holy_a ghost_n but_o perhaps_o it_o be_v a_o question_n whether_o there_o be_v ever_o any_o christian_a church_n found_v at_o jerusalem_n if_o so_o then_o must_v the_o ancient_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o live_v in_o different_a time_n and_o in_o different_a place_n have_v conspire_v together_o to_o deceive_v we_o in_o this_o respect_n and_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n and_o all_o other_o profess_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o well_o ancient_a as_o modern_a who_o never_o contest_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n must_v utter_o have_v lose_v their_o reason_n in_o a_o word_n suppose_v the_o book_n of_o act_n compose_v long_o after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v when_o there_o can_v be_v no_o long_o any_o flourish_a church_n in_o that_o city_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o point_n gain_v for_o it_o be_v true_a still_o that_o the_o apostle_n set_v down_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o speak_v of_o and_o that_o their_o epistle_n be_v fill_v with_o such_o thing_n as_o visible_o relate_v to_o it_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o further_o add_v that_o the_o book_n of_o act_n mention_n nothing_o of_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o manifest_o show_v that_o it_o be_v compose_v during_o their_o life_n and_o consequent_o in_o a_o time_n wherein_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n flourish_v nor_o that_o it_o mention_n nothing_o of_o the_o last_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o any_o of_o the_o sign_n or_o presage_n of_o it_o which_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o that_o book_n be_v compose_v some_o time_n before_o that_o great_a event_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o author_n who_o compose_v it_o mere_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o the_o incredulous_a undoubted_o imagine_v will_v never_o have_v fail_v to_o have_v insert_v in_o it_o the_o history_n of_o all_o those_o dreadful_a misfortune_n which_o fall_v upon_o the_o jew_n and_o which_o the_o christian_n look_v upon_o as_o the_o effect_n of_o their_o reject_v the_o messiah_n but_o since_o my_o design_n be_v not_o to_o leave_v the_o reader_n the_o least_o shadow_n of_o a_o doubt_n i_o promise_v to_o prove_v by_o and_o by_o that_o the_o apostle_n both_o receive_v and_o impart_v many_o miraculous_a gift_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n till_o the_o method_n i_o have_v prescribe_v to_o myself_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o enter_v upon_o that_o subject_n i_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o make_v some_o few_o reflection_n concern_v the_o success_n of_o the_o apostle_n preach_v which_o be_v that_o essential_a head_n to_o which_o all_o other_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o act_n relate_v chap._n x._o wherein_o we_o shall_v take_v into_o consideration_n what_o success_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o apostle_n have_v this_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v relate_v with_o very_o remarkable_a circumstannce_n as_o i._o that_o those_o man_n who_o first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v fisherman_n that_o be_v gross_a and_o ignorant_a people_n of_o no_o appearance_n or_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n ii_o that_o those_o man_n go_v about_o preach_v that_o they_o have_v see_v jesus_n christ_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o that_o they_o have_v long_o before_o be_v eye-witness_n to_o his_o miracle_n iii_o that_o they_o offend_v by_o their_o preach_v all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o expose_v their_o person_n to_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o danger_n and_o misfortune_n iv._o that_o they_o suffer_v they_o with_o patience_n or_o rather_o with_o joy_n v._o that_o the_o success_n of_o their_o preach_n be_v so_o swift_a and_o sudden_a as_o be_v almost_o inconceivable_a in_o all_o this_o st._n luke_n have_v tell_v we_o nothing_o but_o what_o our_o own_o reason_n will_v tell_v we_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v man_n of_o no_o extraordinary_a birth_n or_o credit_n in_o the_o world_n that_o first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n since_o no_o body_n have_v ever_o say_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o those_o man_n ought_v to_o have_v testify_v that_o they_o have_v see_v jesus_n christ_n work_v many_o miracle_n see_v he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n because_o they_o will_v never_o have_v convert_v so_o many_o nation_n as_o they_o do_v have_v they_o only_o say_v they_o know_v all_o those_o thing_n by_o hear_v say_v and_o beside_o that_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n inform_v we_o that_o that_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o their_o preach_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n persecute_v these_o man_n for_o as_o much_o as_o policy_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o all_o new_a sect_n and_o the_o people_n themselves_o be_v always_o jealous_a of_o their_o religion_n it_o can_v be_v doubt_v neither_o but_o that_o the_o apostle_n very_o courageous_o suffer_v the_o effect_n of_o that_o persecution_n because_o have_v they_o recant_v or_o draw_v back_o for_o fear_n of_o punishment_n their_o design_n will_v have_v miscarry_v in_o its_o very_a beginning_n last_o who_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o success_n of_o their_o preach_n be_v very_o swift_a and_o sudden_a in_o as_o much_o as_o in_o a_o short_a time_n there_o be_v several_a church_n establish_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o know_a world_n this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v never_o contest_v and_o therefore_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o st._n luke_n tell_v we_o all_o these_o thing_n the_o book_n of_o act_n inform_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o they_o be_v so_o which_o utter_o destroy_v the_o suspicion_n we_o may_v entertain_v that_o they_o be_v all_o forge_v or_o invent_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o can_v consider_v all_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n nor_o unite_v they_o together_o and_o observe_v the_o proportion_n they_o have_v one_o with_o another_o without_o present_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o so_o plain_o prove_v and_o establish_v chap._n xi_o wherein_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n though_o the_o ancient_n have_v not_o unanimous_o receive_v the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n though_o clemens_n polycarp_n and_o barnabas_n have_v make_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o observe_v that_o they_o be_v write_v to_o some_o church_n that_o be_v to_o whole_a society_n who_o for_o a_o long_a while_n preserve_v the_o original_n of_o they_o to_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v not_o forge_v it_o be_v then_o our_o concern_n to_o see_v whether_o we_o can_v find_v therein_o any_o character_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o religion_n we_o can_v read_v st._n paul_n epistle_n without_o observe_v therein_o i._o the_o piety_n and_o charity_n of_o that_o apostle_n ii_o his_o impartiality_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n iii_o his_o courage_n in_o endure_a affliction_n which_o instead_o of_o dishearten_v rather_o overjoy_v he_o iv._o a_o continual_a repetition_n of_o the_o testimony_n which_o the_o apostle_n bear_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o lord_n v._o such_o thing_n which_o manifest_o denote_v that_o st._n paul_n have_v receive_v the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o those_o that_o then_o believe_v very_o frequent_o receive_v they_o the_o piety_n of_o that_o apostle_n so_o various_o discover_v itself_o in_o his_o write_n that_o we_o can_v think_v it_o dissemble_v without_o offer_v violence_n to_o our_o understanding_n for_o though_o a_o man_n shall_v constrain_v himself_o upon_o some_o occasion_n yet_o be_v it_o possible_a he_o shall_v after_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n during_o a_o great_a part_n of_o his_o life_n in_o all_o his_o action_n in_o all_o his_o word_n in_o his_o manner_n of_o tell_v of_o thing_n which_o often_o discover_v the_o bottom_n of_o the_o heart_n than_o the_o thing_n he_o speak_v of_o i_o know_v very_o well_o hypocrisy_n cover_v itself_o with_o the_o external_a show_n of_o virtue_n but_o real_o there_o be_v yet_o something_o which_o i_o can_v express_v a_o simple_a and_o natural_a air_n in_o true_a virtue_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o hypocrisy_n or_o rather_o hypocrisy_n be_v neither_o so_o subtle_a nor_o clear_v sight_v but_o that_o it_o discover_v itself_o on_o one_o side_n or_o other_o nay_o often_o it_o let_v drop_v a_o wordwhich_v unmasque_n it_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n however_o i_o be_o willing_a the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n shall_v be_v strict_o examine_v to_o see_v whether_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v very_o natural_a and_o sincere_a can_v be_v find_v
be_v several_a famous_a emperor_n who_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceal_v from_o the_o world_n their_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o some_o of_o they_o have_v for_o inscription_n in_o their_o public_a edifice_n several_a maxim_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o other_o will_v have_v consecrate_v church_n for_o the_o use_v of_o the_o christian_n and_o last_o that_o other_o profess_a themselves_o admirer_n of_o the_o morality_n of_o christ._n but_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n who_o not_o be_v able_a to_o deny_v christ_n miracle_n be_v force_v to_o refer_v they_o some_o to_o a_o magic_a power_n and_o other_o to_o a_o certain_a i_o know_v not_o what_o mysterious_a pronunciation_n of_o the_o word_n jehovah_n so_o strange_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v that_o even_o the_o very_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n shall_v thus_o testify_v of_o it_o and_o yet_o scarce_o perceive_v it_o the_o seven_o testimony_n be_v that_o of_o several_a strange_a event_n which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n so_o order_v that_o they_o firm_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n of_o these_o there_o be_v several_a very_o remarkable_a but_o it_o shall_v suffice_v at_o present_a to_o mention_v three_o only_a which_o among_o the_o rest_n deserve_v a_o particular_a consideration_n the_o first_o be_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o four_o monarchy_n which_o have_v sore_o afflict_v and_o harass_v god_n people_n at_o the_o end_n of_o which_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v immediate_o to_o be_v establish_v the_o second_o the_o entire_a destruction_n of_o the_o jewish_a government_n and_o the_o signal_n devastation_n of_o the_o holy_a land_n a_o effect_n of_o the_o divine_a wrath_n pour_v out_o upon_o that_o nation_n the_o three_o and_o last_o the_o settlement_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n or_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n attend_v with_o so_o many_o circumstance_n as_o plain_o show_v that_o nothing_o but_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n can_v perfect_v so_o great_a a_o work_n the_o eight_o be_v that_o testimony_n give_v of_o christ_n by_o the_o revelation_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o nine_o that_o which_o be_v give_v of_o he_o by_o natural_a religion_n