Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n believe_v great_a know_v 3,246 5 3.4713 3 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A30400 A rational method for proving the truth of the Christian religion, as it is professed in the Church of England in answer to A rational compendious way to convince without dispute all persons whatsoever dissenting from the true religion, by J.K. / by Gilbert Burnet. Burnet, Gilbert, 1643-1715. 1675 (1675) Wing B5846; ESTC R32583 48,508 114

There are 6 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

or_o other_o since_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o in_o this_o life_n it_o must_v be_v in_o another_o therefore_o we_o must_v believe_v our_o soul_n shall_v outlive_v this_o state_n when_o likewise_o we_o consider_v that_o matter_n in_o all_o its_o subtle_a refining_n and_o nimble_a motion_n give_v no_o discovery_n of_o sense_n or_o cogitation_n and_o yet_o we_o feel_v a_o think_v be_v within_o we_o which_o we_o plain_o perceive_v to_o be_v a_o be_v different_a from_o matter_n both_o in_o its_o act_n and_o nature_n we_o conclude_v there_o be_v a_o principle_n in_o we_o that_o must_v not_o necessary_o die_v at_o the_o dissolution_n of_o this_o life_n which_o be_v confirm_v from_o innumerable_a story_n of_o the_o apparition_n of_o some_o rational_a being_n separate_v from_o body_n which_o in_o all_o age_n and_o place_n of_o the_o world_n have_v abound_v and_o be_v as_o certain_o attest_v as_o ever_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n have_v be_v which_o show_v that_o there_o be_v being_n distinct_a from_o matter_n and_o that_o our_o soul_n be_v such_o their_o subtle_a reason_n both_o metaphysical_a and_o mathematical_a do_v demonstrate_v their_o survive_v this_o body_n be_v also_o gather_v from_o their_o frequent_a ascent_n above_o material_a figure_n and_o phantasm_n in_o their_o conception_n and_o inference_n which_o show_v they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o depend_v on_o matter_n as_o not_o to_o outlive_v their_o union_n with_o it_o in_o fine_a the_o common_a apprehension_n which_o all_o think_v man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v own_v and_o which_o appear_v in_o the_o great_a part_n of_o all_o both_o good_a and_o bad_a at_o their_o death_n show_v the_o belief_n of_o this_o be_v among_o those_o common_a notice_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v bear_v with_o the_o soul_n from_o all_o which_o i_o may_v fair_o assume_v that_o there_o be_v another_o state_n in_o which_o our_o soul_n survive_v their_o union_n with_o our_o body_n shall_v be_v reward_v or_o punish_v as_o they_o have_v deserve_v well_o or_o ill_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o great_a creator_n and_o judge_n of_o all_o man_n and_o therefore_o if_o our_o own_o interest_n touch_v we_o or_o prevail_v upon_o we_o and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o future_a reward_n or_o punishment_n work_v on_o our_o fear_n or_o hope_n we_o must_v careful_o avoid_v all_o dishonour_n disobey_v or_o offend_v this_o god_n and_o with_o the_o same_o care_n we_o must_v study_v to_o acknowledge_v our_o being_n be_v of_o he_o and_o for_o he_o and_o that_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o life_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o bounty_n for_o which_o we_o must_v thank_v he_o and_o adore_v his_o bless_a attribute_n and_o perfection_n we_o must_v dedicate_v our_o whole_a life_n to_o his_o service_n that_o so_o we_o may_v still_o enjoy_v his_o favour_n here_o and_o in_o the_o next_o life_n receive_v the_o reward_n of_o good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n and_o thus_o upon_o good_a and_o solid_a foundation_n i_o have_v build_v up_o this_o proposition_n that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o true_a religion_n chap_n iii_o it_o be_v consider_v if_o j._n k._n prove_v convince_o that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o true_a reveal_v religion_n j._n k._n go_v on_o to_o prove_v this_o religion_n must_v be_v reveal_v which_o he_o perform_v thus_o how_o can_v we_o know_v god_n will_n unless_o he_o reveal_v it_o to_o we_o either_o immediate_o or_o mediate_o for_o natural_a religion_n teach_v only_o in_o general_a that_o we_o ought_v to_o worship_n and_o obey_v god_n but_o do_v not_o teach_v the_o particular_a manner_n or_o matter_n of_o this_o worship_n and_o obedience_n therefore_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o this_o revelation_n yea_o if_o god_n have_v leave_v this_o to_o the_o choice_n of_o every_o one_o yet_o at_o least_o that_o must_v be_v reveal_v in_o this_o reason_v i._o k._n have_v forget_v a_o very_a necessary_a distinction_n of_o revelation_n into_o that_o which_o be_v communicate_v natural_o to_o the_o soul_n and_o that_o which_o be_v superad_v by_o some_o extraordinary_a manifestation_n or_o inspiration_n in_o the_o former_a sense_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o it_o be_v necessary_a there_o be_v a_o revelation_n of_o religion_n but_o that_o be_v not_o what_o i._n k._n drive_v at_o now_o he_o must_v be_v very_o ignorant_a if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o philosopher_n believe_v there_o be_v on_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o man_n such_o inscription_n of_o truth_n that_o if_o all_o shall_v purify_v their_o mind_n from_o the_o defilement_n lust_n superinduce_v upon_o they_o they_o shall_v then_o clear_o discern_v every_o thing_n that_o the_o deity_n enjoin_v they_o and_o therefore_o they_o look_v upon_o inspiration_n as_o a_o degree_n of_o madness_n which_o be_v only_o incident_a to_o weak_a mind_n who_o imaginative_a power_n be_v too_o hard_o for_o their_o reason_n and_o indeed_o they_o know_v so_o much_o of_o the_o juggle_n of_o their_o oracle_n that_o no_o wonder_n they_o study_v to_o detract_v from_o their_o authority_n all_o they_o can_v now_o i_o desire_v i._n k._n will_v review_v his_o discourse_n and_o see_v what_o strong_a or_o good_a reason_n it_o offer_v for_o the_o conviction_n of_o those_o of_o this_o persuasion_n so_o that_o his_o argument_n prove_v only_o that_o god_n must_v reveal_v how_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v and_o obey_v if_o it_o be_v reply_v that_o it_o be_v do_v to_o all_o man_n by_o those_o common_a notice_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v bear_v with_o their_o soul_n he_o have_v furnish_v we_o with_o nothing_o to_o prove_v a_o further_a revelation_n necessary_a to_o make_v good_a this_o therefore_o against_o the_o philosopher_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o if_o mankind_n have_v continue_v in_o the_o purity_n wherein_o god_n do_v create_v our_o nature_n their_o reason_n be_v strong_a but_o they_o themselves_o complain_v of_o a_o great_a depravation_n of_o their_o nature_n which_o they_o find_v be_v much_o prevail_v on_o by_o sense_n and_o sensible_a object_n by_o education_n custom_n corporeal_a pleasure_n and_o the_o power_n of_o fancy_n and_o for_o clear_v of_o this_o