other_o matter_n that_o he_o have_v relate_v as_o of_o his_o own_o knowledge_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a there_o may_v be_v mistake_n in_o the_o sign_n and_o proof_n of_o the_o divine_a revelation_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o revelation_n its_o self_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o report_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o prophet_n himself_o or_o any_o other_o man_n who_o have_v report_v the_o miracle_n do_v by_o the_o prophet_n as_o matter_n of_o his_o own_o knowledge_n do_v imagine_v he_o see_v thing_n which_o he_o do_v not_o see_v and_o that_o he_o hear_v thing_n which_o he_o do_v not_o hear_v but_o if_o this_o be_v suppose_v possible_a that_o any_o man_n and_o much_o more_o that_o several_a man_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o report_n the_o organ_n of_o who_o sense_n be_v right_o dispose_v and_o who_o by_o all_o their_o other_o action_n and_o discourse_n appear_v to_o be_v sober_a and_o considerate_a and_o judicious_a shall_v yet_o in_o the_o day_n time_n 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the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a have_v in_o my_o first_o discourse_n on_o these_o word_n endeavour_v to_o show_v in_o general_n that_o a_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n may_v be_v so_o well_o contrive_v and_o so_o well_o attest_v as_o to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o repentance_n if_o they_o be_v not_o unreasonable_o blind_a and_o obstinate_a i_o come_v the_o last_o time_n to_o consider_v whether_o that_o stand_a revelation_n which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v such_o a_o revelation_n or_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o some_o particular_a defect_n in_o it_o which_o render_v it_o not_o so_o sufficient_a for_o this_o purpose_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a a_o stand_a revelation_n may_v be_v and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o defect_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o must_v 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from_o thence_o with_o a_o stock_n of_o useful_a knowledge_n and_o with_o a_o firm_a resolution_n to_o lead_v our_o life_n according_a to_o the_o direction_n which_o they_o give_v we_o nay_o so_o far_o shall_v be_v from_o receive_v any_o advantage_n only_o by_o our_o have_v the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v we_o and_o free_a liberty_n allow_v we_o to_o look_v into_o they_o a_o privilege_n we_o of_o this_o nation_n have_v above_o most_o of_o our_o neighbour_n that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o read_v and_o study_v they_o it_o will_v be_v much_o the_o worse_o for_o we_o our_o condemnation_n will_v be_v the_o great_a and_o our_o destruction_n so_o much_o the_o more_o certain_a for_o the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o offend_v through_o ignorance_n when_o their_o ignorance_n be_v unaffected_a be_v very_o pitiable_a and_o though_o we_o can_v certain_o say_v how_o god_n will_v deal_v with_o those_o who_o have_v no_o clear_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n make_v to_o they_o this_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a 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fall_v to_o all_o eternity_n joh._n iii._o 19_o this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil._n have_v therefore_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o also_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n continual_o preach_v to_o we_o in_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n let_v we_o hear_v they_o this_o be_v both_o our_o duty_n and_o our_o interest_n and_o that_o our_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v with_o good_a success_n and_o we_o may_v thereby_o be_v thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n let_v we_o pray_v as_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o our_o church_n in_o a_o most_o excellent_a collect_v suit_v to_o the_o subject_a i_o have_v be_v discourse_v of_o advent_n collect_v for_o 2d_o sunday_n in_o advent_n bless_a lord_n who_o have_v cause_v all_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n grant_v that_o we_o may_v in_o such_o wise_a hear_v they_o read_z mark_v learn_v and_o inward_o digest_v they_o that_o by_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o thy_o holy_a word_n we_o may_v embrace_v and_o ever_o hold_v 〈◊〉_d â—he_v bless_v hope_n of_o everlasting_a life_n which_o thou_o have_v give_v we_o 〈…〉_o â—ur_n jesus_n christ_n amen_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la page_n 55._o line_n 10._o for_o some_o read_v same_o
self_n and_o if_o what_o he_o report_v be_v that_o he_o himself_o have_v receive_v such_o a_o revelation_n from_o god_n with_o order_n to_o publish_v it_o to_o the_o world_n i_o say_v that_o this_o report_n in_o the_o general_n be_v a_o credible_a report_n because_o it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o not_o unlikely_a that_o he_o shall_v impart_v to_o man_n by_o a_o special_a revelation_n such_o thing_n as_o be_v very_o useful_a for_o they_o to_o know_v and_o which_o can_v not_o be_v know_v or_o not_o so_o well_o not_o so_o full_o clear_o and_o certain_o any_o other_o way_n as_o by_o revelation_n and_o it_o be_v certain_o not_o incredible_a that_o he_o that_o have_v give_v we_o a_o tongue_n to_o utter_v word_n and_o skill_n to_o express_v thereby_o our_o thought_n to_o one_o another_o shall_v have_v power_n and_o mean_n to_o reveal_v and_o express_v his_o own_o mind_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o a_o man_n may_v understand_v his_o mean_v 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may_v perhaps_o be_v give_v hereafter_o why_o it_o be_v fit_a it_o shall_v be_v so_o it_o be_v enough_o however_o to_o render_v our_o infidelity_n inexcusable_a if_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n that_o we_o now_o have_v be_v very_o rational_a if_o they_o be_v a_o sufficient_a support_n for_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o will_v enable_v we_o to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o this_o may_v be_v far_o say_v for_o our_o comfort_n and_o to_o make_v we_o easy_a and_o satisfy_v with_o those_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v afford_v to_o we_o by_o the_o write_a testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o as_o there_o be_v more_o certainty_n in_o that_o belief_n if_o it_o may_v be_v call_v belief_n which_o be_v ground_v upon_o demonstration_n or_o infallible_a evidence_n so_o there_o be_v more_o praise_n and_o virtue_n in_o that_o good_a disposition_n of_o mind_n which_o make_v we_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o such_o ground_n of_o faith_n as_o though_o not_o absolute_o and_o infallible_o certain_a yet_o can_v with_o any_o good_a reason_n be_v deny_v or_o except_v against_o accord_n to_o that_o say_v of_o our_o saviour_n to_o st._n thomas_n in_o a_o like_a case_n with_o which_o i_o shall_v conclude_v joh._n 20.29_o thomas_n because_o thou_o have_v see_v i_o thou_o have_v believe_v bless_v be_v they_o that_o be_v they_o be_v more_o bless_v their_o faith_n be_v more_o excellent_a and_o praiseworthy_a and_o so_o will_v entitle_v they_o to_o a_o great_a reward_n who_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o have_v believe_v which_o blessedness_n that_o we_o may_v all_o attain_v god_n of_o his_o great_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n grant_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la pag._n 8._o l._n 19_o for_o then_o r._n they_o book_n print_v for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop's-head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o honourable_a the_o house_n of_o commons_o at_o st._n margaret_n westminster_n january_n the_o 30_o 1698_o 9_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o a_o stand_a revelation_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral_n church_n of_o st._n paul_n jan._n one_a 1699_o 700._o be_v the_o first_o for_o the_o year_n 1700._o of_o the_o lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n revelation_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v the_o second_o for_o the_o year_n 1700._o of_o the_o lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n these_o three_o by_o offspring_n blackall_n rector_n of_o st._n marry_o aldermary_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n a_o persuasive_a to_o prayer_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n at_o st._n james_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o lord_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a in_o parliament_n assemble_v in_o the_o abbey_n church_n at_o westminster_n jan._n 30_o fifteen_o sermon_n preach_v on_o several_a occasion_n the_o last_o of_o which_o be_v never_o before_o print_v these_o three_o by_o the_o most_o reverend_a father_n in_o god_n john_n lord_n archbishop_n of_o york_n primate_n of_o england_n and_o metropolitan_a the_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o a_o church_n of_o england_n man._n a_o false_a faith_n not_o justify_v by_o care_n