but_o of_o these_o two_o testimony_n we_o shall_v not_o speak_v at_o present_a for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o design_v to_o end_v this_o work_n with_o a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o they_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v plain_a the_o christian_a religion_n must_v be_v true_a because_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o so_o many_o authentic_a person_n which_o can_v be_v suspect_v of_o deceit_n and_o it_o will_v be_v extravagant_o ridiculous_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o prophet_n shall_v have_v so_o clear_a a_o insight_n into_o futurity_n mere_o to_o countenance_n and_o authorise_v a_o fiction_n that_o john_n the_o baptist_n have_v be_v at_o first_o take_v by_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o messiah_n shall_v renounce_v the_o honour_n which_o that_o title_n will_v have_v confer_v upon_o he_o only_o out_o of_o love_n and_o complaisance_n to_o a_o impostor_n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n shall_v so_o ready_o sacrifice_v their_o estate_n reputation_n repose_v and_o life_n itself_o to_o a_o person_n they_o know_v to_o be_v a_o false_a christ_n that_o the_o heaven_n shall_v countenance_v a_o flame_n and_o a_o lie_n by_o work_v such_o signal_n and_o sensible_a miracle_n that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n shall_v have_v find_v every_o thing_n that_o can_v supply_v its_o want_n and_o necessity_n in_o a_o mere_a cheat_n that_o even_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n shall_v countenance_v and_o approve_v of_o our_o false_a prejudices_fw-la that_o all_o event_n shall_v so_o exact_o coincide_v with_o a_o erroneous_a imposture_n and_o that_o the_o revelation_n of_o moses_n and_o natural_a religion_n shall_v thus_o testify_v so_o palpable_a a_o fiction_n to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v the_o necessity_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n since_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n lead_v we_o to_o it_o by_o so_o many_o different_a way_n as_o also_o the_o admirable_a perfection_n and_o transcendency_n of_o it_o since_o in_o a_o manner_n heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o time_n past_a and_o present_a event_n ordinary_a and_o natural_a as_o well_o as_o those_o supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a since_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n who_o be_v altogether_o unknown_a to_o one_o another_o have_v agree_v unanimous_o to_o reveal_v it_o and_o propose_v it_o to_o we_o as_o a_o object_n for_o its_o transcendent_a excellency_n worthy_a of_o our_o great_a admiration_n two_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o all_o other_o religion_n all_o these_o truth_n will_v more_o evident_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o its_o opposition_n to_o all_o other_o religion_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n consist_v in_o that_o it_o have_v advantage_n which_o other_o religion_n have_v not_o and_o yet_o none_o of_o their_o fault_n i_o say_v no_o other_o religion_n have_v advantage_n equal_a to_o those_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o no_o other_o can_v boast_v of_o its_o have_v be_v confirm_v by_o ancient_a prophecy_n even_o mahomet_n think_v it_o better_a to_o oblige_v man_n to_o call_v the_o scripture_n in_o question_n than_o do_v derive_v any_o argument_n from_o it_o which_o may_v serve_v to_o confirm_v his_o mission_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o not_o boast_v that_o he_o have_v be_v precede_v by_o any_o forerunner_n who_o make_v his_o path_n straight_o there_o be_v indeed_o several_a religion_n which_o perhaps_o may_v have_v have_v their_o martyr_n but_o what_o sort_n of_o martyr_n superstitious_a man_n who_o blind_o expose_v themselves_o to_o death_n without_o know_v what_o they_o do_v like_o those_o barbarian_n who_o prostrate_v themselves_o by_o thousand_o before_o their_o idol_n that_o their_o colossus_n may_v crush_v they_o in_o piece_n with_o its_o wheel_n as_o it_o pass_v along_o but_o no_o religion_n beside_o the_o christian_a be_v ever_o confirm_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o sensible_a understand_a martyr_n who_o voluntary_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o what_o they_o have_v see_v who_o from_o vicious_a and_o profligate_v person_n become_v saint_n upon_o the_o confidence_n they_o have_v in_o their_o master_n and_o who_o at_o length_n be_v disperse_v in_o all_o place_n of_o the_o world_n by_o their_o death_n gain_v proselyte_n and_o make_a their_o blood_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n cheerful_o suffer_v martyrdom_n have_v certain_a assurance_n of_o be_v crown_v after_o their_o death_n a_o certain_a assurance_n which_o they_o derive_v from_o what_o they_o themselves_o have_v former_o see_v we_o find_v other_o religion_n which_o pretend_v to_o be_v confirm_v and_o authorize_v by_o several_a sign_n and_o extraordinary_a event_n from_o heaven_n the_o roman_n feliâ—_n use_v to_o attribute_v to_o their_o religion_n all_o the_o advantage_n they_o get_v over_o other_o nation_n and_o the_o mahometan_n pretend_v that_o the_o great_a success_n god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v their_o prophet_n be_v so_o many_o certain_a and_o undeniable_a mark_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n but_o to_o pretend_v that_o temporal_a prosperity_n be_v a_o certain_a character_n of_o a_o true_a religion_n or_o adversity_n that_o of_o a_o false_a one_o be_v to_o suppose_v as_o we_o have_v already_o say_v else_o where_o that_o the_o most_o profligate_v wretch_n provide_v they_o be_v happy_a in_o this_o world_n be_v the_o great_a favourite_n of_o god_n but_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o prosperity_n or_o adversity_n simple_o consider_v but_o prosperity_n or_o adversity_n as_o foretell_v by_o god_n or_o his_o prophet_n that_o be_v a_o certain_a character_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o when_o we_o affirm_v that_o several_a extraordinary_a event_n bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n we_o mean_v only_o those_o event_n which_o have_v be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n final_o there_o may_v be_v several_a religion_n that_o may_v deceive_v but_o none_o but_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o can_v true_o satisfy_v mankind_n there_o be_v some_o religion_n ground_v upon_o fabulous_a miracle_n and_o confirm_v by_o witness_n easy_o convince_v of_o imposture_n but_o none_o but_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v firm_o and_o solid_o establish_v to_o upon_o true_a miracle_n and_o valid_a testimony_n it_o appear_v then_o that_o no_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n have_v such_o extraordinary_a qualification_n as_o the_o christian_a religion_n of_o which_o it_o must_v also_o be_v affirm_v that_o it_o be_v free_a from_o all_o such_o defect_n as_o be_v incident_a to_o other_o religion_n we_o need_v no_o deep_a
the_o emperor_n that_o have_v strict_o inquire_v into_o the_o life_n of_o the_o christian_n he_o find_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o they_o assemble_v together_o in_o remote_a place_n early_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o there_o say_v their_o prayer_n to_o heaven_n and_o bind_v themselves_o under_o a_o solemn_a oath_n not_o to_o commit_v murder_n adultery_n injustice_n or_o any_o other_o crime_n they_o will_v also_o produce_v a_o answer_n from_o trajan_n to_o pliny_n wherein_o that_o emperor_n give_v positive_a order_n that_o for_o the_o future_a there_o shall_v be_v no_o particular_a inquiry_n make_v after_o the_o christian_n but_o those_o only_a shall_v be_v punish_v who_o shall_v discover_v themselves_o and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o think_v that_o these_o letter_n be_v forge_v we_o may_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v tertulian_n that_o mention_n they_o in_o his_o discourse_n to_o the_o senate_n and_o the_o roman_a emperor_n who_o he_o can_v not_o impose_v upon_o without_o endanger_v his_o own_o life_n and_o prejudice_v his_o religion_n chap._n ii_o wherein_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o martyrdom_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n but_o perhaps_o we_o may_v soon_o suspect_v the_o credulity_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n than_o their_o innocence_n we_o be_v sure_a their_o constancy_n proceed_v from_o their_o hope_n and_o their_o hope_n from_o their_o persuasion_n but_o who_o know_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o persuasion_n be_v there_o not_o mahumetan_n so_o strong_o persuade_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o alcoran_n as_o to_o die_v in_o defence_n of_o that_o error_n the_o multitude_n then_o of_o martyr_n show_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n to_o be_v strong_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o prove_v not_o that_o persuasion_n to_o be_v well_o ground_v we_o mâ—st_v therefore_o go_v a_o little_a further_o and_o here_o we_o may_v easy_o suppose_v without_o fear_n of_o be_v mistake_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v some_o sort_n of_o common_a sense_n those_o who_o make_v it_o their_o profession_n to_o ridicule_n the_o plurality_n of_o god_n and_o the_o many_o superstition_n of_o the_o heathen_n which_o be_v real_o contrary_a to_o reason_n those_o who_o put_v in_o practice_n such_o wise_a rule_n of_o morality_n who_o be_v so_o regular_a in_o their_o behaviour_n so_o averse_a to_o all_o the_o excess_n that_o disorder_n reason_n who_o form_v to_o themselves_o such_o rational_a idea_n of_o the_o deity_n in_o comparison_n to_o other_o those_o man_n i_o say_v can_v not_o be_v whole_o destitute_a of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n now_o suppose_v they_o to_o have_v but_o the_o least_o glimmer_a of_o that_o light_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o conceiuâ—_v that_o they_o shall_v whole_o renounce_v their_o estate_n and_o fortune_n and_o courageous_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o any_o cause_n whatsoever_o unless_o they_o have_v very_o powerful_a reason_n to_o believe_v it_o be_v good_a this_o consideration_n will_v be_v further_o strengthen_v by_o two_o very_a important_a reflection_n and_o first_o we_o speak_v not_o here_o of_o such_o only_a who_o be_v bear_v christian_n blind_o follow_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o birth_n and_o education_n but_o also_o of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o person_n who_o renounce_v paganism_n to_o embrace_v christianity_n and_o lay_v aside_o the_o favourable_a prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n and_o birth_n which_o in_o they_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v yet_o willing_a to_o die_v for_o it_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v know_v and_o embrace_v second_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v altogether_o found_v upon_o mattter_n of_o fact_n for_o if_o jesus_n christ_n wrought_v miracle_n and_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a than_o be_v the_o christian_a faith_n true_a but_o if_o jesus_n christ_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n nor_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a then_o be_v the_o christian_a faith_n false_a and_o sure_o it_o will_v have_v be_v folly_n or_o madness_n in_o those_o man_n to_o forsake_v so_o flourish_v a_o communion_n as_o paganism_n to_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n a_o name_n so_o vile_a and_o contemptible_a in_o those_o day_n to_o suffer_v