be_v with_o much_o enquiry_n and_o examination_n establish_v this_o every_o one_o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o and_o a_o free_a disquisition_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v every_o where_o to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o ancient_a writer_n then_o as_o to_o the_o persecution_n they_o be_v so_o many_o they_o continue_v so_o long_o together_o be_v so_o wide_o spread_v be_v attend_v with_o so_o vast_a a_o number_n of_o very_o new_a and_o remarkalbe_n fact_n and_o so_o many_o of_o the_o writer_n live_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o they_o and_o have_v so_o large_a a_o share_n and_o concern_v in_o they_o themselves_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o account_n they_o give_v of_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v most_o of_o they_o at_o least_o very_o true_a the_o four_o observation_n i_o have_v to_o make_v upon_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n writer_n be_v that_o there_o be_v so_o 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of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o nicene_n father_n and_o most_o of_o they_o by_o all_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o all_o the_o public_a decision_n and_o order_n of_o the_o council_n that_o they_o be_v ground_v upon_o some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n now_o in_o our_o hand_n if_o they_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v write_v before_o that_o time_n and_o that_o they_o be_v eusebius_n one_o of_o the_o bishop_n of_o this_o council_n be_v a_o sufficient_a witness_n who_o in_o a_o history_n he_o have_v leave_v we_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v all_o writ_n and_o the_o author_n they_o be_v write_v by_o which_o be_v another_o very_a good_a argument_n that_o most_o of_o the_o nicene_n bishop_n have_v the_o same_o bible_n for_o eusebius_n be_v not_o only_o present_a among_o and_o converse_v with_o several_a of_o they_o but_o have_v a_o great_a share_n in_o the_o management_n of_o the_o 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constant_a tradition_n of_o the_o same_o scripture_n &_o custom_n as_o be_v before_o specify_v in_o the_o several_a church_n and_o province_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v as_o the_o history_n of_o these_o time_n relate_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o have_v be_v then_o be_v the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o all_o these_o bishop_n a_o infallible_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o testify_v and_o if_o there_o have_v not_o be_v such_o a_o constant_a tradition_n in_o any_o of_o these_o church_n or_o province_n as_o we_o suppose_v than_o the_o original_a introduction_n or_o intermission_n of_o any_o of_o those_o scripture_n or_o custom_n within_o the_o same_o compass_n of_o time_n will_v have_v be_v in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o manner_n and_o with_o the_o same_o certainty_n know_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o those_o church_n and_o province_n where_o such_o introduction_n or_o intermission_n happen_v and_o what_o be_v first_o introduce_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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cognizance_n why_o do_v we_o so_o firm_o believe_v the_o story_n of_o julius_n cesar_n and_o william_n the_o conqueror_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n as_o italy_n or_o china_n &_o c_o now_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o upon_o examine_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v find_v to_o be_v because_o a_o great_a many_o man_n have_v acquaint_v we_o that_o there_o be_v former_o such_o person_n who_o do_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o be_v now_o such_o place_n in_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n which_o man_n be_v competent_a judge_n of_o what_o they_o tell_v we_o have_v sufficient_a opportunity_n of_o know_v the_o truth_n themselves_o no_o motive_n conceivable_a that_o can_v dispose_v they_o to_o lie_v to_o other_o and_o be_v contradict_v by_o no_o body_n of_o equal_a authority_n with_o they_o these_o be_v all_o the_o ground_n of_o credibility_n upon_o which_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v general_o believe_v and_o no_o further_a character_n of_o truth_n be_v require_v by_o one_o that_o be_v satisfy_v of_o these_o but_o we_o have_v all_o these_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o common_a matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o full_a force_n and_o extent_n of_o they_o and_o several_a other_o beside_o as_o the_o incapacity_n of_o the_o witness_n to_o deceive_v if_o they_o have_v be_v dispose_v to_o do_v it_o the_o great_a motive_n they_o have_v not_o to_o say_v what_o they_o do_v than_o to_o say_v it_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a and_o the_o great_a motive_n other_o person_n have_v to_o contradict_v they_o if_o they_o can_v have_v be_v disprove_v