for_o the_o poor_a prove_v in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o st._n paul_n church_n mystery_n in_o religion_n vindicated_n or_o the_o filiation_n deity_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o saviour_n assert_v against_o socinian_o and_o other_o with_o occasional_a reflection_n on_o several_a late_a pamphlet_n these_o two_o by_o luke_n milbourn_n a_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n two_o sermon_n of_o mr._n young_n about_o nature_n and_o grace_n preach_v at_o whitehall_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture-revelation_n as_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o part_n ii_o two_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n april_n 1_o st_o and_o may_v 6_o the_o 1700._o be_v the_o four_o and_o five_o for_o the_o year_n 1700_o of_o the_o lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o offspring_n blackall_n rector_n of_o st._n marry_o aldermary_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v by_o j._n leake_n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._o st._n luke_n xvi_o 29_o 30_o 31._o abraham_n say_v unto_o he_o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o he_o say_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o point_n i_o enter_v upon_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o last_o time_n be_v this_o 3._o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n give_v we_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o consequent_o of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o it_o and_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o have_v for_o brevity_n sake_n confine_v my_o discourse_n upon_o it_o to_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n only_o the_o rather_o because_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o be_v grant_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n can_v reasonable_o be_v question_v i_o propound_v to_o show_v 1._o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v by_o those_o person_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o 2._o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o they_o in_o their_o relation_n of_o those_o
the_o false_a evidence_n they_o have_v give_v concern_v it_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a may_v easy_o have_v be_v show_v other_o way_n for_o what_o they_o testify_v be_v that_o that_o same_o jesus_n who_o the_o jew_n have_v crucify_a and_o who_o they_o have_v see_v lay_v into_o the_o sepulchre_n be_v rise_v again_o and_o have_v be_v see_v alive_a three_o day_n after_o his_o passion_n by_o several_a of_o his_o disciple_n have_v this_o therefore_o be_v false_a how_o very_o easy_a will_v it_o have_v be_v for_o the_o jew_n to_o have_v disprove_v their_o evidence_n of_o it_o by_o only_o go_v to_o the_o sepulchre_n and_o take_v out_o thence_o his_o dead_a body_n and_o expose_v it_o for_o some_o time_n to_o public_a view_n and_o thither_o doubtless_o they_o do_v go_v and_o with_o this_o design_n but_o the_o body_n they_o can_v not_o find_v and_o yet_o they_o have_v take_v all_o the_o caution_n that_o be_v possible_a to_o prevent_v its_o be_v convey_v away_o 27.62_o mat._n 27.62_o have_v obtain_v from_o pilate_n a_o guard_n of_o soldier_n on_o purpose_n to_o keep_v watch_n over_o it_o for_o three_o day_n this_o therefore_o be_v a_o strong_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o apostle_n testimony_n concern_v our_o lord_n resurrection_n that_o it_o be_v such_o as_o may_v with_o the_o great_a ease_n in_o the_o world_n have_v be_v disprove_v if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a the_o jew_n have_v nothing_o to_o say_v against_o it_o nothing_o to_o oppose_v to_o it_o but_o only_o that_o very_o ill_o contrive_v that_o self-contradicting_a evidence_n of_o the_o watchman_n 29.13_o mat._n 29.13_o who_o say_v that_o while_n they_o be_v asleep_a that_o be_v when_o all_o their_o sense_n be_v bind_v up_o and_o when_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o capacity_n of_o know_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v the_o disciple_n come_v and_o steal_v the_o body_n away_o but_o if_o they_o see_v the_o body_n remove_v in_o which_o case_n only_o they_o can_v be_v good_a witness_n of_o it_o they_o be_v not_o as_o they_o say_v they_o be_v asleep_z when_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v or_o if_o indeed_o they_o be_v asleep_a when_o it_o be_v remove_v they_o can_v not_o be_v positive_a how_o it_o be_v remove_v they_o can_v not_o say_v he_o be_v not_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a 6._o another_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v consider_v in_o order_n to_o show_v how_o very_a improbable_a or_o rather_o how_o impossible_a it_o be_v that_o the_o gospel_n history_n shall_v ever_o have_v gain_v credit_n in_o the_o world_n if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a be_v this_o that_o as_o it_o be_v a_o history_n of_o such_o matter_n and_o be_v so_o contrive_v that_o it_o may_v with_o the_o great_a ease_n have_v be_v disprove_v so_o the_o matter_n therein_o relate_v be_v in_o themselves_o and_o especial_o in_o their_o consequence_n such_o as_o must_v needs_o have_v engage_v a_o great_a many_o to_o make_v the_o strict_a examination_n that_o be_v possible_a into_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o if_o they_o have_v discover_v any_o thing_n of_o falsehood_n therein_o to_o make_v know_v their_o discovery_n to_o the_o world_n for_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o evangelical_n history_n this_o disprove_v will_v have_v destroy_v that_o and_o this_o be_v admit_v there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o the_o spread_a of_o that_o and_o the_o certain_a consequence_n of_o receive_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o abolish_n of_o all_o the_o other_o form_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v then_o any_o where_o receive_v or_o establish_v even_o of_o that_o which_o have_v be_v introduce_v by_o moses_n among_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n himself_o as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o paganism_n and_o idolatry_n that_o be_v receive_v in_o other_o country_n now_o when_o any_o religion_n be_v it_o true_a or_o false_a be_v the_o establish_a religion_n of_o a_o country_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a many_o engage_v by_o the_o strong_a worldly_a interest_n to_o support_v and_o maintain_v it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o at_o ephesus_n that_o a_o great_a number_n of_o craftsman_n get_v their_o wealth_n by_o make_v silver_n shrine_v for_o diana_n etc._n act_n 19.24_o etc._n etc._n but_o in_o every_o other_o country_n the_o live_n of_o a_o considerable_a number_n depend_v upon_o the_o religion_n that_o be_v therein_o receive_v which_o be_v destroy_v and_o their_o trade_n or_o profession_n thereby_o at_o a_o end_n they_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v hard_o put_v to_o it_o to_o get_v bread_n by_o take_v up_o some_o new_a employment_n and_o beside_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o all_o man_n of_o what_o trade_n or_o profession_n soever_o they_o be_v be_v general_o so_o zealous_a and_o concern_v about_o nothing_o that_o they_o be_v so_o afraid_a of_o any_o change_n or_o innovation_n in_o as_o religion_n this_o be_v it_o well_o or_o weak_o ground_v yet_o if_o it_o be_v that_o form_n of_o religion_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o their_o father_n and_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o from_o their_o childhood_n they_o will_v not_o easy_o let_v go_v so_o that_o i_o say_v too_o little_a when_o i_o say_v before_o that_o a_o great_a many_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v engage_v to_o set_v themselves_o to_o discover_v the_o falsity_n of_o the_o evangelical_n history_n for_o this_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o common_a concern_v of_o all_o mankind_n except_o only_o of_o those_o few_o person_n who_o have_v be_v instruct_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o christ_n all_o other_o whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n rich_a or_o poor_a learned_a or_o ignorant_a priest_n or_o people_n be_v engage_v either_o by_o interest_n or_o prejudice_n or_o conscience_n or_o upon_o some_o other_o account_n to_o convict_v the_o apostle_n of_o falsehood_n in_o their_o relation_n of_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o evangelical_n history_n and_o if_o any_o falsehood_n have_v be_v therein_o it_o be_v impossible_a consider_v how_o obvious_a it_o must_v needs_o lie_v to_o discovery_n and_o how_o many_o be_v at_o work_n to_o find_v it_o out_o that_o they_o can_v have_v fail_v of_o their_o aim_n and_o if_o any_o one_o have_v make_v the_o discovery_n it_o can_v be_v imagine_v he_o will_v have_v be_v long_o before_o he_o have_v impart_v to_o other_o a_o piece_n of_o news_n so_o very_o welcome_a as_o that_o will_v have_v be_v to_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n or_o that_o such_o a_o discovery_n of_o the_o falsity_n of_o the_o gospel_n history_n in_o any_o one_o particular_a once_o