voluntary_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o estate_n and_o undergo_v a_o most_o terrible_a death_n only_o to_o defend_v a_o religion_n ground_v upon_o such_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a those_o indeed_o that_o be_v bear_v and_o live_v peacable_o in_o a_o communion_n may_v blind_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o but_o he_o that_o be_v never_o so_o little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o constitution_n of_o man_n heart_n can_v scarce_o imagine_v man_n to_o be_v so_o senseless_a as_o to_o renounce_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o birth_n and_o education_n to_o offer_v violence_n to_o their_o dear_a and_o most_o tender_a inclination_n and_o embrace_v a_o faith_n pursue_v with_o fire_n and_o sword_n and_o persecute_v by_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n unless_o they_o have_v first_o due_o examine_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o know_v well_o upon_o what_o ground_n they_o thus_o embrace_v it_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o some_o of_o these_o man_n be_v of_o the_o mean_a sort_n of_o people_n who_o example_n can_v be_v allege_v as_o a_o precedent_n for_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n we_o will_v grant_v it_o but_o than_o it_o must_v also_o be_v confess_v that_o the_o vulgar_a usual_o embrace_v that_o religion_n which_o be_v attend_v with_o power_n and_o prosperity_n pomp_n and_o authority_n and_o hate_v even_o truth_n itself_o when_o once_o destitute_a of_o all_o these_o outward_a help_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a then_o that_o against_o all_o outward_a appearance_n they_o shall_v have_v act_v so_o contrary_o to_o themselves_o in_o this_o occasion_n but_o suppose_v the_o commmon_a sort_n of_o christian_n to_o have_v lose_v their_o reason_n can_v we_o say_v the_o same_o of_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o clement_n polycarp_n justin_n iraeneus_n &_o c_o it_o be_v certain_a on_o one_o hÄnd_n these_o man_n be_v man_n of_o very_a good_a sense_n as_o their_o write_n those_o monument_n they_o have_v leave_v we_o evident_o demonstrate_v and_o on_o the_o other_o it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v they_o live_v in_o a_o time_n so_o very_o near_o to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v be_v deceive_v in_o this_o respect_n for_o polycarp_n converse_v a_o long_a while_n with_o st._n john_n iraeneus_n see_v polycarp_n and_o justin_n be_v a_o more_o ancient_a father_n than_o iraeneus_n have_v those_o doctor_n only_o tell_v we_o that_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v several_a miracle_n we_o may_v perhaps_o have_v suspend_v our_o belief_n upon_o their_o bare_a word_n but_o since_o they_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o certain_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o must_v necessary_o have_v full_o be_v inform_v of_o since_o i_o see_v that_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n disciple_n and_o contemporary_n with_o the_o apostle_n cheerful_o come_v to_o the_o stake_n to_o maintain_v a_o religion_n essential_o found_v upon_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n such_o as_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o divers_a language_n confer_v upon_o the_o apostle_n the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n and_o impart_v those_o very_a gift_n themselves_o to_o other_o since_o i_o say_v these_o christian_a doctor_n suffer_v martyrdom_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v essential_o unite_v to_o i_o confess_v i_o begin_v to_o be_v convince_v nevertheless_o let_v we_o search_v more_o narrow_o into_o this_o matter_n and_o see_v whether_o we_o shall_v yet_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o entertain_v any_o further_a scruple_n chap._n iii_o in_o which_o we_o further_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n by_o several_a undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n who_o tell_v we_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n suffer_v martyrdom_n and_o suppose_v they_o do_v who_o will_v assure_v we_o they_o be_v not_o delude_v by_o the_o apostle_n nay_o who_o can_v tell_v whether_o there_o ever_o be_v any_o such_o man_n i_o suppose_v i_o shall_v not_o be_v oblige_v to_o prove_v with_o a_o great_a many_o argument_n there_o be_v such_o man_n as_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n who_o suffer_v martyrdom_n eusebius_n who_o write_v their_o history_n can_v not_o whole_o have_v invent_v it_o unless_o he_o have_v corrupt_v all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n that_o live_v before_o he_o for_o they_o all_o speak_v of_o it_o iraeneus_n justin_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n etc._n etc._n mention_v it_o as_o a_o know_a matter_n of_o fact_n the_o first_o of_o they_o glory_n in_o several_a place_n of_o his_o work_n that_o he_o have_v see_v polycarp_n in_o his_o youth_n and_o it_o appear_v they_o all_o suffer_v martyrdom_n
that_o by_o show_v that_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v compose_v before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n i_o show_v also_o that_o it_o be_v as_o ancient_a as_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o which_o afford_v we_o one_o determination_n very_o advantageous_a to_o our_o cause_n so_o that_o this_o objection_n be_v very_o favourable_a to_o instead_o of_o prove_v any_o thing_n against_o we_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o we_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o second_o suspicion_n we_o be_v willing_a to_o entertain_v concern_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n chap._n ii_o prove_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v never_o corrupt_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n to_o we_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v ever_o look_v upon_o as_o sacred_a and_o not_o to_o be_v corrupt_v without_o impiety_n and_o irreligion_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v reason_n or_o prejudice_n that_o make_v it_o so_o esteem_v by_o the_o christian_n i_o shall_v now_o examine_v it_o be_v enough_o that_o the_o esteem_v man_n have_v of_o it_o seem_v as_o ancient_a as_o the_o book_n itself_o it_o be_v be_v consider_v as_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o our_o hope_n and_o the_o original_n of_o heavenly_a revelation_n its_o be_v read_v and_o order_v to_o be_v read_v in_o public_a and_o private_a from_o the_o age_n of_o clemens_n polycarp_n justin_n and_o iraeneus_n to_o we_o i_o say_v all_o this_o show_v that_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v corrupt_v in_o its_o essential_o but_o this_o truth_n very_o well_o deserve_v a_o more_o strict_a consideration_n i_o say_v then_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v have_v unanimous_o conspire_v to_o corrupt_v this_o book_n for_o though_o one_o single_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v attempt_v it_o yet_o the_o rest_n will_v certain_o have_v oppose_v it_o though_o all_o the_o christian_a doctor_n disperse_v up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n shall_v have_v agreeed_o to_o it_o yet_o the_o people_n will_v never_o have_v consent_v to_o it_o though_o the_o doctor_n and_o the_o people_n together_o shall_v have_v be_v inclinable_a to_o it_o yet_o sure_o their_o adversary_n will_v not_o have_v fail_v to_o reproach_v they_o with_o it_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n who_o only_a aim_n be_v to_o cry_v down_o their_o religion_n will_v never_o have_v conceal_v it_o julian_n porphirius_fw-la and_o all_o other_o particular_a enemy_n of_o the_o christian_n will_v have_v draw_v some_o advantage_n from_o it_o in_o a_o word_n though_o the_o silence_n of_o their_o adversary_n have_v favour_v so_o strange_a a_o enterprise_n yet_o the_o different_a party_n and_o various_a heresy_n which_o soon_o after_o spring_v up_o among_o the_o christian_n be_v a_o invincible_a obstacle_n to_o it_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o immediate_o after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o church_n be_v strange_o disturb_v by_o several_a various_a controversy_n for_o not_o to_o speak_v here_o of_o the_o gnostic_n that_o abominable_a sect_n which_o deserve_v not_o the_o honourable_a name_n of_o christian_n certain_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o millenarian_o which_o papias_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o author_n of_o found_v upon_o the_o apostolical_a tradition_n fifteen_o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o st._n john_n the_o controversy_n which_o soon_o after_o happen_v concern_v the_o christian_a passover_n together_o with_o the_o dispute_n of_o the_o orthodox_n against_o the_o origenist_n concern_v the_o resurrection_n and_o several_a other_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n i_o say_v these_o dispute_n may_v easy_o have_v divide_v the_o christian_n in_o the_o first_o century_n of_o the_o church_n next_o to_o they_o succeed_v the_o famous_a dispute_n of_o the_o orthodox_n with_o the_o arrian_n and_o with_o what_o heat_n and_o animosity_n they_o be_v carry_v on_o be_v sufficient_o know_v to_o all_o the_o world_n but_o however_o fatal_a all_o those_o controversy_n be_v to_o the_o church_n yet_o they_o produce_v that_o good_a effect_n by_o the_o direction_n of_o providence_n which_o order_v every_o thing_n to_o some_o good_a end_n that_o they_o preserve_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n pure_a and_o entire_a and_o at_o present_a strengthen_v our_o belief_n against_o all_o suspicion_n we_o may_v probable_o entertain_v in_o this_o respect_n for_o though_o the_o millenarian_o the_o origenist_n and_o the_o arian_n shall_v have_v attempt_v to_o corrupt_v the_o scripture_n yet_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o the_o orthodox_n which_o be_v so_o exasperate_v against_o they_o shall_v have_v suffer_v it_o to_o be_v do_v or_o that_o if_o the_o orthodox_n have_v have_v any_o such_o design_n their_o adversary_n which_o be_v so_o incense_v shall_v have_v agree_v with_o they_o in_o the_o same_o intention_n shall_v i_o further_o grant_v this_o mutual_a agreement_n possible_a doubtless_o the_o almost_o infinite_a number_n of_o copy_n of_o edition_n and_o translation_n make_v at_o first_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n render_v the_o execution_n of_o that_o design_n impossible_a for_o though_o a_o man_n have_v corrupt_v one_o single_a copy_n among_o all_o those_o copy_n or_o translate_v those_o book_n false_a yet_o how_o can_v he_o corrupt_v all_o the_o other_o copy_n of_o they_o which_o be_v disperse_v in_o the_o world_n or_o how_o can_v he_o alter_v so_o many_o other_o translation_n which_o have_v be_v make_v of_o they_o in_o different_a time_n and_o in_o different_a place_n but_o suppose_v this_o be_v feasible_a if_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v ever_o corrupt_v it_o must_v have_v be_v either_o in_o their_o essential_o or_o in_o thing_n of_o little_a importance_n i_o mean_v by_o their_o essential_o those_o miraculous_a matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o well_o as_o all_o those_o other_o which_o if_o true_a demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n now_o if_o those_o write_n be_v not_o corrupt_v in_o their_o essential_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o they_o contain_v several_a true_a matter_n of_o fact_n sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n but_o if_o they_o be_v alter_v in_o their_o essential_o there_o must_v have_v be_v add_v to_o they_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o resurrection_n ascension_n