he_o must_v scarce_o expect_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o to_o confirm_v any_o thing_n else_o he_o have_v to_o deliver_v by_o such_o a_o fiction_n to_o introduce_v it_o the_o triumphant_a shout_n and_o hosanna_n of_o the_o multitude_n at_o christ_n entrance_n into_o jerusalem_n whereby_o all_o the_o city_n be_v move_v matt._n xxi_o 10_o 11._o immediate_o before_o the_o passover_n when_o there_o be_v the_o great_a concourse_n of_o people_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o can_v not_o soon_o be_v forget_v at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o drive_v out_o all_o that_o sell_v and_o buy_v in_o the_o temple_n and_o overthrow_v the_o table_n of_o the_o money_n changer_n and_o when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o temple_n the_o blind_a and_o the_o lame_a come_v to_o he_o and_o he_o heal_v they_o and_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o scribe_n see_v the_o wonderful_a thing_n that_o he_o do_v and_o the_o child_n cry_v in_o the_o temple_n hosannah_n to_o the_o son_n of_o david_n and_o they_o be_v sore_o displease_v at_o it_o the_o evangelist_n will_v never_o have_v bring_v in_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o scribe_n themselves_o with_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o vast_a number_n of_o jew_n and_o proselyte_n out_o of_o all_o nation_n assemble_v at_o the_o passover_n as_o spectator_n and_o witness_n of_o these_o thing_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v so_o certain_a of_o they_o as_o to_o appeal_v to_o they_o all_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o relate_v so_o late_o and_o so_o solemn_o and_o public_o do_v the_o darkness_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n for_o three_o hour_n together_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o day_n the_o veil_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v be_v rent_n from_o the_o top_n to_o the_o bottom_n the_o earthquake_n and_o the_o rend_n of_o the_o rock_n and_o the_o open_n of_o the_o grave_n be_v thing_n that_o must_v have_v be_v general_o know_v and_o can_v not_o be_v feign_v or_o if_o any_o man_n can_v be_v so_o vain_a as_o to_o imagine_v they_o may_v let_v he_o but_o consider_v whether_o such_o thing_n can_v now_o be_v impose_v upon_o any_o people_n by_o the_o writing_n of_o a_o few_o man_n as_o do_v in_o the_o metropolis_n of_o a_o nation_n at_o a_o solemn_a time_n within_o the_o memory_n of_o thousand_o yet_o live_v who_o be_v able_a to_o contradict_v they_o from_o their_o own_o certain_a knowledge_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v pretend_v that_o but_o a_o few_o year_n ago_o in_o the_o chief_a city_n of_o any_o kingdom_n or_o nation_n one_o part_n of_o the_o principal_a church_n be_v rend_v from_o the_o bottom_n to_o the_o top_n by_o a_o earthquake_n which_o tear_v asunder_o the_o rock_n and_o open_v the_o grave_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o moon_n be_v in_o that_o position_n that_o the_o sun_n can_v fuffer_v no_o eclipe_n the_o sun_n be_v darken_v from_o twelve_o at_o noon_n to_o three_o in_o the_o afternoon_n can_v he_o hope_v to_o gain_v any_o credit_n or_o belief_n to_o any_o doctrine_n he_o have_v to_o propagate_v by_o feign_v such_o circumstance_n as_o will_v put_v it_o into_o the_o power_n of_o every_o man_n that_o hear_v of_o they_o to_o disprove_v he_o will_v not_o this_o be_v the_o ready_a and_o the_o most_o effectual_a way_n he_o can_v possible_o invent_v to_o expose_v himself_o and_o his_o cause_n the_o death_n of_o judas_n and_o the_o cause_n and_o manner_n of_o it_o which_o be_v so_o clear_a a_o vindication_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o so_o plain_a a_o proof_n that_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n be_v know_v unto_o all_o the_o dweller_n of_o jerusalem_n insomuch_o as_o that_o field_n be_v call_v in_o their_o proper_a tongue_n aceldama_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o field_n of_o blood_n act_v i_o 19_o matt._n xxvii_o 8._o if_o this_o field_n have_v not_o be_v so_o call_v and_o this_o have_v not_o be_v well_o know_v at_o jerusalem_n will_v any_o man_n have_v write_v in_o this_o manner_n and_o beside_o the_o xii_o apostle_n and_o the_o lxx_o disciple_n who_o all_o believe_v and_o attest_v the_o truth_n contain_v in_o the_o evangelist_n many_o person_n of_o authority_n and_o note_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v mention_v who_o will_v have_v find_v themselves_o concern_v to_o disprove_v what_o be_v relate_v if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a nicodemus_n be_v say_v to_o have_v come_v to_o christ_n by_o night_n who_o be_v a_o pharisee_n and_o a_o ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n john_n iii._o 2._o seven_o 50._o nineteeen_o 39_o and_o to_o put_v this_o mark_n upon_o he_o three_o several_a time_n that_o he_o come_v to_o jesus_n by_o night_n and_o dare_v not_o own_o his_o come_n to_o he_o be_v no_o flatter_a character_n or_o such_o as_o may_v engage_v nicademus_n or_o his_o friend_n to_o dissemble_v the_o injury_n if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v true_a that_o nicodemus_n be_v his_o disciple_n the_o like_a be_v say_v of_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n a_o rich_a man_n and_o a_o honourable_a counsellor_n matt._n xxvii_o 57_o mark_v xv_o 43._o that_o he_o be_v disciple_n of_o jesus_n but_o sâ—retly_o for_o fear_v of_o the_o jew_n john_n nineteeen_o 38._o herod_n and_o pontius_n pilate_n annas_n and_o caiaphas_n and_o several_a other_o person_n particular_o name_v and_o most_o of_o they_o with_o no_o commendation_n but_o with_o that_o character_n which_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n require_v will_v be_v concern_v themselves_o or_o their_o friend_n and_o relation_n for_o they_o after_o their_o decease_n to_o expose_v any_o falsehood_n that_o can_v have_v be_v discover_v in_o the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o other_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v explicatory_a and_o consequential_a to_o the_o gospel_n or_o history_n of_o christ_n and_o beside_o they_o contain_v many_o memorable_a and_o public_a fact_n as_o the_o speak_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o language_n and_o work_v all_o kind_n of_o miracle_n at_o the_o solemn_a feast_n of_o pentecost_n and_o the_o conversion_n of_o many_o thousand_o thereby_o the_o frequent_a examination_n of_o the_o apostle_n before_o the_o council_n at_o jerusalem_n their_o preach_n and_o miracle_n in_o the_o most_o public_a place_n as_o in_o the_o temple_n in_o the_o street_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v thing_n that_o can_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o world_n in_o that_o very_a place_n and_o in_o defiance_n of_o that_o very_a people_n before_o who_o they_o be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v do_v gamaliel_n dionysius_n the_o
they_o have_v be_v never_o so_o vicious_a and_o profligate_v before_o the_o christian_n be_v represent_v as_o a_o innocent_a devout_a and_o charitable_a sort_n of_o man_n by_o pliny_n lucian_n and_o julian_n the_o apostate_n himself_o 44._o plin._n epist_n ad_fw-la trajan_n lib._n 10._o epist_n 97._o lucian_n de_fw-fr morte_fw-la peregrini_fw-la julian_n epist_n 44._o by_o those_o who_o have_v most_o narrow_o inquire_v into_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o be_v worst_a affect_v to_o they_o and_o by_o these_o mean_v the_o christian_n become_v as_o so_o many_o light_n in_o the_o world_n to_o guide_v and_o direct_v other_o in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n for_o by_o their_o example_n and_o doctrine_n they_o soon_o reform_v even_o the_o heathen_a world_n to_o a_o great_a degree_n morality_n be_v teach_v by_o the_o philosopher_n in_o much_o great_a perfection_n than_o ever_o it_o have_v be_v before_o and_o they_o become_v so_o much_o ashamed_a of_o the_o grossness_n of_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n that_o they_o seek_v out_o all_o art_n to_o refine_v and_o excuse_v it_o and_o those_o vice_n which_o make_v up_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o their_o idolatrous_a mystery_n appear_v too_o abominable_a to_o pass_v any_o long_o for_o religion_n the_o oracle_n soon_o cease_v and_o the_o seduce_a spirit_n confess_v that_o they_o be_v hinder_v from_o give_v out_o their_o answer_n by_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o that_o julian_n the_o apostate_n can_v do_v be_v ineffectual_a to_o bring_v the_o heathen_a oracle_n into_o reputation_n again_o these_o be_v thing_n before_o insist_v upon_o and_o so_o notorious_a in_o history_n that_o they_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v sole_o owe_v to_o the_o power_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o shall_v mention_v but_o one_o instance_n more_o and_o that_o be_v the_o barbarous_a cruelty_n of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n which_o the_o gospel_n have_v deliver_v the_o world_n from_o for_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o offer_v up_o innocent_a man_n and_o child_n in_o sacrifice_n to_o their_o false_a god_n and_o that_o frequent_o and_o in_o some_o place_n daily_o and_o in_o time_n of_o great_a danger_n and_o upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n they_o sacrifice_v so_o great_a number_n of_o man_n at_o once_o that_o it_o will_v be_v incredible_a if_o we_o have_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o best_a historian_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o this_o custom_n of_o sacrifice_a man_n to_o their_o god_n prevail_v not_o only_o here_o in_o britain_n and_o in_o other_o country_n which_o be_v account_v barbarous_a but_o all_o over_o greece_n and_o in_o rome_n itself_o it_o may_v well_o seem_v strange_a to_o we_o now_o that_o such_o a_o practice_n shall_v so_o general_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o nothing_o be_v more_o certain_a from_o all_o history_n than_o that_o it_o do_v prevail_v and_o that_o man_n be_v with_o difficulty_n bring_v off_o from_o it_o for_o when_o mankind_n be_v thus_o cruel_o tyrannize_v over_o by_o bloody_a daemon_n nothing_o but_o the_o omnipotent_a mercy_n of_o god_n can_v rescue_v they_o and_o for_o this_o purpose_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v that_o he_o may_v destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n 1_o john_n three_o 8._o which_o he_o soon_o do_v beast_n and_o idol_n be_v no_o long_o worship_v and_o man_n be_v no_o long_o make_v sacrifice_n when_o once_o christianity_n begin_v to_o appear_v in_o its_o full_a power_n and_o efficacy_n in_o the_o world_n the_o plain_a and_o humble_a doctrine_n of_o he_o that_o be_v lay_v in_o a_o manger_n and_o die_v upon_o a_o cross_n be_v in_o a_o short_a time_n more_o effectual_a to_o reform_v mankind_n than_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o philosopher_n and_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o lawgiver_n have_v ever_o be_v those_o enemy_n to_o their_o own_o soul_n who_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o little_a cavil_n against_o the_o gospel_n as_o if_o they_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o be_v save_v by_o it_o yet_o owe_v the_o happiness_n of_o this_o present_a life_n in_o great_a measure_n to_o its_o influence_n they_o will_v not_o have_v be_v so_o safe_a in_o their_o body_n and_o estate_n nay_o perhaps_o they_o may_v have_v be_v sacrifice_v to_o some_o cruel_a daemon_n long_o before_o this_o if_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o resolve_v to_o despise_v but_o will_v not_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o understand_v have_v not_o be_v believe_v by_o wise_a and_o better_a man_n of_o so_o great_a advantage_n have_v the_o gospel_n be_v to_o those_o who_o will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v and_o convert_v by_o it_o it_o have_v destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o have_v dispossess_v he_o of_o that_o tyranny_n which_o he_o hold_v over_o mankind_n it_o have_v make_v the_o unconverted_a world_n less_o vicious_a and_o have_v banish_v all_o the_o profess_a patron_n and_o deity_n of_o wickedness_n from_o among_o man_n it_o have_v make_v idolatry_n less_o practise_v and_o reduce_v it_o to_o narrow_a bound_n confine_v it_o to_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o every_o where_n upon_o the_o first_o approach_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o evil_a spirit_n be_v disarm_v of_o their_o power_n and_o flee_v away_o before_o it_o as_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o history_n of_o lapland_n and_o other_o country_n so_o general_a a_o blessing_n be_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o even_o