let_v we_o examine_v all_o these_o character_n of_o truth_n and_o see_v how_o far_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a history_n exceed_v that_o of_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o how_o far_o the_o suppose_a falsehood_n of_o it_o notwithstanding_o these_o character_n be_v consistent_a with_o that_o certain_a knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o humane_a nature_n as_o to_o the_o first_o 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 publisher_n or_o professor_n of_o christianity_n to_o pretend_v to_o believe_v those_o fact_n which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v false_a all_o the_o end_n and_o motive_n we_o can_v imagine_v any_o man_n to_o act_v upon_o in_o such_o a_o case_n we_o have_v reckon_v up_o before_o and_o we_o find_v that_o if_o we_o put_v ourselves_o into_o the_o same_o circumstance_n with_o those_o first_o witness_n of_o christianity_n it_o will_v have_v be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o have_v be_v influence_v by_o any_o of_o they_o to_o make_v the_o same_o pretence_n be_v infallible_o assure_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o be_v utter_o false_a and_o groundless_a from_o whence_o we_o conclude_v that_o neither_o do_v they_o since_o all_o man_n be_v so_o make_v and_o contrive_v as_o to_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o same_o general_a motive_n though_o according_a to_o the_o difference_n of_o
council_n of_o nice_a one_o of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a event_n that_o ever_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n 3._o the_o call_n of_o this_o council_n do_v plain_o infer_v that_o constantine_n look_v upon_o the_o whole_a roman_a empire_n to_o have_v be_v at_o that_o time_n general_o christian_n the_o person_n summon_v the_o place_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v the_o occasion_n of_o their_o meeting_n do_v all_o prove_v this_o for_o the_o person_n of_o which_o the_o council_n be_v compose_v be_v most_o of_o they_o governor_n and_o teacher_n of_o large_a church_n and_o congregation_n they_o come_v out_o of_o all_o the_o great_a and_o lesser_a province_n and_o from_o the_o most_o populous_a and_o considerable_a town_n under_o the_o roman_a government_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o come_n be_v to_o give_v their_o opinion_n concern_v a_o particular_a doctrine_n which_o do_v suppose_v a_o antecedent_n belief_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a scheme_n 4._o the_o whole_a behaviour_n of_o 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year_n backward_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v be_v the_o same_o it_o be_v then_o in_o the_o country_n from_o whence_o they_o come_v that_o all_o this_o time_n they_o have_v have_v the_o same_o scripture_n among_o they_o that_o these_o scripture_n have_v constant_o be_v read_v both_o in_o public_a and_o private_a and_o as_o far_o as_o fell_v within_o humane_a cognizance_n as_o constant_o and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n believe_v and_o esteem_v as_o they_o appear_v then_o to_o be_v that_o the_o ceremony_n of_o baptise_v and_o communicate_v have_v be_v always_o universal_o use_v at_o such_o time_n and_o upon_o such_o and_o such_o occasion_n that_o these_o and_o several_a other_o religious_a performance_n as_o read_v the_o scripture_n prayer_n exhortation_n etc._n etc._n have_v be_v constant_o practise_v in_o public_a when_o christian_n be_v assemble_v together_o that_o meeting_n or_o assembly_n for_o these_o purpose_n be_v very_o frequent_a that_o beside_o other_o occasional_a 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and_o
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design_n in_o the_o follow_a method_n first_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o miracle_n by_o themselves_o and_o this_o according_a to_o the_o different_a period_n in_o which_o they_o be_v do_v and_o the_o different_a person_n they_o be_v do_v by_o second_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o prophecy_n apart_o according_a to_o the_o same_o distinction_n of_o time_n and_o person_n as_o i_o observe_v in_o treat_v of_o miracle_n three_o i_o shall_v make_v some_o general_a reflection_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a miracle_n and_o prophecy_n take_v altogether_o first_o then_z as_o to_z miracle_n it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o a_o great_a many_o such_o fact_n as_o these_o that_o i_o call_v miracle_n be_v say_v to_o be_v do_v by_o jesus_n christ_n this_o be_v every_o where_o assert_v or_o suppose_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o gospel_n give_v a_o very_a particular_a and_o circumstantial_a account_n of_o several_a of_o they_o it_o be_v certain_a also_o from_o the_o general_a proof_n before_o give_v of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o these_o miracle_n be_v believe_v by_o the_o first_o christian_n both_o by_o those_o that_o live_v in_o judea_n and_o those_o that_o dwell_v