christ_n into_o heaven_n and_o how_o can_v any_o man_n reasonable_o imagine_v that_o it_o be_v natural_a and_o according_a to_o the_o regular_a course_n of_o second_o cause_n to_o see_v a_o man_n that_o have_v be_v crucify_v and_o lay_v in_o a_o sepulchre_n where_o a_o watch_n be_v appoint_v to_o guard_v he_o rise_v out_o of_o that_o sepulchre_n again_o appear_v alive_a to_o several_a man_n that_o touch_v and_o handle_v he_o and_o afterward_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n in_o their_o sight_n certain_o that_o very_a ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n can_v but_o convince_v the_o most_o suspicious_a and_o scrupulous_a person_n that_o it_o be_v a_o event_n pure_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a for_o otherwise_o our_o incredulous_a adversary_n may_v imagine_v since_o they_o be_v everlasting_o raise_v doubt_n that_o the_o body_n of_o jesus_n christ_n may_v have_v be_v take_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n before_o the_o breath_n be_v go_v out_o of_o it_o that_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n who_o be_v his_o disciple_n though_o he_o dare_v not_o own_v it_o public_o may_v have_v dress_v his_o body_n and_o recover_v he_o out_o of_o his_o swoon_n by_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o remedy_n he_o give_v he_o that_o he_o may_v have_v lay_v another_o counterfeit_a dead-body_n in_o his_o place_n and_o bury_v it_o and_o that_o afterward_o jes_n christ_n may_v have_v private_o show_v himself_o to_o his_o disciple_n not_o dare_v to_o appear_v in_o public_a for_o fear_v of_o fall_v a_o second_o time_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o suffer_v a_o true_a and_o real_a death_n instead_o of_o that_o imaginary_a one_o he_o have_v suffer_v before_o but_o this_o fiction_n be_v absurd_a and_o incredible_a and_o that_o for_o several_a reason_n first_o because_o the_o evangelist_n relate_v that_o christ_n have_v his_o side_n pierce_v with_o the_o lance_n of_o a_o soldier_n which_o thing_n alone_o be_v enough_o to_o give_v he_o his_o death_n second_o it_o be_v very_o improbable_a to_o think_v that_o the_o jewish_a sanhedrin_n who_o have_v condemn_v he_o to_o die_v nay_o who_o have_v take_v such_o care_n to_o set_v a_o watch_n over_o his_o sepulchre_n shall_v yet_o suffer_v his_o body_n to_o be_v take_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n before_o the_o breath_n be_v go_v out_o of_o it_o last_o because_o it_o can_v never_o be_v suppose_v that_o a_o man_n who_o hang_v several_a hour_n together_o on_o a_o cross_n shall_v yet_o escape_v death_n and_o show_v himself_o not_o long_o after_o safe_a and_o sound_a to_o his_o disciple_n but_o that_o which_o will_v immediate_o remove_v all_o these_o doubt_n be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n not_o only_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a but_o also_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o this_o be_v so_o sensible_a and_o evident_a a_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o they_o can_v never_o have_v be_v impose_v upon_o in_o that_o respect_n so_o that_o it_o may_v very_o well_o be_v affirm_v that_o the_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n chief_o depend_v upon_o that_o important_a inquiry_n whether_o the_o disciple_n design_v to_o impose_v upon_o we_o by_o relate_v to_o we_o a_o false_a event_n which_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v themselves_o now_o if_o we_o can_v clear_o prove_v the_o contrary_a we_o shall_v invincible_o demonstrate_v the_o certain_a truth_n of_o our_o faith_n let_v we_o therefore_o in_o order_n to_o it_o close_o stick_v to_o the_o examination_n of_o that_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o most_o essential_a and_o the_o most_o important_a that_o ever_o be_v and_o endeavour_v to_o discover_v whether_o it_o be_v possible_a we_o shall_v have_v be_v impose_v upon_o by_o those_o man_n which_o can_v not_o deceive_v themselves_o if_o we_o will_v suppose_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n deceive_v we_o in_o their_o relation_n of_o a_o fictitious_a event_n we_o must_v also_o necessary_o suppose_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o their_o illusion_n or_o imposture_n must_v be_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n 2._o that_o it_o must_v be_v of_o some_o use_n or_o other_o to_o they_o 3._o that_o it_o must_v be_v such_o as_o man_n and_o only_a man_n make_v use_v of_o now_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o their_o pretend_a illusion_n here_o in_o question_n can_v not_o have_v any_o of_o these_o three_o quality_n 1._o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v possible_a because_o it_o must_v have_v be_v agree_v upon_o by_o many_o person_n who_o all_o know_v the_o bare_a truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n itself_o 2._o it_o will_v have_v be_v of_o no_o use_n for_o what_o can_v those_o man_n propose_v to_o themselves_o in_o invent_v such_o a_o fiction_n 3._o it_o can_v not_o be_v such_o as_o man_n usual_o contrive_v because_o from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n till_o now_o we_o never_o hear_v of_o any_o man_n that_o invent_v lie_n on_o purpose_n to_o have_v the_o pleasure_n of_o be_v hang_v scourge_v burn_v or_o execute_v upon_o a_o scaffold_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o first_o i_o will_v grant_v you_o if_o you_o will_v that_o peter_n with_o some_o other_o disciple_n may_v have_v take_v away_o the_o body_n of_o jesus_n christ_n out_o of_o the_o sepulchre_n either_o by_o trick_v the_o watch_n or_o take_v the_o advantage_n of_o their_o sleep_n or_o last_o by_o bribe_v they_o with_o money_n i_o will_v grant_v you_o too_o if_o you_o will_v they_o may_v have_v easy_o persuade_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o disciple_n who_o be_v too_o credulous_a and_o too_o eager_a in_o swallow_v of_o novelty_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v appear_v to_o they_o indeed_o and_o that_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a i_o will_v grant_v you_o likewise_o that_o the_o other_o disciple_n may_v have_v imagine_v thereupon_o they_o have_v see_v some_o vision_n or_o think_v they_o have_v see_v he_o in_o several_a place_n and_o on_o several_a occasion_n but_o then_o i_o ask_v how_o they_o can_v have_v all_o agree_v together_o concern_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o ascension_n by_o what_o charm_n or_o cunning_n can_v peter_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n have_v make_v they_o see_v that_o which_o they_o never_o see_v or_o hear_v a_o man_n speak_v who_o they_o real_o never_o hear_v by_o what_o machine_n can_v they_o have_v cause_v the_o cloud_n to_o descend_v or_o by_o what_o sort_n of_o enchantment_n can_v they_o have_v produce_v two_o man_n in_o white_a raiment_n tell_v they_o you_o man_n of_o galilee_n why_o stand_v you_o gaze_v up_o into_o heaven_n this_o same_o jesus_n which_o be_v take_v up_o from_o you_o into_o heaven_n shall_v so_o come_v in_o like_a manner_n as_o you_o have_v see_v he_o go_v up_o into_o heaven_n act_v 1._o 11._o by_o what_o secret_a power_n can_v they_o have_v so_o deep_o imprint_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o disciple_n the_o word_n which_o jesus_n christ_n speak_v to_o they_o after_o his_o resurrection_n the_o reproach_n he_o make_v they_o of_o their_o infidelity_n his_o promise_n of_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o they_o his_o forbid_v they_o to_o depart_v from_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o command_v he_o give_v they_o to_o baptise_v all_o nation_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n i_o say_v how_o can_v they_o have_v do_v all_o this_o if_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v but_o the_o witty_a conceit_n of_o their_o imagination_n and_o fancy_n certain_o tho_o st._n peter_n or_o some_o other_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v have_v form_v to_o himself_o the_o design_n and_o plan_n of_o so_o signal_n a_o cheat_n and_o though_o he_o shall_v have_v set_v down_o in_o write_v all_o the_o article_n one_o by_o one_o which_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o make_v other_o man_n believe_v against_o the_o plain_a truth_n yet_o he_o can_v never_o have_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o propose_v any_o such_o thing_n to_o those_o man_n who_o be_v prepossess_v with_o the_o opinion_n that_o lie_v be_v a_o great_a sin_n but_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n on_o the_o contrary_a a_o great_a virtue_n nay_o it_o be_v even_o impossible_a it_o shall_v ever_o come_v into_o his_o head_n to_o frame_v so_o signal_n a_o imposture_n upon_o so_o sad_a and_o sorrowful_a a_o event_n as_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n neither_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o his_o mind_n or_o his_o thought_n be_v any_o way_n bend_v upon_o any_o such_o design_n and_o though_o he_o shall_v have_v be_v induce_v out_o of_o a_o spirit_n of_o revenge_n to_o invent_v such_o a_o lie_n to_o discredit_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v he_o shall_v have_v be_v so_o very_o silly_a as_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n will_v consent_v to_o that_o imposture_n or_o be_v willing_a to_o maintain_v it_o
the_o emperor_n that_o have_v strict_o inquire_v into_o the_o life_n of_o the_o christian_n he_o find_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o they_o assemble_v together_o in_o remote_a place_n early_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o there_o say_v their_o prayer_n to_o heaven_n and_o bind_v themselves_o under_o a_o solemn_a oath_n not_o to_o commit_v murder_n adultery_n injustice_n or_o any_o other_o crime_n they_o will_v also_o produce_v a_o answer_n from_o trajan_n to_o pliny_n wherein_o that_o emperor_n give_v positive_a order_n that_o for_o the_o future_a there_o shall_v be_v no_o particular_a inquiry_n make_v after_o the_o christian_n but_o those_o only_a shall_v be_v punish_v who_o shall_v discover_v themselves_o and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o think_v that_o these_o letter_n be_v forge_v we_o may_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v tertulian_n that_o mention_n they_o in_o his_o discourse_n to_o the_o senate_n and_o the_o roman_a emperor_n who_o he_o can_v not_o impose_v upon_o without_o endanger_v his_o own_o life_n and_o prejudice_v his_o religion_n chap._n ii_o wherein_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o martyrdom_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n but_o perhaps_o we_o may_v soon_o suspect_v the_o credulity_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n than_o their_o innocence_n we_o be_v sure_a their_o constancy_n proceed_v from_o their_o hope_n and_o their_o hope_n from_o their_o persuasion_n but_o who_o know_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o persuasion_n be_v there_o not_o mahumetan_n so_o strong_o persuade_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o alcoran_n as_o to_o die_v in_o defence_n of_o that_o error_n the_o multitude_n then_o of_o martyr_n show_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n to_o be_v strong_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o prove_v not_o that_o persuasion_n to_o be_v well_o ground_v we_o mâ—st_v therefore_o go_v a_o little_a further_o and_o here_o we_o may_v easy_o suppose_v without_o fear_n of_o be_v mistake_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v some_o sort_n of_o common_a sense_n those_o who_o make_v it_o their_o profession_n to_o ridicule_n the_o plurality_n of_o god_n and_o the_o many_o superstition_n of_o the_o heathen_n which_o be_v real_o contrary_a to_o reason_n those_o who_o put_v in_o practice_n such_o wise_a rule_n of_o morality_n who_o be_v so_o regular_a in_o their_o behaviour_n so_o averse_a to_o all_o the_o excess_n that_o disorder_n reason_n who_o form_v to_o themselves_o such_o rational_a idea_n of_o the_o deity_n in_o comparison_n to_o other_o those_o man_n i_o say_v can_v not_o be_v whole_o destitute_a of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n now_o suppose_v they_o to_o have_v but_o the_o least_o glimmer_a of_o that_o light_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o conceiuâ—_v that_o they_o shall_v whole_o renounce_v their_o estate_n and_o fortune_n and_o courageous_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o any_o cause_n whatsoever_o unless_o they_o have_v very_o powerful_a reason_n to_o believe_v it_o be_v good_a this_o consideration_n will_v be_v further_o strengthen_v by_o two_o very_a important_a reflection_n and_o first_o we_o speak_v not_o here_o of_o such_o only_a who_o be_v bear_v christian_n blind_o follow_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o birth_n and_o education_n but_o also_o of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o person_n who_o renounce_v paganism_n to_o embrace_v christianity_n and_o lay_v aside_o the_o favourable_a prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n and_o birth_n which_o in_o they_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v yet_o willing_a to_o die_v for_o it_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v know_v and_o embrace_v second_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v altogether_o found_v upon_o mattter_n of_o fact_n for_o if_o jesus_n christ_n wrought_v miracle_n and_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a than_o be_v the_o christian_a faith_n true_a but_o if_o jesus_n christ_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n nor_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a then_o be_v the_o christian_a faith_n false_a and_o sure_o it_o will_v have_v be_v folly_n or_o madness_n in_o those_o man_n to_o forsake_v so_o flourish_v a_o communion_n as_o paganism_n to_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n a_o name_n so_o vile_a and_o contemptible_a in_o those_o day_n to_o suffer_v voluntary_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o estate_n and_o undergo_v a_o most_o terrible_a death_n only_o to_o defend_v a_o religion_n ground_v upon_o such_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a those_o indeed_o that_o be_v bear_v and_o live_v peacable_o in_o a_o communion_n may_v blind_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o but_o he_o that_o be_v never_o so_o little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o constitution_n of_o man_n heart_n can_v scarce_o imagine_v man_n to_o be_v so_o senseless_a as_o to_o renounce_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o birth_n and_o education_n to_o offer_v violence_n to_o their_o dear_a and_o most_o tender_a inclination_n and_o embrace_v a_o faith_n pursue_v with_o fire_n and_o sword_n and_o persecute_v by_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n unless_o they_o have_v first_o due_o examine_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o know_v well_o upon_o what_o ground_n they_o thus_o embrace_v it_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o some_o of_o these_o man_n be_v of_o the_o mean_a sort_n of_o people_n who_o example_n can_v be_v allege_v as_o a_o precedent_n for_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n we_o will_v grant_v it_o but_o than_o it_o must_v also_o be_v confess_v that_o the_o vulgar_a usual_o embrace_v that_o religion_n which_o be_v attend_v with_o power_n and_o prosperity_n pomp_n and_o authority_n and_o hate_v even_o truth_n itself_o when_o once_o destitute_a of_o all_o these_o outward_a help_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a then_o that_o against_o all_o outward_a appearance_n they_o shall_v have_v act_v so_o contrary_o to_o themselves_o in_o this_o occasion_n but_o suppose_v the_o commmon_a sort_n of_o christian_n to_o have_v lose_v their_o reason_n can_v we_o say_v the_o same_o of_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o clement_n polycarp_n justin_n iraeneus_n &_o c_o it_o be_v certain_a on_o one_o hÄnd_n these_o man_n be_v man_n of_o very_a good_a sense_n as_o their_o write_n those_o monument_n they_o have_v leave_v we_o evident_o demonstrate_v and_o on_o the_o other_o it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v they_o live_v in_o a_o time_n so_o very_o near_o to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v be_v deceive_v in_o this_o respect_n for_o polycarp_n converse_v a_o long_a while_n with_o st._n john_n iraeneus_n see_v polycarp_n and_o justin_n be_v a_o more_o ancient_a father_n than_o iraeneus_n have_v those_o doctor_n only_o tell_v we_o that_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v several_a miracle_n we_o may_v perhaps_o have_v suspend_v our_o belief_n upon_o their_o bare_a word_n but_o since_o they_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o certain_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o must_v necessary_o have_v full_o be_v inform_v of_o since_o i_o see_v that_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n disciple_n and_o contemporary_n with_o the_o apostle_n cheerful_o come_v to_o the_o stake_n to_o maintain_v a_o religion_n essential_o found_v upon_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n such_o as_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o divers_a language_n confer_v upon_o the_o apostle_n the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n and_o impart_v those_o very_a gift_n themselves_o to_o other_o since_o i_o say_v these_o christian_a doctor_n suffer_v martyrdom_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v essential_o unite_v to_o i_o confess_v i_o begin_v to_o be_v convince_v nevertheless_o let_v we_o search_v more_o narrow_o into_o this_o matter_n and_o see_v whether_o we_o shall_v yet_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o entertain_v any_o further_a scruple_n chap._n iii_o in_o which_o we_o further_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n by_o several_a undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n who_o tell_v we_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n suffer_v martyrdom_n and_o suppose_v they_o do_v who_o will_v assure_v we_o they_o be_v not_o delude_v by_o the_o apostle_n nay_o who_o can_v tell_v whether_o there_o ever_o be_v any_o such_o man_n i_o suppose_v i_o shall_v not_o be_v oblige_v to_o prove_v with_o a_o great_a many_o argument_n there_o be_v such_o man_n as_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n who_o suffer_v martyrdom_n eusebius_n who_o write_v their_o history_n can_v not_o whole_o have_v invent_v it_o unless_o he_o have_v corrupt_v all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n that_o live_v before_o he_o for_o they_o all_o speak_v of_o it_o iraeneus_n justin_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n etc._n etc._n mention_v it_o as_o a_o know_a matter_n of_o fact_n the_o first_o of_o they_o glory_n in_o several_a place_n of_o his_o work_n that_o he_o have_v see_v polycarp_n in_o his_o youth_n and_o it_o appear_v they_o all_o suffer_v martyrdom_n
another_o of_o a_o dropsy_n a_o three_o disease_v with_o a_o issue_n of_o blood_n that_o he_o cast_v out_o many_o devil_n raise_v the_o dead_a to_o life_n appease_v the_o stormy_a wind_n and_o tempest_n and_o at_o several_a time_n wonderful_o feed_v many_o thousand_o in_o the_o wilderness_n these_o miracle_n be_v very_o numerous_a indeed_o seem_v very_o much_o different_a from_o one_o another_o and_o can_v proceed_v but_o from_o a_o divine_a power_n to_o this_o we_o must_v further_o add_v that_o they_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o can_v not_o be_v conceal_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o man_n that_o they_o must_v necessary_o have_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o witness_n so_o that_o have_v the_o apostle_n pure_o invent_v they_o they_o may_v soon_o have_v be_v contradict_v by_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o people_n and_o yet_o it_o seem_v the_o most_o inveterate_a enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n dare_v not_o altogether_o deny_v the_o evidence_n of_o they_o because_o they_o accuse_v he_o of_o heal_v the_o sick_a on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n and_o pretend_v he_o cast_v out_o devil_n by_o belzeebub_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o devil_n this_o sort_n of_o calumny_n be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o extort_a confession_n of_o his_o infinite_a power_n and_o a_o testimony_n which_o they_o bear_v in_o spite_n of_o themselves_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o mission_n beside_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o evangelist_n do_v not_o invent_v of_o themselves_o what_o they_o make_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n utter_v on_o this_o account_n because_o they_o unanimous_o agree_v in_o the_o relation_n they_o give_v we_o of_o it_o they_o represent_v jesus_n christ_n refute_v this_o calumny_n and_o assure_v we_o in_o this_o occasion_n that_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v never_o be_v forgive_v a_o thing_n which_o can_v not_o easy_o enter_v into_o any_o man_n mind_n in_o a_o word_n the_o jew_n that_o come_v after_o be_v compel_v to_o own_o that_o jesus_n 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disciple_n who_o follow_v he_o know_v for_o certain_a whether_o he_o wrought_v any_o miracle_n or_o not_o for_o since_o we_o have_v here_o to_o do_v with_o evident_a and_o singular_a miracle_n above_o the_o reach_n of_o human_a power_n they_o can_v not_o but_o certain_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o thing_n be_v thus_o suppose_v i_o further_o consider_v that_o of_o the_o many_o disciple_n jesus_n christ_n have_v there_o be_v but_o two_o that_o prove_v unfaithful_a to_o he_o but_o it_o be_v not_o long_o before_o they_o do_v right_o to_o the_o truth_n though_o each_o of_o they_o in_o a_o very_a different_a manner_n the_o one_o be_v move_v with_o a_o sensible_a regret_n and_o weep_v bitter_o the_o other_o be_v so_o torment_v with_o the_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n that_o he_o be_v force_v to_o make_v himself_o away_o have_v jesus_n be_v a_o impostor_n how_o come_v peter_n to_o repent_v and_o judas_n to_o despair_v if_o he_o false_o boast_v of_o many_o miracle_n those_o two_o man_n those_o two_o constant_a and_o perpetual_a witness_n of_o his_o action_n must_v needs_o have_v know_v it_o and_o and_o if_o they_o do_v certain_o know_v it_o whence_o can_v then_o proceed_v the_o repentance_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o despair_n of_o the_o other_o it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o use_v any_o evasion_n in_o the_o history_n of_o judas_n which_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v represent_v to_o we_o as_o a_o thing_n public_o know_v to_o the_o world_n this_o man_n say_v st._n peter_n in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o the_o book_n of_o act_n verse_n 18_o purchase_v a_o field_n with_o the_o reward_n of_o iniquity_n and_o fall_v headlong_o burst_v asunder_o in_o the_o midst_n and_o all_o his_o bowel_n gush_v out_o and_o it_o be_v know_v unto_o all_o the_o dweller_n at_o jerusalem_n insomuch_o as_o that_o field_n be_v call_v in_o their_o proper_a tongue_n aceldama_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o field_n of_o blood_n be_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v more_o particular_a in_o any_o thing_n and_o can_v the_o author_n of_o the_o act_n be_v so_o foolish_a to_o imagine_v he_o can_v invent_v all_o these_o circumstance_n and_o make_v st._n peter_n utter_v they_o without_o make_v he_o ridiculous_a and_o himself_o liable_a to_o be_v contradict_v in_o like_a manner_n the_o evangelist_n tell_v we_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o say_v that_o at_o his_o death_n there_o be_v a_o great_a darkness_n and_o a_o dreadful_a earthquake_n that_o the_o rock_n burst_v and_o the_o vail_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v rend_v in_o twain_o from_o the_o top_n to_o the_o bottom_n if_o all_o this_o be_v mere_a invention_n those_o writer_n show_v but_o little_a reason_n in_o choose_v such_o strange_a circumstance_n to_o impose_v upon_o man_n belief_n be_v it_o such_o a_o easy_a matter_n to_o persuade_v all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o on_o the_o day_n jesus_n christ_n be_v crucify_v the_o vail_n of_o the_o temple_n rend_v in_o twain_o and_o several_a other_o notable_a prodigy_n be_v see_v be_v it_o not_o a_o pretty_a way_n of_o get_v credit_n among_o man_n and_o those_o man_n too_o who_o relate_v such_o strange_a thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o every_o one_o and_o so_o soon_o after_o they_o must_v have_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v can_v they_o gain_v over_o to_o their_o side_n so_o many_o thousand_o people_n as_o to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o evangelist_n relate_v that_o the_o stone_n of_o his_o sepulchre_n be_v seal_v and_o a_o watch_n set_v over_o it_o that_o the_o soldier_n say_v the_o next_o day_n that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n come_v by_o night_n and_o steal_v away_o his_o body_n whilst_o they_o sleep_v etc._n etc._n if_o you_o doubt_v whether_o the_o soldier_n be_v suborn_v by_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o give_v out_o that_o the_o body_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v be_v steal_v away_o by_o his_o disciple_n st._n matthew_n will_v inform_v you_o of_o it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o will_v infallible_o clear_v all_o your_o doubt_n now_o say_v he_o some_o of_o the_o watch_n come_v into_o the_o city_n and_o show_v unto_o the_o chief_a priest_n all_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v and_o when_o they_o be_v assemble_v with_o the_o elder_n and_o have_v take_v council_n they_o give_v large_a money_n unto_o the_o soldier_n say_v say_v you_o his_o disciple_n come_v by_o night_n and_o steal_v he_o away_o while_o we_o sleep_v and_o if_o this_o come_v to_o the_o governors_n ear_n we_o will_v persuade_v he_o and_o secure_v you_o so_o they_o take_v the_o money_n and_o do_v as_o they_o be_v teach_v and_o this_o say_n be_v common_o report_v among_o the_o jew_n unto_o this_o day_n chap._n 28._o v._n 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o here_o the_o evangelist_n be_v far_o from_o design_v to_o deceive_v the_o public_a in_o those_o thing_n he_o pretend_v be_v public_o know_v it_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v confess_v that_o a_o watch_n be_v set_v over_o the_o sepulchre_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o some_o of_o the_o watch_n report_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v mention_v by_o the_o evangelist_n or_o at_o least_o that_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o that_o same_o be_v their_o report_n the_o question_n therefore_o be_v whether_o the_o disciple_n do_v real_o steal_v away_o the_o body_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o company_n of_o soldier_n that_o be_v appoint_v to_o guard_v it_o but_o do_v but_o only_o reflect_v a_o little_a on_o the_o person_n of_o the_o disciple_n who_o be_v no_o better_o than_o poor_a and_o fearful_a fisherman_n on_o their_o dispersion_n their_o trouble_n and_o heaviness_n the_o triple_a denial_n of_o the_o stout_a of_o they_o all_o together_o with_o all_o other_o
necessity_n in_o persecution_n in_o distress_n for_o christ_n sake_n for_o when_o i_o be_o weak_a then_o be_o i_o strong_a nay_o he_o pretend_v that_o all_o those_o who_o be_v animate_v with_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o he_o be_v can_v forbear_v pious_o rejoice_v in_o their_o suffering_n but_o the_o fruit_n say_v he_o of_o the_o spirit_n be_v loâ—â—_n joy_n peace_n long_o suffer_v gentleness_n goodness_n faitâ—_n meekness_n temperance_n gal._n 5._o 22._o that_o be_v the_o trâ—â—_n character_n of_o a_o christian_n and_o the_o apostle_n desigâ—_n in_o preach_v be_v to_o plant_v these_o virtue_n in_o the_o mindâ—_n of_o man_n but_o let_v we_o see_v further_o some_o other_o mark_n of_o the_o joyfulness_n and_o confidence_n of_o st._n paul_n he_o express_v himself_o after_o this_o manner_n in_o some_o of_o his_o epistle_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 8_o 9_o 10._o we_o be_v trouble_v on_o every_o side_n yet_o not_o distress_v we_o be_v perplex_v but_o not_o in_o despair_n persecute_v but_o not_o forsake_v cast_v down_o but_o not_o destroy_v always_o bear_v about_o in_o the_o body_n the_o die_a of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o the_o life_n also_o of_o jesus_n may_v be_v mde_v manifest_a in_o our_o body_n and_o in_o another_o place_n yea_o and_o if_o i_o be_v offer_v upon_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o your_o faith_n i_o rejoice_v with_o you_o â—ll_v for_o the_o same_o cause_n also_o do_v you_o rejoice_v with_o i_o phil._n 2._o â—7_n from_o whence_o can_v proceed_v those_o motion_n of_o joy_n which_o st._n paul_n so_o natural_o express_v which_o no_o art_n can_v imitate_v which_o run_v through_o all_o his_o epistle_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n and_o which_o seem_v to_o spring_v from_o a_o heart_n which_o not_o be_v able_a to_o contain_v its_o inward_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n open_v and_o â—nlarges_v itself_o and_o break_v forth_o into_o these_o lively_a â—xpressions_n of_o joy_n certain_o such_o sentiment_n as_o these_o can_v never_o spring_v from_o nature_n for_o nature_n send_v forth_o sigh_n â—nd_v groan_n under_o her_o suffering_n the_o stoic_n who_o â—ndeavoured_v to_o stifle_v her_o innocent_a complaint_n preâ—ended_v that_o a_o man_n may_v overcome_v himself_o to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o preserve_v his_o mind_n serene_a and_o calm_a in_o â—he_n midst_n of_o torment_n but_o the_o stoic_n never_o go_v â—o_o far_o as_o to_o believe_v that_o joy_n can_v spring_v out_o of_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o bitterness_n of_o affliction_n none_o but_o the_o christian_n can_v ever_o find_v unspeakable_a joy_n and_o comâ—ort_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o sorrow_n who_o be_v that_o â—aul_n then_o that_o have_v thought_n so_o elevate_v only_o a_o impostor_n if_o we_o will_v believe_v the_o incredulous_a by_o â—hat_n strength_n or_o power_n do_v he_o so_o much_o surpass_v the_o virtue_n of_o the_o stoic_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o great_a imposture_n that_o ever_o be_v and_o can_v any_o one_o real_o be_v persuade_v of_o such_o a_o thing_n for_o my_o part_n the_o only_a difficulty_n i_o find_v in_o all_o this_o be_v to_o imagine_v that_o the_o proud_a pretended_a patron_n of_o humane_a reason_n shall_v be_v so_o â—nreasonable_a and_o extravagant_a chap._n xii_o wherein_o we_o further_o examine_v the_o epistle_n of_o st_n paul_n the_o three_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v that_o they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o continual_a repetition_n of_o the_o death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n or_o at_o least_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o essential_o belong_v to_o they_o so_o that_o although_o the_o four_o gospel_n shall_v be_v lose_v still_o the_o substance_n and_o essential_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o write_n of_o st._n paul_n now_o this_o appear_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o almost_o every_o one_o of_o his_o epistle_n concern_v his_o son_n say_v he_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n chap._n 1._o v._n 4._o which_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n by_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o this_o appear_v yet_o more_o express_o in_o several_a other_o place_n as_o in_o the_o 15._o chap._n of_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n v_o 3_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o for_o i_o deliver_v unto_o you_o first_o of_o all_o that_o which_o i_o also_o receive_v how_o that_o christ_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o he_o be_v bury_v and_o that_o he_o rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o thâ—â—_n he_o be_v see_v of_o cephas_n then_o of_o the_o twelve_o after_o thâ—â—_n he_o be_v see_v of_o above_o five_o hundred_o brethren_n at_o once_o of_o who_o the_o great_a part_n remain_v unto_o this_o present_a but_o soâ—â—_n be_v fall_v a_o sleep_n after_o that_o he_o be_v see_v of_o james_n thâ—â—_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o last_o of_o all_o he_o be_v see_v of_o 〈◊〉_d also_o as_o of_o one_o bear_v out_o of_o due_a time_n so_o bold_o do_v this_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ._n he_o do_v not_o only_o say_v in_o general_a term_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v see_v after_o his_o resurrection_n but_o in_o particular_a that_o he_o be_v see_v of_o cephas_n of_o james_n of_o the_o other_o apostle_n and_o of_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v see_v by_o five_o hundred_o brethren_n at_o once_o of_o who_o the_o great_a part_n be_v then_o live_v who_o he_o appeal_v to_o as_o witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v and_o who_o may_v easy_o have_v contradict_v he_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a but_o if_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o people_n real_o see_v jesus_n christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n that_o matter_n of_o fact_n can_v never_o be_v false_a for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o five_o hundred_o three_o hundred_o nay_o fifty_o person_n shall_v maugre_o all_o punishment_n 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the_o more_o art_n and_o insinuation_n the_o more_o incredible_a the_o thing_n be_v they_o will_v induce_v man_n to_o believe_v but_o why_o shall_v not_o he_o bold_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n since_o as_o he_o pretend_v the_o holy_a ghost_n evident_o bare_a record_n of_o it_o in_o a_o word_n st._n paul_n speak_v in_o his_o epistle_n of_o miraculous_a gift_n as_o of_o a_o thing_n universal_o know_v he_o call_v they_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o sometime_o only_a the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o that_o shall_v attempt_v to_o cut_v off_o from_o his_o epistle_n every_o place_n wherein_o he_o menâ—ions_v they_o will_v certain_o take_v away_o the_o most_o considerable_a part_n of_o they_o to_o one_o say_v he_o be_v give_v â—he_n spirit_n the_o gift_n of_o wisdom_n to_o another_o the_o gift_n of_o knowledge_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n to_o another_o faith_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n to_o another_o the_o gift_n of_o heal_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n to_o another_o the_o work_n of_o miracle_n to_o another_o prophecy_n to_o another_o discern_v of_o spirit_n to_o another_o divers_a kind_n of_o tongue_n but_o all_o these_o work_v that_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o spirit_n divide_v to_o every_o man_n several_o as_o he_o will_v 1_o cor._n 12._o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o you_o see_v how_o st._n paul_n cursory_o mention_n this_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o uncontested_a experience_n mean_a while_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o we_o have_v not_o to_o do_v with_o one_o single_a gift_n but_o several_a miraculous_a gift_n in_o which_o there_o be_v no_o artifice_n or_o illusion_n for_o though_o it_o may_v be_v pretend_v that_o some_o certain_a people_n have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o although_o those_o very_a people_n shall_v
be_v clear_o explain_v by_o their_o event_n neither_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n bear_v the_o least_o record_n of_o mahomet_n whereas_o the_o prophet_n have_v foretell_v the_o come_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o of_o a_o messiah_n that_o be_v to_o unite_v the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o to_o carry_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n mahomet_n establish_v himself_o in_o the_o world_n by_o force_n and_o violence_n but_o jesus_n christ_n only_o by_o patience_n and_o suffering_n the_o former_a be_v environ_v with_o soldier_n the_o latter_a be_v attend_v with_o martyr_n the_o one_o put_v man_n to_o death_n but_o the_o other_o receive_v death_n for_o our_o sake_n mahomet_n ambition_n who_o establish_v such_o a_o flourish_a empire_n be_v present_o see_v in_o the_o success_n he_o have_v in_o his_o undertake_n but_o jesus_n christ_n be_v far_o from_o self_n interest_n or_o ambition_n since_o he_o withdraw_v himself_o when_o they_o will_v have_v make_v he_o king_n and_o declare_v his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n instead_o of_o encourage_v the_o carnal_a prejudices_fw-la of_o his_o disciple_n he_o take_v care_n to_o undeceive_v they_o and_o to_o foretell_v all_o the_o evil_n they_o be_v to_o expect_v and_o though_o any_o shall_v presume_v open_o to_o dispute_v all_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n still_o they_o appear_v by_o the_o end_n and_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o design_n of_o which_o be_v to_o sanctify_v the_o heart_n and_o calm_v the_o disorderly_a passion_n of_o the_o soul_n mahomet_n invent_v such_o a_o religion_n which_o agree_v only_o with_o corrupt_a reason_n and_o the_o loose_a inordinate_a desire_n of_o the_o heart_n he_o make_v the_o scandal_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o give_v place_n to_o the_o magnificence_n and_o grandeur_n of_o the_o world_n he_o take_v away_o the_o most_o spiritual_a and_o difficult_a matter_n of_o morality_n to_o fill_v the_o mind_n of_o his_o disciple_n with_o carnal_a and_o sensual_a idea_n but_o not_o so_o do_v our_o saviour_n act_n who_o propose_v his_o cross_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o a_o astonish_a paradox_n and_o a_o continual_a cause_n of_o mortification_n and_o repentance_n mahomet_n establish_v his_o religion_n by_o the_o help_n of_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n by_o suppress_v such_o book_n as_o may_v have_v enlighten_v man_n understanding_n and_o by_o require_v a_o blind_a submission_n from_o they_o jesus_n christ_n on_o the_o contrary_n will_v not_o have_v they_o believe_v his_o doctrine_n but_o as_o they_o find_v it_o conformable_a to_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n search_v the_o scripture_n say_v he_o for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 5._o 39_o mahomet_n establish_v himself_o in_o the_o world_n by_o dissemble_v and_o disguise_v his_o thought_n he_o promise_v in_o the_o begin_n a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n carry_v it_o fair_a to_o the_o christian_n but_o afterwasd_n do_v his_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o extirpate_v they_o utter_o but_o jesus_n christ_n declare_v at_o first_o his_o intention_n and_o design_n which_o be_v to_o save_v mankind_n and_o overthrow_v superstition_n itself_o nor_o he_o nor_o his_o disciple_n use_v any_o policy_n or_o circumvention_n in_o this_o respect_n mahomet_n die_v but_o never_o rise_v nor_o pretend_v to_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a thereby_o to_o show_v he_o be_v approve_v of_o god_n jesus_n christ_n die_v but_o it_o be_v believe_v he_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o have_v see_v he_o after_o his_o resurrection_n and_o testify_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o all_o the_o world_n at_o the_o expense_n of_o their_o life_n and_o effusion_n of_o their_o blood_n mahomet_n religion_n be_v invent_v maintain_v and_o support_v by_o policy_n but_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v at_o first_o offensive_a to_o all_o the_o prince_n upon_o earth_n and_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o endeavour_n to_o the_o contrary_n mahomets_n religion_n appear_v at_o first_o view_n to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o triumph_n of_o humane_a industry_n and_o covetousness_n but_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n show_v that_o of_o integrity_n and_o justice_n in_o their_o full_a perfection_n and_o natural_a religion_n in_o that_o proper_a purity_n and_o simplicity_n that_o be_v restore_v to_o it_o by_o charity_n mahomet_n lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o particular_a monarchy_n and_o establish_v such_o law_n as_o human_o speak_v be_v serviceable_a only_o in_o those_o place_n wherein_o he_o have_v settle_v his_o dominion_n but_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v we_o new_a principle_n of_o union_n and_o intelligence_n very_o useful_a to_o the_o good_a of_o public_a society_n in_o general_n and_o very_o fit_a to_o cement_v the_o union_n of_o all_o man_n together_o by_o make_v the_o spirit_n of_o charity_n reign_v in_o the_o world_n the_o come_n of_o mahomet_n do_v not_o sanctify_v mankind_n but_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v attend_v with_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o person_n who_o all_o renounce_v the_o world_n mere_o by_o the_o faith_n they_o have_v in_o he_o it_o be_v not_o mahomet_n but_o jesus_n christ_n who_o exact_o fulfil_v the_o oracle_n concern_v the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n because_o mahomet_n derive_v all_o his_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n from_o jesus_n christ_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v last_o temporal_a prosperity_n be_v the_o true_a character_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o mahomet_n and_o it_o may_v be_v very_o well_o affirm_v that_o mahomet_n be_v a_o man_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o all_o those_o who_o enjoy_v the_o great_a prosperity_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v all_o tyrant_n wicked_a and_o unjust_a man_n be_v the_o favourite_n of_o god_n but_o the_o character_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v patience_n self-denial_n innocence_n and_o a_o simplicity_n of_o manner_n and_o certain_o he_o be_v approve_v of_o god_n if_o god_n approve_v of_o virtuous_a patient_a humble_a and_o charitable_a man_n it_o concern_v now_o the_o incredulous_a to_o answer_v all_o these_o difference_n if_o they_o will_v have_v we_o allow_v of_o this_o comparison_n for_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v ever_o reject_v it_o as_o be_v very_o ridiculous_a and_o extravagant_a chap._n xv._n where_o we_o further_o examine_v the_o objection_n of_o the_o incredulous_a the_o incredulous_a be_v apt_a to_o raise_v as_o many_o suspicion_n against_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o against_o his_o person_n because_o of_o all_o those_o proof_n which_o establish_v his_o religion_n there_o be_v none_o that_o can_v move_v the_o sense_n so_o much_o as_o that_o take_v from_o true_a miracle_n i._o then_o they_o object_n that_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n may_v have_v heal_v two_o or_o three_o people_n either_o by_o chance_n or_o by_o virtue_n of_o second_o cause_n and_o that_o that_o good_a success_n may_v have_v get_v he_o afterward_o the_o name_n of_o a_o prophet_n through_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v wont_a to_o ascribe_v to_o supernatural_a cause_n every_o thing_n that_o be_v unknown_a to_o they_o we_o answer_v that_o we_o have_v here_o a_o very_a great_a number_n of_o miracle_n all_o of_o different_a kind_n evident_a and_o sensible_a miracle_n in_o their_o nature_n unimitable_a and_o above_o all_o imposture_n such_o be_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a heal_v the_o blind_a the_o lame_a and_o the_o sick_a of_o the_o palsy_n etc._n etc._n ii_o they_o pretend_v that_o he_o may_v perhaps_o have_v suborn_v witness_n to_o testify_v some_o fabulous_a miracle_n but_o how_o can_v this_o be_v since_o jesus_n christ_n have_v neither_o money_n to_o give_v nor_o dignity_n to_o promise_v and_o as_o for_o cunning_a politic_a nicety_n riches_n and_o credit_n they_o be_v only_o among_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o doctor_n of_o the_o law_n his_o implacable_a enemy_n who_o take_v all_o opportunity_n to_o prejudice_v he_o because_o he_o public_o censure_v their_o hypocrisy_n upon_o all_o occasion_n iii_o they_o object_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v so_o prudent_a as_o to_o work_v his_o miracle_n only_o before_o three_o of_o his_o choose_a disciple_n viz._n peter_n james_n and_o john_n now_o say_v they_o who_o know_v but_o that_o those_o three_o disciple_n to_o flatter_v the_o ambition_n of_o their_o master_n may_v have_v attest_v certain_a miracle_n as_o true_a which_o be_v not_o real_o so_o to_o remove_v this_o suspicion_n we_o need_v only_o reflect_v upon_o the_o many_o miracle_n jesus_n christ_n wrought_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o other_o disciple_n he_o raise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o son_n of_o the_o widow_n of_o naim_n as_o he_o be_v a_o carry_v to_o be_v inter_v he_o raise_v lazarus_n from_o the_o grave_n in_o