into_o heaven_n the_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o apostle_n on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n the_o power_n the_o apostle_n have_v of_o speak_v strange_a language_n and_o of_o impart_v miraculous_a gift_n to_o other_o now_o i_o affirm_v that_o all_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n can_v not_o have_v be_v add_v to_o the_o new_a testament_n unless_o the_o whole_a book_n be_v forge_v because_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n consist_v of_o nothing_o else_o but_o of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o if_o you_o will_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o evident_o relate_v to_o they_o and_o which_o will_v certain_o be_v false_a if_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v false_a but_o let_v we_o join_v experience_n to_o reason_n and_o consider_v that_o if_o the_o christian_n have_v corrupt_v the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n will_v now_o be_v quite_o different_a from_o what_o they_o be_v in_o the_o former_a age_n and_o that_o have_v be_v continual_o alter_v from_o that_o time_n until_o now_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o apparent_a than_o such_o a_o alteration_n yet_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o perceive_v the_o contrary_a and_o it_o evident_o appear_v by_o a_o almost_o infinite_a number_n of_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n quote_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o father_n that_o there_o never_o be_v a_o book_n that_o suffer_v less_o alteration_n by_o the_o revolution_n of_o year_n than_o that_o do_v there_o be_v but_o two_o thing_n in_o my_o opinion_n that_o may_v be_v answer_v to_o this_o argument_n the_o first_o be_v that_o in_o corrupt_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n those_o place_n quote_v in_o the_o work_v of_o the_o father_n may_v also_o have_v be_v alter_v but_o this_o thought_n can_v never_o enter_v into_o any_o reasonable_a man_n mind_n for_o he_o must_v then_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v a_o person_n in_o a_o manner_n immortal_a who_o may_v have_v have_v time_n enough_o to_o alter_v so_o many_o book_n compose_v from_o age_n to_o age_n and_o a_o man_n too_o so_o much_o master_n of_o other_o man_n heart_n and_o understanding_n as_o to_o have_v be_v able_a to_o corrupt_v a_o book_n the_o most_o universal_o read_v and_o most_o careful_o preserve_v that_o ever_o be_v and_o to_o alter_v also_o with_o it_o all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n without_o any_o body_n ever_o perceive_v it_o or_o make_v the_o least_o opposition_n against_o it_o the_o second_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v answer_v be_v that_o this_o
upon_o as_o so_o many_o abominable_a murderer_n that_o all_o the_o disciple_n shall_v contrive_v this_o design_n together_o that_o not_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v confess_v the_o truth_n that_o the_o distance_n of_o place_n the_o severity_n of_o punishment_n the_o force_n of_o truth_n the_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n which_o they_o utter_o lose_v by_o their_o profession_n shall_v not_o be_v capable_a to_o break_v off_o this_o unanimous_a contrivance_n of_o falsehood_n that_o they_o shall_v glad_o suffer_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o fable_n that_o they_o shall_v add_v to_o constancy_n a_o virtuous_a life_n that_o these_o cheat_n shall_v preach_v nothing_o but_o virtue_n temperance_n charity_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o humility_n that_o they_o shall_v command_v we_o to_o love_v our_o enemy_n and_o bless_v they_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o god_n which_o curse_v we_o that_o falsehood_n shall_v immediate_o undergo_v the_o trial_n of_o torment_n that_o the_o simplicity_n of_o some_o gross_a sort_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v capable_a of_o that_o nice_a ambition_n which_o consist_v in_o make_v man_n desire_v to_o immortalize_v their_o own_o name_n by_o suffer_a torment_n and_o death_n itself_o and_o that_o the_o malice_n of_o some_o impostor_n shall_v be_v capable_a to_o make_v charity_n reign_v to_o establish_v in_o the_o world_n all_o sort_n of_o virtue_n to_o destroy_v the_o heathenish_a idolatry_n by_o make_v the_o true_a god_n be_v every_o where_o adore_v and_o to_o accomplish_v all_o those_o oracle_n which_o concern_v the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n but_o this_o consideration_n will_v be_v much_o strong_a and_o more_o considerable_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o behaviour_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o opposition_n to_o that_o of_o those_o heretic_n who_o so_o much_o disturb_v the_o church_n almost_o in_o its_o infancy_n what_o pride_n self_n interest_n and_o ambition_n be_v there_o not_o see_v in_o they_o their_o thought_n be_v whole_o bend_v upon_o make_v new_a sect_n every_o one_o of_o they_o set_v up_o for_o a_o ringleader_n of_o faction_n simon_n call_v himself_o the_o great_a virtue_n of_o god_n and_o his_o helena_n the_o holy_a ghost_n menander_n who_o succeed_v he_o pretend_v that_o he_o be_v virtue_n itself_o which_o be_v send_v down_o from_o heaven_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n basilides_n boast_v that_o he_o declare_v thing_n more_o sublime_a and_o far_o more_o wonderful_a than_o the_o two_o former_a and_o among_o this_o same_o rank_n must_v be_v also_o insert_v cerinthus_n carpocrates_n martion_n etc._n etc._n who_o all_o endeavour_v to_o excel_v one_o another_o in_o the_o particular_a design_n of_o raise_v themselves_o above_o all_o not_o to_o mention_v at_o this_o time_n that_o which_o they_o pretend_v that_o those_o who_o have_v attain_v to_o a_o certain_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n which_o according_a to_o they_o be_v a_o state_n of_o perfection_n may_v live_v as_o they_o please_v and_o give_v themselves_o over_o to_o all_o sort_n of_o passion_n such_o you_o see_v be_v the_o character_n of_o impostor_n if_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n invent_v those_o matter_n which_o they_o write_v after_o have_v preach_v they_o they_o must_v themselves_o have_v look_v upon_o religion_n as_o a_o mere_a fiction_n what_o be_v then_o the_o reason_n they_o seem_v to_o we_o so_o different_a from_o those_o heretic_n which_o we_o just_o now_o mention_v and_o wherefore_o instead_o of_o invent_v as_o the_o gnostic_n such_o doctrine_n as_o be_v favourable_a to_o their_o several_a passion_n do_v they_o on_o the_o contrary_n preach_v a_o morality_n which_o whole_o tend_v to_o mortify_v all_o evil_a and_o irregular_a affection_n why_o do_v they_o not_o set_v up_o for_o ringleader_n of_o faction_n why_o do_v not_o every_o one_o of_o they_o take_v a_o pride_n in_o himself_o why_o do_v they_o plot_v together_o to_o raise_v another_o man_n be_v so_o unanimous_a that_o they_o never_o contradict_v one_o another_o so_o humble_a that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o among_o they_o that_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o be_v head_n and_o master_n so_o disinterest_v that_o not_o one_o of_o all_o the_o passion_n incident_a to_o man_n seem_v to_o have_v a_o share_n in_o their_o conduct_n further_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o those_o ancient_a heretic_n we_o just_o now_o mention_v invent_v many_o point_n of_o doctrine_n in_o opposition_n to_o one_o another_o they_o talk_v of_o invisible_a eternal_a spirit_n they_o reason_v about_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o world_n they_o give_v out_o many_o very_a fantastical_a idea_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o establish_v a_o subordination_n of_o heavenly_a virtue_n and_o because_o all_o these_o doctrine_n do_v mere_o depend_v upon_o speculation_n and_o not_o on_o experience_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n for_o they_o to_o use_v they_o to_o seduce_v the_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n on_o the_o contrary_n confirm_v whatever_o they_o say_v not_o as_o those_o impostor_n by_o some_o eternal_a invisible_a spirit_n and_o some_o abstract_a and_o impenetrable_a speculation_n but_o by_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n who_o knowledge_n mere_o depend_v upon_o the_o sense_n themselves_o now_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o most_o simple_a be_v as_o much_o enlighten_v as_o those_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a which_o evident_o denote_v they_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o design_n of_o impose_v upon_o man_n but_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o show_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o of_o such_o a_o character_n as_o to_o invent_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o preach_v let_v we_o therefore_o proceed_v yet_o further_o and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v have_v invent_v those_o matter_n chap._n iu._n that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n can_v not_o impose_v upon_o man_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o write_n or_o preach_v since_o the_o principal_a design_n of_o a_o impostor_n be_v to_o conceal_v the_o cheat_n he_o intend_v to_o play_v it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o observe_v his_o intention_n and_o cunning_a in_o his_o choice_n of_o the_o circumstance_n he_o relate_v for_o if_o he_o invent_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n he_o will_v certain_o pretend_v either_o that_o it_o happen_v long_o since_o or_o it_o be_v in_o a_o remote_a country_n or_o that_o there_o be_v but_o few_o spectator_n of_o it_o who_o be_v since_o dead_a or_o that_o â—t_a be_v a_o singular_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o draw_v no_o consequence_n after_o it_o and_o of_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o sensible_a evidence_n give_v in_o short_a whatever_o a_o man_n invent_v he_o still_o reserve_v to_o himself_o some_o mean_n or_o other_o to_o bring_v himself_o off_o in_o case_n he_o be_v too_o far_o urge_v by_o some_o people_n who_o may_v interess_n themselves_o in_o the_o thing_n relate_v but_o here_o we_o observe_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n that_o man_n be_v more_o particular_o concern_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o the_o apostle_n relate_v nay_o and_o all_o mankind_n the_o jew_n who_o be_v represent_v in_o they_o as_o most_o abominable_a parricide_n can_v not_o look_v upon_o they_o without_o some_o concern_n the_o christian_n who_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n engage_v to_o suffer_v martyrdom_n can_v not_o but_o examine_v they_o with_o attention_n and_o the_o heathen_n who_o religion_n those_o matter_n of_o fact_n will_v certain_o subvert_v if_o once_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v true_a be_v very_o much_o concern_v not_o to_o consent_v to_o such_o a_o forgery_n last_o the_o high-priest_n be_v too_o jealous_a of_o their_o authority_n the_o magistrate_n too_o much_o averse_a to_o all_o new_a sect_n and_o the_o people_n too_o much_o devote_v to_o prejudice_n and_o superstition_n ever_o to_o admit_v of_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n without_o a_o strict_a examination_n we_o observe_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o those_o very_a man_n who_o publish_v they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v spare_v or_o cautious_a in_o their_o choice_n of_o the_o circumstance_n they_o relate_v that_o they_o set_v down_o express_o so_o many_o that_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v well_o know_v that_o either_o they_o must_v have_v be_v immediate_o convince_v of_o their_o falsehood_n or_o we_o acquiesce_v in_o what_o they_o tell_v we_o for_o i._o if_o you_o ask_v in_o what_o place_n do_v they_o testify_v and_o affirm_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o answer_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o judea_n the_o very_a place_n where_o all_o these_o thing_n occur_v and_o lest_o you_o shall_v any_o way_n question_v it_o we_o will_v prove_v further_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o all_o antiquity_n that_o the_o apostle_n establish_v by_o their_o
