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place_n when_o and_o where_o every_o body_n that_o read_v what_o they_o have_v write_v be_v as_o capable_a of_o imform_v himself_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o integrity_n of_o the_o christian_a tradition_n as_o the_o author_n themselves_o be_v there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o other_o writer_n cite_v by_o they_o and_o divers_a other_o monument_n and_o record_n appeal_v to_o which_o be_v then_o extant_a and_o public_o know_v it_o be_v moreover_o very_o remarkable_a that_o during_o this_o forementioned_a term_n of_o 300_o year_n while_o christianity_n be_v new_a and_o under_o persecution_n neither_o the_o jew_n nor_o heathen_n those_o industrious_a enemy_n and_o opposer_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o be_v every_o where_o mix_v with_o the_o christian_n and_o be_v continual_o dispute_v with_o they_o this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o further_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o not_o one_o of_o all_o its_o ancient_a enemy_n either_o jew_n or_o heathen_a shall_v ever_o deny_v or_o call_v in_o question_n the_o great_a and_o wonderful_a fact_n it_o be_v build_v upon_o but_o that_o several_a of_o they_o shall_v corroborate_v the_o christian_a account_n by_o many_o circumstance_n mention_v in_o their_o own_o write_n as_o it_o be_v manifest_a they_o have_v do_v thus_o stand_v the_o first_o and_o early_a proof_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o humane_a testimony_n which_o be_v further_o confirm_v by_o a_o innumerable_a and_o continual_o increase_v company_n of_o writer_n and_o the_o constancy_n and_o universality_n of_o belief_n ever_o since_o which_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o opposition_n or_o other_o have_v be_v in_o every_o age_n almost_o examine_v over_o again_o and_o stand_v the_o test_n of_o the_o most_o malicious_a examination_n 2._o in_o the_o next_o place_n then_o without_o consider_v these_o humane_a authority_n in_o particular_a let_v we_o examine_v what_o connexion_n there_o be_v betwixt_o the_o present_a state_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o ancient_a history_n of_o it_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v now_o own_a and_o profess_a in_o a_o great_a many_o country_n that_o wherever_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v believe_v there_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v acknowledge_v also_o as_o the_o rule_n and_o standard_n of_o it_o and_o that_o all_o the_o wonderful_a fact_n therein_o record_v be_v believe_v by_o christian_n to_o have_v real_o happen_v at_o the_o time_n and_o place_n there_o mention_v be_v matter_n of_o fact_n which_o every_o body_n may_v by_o his_o own_o observation_n find_v to_o be_v true_a and_o i_o shall_v here_o take_v for_o grant_v this_o therefore_o be_v the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n it_o necessary_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v a_o beginning_n there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o where_o practise_v nor_o any_o of_o those_o fact_n record_v
ground_n upon_o which_o the_o first_o christian_n believe_v they_o evince_v from_o general_a reflection_n upon_o the_o scripture-account_n of_o they_o p._n 161._o what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n concern_v divin_n assistance_n and_o revelation_n prove_v to_o be_v true_a p._n 183._o the_o miracle_n prophecy_n and_o doctrine_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v all_o the_o matter_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o under_o this_o head_n do_v certain_o proceed_v from_o god_n p._n 185._o the_o person_n themselves_o who_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o immediate_a author_n of_o they_o may_v be_v infallible_o satisfy_v that_o whatever_o of_o this_o kind_n they_o say_v or_o do_v be_v from_o god_n p._n 186._o other_o may_v be_v likewise_o convince_v of_o the_o same_o truth_n by_o a_o certain_a proof_n of_o the_o follow_a point_n viz._n p._n 194._o that_o the_o miracle_n prophecy_n and_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v not_o be_v the_o work_n and_o contrivance_n of_o mere_a men._n p._n 195._o that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o all_o p._n 222._o and_o that_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o ascribe_v these_o thing_n to_o evil_a spirit_n p._n 242._o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a revelation_n deliver_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n prove_v indirect_o by_o show_v the_o absurdity_n of_o a_o contrary_a supposition_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o all_o the_o objection_n raise_v against_o scripture_n and_o revelation_n in_o general_n p._n 245._o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v not_o possible_o be_v forge_v and_o invent_v p._n 250._o because_o there_o be_v no_o end_n or_o design_n imaginable_a sufficient_a to_o have_v determine_v the_o suppose_a author_n of_o this_o work_n to_o have_v undertake_v it_o and_o because_o further_o if_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n both_o common_a and_o extraordinary_a have_v not_o be_v true_a it_o will_v have_v be_v utter_o impossible_a that_o the_o christian_a religion_n shall_v ever_o have_v be_v believe_v and_o propagate_v in_o the_o world_n p._n 264._o the_o principal_a objection_n against_o revelation_n and_o the_o scripture_n answer_v viz._n p._n 272._o that_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v no_o proof_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n p._n 276._o and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o fault_n observable_a in_o the_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n as_o show_v the_o whole_a to_o be_v a_o pure_a humane_a composure_n p._n 288._o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o proof_n before_o give_v of_o the_o christian_a revelation_n full_o and_o undeniable_o make_v out_o p._n 303._o from_o humane_a testimony_n p._n 305._o from_o the_o connexion_n of_o present_a appearance_n with_o former_a p._n 309._o and_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n in_o general_n and_o the_o particular_a fact_n in_o question_n p_o 317._o the_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n further_o make_v good_a by_o show_v that_o they_o be_v as_o just_a and_o conclude_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o any_o other_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v p._n 332._o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o proof_n before_o give_v be_v such_o that_o god_n may_v just_o condemn_v we_o for_o not_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o it_o p._n 349._o because_o we_o believe_v other_o matter_n of_o fact_n upon_o less_o evidence_n and_o ib._n because_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v such_o fact_n have_v those_o appearance_n of_o truth_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v though_o they_o shall_v real_o be_v false_a p._n 352._o finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o tho._n bennet_n the_o life_n of_o all_o the_o prince_n of_o orange_n from_o william_n the_o great_a founder_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o unite_a province_n to_o which_o be_v add_v the_o life_n of_o his_o present_a majesty_n king_n william_n iii_o from_o his_o birth_n to_o his_o land_n in_o england_n by_o mr._n tho._n brown_n together_o with_o all_o the_o prince_n head_n take_v from_o the_o original_a draught_n by_o mr._n robert_n white_a a_o voyage_n to_o the_o world_n of_o des_n certes_o translate_v from_o the_o french_a by_o t._n taylor_n m._n a._n of_o magd._n coll._n oxon._n thirty_o six_o sermon_n upon_o several_a occasion_n in_o three_o vol._n by_o robert_n south_n d._n d._n the_o second_o edition_n the_o certainty_n and_o necessity_n of_o religion_n in_o general_a or_o the_o first_o ground_n and_o principle_n of_o humane_a duty_n establish_v in_o eight_o sermon_n preach_v at_o st._n martin_n in_o the_o field_n at_o the_o lecture_n for_o the_o year_n 1697._o found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o f._n gastrel_n b._n d._n and_o student_n of_o christ_n church_n coll._n oxon._n