he_o when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o so_o well_o have_v prepare_v himself_o for_o death_n as_o to_o have_v institute_v a_o sacrament_n for_o a_o commemoration_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n his_o complain_n that_o his_o heavenly_a father_n have_v forsake_v he_o whilst_o he_o promise_v heaven_n to_o a_o thief_n that_o glorify_v he_o upon_o the_o cross_n a_o hundred_o other_o mysterious_a contrariety_n there_o be_v which_o divine_a providence_n inspire_v the_o evangelist_n to_o write_v against_o their_o profess_a opinion_n against_o the_o bias_n of_o their_o passion_n and_o their_o natural_a idea_n that_o their_o gospel_n may_v have_v a_o more_o extraordinary_a and_o more_o divine_a character_n but_o these_o be_v not_o the_o circumstance_n i_o mean_v when_o i_o speak_v of_o such_o extraordinary_a one_o in_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o disciple_n will_v not_o have_v forge_v if_o they_o can_v by_o they_o i_o mean_v all_o the_o sensible_a and_o extraordinary_a miracle_n which_o christ_n himself_o wrought_v and_o his_o disciple_n have_v relate_v to_o we_o and_o these_o i_o say_v the_o disciple_n will_v not_o invent_v have_v they_o be_v false_a which_o i_o prove_v by_o these_o two_o invincible_a argument_n first_o that_o by_o their_o relate_v they_o and_o above_o all_o their_o mention_v both_o place_n and_o person_n as_o it_o appear_v they_o have_v do_v they_o manifest_o engage_v themselves_o both_o to_o maintain_v and_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o certain_o they_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o they_o they_o who_o so_o very_o well_o knâ—w_v how_o difficult_a it_o have_v be_v for_o they_o to_o escape_v free_a when_o their_o master_n himself_o be_v put_v to_o death_n they_o know_v they_o shall_v be_v compel_v to_o maintain_v what_o they_o have_v thus_o affirm_v and_o they_o know_v also_o they_o can_v never_o be_v able_a to_o defend_v their_o imposture_n if_o they_o shall_v by_o chance_n be_v confront_v with_o the_o witness_n they_o mention_v and_o all_o this_o be_v no_o very_o hard_a thing_n for_o any_o one_o to_o foresee_v a_o man_n though_o not_o over-wise_a may_v easy_o presage_v these_o thing_n and_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o he_o be_v in_o his_o sense_n to_o make_v he_o cautious_a of_o advance_v such_o matter_n as_o he_o think_v himself_o incapable_a to_o maintain_v the_o falsehood_n of_o which_o will_v be_v present_o discover_v by_o the_o very_a witness_n he_o mention_n by_o the_o place_n he_o set_v down_o and_o the_o other_o circumstance_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n he_o thus_o expose_v to_o public_a view_n 2._o the_o second_o argument_n which_o prove_v that_o the_o evangelist_n will_v never_o have_v forge_v the_o like_a matter_n of_o fact_n suppose_v they_o have_v be_v altogether_o false_a be_v that_o by_o counterfeit_v they_o they_o necessary_o render_v themselves_o liable_a to_o be_v put_v to_o a_o great_a confusion_n when_o they_o shall_v find_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o perform_v the_o very_a same_o miracle_n for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v very_o natural_a for_o any_o one_o to_o say_v to_o they_o thus_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o your_o master_n have_v wrought_v so_o many_o strange_a miracle_n sure_o he_o have_v also_o give_v you_o power_n to_o do_v the_o like_v yourselves_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o first_o thing_n they_o teach_v be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v send_v they_o abroad_o with_o power_n to_o perform_v the_o very_a same_o work_v he_o have_v do_v it_o be_v no_o time_n therefore_o to_o use_v shift_n or_o stand_v doubt_v and_o shuffle_n they_o be_v oblige_v either_o to_o suppress_v what_o they_o know_v concern_v the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n or_o to_o perform_v the_o same_o themselves_o christ_n himself_o when_o he_o send_v they_o to_o preach_v in_o the_o different_a part_n of_o judea_n command_v they_o say_v heal_n the_o sick_a cleanse_v the_o leper_n raise_v the_o dead_a cast_v out_o devil_n free_o you_o have_v receive_v free_o give_v matth._n 10._o 8._o and_o these_o be_v the_o character_n he_o give_v of_o the_o call_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o these_o sign_n shall_v follow_v they_o that_o believe_v in_o my_o name_n shall_v they_o cast_v out_o devil_n they_o shall_v speak_v with_o new_a tongue_n they_o shall_v take_v up_o serpent_n and_o if_o they_o drink_v any_o deadly_a thing_n it_o shall_v not_o hurt_v they_o they_o shall_v lay_v hand_n on_o the_o sick_a and_o they_o shall_v recover_v etc._n etc._n and_o they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_o the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o and_o comfirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n etc._n etc._n mark_v 16._o 17_o 18_o 20._o thus_o it_o appear_v they_o can_v not_o well_o relate_v what_o jesus_n christ_n have_v do_v without_o at_o the_o same_o time_n publish_v what_o they_o themselves_o be_v oblige_v to_o perform_v for_o the_o further_a confirmation_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o they_o do_v not_o relate_v the_o least_o miracle_n without_o at_o the_o same_o time_n affirm_v they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v the_o like_a it_o must_v therefore_o certain_o be_v one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n either_o that_o those_o man_n have_v utter_o lose_v their_o reason_n or_o that_o they_o sincere_o believe_v the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v they_o think_v they_o to_o be_v false_a they_o will_v neither_o have_v engage_v themselves_o to_o maintain_v a_o unwarrantable_a fiction_n by_o set_v down_o so_o many_o circumstance_n more_o than_o sufficient_a to_o discover_v the_o real_a truth_n of_o it_o nor_o have_v render_v themselves_o liable_a to_o shame_n and_o confusion_n by_o relate_v such_o miracle_n they_o be_v not_o able_a so_o much_o as_o to_o imitate_v at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o they_o profess_v themselves_o absolute_o capable_a of_o do_v every_o thing_n their_o master_n himself_o have_v do_v thus_o it_o appear_v to_o we_o that_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v such_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o the_o disciple_n have_v neither_o the_o boldness_n the_o power_n nor_o the_o will_n to_o counterfeit_v suppose_v they_o never_o have_v be_v do_v and_o i_o think_v this_o enough_o to_o convince_v we_o in_o this_o respect_n and_o to_o make_v we_o look_v upon_o those_o miracle_n which_o have_v illustrate_v the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o a_o centre_n of_o truth_n that_o will_v infallible_o persuade_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christanity_n we_o profess_v chap._n iii_o the_o second_o centre_n of_o truth_n a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v speak_v of_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n we_o come_v now_o to_o his_o resurrection_n a_o event_n which_o ought_v chief_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o connexion_n it_o have_v with_o those_o miracle_n for_o if_o this_o resurrection_n be_v true_a without_o dispute_v those_o miracle_n be_v so_o too_o and_o if_o those_o miracle_n be_v true_a one_o can_v easy_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n now_o to_o take_v away_o all_o scruple_n that_o may_v arise_v in_o our_o mind_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v but_o reflect_v a_o while_n upon_o christ_n himself_o upon_o the_o jewish_a doctor_n who_o use_v all_o possible_a care_n and_o precaution_n to_o prevent_v so_o much_o as_o a_o report_n after_o his_o death_n that_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o watch_n appoint_v to_o guard_v his_o sepulchre_n upon_o the_o procedure_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o discourse_n of_o all_o the_o disciple_n in_o general_a and_o last_o upon_o that_o ready_a disposition_n of_o mind_n find_v in_o a_o great_a number_n of_o jew_n to_o embrace_v christianity_n aâ—_n jerusalem_n a_o few_o week_n after_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o at_o a_o time_n when_o nothing_o can_v be_v easy_a than_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n as_o for_o jesus_n christ_n the_o evangelist_n unanimous_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o have_v several_a time_n foretell_v his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n to_o his_o disciple_n nay_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o those_o very_a prediction_n be_v oftentimes_o intermix_v either_o with_o such_o circumstance_n as_o do_v not_o easy_o of_o themselves_o enter_v into_o any_o man_n mind_n or_o with_o those_o which_o seem_v to_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o relation_n one_o with_o another_o which_o prove_v that_o they_o can_v be_v the_o imaginary_a conceit_n of_o a_o pleasant_a fancy_n that_o delight_n in_o the_o invention_n of_o fable_n it_o be_v very_o improbable_a that_o the_o evangelist_n shall_v have_v invent_v the_o discourse_n of_o jesus_n christ_n with_o st._n peter_n concern_v the_o suffering_n that_o shall_v certain_o besall_n he_o at_o his_o go_v
the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n justify_v the_o wonderful_a passage_n of_o his_o death_n so_o likewise_o do_v his_o ascension_n justify_v those_o of_o his_o resurrection_n for_o though_o one_o shall_v suspect_v that_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o disciple_n may_v by_o chance_n have_v be_v sudden_o dazzle_v and_o so_o they_o think_v they_o have_v see_v what_o they_o in_o reality_n never_o see_v yet_o they_o have_v time_n enough_o to_o recover_v themselves_o out_o of_o this_o dazzle_a amazement_n for_o it_o be_v forty_o day_n after_o jesus_n christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a before_o his_o ascension_n have_v it_o be_v a_o spirit_n that_o appear_v to_o they_o and_o frighten_v they_o yet_o have_v they_o time_n enough_o to_o come_v to_o themselves_o again_o and_o know_v certain_o that_o the_o spirit_n they_o see_v be_v not_o real_o their_o master_n for_o they_o see_v he_o and_o hear_v he_o they_o handle_v he_o they_o eat_v and_o drink_v with_o he_o have_v it_o be_v through_o the_o obscurity_n of_o a_o darksome_a night_n that_o they_o have_v imagine_v they_o have_v see_v some_o representation_n of_o their_o master_n instead_o of_o a_o true_a and_o full_a sight_n of_o he_o they_o can_v not_o long_o continue_v in_o their_o error_n but_o it_o be_v in_o full_a day_n that_o they_o see_v the_o stone_n roll_v away_o from_o the_o sepulchre_n it_o be_v in_o full_a bright_a day_n that_o christ_n so_o often_o manifest_v himself_o to_o they_o and_o discourse_v with_o they_o and_o afterward_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n before_o their_o eye_n have_v the_o force_n of_o their_o desire_n their_o fear_n or_o affection_n disturb_v their_o sense_n we_o shall_v have_v less_o reason_n to_o wonder_v at_o it_o though_o even_o in_o that_o case_n the_o thing_n will_v seem_v altogether_o unaccountable_a it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a that_o the_o sense_n of_o so_o many_o people_n shall_v all_o at_o once_o be_v so_o confine_v to_o one_o wonderful_a object_n and_o so_o disturb_v at_o the_o same_o time_n but_o they_o have_v time_n enough_o to_o get_v out_o of_o their_o confusion_n and_o astonishment_n and_o their_o mind_n be_v very_o sedate_v and_o at_o ease_n when_o christ_n make_v they_o eye-witness_n of_o his_o glorious_a ascension_n in_o a_o word_n have_v it_o be_v a_o private_a and_o silent_a interview_n we_o may_v have_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o christ_n appear_v to_o his_o disciple_n with_o a_o particular_a design_n to_o discourse_v with_o they_o he_o give_v they_o several_a instruction_n he_o forbid_v they_o to_o depart_v from_o jerusalem_n until_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o make_v they_o several_a promise_n and_o such_o surprise_a one_o that_o they_o be_v fit_v only_o for_o a_o god_n to_o make_v and_o a_o god_n to_o perform_v for_o he_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o they_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n he_o institute_v two_o sacrament_n he_o command_v they_o to_o baptise_v all_o nation_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o well_o as_o to_o commemorate_v his_o death_n in_o the_o passover_n nor_o be_v that_o all_o he_o have_v many_o long_a and_o coherent_a discourse_n with_o they_o he_o speak_v to_o they_o and_o they_o answer_v he_o they_o be_v at_o first_o incredulous_a but_o he_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n notwithstanding_o their_o scruple_n and_o their_o infidelity_n he_o rebuke_v they_o several_a time_n for_o their_o little_a faith_n at_o least_o they_o tell_v we_o so_o the_o evangelist_n relate_v what_o christ_n say_v to_o thomas_n and_o what_o answer_n thomas_n make_v and_o both_o their_o speech_n be_v too_o surprise_v to_o be_v so_o soon_o forget_v thomas_n be_v strike_v at_o the_o wonder_n of_o his_o resurrection_n be_v the_o first_o that_o give_v christ_n a_o name_n which_o he_o be_v not_o wont_a to_o bear_v in_o the_o stage_n of_o his_o humiliation_n call_v he_o my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n john_n 20._o 28._o the_o disciple_n ask_v he_o whether_o he_o will_v at_o that_o time_n restore_v the_o kingdom_n unto_o israel_n but_o he_o answer_v they_o that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o they_o to_o know_v the_o time_n and_o season_n which_o the_o father_n only_o have_v in_o his_o power_n last_o the_o evangelist_n give_v we_o no_o less_o the_o history_n of_o jesus_n christ_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a than_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n live_v and_o converse_v before_o his_o death_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o we_o affirm_v we_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v one_o as_o the_o other_o for_o indeed_o why_o do_v we_o believe_v there_o be_v ever_o any_o such_o person_n as_o jesus_n christ_n we_o believe_v it_o certain_o because_o it_o be_v in_o humane_a speak_n moral_o impossible_a that_o so_o many_o person_n shall_v unanimous_o tell_v we_o they_o have_v see_v he_o that_o they_o discourse_v eat_v and_o drink_v with_o he_o nay_o see_v he_o suffer_v death_n at_o jerusalem_n i_o say_v they_o will_v never_o have_v tell_v we_o all_o this_o suppose_v there_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o it_o but_o than_o ought_v not_o that_o same_o reason_n to_o persuade_v we_o likewise_o that_o jesus_n christ_n both_o live_v and_o converse_v forty_o day_n with_o his_o disciple_n since_o so_o many_o person_n see_v he_o discourse_v eat_v and_o drink_v with_o he_o see_v he_o present_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o assembly_n nay_o touch_v and_o handle_v he_o but_o perhaps_o some_o will_v object_v be_v that_o certain_o true_a why_o then_o be_v there_o in_o those_o day_n so_o many_o person_n that_o refuse_v to_o believe_v the_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n why_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o find_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o it_o be_v because_o if_o they_o have_v once_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v oblige_v to_o die_v martyr_n for_o that_o truth_n and_o no_o doubt_n man_n be_v as_o worldly-minded_n in_o those_o day_n as_o they_o be_v now_o so_o that_o methinks_v it_o appear_v hitherto_o very_o clear_o that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v neither_o capable_a of_o deceive_v themselves_o nor_o of_o be_v deceive_v by_o other_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n they_o testify_v it_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n i_o have_v almost_o say_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v have_v deceive_v themselves_o in_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n which_o they_o relate_v because_o they_o so_o exact_o set_v down_o the_o circumstance_n the_o name_n place_n and_o the_o person_n themselves_o nay_o they_o pretend_v they_o themselves_o be_v send_v by_o their_o master_n into_o all_o the_o part_n of_o judea_n to_o work_v there_o the_o very_a same_o miracle_n they_o attest_v but_o though_o they_o shall_v have_v deceive_v themselves_o in_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o possible_o deceive_v themselves_o in_o his_o resurrection_n for_o they_o know_v well_o enough_o what_o a_o dead_a body_n and_o a_o live_a man_n be_v they_o can_v easy_o distinguish_v between_o they_o and_o those_o thing_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o not_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o illusion_n or_o deceit_n yet_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o the_o disciple_n have_v be_v deceive_v in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v impose_v upon_o in_o the_o last_o miraculous_a event_n of_o his_o ascension_n it_o can_v never_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o after_o have_v see_v a_o spirit_n they_o shall_v yet_o converse_v with_o he_o forty_o day_n that_o that_o spirit_n shall_v suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v handle_v that_o he_o shall_v give_v they_o instruction_n make_v they_o several_a promise_n and_o afterward_o be_v catch_v up_o into_o heaven_n in_o their_o sight_n they_o all_o the_o while_n look_v upon_o he_o and_o adore_v he_o as_o he_o be_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o understand_v distinct_o the_o discourse_n of_o the_o angel_n which_o promise_v they_o that_o he_o shall_v so_o come_v again_o in_o like_a manner_n as_o they_o have_v see_v he_o go_v up_o into_o heaven_n it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n here_o to_o allege_v with_o spinosa_n that_o the_o evangelist_n have_v not_o exact_o describe_v all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o event_n they_o relate_v and_o that_o have_v they_o take_v special_a care_n to_o do_v it_o it_o will_v perhaps_o so_o happen_v that_o the_o circumstance_n which_o they_o think_v sit_v to_o conceal_v will_v make_v we_o comprehend_v that_o those_o which_o they_o have_v relate_v proceed_v from_o natural_a cause_n for_o i_o desire_v to_o know_v what_o can_v be_v more_o express_o declare_v or_o more_o often_o repeat_v in_o the_o gospel_n than_o the_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n
down_o from_o the_o cross_n and_o we_o will_v believe_v in_o he_o nay_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v say_v if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n why_o do_v he_o not_o show_v and_o manifest_v himself_o after_o a_o sensible_a manner_n by_o speak_v to_o man_n immediate_o from_o the_o high_a heaven_n and_o than_o they_o will_v all_o be_v force_v in_o spite_n of_o themselves_o to_o acknowledge_v he_o but_o god_n do_v not_o desire_v we_o to_o acknowledge_v he_o against_o our_o own_o inclination_n and_o consequent_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o manifest_v himself_o as_o we_o in_o our_o extravagant_a desire_n will_v have_v he_o but_o as_o it_o seem_v best_a to_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n have_v christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n raise_v all_o the_o dead_a they_o find_v to_o life_n again_o we_o shall_v then_o contrary_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o almighty_a have_v have_v no_o other_o faith_n but_o what_o depend_v entire_o upon_o our_o sense_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o they_o heal_v almost_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o sick_a people_n and_o raise_v not_o only_o one_o but_o several_a dead_a man_n to_o life_n so_o much_o indeed_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o call_v because_o they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o make_v man_n believe_v in_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n and_o adore_v he_o as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o also_o to_o oblige_v they_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o faith_n to_o undergo_v martyrdom_n more_o than_o this_o will_v have_v be_v but_o superfluous_a because_o they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o alter_v the_o oeconomy_n of_o faith_n but_o only_o to_o perfect_v it_o not_o to_o make_v man_n believe_v against_o their_o own_o inclination_n but_o conformable_o to_o the_o light_n of_o their_o own_o understanding_n but_o though_o i_o shall_v grant_v all_o these_o difficulty_n to_o be_v great_a than_o they_o real_o be_v yet_o we_o ought_v to_o regulate_v our_o speculative_a opinion_n by_o some_o argument_n draw_v from_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o not_o on_o the_o contrary_a regulate_v the_o argument_n draw_v from_o matter_n of_o fact_n by_o any_o speculative_a opinion_n and_o this_o be_v such_o a_o general_a maxim_n that_o it_o hold_v good_a in_o all_o respect_n many_o difficulty_n arise_v at_o first_o about_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o antipode_n some_o pretend_v that_o such_o a_o opinion_n be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n other_o affirm_v it_o can_v never_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o both_o party_n raise_v several_a notable_a objection_n against_o it_o but_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o thing_n be_v evident_o prove_v from_o undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n all_o their_o objection_n and_o difficulty_n be_v turn_v into_o ridicule_n some_o philosopher_n have_v pretend_v to_o prove_v by_o argument_n that_o motion_n be_v impossible_a but_o since_o we_o have_v daily_a experience_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o motion_n we_o let_v these_o philosopher_n talk_v on_o and_o choose_v rather_o to_o believe_v our_o own_o sense_n and_o i_o dare_v affirm_v without_o beg_v any_o excuse_n for_o the_o boldness_n of_o my_o assertion_n that_o there_o never_o be_v nor_o never_o will_v be_v any_o matter_n of_o fact_n against_o which_o we_o may_v not_o raise_v several_a plausible_a objection_n and_o considerable_a difficulty_n that_o be_v mere_o speculative_a some_o be_v daily_o raise_v against_o the_o flux_n and_o reflux_n of_o the_o sea_n against_o the_o attraction_n of_o the_o loadstone_n with_o iron_n the_o source_n or_o head_n of_o the_o river_n nile_n against_o comet_n and_o meteor_n nay_o even_o against_o the_o people_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o propagation_n of_o mankind_n we_o ready_o grant_v the_o incredulous_a that_o several_a considerable_a difficulty_n may_v be_v raise_v against_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n as_o we_o see_v there_o be_v no_o less_o considerable_a one_o daily_o raise_v even_o against_o the_o mystery_n and_o secret_a operation_n of_o nature_n but_o i_o still_o affirm_v that_o we_o must_v renounce_v the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n if_o we_o prefer_v any_o difficulty_n of_o mere_a speculation_n before_o those_o argument_n which_o be_v take_v from_o undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n though_o we_o shall_v argue_v only_o upon_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n it_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o compare_v the_o obscurity_n which_o cause_n those_o difficulty_n with_o the_o evidence_n which_o clear_v they_o that_o the_o latter_a will_v gain_v more_o upon_o our_o belief_n than_o the_o former_a and_o this_o truth_n we_o think_v we_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v in_o our_o first_o part_n of_o this_o work_n but_o though_o we_o shall_v meet_v with_o nothing_o else_o but_o difficulty_n in_o those_o natural_a principle_n without_o any_o light_n at_o all_o to_o clear_v they_o yet_o ought_v we_o to_o banish_v all_o scruple_n and_o doubt_n that_o arise_v mere_o from_o speculation_n the_o better_a to_o embrace_v the_o opinion_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o argument_n draw_v from_o undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n unless_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o absurdity_n not_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o which_o be_v whole_o contrary_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n but_o have_v thus_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o essential_o of_o our_o religion_n namely_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o remain_v only_o that_o we_o make_v man_n further_o sensible_a of_o they_o by_o lay_v down_o a_o few_o short_a remark_n which_o we_o shall_v make_v on_o several_a place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n who_o whole_a purport_n shall_v be_v either_o to_o persuade_v we_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v real_o teach_v all_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o sincere_o believe_v the_o thing_n which_o they_o declare_v or_o else_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v impose_v upon_o in_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o from_o those_o three_o principle_n be_v form_v the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n some_o reflection_n on_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o s._n matthew_n chapt_n ii_o 1._o now_o when_o jesus_n be_v bear_v in_o bethlehem_n of_o judea_n behold_v there_o come_v wiseman_n etc._n etc._n those_o wiseman_n be_v of_o all_o nation_n the_o first_o that_o come_v to_o pay_v their_o homage_n to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o priest_n and_o elder_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v consult_v concern_v the_o birth_n of_o the_o messiah_n free_o own_v he_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v in_o bethlehem_n and_o be_v quite_o of_o another_o opinion_n than_o the_o modern_a jew_n who_o pervert_v the_o mean_v of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o micah_n chap._n 5._o as_o to_o what_o concern_v we_o we_o affirm_v that_o the_o history_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o wiseman_n can_v not_o be_v false_o invent_v i._o because_o it_o agree_v admirable_o with_o the_o prophecy_n of_o balaam_n numb_a 24._o 17._o where_o he_o cry_v out_o i_o shall_v sâ—e_v he_o but_o not_o now_o i_o shall_v behold_v he_o but_o not_o nigh_o there_o shall_v come_v a_o star_n out_o of_o jacob_n and_o a_o sceptre_n shall_v rise_v out_o of_o israel_n a_o star_n of_o the_o wiseman_n indeed_o and_o a_o sceptre_n of_o jesus_n christ_n ii_o the_o evangelist_n can_v not_o have_v make_v the_o whole_a city_n of_o jerusalem_n believe_v that_o they_o be_v trouble_v and_o astonish_v at_o the_o come_v of_o those_o wiseman_n and_o much_o less_o persuade_v the_o inhabitant_n against_o their_o own_o public_a knowledge_n that_o herod_n have_v so_o barbarouf_o shed_v so_o much_o innocent_a blood_n iii_o herod_n must_v necessary_o have_v be_v tell_v that_o the_o christ_n or_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v in_o bethlehem_n because_o thither_o he_o send_v direct_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o execrable_a fury_n iu._n and_o last_o joseph_n flee_v into_o egypt_n and_o be_v afraid_a to_o return_v again_o into_o judea_n when_o he_o hear_v that_o archelaus_n reign_v in_o the_o room_n of_o his_o father_n herod_n a_o circumstance_n that_o wonderful_o agree_v with_o all_o the_o rest_n chapt._n iii_o 1._o in_o those_o day_n come_v john_n the_o baptist_n in_o this_o chapter_n john_n foretell_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o these_o word_n o_o generation_n of_o viper_n who_o have_v warn_v you_o to_o fly_v from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v and_o now_o also_o the_o axe_n be_v lay_v to_o the_o root_n of_o the_o tree_n therefore_o every_o tree_n which_o bring_v not_o forth_o good_a fruit_n be_v hew_v down_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n etc._n etc._n he_o foretell_v also_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o apostle_n in_o these_o word_n i_o indeed_o baptize_v you_o with_o water_n unto_o repentance_n but_o he_o that_o
a_o vindication_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n against_o the_o objection_n of_o all_o modern_a opposer_n part_n ii_o write_a in_o french_a by_o james_n abbadie_n d._n d._n render_v into_o english_a by_o henry_n lussan_n m._n a._n of_o new_a college_n in_o oxford_n london_n print_v for_o j._n wyatt_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o r._n wilkin_n at_o the_o kings-head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n mdcxcviii_o the_o content_n section_n i._n contain_v some_o argument_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n draw_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o be_v the_o first_o publisher_n of_o it_o the_o design_n of_o this_o work_n page_n 1_o chap._n i._o where_o we_o shall_v inquire_v whence_o the_o christian_n have_v their_o original_a and_o what_o their_o profession_n be_v by_o look_v back_o into_o the_o first_o age_n wherein_o they_o appear_v p._n 3_o chap._n ii_o where_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o martyrdom_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n p._n 7_o chap._n iii_o in_o which_o we_o further_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n by_o several_a undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n p._n 10_o chap._n iu_o where_o we_o yet_o further_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o several_a undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n p._n 14_o chap._n v._o which_o demonstrate_v that_o all_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v never_o be_v forge_v p._n 17_o section_n ii_o wherein_o we_o shall_v prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o examine_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n chap._n i._n where_o we_o shall_v prove_v that_o those_o book_n can_v never_o be_v supposititious_a p._n 33_o chap._n ii_o prove_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v never_o corrupt_v p._n 39_o chap._n iii_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o write_v what_o be_v false_a p._n 44_o chap._n iv._o that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n can_v not_o impose_v upon_o man_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o write_n or_o preach_v p._n 49_o chap._n v._o where_o we_o shall_v more_o particular_o examine_v whether_o the_o apostle_n have_v the_o power_n or_o the_o will_n to_o deceive_v mankind_n p._n 53_o chap._n vi_o where_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o see_v whether_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o illusion_n or_o imposture_n p._n 58_o chap._n vii_o of_o the_o holiness_n of_o life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n p._n 63_o chap._n viii_o of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n p._n 71_o chap._n ix_o wherein_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o acts._n p._n 82_o chap._n x._o wherein_o we_o shall_v take_v into_o consideration_n what_o success_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o apostle_n have_v p._n 86_o chap._n xi_o wherein_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n p._n 88_o chap._n xii_o wherein_o we_o further_o examine_v the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n p._n 102_o chap._n xiii_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o a_o divine_a book_n p._n 107_o chap._n fourteen_o wherein_o we_o shall_v examine_v those_o difficulty_n which_o may_v probable_o be_v raise_v against_o the_o forego_n truth_n p._n 113_o chap._n xv._n where_o we_o further_o examine_v the_o objection_n of_o the_o incredulous_a p._n 119_o chap._n xvi_o where_o we_o further_o examine_v those_o difficulty_n which_o may_v be_v raise_v against_o our_o principle_n p._n 126_o chap._n xvii_o where_o we_o further_o answer_v the_o objection_n of_o the_o incredulous_a p._n 133_o section_n iii_o wherein_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o carry_v even_o to_o a_o demonstration_n the_o proof_n draw_v from_o the_o external_n evidence_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o inward_a sense_n we_o have_v of_o they_o chap._n i._o of_o the_o natural_a temper_n disposition_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o disciple_n and_o what_o sort_n of_o prejudices_fw-la they_o be_v possess_v with_o when_o jesus_n christ_n manifest_v himself_o to_o they_o p._n 143_o chap._n ii_o the_o first_o centre_n of_o truth_n a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n p._n 162_o chap._n iii_o the_o second_o centre_n of_o truth_n a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n p._n 184_o chap._n iu_o the_o three_o centre_n of_o truth_n a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n p._n 200_o chap._n v._o the_o four_o centre_n of_o truth_n a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o disciple_n p._n 213_o chap._n vi_o wherein_o we_o shall_v join_v all_o the_o miraculous_a matter_n of_o fact_n together_o and_o form_n thereby_o a_o full_a and_o perfect_a demonstration_n of_o they_o p._n 220_o some_o reflection_n on_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o st._n matthew_n p._n 242_o chap._n vii_o wherein_o we_o shall_v further_o produce_v out_o of_o the_o other_o gospel_n several_a place_n very_o proper_a to_o make_v we_o true_o sensible_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n p._n 258_o chap._n viii_o wherein_o we_o shall_v further_o produce_v from_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n several_a place_n very_o proper_a to_o make_v we_o true_o sensible_a of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n p._n 274_o chap._n ix_o wherein_o we_o shall_v yet_o far_o produce_v from_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n st._n peter_n and_o st._n john_n several_a text_n very_o proper_a to_o make_v we_o true_o sensible_a of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n p._n 282_o section_n iu._n wherein_o we_o shall_v prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o its_o nature_n and_o property_n several_a portraiture_n in_o which_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v page_n 300_o i_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o multitude_n of_o testimony_n give_v in_o favour_n of_o it_o p._n 301_o two_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o all_o other_o religion_n p._n 307_o iii_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o its_o effect_n p._n 320_o iv_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o consider_v in_o the_o purity_n of_o its_o end_n p._n 325_o five_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o its_o suitableness_n to_o the_o necessity_n of_o mankind_n p._n 329_o vi_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o relation_n it_o bear_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n p._n 341_o vii_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o its_o morality_n p._n 344_o viii_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o its_o mystery_n p._n 360_o ix_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o the_o conformity_n of_o its_o mystery_n to_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n p._n 399_o x_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o the_o proportion_n it_o bear_v to_o the_o jewish_a religion_n p._n 420_o xi_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o proportion_n it_o bear_v to_o natural_a religion_n p._n 432_o a_o treatise_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n part_n ii_o wherein_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v prove_v by_o its_o own_o proper_a character_n section_n i._n contain_v some_o argument_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n draw_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o be_v the_o first_o publisher_n of_o it_o the_o design_n of_o this_o work_n in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o work_n we_o take_v our_o rise_n from_o this_o proposition_n there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o from_o thence_o we_o prove_v that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n be_v the_o messiah_n who_o be_v to_o come_v we_o shall_v now_o take_v a_o contrary_a course_n and_o begin_v with_o this_o proposition_n there_o be_v at_o present_a christian_n in_o the_o world_n and_o from_o thence_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o have_v be_v please_v to_o manifest_v himself_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o religion_n there_o we_o have_v have_v but_o a_o faint_a prospect_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o revelation_n of_o moses_n here_o we_o shall_v as_o it_o be_v draw_v the_o curtain_n and_o discover_v jesus_n christ_n with_o that_o brightness_n of_o truth_n and_o fullness_n of_o light_n as_o will_v wonderful_o illustrate_v both_o the_o religion_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o nature_n and_o in_o a_o excellent_a manner_n confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o which_o we_o shall_v do_v these_o three_o thing_n i._o we_o shall_v consider_v the_o
shell_n and_o bark_n if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o examine_v all_o those_o argument_n that_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o external_a testimony_n which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n give_v of_o it_o and_o by_o consider_v their_o natural_a capacity_n the_o discovery_n that_o be_v make_v to_o they_o their_o prejudices_fw-la the_o peculiar_a frame_n of_o their_o mind_n their_o martyrdom_n and_o the_o reason_n that_o induce_v they_o to_o suffer_v it_o etc._n etc._n and_o all_o this_o before_o we_o proceed_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new-testament_n ii_o we_o shall_v consider_v these_o write_n themselves_o and_o inquire_v whether_o they_o be_v forge_v or_o not_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o subject-matter_n of_o they_o and_o endeavour_n both_o to_o defend_v they_o against_o the_o suspicion_n of_o the_o incredulous_a by_o show_v that_o they_o contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v certain_o true_a and_o to_o evince_v the_o divinity_n of_o they_o by_o the_o character_n of_o those_o thing_n they_o contain_v iii_o and_o last_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o very_a substance_n and_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n by_o discover_v the_o excellence_n use_n advantage_n the_o end_n genius_n and_o in_o general_a all_o the_o beauty_n which_o be_v proper_a and_o natural_a to_o it_o and_o this_o be_v what_o we_o design_v to_o treat_v of_o in_o the_o follow_a section_n whereof_o this_o second_o part_n be_v compose_v but_o since_o our_o adversary_n by_o their_o prejudices_fw-la may_v be_v incline_v to_o fear_v lest_o we_o shall_v impose_v upon_o they_o by_o make_v they_o believe_v such_o doctrine_n as_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o reason_n and_o since_o it_o be_v much_o for_o our_o advantage_n to_o remove_v all_o such_o suspicion_n we_o will_v for_o a_o while_o doubt_v of_o every_o thing_n with_o they_o and_o raise_v ourselves_o by_o degree_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o establish_v christianity_n itself_o admit_v of_o nothing_o for_o truth_n but_o so_o far_o as_o appear_v evident_a chap._n i._n where_o we_o shall_v inquire_v whence_o the_o christian_n have_v their_o original_a and_o what_o their_o profession_n be_v by_o look_v back_o into_o the_o first_o age_n wherein_o they_o appear_v in_o order_n to_o which_o we_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v now_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n and_o there_o have_v not_o always_o be_v such_o from_o this_o i_o gather_v that_o i_o must_v look_v back_o into_o past_a age_n to_o find_v out_o the_o original_a of_o my_o religion_n in_o this_o search_n i_o pass_v therefore_o from_o age_n to_o age_n till_o i_o come_v to_o constantine_n without_o be_v able_a to_o clear_v this_o doubt_n but_o here_o we_o must_v make_v a_o little_a stop_n the_o prosperity_n of_o this_o prince_n give_v at_o first_o some_o occasion_n of_o suspicion_n and_o we_o easy_o mistrust_v a_o man_n who_o be_v master_n of_o the_o most_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o world_n seem_v probable_o to_o have_v establish_v the_o christian_a religion_n therein_o either_o by_o force_n or_o policy_n look_v perhaps_o upon_o it_o as_o more_o proper_a than_o that_o of_o the_o heathen_n to_o carry_v on_o his_o design_n yet_o that_o suspicion_n soon_o vanish_v since_o we_o be_v assure_v there_o be_v christian_n in_o the_o world_n before_o constantine_n time_n all_o the_o heathen_a writer_n who_o live_v before_o he_o speak_v of_o they_o and_o the_o ecclesiastical_a historian_n be_v whole_o employ_v in_o describe_v their_o suffering_n but_o suppose_v that_o these_o historian_n live_v in_o the_o day_n of_o constantine_n or_o after_o he_o they_o must_v needs_o have_v either_o lose_v the_o use_n of_o their_o reason_n themselves_o or_o have_v imagine_v that_o the_o man_n of_o their_o age_n have_v lose_v they_o when_o they_o give_v they_o the_o history_n of_o the_o christian_n church_n down_o from_o the_o apostle_n to_o constantine_n if_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o have_v not_o be_v christian_n in_o the_o world_n before_o that_o prince_n and_o therefore_o this_o must_v be_v too_o extravagant_a a_o suspicion_n to_o be_v entertain_v long_o but_o here_o be_v something_o still_o more_o observable_a viz._n that_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o christian_n who_o live_v before_o constantine_n be_v then_o possess_v of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n and_o on_o the_o other_o that_o those_o very_a christian_n be_v so_o strong_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n of_o his_o miracle_n of_o the_o pour_v out_o the_o holy_a spirit_n on_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o all_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o establish_v the_o christian_a religion_n that_o they_o hardly_o speak_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o their_o book_n be_v full_a of_o they_o and_o their_o doctrine_n be_v altogether_o build_v upon_o this_o foundation_n and_o therefore_o if_o constantine_n invent_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o establish_v christianity_n he_o must_v not_o only_o have_v forge_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n but_o also_o the_o write_n of_o clemens_n justin_n iraeneus_n athenagoras_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n tertullian_n origen_n and_o in_o general_a of_o all_o the_o father_n who_o live_v before_o he_o because_o every_o one_o of_o their_o write_n have_v a_o essential_a relation_n to_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o shall_v we_o go_v up_o a_o little_a high_o than_o the_o reign_n of_o constantine_n we_o shall_v hear_v of_o christian_n that_o be_v afflict_v during_o the_o three_o first_o century_n of_o the_o church_n and_o persecute_v throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o punish_v with_o most_o barbarous_a and_o new_a invent_v torment_n they_o be_v put_v to_o death_n upon_o wheel_n and_o scaffold_n torture_v by_o fire_n their_o flesh_n tear_v with_o pincer_n their_o body_n be_v mangle_v by_o cut_v off_o limb_n one_o after_o another_o they_o be_v throw_v into_o river_n and_o cast_v into_o the_o sea_n and_o expose_v to_o wild_a beast_n wrap_v up_o in_o garment_n dip_v in_o sulphur_n to_o serve_v for_o torch_n and_o set_v up_o to_o light_a passenger_n in_o their_o way_n in_o fine_a it_o be_v never_o know_v that_o man_n so_o universal_o agree_v in_o any_o one_o thing_n as_o in_o their_o design_n of_o torment_v the_o christian_n in_o so_o much_o that_o the_o ordinary_a people_n who_o have_v general_o some_o compassion_n for_o the_o great_a malefactor_n upon_o the_o scaffold_n conduct_v the_o christian_n to_o the_o place_n of_o execution_n with_o acclamation_n of_o joy_n certain_o it_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n to_o restrain_v one_o curiosity_n so_o much_o as_o not_o to_o desire_v a_o more_o particular_a knowledge_n of_o a_o people_n persecute_v by_o the_o world_n with_o so_o much_o rage_n and_o malice_n for_o to_o see_v the_o whole_a world_n so_o strange_o incense_v against_o one_o sect_n of_o man_n one_o will_v easy_o think_v they_o the_o common_a enemy_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o the_o offspring_n of_o hell_n itself_o bear_v for_o a_o common_a plague_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n apolog._n what_o then_o be_v the_o great_a crime_n these_o christian_n be_v guilty_a of_o they_o be_v accuse_v of_o impiety_n murder_n and_o incest_n it_o be_v pretend_v that_o they_o violate_v the_o respect_n due_a to_o the_o god_n that_o they_o murder_v their_o own_o child_n which_o they_o scruple_v not_o to_o eat_v up_o after_o have_v kill_v they_o and_o last_o that_o they_o lie_v promiscuous_o together_o the_o brother_n with_o the_o sister_n and_o the_o son_n with_o the_o mother_n but_o first_o of_o all_o there_o be_v little_a likelihood_n that_o the_o christian_n shall_v suffer_v death_n and_o torment_n worse_o than_o death_n itself_o in_o defence_n of_o a_o religion_n which_o engage_v they_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o such_o infamous_a action_n that_o steadfast_a constancy_n they_o show_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o torment_n and_o which_o their_o enemy_n themselves_o acknowledge_v suit_n very_o ill_o with_o the_o voluptuousness_n and_o enormity_n they_o be_v accuse_v of_o beside_o be_v they_o question_v concern_v these_o crime_n which_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o clear_v themselves_o of_o they_o will_v produce_v in_o their_o behalf_n the_o apology_n of_o justin_n athenagoras_n and_o tertullian_n wherein_o they_o earnest_o desire_v the_o senate_n and_o roman_a emperor_n that_o they_o will_v make_v a_o strict_a enquiry_n into_o their_o life_n and_o inflict_v upon_o they_o such_o torment_n as_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n if_o possible_o more_o cruel_a than_o those_o they_o have_v already_o endure_v if_o they_o be_v real_o guilty_a of_o what_o they_o be_v accuse_v they_o will_v show_v we_o likewise_o a_o letter_n from_o pliny_n to_o trajan_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o authentic_a monument_n of_o their_o innocence_n since_o pliny_n there_o inform_v