neither_o be_v it_o because_o of_o his_o extraordinary_a piety_n for_o moses_n call_v the_o meek_a of_o man_n be_v without_o doubt_n in_o that_o equal_a to_o he_o it_o be_v then_o because_o of_o the_o advantage_n he_o enjoy_v both_o in_o see_v and_o hear_v the_o messiah_n but_o how_o come_v our_o saviour_n to_o add_v that_o the_o least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v great_a than_o he_o must_v we_o understand_v by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o kingdom_n of_o which_o john_n himself_o say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v at_o hand_n be_v it_o not_o rather_o because_o john_n see_v none_o of_o all_o the_o wonder_n of_o that_o kingdom_n which_o the_o least_o of_o christ_n disciple_n have_v see_v which_o indeed_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o our_o saviour_n tell_v they_o bless_a be_v your_o eye_n for_o they_o see_v and_o your_o ear_n for_o they_o hear_v for_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o many_o prophet_n and_o righteous_a man_n have_v desire_v to_o see_v those_o thing_n which_o you_o see_v and_o have_v not_o see_v they_o and_o to_o hear_v those_o thing_n which_o you_o hear_v and_o have_v not_o hear_v they_o matth._n 13._o 16_o 17._o now_o all_o this_o evident_o suppose_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o the_o other_o marvellous_a event_n which_o serve_v for_o a_o confirmation_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n what_o he_o also_o say_v himself_o concern_v blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v altogether_o strange_a and_o very_a surprise_v nay_o the_o very_a name_n he_o give_v to_o that_o sin_n imply_v something_o in_o itself_o singular_a and_o extraordinary_a for_o no_o body_n before_o he_o ever_o express_v himself_o after_o this_o manner_n man_n be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o sin_v against_o god_n be_v a_o very_a great_a crime_n but_o they_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n much_o less_o be_v they_o satisfy_v if_o there_o be_v any_o harm_n in_o blaspheme_v against_o he_o this_o unusual_a language_n necessary_o proceed_v from_o a_o new_a revelation_n and_o from_o new_a and_o different_a object_n not_o see_v or_o hear_v of_o before_o for_o the_o jew_n know_v not_o what_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v if_o we_o take_v that_o word_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o evangelist_n nay_o there_o be_v some_o of_o they_o who_o though_o convert_v to_o the_o gopsel_n of_o christ_n yet_o still_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o that_o expression_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n if_o we_o will_v but_o consult_v the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o therein_o the_o gospel_n the_o act_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o the_o epistle_n of_o those_o great_a and_o extraordinary_a man_n they_o will_v present_o inform_v we_o that_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n must_v be_v understand_v in_o most_o of_o those_o place_n the_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n impart_v to_o the_o man_n of_o those_o day_n and_o that_o to_o blaspheme_n against_o he_o be_v downright_a blasphemy_n against_o that_o divine_a and_o glorious_a principle_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o perfection_n and_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o give_v such_o power_n unto_o men._n so_o that_o there_o be_v first_o in_o that_o text_n such_o a_o obscurity_n as_o prove_v that_o the_o evangelist_n can_v not_o have_v think_v of_o invent_v it_o have_v not_o christ_n himself_o real_o utter_v these_o very_a word_n and_o second_o it_o undeniable_o suppose_v the_o miraculous_a matter_n of_o fact_n the_o pharisee_n be_v wont_a to_o ascribe_v to_o the_o power_n of_o belzebub_n wherein_o indeed_o chief_o consist_v the_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o like_a manner_n this_o text_n except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n john_n 3._o 5._o imply_v a_o very_a puzzle_v difficulty_n because_o it_o be_v not_o usual_a former_o for_o man_n to_o express_v themselves_o after_o this_o manner_n it_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n indeed_o to_o understand_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o that_o text_n but_o it_o be_v yet_o far_o more_o difficult_a to_o invent_v it_o and_o all_o the_o doctor_n in_o the_o world_n may_v put_v their_o head_n together_o and_o yet_o never_o be_v able_a to_o invent_v the_o like_a text._n above_o all_o it_o be_v not_o natural_a for_o the_o jew_n to_o invent_v any_o such_o thing_n because_o they_o have_v no_o such_o object_n among_o they_o as_o can_v fill_v up_o their_o mind_n with_o any_o such_o idea_n when_o we_o suppose_v the_o baptism_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n confer_v upon_o christ_n disciple_n we_o may_v then_o easy_o comprehend_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o that_o mysterious_a but_o very_o remarkable_a expression_n we_o may_v also_o add_v to_o this_o text_n that_o other_o which_o mention_n the_o baptism_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o of_o fire_n in_o like_a manner_n it_o please_v god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n that_o they_o who_o relate_v to_o we_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n shall_v tell_v we_o also_o some_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v at_o first_o view_n easy_o comprehend_v though_o they_o have_v a_o true_a and_o reasonable_a meaning_n on_o purpose_n to_o make_v we_o understand_v that_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a those_o obscure_a and_o difficult_a say_n ascribe_v to_o he_o by_o they_o shall_v come_v of_o themselves_o into_o their_o thought_n have_v not_o he_o real_o speak_v they_o so_o consequent_o it_o can_v never_o be_v suppose_v that_o those_o man_n shall_v have_v forge_v the_o history_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n or_o their_o discourse_n with_o he_o after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a as_o for_o instance_n these_o word_n which_o he_o speak_v to_o mary_n touch_v i_o not_o for_o i_o be_o not_o yet_o ascend_v to_o my_o father_n john_n 20._o 17._o we_o can_v make_v almost_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o such_o remark_n as_o these_o which_o though_o they_o can_v come_v up_o to_o a_o evident_a demonstration_n yet_o be_v very_o proper_a to_o make_v we_o sensible_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o disciple_n will_v further_o appear_v by_o the_o great_a number_n of_o circumstance_n with_o which_o their_o narrative_n be_v fill_v some_o whereof_o be_v so_o singular_a that_o they_o can_v easy_o enter_v into_o any_o man_n mind_n and_o other_o so_o unbecoming_a their_o master_n or_o disadvantageous_a to_o themselves_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o probability_n they_o can_v have_v any_o desire_n to_o forge_v they_o other_o be_v so_o inseparable_o unite_v with_o those_o event_n which_o must_v necessary_o have_v be_v well_o know_v that_o they_o dare_v not_o so_o much_o as_o think_v of_o forge_v they_o against_o the_o public_a knowledge_n every_o body_n must_v have_v have_v of_o they_o as_o we_o have_v already_o prove_v at_o large_a but_o last_o it_o be_v not_o our_o present_a design_n to_o insist_v pure_o upon_o probable_a reason_n though_o never_o so_o probable_a and_o sufficient_a of_o themselves_o to_o form_v a_o true_a and_o perfect_a demonstration_n when_o join_v together_o i_o therefore_o proceed_v to_o that_o which_o be_v in_o itself_o whole_o demonstrative_a now_o the_o whole_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n depend_v upon_o this_o argument_n namely_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n sincere_o believe_v his_o miracle_n resurrection_n ascension_n and_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v most_o certain_o true_a we_o have_v already_o give_v a_o invincible_a proof_n of_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o argument_n by_o show_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o disciple_n shall_v have_v be_v impose_v upon_o in_o all_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o though_o they_o may_v have_v be_v deceive_v in_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o his_o resurrection_n that_o though_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v impose_v upon_o in_o his_o resurrection_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o his_o ascension_n and_o that_o though_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v deceive_v in_o his_o ascension_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o be_v so_o too_o in_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n that_o they_o know_v by_o inward_a sense_n and_o continual_a experience_n i_o prove_v also_o the_o principle_n of_o this_o argument_n viz._n that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n sincere_o believe_v all_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n by_o the_o same_o gradation_n i_o say_v then_o that_o the_o disciple_n can_v not_o impose_v upon_o man_n as_o to_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o because_o they_o assert_v they_o at_o the_o expense_n of_o their_o own_o
to_o he_o about_o eat_v he_o answer_v that_o his_o meat_n be_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n and_o when_o he_o sit_v on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o well_o he_o speak_v of_o his_o divine_a grace_n as_o of_o a_o well_o of_o water_n spring_v up_o into_o everlasting_a life_n who_o be_v not_o fill_v with_o admiration_n when_o he_o consider_v these_o thing_n verse_n 24._o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n this_o be_v tell_v man_n in_o short_a what_o they_o shall_v have_v know_v and_o what_o all_o till_o then_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o this_o be_v what_o be_v most_o conformable_a to_o a_o reasonable_a nature_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a revelation_n what_o distinguish_v true_a religion_n from_o superstition_n what_o the_o wise_a among_o the_o heathen_n have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discover_v at_o a_o time_n when_o reason_v and_o speculation_n be_v at_o the_o height_n at_o lest_o what_o they_o have_v but_o a_o very_a faint_a knowledge_n of_o what_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o have_v speak_v of_o but_o obscure_o and_o what_o the_o jew_n who_o in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o saviour_n mind_v nothing_o in_o religion_n but_o the_o external_n corporeal_a part_n of_o it_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o what_o manner_n of_o man_n than_o be_v he_o who_o alone_o have_v so_o much_o wisdom_n chap._n v._o 25._o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o the_o hour_n be_v come_v and_o now_o be_v when_o the_o dead_a shall_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o they_o that_o hear_v shall_v live_v he_o that_o can_v raise_v the_o dead_a to_o life_n again_o may_v well_o speak_v after_o this_o manner_n but_o such_o expression_n will_v have_v