make_v and_o publish_v shall_v ever_o after_o have_v be_v stifle_v or_o suppress_v because_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o put_v they_o at_o first_o upon_o make_v the_o discovery_n be_v of_o the_o same_o force_n afterward_o to_o engage_v they_o to_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o any_o discovery_n of_o that_o kind_n that_o have_v be_v make_v and_o therefore_o i_o add_v in_o the_o last_o place_n and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o give_v weight_n and_o strength_n to_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v before_o upon_o this_o subject_a and_o full_o complete_v that_o argument_n which_o i_o be_o now_o upon_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n history_n 7._o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o easiness_n of_o the_o disproof_n of_o this_o history_n if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a and_o the_o incessant_a endeavour_n of_o the_o adversary_n of_o christianity_n to_o find_v out_o some_o falsehood_n therein_o to_o do_v which_o â—hey_n be_v not_o only_o prompt_v by_o their_o own_o interest_n â—nd_v inclination_n but_o also_o frequent_o and_o bold_o challenge_v by_o the_o christian_n themselves_o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o â—he_n ancient_a apology_n for_o the_o christian_a faith_n it_o be_v nevertheless_o a_o history_n of_o very_a good_a credit_n now_o cavil_v â—t_a perhaps_o but_o not_o deny_v not_o pretend_v to_o be_v disprove_v either_o by_o jew_n or_o 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suspicion_n of_o unfaithfulness_n in_o their_o relation_n because_o whatever_o they_o have_v be_v before_o they_o be_v then_o in_o all_o other_o respect_n person_n of_o a_o very_a good_a character_n 2.10_o 1_o thes_n 2.10_o you_o be_v witness_n say_v the_o apostle_n and_o god_n also_o how_o holy_o and_o just_o and_o unblamable_o we_o behave_v ourselves_o among_o you_o they_o that_o can_v not_o be_v charge_v with_o any_o other_o crime_n be_v not_o just_o to_o be_v suspect_v guilty_a of_o forgery_n and_o lie_v and_o we_o have_v abundant_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v in_o all_o other_o respect_v unblameable_a because_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n that_o they_o be_v ever_o charge_v at_o all_o either_o true_o or_o false_o even_o by_o their_o great_a enemy_n with_o any_o other_o fault_n but_o only_o too_o great_a zeal_n and_o industry_n in_o propagate_a their_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o this_o shall_v be_v think_v a_o fault_n by_o those_o who_o be_v of_o 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be_v say_v on_o this_o and_o the_o forego_n head_n now_o and_o in_o my_o last_o discourse_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o evangelical_n history_n i_o think_v we_o may_v true_o and_o confident_o affirm_v that_o although_o we_o consider_v it_o only_o as_o a_o mere_a humane_a history_n we_o have_v much_o great_a reason_n to_o give_v credit_n to_o it_o than_o to_o any_o history_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o but_o if_o we_o receive_v the_o witness_n of_o man_n and_o who_o be_v there_o that_o do_v not_o 5.9_o 1_o joh._n 5.9_o the_o witness_n of_o god_n be_v great_a and_o therefore_o in_o order_n to_o show_v further_o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o the_o evangelical_n historian_n in_o their_o relation_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o have_v record_v i_o propose_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o five_o and_o last_o place_n 5_o the_o confirmation_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o history_n by_o 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man_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o language_n they_o plain_o demonstrate_v both_o that_o they_o have_v such_o a_o commission_n from_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o they_o preach_v by_o speak_v to_o every_o man_n of_o every_o nation_n in_o his_o own_o tongue_n thus_o as_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n say_v 2.4_o heb._n 2.4_o god_n do_v bear_v they_o witness_n both_o with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will._n and_o he_o may_v well_o say_v that_o god_n do_v hereby_o bear_v they_o witness_n because_o that_o power_n wherewith_o they_o be_v endue_v be_v so_o evident_o from_o on_o high_a that_o none_o that_o see_v their_o work_n 24.49_o luke_n 24.49_o and_o consider_v withal_o the_o purity_n and_o excellence_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n that_o be_v thereby_o establish_v can_v have_v any_o reasonable_a doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n or_o no._n we_o know_v 3.2_o joh._n 3.2_o say_v nicodemus_n to_o our_o saviour_n that_o thou_o be_v a_o teacher_n send_v from_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v do_v the_o miracle_n that_o thou_o do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o 14.12_o joh._n 14.12_o but_o the_o same_o work_n that_o jesus_n do_v do_v his_o disciple_n also_o after_o he_o have_v send_v down_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o father_n upon_o they_o on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n yea_o and_o great_a work_n than_o those_o do_v they_o do_v so_o that_o whoever_o behold_v their_o work_n may_v so_o far_o as_o miracle_n be_v evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n be_v rather_o more_o certain_a that_o god_n be_v with_o they_o than_o nicodemus_n can_v be_v that_o he_o be_v with_o our_o lord_n himself_o for_o though_o their_o other_o miracle_n that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o sort_n with_o those_o which_o our_o saviour_n have_v do_v be_v such_o proof_n of_o divine_a assistance_n as_o can_v not_o with_o any_o reason_n be_v gainsay_v yet_o i_o think_v it_o may_v true_o be_v affirm_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o they_o and_o wherein_o they_o do_v as_o we_o may_v say_v excel_v even_o our_o lord_n himself_o be_v more_o convince_a than_o any_o of_o they_o for_o he_o that_o see_v one_o of_o their_o other_o miracle_n may_v possible_o entertain_v some_o little_a doubt_n whether_o the_o effect_n that_o appear_v to_o he_o to_o be_v miraculous_a may_v not_o yet_o be_v do_v by_o some_o secret_a power_n of_o natural_a cause_n that_o be_v unknown_a to_o he_o but_o we_o all_o know_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n so_o well_o that_o we_o be_v sure_a the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o language_n can_v possible_o be_v attain_v natural_o even_o by_o a_o person_n of_o the_o quick_a part_n and_o faithful_a memory_n but_o in_o so_o much_o time_n at_o the_o least_o as_o it_o will_v necessary_o take_v up_o to_o be_v tell_v by_o tutor_n or_o to_o learn_v from_o lexicon_n what_o every_o particular_a 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be_v enough_o in_o all_o reason_n and_o as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v expect_v in_o this_o case_n suppose_v there_o fact_n to_o be_v true_a that_o they_o be_v not_o by_o any_o historian_n that_o be_v of_o another_o religion_n contradict_v or_o attempt_v to_o be_v disprove_v more_o than_o this_o will_v have_v be_v too_o much_o and_o shall_v we_o now_o in_o some_o ancient_a manuscript_n history_n new_o bring_v 〈◊〉_d light_n and_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o some_o jewish_a or_o heathen_a author_n find_v a_o large_a and_o formal_a account_n of_o any_o of_o those_o fact_n relate_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o be_v record_v in_o the_o gospel_n this_o will_v give_v very_o just_a ground_n to_o suspect_v that_o the_o whole_a history_n whatever_o other_o appearance_n it_o have_v of_o truth_n be_v forge_v and_o counterfeit_n or_o at_o least_o that_o those_o passage_n speak_v honourable_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v knavish_o foist_v into_o the_o 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be_v relate_v in_o the_o sacred_a history_n be_v only_a difficulty_n they_o be_v indeed_o event_n above_o and_o beyond_o the_o know_a power_n and_o common_a course_n of_o nature_n but_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v easy_o credible_a when_o they_o be_v ascribe_v as_o they_o must_v be_v to_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n 2._o that_o the_o difference_n that_o may_v sometime_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o several_a relation_n of_o the_o same_o story_n by_o the_o several_a evangelist_n be_v very_o inconsiderable_a consist_v only_o in_o this_o that_o one_o perhaps_o relate_v the_o story_n in_o a_o different_a order_n of_o thing_n than_o another_o do_v or_o that_o one_o tell_v it_o brief_o another_o more_o at_o large_a or_o one_o with_o a_o few_o another_o with_o more_o circumstance_n or_o that_o some_o circumstance_n be_v mention_v by_o each_o of_o they_o which_o the_o other_o have_v omit_v so_o that_o this_o observation_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o just_a objection_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n that_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o proof_n and_o