unbeliever_n be_v the_o better_a for_o it_o in_o this_o world_n though_o they_o exclude_v themselves_o from_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o in_o the_o next_o and_o the_o christian_n be_v the_o only_a religion_n against_o which_o the_o common_a objection_n concern_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n in_o favour_n of_o it_o can_v be_v urge_v for_o as_o it_o first_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n by_o conquer_a all_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n so_o it_o still_o maintain_v itself_o against_o all_o the_o opposition_n that_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o a_o vicious_a education_n can_v make_v to_o it_o indeed_o it_o may_v seem_v a_o needless_a thing_n to_o have_v be_v thus_o large_a in_o the_o proof_n the_o excelleney_n of_o the_o practical_a doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n when_o god_n know_v this_o be_v the_o great_a exception_n that_o most_o man_n have_v against_o they_o and_o if_o the_o precept_n be_v not_o so_o strict_a and_o holy_a but_o they_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n half_o the_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n will_v satisfy_v they_o vii_o the_o high_a mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o mere_o speculative_a but_o have_v a_o necessary_a relation_n to_o practice_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n among_o man_n as_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o practical_a duty_n teach_v and_o enjoin_v by_o the_o scripture_n but_o what_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o worthy_a of_o god_n and_o which_o have_v raise_v and_o improve_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n beyond_o what_o can_v have_v be_v attain_v to_o without_o it_o so_o the_o speculative_a doctrine_n have_v as_o evident_a character_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n they_o all_o tend_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o make_v we_o better_o more_o wise_a and_o more_o happy_a and_o be_v not_o design_v to_o gratify_v a_o vain_a and_o useless_a curiosity_n but_o to_o excite_v in_o we_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o a_o care_n and_o concernment_n for_o our_o own_o happiness_n they_o set_v before_o we_o the_o original_a and_o creation_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o innocence_n in_o which_o man_n be_v first_o create_v and_o god_n love_n and_o compassion_n to_o he_o after_o his_o fall_n how_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v concern_v in_o our_o redemption_n that_o the_o father_n send_v his_o son_n that_o the_o son_n be_v bear_v that_o he_o live_v a_o despise_a and_o persecute_a life_n and_o at_o last_o undergo_v for_o we_o a_o most_o shameful_a and_o grievous_a death_n that_o he_o rise_v again_o and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o there_o continual_o intercee_v for_o we_o and_o that_o he_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o comforter_n who_o support_v and_o assist_v we_o under_o all_o temptation_n and_o danger_n in_o our_o way_n thither_o and_o will_v if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o safe_o conduct_v we_o to_o heaven_n there_o to_o reign_v with_o christ_n in_o eternal_a bliss_n and_o glory_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n but_o if_o we_o will_v be_v disobedient_a and_o obstinate_a to_o our_o own_o ruin_n we_o must_v be_v eternal_o torment_v with_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n the_o apostle_n who_o without_o learning_n or_o philosophy_n teach_v the_o most_o sublime_a and_o useful_a truth_n more_o plain_o than_o the_o wise_a philosopher_n ever_o have_v do_v must_v derive_v their_o knowledge_n from_o
antiquity_n as_o tully_n assure_v we_o but_o the_o ancient_n give_v no_o reason_n to_o prove_v it_o by_o they_o only_o receive_v it_o by_o tradition_n plato_n be_v the_o first_o who_o attempt_v to_o prove_v it_o by_o argument_n for_o though_o pherecydes_n syrus_n and_o pythagoras_n have_v assert_v it_o yet_o they_o acquiesce_v in_o tradition_n by_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o the_o eastern_a nation_n but_o plato_n as_o it_o be_v general_o suppose_v converse_v with_o the_o jew_n in_o egypt_n or_o at_o his_o come_n into_o italy_n be_v there_o acquaint_v i._n acquaint_v tull._n tusc_n qu._n lib._n i._n with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n among_o other_o notion_n of_o the_o pythagorean_n begin_v to_o argue_v upon_o it_o but_o not_o be_v able_a to_o make_v it_o full_o out_o have_v only_o show_v how_o far_o reason_n can_v proceed_v upon_o those_o ground_n which_o be_v then_o know_v in_o the_o world_n from_o revelation_n seneca_n 54.102_o seneca_n epist_n 54.102_o though_o he_o sometime_o assert_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n yet_o at_o other_o time_n doubt_n of_o it_o and_o even_o deny_v that_o the_o soul_n have_v any_o subsistence_n in_o a_o separate_a state_n and_o yet_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o the_o great_a of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n can_v not_o certain_o prove_v from_o reason_n be_v firm_o believe_v even_o among_o anot._n among_o grot._n de_fw-fr verit_fw-la lib._n i_o anot._n barbarian_n 36._o barbarian_n consuc_fw-la lib._n iii._o part._n 4._o p._n 36._o confucius_n the_o famous_a chinese_n philosopher_n profess_v himself_o not_o the_o author_n but_o the_o relater_n only_o of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o teach_v as_o he_o have_v receive_v it_o deliver_v down_o from_o all_o antiquity_n and_o 8._o and_o arist_n metaph._n lib._n twelve_o c._n 8._o aristotle_n have_v declare_v that_o the_o ancient_n leave_v many_o tradition_n which_o their_o posterity_n have_v corrupt_v but_o from_o the_o remain_v of_o those_o traditiwe_v know_v that_o they_o be_v original_o derive_v from_o revelation_n the_o first_o of_o the_o philosopher_n that_o teach_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v i._n be_v tull._n tusc_n qu._n lib._n i._n pherecydes_n and_o he_o leave_v his_o write_n to_o thales_n from_o whence_o he_o have_v the_o notion_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v produce_v from_o water_n pythagoras_n be_v a_o scholar_n of_o pherecydes_n and_o pythagoras_n plato_n and_o aristotle_n converse_v with_o the_o learned_a jew_n phaed._n jew_n plat._n phaed._n socrates_n dispute_v of_o a_o future_a state_n from_o tradition_n and_o phileb_n and_o plat._n phileb_n profess_v that_o he_o always_o follow_v the_o tradition_n which_o have_v descend_v from_o antiquity_n and_o that_o he_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n whenever_o that_o fail_v he_o timae_fw-la he_o plat._n timae_fw-la and_o this_o tradition_n can_v not_o have_v its_o rise_n from_o the_o greek_n who_o be_v confess_v to_o understand_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o antiquity_n the_o notion_n in_o philosophy_n of_o the_o latter_a heathen_n be_v much_o improve_v by_o ammonius_n a_o christian_a and_o a_o teacher_n of_o philosophy_n at_o alexandria_n and_o we_o find_v that_o upon_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n moral_a philosophy_n in_o a_o few_o year_n attain_v to_o great_a perfection_n than_o ever_o it_o have_v do_v before_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o work_n of_o seneca_n epictetus_n plutarch_n m._n antoninus_n maximus_n tyrius_n and_o other_o we_o may_v therefore_o reasonable_o conclude_v that_o the_o precept_n and_o rule_n of_o morality_n which_o philosopher_n all_o along_o teach_v have_v their_o original_n from_o revelation_n rather_o than_o from_o the_o strength_n and_o sagacity_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n because_o they_o err_v in_o thing_n no_o less_o obvious_a to_o natural_a reason_n and_o it_o appear_v that_o they_o have_v opportunity_n of_o become_v acquaint_v with_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o they_o spare_v no_o pain_n either_o by_o read_v or_o conversation_n in_o their_o own_o or_o in_o foreign_a country_n in_o their_o search_n and_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n iii_o if_o the_o heathen_a philosophy_n have_v be_v as_o certain_a and_o excellent_a as_o it_o can_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v yet_o there_o have_v be_v great_a need_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n for_o 1._o the_o rule_n of_o philosophy_n lie_v scatter_v up_o and_o down_o in_o large_a and_o learned_a work_n mix_v with_o many_o wrong_n and_o absurd_a notion_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v in_o great_a measure_n useless_a how_o certain_a and_o excellent_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v in_o themselves_o they_o can_v be_v no_o rule_n of_o life_n to_o we_o no_o perfect_a rule_n of_o manner_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o one_o author_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o compile_v such_o a_o rule_n out_o of_o they_o all_o yet_o what_o man_n be_v able_a to_o collect_v they_o 7._o they_o lact._n de_fw-fr vit_fw-fr beat_v c._n 7._o lanctantius_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o if_o all_o the_o truth_n disperse_v up_o and_o down_o among_o the_o several_a sect_n of_o philosopher_n can_v be_v collect_v together_o into_o one_o system_n they_o will_v make_v up_o a_o body_n of_o philosophy_n agreeable_a to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n but_o then_o he_o conclude_v it_o to_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o make_v such_o a_o collection_n without_o a_o supernatural_a assistance_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o but_o this_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o we_o find_v i._n find_v tull._n de_fw-fr orat._n lib._n i._n the_o xii_o table_n prefer_v before_o all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o philosopher_n if_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o absurd_a as_o tully_n say_v but_o the_o philosopher_n have_v teach_v it_o than_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o uncertainty_n and_o absurdity_n of_o philosophy_n for_o though_o some_o few_o of_o they_o may_v be_v free_a from_o such_o extravagancy_n yet_o their_o notion_n be_v no_o rule_n or_o standard_n to_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o best_a be_v not_o without_o many_o great_a error_n 2._o the_o rule_n of_o philosophy_n be_v no_o better_o than_o good_a advice_n and_o carry_v no_o authority_n with_o they_o to_o oblige_v man_n in_o conscience_n they_o have_v not_o the_o force_n of_o a_o law_n and_o fail_v in_o this_o necessary_a point_n whatever_o their_o intrinsic_a worth_n have_v be_v they_o never_o can_v have_v have_v that_o effect_n upon_o the_o live_v of_o man_n which_o reveal_v religion_n have_v virtue_n be_v propound_v by_o philosopher_n rather_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o honour_n and_o decency_n than_o of_o strict_a duty_n those_o be_v esteem_v and_o admire_v indeed_o that_o observe_v it_o but_o such_o as_o do_v not_o only_o want_v that_o commendation_n some_o philosopher_n speak_v great_a and_o excellent_a thing_n but_o they_o pass_v rather_o for_o wise_a say_n than_o for_o law_n of_o nature_n their_o own_o reputation_n which_o be_v great_a or_o less_o with_o different_a sort_n of_o man_n be_v the_o only_a authority_n they_o have_v it_o may_v be_v prudence_n to_o do_v as_o they_o teach_v but_o there_o appear_v no_o absolute_a necessity_n for_o it_o they_o common_o represent_v virtue_n as_o very_o lovely_a with_o many_o very_a great_a and_o powerful_a charm_n and_o all_o that_o be_v of_o another_o mind_n do_v not_o know_v a_o true_a beauty_n and_o that_o be_v a_o intolerable_a disgrace_n the_o sanction_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o the_o next_o life_n be_v little_o insist_v upon_o by_o they_o they_o recommend_v virtue_n for_o its_o own_o sake_n not_o as_o it_o be_v enjoy_v by_o god_n and_o will_v be_v reward_v by_o he_o and_o the_o contrary_n punish_v and_o those_o who_o can_v not_o soar_v to_o their_o height_n be_v rather_o the_o worse_a than_o the_o better_a for_o such_o doctrine_n which_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o impracticable_a speculation_n of_o some_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o speak_v great_a thing_n and_o they_o often_o speak_v the_o truth_n indeed_o which_o they_o have_v from_o tradition_n or_o from_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o own_o wit_n and_o genius_n but_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v it_o out_o by_o any_o such_o principle_n as_o be_v wont_v to_o influence_n and_o govern_v humane_a action_n according_o we_o find_v that_o as_o the_o several_a sect_n of_o philosophy_n suit_v to_o the_o temper_n and_o humour_n of_o particular_a man_n so_o far_o they_o prevail_v and_o no_o far_o the_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o academic_n the_o soft_a and_o effeminate_a to_o the_o epicurean_o and_o the_o morose_n to_o the_o stoic_n man_n apply_v themselves_o to_o what_o ever_o opinion_n they_o like_v best_a and_o find_v most_o agreeable_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o disposition_n thus_o a_o severe_a and_o haughty_a gravity_n make_v up_o the_o
