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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n believe_v faith_n reveal_v 5,457 5 8.8529 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A42446 The certainty of the Christian revelation, and the necessity of believing it, established in opposition to all the cavils and insinuations of such as pretend to allow natural religion, and reject the Gospel / by Francis Gastrell ... Gastrell, Francis, 1662-1725. 1699 (1699) Wing G301; ESTC R14557 148,794 394

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in_o the_o new_a testament_n believe_v how_o then_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o any_o body_n shall_v contrive_v and_o publish_v such_o a_o scheme_n as_o this_o and_o how_o come_v any_o body_n to_o believe_v it_o when_o publish_v if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v true_a it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o first_o contriver_n publisher_n and_o believer_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n whoever_o they_o be_v must_v have_v be_v either_o person_n of_o no_o religion_n at_o all_o before_o or_o of_o a_o different_a one_o from_o the_o christian_a they_o must_v have_v be_v either_o good_a man_n or_o ill_a man_n such_o as_o live_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n and_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o contrary_a to_o they_o but_o whichsoever_o of_o these_o character_n we_o suppose_v belong_v to_o the_o first_o christian_n i_o can_v possible_o account_v for_o the_o present_a state_n of_o christianity_n if_o the_o principal_a fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o true_a i_o can_v conceive_v that_o a_o atheist_n or_o a_o wicked_a man_n that_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o different_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o who_o practice_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o christian_a rule_n of_o life_n can_v invent_v such_o a_o scheme_n as_o contradict_v and_o condemn_v all_o his_o former_a opinion_n and_o practice_n or_o will_v have_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o do_v it_o if_o he_o can_v and_o i_o can_v as_o little_o imagine_v that_o there_o be_v any_o person_n before_o the_o appearance_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n who_o can_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o own_o capacity_n without_o any_o divine_a assistance_n find_v out_o such_o a_o noble_a plan_n and_o model_n of_o humane_a life_n as_o that_o contain_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o by_o the_o extraordinary_a force_n and_o goodness_n of_o his_o own_o disposition_n live_v up_o to_o it_o himself_o before_o he_o recommend_v it_o to_o other_o and_o as_o impossible_a be_v it_o to_o suppose_v that_o such_o a_o 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the_o figure_n of_o he_o that_o be_v to_o come_v a_o man_n be_v the_o image_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n but_o the_o woman_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o man_n notwithstanding_o which_o all_o that_o be_v of_o the_o race_n of_o mankind_n be_v style_v and_o account_v in_o the_o scripture_n sinner_n ungodly_a enemy_n of_o god_n dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n servant_n of_o sin_n and_o corruption_n child_n of_o the_o devil_n by_o nature_n child_n of_o wrath_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v further_o that_o sin_n dwell_v in_o we_o and_o reign_v in_o our_o mortal_a body_n that_o when_o we_o will_v do_v good_a evil_a be_v present_a with_o we_o and_o we_o find_v the_o flesh_n lust_a against_o the_o spirit_n and_o a_o law_n in_o our_o member_n war_a against_o the_o law_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o bring_v it_o into_o captivity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n the_o jew_n be_v represent_v as_o subject_a to_o ordinance_n and_o a_o law_n which_o have_v only_o a_o shadow_n of_o good_a thing_n to_o come_v 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by_o jesus_n christ_n curse_a be_v every_o man_n that_o continue_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n to_o do_v they_o the_o man_n that_o do_v they_o shall_v live_v in_o they_o but_o this_o be_v impossible_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o no_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n if_o there_o have_v be_v a_o law_n give_v which_o can_v have_v give_v life_n righteousness_n shall_v have_v be_v by_o the_o law_n but_o the_o scripture_n have_v conclude_v all_o under_o sin_n that_o the_o promise_n of_o faith_n by_o jesus_n christ_n may_v be_v give_v to_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o but_o if_o we_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v and_o believe_v and_o show_v our_o faith_n by_o our_o work_n and_o persevere_v unto_o the_o end_n we_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o if_o we_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n and_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o repent_v not_o of_o the_o evil_n we_o 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their_o design_v to_o impose_v upon_o we_o but_o because_o they_o do_v not_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v their_o own_o witness_n but_o bid_v we_o examine_v their_o work_n and_o inquire_v of_o their_o doctrine_n in_o order_n to_o know_v whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o we_o will_v take_v the_o method_n they_o have_v prescribe_v we_o though_o i_o can_v but_o observe_v by_o the_o way_n that_o the_o appeal_v they_o make_v and_o the_o direction_n they_o give_v for_o a_o careful_a examination_n of_o their_o pretence_n be_v a_o very_a good_a argument_n of_o their_o sincerity_n and_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o pretend_v to_o but_o wave_v all_o observation_n of_o this_o kind_n i_o will_v confine_v myself_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n say_v and_o do_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n and_o show_v that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o neither_o they_o themselves_o who_o say_v and_o do_v they_o nor_o those_o that_o see_v 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skill_n of_o my_o own_o that_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v such_o language_n or_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o such_o a_o event_n before_o i_o speak_v the_o one_o and_o foretell_v the_o other_o and_o that_o all_o the_o knowledge_n i_o have_v acquire_v before_o that_o time_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v i_o understand_v those_o language_n and_o that_o event_n without_o some_o further_a and_o more_o extraordinary_a assistance_n exceed_v all_o my_o power_n and_o knowledge_n if_o i_o be_o capable_a of_o know_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o of_o myself_o i_o can_v be_v mistake_v in_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o same_o experience_n every_o other_o man_n be_v alike_o capable_a of_o but_o suppose_v christ_n who_o i_o consider_v now_o only_o as_o a_o man_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n be_v all_o several_o satisfy_v by_o a_o certain_a consciousness_n of_o their_o own_o power_n and_o knowledge_n that_o the_o miracle_n they_o perform_v exceed_v their_o humane_a power_n and_o the_o 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believe_v there_o be_v other_o being_n beside_o god_n of_o a_o superior_a nature_n to_o man_n who_o it_o be_v probable_a may_v and_o do_v by_o some_o invisible_a unperceivable_a way_n act_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o we_o be_v sure_a man_n act_v upon_o one_o another_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o external_n sensible_a sign_n but_o if_o god_n so_o please_v we_o may_v distinguish_v as_o true_o and_o certain_o betwixt_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n and_o the_o suggestion_n of_o other_o spirit_n as_o we_o can_v betwixt_o the_o thought_n arise_v within_o we_o from_o ourselves_o