confirmation_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o the_o evangelist_n do_v not_o confer_v together_o in_o the_o write_n of_o their_o history_n and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o copy_n or_o transcribe_v from_o one_o another_o but_o that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o report_v the_o story_n he_o write_v in_o such_o manner_n as_o he_o himself_o remember_v it_o to_o have_v be_v and_o with_o such_o circumstance_n as_o he_o himself_o take_v most_o notice_n of_o and_o 3._o as_o to_o the_o repugnancy_n and_o inconsistence_n that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o the_o evangelical_n history_n these_o we_o absolute_o deny_v i_o have_v not_o time_n now_o to_o consider_v or_o attempt_v to_o reconcile_v all_o the_o place_n that_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v contradictory_n to_o each_o other_o but_o those_o passage_n which_o seem_v most_o liable_a to_o this_o exception_n be_v i_o think_v the_o relation_n of_o judas_n death_n and_o the_o account_n of_o our_o saviour_n genealogy_n but_o as_o to_o the_o first_o there_o be_v plain_o no_o impossibility_n no_o contradiction_n in_o it_o if_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o after_o he_o have_v hang_v himself_o as_o st._n matthew_n 1.18_o mat._n 27.5_o act_n 1.18_o say_v he_o do_v fall_v down_o and_o his_o bowel_n gush_v out_o as_o st._n luke_n affirm_v or_o it_o may_v be_v that_o he_o do_v not_o hang_v himself_o but_o only_o be_v 〈◊〉_d be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d choke_v or_o suffocate_v by_o the_o violence_n of_o his_o grief_n and_o that_o the_o same_o passion_n by_o which_o he_o be_v strangle_v make_v he_o also_o fall_v down_o headlong_o and_o burst_v asunder_o in_o the_o midst_n so_o that_o all_o his_o bowel_n gush_v out_o and_o as_o to_o the_o other_o when_o it_o be_v remember_v that_o by_o the_o jewish_a law_n the_o next_o of_o kin_n be_v to_o raise_v up_o seed_n to_o his_o near_a relation_n that_o die_v without_o issue_n 25.5_o deut._n 25.5_o by_o marry_v his_o widow_n and_o that_o the_o first-born_a of_o the_o woman_n after_o such_o second_o marriage_n be_v repute_v in_o law_n the_o son_n as_o well_o as_o he_o be_v the_o heir_n of_o the_o decease_a so_o that_o consequent_o the_o same_o person_n may_v be_v the_o legal_a son_n of_o one_o man_n and_o the_o natural_a son_n of_o another_o man_n though_o it_o may_v be_v difficult_a perhaps_o impossible_a for_o we_o at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n to_o say_v with_o certainty_n which_o of_o the_o two_o different_a line_n by_o which_o our_o saviour_n pedigree_n be_v deduce_v from_o david_n be_v the_o legal_a and_o which_o the_o natural_a line_n it_o be_v very_o easy_a nevertheless_o to_o believe_v that_o one_o be_v the_o legal_a and_o that_o the_o other_o be_v the_o natural_a line_n and_o if_o so_o there_o be_v plain_o no_o contradiction_n between_o the_o two_o evangelist_n although_o st._n matthew_n 1.16_o mat._n 1.16_o make_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v descend_v from_o solomon_n and_o st._n luke_n from_o nathan_n although_o st._n matthew_n say_v that_o joseph_n the_o husband_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n be_v the_o son_n of_o jacob_n and_o st._n luke_n 3.23_o luâ—e_n 3.23_o that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o heli._n and_o now_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n history_n be_v as_o i_o hope_v by_o what_o have_v bâ—en_o say_v sufficient_o establish_v i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o show_v that_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v true_a they_o be_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v therein_o teach_v but_o i_o be_o sensible_a that_o i_o have_v trespass_v too_o much_o upon_o your_o patience_n already_o and_o so_o shall_v reserve_v this_o for_o the_o subject_a of_o my_o next_o discourse_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la in_o
sermon_n iii_o page_n 25._o line_n 1._o for_o once_o read_v now_o for_o those_o read_v these_o advertisement_n the_o three_o remain_a lecture_n for_o this_o year_n be_v to_o be_v at_o st._n paul_n on_o the_o first_o mondays_n in_o september_n october_n and_o november_n but_o the_o first_o monday_n in_o september_n be_v the_o fast-day_n for_o the_o fire_n of_o london_n when_o there_o will_v be_v in_o the_o morning_n a_o sermon_n suitable_a to_o that_o occasion_n preach_v before_o the_o lord_n mayor_n aldermen_z and_o company_n of_o the_o city_n mr._n boyle_n lecture_n on_o that_o day_n be_v order_v to_o be_v preach_v in_o the_o afternoon_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture-revelation_n as_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o part_n iii_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n september_n 2d_o 1700._o be_v the_o six_o for_o the_o year_n 1700_o of_o thâ—_n lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o offspring_n blackall_n d._n d._n rector_n of_o st._n marry_o aldermary_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v by_o j._n leake_n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._o st._n luke_n xvi_o 29_o 30_o 31._o abraham_n say_v unto_o he_o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o he_o say_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a in_o order_n to_o show_v that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n give_v we_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o new-testament_n and_o of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o it_o i_o have_v former_o propound_v to_o show_v 1._o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n be_v write_v by_o those_o person_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o 2._o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o they_o in_o their_o relation_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o have_v record_v and_o 3._o that_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n therein_o record_v be_v true_a they_o be_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v therein_o teach_v and_o the_o two_o first_o of_o these_o point_n i_o have_v i_o hope_v already_o make_v good_a i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o three_o viz._n 3._o to_o show_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v well_o ground_v upon_o the_o history_n of_o it_o that_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o new-testament_n be_v true_a they_o be_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v therein_o teach_v and_o here_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o understand_v both_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o it_o propose_v to_o our_o belief_n and_o the_o rule_n which_o it_o prescribe_v to_o our_o practice_n many_o of_o the_o former_a of_o which_o be_v themselves_o part_v of_o the_o gospel_n history_n as_o the_o incarnation_n life_n suffering_n death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o both_o sort_n be_v teach_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n either_o by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o or_o by_o his_o apostle_n and_o i_o suppose_v it_o will_v be_v ready_o grant_v that_o all_o their_o doctrine_n be_v true_a and_o also_o of_o divine_a authority_n if_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o they_o be_v commission_v and_o send_v by_o god_n to_o instruct_v the_o world_n for_o he_o who_o god_n have_v send_v speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n joh._n iii._o 34._o the_o single_a point_n therefore_o to_o be_v consider_v at_o this_o time_n be_v whether_o there_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n from_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v commission_v and_o send_v by_o god_n to_o instruct_v the_o world_n and_o first_o whether_o there_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n from_o thence_o that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o be_v a_o teacher_n send_v from_o god_n now_o that_o he_o say_v he_o be_v send_v from_o god_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o a_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n history_n joh._n twelve_o 49._o 24._o see_v joh._n 5.37_o 38.8.38.14.10_o 24._o i_o have_v not_o speak_v of_o myself_o but_o the_o father_n which_o send_v i_o he_o give_v i_o a_o commandment_n what_o i_o shall_v say_v and_o what_o i_o shall_v speak_v and_o that_o he_o say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n which_o have_v be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n be_v likewise_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o a_o part_n of_o the_o same_o history_n joh._n four_o 25_o 26._o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n say_v unto_o he_o i_o know_v that_o messiah_n come_v which_o be_v call_v christ_n 9.47_o mat._n 16.16_o 17._o mar._n 9.41_o luke_n 24.46_o joh._n 9.47_o when_o he_o be_v come_v he_o will_v tell_v we_o all_o thing_n jesus_n say_v unto_o he_o i_o that_o speak_v unto_o thou_o am_z he._n the_o question_n therefore_o be_v whether_o from_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v record_v of_o he_o by_o the_o evangelist_n there_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o