teach_v they_o what_o they_o shall_v say_v exod._n 4.12_o 15._o and_o our_o saviour_n tell_v his_o disciple_n you_o shall_v be_v bring_v before_o governor_n and_o king_n for_o my_o sake_n for_o a_o testimony_n against_o they_o and_o the_o gentile_n but_o when_o they_o deliver_v you_o up_o take_v no_o thought_n how_o or_o what_o you_o shall_v speak_v for_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o in_o that_o same_o hour_n what_o you_o shall_v speak_v matt._n 10.18_o 19_o and_o if_o moses_n be_v inspire_v upon_o that_o particular_a occasion_n and_o the_o apostle_n be_v inspire_v in_o thing_n which_o be_v personal_a as_o in_o the_o defence_n that_o they_o make_v for_o themselves_o they_o must_v much_o rather_o be_v inspire_v in_o their_o write_n which_o concern_v the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n st_o luke_n have_v perfect_a understanding_n of_o all_o thing_n from_o above_o luke_n 1.3_o so_o dr_n lightfoot_n render_v it_o with_o great_a probability_n for_o thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v use_v for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n joh._n 3.3_o 31.19.2_o jam._n 1.17.3.17_o and_o this_o the_o church_n of_o coriuth_v expect_v from_o st_n paul_n they_o seek_v a_o proof_n of_o christ_n speak_v in_o he_o 2_o cor._n 13.3_o as_o that_o apostle_n tell_v they_o he_o do_v and_o that_o not_o in_o a_o weak_a and_o obscure_a but_o in_o a_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a manner_n he_o write_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n to_o the_o thessalonian_o you_o know_v what_o commandment_n we_o give_v you_o by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 1_o thess_n 4.2_o and_o he_o distinguish_v between_o his_o own_o judgement_n assist_v and_o enlighten_v though_o not_o infallible_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o the_o infallible_a dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n 1_o cor_fw-la 7.10_o 12_o 25_o 40._o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v the_o apostle_n all_o thing_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n to_o their_o remembrance_n jo._n 14.26_o and_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n joh._n 16.13_o and_o the_o unction_n from_o the_o holy_a one_o instruct_v they_o to_o know_v all_o thing_n 1_o joh._n 11.20_o that_o be_v all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o salvation_n this_o be_v say_v of_o their_o disciple_n and_o therefore_o may_v in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n be_v affirm_v of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o insomuch_o that_o the_o word_n themselves_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o thing_n also_o we_o speak_v not_o in_o the_o word_n which_o man_n wisdom_n teach_v but_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v compare_v spiritual_a thing_n with_o spiritual_a 1_o cor._n 2.13_o for_o they_o be_v under_o the_o conduct_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o every_o word_n they_o use_v though_o not_o so_o as_o to_o be_v inspire_v with_o a_o new_a style_n and_o dialect_n the_o word_n themselves_o be_v not_o always_o suggest_v but_o they_o be_v always_o inspire_v in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o and_o though_o they_o may_v be_v permit_v to_o choose_v their_o own_o word_n and_o expression_n yet_o it_o be_v with_o this_o limitation_n that_o they_o be_v never_o permit_v to_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o as_o will_v not_o full_o and_o infallible_o express_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o 1_o cor._n 14.13_o the_o apostle_n give_v this_o direction_n wherefore_o let_v he_o that_o speak_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n pray_v that_o he_o may_v interpret_v that_o be_v let_v he_o pray_v that_o he_o may_v have_v the_o divine_a inspiration_n to_o assist_v he_o in_o express_v himself_o in_o a_o know_a tongue_n by_o which_o he_o be_v enable_v to_o speak_v in_o a_o unknown_a one_o and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v infallible_a in_o render_v that_o in_o his_o own_o tongue_n which_o he_o infallible_o speak_v in_o another_o which_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o when_o they_o speak_v by_o inspiration_n in_o their_o own_o language_n they_o have_v the_o guidance_n and_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o word_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o those_o that_o speak_v by_o inspiration_n in_o a_o strange_a tongue_n dare_v not_o presume_v to_o interpret_v the_o word_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n dictate_v to_o they_o in_o that_o tongue_n so_o as_o to_o give_v they_o out_o for_o divine_a revelation_n unless_o they_o be_v particular_o empower_v to_o render_v they_o in_o their_o own_o language_n with_o the_o same_o exactness_n with_o which_o they_o be_v inspire_v to_o speak_v in_o a_o strange_a tongue_n for_o that_o the_o necessity_n of_o pray_v that_o they_o may_v interpret_v can_v not_o proceed_v from_o any_o inability_n to_o interpret_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o force_n and_o heat_n of_o the_o rapture_n which_o be_v upon_o they_o that_o make_v they_o unable_a to_o utter_v their_o conception_n in_o their_o own_o language_n or_o to_o retain_v the_o sense_n of_o they_o in_o their_o mind_n afterward_o seem_v plain_a from_o verse_n 27._o if_o any_o man_n speak_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n let_v it_o be_v by_o two_o or_o at_o the_o most_o by_o three_o and_o that_o by_o course_n and_o let_v one_o interpret_v etc._n etc._n for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v act_v by_o such_o rapturous_a heat_n and_o ecstasy_n they_o can_v have_v be_v as_o little_a able_a to_o refrain_v when_o the_o rapture_n be_v upon_o they_o and_o to_o remember_v what_o they_o have_v to_o deliver_v when_o their_o course_n come_v to_o speak_v as_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v to_o remember_v what_o they_o be_v inspire_v to_o speak_v in_o one_o language_n when_o they_o go_v to_o express_v it_o in_o another_o neither_o be_v they_o ignorant_a themselves_o of_o what_o they_o speak_v but_o when_o it_o be_v say_v vers_fw-la 14._o for_o if_o i_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n my_o spirit_n pray_v but_o my_o understanding_n be_v unfruitful_a the_o meaning_n of_o that_o be_v that_o it_o be_v of_o no_o benefit_n to_o other_o though_o he_o that_o speak_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n edify_v himself_o vers_fw-la 4._o some_o man_n be_v inspire_v to_o speak_v in_o strange_a tongue_n with_o as_o much_o readiness_n and_o more_o exactness_n than_o they_o can_v do_v in_o their_o native_a language_n but_o this_o be_v insignificant_a to_o such_o as_o understand_v not_o the_o tongue_n in_o which_o they_o speak_v what_o be_v it_o then_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n and_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o understanding_n also_o vers_fw-la 15._o i._n e._n i_o will_v pray_v by_o the_o guidance_n and_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o in_o my_o own_o language_n in_o which_o my_o understanding_n be_v employ_v and_o the_o word_n be_v not_o all_o direct_o suggest_v to_o i_o by_o the_o spirit_n as_o they_o must_v be_v in_o a_o language_n which_o i_o speak_v mere_o by_o inspiration_n but_o i_o be_o only_o so_o far_o guide_v and_o assist_v in_o the_o choice_n and_o use_n of_o my_o word_n as_o to_o speak_v infallible_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n else_o when_o thou_o shall_v bless_v with_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n verse_n 16._o those_o who_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n be_v it_o seem_v so_o puff_v up_o with_o it_o that_o they_o will_v worship_v god_n in_o no_o other_o but_o in_o those_o language_n though_o none_o of_o the_o assembly_n understand_v they_o and_o will_v be_v always_o unnecessary_o and_o unreasonable_o repeat_v the_o revelation_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v in_o strange_a language_n the_o apostle_n tell_v such_o man_n that_o it_o be_v very_o improper_a and_o absurd_a to_o deliver_v their_o revelation_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n or_o to_o pray_v or_o give_v thanks_o in_o a_o language_n not_o understand_v by_o those_o that_o hear_v they_o but_o that_o they_o shall_v pray_v that_o they_o may_v interpret_v or_o forbear_v the_o use_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o to_o ague_n unless_o before_o they_o who_o understand_v the_o tongue_n in_o which_o they_o speak_v that_o it_o may_v be_v for_o edification_n for_o in_o their_o inspiration_n they_o be_v consign_v at_o certain_a time_n to_o some_o particular_a language_n as_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o utterance_n and_o it_o may_v have_v do_v great_a prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n if_o they_o of_o themselves_o have_v venture_v to_o render_v that_o into_o their_o own_o language_n which_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o in_o a_o strange_a tongue_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v not_o permit_v those_o who_o speak_v with_o tongue_n to_o speak_v in_o any_o but_o that_o in_o which_o the_o revelation_n be_v make_v to_o they_o unless_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o do_v it_o by_o be_v inspire_v with_o a_o power_n of_o interpretation_n for_o to_o speak_v with_o tongue_n and_o to_o interpret_v be_v distinct_a gift_n 1_o cor._n 12.10_o 30._o and_o whatever_a
be_v ordinary_a with_o the_o best_a writer_n to_o express_v thing_n uncertain_o which_o they_o be_v notwithstane_v thorough_o acquaint_v withal_o and_o to_o seem_v ignorant_a of_o thing_n which_o they_o perfect_o understand_v but_o pass_v over_o as_o not_o worth_a the_o take_a notice_n of_o or_o not_o considerable_a enough_o for_o they_o to_o own_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o it_o be_v a_o know_a elegancy_n to_o say_v nescio_fw-la quid_fw-la or_o nescio_fw-la quem_fw-la when_o the_o author_n so_o speak_v be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o thing_n or_o person_n there_o mean_v but_o either_o signify_v his_o contempt_n of_o the_o person_n or_o thing_n or_o intimate_v that_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a his_o while_n to_o trouble_v himself_o or_o his_o hearer_n or_o reader_n with_o a_o more_o particular_a relation_n the_o fonteio_fw-la the_o credo_fw-la haec_fw-la eadem_fw-la indutiomarum_fw-la in_o testimonio_fw-la timuisse_fw-la aut_fw-la cogitasse_fw-la qui_fw-la primum_fw-la illud_fw-la verbum_fw-la consideratissimum_fw-la nostrae_fw-la consuetudinis_fw-la arbitror_fw-la quo_fw-la nos_fw-la etiam_fw-la tunc_fw-la utimur_fw-la cum_fw-la ea_fw-la dicimus_fw-la jurati_fw-la quae_fw-la comperta_fw-la habemus_fw-la quae_fw-la ipsi_fw-la vidimus_fw-la ex_fw-la toto_fw-la teslimonio_fw-la svo_fw-la sustulit_fw-la atque_fw-la omne_fw-la se_fw-la scire_fw-la dixit_fw-la cic._n pro_fw-la m._n fonteio_fw-la roman_n out_o of_o that_o awe_n and_o reverence_n which_o they_o have_v for_o oath_n never_o speak_v positive_o in_o give_v evidence_n of_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v certain_a of_o and_o have_v see_v themselves_o and_o uncertain_a form_n of_o speech_n be_v observe_v 1._o observe_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d uip._n in_o demost_a olynth_n 1._o by_o ulpian_n to_o have_v be_v usual_a thy_o aneient_a greek_a author_n in_o their_o speak_n of_o thing_n whereof_o they_o be_v very_o well_o assure_v it_o can_v be_v of_o no_o use_n or_o moment_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o miraculous_a draught_n of_o fish_n to_o know_v whether_o the_o ship_n be_v two_o hundred_o cubit_n or_o half_o a_o cubit_n or_o a_o quarter_n of_o a_o cubit_n over_o or_o under_o from_o the_o land_n and_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o st_n john_n to_o express_v himself_o in_o this_o manner_n jo._n 2.6_o 6.10_o 19.14_o either_o then_o to_o keep_v to_o the_o same_o instance_n st_n john_n may_v know_v the_o precise_a distance_n and_o for_o the_o reason_n mention_v not_o declare_v it_o or_o it_o not_o be_v of_o any_o use_n or_o consequence_n for_o we_o to_o be_v more_o particular_o inform_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o that_o nature_n the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v