and_o those_o raise_v in_o we_o by_o other_o man_n upon_o occasion_n of_o external_n sign_n and_o though_o some_o may_v have_v mistake_v the_o suggestion_n of_o other_o spirit_n for_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o more_o reason_n from_o hence_o for_o those_o who_o have_v have_v true_a revelation_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o they_o than_o there_o be_v for_o i_o to_o distrust_v the_o evidence_n of_o my_o own_o perception_n when_o i_o judge_v such_o idea_n be_v occasion_v in_o i_o by_o the_o real_a voice_n and_o presence_n of_o other_o man_n because_o some_o have_v imagine_v they_o hear_v such_o and_o such_o word_n speak_v by_o such_o person_n when_o these_o idea_n come_v from_o their_o own_o mind_n only_o without_o any_o external_n occasion_n to_o execute_v they_o from_o all_o which_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n may_v be_v infallible_o convince_v that_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n they_o wrought_v be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o future_a event_n be_v communicate_v to_o they_o by_o god_n and_o that_o the_o doctrine_n they_o preach_v be_v deliver_v to_o they_o by_o god_n all_o this_o i_o say_v they_o may_v be_v infallible_o convince_v of_o by_o a_o immediate_a consciousness_n not_o only_o of_o their_o own_o disability_n to_o do_v and_o say_v such_o thing_n of_o themselves_o without_o the_o assistance_n of_o some_o high_a power_n but_o of_o god_n express_a revelation_n of_o himself_o to_o they_o in_o all_o these_o instance_n which_o sort_n of_o evidence_n and_o satisfaction_n though_o it_o reach_v no_o further_a than_o the_o person_n themselves_o who_o pretend_v to_o have_v receive_v any_o revelation_n from_o god_n yet_o be_v it_o of_o great_a use_n for_o the_o conviction_n of_o other_o by_o make_v way_n for_o such_o proof_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o that_o end_n and_o which_o will_v not_o have_v any_o force_n at_o all_o without_o it_o for_o except_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o divine_a revelation_n be_v possible_a and_o that_o the_o person_n to_o who_o the_o revelation_n be_v make_v may_v be_v certain_a of_o it_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o persuade_v any_o man_n that_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o do_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n because_o they_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n for_o if_o revelation_n be_v impossible_a it_o be_v plain_o absurd_a to_o make_v that_o a_o 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but_o except_o they_o communicate_v what_o be_v give_v and_o reveal_v to_o they_o by_o external_n sign_n it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o revelation_n can_v not_o be_v know_v to_o or_o concern_v any_o other_o but_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o the_o only_a way_n that_o other_o have_v of_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a revelation_n be_v from_o the_o external_n sign_n and_o appearance_n by_o which_o it_o be_v communicate_v to_o they_o from_o those_o who_o first_o receive_v it_o which_o as_o have_v be_v before_o observe_v may_v be_v consider_v under_o the_o style_n of_o miracle_n prophecy_n and_o doctrine_n so_o that_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o miracle_n prophecy_n and_o doctrine_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v proceed_v from_o god_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v we_o that_o god_n have_v speak_v to_o we_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o deliver_v to_o we_o by_o divine_a revelation_n and_o authority_n the_o proof_n i_o shall_v give_v of_o this_o great_a and_o concern_v point_n shall_v consist_v of_o these_o three_o part_n first_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n consider_v as_o mere_a man_n unassisted_a by_o any_o high_a power_n can_v not_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o miracle_n prophecy_n and_o doctrine_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n second_o i_o will_v make_v it_o appear_v not_o only_o that_o god_n may_v be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o but_o that_o they_o have_v such_o certain_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o divinity_n upon_o they_o that_o we_o can_v be_v mistake_v in_o attribute_v they_o to_o god_n three_o i_o will_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v very_o improper_a and_o absurd_a to_o ascribe_v these_o thing_n to_o evil_a spirit_n first_o then_o i_o be_o to_o show_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n can_v not_o by_o any_o humane_a skill_n or_o power_n be_v the_o author_n of_o those_o wonderful_a thing_n say_v and_o do_v by_o their_o ministry_n it_o be_v say_v of_o christ_n that_o he_o speak_v as_o never_o man_n speak_v and_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o do_v those_o thing_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o man_n never_o do_v which_o he_o use_v as_o a_o argument_n to_o prove_v their_o unbelief_n in_o he_o inexcusable_a the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o both_o which_o phrase_n here_o be_v not_o only_o that_o no_o man_n can_v of_o himself_o speak_v like_o christ_n or_o perform_v such_o thing_n as_o he_o do_v but_o that_o no_o man_n have_v ever_o speak_v like_o he_o or_o do_v what_o he_o do_v however_o assist_v by_o any_o other_o power_n this_o appear_v from_o several_a other_o passage_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o particular_o from_o christ_n own_o argument_n against_o the_o jew_n for_o he_o know_v that_o they_o believe_v in_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o the_o miracle_n record_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o therefore_o he_o do_v not_o think_v it_o sufficient_a for_o they_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o work_n though_o he_o have_v do_v what_o no_o man_n without_o divine_a assistance_n be_v able_a to_o do_v if_o he_o have_v not_o also_o do_v great_a thing_n than_o moses_n or_o any_o other_o person_n divine_o assist_v have_v do_v before_o so_o much_o be_v necessary_a to_o convince_v the_o jew_n and_o supersede_n a_o former_a revelation_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o revelation_n in_o general_n both_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n seem_v to_o make_v this_o the_o only_a test_n that_o what_o they_o say_v and_o do_v exceed_v the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o man_n from_o whence_o they_o immediate_o conclude_v that_o therefore_o it_o be_v from_o god_n if_o this_o than_o be_v the_o standard_n we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o revelation_n by_o it_o will_v be_v easy_o make_v out_o that_o neither_o the_o miracle_n prophecy_n nor_o doctrine_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v be_v from_o man_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o come_v from_o god_n who_o assist_v and_o reveal_v himself_o to_o those_o man_n that_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v already_o that_o a_o man_n may_v take_v such_o a_o certain_a estimate_n of_o his_o own_o capacity_n and_o power_n and_o of_o his_o present_a stock_n of_o knowledge_n as_o to_o be_v infallible_o sure_a that_o he_o can_v do_v or_o know_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n either_o at_o all_o or_o not_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o if_o we_o know_v any_o thing_n certain_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n in_o general_n we_o may_v confident_o affirm_v that_o we_o be_v make_v and_o fashion_v with_o such_o resemblance_n to_o one_o another_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o