be_v extravagant_a in_o any_o other_o but_o he_o verse_n 36._o but_o i_o have_v great_a witness_n than_o that_o of_o john_n for_o the_o work_n which_o the_o father_n have_v give_v i_o to_o finish_v the_o same_o work_n that_o i_o do_v bear_v witness_n of_o i_o that_o the_o father_n have_v send_v i_o those_o work_n must_v have_v be_v very_o extraordinary_a indeed_o since_o he_o prefer_v the_o witness_n they_o bear_v of_o he_o before_o that_o of_o john_n the_o baptist_n for_o be_v it_o otherwise_o he_o will_v have_v expose_v himself_o to_o the_o scorn_n of_o those_o that_o hear_v he_o verse_n 44._o how_o can_v you_o believe_v which_o receive_v honour_n one_o of_o another_o and_o seek_v not_o the_o honour_n that_o come_v from_o god_n only_o he_o that_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o do_v not_o express_v himself_o after_o this_o manner_n christ_n shall_v rather_o have_v make_v use_n of_o the_o vanity_n and_o weakness_n of_o man_n which_o be_v nice_o to_o be_v touch_v and_o delicate_o to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o in_o such_o case_n chap._n vi_o 14_o 15._o then_o those_o man_n when_o they_o have_v see_v the_o miracle_n that_o jesus_n do_v say_v this_o be_v of_o a_o truth_n that_o prophet_n that_o shall_v come_v into_o the_o world_n when_o jesus_n therefore_o perceive_v that_o they_o will_v come_v and_o take_v he_o by_o force_n to_o make_v he_o a_o king_n he_o depart_v again_o into_o a_o mountain_n himself_o alone_o it_o be_v not_o out_o of_o any_o weakness_n or_o fear_n that_o christ_n refuse_v to_o put_v himself_o at_o the_o head_n of_o those_o that_o will_v have_v make_v he_o king_n he_o that_o foretell_v his_o suffering_n and_o establish_v a_o memorial_n of_o they_o nay_o he_o who_o assemble_v together_o a_o company_n of_o distress_a wretch_n who_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o lead_v about_o will_v not_o sure_o have_v be_v afraid_a os_fw-la the_o fortune_n of_o war_n since_o he_o may_v have_v be_v follow_v by_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o people_n who_o will_v have_v daily_o increase_v be_v delude_v by_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o those_o day_n that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v a_o great_a king_n what_o then_o deter_v he_o from_o it_o only_o his_o humility_n verse_n 35._o i_o be_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n he_o that_o come_v to_o i_o shall_v never_o hunger_n and_o he_o that_o come_v to_o i_o shall_v never_o thirst_v do_v ever_o any_o man_n use_v a_o expression_n like_o this_o how_o can_v a_o man_n be_v the_o bread_n of_o life_n and_o what_o can_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o expression_n be_v go_v to_o christ_n enough_o to_o satisfy_v hunger_n and_o thirst_n no_o one_o but_o a_o enthusiast_n or_o one_o that_o be_v real_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o instruct_v mankind_n can_v have_v express_v himself_o thus_o but_o who_o be_v he_o that_o shall_v dare_v to_o blaspheme_n against_o the_o wisdom_n of_o that_o divine_a person_n verse_n 63._o the_o flesh_n profit_v nothing_o the_o word_n that_o i_o speak_v unto_o you_o they_o be_v spirit_n and_o they_o be_v life_n this_o comment_n excellent_o justify_v the_o wisdom_n of_o that_o wonderful_a teacher_n and_o clear_o show_v we_o what_o we_o shall_v think_v of_o those_o seem_a paradox_n he_o advance_v in_o the_o forego_n verse_n so_o contrary_a to_o all_o our_o former_a idea_n and_o prejudices_fw-la chap._n vii_o 17._o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o this_o be_v the_o best_a and_o sure_a rule_n whereby_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v first_o requisite_a that_o his_o heart_n be_v right_o dispose_v rather_o than_o his_o understanding_n full_o enlighten_v man_n at_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o this_o great_a and_o noble_a truth_n they_o make_v a_o science_n of_o religion_n which_o none_o can_v understand_v but_o the_o learned_a and_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n which_o will_v know_v every_o thing_n but_o scarce_o know_v any_o thing_n perfect_o proud_o assume_v to_o itself_o the_o privilege_n of_o judge_v in_o matter_n of_o salvation_n but_o be_v that_o a_o certain_a rule_n to_o go_v by_o the_o proud_a will_v be_v the_o great_a favourite_n of_o god_n and_o the_o more_o man_n strive_v out_o of_o vanity_n or_o ambition_n to_o become_v learn_v the_o clear_a insight_n they_o will_v have_v into_o revelation_n that_o indeed_o will_v be_v proper_a to_o make_v a_o considerable_a progress_n in_o humane_a science_n but_o the_o science_n of_o salvation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v acquire_v but_o by_o holiness_n and_o humility_n for_o virtue_n be_v a_o practical_a habit._n the_o more_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a we_o be_v the_o more_o our_o eye_n will_v be_v open_a the_o better_a we_o live_v the_o less_o scruple_n we_o shall_v entertain_v the_o more_o we_o love_v god_n the_o more_o sensible_a we_o shall_v grow_v of_o his_o admirable_a precept_n what_o great_a wisdom_n then_o do_v this_o maxim_n contain_v which_o man_n in_o past_a age_n be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o and_o which_o the_o present_a age_n scarce_o yet_o understand_v verse_n 37_o 38_o 39_o in_o the_o last_o day_n that_o great_a day_n of_o the_o feast_n jesus_n stand_v and_o cry_v say_v if_o any_o man_n thirst_n let_v he_o come_v unto_o i_o and_o drink_n he_o that_o believe_v on_o i_o as_o the_o scripture_n have_v say_v out_o of_o his_o belly_n shall_v flow_v river_n of_o live_a water_n but_o this_o speak_v he_o of_o the_o spirit_n which_o they_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v receive_v for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o yet_o give_v because_o that_o jesus_n be_v not_o yet_o glorify_v how_o can_v the_o evangelist_n have_v make_v christ_n utter_v such_o word_n as_o these_o and_o a_o little_a after_o add_v this_o annotation_n concern_v the_o effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v he_o real_o see_v nothing_o happen_v that_o be_v like_o it_o who_o see_v not_o plain_o that_o the_o parenthesis_n suppose_v that_o event_n to_o be_v well_o know_v since_o it_o inform_v we_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o verse_n 40_o 41._o many_o of_o the_o people_n therefore_o when_o they_o hear_v this_o say_v of_o a_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o prophet_n other_o say_v this_o be_v the_o christ_n but_o some_o say_v shall_v christ_n come_v out_o of_o galilee_n all_o these_o dispute_n and_o little_a contest_v manifest_o show_v the_o great_a impression_n the_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n of_o christ_n have_v already_o make_v upon_o people_n mind_n beside_o they_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o not_o easy_o to_o be_v think_v of_o by_o a_o person_n who_o can_v invent_v lie_n chap._n viii_o 7._o 10_o 11_o so_o when_o they_o continue_v ask_v he_o he_o lift_v up_o himself_o and_o say_v unto_o they_o he_o that_o be_v without_o sin_n among_o you_o let_v he_o first_o cast_v a_o stone_n
the_o paper_n it_o be_v write_v upon_o yet_o they_o be_v enjoin_v to_o oppress_v man_n that_o bear_v the_o image_n of_o god_n by_o their_o religion_n which_o breathe_v out_o nothing_o but_o violence_n fury_n and_o oppression_n the_o reason_n why_o man_n usual_o refer_v thus_o every_o thing_n to_o their_o sense_n be_v because_o a_o worship_n that_o be_v corporeal_a and_o sensual_a be_v far_o more_o easy_a it_o be_v much_o easy_a for_o a_o man_n to_o take_v the_o sun_n for_o a_o god_n than_o to_o be_v continual_o take_v up_o in_o seek_v after_o a_o god_n that_o be_v invisible_a to_o solemnize_v game_n and_o festival_n in_o honour_n of_o a_o pretend_a deity_n than_o to_o renounce_v himself_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o true_a one_o it_o be_v much_o easy_a for_o he_o to_o fast_o than_o to_o renounce_v his_o vice_n to_o sing_v spiritual_a song_n or_o bow_v to_o a_o statue_n than_o forgive_v his_o enemy_n it_o appear_v then_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n bear_v a_o more_o excellent_a character_n in_o that_o it_o give_v we_o for_o the_o object_n of_o our_o worship_n not_o a_o god_n under_o a_o human_a shape_n but_o a_o god_n that_o be_v a_o spirit_n in_o that_o it_o teach_v we_o to_o honour_v he_o not_o with_o a_o carnal_a but_o a_o spiritual_a worship_n and_o this_o christ_n himself_o have_v very_o elegant_o tell_v we_o in_o these_o word_n god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n john_n 4._o 24._o who_o can_v fill_v his_o mind_n with_o such_o elevate_a notion_n and_o how_o come_v it_o that_o he_o so_o excellent_o set_v down_o in_o that_o short_a precept_n the_o genius_n of_o true_a religion_n of_o which_o man_n before_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a v._o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o other_o religion_n without_o exception_n that_o they_o induce_v we_o to_o look_v after_o the_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n whereas_o the_o christian_a religion_n make_v we_o glorify_v god_n by_o renounce_v the_o world_n thus_o the_o heathen_n design_v rather_o to_o please_v themselves_o than_o their_o deity_n introduce_v into_o religion_n whatever_o can_v any_o way_n flatter_v and_o divert_v they_o and_o the_o mahumatan_n religion_n not_o be_v encumber_v with_o many_o ceremony_n at_o least_o affix_n temporal_a advantage_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o its_o worship_n as_o if_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v the_o future_a reward_n of_o religion_n but_o certain_o both_o of_o they_o be_v much_o mistake_v for_o the_o heathen_n shall_v have_v know_v that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n consist_v not_o in_o divert_v and_o please_v themselves_o and_o the_o mahometan_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v ignorant_a that_o since_o temporal_a and_o worldly_a advantage_n be_v insufficient_a in_o themselves_o to_o satisfy_v the_o boundless_a desire_n of_o man_n heart_n they_o can_v not_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o those_o benefit_n which_o true_a religion_n have_v peculiar_o design_v for_o he_o but_o both_o these_o follow_v the_o motion_n of_o self-love_n which_o be_v natural_o hold_v in_o suspense_n between_o the_o world_n and_o religion_n imagine_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o pleasant_a than_o to_o unite_v they_o both_o think_v thereby_o to_o reconcile_v its_o inclination_n and_o duty_n consecrate_v its_o pleasure_n and_o put_v no_o difference_n between_o conscience_n and_o interest_n but_o the_o first_o rule_n of_o true_a religion_n teach_v we_o that_o that_o mutual_a agreement_n be_v impossible_a or_o to_o use_v it_o be_v own_o word_n that_o christ_n and_o belial_n be_v incompatible_a one_o with_o the_o other_o that_o we_o must_v either_o glorify_v god_n at_o the_o expense_n of_o worldly_a pleasure_n or_o possess_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n with_o the_o loss_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o this_o certain_o show_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o have_v a_o divine_a character_n vi_o other_o false_a religion_n debase_v the_o deity_n and_o exalt_v man_n whereas_o the_o christian_a religion_n humble_v man_n and_o exalt_v the_o deity_n the_o egyptian_n a_o nation_n that_o boast_v so_o much_o of_o their_o antiquity_n make_v monster_n of_o their_o deity_n and_o the_o roman_n make_v deity_n of_o their_o emperor_n who_o be_v rather_o monster_n than_o man_n the_o most_o famous_a philosopher_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o rank_v their_o deity_n below_o themselves_o and_o themselves_o