in_o imitation_n of_o those_o primitive_a christian_n that_o the_o apostle_n deceive_v polycarp_n and_o clemens_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o disciple_n be_v a_o thing_n much_o less_o to_o be_v suspect_v because_o they_o themselves_o stick_v not_o to_o boast_v of_o their_o be_v able_a to_o work_v miracle_n heal_v all_o kind_n of_o disease_n speak_v all_o sort_n of_o language_n and_o impart_v to_o other_o those_o gift_n they_o call_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o clemens_n polycarp_n etc._n etc._n shall_v have_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v deceive_v in_o this_o respect_n especial_o to_o â—uch_v a_o degree_n as_o to_o suffer_v death_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o religion_n found_v on_o so_o many_o imposture_n but_o whence_o appear_v it_o that_o the_o apostle_n boast_v of_o a_o power_n to_o work_v miracle_n and_o impart_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o appear_v not_o only_o from_o their_o own_o epistle_n which_o can_v be_v forge_v as_o we_o shall_v prove_v by_o and_o by_o but_o also_o from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o in_o fine_a it_o be_v manifest_a of_o itself_o for_o as_o we_o can_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o alexander_n the_o great_a without_o overthrow_v the_o common_a opinion_n that_o he_o subvert_v the_o empire_n of_o darius_n and_o the_o macedonian_n subdue_v all_o asia_n under_o his_o conduct_n because_o one_o matter_n of_o fact_n depend_v upon_o the_o other_o so_o we_o can_v acknowledge_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n without_o believe_v the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o resurrection_n his_o pour_v out_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n impart_v to_o those_o that_o believe_v for_o take_v away_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n wherein_o will_v the_o divinity_n of_o it_o consist_v wherein_o will_v lie_v the_o strength_n promise_n and_o essential_o of_o it_o since_o therefore_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n suffer_v martyrdom_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n it_o follow_v also_o that_o they_o die_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o just_o now_o mention_v so_o that_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v very_o palpable_a and_o it_o be_v very_o easy_a for_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n who_o live_v and_o converse_v with_o the_o apostle_n to_o know_v certain_o whether_o they_o real_o have_v the_o pretend_a gift_n of_o divers_a tongue_n of_o heal_v all_o sort_n of_o disease_n and_o of_o communicate_v these_o extraordinary_a gift_n to_o other_o so_o as_o to_o render_v they_o frequent_v in_o the_o church_n i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o its_o possible_a to_o call_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o in_o question_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n however_o fruitful_a in_o imagination_n can_v hardly_o raise_v here_o a_o doubt_n of_o a_o moment_n continuance_n for_o shall_v i_o fancy_v they_o may_v have_v give_v i_o a_o false_a relation_n of_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o clemens_n of_o polycarp_n and_o the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n this_o thought_n soon_o vanish_v when_o i_o consider_v the_o number_n quality_n and_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o witness_n of_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o can_v we_o think_v that_o the_o sucessour_n of_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n will_v have_v suffer_v a_o real_a martyrdom_n in_o imitation_n of_o one_o that_o be_v but_o imaginary_a will_v they_o so_o courageous_o have_v imitate_v a_o fictitious_a martyrdom_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o shall_v i_o imagine_v clemens_n and_o polycarp_n be_v impose_v on_o by_o the_o apostle_n i_o be_o soon_o convince_v of_o the_o contrary_a since_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o we_o have_v now_o before_o we_o be_v matter_n of_o experience_n so_o evident_a in_o themselves_o that_o we_o can_v be_v mistake_v in_o they_o last_o shall_v i_o doubt_v whether_o the_o apostle_n endeavour_v to_o persuade_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o i_o be_o make_v to_o understand_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o christianity_n without_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n can_v never_o have_v establish_v the_o christian_a religion_n unless_o they_o have_v first_o persuade_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o this_o will_v be_v far_o see_v by_o what_o we_o shall_v offer_v in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n may_v we_o not_o know_v what_o the_o profess_a enemy_n of_o christianity_n say_v of_o they_o for_o it_o seem_v unjust_a to_o hearken_v to_o that_o only_a which_o the_o christian_n allege_v in_o defence_n of_o their_o own_o cause_n this_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n we_o find_v porphirius_fw-la celsus_n and_o julian_n surname_v the_o apostate_n maintain_v that_o jesus_n christ_n do_v no_o miracle_n at_o all_o but_o by_o a_o magic_a power_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o fantom_n which_o appear_v to_o the_o disciple_n instead_o of_o jesus_n christ_n rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a whereupon_o i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o make_v some_o few_o reflection_n it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o those_o who_o be_v far_o more_o exasperate_v against_o the_o christian_n than_o the_o incredulous_a of_o these_o ime_n be_v and_o who_o live_v in_o a_o time_n near_o to_o that_o â—f_n the_o apostle_n may_v have_v easy_o know_v the_o truthâ—r_a â—r_z falsehood_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n i_o say_v it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o those_o man_n dare_v not_o in_o the_o least_o call_v â—ny_n of_o they_o in_o question_n but_o be_v force_v to_o have_v â—ecourse_n to_o ghost_n and_o a_o magic_a power_n to_o avoid_v â—eing_v perplex_v with_o they_o it_o be_v also_o worth_a our_o while_n to_o observe_v that_o celsus_n himself_o who_o ever_o before_o question_v magician_n be_v at_o length_n force_v to_o ascribe_v the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o a_o magic_a power_n â—s_a origen_n himself_o upbraid_v he_o in_o some_o part_n of_o his_o work_n thus_o it_o immediate_o appear_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v man_n of_o very_a good_a sense_n and_o very_o honest_a and_o sincere_a principle_n too_o that_o part_n of_o they_o live_v in_o a_o time_n so_o very_o near_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n in_o who_o day_n all_o those_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o must_v necessary_o have_v know_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o suffer_v death_n to_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o religion_n found_v upon_o all_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o last_o that_o their_o enemy_n themselves_o dare_v not_o presume_v entire_o to_o call_v any_o of_o they_o in_o question_n but_o i_o will_v not_o yield_v myself_o conquer_v for_o all_o that_o but_o rather_o raise_v myself_o a_o little_a high_o and_o stop_v for_o a_o while_n at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o first_o century_n which_o be_v the_o time_n wherein_o st._n john_n the_o last_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v yet_o live_v and_o wherein_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n who_o we_o just_a now_o mention_v flourish_v and_o this_o shall_v be_v our_o fix_a point_n in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n chap._n iu._n where_o we_o yet_o further_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o several_a undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n it_o be_v a_o hundred_o year_n since_o there_o be_v no_o christian_n at_o all_o in_o the_o world_n and_o now_o there_o be_v some_o in_o all_o part_n of_o it_o at_o rome_n and_o at_o antioch_n at_o alexandria_n at_o corinth_n at_o ephesus_n in_o spain_n and_o among_o the_o gaul_n etc._n etc._n i_o confess_v i_o be_o some_o what_o surprise_v to_o see_v this_o progress_n yet_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n because_o mahomet_n religion_n be_v establish_v in_o a_o lesser_a time_n we_o must_v then_o go_v yet_o far_o and_o consider_v that_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v not_o only_o destitute_a of_o the_o assistance_n of_o policy_n and_o authority_n but_o receive_v notwithstanding_o the_o continual_a opposition_n of_o both_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o other_o religion_n as_o that_o of_o the_o heathen_n and_o turk_n be_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n by_o some_o singular_a and_o extraordinary_a prosperity_n and_o by_o the_o policy_n of_o person_n raise_v to_o dignity_n and_o grandeur_n but_o christianity_n in_o a_o small_a time_n become_v master_n of_o man_n heart_n and_o understanding_n though_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o nothing_o but_o shame_n and_o misery_n though_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n strive_v to_o stifle_v it_o in_o its_o very_a birth_n and_o for_o that_o purpose_n invent_v such_o torture_n and_o punishment_n as_o no_o other_o interest_n can_v have_v make_v man_n devise_v we_o may_v indeed_o question_v the_o suffering_n of_o the_o christian_n
be_v we_o not_o assure_v of_o they_o from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o have_v we_o not_o a_o clear_a proof_n in_o the_o complaint_n of_o the_o father_n who_o certain_o be_v not_o so_o extravagant_a as_o public_o to_o complain_v of_o a_o imaginary_a persecution_n when_o it_o be_v so_o dangerous_a to_o complain_v of_o one_o that_o be_v real_a and_o therefore_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o this_o christian_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n be_v which_o make_v man_n so_o patient_o suffer_v and_o abandon_v all_o thing_n but_o to_o my_o great_a amazement_n i_o find_v that_o they_o believe_v that_o a_o certain_a crucify_a man_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o a_o man_n hang_v and_o nail_v on_o a_o cross_n be_v the_o sovereign_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o object_n of_o our_o adoration_n i_o confess_v i_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v some_o supernatural_a power_n in_o all_o this_o for_o though_o man_n of_o as_o mean_a appearance_n as_o those_o who_o first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n may_v without_o any_o miracle_n have_v weigh_v down_o the_o authority_n of_o emperor_n and_o prelate_n and_o all_o the_o magnificence_n and_o glory_n of_o paganism_n object_n very_o suitable_a to_o the_o worldly_a and_o ambitious_a heart_n of_o a_o man_n yet_o how_o can_v we_o conceive_v that_o they_o can_v without_o the_o help_n of_o miracle_n persuade_v man_n to_o believe_v a_o paradox_n so_o offensive_a to_o reason_n and_o which_o appear_v at_o first_o view_n so_o horrible_a as_o this_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v nail_v on_o a_o cross_n we_o can_v never_o persuade_v ourselves_o without_o offer_v violence_n to_o our_o reason_n that_o those_o who_o from_o their_o youth_n represent_v their_o deity_n to_o themselves_o as_o the_o great_a and_o most_o glorious_a being_n they_n can_v imagine_v and_o give_v the_o name_n of_o divine_a to_o whatever_o they_o think_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n beautiful_a and_o magnificent_a shall_v yet_o substitute_v to_o all_o these_o great_a idea_n the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n who_o die_v a_o infamous_a death_n upon_o the_o cross_n that_o not_o one_o alone_a but_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n embrace_v a_o opinion_n that_o immediate_o overthrow_v all_o their_o first_o idea_n of_o a_o god_n that_o this_o great_a change_n be_v not_o gradual_o and_o insensible_o bring_v to_o pass_v or_o in_o the_o compass_n of_o several_a age_n but_o in_o a_o very_a few_o year_n and_o with_o a_o incredible_a swiftness_n by_o the_o mystery_n of_o vile_a and_o contemptible_a person_n of_o no_o power_n or_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o passion_n they_o have_v for_o a_o doctrine_n which_o seem_v at_o first_o so_o monstrous_a to_o man_n induce_v they_o to_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o same_o after_o have_v renounce_v their_o fortune_n reputation_n and_o pleasure_n but_o do_v not_o prejudice_n over-rule_v in_o all_o this_o and_o make_v i_o fancy_n i_o see_v that_o distinct_o which_o i_o 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some_o mark_n of_o his_o weakness_n in_o the_o garden_n of_o gethsemane_n where_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n make_v he_o sweat_v great_a drop_n of_o blood_n and_o where_o he_o cry_v out_o several_a time_n o_o my_o father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v 39_o this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o they_o also_o pretend_v that_o this_o exclamation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n when_o nail_v on_o the_o cross_n my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o be_v a_o expression_n of_o his_o despair_n i_o know_v not_o here_o what_o to_o admire_v most_o either_o the_o impudence_n of_o these_o proud_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n or_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n which_o still_o become_v strong_a the_o more_o they_o endeavour_v to_o shake_v it_o for_o as_o for_o the_o first_o if_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o christian_n wont_v believe_v the_o report_n of_o the_o evangelist_n how_o come_v they_o to_o know_v that_o jesus_n christ_n utter_v these_o word_n which_o give_v they_o occasion_n to_o think_v he_o 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work_v miracle_n when_o all_o the_o while_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n here_o to_o allege_v that_o the_o evangelist_n affect_v a_o ingenuous_a simplicity_n to_o avoid_v the_o suspicion_n of_o dishonesty_n for_o have_v that_o be_v their_o design_n they_o will_v have_v take_v special_a care_n not_o to_o furnish_v impious_a man_n with_o place_n and_o passage_n on_o which_o they_o may_v raise_v imaginary_a triumph_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o evangelist_n relate_v those_o word_n because_o their_o simplicity_n be_v so_o great_a that_o they_o have_v not_o judgement_n to_o discern_v whether_o they_o be_v for_o or_o against_o their_o cause_n for_o what_o probability_n be_v there_o that_o man_n who_o have_v wit_n enough_o to_o deceive_v other_o people_n shall_v have_v so_o little_a in_o this_o occasion_n must_v a_o man_n needs_o be_v wise_a and_o learned_a when_o he_o choose_v to_o represent_v his_o master_n constant_a and_o undaunted_a rather_o than_o sorrowful_a unto_o death_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o one_o single_a evangelist_n that_o relate_v the_o history_n of_o his_o passion_n after_o this_o manner_n they_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o respect_n and_o how_o can_v this_o be_v so_o but_o that_o they_o only_o propose_v to_o themselves_o to_o speak_v the_o plain_a truth_n and_o they_o speak_v it_o without_o consider_v the_o impression_n it_o will_v make_v on_o mankind_n without_o examine_v whether_o the_o incredulous_a will_v take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o to_o slander_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n if_o what_o have_v be_v say_v here_o be_v not_o sufficient_a i_o be_o willing_a more_o particular_o to_o examine_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n chap._n vi_o where_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o see_v whether_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o illusion_n or_o imposture_n those_o book_n contain_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o extraordinary_a divine_a and_o admirable_a thing_n but_o the_o principal_a of_o they_o be_v reducible_a to_o these_o four_o head_n i._o the_o birth_n genealogy_n and_o education_n of_o jesus_n christ_n with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o they_o which_o we_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o at_o present_a lest_o we_o shall_v be_v too_o tedious_a have_v already_o mention_v they_o in_o our_o first_o part_n of_o this_o work_n ii_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o office_n confirm_v by_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o miracle_n from_o his_o baptism_n to_o his_o ascension_n iii_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n see_v clear_o in_o several_a occasion_n and_o shine_v throughout_o the_o various_a action_n of_o his_o life_n iv._o his_o doctrine_n and_o his_o prophecy_n from_o these_o four_o different_a head_n spring_v forth_o such_o beam_n of_o truth_n as_o wonderful_o illustrate_v this_o whole_a matter_n let_v we_o therefore_o examine_v they_o in_o their_o order_n and_o keep_v 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circumstance_n of_o that_o event_n and_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o execute_v so_o dangerous_a a_o undertake_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a such_o a_o design_n can_v have_v ever_o enter_v into_o their_o head_n and_o therefore_o pilate_n be_v so_o true_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o write_v to_o tiberius_n about_o it_o and_o it_o be_v on_o the_o account_n of_o pilat_n letter_n that_o this_o emperor_n go_v â—o_o the_o senate_n and_o propose_v the_o insertion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n among_o the_o go_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o suspect_v this_o history_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o tertullian_n himself_o relate_v it_o in_o the_o apology_n which_o he_o address_v to_o the_o senate_n and_o the_o roman_a emperor_n who_o need_v only_o to_o have_v consult_v their_o register_n to_o find_v the_o action_n of_o pilate_n as_o they_o be_v so_o often_o desire_v to_o do_v by_o all_o those_o who_o write_v apology_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o have_v no_o great_a occasion_n of_o this_o outward_a testimony_n because_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o inseparable_o interweave_v than_o these_o truth_n be_v and_o we_o need_v only_o read_v careful_o the_o gospel_n over_o to_o be_v satisfy_v therein_o we_o have_v see_v the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n with_o all_o their_o circumstance_n we_o shall_v now_o show_v that_o his_o holiness_n of_o life_n be_v no_o less_o extraordinary_a than_o his_o miracle_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o holiness_n of_o life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n if_o jesus_n christ_n be_v neither_o the_o true_a messiah_n nor_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o if_o he_o false_o boast_v that_o he_o wrought_v many_o miracle_n his_o disciple_n must_v necessary_o have_v consider_v he_o as_o a_o impostor_n as_o soon_o as_o his_o death_n frustrate_v the_o hope_n and_o promise_v they_o receive_v from_o he_o and_o if_o they_o consider_v he_o as_o a_o impostor_n there_o be_v little_a appearance_n they_o shall_v propose_v he_o as_o a_o model_n of_o virtue_n and_o perfection_n to_o mankind_n but_o suppose_v they_o have_v this_o design_n we_o may_v reasonable_o imagine_v that_o have_v neither_o the_o learning_n nor_o eloquence_n of_o the_o author_n of_o that_o age_n they_o will_v have_v have_v no_o better_a success_n in_o draw_v a_o imaginary_a character_n of_o their_o master_n than_o other_o in_o represent_v the_o excellency_n of_o those_o great_a man_n it_o be_v their_o interest_n to_o flatter_v yet_o if_o we_o choose_v the_o polite_a write_n of_o this_o kind_n the_o life_n of_o great_a man_n compose_v with_o all_o art_n imaginable_a panegyric_n that_o cost_v thirty_o year_n labour_n add_v to_o these_o all_o the_o collect_v notionsof_o virtue_n the_o wit_n and_o observation_n of_o the_o most_o passionate_a judicious_a and_o elegant_a orator_n can_v furnish_v we_o with_o join_v the_o cato_n and_o aristides_n together_o nay_o separate_v their_o virtue_n from_o their_o imperfection_n and_o ascribe_v to_o they_o all_o the_o good_a quality_n we_o find_v disperse_v in_o other_o man_n i_o will_v yet_o maintain_v that_o all_o these_o idea_n notion_n and_o character_n come_v far_o short_a of_o that_o perfection_n the_o evangelist_n make_v we_o conceive_v of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o too_o without_o hyperbole_n or_o art_n but_o by_o a_o bare_a and_o simple_a recital_n of_o his_o action_n the_o hero_n of_o who_o virtue_n the_o ancient_a heathen_n so_o much_o boast_v direct_v their_o action_n to_o no_o other_o end_n than_o the_o glory_n of_o their_o country_n or_o their_o own_o ambition_n whereas_o jesus_n christ_n refer_v all_o his_o action_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n it_o may_v proper_o be_v say_v of_o they_o that_o they_o aim_v at_o nothing_o else_o but_o to_o furnish_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n join_v together_o in_o a_o society_n wherewith_o to_o satisfy_v their_o most_o inordinate_a passion_n as_o we_o have_v already_o observe_v elsewhere_o concern_v cato_n whereas_o jesus_n christ_n design_v only_o to_o subdue_v the_o vicious_a desire_n and_o inclination_n of_o man_n heart_n the_o ancient_a sage_n will_v sometime_o renounce_v riches_n and_o honour_n but_o it_o be_v only_a to_o become_v slave_n to_o glory_n if_o they_o overcome_v some_o small_a passion_n it_o be_v only_a to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o the_o tyranny_n of_o great_a they_o sacrifice_v their_o other_o affection_n to_o their_o pride_n and_o ambition_n of_o fame_n nay_o they_o be_v so_o puff_v up_o with_o the_o conceit_n of_o their_o own_o wisdom_n that_o they_o imagine_v themselves_o happy_a than_o the_o god_n fancy_v they_o owe_v the_o temper_n and_o inclination_n of_o their_o mind_n to_o none_o but_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v free_a from_o any_o passion_n and_o be_v sole_a lord_n of_o all_o jesus_n christ_n on_o the_o contrary_n teach_v we_o first_o to_o renounce_v vain_a glory_n this_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o his_o religion_n god_n say_v he_o resist_v the_o proud_a but_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a and_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v we_o imagine_v we_o can_v be_v happy_a without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o god_n that_o he_o show_v we_o the_o wretched_a weakness_n and_o corruption_n of_o man_n when_o separate_v from_o his_o maker_n this_o the_o continual_a use_n of_o that_o prayer_n he_o teach_v we_o will_v full_o instruct_v we_o in_o though_o his_o moral_n and_o most_o holy_a life_n shall_v â—ot_n the_o ancient_a sage_n of_o antiquity_n either_o be_v â—r_o seem_v true_a pattern_n of_o justice_n but_o jesus_n christâ—s_n â—s_z the_o teacher_n and_o the_o true_a pattern_n of_o charity_n and_o it_o be_v by_o charity_n rather_o than_o justice_n that_o we_o resemble_v â—he_v deity_n which_o confer_v good_a upon_o man_n without_o â—eing_v any_o way_n oblige_v thereto_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o practise_v virtue_n when_o attend_v with_o reputation_n and_o prosperity_n as_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n do_v but_o difficult_a to_o continue_v virtuous_a as_o our_o â—aviour_n do_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o poverty_n and_o ignominy_n â—nd_v in_o spite_n of_o disgrace_n and_o persecution_n so_o necessary_a be_v esteem_n and_o reputation_n in_o this_o life_n that_o â—_o seem_v to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o very_a nutriment_n of_o man_n â—eart_n and_o shall_v man_n but_o consult_v themselves_o â—hey_n will_v find_v they_o can_v live_v without_o it_o how_o â—ft_o do_v those_o who_o think_v themselves_o uncapable_a of_o â—er_n obtain_v it_o abandon_v themselves_o to_o such_o a_o despair_n as_o put_v they_o upon_o the_o black_a villainy_n â—hich_v have_v occasion_v some_o prince_n already_o odious_a or_o cruelty_n to_o defile_v themselves_o with_o all_o manner_n of_o oluptuousness_n as_o despair_v of_o ever_o recover_v â—at_a good_a opinion_n they_o have_v already_o lose_v in_o the_o â—inds_n of_o man_n to_o see_v christ_n hate_v despise_a and_o â—posed_v by_o the_o most_o considerable_a and_o lead_a man_n longe_v the_o jew_n and_o not_o able_a to_o gain_v the_o least_o credit_n or_o esteem_v unless_o with_o some_o poor_a fisherman_n so_o gross_a and_o ignorant_a that_o they_o can_v hardly_o understand_v what_o he_o teach_v they_o will_v not_o it_o make_v one_o think_v that_o he_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o fall_v into_o a_o kind_n of_o despair_n and_o that_o since_o he_o can_v never_o hope_v for_o reputation_n to_o give_v himself_o over_o to_o all_o sort_n of_o pleasure_n and_o make_v his_o condition_n the_o best_a he_o can_v yet_o we_o see_v that_o be_v continual_o in_o disgrace_n and_o poverty_n he_o omit_v nothing_o of_o the_o severe_a practice_n of_o virtue_n when_o he_o be_v affront_v he_o endure_v it_o with_o a_o sweet_a and_o gentle_a patience_n when_o he_o be_v despise_v he_o go_v on_o bold_o in_o his_o innocence_n though_o his_o follower_n be_v simple_a and_o ignorant_a people_n he_o still_o bless_a god_n for_o it_o i_o thank_v thou_o father_n say_v he_o because_o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a but_o reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n mat._n 11._o 25._o but_o we_o shall_v wrong_v the_o bless_a jesus_n by_o compare_v he_o with_o the_o most_o admire_a person_n of_o all_o age_n since_o none_o can_v come_v in_o comparison_n with_o he_o who_o be_v only_o like_o himself_o we_o need_v only_o reflect_v upon_o his_o life_n and_o action_n represent_v to_o we_o by_o the_o evangelist_n to_o see_v whether_o we_o can_v find_v in_o he_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o vice_n will_v we_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v addict_v to_o voluptuousness_n we_o need_v only_o consider_v that_o his_o very_a enemy_n durâ—_n not_o cast_v this_o reproach_n upon_o he_o i_o confess_v thâ—_n 19_o pharisees_n call_v he_o a_o glutton_n and_o a_o winâ—_n bibber_v a_o friend_n of_o publican_n and_o sinner_n
relate_v such_o thing_n as_o at_o first_o shock_n our_o thought_n and_o which_o impious_a man_n chief_o insist_v upon_o such_o as_o this_o complaint_n of_o jesus_n christ_n my_o god_n my_o god_n etc._n etc._n beside_o this_o the_o circumstance_n with_o which_o they_o relate_v all_o the_o action_n of_o their_o master_n will_v sufficient_o convince_v we_o of_o their_o sincerity_n for_o be_v it_o probable_a the_o evangelist_n shall_v have_v invent_v or_o forge_v the_o murmur_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o reproach_v they_o say_v why_o do_v you_o eat_v and_o drink_v with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o controversy_n betwixt_o the_o ambitious_a disciple_n on_o who_o account_n it_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v take_v up_o a_o little_a child_n tell_v they_o they_o must_v be_v like_o that_o child_n if_o they_o will_v qualify_v themselves_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n a_o wonderful_a discourse_n indeed_o both_o for_o its_o shortness_n and_o simplicity_n which_o sufficient_o show_v we_o the_o very_a soul_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n it_o be_v not_o one_o single_a writer_n of_o all_o these_o that_o relate_v those_o action_n there_o be_v three_o of_o they_o who_o write_v after_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o manifest_o evince_v they_o copy_v not_o one_o another_o write_n and_o if_o you_o will_v be_v further_o satisfy_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o prove_v the_o holiness_n of_o life_n of_o their_o divine_a master_n by_o imitate_v his_o action_n the_o primitive_a christian_n show_v we_o how_o well_o the_o apostle_n live_v by_o follow_v their_o example_n if_o you_o shall_v desire_v we_o shall_v produce_v some_o authentical_a testimony_n of_o holiness_n virtue_n sweet_a and_o peaceable_a temper_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n there_o be_v abundance_n to_o be_v have_v in_o the_o write_n of_o their_o very_a enemy_n we_o need_v only_o a_o indifferent_a knowledge_n of_o antiquity_n to_o banish_v all_o suspicion_n in_o that_o respect_n thus_o the_o truth_n appear_v on_o all_o side_n and_o i_o sensible_o perceive_v it_o as_o soon_o as_o i_o frame_v any_o idea_n to_o myself_o of_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o jesus_n christ_n yet_o i_o be_o willing_a however_o that_o the_o incredulous_a shall_v not_o whole_o conform_v their_o judgement_n to_o i_o and_o if_o this_o argument_n do_v not_o move_v and_o convince_v they_o as_o much_o as_o it_o do_v i_o they_o need_v only_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o other_o chap._n viii_o of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o will_v perhaps_o be_v much_o more_o affect_v with_o the_o prophecy_n that_o occur_v in_o the_o gospel_n several_a of_o which_o be_v very_o express_o deliver_v but_o among_o the_o rest_n we_o shall_v make_v choice_n of_o one_o which_o we_o shall_v particular_o examine_v it_o be_v that_o concern_v the_o final_a destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n we_o may_v easy_o perceive_v how_o clear_o it_o be_v set_v down_o by_o the_o evangelist_n who_o bring_v in_o jesus_n christ_n foretel_v it_o and_o how_o exact_o it_o be_v afterward_o fulfil_v the_o word_n of_o the_o prophecy_n be_v these_o and_o jesus_n answer_v say_v unto_o he_o see_v thou_o these_o 2._o â—reat_a building_n there_o shall_v not_o be_v leave_v one_o â—tone_n upon_o another_o that_o shall_v not_o be_v throw_v down_o etc._n etc._n and_o when_o you_o shall_v hear_v of_o war_n and_o rumour_n of_o war_n be_v you_o not_o trouble_v for_o all_o these_o thing_n must_v come_v to_o pass_v but_o the_o end_n be_v not_o yet_o for_o nation_n shall_v rise_v against_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n against_o kingdom_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v earthquake_n in_o divers_a place_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v famine_n and_o trouble_n for_o all_o these_o be_v but_o the_o beginning_n of_o sorrow_n etc._n etc._n when_o you_o therefore_o shall_v see_v the_o abomination_n of_o desolation_n speak_v of_o by_o daniel_n the_o prophet_n stand_v where_o it_o ought_v not_o whoso_o read_v let_v he_o understand_v then_o let_v they_o which_o be_v in_o judea_n flee_v into_o the_o mountain_n let_v he_o which_o be_v on_o the_o house_n top_n not_o come_v down_o to_o take_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o his_o house_n etc._n etc._n but_o woe_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v with_o child_n and_o to_o they_o that_o give_v suck_v in_o those_o day_n for_o in_o those_o day_n shall_v be_v affliction_n such_o as_o be_v not_o since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o creation_n which_o god_n create_v unto_o this_o time_n neither_o shall_v be_v again_o and_o except_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v shorten_v those_o day_n no_o flesh_n shall_v be_v save_v but_o for_o the_o elect_v sake_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v say_v unto_o you_o lo_o here_o be_v christ_n or_o lo_o he_o be_v there_o believe_v it_o not_o for_o there_o shall_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n to_o seduce_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a even_o the_o elect._n but_o take_v you_o heed_n behold_v i_o have_v foretell_v you_o all_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o requisite_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v very_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o jewish_a history_n to_o know_v that_o this_o prophecy_n be_v exact_o fulfil_v those_o who_o doubt_v it_o may_v consult_v the_o history_n josephus_n write_v of_o it_o there_o they_o will_v hear_v of_o trouble_n of_o war_n rumour_n of_o war_n of_o famine_n earthquake_n from_o place_n to_o place_n which_o precede_v for_o some_o year_n the_o final_a destruction_n of_o judea_n therein_o they_o will_v find_v jerusalem_n surround_v with_o army_n and_o tread_v down_o by_o the_o gentile_n there_o they_o will_v read_v of_o a_o time_n wherein_o it_o be_v much_o better_a for_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o miserable_a country_n to_o forsake_v their_o abode_n in_o the_o city_n and_o to_o flee_v to_o the_o mountain_n there_o they_o will_v see_v the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n burn_v down_o and_o demolish_v without_o have_v one_o stone_n leave_v upon_o another_o and_o sure_o be_v convince_v that_o there_o be_v never_o tribulation_n like_a unto_o the_o tribulation_n of_o those_o day_n they_o will_v be_v no_o long_o ignorant_a of_o the_o abomination_n of_o desolation_n set_v up_o in_o the_o holy_a place_n which_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n speak_v of_o when_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o jew_n rush_v into_o the_o temple_n and_o there_o cut_v one_o another_o throat_n on_o a_o solemn_a feast_n day_n but_o if_o they_o will_v further_o consult_v our_o ecclesiastical_a historian_n or_o the_o primitive_a father_n they_o will_v find_v they_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o relation_n that_o the_o faithful_a disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n flee_v to_o a_o little_a city_n call_v pella_n after_o have_v be_v forewarn_v of_o it_o by_o the_o spirit_n and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o long_o reason_n to_o think_v these_o word_n of_o jesus_n christ_n obscure_a but_o pray_v you_o that_o your_o flight_n be_v not_o in_o the_o winter_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v few_o people_n but_o what_o perceive_v the_o exact_a conformity_n of_o this_o prophecy_n with_o its_o event_n and_o we_o need_v not_o at_o all_o question_n the_o certainty_n of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o very_o certain_a that_o it_o be_v not_o compose_v after_o the_o event_n and_o it_o will_v concern_v we_o to_o inquire_v into_o it_o it_o appear_v then_o first_o that_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o it_o be_v relate_v be_v compose_v before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n because_o st._n luke_n write_v not_o the_o book_n of_o act_n till_o some_o time_n after_o he_o have_v compose_v his_o gospel_n as_o he_o testify_v himself_o in_o these_o word_n the_o former_a treatise_n have_v i_o make_v o_o theophilus_n of_o all_o that_o jesus_n begin_v both_o to_o do_v and_o to_o teach_v etc._n etc._n act_v 1._o 1._o beside_o it_o seem_v that_o st._n luke_n have_v write_v the_o book_n of_o act_n before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n because_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o speak_v of_o that_o event_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o speak_v of_o jerusalem_n as_o of_o a_o city_n that_o be_v still_o in_o be_v and_o wherein_o there_o be_v a_o flourish_a christian_a church_n but_o perhaps_o this_o be_v not_o so_o much_o insist_v upon_o it_o may_v be_v further_o ask_v whether_o that_o prophecy_n may_v not_o have_v be_v insert_v in_o the_o gospel_n by_o some_o zealous_a christian_n who_o have_v see_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n may_v have_v take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o to_o honour_v their_o master_n by_o pretend_v he_o have_v foretell_v it_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o doubt_n we_o shall_v observe_v first_o that_o though_o this_o prophecy_n be_v the_o same_o in_o substance_n in_o the_o three_o gospel_n wherein_o it_o be_v relate_v yet_o it_o be_v express_v after_o a_o very_a different_a
manner_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v we_o that_o it_o be_v not_o insert_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o author_n in_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o st._n matthew_n in_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o st._n mark_n and_o in_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o st._n luke_n for_o to_o examine_v the_o beginning_n of_o it_o only_o it_o appear_v that_o st._n matthew_n relate_v it_o thus_o chap._n 24._o and_o jesus_n say_v unto_o they_o see_v you_o not_o all_o these_o thing_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v leave_v here_o one_o stone_n upon_o another_o that_o shall_v not_o be_v throw_v down_o and_o as_o he_o sit_v upon_o the_o mount_n of_o olive_n the_o disciple_n come_v unto_o he_o private_o say_v tell_v we_o when_o shall_v these_o thing_n be_v etc._n etc._n now_o st._n luke_n express_v himself_o thus_o chap._n 21._o and_o as_o some_o speak_v of_o the_o temple_n how_o it_o be_v adorn_v with_o goodly_a stone_n he_o say_v as_o for_o these_o thing_n which_o you_o behold_v the_o day_n will_v come_v in_o the_o which_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v leave_v one_o stone_n upon_o another_o here_o he_o do_v not_o say_v as_o st._n matthew_n that_o the_o disciple_n as_o he_o sit_v upon_o the_o mount_n of_o olive_n ask_v he_o say_v master_n but_o when_o shall_v these_o thing_n be_v etc._n etc._n last_o after_o this_o manner_n also_o st._n mark_n begin_v this_o narration_n chap._n 13._o and_o as_o he_o go_v out_o of_o the_o temple_n one_o of_o his_o disciple_n say_v unto_o he_o master_n see_v what_o stone_n and_o building_n be_v here_o and_o jesus_n answer_v say_v unto_o he_o see_v thou_o these_o great_a building_n there_o shall_v not_o be_v leave_v one_o stone_n upon_o another_o that_o shall_v not_o be_v throw_v down_o and_o as_o he_o sit_v upon_o the_o mount_n of_o olive_n over_o against_o the_o temple_n peter_n and_o james_n and_o john_n and_o andrew_n ask_v he_o private_o tell_v we_o when_o shall_v these_o thing_n be_v etc._n etc._n this_o last_o evangelist_n perfect_o explain_v and_o reconcile_v the_o other_o two_o together_o by_o deliver_v all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n viz._n that_o jesus_n be_v two_o several_a time_n ask_v concern_v the_o building_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o that_o the_o last_o time_n be_v as_o he_o sit_v upon_o the_o mount_n of_o olive_n from_o whence_o one_o may_v very_o well_o see_v the_o temple_n and_o where_o that_o prospect_n give_v occasion_n to_o his_o disciple_n to_o desire_v that_o he_o will_v explain_v what_o he_o say_v of_o its_o demolish_n when_o he_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o temple_n itself_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o it_o be_v to_o be_v confess_v that_o the_o little_a difference_n we_o perceive_v in_o this_o respect_n between_o the_o evangelist_n utter_o overthrow_v the_o suspicion_n we_o may_v entertain_v that_o this_o prophecy_n be_v forge_v by_o some_o body_n or_o other_o who_o have_v insert_v it_o in_o all_o the_o three_o gospel_n but_o ii_o it_o be_v worth_a our_o observation_n that_o the_o disciple_n have_v confound_v together_o two_o very_o remote_a event_n in_o the_o question_n they_o ask_v their_o master_n viz._n the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n say_v tell_v we_o when_o shall_v these_o thing_n be_v and_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o sign_n of_o thy_o come_n and_o of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n mat._n 24._o 3._o jesus_n christ_n answer_v without_o undeceive_v his_o disciple_n and_o without_o distinguish_v what_o they_o have_v thus_o confound_v together_o now_o what_o likelihood_n be_v there_o that_o a_o man_n who_o have_v see_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o can_v not_o imagine_v it_o shall_v be_v attend_v with_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v make_v the_o disciple_n utter_v such_o a_o question_n without_o make_v jesus_n christ_n answer_v the_o least_o thing_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o it_o but_o rather_o iii_o how_o shall_v he_o have_v be_v able_a to_o join_v in_o this_o prophecy_n the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o the_o come_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n in_o the_o cloud_n with_o great_a power_n and_o glory_n how_o can_v that_o man_n who_o have_v be_v a_o eye-witness_n to_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v reasonable_o say_v that_o present_o after_o the_o tribulation_n of_o those_o day_n the_o sun_n shall_v be_v darken_v and_o the_o moon_n shall_v not_o give_v her_o light_n that_o the_o star_n shall_v fall_v from_o heaven_n and_o the_o power_n of_o heaven_n be_v shake_v that_o man_n heart_n shall_v fail_v they_o for_o fear_n and_o for_o look_v after_o those_o thing_n and_o that_o the_o world_n shall_v mourn_v etc._n etc._n how_o be_v it_o possible_a he_o shall_v have_v intermix_v all_o those_o circumstance_n with_o the_o history_n of_o that_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o falsehood_n of_o which_o he_o must_v needs_o well_o know_v if_o he_o compose_v the_o prophecy_n after_o the_o event_n but_o do_v we_o not_o fall_v here_o from_o one_o difficulty_n into_o a_o great_a for_o if_o all_o those_o sign_n which_o be_v to_o accompany_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v not_o real_o come_v to_o pass_v wherein_o then_o lie_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o same_o prophecy_n to_o answer_v this_o objection_n some_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o say_v that_o jesus_n christ_n express_v himself_o in_o this_o place_n after_o the_o usual_a manner_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o say_v that_o nature_n tremble_v and_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v move_v when_o god_n visit_v man_n after_o some_o extraordinary_a manner_n either_o in_o his_o goodness_n or_o justice_n they_o further_o add_v that_o the_o judgement_n of_o christ_n execute_v on_o the_o jew_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o as_o a_o come_n and_o as_o a_o singular_a come_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o terrible_a plague_n he_o inflict_v on_o they_o but_o what_o seem_v to_o i_o more_o reasonable_a and_o natural_a than_o this_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n think_v it_o not_o convenient_a to_o undeceive_v his_o disciple_n who_o be_v prepossess_v with_o a_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o their_o nation_n think_v that_o jerusalem_n shall_v last_v as_o long_o as_o the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o one_o shall_v be_v the_o ruin_n of_o the_o other_o he_o therefore_o seem_v to_o side_n with_o their_o opinion_n and_o represent_v those_o two_o event_n to_o they_o by_o the_o same_o sign_n and_o indeed_o i_o conceive_v there_o may_v be_v several_a reason_n which_o oblige_v jesus_n christ_n so_o to_o act_v for_o not_o to_o allege_v here_o that_o obscurity_n be_v the_o true_a character_n of_o all_o prophecy_n and_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a this_o here_o shall_v be_v somewhat_o overshadow_a as_o well_o as_o the_o rest_n lest_o any_o one_o shall_v foreknow_v the_o time_n of_o its_o accomplishment_n god_n have_v reserve_v that_o knowledge_n to_o himself_o as_o it_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o in_o this_o same_o prophecy_n be_v it_o not_o also_o necessary_a that_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v follow_v the_o ordinary_a custom_n of_o all_o the_o prophet_n which_o be_v to_o unite_v several_a very_o remote_a event_n together_o in_o one_o single_a prophecy_n to_o show_v that_o the_o remote_a thing_n be_v nigh_o one_o another_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n beside_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o perfect_a description_n of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n what_o can_v be_v more_o wise_o think_v of_o than_o to_o represent_v the_o one_o to_o we_o by_o the_o other_o according_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o disciple_n who_o confound_v those_o two_o event_n together_o there_o happen_v pestilence_n war_n and_o famine_n immediate_o before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n there_o will_v also_o happen_v the_o like_a immediate_o before_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o tribe_n which_o dwell_v in_o the_o holy_a land_n mourn_v to_o see_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o curse_n of_o heaven_n fall_v upon_o their_o nation_n so_o shall_v all_o the_o tribe_n of_o the_o earth_n mourn_v and_o be_v astonish_v when_o god_n shall_v destroy_v this_o inferior_a world_n and_o proceed_v to_o the_o last_o judgement_n as_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n happen_v not_o till_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v throughout_o the_o world_n that_o be_v in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o know_a world_n so_o in_o all_o appearance_n the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n will_v not_o happen_v till_o all_o the_o nation_n which_o lay_v conceal_v and_o unknown_a have_v be_v convert_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o there_o be_v see_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n before_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o the_o jew_n so_o there_o will_v be_v also_o false_a teacher_n who_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o seduce_v man_n before_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o