as_o do_v evident_o appear_v from_o the_o reflection_n before_o lay_v down_o but_o if_o it_o be_v further_o object_v notwithstanding_o the_o evidence_n before_o give_v which_o plain_o prove_v the_o contrary_a that_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o call_v miracle_n will_v have_v happen_v according_a to_o the_o establish_v course_n of_o nature_n at_o the_o time_n and_o in_o the_o manner_n they_o do_v happen_v whether_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v use_v such_o previous_a sign_n as_o make_v they_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o or_o not_o and_o so_o all_o the_o fact_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o other_o natural_a cause_n though_o they_o can_v not_o be_v effect_v by_o man_n if_o this_o i_o say_v shall_v be_v urge_v and_o the_o supposition_n allow_v then_o must_v all_o the_o miracle_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o pretend_a author_n of_o they_o be_v resolve_v into_o prophecy_n and_o that_o will_v amount_v to_o the_o same_o thing_n for_o the_o foretell_v all_o those_o 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so_o likewise_o do_v the_o gospel_n itself_o by_o which_o i_o mean_v that_o whole_a scheme_n of_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o we_o find_v it_o contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v allow_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o there_o never_o be_v so_o just_a and_o noble_a a_o draught_n of_o morality_n as_o the_o christian_a so_o full_a and_o consistent_a a_o scheme_n of_o humane_a duty_n lay_v down_o in_o so_o plain_a and_o simple_a a_o manner_n without_o any_o art_n or_o ostentation_n and_o press_v upon_o mankind_n with_o so_o much_o earnestness_n and_o authority_n without_o any_o visible_a interest_n or_o advantage_n of_o the_o preacher_n and_o writer_n and_o without_o any_o worldly_a dignity_n or_o title_n that_o make_v they_o superior_a to_o the_o low_a of_o those_o they_o preach_v and_o write_v to_o it_o must_v be_v likewise_o confess_v that_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n upon_o which_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o morality_n be_v enforce_v by_o the_o preacher_n of_o it_o be_v very_o new_a and_o surprise_v that_o the_o thing_n they_o require_v man_n to_o believe_v in_o order_n to_o render_v their_o practice_n of_o the_o duty_n enjoin_v they_o effectual_a be_v very_o shock_v and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o common_a opinion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o mankind_n but_o especial_o those_o of_o that_o time_n in_o which_o they_o be_v first_o publish_v and_o that_o the_o very_a language_n and_o form_n of_o expression_n in_o which_o the_o great_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v very_o different_a from_o whatever_o we_o find_v use_v upon_o any_o other_o occasion_n now_o these_o thing_n be_v grant_v i_o can_v possible_o conceive_v how_o any_o man_n shall_v at_o once_o invent_v such_o a_o system_fw-la of_o morality_n as_o the_o christian_a so_o very_o different_a from_o all_o other_o know_v before_o and_o so_o contrary_a to_o all_o the_o passion_n and_o repute_a interest_n of_o man_n nor_o how_o he_o shall_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o enjoin_v several_a duty_n as_o necessary_a whichnone_o of_o the_o learned_a in_o these_o matter_n have_v judge_v so_o before_o as_o bear_v and_o forgive_a injury_n do_v good_a for_o evil_a and_o the_o like_a shall_v positive_o affirm_v some_o thing_n as_o certain_a which_o be_v doubt_v of_o till_o then_o as_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n and_o a_o future_a state_n of_o happiness_n and_o misery_n etc._n etc._n shall_v command_v every_o thing_n he_o say_v to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v under_o the_o severe_a penalty_n imaginable_a and_o all_o this_o bare_o upon_o his_o own_o word_n and_o authority_n without_o consult_v any_o other_o principle_n or_o rule_n of_o action_n which_o have_v before_o obtain_v or_o give_v any_o reason_n to_o prove_v his_o own_o be_v better_a and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v submit_v to_o but_o if_o any_o man_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v invent_v all_o the_o christian_a morality_n himself_o what_o force_n of_o imagination_n what_o turn_n or_o agitation_n of_o thought_n can_v have_v help_v he_o to_o conceive_v that_o set_a of_o notion_n which_o make_v up_o the_o whole_a christian_a faith_n in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n they_o be_v join_v together_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n if_o they_o have_v enter_v into_o his_o mind_n what_o reason_n or_o motive_n can_v he_o have_v to_o believe_v they_o and_o have_v he_o believe_v they_o himself_o how_o can_v he_o expect_v to_o make_v other_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o how_o can_v he_o imagine_v that_o these_o opinion_n will_v recommend_v his_o morality_n to_o the_o world_n why_o shall_v he_o think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o propagate_v they_o to_o insist_v upon_o they_o as_o necessary_a to_o make_v the_o danger_n of_o disbelieve_v they_o as_o great_a as_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o morality_n and_o yet_o give_v no_o other_o reason_n to_o the_o world_n for_o what_o he_o say_v but_o his_o bare_a say_v it_o beside_o be_v all_o these_o christian_a doctrine_n relate_v both_o to_o faith_n and_o practice_n find_v out_o by_o mere_a humane_a sagacity_n it_o be_v extreme_o difficult_a to_o imagine_v that_o neither_o the_o contriver_n nor_o publisher_n of_o they_o shall_v any_o where_n in_o their_o preach_a or_o write_v arrogate_v any_o thing_n to_o themselves_o upon_o this_o account_n but_o shall_v constant_o renounce_v the_o honour_n of_o the_o discovery_n and_o never_o betray_v any_o design_n of_o procure_v to_o themselves_o esteem_v or_o any_o other_o advantage_n of_o life_n whatsoever_o for_o oblige_v mankind_n with_o so_o beneficial_a a_o scheme_n of_o thing_n as_o the_o gospel_n propose_v and_o to_o carry_v this_o point_n yet_o far_o if_o it_o be_v so_o very_o hard_o to_o imagine_v how_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o shall_v frame_v such_o notion_n and_o opinion_n to_o themselves_o and_o afterward_o act_v upon_o such_o motive_n and_o observe_v such_o a_o conduct_n in_o the_o publication_n of_o they_o it_o be_v much_o more_o inconceivable_a how_o ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a man_n of_o very_o low_a education_n and_o constant_o employ_v in_o mean_a affair_n shall_v do_v all_o this_o and_o it_o be_v particular_o unaccountable_a how_o jew_n shall_v give_v such_o a_o character_n and_o representation_n of_o their_o messiah_n and_o his_o office_n and_o business_n in_o the_o world_n so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o all_o the_o opinion_n and_o expectation_n of_o that_o whole_a people_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n so_o very_o unlikely_a to_o be_v entertain_v or_o credit_v it_o be_v moreover_o impossible_a to_o conceive_v how_o so_o many_o man_n as_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o preach_a and_o propagate_a christianity_n in_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n at_o the_o same_o time_n shall_v before_o any_o thing_n be_v commit_v to_o write_v all_o agree_v upon_o the_o same_o set_a of_o doctrine_n use_v the_o same_o open_a sincere_a unartful_a method_n of_o 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the_o general_a proof_n before_o give_v of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o these_o miracle_n be_v believe_v by_o the_o first_o christian_n both_o by_o those_o that_o live_v in_o judea_n and_o those_o that_o dwell_v in_o other_o country_n and_o the_o real_a truth_n of_o they_o will_v as_o evident_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v at_o first_o believe_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o miracle_n record_v of_o christ_n be_v do_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o great_a multitude_n at_o the_o most_o public_a place_n in_o judea_n and_o at_o the_o most_o solemn_a time_n of_o meet_v nay_o he_o be_v so_o constant_o employ_v in_o travel_v and_o go_v about_o and_o perform_v so_o many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n wherever_o he_o come_v and_o give_v so_o many_o repeat_v instance_n of_o