either_o or_o both_o these_o pretence_n i_o say_v of_o either_o or_o both_o of_o they_o because_o either_o of_o they_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o receive_v his_o doctrine_n as_o true_a and_o divine_a for_o which_o cause_n therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o subject_a distinguish_v between_o the_o evidence_n which_o the_o gospel-history_n afford_v of_o his_o be_v a_o prophet_n and_o those_o which_o it_o afford_v of_o his_o be_v the_o messiah_n but_o shall_v propose_v they_o promiscuous_o as_o they_o come_v to_o mind_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v consider_v first_o the_o credibility_n of_o our_o saviour_n own_o testimony_n concern_v himself_o and_o second_o the_o confirmation_n that_o be_v give_v to_o this_o testimony_n by_o god_n ground_v all_o that_o shall_v be_v say_v on_o both_o these_o head_n upon_o the_o gospel-history_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o i_o now_o take_v for_o grant_v as_o be_v i_o hope_v already_o sufficient_o prove_v first_o then_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o credibility_n of_o our_o saviour_n own_o testimony_n concern_v himself_o when_o he_o say_v that_o he_o be_v send_v by_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o i_o know_v it_o be_v common_o say_v that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v in_o his_o own_o case_n and_o this_o very_a thing_n be_v object_v to_o our_o saviour_n by_o the_o jew_n joh._n viij_o 13._o thou_o bear_v record_n of_o thyself_o thy_o record_n be_v not_o true_a but_o this_o say_v be_v not_o without_o exception_n when_o indeed_o what_o a_o man_n witness_n be_v for_o his_o own_o benefit_n his_o testimony_n if_o it_o be_v single_a may_v reasonable_o be_v reject_v especial_o if_o any_o proof_n be_v make_v that_o at_o other_o time_n he_o have_v tell_v a_o lie_n or_o do_v any_o other_o ill_a thing_n for_o his_o advantage_n but_o otherwise_o a_o man_n testimony_n concern_v himself_n may_v be_v credible_a nay_o in_o some_o case_n it_o may_v be_v more_o credible_a than_o another_o man_n because_o he_o may_v sometime_o be_v sure_a of_o what_o he_o say_v concern_v himself_o than_o another_o man_n can_v be_v and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n who_o in_o joh._n v._n 31._o allow_v of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o that_o say_v if_o i_o bear_v witness_n of_o myself_o my_o witness_n be_v not_o true_a yet_o when_o this_o very_a thing_n be_v afterward_o object_v to_o he_o by_o the_o pharisee_n in_o the_o place_n before-cited_n make_v answer_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n though_o i_o bear_v record_n of_o myself_o 8.14_o joh._n 8.14_o yet_o my_o record_n be_v true_a for_o i_o know_v whence_o i_o come_v etc._n etc._n and_o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n concern_v his_o own_o divine_a mission_n be_v such_o as_o we_o may_v rational_o give_v credit_n to_o though_o we_o have_v no_o other_o evidence_n of_o it_o will_n i_o suppose_v sufficient_o appear_v if_o these_o follow_a thing_n be_v consider_v 1._o that_o his_o whole_a life_n according_a to_o the_o account_n that_o be_v give_v of_o it_o by_o the_o evangelist_n which_o we_o now_o build_v upon_o as_o true_a be_v in_o all_o respect_n spotless_a and_o unblameable_a 1.19_o 1_o pet._n 2.22_o 1_o pet._n 1.19_o he_o do_v no_o sin_n neither_o be_v guile_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n he_o be_v a_o lamb_n without_o blemish_n and_o without_o spot_n
and_o this_o he_o himself_o urge_v as_o a_o reason_n why_o his_o testimony_n ought_v to_o be_v credit_v joh._n viij_o 46._o which_o of_o you_o convince_v i_o of_o sin_n and_o if_o i_o say_v the_o truth_n why_o do_v you_o not_o believe_v i_o and_o a_o very_a good_a reason_n it_o be_v for_o it_o can_v not_o just_o be_v suspect_v that_o a_o person_n of_o who_o no_o other_o ill_a thing_n can_v be_v say_v be_v yet_o indeed_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n guilty_a of_o a_o crime_n of_o the_o great_a magnitude_n viz._n of_o lie_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n of_o say_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v send_v he_o when_o indeed_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o send_v he_o nor_o speak_v by_o he_o 2._o it_o may_v be_v also_o consider_v that_o this_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n though_o it_o be_v concern_v himself_o yet_o be_v not_o for_o himself_o i_o mean_v it_o be_v not_o for_o his_o own_o worldly_a advantage_n and_o this_o consideration_n he_o himself_o likewise_o offer_v to_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o testimony_n joh._n seven_o 18._o he_o that_o speak_v of_o himself_o seek_v his_o own_o glory_n but_o he_o that_o seek_v his_o glory_n that_o send_v he_o the_o same_o be_v true_a and_o no_o unrighteousness_n be_v in_o he_o have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o he_o pretend_v be_v what_o god_n have_v command_v he_o to_o teach_v be_v contrive_v to_o advance_v the_o worldly_a honour_n and_o greatness_n of_o himself_o or_o his_o follower_n this_o will_v have_v be_v a_o just_a prejudice_n against_o it_o and_o a_o reasonable_a ground_n of_o suspect_v that_o he_o speak_v of_o himself_o but_o when_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o all_o that_o hear_v his_o discourse_n and_o be_v no_o less_o so_o to_o we_o that_o read_v they_o that_o he_o seek_v not_o his_o own_o glory_n in_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o glory_n of_o he_o that_o send_v he_o and_o that_o his_o whole_a doctrine_n tend_v to_o advance_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o promote_v the_o practice_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n in_o the_o world_n this_o render_v his_o testimony_n very_o credible_a when_o he_o say_v he_o be_v send_v by_o god_n to_o teach_v it_o to_o the_o world_n for_o when_o a_o doctrine_n be_v plain_o worthy_a of_o god_n and_o according_a to_o godliness_n 6.3_o 1_o tim._n 6.3_o it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v presume_v that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o 3._o it_o may_v be_v further_o consider_v that_o this_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n concern_v himself_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v to_o his_o own_o benefit_n that_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o any_o thing_n can_v possible_o be_v to_o his_o worldly_a disadvantage_n expose_v he_o to_o the_o envy_n and_o malice_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o the_o jealousy_n of_o the_o roman_n and_o to_o all_o the_o cruel_a suffering_n which_o he_o endure_v from_o both_o of_o they_o and_o certain_o a_o man_n testimony_n concern_v himself_n may_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v credible_a if_o it_o be_v against_o his_o own_o interest_n if_o he_o himself_o be_v a_o great_a loser_n or_o sufferer_n by_o what_o he_o testify_v for_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v what_o else_o but_o only_o the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n and_o a_o obligation_n to_o declare_v it_o shall_v ever_o induce_v a_o man_n to_o say_v such_o thing_n concern_v himself_o as_o will_v procure_v his_o own_o mischief_n and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o can_v be_v say_v to_o avoid_v the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n testimony_n that_o he_o be_v send_v from_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n unless_o it_o be_v that_o he_o be_v disappoint_v in_o his_o expectation_n and_o that_o he_o hope_v to_o make_v himself_o rich_a and_o great_a in_o the_o world_n by_o these_o glorious_a pretence_n though_o in_o the_o event_n it_o prove_v otherwise_o but_o the_o gospel-history_n furnish_v we_o with_o a_o very_a clear_a and_o full_a answer_n to_o this_o objection_n in_o those_o many_o prediction_n of_o our_o lord_n therein_o record_v concern_v his_o own_o suffering_n 16.31.20.17_o mat._n 16.31.20.17_o whereby_o it_o clear_o appear_v that_o the_o suffering_n which_o befall_v he_o for_o give_v this_o testimony_n concern_v himself_o do_v not_o happen_v to_o he_o unexpected_o but_o that_o he_o know_v long_o before_o all_o that_o afterward_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o therefore_o i_o say_v again_o that_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v imagine_v why_o he_o shall_v say_v that_o he_o be_v send_v from_o god_n but_o only_o because_o he_o know_v it_o be_v true_a and_o have_v receive_v a_o command_n from_o his_o father_n to_o declare_v this_o truth_n to_o the_o world_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v further_o 4._o last_o that_o he_o continue_v to_o testify_v the_o same_o at_o his_o death_n which_o he_o have_v do_v before_o in_o his_o life_n give_v thereby_o the_o best_a assurance_n that_o a_o man_n can_v give_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o testimony_n for_o the_o main_a matter_n of_o his_o accusation_n to_o pilate_n be_v that_o he_o have_v give_v out_o himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o the_o messiah_n be_v according_a to_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o be_v a_o great_a