they_o apprehend_v another_o prior_n state_n wherein_o our_o soul_n for_o some_o trespass_n have_v lose_v their_o wing_n and_o plume_n and_o so_o be_v degrade_v into_o body_n this_o show_v they_o find_v some_o corruption_n on_o their_o nature_n from_o which_o they_o study_v to_o emerge_n and_o do_v indeed_o attempt_v most_o glorious_o the_o recover_v themselves_o to_o their_o first_o original_n this_o be_v then_o confess_v that_o our_o mind_n be_v much_o darken_v and_o that_o our_o body_n appetite_n and_o fancy_n be_v too_o strong_a for_o they_o it_o will_v thence_o very_o natural_o follow_v that_o as_o our_o reason_n can_v discover_v all_o thing_n to_o we_o so_o that_o our_o way_n of_o apprehend_v of_o divine_a thing_n may_v carry_v along_o with_o it_o much_o of_o a_o body_n and_o gross_a phantasm_n this_o be_v evident_o demonstrate_v in_o that_o numberless_a variety_n of_o opinion_n into_o which_o all_o nation_n be_v divide_v about_o religion_n a_o great_a mixture_n of_o bodily_a phantasm_n and_o gross_a pleasure_n appear_v both_o in_o their_o opinion_n and_o practice_n about_o religion_n nor_o be_v this_o only_a the_o fate_n of_o the_o rabble_n but_o both_o tully_n and_o varro_n have_v give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o great_a diversity_n be_v among_o philosopher_n about_o the_o very_a notion_n and_o nature_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o if_o they_o differ_v so_o much_o in_o their_o thought_n of_o that_o primitive_a and_o first_o truth_n into_o how_o many_o division_n may_v we_o imagine_v they_o must_v have_v run_v about_o the_o other_o truth_n to_o be_v deduce_v from_o that_o since_o therefore_o man_n do_v so_o grope_v after_o all_o the_o dispute_v and_o speculation_n of_o philosopher_n in_o which_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n nor_o have_v any_o of_o they_o such_o plenary_a authority_n as_o to_o oblige_v other_o to_o submit_v to_o their_o decision_n thence_o i_o infer_v the_o necessity_n of_o some_o clear_a and_o certain_a way_n for_o satisfy_v all_o mankind_n in_o thing_n of_o so_o great_a and_o universal_a concern_v the_o speculation_n of_o philosopher_n be_v neither_o certain_a nor_o such_o as_o they_o be_v evident_a to_o man_n of_o weak_a understanding_n the_o only_a way_n therefore_o to_o avoid_v this_o be_v either_o to_o make_v such_o plain_a and_o glorious_a manifestation_n of_o god_n presence_n and_o pleasure_n as_o the_o jew_n have_v on_o mount_n sinai_n and_o in_o their_o most_o holy_a place_n or_o to_o authorise_v some_o man_n by_o divine_a inspiration_n to_o reveal_v god_n will_n to_o mankind_n now_o there_o be_v no_o impossibility_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o inspiration_n for_o if_o we_o make_v know_v our_o thought_n to_o one_o another_o either_o by_o form_v such_o a_o ●ound_n
show_v we_o how_o their_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v distinct_a from_o the_o common_o receive_v truth_n of_o christianity_n be_v so_o miraculous_o propagate_v and_o that_o in_o the_o point_n which_o we_o chief_o challenge_v as_o the_o supremacy_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n with_o his_o be_v the_o universal_a bishop_n of_o the_o church_n the_o forbid_v the_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o laic_n and_o the_o worship_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n the_o use_n of_o image_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o invocate_a of_o saint_n and_o angel_n the_o belief_n of_o transubstantiation_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n and_o the_o take_v the_o chalice_n from_o the_o people_n the_o belief_n of_o purgatory_n the_o treasure_n of_o the_o church_n and_o indulgence_n with_o a_o long_a etc._n etc._n i._o k._n know_v well_o that_o many_o have_v give_v very_o particular_a and_o full_a history_n of_o the_o rise_n and_o progress_n of_o these_o abuse_n with_o which_o we_o charge_v the_o roman_a church_n and_o for_o which_o she_o have_v obstinate_o refuse_v to_o reform_v they_o on_o the_o contrary_n bind_v they_o on_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o with_o new_a and_o heavy_a anathema_n we_o have_v separate_v ourselves_o from_o her_o communion_n that_o those_o be_v not_o in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v plain_a enough_o and_o we_o will_v not_o decline_v a_o trial_n upon_o all_o hazard_n by_o the_o verdict_n of_o the_o first_o four_o age_n it_o be_v true_a in_o the_o five_o century_n the_o incursion_n of_o the_o goth_n and_o vandal_n do_v very_o much_o change_v the_o face_n of_o thing_n and_o bring_v on_o a_o black_a night_n of_o ignorance_n on_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christendom_n which_o make_v way_n for_o gross_a superstition_n and_o the_o bold_a pretence_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o i._o k._n be_v very_o much_o out_o in_o his_o account_n that_o say_v the_o propagation_n of_o the_o roman_a religion_n be_v without_o arms._n be_v not_o that_o dear_a part_n of_o it_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o pope_n the_o occasion_n of_o many_o long_a and_o bloody_a war_n in_o germany_n and_o italy_n and_o for_o their_o conversion_n of_o heretic_n the_o three_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n of_o lateran_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o inquisition_n be_v the_o sure_a mean_n of_o effectuate_a it_o and_o what_o humane_a enticement_n be_v want_v to_o draw_v man_n into_o their_o religion_n the_o cherish_n of_o such_o king_n as_o be_v firm_a to_o they_o and_o the_o make_n over_o to_o they_o the_o right_n of_o their_o neighbour_a prince_n be_v pretty_a entice_a bait_n witness_v their_o get_a pippin_n into_o the_o throne_n of_o france_n their_o invite_v he_o and_o his_o son_n to_o the_o conquest_n of_o the_o lombard_n with_o many_o other_o instance_n and_o be_v there_o ever_o find_v out_o such_o a_o enticement_n for_o man_n of_o carnal_a temper_n who_o yet_o retain_v some_o belief_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o power_n of_o pardon_v indulge_v and_o exchange_v of_o penance_n so_o that_o this_o whole_a account_n of_o i._o k_n fail_v he_o when_o put_v to_o the_o issue_n of_o a_o severe_a trial_n though_o it_o look_v pretty_a smooth_a and_o fair_a to_o a_o overly_o considerer_n but_o in_o end_n i_o will_v add_v a_o few_o consideration_n of_o the_o method_n of_o the_o first_o propagation_n of_o christianity_n and_o from_o these_o it_o will_v appear_v how_o different_a those_o be_v from_o any_o thing_n the_o roman_a church_n can_v pretend_v to_o first_o the_o propagator_n of_o christianity_n go_v witness_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v public_o see_v and_o know_v without_o any_o other_o design_n of_o their_o own_o either_o to_o engross_v power_n or_o riches_n now_o whether_o this_o be_v the_o method_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n i_o refer_v it_o even_o to_o their_o own_o history_n if_o their_o great_a care_n have_v not_o always_o be_v to_o get_v ambassador_n send_v to_o rome_n with_o