suffer_v he_o to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o if_o he_o have_v no_o other_o mean_n of_o know_v it_o but_o by_o inspiration_n for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n assist_v the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n to_o write_v infallible_a truth_n but_o not_o always_o to_o write_v every_o little_a circumstance_n concern_v the_o thing_n which_o they_o relate_v many_o miracle_n be_v whole_o omit_v and_o many_o circumstance_n not_o considerable_a or_o material_a to_o be_v mention_v be_v omit_v of_o those_o miracle_n which_o be_v record_v but_o if_o nothing_o be_v relate_v which_o may_v lead_v we_o into_o error_n and_o nothing_o omit_v which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v this_o be_v sufficient_a and_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v expect_v in_o a_o book_n which_o be_v to_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n to_o we_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o nothing_o but_o truth_n shall_v be_v contain_v in_o it_o but_o not_o that_o every_o truth_n shall_v be_v in_o it_o for_o then_o the_o world_n itself_o can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v write_v suppose_v therefore_o that_o st_n john_n do_v not_o know_v precise_o how_o many_o cubit_n the_o ship_n be_v from_o shore_n what_o do_v this_o prove_v that_o he_o do_v not_o know_v the_o miracle_n which_o he_o there_o relate_v do_v it_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v not_o inspire_v in_o what_o he_o do_v relate_v if_o he_o be_v not_o inspire_v in_o what_o he_o omit_v if_o he_o have_v determine_v the_o precise_a distance_n and_o have_v not_o know_v it_o this_o may_v have_v discredit_v the_o authority_n of_o his_o gospel_n but_o when_o he_o have_v not_o determine_v it_o can_v this_o be_v a_o argument_n in_o diminution_n of_o its_o authority_n if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v what_o he_o do_v not_o profess_v to_o know_v be_v it_o not_o 〈◊〉_d good_a argument_n in_o confirmation_n of_o its_o authority_n that_o he_o will_v assert_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o certain_o know_v if_o in_o what_o he_o be_v not_o persect_o assure_v he_o mention_n no_o further_o than_o he_o know_v of_o it_o so_o st_o paul_n acquaint_v we_o when_o he_o speak_v himself_o and_o not_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v a_o argument_n to_o we_o that_o in_o all_o other_o case_n he_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o but_o the_o lord_n speak_v by_o he_o it_o be_v a_o consirmation_n of_o his_o integrity_n that_o he_o will_v impose_v nothing_o upon_o we_o as_o of_o divine_a authority_n which_o be_v not_o real_o so_o because_o he_o that_o tell_v we_o in_o any_o one_o case_n that_o he_o speak_v of_o himself_o not_o as_o from_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v make_v the_o same_o declaration_n in_o other_o case_n whenever_o he_o have_v write_v any_o thing_n without_o express_a revelation_n 4._o in_o thing_n which_o may_v fall_v under_o human_a prudence_n and_o observation_n there_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n seem_v not_o to_o have_v dictate_v immediate_o to_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n but_o only_o to_o have_v use_v a_o directive_n or_o conduct_a power_n and_o influence_n so_o as_o to_o supply_v such_o thought_n and_o apprehension_n to_o they_o as_o may_v be_v most_o proper_a and_o seasonable_a and_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o infallible_a truth_n and_o of_o expediency_n for_o the_o present_a case_n and_o occasion_n they_o may_v be_v permit_v to_o insert_v such_o thing_n as_o the_o state_n of_o affair_n require_v which_o though_o not_o immediate_o dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n yet_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o his_o inspiration_n and_o serviceable_a to_o the_o ministry_n to_o which_o they_o be_v appoint_v there_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o necessity_n to_o assert_v that_o st_n paul_n send_v for_o his_o cloak_n and_o parchment_n by_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o that_o he_o have_v any_o immediate_a command_n or_o direction_n to_o salute_v the_o particular_a person_n name_v at_o the_o end_n of_o his_o epistle_n but_o only_o that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v immediate_o inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o as_o he_o may_v be_v permit_v to_o put_v that_o into_o his_o own_o word_n but_o so_o as_o never_o to_o be_v suffer_v to_o express_v it_o otherwise_o than_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v full_o agreeable_a to_o the_o mind_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o infallible_o true_a so_o in_o these_o lesser_a and_o indifferent_a matter_n which_o some_o present_a occasion_n make_v requisite_a to_o be_v write_v of_o he_o have_v the_o guidance_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o prevent_v he_o from_o write_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v expedient_a in_o those_o circumstance_n and_o serviceable_a to_o his_o call_n and_o ministry_n in_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n in_o themselves_o may_v become_v necessary_a as_o to_o time_n and_o place_n and_o person_n and_o therefore_o may_v in_o some_o case_n be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n st_o paul_n journey_v into_o macedonia_n rather_o than_o into_o any_o other_o country_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a but_o the_o salvation_n of_o many_o soul_n may_v depend_v upon_o it_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v warn_v by_o revelation_n not_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n in_o asia_n nor_o to_o go_v into_o bythinia_n but_o into_o macedonia_n act_v 16.6_o 7_o 9_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o salutation_n of_o particular_a person_n at_o the_o end_n of_o his_o epistle_n though_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o we_o to_o be_v of_o no_o great_a importance_n yet_o may_v be_v of_o mighty_a consideration_n and_o consequence_n to_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v in_o they_o to_o be_v salute_v by_o a_o apostle_n in_o so_o particular_a and_o solemn_a a_o manner_n may_v revive_v their_o spirit_n and_o encourage_v they_o to_o perseverance_n under_o their_o temptation_n and_o assliction_n for_o his_o salutation_n include_v his_o benediction_n which_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o his_o apostolic_a office_n and_o authority_n in_o one_o great_a branch_n of_o it_o and_o god_n himself_o may_v direct_v the_o apostle_n to_o salute_v such_o person_n for_o their_o support_n and_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n in_o the_o faith_n beside_o the_o salutation_n add_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o epistle_n be_v
a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o they_o the_o person_n there_o mention_v be_v as_o so_o many_o witness_n to_o attest_v that_o they_o be_v genuine_a for_o beside_o the_o general_a concernment_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o of_o the_o several_a church_n more_o especial_o to_o which_o such_o epistle_n be_v write_v the_o person_n who_o be_v salute_v by_o name_n in_o they_o be_v more_o particular_o concern_v to_o take_v cognizance_n of_o they_o and_o to_o know_v all_o the_o circumstance_n relate_v to_o they_o and_o st_n paul_n advice_n to_o timothy_n to_o drink_v no_o long_o water_n but_o to_o use_v a_o little_a wine_n for_o his_o stomach_n sake_n and_o his_o often_o infirmity_n 1_o tim._n v._o 23._o be_v requisite_a to_o be_v give_v in_o that_o epistle_n that_o it_o may_v remain_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n in_o confutation_n of_o that_o superstition_n which_o some_o be_v guilty_a of_o in_o abstain_v from_o thing_n lawful_a and_o particular_o from_o wine_n out_o of_o a_o opinion_n of_o holiness_n in_o refrain_v from_o they_o and_o of_o sin_n in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o 5._o that_o infallible_a spirit_n which_o assist_v and_o inspire_v the_o apostle_n and_o other_o sacred_a writer_n be_v not_o permanent_a and_o habitual_a or_o continual_o reside_v in_o they_o nor_o give_v for_o all_o purpose_n and_o occasion_n as_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o st_n paul_n who_o acquaint_v we_o in_o some_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v not_o receive_v of_o the_o lord_n what_o he_o write_v but_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v bestow_v for_o the_o benefit_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o wâ—re_v give_v in_o such_o measure_n at_o such_o time_n and_o upon_o such_o occasion_n as_o may_v be_v useful_a for_o edification_n we_o find_v that_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a concernment_n and_o importance_n to_o the_o whole_a church_n the_o apostle_n meet_v together_o in_o council_n to_o decide_v the_o controversy_n both_o because_o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n promise_n to_o they_o they_o may_v expect_v a_o more_o abundant_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o when_o they_o be_v assemble_v in_o his_o name_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o because_o the_o thing_n in_o debate_n depend_v upon_o matter_n of_o fact_n viz._n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v give_v to_o the_o gentile_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o many_o shall_v meet_v together_o and_o testify_v of_o that_o matter_n beside_o several_a that_o come_v down_o from_o judea_n to_o antioch_n have_v refuse_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o st_n paul_n and_o st_n barnabas_n and_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o these_o man_n shall_v be_v convince_v by_o the_o unanimous_a and_o joint_a authority_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v meet_v in_o a_o full_a council_n declare_v it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o act_v 15.28_o that_o be_v not_o only_o to_o we_o but_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o well_o as_o to_o we_o and_o this_o be_v for_o a_o example_n and_o precedent_n to_o the_o church_n in_o future_a age_n to_o determine_v controversy_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o counsel_n 6._o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v bestow_v upon_o man_n who_o may_v have_v personal_a fail_n and_o be_v man_n of_o like_a passion_n with_o we_o act._n 14.25_o they_o have_v this_o treasure_n in_o earthen_a vessel_n that_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o power_n may_v be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o themselves_o 2_o cor._n 4.7_o but_o they_o werechosen_a to_o be_v apostle_n and_o evangelist_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v so_o far_o exempt_a from_o error_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o office_n and_o ministry_n as_o not_o to_o deliver_v false_a doctrine_n in_o their_o write_n which_o be_v to_o be_v read_v and_o receive_v of_o all_o church_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n for_o this_o will_v have_v defeat_v and_o subvert_v the_o design_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o this_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v though_o they_o may_v be_v suffer_v to_o incur_v such_o fail_n as_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n 7._o there_o be_v nothing_o assert_v in_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n but_o what_o have_v some_o relation_n to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n though_o some_o part_n of_o it_o have_v a_o less_o direct_a and_o apparent_a tendency_n to_o this_o end_n than_o other_o if_o any_o one_o passage_n or_o circumstance_n shall_v have_v be_v erroneous_a this_o will_v diminish_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o make_v they_o in_o some_o degree_n less_o capable_a to_o promote_v the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v write_v and_o there_o be_v so_o many_o particular_a gift_n the_o gift_n of_o wisdom_n and_o of_o knowledge_n of_o tongue_n and_o of_o interpretation_n of_o tongue_n and_o of_o discern_v of_o spirit_n and_o so_o many_o distinct_a office_n as_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n and_o evangelist_n and_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n we_o can_v conceive_v how_o those_o gift_n and_o these_o office_n can_v be_v better_o employ_v than_o in_o preserve_v that_o book_n from_o error_n which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o truth_n for_o all_o age_n or_o how_o if_o that_o book_n have_v not_o be_v secure_v from_o error_n by_o they_o these_o gift_n and_o office_n have_v answer_v the_o end_n of_o their_o appointment_n thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v infallible_a in_o all_o the_o part_n and_o circumstance_n of_o they_o but_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o if_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n have_v not_o extend_v to_o the_o word_n and_o circumstance_n but_o only_o to_o the_o substantial_a and_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n this_o of_o itself_o be_v enough_o to_o vindicate_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n nay_o further_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v only_o with_o the_o same_o certainty_n and_o integrity_n that_o be_v in_o thucydides_n or_o in_o any_o other_o credible_a historian_n which_o the_o most_o obstinate_a and_o inveterate_a adversary_n can_v never_o deny_v yet_o even_o then_o no_o man_n without_o much_o unreasonableness_n can_v reject_v it_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o style_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n when_o god_n reveal_v himself_o to_o man_n he_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o do_v it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o necessity_n and_o occasion_n of_o those_o to_o who_o the_o revelation_n be_v make_v and_o in_o such_o language_n and_o form_n of_o speech_n as_o that_o he_o may_v be_v understand_v by_o those_o to_o who_o he_o reveal_v himself_o he_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o idiom_n and_o in_o the_o metaphor_n and_o phrase_n in_o use_n among_o they_o and_o to_o allude_v to_o their_o custom_n and_o manner_n of_o life_n to_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o condition_n and_o state_n of_o their_o affair_n and_o to_o condescend_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o their_o weakness_n to_o speak_v to_o their_o capacity_n so_o as_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o his_o law_n and_o to_o encourage_v and_o excite_v man_n to_o obey_v they_o for_o though_o the_o particular_a reason_n and_o design_n of_o every_o law_n be_v not_o always_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o those_o to_o who_o they_o be_v give_v shall_v know_v what_o the_o law_n be_v and_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v their_o duty_n prescribe_v in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o may_v be_v effectual_a to_o recommend_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o to_o they_o the_o style_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o subject_n which_o have_v be_v large_o discourse_v of_o by_o mr_n boyle_n and_o other_o what_o i_o intend_v to_o say_v upon_o it_o i_o shall_v reduce_v to_o these_o head_n i._o the_o grammatical_a construction_n ii_o the_o metaphor_n and_o figure_n and_o rhetorical_a scheme_n of_o speech_n iii_o the_o decorum_n or_o suitableness_n of_o the_o matter_n or_o the_o thing_n themselves_o iv_o the_o method_n i._o the_o grammatical_a construction_n and_o propriety_n of_o speak_v it_o have_v be_v by_o many_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a resemblance_n between_o the_o style_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o that_o of_o homer_n the_o most_o ancient_a book_n we_o have_v beside_o and_o it_o be_v likewise_o observable_a that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v by_o some_o look_v upon_o as_o defect_n in_o the_o scripture_n style_n as_o the_o use_v one_o gender_n or_o one_o number_n or_o case_n or_o tense_n for_o another_o the_o putting_z participle_n for_o verb_n the_o comparative_a or_o superlative_a for_o the_o positive_a active_n for_o passive_n or_o passive_n for_o active_n be_v particular_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o homer_n
to_o make_v know_v his_o name_n and_o truth_n among_o the_o gentile_n in_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n this_o people_n itself_o be_v uncapable_a of_o that_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a worship_n which_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o appoint_v and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o service_n to_o restrain_v they_o from_o idolatry_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o sense_n and_o remembrance_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o law_n deliver_v to_o adam_n and_o noah_n and_o this_o ritual_a service_n be_v unworthy_a that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v purposely_o to_o appoint_v it_o who_o be_v indeed_o himself_o the_o principal_a thing_n signify_v and_o typify_v by_o it_o and_o the_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o himself_o can_v not_o be_v institute_v by_o himself_o in_o person_n for_o than_o they_o will_v have_v be_v insignificant_a and_o there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o use_n or_o occasion_n for_o they_o but_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o divine_a institution_n be_v reserve_v for_o his_o appointment_n to_o which_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v but_o preparatory_a the_o law_n be_v add_v because_o of_o transgression_n till_o the_o seed_n shall_v come_v to_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v gal._n iii._o 19_o after_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_n and_o commandment_n have_v through_o the_o great_a neglect_n and_o wickedness_n of_o mankind_n become_v ineffectual_a god_n send_v all_o his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n daily_o rise_v up_o early_o and_o send_v they_o a_o expression_n set_v forth_o his_o great_a care_n and_o watchfulness_n over_o his_o people_n for_o their_o good_a yet_o they_o hearken_v not_o unto_o he_o nor_o incline_v their_o ear_n but_o harden_v their_o neck_n jer._n seven_o 25_o 26._o to_o cure_v this_o strange_a stubbornness_n and_o their_o proneness_n to_o idolatry_n god_n send_v this_o people_n into_o captivity_n for_o seventy_o year_n which_o wrought_v so_o through_o a_o reformation_n in_o they_o that_o they_o be_v never_o afterward_o give_v to_o idolatry_n but_o endure_v all_o extremity_n of_o torment_n rather_o than_o they_o will_v be_v bring_v to_o any_o compliance_n with_o the_o heathen_a worship_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o long_o such_o necessity_n that_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n shall_v be_v continue_v to_o they_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n but_o in_o other_o respect_v their_o provocation_n be_v still_o very_o great_a and_o as_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o parable_n first_o send_v his_o servant_n and_o last_o of_o all_o his_o son_n say_v they_o will_v reverence_v my_o son_n and_o thereby_o leave_v those_o wicked_a man_n without_o excuse_n and_o manifest_v the_o justice_n of_o his_o vengeance_n upon_o the_o murderer_n of_o his_o own_o son_n so_o god_n first_o send_v his_o prophet_n and_o when_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v be_v train_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o he_o and_o be_v to_o convey_v it_o to_o other_o nation_n will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v by_o they_o but_o revile_v and_o destroy_v they_o and_o then_o set_v up_o their_o own_o tradition_n in_o opposition_n to_o their_o doctrine_n he_o send_v his_o belove_a son_n before_o he_o will_v utter_o take_v away_o their_o city_n and_o nation_n and_o effect_v that_o by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n who_o they_o crucify_a which_o the_o experience_n of_o so_o many_o age_n have_v show_v can_v be_v effect_v no_o other_o way_n god_n reveal_v himself_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n and_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n proportion_v the_o way_n and_o measure_n of_o his_o revelation_n to_o the_o capacity_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o several_a age_n in_o which_o they_o be_v make_v till_o at_o last_o he_o have_v speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n heb._n i_o 1_o 2._o when_o we_o be_v child_n we_o be_v in_o bondage_n under_o the_o element_n of_o the_o world_n but_o when_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o time_n be_v come_v god_n send_v forth_o his_o son_n make_v of_o a_o woman_n make_v under_o the_o law_n gal._n four_o 3_o 4._o 2._o the_o reception_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n will_v have_v be_v much_o more_o difficult_a if_o so_o many_o prophet_n in_o so_o many_o several_a age_n have_v not_o foretell_v his_o come_n our_o saviour_n himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n after_o he_o appeal_v to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n this_o be_v the_o great_a argument_n which_o they_o use_v to_o the_o jew_n in_o confirmation_n even_o of_o their_o miracle_n themselves_o they_o prove_v that_o the_o prophet_n have_v foretell_v that_o christ_n shall_v come_v at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o he_o come_v and_o that_o he_o shall_v work_v those_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v and_o shall_v empower_v his_o disciple_n to_o do_v the_o like_a his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n and_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o prophesy_v of_o and_o prophecy_n thus_o foretell_v the_o miracle_n and_o miracle_n fulfil_n the_o prophecy_n and_o both_o mutual_o confirm_v and_o support_v each_o other_o afford_v all_o the_o evidence_n that_o can_v be_v give_v for_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n be_v all_o the_o way_n by_o which_o god_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o thousand_o of_o the_o jew_n be_v convince_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n and_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n be_v still_o a_o unanswerable_a argument_n in_o vindication_n of_o our_o religion_n which_o argument_n we_o must_v have_v want_v if_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v come_v so_o much_o soon_o as_o not_o to_o have_v be_v prophesy_v of_o so_o many_o age_n beforehand_o and_o those_o who_o reject_v the_o gospel_n now_o will_v have_v think_v they_o have_v have_v much_o more_o reason_n on_o their_o side_n than_o they_o can_v now_o pretend_v to_o have_v for_o there_o have_v then_o be_v so_o much_o less_o mean_n for_o their_o conviction_n so_o that_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v defer_v to_o give_v the_o great_a evidence_n and_o the_o full_a conviction_n of_o his_o be_v the_o christ_n it_o will_v have_v be_v hard_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v come_v into_o the_o world_n with_o little_a or_o no_o notice_n give_v of_o it_o beforehand_o and_o few_o or_o no_o prophet_n send_v to_o foretell_v his_o come_n and_o prepare_v his_o way_n but_o when_o he_o have_v be_v so_o long_o before_o prophesy_v of_o even_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o several_a age_n of_o it_o when_o there_o have_v be_v a_o general_a expectation_n of_o the_o messiah_n to_o be_v bear_v and_o the_o time_n and_o place_n and_o tribe_n and_o family_n and_o person_n of_o who_o he_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v by_o degree_n and_o at_o several_a time_n have_v be_v foretell_v when_o man_n hope_n and_o desire_n to_o see_v he_o be_v thus_o from_o age_n to_o age_n awaken_v and_o alarm_v this_o be_v a_o solemnity_n worthy_a to_o introduce_v and_o attend_v the_o son_n of_o god_n into_o the_o world_n and_o a_o method_n which_o will_v prove_v a_o stand_a evidence_n of_o his_o be_v come_v into_o it_o 3._o the_o time_n of_o christ_n come_n may_v depend_v upon_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v uncapable_a of_o know_v for_o it_o may_v depend_v upon_o the_o duration_n of_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o know_v how_o long_o that_o shall_v be_v the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n under_o the_o phrase_n of_o the_o last_o day_n but_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o relation_n not_o to_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o world_n but_o to_o the_o christian_a dispensation_n which_o be_v the_o last_o mean_n of_o salvation_n that_o god_n will_v vouchsase_v to_o mankind_n and_o with_o regard_n to_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o government_n which_o be_v just_a then_o at_o a_o end_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n now_o if_o the_o world_n may_v continue_v as_o long_o under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o have_v do_v before_o it_o and_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v but_o it_o may_v we_o shall_v find_v little_a cause_n to_o wonder_v that_o christ_n be_v not_o soon_o bear_v into_o the_o world_n for_o we_o find_v that_o the_o faith_n and_o zeal_n of_o christian_n decay_n as_o we_o be_v at_o a_o far_a distance_n of_o time_n from_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o first_o propagation_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o the_o length_n of_o the_o time_n itself_o prove_v a_o temptation_n to_o some_o to_o disbelieve_v it_o for_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o give_v less_o credit_n to_o what_o happen_v long_o ago_o and_o to_o think_v themselves_o less_o concern_v in_o it_o