holy_a ghost_n but_o perhaps_o it_o be_v a_o question_n whether_o there_o be_v ever_o any_o christian_a church_n found_v at_o jerusalem_n if_o so_o then_o must_v the_o ancient_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o live_v in_o different_a time_n and_o in_o different_a place_n have_v conspire_v together_o to_o deceive_v we_o in_o this_o respect_n and_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n and_o all_o other_o profess_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o well_o ancient_a as_o modern_a who_o never_o contest_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n must_v utter_o have_v lose_v their_o reason_n in_o a_o word_n suppose_v the_o book_n of_o act_n compose_v long_o after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v when_o there_o can_v be_v no_o long_o any_o flourish_a church_n in_o that_o city_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o point_n gain_v for_o it_o be_v true_a still_o that_o the_o apostle_n set_v down_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o speak_v of_o and_o that_o their_o epistle_n be_v fill_v with_o such_o thing_n as_o visible_o relate_v to_o it_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o further_o add_v that_o the_o book_n of_o act_n mention_n nothing_o of_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o manifest_o show_v that_o it_o be_v compose_v during_o their_o life_n and_o consequent_o in_o a_o time_n wherein_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n flourish_v nor_o that_o it_o mention_n nothing_o of_o the_o last_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o any_o of_o the_o sign_n or_o presage_n of_o it_o which_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o that_o book_n be_v compose_v some_o time_n before_o that_o great_a event_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o author_n who_o compose_v it_o mere_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o the_o incredulous_a undoubted_o imagine_v will_v never_o have_v fail_v to_o have_v insert_v in_o it_o the_o history_n of_o all_o those_o dreadful_a misfortune_n which_o fall_v upon_o the_o jew_n and_o which_o the_o christian_n look_v upon_o as_o the_o effect_n of_o their_o reject_v the_o messiah_n but_o since_o my_o design_n be_v not_o to_o leave_v the_o reader_n the_o least_o shadow_n of_o a_o doubt_n i_o promise_v to_o prove_v by_o and_o by_o that_o the_o apostle_n both_o receive_v and_o impart_v many_o miraculous_a gift_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n till_o the_o method_n i_o have_v prescribe_v to_o myself_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o enter_v upon_o that_o subject_n i_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o make_v some_o few_o reflection_n concern_v the_o success_n of_o the_o apostle_n preach_v which_o be_v that_o essential_a head_n to_o which_o all_o other_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o act_n relate_v chap._n x._o wherein_o we_o shall_v take_v into_o consideration_n what_o success_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o apostle_n have_v this_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v relate_v with_o very_o remarkable_a circumstannce_n as_o i._o that_o those_o man_n who_o first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v fisherman_n that_o be_v gross_a and_o ignorant_a people_n of_o no_o appearance_n or_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n ii_o that_o those_o man_n go_v about_o preach_v that_o they_o have_v see_v jesus_n christ_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o that_o they_o have_v long_o before_o be_v eye-witness_n to_o his_o miracle_n iii_o that_o they_o offend_v by_o their_o preach_v all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o expose_v their_o person_n to_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o danger_n and_o misfortune_n iv._o that_o they_o suffer_v they_o with_o patience_n or_o rather_o with_o joy_n v._o that_o the_o success_n of_o their_o preach_n be_v so_o swift_a and_o sudden_a as_o be_v almost_o inconceivable_a in_o all_o this_o st._n luke_n have_v tell_v we_o nothing_o but_o what_o our_o own_o reason_n will_v tell_v we_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v man_n of_o no_o extraordinary_a birth_n or_o credit_n in_o the_o world_n that_o first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n since_o no_o body_n have_v ever_o say_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o those_o man_n ought_v to_o have_v testify_v that_o they_o have_v see_v jesus_n christ_n work_v many_o miracle_n see_v he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n because_o they_o will_v never_o have_v convert_v so_o many_o nation_n as_o they_o do_v have_v they_o only_o say_v they_o know_v all_o those_o thing_n by_o hear_v say_v and_o beside_o that_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n inform_v we_o that_o that_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o their_o preach_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n persecute_v these_o man_n for_o as_o much_o as_o policy_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o all_o new_a sect_n and_o the_o people_n themselves_o be_v always_o jealous_a of_o their_o religion_n it_o can_v be_v doubt_v neither_o but_o that_o the_o apostle_n very_o courageous_o suffer_v the_o effect_n of_o that_o persecution_n because_o have_v they_o recant_v or_o draw_v back_o for_o fear_n of_o punishment_n their_o design_n will_v have_v miscarry_v in_o its_o very_a beginning_n last_o who_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o success_n of_o their_o preach_n be_v very_o swift_a and_o sudden_a in_o as_o much_o as_o in_o a_o short_a time_n there_o be_v several_a church_n establish_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o know_a world_n this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v never_o contest_v and_o therefore_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o st._n luke_n tell_v we_o all_o these_o thing_n the_o book_n of_o act_n inform_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o they_o be_v so_o which_o utter_o destroy_v the_o suspicion_n we_o may_v entertain_v that_o they_o be_v all_o forge_v or_o invent_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o can_v consider_v all_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n nor_o unite_v they_o together_o and_o observe_v the_o proportion_n they_o have_v one_o with_o another_o without_o present_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o so_o plain_o prove_v and_o establish_v chap._n xi_o wherein_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n though_o the_o ancient_n have_v not_o unanimous_o receive_v the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n though_o clemens_n polycarp_n and_o barnabas_n have_v make_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o observe_v that_o they_o be_v write_v to_o some_o church_n that_o be_v to_o whole_a society_n who_o for_o a_o long_a while_n preserve_v the_o original_n of_o they_o to_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v not_o forge_v it_o be_v then_o our_o concern_n to_o see_v whether_o we_o can_v find_v therein_o any_o character_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o religion_n we_o can_v read_v st._n paul_n epistle_n without_o observe_v therein_o i._o the_o piety_n and_o charity_n of_o that_o apostle_n ii_o his_o impartiality_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n iii_o his_o courage_n in_o endure_a affliction_n which_o instead_o of_o dishearten_v rather_o overjoy_v he_o iv._o a_o continual_a repetition_n of_o the_o testimony_n which_o the_o apostle_n bear_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o lord_n v._o such_o thing_n which_o manifest_o denote_v that_o st._n paul_n have_v receive_v the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o those_o that_o then_o believe_v very_o frequent_o receive_v they_o the_o piety_n of_o that_o apostle_n so_o various_o discover_v itself_o in_o his_o write_n that_o we_o can_v think_v it_o dissemble_v without_o offer_v violence_n to_o our_o understanding_n for_o though_o a_o man_n shall_v constrain_v himself_o upon_o some_o occasion_n yet_o be_v it_o possible_a he_o shall_v after_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n during_o a_o great_a part_n of_o his_o life_n in_o all_o his_o action_n in_o all_o his_o word_n in_o his_o manner_n of_o tell_v of_o thing_n which_o often_o discover_v the_o bottom_n of_o the_o heart_n than_o the_o thing_n he_o speak_v of_o i_o know_v very_o well_o hypocrisy_n cover_v itself_o with_o the_o external_a show_n of_o virtue_n but_o real_o there_o be_v yet_o something_o which_o i_o can_v express_v a_o simple_a and_o natural_a air_n in_o true_a virtue_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o hypocrisy_n or_o rather_o hypocrisy_n be_v neither_o so_o subtle_a nor_o clear_v sight_v but_o that_o it_o discover_v itself_o on_o one_o side_n or_o other_o nay_o often_o it_o let_v drop_v a_o wordwhich_v unmasque_n it_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n however_o i_o be_o willing_a the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n shall_v be_v strict_o examine_v to_o see_v whether_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v very_o natural_a and_o sincere_a can_v be_v find_v
to_o look_v upon_o that_o word_n as_o divine_v which_o those_o tongue_n have_v preach_v we_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o those_o write_n as_o divine_a in_o which_o that_o word_n itself_o be_v contain_v i_o hope_v that_o whosoever_o shall_v serious_o reflect_v on_o the_o connexion_n of_o all_o these_o principle_n will_v full_o be_v persuade_v that_o their_o union_n be_v not_o to_o be_v dissolve_v if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o book_n as_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o day_n of_o clemens_n polycarp_n and_o of_o the_o primitive_a father_n as_o without_o dispute_n there_o be_v that_o book_n can_v never_o have_v be_v forge_v if_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v not_o have_v be_v forge_v it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o certain_a public_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v insert_v in_o that_o book_n as_o be_v public_o know_v by_o all_o the_o christian_n be_v true_a and_o if_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v true_a it_o can_v never_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o 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as_o he_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o shop_n of_o a_o carpenter_n as_o his_o enemy_n themselves_o confess_v in_o their_o reproach_n of_o he_o iii_o some_o will_v object_v that_o it_o be_v out_o of_o spite_n to_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o other_o ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o he_o first_o exclaim_v so_o much_o against_o they_o and_o after_o invent_v on_o purpose_n to_o thwart_v they_o a_o religion_n quite_o opposite_a to_o they_o but_o what_o have_v the_o son_n of_o mary_n to_o do_v with_o all_o those_o teacher_n since_o he_o neither_o be_v priest_n nor_o levite_n nor_o pretend_v to_o any_o such_o dignity_n what_o shall_v make_v he_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o they_o beside_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o assert_v that_o jesus_n christ_n seem_v very_o much_o exasperate_v against_o their_o doctrine_n and_o behaviour_n it_o must_v also_o be_v consider_v whether_o he_o have_v not_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v so_o iu._n it_o be_v object_v that_o 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the_o most_o considerable_a proof_n that_o every_o thing_n here_o be_v sole_o transact_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n have_v he_o choose_v for_o his_o minister_n the_o prince_n and_o potentate_n of_o the_o world_n some_o will_v perhaps_o have_v ascribe_v the_o wonder_n of_o christian_a morality_n to_o policy_n and_o the_o design_n of_o keep_v people_n in_o obedience_n by_o oblige_v they_o to_o a_o charitable_a union_n among_o themselves_o have_v he_o choose_v philosopher_n some_o will_v have_v ascribe_v their_o heroical_a self-denial_n to_o the_o singularity_n and_o pride_n of_o their_o sect_n or_o to_o those_o elevate_a thought_n which_o philosophy_n have_v inspire_v they_o with_o have_v he_o choose_v orator_n some_o will_v have_v think_v that_o they_o may_v have_v seduce_v man_n by_o the_o charm_n of_o their_o eloquence_n have_v he_o choose_v very_o powerful_a and_o rich_a man_n some_o will_v have_v attribute_v the_o success_n of_o their_o preach_n to_o their_o liberality_n he_o 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our_o interest_n and_o of_o that_o hope_n far_o strong_a than_o all_o their_o passion_n that_o they_o suffer_v such_o torment_n for_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n as_o we_o must_v either_o believe_v it_o or_o look_v upon_o the_o disciple_n as_o so_o many_o fool_n or_o mad_a man_n i_o say_v if_o the_o disciple_n hope_v for_o eternal_a life_n from_o he_o it_o necessary_o follow_v thence_o that_o they_o sincere_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v what_o he_o professd_v himself_o to_o be_v since_o they_o can_v not_o expect_v eternal_a life_n from_o a_o impostor_n and_o if_o they_o believe_v his_o calling_n to_o be_v true_a they_o likewise_o believe_v his_o miracle_n and_o resurrection_n to_o be_v so_o too_o and_o if_o they_o think_v his_o miracle_n and_o resurrection_n true_a it_o follow_v thence_o that_o they_o be_v necessary_o so_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o disciple_n shall_v have_v deceive_v themselves_o in_o certain_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o require_v only_o see_v hear_v and_o feel_v let_v the_o incredulous_a use_n what_o shift_n and_o evasion_n they_o please_v i_o dare_v say_v they_o can_v bring_v nothing_o but_o absurd_a impertinency_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o argument_n which_o we_o look_v upon_o to_o have_v the_o force_n of_o demonstration_n if_o the_o apostle_n expect_v everlasting_a life_n from_o jesus_n christ_n it_o follow_v thence_o that_o they_o can_v not_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o impostor_n nor_o abet_v his_o imposture_n nor_o be_v impostor_n themselves_o as_o they_o necessary_o must_v have_v be_v be_v not_o the_o christian_a religion_n infallible_o true_a now_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o disciple_n do_v hope_n for_o everlasting_a life_n from_o jesus_n christ_n because_o he_o never_o propose_v any_o other_o object_n to_o their_o faith_n he_o foretell_v they_o nothing_o but_o cross_n and_o tribulation_n in_o this_o life_n public_o declare_v that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n beside_o experience_n and_o reason_n teach_v they_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n they_o themselves_o declare_v in_o all_o their_o epistle_n that_o they_o expect_v nothing_o but_o cross_n and_o tribulation_n in_o this_o life_n compare_v it_o to_o a_o warfare_n a_o wrestle_a the_o world_n to_o a_o field_n of_o battle_n call_v themselves_o the_o champion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o continual_o rejoice_v that_o they_o be_v to_o suffer_v in_o hope_n of_o the_o crown_n that_o be_v reserve_v for_o they_o as_o to_o the_o four_o objection_n we_o answer_v that_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o compare_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o synagogue_n with_o those_o write_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o witness_n of_o the_o synagogue_n testify_v that_o which_o be_v unknown_a to_o they_o that_o which_o they_o have_v not_o see_v and_o which_o they_o therefore_o can_v have_v no_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o for_o who_o can_v believe_v the_o report_n of_o the_o watch_n if_o they_o real_o see_v any_o one_o take_v away_o the_o body_n of_o jesus_n why_o 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recant_v his_o opinion_n yes_o without_o doubt_n and_o this_o consideration_n alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o decide_v the_o controversy_n saul_n a_o servant_n of_o the_o synagogue_n go_v one_o day_n to_o damascus_n not_o only_o to_o testify_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v be_v a_o seducer_n but_o also_o to_o persecute_v all_o those_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o be_v on_o a_o sudden_a change_v and_o become_v a_o disciple_n of_o he_o who_o before_o he_o go_v about_o so_o furious_o to_o persecute_v judas_n on_o the_o contrary_a a_o disciple_n and_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n renounce_v his_o master_n and_o deliver_v he_o to_o the_o jew_n who_o put_v he_o to_o death_n here_o be_v two_o several_a witness_n who_o seem_v to_o recant_v their_o opinion_n but_o consider_v the_o different_a end_n of_o their_o recantation_n saul_n be_v a_o pharisee_n the_o son_n of_o a_o pharisee_fw-mi and_o consequent_o a_o member_n of_o a_o sect_n particular_o exasperate_v against_o jesus_n christ_n he_o have_v obtain_v letter_n from_o the_o sanhedrin_n or_o grand_a council_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o the_o synagogue_n of_o damascus_n to_o demand_v assistance_n from_o they_o against_o the_o christian_n that_o dwell_v therein_o who_o he_o have_v purpose_v to_o himself_o to_o drag_v along_o to_o prison_n and_o to_o put_v to_o death_n as_o he_o have_v do_v several_a other_o before_o he_o be_v therefore_o on_o his_o journey_n and_o draw_v nigh_o unto_o damascus_n he_o be_v upon_o the_o point_n of_o satisfy_v his_o rage_n and_o fury_n but_o on_o a_o sudden_a he_o be_v altogether_o change_v what_o be_v there_o that_o can_v have_v oblige_v this_o witness_n thus_o to_o recant_v what_o proffer_n be_v then_o make_v to_o he_o or_o who_o be_v then_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o make_v he_o any_o what_o unexpected_a force_n so_o sudden_o overthrow_v all_o the_o design_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o a_o man_n that_o be_v
just_a go_v to_o shed_v the_o blood_n of_o christian_n he_o go_v about_o afterward_o preach_v that_o he_o have_v see_v jesus_n christ_n that_o a_o great_a light_n shine_v round_o about_o he_o that_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v reveal_v unto_o he_o he_o affirm_v that_o god_n have_v set_v he_o forth_o unto_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o become_v a_o spectacle_n unto_o man_n and_o angel_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 9_o if_o man_n will_v not_o credit_v his_o report_n let_v they_o try_v he_o by_o torment_n and_o see_v what_o effect_n they_o will_v have_v upon_o he_o let_v they_o load_v he_o with_o chain_n and_o cast_v he_o into_o prison_n let_v they_o expose_v he_o to_o wild_a beast_n at_o ephesus_n let_v the_o element_n man_n and_o devil_n be_v all_o at_o once_o set_v against_o he_o let_v they_o scourge_v he_o drag_v he_o along_o stone_n he_o let_v they_o bring_v he_o from_o jerusalem_n to_o caesarea_n from_o caesarea_n to_o rome_n increase_n and_o prolong_v his_o affliction_n saul_n the_o witness_n of_o the_o synagogue_n it_o be_v true_a recant_v his_o opinion_n but_o paul_n the_o witness_n of_o jesus_n will_v never_o recant_v he_o have_v see_v the_o strange_a alteration_n which_o happen_v to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o synagogue_n let_v we_o reflect_v a_o little_a on_o that_o which_o happen_v to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n judas_n betray_v his_o master_n and_o receive_v for_o his_o reward_n thirty_o piece_n of_o silver_n but_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v he_o be_v so_o much_o disturb_v after_o he_o have_v do_v it_o the_o jew_n the_o roman_n the_o people_n the_o doctor_n the_o magistrate_n and_o judge_n all_o favour_v his_o crime_n and_o let_v he_o go_v unpunished_a yet_o the_o remorse_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n torment_v he_o to_o that_o degree_n that_o he_o can_v not_o rest_v any_o where_o and_o at_o length_n not_o be_v able_a to_o overcome_v his_o despair_n he_o make_v away_o with_o himself_o and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n so_o order_v it_o that_o the_o jew_n themselves_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o that_o astonish_a event_n by_o buy_v with_o that_o money_n a_o field_n which_o be_v since_o call_v aceldama_n because_o it_o be_v the_o price_n of_o blood_n what_o a_o strange_a difference_n we_o find_v in_o these_o two_o person_n of_o judas_n and_o saul_n judas_n kill_v himself_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o prosperity_n but_o saul_n rejoice_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o affliction_n judas_n prevail_v upon_o by_o the_o synagogue_n can_v not_o be_v comfort_v by_o the_o same_o but_o die_v in_o despair_n paul_n become_v the_o disciple_n and_o witness_n of_o jesus_n and_o to_o he_o the_o cross_n of_o jesus_n be_v matter_n of_o the_o great_a joy_n god_n forbid_v say_v he_o gal._n 6._o 14_o that_o i_o shall_v glory_v save_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o my_o saviour_n christ_n by_o who_o the_o world_n be_v crucify_v unto_o i_o and_o i_o unto_o the_o world_n will_v any_o one_o believe_v that_o judas_n be_v his_o own_o executioner_n mere_o out_o of_o remorse_n for_o have_v betray_v a_o impostor_n to_o the_o jew_n or_o that_o st._n paul_n derive_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o infidelity_n the_o courage_n he_o show_v in_o all_o his_o suffering_n certain_o it_o may_v be_v very_o proper_o say_v that_o they_o be_v both_o the_o martyr_n of_o god_n but_o only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o judas_n be_v so_o against_o his_o will_n but_o paul_n voluntary_o if_o the_o constancy_n of_o the_o one_o testify_v in_o behalf_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o despair_n of_o the_o other_o be_v no_o small_a honour_n to_o he_o and_o the_o only_a difference_n be_v this_o that_o paul_n be_v proper_o a_o martyr_n but_o judas_n in_o spite_n of_o himself_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n chap._n xvii_o where_o we_o further_o answer_v the_o objection_n of_o the_o incredulous_a of_o all_o the_o object_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n offer_v to_o our_o understanding_n there_o be_v no_o one_o seem_v more_o to_o shock_v the_o reason_n of_o a_o prejudice_v and_o incredulous_a person_n than_o the_o death_n of_o the_o messiah_n the_o cross_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v according_a to_o the_o expression_n of_o a_o apostle_n a_o scandal_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o a_o folly_n to_o the_o greek_a but_o in_o our_o opinion_n there_o be_v nothing_o bear_v more_o visible_a character_n of_o greatness_n and_o divinity_n than_o that_o do_v the_o incredulous_a tell_v we_o that_o can_v we_o but_o rid_v ourselves_o of_o all_o our_o prejudices_fw-la we_o shall_v be_v hearty_o ashamed_a to_o entertain_v such_o strange_a idea_n of_o god_n and_o we_o also_o tell_v they_o that_o can_v they_o once_o but_o free_v themselves_o of_o those_o passion_n which_o darken_v their_o understanding_n they_o will_v certain_o admire_v with_o we_o the_o wonder_n of_o so_o divine_a a_o object_n who_o then_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n in_o this_o thing_n that_o will_v best_o appear_v by_o the_o answer_v we_o shall_v make_v to_o their_o objection_n we_o find_v in_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n one_o who_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v seize_v upon_o and_o be_v afterward_o nail_v on_o a_o cross_n not_o have_v any_o one_o to_o deliver_v he_o from_o the_o power_n of_o his_o enemy_n this_o they_o object_n be_v a_o mark_n of_o his_o weakness_n for_o say_v they_o have_v he_o be_v the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n why_o do_v he_o not_o come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n and_o all_o the_o world_n will_v have_v believe_v on_o he_o he_o die_v as_o one_o condemn_v by_o the_o grand_a council_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v establish_v this_o be_v he_o as_o be_v find_v guilty_a he_o be_v seize_v with_o sorrowfulness_n even_o unto_o death_n the_o day_n before_o his_o passion_n and_o cry_v out_o bitter_o when_o he_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n this_o show_v his_o wretched_a condition_n he_o be_v make_v to_o suffer_v a_o punishment_n proper_a only_o for_o slave_n it_o can_v therefore_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o he_o die_v a_o most_o infamous_a death_n and_o who_o can_v imagine_v that_o weakness_n gild_n or_o at_o least_o condemnation_n wretchedness_n and_o infamy_n shall_v be_v the_o true_a character_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n thus_o the_o incredulous_a argue_v we_o answer_v that_o jesus_n christ_n suffer_v by_o the_o determinate_a council_n of_o god_n since_o the_o scripture_n foretell_v that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v wound_v for_o our_o transgression_n and_o bruise_v for_o our_o iniquity_n that_o he_o be_v to_o make_v his_o soul_n a_o offering_n for_o sin_n that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o but_o not_o for_o himself_o and_o st._n john_n the_o baptist_n see_v he_o come_v to_o he_o at_o a_o time_n wherein_o it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a he_o shall_v ever_o suffer_v call_v he_o the_o lamb_n of_o god_n that_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n john_n 1._o 29._o jesus_n christ_n suffer_v voluntary_o he_o foretell_v all_o his_o own_o suffering_n to_o his_o disciple_n invite_v they_o to_o take_v up_o their_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o a_o company_n of_o miserable_a and_o afflict_a wretch_n in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v notwithstanding_o to_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o by_o their_o suffering_n establish_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n he_o free_o own_v to_o they_o that_o he_o be_v not_o come_v to_o settle_v peace_n in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o sword_n that_o god_n will_v smite_v the_o shepherd_n and_o that_o the_o sheep_n shall_v be_v scatter_v that_o they_o be_v to_o drink_v of_o the_o same_o cup_n with_o he_o and_o be_v baptize_v with_o his_o baptism_n that_o be_v to_o taste_v the_o bitter_a cup_n of_o his_o affliction_n and_o be_v baptize_v with_o he_o with_o a_o baptism_n of_o blood_n he_o intermix_v his_o suffering_n with_o they_o that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o bear_v they_o in_o remembrance_n if_o we_o shall_v in_o the_o least_o doubt_n whether_o christ_n foretell_v his_o suffering_n we_o need_v only_o consider_v the_o design_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o eucharist_n and_o the_o time_n wherein_o this_o ceremony_n be_v institute_v for_o unless_o we_o shall_v call_v in_o question_n the_o real_a institution_n of_o that_o sacrament_n and_o so_o affirm_v that_o the_o disciple_n out_o of_o a_o unaccountable_a and_o fantastical_a extravagance_n pretend_v only_o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v institute_v that_o ceremony_n when_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o jesus_n christ_n foresee_v his_o death_n that_o he_o prepare_v himself_o for_o it_o and_o affirm_v he_o suffer_v it_o voluntary_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o eucharist_n which_o he_o
that_o persuasion_n so_o deep_o root_v in_o their_o mind_n that_o their_o law_n be_v to_o be_v eternal_a and_o yet_o that_o a_o few_o year_n shall_v persuade_v that_o great_a multitude_n of_o disciple_n convert_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o all_o those_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v become_v invalid_a by_o the_o death_n of_o a_o man_n who_o the_o sanhedrin_n have_v condemn_v to_o be_v execute_v as_o a_o malefactor_n without_o any_o extraordinary_a or_o supernatural_a accident_n intervening_a which_o shall_v occasion_v the_o frame_n to_o themselves_o such_o idea_n so_o particular_a and_o so_o contrary_a to_o their_o first_o prejudices_fw-la certain_o we_o may_v very_o well_o affirm_v that_o our_o incredulous_a adversary_n have_v too_o great_a a_o value_n for_o imposture_n and_o ignorance_n when_o they_o imagine_v that_o a_o universal_a delusion_n and_o unanimous_a consent_n to_o a_o lie_n can_v convert_v nation_n sanctify_v mankind_n and_o spread_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n throughout_o the_o world_n according_a as_o it_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o scripture_n or_o that_o a_o few_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a fisherman_n who_o knowledge_n extend_v no_o further_a than_o their_o employment_n shall_v discover_v the_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o introduce_v instead_o of_o it_o a_o spiritual_a worship_n as_o real_o more_o conformable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o more_o worthy_a of_o man_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o more_o worthy_a of_o man_n who_o be_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n that_o those_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a man_n shall_v discover_v the_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o law_n to_o be_v only_a type_n of_o the_o death_n of_o a_o man_n who_o be_v condemn_v to_o be_v execute_v as_o a_o malefactor_n that_o they_o shall_v attribute_v this_o thought_n to_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o make_v he_o express_v it_o only_o in_o these_o word_n behold_v the_o lamb_n of_o god_n that_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n john_n 1._o 29._o word_n so_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a that_o they_o contain_v the_o whole_a sum_n of_o christian_n religion_n and_o last_o that_o they_o shall_v invent_v mystery_n so_o very_o different_a from_o man_n ordinary_a thought_n and_o conjecture_n and_o so_o far_o above_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o most_o judicious_a and_o learned_a that_o it_o may_v deserve_o be_v say_v of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v such_o thing_n which_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v they_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 9_o last_o experience_n tell_v we_o how_o difficult_a it_o be_v for_o person_n already_o advance_v in_o year_n to_o renounce_v the_o common_a practice_n general_o approve_v of_o in_o the_o world_n especial_o when_o authorise_v by_o religion_n and_o education_n how_o hard_o will_v it_o be_v for_o we_o christian_n to_o live_v as_o the_o jew_n and_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v more_o difficult_a for_o they_o to_o live_v as_o we_o do_v because_o we_o look_v upon_o all_o their_o custom_n as_o thing_n very_o indifferent_a in_o themselves_o whereas_o they_o always_o look_v upon_o our_o practice_n as_o scandalous_a and_o unlawful_a how_o then_o be_v it_o that_o not_o only_o one_o or_o two_o jew_n but_o thousand_o who_o have_v embrace_v christianity_n no_o long_o in_o the_o least_o scruple_v to_o converse_v with_o the_o gentile_n nay_o to_o to_o live_v with_o heathen_n who_o before_o be_v a_o abomination_n in_o their_o eye_n you_o will_v say_v this_o be_v not_o without_o many_o considerable_a difficulty_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o several_a great_a animosity_n and_o dispute_n i_o grant_v it_o but_o yet_o it_o appear_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n be_v utter_o abolish_v present_o after_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n the_o apostle_n have_v determine_v that_o it_o have_v be_v accomplish_v in_o his_o death_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o join_v the_o carnal_a ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n with_o the_o spiritual_a worship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o i_o say_v that_o have_v not_o the_o apostle_n both_o testify_v the_o miracle_n and_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o wrought_v very_o great_a wonder_n themselves_o it_o be_v natural_o impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v execute_v so_o great_a a_o design_n especial_o in_o so_o small_a a_o time_n for_o certain_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o disciple_n as_o bear_a jew_n they_o must_v necessary_o have_v be_v very_o much_o devote_v to_o their_o own_o law_n if_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o poor_a and_o mean_a people_n they_o can_v not_o but_o have_v be_v passionate_o fond_a of_o that_o law_n which_o give_v such_o wonderful_a precept_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n and_o the_o relief_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o poor_a if_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a man_n they_o can_v not_o but_o have_v a_o blind_a love_n and_o obedience_n for_o their_o law_n as_o all_o ignorant_a people_n have_v for_o the_o external_a object_n of_o religion_n last_o shall_v we_o consider_v they_o as_o prepossess_v with_o the_o usual_a prejudices_fw-la of_o their_o nation_n they_o must_v necessary_o have_v expect_v a_o glorious_a and_o triumphant_a messiah_n who_o instead_o of_o abolish_n the_o law_n of_o moses_n shall_v have_v establish_v it_o throughout_o the_o world_n yet_o we_o need_v only_o consider_v the_o event_n to_o clear_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n we_o shall_v not_o insist_v upon_o all_o the_o reflection_n we_o may_v easy_o make_v hereupon_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o those_o thing_n by_o the_o by_o because_o they_o may_v serve_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o illustrate_v the_o particular_a examination_n we_o shall_v make_v of_o the_o miracle_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o have_v already_o consider_v they_o in_o general_a sufficient_o to_o convince_v all_o reasonable_a person_n but_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o insist_v more_o particular_o on_o they_o that_o we_o may_v confound_v the_o obstinate_a and_o incredulous_a and_o make_v they_o at_o least_o true_o sensible_a of_o their_o error_n though_o perhaps_o we_o can_v reclaim_v they_o from_o it_o to_o do_v this_o better_o we_o shall_v lay_v down_o four_o miraculous_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o shall_v be_v as_o so_o many_o centre_n of_o the_o truth_n we_o inquire_v into_o because_o there_o be_v several_a line_n and_o degree_n of_o evidence_n and_o light_n which_o necessary_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o each_o of_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v join_v they_o all_o together_o the_o better_a to_o form_v a_o full_a and_o perfect_a demonstration_n of_o they_o chap._n ii_o the_o first_o centre_n of_o truth_n a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n we_o dare_v say_v that_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o miracle_n that_o the_o composer_n of_o the_o gospel_n dare_v not_o can_v not_o will_v not_o have_v forge_v they_o have_v they_o be_v real_o false_a i_o say_v they_o dare_v not_o because_o they_o can_v not_o but_o have_v be_v public_o know_v to_o prove_v this_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o four_o example_n of_o they_o which_o be_v i._o the_o history_n of_o zachariah_n the_o father_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n ii_o the_o history_n of_o the_o massacre_n of_o the_o young_a child_n of_o bethlehem_n iii_o the_o miraculous_a feed_n of_o several_a thousand_o at_o several_a time_n in_o the_o wilderness_n with_o a_o few_o loaf_n and_o some_o small_a fish_n iu._n and_o last_o the_o supernatural_a prodigy_n which_o happen_v at_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o as_o to_o the_o first_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o subject_a upon_o who_o this_o great_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v be_v a_o priest_n a_o priest_n who_o daily_o perform_v the_o function_n of_o his_o ministerial_a office_n and_o be_v then_o actual_o burn_v incense_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n at_o a_o very_a remarkable_a time_n during_o which_o the_o people_n who_o expect_v he_o be_v very_a intent_n at_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n in_o the_o outward_a part_n or_o porch_n of_o the_o temple_n whilst_o he_o himself_o be_v in_o the_o holy_a place_n now_o though_o the_o historian_n have_v observe_v only_o concern_v the_o birth_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n that_o zachariah_n and_o elizabeth_n his_o wife_n be_v far_o advance_v in_o year_n and_o that_o the_o latter_a till_o then_o be_v think_v barren_a yet_o that_o event_n will_v have_v employ_v something_o so_o extraordinary_a and_o surprise_a that_o one_o may_v have_v be_v almost_o positive_a that_o the_o evangelist_n dare_v not_o have_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o forge_v it_o against_o the_o public_a knowledge_n which_o all_o the_o jew_n must_v then_o have_v have_v of_o it_o how_o then_o dare_v any_o one_o have_v affirm_v that_o zachariah_n whole_o lose_v