to_o see_v a_o atheist_n tell_v fortune_n a_o deist_n in_o quest_n of_o the_o philosopher_n stone_n and_o a_o libertine_n venture_v all_o his_o present_a pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n in_o a_o rebellion_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o posterity_n and_o yet_o such_o be_v general_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o irreligious_a and_o it_o be_v a_o just_a judgement_n from_o god_n upon_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v give_v up_o to_o believe_v lie_n and_o to_o act_v against_o their_o own_o interest_n to_o throw_v off_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o not_o make_v the_o best_a of_o their_o error_n upon_o which_o account_n i_o think_v if_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o his_o christ_n be_v so_o far_o resolve_v upon_o the_o way_n of_o vnrighteousness_n that_o they_o will_v not_o consider_v the_o proof_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o order_n to_o be_v reform_v they_o will_v do_v well_o to_o betake_v themselves_o for_o refuge_n to_o ignorance_n and_o amusement_n rather_o than_o learning_n and_o reason_v for_o all_o the_o improvement_n of_o knowledge_n do_v only_o furnish_v new_a light_n and_o strength_n to_o religion_n and_o administer_v fresh_a occasion_n of_o shame_n and_o confusion_n to_o unbeliever_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v more_o advisable_a for_o they_o to_o keep_v up_o their_o infidelity_n to_o themselves_o than_o to_o let_v it_o loose_v to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o other_o they_o have_v much_o better_o entrench_v than_o attack_z for_o beside_o that_o all_o attempt_n upon_o virtue_n and_o piety_n annoy_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n without_o any_o advantage_n to_o their_o cause_n that_o make_v they_o it_o will_v be_v more_o for_o their_o ease_n to_o lie_v quiet_a for_o argue_v and_o object_v against_o religion_n and_o make_v proselyte_n to_o infidelity_n be_v not_o only_o certain_a sign_n of_o present_a uneasiness_n but_o will_v very_o probable_o create_v they_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o if_o they_o will_v be_v continual_o dispute_v and_o press_v their_o objection_n they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o meet_v with_o something_o or_o other_o to_o puzzle_v and_o startle_v they_o and_o this_o may_v awaken_v their_o fear_n and_o raise_v new_a disquiet_n in_o their_o mind_n which_o may_v at_o last_o end_n in_o a_o just_a despair_n when_o they_o will_v be_v able_a to_o repent_v of_o nothing_o but_o this_o that_o they_o be_v not_o content_a to_o enjoy_v the_o fruit_n of_o irreligion_n without_o offer_v to_o defend_v it_o i_o hearty_o wish_v such_o advice_n as_o this_o to_o vnbeliver_v be_v needless_a and_o that_o they_o be_v serious_o dispose_v to_o embrace_v a_o more_o reasonable_a and_o last_a satisfaction_n by_o enter_v upon_o a_o humble_a and_o impartial_a examination_n of_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o this_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o effect_n of_o extraordinary_a grace_n all_o that_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o the_o endeavour_n of_o those_o that_o undertake_v to_o set_v these_o proof_n in_o the_o best_a light_n they_o can_v be_v to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o gainsayer_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o mischief_n of_o infidelity_n from_o spread_v further_o than_o it_o have_v do_v and_o it_o be_v my_o sincere_a prayer_n to_o god_n that_o the_o follow_a discourse_n may_v have_v a_o share_n with_o many_o other_o upon_o the_o same_o subject_a in_o contribute_v to_o so_o good_a a_o effect_n all_o that_o i_o have_v to_o warn_v my_o reader_n of_o be_v that_o if_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v incline_v to_o judge_v that_o the_o abstract_n i_o have_v give_v of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o common_a matter_n of_o fact_n there_o relate_v either_o unnecessary_a or_o too_o long_o they_o will_v pass_v over_o these_o part_n and_o leave_v they_o to_o be_v read_v by_o those_o for_o who_o this_o discourse_n be_v principal_o design_v most_o of_o which_o i_o believe_v will_v know_v more_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o that_o abstract_n of_o it_o i_o have_v draw_v up_o than_o they_o do_v before_o and_o i_o dare_v not_o presume_v so_o far_o upon_o they_o as_o to_o take_v the_o common_a matter_n of_o fact_n for_o grant_v because_o if_o they_o be_v true_a i_o look_v upon_o all_o the_o other_o as_o demonstrable_a from_o they_o and_o therefore_o i_o be_v willing_a to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n as_o firm_a and_o as_o broad_a as_o i_o can_v that_o it_o may_v bear_v the_o weight_n of_o what_o i_o be_v to_o build_v upon_o it_o and_o i_o persuade_v myself_o i_o have_v all_o along_o take_v sufficient_a care_n not_o to_o overload_v it_o i_o have_v not_o be_v precise_a as_o to_o time_n and_o some_o other_o circumstance_n relate_v to_o the_o history_n of_o christianity_n because_o what_o i_o be_v to_o prove_v be_v as_o full_o make_v good_a within_o the_o latitude_n allow_v as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v more_o punctual_o determine_v errata_fw-la in_o the_o book_n page_n 31._o line_n 10._o know_v read_v know_v p._n 39_o l._n 14_o measure_n r._n measure_n p_o 41._o l._n 27._o he_o r._n him_z p._n 44._o l._n 5._o discourse_n r._n discovery_n p._n 53._o l._n 19_o as_o r._n a._n p._n 59_o l._n 10._o too_o true_a r._n to_o be_v true_a p._n 62._o l._n 24._o happen_v d._n p._n 67._o l._n 26._o of_o r._n as_o p._n 76._o l._n 12._o year_n r._n year_n p._n 79._o l._n 9_o r._n country_n p._n 99_o l._n 13._o r._n must_v be_v p._n 106._o instance_a in_o d._n p._n 107._o l._n 6._o word_n r._n record_n p._n 109._o l._n 14._o r._n diocletian_a p._n 110._o l._n 24._o sense_n r._n force_n p._n 112._o l._n last_o then_o r._n there_o p._n 115._o l._n 23._o design_n r._n design_n p._n 140._o l._n 22._o r._n according_a to_o p._n 160._o l._n 22._o relation_n r._n relator_n p._n 163._o l._n 26._o r._n perception_n p._n 174._o l._n 12._o r._n truth_n of_o p._n 192._o l._n 2._o execute_v r._n excite_v p._n 211._o l._n 14._o r._n some_o such_o p._n 228._o l._n 3._o ever_o r._n never_o p._n 240._o l._n 6._o then_o r._n than_o p._n 287._o l._n 10._o r._n p._n 293_o l._n last_o r._n p._n 298_o l._n 19_o at_o r._n of_o p._n 304._o l._n 23._o to_o be_v d._n be_v p._n 316._o l._n 10._o scheme_n r._n scene_n p._n 337._o l._n 11._o motive_n r._n monument_n p._n 339._o l._n 5._o be_v r._n be_v p._n 353._o l._n 2._o r._n frame_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a revelation_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v it._n have_v in_o a_o former_a discourse_n prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o this_o god_n have_v appoint_v we_o a_o certain_a rule_n and_o order_n of_o life_n that_o he_o have_v oblige_v we_o to_o conform_v to_o his_o will_n and_o appointment_n by_o annex_v happiness_n to_o our_o obedience_n and_o misery_n to_o our_o disobedience_n that_o the_o rule_n he_o have_v give_v we_o to_o go_v by_o be_v whatever_o we_o can_v upon_o our_o own_o enquiry_n or_o the_o information_n of_o other_o discover_z to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o our_o pure_a and_o most_o unprejudiced_a reason_n all_o which_o be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o name_n of_o religion_n have_v likewise_o show_v that_o a_o general_a and_o exact_a observance_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o such_o religion_n will_v advance_v the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n to_o the_o high_a degree_n they_o be_v in_o this_o their_o mortal_a condition_n capable_a of_o and_o from_o these_o principle_n together_o with_o the_o present_a irregularity_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o future_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n proportion_v to_o the_o different_a behaviour_n of_o man_n in_o this_o i_o have_v now_o far_o undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o beside_o those_o token_n and_o indication_n god_n have_v give_v of_o himself_o his_o will_n and_o design_n in_o the_o nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v discoverable_a by_o right_a well-exercised_n reason_n he_o have_v in_o a_o more_o extraordinary_a manner_n viz._n by_o immediate_a revelation_n from_o himself_o make_v know_v his_o mind_n to_o we_o by_o which_o mean_n he_o have_v give_v we_o a_o clear_a and_o entire_a view_n of_o the_o forementioned_a rational_a truth_n render_v our_o knowledge_n of_o they_o more_o certain_a plain_a and_o particular_a discover_v a_o great_a many_o new_a truth_n which_o the_o unassi_v force_n of_o human_a faculty_n can_v not_o have_v find_v out_o and_o establish_v new_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o duty_n over_o and_o above_o those_o our_o reason_n be_v before_o by_o its_o utmost_a effort_n able_a to_o inform_v we_o of_o all_o which_o extraordinary_a discovery_n i_o affirm_v to_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o book_n which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n from_o whence_o i_o infer_v that_o all_o the_o doctrine_n precept_n and_o direction_n
deliver_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v obligatory_a to_o we_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v there_o declare_v to_o be_v so_o that_o be_v they_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o observe_v in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n and_o upon_o the_o reason_n and_o motive_n there_o propose_v and_o consequent_o that_o at_o present_a the_o true_a and_o adequate_a rule_n of_o human_a life_n be_v what_o we_o call_v the_o christian_a religion_n but_o because_o as_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o revelation_n the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v reveal_v must_v depend_v upon_o the_o proof_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n i_o shall_v take_v this_o method_n of_o establish_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a revelation_n 1._o have_v premise_v some_o thing_n concern_v those_o particular_a fact_n i_o design_v to_o insist_v upon_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o short_a abstract_n or_o summary_n of_o the_o christian_a scheme_n as_o we_o find_v it_o deliver_v in_o the_o 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title_n he_o be_v frequent_o and_o peculiar_o distinguish_v by_o all_o over_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o he_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o die_v for_o we_o and_o by_o he_o reconcile_v we_o to_o himself_o that_o the_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n he_o wink_v at_o but_o that_o now_o at_o the_o appoint_a time_n when_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n he_o call_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v that_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n he_o speak_v in_o time_n pass_v by_o the_o prophet_n but_o in_o these_o