the_o offer_n of_o their_o obedience_n and_o great_a submission_n of_o which_o nothing_o appear_v in_o the_o first_o conversion_n of_o the_o world_n to_o christianity_n second_o the_o first_o converter_n of_o the_o world_n study_v to_o draw_v mankind_n to_o a_o great_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o inestimable_a blessing_n we_o receive_v by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o the_o make_v suitable_a return_n by_o address_v ourselves_o to_o the_o father_n by_o he_o and_o live_a according_a to_o his_o gospel_n now_o the_o great_a care_n of_o most_o of_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v to_o propagare_fw-la the_o worship_n of_o creature_n to_o give_v patron_n to_o whole_a nation_n and_o teach_v they_o to_o build_v church_n to_o those_o and_o above_o all_o to_o the_o bless_a virgin_n of_o which_o no_o footstep_n appear_v in_o the_o first_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n and_o instead_o of_o the_o strictness_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o a_o humble_a charitable_a temper_n they_o have_v set_v up_o a_o vast_a multitude_n of_o little_a observance_n which_o may_v be_v receive_v and_o yet_o the_o life_n of_o sin_n remain_v still_o strong_a and_o in_o vigour_n three_o the_o first_o propagator_n of_o christianity_n study_v by_o all_o possible_a mean_n to_o wean_v people_n from_o all_o kind_n of_o idolatry_n and_o to_o make_v the●_n serve_v the_o live_a god_n and_o worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n now_o how_o far_o the_o roman_a church_n have_v decline_v from_o this_o be_v apparent_a and_o that_o they_o have_v study_v rather_o to_o change_v than_o overthrow_v their_o idolatry_n give_v they_o little_a picture_n medal_n and_o agnus_n dei_n and_o relic_n for_o their_o worship_n four_o those_o that_o labour_v first_o to_o convert_v the_o world_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n study_v to_o make_v all_o understand_v what_o they_o teach_v they_o give_v they_o the_o scripture_n in_o their_o own_o tongue_n and_o form_n of_o worship_n which_o they_o understand_v and_o can_v well_o make_v use_n of_o but_o the_o emissary_n of_o rome_n deny_v their_o convert_v these_o help_n and_o so_o will_v hood_v they_o into_o a_o blind_a receive_n of_o all_o they_o shall_v propose_v to_o they_o and_o keep_v they_o still_o under_o their_o authority_n and_o so_o teach_v they_o prayer_n in_o a_o tongue_n they_o do_v not_o understand_v five_o those_o that_o first_o convert_v the_o world_n do_v by_o many_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o convince_v and_o convert_v they_o to_o the_o faith_n and_o these_o miracle_n be_v grave_a useful_a action_n as_o the_o cure_n of_o disease_n the_o cast_v out_o of_o devil_n the_o procure_v they_o good_a season_n and_o other_o temporal_a blessing_n and_o all_o this_o be_v do_v in_o the_o name_n and_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o jesus_n christ._n but_o the_o roman_a agent_n want_v these_o real_a miracle_n have_v betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o shameful_a forgery_n of_o strange_a vision_n and_o apparition_n and_o of_o ridiculous_a miracle_n with_o so_o vast_a a_o superfetation_n of_o they_o that_o few_o even_o of_o their_o own_o communion_n can_v read_v these_o legend_n of_o their_o grand_a apostle_n without_o a_o just_a disdain_n at_o such_o palp●●●●_n imposture_n sixth_o the_o first_o propagation_n of_o christianity_n be_v when_o there_o be_v no_o secular_a power_n to_o support_v it_o or_o those_o who_o labour_v in_o it_o so_o that_o they_o expose_v themselves_o to_o all_o the_o danger_n of_o hunger_n and_o cold_a of_o scorn_n and_o reproach_n be_v assure_v of_o no_o supply_n not_o assistance_n from_o man_n and_o yet_o god_n appear_v so_o extraordinary_o with_o they_o that_o their_o success_n be_v plain_o the_o work_n of_o heaven_n but_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n become_v great_a prince_n send_v out_o agent_n to_o make_v new_a conquest_n well_o furnish_v and_o powerful_o support_v so_o that_o they_o go_v like_o ambassador_n from_o one_o prince_n to_o another_o to_o treat_v a_o alliance_n wherein_o there_o be_v little_a hazard_n and_o great_a hope_n of_o success_n by_o the_o advantageous_a term_n be_v offer_v on_o both_o side_n and_o therefore_o after_o charles_n the_o great_a have_v conquer_v germany_n and_o be_v become_v a_o terror_n to_o the_o northern_a king_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n send_v their_o agent_n to_o labour_n in_o their_o conversion_n which_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n and_o have_v no_o difficulty_n in_o it_o and_o seven_o the_o first_o conversion_n of_o the_o world_n to_o christianity_n be_v signal_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n since_o though_o it_o meet_v with_o the_o great_a opposition_n from_o the_o secular_a power_n and_o be_v persecute_v every_o where_o and_o for_o many_o age_n yet_o it_o prevail_v and_o though_o the_o first_o convert_v be_v poor_a mechanical_a and_o simple_a person_n yet_o great_a wisdom_n and_o constancy_n appear_v in_o they_o to_o the_o amazement_n of_o the_o philosopher_n and_o other_o
nor_o uncircumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n and_o that_o in_o the_o new_a creature_n there_o be_v neither_o circumcision_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o christ_n be_v all_o in_o all_o and_o that_o one_o god_n do_v both_o justify_v the_o circumcision_n by_o faith_n and_o the_o uncircumcision_n through_o faith_n from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o those_o of_o the_o circumcision_n may_v be_v save_v and_o by_o consequence_n that_o their_o religion_n be_v a_o true_a religion_n and_o yet_o that_o their_o doctrine_n of_o circumcision_n be_v a_o error_n can_v be_v dispute_v by_o none_o who_o read_v the_o epistle_n of_o s._n paul_n and_o it_o be_v no_o less_o clear_a that_o they_o hold_v it_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n deliver_v to_o abraham_n by_o god_n so_o here_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o s._n paul_n in_o one_o breath_n both_o condemn_v this_o opinion_n as_o erroneous_a and_o yet_o allow_v salvation_n to_o such_o as_o believe_v it_o with_o how_o many_o error_n do_v s._n john_n charge_v some_o of_o the_o seven_o church_n yet_o they_o be_v still_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n the_o church_n in_o the_o second_o century_n do_v general_o believe_v the_o millennium_n as_o a_o thing_n reveal_v by_o god_n which_o the_o roman_a church_n now_o call_v a_o error_n yet_o i_o hope_v i._n k._n will_v not_o condemn_v that_o church_n as_o hold_v a_o false_a religion_n the_o african_a church_n hold_v it_o necessary_a for_o infant_n to_o receive_v the_o eucharist_n from_o these_o word_n except_o you_o eat_v the_o flesh_n and_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n you_o have_v no_o life_n in_o you_o and_o this_o be_v approve_v by_o p._n innocent_n and_o be_v continue_v many_o age_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o