his_o power_n in_o the_o same_o place_n that_o there_o be_v very_o few_o in_o that_o whole_a country_n who_o have_v not_o see_v some_o of_o his_o mighty_a work_n themselves_o and_o therefore_o the_o sole_a ground_n and_o reason_n upon_o which_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n of_o palestine_n believe_v these_o miracle_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o their_o own_o sense_n the_o fact_n themselves_o be_v so_o level_a to_o their_o capacity_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v they_o be_v so_o open_a and_o so_o easy_o and_o full_o perceive_v that_o they_o find_v no_o reason_n to_o distrust_v their_o sense_n and_o therefore_o they_o ready_o conclude_v they_o to_o be_v true_a a_o great_a many_o of_o the_o first_o believer_n of_o christ_n miracle_n have_v a_o further_a and_o more_o intimate_a perception_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o than_o the_o rest_n viz._n those_o upon_o who_o some_o of_o the_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v or_o who_o be_v make_v to_o have_v a_o share_n in_o the_o action_n themselves_o such_o be_v all_o those_o that_o be_v heal_v or_o feed_v by_o christ_n that_o have_v devil_n cast_v out_o of_o they_o that_o have_v their_o secret_a thought_n or_o private_a action_n reveal_v to_o they_o etc._n etc._n those_o who_o see_v none_o of_o these_o mighty_a work_n themselves_o but_o believe_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o be_v confirm_v in_o their_o faith_n by_o a_o universal_a concurrence_n of_o all_o person_n their_o curiosity_n or_o concern_v dispose_v they_o to_o inquire_v of_o for_o as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n all_o kind_n of_o people_n believe_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o those_o who_o reverence_v his_o person_n and_o character_n and_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n but_o even_o those_o who_o despise_v he_o and_o set_v he_o at_o nought_o and_o reject_v his_o gospel_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o be_v the_o most_o powerful_a and_o most_o zealous_a enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n acknowledge_v his_o miracle_n but_o attribute_v they_o to_o evil_a spirit_n some_o of_o the_o pharisee_n can_v not_o deny_v his_o wonderful_a cure_n of_o a_o blind_a man_n but_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o he_o be_v of_o god_n because_o he_o keep_v not_o the_o sabbath-day_n though_o other_o of_o they_o say_v how_o can_v a_o man_n that_o be_v a_o sinner_n do_v such_o miracle_n none_o of_o the_o jew_n upon_o the_o strict_a examination_n be_v able_a to_o disprove_v this_o or_o any_o other_o of_o his_o miracle_n but_o notwithstanding_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v in_o christ_n or_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n because_o they_o be_v moses_n disciple_n and_o they_o know_v that_o god_n speak_v unto_o moses_n but_o as_o for_o that_o fellow_n who_o cure_v the_o blind_a man_n they_o know_v not_o from_o whence_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a priest_n and_o elder_n never_o doubt_v of_o the_o mighty_a work_v do_v by_o he_o but_o only_o question_v his_o authority_n in_o do_v
they_o among_o the_o chief_a ruler_n many_o believe_v on_o he_o but_o do_v not_o confess_v he_o lest_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n his_o countryman_n acknowledge_v that_o mighty_a work_n be_v wrought_v by_o his_o hand_n but_o be_v offend_v because_o so_o mean_a a_o person_n do_v they_o who_o birth_n relation_n and_o education_n they_o know_v the_o gergesenes_n be_v astonish_v at_o the_o wonderful_a thing_n he_o do_v though_o they_o beseech_v he_o to_o depart_v out_o of_o their_o coast_n and_o the_o devil_n confess_v his_o power_n before_o they_o be_v cast_v out_o though_o he_o come_v to_o torment_v they_o before_o the_o time_n a_o great_a many_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o miracle_n but_o do_v not_o hearken_v to_o what_o he_o teach_v because_o none_o of_o the_o ruler_n or_o pharisee_n believe_v on_o he_o and_o because_o they_o take_v he_o for_o a_o galilean_a and_o think_v that_o no_o prophet_n arise_v out_o of_o galilee_n several_n will_v not_o believe_v on_o he_o because_o they_o know_v whence_o he_o be_v and_o when_o christ_n come_v no_o man_n they_o suppose_v know_v from_o whence_o he_o be_v though_o they_o be_v thus_o answer_v by_o other_o who_o believe_v when_o christ_n come_v will_v he_o do_v more_o miracle_n than_o these_o which_o this_o man_n have_v do_v some_o be_v entire_o satisfy_v of_o his_o miraculous_a power_n by_o be_v heal_v by_o he_o as_o nine_o of_o the_o ten_o leper_n and_o nevertheless_o regard_v he_o not_o abundance_n of_o people_n accompany_v he_o wherever_o he_o go_v and_o be_v continual_a witness_n of_o the_o sign_n and_o miracle_n do_v by_o he_o and_o yet_o follow_v he_o not_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o they_o but_o because_o they_o be_v feed_v by_o he_o and_o many_o there_o be_v that_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n when_o they_o see_v the_o miracle_n that_o he_o do_v but_o jesus_n do_v not_o commit_v himself_o to_o they_o because_o he_o know_v all_o men._n so_o that_o all_o these_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christ_n miracle_n as_o well_o as_o those_o who_o become_v his_o disciple_n and_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n but_o other_o miracle_n there_o be_v record_v of_o christ_n which_o be_v do_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n only_o who_o already_o believe_v on_o he_o some_o of_o which_o continual_o attend_v he_o and_o other_o of_o they_o be_v very_o frequent_o with_o he_o several_a of_o these_o miracle_n be_v do_v in_o his_o life-time_n sometime_o before_o the_o whole_a twelve_o who_o be_v peculiar_o style_v apostle_n sometime_o before_o a_o select_a number_n of_o the_o twelve_o sometime_o before_o a_o promiscuous_a company_n of_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n together_o after_o his_o death_n he_o appear_v at_o several_a time_n to_o different_a person_n and_o different_a company_n but_o his_o resurrection_n and_o whatever_o he_o do_v or_o say_v during_o forty_o day_n converse_v upon_o earth_n after_o 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zachariah_n and_o other_o sign_n that_o attend_v the_o birth_n of_o john_n and_o christ_n the_o dove_n and_o voice_n from_o heaven_n at_o the_o baptism_n of_o christ_n the_o darkness_n earthquake_n rent_v of_o the_o veil_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o resurrection_n of_o dead_a body_n at_o his_o crucifixion_n several_a of_o these_o thing_n can_v not_o be_v know_v immediate_o to_o the_o evangelist_n that_o relate_v they_o or_o to_o any_o other_o disciple_n of_o christ_n but_o to_o those_o only_o who_o they_o be_v tell_v of_o and_o upon_o their_o credit_n we_o must_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n rely_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o but_o several_a of_o they_o be_v very_o public_a and_o consequent_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o rest_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o witness_n beside_o those_o that_o relate_v they_o in_o this_o manner_n be_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o the_o wonder_n and_o sign_n that_o accompany_v he_o from_o his_o conception_n to_o his_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o his_o apostle_n relate_v and_o attest_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o of_o the_o same_o jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v so_o many_o wonderful_a thing_n there_o report_v of_o he_o it_o be_v far_o testify_v that_o he_o confer_v a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n upon_o a_o great_a many_o of_o his_o follower_n who_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o that_o a_o great_a many_o miracle_n be_v according_o perform_v by_o their_o hand_n in_o his_o life-time_n it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o give_v this_o power_n