temporal_a king_n have_v our_o lord_n therefore_o but_o deny_v this_o charge_n have_v he_o but_o grant_v that_o he_o be_v not_o the_o messiah_n he_o may_v have_v save_v his_o life_n but_o this_o he_o will_v not_o do_v he_o disown_v indeed_o the_o false_a notion_n that_o the_o jew_n have_v of_o the_o messiah_n my_o kingdom_n 62._o john_n 18.26_o mat._n 27.11_o joh._n 18.37_o mat._n 26.63_o 64._o mar._n 14.61_o 62._o say_v he_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n but_o that_o he_o be_v a_o king_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n he_o bold_o own_v as_o well_o when_o the_o question_n be_v put_v to_o he_o by_o the_o roman_a governor_n who_o have_v power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n as_o when_o it_o have_v be_v put_v to_o he_o before_o by_o the_o highpriest_n this_o therefore_o be_v a_o strong_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o be_v alone_o sufficient_a to_o make_v it_o credible_a that_o he_o witness_v the_o same_o good_a confession_n before_o pontius_n pilate_n 6.13_o 1_o tim._n 6.13_o which_o he_o have_v do_v before_o his_o own_o nation_n and_o seal_v his_o witness_n with_o his_o blood_n for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o any_o man_n tell_v a_o know_a lie_n for_o nothing_o and_o it_o be_v plain_o then_o too_o late_o for_o he_o to_o hope_v for_o any_o good_a to_o himself_o in_o this_o world_n by_o persist_v in_o this_o testimony_n his_o only_a hope_n have_v be_v in_o retract_v it_o and_o it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o expect_v to_o better_v himself_o in_o the_o other_o world_n by_o die_v with_o a_o lie_n in_o his_o mouth_n thus_o i_o hope_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n concern_v his_o own_o divine_a mission_n be_v credible_a in_o itself_o so_o that_o we_o may_v rational_o believe_v that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n although_o we_o have_v only_o his_o own_o word_n for_o it_o but_o we_o have_v more_o than_o his_o own_o word_n for_o it_o i_o be_o not_o alone_a say_v he_o joh._n viij_o 16_o etc._n etc._n but_o i_o and_o the_o father_n that_o send_v i_o it_o be_v also_o write_v in_o your_o law_n that_o the_o testimony_n of_o two_o man_n be_v true_a i_o be_o one_o that_o bear_v witness_v of_o myself_o and_o the_o father_n that_o send_v i_o bear_v witness_n of_o i_o and_o this_o be_v the_o other_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v in_o order_n to_o show_v the_o good_a reason_n that_o we_o have_v to_o believe_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v send_v from_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n viz._n second_o the_o confirmation_n that_o be_v give_v to_o this_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n by_o god_n himself_o and_o this_o be_v give_v several_a way_n 1._o god_n bear_v he_o witness_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o ancient_a prophet_n and_o to_o this_o our_o saviour_n frequent_o appeal_v joh._n v._n 39_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o and_o again_o v._o 46._o have_v you_o believe_v moses_n you_o will_v have_v believe_v i_o for_o he_o write_v of_o i_o and_o this_o st._n peter_n compare_v it_o with_o that_o voice_n from_o heaven_n testify_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 19_o 2_o pet._n 1.18_o 19_o of_o which_o he_o himself_o have_v be_v a_o earwitness_n call_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o
tit._n 2.12_o who_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o by_o teach_v they_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n now_o the_o devil_n be_v certain_o as_o subtle_a as_o he_o be_v powerful_a and_o therefore_o if_o he_o have_v indeed_o any_o power_n to_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o to_o do_v a_o real_a miracle_n he_o will_v not_o however_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a make_v use_n of_o this_o power_n against_o himself_o he_o will_v not_o thereby_o assist_v another_o to_o destroy_v his_o own_o kingdom_n and_o by_o this_o argument_n our_o saviour_n himself_o clear_o confute_v this_o calumny_n in_o mat._n twelve_o 25._o when_o the_o pharisee_n have_v say_v that_o he_o cast_v out_o devil_n by_o beelzebub_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o devil_n he_o answer_v every_o kingdom_n divide_v against_o itself_o be_v bring_v to_o desolation_n and_o if_o satan_n cast_v out_o satan_n he_o be_v divide_v against_o himself_o how_o then_o shall_v his_o kingdom_n stand_v and_o 3._o last_o as_o it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o the_o devil_n have_v such_o power_n or_o if_o he_o have_v and_o be_v let_v alone_o to_o himself_o that_o he_o will_v make_v use_n of_o this_o power_n to_o destroy_v his_o own_o kingdom_n so_o neither_o be_v it_o credible_a that_o almighty_a god_n who_o have_v all_o power_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o can_v control_v and_o limit_v the_o working_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o all_o create_a being_n as_o he_o please_v will_v ever_o permit_v the_o devil_n to_o outdo_v himself_o in_o such_o wonderful_a operation_n so_o that_o more_o and_o great_a miracle_n shall_v be_v do_v by_o a_o impostor_n than_o ever_o have_v be_v do_v before_o by_o any_o true_a prophet_n which_o yet_o be_v manifest_o the_o case_n if_o indeed_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o impostor_n 3.8_o 2_o tim._n 3.8_o he_o suffer_v indeed_o janne_n and_o jambres_n to_o withstand_v his_o servant_n moses_n and_o aaron_n for_o some_o time_n and_o to_o do_v or_o seem_v to_o do_v some_o wonderful_a work_n like_o to_o they_o 12._o ex._n 7.10_o 12._o for_o aaron_n cast_v his_o rod_n upon_o the_o ground_n and_o it_o become_v a_o serpent_n and_o so_o do_v they_o and_o aaron_n stretch_v out_o his_o hand_n over_o the_o water_n 7._o ex._n 8.6_o 7._o and_o the_o frog_n come_v up_o and_o cover_v the_o land_n and_o the_o magician_n do_v so_o with_o their_o enchantment_n and_o bring_v up_o frog_n upon_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n but_o though_o he_o suffer_v the_o magician_n thus_o to_o contend_v with_o his_o prophet_n the_o victory_n be_v clear_o on_o his_o prophet_n side_n 7.12.8.18_o ex._n 7.12.8.18_o for_o aaron_n rod_n swallow_v up_o their_o rod_n and_o when_o the_o magician_n endeavour_v by_o their_o enchantment_n to_o bring_v forth_o louse_n as_o aaron_n have_v do_v they_o can_v not_o but_o be_v force_v to_o own_o before_o pharaoh_n that_o it_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o from_o that_o time_n forward_o strive_v no_o more_o for_o victory_n and_o thus_o it_o may_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n etc._n deut_n 13.1_o etc._n etc._n at_o any_o time_n in_o order_n prove_v his_o people_n and_o to_o know_v whether_o they_o love_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n 24.24_o mat._n 24.24_o to_o suffer_v the_o sign_n or_o wonder_v foretell_v by_o a_o enticer_n to_o idolatry_n to_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o to_o distinguish_v his_o elect_n from_o reprobate_n to_o permit_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n 10._o 2_o thes_n 2.8_o 9_o 10._o to_o show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o in_o just_a judgement_n upon_o such_o as_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v to_o let_v they_o alone_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o that_o wicked_a one_o who_o come_v be_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_a wonder_n and_o with_o all_o deceiveableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v but_o it_o can_v i_o think_v be_v reconcile_v to_o these_o attribute_n of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v permit_v great_a wonder_n and_o more_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a miracle_n to_o be_v do_v by_o a_o false_a prophet_n than_o ever_o be_v do_v by_o any_o true_a prophet_n because_o this_o will_v be_v too_o great_a a_o trial_n for_o humane_a nature_n such_o sign_n and_o wonder_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o deceive_v even_o those_o that_o inquire_v after_o truth_n with_o the_o great_a sincerity_n of_o heart_n and_o i_o can_v conceive_v it_o consistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o permit_v that_o such_o as_o be_v of_o honest_a mind_n and_o sincere_a lover_n of_o truth_n shall_v after_o a_o fair_a examination_n of_o the_o proof_n on_o both_o side_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o embrace_v error_n than_o truth_n which_o yet_o they_o plain_o have_v in_o case_n the_o miracle_n do_v by_o false_a prophet_n be_v more_o and_o great_a than_o have_v be_v do_v by_o any_o true_a prophet_n unless_o the_o falseness_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o will_v thereby_o establish_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o miracle_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a i_o think_v we_o may_v well_o conclude_v this_o head_n with_o those_o word_n of_o nicodemus_n to_o our_o saviour_n joh._n iii._o 2._o we_o know_v we_o be_v assure_v of_o it_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o it_o that_o thou_o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v