ordo_fw-la romanus_n and_o yet_o that_o church_n have_v declare_v that_o not_o to_o be_v necessary_a by_o which_o the_o opinion_n the_o former_a age_n have_v of_o its_o necessity_n be_v declare_v a_o error_n but_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n from_o that_o to_o condemn_v these_o as_o hold_v a_o false_a religion_n the_o franciscan_n and_o dominican_n have_v hot_a contest_v about_o the_o immaculate_a conception_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o both_o pretend_a divine_a authority_n and_o revelation_n so_o that_o one_o of_o those_o must_v have_v hold_v a_o error_n the_o dominican_n and_o jansenist_n believe_v predestination_n and_o grace_n efficacious_a of_o itself_o this_o the_o molinist_n deny_v both_o vouch_v scripture_n and_o the_o definition_n of_o the_o church_n the_o canonist_n courtier_n of_o rome_n and_o jesuit_n have_v assert_v the_o pope_n infallibility_n from_o scripture_n and_o council_n the_o sorbon_n have_v always_o reject_v this_o now_o of_o all_o these_o different_a opinion_n the_o one_o must_v be_v true_a and_o the_o other_o false_a since_o they_o stand_v in_o the_o term_n of_o a_o contradiction_n and_o they_o have_v all_o vouch_a god_n and_o scripture_n for_o they_o therefore_o those_o who_o hold_v the_o false_a side_n of_o the_o contradiction_n according_a to_o i._o k_n reason_v must_v be_v of_o a_o false_a religion_n which_o i_o believe_v when_o he_o consider_v more_o mature_o he_o will_v find_v he_o mistake_v his_o measure_n in_o this_o and_o in_o fine_a his_o argument_n will_v also_o hold_v as_o strong_a to_o prove_v that_o every_o individual_a of_o a_o true_a religion_n must_v be_v exempt_a from_o all_o error_n in_o every_o opinion_n whereof_o he_o take_v god_n to_o be_v the_o author_n for_o i._o k_n argument_n will_v be_v as_o strong_a for_o every_o thing_n whereof_o god_n be_v believe_v the_o author_n as_o for_o article_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o every_o mistake_a sense_n of_o scripture_n will_v turn_v one_o to_o be_v of_o a_o false_a religion_n since_o every_o mistake_a exposition_n be_v a_o error_n and_o yet_o that_o be_v think_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o place_n god_n be_v believe_v the_o author_n of_o that_o meaning_n and_o by_o i._o k_n consequence_n of_o the_o error_n itself_o from_o all_o which_o i_o may_v i_o hope_v even_o by_o i._o k_n leave_v infer_v the_o necessary_a distinction_n between_o thing_n that_o be_v believe_v to_o be_v error_n and_o those_o that_o be_v believe_v to_o be_v truth_n for_o the_o former_a to_o vouch_v god_n the_o author_n of_o what_o we_o know_v to_o be_v a_o error_n and_o corruption_n be_v certain_o so_o criminal_a that_o none_o of_o the_o true_a religion_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o it_o but_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o though_o error_n yet_o any_o one_o may_v very_o innocent_o mistake_v for_o truth_n i_o do_v not_o say_v the_o mistake_n do_v quite_o excuse_v the_o error_n if_o the_o error_n be_v fundamental_a the_o mistake_n must_v be_v so_o too_o but_o if_o the_o error_n be_v in_o a_o lesser_a matter_n it_o be_v a_o lesser_a error_n and_o it_o will_v never_o be_v make_v out_o that_o if_o one_o apprehend_v a_o opinion_n true_a embrace_v it_o as_o come_v from_o god_n and_o as_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n if_o he_o be_v mistake_v in_o that_o he_o strike_v at_o the_o divine_a veracity_n for_o among_o man_n who_o think_v that_o any_o wrong_v his_o veracity_n if_o another_o mistake_v his_o meaning_n and_o understand_v his_o word_n in_o a_o different_a sense_n from_o what_o he_o intend_v and_o express_v certain_o he_o who_o so_o mistake_v after_o the_o true_a meaning_n be_v clear_v can_v be_v understand_v to_o have_v fasten_v any_o reproach_n upon_o the_o candour_n of_o he_o who_o word_n he_o mistake_v all_o the_o blame_n be_v to_o be_v cast_v only_o on_o his_o want_n of_o right_a understanding_n this_o be_v indeed_o a_o hard_a case_n if_o all_o our_o mistake_n of_o divine_a revelation_n do_v infer_v a_o charge_v god_n with_o error_n or_o corruption_n but_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o clear_a that_o i_o be_o afraid_a i_o have_v spend_v too_o many_o word_n about_o it_o and_o this_o argument_n of_o i._o k_n can_v but_o upon_o first_o read_v appear_v to_o all_o that_o be_v accustom_v to_o weigh_v and_o examine_v truth_n to_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o crude_a ill_n digest_v and_o ill_o palliate_v sophistry_n thus_o far_o have_v i_o follow_v i._n k._n through_o those_o six_o point_n he_o imagine_v he_o have_v demonstrate_v and_o have_v show_v how_o true_a the_o first_o four_o be_v but_o how_o little_a reason_n there_o be_v to_o account_v they_o such_o for_o any_o thing_n he_o say_v for_o their_o proof_n and_o how_o false_a the_o other_o two_o be_v and_o i_o suppose_v he_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o if_o what_o be_v already_o set_v down_o hold_v true_a and_o be_v found_v on_o good_a reason_n i_o need_v not_o follow_v he_o through_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o book_n it_o be_v only_o a_o direction_n to_o his_o gentle_a courteous_a reader_n how_o to_o manage_v this_o method_n of_o argue_v so_o as_o to_o convince_v all_o person_n that_o dissent_v from_o the_o true_a religion_n which_o he_o think_v be_v a_o mathematical_a and_o sure_a way_n of_o proceed_v and_o such_o as_o no_o man_n can_v decline_v or_o avoid_v and_o in_o end_n must_v be_v either_o convince_v by_o it_o or_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v himself_o no_o better_o than_o a_o ass_n or_o a_o block_n which_o conclude_v he_o a_o mad_a man_n i_o will_v not_o follow_v this_o with_o a_o raillery_n that_o be_v as_o obvious_a as_o severe_a but_o i_o love_v not_o to_o mix_v matter_n of_o sport_n with_o such_o serious_a purpose_n therefore_o i_o follow_v i._n k._n no_o more_o through_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o book_n but_o come_v next_o to_o consider_v the_o great_a support_n of_o that_o cause_n which_o he_o manage_n both_o in_o his_o preface_n and_o through_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o book_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o certainty_n neither_o about_o the_o true_a book_n of_o scripture_n the_o decree_n of_o council_n or_o write_n of_o father_n without_o there_o be_v a_o true_a church_n and_o religion_n agree_v on_o which_o shall_v both_o declare_v to_o we_o what_o book_n be_v true_a and_o what_o not_o and_o shall_v deliver_v their_o true_a meaning_n to_o we_o otherwise_o endless_a confusion_n must_v follow_v which_o plain_o appear_v in_o the_o many_o division_n of_o the_o protestant_n and_o the_o uncertainty_n they_o be_v in_o about_o all_o controvert_v point_n from_o which_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o true_a church_n appear_v as_o much_o as_o in_o a_o well_o order_v state_n there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o necessity_n of_o clear_a and_o good_a law_n but_o of_o judge_n to_o expound_v they_o chap._n vii_o of_o the_o suppose_a inconvenience_n j._n k._n imagine_v in_o the_o want_n of_o a_o true_a church_n to_o judge_n infallible_o and_o of_o the_o right_a method_n of_o find_v truth_n there_o be_v nothing_o about_o which_o those_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n make_v more_o noise_n than_o the_o necessity_n of_o