last_o day_n have_v speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n who_o he_o have_v appoint_v heir_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o who_o also_o he_o have_v make_v the_o world_n that_o he_o foreknow_v predestinate_v and_o elect_v some_o in_o christ_n and_o adopt_v they_o for_o son_n to_o be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n and_o to_o obtain_v a_o heavenly_a inheritance_n all_o which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n who_o be_v often_o 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tradition_n another_o set_a of_o testimony_n which_o eusebius_n furnish_v we_o with_o in_o behalf_n of_o the_o christian_a tradition_n be_v relic_n building_n and_o other_o such_o like_a monument_n several_a of_o which_o be_v remain_v in_o his_o time_n and_o see_v by_o he_o himself_o such_o be_v christian_a burying-place_n and_o sepulcher_n with_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n upon_o they_o particular_o those_o of_o peter_n and_o paul_n statue_n and_o picture_n particular_o the_o statue_n of_o the_o woman_n cure_v by_o christ_n of_o the_o bloody_a flux_n picture_n of_o christ_n peter_n and_o paul_n in_o colour_n these_o be_v all_o see_v by_o eusebius_n himself_o as_o be_v likewise_o the_o episcopal_a chair_n of_o james_n at_o jerusalem_n several_a christian_a library_n and_o several_a christian_a temple_n before_o they_o be_v pull_v down_o and_o destroy_v by_o the_o order_n of_o dieclesian_n these_o and_o many_o other_o such_o like_a monument_n remain_v in_o eusebius_n time_n whether_o 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particular_o appear_v from_o what_o he_o say_v concern_v the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n viz._n that_o he_o find_v from_o old_a record_n fifteen_o bishop_n with_o their_o name_n who_o have_v succeed_v in_o that_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o siege_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o adrian_n be_v time_n but_o can_v not_o find_v preserve_v in_o write_v the_o space_n of_o time_n each_o bishop_n spend_v in_o his_o presidency_n over_o that_o see_n the_o like_a diligence_n and_o exactness_n be_v observable_a in_o the_o account_n he_o give_v of_o the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n in_o several_a other_o church_n most_o of_o their_o name_n be_v set_v down_o and_o the_o time_n of_o their_o several_a succession_n presidency_n and_o death_n punctual_o determine_v and_o reason_n give_v why_o he_o can_v not_o speak_v with_o the_o same_o certainty_n of_o the_o rest_n omit_v there_o be_v likewise_o extant_a in_o his_o time_n a_o great_a many_o canon_n and_o decree_n make_v by_o several_a council_n and_o
ground_v or_o not_o be_v now_o the_o enquiry_n that_o it_o be_v i_o shall_v prove_v by_o show_v that_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v relate_v and_o attest_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o can_v possible_o be_v call_v in_o question_n but_o that_o the_o strength_n and_o validity_n of_o what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v upon_o this_o head_n may_v be_v better_o and_o more_o clear_o perceive_v i_o think_v fit_a by_o way_n of_o introduction_n to_o show_v first_o what_o i_o mean_v by_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n and_o second_o what_o kind_n of_o evidence_n these_o fact_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o which_o way_n they_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v by_o miracle_n then_o i_o will_v now_o be_v understand_v to_o mean_v only_o strange_a unusual_a event_n out_o of_o the_o common_a road_n and_o course_n of_o thing_n which_o by_o all_o the_o knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o nature_n we_o can_v tell_v how_o to_o bring_v to_o pass_v nor_o account_n for_o when_o they_o have_v happen_v and_o these_o be_v to_o be_v distinguish_v into_o such_o as_o be_v absolute_o at_o all_o time_n strange_a and_o not_o to_o be_v account_v for_o by_o what_o we_o know_v of_o the_o power_n and_o force_n of_o nature_n as_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a etc._n etc._n and_o such_o as_o be_v so_o only_o in_o consideration_n of_o some_o particular_a circumstance_n as_o heal_v the_o sick_a which_o be_v in_o itself_o no_o strange_a thing_n but_o only_o when_o it_o be_v do_v in_o a_o short_a time_n than_o medicine_n be_v ever_o know_v to_o operate_v or_o without_o the_o assistance_n of_o any_o visible_a mean_n or_o the_o like_a by_o prophecy_n i_o here_o understand_v relation_n of_o such_o future_a event_n as_o have_v no_o perceivable_a connexion_n with_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n at_o the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v utter_v this_o be_v all_o i_o mean_v at_o present_a by_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n and_o every_o body_n i_o be_o sure_a 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account_n the_o witness_n give_v of_o they_o if_o the_o witness_n be_v such_o as_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v can_v be_v deceive_v themselves_o in_o what_o they_o relate_v or_o will_v offer_v to_o impose_v upon_o other_o and_o if_o the_o fact_n be_v such_o as_o can_v not_o be_v represent_v by_o the_o witness_n otherwise_o than_o they_o be_v without_o a_o certain_a discovery_n of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o their_o relation_n nothing_o more_o can_v be_v require_v to_o justify_v our_o belief_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n this_o be_v premise_v i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o the_o christian_a miracle_n and_o prophecy_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v all_o the_o forementioned_a character_n of_o truth_n belong_v to_o they_o and_o be_v therefore_o very_o reasonable_o and_o just_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a which_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o have_v oblige_v myself_o to_o make_v good_a and_o shall_v prosecute_v my_o design_n in_o the_o follow_a method_n first_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o miracle_n by_o themselves_o and_o this_o according_a to_o the_o different_a period_n in_o which_o they_o be_v do_v and_o the_o different_a person_n they_o be_v do_v by_o second_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o prophecy_n apart_o according_a to_o the_o same_o distinction_n of_o time_n and_o person_n as_o i_o observe_v in_o treat_v of_o miracle_n three_o i_o shall_v make_v some_o general_a reflection_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a miracle_n and_o prophecy_n take_v altogether_o first_o then_z as_o to_z miracle_n it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o a_o great_a many_o such_o fact_n as_o these_o that_o i_o call_v miracle_n be_v say_v to_o be_v do_v by_o jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v every_o where_o assert_v or_o suppose_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o gospel_n give_v a_o very_a particular_a and_o circumstantial_a account_n of_o several_a of_o they_o it_o be_v certain_a also_o from_o the_o general_a proof_n before_o give_v of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o these_o miracle_n be_v believe_v by_o the_o first_o christian_n both_o by_o those_o that_o live_v in_o judea_n and_o those_o that_o dwell_v in_o other_o country_n and_o the_o real_a truth_n of_o they_o will_v as_o evident_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v at_o first_o believe_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o miracle_n record_v of_o christ_n be_v do_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o great_a multitude_n at_o the_o most_o public_a place_n in_o judea_n and_o at_o the_o most_o solemn_a time_n of_o meet_v nay_o he_o be_v so_o constant_o employ_v in_o travel_v and_o go_v about_o and_o perform_v so_o many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n wherever_o he_o come_v and_o give_v so_o many_o repeat_v instance_n of_o his_o power_n in_o the_o same_o place_n that_o there_o be_v very_o few_o in_o that_o whole_a country_n who_o have_v not_o see_v some_o of_o his_o mighty_a work_n themselves_o and_o therefore_o the_o sole_a ground_n and_o reason_n upon_o which_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n of_o palestine_n believe_v these_o miracle_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o their_o own_o sense_n the_o fact_n themselves_o be_v so_o level_a to_o their_o capacity_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v they_o be_v so_o open_a and_o so_o easy_o and_o full_o perceive_v that_o they_o find_v no_o reason_n to_o distrust_v their_o sense_n and_o therefore_o they_o ready_o conclude_v they_o to_o be_v true_a a_o great_a many_o of_o the_o first_o believer_n of_o christ_n miracle_n have_v a_o further_a and_o more_o intimate_a perception_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o than_o the_o rest_n viz._n those_o upon_o who_o some_o of_o the_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v or_o who_o be_v make_v to_o have_v a_o share_n in_o the_o action_n themselves_o such_o be_v all_o those_o that_o be_v heal_v or_o feed_v by_o christ_n that_o have_v devil_n cast_v out_o of_o they_o that_o have_v their_o secret_a thought_n or_o private_a action_n reveal_v to_o they_o etc._n etc._n those_o who_o see_v none_o of_o these_o mighty_a work_n themselves_o but_o believe_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o be_v confirm_v in_o their_o faith_n by_o a_o universal_a concurrence_n of_o all_o person_n their_o curiosity_n or_o concern_v dispose_v they_o to_o inquire_v of_o for_o as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n all_o kind_n