ever_o before_o jupiter_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n teach_v we_o that_o we_o owe_v all_o to_o god_n who_o owe_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o we_o it_o humble_v we_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o infinite_a distance_n there_o be_v between_o god_n and_o we_o it_o show_v that_o we_o be_v miserable_a despicable_a creature_n in_o comparison_n of_o god_n who_o be_v a_o supreme_a be_v and_o only_o worthy_a our_o love_n and_o adoration_n who_o then_o can_v choose_v but_o admire_v so_o excellent_a a_o religion_n vii_o other_o religion_n make_v we_o depend_v upon_o those_o being_n which_o be_v give_v we_o to_o command_v and_o saucy_o pretend_v a_o power_n over_o that_o supreme_a be_v upon_o who_o we_o ought_v whole_o to_o depend_v they_o teach_v man_n to_o burn_v incense_n to_o the_o mean_a creature_n and_o impudent_o to_o equal_v themselves_o to_o the_o universal_a monarch_n of_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o impious_a as_o to_o desire_v to_o become_v god_n since_o they_o be_v so_o base_a as_o to_o forget_v that_o they_o be_v man_n and_o yet_o how_o ill_o their_o pride_n become_v they_o when_o they_o disdain_v not_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o fourfooted_a beast_n to_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n the_o creep_a animal_n and_o plant_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o st._n paul_n reproach_n they_o and_o how_o base_o superstitious_a be_v they_o in_o that_o they_o be_v not_o content_a to_o deify_v themselves_o but_o will_v also_o deify_v their_o own_o vice_n and_o imperfection_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n alone_o restore_v that_o equitable_a order_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n by_o submit_v every_o thing_n to_o the_o power_n of_o man_n that_o he_o may_v submit_v himself_o to_o the_o will_n of_o his_o god_n and_o what_o can_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o true_a religion_n but_o to_o restore_v such_o just_a and_o become_a order_n in_o the_o world_n viii_o we_o need_v no_o deep_a search_n into_o other_o religion_n to_o find_v that_o they_o chief_o tend_v to_o flatter_v man_n corrupt_a desire_n and_o efface_v those_o principle_n of_o justice_n and_o uprightness_n which_o god_n have_v imprint_v on_o their_o mind_n but_o he_o that_o shall_v true_o consider_v the_o christian_a religion_n will_v certain_o find_v that_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o root_n up_o those_o corrupt_a desire_n out_o of_o our_o heart_n and_o restore_v those_o bright_a character_n of_o honesty_n and_o justice_n imprint_v on_o our_o mind_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n the_o heathen_n flatter_v their_o passion_n to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o erect_v altar_n in_o honour_n of_o they_o and_o mahomet_n be_v so_o well_o please_v with_o temporal_a prosperity_n that_o he_o make_v it_o the_o end_n and_o reward_n of_o his_o religion_n the_o gnostic_n imagine_v that_o when_o they_o have_v arrive_v to_o a_o certain_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n which_o they_o call_v a_o state_n of_o perfection_n they_o may_v commit_v all_o sort_n of_o action_n without_o any_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o sin_n which_o pollute_a other_o will_v be_v sanctify_v in_o they_o but_o what_o blindness_n what_o impiety_n be_v this_o how_o admirable_a be_v the_o christian_a religion_n which_o alone_o among_o all_o other_o show_v we_o our_o own_o wickedness_n and_o corruption_n and_o heal_v it_o with_o such_o remedy_n as_o be_v as_o wholesome_a to_o the_o soul_n as_o unpleasing_a to_o the_o body_n ix_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o other_o religion_n be_v contrary_a to_o policy_n either_o in_o favour_v or_o restrain_v too_o much_o human_a weakness_n and_o corruption_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o policy_n whereas_o the_o christian_a religion_n preserve_v its_o right_n and_o privilege_n inviolable_a independent_a from_o either_o the_o pagan_a religion_n be_v against_o policy_n in_o give_v too_o much_o to_o human_a weakness_n and_o corruption_n it_o will_v have_v be_v much_o better_a for_o the_o good_a and_o welfare_n of_o the_o state_n if_o man_n have_v frame_v to_o themselves_o a_o great_a idea_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o their_o god_n because_o they_o will_v have_v be_v less_o licentious_a and_o more_o submissive_a to_o the_o civil_a law_n whereas_o they_o be_v encourage_v by_o the_o example_n of_o their_o deity_n to_o violate_v the_o most_o sacred_a and_o inviolable_a right_n mahomet_n desirous_a to_o avoid_v this_o irregularity_n retain_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o true_a
have_v for_o ever_o divide_v now_o the_o christian_a religion_n restore_v the_o society_n of_o nature_n for_o by_o unite_n man_n so_o strict_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o charity_n it_o far_o strengthen_v that_o natural_a love_n which_o we_o call_v humanity_n it_o destroy_v too_o the_o society_n of_o interest_n and_o ambition_n because_o it_o extirpate_v such_o inordinate_a desire_n as_o be_v not_o true_a principle_n of_o union_n and_o good_a understanding_n one_o among_o another_o it_o also_o strengthen_v civil_a society_n by_o command_v we_o to_o obey_v our_o superior_n and_o teach_v we_o to_o render_v unto_o cesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n and_o unto_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v go_n last_o it_o establish_v such_o a_o society_n as_o restore_v the_o equality_n of_o nature_n among_o we_o and_o whereas_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n till_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n a_o society_n of_o man_n external_o indeed_o unite_v by_o the_o bond_n of_o civil_a law_n government_n and_o the_o degree_n of_o proximity_n of_o blood_n but_o internal_o divide_v by_o their_o irregular_a passion_n christ_n show_v we_o a_o society_n of_o man_n external_o divide_v by_o the_o distance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n and_o the_o disparity_n of_o their_o condition_n but_o internal_o unite_v by_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n the_o same_o hope_n and_o the_o same_o charity_n nor_o be_v these_o mere_a idea_n or_o speculation_n for_o beside_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n visible_o relate_v whole_o to_o the_o design_n of_o make_v man_n holy_a and_o pure_a and_o dedicate_a they_o to_o god_n beside_o that_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v the_o end_n of_o their_o preach_v direct_v themselves_o in_o their_o epistle_n to_o those_o that_o be_v call_v to_o be_v saint_n and_o to_o the_o spiritual_a israel_n and_o declare_v concern_v apostate_n that_o they_o go_v from_o they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o they_o beside_o that_o jesus_n christ_n on_o all_o occasion_n make_v the_o very_a same_o distinction_n refuse_v to_o own_v they_o for_o his_o disciple_n that_o shall_v be_v whole_o take_v up_o with_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n and_o give_v this_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o those_o who_o he_o own_v for_o his_o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o the_o world_n hate_v they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o world_n joh._n 17._o 14._o i_o say_v beside_o all_o this_o we_o have_v this_o satisfaction_n that_o we_o can_v produce_v a_o society_n of_o holy_a man_n that_o yield_v not_o to_o any_o power_n of_o the_o world_n but_o withstand_v the_o most_o rigorous_a trial_n of_o persecution_n and_o renounce_v the_o entice_a charm_n of_o the_o world_n the_o better_a to_o adhere_v to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n a_o society_n victorious_a in_o temptation_n that_o overcome_v vice_n and_o delude_v the_o indefatigable_a endeavour_n of_o tyrant_n a_o society_n compose_v of_o mortal_a man_n yet_o not_o to_o be_v exstinguish_v by_o death_n that_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n yet_o encourage_v with_o motive_n supernatural_a that_o converse_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o despise_v it_o that_o be_v disperse_v in_o several_a different_a time_n and_o place_n yet_o always_o unite_v in_o the_o same_o thought_n and_o opinion_n that_o be_v continual_o attack_v by_o different_a passion_n yet_o constant_o surmount_v they_o in_o a_o word_n a_o society_n that_o still_o flourish_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o persecution_n increase_v the_o more_o as_o often_o as_o it_o be_v defeat_v and_o raise_v itself_o out_o of_o it_o be_v own_o ruin_n certain_o he_o must_v have_v read_v but_o little_a of_o ecclesiastical_a history_n that_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o all_o these_o truth_n and_o he_o must_v be_v wilful_o blind_a and_o purposely_o impose_v upon_o himself_o that_o acknowledge_v not_o the_o efficacy_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o those_o wonderful_a effect_n and_o it_o be_v proper_o in_o that_o society_n of_o holy_a man_n or_o in_o the_o church_n itself_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o seek_v for_o the_o fruit_n of_o religion_n for_o there_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o ancient_a prophecy_n which_o promise_v to_o show_v we_o the_o sheep_n feed_v with_o the_o bear_n and_o the_o leopard_n with_o the_o lamb_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n can_v not_o be_v leave_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o its_o enemy_n without_o work_v several_a wonder_n among_o they_o which_o even_o those_o infidel_n be_v sensible_a of_o so_o the_o christian_a church_n can_v continue_v in_o the_o world_n without_o produce_v such_o remarkable_a effect_n in_o it_o which_o the_o most_o incredulous_a themselves_o can_v call_v in_o question_n for_o let_v they_o tell_v we_o if_o they_o can_v how_o come_v the_o oracle_n of_o the_o heathen_n to_o be_v immediate_o silence_v when_o the_o apostle_n first_o preach_v the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n and_o by_o what_o power_n the_o sound_n of_o those_o man_n be_v go_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n make_v those_o oracle_n eternal_o cease_v which_o have_v so_o long_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v and_o so_o force_v the_o heathenish_a writer_n as_o plutarch_n and_o other_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o that_o so_o sudden_a and_o so_o unexpected_a silence_n for_o to_o object_v with_o julian_n that_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a oracle_n have_v be_v also_o silence_v conclude_v nothing_o because_o the_o apostle_n foretell_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n shall_v cease_v but_o how_o appear_v it_o that_o the_o oracle_n among_o the_o heathen_n declare_v they_o shall_v one_o day_n be_v silence_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o our_o prophecy_n be_v a_o everlasting_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n serve_v we_o instead_o of_o perpetual_a oracle_n but_o what_o accomplishment_n of_o prophecy_n confirm_v the_o pagan_a religion_n no_o less_o wonderful_a a_o effect_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v the_o abundance_n of_o revelation_n which_o bring_v so_o many_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a nation_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n hence_o come_v the_o world_n to_o be_v fill_v with_o wisdom_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o ignorant_a person_n and_o the_o mean_a servant_n to_o have_v more_o noble_a and_o rational_a idea_n of_o the_o deity_n than_o the_o most_o quick_a clearsighted_n