in_o other_o country_n and_o the_o real_a truth_n of_o they_o will_v as_o evident_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v at_o first_o believe_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o miracle_n record_v of_o christ_n be_v do_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o great_a multitude_n at_o the_o most_o public_a place_n in_o judea_n and_o at_o the_o most_o solemn_a time_n of_o meet_v nay_o he_o be_v so_o constant_o employ_v in_o travel_v and_o go_v about_o and_o perform_v so_o many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n wherever_o he_o come_v and_o give_v so_o many_o repeat_v instance_n of_o his_o power_n in_o the_o same_o place_n that_o there_o be_v very_o few_o in_o that_o whole_a country_n who_o have_v not_o see_v some_o of_o his_o 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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
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 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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 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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 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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 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sufficient_o assure_v we_o that_o he_o will_v not_o offer_v to_o deceive_v other_o by_o pretend_v to_o such_o work_n which_o he_o know_v he_o have_v not_o do_v or_o can_v not_o do_v then_o as_o to_o the_o person_n pretend_v to_o have_v see_v and_o for_o that_o reason_n to_o believe_v his_o miracle_n they_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v because_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n they_o be_v witness_n of_o be_v such_o as_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o sense_n and_o be_v as_o easy_o distinct_o and_o full_o perceivable_a as_o any_o other_o the_o most_o common_a obvious_a event_n daily_o take_v notice_n of_o so_o that_o every_o one_o who_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v and_o eye_n to_o see_v be_v a_o capable_a judge_n of_o what_o christ_n say_v and_o do_v and_o there_o want_v no_o great_a skill_n or_o capacity_n of_o understanding_n to_o compare_v his_o pretence_n with_o his_o performance_n but_o those_o who_o feel_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o wonderful_a power_n in_o themselves_o have_v a_o more_o 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be_v do_v in_o their_o presence_n which_o they_o know_v be_v not_o do_v for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v utter_o inconceivable_a how_o so_o great_a a_o multitude_n of_o person_n of_o different_a place_n degree_n and_o opinion_n as_o the_o first_o witness_n of_o these_o miracle_n be_v shall_v agree_v together_o to_o assert_v that_o they_o see_v such_o fact_n as_o be_v never_o do_v and_o this_o constant_o without_o any_o once_o ever_o discover_v the_o cheat_n beside_o this_o i_o say_v the_o character_n of_o the_o witness_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o think_v they_o can_v entertain_v a_o design_n of_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n and_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o their_o first_o declaration_n of_o their_o belief_n of_o the_o miracle_n make_v a_o confederacy_n to_o deceive_v utter_o impossible_a as_o to_o the_o character_n of_o the_o witness_n they_o be_v either_o such_o person_n as_o after_o they_o have_v see_v believe_v and_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n or_o such_o as_o continue_v in_o the_o religion_n they_o be_v before_o educate_v in_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o miracle_n they_o see_v most_o of_o the_o former_a sort_n be_v person_n of_o remarkable_a probity_n and_o integrity_n and_o of_o great_a simplicity_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n who_o renounce_v all_o the_o interest_n and_o advantage_n of_o this_o present_a world_n and_o expose_v themselves_o to_o great_a variety_n of_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n for_o their_o constant_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o his_o miracle_n and_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v of_o person_n of_o this_o character_n that_o they_o will_v invent_v and_o industrious_o propagate_v what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v false_a if_o the_o agreement_n of_o so_o many_o in_o the_o same_o design_n have_v be_v possible_a but_o if_o so_o many_o people_n can_v be_v suppose_v capable_a of_o form_v such_o a_o design_n and_o of_o put_v on_o such_o a_o false_a character_n for_o the_o better_a promote_a of_o 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prediction_n be_v fulfil_v and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o true_a prophecy_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o know_v that_o jerusalem_n be_v destroy_v and_o the_o jewish_a people_n drive_v out_o of_o their_o country_n whatever_o way_n this_o come_v about_o but_o to_o know_v