matthew_n who_o be_v bear_v a_o jew_n and_o who_o do_v he_o relate_v they_o to_o why_o to_o several_a thousand_o jew_n that_o have_v embrace_v christianity_n and_o who_o dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n know_v full_a as_o well_o what_o have_v happen_v therein_o both_o in_o their_o day_n and_o in_o those_o of_o their_o father_n as_o they_o know_v at_o paris_n what_o be_v do_v in_o that_o city_n in_o the_o day_n of_o cardinal_n richelieu_n or_o as_o they_o know_v at_o london_n every_o thing_n that_o happen_v in_o those_o of_o oliver_n cromwell_n and_o at_o stockolm_n in_o those_o of_o gustavus_n adolphus_n and_o now_o i_o pray_v consider_v whether_o it_o be_v probable_a any_o man_n can_v have_v make_v the_o like_a matter_n of_o fact_n believe_v in_o any_o of_o those_o great_a city_n by_o such_o a_o successful_a forgery_n or_o whether_o he_o can_v have_v gain_v over_o to_o his_o side_n several_a thousand_o of_o people_n by_o the_o mere_a strength_n of_o his_o fiction_n but_o if_o i_o grant_v that_o the_o evangelist_n have_v boldness_n enough_o express_o to_o denote_v the_o come_n of_o the_o wiseman_n and_o the_o impression_n it_o make_v on_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n against_o their_o public_a knowledge_n nay_o against_o the_o memory_n of_o those_o thing_n they_o have_v then_o fresh_a in_o their_o mind_n at_o least_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o consequence_n of_o that_o come_n and_o the_o dependency_n of_o that_o first_o event_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n and_o character_n as_o not_o possible_o to_o have_v be_v forge_v or_o invent_v by_o the_o most_o bold_a face_a and_o impudent_a writer_n that_o ever_o be_v there_o be_v here_o two_o or_o three_o circumstance_n so_o natural_o and_o inseparable_o unite_v one_o with_o the_o other_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o grant_v one_o without_o grant_v the_o other_o too_o no_o man_n can_v doubt_v of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o wiseman_n to_o jerusalem_n if_o he_o allow_v that_o this_o come_n force_v herod_n to_o assemble_v the_o grand_a council_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o know_v of_o they_o where_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v bear_v neither_o can_v he_o doubt_v of_o the_o answer_n that_o be_v make_v he_o by_o the_o sanhedrin_n if_o he_o own_v that_o herod_n send_v his_o man_n into_o bethlehem_n to_o slay_v the_o young_a child_n that_o be_v there_o from_o two_o year_n old_a and_o under_o so_o that_o if_o it_o can_v be_v make_v out_o that_o this_o last_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v true_a the_o other_o two_o will_v not_o need_v much_o proof_n now_o i_o affirm_v that_o the_o evangelist_n dare_v not_o assert_v this_o last_o matter_n of_o fact_n have_v it_o be_v utter_o false_a for_o what_o since_o the_o reign_n of_o herod_n surname_v the_o great_a be_v so_o well_o know_v that_o the_o least_o of_o his_o action_n be_v public_o talk_v of_o how_o can_v any_o one_o have_v presume_v to_o impute_v false_o to_o he_o a_o massacre_n so_o notable_a and_o extraordinary_a as_o that_o must_v have_v be_v the_o city_n of_o bethlehem_n have_v not_o as_o yet_o be_v destroy_v when_o the_o evangelist_n write_v those_o thing_n and_o therefore_o suppose_v the_o thing_n false_a there_o be_v so_o many_o witness_n of_o the_o falsity_n as_o there_o be_v inhabitant_n yet_o live_v in_o that_o city_n that_o city_n be_v not_o so_o far_o distant_a from_o jerusalem_n but_o that_o those_o christian_n who_o dwell_v in_o the_o latter_a may_v have_v very_o well_o know_v the_o certain_a truth_n of_o they_o beside_o there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a commerce_n between_o those_o two_o place_n and_o the_o time_n from_o the_o birth_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o that_o in_o which_o this_o gospel_n be_v compose_v be_v not_o so_o long_o as_o to_o have_v give_v occasion_n to_o so_o improbable_a a_o fiction_n suppose_v a_o man_n in_o these_o latter_a day_n shall_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o make_v we_o believe_v that_o one_o of_o the_o present_a king_n in_o europe_n or_o if_o you_o will_v of_o those_o who_o reign_v forty_o or_o fifty_o year_n ago_o cause_v two_o or_o three_o thousand_o child_n to_o be_v slay_v in_o their_o cradle_n that_o so_o he_o may_v involve_v in_o that_o massacre_n the_o ruin_n of_o a_o child_n who_o destiny_n he_o suspect_v will_v prove_v fatal_a to_o he_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o very_o probable_a we_o shall_v credit_v such_o a_o fable_n or_o that_o any_o one_o dare_v pretend_v to_o publish_v it_o nay_o have_v so_o much_o as_o the_o least_o thought_n of_o it_o but_o then_o it_o be_v much_o more_o improbable_a that_o any_o one_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o persuade_v those_o man_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o who_o live_v in_o that_o kingdom_n or_o in_o those_o very_a place_n where_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v happen_v but_o to_o come_v a_o little_a near_o to_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ._n the_o evangelist_n represent_v he_o to_o we_o as_o have_v live_v thirty_o year_n obscure_o in_o the_o world_n now_o have_v it_o be_v their_o design_n to_o put_v we_o off_o with_o story_n they_o may_v have_v persuade_v we_o that_o jesus_n christ_n during_o his_o abode_n here_o have_v be_v often_o wrap_v up_o into_o heaven_n or_o transport_v into_o far_a country_n where_o he_o have_v do_v many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n nay_o they_o may_v have_v tell_v we_o too_o that_o for_o the_o space_n of_o thirty_o year_n he_o have_v continual_o wrought_v very_o sensible_a and_o wonderful_a miracle_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a for_o they_o to_o suppose_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o all_o the_o rest_n yet_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o evangelist_n include_v all_o his_o miracle_n in_o the_o three_o last_o year_n of_o his_o life_n and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o because_o they_o write_v nothing_o but_o truth_n but_o we_o shall_v not_o here_o insist_v much_o upon_o this_o consideration_n what_o be_v most_o certain_a be_v that_o the_o evangelist_n have_v deliver_v in_o their_o write_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v do_v a_o great_a many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n before_o a_o great_a number_n of_o witness_n and_o have_v set_v down_o the_o time_n and_o place_n when_o and_o where_o they_o be_v do_v they_o must_v necessary_o have_v be_v void_a of_o all_o shame_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n to_o relate_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o if_o they_o be_v false_a they_o tell_v we_o that_o jesus_n christ_n with_o a_o few_o loaf_n and_o some_o small_a fish_n miraculous_o feed_v in_o the_o wilderness_n at_o one_o time_n five_o thousand_o and_o at_o another_o three_o thousand_o man_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n now_o i_o be_o at_o a_o stand_n to_o imagine_v how_o it_o can_v be_v think_v natural_a for_o one_o man_n to_o undertake_v to_o persuade_v several_a thousand_o that_o they_o have_v be_v wonderful_o feed_v and_o not_o only_o to_o relate_v the_o bare_a matter_n of_o fact_n itself_o but_o also_o bring_v in_o christ_n reproach_v the_o multitude_n that_o they_o follow_v he_o not_o pure_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o miracle_n but_o the_o loaf_n he_o feed_v they_o with_o and_o then_o the_o multitude_n excuse_v themselves_o and_o say_v that_o moses_n have_v feed_v their_o forefather_n and_o that_o he_o must_v also_o feed_v they_o if_o he_o will_v have_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o as_o also_o jesus_n christ_n bid_v they_o on_o this_o occasion_n to_o labour_v not_o for_o the_o meat_n which_o perish_v but_o for_o that_o meat_n which_o endure_v unto_o everlasting_a life_n joh._n 6._o 27._o and_o to_o that_o end_n promise_v to_o give_v they_o his_o flesh_n to_o eat_v and_o his_o blood_n to_o drink_v all_o which_o expression_n be_v indeed_o very_o extraordinary_a in_o themselves_o and_o such_o as_o no_o man_n ever_o make_v use_n of_o before_o he_o but_o there_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o gospel_n more_o extraordinary_a and_o surprise_v than_o these_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o remarkable_a and_o which_o strike_v we_o so_o much_o with_o astonishment_n as_o the_o description_n the_o evangelist_n give_v we_o of_o the_o prodigy_n that_o attend_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o behold_v say_v they_o the_o vail_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v rend_v in_o twain_o from_o the_o top_n to_o the_o bottom_n and_o the_o earth_n do_v quake_v and_o the_o rock_n rend_v and_o the_o grave_n be_v open_v and_o many_o body_n of_o saint_n which_o sleep_v arise_v and_o come_v out_o of_o the_o grave_n after_o his_o resurrection_n and_o go_v into_o the_o holy_a city_n and_o appear_v unto_o many_o matth._n 27._o 51_o 52_o 53._o we_o shall_v not_o here_o insist_v on_o each_o particular_a circumstance_n that_o attend_v this_o miraculous_a matter_n of_o fact_n neither_o shall_v we_o nice_o examine_v the_o resurrection_n of_o those_o saint_n who_o body_n come_v out_o
up_o to_o jerusalem_n and_o it_o be_v worth_a take_v notice_n of_o that_o st._n peter_n have_v but_o just_a make_v a_o very_a excellent_a confession_n of_o what_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o presence_n of_o all_o the_o other_o disciple_n tell_v he_o thou_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v crown_v this_o admirable_a confession_n with_o that_o extraordinary_a promise_n of_o he_o bless_v be_v thou_o simon_n barjona_n for_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v it_o unto_o thou_o but_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o i_o say_v also_o unto_o thou_o that_o thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o etc._n etc._n matth._n 16._o 17_o 18._o immediate_o after_o christ_n foretell_v what_o death_n he_o be_v to_o suffer_v from_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o scribe_n but_o add_v withal_o he_o shall_v rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n whereupon_o st._n peter_n rebuke_v he_o and_o say_v be_v it_o far_o from_o thou_o o_o lord_n this_o shall_v not_o be_v unto_o thou_o but_o jesus_n christ_n instead_o of_o approve_v of_o that_o seem_a concern_v and_o affection_n his_o disciple_n have_v for_o he_o severe_o reprove_v his_o indiscretion_n in_o these_o word_n get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n thou_o be_v a_o offence_n unto_o i_o for_o thou_o savory_a not_o etc._n etc._n this_o history_n seem_v to_o be_v very_o natural_a and_o sincere_a and_o that_o mixture_n of_o circumstance_n which_o in_o all_o probability_n have_v no_o manner_n of_o relation_n with_o one_o another_o can_v not_o of_o itself_o easy_o enter_v in_o any_o man_n mind_n st._n peter_n confession_n be_v excellent_a and_o the_o promise_n jesus_n christ_n make_v he_o be_v extraordinary_a nay_o the_o very_a expression_n of_o it_o imply_v somewhat_o strange_a and_o difficult_a but_o above_o all_o it_o seem_v at_o first_o view_n that_o jesus_n christ_n too_o rigorous_o censure_v the_o great_a zeal_n which_o peter_n show_v for_o his_o person_n and_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v very_o natural_a that_o he_o who_o tell_v he_o bless_v be_v thou_o simon_n barjona_n and_o promise_v to_o make_v he_o a_o pillar_n of_o his_o church_n shall_v tell_v he_o present_o after_o get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n it_o be_v plain_a a_o man_n must_v in_o spite_n of_o himself_o perceive_v that_o it_o be_v â—he_n force_n of_o truth_n and_o not_o the_o natural_a agreement_n of_o those_o circumstance_n that_o oblige_v the_o evangelist_n to_o join_v they_o both_o together_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o recital_n and_o that_o which_o necessary_o occasion_n this_o reflection_n of_o we_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v real_o foretell_v his_o death_n and_o his_o resurrection_n before_o ever_o he_o have_v suffer_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v but_o what_o prove_v this_o better_a than_o any_o thing_n else_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n upon_o cool_a thought_n and_o the_o very_a day_n before_o his_o passion_n do_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o have_v never_o be_v do_v before_o and_o which_o doubtless_o never_o will_v be_v do_v again_o and_o that_o be_v he_o institute_v a_o memorial_n of_o that_o death_n he_o be_v just_a upon_o the_o point_n of_o suffer_v he_o foretell_v that_o he_o shall_v suffer_v death_n from_o the_o chief_a priest_n the_o scribes_z and_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o law_n nevertheless_o he_o may_v have_v easy_o avoid_v it_o if_o he_o will_v by_o retire_v into_o another_o place_n but_o he_o chide_v or_o rather_o storm_v at_o the_o indiscretion_n of_o peter_n who_o will_v have_v divert_v he_o from_o that_o death_n therefore_o he_o consider_v it_o as_o a_o event_n that_o be_v to_o be_v attend_v with_o very_o happy_a and_o save_a consequence_n with_o respect_n to_o mankind_n and_o what_o happy_a consequence_n can_v his_o death_n have_v be_v attend_v withal_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o have_v be_v immediate_o follow_v by_o his_o resurrection_n he_o first_o institute_v a_o memorial_n of_o his_o death_n and_o then_o voluntary_o suffer_v it_o he_o command_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v commemorate_a therefore_o he_o regard_v it_o as_o a_o event_n which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n he_o foresee_v that_o it_o will_v be_v commemorate_a he_o foresee_v then_o what_o will_v most_o infallible_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o that_o too_o in_o a_o time_n when_o there_o be_v but_o little_a appearance_n of_o its_o ever_o happen_v he_o do_v not_o say_v that_o they_o shall_v commemorate_v his_o death_n only_o till_o he_o rise_v again_o but_o till_o his_o second_o come_v he_o foresee_v then_o that_o he_o shall_v speedy_o rise_v again_o and_o that_o after_o his_o resurrection_n he_o shall_v depart_v in_o order_n to_o return_v again_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n beside_o no_o reasonable_a man_n can_v imagine_v that_o the_o evangelist_n have_v whole_o invent_v the_o account_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o eucharist_n for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o a_o doctrine_n and_o a_o practice_n a_o doctrine_n can_v hardly_o be_v forge_v especial_o because_o it_o must_v be_v concert_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o several_a person_n but_o a_o sensible_a practice_n a_o thing_n in_o use_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o speak_a doctrine_n can_v much_o less_o be_v palm_a upon_o mankind_n and_o certain_o it_o will_v be_v the_o great_a piece_n of_o folly_n imaginable_a in_o any_o one_o to_o think_v that_o a_o dozen_o poor_a fisherman_n astonish_v and_o cast_v down_o at_o the_o death_n of_o their_o master_n and_o undeceive_v in_o the_o opinion_n they_o have_v entertain_v that_o he_o be_v to_o have_v restore_v the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n person_n who_o know_v not_o what_o thing_n may_v come_v to_o pass_v by_o their_o publish_v the_o doctrine_n of_o that_o crucify_a man_n that_o that_o they_o shall_v go_v and_o invent_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o eucharist_n with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o and_o make_v jesus_n christ_n utter_v these_o word_n this_o be_v my_o body_n which_o be_v break_v for_o you_o this_o be_v the_o new_a testament_n in_o my_o blood_n word_n that_o imply_v something_o new_a and_o very_o surprise_v which_o have_v give_v occasion_n to_o so_o many_o contest_v and_o be_v liable_a to_o such_o different_a interpretation_n word_n which_o s._n paul_n and_o the_o evangelist_n unanimous_o set_v down_o but_o without_o any_o mutual_a compact_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o little_a variety_n there_o occur_v in_o their_o recital_n of_o they_o i_o say_v it_o will_v be_v very_o extravagant_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o disciple_n have_v in_o the_o least_o thought_n of_o invent_v these_o word_n or_o that_o history_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o eucharist_n so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o insist_v long_o on_o any_o far_a proof_n of_o it_o we_o have_v already_o touch_v upon_o it_o in_o another_o place_n and_o 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incapable_a of_o illusion_n and_o deceit_n at_o least_o with_o respect_n to_o those_o who_o wrought_v they_o jesus_n christ_n can_v never_o imagine_v that_o he_o have_v fill_v five_o thousand_o man_n at_o one_o time_n three_o thousand_o at_o another_o that_o he_o have_v raise_v to_o life_n the_o widow_n son_n of_o naim_n the_o daughter_n of_o jairus_n and_o lazarus_n of_o bethany_n that_o he_o have_v make_v st._n peter_n walk_v upon_o the_o sea_n etc._n etc._n if_o all_o these_o thing_n have_v not_o real_o be_v true_a no_o one_o sure_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o jesus_n christ_n foretell_v his_o resurrection_n if_o he_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o account_n only_o that_o the_o jewish_a doctor_n appoint_v a_o watch_n to_o guard_v his_o sepulchre_n and_o command_v the_o stone_n of_o it_o to_o be_v seal_v sir_n we_o remember_v say_v they_o to_o pilate_n that_o that_o deceiver_n say_v while_o he_o be_v yet_o alive_a after_o three_o day_n i_o will_v rise_v again_o command_v 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concern_v it_o and_o the_o report_n the_o soldier_n make_v that_o be_v appoint_v to_o guard_v this_o sepulchre_n for_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o circumstance_n may_v give_v we_o some_o light_n in_o the_o discovery_n of_o that_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o most_o important_a and_o the_o most_o essential_a that_o ever_o be_v or_o ever_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o scribes_z and_o pharisee_n and_o general_o every_o member_n of_o the_o sanhedrin_n be_v instigate_v by_o the_o very_a same_o spirit_n that_o have_v induce_v they_o to_o put_v jesus_n christ_n to_o death_n be_v in_o a_o great_a apprehension_n lest_o his_o disciple_n shall_v take_v away_o his_o body_n and_o afterward_o report_v abroad_o that_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a we_o may_v judge_v how_o much_o they_o think_v it_o for_o their_o interest_n to_o prevent_v it_o by_o the_o attempt_v they_o have_v already_o make_v to_o put_v he_o to_o death_n and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a 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on_o a_o sudden_a so_o courageous_a as_o to_o attempt_v the_o take_v away_o the_o dead_a body_n of_o one_o from_o who_o they_o have_v so_o late_o flee_v while_o he_o be_v yet_o alive_a beside_o how_o can_v those_o soldier_n have_v report_v such_o thing_n as_o they_o do_v without_o manifest_o contradict_v themselves_o for_o if_o they_o be_v asleep_a how_o do_v they_o know_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n have_v take_v away_o his_o body_n but_o why_o do_v not_o the_o sanhedrin_n for_o their_o own_o honour_n and_o the_o respect_n they_o bear_v to_o the_o truth_n put_v all_o those_o soldier_n to_o the_o rack_n and_o if_o that_o thought_n come_v not_o present_o into_o their_o head_n be_v it_o not_o natural_a to_o think_v they_o will_v have_v do_v it_o when_o they_o find_v awhile_o after_o all_o jerusalem_n inclinable_a to_o believe_v in_o that_o crucify_a man_n and_o that_o about_o six_o thousand_o soul_n have_v already_o believe_v in_o he_o in_o one_o day_n and_o that_o too_o but_o 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the_o dead_a and_o that_o after_o he_o have_v several_a time_n appear_v to_o they_o and_o be_v go_v up_o into_o heaven_n he_o have_v pour_v down_o upon_o they_o the_o miraculous_a and_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n why_o do_v not_o the_o sanhedrin_n then_o who_o be_v so_o high_o concern_v in_o discover_v the_o author_n of_o the_o take_v away_o the_o body_n of_o jesus_n christ_n i_o say_v why_o do_v they_o not_o seize_v upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o so_o make_v they_o confess_v how_o all_o thing_n have_v happen_v why_o do_v they_o not_o confront_v they_o with_o the_o watch_n why_o do_v they_o not_o cast_v joseph_n of_o arimathea_n and_o those_o man_n in_o prison_n till_o they_o have_v make_v they_o confess_v what_o be_v become_v of_o that_o body_n as_o also_o every_o other_o circumstance_n of_o their_o imposture_n it_o be_v already_o very_o unlikely_a that_o if_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n have_v come_v by_o night_n and_o have_v steal_v his_o body_n away_o they_o 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jesus_n christ_n but_o they_o never_o accuse_v they_o of_o have_v steal_v away_o the_o body_n of_o their_o master_n whilst_o the_o watch_v sleep_v they_o dare_v not_o enter_v upon_o that_o examination_n for_o they_o know_v well_o enough_o what_o the_o soldier_n have_v tell_v they_o and_o it_o be_v that_o very_a thing_n which_o make_v they_o so_o apprehensive_a we_o all_o know_v well_o enough_o how_o man_n general_o act_v upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n have_v the_o matter_n so_o happen_v as_o the_o soldier_n afterward_o report_v those_o very_a soldier_n will_v not_o have_v fail_v pursue_v some_o one_o of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n throughout_o the_o whole_a city_n of_o jerusalem_n on_o purpose_n to_o make_v he_o confess_v the_o plain_a truth_n by_o the_o many_o torment_n they_o will_v have_v make_v he_o suffer_v and_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n together_o with_o the_o other_o doctor_n of_o the_o law_n will_v on_o their_o side_n have_v make_v such_o a_o exact_a enquiry_n 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about_o his_o face_n for_o the_o evangelist_n unanimous_o relate_v that_o they_o find_v the_o sepulchre_n in_o that_o state_n yet_o these_o be_v not_o the_o strong_a argument_n that_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o must_v also_o pass_v on_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o soldier_n that_o watch_v the_o body_n to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v they_o testify_v false_o that_o they_o have_v see_v jesus_n christ_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a it_o be_v either_o with_o a_o mutual_a agreement_n or_o without_o one_o now_o it_o can_v be_v without_o a_o mutual_a agreement_n for_o a_o error_n that_o be_v not_o support_v by_o a_o unanimous_a consent_n must_v necessary_o fall_v of_o itself_o to_o the_o ground_n and_o it_o will_v have_v unavoidable_o so_o happen_v while_o one_o will_v have_v affirm_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a another_o that_o he_o be_v not_o at_o all_o rise_v one_o will_v have_v say_v that_o he_o appear_v unto_o many_o and_o another_o that_o he_o appear_v to_o one_o only_a another_o that_o he_o appear_v to_o no_o body_n one_o will_v have_v relate_v the_o matter_n one_o way_n another_o another_o way_n and_o in_o fine_a the_o most_o honest_a and_o sincere_a will_v have_v frank_o confess_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o it_o but_o if_o they_o unanimous_o agree_v to_o contrive_v this_o imposture_n there_o must_v have_v be_v then_o several_a person_n who_o agree_v together_o constant_o and_o unanimous_o to_o relate_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v utter_o false_a now_o that_o be_v a_o thing_n altogether_o impossible_a 1._o first_o because_o it_o be_v inconceivable_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v willing_o expose_v himself_o to_o all_o sort_n of_o punishment_n and_o even_o to_o death_n itself_o on_o purpose_n to_o testify_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o he_o know_v very_o well_o to_o be_v utter_o false_a 2._o that_o 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a_o most_o horrid_a lie_n on_o purpose_n to_o blemish_v their_o nation_n by_o lay_v a_o imaginary_a crime_n to_o their_o charge_n and_o maintain_v it_o too_o to_o that_o degree_n that_o not_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v recant_v or_o contradict_v himself_o but_o all_o of_o they_o unanimous_o suffer_v the_o severe_a torment_n only_o to_o affirm_v that_o they_o have_v see_v what_o they_o have_v real_o never_o see_v it_o be_v yet_o further_o observable_a that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o mutual_a agreement_n carry_v on_o between_o twelve_o apostle_n only_o but_o also_o between_o all_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o general_a who_o make_v up_o a_o very_a considerable_a number_n for_o jesus_n after_o his_o resurrection_n appear_v one_o while_n to_o some_o woman_n who_o he_o command_v to_o tell_v his_o brethren_n that_o he_o be_v a_o go_v before_o they_o into_o galilee_n another_o while_n to_o
peter_n alone_o and_o then_o after_o to_o the_o twelve_o one_o while_o he_o go_v out_o to_o find_v they_o as_o they_o be_v a_o fish_n upon_o the_o sea_n and_o bless_v their_o toil_n with_o a_o considerable_a draught_n of_o fish_n another_o while_o he_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o when_o they_o have_v meet_v together_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n some_o time_n he_o sit_v at_o table_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v with_o they_o at_o another_o time_n he_o give_v they_o several_a instruction_n and_o reminded_a they_o of_o those_o thing_n he_o have_v teach_v they_o before_o his_o death_n at_o one_o time_n he_o manifest_v himself_o to_o above_o 500_o disciple_n at_o another_o he_o convict_v a_o unbelieving_a disciple_n by_o make_v he_o feel_v his_o hand_n and_o his_o foot_n say_v reach_v hither_o thy_o finger_n behold_v my_o hand_n etc._n etc._n and_o be_v not_o faithless_a but_o believe_v john_n 20._o 27._o one_o while_o he_o appear_v to_o two_o disciple_n as_o they_o be_v a_o go_n to_o emmaus_n discourse_v with_o they_o and_o expound_v the_o scripture_n to_o they_o by_o the_o way_n at_o another_o time_n he_o assemble_v his_o disciple_n together_o and_o command_v they_o to_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o reflect_v a_o little_a upon_o that_o vast_a multidude_v of_o disciple_n who_o testify_v they_o have_v see_v jesus_n christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n st._n paul_n some_o where_o in_o his_o epistle_n affirm_v that_o jesus_n christ_n appear_v to_o above_o five_o hundred_o brethren_n at_o once_o and_o add_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v yet_o alive_a but_o some_o be_v fall_v asleep_o now_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o st._n paul_n will_v not_o dare_v not_o can_v not_o speak_v after_o that_o manner_n have_v there_o not_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o disciple_n still_o live_v who_o testify_v that_o they_o have_v 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at_o any_o rate_n whatever_o out_o of_o mere_a complaisance_n to_o he_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n such_o the_o frame_n and_o temper_v of_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o falsity_n unless_o cover_v with_o a_o specious_a show_n of_o truth_n so_o that_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v so_o evident_o false_a that_o every_o body_n must_v necessary_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o we_o have_v no_o thought_n of_o attempt_v to_o make_v other_o believe_v it_o as_o for_o instance_n it_o will_v never_o come_v into_o my_o head_n to_o make_v other_o man_n believe_v that_o i_o have_v wing_n and_o that_o i_o fly_v etc._n etc._n we_o may_v here_o repeat_v what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n either_o the_o disciple_n look_v upon_o jesus_n christ_n before_o his_o death_n as_o the_o promise_a messiah_n or_o else_o they_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o such_o if_o they_o consider_v he_o as_o the_o promise_a messiah_n they_o then_o 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see_v that_o which_o they_o real_o never_o see_v or_o handle_v that_o which_o they_o have_v never_o handle_v that_o jesus_n christ_n after_o have_v give_v they_o many_o precept_n and_o large_a instruction_n which_o he_o leave_v very_o deep_o imprint_v in_o their_o mind_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n in_o their_o sight_n but_o shall_v i_o grant_v he_o may_v have_v persuade_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n yet_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a he_o can_v persuade_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o ascension_n have_v st._n peter_n but_o so_o much_o as_o propose_v it_o to_o they_o who_o he_o design_v to_o delude_v it_o will_v have_v be_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n impossible_a but_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v find_v out_o his_o design_n to_o cheat_v they_o but_o he_o will_v not_o sure_o presume_v to_o propose_v to_o they_o the_o joint_a contrivance_n of_o such_o a_o fabulous_a story_n nor_o will_v he_o have_v find_v though_o he_o have_v be_v bold_a enough_o to_o have_v 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have_v act_v in_o it_o joint_o with_o they_o to_o imagine_v that_o they_o can_v be_v able_a to_o endure_v the_o most_o rigorous_a torment_n and_o the_o severe_a and_o most_o cruel_a affliction_n or_o that_o the_o cheat_n which_o they_o unanimous_o have_v agree_v on_o will_v have_v be_v both_o believe_v and_o approve_v of_o throughout_o the_o world_n nay_o what_o be_v more_o that_o man_n shall_v repent_v and_o become_v holy_a and_o righteous_a out_o of_o a_o respect_n and_o reverence_n they_o boâ—e_n to_o a_o impostor_n and_o that_o virtue_n and_o piety_n shall_v have_v be_v establish_v in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a cheat._n to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v that_o consider_v this_o design_n of_o they_o another_o way_n it_o be_v not_o can_v be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o any_o
man_n will_v conceive_v or_o endeavour_v to_o put_v in_o practice_n it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a to_o find_v any_o man_n so_o much_o a_o enemy_n to_o himself_o as_o willing_o to_o lose_v his_o quiet_a his_o liberty_n friend_n relation_n and_o all_o his_o acquaintance_n only_o to_o assert_v and_o defend_v a_o lie_n that_o must_v unavoidable_o be_v attend_v by_o such_o fatal_a and_o sorrowful_a consequence_n for_o nature_n be_v not_o insensible_a of_o grief_n and_o pain_n as_o she_o be_v expose_v to_o grief_n and_o suffering_n so_o when_o she_o suffer_v it_o be_v with_o reluctance_n complaint_n sigh_n and_o tear_n she_o can_v accustom_v herself_o to_o bear_v slight_o contempt_n or_o infamy_n nothing_o disturb_v and_o exasperate_v she_o more_o nothing_o make_v she_o more_o impatient_a than_o mortification_n and_o disgrace_n how_o then_o be_v it_o possible_a so_o great_a a_o company_n of_o people_n shall_v on_o a_o sudden_a renounce_v all_o those_o inviolable_a sentiment_n of_o nature_n which_o no_o violence_n can_v root_v out_o on_o purpose_n to_o maintain_v that_o they_o have_v see_v a_o thing_n which_o they_o real_o never_o see_v this_o be_v a_o consideration_n that_o can_v be_v too_o often_o repeat_v last_o it_o be_v such_o a_o design_n as_o be_v not_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v for_o to_o maintain_v a_o imposture_n with_o such_o constancy_n as_o the_o disciple_n do_v be_v such_o a_o piece_n of_o extraordinary_a courage_n as_o be_v above_o the_o nature_n or_o power_n of_o man._n a_o impostor_n that_o think_v and_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v one_o who_o mind_n tell_v he_o that_o he_o act_v contrary_a to_o his_o natural_a sentiment_n can_v go_v long_o undiscovered_a he_o be_v seize_v with_o remorse_n and_o his_o conscience_n be_v awaken_v he_o tremble_v and_o unwary_o discover_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n upon_o the_o least_o danger_n he_o meet_v with_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o confess_v the_o whole_a cheat_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v 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can_v conceive_v how_o it_o shall_v be_v and_o therefore_o look_v upon_o this_o as_o a_o most_o sensible_a and_o evident_a truth_n but_o we_o must_v yet_o carry_v on_o this_o conviction_n further_o by_o follow_v those_o notion_n which_o it_o have_v please_v god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n to_o put_v into_o our_o mind_n upon_o this_o subject_a chap._n v._n the_o four_o centre_n of_o truth_n a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o disciple_n the_o last_o degree_n of_o evidence_n that_o occur_v in_o the_o demonstration_n which_o sensible_o prove_v to_o we_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o four_o matter_n of_o fact_n natural_o prove_v by_o its_o own_o proper_a character_n and_o that_o be_v the_o effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n this_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n have_v three_o different_a degree_n of_o evidence_n which_o also_o consist_v in_o the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v this_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n do_v such_o action_n as_o can_v but_o be_v supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a such_o be_v for_o instance_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a which_o we_o have_v be_v eye-witness_n of_o the_o second_o be_v we_o even_o we_o ourselves_o have_v receive_v the_o power_n to_o work_v sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o such_o as_o be_v equal_a to_o those_o of_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o as_o he_o foretell_v and_o declare_v it_o several_a time_n unto_o we_o the_o three_o be_v we_o have_v not_o only_o the_o power_n to_o do_v those_o miracle_n but_o can_v also_o impart_v it_o to_o other_o and_o those_o we_o shall_v hereafter_o convert_v will_v know_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o true_a disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o that_o they_o shall_v work_v sign_n like_a unto_o we_o and_o to_o those_o which_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o wrought_v the_o first_o degree_n of_o this_o evidence_n must_v necessary_o convince_v we_o for_o it_o be_v a_o very_a convince_a demonstration_n indeed_o to_o have_v present_a to_o one_o eye_n nay_o in_o one_o own_o disposal_n and_o power_n the_o witness_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o such_o eye-witness_n too_o that_o both_o hear_v what_o he_o say_v see_v every_o thing_n he_o do_v familiar_o converse_v with_o he_o and_o often_o question_v he_o concern_v the_o difficulty_n that_o offer_v themselves_o to_o their_o mind_n and_o last_o such_o witness_n who_o all_o unanimous_o depose_v the_o very_a same_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o bold_o maintain_v it_o even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o most_o cruel_a torment_n and_o yet_o such_o witness_n as_o these_o have_v those_o who_o be_v first_o convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n yet_o somewhat_o more_o persuasive_a to_o hear_v those_o man_n affirm_v that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o see_v the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o that_o they_o themselves_o be_v able_a to_o work_v the_o same_o miracle_n certain_o of_o all_o the_o witness_n in_o the_o world_n those_o be_v soon_a to_o be_v receive_v and_o believe_v who_o proffer_n to_o show_v you_o the_o very_a thing_n they_o testify_v but_o what_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v the_o last_o degree_n of_o evidence_n and_o the_o clear_a demonstration_n be_v that_o those_o very_a witness_n undertake_v to_o convince_v man_n of_o those_o matter_n which_o they_o affirm_v to_o be_v true_a not_o only_o by_o relate_v those_o miracle_n which_o they_o see_v jesus_n christ_n do_v not_o only_o by_o proffer_v to_o do_v the_o like_v themselves_o but_o also_o by_o promise_v to_o enable_v those_o people_n who_o shall_v believe_v their_o word_n to_o operate_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n for_o they_o impart_v the_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o their_o proselyte_n as_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o centurion_n cornelius_n and_o those_o gift_n become_v afterward_o so_o frequent_a and_o visible_a that_o simon_n magus_n will_v have_v buy_v they_o for_o money_n they_o be_v so_o very_o remarkable_a that_o they_o make_v great_a and_o public_a impression_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o several_a jew_n who_o be_v already_o convert_v to_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o praise_v god_n for_o his_o have_v also_o visit_v the_o gentile_n last_o the_o gospel_n which_o those_o disciple_n preach_v tell_v we_o that_o such_o shall_v be_v the_o sign_n that_o follow_v the_o true_a disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n namely_o that_o they_o shall_v heal_v the_o sick_a etc._n etc._n certain_o how_o strong_a soever_o the_o obstinacy_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o incredulous_a may_v be_v yet_o they_o can_v any_o long_o hold_v out_o against_o the_o powerful_a conviction_n of_o that_o threefold_a truth_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o disciple_n shall_v bear_v witness_n to_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v true_a neither_o can_v we_o suppose_v they_o will_v have_v have_v the_o boldness_n power_n or_o will_v to_o do_v it_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v contrive_v together_o such_o a_o unparalleled_a imposture_n by_o agree_v among_o themselves_o to_o preach_v the_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n of_o which_o they_o be_v never_o witness_n but_o it_o be_v extravagant_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n boast_v they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v miracle_n mere_o to_o have_v other_o man_n believe_v those_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o it_o argue_v yet_o a_o great_a extravagance_n to_o suppose_v they_o promise_v all_o those_o they_o shall_v convert_v to_o he_o to_o make_v they_o able_a to_o work_v the_o very_a same_o miracle_n they_o attest_v beside_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v two_o thing_n in_o
apostle_n sincere_o believe_v they_o can_v speak_v all_o sort_n of_o language_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v be_v deceiver_n as_o to_o the_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v believe_v they_o have_v receive_v those_o miraculous_a gift_n unless_o they_o also_o believe_v the_o miracle_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v true_a and_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v believe_v the_o miracle_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v true_a if_o all_o those_o event_n have_v not_o be_v true_a indeed_o because_o as_o we_o have_v already_o plain_o make_v it_o appear_v it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n shall_v have_v be_v capable_a of_o illusion_n and_o deceit_n chap._n vi_o wherein_o we_o shall_v join_v all_o the_o miraculous_a matter_n of_o fact_n together_o and_o form_n thereby_o a_o full_a and_o perfect_a demonstration_n of_o they_o shall_v we_o consider_v all_o those_o event_n in_o general_a we_o may_v form_v a_o invincible_a demonstration_n of_o they_o by_o suppose_v the_o three_o follow_a principle_n which_o in_o my_o opinion_n will_v hereafter_o appear_v to_o be_v very_o evident_o prove_v the_o first_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n do_v real_o testify_v his_o miracle_n resurrection_n ascension_n and_o the_o pour_v out_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o the_o apostle_n the_o second_o that_o they_o sincere_o believe_v what_o they_o so_o testify_v and_o the_o three_o that_o they_o have_v firm_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n wrought_v many_o wonderful_a miracle_n that_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o have_v pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n upon_o all_o his_o disciple_n of_o all_o which_o event_n they_o be_v eye-witness_n it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v from_o thence_o that_o all_o those_o thing_n be_v certain_o true_a the_o first_o of_o these_o principle_n be_v undeniable_a in_o itself_o for_o it_o appear_v that_o these_o four_o event_n be_v the_o whole_a subject_a matter_n of_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n which_o too_o be_v plain_a because_o they_o themselves_o tell_v it_o 〈…〉_z thâ—ir_n write_n or_o rather_o because_o their_o writing_n 〈…〉_z continual_a history_n of_o they_o because_o they_o 〈…〉_z oâ—_n any_o thing_n else_o in_o all_o their_o epistle_n but_o of_o those_o four_o wonderful_a event_n in_o those_o epistle_n they_o write_v to_o whole_a society_n who_o so_o careful_o preserve_v they_o as_o write_n of_o the_o great_a value_n because_o there_o be_v no_o fragment_n page_n or_o scarce_o a_o line_n in_o all_o those_o write_n but_o what_o either_o relate_v those_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o evident_o suppose_v they_o because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o christianity_n establish_v in_o the_o world_n without_o this_o foundation_n because_o they_o have_v be_v confirm_v to_o we_o by_o person_n who_o live_v since_o the_o bless_a apostle_n and_o discourse_v familiar_o with_o they_o because_o the_o publication_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o establish_n very_o numerous_a church_n almost_o every_o where_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o because_o reason_n and_o common_a sense_n sufficient_o assure_v we_o that_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n can_v never_o have_v believe_v in_o a_o crucify_a man_n as_o such_o without_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n also_o teach_v that_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a because_o the_o faithful_a only_o believe_v the_o last_o resurrection_n upon_o their_o certain_a hope_n and_o strong_a persuasion_n that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o the_o glorious_a body_n of_o their_o divine_a redeemer_n because_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n 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apostle_n never_o preach_v the_o miracle_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o the_o pour_v out_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o it_o will_v be_v as_o great_a a_o falsehood_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v that_o there_o be_v never_o any_o such_o man_n as_o the_o apostle_n or_o that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n nor_o preach_v that_o man_n must_v necessary_o believe_v on_o he_o and_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o he_o will_v present_o reject_v all_o these_o proposition_n as_o be_v absurd_o false_a and_o extravagant_a in_o themselves_o again_o shall_v he_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o sincere_o believe_v the_o miracle_n resurrection_n ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v affirm_v they_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o work_v any_o miracle_n speak_v strange_a language_n or_o think_v