of_o people_n believe_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o those_o who_o reverence_v his_o person_n and_o character_n and_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n but_o even_o those_o who_o despise_v he_o and_o set_v he_o at_o nought_o and_o reject_v his_o gospel_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o be_v the_o most_o powerful_a and_o most_o zealous_a enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n acknowledge_v his_o miracle_n but_o attribute_v they_o to_o evil_a spirit_n some_o of_o the_o pharisee_n can_v not_o deny_v his_o wonderful_a cure_n of_o a_o blind_a man_n but_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o he_o be_v of_o god_n because_o he_o keep_v not_o the_o sabbath-day_n though_o other_o of_o they_o say_v how_o can_v a_o man_n that_o be_v a_o sinner_n do_v such_o miracle_n none_o of_o the_o jew_n upon_o the_o strict_a examination_n be_v able_a to_o disprove_v this_o or_o any_o other_o of_o his_o miracle_n but_o notwithstanding_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v in_o christ_n or_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n because_o they_o be_v moses_n disciple_n and_o they_o know_v that_o god_n speak_v unto_o moses_n but_o as_o for_o that_o fellow_n who_o cure_v the_o blind_a man_n they_o know_v not_o from_o whence_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a priest_n and_o elder_n never_o doubt_v of_o the_o mighty_a work_v do_v by_o he_o but_o only_o question_v his_o authority_n in_o do_v
they_o among_o the_o chief_a ruler_n many_o believe_v on_o he_o but_o do_v not_o confess_v he_o lest_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n his_o countryman_n acknowledge_v that_o mighty_a work_n be_v wrought_v by_o his_o hand_n but_o be_v offend_v because_o so_o mean_a a_o person_n do_v they_o who_o birth_n relation_n and_o education_n they_o know_v the_o gergesenes_n be_v astonish_v at_o the_o wonderful_a thing_n he_o do_v though_o they_o beseech_v he_o to_o depart_v out_o of_o their_o coast_n and_o the_o devil_n confess_v his_o power_n before_o they_o be_v cast_v out_o though_o he_o come_v to_o torment_v they_o before_o the_o time_n a_o great_a many_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o miracle_n but_o do_v not_o hearken_v to_o what_o he_o teach_v because_o none_o of_o the_o ruler_n or_o pharisee_n believe_v on_o he_o and_o because_o they_o take_v he_o for_o a_o galilean_a and_o think_v that_o no_o prophet_n arise_v out_o of_o galilee_n several_n will_v not_o believe_v on_o he_o because_o they_o know_v whence_o he_o be_v and_o when_o christ_n come_v no_o man_n they_o suppose_v know_v from_o whence_o he_o be_v though_o they_o be_v thus_o answer_v by_o other_o who_o believe_v when_o christ_n come_v will_v he_o do_v more_o miracle_n than_o these_o which_o this_o man_n have_v do_v some_o be_v entire_o satisfy_v of_o his_o miraculous_a power_n by_o be_v heal_v by_o he_o as_o nine_o of_o the_o ten_o leper_n and_o nevertheless_o regard_v he_o not_o abundance_n of_o people_n accompany_v he_o wherever_o he_o go_v and_o be_v continual_a witness_n of_o the_o sign_n and_o miracle_n do_v by_o he_o and_o yet_o follow_v he_o not_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o they_o but_o because_o they_o be_v feed_v by_o he_o and_o many_o there_o be_v that_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n when_o they_o see_v the_o miracle_n that_o he_o do_v but_o jesus_n do_v not_o commit_v himself_o to_o they_o because_o he_o know_v all_o men._n so_o that_o all_o these_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christ_n miracle_n as_o well_o as_o those_o who_o become_v his_o disciple_n and_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n but_o other_o miracle_n there_o be_v record_v of_o christ_n which_o be_v do_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n only_o who_o already_o believe_v on_o he_o some_o of_o which_o continual_o attend_v he_o and_o other_o of_o they_o be_v very_o frequent_o with_o he_o several_a of_o these_o miracle_n be_v do_v in_o his_o life-time_n sometime_o before_o the_o whole_a twelve_o who_o be_v peculiar_o style_v apostle_n sometime_o before_o a_o select_a number_n of_o the_o twelve_o sometime_o before_o a_o promiscuous_a company_n of_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n together_o after_o his_o death_n he_o appear_v at_o several_a time_n to_o different_a person_n and_o different_a company_n but_o his_o resurrection_n and_o whatever_o he_o do_v or_o say_v during_o forty_o day_n converse_v upon_o earth_n after_o he_o be_v rise_v his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n with_o many_o extraordinary_a sign_n and_o wonder_n none_o be_v witness_n of_o but_o his_o own_o disciple_n and_o follower_n and_o therefore_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o these_o miracle_n must_v principal_o depend_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n that_o relate_v they_o beside_o all_o these_o wonderful_a thing_n immediate_o attribute_v to_o christ_n himself_o we_o meet_v with_o several_a other_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v represent_v as_o do_v by_o some_o other_o power_n but_o be_v such_o as_o have_v a_o manifest_a relation_n to_o christ_n and_o be_v design_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o pretence_n such_o be_v the_o appearance_n of_o angel_n to_o mary_n the_o mother_n of_o christ_n zachariah_n the_o father_n of_o john_n and_o to_o the_o shepherd_n the_o appearance_n of_o a_o star_n in_o the_o east_n to_o the_o wiseman_n the_o dumbness_n of_o zachariah_n and_o other_o sign_n that_o attend_v the_o birth_n of_o john_n and_o christ_n the_o dove_n and_o voice_n from_o heaven_n at_o the_o baptism_n of_o christ_n the_o darkness_n earthquake_n rent_v of_o the_o veil_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o resurrection_n of_o dead_a body_n at_o his_o crucifixion_n several_a of_o these_o thing_n can_v not_o be_v know_v immediate_o to_o the_o evangelist_n that_o relate_v they_o or_o to_o any_o other_o disciple_n of_o christ_n but_o to_o those_o only_o who_o they_o be_v tell_v of_o and_o upon_o their_o credit_n we_o must_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n rely_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o but_o several_a of_o they_o be_v very_o public_a and_o consequent_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o rest_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o witness_n beside_o those_o that_o relate_v they_o in_o this_o manner_n be_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o the_o wonder_n and_o sign_n that_o accompany_v he_o from_o his_o conception_n to_o his_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o his_o apostle_n relate_v and_o attest_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o of_o the_o same_o jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v so_o many_o wonderful_a thing_n there_o report_v of_o he_o it_o be_v far_o testify_v that_o he_o confer_v a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n upon_o a_o great_a many_o of_o his_o follower_n who_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o that_o a_o great_a many_o miracle_n be_v according_o perform_v by_o their_o hand_n in_o his_o life-time_n it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o give_v this_o power_n to_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o seventy_o disciple_n who_o he_o send_v out_o into_o all_o the_o town_n and_o village_n of_o judea_n with_o a_o commission_n to_o preach_v his_o gospel_n to_o cast_v out_o devil_n and_o to_o cure_v disease_n and_o they_o go_v about_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o heal_v every_o where_o and_o the_o devil_n be_v subject_a to_o they_o through_o his_o name_n this_o we_o have_v their_o own_o testimony_n for_o and_o whoever_o be_v cure_a or_o dispossess_v by_o they_o and_o all_o that_o see_v what_o they_o do_v be_v so_o many_o more_o witness_n of_o the_o miracle_n they_o wrought_v but_o none_o of_o the_o particular_a fact_n or_o circumstance_n of_o they_o be_v mention_v after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n we_o read_v that_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n receive_v a_o large_a power_n of_o work_v all_o kind_n of_o miracle_n by_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o according_a to_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v constant_o with_o they_o to_o guide_v and_o assist_v they_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o ministry_n this_o power_n immediate_o show_v itself_o by_o their_o speak_n in_o several_a different_a language_n before_o unknown_a to_o they_o the_o witness_n of_o which_o fact_n be_v not_o only_o these_o apostle_n themselves_o but_o a_o great_a many_o other_o that_o hear_v they_o parthian_n and_o elamites_n and_o the_o dweller_n in_o mesopotamia_n and_o in_o judea_n and_o cappadocia_n in_o pontus_n and_o asia_n phrygia_n and_o pamphylia_n in_o egypt_n and_o in_o the_o part_n of_o libya_n about_o cyrene_n and_o stranger_n of_o rome_n jew_n and_o proselyte_n cretes_n and_o arabian_n who_o be_v amaze_v to_o hear_v galilean_n speak_v in_o their_o tougues_n the_o wonderful_a thing_n of_o god_n those_o also_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n who_o foolish_o impute_v it_o to_o new_a wine_n after_o this_o we_o read_v of_o a_o great_a many_o other_o miracle_n of_o different_a kind_n perform_v by_o several_a apostle_n and_o disciple_n who_o receive_v their_o power_n immediate_o from_o jesus_n christ_n and_o by_o the_o account_n that_o be_v give_v we_o of_o they_o we_o find_v that_o the_o particular_a fact_n be_v more_o numerous_a more_o frequent_a and_o more_o public_a than_o those_o of_o their_o master_n christ_n himself_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n ministry_n be_v but_o three_o year_n or_o thereabouts_o the_o exercise_n and_o manifestation_n of_o his_o power_n be_v confine_v to_o the_o country_n of_o palestine_n and_o whatever_o mighty_a thing_n he_o do_v he_o do_v they_o in_o his_o own_o single_a person_n whereas_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o great_a many_o all_o which_o be_v constant_o employ_v in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o confirm_v it_o every_o where_o with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n during_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o several_a life_n and_o they_o perform_v this_o work_n with_o diligence_n not_o only_o in_o judea_n and_o samaria_n but_o in_o divers_a other_o city_n and_o country_n throughout_o the_o whole_a roman_a empire_n by_o which_o account_v it_o plain_o appear_v that_o most_o of_o the_o same_o person_n who_o be_v witness_n of_o those_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v also_o witness_n of_o those_o