that_o such_o a_o man_n be_v well_o or_o such_o another_o alive_a or_o that_o the_o one_o have_v be_v sick_a and_o the_o other_o to_o all_o appearance_n dead_a be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o convince_v a_o man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n in_o either_o case_n and_o a_o person_n who_o do_v not_o see_v the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n in_o which_o each_o of_o these_o fact_n be_v do_v can_v receive_v no_o assurance_n of_o they_o afterward_o but_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o because_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a remain_n and_o footstep_n of_o the_o miracle_n leave_v after_o the_o action_n be_v over_o whereas_o in_o the_o other_o instance_n of_o prophecy_n the_o event_n be_v constant_o the_o same_o 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that_o be_v make_v to_o christianity_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o consequent_o the_o vast_a multitude_n of_o seem_a miracle_n that_o must_v have_v be_v continual_o wrought_v for_o their_o conversion_n in_o all_o place_n together_o with_o the_o steady_a and_o invincible_a perseverance_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o faith_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o variety_n of_o suffering_n they_o endure_v for_o believe_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o imagine_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o whole_a age_n of_o delusion_n and_o deceit_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o long_a continue_a train_n and_o series_n of_o mere_a empty_a appearance_n without_o any_o reality_n under_o they_o which_o produce_v such_o real_a effect_n as_o remain_v till_o this_o day_n and_o effect_n of_o such_o a_o extraordinory_n nature_n as_o in_o a_o very_a short_a time_n give_v a_o new_a turn_n to_o the_o whole_a scheme_n of_o affair_n in_o the_o most_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o world_n since_o therefore_o all_o the_o common_a matter_n of_o fact_n mention_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o we_o find_v it_o deliver_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v true_a as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o and_o consequent_o that_o among_o the_o rest_n that_o the_o miracle_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v believe_v according_a to_o the_o relation_n there_o give_v of_o they_o it_o necessary_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o there_o be_v such_o fact_n as_o those_o in_o appearance_n at_o least_o otherwise_o there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o ground_n for_o believe_v they_o in_o that_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v believe_v and_o if_o there_o be_v all_o those_o appearance_n of_o something_o do_v i_o shall_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v for_o the_o reason_n just_a before_o give_v that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o true_a real_a fact_n and_o if_o the_o miracle_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v real_a the_o prophecy_n must_v be_v so_o too_o as_o be_v free_a from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o wrong_a appearance_n 3._o the_o next_o step_n i_o be_o to_o make_v in_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a history_n be_v to_o show_v that_o what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n concern_v divine_a assistance_n and_o revelation_n be_v true_a now_o it_o be_v frequent_o and_o positive_o assert_v there_o not_o only_o that_o such_o and_o such_o sign_n and_o wonder_n be_v wrought_v such_o prophecy_n utter_v and_o fulfil_v and_o such_o doctrine_n preach_v but_o that_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v perform_v by_o the_o immediate_a power_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n this_o be_v every_o where_o acknowledge_v and_o insist_v upon_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o all_o that_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o work_n and_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n what_o they_o constant_o affirm_v of_o themselves_o be_v that_o they_o be_v send_v from_o god_n that_o they_o be_v authorize_v and_o ordain_v by_o god_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n that_o they_o be_v do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v and_o preach_v come_v from_o god_n that_o they_o have_v it_o by_o revelation_n that_o god_n show_v they_o thing_n to_o come_v that_o they_o speak_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o the_o power_n they_o have_v be_v from_o god_n and_o that_o god_n be_v with_o they_o continual_o assist_v they_o and_o reveal_v himself_o to_o they_o whether_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v real_o so_o as_o they_o affirm_v we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n of_o know_v but_o these_o two_o their_o own_o testimony_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n say_v and_o do_v by_o they_o as_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o declare_v all_o these_o wonderful_a thing_n of_o themselves_o their_o condition_n character_n and_o suffering_n have_v be_v consider_v already_o and_o find_v to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n to_o secure_v we_o from_o any_o fear_n or_o suspicion_n of_o