to_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o seventy_o disciple_n who_o he_o send_v out_o into_o all_o the_o town_n and_o village_n of_o judea_n with_o a_o commission_n to_o preach_v his_o gospel_n to_o cast_v out_o devil_n and_o to_o cure_v disease_n and_o they_o go_v about_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o heal_v every_o where_o and_o the_o devil_n be_v subject_a to_o they_o through_o his_o name_n this_o we_o have_v their_o own_o testimony_n for_o and_o whoever_o be_v cure_a or_o dispossess_v by_o they_o and_o all_o that_o see_v what_o they_o do_v be_v so_o many_o more_o witness_n of_o the_o miracle_n they_o wrought_v but_o none_o of_o the_o particular_a fact_n or_o circumstance_n of_o they_o be_v mention_v after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n we_o read_v that_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n be_v all_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o one_o place_n receive_v a_o large_a power_n of_o work_v all_o kind_n of_o miracle_n by_o the_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o according_a to_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v constant_o with_o they_o to_o guide_v and_o assist_v they_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o ministry_n this_o power_n immediate_o show_v itself_o by_o their_o speak_n in_o several_a different_a language_n before_o unknown_a to_o they_o the_o witness_n of_o which_o fact_n be_v not_o only_o these_o apostle_n themselves_o but_o a_o great_a many_o other_o that_o hear_v they_o parthian_n and_o elamites_n and_o the_o dweller_n in_o mesopotamia_n and_o in_o judea_n and_o cappadocia_n in_o pontus_n and_o asia_n phrygia_n and_o pamphylia_n in_o egypt_n and_o in_o the_o part_n of_o libya_n about_o cyrene_n and_o stranger_n of_o rome_n jew_n and_o proselyte_n cretes_n and_o arabian_n who_o be_v amaze_v to_o hear_v galilean_n speak_v in_o their_o tougues_n the_o wonderful_a thing_n of_o god_n those_o also_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n who_o foolish_o impute_v it_o to_o new_a wine_n after_o this_o we_o read_v of_o a_o great_a many_o other_o miracle_n of_o different_a kind_n perform_v by_o several_a apostle_n and_o disciple_n who_o receive_v their_o power_n immediate_o from_o jesus_n christ_n and_o by_o the_o account_n that_o be_v give_v we_o of_o they_o we_o find_v that_o the_o particular_a fact_n be_v more_o numerous_a more_o frequent_a and_o more_o public_a than_o those_o of_o their_o master_n christ_n himself_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n ministry_n be_v but_o three_o year_n or_o thereabouts_o the_o exercise_n and_o manifestation_n of_o his_o power_n be_v confine_v to_o the_o country_n of_o palestine_n and_o whatever_o mighty_a thing_n he_o do_v he_o do_v they_o in_o his_o own_o single_a person_n whereas_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o great_a many_o all_o which_o be_v constant_o employ_v in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o confirm_v it_o every_o where_o with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n during_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o several_a life_n and_o they_o perform_v this_o work_n with_o diligence_n not_o only_o in_o judea_n and_o samaria_n but_o in_o divers_a other_o city_n and_o country_n throughout_o the_o whole_a roman_a empire_n by_o which_o account_v it_o plain_o appear_v that_o most_o of_o the_o same_o person_n who_o be_v witness_n of_o those_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v also_o witness_n of_o those_o
that_o be_v do_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o be_v likewise_o own_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o avast_o multitude_n more_o both_o of_o such_o as_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o of_o such_o as_o reject_v and_o oppose_v it_o and_o violent_o persecute_v the_o teacher_n of_o it_o to_o omit_v the_o testimony_n of_o true_a believer_n thus_o it_o be_v record_v concern_v those_o upon_o who_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n have_v no_o power_n nor_o influence_n the_o ruler_n elder_n scribe_n and_o high_a priest_n among_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o summon_v peter_n and_o john_n before_o they_o for_o cure_v a_o lame_a man_n can_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o a_o notable_a miracle_n have_v be_v do_v by_o they_o which_o be_v manifest_a to_o all_o they_o that_o dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n they_o be_v afterward_o fill_v with_o indignation_n and_o take_v counsel_n to_o slay_v they_o because_o they_o can_v not_o restrain_v they_o from_o do_v more_o miracle_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n but_o they_o never_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n stephen_n full_a of_o faith_n and_o power_n do_v great_a wonder_n and_o miracle_n among_o the_o people_n but_o he_o be_v accuse_v and_o condemn_v by_o the_o council_n of_o the_o jew_n not_o for_o deceive_v the_o people_n with_o false_a miracle_n but_o for_o speak_v thing_n against_o the_o holy_a place_n and_o the_o law_n for_o say_v that_o jesus_n shall_v destroy_v that_o place_n and_o change_v the_o custom_n which_o moses_n deliver_v they_o when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v say_v that_o all_o that_o sit_v in_o the_o council_n look_v steadfast_o on_o he_o see_v his_o face_n as_o it_o have_v be_v the_o face_n of_o a_o angel_n neither_o have_v they_o any_o thing_n to_o object_n against_o his_o life_n or_o his_o work_n simon_n the_o sorcerer_n to_o who_o all_o the_o people_n in_o samaria_n give_v heed_n from_o the_o least_o to_o the_o great_a look_v upon_o he_o to_o be_v the_o great_a power_n of_o god_n be_v himself_o as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o be_v bewitch_v by_o he_o baptise_a by_o philip_n and_o believe_v when_o he_o behold_v the_o miracle_n and_o sign_n that_o be_v do_v but_o afterward_o we_o find_v by_o the_o wickedness_n of_o his_o heart_n which_o he_o discover_v to_o peter_n that_o he_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n elymas_n the_o sorcerer_n who_o be_v strike_v blind_a by_o paul_n and_o yet_o not_o convert_v to_o the_o faith_n be_v another_o unwilling_a witness_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o people_n of_o lystra_n confirm_v the_o same_o truth_n who_o take_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n for_o god_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o miracle_n they_o see_v perform_v by_o they_o and_o afterward_o by_o the_o instigation_n of_o the_o jew_n stone_v paul_n the_o damsel_n possess_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o divination_n and_o her_o master_n who_o see_v the_o hope_n of_o their_o gain_n go_v by_o paul_n command_v the_o spirit_n to_o come_v out_o of_o she_o several_a vagabond_n jew_n exorcist_n who_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o cast_v out_o evil_a spirit_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n but_o suffer_v very_o much_o for_o the_o impudence_n of_o their_o pretence_n and_o a_o great_a many_o other_o such_o like_a be_v witness_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o wicked_a or_o dishonourable_a motive_n reject_v the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v or_o profess_v to_o embrace_v it_o upon_o ill_a design_n or_o after_o they_o have_v receive_v it_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o the_o faith_n great_a complaint_n of_o all_o which_o sort_n of_o man_n we_o find_v in_o the_o epistle_n thus_o be_v the_o miracle_n of_o the_o first_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n declare_v and_o attest_v but_o moreover_o it_o be_v record_v of_o they_o that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n themselves_o but_o that_o they_o be_v authorize_v and_o enable_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o spirit_n to_o convey_v the_o like_a power_n to_o other_o and_o according_o we_o find_v a_o great_a many_o instance_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o private_a