leave_v out_o to_o maintain_v the_o fight_n and_o as_o some_o after_o the_o great_a defeat_v have_v impudence_n enough_o to_o pretend_v a_o victory_n so_o that_o art_n be_v not_o omit_v by_o they_o but_o loud_a acclamation_n of_o victory_n be_v make_v when_o all_o free_a discerner_n see_v they_o be_v quite_o rout_v and_o the_o rudeness_n they_o have_v learn_v in_o their_o cell_n be_v bring_v out_o with_o they_o for_o they_o manage_v their_o dispute_n with_o all_o the_o roughness_n of_o expression_n the_o most_o petulant_a insulting_n and_o the_o most_o barbarous_a rail_n nor_o do_v this_o charge_n fall_v only_o on_o one_o side_n of_o christendom_n though_o one_o church_n be_v most_o notorious_o guilty_a but_o the_o disputant_n of_o all_o side_n have_v for_o the_o great_a part_n manage_v their_o debate_n with_o that_o acrimony_n of_o stile_n those_o severe_a invective_n and_o the_o catch_v up_o some_o escape_n of_o inconsiderate_a pen_n as_o if_o they_o be_v more_o concern_v for_o glory_n than_o for_o truth_n beside_o that_o every_o one_o swallow_n down_o a_o entire_a system_fw-la of_o that_o party_n to_o which_o he_o have_v offer_v up_o himself_o and_o all_o must_v be_v defend_v without_o that_o ingenuity_n which_o become_v inquirer_n into_o divine_a truth_n nor_o do_v most_o man_n take_v their_o opinion_n from_o the_o sacred_a oracle_n but_o from_o their_o education_n and_o the_o catechism_n and_o confession_n they_o have_v be_v accustom_v to_o and_o be_v thus_o prepossess_v go_v to_o the_o scripture_n to_o seek_v proof_n for_o their_o opinion_n be_v resolve_v beforehand_o to_o defend_v they_o and_o to_o make_v the_o scripture_n serve_v their_o turn_n which_o if_o they_o will_v not_o do_v easy_o they_o will_v so_o stretch_v they_o upon_o the_o rack_n by_o their_o force_a criticism_n or_o consequence_n as_o to_o make_v they_o confess_v any_o thing_n though_o never_o so_o plain_o contrary_a to_o the_o clear_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o man_n thus_o blow_v up_o with_o pride_n be_v resolve_v to_o justify_v all_o they_o have_v ever_o say_v though_o to_o the_o cost_n of_o throw_v off_o all_o candid_a and_o fair_a deal_n say_v thing_n that_o no_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n will_v say_v if_o he_o be_v not_o strange_o bias_v and_o indeed_o we_o daily_o see_v thing_n bring_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o many_o opinion_n which_o be_v so_o visible_o weak_a and_o unconcluding_a that_o it_o be_v scarce_o possible_a to_o think_v those_o believe_v they_o that_o say_v they_o but_o that_o be_v resolve_v to_o stand_v to_o what_o they_o once_o assert_v some_o mist_n must_v be_v raise_v for_o keep_v up_o their_o reputation_n and_o impose_v on_o weak_a and_o more_o credulous_a disciple_n and_o thus_o it_o must_v continue_v as_o long_o as_o man_n be_v lead_v by_o their_o pride_n to_o be_v stubborn_a in_o all_o their_o reason_n about_o religion_n another_o great_a abuse_n of_o reason_n be_v a_o needless_a curiosity_n about_o thing_n that_o either_o be_v of_o no_o great_a importance_n or_o be_v wrap_v in_o mysterious_a darkness_n into_o which_o if_o man_n will_v penetrate_v their_o conjecture_n and_o discourse_n must_v turn_v to_o impertinent_a canting_n and_o nonsense_n thus_o the_o philosopher_n dispute_v about_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o of_o the_o soul_n do_v fall_n into_o unintelligible_a nicety_n and_o cabalistical_a conceit_n of_o number_n of_o which_o no_o account_n can_v be_v give_v but_o that_o they_o will_v seem_v to_o say_v somewhat_o where_o they_o can_v say_v nothing_o and_o this_o curious_a subtilise_n carry_v along_o another_o mischief_n with_o it_o that_o they_o reject_v every_o thing_n of_o which_o they_o can_v not_o give_v a_o distinct_a account_n and_o therefore_o call_v s._n paul_n a_o babbler_n when_o he_o tell_v they_o of_o the_o resurrection_n but_o when_o some_o of_o the_o philosopher_n become_v convert_v to_o christianity_n both_o these_o effect_n of_o this_o curiosity_n do_v appear_v some_o study_v to_o make_v out_o the_o high_a mystery_n of_o the_o faith_n from_o their_o metaphysic_n and_o to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o the_o platonical_a notion_n in_o which_o any_o discern_a reader_n will_v see_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o needless_a and_o very_o ill_o prove_v and_o worse_o apply_v curiosity_n this_o appear_v both_o too_o curious_a and_o ill_o ground_v to_o other_o be_v no_o small_a occasion_n of_o their_o reject_v those_o mystery_n or_o at_o least_o frame_v they_o so_o as_o to_o agree_v with_o their_o conception_n of_o thing_n and_o both_o seem_v to_o have_v have_v too_o la●g●_n a_o share_n of_o this_o oversearch_a humour_n and_o of_o not_o believe_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v make_v out_o to_o their_o reason_n the_o one_o party_n pretend_v they_o do_v understand_v the_o mystery_n and_o the_o other_o deny_v they_o because_o they_o can_v not_o understand_v they_o what_o subtlety_n be_v use_v in_o explain_v those_o incomprehensible_a doctrine_n any_o that_o have_v converse_v in_o those_o write_n must_v needs_o know_v and_o how_o they_o be_v oppose_v with_o the_o like_a subtlety_n whereas_o have_v all_o side_n adore_v the_o divine_a revelation_n without_o engage_v into_o these_o discanting_n they_o have_v hold_v the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o act_v more_o like_o true_a christian_a philosopher_n since_o it_o agree_v with_o the_o strict_a reason_n to_o acknowledge_v our_o faculty_n be_v limit_v and_o so_o not_o fit_a to_o comprehend_v the_o divine_a nature_n nor_o the_o operation_n or_o the_o communication_n of_o that_o supreme_a be_v and_o therefore_o we_o must_v believe_v with_o all_o humility_n what_o himself_o have_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v to_o we_o concern_v himself_o without_o either_o doubt_v the_o truth_n because_o we_o understand_v not_o what_o be_v so_o far_o above_o we_o or_o engage_v into_o over_o curious_a search_n into_o that_o which_o it_o appear_v from_o our_o limit_a understanding_n and_o the_o general_a term_n of_o revelation_n god_n intend_v shall_v be_v still_o a_o mystery_n to_o we_o but_o indeed_o the_o schoolman_n have_v think_v it_o below_o the_o height_n of_o their_o ●ouring_a mind_n and_o great_a learning_n to_o stick_v at_o the_o explain_v all_o mystery_n and_o as_o far_o as_o hard_a word_n and_o unconceivable_a nicety_n will_v go_v they_o have_v give_v we_o a_o very_a satisfy_a account_n of_o all_o mystery_n by_o which_o we_o know_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o we_o do_v without_o they_o whether_o this_o may_v not_o have_v lead_v many_o over_o