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that_o it_o be_v urge_v by_o some_o as_o a_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a revelation_n that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v universal_a enough_o it_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o the_o objector_n as_o a_o thing_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o suffer_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o world_n in_o all_o age_n to_o live_v in_o a_o state_n of_o gross_a ignorance_n barbarity_n and_o disorder_n as_o ancient_a history_n and_o modern_a experience_n inform_v we_o of_o since_o therefore_o we_o can_v but_o be_v satisfy_v from_o reflection_n upon_o our_o own_o nature_n improve_v and_o from_o observation_n upon_o the_o wretched_a state_n of_o a_o large_a part_n of_o mankind_n who_o live_v in_o ignorance_n that_o the_o difficulty_n which_o concern_v the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n be_v very_o great_a that_o the_o effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o the_o want_n of_o religion_n be_v very_o dismal_a and_o calamitous_a and_o that_o man_n in_o such_o a_o state_n of_o ignorance_n as_o we_o find_v some_o whole_a country_n be_v will_v very_o probable_o never_o by_o any_o force_n of_o their_o own_o faculty_n without_o foreign_a help_n and_o assistance_n reach_v to_o that_o knowledge_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o some_o nation_n of_o the_o present_a age_n be_v arrive_v to_o which_o be_v manifest_o owe_v to_o those_o book_n they_o have_v among_o they_o and_o which_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o communicate_v to_o they_o from_o god_n since_o we_o be_v further_o convince_v that_o person_n in_o such_o a_o state_n of_o ignorance_n as_o we_o now_o suppose_v if_o they_o shall_v be_v allow_v to_o make_v some_o advance_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o natural_a religion_n can_v not_o by_o mere_a reason_n without_o revelation_n proceed_v so_o far_o as_o upon_o good_a ground_n to_o be_v full_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o obligation_n of_o what_o they_o know_v and_o the_o advantage_n or_o danger_n that_o attend_v their_o performance_n or_o transgression_n of_o the_o rule_n they_o lay_v down_o that_o they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o explain_v any_o of_o the_o difficulty_n before_o mention_v and_o that_o in_o a_o short_a time_n by_o the_o overrule_a prevalence_n of_o present_a pleasure_n and_o passion_n work_v different_o in_o different_a man_n they_o will_v relapse_n into_o their_o former_a state_n again_o upon_o all_o these_o account_n it_o seem_v very_o expedient_a that_o god_n shall_v give_v man_n a_o true_a and_o perfect_a scheme_n of_o religion_n agreeable_a to_o the_o reason_n and_o fit_v to_o all_o the_o want_v and_o exigency_n of_o mankind_n however_o i_o dare_v not_o venture_v to_o argue_v that_o because_o it_o appear_v so_o very_o expedient_a for_o we_o and_o so_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o revelation_n make_v to_o the_o world_n therefore_o god_n have_v actual_o do_v it_o because_o i_o can_v comprehend_v all_o the_o particular_a reason_n and_o end_n of_o god_n act_v with_o regard_n to_o man_n here_o nor_o what_o allowance_n he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o make_v in_o his_o future_a judgement_n upon_o they_o in_o order_n to_o a_o other_o state_n but_o if_o there_o be_v a_o revelation_n pretend_v to_o and_o i_o find_v upon_o a_o strict_a examination_n of_o it_o that_o it_o have_v all_o the_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o such_o a_o revelation_n as_o our_o reason_n tell_v we_o man_n want_v and_o be_v very_o proper_a and_o become_a god_n to_o give_v and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o have_v be_v prove_v before_o man_n himself_o can_v not_o be_v the_o author_n of_o i_o must_v be_v convince_v from_o hence_o that_o it_o come_v from_o god_n and_o such_o a_o revelation_n as_o this_o be_v the_o christian_n there_o we_o find_v a_o very_a just_a and_o rational_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n of_o the_o original_a formation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o particular_o the_o creation_n of_o man_n the_o change_n and_o alteration_n of_o his_o first_o condition_n and_o the_o unhappy_a consequence_n of_o it_o from_o thence_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o explain_v these_o contrary_a tendency_n and_o principle_n of_o action_n we_o experience_n in_o ourselves_o that_o unequal_a composition_n of_o perfection_n and_o weakness_n capacity_n and_o want_v we_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o ignorance_n of_o which_o make_v man_n the_o most_o unaccountable_a