christian_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o power_n they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v confer_v upon_o they_o by_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n after_o which_o action_n of_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v immediate_o say_v to_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o according_a to_o the_o different_a exigency_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o different_a qualification_n of_o the_o person_n endue_v with_o they_o be_v divers_a and_o among_o these_o be_v reckon_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o of_o interpretation_n the_o gift_n of_o healing_n and_o of_o miracle_n which_o gift_n be_v say_v to_o be_v very_o common_a among_o the_o first_o convert_v to_o christianity_n in_o all_o place_n where_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v and_o the_o same_o be_v plain_o imply_v by_o the_o frequent_a rule_n and_o caution_n that_o be_v give_v by_o the_o apostle_n concern_v the_o due_a exercise_n of_o they_o and_o the_o fear_n and_o apprehension_n they_o often_o express_v lest_o the_o christian_n thus_o impower_v shall_v by_o covet_v one_o another_o gift_n or_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o those_o they_o be_v several_o possess_v of_o neglect_v to_o apply_v themselves_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v the_o scripture-account_a of_o miracle_n and_o these_o be_v those_o wonderful_a fact_n believe_v by_o the_o first_o christian_n their_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o be_v the_o chief_a ground_n and_o motive_n of_o their_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n or_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v likewise_o other_o strange_a matter_n of_o fact_n call_v prophecy_n which_o be_v most_o sure_o believe_v among_o they_o and_o which_o contribute_v very_o much_o to_o their_o receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o continue_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n without_o waver_v and_o these_o i_o shall_v consider_v in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o method_n i_o do_v miracle_n for_o there_o be_v several_a prophecy_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o utter_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o together_o with_o several_a other_o speak_v with_o relation_n to_o he_o and_o fulfil_v by_o he_o other_o there_o be_v mention_v as_o speak_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v receive_v the_o power_n of_o prophecy_n immediate_o from_o he_o it_o be_v plain_a also_o from_o several_a instance_n and_o passage_n in_o the_o sacred_a write_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n be_v convey_v by_o the_o first_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n to_o private_a christian_n and_o be_v very_o common_a among_o they_o the_o prophecy_n speak_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v most_o of_o they_o deliver_v in_o private_a to_o his_o disciple_n some_o of_o which_o be_v not_o write_v till_o after_o the_o thing_n happen_v and_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o the_o disciple_n be_v whole_o answerable_a for_o and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v publish_v in_o write_v before_o the_o thing_n happen_v and_o these_o may_v then_o and_o may_v still_o be_v examine_v by_o the_o circumstance_n of_o they_o other_o of_o they_o be_v speak_v public_o and_o frequent_o before_o great_a multitude_n of_o people_n as_o those_o about_o his_o suffer_v and_o resurrection_n etc._n etc._n and_o several_a beside_o their_o be_v speak_v open_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o many_o be_v also_o spread_v abroad_o in_o write_v long_o before_o the_o event_n actual_o happen_v as_o particular_o that_o remarkable_a one_o concern_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n prophecy_n speak_v of_o christ_n in_o former_a time_n with_o relation_n to_o his_o person_n action_n suffering_n and_o doctrine_n with_o the_o several_a circumstance_n belong_v to_o the_o whole_a dispensation_n of_o his_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v find_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v manifest_o write_v long_o before_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n and_o be_v now_o extant_a and_o may_v then_o and_o may_v still_o be_v compare_v with_o those_o event_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a which_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v completion_n of_o they_o and_o some_o prophecy_n there_o be_v concern_v our_o saviour_n speak_v by_o holy_a person_n a_o little_a before_o and_o after_o his_o birth_n and_o at_o his_o presentation_n in_o the_o temple_n as_o also_o other_o concern_v john_n his_o forerunner_n and_o all_o the_o preach_a of_o john_n be_v prophetical_a of_o christ_n the_o truth_n of_o all_o which_o matter_n of_o fact_n do_v not_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o
but_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o also_o that_o hear_v they_o and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v speak_v before_o much_o company_n particular_o what_o john_n say_v of_o christ_n be_v very_o public_a and_o frequent_o repeat_v and_o consequent_o there_o be_v great_a number_n of_o witness_n of_o it_o the_o particular_a prophecy_n of_o the_o first_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n and_o other_o christian_n preserve_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v but_o few_o and_o most_o of_o the_o event_n foretell_v be_v so_o near_o the_o time_n of_o their_o prediction_n that_o we_o can_v certain_o tell_v whether_o they_o be_v write_v before_o they_o be_v fulfil_v but_o some_o of_o they_o there_o be_v many_o witness_n of_o and_o consequent_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o do_v not_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o credit_n of_o their_o relation_n but_o what_o be_v frequent_o mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n concern_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n in_o the_o church_n by_o which_o expression_n be_v often_o signify_v a_o extraordinary_a power_n of_o foretell_v future_a event_n as_o well_o as_o interpret_n scripture_n be_v a_o plain_a appeal_n to_o the_o testimony_n of_o all_o christians_n in_o general_a for_o according_a to_o the_o account_n there_o give_v so_o many_o be_v endue_v with_o it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n in_o any_o place_n where_o the_o gospel_n be_v spread_v to_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o christian_a prophet_n or_o not_o thus_o have_v i_o take_v a_o short_a view_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o show_v how_o they_o be_v all_o attest_v and_o upon_o what_o ground_n they_o be_v at_o first_o believe_v in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o shall_v make_v some_o general_a reflection_n upon_o the_o account_n here_o give_v in_o order_n to_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o extraordinary_a fact_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o those_o ground_n upon_o which_o the_o first_o christian_n believe_v they_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v before_o that_o when_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v attest_v by_o such_o witness_n as_o can_v be_v imagine_v capable_a of_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o or_o willing_a to_o deceive_v other_o and_o the_o fact_n relate_v by_o they_o be_v such_o as_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v represent_v false_o without_o a_o certain_a discovery_n no_o great_a evidence_n can_v be_v require_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o they_o and_o that_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v such_o kind_n of_o fact_n and_o so_o attest_v will_v plain_o appear_v from_o the_o follow_a consideration_n first_o of_o all_o it_o be_v certain_a from_o the_o account_n before_o give_v that_o christ_n pretend_v to_o do_v a_o great_a many_o miracle_n and_o that_o