that_o be_v do_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o be_v likewise_o own_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o avast_o multitude_n more_o both_o of_o such_o as_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o of_o such_o as_o reject_v and_o oppose_v it_o and_o violent_o persecute_v the_o teacher_n of_o it_o to_o omit_v the_o testimony_n of_o true_a believer_n thus_o it_o be_v record_v concern_v those_o upon_o who_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n have_v no_o power_n nor_o influence_n the_o ruler_n elder_n scribe_n and_o high_a priest_n among_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o summon_v peter_n and_o john_n before_o they_o for_o cure_v a_o lame_a man_n can_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o a_o notable_a miracle_n have_v be_v do_v by_o they_o which_o be_v manifest_a to_o all_o they_o that_o dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v afterward_o fill_v with_o indignation_n and_o take_v counsel_n to_o slay_v they_o because_o they_o can_v not_o restrain_v they_o from_o do_v more_o miracle_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n but_o they_o never_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n stephen_n full_a of_o faith_n and_o power_n do_v great_a wonder_n and_o miracle_n among_o the_o people_n but_o he_o be_v accuse_v and_o condemn_v by_o the_o council_n of_o the_o jew_n not_o for_o deceive_v the_o people_n with_o false_a miracle_n but_o for_o speak_v thing_n against_o the_o holy_a place_n and_o the_o law_n for_o say_v that_o jesus_n shall_v destroy_v that_o place_n and_o change_v the_o custom_n which_o moses_n deliver_v they_o when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v say_v that_o all_o that_o sit_v in_o the_o council_n look_v steadfast_o on_o he_o see_v his_o face_n as_o it_o have_v be_v the_o face_n of_o a_o angel_n neither_o have_v they_o any_o thing_n to_o object_n against_o his_o life_n or_o his_o work_n simon_n the_o sorcerer_n to_o who_o all_o the_o people_n in_o samaria_n give_v heed_n from_o the_o least_o to_o the_o great_a look_v upon_o he_o to_o be_v the_o great_a power_n of_o god_n be_v himself_o as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o be_v bewitch_v by_o he_o baptise_a by_o philip_n and_o believe_v when_o he_o behold_v the_o miracle_n and_o sign_n that_o be_v do_v but_o afterward_o we_o find_v by_o the_o wickedness_n of_o his_o heart_n which_o he_o discover_v to_o peter_n that_o he_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n elymas_n the_o sorcerer_n who_o be_v strike_v blind_a by_o paul_n and_o yet_o not_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n be_v another_o unwilling_a witness_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o people_n of_o lystra_n confirm_v the_o same_o truth_n who_o take_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n for_o god_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o miracle_n they_o see_v perform_v by_o they_o and_o afterward_o by_o the_o instigation_n of_o the_o jew_n stone_v paul_n the_o damsel_n possess_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o divination_n and_o her_o master_n who_o see_v the_o hope_n of_o their_o gain_n go_v by_o paul_n command_v the_o spirit_n to_o come_v out_o of_o she_o several_a vagabond_n jew_n exorcist_n who_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o cast_v out_o evil_a spirit_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n but_o suffer_v very_o much_o for_o the_o impudence_n of_o their_o pretence_n and_o a_o great_a many_o other_o such_o like_a be_v witness_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o wicked_a or_o dishonourable_a motive_n reject_v the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v or_o profess_v to_o embrace_v it_o upon_o ill_a design_n or_o after_o they_o have_v receive_v it_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o the_o faith_n great_a complaint_n of_o all_o which_o sort_n of_o man_n we_o find_v in_o the_o epistle_n thus_o be_v the_o miracle_n of_o the_o first_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n declare_v and_o attest_v but_o moreover_o it_o be_v record_v of_o they_o that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n themselves_o but_o that_o they_o be_v authorize_v and_o enable_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n to_o convey_v the_o like_a power_n to_o other_o and_o according_o we_o find_v a_o great_a many_o instance_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o private_a christian_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o power_n they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v confer_v upon_o they_o by_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n after_o which_o action_n of_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v immediate_o say_v to_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o according_a to_o the_o different_a exigency_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o different_a qualification_n of_o the_o person_n endue_v with_o they_o be_v divers_a and_o among_o these_o be_v reckon_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o of_o interpretation_n the_o gift_n of_o healing_n and_o of_o miracle_n which_o gift_n be_v say_v to_o be_v very_o common_a among_o the_o first_o convert_v to_o christianity_n in_o all_o place_n where_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v and_o the_o same_o be_v plain_o imply_v by_o the_o frequent_a rule_n and_o caution_n that_o be_v give_v by_o the_o apostle_n concern_v the_o due_a exercise_n of_o they_o and_o the_o fear_n and_o apprehension_n they_o often_o express_v lest_o the_o christian_n thus_o impower_v shall_v by_o covet_v one_o another_o gift_n or_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o those_o they_o be_v several_o possess_v of_o neglect_v to_o apply_v themselves_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v the_o scripture-account_a of_o miracle_n and_o these_o be_v those_o wonderful_a fact_n believe_v by_o the_o first_o christian_n their_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o be_v the_o chief_a ground_n and_o motive_n of_o their_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n or_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v likewise_o other_o strange_a matter_n of_o fact_n call_v prophecy_n which_o be_v most_o sure_o believe_v among_o they_o and_o which_o contribute_v very_o much_o to_o their_o receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o continue_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n without_o waver_v and_o these_o i_o shall_v consider_v in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o method_n i_o do_v miracle_n for_o there_o be_v several_a prophecy_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o utter_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o together_o with_o several_a other_o speak_v with_o relation_n to_o he_o and_o fulfil_v by_o he_o other_o there_o be_v mention_v as_o speak_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v receive_v the_o power_n of_o prophecy_n immediate_o from_o he_o it_o be_v plain_a also_o from_o several_a instance_n and_o passage_n in_o the_o sacred_a write_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n be_v convey_v by_o the_o first_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n to_o private_a christian_n and_o be_v very_o common_a among_o they_o the_o prophecy_n speak_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v most_o of_o they_o deliver_v in_o private_a to_o his_o disciple_n some_o of_o which_o be_v not_o write_v till_o after_o the_o thing_n happen_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o the_o disciple_n be_v whole_o answerable_a for_o and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v publish_v in_o write_v before_o the_o thing_n happen_v and_o these_o may_v then_o and_o may_v still_o be_v examine_v by_o the_o circumstance_n of_o they_o other_o of_o they_o be_v speak_v public_o and_o frequent_o before_o great_a multitude_n of_o people_n as_o those_o about_o his_o suffer_v and_o resurrection_n etc._n etc._n and_o several_a beside_o their_o be_v speak_v open_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o many_o be_v also_o spread_v abroad_o in_o write_v long_o before_o the_o event_n actual_o happen_v as_o particular_o that_o remarkable_a one_o concern_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n prophecy_n speak_v of_o christ_n in_o former_a time_n with_o relation_n to_o his_o person_n action_n suffering_n and_o doctrine_n with_o the_o several_a circumstance_n belong_v to_o the_o whole_a dispensation_n of_o his_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v find_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v manifest_o write_v long_o before_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n and_o be_v now_o extant_a and_o may_v then_o and_o may_v still_o be_v compare_v with_o those_o event_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a which_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v completion_n of_o they_o and_o some_o prophecy_n there_o be_v concern_v our_o saviour_n speak_v by_o holy_a person_n a_o little_a before_o and_o after_o his_o birth_n and_o at_o his_o presentation_n in_o the_o temple_n as_o also_o other_o concern_v john_n his_o forerunner_n and_o all_o the_o preach_a of_o john_n be_v prophetical_a of_o christ_n the_o truth_n of_o all_o which_o matter_n of_o fact_n do_v not_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o