quiet_a of_o their_o dear_a blood_n and_o even_o of_o their_o life_n but_o also_o because_o they_o mention_v the_o place_n the_o occasion_n the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v do_v and_o general_o all_o the_o circumstance_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o discover_v the_o truth_n and_o render_v the_o design_n of_o impose_v upon_o mankind_n altogether_o impossible_a and_o beside_o that_o they_o confirm_v those_o miracle_n by_o other_o full_a as_o great_a if_o not_o great_a than_o they_o be_v which_o they_o pretend_v to_o do_v even_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o those_o to_o who_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n not_o only_o tell_v they_o that_o which_o we_o have_v hear_v which_o we_o have_v see_v with_o our_o eye_n which_o we_o have_v look_v upon_o and_o our_o hand_n have_v handle_v of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n declare_v we_o unto_o you_o 1_o john_n 1._o 1._o allude_v thereby_o to_o christ_n have_v deliver_v himself_o to_o be_v touch_v and_o handle_v by_o his_o disciple_n after_o his_o 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agree_v to_o testify_v the_o same_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o severe_a trial_n they_o be_v force_v to_o undergo_v in_o a_o time_n they_o must_v otherwise_o have_v be_v so_o much_o deject_v or_o that_o they_o can_v be_v able_a to_o maintain_v that_o cheat_n with_o so_o much_o constancy_n as_o they_o do_v and_o the_o same_o thing_n i_o also_o affirm_v of_o his_o glorious_a ascension_n certain_o though_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o disciple_n may_v be_v just_o suspect_v in_o both_o these_o two_o last_o event_n yet_o it_o can_v never_o be_v call_v in_o question_n concern_v the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o if_o christ_n disciple_n be_v not_o true_o sincere_a than_o they_o necessary_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v deceiver_n and_o consequent_o not_o able_a to_o work_v any_o miracle_n or_o speak_v all_o sort_n of_o language_n and_o if_o so_o they_o can_v not_o have_v boast_v that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v both_o and_o make_v this_o a_o essential_a article_n 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perceive_v how_o false_o they_o have_v promise_v they_o the_o gift_n of_o several_a language_n and_o though_o one_o single_a disciple_n of_o christ_n shall_v have_v be_v so_o foolish_a and_o stupid_a as_o not_o to_o perceive_v it_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v that_o all_o of_o they_o together_o shall_v be_v besot_v with_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o stupidity_n shall_v we_o suppose_v that_o all_o the_o disciple_n have_v undertake_v to_o persuade_v their_o proselyte_n that_o they_o have_v confer_v upon_o they_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n yet_o we_o can_v suppose_v that_o those_o proselyte_n will_v believe_v it_o against_o their_o continual_a experience_n to_o the_o contrary_a for_o if_o the_o disciple_n know_v by_o experience_n they_o can_v speak_v no_o language_n but_o their_o own_o by_o the_o same_o experience_n their_o proselyte_n will_v have_v know_v that_o they_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o though_o one_o single_a person_n may_v have_v fancy_v he_o have_v receive_v it_o which_o be_v yet_o impossible_a in_o itself_o yet_o a_o whole_a multitude_n can_v never_o be_v persuade_v of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v still_o much_o more_o impossible_a that_o this_o pretend_a illusion_n shall_v have_v grow_v so_o universal_a and_o durable_a that_o st._n paul_n not_o only_o suppose_v but_o find_v it_o settle_v in_o the_o world_n and_o undertake_v to_o reform_v the_o disorder_n which_o arise_v in_o several_a particular_a church_n concern_v the_o use_n of_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o though_o christ_n disciple_n may_v have_v promise_v out_o of_o a_o particular_a design_n of_o their_o own_o to_o impart_v these_o miraculous_a gift_n which_o they_o be_v sensible_a they_o have_v not_o and_o make_v other_o man_n speak_v such_o language_n as_o they_o neither_o understand_v nor_o speak_v themselves_o and_o though_o a_o multidude_v of_o proselyte_n and_o disciple_n may_v have_v persuade_v themselves_o against_o their_o own_o experience_n and_o inward_a sense_n that_o they_o understand_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o understand_v not_o or_o speak_v those_o language_n which_o they_o real_o speak_v no_o more_o than_o they_o do_v before_o their_o call_n yet_o it_o be_v still_o impossible_a that_o those_o miraculous_a gift_n suppose_v they_o to_o exist_v only_o in_o the_o imaginary_a conceit_n of_o the_o one_o and_o of_o the_o other_o shall_v have_v such_o a_o effect_n as_o any_o way_n to_o move_v the_o sight_n of_o the_o spectator_n or_o make_v the_o jew_n glorify_v god_n in_o that_o they_o have_v see_v his_o spirit_n descend_v upon_o the_o gentile_n but_o grant_v all_o this_o possible_a though_o this_o illusion_n shall_v have_v take_v place_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o gift_n of_o speak_v divers_a tongue_n yet_o man_n can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o the_o gift_n of_o interpret_n they_o and_o much_o less_o in_o all_o the_o other_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n add_v to_o this_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o patience_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o their_o holiness_n of_o life_n their_o charity_n their_o zeal_n their_o unaffected_a way_n of_o express_v themselves_o their_o self-denial_n sincerity_n and_o plain_a ingenuity_n methinks_v all_o these_o character_n put_v together_o necessary_o and_o evident_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o disciple_n be_v plain_a honest_a sincere_a man_n that_o have_v not_o in_o the_o least_o any_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o we_o so_o that_o this_o truth_n need_v no_o further_a demonstration_n it_o may_v not_o however_o be_v amiss_o to_o remove_v some_o few_o small_a difficulty_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o oppose_v what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v these_o miraculous_a matter_n of_o fact_n the_o first_o difficulty_n be_v to_o know_v how_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v be_v able_a to_o extinguish_v the_o knowledge_n of_o so_o many_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o seem_v sufficient_a to_o convert_v all_o
mankind_n or_o at_o least_o those_o country_n where_o all_o those_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v i_o answer_v first_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o stifle_v or_o conceal_v they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o it_o that_o they_o convert_v a_o infinite_a number_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o that_o too_o in_o a_o very_a short_a time_n second_o there_o be_v several_a external_a cause_n which_o very_o much_o contribute_v towards_o the_o weaken_n the_o impression_n they_o will_v otherwise_o have_v make_v upon_o mankind_n for_o first_o the_o elder_n among_o the_o jew_n endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v to_o persuade_v the_o people_n that_o all_o those_o miracle_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o product_n of_o some_o magic_a power_n or_o a_o kind_n of_o compact_n with_o the_o devil_n second_o those_o that_o be_v in_o power_n be_v so_o much_o exasperate_v against_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n that_o whosoever_o resolve_v to_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n must_v immediate_o prepare_v himself_o to_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o dungeon_n or_o execute_v upon_o a_o scaffold_n nay_o to_o undergo_v if_o possible_a any_o thing_n more_o sorrowful_a and_o fatal_a than_o this_o and_o because_o nothing_o make_v a_o great_a impression_n upon_o man_n than_o to_o see_v punishment_n inflict_v on_o other_o all_o parent_n strict_o charge_v their_o child_n not_o to_o hold_v any_o conversation_n with_o the_o christian_n lest_o they_o shall_v see_v they_o end_v their_o day_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o torment_n nay_o they_o be_v very_o cautious_a and_o strict_a themselves_o in_o avoid_v their_o society_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o keep_v such_o a_o extraordinary_a distance_n from_o the_o christian_n they_o shut_v their_o eye_n and_o stop_v their_o ear_n that_o they_o may_v not_o hear_v their_o word_n nor_o see_v the_o miracle_n which_o they_o perform_v three_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o opinion_n the_o jew_n have_v be_v prepossess_v with_o that_o they_o can_v not_o but_o hate_n and_o avoid_v it_o for_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n become_v a_o scandal_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o be_v treat_v as_o a_o folly_n by_o the_o greek_n last_o the_o christian_a religion_n put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o bondage_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o heathen_n a_o jew_n then_o can_v not_o be_v convert_v to_o christanity_n without_o utter_o renounce_v what_o he_o always_o esteem_v inviolable_a nor_o can_v a_o heathen_a believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n without_o look_v upon_o that_o as_o profane_v which_o he_o think_v before_o most_o sacred_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n speak_v to_o we_o of_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o gospel_n attend_v with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o new_a heaven_n and_o of_o a_o new_a earth_n if_o we_o add_v to_o this_o the_o extraordinary_a care_n the_o jewish_a and_o heathenish_a priest_n and_o the_o magistrate_n of_o both_o nation_n take_v to_o smother_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o weakness_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n who_o be_v unable_a to_o sustain_v so_o much_o as_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o torment_n that_o be_v invent_v on_o purpose_n to_o hinder_v the_o progress_n of_o christanity_n i_o say_v if_o we_o consider_v this_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v any_o long_o astonish_v at_o that_o which_o at_o first_o view_n so_o much_o surprise_v we_o but_o second_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v why_o the_o historian_n among_o the_o heathen_n never_o mention_v any_o thing_n of_o those_o mighty_a wonder_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o yet_o deserve_v to_o have_v the_o most_o considerable_a place_n among_o the_o many_o other_o event_n they_o have_v so_o careful_o relate_v we_o answer_v that_o this_o consideration_n prove_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o have_v so_o firm_o establish_v first_o because_o it_o be_v needless_a and_o extravagant_a to_o draw_v any_o further_a consequence_n from_o a_o principle_n which_o prove_v more_o than_o enough_o already_o it_o be_v true_a the_o heathen_a writer_n say_v little_a or_o nothing_o concern_v jesus_n christ_n for_o they_o hardly_o know_v his_o name_n suetonius_n speak_v of_o he_o after_o this_o manner_n judaei_n tumultuati_fw-la sunt_fw-la cresto_n impulsore_fw-la but_o what_o then_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o suetonius_n hardly_o know_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o person_n as_o christ_n or_o that_o he_o be_v not_o real_o call_v christus_fw-la the_o heathen_a author_n you_o see_v relate_v not_o how_o several_a christian_a church_n be_v in_o a_o small_a time_n settle_v at_o rome_n at_o corinth_n at_o ephesus_n at_o sardis_n at_o smirna_n at_o philippi_n at_o thessalonica_n etc._n etc._n but_o must_v it_o follow_v from_o thence_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n certain_o if_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v true_a this_o be_v undoubted_o true_a i_o grant_v indeed_o that_o the_o miracle_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v all_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o may_v be_v doubt_v of_o yet_o we_o may_v at_o least_o affirm_v that_o the_o establishment_n of_o those_o christian_a church_n compose_v of_o such_o man_n as_o believe_v all_o those_o thing_n be_v a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v doubt_v of_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n very_o important_a and_o remarkable_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o mention_v by_o the_o historian_n of_o that_o age_n therefore_o the_o objection_n go_v too_o far_o it_o prove_v too_o much_o and_o so_o consequent_o prove_v nothing_o second_o i_o say_v that_o the_o historian_n of_o those_o time_n have_v so_o ignorant_o treat_v of_o the_o jewish_a affair_n that_o we_o need_v not_o wonder_v they_o appear_v so_o little_o instruct_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o concern_v the_o christian_n who_o they_o suppose_v to_o have_v be_v a_o sect_n belong_v to_o the_o jew_n for_o if_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o history_n those_o author_n compose_v of_o they_o agree_v not_o very_o well_o with_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v but_o compare_v it_o with_o that_o of_o josephus_n and_o we_o may_v clear_o see_v that_o it_o agree_v no_o better_a with_o one_o than_o with_o the_o other_o last_o the_o heathen_a author_n consider_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o a_o kind_n of_o magic_n and_o a_o detestable_a superstition_n which_o aim_v at_o the_o total_a destruction_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o some_o man_n earnest_o endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o pass_v for_o such_o among_o those_o who_o live_v both_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o long_o after_o they_o and_o it_o be_v very_o dangerous_a to_o give_v it_o any_o other_o name_n the_o world_n be_v divide_v between_o the_o friend_n and_o enemy_n of_o christanity_n those_o who_o be_v the_o friend_n of_o it_o profess_v it_o and_o deliver_v not_o only_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n but_o in_o write_v what_o they_o know_v concern_v the_o wonder_n of_o it_o as_o for_o its_o enemy_n they_o neither_o have_v the_o boldness_n power_n or_o will_v to_o write_v ofit_n as_o the_o former_a have_v do_v they_o will_v not_o do_v it_o lest_o they_o shall_v wrong_v their_o own_o cause_n and_o dishonour_v their_o own_o religion_n and_o they_o can_v not_o do_v it_o because_o they_o themselves_o be_v not_o so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o miracle_n of_o christanity_n have_v always_o be_v afraid_a to_o converse_v with_o the_o christian_n and_o esteem_v the_o belief_n of_o those_o man_n a_o very_a sorrowful_a and_o dangerous_a persuasion_n since_o by_o profess_v their_o religion_n they_o be_v sure_a of_o get_v nothing_o but_o torment_n and_o death_n itself_o last_o they_o dare_v not_o presume_v to_o write_v thing_n as_o they_o real_o be_v though_o they_o have_v be_v never_o so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o they_o because_o their_o own_o write_n will_v accuse_v they_o of_o have_v embrace_v christianity_n a_o crime_n which_o be_v so_o severe_o punish_v in_o those_o day_n that_o it_o will_v unavoidable_o have_v bring_v upon_o they_o certain_a death_n and_o ruin_n or_o at_o least_o after_o their_o death_n shame_n and_o infamy_n upon_o their_o family_n but_o three_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v why_o the_o apostle_n who_o have_v power_n to_o heal_v the_o sick_a and_o raise_v the_o dead_a do_v not_o raise_v all_o the_o dead_a to_o life_n again_o nor_o heal_v all_o the_o sick_a that_o be_v in_o judea_n because_o then_o all_o the_o world_n will_v have_v be_v force_v in_o spite_n of_o themselves_o to_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n we_o answer_v that_o this_o question_n be_v much_o like_o what_o the_o murderer_n of_o jesus_n christ_n say_v to_o he_o upon_o the_o cross_n he_o save_v other_o let_v he_o save_v himself_o let_v he_o come_v
come_v after_o i_o be_v mighty_a than_o i_o etc._n etc._n he_o shall_v baptize_v you_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n last_o john_n see_v the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v upon_o jesus_n under_o such_o a_o form_n as_o true_o denote_v the_o gentleness_n and_o mildness_n his_o life_n be_v to_o be_v attend_v with_o and_o he_o hear_v that_o voice_n from_o heaven_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n etc._n etc._n these_o three_o matter_n of_o fact_n have_v a_o necessary_a connexion_n with_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o religion_n if_o they_o be_v true_a as_o they_o will_v evident_o appear_v to_o be_v to_o all_o who_o shall_v serious_o consider_v and_o reflect_v upon_o they_o it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o suspect_v the_o evangelist_n of_o have_v forge_v that_o prediction_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o he_o make_v jesus_n christ_n himself_o utter_v because_o that_o gospel_n be_v compile_v long_o before_o that_o event_n it_o will_v be_v as_o little_a to_o the_o purpose_n to_o pretend_v that_o that_o other_o prediction_n of_o the_o baptism_n with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n be_v falsl_o insert_v into_o the_o history_n of_o john_n the_o baptist._n for_o what_o likelihood_n be_v there_o that_o the_o disciple_n shall_v have_v make_v john_n the_o baptist_n utter_v such_o a_o prediction_n have_v they_o see_v nothing_o like_o it_o and_o if_o they_o be_v true_o baptize_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n why_o shall_v any_o body_n refuse_v to_o believe_v that_o st._n john_n the_o baptist_n foretell_v it_o chapt._n iu._n 1._o then_o be_v jesus_n lead_v up_o of_o the_o spirit_n into_o the_o wilderness_n etc._n etc._n have_v the_o evangelist_n propose_v any_o other_o method_n to_o themselves_o in_o all_o their_o write_n but_o to_o speak_v the_o plain_a truth_n they_o will_v never_o have_v represent_v christ_n to_o we_o as_o be_v deliver_v into_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o be_v tempt_v of_o he_o who_o set_v he_o one_o while_n upon_o the_o pinnacle_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o another_o while_n upon_o a_o exceed_a high_a mountain_n in_o all_o this_o relation_n we_o have_v certain_o a_o most_o undeniable_a mark_n of_o their_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n verse_n 19_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o follow_v i_o and_o i_o will_v make_v you_o fisher_n of_o man_n who_o be_v this_o that_o without_o riches_n arm_n and_o authority_n nay_o without_o any_o assistance_n from_o man_n pretend_v to_o convert_v ordinary_a fisher_n into_o fisher_n of_o man_n how_o come_v any_o such_o thought_n into_o his_o mind_n what_o a_o strange_a design_n be_v this_o what_o a_o rash_a undertake_n nay_o what_o confidence_n join_v to_o so_o great_a a_o weakness_n for_o jesus_n christ_n to_o fortel_n and_o execute_v that_o project_n he_o must_v not_o only_o have_v be_v absolute_a master_n of_o his_o disciple_n to_o convert_v they_o so_o wonderful_o but_o also_o of_o their_o mind_n to_o enlighten_v they_o of_o their_o heart_n to_o make_v they_o less_o sensible_a of_o all_o worldly_a object_n he_o must_v have_v be_v a_o absolute_a master_n of_o suturity_n to_o foretell_v it_o of_o time_n present_a to_o dispose_v of_o it_o of_o those_o man_n inclination_n who_o he_o be_v thus_o to_o change_v of_o their_o resistance_n and_o continual_a struggle_n and_o opposition_n against_o he_o nay_o he_o must_v have_v be_v absolute_a master_n of_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o his_o name_n in_o a_o word_n of_o all_o event_n and_o juncture_n whatsoever_o verse_n 24._o and_o his_o fame_n go_v throughout_o all_o syria_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o evangelist_n can_v never_o have_v make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v become_v famous_a for_o his_o miracle_n have_v he_o real_o neither_o wrought_v nor_o pretend_v to_o work_v any_o miracle_n beside_o herein_o be_v jesus_n christ_n distinguish_v from_o john_n the_o baptist_n that_o the_o former_a wrought_v many_o notable_a wonder_n and_o sign_n but_o the_o latter_a be_v famous_a only_o for_o the_o innocency_n of_o his_o life_n and_o purity_n of_o his_o manner_n and_o if_o jesus_n christ_n pass_v for_o a_o person_n who_o real_o do_v several_a miracle_n it_o remain_v only_o for_o we_o to_o know_v whether_o those_o miracle_n be_v true_a or_o false_a and_o that_o sole_o depend_v upon_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o witness_n that_o see_v they_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n themselves_o and_o the_o enemy_n that_o so_o firm_o oppose_v they_o etc._n etc._n chap._n v._o 1._o and_o see_v the_o multitude_n he_o go_v up_o into_o a_o mountain_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o open_v his_o mouth_n and_o teach_v they_o etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v not_o say_v any_o thing_n concern_v that_o excellent_a sermon_n which_o jesus_n christ_n preach_v on_o the_o mount_n we_o need_v only_o read_v it_o over_o to_o be_v satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v a_o abstract_n of_o the_o most_o sound_a pure_a and_o spiritual_a the_o most_o impartial_a sublime_a and_o surprise_v doctrine_n that_o ever_o be_v think_v of_o read_v it_o therefore_o i_o say_v and_o you_o will_v as_o much_o be_v surprise_v at_o his_o doctrine_n as_o the_o multitude_n that_o hear_v it_o chap._n viii_o 1._o when_o he_o be_v come_v down_o from_o the_o mountain_n etc._n etc._n in_o this_o chapter_n we_o read_v of_o the_o cleanse_n of_o leper_n of_o heal_v sick_a person_n that_o be_v absent_a and_o far_o off_o by_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o word_n of_o his_o calm_v the_o storm_n and_o tempest_n of_o the_o sea_n of_o his_o cast_a devil_n out_o of_o those_o that_o be_v possess_v of_o the_o consternation_n the_o gadarenes_n be_v in_o at_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o herd_n of_o swine_n and_o their_o surprise_n to_o see_v those_o heal_v that_o be_v possess_v with_o devil_n all_o which_o be_v such_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o the_o evangelist_n can_v not_o have_v be_v persuade_v of_o by_o a_o mere_a illusion_n nor_o the_o disciple_n make_v other_o believe_v against_o their_o own_o public_a knowledge_n verse_n 11._o and_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o many_o shall_v come_v from_o the_o east_n and_o west_n etc._n etc._n who_o be_v it_o that_o have_v thus_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o to_o make_v he_o so_o clear_o foretell_v the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n verse_n 22._o but_o jesus_n say_v unto_o he_o follow_v i_o and_o let_v the_o dead_a bury_v their_o dead_a this_o be_v certain_o the_o expression_n of_o a_o man_n that_o have_v so_o deep_o reflect_v upon_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v true_o persuade_v of_o the_o misery_n and_o corruption_n of_o mankind_n for_o do_v ever_o any_o man_n but_o he_o speak_v after_o this_o manner_n verse_n 34._o and_o behold_v the_o whole_a city_n come_v out_o to_o meet_v jesus_n and_o when_o they_o see_v he_o they_o beseech_v he_o that_o he_o will_v depart_v out_o of_o their_o coast_n here_o be_v a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o witness_n who_o may_v have_v easy_o convince_v the_o evangelist_n have_v that_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v false_a chap._n ix_o 1._o and_o he_o enter_v into_o a_o ship_n etc._n etc._n in_o this_o chapter_n jesus_n christ_n call_v matthew_n from_o the_o receipt_n of_o custom_n heal_v a_o woman_n that_o be_v disease_v with_o a_o issue_n of_o blood_n twelve_o year_n restore_v sight_n to_o two_o blind_a man_n raise_v a_o young_a girl_n to_o life_n again_o and_o heal_v one_o that_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o devil_n now_o matthew_n who_o compile_v the_o history_n of_o all_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o who_o no_o interest_n whatsoever_o can_v have_v oblige_v to_o follow_v jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o his_o own_o repose_n can_v not_o but_o know_v certain_o what_o force_n or_o secret_a power_n have_v compel_v he_o to_o follow_v christ_n and_o jairus_n know_v very_o well_o whether_o or_o no_o his_o daughter_n have_v be_v raise_v to_o liâ—e_z again_o his_o friend_n and_o relation_n have_v be_v inform_v of_o it_o the_o neighbour_n and_o minstrel_n who_o be_v already_o come_v to_o solemnize_v her_o funeral_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o in_o a_o word_n the_o blind_a the_o lame_a and_o the_o sick_a of_o that_o town_n can_v not_o but_o tell_v whether_o they_o real_o experience_v that_o heal_a virtue_n which_o proceed_v from_o his_o very_a garment_n but_o who_o can_v suppose_v that_o so_o many_o person_n shall_v have_v know_v the_o certain_a truth_n of_o that_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o yet_o that_o the_o disciple_n themselves_o shall_v not_o have_v know_v it_o and_o suppose_v they_o know_v it_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o can_v have_v so_o unanimous_o agree_v to_o impose_v upon_o all_o the_o world_n at_o the_o expense_n of_o their_o life_n and_o against_o their_o own_o temporal_a interest_n verse_n 5._o for_o whether_o be_v
it_o easy_a to_o say_v thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o or_o to_o say_v arise_v and_o walk_v there_o be_v no_o suspect_v a_o man_n proceed_n that_o prove_v by_o several_a sensible_a and_o heal_a miracle_n the_o authority_n he_o assume_v and_o ascribe_v to_o himself_o verse_n 13._o but_o go_v and_o learn_v what_o that_o mean_v i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_v a_o spiritual_a worship_n be_v the_o only_a worship_n that_o god_n delight_v in_o the_o ceremony_n of_o moses_n law_n be_v only_o agreeable_a to_o he_o as_o they_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o obedience_n that_o be_v due_a to_o god_n this_o obedience_n derive_v its_o whole_a perfection_n from_o a_o willing_a compliance_n out_o of_o love_n and_o charity_n for_o a_o force_a and_o constrain_v obedience_n can_v never_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n that_o which_o be_v most_o excellent_a in_o charity_n be_v mercy_n which_o consist_v in_o forgive_a injury_n and_o do_v good_a to_o other_o without_o expect_v any_o return_n from_o they_o for_o a_o man_n may_v do_v good_a to_o another_o through_o a_o principle_n of_o vain_a glory_n but_o the_o work_n of_o mercy_n proceed_v from_o another_o motive_n and_o be_v a_o product_n of_o a_o noble_a disinterest_v nature_n mercy_n then_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n in_o religion_n and_o both_o scripture_n and_o reason_n tell_v we_o so_o but_o the_o world_n be_v so_o ignorant_a of_o this_o truth_n when_o jesus_n christ_n first_o take_v it_o for_o a_o fundamental_a maxim_n of_o his_o religion_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o surprise_v to_o man_n than_o his_o express_a himself_o after_o this_o manner_n verse_n 13._o for_o i_o be_o not_o come_v to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n a_o expression_n that_o thunder_v out_o against_o hypocrisy_n root_v out_o of_o our_o heart_n that_o false_a pride_n and_o vain_a confidence_n we_o have_v of_o ourselves_o humble_v mankind_n glorify_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o make_v we_o sensible_a of_o the_o use_n and_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n and_o in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n evident_o show_v the_o self-denial_n of_o our_o lord_n chap._n x._o 1._o and_o when_o he_o have_v call_v unto_o he_o his_o twelve_o disciple_n he_o give_v they_o power_n etc._n etc._n the_o evangelist_n be_v not_o afraid_a of_o be_v contradict_v by_o the_o twelve_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n who_o name_n he_o set_v down_o when_o he_o say_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v they_o power_n to_o heal_v all_o sort_n of_o disease_n among_o the_o people_n verse_n 5._o these_o twelve_o jesus_n send_v forth_o and_o command_v they_o say_v go_v not_o into_o the_o city_n of_o the_o gentile_n etc._n etc._n but_o go_v rather_o to_o the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n these_o word_n remove_v all_o suspicion_n which_o our_o incredulous_a adversary_n may_v entertain_v that_o the_o author_n of_o this_o gospel_n be_v willing_a to_o favour_v the_o gentile_n in_o prejudice_n to_o the_o jew_n verse_n 7._o and_o as_o you_o go_v preach_v say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v at_o hand_n be_v jesus_n christ_n in_o a_o fit_a condition_n to_o make_v himself_o know_v for_o that_o monarch_n who_o be_v to_o come_v unless_o he_o have_v first_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o infinite_a power_n verse_n 8._o heal_n the_o sick_a cleanse_v the_o leper_n raise_v the_o dead_a cast_v out_o devil_n free_o you_o have_v receive_v free_o give_v be_v it_o possible_a that_o jesus_n christ_n can_v have_v make_v his_o disciple_n believe_v they_o have_v free_o receive_v that_o which_o they_o have_v not_o in_o the_o least_o receive_v how_o bold_a then_o must_v that_o command_n have_v be_v to_o work_v so_o many_o miracle_n verse_n 9_o provide_v neither_o gold_n nor_o silver_n nor_o brass_n in_o your_o purse_n nor_o scrip_n for_o your_o journey_n etc._n etc._n christ_n waâ—_n not_o content_a to_o choose_v poor_a man_n for_o his_o disciple_n he_o sâ—rther_o oblige_v they_o to_o become_v poor_a than_o they_o be_v he_o forbid_v they_o to_o provide_v themselves_o any_o thing_n design_v to_o nourish_v they_o wonderful_o by_o his_o providence_n he_o resolve_v so_o to_o dispose_v the_o heart_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v believe_v in_o their_o word_n that_o they_o shall_v feed_v and_o clothe_v they_o this_o indeed_o be_v speak_v like_o the_o master_n and_o god_n of_o nature_n verse_n 22._o and_o you_o shall_v be_v hate_v of_o all_o man_n for_o my_o name_n sake_n christ_n flatter_v not_o his_o disciple_n but_o foretell_v they_o from_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o their_o ministry_n all_o the_o evil_n that_o be_v to_o befall_v they_o now_o what_o can_v be_v suspect_v in_o all_o this_o verse_n 23._o but_o when_o they_o persecute_v you_o in_o this_o city_n flee_v into_o another_o for_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o you_o shall_v not_o have_v go_v over_o the_o city_n of_o israel_n till_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v come_v this_o text_n be_v somewhat_o difficult_a because_o it_o do_v not_o plain_o appear_v that_o the_o prophecy_n it_o contain_v be_v exact_o fulfil_v but_o this_o very_a difficulty_n serve_v to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n for_o why_o shall_v the_o evangelist_n write_v this_o he_o who_o live_v to_o see_v the_o success_n of_o that_o matter_n he_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o in_o his_o time_n the_o gospel_n have_v be_v preach_v not_o only_o in_o all_o the_o city_n of_o israel_n but_o almost_o in_o every_o country_n in_o the_o world_n though_o jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o yet_o come_v in_o all_o his_o glory_n doubtless_o it_o be_v because_o he_o intend_v to_o relate_v thing_n as_o they_o real_o be_v in_o themselves_o and_o ascribe_v no_o more_o to_o his_o divine_a master_n but_o just_a the_o very_a word_n he_o utter_v and_o although_o holy_a writer_n by_o the_o come_n of_o jesus_n christ_n common_o understand_v his_o last_o come_n in_o his_o glory_n yet_o that_o same_o expression_n do_v also_o sometime_o signify_v the_o judgement_n which_o god_n execute_v upon_o the_o jew_n when_o he_o send_v the_o roman_n to_o destroy_v their_o city_n which_o explanation_n plain_o solve_v the_o whole_a difficulty_n verse_n 34._o think_v not_o that_o i_o be_o come_v to_o send_v peace_n on_o earth_n i_o come_v not_o to_o send_v peace_n but_o a_o sword_n a_o terrible_a declaration_n indeed_o for_o those_o man_n who_o according_a to_o the_o vulgar_a error_n of_o the_o jew_n imagine_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v have_v raise_v they_o up_o to_o the_o height_n of_o happiness_n and_o temporal_a prosperity_n but_o who_o be_v he_o that_o be_v bold_a enough_o to_o foretell_v that_o his_o gospel_n shall_v disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o universe_n how_o come_v it_o he_o do_v not_o rather_o foresee_v that_o that_o gospel_n will_v unavoidable_o be_v involve_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o silence_n and_o oblivion_n have_v such_o weak_a defender_n to_o maintain_v and_o such_o formidable_a adversary_n to_o oppose_v it_o do_v it_o seem_v natural_a that_o a_o man_n who_o dwell_v on_o the_o border_n of_o the_o lake_n of_o gennesareth_n shall_v have_v pretend_v to_o make_v other_o man_n rise_v up_o one_o against_o another_o by_o the_o bare_a efficacy_n of_o his_o word_n without_o any_o arm_n riches_n or_o authority_n be_v only_o get_v at_o the_o head_n of_o ten_o or_o twelve_o miserable_a wretch_n who_o know_v nothing_o beyond_o the_o mend_n their_o net_n verse_n 28._o and_o he_o that_o take_v not_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v after_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o do_v ever_o man_n get_v himself_o any_o follower_n by_o such_o declaration_n as_o these_o chap._n xi_o 4_o 5._o jesus_n answer_v and_o say_v unto_o they_o go_v and_o show_v john_n those_o thing_n which_o you_o do_v hear_v and_o see_v the_o blind_a receive_v their_o fight_n and_o the_o lame_a walk_n the_o leper_n be_v cleanse_v and_o the_o deaf_a hear_v the_o dead_a be_v raise_v up_o and_o the_o poor_a have_v the_o gospel_n preach_v to_o they_o jesus_n christ_n convince_v not_o his_o disciple_n by_o mere_a speculation_n but_o by_o evident_a object_n of_o sense_n verse_n 12._o and_o from_o the_o day_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n until_o now_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n suffer_v violence_n and_o the_o violent_a take_v it_o by_o force_n do_v ever_o man_n in_o so_o mean_a and_o miserable_a a_o condition_n as_o he_o be_v in_o speak_v thus_o whence_o have_v he_o this_o confidence_n and_o what_o sort_n of_o language_n be_v this_o verse_n 21._o woe_n unto_o the_o chorazin_n etc._n etc._n what_o probability_n be_v there_o that_o christ_n shall_v thus_o reproach_v the_o jew_n who_o dwell_v in_o all_o those_o country_n unless_o he_o have_v real_o wrought_v several_a miracle_n among_o they_o verse_n 28._o come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o labour_n etc._n etc._n there_o have_v be_v many_o
to_o he_o about_o eat_v he_o answer_v that_o his_o meat_n be_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n and_o when_o he_o sit_v on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o well_o he_o speak_v of_o his_o divine_a grace_n as_o of_o a_o well_o of_o water_n spring_v up_o into_o everlasting_a life_n who_o be_v not_o fill_v with_o admiration_n when_o he_o consider_v these_o thing_n verse_n 24._o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n this_o be_v tell_v man_n in_o short_a what_o they_o shall_v have_v know_v and_o what_o all_o till_o then_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o this_o be_v what_o be_v most_o conformable_a to_o a_o reasonable_a nature_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a revelation_n what_o distinguish_v true_a religion_n from_o superstition_n what_o the_o wise_a among_o the_o heathen_n have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discover_v at_o a_o time_n when_o reason_v and_o speculation_n be_v at_o the_o height_n at_o lest_o what_o they_o have_v but_o a_o very_a faint_a knowledge_n of_o what_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o have_v speak_v of_o but_o obscure_o and_o what_o the_o jew_n who_o in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o saviour_n mind_v nothing_o in_o religion_n but_o the_o external_n corporeal_a part_n of_o it_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o what_o manner_n of_o man_n than_o be_v he_o who_o alone_o have_v so_o much_o wisdom_n chap._n v._o 25._o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o the_o hour_n be_v come_v and_o now_o be_v when_o the_o dead_a shall_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o they_o that_o hear_v shall_v live_v he_o that_o can_v raise_v the_o dead_a to_o life_n again_o may_v well_o speak_v after_o this_o manner_n but_o such_o expression_n will_v have_v be_v extravagant_a in_o any_o other_o but_o he_o verse_n 36._o but_o i_o have_v great_a witness_n than_o that_o of_o john_n for_o the_o work_n which_o the_o father_n have_v give_v i_o to_o finish_v the_o same_o work_n that_o i_o do_v bear_v witness_n of_o i_o that_o the_o father_n have_v send_v i_o those_o work_n must_v have_v be_v very_o extraordinary_a indeed_o since_o he_o prefer_v the_o witness_n they_o bear_v of_o he_o before_o that_o of_o john_n the_o baptist_n for_o be_v it_o otherwise_o he_o will_v have_v expose_v himself_o to_o the_o scorn_n of_o those_o that_o hear_v he_o verse_n 44._o how_o can_v you_o believe_v which_o receive_v honour_n one_o of_o another_o and_o seek_v not_o the_o honour_n that_o come_v from_o god_n only_o he_o that_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o do_v not_o express_v himself_o after_o this_o manner_n christ_n shall_v rather_o have_v make_v use_n of_o the_o vanity_n and_o weakness_n of_o man_n which_o be_v nice_o to_o be_v touch_v and_o delicate_o to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o in_o such_o case_n chap._n vi_o 14_o 15._o then_o those_o man_n when_o they_o have_v see_v the_o miracle_n that_o jesus_n do_v say_v this_o be_v of_o a_o truth_n that_o prophet_n that_o shall_v come_v into_o the_o world_n when_o jesus_n therefore_o perceive_v that_o they_o will_v come_v and_o take_v he_o by_o force_n to_o make_v he_o a_o king_n he_o depart_v again_o into_o a_o mountain_n himself_o alone_o it_o be_v not_o out_o of_o any_o weakness_n or_o fear_n that_o christ_n refuse_v to_o put_v himself_o at_o the_o head_n of_o those_o that_o will_v have_v make_v he_o king_n he_o that_o foretell_v his_o suffering_n and_o establish_v a_o memorial_n of_o they_o nay_o he_o who_o assemble_v together_o a_o company_n of_o distress_a wretch_n who_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o lead_v about_o will_v not_o sure_o have_v be_v afraid_a os_fw-la the_o fortune_n of_o war_n since_o he_o may_v have_v be_v follow_v by_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o people_n who_o will_v have_v daily_o increase_v be_v delude_v by_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o those_o day_n that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v a_o great_a king_n what_o then_o deter_v he_o from_o it_o only_o his_o humility_n verse_n 35._o i_o be_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n he_o that_o come_v to_o i_o shall_v never_o hunger_n and_o he_o that_o come_v to_o i_o shall_v never_o thirst_v do_v ever_o any_o man_n use_v a_o expression_n like_o this_o how_o can_v a_o man_n be_v the_o bread_n of_o life_n and_o what_o can_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o expression_n be_v go_v to_o christ_n enough_o to_o satisfy_v hunger_n and_o thirst_n no_o one_o but_o a_o enthusiast_n or_o one_o that_o be_v real_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o instruct_v mankind_n can_v have_v express_v himself_o thus_o but_o who_o be_v he_o that_o shall_v dare_v to_o blaspheme_n against_o the_o wisdom_n of_o that_o divine_a person_n verse_n 63._o the_o flesh_n profit_v nothing_o the_o word_n that_o i_o speak_v unto_o you_o they_o be_v spirit_n and_o they_o be_v life_n this_o comment_n excellent_o justify_v the_o wisdom_n of_o that_o wonderful_a teacher_n and_o clear_o show_v we_o what_o we_o shall_v think_v of_o those_o seem_a paradox_n he_o advance_v in_o the_o forego_n verse_n so_o contrary_a to_o all_o our_o former_a idea_n and_o prejudices_fw-la chap._n vii_o 17._o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o this_o be_v the_o best_a and_o sure_a rule_n whereby_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v first_o requisite_a that_o his_o heart_n be_v right_o dispose_v rather_o than_o his_o understanding_n full_o enlighten_v man_n at_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o this_o great_a and_o noble_a truth_n they_o make_v a_o science_n of_o religion_n which_o none_o can_v understand_v but_o the_o learned_a and_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n which_o will_v know_v every_o thing_n but_o scarce_o know_v any_o thing_n perfect_o proud_o assume_v to_o itself_o the_o privilege_n of_o judge_v in_o matter_n of_o salvation_n but_o be_v that_o a_o certain_a rule_n to_o go_v by_o the_o proud_a will_v be_v the_o great_a favourite_n of_o god_n and_o the_o more_o man_n strive_v out_o of_o vanity_n or_o ambition_n to_o become_v learn_v the_o clear_a insight_n they_o will_v have_v into_o revelation_n that_o indeed_o will_v be_v proper_a to_o make_v a_o considerable_a progress_n in_o humane_a science_n but_o the_o science_n of_o salvation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v acquire_v but_o by_o holiness_n and_o humility_n for_o virtue_n be_v a_o practical_a habit._n the_o more_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a we_o be_v the_o more_o our_o eye_n will_v be_v open_a the_o better_a we_o live_v the_o less_o scruple_n we_o shall_v entertain_v the_o more_o we_o love_v god_n the_o more_o sensible_a we_o shall_v grow_v of_o his_o admirable_a precept_n what_o great_a wisdom_n then_o do_v this_o maxim_n contain_v which_o man_n in_o past_a age_n be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o and_o which_o the_o present_a age_n scarce_o yet_o understand_v verse_n 37_o 38_o 39_o in_o the_o last_o day_n that_o great_a day_n of_o the_o feast_n jesus_n stand_v and_o cry_v say_v if_o any_o man_n thirst_n let_v he_o come_v unto_o i_o and_o drink_n he_o that_o believe_v on_o i_o as_o the_o scripture_n have_v say_v out_o of_o his_o belly_n shall_v flow_v river_n of_o live_a water_n but_o this_o speak_v he_o of_o the_o spirit_n which_o they_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v receive_v for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o yet_o give_v because_o that_o jesus_n be_v not_o yet_o glorify_v how_o can_v the_o evangelist_n have_v make_v christ_n utter_v such_o word_n as_o these_o and_o a_o little_a after_o add_v this_o annotation_n concern_v the_o effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v he_o real_o see_v nothing_o happen_v that_o be_v like_o it_o who_o see_v not_o plain_o that_o the_o parenthesis_n suppose_v that_o event_n to_o be_v well_o know_v since_o it_o inform_v we_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o verse_n 40_o 41._o many_o of_o the_o people_n therefore_o when_o they_o hear_v this_o say_v of_o a_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o prophet_n other_o say_v this_o be_v the_o christ_n but_o some_o say_v shall_v christ_n come_v out_o of_o galilee_n all_o these_o dispute_n and_o little_a contest_v manifest_o show_v the_o great_a impression_n the_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n of_o christ_n have_v already_o make_v upon_o people_n mind_n beside_o they_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o not_o easy_o to_o be_v think_v of_o by_o a_o person_n who_o can_v invent_v lie_n chap._n viii_o 7._o 10_o 11_o so_o when_o they_o continue_v ask_v he_o he_o lift_v up_o himself_o and_o say_v unto_o they_o he_o that_o be_v without_o sin_n among_o you_o let_v he_o first_o cast_v a_o stone_n