do_v these_o miracle_n that_o thou_o do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o 6._o another_o way_n by_o which_o god_n himself_o bare_a witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n testimony_n be_v by_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a 4._o joh._n 2.19_o mat._n 12.40.16_o 4._o to_o this_o great_a miracle_n he_o himself_o often_o refer_v those_o that_o have_v any_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o other_o miracle_n as_o what_o can_v not_o but_o be_v satisfactory_a to_o all_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v satisfaction_n and_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a subject_n of_o the_o apostle_n sermon_n 2.24.32.3.15.4.10.10.40.13.30_o act_n 2.24.32.3.15.4.10.10.40.13.30_o the_o main_a proof_n that_o they_o insist_v upon_o to_o convince_v man_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n and_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v no_o doubt_n upon_o they_o that_o if_o they_o can_v but_o persuade_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n they_o will_v ready_o own_v that_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n and_o without_o further_a scruple_n receive_v every_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v teach_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n as_o a_o divine_a truth_n 17.30_o act_n 17.30_o by_o this_o say_v they_o god_n have_v give_v assurance_n unto_o all_o man_n that_o he_o have_v ordain_v he_o to_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n by_o this_o say_v they_o he_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n because_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n evident_a to_o all_o 1.4_o rom._n 1.4_o that_o no_o power_n less_o than_o god_n can_v raise_v the_o dead_a when_o therefore_o this_o be_v do_v and_o it_o be_v do_v if_o the_o gospel-history_n be_v true_a this_o be_v a_o plain_a seal_n set_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o our_o saviour_n testimony_n a_o seal_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v counterfeit_v and_o wherein_o the_o divine_a power_n be_v so_o clear_o and_o deep_o engrave_v that_o whoever_o look_v attent_o upon_o it_o must_v be_v satisfy_v who_o seal_n it_o be_v so_o that_o to_o grant_v the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o yet_o to_o doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v the_o person_n he_o give_v out_o himself_o to_o be_v be_v to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n himself_o for_o grant_v our_o saviour_n resurrection_n it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o he_o be_v a_o impostor_n without_o suppose_v that_o god_n himself_o do_v consent_n to_o the_o imposture_n and_o work_v the_o most_o evident_a miracle_n that_o ever_o wâ—s_v do_v on_o purpose_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o believe_v a_o lye_n i_o shall_v mention_v at_o present_a but_o one_o way_n more_o whereby_o god_n be_v please_v to_o confirm_v our_o saviour_n testimony_n of_o himself_o and_o that_o be_v 7._o by_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n which_o witness_n be_v give_v to_o he_o at_o his_o baptism_n etc._n joh._n 1.32_o etc._n etc._n when_o the_o holy-ghost_n descend_v in_o a_o visible_a manner_n as_o a_o dove_n and_o rest_v on_o he_o it_o be_v also_o give_v to_o he_o during_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o ministry_n for_o the_o holy-ghost_n not_o only_o descend_v but_o abode_n upon_o he_o and_o therefore_o st._n peter_n speak_v of_o he_o etc._n act._n 10.38_o etc._n etc._n say_v that_o god_n anoint_v he_o with_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o with_o power_n but_o that_o
witness_v of_o the_o holy-ghost_n which_o i_o now_o chief_o design_n be_v that_o which_o be_v give_v to_o he_o after_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o be_v a_o evident_a token_n that_o all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v then_o commit_v to_o he_o i_o mean_v those_o gift_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n which_o he_o shower_v down_o on_o his_o apostle_n on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n when_o be_v meet_v together_o etc._n act_n 2.1_o etc._n etc._n there_o come_v sudden_o a_o sound_n from_o heaven_n as_o of_o a_o rush_v mighty_a wind_n which_o fill_v all_o the_o house_n where_o they_o be_v sit_v and_o there_o appear_v unto_o they_o cleave_a tongue_n like_v as_o of_o fire_n which_o sit_v upon_o each_o of_o they_o whereupon_o they_o wre_v all_o fill_v with_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o begin_v to_o speak_v with_o other_o tongue_n as_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o utterance_n and_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n our_o saviour_n promise_v before_o shall_v be_v give_v to_o he_o joh._n xv_o 26._o when_o the_o comforter_n be_v come_v who_o i_o will_v send_v unto_o you_o from_o the_o father_n even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o father_n he_o shall_v testify_v of_o i_o and_o the_o testimony_n indeed_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o full_a for_o by_o this_o it_o clear_o appear_v that_o all_o his_o former_a miracle_n have_v be_v true_a and_o have_v be_v wrought_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n when_o even_o after_o he_o have_v leave_v this_o world_n he_o be_v still_o able_a to_o make_v good_a this_o promise_n to_o his_o disciple_n and_o to_o empower_v they_o to_o do_v great_a work_n in_o his_o name_n than_o he_o himself_o have_v do_v while_o he_o be_v live_v upon_o earth_n this_o be_v a_o clear_a demonstration_n that_o he_o be_v the_o belove_a son_n of_o the_o father_n and_o be_v as_o st._n peter_n say_v 2.33_o act._n 2.33_o exalt_v at_o god_n right_a hand_n when_o he_o do_v shed_v forth_o that_o wonderful_a power_n upon_o his_o apostle_n of_o which_o all_o that_o then_o dwell_v in_o jerusalem_n or_o have_v come_v thither_o from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o worship_n be_v eye_n and_o ear-witness_n and_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n be_v give_v to_o our_o saviour_n not_o at_o that_o time_n only_o not_o one_o day_n and_o no_o more_o but_o be_v continue_v to_o be_v give_v to_o he_o all_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n preach_v who_o be_v also_o enable_v to_o communicate_v to_o other_o by_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n 2.38.8.17.10.44.19.6_o act._n 2.38.8.17.10.44.19.6_o the_o same_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n which_o they_o themselves_o have_v receive_v until_o they_o have_v finish_v their_o ministry_n and_o plant_v christian_a church_n in_o all_o the_o country_n of_o the_o then_o know_v world_n thus_o i_o have_v brief_o mention_v the_o great_a evidence_n that_o the_o gospel_n history_n afford_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n testimony_n of_o himself_o the_o matter_n 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we_o and_o if_o indeed_o we_o be_v deceive_v in_o our_o saviour_n it_o must_v be_v say_v that_o god_n himself_o have_v deceive_v we_o have_v give_v we_o all_o the_o reason_n imaginable_a to_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v as_o he_o say_v he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o now_o have_v be_v so_o large_a in_o show_v the_o evidence_n that_o there_o be_v from_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o be_v a_o teacher_n send_v from_o god_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o spend_v much_o time_n in_o show_v that_o his_o apostle_n be_v likewise_o commission_v by_o god_n to_o instruct_v the_o world_n and_o consequent_o that_o we_o ought_v also_o to_o receive_v all_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o they_o whether_o in_o their_o epistle_n or_o in_o their_o discourse_n interweave_v by_o st._n luke_n with_o his_o history_n of_o their_o act_n as_o true_a and_o divine_a for_o 1._o there_o be_v plain_o no_o reason_n why_o we_o 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there_o may_v be_v a_o mistake_n in_o believe_v he_o see_v whether_o the_o man_n be_v inspire_a or_o no_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o doctrine_n be_v but_o 2._o if_o there_o be_v any_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o we_o do_v not_o see_v be_v teach_v before_o by_o our_o saviour_n i_o say_v there_o be_v however_o from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n evidence_n enough_o of_o their_o divine_a mission_n also_o so_o that_o we_o may_v very_o secure_o take_v upon_o their_o credit_n as_o true_a and_o divine_a any_o doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v instruct_v we_o in_o for_o 1._o that_o they_o be_v send_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v past_o all_o dispute_n if_o the_o gospel-history_n be_v true_a joh._n xx_o 21._o as_o