curious_a enquirer_n into_o the_o contrary_a extreme_a i_o shall_v not_o determine_v but_o this_o be_v plain_o a_o abuse_n of_o reason_n on_o both_o hand_n the_o humour_n of_o inquire_v into_o all_o subtlety_n do_v quick_o bring_v into_o the_o church_n a_o superfetation_n of_o unconceivable_a mystery_n for_o every_o bold_a conceit_n that_o any_o who_o have_v so_o much_o authority_n as_o to_o be_v well_o follow_v take_v up_o be_v present_o give_v out_o for_o a_o mystery_n and_o then_o it_o be_v sacred_a and_o must_v not_o be_v touch_v and_o if_o any_o do_v offer_v to_o examine_v it_o he_o be_v scare_v with_o the_o bugbear_n of_o a_o mystery_n so_o that_o transubstantiation_n the_o treasure_n of_o the_o church_n the_o way_n of_o the_o pope_n infallibility_n together_o with_o a_o thousand_o devise_v mystery_n in_o all_o the_o piece_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v cram_v down_o the_o throat_n of_o all_o christian_n and_o many_o be_v just_o provoke_v by_o these_o pretend_a mystery_n and_o see_v the_o other_o great_a mystery_n make_v the_o engine_n of_o obtrude_a these_o on_o the_o world_n be_v thereupon_o by_o a_o unjustifiable_a and_o a_o immoderate_a use_n of_o the_o counterpoise_n lead_v to_o the_o other_o extreme_a of_o deny_v all_o and_o with_o how_o great_a nicety_n of_o argument_n have_v even_o the_o reform_a manage_v many_o high_a mysterious_a point_n as_o the_o derivation_n of_o adam_n sin_n the_o order_n o_o the_o divine_a decree_n with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o grace_n which_o have_v be_v canvas_v with_o a_o very_a search_a curiosity_n and_o as_o dark_a as_o these_o must_v be_v confess_v to_o be_v yet_o they_o be_v deliver_v with_o as_o much_o dictating_a and_o imperious_a authority_n as_o if_o these_o author_n have_v be_v catch_v up_o to_o the_o three_o heaven_n many_o other_o nicety_n be_v also_o find_v out_o to_o exercise_v their_o curiosity_n yet_o if_o it_o rest_v there_o the_o hazard_n be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o these_o be_v all_o make_v article_n of_o faith_n and_o all_o who_o be_v not_o satisfy_v about_o they_o be_v bar_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o no_o wonder_n there_o be_v endless_a heat_n and_o debate_n the_o occasion_n of_o this_o curiosity_n and_o itch_n of_o dispute_v may_v be_v perhaps_o not_o unjust_o derive_v from_o the_o contention_n
propagate_v as_o it_o be_v it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v make_v out_o that_o it_o be_v true_a and_o if_o so_o what_o must_v have_v be_v the_o strong_a argument_n use_v for_o it_o before_o it_o be_v so_o propagate_v either_o these_o be_v convince_a or_o not_o if_o they_o be_v not_o convince_a than_o it_o be_v propagate_v by_o weak_a and_o unconclude_a argument_n we_o can_v be_v bind_v to_o submit_v to_o it_o or_o believe_v it_o if_o these_o argument_n be_v convince_a we_o either_o know_v they_o or_o we_o know_v they_o not_o if_o we_o know_v they_o not_o how_o can_v we_o judge_v they_o be_v convince_a if_o we_o know_v they_o than_o we_o may_v be_v as_o well_o convince_v by_o they_o as_o those_o be_v to_o who_o they_o be_v at_o first_o propose_v the_o great_a argument_n the_o apostle_n offer_v be_v that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n wrought_v many_o miracle_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o he_o be_v dead_a and_o lay_v in_o the_o grave_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o after_o a_o long_a stay_n with_o they_o on_o earth_n they_o see_v he_o ascend_v with_o great_a glory_n to_o heaven_n of_o all_o which_o they_o be_v witness_n now_o these_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n so_o positive_o attest_v by_o so_o many_o eye-witness_n who_o be_v man_n of_o great_a probity_n that_o can_v not_o be_v cast_v on_o the_o pretence_n of_o their_o be_v hire_v or_o bribe_v there_o be_v no_o interest_n can_v lead_v they_o to_o give_v that_o testimony_n but_o only_a truth_n all_o other_o consideration_n deter_v they_o from_o it_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n then_o and_o remain_v so_o still_o to_o believe_v this_o true_a whether_o the_o world_n have_v embrace_v it_o or_o not_o and_o i_o will_v ask_v i._n k._n what_o if_o the_o gentile_n have_v reject_v their_o testimony_n as_o well_o as_o the_o jew_n do_v yet_o if_o these_o sacred_a write_n have_v be_v with_o a_o most_o religious_a care_n convey_v down_o to_o we_o have_v we_o not_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n certain_o we_o have_v for_o the_o apostle_n be_v man_n who_o upon_o the_o strict_a trial_n of_o law_n must_v be_v admit_v as_o competent_a witness_n they_o be_v well_o inform_v of_o what_o they_o hear_v and_o see_v for_o a_o tract_n of_o three_o or_o four_o year_n they_o be_v plain_a simple_a man_n who_o can_v not_o in_o reason_n be_v suspect_v of_o deep_a design_n or_o contrivance_n they_o in_o the_o testimony_n they_o give_v do_v not_o only_o vouch_v private_a story_n that_o be_v transact_v in_o corner_n but_o public_a matter_n see_v and_o know_v of_o many_o hundred_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o their_o testimony_n so_o that_o the_o fume_n of_o melancholy_n can_v not_o lead_v so_o many_o into_o such_o a_o agreement_n of_o mistake_n their_o testimony_n if_o false_a may_v have_v be_v easy_o disprove_v the_o chief_a power_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n who_o neither_o want_v power_n cunning_a nor_o malice_n and_o in_o fine_a the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n appear_v in_o their_o constant_a adhere_n to_o it_o from_o which_o neither_o imprisonment_n whip_n torture_n no_o not_o death_n itself_o can_v divert_v they_o from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a as_o be_v possible_a any_o matter_n of_o fact_n can_v be_v that_o their_o testimony_n be_v true_a and_o this_o discourse_n must_v hold_v good_a whether_o the_o world_n have_v receive_v and_o believe_v their_o report_n or_o not_o which_o be_v the_o more_o full_o confirm_v by_o the_o miraculous_a operation_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o they_o do_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o cure_v all_o manner_n of_o disease_n and_o to_o this_o they_o appeal_v in_o their_o epistle_n and_o act_n which_o be_v publish_v at_o that_o time_n wherein_o have_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n not_o be_v true_a they_o have_v be_v brand_v as_o bold_a and_o impudent_a impostor_n we_o have_v also_o a_o series_n of_o book_n in_o all_o age_n cite_v the_o write_n wherein_o these_o testimony_n be_v contain_v by_o which_o we_o know_v they_o be_v write_v at_o that_o very_a time_n and_o the_o apologist_n for_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o their_o apology_n appeal_v to_o the_o wonder_n that_o be_v still_o wrought_v for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o faith_n nor_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n not_o to_o say_v modesty_n and_o ingenuity_n will_v have_v appeal_v to_o proof_n that_o be_v slender_a and_o false_a