vast_a multitude_n of_o people_n pretend_v to_o have_v see_v a_o great_a many_o miracle_n do_v by_o he_o and_o to_o believe_v that_o what_o they_o 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to_o convince_v they_o that_o there_o be_v at_o present_a other_o strange_a thing_n which_o they_o do_v not_o see_v and_o which_o they_o believe_v their_o sense_n as_o capable_a judge_n of_o as_o of_o those_o which_o they_o do_v see_v but_o whether_o the_o scripture_n be_v believe_v in_o this_o case_n by_o few_o or_o more_o those_o who_o have_v not_o be_v dispose_v to_o like_v they_o will_v have_v have_v great_a and_o more_o unanswerable_a objection_n to_o make_v to_o they_o from_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n than_o our_o present_a unbeliever_n have_v how_o can_v a_o faithful_a christian_a who_o live_v before_o copernicus_n and_o des_n cartes_n have_v defend_v the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o scripture_n against_o such_o as_o reject_v the_o forementioned_a notion_n and_o expose_v they_o as_o ridiculous_a and_o absurd_a the_o bare_a authority_n of_o the_o revelation_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o all_o our_o modern_a experiment_n and_o observation_n will_v have_v be_v less_o 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believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o render_v we_o inexcusable_a if_o we_o do_v not_o now_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n i_o have_v undertake_v to_o prove_v lie_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o own_o present_a perception_n and_o memory_n and_o be_v not_o communicate_v to_o we_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n from_o god_n we_o can_v be_v inform_v and_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o no_o other_o way_n than_o by_o humane_a testimony_n the_o connexion_n of_o present_a appearance_n with_o former_a and_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n either_o in_o general_n or_o the_o particular_a fact_n in_o question_n if_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o make_v up_o the_o christian_a history_n and_o upon_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v found_v be_v as_o well_o attest_v as_o any_o other_o distant_a fact_n whatsoever_o that_o there_o be_v as_o necessary_a a_o connexion_n betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o present_a state_n of_o 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record_v
sense_n or_o first_o obtain_v credit_n among_o those_o who_o live_v afterward_o without_o any_o proof_n of_o their_o be_v do_v or_o believe_v before_o and_o if_o we_o suppose_v the_o christian_a morality_n entertain_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o world_n without_o the_o present_a history_n we_o have_v of_o it_o the_o forgery_n of_o that_o afterward_o will_v have_v be_v whole_o unnecessary_a and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o get_v such_o a_o forgery_n believe_v much_o great_a from_o hence_o then_o it_o plain_o follow_v that_o there_o can_v never_o have_v be_v such_o a_o state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n as_o we_o now_o perceive_v if_o all_o the_o principal_a part_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o christian_a history_n as_o it_o be_v at_o present_a general_o believe_v be_v not_o true_a and_o have_v some_o time_n or_o other_o real_o happen_v out_o according_a to_o the_o relation_n we_o find_v give_v of_o they_o this_o do_v likewise_o further_o appear_v from_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n 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character_n require_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o number_n of_o the_o witness_n there_o never_o be_v certain_o so_o vast_a a_o multitude_n of_o person_n all_o unanimous_o agree_v to_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o so_o great_a a_o variety_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o case_n before_o we_o because_o the_o progress_n of_o christianity_n be_v so_o swift_a that_o we_o can_v suppose_v more_o person_n can_v have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o history_n and_o doctrine_n of_o it_o in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n and_o there_o never_o be_v such_o industrious_a care_n take_v to_o propagate_v the_o belief_n of_o any_o other_o fact_n and_o opinion_n that_o we_o ever_o read_v of_o it_o be_v likewise_o as_o certain_a that_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o first_o publisher_n and_o professor_n of_o christianity_n be_v as_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o matter_n they_o bear_v witness_n of_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o be_v of_o 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of_o man_n can_v be_v deceive_v in_o such_o judgement_n as_o these_o concern_v themselves_o and_o one_o another_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o knowledge_n at_o all_o if_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v allow_v that_o a_o vast_a multitude_n of_o person_n do_v pretend_v to_o believe_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o they_o be_v say_v to_o believe_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o necessary_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o they_o do_v real_o and_o true_o believe_v they_o or_o else_o they_o pretend_v to_o believe_v what_o they_o certain_o know_v to_o be_v false_a but_o that_o they_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o believe_v what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v false_a will_v evident_o appear_v from_o these_o further_a reflection_n upon_o humane_a nature_n first_o then_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o every_o man_n must_v act_v for_o some_o end_n or_o motive_n and_o here_o be_v no_o end_n or_o motive_n conceivable_a that_o can_v determine_v any_o of_o the_o first_o 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no_o parallel_n instance_n can_v be_v give_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o suppose_v and_o if_o we_o represent_v any_o of_o these_o case_n to_o ourselves_o fair_o in_o all_o its_o circumstance_n we_o can_v possible_o conceive_v it_o shall_v ever_o happen_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o there_o have_v be_v person_n of_o low_a fortune_n and_o mean_a employment_n in_o the_o world_n who_o have_v by_o the_o mere_a force_n of_o their_o natural_a genius_n speak_v wise_o and_o act_v gallant_o upon_o some_o occasion_n but_o it_o be_v never_o know_v and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v that_o person_n of_o no_o learning_n or_o education_n who_o know_v nothing_o beyond_o the_o mean_a affair_n of_o their_o own_o village_n and_o never_o converse_v with_o any_o of_o high_a improvement_n than_o themselves_o it_o be_v impossible_a i_o say_v to_o imagine_v that_o such_o person_n