at_o she_o etc._n etc._n when_o jesus_n have_v lift_v up_o himself_o and_o see_v none_o but_o the_o woman_n he_o say_v unto_o she_o woman_n where_o be_v those_o thy_o accuser_n have_v no_o man_n condemn_v thou_o she_o say_v no_o man_n lord_n and_o jesus_n say_v unto_o she_o neither_o do_v i_o condemn_v thou_o go_v and_o sin_n no_o more_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o comment_n to_o understand_v the_o divine_a energy_n of_o these_o word_n a_o heart_n right_o dispose_v will_v soon_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o than_o able_a to_o express_v it_o verse_n 51._o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o if_o a_o man_n keep_v my_o say_n he_o shall_v never_o see_v death_n how_o can_v christ_n advance_v such_o a_o paradox_n or_o how_o be_v it_o probable_a that_o john_n shall_v make_v he_o utter_v it_o he_o who_o have_v already_o see_v several_a of_o his_o master_n disciple_n die_v these_o word_n than_o must_v secret_o imply_v something_o more_o sublime_a and_o uncommon_a than_o appear_v to_o we_o at_o first_o sight_n and_o those_o who_o teach_v they_o have_v deep_a understanding_n and_o more_o pierce_a judgement_n than_o other_o men._n chap._n xi_o 25._o i_o be_o the_o resurrection_n and_o the_o life_n he_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o though_o he_o be_v dead_a yet_o shall_v he_o live_v this_o be_v such_o a_o strange_a discourse_n as_o be_v never_o meet_v with_o before_o verse_n 43_o 44._o and_o when_o he_o have_v thus_o speak_v he_o cry_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n lazarus_n come_v forth_o and_o he_o that_o be_v dead_a come_v forth_o bind_v hand_n and_o foot_n with_o grave-cloath_n and_o his_o face_n be_v bind_v about_o with_o a_o napkin_n etc._n etc._n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o circumstantial_o tell_v than_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n lazarus_n have_v be_v dead_a about_o four_o day_n he_o be_v bury_v and_o a_o stone_n have_v be_v roll_v over_o his_o grave_n nay_o he_o already_o begin_v to_o stink_n some_o of_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v there_o present_a murmur_v and_o say_v among_o themselves_o can_v not_o this_o man_n who_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a have_v cause_v that_o even_o this_o man_n shall_v not_o have_v die_v john_n 11._o 37._o and_o other_o that_o be_v come_v to_o comfort_v the_o two_o sister_n be_v there_o assemble_v the_o dead_a person_n be_v raise_v to_o life_n again_o he_o be_v see_v and_o hear_v to_o speak_v several_a that_o be_v there_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n so_o that_o the_o great_a council_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v terrify_v at_o it_o and_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o pharisee_n be_v gather_v together_o upon_o this_o occasion_n many_o of_o they_o cry_v out_o and_o say_v what_o do_v we_o for_o this_o man_n do_v many_o miracle_n if_o we_o let_v he_o thus_o alone_o all_o man_n will_v believe_v on_o he_o and_o the_o roman_n shall_v come_v and_o take_v away_o both_o our_o place_n and_o nation_n etc._n etc._n have_v this_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v false_o invent_v how_o dare_v the_o evangelist_n so_o exact_o describe_v it_o with_o all_o its_o circumstance_n why_o do_v not_o other_o make_v a_o strict_a enquiry_n and_o dive_v into_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o do_v the_o christian_n want_v enemy_n to_o do_v it_o they_o who_o be_v continual_o expose_v to_o the_o persecution_n of_o all_o the_o power_n upon_o earth_n this_o gospel_n be_v believe_v at_o jerusalem_n which_o place_n be_v yet_o extant_a and_o bethany_n be_v but_o a_o few_o furlong_n distant_a from_o jerusalem_n the_o falsehood_n alone_o of_o that_o single_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v so_o signal_n and_o so_o public_o know_v will_v have_v utter_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o the_o apostle_n new_a religion_n give_v up_o the_o cause_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o universal_o silence_v the_o christian_n why_o then_o do_v they_o not_o manifest_v the_o truth_n upon_o the_o spot_n chap._n xiii_o 35._o by_o this_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o have_v love_v one_o to_o another_o a_o divine_a mark_n indeed_o and_o a_o character_n not_o in_o the_o least_o to_o be_v suspect_v chap._n fourteen_o 11_o 12._o believe_v i_o that_o i_o be_o in_o the_o father_n and_o the_o father_n in_o i_o or_o else_o believe_v i_o for_o the_o very_a work_n sake_n very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o he_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o the_o work_n that_o i_o do_v shall_v he_o do_v also_o and_o great_a work_n than_o these_o shall_v he_o do_v what_o can_v the_o evangelist_n think_v when_o he_o relate_v these_o thing_n if_o he_o be_v true_o convince_v by_o his_o own_o experience_n and_o by_o that_o of_o his_o associate_n that_o christ_n be_v disciple_n can_v not_o perform_v any_o miracle_n chap._n xv._n 24._o if_o i_o have_v not_o do_v among_o they_o the_o work_n which_o none_o other_o man_n do_v they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n he_o continual_o lay_v before_o their_o eye_n the_o testimony_n of_o his_o work_n chap._n xvi_o 2._o they_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n yea_o the_o time_n come_v that_o whosoever_o kill_v you_o will_v think_v that_o he_o do_v god_n service_n it_o be_v evident_a by_o this_o prediction_n the_o evangelist_n ascribe_v to_o jesus_n that_o the_o disciple_n do_v not_o then_o expect_v nay_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v any_o thing_n but_o cross_n and_o tribulation_n what_o then_o can_v support_v they_o in_o their_o present_a suffering_n and_o the_o dismal_a prospect_n of_o worse_a to_o come_v but_o the_o hope_n of_o such_o a_o reward_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o quality_n of_o impostor_n a_o name_n which_o our_o incredulous_a adversary_n be_v please_v to_o give_v they_o verse_n 33._o in_o the_o world_n you_o shall_v have_v tribulation_n but_o be_v of_o good_a cheer_n i_o have_v overcome_v the_o world_n he_o be_v continual_o foretell_v they_o what_o misfortune_n they_o be_v to_o expect_v this_o in_o all_o appearance_n shall_v have_v dishearten_v they_o but_o it_o only_o serve_v to_o try_v their_o patience_n and_o confirm_v the_o word_n which_o they_o preach_v chap._n xvii_o 25_o 26._o o_o righteous_a father_n the_o world_n have_v not_o know_v thou_o but_o i_o have_v know_v thou_o and_o these_o have_v know_v that_o thou_o have_v send_v i_o and_o i_o have_v declare_v unto_o they_o thy_o name_n that_o thy_o love_n wherewith_o thou_o have_v love_v i_o may_v be_v in_o they_o and_o i_o in_o they_o can_v a_o man_n imagine_v that_o a_o impostor_n shall_v express_v himself_o thus_o be_v falsehood_n then_o so_o different_a here_o from_o what_o it_o usual_o be_v and_o do_v it_o breath_n out_o nothing_o but_o virtue_n innocence_n love_n and_o charity_n have_v it_o altogether_o that_o spirit_n of_o pure_a holiness_n and_o elevate_a simplicity_n of_o ineffable_a consolation_n and_o wonderful_a trust_n and_o reliance_n upon_o god_n which_o run_v through_o all_o the_o latter_a discourse_n jesus_n make_v to_o his_o disciple_n to_o comfort_v they_o for_o his_o approach_a departure_n chap._n xviii_o 36_o 37._o my_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n etc._n etc._n pilate_n therefore_o say_v unto_o he_o be_v thou_o a_o king_n then_o jesus_n answer_v thou_o say_v that_o i_o be_o a_o king_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n that_o i_o shall_v bear_v witness_n unto_o the_o truth_n every_o one_o that_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n hear_v my_o voice_n jesus_n plain_o declare_v that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n yet_o he_o call_v himself_o king_n have_v he_o be_v a_o impostor_n he_o will_v have_v pretend_v to_o have_v reign_v somewhere_o or_o at_o least_o show_v some_o ambition_n of_o it_o chap._n xx._n 25_o 26._o the_o other_o disciple_n therefore_o say_v unto_o he_o we_o have_v see_v the_o lord_n but_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o except_o i_o shall_v see_v in_o his_o hand_n the_o print_n of_o the_o nail_n and_o thrust_v my_o hand_n into_o his_o side_n i_o will_v not_o believe_v etc._n etc._n jesus_n say_v unto_o he_o thomas_z because_o thou_o have_v see_v i_o thou_o have_v believe_v bless_a be_v they_o that_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o have_v believe_v can_v any_o one_o have_v make_v thomas_n believe_v that_o he_o have_v be_v more_o incredulous_a than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v till_o he_o have_v see_v and_o feel_v the_o body_n of_o his_o master_n chap._n xxi_o 3._o simon_n peter_n say_v unto_o they_o i_o go_v a_o fish_n they_o say_v unto_o he_o we_o also_o go_v with_o thou_o they_o go_v forth_o and_o enter_v into_o a_o ship_n immediate_o and_o that_o night_n they_o catch_v nothing_o but_o when_o the_o morning_n be_v now_o come_v jesus_n stand_v on_o the_o shore_n etc._n etc._n christ_n be_v dead_a the_o disciple_n betake_v themselves_o again_o
matter_n of_o fact_n as_o have_v they_o be_v real_a they_o must_v have_v see_v they_o with_o their_o own_o eye_n chap._n v._o 15._o insomuch_o that_o they_o bring_v forth_o the_o sick_a into_o the_o street_n and_o lay_v they_o on_o bed_n and_o couch_n that_o at_o the_o least_o the_o shadow_n of_o peter_n pass_v by_o may_v overshadow_v some_o of_o they_o behold_v the_o completion_n of_o that_o prophecy_n of_o christ_n who_o foretell_v that_o his_o disciple_n shall_v do_v far_o great_a work_n than_o himself_o verse_n 32._o and_o we_o be_v his_o witness_n of_o those_o thing_n and_o so_o be_v also_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o god_n have_v give_v to_o they_o that_o obey_v christ_n daily_o convince_v the_o unbeliever_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o work_n and_o his_o disciple_n convince_v they_o by_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n impart_v to_o they_o be_v there_o then_o any_o dream_n or_o euthusiasm_n any_o illusion_n or_o distraction_n of_o mind_n any_o mutual_a erroneous_a compact_n in_o all_o this_o or_o rather_o do_v we_o not_o here_o visible_o perceive_v the_o wisdom_n truth_n and_o power_n of_o god_n in_o this_o occasion_n chap._n vii_o 51._o you_o stiff-necked_a and_o uncircumcised_a in_o heart_n and_o ear_n you_o do_v always_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o your_o father_n do_v so_o do_v you_o which_o of_o the_o prophet_n have_v not_o your_o father_n persecute_v all_o deceiver_n and_o impostor_n use_v quite_o another_o method_n to_o flatter_v those_o they_o design_v to_o draw_v over_o to_o their_o side_n verse_n 59_o 60._o and_o they_o stone_v stephen_n call_v upon_o god_n and_o say_v lord_n jesus_n receive_v my_o spirit_n and_o he_o kneel_v down_o and_o cry_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n lord_n lay_v not_o this_o sin_n to_o their_o charge_n stephen_n die_v pray_v to_o god_n for_o his_o enemy_n in_o imitation_n of_o christ_n but_o he_o be_v not_o seize_v with_o sorrow_n anguish_n or_o fear_v he_o cry_v not_o out_o my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o can_v not_o he_o that_o represent_v the_o servant_n so_o courageous_a have_v give_v we_o a_o excellent_a description_n of_o the_o constancy_n of_o the_o master_n but_o that_o he_o have_v propose_v to_o himself_o to_o write_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n chap._n viii_o 14_o 15_o 16._o they_o send_v unto_o they_o peter_n and_o john_n who_o when_o they_o be_v come_v down_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o as_o yet_o he_o be_v fall_v upon_o none_o of_o they_o only_o they_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n by_o these_o word_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o every_o body_n may_v indifferent_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o the_o apostle_n alone_o can_v impart_v it_o to_o other_o a_o distinction_n that_o be_v very_o remarkable_a but_o it_o appear_v yet_o far_o that_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v so_o notable_a and_o visible_a that_o whosoever_o have_v receive_v they_o can_v not_o but_o present_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o and_o though_o this_o discourse_n of_o st._n luke_n may_v be_v whole_o invent_v yet_o it_o may_v well_o be_v suppose_v that_o it_o be_v invent_v upon_o some_o probable_a ground_n and_o reason_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o for_o it_o but_o this_o that_o in_o this_o time_n the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v impart_v to_o the_o faithful_a for_o otherwise_o to_o talk_v thus_o will_v be_v very_o impertinent_a and_o extravagant_a verse_n 20._o but_o peter_n say_v unto_o he_o thy_o money_n perish_v with_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v think_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n may_v be_v purchase_v with_o money_n how_o come_v peter_n to_o deal_v so_o nice_o and_o delicate_o be_v he_o a_o impostor_n indeed_o as_o well_o as_o simon_n magus_n verse_n 22_o 23._o repent_v therefore_o of_o this_o thy_o wickedness_n and_o pray_v god_n if_o perhaps_o the_o thought_n of_o thy_o heart_n may_v be_v forgive_v thou_o for_o i_o perceive_v that_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n how_o different_a be_v these_o expression_n from_o those_o of_o a_o man_n who_o conscience_n accuse_v he_o of_o imposture_n and_o infidelity_n chap._n ix_o 7_o 8_o 9_o and_o the_o man_n which_o journey_v with_o he_o stand_v speechless_a hear_v a_o voice_n but_o see_v no_o man._n but_o they_o lead_v he_o by_o the_o hand_n and_o bring_v he_o unto_o damascus_n and_o he_o be_v there_o three_o day_n without_o sight_n and_o neither_o eat_v nor_o drink_v have_v st._n luke_n design_v to_o impose_v upon_o our_o belief_n in_o this_o rehearsal_n he_o will_v have_v manage_v it_o with_o more_o judgement_n for_o what_o necessity_n be_v there_o of_o his_o relate_n how_o that_o st._n paul_n have_v company_n with_o he_o when_o the_o light_n of_o god_n shine_v round_o about_o he_o what_o make_v he_o quote_v the_o place_n the_o occasion_n and_o the_o witness_n of_o who_o the_o synagogue_n may_v have_v easy_o know_v the_o whole_a truth_n how_o can_v he_o make_v they_o believe_v that_o the_o man_n which_o accompany_v saul_n lead_v he_o by_o the_o hand_n to_o damascus_n and_o that_o he_o continue_v there_o three_o day_n and_o three_o night_n deprive_v of_o his_o sight_n verse_n 16._o for_o i_o will_v show_v he_o how_o great_a thing_n he_o must_v suffer_v for_o my_o name_n sake_n etc._n etc._n the_o whole_a life_n of_o s._n paul_n be_v a_o exact_a accomplishment_n of_o this_o prophecy_n verse_n 31._o then_o have_v the_o church_n rest_n throughout_o all_o judea_n and_o galilee_n and_o samaria_n and_o be_v edify_v and_o walk_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v multiply_v how_o strange_a and_o surprise_a be_v the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o found_v so_o many_o church_n almost_o every_o where_o in_o so_o small_a a_o time_n verse_n 34_o 35._o and_o peter_n say_v unto_o he_o aeneas_n jesus_n christ_n make_v thou_o whole_a arise_v etc._n etc._n and_o all_o that_o dwell_v at_o lydda_n and_o saron_n see_v he_o and_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n doubtless_o those_o man_n here_o mention_v know_v well_o enough_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o miracle_n perform_v and_o those_o church_n which_o consist_v altogether_o of_o proselyte_n who_o must_v necessary_o have_v be_v spectator_n of_o that_o miracle_n can_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o this_o respect_n verse_n 41_o 42._o and_o he_o give_v she_o his_o hand_n and_o lift_v she_o up_o and_o when_o he_o have_v call_v the_o saint_n and_o widow_n present_v her_o alive_a and_o it_o be_v know_v throughout_o all_o joppa_n and_o many_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n this_o be_v a_o miracle_n notorious_a enough_o and_o there_o be_v witness_n sufficient_a to_o contradict_v and_o convince_v the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n suppose_v this_o miracle_n have_v be_v only_o a_o frame_a story_n and_o a_o shame_n upon_o man_n belief_n chap._n x._o 45_o 46_o 47._o and_o they_o of_o the_o circumcision_n which_o believe_v be_v astonish_v as_o many_o as_o come_v with_o peter_n because_o that_o on_o the_o gentile_n also_o be_v pour_v out_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o they_o hear_v they_o speak_v with_o tongue_n and_o magnify_v god_n then_o answer_v peter_n can_v any_o one_o forbid_v water_n that_o these_o shall_v not_o be_v baptize_v which_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o well_o as_o we_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o astonishment_n in_o those_o of_o the_o circumcision_n it_o be_v because_o they_o have_v not_o see_v till_o then_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v impart_v to_o the_o gentile_n the_o very_a mixture_n of_o such_o circumstance_n as_o these_o be_v often_o of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o narration_n chap._n xi_o 18._o when_o they_o hear_v these_o thing_n they_o hold_v their_o peace_n and_o glorify_a god_n say_v then_o have_v god_n also_o to_o the_o gentile_n grant_v repentance_n unto_o life_n this_o indeed_o be_v the_o language_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o perfect_a stile_n of_o god_n and_o the_o very_a expression_n of_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n chap._n xii_o 18_o 19_o now_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v day_n there_o be_v no_o small_a stir_n among_o the_o soldier_n what_o be_v become_v of_o peter_n and_o when_o herod_n have_v seek_v for_o he_o and_o find_v he_o not_o he_o examine_v the_o keeper_n and_o command_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n a_o circumstance_n that_o can_v be_v forge_v and_o which_o excellent_o confirm_v the_o relation_n of_o peter_n be_v miraculous_a deliverance_n chap._n xiii_o 3._o and_o when_o they_o have_v fast_v and_o pray_v they_o lay_v hand_n on_o they_o this_o historian_n who_o
christ_n as_o one_o that_o supply_v all_o his_o want_n and_o necessity_n he_o be_v therefore_o oblige_v to_o make_v use_n of_o such_o unusual_a and_o surprise_a expression_n first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n i._n 13._o be_v christ_n divide_v be_v paul_n crucify_v for_o you_o or_o be_v you_o baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o paul_n a_o singular_a and_o uncommon_a piece_n of_o humility_n since_o man_n be_v not_o by_o nature_n displease_v and_o disquiet_v at_o those_o who_o endeavour_n to_o pay_v they_o too_o much_o honour_n chap._n ii_o 4._o and_o my_o speech_n and_o my_o preach_n be_v not_o with_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n but_o in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n it_o be_v beneath_o a_o king_n to_o study_v how_o to_o adorn_v his_o discourse_n and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o charm_n of_o eloquence_n when_o he_o go_v about_o to_o speak_v to_o his_o subject_n to_o who_o he_o show_v mercy_n and_o prescribe_v obedience_n such_o a_o way_n of_o deal_n will_v be_v much_o more_o beneath_o the_o holy_a ghost_n wherefore_o paul_n oppose_v the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o serve_v he_o to_o confirm_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o eloquence_n of_o the_o man_n of_o his_o age_n which_o he_o absolute_o contemn_v and_o despise_v for_o the_o latter_a may_v but_o the_o former_a can_v be_v suspect_v chap._n iii_o 5._o who_o then_o be_v paul_n and_o who_o be_v apollo_n but_o minister_n by_o who_o you_o believe_v those_o man_n be_v not_o like_o simon_n magus_n cerinthus_n sâ—turninus_n basilides_n menander_n etc._n etc._n who_o positive_o affirm_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n the_o word_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o who_o strive_v to_o excel_v one_o another_o in_o extravagant_a vanity_n chap._n iu._n 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o even_o unto_o this_o present_a hour_n we_o both_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n and_o be_v naked_a and_o be_v buffet_v and_o have_v no_o certain_a dwell_n place_n and_o labour_n work_v with_o our_o own_o hand_n be_v revile_v we_o bless_v be_v persecute_v we_o suffer_v it_o be_v defame_v we_o entreat_v we_o be_v make_v as_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v the_o offscouring_a of_o all_o thing_n unto_o this_o day_n i_o write_v not_o these_o thing_n to_o shame_v you_o but_o as_o my_o belove_a son_n i_o warn_v you_o do_v paul_n imagine_v he_o can_v easy_o impose_v upon_o those_o he_o write_v this_o epistle_n to_o in_o those_o matter_n which_o must_v have_v be_v so_o public_o know_v or_o do_v he_o think_v he_o can_v incite_v they_o to_o emulate_v his_o patience_n by_o such_o narration_n as_o every_o body_n know_v to_o be_v utter_o false_a verse_n 19_o 20._o but_o i_o will_v come_v to_o you_o short_o if_o the_o lord_n will_v and_o will_v know_v not_o the_o speech_n of_o they_o which_o be_v puff_v up_o but_o the_o power_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o word_n but_o in_o power_n by_o these_o word_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n justify_v in_o those_o day_n the_o mission_n of_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o indeed_o what_o can_v be_v less_o liable_a to_o suspicion_n than_o such_o a_o mark_n and_o sign_n of_o they_o chap._n v._o 5._o to_o deliver_v such_o a_o one_o unto_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o spirit_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o apostle_n testify_v of_o the_o gospel_n by_o their_o work_n and_o not_o their_o word_n only_o verse_n 11._o if_o any_o man_n that_o be_v call_v a_o brother_n be_v a_o fornicator_n or_o covetous_a or_o a_o idolater_n or_o a_o railer_n or_o a_o drunkard_n or_o a_o extortioner_n with_o such_o a_o one_o do_v not_o eat_v what_o strange_a severity_n be_v this_o what_o amaze_a and_o wonderful_a effect_n what_o surprise_v change_n in_o man_n be_v produce_v by_o the_o gospel_n believe_v it_o if_o you_o can_v after_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o this_o be_v a_o society_n of_o deceitful_a impostor_n as_o it_o must_v need_n be_v confess_v suppose_v their_o testimony_n false_a chap._n vi_o 9_o 10_o 11._o be_v not_o deceive_v neither_o fornicator_n nor_o idolater_n nor_o adulterer_n nor_o effeminate_a nor_o abuser_n of_o themselves_o with_o mankind_n etc._n etc._n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o such_o be_v some_o of_o you_o but_o you_o be_v wash_v but_o you_o be_v sanctify_v but_o you_o be_v justify_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n etc._n etc._n have_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v a_o mere_a imposture_n how_o can_v he_o have_v sanctify_a mankind_n and_o what_o can_v be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o deceive_a man_n to_o make_v they_o righteous_a in_o make_v a_o false_a belief_n serve_v to_o lead_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o virtue_n for_o such_o notion_n as_o these_o our_o incredulous_a adversary_n must_v necessary_o entertain_v chap._n xii_o 28_o 29_o 30._o and_o god_n have_v set_v some_o in_o the_o church_n first_o apostle_n second_o prophet_n three_o teacher_n after_o that_o miracle_n than_o gift_n of_o heal_a help_n government_n diversity_n of_o tongue_n be_v all_o apostle_n be_v all_o prophet_n be_v all_o teacher_n be_v all_o worker_n of_o miracle_n have_v all_o the_o gift_n of_o heal_v do_v all_o speak_v with_o tongue_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n by_o this_o enumeration_n of_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n suppose_v they_o to_o have_v be_v very_o common_a in_o the_o church_n as_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n public_o know_v be_v he_o then_o out_o of_o his_o sense_n to_o talk_v thus_o we_o have_v see_v man_n who_o false_o boast_v they_o can_v work_v many_o miracle_n but_o we_o never_o hear_v of_o any_o that_o pretend_v to_o make_v a_o numerous_a society_n believe_v that_o they_o also_o can_v work_v miracle_n when_o they_o have_v not_o indeed_o the_o power_n to_o perform_v any_o verse_n 31._o but_o covet_v earnest_o the_o best_a gift_n and_o yet_o show_v i_o unto_o you_o a_o more_o excellent_a way_n he_o prefer_v charity_n before_o miracle_n themselves_o and_o all_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n how_o different_a then_o be_v his_o opinion_n from_o the_o vanity_n ambition_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o world_n chap._n fourteen_o 24_o 25._o but_o if_o all_o prophesy_n and_o there_o come_v in_o one_o that_o believe_v not_o or_o one_o unlearned_a he_o be_v convince_v of_o all_o he_o be_v judge_v of_o all_o and_o thus_o be_v the_o secret_n of_o his_o heart_n make_v manifest_a and_o so_o fall_v down_o on_o his_o face_n he_o will_v worship_v god_n and_o report_n that_o god_n be_v in_o you_o of_o a_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o know_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n heart_n which_o this_o same_o author_n speak_v of_o in_o another_o place_n say_v though_o i_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o understand_v all_o mystery_n etc._n etc._n be_v there_o ever_o any_o seducer_n see_v who_o to_o prove_v their_o mission_n pretend_v themselves_o able_a to_o know_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n heart_n how_o come_v this_o author_n then_o to_o speak_v of_o it_o cursory_o and_o as_o a_o thing_n general_o know_v to_o they_o all_o chap._n xv._n 13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o 19_o but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a then_o be_v christ_n not_o rise_v and_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o rise_v then_o be_v our_o preach_v vain_a and_o your_o faith_n be_v vain_a also_o yea_o and_o we_o be_v find_v false_a witness_n of_o god_n because_o we_o have_v testify_v of_o god_n that_o he_o raise_v up_o christ_n who_o he_o raise_v not_o up_o if_o so_o be_v that_o the_o dead_a rise_v not_o etc._n etc._n and_o if_o christ_n be_v not_o raise_v your_o faith_n be_v vain_a you_o be_v yet_o in_o your_o sin_n then_o they_o also_o which_o be_v fall_v a_o sleep_n in_o christ_n be_v perish_v if_o in_o this_o life_n only_o we_o have_v hope_n in_o christ_n we_o be_v of_o all_o man_n most_o miserable_a nothing_o can_v better_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o persuasion_n of_o our_o apostle_n than_o these_o word_n for_o i_o pray_v observe_v after_o what_o manner_n he_o relate_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o man_n who_o think_v there_o be_v no_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a he_o seem_v very_o much_o surprise_v to_o see_v they_o prepossess_v with_o any_o such_o opinion_n after_o what_o they_o have_v know_v of_o christ_n be_v resurrection_n of_o their_o happiness_n that_o sleep_v in_o he_o and_o the_o affliction_n they_o endure_v in_o this_o life_n which_o they_o can_v not_o endure_v without_o some_o reason_n some_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o future_a happiness_n verse_n 32._o if_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n
uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n great_a indeed_o be_v his_o faith_n for_o he_o will_v not_o subscribe_v to_o their_o maxim_n who_o constrain_v the_o faithful_a to_o be_v circumcise_a though_o he_o may_v have_v thereby_o avoid_v a_o sharp_a persecution_n but_o he_o show_v we_o that_o the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o heart_n only_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n that_o none_o but_o the_o new_a creature_n can_v be_v for_o the_o future_a agreeable_a to_o he_o a_o circumcision_n indeed_o infinite_o more_o painful_a than_o the_o first_o and_o a_o new_a creature_n establish_v upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o world_n the_o pleasure_n of_o which_o be_v so_o dear_a to_o we_o certain_o it_o be_v impossible_a this_o doctrine_n so_o spiritual_a so_o holy_a and_o so_o necessary_a in_o itself_o shall_v have_v proceed_v only_o from_o flesh_n and_o blood_n epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n chap._n iii_o 17_o 18_o 19_o that_o you_o be_v root_v and_o ground_v in_o love_n may_v be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v with_o all_o saint_n what_o be_v the_o breadth_n and_o length_n and_o depth_n and_o height_n and_o to_o know_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o pass_v all_o knowledge_n etc._n etc._n have_v the_o apostle_n be_v such_o deceiver_n as_o the_o incredulous_a will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v what_o mean_v those_o transport_v of_o admiration_n as_o often_o as_o they_o reflect_v on_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n which_o every_o page_n of_o this_o book_n be_v full_a of_o be_v they_o then_o deceive_v no_o sure_o because_o they_o can_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o such_o certain_a matter_n of_o fact_n have_v they_o then_o a_o mind_n to_o deceive_v other_o people_n that_o can_v not_o be_v neither_o because_o their_o write_n seem_v to_o be_v design_v only_o to_o induce_v man_n to_o fear_v god_n chap_n iu_o 24_o 25._o and_o that_o you_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n wherefore_o put_v away_o lie_v speak_v every_o man_n truth_n with_o his_o neighbour_n etc._n etc._n a_o strange_a and_o surprise_a discourse_n indeed_o but_o which_o will_v have_v be_v much_o more_o astonish_a shall_v it_o have_v be_v utter_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o impostor_n epistle_n to_o the_o philippian_n chap._n i._n 29._o for_o unto_o you_o it_o be_v give_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o to_o believe_v on_o he_o but_o also_o to_o suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n the_o stoic_n who_o have_v so_o much_o distinguish_v and_o raise_v themselves_o above_o all_o other_o man_n by_o their_o sublime_a morality_n have_v ever_o imagine_v that_o the_o wise_a man_n may_v very_o well_o preserve_v a_o tranquil_a and_o sedate_v mind_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o affliction_n and_o they_o be_v so_o much_o intoxicate_v with_o pride_n that_o they_o be_v altogether_o insensible_a of_o any_o pain_n or_o torment_n but_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n go_v yet_o high_a they_o look_v upon_o the_o most_o cruel_a suffering_n as_o upon_o so_o many_o benefit_n and_o so_o many_o cause_n of_o joy_n and_o peace_n and_o ineffable_a consolation_n and_o comfort_n they_o cry_v out_o i_o rejoice_v in_o my_o suffering_n etc._n etc._n i_o delight_v in_o stripe_n in_o affliction_n etc._n etc._n nay_o more_o than_o this_o they_o return_v thanks_o to_o god_n for_o have_v be_v think_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v for_o his_o name_n be_v sake_n their_o affliction_n give_v rise_v to_o their_o gratitude_n and_o all_o this_o because_o they_o be_v support_v by_o a_o divine_a hand_n and_o be_v most_o certain_a to_o obtain_v a_o everlasting_a reward_n a_o strange_a thing_n indeed_o that_o this_o certainty_n only_o shall_v be_v absolute_o requisite_a to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n the_o apostle_n can_v never_o have_v entertain_v any_o false_a hope_n of_o reward_n because_o their_o hope_n be_v ground_v on_o what_o they_o have_v see_v and_o on_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o god_n they_o have_v both_o receive_v and_o often_o impart_v to_o other_o we_o can_v then_o doubt_v but_o that_o they_o have_v the_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n in_o prospect_n unless_o we_o will_v be_v wilful_o blind_a and_o ignorant_a so_o blind_a must_v the_o incredulous_a be_v who_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n and_o refuse_v to_o be_v convince_v of_o so_o evident_a a_o truth_n first_o epistle_n to_o the_o thessalonian_n chap._n i._n 4._o for_o our_o gospel_n come_v not_o unto_o you_o in_o word_n only_o but_o also_o in_o power_n and_o in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n by_o these_o word_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n continual_o testify_v of_o the_o gospel_n chap._n iii_o 4._o for_o very_o when_o we_o be_v with_o you_o we_o tell_v you_o before_o that_o we_o shall_v suffer_v tribulation_n even_o as_o â—t_a come_v to_o pass_v and_o you_o know_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v prepare_v by_o he_o and_o have_v prepare_v themselves_o nay_o prepare_v their_o successor_n also_o to_o suffer_v patient_o according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o this_o apostle_n who_o say_v in_o another_o place_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 12._o all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v suffer_v persecution_n it_o be_v therefore_o in_o cold_a blood_n with_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o free_a deliberation_n they_o suffer_v such_o torment_n chap._n v._o 27._o i_o charge_v you_o by_o the_o lord_n that_o this_o epistle_n be_v read_v unto_o all_o the_o holy_a brethren_n st._n paul_n fear_v not_o in_o the_o least_o his_o be_v contradict_v or_o convince_v of_o any_o falsity_n he_o have_v advance_v concern_v his_o affliction_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o he_o command_v that_o his_o epistle_n shall_v be_v read_v to_o all_o the_o holy_a brethren_n first_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n chap._n iii_o 16._o and_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n see_v of_o angel_n preach_v unto_o the_o gentile_n believe_v on_o in_o the_o world_n receive_v up_o into_o glory_n this_o mystery_n can_v be_v invent_v only_o by_o humane_a understanding_n for_o several_a reason_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v so_o great_a and_o sublime_a that_o man_n though_o never_o so_o learned_a and_o quick_a sight_v in_o other_o thing_n yet_o will_v never_o have_v be_v able_a to_o find_v it_o out_o of_o themselves_o bare_o by_o the_o scrutiny_n of_o their_o reason_n 2._o because_o they_o be_v only_o poor_a fisherman_n that_o preach_v it_o 3._o because_o this_o so_o sublime_a and_o magnificent_a object_n proceed_v if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v from_o the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o a_o man_n who_o be_v condemn_v and_o punish_v with_o the_o most_o rigorous_a punishment_n that_o can_v be_v think_v of_o for_o it_o be_v only_o after_o the_o passion_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o disciple_n go_v about_o preach_v every_o where_o the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n 4._o and_o last_o because_o the_o contemplation_n of_o it_o depend_v upon_o experience_n itself_o and_o although_o this_o mystery_n appear_v at_o first_o view_n infinite_o exalt_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o capacity_n yet_o it_o must_v have_v be_v both_o see_v and_o touch_v by_o the_o disciple_n they_o certain_o see_v christ_n and_o behold_v his_o glory_n as_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o only_a son_n of_o god_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n they_o see_v with_o their_o eye_n that_o flesh_n in_o which_o corporeal_o dwell_v a_o entire_a fullness_n of_o the_o glorious_a godhead_n they_o be_v full_o convince_v of_o the_o extraordinary_a excellence_n of_o his_o mystery_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o holiness_n they_o themselves_o receive_v the_o gift_n of_o that_o same_o spirit_n in_o which_o god_n himself_o be_v justify_v they_o see_v angel_n ascend_v and_o descend_v to_o minister_v unto_o he_o they_o preach_v it_o themselves_o to_o the_o gentile_n and_o so_o compel_v the_o world_n to_o believe_v in_o he_o by_o their_o patience_n and_o preach_v which_o be_v continual_o attend_v with_o the_o demonstration_n of_o that_o spirit_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o those_o miracle_n perform_v by_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n last_o he_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n in_o their_o sight_n so_o that_o these_o be_v all_o sure_a and_o certain_a proofsof_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o great_a mystery_n which_o can_v in_o the_o least_o be_v suspect_v second_o epistle_n to_o timothy_n chap._n iii_o 15_o 16._o and_o that_o from_o a_o child_n thou_o have_v know_v the_o holy_a scripture_n etc._n etc._n all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n there_o be_v no_o maintain_v false_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n but_o by_o the_o help_n of_o ignorance_n negligence_n and_o a_o blind_a submission_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v be_v suspect_v of_o any_o
degree_n of_o light_n wonderful_o illuminate_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o incredulous_a and_o discover_v to_o they_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o the_o sublimity_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o i._o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o multitude_n of_o testimony_n give_v in_o favour_n of_o it_o though_o testimony_n be_v somewhat_o foreign_a and_o exterior_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o therefore_o may_v seem_v improper_a to_o discover_v the_o perfection_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o will_v appear_v they_o do_v discover_v it_o if_o we_o but_o careful_o unite_v they_o together_o and_o so_o consider_v well_o their_o joint_a union_n and_o agreement_n we_o can_v but_o have_v a_o very_a great_a idea_n of_o a_o religion_n which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o confirm_v unto_o we_o by_o nine_o several_a testimony_n each_o whereof_o will_v have_v be_v single_o sufficient_a to_o discover_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o first_o be_v that_o of_o the_o prophet_n who_o all_o testify_v of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o a_o long_a and_o continue_a series_n of_o prophecy_n some_o far_o plain_a than_o the_o rest_n for_o some_o of_o the_o prophet_n see_v almost_o as_o clear_v in_o the_o night_n as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v of_o shadow_n and_o figurative_a type_n as_o we_o can_v in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o exact_a accomplishment_n as_o have_v be_v already_o show_v the_o second_o be_v that_o of_o john_n the_o baptist_n so_o much_o the_o more_o certain_a because_o it_o be_v foretell_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n continual_o refer_v the_o jew_n to_o that_o testimony_n so_o much_o the_o more_o considerable_a because_o we_o can_v suspect_v john_n the_o baptist_n of_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o any_o base_a complacency_n towards_o the_o jew_n or_o mean_a design_n for_o his_o own_o interest_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o set_v he_o above_o such_o suspicion_n by_o the_o austerity_n of_o his_o manner_n and_o his_o unusual_a way_n of_o live_v set_v down_o in_o the_o gospel_n with_o such_o a_o strange_a and_o particular_a description_n the_o three_o be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n those_o witness_n who_o constancy_n be_v try_v by_o the_o severe_a punishment_n inflict_v upon_o they_o yet_o they_o bold_o resist_v the_o violence_n offer_v they_o by_o so_o many_o torment_v they_o endure_v torment_v sufficient_a to_o extort_v even_o from_o the_o great_a malefactor_n a_o confession_n of_o their_o crime_n yet_o here_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o common_a offender_n that_o the_o latter_a be_v compel_v unwilling_o to_o undergo_v the_o torture_n but_o the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n rejoice_v in_o be_v think_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v malefactor_n indeed_o know_v certain_o they_o shall_v be_v execute_v if_o they_o confess_v the_o truth_n but_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n will_v have_v have_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o fear_v death_n have_v they_o disguise_v the_o truth_n by_o any_o close_a deceit_n the_o four_o testimony_n be_v that_o of_o the_o three_o person_n which_o bare_a record_n in_o heaven_n the_o father_n when_o he_o declare_v in_o jordan_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v his_o well_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o he_o be_v well_o please_v and_o in_o another_o place_n i_o have_v glorify_v he_o and_o will_v glorify_v he_o again_o the_o son_n when_o he_o testify_v of_o himself_o by_o his_o miracle_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o he_o confirm_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o son_n by_o the_o effusion_n of_o his_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a gift_n upon_o the_o disciple_n the_o five_o be_v that_o of_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n which_o acknowledge_v free_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v remove_v our_o fear_n comfort_v we_o in_o our_o affliction_n humble_a our_o mind_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o plenty_n and_o strengthen_v they_o in_o poverty_n in_o a_o word_n sanctify_v we_o by_o deliver_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n and_o so_o consequent_o supply_v all_o our_o want_n and_o necessity_n the_o six_o be_v that_o even_o of_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n who_o have_v be_v force_v to_o speak_v favourable_o on_o our_o side_n the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n have_v testify_v in_o our_o behalf_n the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o convince_a force_n of_o truth_n have_v oblige_v they_o tacit_o to_o own_o that_o truth_n against_o which_o they_o have_v declare_v themselves_o such_o inveterate_a and_o implacable_a enemy_n the_o ancient_a jew_n believe_v that_o the_o famous_a 11._o prophecy_n jacob_n utter_v upon_o his_o deathbed_n the_o sceptre_n shall_v etc._n etc._n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o messiah_n this_o their_o own_o write_n testify_v and_o their_o talmud_n acknowledge_v that_o that_o man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o acquaint_v with_o grief_n who_o be_v to_o be_v bruise_v for_o our_o iniquity_n and_o from_o 12._o who_o they_o hide_v their_o face_n as_o from_o a_o leper_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n nay_o they_o be_v force_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o extravagant_a fiction_n of_o a_o double_a messiah_n and_o even_o by_o that_o they_o pay_v a_o kind_n of_o homage_n to_o the_o truth_n the_o samaritan_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o messiah_n be_v short_o to_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o discourse_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n and_o this_o the_o jew_n be_v so_o strong_o persuade_v of_o that_o some_o of_o they_o choose_v rather_o to_o own_o herod_n the_o great_a for_o the_o messiah_n though_o a_o idumaean_a and_o wicked_a prince_n than_o renounce_v a_o opinion_n they_o be_v prepossess_v with_o and_o which_o be_v so_o deep_o root_v in_o their_o mind_n other_o led_z away_o by_o the_o same_o opinion_n cast_v their_o eye_n upon_o one_o agrippa_n descend_v from_o herod_n who_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o roman_a party_n other_o also_o instigate_v by_o the_o same_o hope_n follow_v a_o certain_a robber_n into_o the_o wilderness_n and_o the_o jew_n see_v their_o city_n just_o ready_a to_o be_v lay_v in_o ash_n imagine_v that_o their_o messiah_n be_v just_a upon_o manifest_v himself_o nay_o the_o merciless_a ringleader_n of_o those_o factious_a wretch_n who_o tear_v one_o another_o in_o piece_n during_o the_o devastation_n of_o judea_n so_o obstinate_o seek_v after_o one_o another_o ruin_n only_o because_o they_o expect_v to_o vanquish_v the_o roman_n and_o so_o become_v the_o conqueror_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v to_o fulfil_v ancient_a prophecy_n few_o age_n after_o they_o turn_v to_o one_o barkokebas_n a_o villainous_a robber_n only_o because_o they_o think_v he_o the_o messiah_n according_a to_o their_o computation_n of_o the_o year_n of_o his_o come_n josephus_n a_o great_a man_n and_o well_o verse_v in_o the_o scripture_n imagine_v as_o well_o as_o other_o that_o the_o time_n prefix_v for_o his_o come_n be_v accomplish_v or_o if_o he_o do_v not_o real_o think_v so_o himself_o he_o take_v at_o least_o a_o occasion_n from_o that_o opinion_n common_o approve_v of_o in_o the_o east_n to_o ingratiate_v himself_o with_o vespasian_n herod_n the_o great_a himself_o terrify_v and_o amaze_v by_o all_o these_o report_n make_v his_o fearful_a apprehension_n remarkable_a by_o a_o deluge_n of_o blood_n then_o do_v the_o jew_n acknowledge_v that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o messiah_n there_o will_v be_v no_o government_n no_o magistrate_n nor_o any_o commonwealth_n leave_v in_o israel_n but_o 11._o afterward_o the_o necessity_n of_o maintain_v their_o opinion_n against_o we_o make_v they_o have_v recourse_n to_o several_a different_a evasion_n not_o many_o age_n after_o the_o come_n of_o jesus_n christ_n into_o the_o world_n when_o they_o find_v that_o their_o messiah_n do_v not_o appear_v some_o of_o they_o begin_v to_o say_v that_o he_o have_v hide_v himself_o other_o that_o he_o be_v come_v already_o in_o the_o person_n of_o hezekiah_n other_o that_o his_o come_n be_v put_v off_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o cry_a sin_n of_o the_o people_n nay_o they_o go_v on_o to_o that_o degree_n of_o impiety_n and_o irreligion_n as_o to_o pronounce_v they_o curse_a who_o shall_v calculate_v the_o year_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n from_o all_o which_o we_o see_v plain_o that_o by_o these_o their_o confession_n and_o shift_n they_o in_o a_o manner_n bear_v witness_n though_o unwilling_o and_o without_o design_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n as_o for_o the_o heathen_n beside_o the_o authentic_a testimony_n of_o pliny_n the_o young_a 5._o concern_v the_o innocence_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o beside_o that_o of_o tiberius_n concern_v jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o will_v have_v insert_v among_o the_o god_n be_v himself_o astonish_v at_o the_o surprise_a wonder_n which_o he_o have_v hear_v of_o he_o we_o all_o know_v that_o there_o meaux_n have_v