our_o freedom_n of_o choice_n and_o with_o it_o the_o virtue_n and_o excellency_n of_o believe_v for_o it_o be_v not_o faith_n to_o believe_v what_o we_o see_v and_o feel_v and_o it_o be_v no_o commendation_n to_o a_o man_n to_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a if_o his_o virtue_n be_v not_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o wise_a judgement_n and_o a_o free_a choice_n which_o it_o will_v not_o be_v if_o his_o judgement_n be_v over_o bear_v by_o irrefragable_a demonstration_n and_o if_o that_o far_a proof_n and_o evidence_n that_o be_v desire_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v no_o other_o than_o such_o as_o will_v leave_v we_o a_o freedom_n of_o choice_n and_o a_o possibility_n of_o doubt_v than_o i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o likely_a it_o shall_v be_v more_o convince_a to_o we_o than_o that_o which_o we_o have_v already_o in_o the_o stand_a revelation_n of_o holy_a scripture_n for_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v further_o in_o the_o second_o place_n 2._o that_o the_o proof_n and_o evidence_n 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be_v such_o as_o can_v fair_o be_v except_v against_o to_o show_v this_o have_v be_v the_o design_n of_o several_a former_a discourse_n vi_o serm._n iii_n iv_o five_o vi_o and_o therefore_o to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o if_o the_o exception_n that_o be_v make_v to_o the_o evidence_n already_o give_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v fair_a and_o reasonable_a they_o will_v be_v allow_v by_o mankind_n to_o be_v so_o in_o other_o case_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n which_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o nay_o if_o they_o who_o make_v these_o exception_n in_o the_o case_n of_o religion_n do_v themselves_o think_v that_o they_o be_v just_a and_o reasonable_a they_o ought_v to_o make_v the_o same_o in_o all_o other_o case_n that_o be_v equal_o liable_a to_o the_o same_o exception_n and_o in_o all_o other_o such_o case_n they_o ought_v to_o live_v and_o act_v as_o if_o they_o have_v the_o same_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n upon_o they_o which_o they_o say_v they_o have_v in_o the_o case_n of_o religion_n but_o we_o see_v the_o quite_o contrary_a every_o day_n we_o live_v for_o that_o same_o infidel_n who_o will_v not_o allow_v of_o the_o testimony_n which_o be_v give_v to_o our_o saviour_n by_o his_o apostle_n though_o they_o give_v the_o best_a assurance_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o give_v both_o of_o their_o knowledge_n of_o what_o they_o testify_v and_o of_o their_o honesty_n in_o relate_v it_o yet_o ready_o allow_v that_o in_o all_o other_o case_n the_o testimony_n of_o two_o or_o three_o credible_a person_n shall_v be_v receive_v without_o any_o collateral_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n and_o think_v it_o reasonable_a that_o all_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n among_o man_n concern_v their_o civil_a right_n their_o estate_n nay_o and_o their_o life_n too_o shall_v be_v thereby_o determine_v and_o he_o that_o question_n whether_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v 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all_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o other_o history_n as_o ancient_a and_o much_o more_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o there_o be_v not_o the_o hundred_o part_n of_o thâ—t_a evidence_n that_o there_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o and_o he_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o there_o ever_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n and_o whether_o he_o say_v and_o do_v the_o thing_n record_v of_o he_o by_o the_o evangelist_n and_o whether_o by_o the_o preach_a of_o his_o apostle_n he_o do_v spread_v his_o spiritual_a empire_n over_o all_o the_o country_n of_o the_o world_n a_o empire_n which_o be_v still_o keep_v up_o in_o most_o of_o the_o country_n over_o which_o it_o be_v first_o extend_v and_o of_o which_o there_o be_v evident_a mark_n and_o memorial_n still_o remain_v even_o in_o those_o country_n that_o have_v since_o revolt_v from_o it_o he_o i_o say_v that_o doubt_n of_o these_o thing_n although_o witness_v by_o the_o write_n of_o those_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n thereof_o yet_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o alexander_n the_o great_a who_o live_v above_o three_o hundred_o year_n before_o and_o that_o he_o translate_v the_o empire_n of_o the_o world_n from_o persia_n to_o greece_n and_o he_o also_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o the_o other_o thing_n which_o he_o find_v relate_v of_o he_o by_o curtius_n plutarch_n and_o arrian_n although_o none_o of_o these_o author_n be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o war_n and_o greatness_n but_o either_o copy_v what_o they_o write_v from_o former_a history_n or_o take_v it_o up_o from_o report_n and_o although_o there_o be_v perhaps_o no_o remain_n of_o that_o empire_n now_o leave_v in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o he_o be_v but_o as_o sure_a of_o a_o good_a estate_n as_o that_o the_o history_n of_o alexander_n expedition_n and_o conquest_n be_v in_o the_o main_a a_o true_a history_n he_o will_v not_o i_o believe_v give_v the_o hundreth_o part_n of_o its_o value_n to_o ascertain_v his_o title_n to_o it_o those_o therefore_o be_v manifest_o unreasonable_a exception_n to_o the_o proof_n of_o christianity_n which_o no_o man_n will_v allow_v which_o even_o those_o that_o make_v they_o in_o this_o case_n do_v not_o think_v reasonable_a to_o make_v in_o other_o case_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o likely_a that_o any_o person_n that_o be_v not_o convince_v by_o these_o proof_n shall_v be_v convince_v if_o more_o be_v give_v for_o as_o i_o far_o note_v there_o be_v no_o proof_n that_o can_v be_v give_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n unless_o it_o be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o resistible_a and_o consequent_o not_o fit_a for_o god_n to_o give_v we_o while_o we_o be_v here_o in_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n but_o what_o be_v liable_a to_o foolish_a cavil_n and_o unreasonable_a exception_n this_o i_o think_v be_v so_o self-evident_a that_o nothing_o plain_a or_o more_o undeniable_a can_v be_v say_v to_o prove_v it_o for_o though_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v as_o plain_a as_o demonstration_n in_o the_o mathematics_n yet_o even_o these_o may_v be_v cavile_v at_o by_o such_o as_o will_v allow_v of_o no_o postulata_n nor_o grant_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o clear_a axiom_n nay_o there_o have_v be_v sceptic_n in_o the_o plain_a matter_n of_o sense_n and_o some_o have_v deny_v motion_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o their_o own_o tongue_n be_v move_v to_o deny_v it_o not_o that_o i_o think_v the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v as_o clear_a as_o any_o propostion_n in_o euclid_n or_o as_o the_o shine_a of_o the_o sun_n at_o noon_n for_o that_o can_v be_v and_o i_o have_v
already_o give_v reason_n why_o if_o it_o may_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o but_o it_o be_v as_o clear_a as_o such_o a_o matter_n be_v capable_a to_o be_v and_o i_o dare_v be_v bold_a to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o proof_n of_o religion_n fit_a to_o be_v offer_v or_o reasonable_o to_o be_v desire_v to_o which_o a_o sceptic_a may_v not_o make_v as_o just_a and_o plausible_a exception_n as_o he_o can_v to_o the_o stand_a proof_n of_o christianity_n for_o one_o single_a miracle_n do_v in_o his_o own_o presence_n will_v be_v nothing_o near_o so_o convince_a as_o the_o many_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v of_o some_o or_o other_o of_o which_o there_o be_v more_o than_o ten_o thousand_o witness_n and_o if_o he_o can_v suppose_v that_o so_o many_o be_v deceive_v in_o plain_a matter_n of_o sense_n he_o may_v much_o rather_o suppose_v that_o he_o a_o single_a man_n may_v be_v impose_v upon_o and_o a_o apparition_n of_o a_o decease_a friend_n will_v 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lead_v we_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o religion_n we_o be_v first_o breed_v in_o such_o proof_n as_o we_o always_o accept_v and_o allow_v of_o in_o other_o case_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n be_v proof_n strong_a enough_o and_o therefore_o much_o rather_o when_o we_o have_v as_o indeed_o we_o have_v a_o strong_a and_o more_o uncontrolled_a tradition_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel-history_n that_o of_o any_o history_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o we_o shall_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o ourselves_o if_o we_o do_v not_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v sufficient_a so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n consider_v the_o prejudices_fw-la both_o from_o education_n and_o interest_n which_o they_o lie_v under_o who_o live_v in_o those_o time_n when_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o reveal_v and_o preach_v even_o their_o own_o eyesight_n of_o some_o of_o those_o miracle_n that_o be_v then_o wrought_v to_o confirm_v it_o be_v not_o more_o persuasive_a than_o be_v that_o good_a assurance_n that_o 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