but_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o also_o that_o hear_v they_o and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v speak_v before_o much_o company_n particular_o what_o john_n say_v of_o christ_n be_v very_o public_a and_o frequent_o repeat_v and_o consequent_o there_o be_v great_a number_n of_o witness_n of_o it_o the_o particular_a prophecy_n of_o the_o first_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n and_o other_o christian_n preserve_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v but_o few_o and_o most_o of_o the_o event_n foretell_v be_v so_o near_o the_o time_n of_o their_o prediction_n that_o we_o can_v certain_o tell_v whether_o they_o be_v write_v before_o they_o be_v fulfil_v but_o some_o of_o they_o there_o be_v many_o witness_n of_o and_o consequent_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o do_v not_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o credit_n of_o their_o relation_n but_o what_o be_v frequent_o mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n concern_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n in_o the_o church_n by_o which_o expression_n be_v often_o signify_v a_o extraordinary_a power_n of_o foretell_v future_a event_n as_o well_o as_o interpret_n scripture_n be_v a_o plain_a appeal_n to_o the_o testimony_n of_o all_o christians_n in_o general_a for_o according_a to_o the_o account_n there_o give_v so_o many_o be_v endue_v with_o it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n in_o any_o place_n where_o the_o gospel_n be_v spread_v to_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o christian_a prophet_n or_o not_o thus_o have_v i_o take_v a_o short_a view_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o show_v how_o they_o be_v all_o attest_v and_o upon_o what_o ground_n they_o be_v at_o first_o believe_v in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o shall_v make_v some_o general_a reflection_n upon_o the_o account_n here_o give_v in_o order_n to_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o extraordinary_a fact_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o those_o ground_n upon_o which_o the_o first_o christian_n believe_v they_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v before_o that_o when_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v attest_v by_o such_o witness_n as_o can_v be_v imagine_v capable_a of_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o or_o willing_a to_o deceive_v other_o and_o the_o fact_n relate_v by_o they_o be_v such_o as_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v represent_v false_o without_o a_o certain_a discovery_n no_o great_a evidence_n can_v be_v require_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o they_o and_o that_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v such_o kind_n of_o fact_n and_o so_o attest_v will_v plain_o appear_v from_o the_o follow_a consideration_n first_o of_o all_o it_o be_v certain_a from_o the_o account_n before_o give_v that_o christ_n pretend_v to_o do_v a_o great_a many_o miracle_n and_o that_o vast_a multitude_n of_o people_n pretend_v to_o have_v see_v a_o great_a many_o miracle_n do_v by_o he_o and_o to_o believe_v that_o what_o they_o see_v be_v true_o and_o real_o perform_v by_o his_o mean_n and_o some_o pretend_v further_a to_o have_v experience_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o strange_a power_n in_o themselves_o from_o whence_o it_o evident_o follow_v that_o all_o these_o miracle_n so_o attest_v be_v true_a because_o it_o be_v very_o easy_a for_o christ_n to_o know_v whether_o he_o have_v such_o a_o power_n as_o this_o or_o not_o by_o a_o immediate_a consciousness_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o pretend_v to_o what_o he_o have_v not_o and_o the_o sincerity_n innocence_n and_o integrity_n of_o his_o life_n the_o disinterestedness_n of_o all_o his_o action_n the_o humility_n and_o uprightness_n of_o his_o carriage_n and_o the_o many_o trouble_n suffering_n and_o affliction_n he_o be_v actual_o expose_v to_o upon_o account_n of_o these_o pretence_n and_o which_o by_o his_o great_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o man_n he_o easy_o soresaw_v will_v happen_v to_o he_o all_o these_o i_o say_v do_v sufficient_o assure_v we_o that_o he_o will_v not_o offer_v to_o deceive_v other_o by_o pretend_v to_o such_o work_n which_o he_o know_v he_o have_v not_o do_v or_o can_v not_o do_v then_o as_o to_o the_o person_n pretend_v to_o have_v see_v and_o for_o that_o reason_n to_o believe_v his_o miracle_n they_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v because_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n they_o be_v witness_n of_o be_v such_o as_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o sense_n and_o be_v as_o easy_o distinct_o and_o full_o perceivable_a as_o any_o other_o the_o most_o common_a obvious_a event_n daily_o take_v notice_n of_o so_o that_o every_o one_o who_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v and_o eye_n to_o see_v be_v a_o capable_a judge_n of_o what_o christ_n say_v and_o do_v and_o there_o want_v no_o great_a skill_n or_o capacity_n of_o understanding_n to_o compare_v his_o pretence_n with_o his_o performance_n but_o those_o who_o feel_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o wonderful_a power_n in_o themselves_o have_v a_o more_o intimate_a and_o more_o infallible_a preception_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o miracle_n which_o give_v they_o great_a assurance_n of_o their_o not_o be_v deceive_v and_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o have_v all_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o same_o preception_n it_o be_v a_o further_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o the_o appearance_n especial_o when_o we_o observe_v that_o a_o great_a many_o of_o these_o be_v possess_v with_o violent_a prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o person_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v unwilling_a to_o believe_v any_o thing_n that_o seem_v any_o way_n to_o justify_v his_o pretence_n and_o as_o all_o these_o witness_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n can_v possible_o be_v imagine_v to_o have_v be_v mistake_v themselves_o in_o think_v they_o perceive_v what_o they_o do_v not_o real_o perceive_v so_o neither_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o deceive_v other_o by_o tell_v they_o such_o thing_n 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prediction_n to_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o accomplishment_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o know_v such_o a_o event_n be_v any_o way_n come_v to_o pass_v without_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o power_n by_o which_o it_o be_v do_v or_o perceive_v any_o thing_n extraordinary_a or_o unusual_a in_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o happen_v thus_o for_o example_n the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o extirpation_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n be_v event_n of_o a_o wide_a and_o more_o last_a congizance_n than_o heal_v a_o sick_a or_o raise_v a_o dead_a man_n and_o a_o person_n who_o know_v the_o former_a be_v foretell_v by_o read_v the_o prediction_n in_o write_v may_v be_v more_o easy_o and_o certain_o satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o accomplishment_n than_o one_o who_o be_v not_o a_o actual_a spectator_n of_o the_o other_o fact_n can_v be_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o for_o to_o be_v assure_v that_o that_o
believe_v there_o be_v other_o being_n beside_o god_n of_o a_o superior_a nature_n to_o man_n who_o it_o be_v probable_a may_v and_o do_v by_o some_o invisible_a unperceivable_a way_n act_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o we_o be_v sure_a man_n act_v upon_o one_o another_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o external_n sensible_a sign_n but_o if_o god_n so_o please_v we_o may_v distinguish_v as_o true_o and_o certain_o betwixt_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n and_o the_o suggestion_n of_o other_o spirit_n as_o we_o can_v betwixt_o the_o thought_n arise_v within_o we_o from_o ourselves_o and_o those_o raise_v in_o we_o by_o other_o man_n upon_o occasion_n of_o external_n sign_n and_o though_o some_o may_v have_v mistake_v the_o suggestion_n of_o other_o spirit_n for_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o more_o reason_n from_o hence_o for_o those_o who_o have_v have_v true_a revelation_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o they_o than_o there_o be_v for_o i_o to_o distrust_v the_o 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the_o new_a testament_n can_v be_v from_o man_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o come_v from_o god_n who_o assist_v and_o reveal_v himself_o to_o those_o man_n that_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v already_o that_o a_o man_n may_v take_v such_o a_o certain_a estimate_n of_o his_o own_o capacity_n and_o power_n and_o of_o his_o present_a stock_n of_o knowledge_n as_o to_o be_v infallible_o sure_a that_o he_o can_v do_v or_o know_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n either_o at_o all_o or_o not_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o if_o we_o know_v any_o thing_n certain_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n in_o general_n we_o may_v confident_o affirm_v that_o we_o be_v make_v and_o fashion_v with_o such_o resemblance_n to_o one_o another_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o