mean_n which_o some_o man_n may_v conceit_n he_o may_v use_v but_o leave_v man_n without_o excuse_n and_o then_o require_v their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n at_o their_o peril_n to_o imagine_v that_o christ_n shall_v have_v appear_v promiscuous_o unto_o all_o be_v as_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v communicate_v himself_o to_o all_o alike_o or_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v speak_v from_o heaven_n to_o man_n without_o the_o message_n and_o ministry_n of_o his_o prophet_n for_o when_o christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a he_o be_v no_o long_o to_o act_v like_o a_o mortal_a man_n but_o as_o in_o his_o glorify_a state_n as_o our_o lord_n and_o king_n and_o as_o god_n in_o our_o humane_a nature_n now_o no_o long_o subject_n to_o any_o of_o its_o imperfection_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v no_o more_o to_o come_v himself_o to_o the_o people_n as_o he_o have_v do_v in_o the_o state_n of_o his_o humiliation_n but_o to_o send_v his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n among_o they_o as_o he_o have_v before_o his_o incarnation_n send_v the_o prophet_n 3._o great_a number_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v give_v up_o to_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o will_v not_o have_v believe_v though_o they_o have_v see_v christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n those_o who_o when_o they_o have_v see_v our_o saviour_n miracle_n have_v vilify_v they_o and_o blaspheme_v the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o who_o they_o be_v wrought_v have_v their_o heart_n harden_v that_o see_v they_o may_v see_v and_o not_o perceive_v and_o be_v convert_v and_o of_o this_o number_n the_o chief_a priest_n and_o elder_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v who_o hire_v the_o solider_n to_o contradict_v and_o stifle_v the_o belief_n of_o his_o resurrection_n with_o a_o false_a story_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n the_o chief_a priest_n before_o have_v consult_v to_o put_v lazarus_n to_o death_n when_o he_o be_v undeniable_o know_v to_o have_v be_v raise_v from_o the_o grave_a john_n twelve_o 10._o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o belief_n in_o christ_n by_o the_o sight_n of_o lazarus_n that_o they_o full_o verify_v that_o say_v that_o there_o be_v some_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a lazarus_n be_v show_v open_o to_o all_o the_o people_n and_o live_v among_o they_o for_o many_o year_n after_o he_o have_v be_v restore_v to_o life_n again_o when_o he_o have_v be_v dead_a four_o day_n and_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v though_o they_o see_v and_o converse_v with_o he_o but_o be_v the_o more_o enrage_a at_o it_o christ_n himself_o therefore_o after_o his_o resurrection_n do_v not_o vouchsafe_v they_o his_o presence_n but_o use_v other_o mean_n which_o be_v more_o proper_a 4._o if_o the_o jew_n have_v believe_v in_o christ_n their_o conversion_n have_v not_o be_v a_o great_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n than_o their_o unbelief_n have_v be_v their_o stubbornness_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n with_o their_o dispersion_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o the_o prediction_n likewise_o of_o the_o prophet_n in_o so_o miraculous_a a_o manner_n not_o only_o at_o a_o distance_n but_o in_o judea_n and_o in_o jerusalem_n itself_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o opposition_n which_o the_o jew_n can_v make_v give_v as_o great_a a_o testimony_n to_o it_o as_o their_o favour_n and_o protection_n can_v have_v do_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n rather_o to_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n than_o to_o use_v such_o further_a method_n with_o they_o as_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o divine_a dispensation_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o will_v either_o have_v only_o harden_v they_o to_o a_o great_a degree_n or_o at_o least_o will_v not_o have_v prove_v more_o effectual_a towards_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n 5._o the_o power_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n manifest_v in_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n bestow_v upon_o the_o apostle_n be_v as_o great_a a_o proof_n of_o his_o resurrection_n as_o the_o personal_a appearance_n of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o can_v have_v be_v our_o saviour_n show_v himself_o to_o witness_n choose_v before_o of_o god_n to_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 act_v x._o 39_o 41._o these_o man_n know_v his_o life_n and_o doctrine_n they_o have_v be_v instruct_v by_o he_o and_o have_v forsake_v all_o for_o he_o and_o according_a to_o his_o promise_n be_v endue_v with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a to_o enable_v they_o to_o testify_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o see_v he_o but_o have_v often_o converse_v with_o he_o after_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o one_o of_o their_o chief_a qualification_n be_v that_o they_o be_v but_o a_o few_o poor_a and_o ignorant_a man_n without_o force_n or_o policy_n without_o any_o art_n or_o contrivance_n they_o can_v tell_v a_o plain_a truth_n but_o can_v neither_o feign_v nor_o dissemble_v if_o they_o have_v be_v more_o in_o number_n the_o conversion_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v so_o much_o the_o less_o miraculous_a and_o they_o be_v not_o choose_v out_o of_o the_o scribe_n and_o elder_n who_o have_v be_v use_v to_o artifices_fw-la and_o falshood_n but_o have_v they_o all_o along_o their_o enemy_n and_o oppose_v to_o their_o craft_n and_o power_n a_o honest_a simplicity_n of_o mind_n that_o neither_o know_v what_o belong_v to_o deceit_n nor_o fear_v any_o in_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n nor_o be_v they_o in_o the_o least_o discourage_v to_o see_v their_o own_o and_o all_o other_o nation_n against_o they_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o wise_a and_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o weak_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v mighty_a 1_o cor._n i_o 27._o these_o man_n under_o all_o necessity_n and_o persecution_n and_o danger_n and_o torment_n both_o live_n and_o die_v witness_v that_o they_o have_v see_v christ_n alive_a after_o he_o have_v be_v crucify_a and_o though_o they_o be_v but_o very_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o their_o enemy_n yet_o consider_v as_o witness_n they_o be_v many_o for_o he_o be_v see_v by_o above_o five_o hundred_o at_o once_o which_o be_v a_o vast_a number_n in_o any_o matter_n of_o evidence_n and_o if_o so_o many_o man_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a testimony_n no_o number_n of_o man_n can_v have_v be_v that_o which_o be_v demonstrate_v but_o in_o one_o way_n be_v as_o certain_a as_o if_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a in_o never_o so_o many_o method_n and_o he_o who_o see_v a_o thing_n plain_o with_o his_o two_o eye_n may_v be_v as_o sure_a of_o it_o as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o so_o many_o eye_n to_o see_v it_o withal_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n that_o the_o testimony_n of_o two_o man_n be_v true_a or_o credible_a and_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o for_o truth_n john_n viij_o 17._o and_o it_o be_v the_o law_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o nation_n to_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o small_a number_n of_o sufficient_a witness_n in_o proof_n of_o the_o most_o important_a affair_n and_o if_o these_o witness_n choose_v before_o of_o god_n speak_v and_o act_v and_o suffer_v as_o no_o man_n will_v or_o can_v have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o what_o they_o testify_v and_o assist_v from_o above_o in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v as_o infallible_o deliver_v to_o we_o by_o their_o testimony_n as_o it_o can_v have_v be_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o never_o so_o many_o more_o for_o all_o that_o never_o so_o many_o other_o can_v have_v do_v will_v have_v be_v but_o the_o same_o thing_n over_o again_o which_o these_o man_n certify_v by_o many_o infallible_a proof_n and_o what_o be_v once_o infallible_o prove_v be_v as_o certain_a as_o if_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v agree_v in_o declare_v it_o it_o be_v not_o the_o number_n of_o witness_n but_o the_o character_n and_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n and_o the_o evidence_n itself_o in_o its_o full_a force_n and_o circumstance_n which_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v regard_v in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n if_o but_o a_o few_o man_n can_v make_v it_o sufficient_o appear_v as_o the_o apostle_n do_v by_o undeniable_a miracle_n that_o what_o they_o say_v be_v true_a and_o that_o god_n himself_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o they_o then_o appeal_v to_o every_o man_n be_v own_o sense_n before_o who_o they_o work_v their_o miracle_n and_o make_v every_o one_o that_o see_v they_o a_o
of_o they_o must_v cease_v and_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v be_v bestow_v cease_v these_o miraculous_a gift_n must_v of_o consequence_n cease_v with_o it_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v likewise_o under_o the_o law_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o we_o read_v of_o no_o miraculous_a power_n bestow_v upon_o any_o man_n before_o moses_n the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v deliver_v down_o with_o undeniable_a certainty_n and_o the_o miraculous_a judgement_n of_o god_n in_o drown_v the_o old_a world_n in_o the_o confusion_n of_o tongue_n and_o in_o the_o punishment_n inflict_v upon_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n be_v sufficient_a to_o keep_v up_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n but_o when_o a_o new_a institution_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v introduce_v by_o moses_n miraculous_a gift_n be_v necessary_a to_o give_v authority_n to_o it_o and_o to_o oppose_v those_o false_a and_o lie_a wonder_n which_o be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o magician_n in_o egypt_n and_o other_o place_n in_o the_o former_a age_n prediction_n be_v very_o frequent_a and_o they_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o patriarch_n who_o be_v man_n of_o unquestionable_a credit_n and_o authority_n and_o can_v have_v no_o need_n of_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o prophecy_n which_o be_v so_o usual_a in_o those_o time_n and_o when_o the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v so_o long_o divers_a prophecy_n of_o the_o same_o person_n have_v be_v verify_v by_o the_o event_n but_o moses_n have_v a_o new_a law_n to_o deliver_v and_o both_o he_o and_o the_o prophet_n have_v a_o a_o stubborn_a people_n to_o deal_v with_o to_o who_o the_o message_n they_o be_v charge_v withal_o be_v common_o very_o unwelcome_a so_o that_o till_o this_o institution_n be_v full_o settle_v miracle_n become_v necessary_a but_o when_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v be_v sufficient_o authorize_v and_o establish_v by_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n and_o when_o by_o the_o captivity_n and_o dispersion_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o 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the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v they_o stand_v now_o undaunted_a by_o to_o testify_v that_o their_o master_n be_v again_o alive_a who_o have_v forsake_v he_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v apprehend_v and_o he_o that_o before_o so_o shameful_o deny_v he_o thrice_o be_v startle_v and_o affright_v at_o the_o question_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n maid_n now_o speak_v aloud_o in_o a_o vast_a concourse_n of_o people_n with_o so_o much_o steadfastness_n that_o this_o alone_o be_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o deliver_v they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o concern_v at_o the_o mockery_n and_o abuse_n that_o be_v put_v upon_o they_o the_o spirit_n have_v descend_v on_o they_o and_o raise_v they_o above_o such_o mean_a and_o foolish_a apprehension_n they_o be_v now_o