in_o matter_n of_o fact_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o great_a confirmation_n of_o our_o saviour_n from_o his_o miracle_n be_v make_v good_a by_o another_o way_n of_o proof_n than_o by_o the_o propagation_n of_o it_o which_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v do_v very_o strong_o make_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o yet_o be_v rather_o a_o consequent_a confirmation_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v than_o a_o antecedent_n argument_n for_o prove_v it_o so_o though_o it_o be_v far_o from_o my_o thought_n to_o weaken_v this_o way_n of_o confirm_a christian_a religion_n yet_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o a_o extraordinary_a propagation_n will_v not_o infer_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n though_o it_o be_v allow_v it_o be_v do_v by_o miracle_n since_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v these_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o a_o good_a spirit_n till_o we_o first_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n they_o confirm_v whether_o they_o be_v good_a or_o not_o it_o do_v also_o appear_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o miracle_n be_v make_v out_o abundant_o to_o we_o abstract_v from_o the_o way_n of_o propagate_a they_o but_o in_o end_n we_o must_v a_o little_a examine_v what_o this_o way_n of_o propagate_a they_o be_v and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o calumny_n and_o lesser_a persecution_n of_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o derision_n of_o the_o philosopher_n of_o the_o prejudice_n carnal_a lust_n and_o appetite_n lay_v in_o the_o way_n and_o above_o all_o of_o the_o violent_a opposition_n give_v it_o by_o the_o roman_a emperor_n who_o spare_v no_o cruelty_n for_o a_o succession_n of_o three_o age_n and_o ten_o persecution_n that_o hell_n or_o hellish_a man_n can_v devise_v for_o destroy_v it_o yet_o it_o prevail_v and_o in_o a_o few_o year_n do_v spread_v to_o the_o astonishment_n of_o the_o world_n and_o all_o other_o religion_n be_v not_o only_o overthrow_v by_o the_o many_o convert_v be_v daily_o flock_v in_o to_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o by_o the_o ruin_n of_o these_o very_a religion_n judaisme_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n by_o the_o subversion_n of_o their_o temple_n and_o the_o total_a ruin_n and_o dispersion_n of_o their_o state_n begin_v by_o vespasian_n and_o titus_n and_o complete_v by_o trajan_n and_o hadrian_n nor_o can_v their_o attempt_n though_o cherish_v by_o a_o apostate_n emperor_n succeed_v for_o the_o rebuilding_n their_o temple_n heaven_n and_o earth_n combine_v to_o break_v off_o the_o work_n heathenism_n do_v also_o receive_v a_o mortal_a blow_n by_o the_o silence_v the_o oracle_n upon_o the_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v the_o great_a support_n of_o that_o religion_n with_o the_o vulgar_a and_o the_o exemplary_a life_n the_o heavenly_a doctrine_n the_o mutual_a charity_n and_o the_o noble_a constancy_n of_o the_o first_o witness_n and_o martyr_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n wrought_v not_o a_o little_a on_o all_o that_o behold_v th●m_n even_o on_o such_o as_o be_v very_o partial_a and_o bias_v against_o they_o and_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v thus_o universal_o receive_v as_o it_o be_v a_o very_a full_a demonstration_n that_o these_o miracle_n be_v no_o forgery_n but_o know_v and_o approve_a truth_n so_o also_o it_o confirm_v in_o we_o a_o belief_n that_o there_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a presence_n of_o god_n in_o these_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n assist_v and_o animate_v those_o convert_v of_o all_o age_n sex_n and_o quality_n to_o adhere_v to_o it_o under_o all_o the_o discouragement_n and_o suffering_n they_o be_v to_o pass_v through_o whether_o occasion_v by_o the_o irregular_a appetite_n of_o their_o own_o carnal_a lust_n or_o by_o the_o outward_a opposition_n they_o meet_v with_o and_o thus_o far_o i_o have_v consider_v how_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n can_v be_v make_v out_o against_o the_o opposition_n of_o atheist_n infidel_n or_o deist_n hitherto_o i_o have_v wait_v on_o i._n k._n in_o the_o survey_n of_o these_o truth_n about_o which_o we_o be_v agree_v and_o i_o hope_v upon_o a_o review_n of_o what_o we_o have_v both_o perform_v he_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o i_o have_v strengthen_v his_o position_n with_o the_o accession_n of_o many_o more_o and_o better_a argument_n than_o any_o he_o bring_v so_o that_o if_o he_o be_v in_o earnest_n zealous_a for_o these_o four_o great_a truth_n he_o will_v rejoice_v to_o
see_v such_o a_o supplement_n to_o what_o he_o have_v so_o scant_o propose_v but_o i_o be_o afraid_a and_o perhaps_o not_o without_o reason_n that_o he_o know_v how_o weak_a his_o argument_n must_v needs_o be_v for_o the_o two_o position_n that_o follow_v and_o yet_o design_v to_o impose_v on_o the_o reader_n all_o the_o six_o as_o equal_o certain_a he_o will_v needs_o disguise_v the_o first_o four_o and_o propose_v they_o so_o weak_o guard_v that_o the_o proof_n of_o all_o the_o six_o may_v be_v of_o a_o piece_n but_o i_o have_v hitherto_o help_v i._n k._n henceforth_o i_o quit_v that_o part_n and_o go_v to_o enter_v in_o a_o downright_a opposition_n to_o he_o in_o what_o remain_v chap_n v._n it_o be_v consider_v if_o j._n k._n prove_v convince_o that_o the_o roman_n catholic_n religion_n be_v true_a j._n k._n now_o come_v to_o that_o which_o he_o drive_v at_o all_o along_o and_o prove_v it_o thus_o if_o christian_a religion_n be_v true_a than_o that_o religion_n which_o have_v the_o same_o proof_n that_o it_o have_v at_o least_o any_o of_o they_o that_o be_v solid_a must_v needs_o be_v true_a since_o then_o the_o miraculous_a propagation_n of_o christianity_n be_v a_o common_a solid_a and_o evident_a proof_n of_o its_o truth_n therefore_o the_o roman_n catholic_n religion_n must_v be_v true_a since_o it_o be_v solid_o prove_v by_o the_o like_a propagation_n for_o though_o it_o contain_v very_o hard_a mystery_n in_o it_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o humane_a reason_n as_o transubstantiation_n and_o some_o very_a hard_a precept_n and_o counsel_n as_o vow_n fast_n confession_n prohibition_n for_o priest_n to_o marry_v etc._n etc._n yet_o it_o have_v be_v propagate_v over_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n without_o the_o help_n of_o arm_n or_o humane_a enticement_n by_o stranger_n who_o have_v convert_v nation_n from_o paganism_n to_o embrace_v the_o christian_a faith_n as_o s._n austin_n the_o monk_n do_v in_o england_n and_o xaverius_n in_o the_o indies_n and_o many_o other_o in_o other_o place_n which_o can_v be_v manifest_o prove_v from_o history_n nor_o can_v any_o exception_n be_v make_v against_o it_o which_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n may_v not_o make_v against_o the_o same_o pro●f_n bring_v