as_o do_v evident_o appear_v from_o the_o reflection_n before_o lay_v down_o but_o if_o it_o be_v further_o object_v notwithstanding_o the_o evidence_n before_o give_v which_o plain_o prove_v the_o contrary_a that_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o call_v miracle_n will_v have_v happen_v according_a to_o the_o establish_v course_n of_o nature_n at_o the_o time_n and_o in_o the_o manner_n they_o do_v happen_v whether_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v use_v such_o previous_a sign_n as_o make_v they_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o or_o not_o and_o so_o all_o the_o fact_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o other_o natural_a cause_n though_o they_o can_v not_o be_v effect_v by_o man_n if_o this_o i_o say_v shall_v be_v urge_v and_o the_o supposition_n allow_v then_o must_v all_o the_o miracle_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o pretend_a author_n of_o they_o be_v resolve_v into_o prophecy_n and_o that_o will_v amount_v to_o the_o same_o thing_n for_o the_o foretell_v all_o those_o 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so_o likewise_o do_v the_o gospel_n itself_o by_o which_o i_o mean_v that_o whole_a scheme_n of_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o we_o find_v it_o contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v allow_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o there_o never_o be_v so_o just_a and_o noble_a a_o draught_n of_o morality_n as_o the_o christian_a so_o full_a and_o consistent_a a_o scheme_n of_o humane_a duty_n lay_v down_o in_o so_o plain_a and_o simple_a a_o manner_n without_o any_o art_n or_o ostentation_n and_o press_v upon_o mankind_n with_o so_o much_o earnestness_n and_o authority_n without_o any_o visible_a interest_n or_o advantage_n of_o the_o preacher_n and_o writer_n and_o without_o any_o worldly_a dignity_n or_o title_n that_o make_v they_o superior_a to_o the_o low_a of_o those_o they_o preach_v and_o write_v to_o it_o must_v be_v likewise_o confess_v that_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n upon_o which_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o morality_n be_v enforce_v by_o the_o preacher_n of_o it_o be_v very_o new_a and_o surprise_v that_o the_o thing_n they_o require_v man_n to_o believe_v in_o order_n to_o render_v their_o practice_n of_o the_o duty_n enjoin_v they_o effectual_a be_v very_o shock_v and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o common_a opinion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o mankind_n but_o especial_o those_o of_o that_o time_n in_o which_o they_o be_v first_o publish_v and_o that_o the_o very_a language_n and_o form_n of_o expression_n in_o which_o the_o great_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v very_o different_a from_o whatever_o we_o find_v use_v upon_o any_o other_o occasion_n now_o these_o thing_n be_v grant_v i_o can_v possible_o conceive_v how_o any_o man_n shall_v at_o once_o invent_v such_o a_o system_fw-la of_o morality_n as_o the_o christian_a so_o very_o different_a from_o all_o other_o know_v before_o and_o so_o contrary_a to_o all_o the_o passion_n and_o repute_a interest_n of_o man_n nor_o how_o he_o shall_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o enjoin_v several_a duty_n as_o necessary_a whichnone_o of_o the_o learned_a in_o these_o matter_n have_v judge_v so_o before_o as_o bear_v and_o forgive_a injury_n do_v good_a for_o evil_a and_o the_o like_a shall_v positive_o affirm_v some_o thing_n as_o certain_a which_o be_v doubt_v of_o till_o then_o as_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n and_o a_o future_a state_n of_o happiness_n and_o misery_n etc._n etc._n shall_v command_v every_o thing_n he_o say_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v under_o the_o severe_a penalty_n imaginable_a and_o all_o this_o bare_o upon_o his_o own_o word_n and_o authority_n without_o consult_v any_o other_o principle_n or_o rule_n of_o action_n which_o have_v before_o obtain_v or_o give_v any_o reason_n to_o prove_v his_o own_o be_v better_a and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v submit_v to_o but_o if_o any_o man_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v invent_v all_o the_o christian_a morality_n himself_o what_o force_n of_o imagination_n what_o turn_n or_o agitation_n of_o thought_n can_v have_v help_v he_o to_o conceive_v that_o set_a of_o notion_n which_o make_v up_o the_o whole_a christian_a faith_n in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n they_o be_v join_v together_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n if_o they_o have_v enter_v into_o his_o mind_n what_o reason_n or_o motive_n can_v he_o have_v to_o believe_v they_o and_o have_v he_o believe_v they_o himself_o how_o can_v he_o expect_v to_o make_v other_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o how_o can_v he_o imagine_v that_o these_o opinion_n will_v recommend_v his_o morality_n to_o the_o world_n why_o shall_v he_o think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o propagate_v they_o to_o insist_v upon_o they_o as_o necessary_a to_o make_v the_o danger_n of_o disbelieve_v they_o as_o great_a as_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o morality_n and_o yet_o give_v no_o other_o reason_n to_o the_o world_n for_o what_o he_o say_v but_o his_o 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the_o publication_n of_o they_o it_o be_v much_o more_o inconceivable_a how_o ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a man_n of_o very_o low_a education_n and_o constant_o employ_v in_o mean_a affair_n shall_v do_v all_o this_o and_o it_o be_v particular_o unaccountable_a how_o jew_n shall_v give_v such_o a_o character_n and_o representation_n of_o their_o messiah_n and_o his_o office_n and_o business_n in_o the_o world_n so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o all_o the_o opinion_n and_o expectation_n of_o that_o whole_a people_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n so_o very_o unlikely_a to_o be_v entertain_v or_o credit_v it_o be_v moreover_o impossible_a to_o conceive_v how_o so_o many_o man_n as_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o preach_a and_o propagate_a christianity_n in_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n at_o the_o same_o time_n shall_v before_o any_o thing_n be_v commit_v to_o write_v all_o agree_v upon_o the_o same_o set_a of_o doctrine_n use_v the_o same_o open_a sincere_a unartful_a method_n of_o deliver_v they_o and_o the_o same_o bold_a authoritative_a way_n of_o enforce_v they_o and_o shall_v all_o show_v the_o same_o courage_n and_o resolution_n in_o maintain_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o preach_v and_o in_o bear_v all_o manner_n of_o loss_n and_o affliction_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o testimony_n this_o i_o say_v be_v not_o to_o be_v conceive_v or_o account_v for_o if_o they_o be_v not_o assist_v by_o continual_a revelation_n and_o constant_a supply_n of_o spiritual_a strength_n and_o force_n which_o proceed_v from_o some_o more_o powerful_a and_o know_a be_v then_o man._n that_o they_o be_v all_o firm_o persuade_v they_o be_v thus_o assist_v be_v the_o least_o that_o can_v possible_o be_v suppose_v and_o how_o the_o invention_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a scheme_n and_o the_o conduct_n of_o those_o that_o publish_a and_o preach_v it_o to_o the_o world_n and_o suffer_v for_o it_o can_v be_v ascribe_v