full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o no_o worldly_a thought_n can_v move_v they_o they_o act_v with_o the_o force_n and_o vigour_n of_o the_o wind_n and_o fire_n in_o which_o the_o holy_a 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know_v he_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o determinate_a counsel_n and_o before_o knowledge_n of_o god_n you_o have_v take_v and_o by_o wicked_a hand_n have_v crucify_v and_o slay_v who_o god_n have_v raise_v up_o whereof_o we_o all_o be_v witness_n therefore_o be_v by_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n exalt_v and_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o father_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o have_v shed_v forth_o this_o which_o you_o now_o see_v and_o hear_v act_v two_o 22_o 23_o 24_o 32_o 33._o and_o in_o the_o three_o chapter_n the_o god_n of_o abraham_n of_o isaac_n and_o of_o jacob_n the_o god_n of_o our_o father_n have_v glorify_v his_o son_n jesus_n who_o you_o deliver_v up_o and_o deny_v he_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o pilate_n when_o he_o be_v determine_v to_o let_v he_o go_v but_o you_o deny_v the_o holy_a one_o and_o the_o just_a and_o desire_v a_o murderer_n to_o be_v grant_v unto_o you_o and_o kill_v the_o prince_n of_o life_n who_o god_n have_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a whereof_o we_o be_v witness_n act_n three_o 13_o 14_o 15._o and_o before_o the_o council_n o_o you_o ruler_n of_o the_o people_n and_o elder_n of_o israel_n if_o we_o this_o day_n be_v examine_v of_o the_o good_a deed_n do_v to_o the_o impotent_a man_n by_o what_o mean_v he_o be_v make_v whole_a be_v it_o know_v to_o you_o all_o 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 of_o nazareth_n who_o you_o 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 this_o be_v the_o stone_n which_o be_v set_v at_o nought_o by_o you_o builder_n which_o be_v become_v the_o head_n of_o the_o corner_n 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 act_v four_o 8_o etc._n etc._n and_o again_o the_o god_n of_o our_o father_n raise_v up_o jesus_n who_o you_o slay_v and_o hang_v on_o a_o tree_n he_o have_v god_n exalt_v with_o his_o right_a hand_n to_o be_v a_o prince_n and_o a_o saviour_n for_o to_o give_v repentance_n to_o israel_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n 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 have_v give_v to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o act._n v._n 30_o etc._n etc._n with_o what_o freedom_n and_o authority_n do_v he_o now_o speak_v how_o unlike_a be_v he_o now_o to_o the_o man_n he_o be_v before_o when_o he_o thrice_o deny_v his_o master_n whilst_o alive_a and_o what_o can_v make_v such_o a_o alteration_n in_o he_o after_o his_o master_n death_n but_o a_o supernatural_a power_n what_o can_v cause_v he_o thus_o frequent_o and_o earnest_o to_o make_v a_o open_a confession_n of_o he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o people_n and_o before_o their_o council_n if_o he_o have_v not_o know_v he_o to_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o have_v not_o do_v all_o his_o miracle_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o power_n which_o be_v bestow_v upon_o he_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n after_o christ_n ascension_n and_o the_o same_o constancy_n and_o greatness_n of_o mind_n appear_v in_o st._n stephen_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n which_o yet_o be_v accompany_v with_o equal_a humility_n and_o meekness_n whether_o it_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n to_o hearken_v unto_o you_o more_o than_o unto_o god_n judge_v you_o for_o we_o can_v but_o speak_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v act_v four_o 19_o 20._o you_o may_v do_v your_o pleasure_n but_o we_o must_v do_v our_o duty_n nothing_o of_o fury_n and_o violence_n nor_o of_o wildness_n and_o extravagancy_n but_o a_o constant_a composedness_n and_o gravity_n and_o a_o rational_a sober_a zeal_n appear_v in_o all_o their_o behaviour_n they_o tell_v a_o plain_a truth_n and_o then_o wrought_v miracle_n to_o confirm_v it_o and_o afterward_o suffer_v any_o torment_n rather_o than_o they_o will_v renounce_v it_o or_o defist_n from_o preach_v it_o though_o they_o can_v cure_v all_o disease_n and_o dispossess_v devil_n and_o raise_v man_n from_o the_o dead_a or_o take_v away_o their_o life_n with_o a_o word_n speak_v as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o exempt_v from_o suffering_n because_o we_o must_v then_o have_v want_v one_o great_a argument_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v found_v upon_o principle_n of_o love_n and_o goodness_n not_o of_o fear_n and_o astonishment_n and_o there_o be_v something_o in_o the_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n which_o be_v apt_a mighty_o to_o work_v upon_o the_o affection_n and_o upon_o any_o seed_n of_o good_a nature_n in_o we_o and_o therefore_o when_o by_o their_o miracle_n they_o have_v raise_v the_o admiration_n of_o the_o beholder_n and_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o power_n by_o which_o they_o be_v wrought_v their_o patience_n under_o suffering_n not_o only_o confirm_v they_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n but_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n in_o gain_v upon_o the_o inclination_n and_o affection_n and_o in_o calm_v the_o spirit_n and_o prepare_v they_o by_o so_o great_a example_n of_o patience_n to_o endure_v all_o the_o calamity_n incident_a to_o man_n who_o be_v there_o that_o be_v not_o more_o affect_v with_o the_o meek_a and_o humble_a courage_n and_o invincible_a patience_n of_o the_o apostle_n than_o with_o all_o the_o great_a act_n of_o the_o mighty_a conqueror_n and_o destroyer_n of_o mankind_n a_o few_o poor_a unarmed_a defenceless_a man_n stand_v before_o arm_v multitude_n and_o speak_v with_o as_o much_o authority_n as_o if_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n be_v in_o their_o hand_n and_o indeed_o all_o power_n be_v in_o their_o hand_n in_o as_o much_o as_o he_o assist_v and_o inspire_v they_o who_o be_v above_o all_o they_o speak_v to_o multitude_n with_o as_o much_o freedom_n as_o to_o one_o man_n and_o to_o all_o nation_n with_o as_o much_o ease_n as_o to_o one_o people_n and_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n who_o descend_v upon_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n descend_v upon_o st._n paul_n at_o his_o conversion_n and_o give_v that_o great_a apostle_n so_o much_o confidence_n and_o resolution_n so_o much_o patience_n and_o zeal_n under_o his_o suffering_n which_o be_v so_o severe_a and_o terrible_a that_o we_o can_v scarce_o read_v they_o with_o so_o little_a horror_n as_o he_o undergo_v they_o thus_o do_v the_o holy_a ghost_n fit_a and_o prepare_v the_o apostle_n to_o be_v witness_n to_o christ_n by_o inspire_v they_o with_o all_o that_o courage_n and_o
patience_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o man_n that_o be_v to_o declare_v a_o ungrateful_a and_o despise_a truth_n among_o those_o who_o will_v think_v themselves_o so_o much_o concern_v to_o oppose_v and_o suppress_v it_o if_o they_o have_v wrought_v no_o miracle_n their_o courage_n and_o resolution_n may_v have_v pass_v for_o a_o groundless_a confidence_n and_o if_o they_o have_v not_o have_v the_o courage_n to_o stand_v so_o resolute_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v their_o miracle_n themselves_o may_v have_v become_v suspect_v but_o act_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o be_v support_v in_o all_o their_o suffering_n by_o a_o supernatural_a constancy_n and_o greatness_n of_o mind_n and_o be_v so_o sudden_o change_v and_o raise_v above_o themselves_o in_o all_o they_o do_v or_o suffer_v and_o work_v the_o same_o change_n in_o other_o they_o give_v all_o the_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o give_v and_o as_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o apostle_n down_o upon_o their_o disciple_n so_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o patience_n under_o affliction_n communicate_v to_o they_o and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o god_n be_v please_v not_o to_o raise_v up_o any_o christian_a emperor_n till_o above_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n that_o he_o may_v show_v that_o the_o religion_n which_o come_v from_o heaven_n can_v need_v no_o human_a aid_n nor_o be_v suppress_v by_o any_o human_a force_n and_o that_o he_o may_v recommend_v the_o great_a virtue_n of_o meekness_n and_o patience_n to_o the_o world_n by_o the_o example_n man_n as_o eminent_a for_o these_o as_o for_o the_o miracle_n they_o wrought_v and_o may_v instruct_v mankind_n in_o a_o suffer_a religion_n for_o to_o assure_v the_o world_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o he_o will_v not_o grant_v it_o protection_n from_o christian_a emperor_n till_o most_o of_o the_o empire_n be_v become_v christian_a and_o christianity_n have_v diffuse_v itself_o into_o all_o the_o know_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o before_o the_o last_o persecution_n begin_v by_o dioclesian_n 1._o dioclesian_n euseb_n hist_o lib._n viij_o c._n 1._o the_o church_n flourish_v as_o much_o and_o have_v the_o favour_n of_o the_o court_n and_o of_o great_a man_n in_o as_o high_a a_o degree_n almost_o as_o under_o constantine_n himself_o till_o their_o prosperity_n cause_v their_o sin_n and_o these_o bring_v persecution_n but_o at_o last_o the_o persecute_v emperor_n be_v force_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n manifest_v in_o miraculous_a disease_n inflict_v on_o they_o to_o restore_v the_o christian_n to_o their_o former_a liberty_n in_o their_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o so_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n need_v no_o patronage_n of_o man_n for_o god_n will_v compel_v its_o worst_a enemy_n to_o become_v its_o protector_n when_o he_o see_v it_o fit_v and_o 16._o and_o sozom_n lib._n v._o c._n 16._o when_o julian_n make_v it_o his_o great_a aim_n and_o business_n to_o restore_v paganism_n again_o in_o the_o world_n he_o see_v to_o his_o grief_n how_o ineffectual_a all_o his_o endeavour_n prove_v he_o observe_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n still_o retain_v a_o general_a esteem_n and_o approbation_n and_o that_o the_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o servant_n of_o his_o own_o priest_n themselves_o be_v most_o of_o they_o christian_n if_o any_o one_o then_o upon_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o all_o circumstance_n can_v withstand_v the_o conviction_n of_o so_o great_a evidence_n i_o will_v only_o ask_v he_o whether_o he_o believe_v any_o history_n or_o relation_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o he_o never_o see_v and_o desire_v he_o to_o show_v what_o degree_n of_o certainty_n he_o can_v discern_v in_o any_o of_o they_o which_o be_v be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v here_o and_o beside_o to_o consider_v that_o if_o in_o a_o vicious_a and_o subtle_a age_n a_o doctrine_n so_o contrary_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n by_o so_o weak_a and_o incompetent_a mean_n can_v obtain_v so_o universal_o among_o man_n of_o all_o temper_n and_o profession_n and_o interest_n in_o all_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n against_o so_o violent_a opposition_n without_o the_o help_n of_o miracle_n this_o be_v as_o great_a a_o miracle_n as_o can_v be_v conceive_v either_o therefore_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v propagate_v by_o miracle_n or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v than_o the_o miracle_n by_o which_o it_o be_v propagate_v prove_v it_o to_o be_v from_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o propagate_v by_o miracle_n the_o propagation_n itself_o be_v a_o miracle_n and_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v from_o he_o chap._n xvii_o of_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n it_o be_v just_o esteem_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o the_o credibility_n of_o any_o history_n if_o it_o be_v write_v by_o man_n of_o integrity_n man_n who_o have_v no_o suspicion_n upon_o they_o of_o dishonesty_n and_o have_v no_o temptation_n to_o deceive_v and_o who_o relate_v nothing_o but_o of_o their_o own_o time_n and_o within_o their_o own_o knowledge_n though_o the_o author_n never_o suffer_v any_o loss_n nor_o run_v any_o hazard_n in_o assert_v what_o they_o deliver_v but_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n have_v this_o further_a advantage_n that_o many_o of_o the_o most_o considerable_a thing_n in_o it_o be_v do_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o that_o which_o be_v a_o