for_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o use_v s._n augustine_n dilemma_n this_o propagation_n of_o roman_n catholic_n religion_n be_v either_o with_o or_o without_o miracle_n if_o with_o miracle_n it_o must_v be_v true_a since_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n if_o without_o they_o than_o no_o miracle_n be_v great_a than_o this_o propagation_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v we_o have_v as_o good_a ground_n to_o be_v roman_a catholic_n as_o we_o have_v to_o be_v christian_n by_o this_o time_n i_o suppose_v it_o be_v clear_a enough_o why_o i._o k._n will_v bring_v no_o better_a proof_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o now_o he_o think_v he_o have_v gain_v his_o design_n but_o what_o i_o say_v in_o the_o former_a section_n have_v undermine_v this_o fabric_n since_o it_o be_v make_v out_o that_o the_o miraculous_a propagation_n be_v neither_o the_o only_a nor_o the_o chief_a proof_n of_o christianity_n but_o that_o before_o we_o believe_v even_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v of_o god_n two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v make_v out_o the_o one_o that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v all_o holy_a and_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o other_o be_v that_o all_o he_o say_v and_o deliver_v agree_v with_o the_o prophecy_n have_v go_v before_o so_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o proceed_v we_o must_v first_o see_v that_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o roman_a religion_n be_v holy_a and_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o then_o that_o they_o 〈◊〉_d as_o full_o with_o both_o the_o testament_n as_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n do_v with_o 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o prophet_n if_o this_o method_n be_v take_v i_o be_o afraid_a i._n k._n will_v find_v it_o a_o hard_a task_n to_o prove_v the_o holiness_n of_o all_o the_o roman_a doctrine_n what_o a_o sanctuary_n for_o all_o manner_n of_o vice_n and_o impiety_n be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d power_n of_o dispense_v pardon_v and_o give_v indulgence_n for_o all_o sin_n upon_o such_o trifle_a account_n witness_v the_o present_a year_n with_o all_o the_o favour_n and_o indulgence_n to_o such_o as_o go_v to_o the_o threshold_n of_o the_o apostle_n what_o a_o patrociny_n to_o impenitence_n be_v their_o opinion_n of_o a_o simple_a attrition_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o whole_a trade_n of_o their_o penance_n and_o absolution_n look_n like_o a_o design_n to_o quiet_a all_o man_n conscience_n let_v they_o lead_v as_o bad_a life_n as_o they_o will_n beside_o who_o can_v believe_v that_o to_o be_v a_o true_a religion_n that_o have_v tolerate_v a_o great_a many_o casuist_n who_o have_v find_v out_o distinction_n to_o excuse_v man_n from_o all_o the_o duty_n they_o owe_v god_n and_o their_o neighbour_n and_o have_v study_v to_o satisfy_v man_n in_o the_o most_o impious_a and_o immoral_a practice_n a_o woman_n that_o entertain_v common_a and_o avow_a prostitute_n will_v never_o be_v think_v a_o honest_a woman_n though_o none_o can_v prove_v herself_o guilty_a of_o any_o base_a act_n so_o that_o church_n that_o not_o only_o entertain_v but_o cherish_v those_o who_o have_v study_v to_o discharge_v mankind_n of_o all_o sense_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n can_v never_o pass_v for_o a_o pure_a church_n nor_o do_v the_o doctrine_n of_o that_o church_n tend_v whole_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n as_o our_o saviour_n do_v for_o what_o great_a dishonour_n can_v be_v do_v he_o than_o to_o worship_n he_o in_o a_o way_n which_o himself_o have_v so_o often_o condemn_v and_o never_o since_o allow_v by_o the_o representation_n of_o picture_n and_o image_n and_o that_o instead_o of_o address_v their_o adoration_n and_o prayer_n to_o he_o by_o his_o son_n have_v find_v out_o a_o great_a many_o other_o mediator_n both_o angel_n and_o saint_n and_o the_o bless_a virgin_n sure_o this_o be_v high_o to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n when_o the_o soul_n of_o people_n be_v turn_v off_o from_o their_o faith_n and_o dependence_n on_o he_o and_o his_o bless_a son_n into_o a_o trust_n to_o and_o call_n on_o creature_n and_o when_o instead_o of_o that_o plain_a simple_a and_o rational_a worship_n that_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o please_v to_o he_o the_o mimical_a pageantry_n of_o a_o thousand_o little_a apish_a practice_n and_o a_o unknown_a worship_n be_v bring_v into_o his_o church_n if_o we_o likewise_o consider_v and_o measure_v the_o roman_a religion_n by_o the_o second_o great_a topick_n by_o which_o our_o saviour_n clear_v himself_o which_o be_v his_o appeal_n to_o the_o scripture_n we_o will_v quick_o find_v good_a reason_n to_o suspect_v they_o guilty_a there_o since_o they_o study_v nothing_o more_o than_o the_o suppress_n and_o conceal_v the_o scripture_n and_o by_o all_o mean_n labour_v to_o prove_v it_o a_o incompetent_a rule_n to_o decide_v controversy_n by_o and_o yet_o i_o be_o sure_a i._n k._n will_v give_v i_o no_o reason_n to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n a_o unproper_a rule_n for_o decide_v controversy_n and_o that_o we_o must_v submit_v to_o the_o verdict_n and_o decree_n of_o the_o church_n that_o may_v not_o with_o more_o strength_n be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o jew_n against_o our_o saviour_n and_o if_o i_o carry_v this_o consideration_n as_o far_o as_o it_o will_v go_v it_o must_v necessary_o lead_v i_o to_o compare_v all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o roman_a religion_n with_o the_o scripture_n and_o as_o if_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n have_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n there_o have_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o have_v believe_v he_o for_o all_o his_o mighty_a deed_n which_o in_o that_o case_n may_v just_o have_v be_v impute_v to_o evil_a spirit_n so_o now_o shall_v a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n teach_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o this_o doctrine_n and_o gospel_n he_o must_v be_v anathematise_v even_o though_o he_o wrought_v mighty_a wonder_n therefore_o we_o be_v with_o the_o berean_o to_o examine_v all_o new_a doctrine_n by_o their_o conformity_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o till_o that_o appear_v we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v on_o any_o thing_n they_o do_v as_o miraculous_a and_o thus_o far_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o convince_v i._o k._n that_o though_o what_o he_o say_v of_o the_o miraculous_a propagation_n of_o the_o roman_a religion_n be_v true_a it_o do_v not_o from_o that_o follow_v that_o the_o religion_n itself_o must_v be_v true_a but_o i_o go_v next_o to_o convince_v he_o how_o much_o he_o mistake_v himself_o in_o his_o account_n when_o he_o assert_v that_o the_o christian_a and_o the_o