the_o public_a good_a to_o concur_v with_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o private_a and_o the_o private_a with_o that_o of_o the_o public_a for_o instance_n what_o will_v follow_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o charity_n which_o enjoin_v we_o to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o our_o mind_n and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o the_o result_n of_o it_o will_v be_v that_o every_o man_n interest_n shall_v be_v the_o same_o that_o there_o shall_v reign_v no_o hatred_n or_o animosity_n no_o jealousy_n or_o competition_n among_o they_o that_o every_o man_n will_v thank_v god_n for_o the_o blessing_n that_o other_o have_v receive_v at_o his_o hand_n that_o charity_n will_v make_v every_o thing_n our_o own_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v happy_a in_o other_o man_n advantage_n as_o a_o son_n in_o the_o prosperity_n of_o his_o father_n and_o a_o father_n in_o that_o of_o his_o son_n that_o a_o public_a society_n will_v make_v but_o one_o family_n more_o close_o unite_v since_o charity_n can_v make_v those_o thing_n equal_a that_o humane_a passion_n have_v before_o distinguish_v and_o much_o the_o happy_a since_o the_o happiness_n of_o one_o single_a person_n shall_v be_v enjoy_v by_o all_o and_o the_o happiness_n of_o all_o by_o each_o single_a person_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o foresee_v what_o objection_n our_o incredulous_a adversary_n will_v make_v they_o will_v say_v that_o christian_a morality_n be_v undoubted_o a_o very_a fine_a idea_n of_o true_a perfection_n but_o very_o unprofitable_a since_o it_o be_v so_o far_o raise_v above_o our_o ordinary_a strength_n and_o capacity_n the_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n depend_v upon_o those_o reflection_n we_o shall_v continue_v to_o make_v upon_o the_o character_n of_o this_o morality_n viii_o we_o therefore_o assert_v that_o although_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o continual_a warfare_n betwixt_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n we_o can_v observe_v this_o christian_a morality_n in_o its_o full_a perfection_n and_o consequent_o can_v be_v sensible_a of_o the_o advantage_n which_o accrue_v to_o we_o from_o it_o in_o their_o utmost_a extent_n it_o be_v enough_o if_o by_o observe_v it_o according_a to_o our_o present_a condition_n it_o procure_v we_o a_o thousand_o advantageous_a effect_n which_o clear_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a idea_n and_o this_o be_v such_o a_o undeniable_a truth_n as_o be_v daily_o confirm_v by_o experience_n so_o true_a it_o be_v that_o the_o strict_a observance_n of_o this_o divine_a morality_n tend_v to_o our_o profit_n and_o welfare_n that_o parent_n themselves_o wish_v it_o to_o their_o child_n husband_n to_o their_o wife_n and_o wife_n to_o their_o husband_n servant_n to_o their_o master_n and_o master_n to_o their_o servant_n prince_n to_o their_o subject_n and_o subject_n to_o their_o prince_n creditor_n to_o their_o debtor_n and_o debtor_n to_o their_o creditor_n as_o the_o principle_n of_o fidelity_n love_n union_n virtue_n and_o even_o of_o joy_n and_o satisfaction_n self-love_n indeed_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o mere_a idea_n especial_o when_o it_o command_v it_o to_o shake_v off_o its_o evil_a inclination_n and_o think_v itself_o not_o able_a to_o observe_v it_o strict_o but_o still_o it_o think_v it_o very_o just_a reasonable_a and_o perfect_a when_o there_o be_v occasion_n to_o reform_v other_o man_n imperfection_n and_o vice_n and_o it_o be_v well_o please_v to_o see_v if_o it_o be_v not_o extreme_o degenerate_v into_o the_o worst_a irregularity_n that_o that_o bridle_v sufficient_o curb_v at_o least_o in_o other_o man_n their_o concupiscence_n and_o unruly_a passion_n who_o end_n be_v only_o to_o confound_v ruin_n and_o violate_v all_o thing_n ix_o but_o that_o which_o whole_o secure_v christian_n morality_n from_o the_o reproach_n it_o may_v be_v charge_v with_o in_o this_o respect_n be_v that_o it_o be_v itself_o either_o endow_v with_o such_o strength_n as_o must_v necessary_o exalt_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n or_o contain_v such_o object_n which_o together_o with_o the_o efficacy_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o continual_o attend_v they_o outweigh_v the_o most_o sensible_a object_n and_o that_o passionate_a inclination_n we_o all_o have_v for_o the_o world_n philosopher_n indeed_o may_v be_v very_o just_o charge_v with_o this_o reproach_n namely_o that_o their_o morality_n be_v mere_a speculation_n because_o their_o excellent_a maxim_n have_v no_o motive_n powerful_a enough_o to_o support_v they_o they_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v true_a that_o we_o must_v overcome_v ourselves_o and_o renounce_v our_o evil_a desire_n but_o if_o once_o they_o be_v ask_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o they_o be_v much_o perplex_v how_o to_o solve_v the_o query_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o their_o morality_n be_v very_o excellent_a but_o the_o motive_n that_o induce_v man_n to_o observe_v it_o be_v weak_a and_o a_o little_a renown_n acquire_v in_o practise_v that_o virtue_n they_o so_o strict_o recommend_v as_o also_o the_o title_n of_o wiseman_n and_o that_o abundance_n of_o vanity_n always_o concomitant_a with_o it_o be_v very_o weak_a inducement_n to_o constrain_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o deprive_v itself_o of_o its_o darling_n belove_v passion_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o the_o morality_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v wonderful_o support_v by_o the_o motive_n it_o lay_v before_o we_o every_o thing_n be_v coherent_a in_o it_o and_o all_o the_o part_n proportionable_a it_o require_v our_o observance_n of_o many_o hard_a and_o mortify_a duty_n it_o curb_v the_o affection_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o mortify_v the_o flesh_n but_o since_o that_o can_v be_v do_v without_o great_a difficulty_n and_o more_o than_o ordinary_a endeavour_n it_o promise_v we_o a_o magnificent_a and_o glorious_a reward_n the_o greatness_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v support_v by_o many_o terrible_a threaten_n and_o both_o these_o object_n be_v confirm_v by_o such_o favour_n as_o be_v very_o proper_a to_o gain_v our_o affection_n the_o blessing_n be_v a_o sure_a token_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o make_v we_o believe_v that_o of_o the_o threaten_n i_o grant_v the_o promise_n of_o a_o bless_a life_n and_o immortality_n which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v very_o great_a and_o glorious_a but_o still_o not_o great_a than_o that_o which_o jesus_n make_v to_o two_o of_o his_o disciple_n when_o he_o call_v they_o unto_o he_o say_v come_v after_o i_o and_o i_o will_v make_v you_o fisher_n of_o men._n there_o be_v less_o probability_n that_o a_o few_o poor_a ignorant_a fisherman_n shall_v have_v be_v able_a to_o catch_v in_o their_o net_n the_o doctrine_n authority_n wit_n and_o eloquence_n of_o man_n than_o that_o we_o shall_v see_v god_n after_o death_n the_o truth_n of_o his_o promise_n can_v subsist_v without_o that_o of_o his_o threaten_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a when_o he_o promise_v that_o the_o pure_a in_o heart_n shall_v see_v he_o he_o threaten_v also_o to_o exclude_v those_o that_o be_v not_o so_o from_o the_o beatific_a vision_n let_v not_o man_n therefore_o slatter_v themselves_o let_v they_o shake_v off_o their_o unbelief_n of_o the_o severe_a punishment_n that_o attend_v the_o wicked_a after_o this_o life_n their_o reason_n will_v tell_v they_o that_o god_n can_v do_v no_o less_o than_o banish_v those_o his_o presence_n who_o have_v persist_v in_o a_o wilful_a design_n of_o offend_v he_o by_o their_o sin_n and_o that_o such_o a_o banishment_n be_v attend_v with_o the_o great_a of_o all_o misery_n and_o that_o be_v eternal_a death_n the_o sting_n of_o conscience_n convince_v we_o of_o this_o and_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n inform_v we_o of_o it_o his_o justice_n point_v it_o out_o to_o we_o his_o law_n teach_v it_o and_o the_o gospel_n confirm_v it_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o thing_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o doubt_v it_o since_o god_n can_v direct_v man_n to_o the_o true_a end_n of_o his_o creation_n without_o reveal_v himself_o to_o he_o and_o he_o can_v reveal_v himself_o to_o he_o without_o make_v his_o will_n know_v to_o he_o according_a as_o he_o please_v nor_o can_v he_o make_v his_o will_n know_v to_o he_o without_o give_v he_o a_o law_n nor_o give_v he_o a_o law_n without_o annex_v to_o it_o such_o motive_n as_o must_v be_v either_o promise_n or_o threaten_n deep_o engravened_a in_o the_o conscience_n if_o they_o accompany_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o deliver_v in_o writing_n if_o they_o follow_v the_o write_a law_n nor_o can_v he_o make_v such_o promise_n or_o threaten_n unto_o man_n without_o be_v punctual_a in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o and_o can_v we_o have_v any_o great_a certainty_n than_o that_o which_o be_v so_o visible_o found_v upon_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n themselves_o there_o be_v nothing_o therefore_o capable_a to_o free_a man_n from_o
the_o other_o scale_n to_o overbalance_v it_o but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v and_o we_o must_v rest_v content_a to_o believe_v those_o object_n which_o make_v we_o thus_o renounce_v that_o which_o we_o actual_o see_v and_o shall_v they_o be_v never_o so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o common_a sense_n yet_o faith_n and_o not_o reason_n ought_v chief_o to_o induce_v we_o to_o receive_v they_o now_o the_o same_o principle_n that_o set_v the_o heart_n at_o variance_n with_o the_o law_n that_o impose_v on_o it_o the_o necessity_n of_o act_v after_o that_o manner_n the_o same_o principle_n i_o say_v make_v reason_n oppose_v revelation_n which_o lay_v upon_o it_o a_o invincible_a necessity_n of_o believe_v what_o it_o can_v comprehend_v it_o be_v certain_a however_o that_o this_o command_n of_o god_n be_v very_o conformable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n very_o suitable_a to_o our_o present_a condition_n necessary_a to_o our_o sanctification_n and_o useful_a for_o the_o advancement_n of_o god_n glory_n we_o must_v not_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o the_o dispensation_n of_o faith_n shall_v precede_v that_o of_o sight_n since_o we_o daily_o observe_v darkness_n to_o precede_v light_n by_o a_o natural_a order_n and_o that_o we_o be_v child_n before_o we_o come_v to_o be_v men._n both_o experience_n and_o reason_n tell_v we_o that_o our_o knowledge_n be_v very_o imperfect_a in_o this_o life_n wherein_o the_o soul_n be_v as_o it_o be_v press_v down_o by_o the_o clog_n of_o the_o body_n that_o we_o may_v walk_v more_o secure_a by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o those_o heathen_n who_o attempt_v to_o go_v beyoud_a it_o wander_v blind_o about_o and_o lose_v their_o way_n there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o irregularity_n in_o man_n which_o produce_v all_o his_o other_o disorder_n pride_n and_o voluptuousness_n the_o latter_a of_o which_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o most_o inferior_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o be_v chief_o produce_v by_o the_o sense_n but_o pride_n be_v proper_o a_o defect_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o therefore_o there_o have_v not_o be_v find_v hitherto_o a_o better_a remedy_n against_o voluptuousness_n than_o that_o of_o afflict_v the_o sense_n by_o deny_v they_o those_o pleasure_n they_o so_o earnest_o thirst_v after_o so_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v there_o have_v be_v as_o yet_o a_o better_a mean_n think_v of_o to_o remove_v the_o pride_n of_o the_o mind_n than_o to_o humble_v it_o by_o restrain_v those_o speculation_n of_o knowledge_n which_o puff_v it_o up_o beyond_o measure_n and_o mortify_v it_o by_o require_v it_o to_o sacrifice_v all_o its_o weak_a conjecture_n and_o vain_a reason_n to_o faith_n and_o indeed_o this_o sacrifice_n of_o ourselves_o be_v deserve_o owe_v to_o god_n since_o there_o be_v as_o much_o reason_n for_o submit_v our_o willby_n our_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n as_o there_o be_v for_o subject_v our_o mind_n to_o he_o by_o faith_n for_o by_o the_o former_a of_o these_o act_n we_o own_v he_o for_o our_o lord_n that_o have_v a_o right_a to_o command_v we_o and_o by_o the_o latter_a we_o ready_o confess_v his_o veracity_n and_o that_o we_o need_v not_o fear_v be_v impose_v upon_o when_o we_o receive_v those_o thing_n he_o command_v we_o to_o observe_v thus_o man_n who_o have_v lose_v himself_o in_o his_o desire_n of_o infinite_a knowledge_n be_v bind_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o expiate_v his_o crime_n in_o not_o desire_v to_o know_v any_o thing_n by_o himself_o he_o have_v attempt_v to_o get_v as_o clear_v a_o knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n as_o god_n himself_o but_o now_o he_o refuse_v to_o know_v any_o thing_n but_o from_o god_n he_o be_v blind_a whilst_o he_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o now_o he_o must_v see_v clear_a in_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o faith_n for_o after_o that_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o world_n by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v 1_o cor._n 1._o 21._o it_o be_v certain_a shall_v god_n familiar_o and_o frequent_o reveal_v himself_o unto_o man_n by_o sensible_a and_o continue_a miracle_n we_o shall_v then_o walk_v by_o sight_n and_o not_o by_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o if_o the_o object_n of_o revelation_n be_v not_o in_o some_o sort_n obscure_a there_o will_v be_v no_o endeavour_n no_o difficulty_n no_o sacrifice_n of_o reason_n make_v to_o believe_v they_o the_o difficulty_n that_o mystery_n be_v attend_v with_o have_v almost_o the_o same_o influence_n over_o our_o understanding_n as_o affliction_n have_v upon_o our_o heart_n for_o as_o these_o bring_v the_o latter_a in_o subjection_n so_o the_o other_o serve_v to_o try_v the_o constancy_n of_o the_o former_a and_o since_o god_n almighty_n be_v please_v to_o increase_v our_o patience_n by_o two_o different_a sort_n of_o suffering_n the_o one_o which_o he_o himself_o inflict_v immediate_o upon_o we_o and_o the_o other_o he_o permit_v worldly_a mind_v and_o sinful_a man_n to_o inflict_v upon_o we_o so_o in_o like_a manner_n he_o be_v please_v to_o exercise_v our_o faith_n by_o two_o different_a sort_n of_o difficulty_n some_o whereof_o spring_n immediate_o from_o god_n himself_o and_o other_o proceed_v from_o the_o very_a heart_n and_o understanding_n of_o men._n for_o we_o must_v distinguish_v betwixt_o that_o obscurity_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o mystery_n which_o proceed_v from_o god_n and_o that_o which_o proceed_v from_o the_o understanding_n of_o men._n the_o first_o be_v either_o necessary_a as_o all_o those_o difficulty_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o essential_a disproportion_n between_o infinite_a object_n such_o as_o those_o of_o revelation_n and_o a_o finite_a understanding_n like_o we_o or_o else_o voluntary_a and_o so_o enter_v into_o the_o very_a plan_n and_o design_n of_o religion_n itself_o and_o these_o again_o may_v be_v distinguish_v according_a to_o that_o diversity_n which_o in_o our_o manner_n of_o conceive_v thing_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o suppose_v in_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n himself_o there_o be_v some_o which_o proceed_v from_o the_o council_n of_o his_o wisdom_n other_o from_o that_o of_o his_o justice_n other_o from_o that_o of_o his_o majesty_n and_o last_o from_o that_o of_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n thus_o divine_a wisdom_n be_v please_v to_o intermix_v some_o sort_n of_o darkness_n amid_o the_o most_o express_a prophecy_n we_o have_v lest_o that_o too_o clear_a a_o evidence_n of_o they_o shall_v destroy_v their_o event_n to_o this_o principle_n also_o must_v we_o refer_v all_o those_o shadow_n type_n parabolical_a representation_n that_o mixture_n of_o sensible_a object_n with_o spiritual_a benefit_n that_o of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o state_n of_o israel_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o general_o all_o those_o other_o mean_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v use_v of_o partly_o to_o cover_v those_o event_n he_o have_v declare_v to_o man_n many_o age_n before_o their_o completion_n god_n draw_v a_o veil_n over_o the_o most_o essential_a truth_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n such_o as_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o trinity_n the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n etc._n etc._n that_o a_o distinct_a revelation_n from_o all_o these_o object_n may_v be_v a_o undeniable_a character_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o that_o his_o disciple_n may_v bold_o affirm_v that_o life_n be_v manifest_v in_o jesus_n christ_n that_o grace_n have_v appear_v unto_o all_o men._n for_o no_o man_n have_v see_v god_n at_o any_o time_n the_o only_o beget_v son_n which_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n he_o have_v declare_v he_o john_n 1._o 18._o to_o this_o wisdom_n of_o god_n also_o must_v be_v refer_v that_o conduct_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o inspire_v the_o patriarch_n thereby_o to_o reveal_v a_o better_a life_n to_o they_o and_o make_v they_o cry_v out_o upon_o their_o deathbed_n lord_n i_o have_v wait_v for_o thy_o salvation_n but_o withal_o give_v they_o but_o a_o faint_a prospect_n of_o that_o object_n by_o such_o obscure_a thought_n and_o dark_a notion_n as_o they_o be_v not_o able_a of_o themselves_o to_o solve_v defer_v to_o give_v a_o more_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o his_o mystery_n till_o that_o time_n which_o he_o have_v set_v apart_o for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o his_o oracle_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o he_o that_o be_v to_o be_v the_o author_n and_o end_n of_o christian_a religion_n for_o this_o cause_n therefore_o there_o be_v hardly_o mention_v make_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n but_o of_o temporal_a promise_n and_o threaten_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o when_o dispute_v against_o the_o sadducee_n prove_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a but_o by_o
consequence_n only_o divine_a wisdom_n be_v also_o please_v that_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v be_v bear_v in_o obscurity_n and_o humiliation_n that_o those_o mean_v outward_a appearance_n be_v offensive_a to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a mind_a jew_n they_o may_v as_o it_o be_v by_o chance_n give_v occasion_n to_o the_o execution_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o council_n of_o god_n have_v determine_v and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o his_o poverty_n and_o humiliation_n of_o the_o meanness_n of_o his_o birth_n and_o the_o vnworthiness_n of_o his_o first_o profession_n the_o choice_n of_o his_o disciple_n etc._n etc._n the_o justice_n of_o god_n act_v in_o concert_n with_o his_o wisdom_n oblige_v he_o to_o speak_v to_o all_o profane_a contemner_n of_o his_o mystery_n in_o a_o obscure_a language_n and_o so_o as_o it_o be_v to_o conceal_v those_o pearl_n from_o they_o lest_o like_o unclean_a beast_n they_o shall_v trample_v they_o under_o their_o foot_n and_o this_o may_v very_o well_o serve_v for_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o denial_n which_o christ_n former_o make_v to_o the_o unbeliever_n of_o those_o time_n of_o signalize_v his_o power_n among_o they_o and_o of_o the_o great_a care_n he_o often_o take_v to_o conceal_v his_o miracle_n from_o they_o for_o this_o cause_n therefore_o speak_v he_o sometime_o in_o parable_n to_o stranger_n but_o he_o always_o very_o clear_o express_v himself_o to_o his_o disciple_n give_v they_o to_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o parable_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o as_o for_o they_o they_o have_v the_o privilege_n of_o see_v all_o thing_n open_o neither_o do_v his_o majesty_n suffer_v he_o to_o reveal_v himself_o as_o familiar_o to_o the_o sinful_a man_n as_o he_o will_v to_o the_o innocent_a this_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o wonder_v at_o since_o man_n themselves_o be_v wont_n so_o to_o deal_v with_o one_o another_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o common_a than_o for_o great_a man_n to_o banish_v their_o presence_n those_o who_o have_v incur_v their_o displeasure_n to_o think_v it_o then_o strange_a if_o god_n conceal_v himself_o from_o a_o sinner_n will_v be_v to_o entertain_v a_o more_o unworthy_a idea_n of_o his_o majesty_n than_o that_o of_o a_o earthly_a monarch_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o god_n take_v such_o care_n to_o conceal_v himself_o even_o when_o he_o design_v to_o manifest_v his_o glory_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n he_o show_v himself_o only_o in_o vision_n and_o dream_n or_o when_o hide_a in_o the_o cloud_n and_o ark_n or_o cover_v with_o some_o other_o veil_n on_o this_o account_n also_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o banish_v from_o his_o presence_n all_o those_o as_o be_v defile_v in_o their_o body_n and_o order_v the_o priest_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n to_o purify_v themselves_o he_o command_v too_o the_o people_n to_o wash_v their_o garment_n when_o he_o give_v they_o notice_n that_o within_o three_o day_n he_o will_v come_v down_o to_o they_o nothing_o but_o a_o external_a and_o corporeal_a purity_n be_v sufficient_a to_o qualify_v those_o that_o be_v to_o approach_v the_o deity_n manifest_v under_o corporeal_a symbol_n but_o christ_n fulfil_v in_o the_o spirit_n every_o thing_n hide_v in_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n teach_v we_o that_o those_o only_o shall_v see_v god_n who_o shall_v be_v find_v pure_a in_o heart_n so_o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o wonder_v if_o when_o man_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o gild_n hide_v himself_o from_o god_n the_o almighty_a withdraw_v the_o influence_n of_o his_o glorious_a majesty_n from_o man._n last_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n overshadow_v revelation_n with_o some_o sort_n of_o darkness_n to_o exercise_v our_o faith_n and_o keep_v up_o our_o mind_n in_o vigour_n which_o also_o will_v grow_v sluggish_a if_o not_o stir_v up_o by_o such_o difficulty_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o mystery_n as_o also_o to_o humble_v our_o proud_a and_o haughty_a reason_n which_o be_v immediate_o puff_v up_o with_o its_o own_o knowledge_n to_o make_v we_o submit_v our_o understanding_n to_o he_o since_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v any_o truth_n though_o incredible_a if_o he_o reveal_v they_o as_o also_o to_o sway_v our_o heart_n and_o affection_n which_o ought_v ready_o to_o embrace_v any_o sorrowful_a and_o mortify_a object_n that_o he_o be_v please_v to_o offer_v they_o to_o strip_v our_o pride_n of_o all_o its_o pretence_n and_o to_o dispose_v our_o mind_n that_o we_o must_v necessary_o acknowledge_v every_o benefit_n we_o enjoy_v spring_v from_o he_o and_o that_o too_o so_o much_o the_o more_o because_o we_o thereby_o attain_v to_o life_n eternal_a by_o such_o mean_n and_o object_n as_o be_v above_o our_o capacity_n to_o comprehend_v so_o necessary_a be_v it_o that_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v rom._n 1._o 16._o to_o this_o principle_n we_o owe_v the_o choice_n of_o those_o person_n which_o god_n have_v make_v use_n of_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n the_o nature_n of_o those_o seem_a paradox_n he_o command_v they_o to_o publish_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n the_o silence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o a_o few_o word_n from_o he_o will_v have_v render_v plain_a and_o easy_a to_o our_o understanding_n but_o god_n be_v not_o content_a to_o exercise_v our_o faith_n by_o those_o obscurity_n we_o find_v disperse_v throughout_o the_o divine_a revelation_n he_o further_o permit_v heresy_n schism_n and_o error_n nay_o superstition_n itself_o to_o reign_v among_o we_o that_o those_o who_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a thus_o we_o may_v say_v he_o suffer_v all_o egypt_n to_o be_v cover_v with_o darkness_n the_o more_o eminent_o to_o discover_v his_o wonderful_a protection_n in_o blessing_n at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o land_n 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in_o the_o heart_n of_o most_o man_n who_o stick_v not_o to_o say_v i_o never_o see_v the_o like_a i_o can_v willing_o believe_v it_o if_o i_o shall_v but_o see_v it_o who_o ever_o see_v dead_a man_n rise_v again_o from_o their_o grave_n and_o who_o ever_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n or_o go_v down_o into_o the_o pit_n all_o which_o reason_v be_v manifest_o absurd_a for_o can_v there_o be_v any_o great_a folly_n in_o a_o man_n than_o to_o refuse_v to_o believe_v that_o which_o he_o do_v not_o see_v when_o these_o object_n of_o his_o faith_n can_v have_v no_o existence_n be_v they_o not_o invisible_a do_v any_o one_o ever_o see_v the_o time_n past_o long_a before_o he_o live_v or_o the_o future_a long_a after_o his_o death_n do_v he_o ever_o see_v his_o own_o soul_n the_o deity_n etc._n etc._n for_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o time_n past_a and_o the_o future_a the_o object_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n together_o with_o the_o benefit_n of_o god_n which_o faith_n offer_v to_o our_o consideration_n ii_o we_o be_v accustom_v by_o education_n not_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n that_o happen_v not_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n we_o confine_v ourselves_o as_o it_o be_v to_o a_o circle_n of_o object_n which_o we_o willing_o admit_v of_o because_o they_o contain_v nothing_o that_o be_v repugnant_a to_o experience_n or_o probability_n so_o that_o the_o custom_n we_o have_v of_o refuse_v to_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o all_o other_o thing_n reach_v even_o unto_o matter_n of_o religion_n inevitable_o cast_v we_o into_o scepticism_n and_o incredulity_n yet_o shall_v we_o but_o thorough_o consider_v those_o object_n which_o fall_v under_o common_a experience_n they_o will_v certain_o appear_v as_o surprise_v and_o incomprehensible_a as_o those_o of_o religion_n if_o you_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o the_o soul_n shall_v outlive_v
the_o ruin_n of_o the_o body_n you_o must_v be_v much_o more_o surprise_v to_o see_v it_o so_o close_o unite_v to_o a_o subject_n so_o different_a from_o its_o perfection_n it_o be_v the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o the_o body_n and_o not_o its_o dissolution_n we_o ought_v to_o admire_v endeavour_v to_o comprehend_v if_o you_o can_v the_o strict_a alliance_n there_o be_v between_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v extend_v that_o take_v up_o space_n that_o be_v confine_v to_o certain_a limit_n that_o act_n upon_o subject_n present_v only_o and_o near_o to_o it_o and_o a_o thing_n that_o have_v neither_o figure_n nor_o extension_n colour_n fluidity_n or_o solidity_n which_o in_o some_o sense_n be_v every_o where_o and_o yet_o have_v no_o part_n to_o take_v up_o any_o space_n which_o reflect_v upon_o the_o time_n past_a and_o the_o future_a upon_o itself_o and_o its_o manner_n of_o act_v in_o such_o a_o wonderful_a way_n as_o must_v necessary_o persuade_v we_o maugre_o all_o our_o reluctancy_n and_o doubt_n that_o we_o have_v a_o spiritual_a and_o immaterial_a substance_n within_o we_o if_o you_o be_v amaze_v when_o you_o be_v teach_v that_o there_o be_v a_o maker_n and_o preserver_n of_o all_o thing_n you_o ought_v rather_o to_o be_v surprise_v to_o think_v you_o have_v live_v so_o long_o in_o the_o world_n without_o put_v these_o question_n to_o yourself_o to_o what_o end_n be_v i_o make_v whence_o have_v i_o my_o be_v what_o will_v at_o last_o become_v of_o i_o and_o who_o be_v thâ—_n author_n of_o all_o that_o i_o behold_v the_o thought_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n whatsoever_o notion_n you_o may_v have_v of_o its_o accomplishment_n ought_v not_o in_o the_o least_o to_o startle_v you_o who_o ought_v rather_o to_o wonder_v at_o the_o long_a forbearance_n of_o god_n who_o permit_v all_o thing_n that_o he_o may_v one_o day_n judge_v all_o thing_n that_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n that_o appear_v in_o public_a society_n may_v raise_v scruple_n in_o you_o be_v it_o not_o bound_v by_o such_o a_o event_n as_o will_v clear_o justify_v the_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o follow_v the_o opinion_n of_o incredulous_a man_n one_o will_v say_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o extraordinary_a oâ—_n surprise_v in_o the_o world_n whereas_o we_o can_v behold_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o so_o iii_o but_o all_o our_o incredulity_n arise_v principal_o from_o our_o passion_n and_o it_o be_v their_o great_a interest_n to_o create_v in_o we_o a_o aversion_n for_o religion_n and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o make_v we_o inclinable_a to_o receive_v those_o doubt_n which_o favour_n their_o pretence_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o give_v rise_v to_o all_o sort_n of_o difficulty_n man_n be_v incredulous_a mere_o because_o they_o will_v be_v so_o and_o they_o will_v be_v so_o because_o it_o concern_v their_o passion_n to_o have_v it_o so_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o every_o thing_n concur_v by_o accident_n towards_o the_o produce_v so_o miserable_a a_o end_n so_o science_n eloquence_n policy_n etc._n etc._n create_v doubt_n and_o difficulty_n in_o we_o not_o of_o themselves_o but_o through_o our_o ill_a management_n of_o they_o iv._o pride_n of_o all_o the_o passion_n the_o most_o dangerous_a and_o most_o inveterate_a suffer_v we_o not_o to_o remain_v in_o such_o a_o due_a disposition_n of_o mind_n as_o god_n require_v we_o shall_v have_v in_o order_n to_o receive_v his_o revelation_n now_o this_o disposition_n be_v twofold_a 1_o sy_n it_o consist_v in_o our_o ready_o receive_v all_o reveal_v truth_n and_o 2_o lie_v in_o receive_v they_o although_o they_o be_v far_o above_o our_o capacity_n to_o comprehend_v without_o endeavour_v to_o dive_v too_o far_o into_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o council_n of_o god_n to_o have_v then_o a_o right_a belief_n we_o must_v not_o only_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o all_o reveal_v truth_n we_o must_v also_o learn_v how_o to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o ignorance_n of_o those_o thing_n it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o conceal_v from_o we_o we_o must_v be_v always_o ready_a to_o acknowledge_v our_o ignorance_n and_o that_o we_o do_v not_o clear_o understand_v what_o yet_o we_o sincere_o believe_v we_o must_v humble_o close_v our_o eye_n before_o the_o dark_a side_n of_o mystery_n as_o well_o as_o glad_o open_v they_o to_o behold_v the_o bright_a one_o it_o be_v our_o incredulity_n which_o make_v we_o reject_v those_o truth_n we_o ought_v to_o acknowledge_v at_o first_o sight_n and_o the_o irregular_a curiosity_n of_o the_o mind_n prevent_v our_o pay_v our_o profound_a reverence_n to_o those_o sacred_a obscurity_n wherein_o they_o be_v involve_v now_o from_o this_o principle_n we_o may_v very_o reasonable_o conclude_v 1_o st_z that_o nothing_o can_v argue_v more_o extravagance_n and_o impiety_n than_o the_o project_n of_o several_a doctor_n who_o though_o famous_a upon_o other_o account_n for_o their_o learning_n and_o great_a insight_n into_o thing_n yet_o have_v endeavour_v to_o make_v as_o it_o be_v a_o new_a system_fw-la of_o religion_n by_o remove_v all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o and_o oftentimes_o cut_v those_o knot_n asunder_o which_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o untie_v and_o this_o show_v that_o they_o be_v ignorant_a how_o that_o the_o dark_a mystery_n of_o religion_n either_o follow_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n or_o else_o proceed_v from_o the_o external_a wisdom_n and_o council_n of_o god_n in_o design_v to_o give_v we_o such_o a_o religion_n as_o shall_v not_o be_v free_a from_o such_o dark_a mystery_n as_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v when_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v to_o bring_v to_o nothing_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o prudent_a and_o when_o they_o cry_v out_o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n how_o unsearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o rom._n 11._o 33._o second_o we_o may_v infer_v from_o thence_o that_o humane_a curiosity_n that_o have_v so_o much_o increase_v the_o number_n of_o theological_a question_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a obstacle_n which_o faith_n be_v with_o much_o struggle_v to_o overcome_v for_o we_o be_v not_o content_a to_o have_v a_o bare_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n we_o yet_o endeavour_v to_o search_v into_o the_o manner_n how_o thing_n be_v do_v whereas_o it_o be_v the_o manner_n how_o they_o be_v do_v which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o conceal_v from_o we_o and_o it_o be_v the_o dark_a side_n we_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o with_o profound_a reverence_n it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o to_o know_v that_o we_o be_v very_o corrupt_a from_o our_o cradle_n and_o that_o nothing_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v capable_a to_o deliver_v we_o from_o that_o wretched_a state_n we_o be_v in_o but_o we_o be_v not_o wife_n enough_o to_o fix_v our_o inquiry_n there_o we_o further_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o know_v how_o sin_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n what_o spring_v of_o our_o soul_n be_v first_o of_o all_o put_v out_o of_o order_n by_o it_o and_o how_o it_o be_v transmit_v to_o posterity_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v as_o the_o wind_n the_o sound_z whereof_o we_o hear_v but_o can_v tell_v whence_o it_o come_v and_o whither_o it_o go_v nevertheless_o so_o impertinent_a be_v the_o curiosity_n of_o man_n as_o to_o attempt_v dive_v into_o his_o manner_n of_o act_v they_o pretend_v by_o such_o and_o such_o decision_n to_o limit_v the_o degree_n of_o his_o operation_n and_o retrench_v whatsoever_o they_o please_v they_o continual_o use_v such_o distinction_n as_o be_v altogether_o obscure_a and_o barbarous_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o antecedent_n grace_n consequent_a sufficient_a efficacious_a universal_a particular_a mediate_a and_o immediate_a grace_n all_o which_o distinction_n they_o seem_v indeed_o to_o have_v contrive_v as_o so_o many_o deviation_n and_o shift_n on_o purpose_n to_o be_v exempt_v from_o own_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o our_o endeavour_n it_o be_v god_n which_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n phil._n 2._o 13._o and_o though_o it_o be_v certain_a we_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o operation_n yet_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o just_a and_o reasonable_a than_o such_o a_o free_a and_o ingenuous_a confession_n and_o do_v it_o not_o very_o far_o exceed_v all_o the_o speculation_n of_o schoolman_n who_o be_v themselves_o confound_v and_o fall_v from_o one_o depth_n into_o another_o whilst_o they_o pretend_v to_o search_v into_o those_o mystery_n god_n have_v conceal_v from_o they_o but_o the_o misfortune_n which_o result_v from_o all_o this_o be_v that_o the_o christian_n have_v prodigious_o swell_v up_o their_o system_fw-la of_o divinity_n by_o these_o and_o other_o
nature_n and_o what_o be_v most_o surprise_a in_o the_o former_a of_o those_o two_o union_n be_v to_o see_v that_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v so_o noble_a a_o be_v shall_v be_v so_o close_o fasten_v and_o unite_v to_o matter_n and_o even_o depend_v upon_o it_o in_o all_o its_o operation_n now_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n and_o it_o can_v never_o be_v say_v that_o the_o divine_a nature_n depend_v on_o the_o humane_a but_o contrariwise_o it_o be_v the_o humane_a nature_n which_o depend_v on_o the_o divine_a in_o this_o union_n god_n remain_v the_o same_o as_o before_o all-perfect_a almighty_a all-full_a eternal_a and_o immutable_a but_o man_n be_v change_v and_o sanctify_a and_o exalt_v by_o it_o what_o inconveniency_n then_o can_v there_o result_v from_o it_o as_o it_o be_v surprise_v to_o see_v a_o most_o noble_a be_v subject_n to_o a_o less_o perfect_a be_v so_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o a_o less_o perfect_a be_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o one_o more_o noble_a now_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n evident_o demonstrate_v and_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o the_o body_n discover_v the_o former_a it_o follow_v hence_o therefore_o that_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o the_o body_n be_v in_o some_o sense_n very_o extraordinary_a and_o far_o more_o surprise_a than_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n 3._o if_o still_o you_o require_v another_o representation_n of_o this_o object_n that_o may_v further_o give_v you_o a_o clear_a notion_n of_o the_o same_o conceive_v a_o false_a sun_n compose_v of_o two_o different_a thing_n so_o close_o unite_v together_o that_o they_o seem_v as_o it_o be_v confound_v together_o viz._n a_o cloud_n and_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n the_o cloud_n be_v not_o the_o sun_n nor_o be_v the_o sun_n the_o cloud_n and_o thus_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o same_o with_o the_o humane_a this_o false_a sun_n be_v a_o sun_n and_o yet_o a_o cloud_n so_o likewise_o christ_n be_v god_n and_o christ_n be_v man._n this_o false_a sun_n be_v form_v of_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o earth_n because_o it_o be_v compose_v of_o a_o cloud_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o vapour_n of_o it_o and_o of_o the_o sun_n himself_o be_v form_v out_o of_o those_o beam_n in_o which_o the_o body_n of_o that_o planet_n consist_v so_o in_o likemanner_n christ_n be_v take_v from_o the_o earth_n and_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o common_a lump_n of_o mankind_n because_o he_o be_v man_n which_o do_v not_o hinder_v he_o from_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o father_n since_o he_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n this_o be_v a_o very_a just_a representation_n of_o that_o great_a mystery_n but_o not_o perfect_a but_o we_o hope_v every_o just_a and_o equitable_a reader_n will_v easy_o forgive_v the_o defect_n of_o this_o comparison_n in_o a_o subject_a that_o be_v so_o far_o exalt_v above_o our_o weak_a imagination_n 4._o moreover_o of_o all_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o treat_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o deity_n none_o but_o the_o epicurean_o who_o think_v it_o be_v idle_a and_o lazy_a divide_v it_o entire_o from_o its_o creature_n and_o all_o other_o man_n beside_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o unite_v to_o its_o work_n the_o heathen_n for_o instance_n imagine_v it_o be_v affix_v to_o their_o temple_n and_o statue_n to_o which_o they_o suppose_v it_o constant_o unite_v but_o the_o jew_n more_o proper_o look_v upon_o god_n as_o be_v unite_v in_o a_o more_o partilar_a manner_n to_o a_o bush_n or_o a_o cloud_n or_o the_o ark._n and_o several_a of_o the_o incredulous_a now_o adays_o represent_v the_o deity_n to_o themselves_o as_o a_o universal_a soul_n affix_v to_o universal_a matter_n just_a as_o our_o soul_n be_v unite_v to_o our_o body_n if_o then_o it_o be_v so_o common_a to_o man_n to_o conceive_v god_n as_o be_v unite_v to_o his_o work_n why_o shall_v it_o seem_v so_o strange_a to_o they_o to_o represent_v he_o as_o close_o unite_v to_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o too_o in_o a_o more_o particular_a manner_n than_o to_o any_o of_o his_o other_o creature_n for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o creature_n which_o the_o deity_n may_v be_v unite_v to_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v such_o a_o holy_a and_o innocent_a creature_n as_o that_o be_v and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o god_n to_o unite_v himself_o to_o any_o live_a body_n it_o be_v much_o more_o likely_a he_o shall_v impart_v himself_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o jesus_n christ._n if_o a_o ark_n be_v capable_a to_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o difficulty_n in_o conceive_v that_o humane_a nature_n be_v pure_a and_o holy_a and_o far_o perfect_a than_o all_o the_o ark_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v have_v be_v thus_o honour_v in_o a_o more_o particular_a manner_n and_o if_o man_n in_o short_a stick_v not_o to_o make_v the_o universal_a soul_n as_o it_o be_v depend_v upon_o matter_n by_o its_o union_n to_o it_o why_o shall_v we_o refuse_v to_o admit_v of_o a_o union_n which_o leave_v to_o god_n his_o entire_a independence_n and_o liberty_n and_o aim_v at_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o bring_v the_o body_n and_o soul_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o great_a subjection_n to_o he_o we_o no_o soon_o embrace_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n but_o every_o thing_n that_o seem_v offensive_a in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a religion_n will_v present_o vanish_v we_o shall_v then_o easy_o comprehend_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o christ_n to_o die_v since_o he_o be_v man_n and_o that_o his_o death_n be_v infinite_o valuable_a since_o he_o be_v god_n and_o so_o great_a be_v the_o dignity_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o union_n of_o those_o two_o nature_n that_o it_o make_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n equivalent_a to_o the_o punishment_n our_o sin_n have_v so_o just_o deserve_v we_o shall_v not_o then_o think_v it_o difficult_a to_o be_v full_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n for_o it_o will_v be_v unreasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o a_o nature_n as_o have_v be_v honour_v with_o so_o particular_a a_o union_n to_o the_o deity_n shall_v yet_o have_v be_v for_o ever_o dissolve_v and_o remain_v to_o all_o eternity_n under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n but_o we_o shall_v think_v it_o very_o reasonable_a to_o imagine_v that_o it_o can_v not_o but_o have_v rise_v from_o the_o grave_a into_o which_o it_o have_v be_v please_v to_o descend_v if_o then_o christ_n be_v true_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a can_v our_o incredulous_a reason_n still_o refuse_v to_o believe_v that_o we_o shall_v also_o rise_v again_o but_o how_o can_v that_o reason_n contradict_v a_o truth_n which_o the_o disciple_n see_v they_o behold_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n both_o in_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o perform_v and_o in_o his_o holiness_n of_o life_n they_o see_v god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o be_v witness_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n they_o perceive_v angel_n come_v down_o towards_o he_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v to_o the_o gentile_n by_o their_o ministry_n the_o world_n believe_v on_o their_o preach_a and_o last_o they_o see_v christ_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n all_o which_o be_v very_o sensible_a and_o evident_a matter_n of_o fact_n the_o mystery_n then_o of_o the_o incarnation_n though_o the_o hard_a to_o comprehend_v of_o all_o those_o of_o christian_a religion_n imply_v however_o nothing_o contrary_a to_o reason_n but_o we_o must_v except_v the_o most_o holy_a and_o everblessed_n trinity_n another_o mystery_n which_o be_v infinite_o exalt_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o shallow_a capacity_n be_v not_o easy_o reconcilable_a to_o it_o nevertheless_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o sublimity_n of_o its_o nature_n render_v it_o not_o any_o way_n repugnant_a to_o reason_n 1_o sy_n because_o the_o word_n person_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n with_o that_o of_o essence_n i_o grant_v that_o three_o person_n and_o one_o person_n one_o essence_n and_o three_o essence_n imply_v a_o contradiction_n but_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o essence_n and_o three_o person_n be_v not_o liable_a to_o any_o after_o you_o know_v the_o signification_n of_o those_o two_o term_n 2_o lie_n because_o the_o deity_n be_v so_o great_a and_o so_o sublime_a a_o subject_n that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o wonder_v if_o we_o can_v reach_v to_o the_o greatness_n of_o it_o by_o our_o weak_a imagination_n 3_o dly_z because_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v the_o most_o considerable_a difficulty_n of_o this_o mystery_n proceed_v from_o a_o defect_n of_o revelation_n or_o the_o silence_n which_o holy_a writ_n observe_v on_o that_o