history_n to_o future_a age_n be_v rather_o a_o appeal_n to_o that_o age_n whether_o the_o thing_n relate_v be_v true_a or_o not_o the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n and_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n as_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v be_v attest_v by_o his_o apostle_n to_o the_o face_n of_o his_o very_a crucifier_n and_o they_o all_o remain_v upon_o the_o place_n where_o what_o they_o witness_v have_v be_v do_v for_o several_a year_n afterward_o declare_v and_o preach_v to_o all_o people_n the_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o soon_o after_o his_o ascension_n when_o all_o the_o proceed_n against_o he_o be_v fresh_a in_o memory_n they_o commit_v the_o same_o to_o write_v in_o greek_a which_o be_v the_o most_o common_a language_n and_o general_o know_v at_o that_o time_n st._n matthew_n who_o first_o pen_v his_o gospel_n be_v say_v to_o have_v write_v it_o in_o hebrew_n or_o syriack_n though_o it_o be_v soon_o after_o translate_v into_o greek_n so_o that_o whover_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o understand_v the_o greek_a tongue_n may_v read_v the_o gospel_n in_o their_o own_o language_n not_o long_o after_o the_o other_o gospel_n be_v pen_v and_o they_o be_v all_o in_o a_o short_a time_n disperse_v into_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o translate_v into_o all_o language_n it_o be_v particular_o relate_v ebion_n relate_v eâ—iphan_n haerâ—â—_n ebion_n that_o st._n john_n gospel_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v soon_o translate_v into_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n the_o evangelist_n give_v such_o a_o account_n both_o of_o the_o birth_n and_o death_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o must_v suppose_v they_o record_v at_o rome_n for_o there_o the_o censual_a table_n be_v keep_v where_o by_o st._n luke_n account_n the_o name_n of_o our_o saviour_n must_v have_v be_v register_v and_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n be_v so_o remarkable_a as_o they_o relate_v they_o that_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n use_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o roman_a province_n the_o emperor_n must_v have_v a_o relation_n send_v he_o of_o they_o and_o as_o i_o have_v show_v both_o justin_n martyr_n and_o tertullian_n appeal_v to_o the_o roman_a record_n for_o the_o truth_n both_o of_o the_o birth_n and_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o memory_n of_o the_o massacre_n of_o the_o infant_n by_o herod_n be_v preserve_v to_o we_o by_o a_o say_n of_o augustus_n concern_v herod_n upon_o it_o 4._o it_o macrobius_n saturnal_a lib._n two_o c._n 4._o which_o be_v mention_v in_o macrobius_n a_o heathen_a author_n for_o augustus_n be_v tell_v that_o among_o other_o herod_n have_v cause_v his_o own_o child_n to_o be_v slay_v which_o whether_o true_a or_o no_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o emperor_n to_o make_v this_o observation_n that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o be_v herod_n swine_n than_o his_o son_n tacitus_n mention_n our_o saviour_n suffering_n under_o pontius_n pilate_n and_o tertullian_n in_o his_o 21._o his_o tertul._n apol._n c._n 21._o apology_n tell_v the_o heathen_n that_o the_o miraculous_a eclipse_n of_o the_o sun_n which_o be_v at_o christ_n death_n stand_v upon_o record_n in_o their_o own_o register_n whether_o it_o be_v for_o the_o strangeness_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o course_n
character_n of_o a_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o modern_a jew_n in_o like_a manner_n never_o dare_v to_o pretend_v to_o new_a book_n of_o revelation_n but_o have_v constant_o adhere_v to_o the_o old_a and_o what_o inducement_n can_v the_o jew_n have_v to_o receive_v these_o book_n into_o their_o canon_n of_o which_o it_o consist_v rather_o than_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n but_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o divine_a authority_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n more_o especial_o remarkable_a in_o some_o book_n why_o shall_v they_o receive_v certain_a book_n under_o the_o name_n of_o solomon_n esther_n daniel_n and_o ezra_n but_o not_o admit_v into_o the_o canon_n other_o go_v under_o the_o same_o name_n but_o because_o of_o the_o difference_n in_o their_o authority_n why_o shall_v they_o receive_v the_o book_n of_o those_o who_o their_o forefather_n have_v slay_v and_o those_o very_a book_n for_o which_o they_o slay_v they_o but_o upon_o the_o clear_a evidence_n it_o be_v certain_a they_o can_v be_v possess_v with_o no_o prejudice_n in_o their_o favour_n but_o with_o very_a many_o against_o the_o book_n of_o such_o author_n to_o give_v another_o instance_n the_o book_n of_o ruth_n contain_v the_o affair_n and_o transaction_n of_o a_o particular_a family_n of_o no_o great_a consequence_n as_o one_o may_v imagine_v at_o first_o view_n and_o yet_o it_o have_v be_v preserve_v with_o as_o much_o â—are_n and_o as_o constant_o receive_v as_o the_o rest_n there_o be_v little_a reason_n upon_o human_a consideration_n why_o a_o relation_n concern_v that_o family_n shall_v be_v insert_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n rather_o than_o one_o concern_v any_o other_o but_o the_o lineage_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o it_o and_o that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v insert_v and_o therefore_o by_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o providence_n neither_o the_o emulation_n and_o envy_n of_o other_o family_n nor_o any_o other_o cause_n or_o accident_n hinder_v its_o reception_n and_o preservation_n among_o the_o other_o inspire_v book_n and_o in_o that_o history_n there_o be_v a_o account_v not_o very_o honourable_a for_o david_n family_n in_o derive_v his_o descent_n from_o phares_n of_o thamar_n and_o show_v that_o his_o great_a grandmother_n be_v a_o moabitess_n the_o moabite_n be_v a_o people_n who_o have_v a_o indelible_a mark_n of_o intamy_n sixth_o upon_o they_o by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n dentr_n xxiii_o 3._o ii_o as_o the_o pentateuch_n be_v ever_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n after_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o tribe_n judah_n so_o if_o they_o reject_v the_o writing_n of_o the_o prophet_n it_o must_v have_v be_v because_o all_o or_o most_o of_o they_o be_v write_v by_o prophet_n who_o be_v of_o the_o two_o tribe_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n of_o israel_n own_v the_o temple_n of_o jerasalem_fw-la to_o be_v the_o true_a place_n of_o worship_n the_o israelite_n and_o samaritan_n must_v have_v great_a prejudices_fw-la against_o they_o upon_o that_o account_n and_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o they_o shall_v receive_v the_o book_n of_o any_o of_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o they_o do_v those_o of_o moses_n the_o book_n of_o samuel_n david_n and_o solomon_n have_v less_o regard_n pay_v to_o they_o upon_o reason_n of_o state_n by_o the_o tribe_n who_o follow_v the_o revolt_n of_o jeroboam_n yet_o when_o 1._o when_o antiqu._n orient_a eccl._n pist_o 1._o joseph_n scaliger_n send_v to_o the_o samaritan_n for_o the_o canticle_n of_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n in_o their_o language_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o joshua_n they_o promise_v to_o send_v he_o they_o and_o it_o be_v prove_v sufficient_o by_o dr_n 25._o dr_n hebr._n &_o talmud_n exercit_fw-la on_o joh._n four_o 25._o lightfoot_n that_o neither_o the_o samaritan_n nor_o the_o sadducee_n reject_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n though_o they_o do_v not_o admit_v the_o rest_n into_o the_o same_o veneration_n and_o authority_n with_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n nor_o read_v they_o in_o their_o synagogue_n this_o be_v also_o prove_v by_o f._n simon_n 12._o simon_n crit._n hist_o v._o t._n lib._n 1._o c._n 16._o &_o 29._o disquisit_a crit_fw-fr c._n 12._o both_o of_o the_o sadducee_n and_o the_o karaei_n and_o orient_a and_o epist_n 70._o inter_fw-la antiqu_n eccl._n orient_a morinus_n likewise_o prove_v it_o of_o the_o karaei_n who_o be_v general_o take_v for_o sadducee_n f._n simon_n maintain_v the_o contrary_a and_o that_o they_o have_v wrong_v do_v they_o in_o be_v charge_v with_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o sadducces_n however_o this_o be_v not_o material_a to_o our_o present_a purpose_n since_o he_o show_v that_o both_o the_o sadducee_n and_o the_o karaei_n or_o caraite_n and_o all_o the_o jew_n beside_o receive_v the_o entire_a volume_n of_o the_o scripture_n without_o any_o contradiction_n lipmanno_n contradiction_n praefat._n de_fw-fr lipmanno_n hackspan_n likewise_o have_v show_v that_o the_o sadducee_n deny_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n iii_o concern_v the_o book_n whereof_o we_o we_o find_v mention_v make_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n either_o 1._o they_o be_v not_o different_a from_o those_o which_o be_v now_o in_o the_o canon_n but_o the_o same_o book_n under_o divers_a name_n or_o 2._o they_o be_v not_o write_v by_o inspiration_n though_o write_v by_o prophet_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o prophet_n be_v inspire_v in_o every_o thing_n that_o they_o write_v any_o more_o than_o in_o all_o they_o speak_v and_o this_o show_v the_o care_n and_o integrity_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o compile_v their_o canon_n that_o they_o will_v not_o take_v into_o it_o all_o the_o write_n even_o of_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o but_o only_o such_o as_o they_o know_v to_o be_v write_v by_o they_o as_o prophet_n that_o be_v by_o inspiration_n the_o prophet_n themselves_o no_o doubt_n make_v a_o distinction_n as_o we_o find_v st_n paul_n do_v between_o what_o they_o have_v write_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o in_o which_o they_o have_v not_o his_o immediate_a and_o extraordinary_a direction_n and_o infallible_a assistance_n or_o 3_o they_o may_v not_o be_v write_v by_o prophet_n for_o the_o office_n of_o recorder_n or_o remembrancer_n or_o writer_n of_o chronicle_n as_o it_o be_v explain_v in_o the_o margin_n be_v mention_v as_o â—n_v office_n of_o great_a honour_n and_o trust_v and_o be_v distinct_a from_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n 2_o sam._n viij_o â—6_n 2_o king_n xviii_o 18_o 2_o chron._n xxxiv_o 8._o isaiah_n xxxvi_o 3_o 22._o beside_o the_o hebrew_n call_v every_o small_a write_v a_o book_n thus_o deut._n xxiv_o 1._o â—hat_n which_o we_o render_v a_o bill_n of_o divorcement_n â—s_v in_o the_o original_a a_o book_n of_o divorcement_n the_o word_n be_v the_o same_o which_o josh_n x._o 13._o and_o 〈◊〉_d sam._n i._n 18._o be_v translate_v the_o book_n of_o jasher_n â—o_o matt._n nineteeen_o 7._o and_o mark_v x._o 4._o it_o be_v in_o the_o greek_a a_o book_n of_o divorcement_n the_o word_n be_v the_o same_o which_o the_o septuagint_n have_v use_v it_o indeed_o may_v signify_v a_o little_a book_n but_o it_o often_o signify_v a_o book_n without_o that_o distinction_n and_o so_o it_o be_v render_v 2_o tim._n four_o 13._o david_n letter_n to_o joab_n be_v a_o book_n in_o the_o hebrew_n and_o in_o the_o greek_a 2_o sam._n xi_o 14_o 15._o and_o lettet_n be_v style_v book_n by_o 4._o by_o herod_n lib._n 1._o c._n 124._o &_o lib._n 6._o c._n 4._o herodotus_n or_o 4._o though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o some_o book_n which_o be_v write_v by_o inspiration_n be_v now_o lose_v it_o be_v no_o absurdity_n to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v write_n to_o be_v lose_v through_o the_o fault_n and_o negligence_n of_o man_n which_o be_v dictate_v by_o his_o spirit_n several_a thing_n may_v by_o the_o prophet_n be_v deliver_v by_o revelation_n to_o the_o person_n who_o they_o concern_v which_o be_v never_o commit_v to_o writing_n and_o other_o which_o be_v write_v but_o which_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o end_n of_o revelation_n in_o general_n but_o rather_o concern_v particular_a time_n and_o place_n and_o the_o substance_n whereof_o as_o far_o as_o the_o world_n in_o general_n be_v concern_v be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o other_o scripture_n may_v by_o the_o carelessness_n of_o man_n never_o come_v to_o the_o sight_n and_o knowledge_n of_o posterity_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v observe_v that_o the_o book_n of_o prophecy_n have_v always_o the_o name_n of_o the_o author_n express_v and_o common_o they_o be_v often_o repeat_v in_o the_o book_n themselves_o but_o in_o the_o historical_a book_n there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o it_o because_o in_o matter_n