part_n of_o the_o whole_a universe_n there_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o most_o proper_a suitable_a way_n of_o worship_v and_o serve_v god_n there_o we_o have_v the_o true_a draught_n of_o morality_n the_o best_a and_o most_o exalt_a scheme_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n which_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o ourselves_o and_o our_o behaviour_n to_o one_o another_o by_o this_o revelation_n we_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o observance_n of_o religious_a duty_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n will_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n all_o our_o doubt_n about_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o obedience_n be_v remove_v and_o our_o conscience_n entire_o satisfy_v a_o way_n be_v there_o show_v we_o how_o our_o piety_n and_o virtue_n may_v be_v render_v well_o please_v to_o god_n notwithstanding_o the_o many_o fail_n they_o be_v accompany_v with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o kindness_n of_o which_o expedient_a we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v and_o admire_v the_o same_o revelation_n do_v likewise_o fix_v and_o ascertain_v our_o belief_n of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o propose_v such_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o another_o world_n as_o be_v proper_a and_o sufficient_a motive_n to_o determine_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o and_o give_v we_o a_o satisfactory_a explication_n of_o all_o the_o present_a inequality_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o conduct_n of_o humane_a affair_n this_o be_v certain_o a_o very_a rational_a scheme_n of_o thing_n and_o very_o agreeable_a to_o all_o the_o notion_n our_o
soul_n be_v able_a to_o frame_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o since_o it_o can_v not_o proceed_v from_o man_n as_o have_v already_o be_v show_v we_o must_v ascribe_v it_o to_o god_n but_o moreover_o beside_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v the_o way_n and_o method_n make_v use_v of_o to_o communicate_v they_o to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o establish_v and_o propagate_v the_o belief_n of_o they_o among_o man_n be_v infallible_a mark_n that_o the_o revelation_n come_v from_o god_n his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n be_v as_o legible_a in_o this_o whole_a dispensation_n as_o in_o the_o frame_n and_o structure_n of_o the_o universe_n as_o will_v easy_o appear_v from_o a_o short_a view_n of_o the_o progress_n and_o conduct_n of_o this_o great_a work_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o man._n for_o except_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v in_o it_o how_o come_v the_o jew_n to_o have_v better_a and_o just_a notion_n of_o god_n the_o original_a of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n than_o any_o other_o nation_n under_o heaven_n when_o they_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o learning_n among_o they_o no_o gradual_a improvement_n in_o knowledge_n as_o we_o find_v other_o country_n have_v how_o come_v the_o whole_a people_n to_o have_v these_o notion_n as_o well_o as_o the_o chief_a and_o most_o know_v among_o they_o in_o all_o the_o period_n of_o learning_n among_o the_o egyptian_n chaldean_n greek_n and_o roman_n the_o people_n be_v general_o idolater_n and_o the_o priest_n and_o philosopher_n dare_v not_o propagate_v better_a notion_n of_o god_n when_o they_o have_v find_v they_o out_o though_o even_o their_o best_a have_v a_o ridiculous_a mixture_n of_o fable_n and_o superstition_n in_o they_o how_o then_o come_v the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o remain_v entire_o free_a from_o idolatry_n for_o so_o many_o year_n ever_o since_o they_o become_v a_o nation_n or_o if_o we_o believe_v their_o own_o story_n and_o they_o be_v as_o inclinable_a to_o worship_n idol_n and_o embrace_v absurd_a opinion_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n as_o any_o other_o nation_n how_o come_v they_o to_o recover_v themselves_o again_o and_o preserve_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n among_o they_o and_o how_o at_o last_o when_o they_o be_v so_o wed_v to_o the_o external_a form_n and_o manner_n of_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n as_o to_o place_v all_o their_o religion_n in_o it_o to_o the_o neglect_n of_o moral_a duty_n at_o a_o time_n when_o there_o be_v no_o other_o sort_n of_o learning_n among_o they_o how_o i_o say_v come_v a_o perfect_a scheme_n of_o morality_n and_o religion_n to_o proceed_v from_o thence_o than_o from_o any_o other_o quarter_n of_o the_o world_n and_o such_o a_o scheme_n as_o no_o body_n that_o profess_v it_o dare_v think_v of_o alter_v add_v to_o or_o diminish_v when_o no_o such_o respect_n be_v pay_v to_o any_o philosopher_n scheme_n by_o his_o own_o sect_n or_o party_n to_o who_o can_v we_o ascribe_v such_o a_o wonderful_a preservation_n of_o 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