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that_o it_o be_v urge_v by_o some_o as_o a_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a revelation_n that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v universal_a enough_o it_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o the_o objector_n as_o a_o thing_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o suffer_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o world_n in_o all_o age_n to_o live_v in_o a_o state_n of_o gross_a ignorance_n barbarity_n and_o disorder_n as_o ancient_a history_n and_o modern_a experience_n inform_v we_o of_o since_o therefore_o we_o can_v but_o be_v satisfy_v from_o reflection_n upon_o our_o own_o nature_n improve_v and_o from_o observation_n upon_o the_o wretched_a state_n of_o a_o large_a part_n of_o mankind_n who_o live_v in_o ignorance_n that_o the_o difficulty_n which_o concern_v the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n be_v very_o great_a that_o the_o effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o the_o want_n of_o religion_n be_v very_o dismal_a and_o calamitous_a and_o that_o man_n in_o such_o a_o state_n of_o ignorance_n as_o we_o find_v some_o whole_a country_n be_v will_v very_o probable_o never_o by_o any_o force_n of_o their_o own_o faculty_n without_o foreign_a help_n and_o assistance_n reach_v to_o that_o knowledge_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o some_o nation_n of_o the_o present_a age_n be_v arrive_v to_o which_o be_v manifest_o owe_v to_o those_o book_n they_o have_v among_o they_o and_o which_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o communicate_v to_o they_o from_o god_n since_o we_o be_v further_o convince_v that_o person_n in_o such_o a_o state_n of_o ignorance_n as_o we_o now_o suppose_v if_o they_o shall_v be_v allow_v to_o make_v some_o advance_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o natural_a religion_n can_v not_o by_o mere_a reason_n without_o revelation_n proceed_v so_o far_o as_o upon_o good_a ground_n to_o be_v full_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o obligation_n of_o what_o they_o know_v and_o the_o advantage_n or_o danger_n that_o attend_v their_o performance_n or_o transgression_n of_o the_o rule_n they_o lay_v down_o that_o they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o explain_v any_o of_o the_o difficulty_n before_o mention_v and_o that_o in_o a_o short_a time_n by_o the_o overrule_a prevalence_n of_o present_a pleasure_n and_o passion_n work_v different_o in_o different_a man_n they_o will_v relapse_n into_o their_o former_a state_n again_o upon_o all_o these_o account_n it_o seem_v very_o expedient_a that_o god_n shall_v give_v man_n a_o true_a and_o perfect_a scheme_n of_o religion_n agreeable_a to_o the_o reason_n and_o fit_v to_o all_o the_o want_v and_o exigency_n of_o mankind_n however_o i_o dare_v not_o venture_v to_o argue_v that_o because_o it_o appear_v so_o very_o expedient_a for_o we_o and_o so_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o revelation_n make_v to_o the_o world_n therefore_o god_n have_v actual_o do_v it_o because_o i_o can_v comprehend_v all_o the_o particular_a reason_n and_o end_n of_o god_n act_v with_o regard_n to_o man_n here_o nor_o what_o allowance_n he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o make_v in_o his_o future_a judgement_n upon_o they_o in_o order_n to_o a_o other_o state_n but_o if_o there_o be_v a_o revelation_n pretend_v to_o and_o i_o find_v upon_o a_o strict_a examination_n of_o it_o that_o it_o have_v all_o the_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o such_o a_o revelation_n as_o our_o reason_n tell_v we_o man_n want_v and_o be_v very_o proper_a and_o become_a god_n to_o give_v and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o have_v be_v prove_v before_o man_n himself_o can_v not_o be_v the_o author_n of_o i_o must_v be_v convince_v from_o hence_o that_o it_o come_v from_o god_n and_o such_o a_o revelation_n as_o this_o be_v the_o christian_n there_o we_o find_v a_o very_a just_a and_o rational_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n of_o the_o original_a formation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o particular_o the_o creation_n of_o man_n the_o change_n and_o alteration_n of_o his_o first_o condition_n and_o the_o unhappy_a consequence_n of_o it_o from_o thence_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o explain_v these_o contrary_a tendency_n and_o principle_n of_o action_n we_o experience_n in_o ourselves_o that_o unequal_a composition_n of_o perfection_n and_o weakness_n capacity_n and_o want_v we_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o ignorance_n of_o which_o make_v man_n the_o most_o unaccountable_a part_n of_o the_o whole_a universe_n there_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o most_o proper_a suitable_a way_n of_o worship_v and_o serve_v god_n there_o we_o have_v the_o true_a draught_n of_o morality_n the_o best_a and_o most_o exalt_a scheme_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n which_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o ourselves_o and_o our_o behaviour_n to_o one_o another_o by_o this_o revelation_n we_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o observance_n of_o religious_a duty_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n will_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n all_o our_o doubt_n about_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o obedience_n be_v remove_v and_o our_o conscience_n entire_o satisfy_v a_o way_n be_v there_o show_v we_o how_o our_o piety_n and_o virtue_n may_v be_v render_v well_o please_v to_o god_n notwithstanding_o the_o many_o fail_n they_o be_v accompany_v with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o kindness_n of_o which_o expedient_a we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v and_o admire_v the_o same_o revelation_n do_v likewise_o fix_v and_o ascertain_v our_o belief_n of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o propose_v such_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o another_o world_n as_o be_v proper_a and_o sufficient_a motive_n to_o determine_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o and_o give_v we_o a_o satisfactory_a explication_n of_o all_o the_o present_a inequality_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o conduct_n of_o humane_a affair_n this_o be_v certain_o a_o very_a rational_a scheme_n of_o thing_n and_o very_o agreeable_a to_o all_o the_o notion_n our_o
where_o every_o body_n be_v as_o capable_a and_o certain_a a_o judge_n of_o the_o cheat_n as_o they_o be_v not_o there_o such_o a_o man_n as_o christ_n do_v he_o not_o in_o all_o appearance_n maintain_v such_o a_o character_n do_v he_o not_o pretend_v to_o such_o discovery_n and_o wonderful_a work_n and_o do_v he_o not_o real_o suffer_v such_o thing_n upon_o account_n of_o his_o pretence_n as_o we_o find_v record_v in_o those_o book_n call_v the_o gospel_n all_o this_o must_v be_v grant_v in_o the_o present_a supposition_n which_o fix_v the_o real_a publication_n of_o that_o religion_n we_o now_o profess_v at_o the_o same_o date_n we_o find_v mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o if_o it_o be_v allow_v that_o these_o fact_n be_v true_a then_o do_v it_o certain_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o pretence_n of_o christ_n be_v real_a for_o otherwise_o they_o can_v never_o have_v be_v believe_v as_o have_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v already_o and_o will_v more_o full_o appear_v under_o another_o head_n where_o i_o shall_v show_v the_o necessary_a connexion_n betwixt_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o common_a and_o the_o extraordinary_a fact_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o if_o these_o common_a matter_n of_o fact_n just_a now_o instance_a in_o be_v false_a as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o then_o must_v the_o whole_a story_n be_v much_o more_o ridiculous_a and_o incredible_a if_o the_o forgery_n be_v date_v about_o forty_o year_n low_a at_o some_o time_n near_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o must_v we_o take_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o other_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n into_o our_o account_n which_o will_v render_v the_o difficulty_n of_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n much_o great_a for_o here_o we_o have_v abundance_n of_o new_a matter_n of_o fact_n to_o believe_v as_o strange_a as_o those_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o as_o easy_a to_o be_v know_v and_o disprove_v but_o vast_o more_o numerous_a and_o more_o public_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o a_o great_a many_o more_o city_n and_o nation_n be_v bring_v in_o as_o witness_n all_o which_o be_v suppose_v false_a and_o consequent_o can_v never_o obtain_v credit_n in_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n if_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o hear_v of_o any_o where_o till_o some_o time_n after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n how_o can_v it_o possible_o be_v then_o believe_v when_o its_o chief_a pretence_n be_v that_o it_o have_v be_v publish_v believe_v and_o establi_v in_o many_o place_n long_o before_o which_o be_v palpable_o and_o notorious_o false_a now_o that_o this_o must_v be_v the_o pretence_n upon_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v first_o found_v whatever_o period_n we_o suppose_v this_o event_n happen_v in_o after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v very_o plain_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o religion_n its_o self_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o publication_n which_o be_v entire_o build_v upon_o 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as_o these_o shall_v be_v able_a by_o the_o mere_a strength_n of_o their_o natural_a part_n to_o compose_v such_o poem_n as_o virgil_n and_o such_o oration_n as_o tully_n and_o shall_v likewise_o at_o the_o same_o time_n exceed_v all_o other_o in_o the_o skill_n of_o explain_v hard_a author_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o physic_n but_o it_o be_v much_o hard_a to_o conceive_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n be_v person_n of_o such_o education_n and_o character_n as_o they_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o to_o be_v can_v by_o their_o own_o unasisted_a capacity_n compose_v the_o christian_a religion_n interpret_v ancient_a prophecy_n foretell_v future_a event_n cure_v all_o manner_n of_o sick_a and_o maim_a and_o perform_v all_o those_o other_o mighty_a work_n that_o be_v record_v of_o they_o we_o have_v hear_v of_o several_a person_n who_o have_v pretend_v to_o revelation_n to_o prophecy_n to_o miracle_n and_o to_o all_o of_o they_o false_o without_o any_o ground_n for_o their_o 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