as_o these_o shall_v be_v able_a by_o the_o mere_a strength_n of_o their_o natural_a part_n to_o compose_v such_o poem_n as_o virgil_n and_o such_o oration_n as_o tully_n and_o shall_v likewise_o at_o the_o same_o time_n exceed_v all_o other_o in_o the_o skill_n of_o explain_v hard_a author_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o physic_n but_o it_o be_v much_o hard_a to_o conceive_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n be_v person_n of_o such_o education_n and_o character_n as_o they_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o to_o be_v can_v by_o their_o own_o unasisted_a capacity_n compose_v the_o christian_a religion_n interpret_v ancient_a prophecy_n foretell_v future_a event_n cure_v all_o manner_n of_o sick_a and_o maim_a and_o perform_v all_o those_o other_o mighty_a work_n that_o be_v record_v of_o they_o we_o have_v hear_v of_o several_a person_n who_o have_v pretend_v to_o revelation_n to_o prophecy_n to_o miracle_n and_o to_o all_o of_o they_o false_o without_o any_o ground_n for_o their_o 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not_o have_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o reign_v over_o they_o have_v as_o little_a regard_n for_o the_o father_n that_o send_v he_o and_o that_o if_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n nor_o be_v persuade_v by_o one_o that_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a neither_o will_v they_o understand_v the_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o our_o modern_a deist_n and_o unbeliever_n if_o their_o mind_n be_v blind_v and_o their_o foolish_a heart_n darken_v to_o such_o a_o degree_n that_o they_o can_v perceive_v god_n in_o any_o of_o the_o other_o way_n he_o have_v take_v of_o reveal_v himself_o to_o they_o we_o must_v leave_v they_o to_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o last_o revelation_n that_o will_v be_v make_v of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o believe_v and_o tremble_v finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o tho._n bennet_n folio_n thuidides_n greek_n and_o latin_a collate_v with_o five_o entire_a mannscript_a copy_n and_o all_o the_o edition_n extant_a also_o illustrate_v with_o map_n large_a annotation_n and_o index_n by_o j._n hudson_n m._n a._n and_o fellow_n of_o university_n coll._n oxon._n to_o which_o be_v add_v a_o exact_a chronology_n by_o the_o learned_a hen._n dodwell_n never_o before_o publish_v print_v at_o the_o theatre_n oxon._n octavo_fw-la and_o twelves_o sermon_n and_o discourse_n upon_o several_a occasion_n by_o dr._n stradling_n dean_n of_o chichester_n together_o with_o a_o account_n of_o the_o author_n by_o james_n harrington_n esq_n sermon_n and_o discourse_n upon_o several_a occasion_n by_o dr._n meggot_n dean_n of_o chichester_n the_o meditation_n of_o marcus_n aurelius_n antonius_n the_o roman_a emperor_n translate_v out_o of_o greek_a into_o english_a by_o dr._n causabon_n with_o note_n to_o this_o edition_n be_v add_v the_o life_n of_o the_o emperor_n with_o a_o account_n of_o stoic_a philosophy_n as_o also_o remark_n on_o the_o meditation_n all_o new_o write_v by_o monsieur_n and_o madam_n dacier_n the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n assert_v and_o explain_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o six_o letter_n of_o inspiration_n from_o holland_n etc._n etc._n by_o mr._n l._n moth._n the_o certainty_n and_o necessity_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n etc._n etc._n the_o content_n introduction_n show_v the_o design_n of_o the_o discourse_n and_o the_o method_n in_o which_o it_o be_v prosecute_v page_n 1._o a_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v religion_n p._n 9_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n p._n 16._o of_o the_o relation_n there_o be_v betwixt_o god_n and_o man._n p._n 18._o a_o direct_a proof_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n p._n 19_o consider_v as_o possible_a p._n 20._o consider_v as_o probable_a p._n 26._o consider_v as_o certain_a p._n 40._o the_o certainty_n of_o god_n existence_n prove_v
ground_n upon_o which_o the_o first_o christian_n believe_v they_o evince_v from_o general_a reflection_n upon_o the_o scripture-account_n of_o they_o p._n 161._o what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n concern_v divin_n assistance_n and_o revelation_n prove_v to_o be_v true_a p._n 183._o the_o miracle_n prophecy_n and_o doctrine_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v all_o the_o matter_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o under_o this_o head_n do_v certain_o proceed_v from_o god_n p._n 185._o the_o person_n themselves_o who_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o immediate_a author_n of_o they_o may_v be_v infallible_o satisfy_v that_o whatever_o of_o this_o kind_n they_o say_v or_o do_v be_v from_o god_n p._n 186._o other_o may_v be_v likewise_o convince_v of_o the_o same_o truth_n by_o a_o certain_a proof_n of_o the_o follow_a point_n viz._n p._n 194._o that_o the_o miracle_n prophecy_n and_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v not_o be_v the_o work_n and_o contrivance_n of_o mere_a men._n p._n 195._o that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o all_o p._n 222._o and_o that_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o ascribe_v these_o thing_n to_o evil_a spirit_n p._n 242._o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a revelation_n deliver_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n prove_v indirect_o by_o show_v the_o absurdity_n of_o a_o contrary_a supposition_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o all_o the_o objection_n raise_v against_o scripture_n and_o revelation_n in_o general_n p._n 245._o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v not_o possible_o be_v forge_v and_o invent_v p._n 250._o because_o there_o be_v no_o end_n or_o design_n imaginable_a sufficient_a to_o have_v determine_v the_o suppose_a author_n of_o this_o work_n to_o have_v undertake_v it_o and_o because_o further_o if_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n both_o common_a and_o extraordinary_a have_v not_o be_v true_a it_o will_v have_v be_v utter_o impossible_a that_o the_o christian_a religion_n shall_v ever_o have_v be_v believe_v and_o propagate_v in_o the_o world_n p._n 264._o the_o principal_a objection_n against_o revelation_n and_o the_o scripture_n answer_v viz._n p._n 272._o that_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n mention_v in_o scripture_n be_v no_o proof_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n p._n 276._o and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o fault_n observable_a in_o the_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n as_o show_v the_o whole_a to_o be_v a_o pure_a humane_a composure_n p._n 288._o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o proof_n before_o give_v of_o the_o christian_a revelation_n full_o and_o undeniable_o make_v out_o p._n 303._o from_o humane_a testimony_n p._n 305._o from_o the_o connexion_n of_o present_a appearance_n with_o former_a p._n 309._o and_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n in_o general_n and_o the_o particular_a fact_n in_o question_n p_o 317._o the_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n further_o make_v good_a by_o show_v that_o they_o be_v as_o just_a and_o conclude_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o any_o other_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v p._n 332._o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o proof_n before_o give_v be_v such_o that_o god_n may_v just_o condemn_v we_o for_o not_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o it_o p._n 349._o because_o we_o believe_v other_o matter_n of_o fact_n upon_o less_o evidence_n and_o ib._n because_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v such_o fact_n have_v those_o appearance_n of_o truth_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v though_o they_o shall_v real_o be_v false_a p._n 352._o finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o tho._n bennet_n the_o life_n of_o all_o the_o prince_n of_o orange_n from_o william_n the_o great_a founder_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o unite_a province_n to_o which_o be_v add_v the_o life_n of_o his_o present_a majesty_n king_n william_n iii_o from_o his_o birth_n to_o his_o land_n in_o england_n by_o mr._n tho._n brown_n together_o with_o all_o the_o prince_n head_n take_v from_o the_o original_a draught_n by_o mr._n robert_n white_a a_o voyage_n to_o the_o world_n of_o des_n certes_o translate_v from_o the_o french_a by_o t._n taylor_n m._n a._n of_o magd._n coll._n oxon._n thirty_o six_o sermon_n upon_o several_a occasion_n in_o three_o vol._n by_o robert_n south_n d._n d._n the_o second_o edition_n the_o certainty_n and_o necessity_n of_o religion_n in_o general_a or_o the_o first_o ground_n and_o principle_n of_o humane_a duty_n establish_v in_o eight_o sermon_n preach_v at_o st._n martin_n in_o the_o field_n at_o the_o lecture_n for_o the_o year_n 1697._o found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o f._n gastrel_n b._n d._n and_o student_n of_o christ_n church_n coll._n oxon._n