philosopher_n and_o that_o too_o by_o the_o proposal_n of_o such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o seem_v indeed_o to_o the_o flesh_n a_o object_n of_o scandal_n and_o horror_n we_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v the_o advantage_n of_o all_o other_o for_o have_v utter_o abolish_v all_o those_o sacrifice_n wherein_o they_o offer_v the_o blood_n of_o man_n neither_o can_v we_o doubt_v but_o that_o this_o cruel_a and_o bloody_a superstition_n be_v sufficient_o advance_v in_o the_o world_n since_o we_o find_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n reproach_n the_o jew_n for_o have_v sacrifice_v their_o child_n to_o moloch_n and_o that_o julius_n cesar_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o commentary_n that_o it_o be_v a_o ancient_a custom_n among_o the_o gaul_n to_o offer_v human_a victim_n to_o their_o pretend_a deity_n i_o confess_v indeed_o the_o roman_n have_v already_o renounce_v such_o a_o barbarous_a and_o cruel_a superstition_n but_o then_o i_o question_v whether_o they_o do_v not_o still_o retain_v some_o spice_n of_o it_o in_o those_o spectacle_n they_o exhibit_v to_o the_o people_n wherein_o they_o be_v extreme_o please_v to_o see_v the_o blood_n of_o their_o gladiatour_n run_v down_o who_o kill_v one_o another_o mere_o to_o make_v they_o sport_n a_o sacrifice_n so_o much_o the_o more_o impious_a because_o dedicate_v rather_o to_o the_o unlawful_a pleasure_n of_o man_n than_o the_o honour_n of_o those_o being_n they_o look_v upon_o as_o go_n and_o what_o but_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v have_v abolish_v all_o those_o bloody_a spectacle_n and_o horrid_a divertisement_n we_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o be_v surprise_v to_o think_v how_o licentious_o that_o abominable_a sin_n usual_o punish_v by_o god_n and_o man_n with_o fire_n reign_v heretofore_o in_o the_o world_n and_o we_o can_v without_o horror_n and_o amazement_n reflect_v how_o that_o the_o love_n of_o both_o sex_n seem_v equal_o grow_v common_a to_o man_n and_o that_o ancient_a author_n free_o speak_v of_o that_o kind_n of_o debauchery_n which_o our_o own_o writer_n dare_v not_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v lest_o they_o defile_v their_o write_n socrates_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o by_o some_o of_o they_o as_o be_v deep_o smite_v with_o the_o beauty_n of_o alcibiades_n and_o the_o emperor_n trajan_n who_o panegyric_n well_o deserve_v thirty_o year_n labour_n strange_o blemish_v his_o reputation_n by_o that_o monstrous_a lechery_n which_o pretty_a well_o show_v the_o just_a ground_n for_o st._n paul_n reproach_n to_o the_o heathen_n who_o say_v that_o because_o when_o
say_v that_o imposture_n and_o deceit_n never_o have_v such_o a_o design_n or_o the_o like_a success_n for_o though_o self-love_n may_v have_v hitherto_o make_v use_n of_o deceit_n and_o falsehood_n to_o effect_v its_o own_o desire_n without_o any_o regard_n have_v to_o justice_n and_o charity_n so_o indispensable_o due_a to_o our_o neighbour_n it_o be_v yet_o never_o know_v nor_o ever_o will_v be_v that_o charity_n make_v use_v of_o imposture_n and_o deceit_n to_o bring_v about_o its_o design_n for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o without_o the_o least_o consideration_n of_o its_o own_o interest_n and_o desire_n and_o to_o insist_v further_o upon_o it_o will_v be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o add_v light_n to_o the_o sun_n and_o prove_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v already_o as_o clear_a as_o noonday_n v._o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o its_o suitableness_n to_o the_o necessity_n of_o mankind_n we_o can_v serious_o reflect_v upon_o ourselves_o without_o immediate_o discover_v our_o own_o weakness_n misery_n and_o corruption_n neither_o can_v we_o look_v upon_o the_o christian_a religion_n without_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v peculiar_o design_v to_o free_v we_o from_o those_o three_o imperfection_n inherent_a in_o our_o nature_n as_o to_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o man_n most_o know_v and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v most_o ignorant_a of_o for_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v palpable_a and_o evident_a to_o the_o sense_n it_o be_v easy_o believe_v that_o man_n be_v very_o wicked_a and_o corrupt_a when_o it_o be_v so_o manifest_o see_v that_o they_o commit_v so_o many_o enormous_a crime_n but_o man_n be_v still_o ignorant_a that_o there_o be_v a_o general_a depravation_n from_o nature_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o man_n that_o dispose_v he_o to_o the_o strange_a irregularity_n and_o it_o have_v so_o happen_v that_o man_n have_v make_v no_o great_a reflection_n upon_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o original_a depravation_n so_o incident_a to_o mankind_n that_o it_o continual_o attend_v they_o from_o the_o cradle_n to_o the_o grave_a they_o only_o concern_v themselves_o about_o what_o be_v external_a without_o search_v into_o the_o bottom_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o conscience_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n give_v we_o in_o that_o respect_n all_o necessary_a light_n it_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o be_v corrupt_v and_o that_o that_o corruption_n proceed_v from_o ourselves_o it_o show_v we_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o and_o confirm_v what_o the_o old_a testament_n teach_v we_o that_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v his_o way_n gen._n 6._o 12._o it_o show_v we_o that_o that_o corruption_n make_v we_o subject_a to_o the_o curse_n of_o god_n and_o that_o we_o be_v by_o nature_n the_o child_n of_o wrath_n eph._n 2._o 3._o it_o assure_v we_o that_o that_o original_a corruption_n have_v such_o power_n over_o man_n heart_n that_o it_o move_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o his_o soul_n so_o that_o every_o imagination_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v only_o evil_a continual_o gen._n 6._o 5._o last_o it_o show_v we_o how_o impossible_a it_o be_v for_o man_n ever_o to_o recover_v himself_o of_o that_o malady_n so_o inveterate_a and_o deep_o root_v within_o he_o and_o that_o by_o represent_v he_o to_o we_o as_o one_o that_o be_v lame_a that_o have_v a_o lethargy_n that_o be_v dead_a in_o respect_n of_o life_n holiness_n and_o justice_n all_o which_o truth_n we_o know_v too_o well_o by_o reason_n and_o experience_n how_o come_v it_o then_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n teach_v we_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v so_o general_o unknown_a to_o mankind_n above_o all_o how_o come_v it_o to_o show_v we_o so_o distinct_o the_o true_a principle_n of_o our_o own_o corruption_n who_o teach_v the_o son_n of_o mary_n that_o self-love_n be_v the_o true_a source_n and_o original_a of_o all_o our_o irregularity_n and_o why_o do_v he_o make_v man_n to_o become_v a_o enemy_n to_o himself_o yet_o the_o christian_a religion_n not_o only_o teach_v we_o to_o know_v man_n and_o thorough_o to_o search_v into_o all_o his_o frailty_n but_o also_o that_o alone_o furnish_v we_o with_o such_o remedy_n as_o can_v cure_v all_o his_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n for_o we_o can_v see_v that_o any_o thing_n else_o can_v do_v it_o not_o education_n which_o be_v as_o often_o evil_a as_o good_a not_o the_o civil_a law_n who_o business_n be_v only_o to_o regulate_v outward_a action_n nor_o the_o law_n in_o general_n which_o instead_o of_o remove_v rather_o increase_v this_o original_a corruption_n be_v in_o that_o respect_n like_o a_o bank_n which_o cause_v the_o flood_n to_o swell_v not_o the_o decorum_n observe_v among_o man_n which_o usual_o vary_v according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o country_n nor_o the_o respect_n we_o common_o have_v for_o ourselves_o a_o thing_n too_o thin_a and_o metaphysical_a not_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o pleasure_n not_o reason_n itself_o which_o the_o passion_n so_o easy_o corrupt_a nor_o the_o example_n of_o man_n who_o common_o lead_v a_o very_a irregular_a life_n not_o worldly_a honour_n which_o regard_v only_o external_a pomp_n and_o grandeur_n nor_o last_o philosophy_n which_o want_v motive_n sufficient_a to_o effect_v it_o or_o if_o it_o have_v any_o it_o derive_v they_o all_o from_o our_o own_o pride_n must_v we_o then_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o virtue_n in_o fashion_n in_o the_o world_n we_o may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o they_o be_v only_a pride_n and_o interest_n different_o manage_v according_a to_o the_o various_a turn_v and_o affair_n since_o they_o have_v no_o other_o motive_n but_o what_o they_o have_v from_o the_o world_n the_o falsehood_n of_o human_a virtue_n be_v a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v dispute_v we_o all_o know_v that_o self-denial_n be_v only_o a_o piece_n of_o nice_a delicate_a interest_n liberality_n a_o mere_a trade_n of_o pride_n which_o value_v no_o gift_n provide_v it_o have_v the_o glory_n of_o be_v liberal_a modesty_n the_o art_n of_o conceal_v our_o vanity_n civility_n but_o a_o affect_a preference_n of_o other_o man_n before_o ourselves_o to_o conceal_v how_o much_o we_o real_o value_v ourselves_o above_o all_o the_o world_n bashfulness_n but_o a_o affect_a silence_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o our_o lust_n make_v we_o think_v of_o with_o pleasure_n the_o desire_n of_o oblige_v other_o man_n but_o a_o secret_a desire_n of_o oblige_v ourselves_o by_o get_v they_o to_o befriend_v we_o another_o time_n just_a as_o impatience_n to_o acquit_v ourselves_o of_o a_o obligation_n be_v but_o a_o shamefacedness_n for_o have_v be_v too_o long_o behold_v to_o other_o for_o some_o favour_n receive_v so_o that_o all_o these_o virtue_n in_o general_n be_v so_o many_o guard_n self-love_n make_v use_v of_o to_o prevent_v our_o darling_n and_o secret_a vice_n from_o appear_v outward_o what_o remedy_n then_o can_v be_v bring_v for_o the_o irregularity_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n the_o pernicious_a poison_n of_o which_o secret_o insinuate_v itself_o even_o into_o our_o virtuousaction_n and_o who_o can_v cure_v such_o a_o distemper_n when_o the_o remedy_n apply_v to_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o disease_n than_o a_o cure_n experience_n show_v we_o that_o by_o effectual_o resist_v one_o vice_n we_o often_o confirm_v and_o establish_v another_o will_v you_o destroy_v avarice_n you_o must_v attack_v it_o by_o such_o argument_n as_o necessary_o flatter_v pride_n and_o be_v pride_n to_o be_v overcome_v it_o must_v be_v impugned_a by_o such_o motive_n as_o encourage_v avarice_n in_o vain_a shall_v you_o strip_v self-love_n of_o all_o its_o please_a object_n and_o allurement_n still_o it_o will_v endeavour_v to_o secure_v itself_o either_o by_o contemn_v the_o good_n of_o fortune_n or_o by_o show_v its_o moderation_n in_o patient_o endure_v disgrace_n self-love_n when_o seat_v on_o the_o throne_n make_v tyrant_n when_o reduce_v to_o want_v and_o poverty_n it_o make_v philosopher_n who_o despise_v every_o thing_n they_o can_v enjoy_v it_o oft_o indeed_o change_v its_o object_n but_o not_o its_o disposition_n it_o be_v pride_n as_o i_o may_v say_v outlive_v its_o own_o death_n and_o not_o be_v able_a to_o prevent_v its_o perish_v it_o will_v seem_v to_o look_v pleasant_o upon_o its_o downfall_n and_o as_o it_o be_v triumph_n in_o its_o own_o ruin_n who_o then_o can_v give_v this_o hydra_n its_o death_n wound_n when_o the_o lop_n off_o one_o head_n serve_v only_o to_o give_v rise_v to_o another_o it_o be_v certain_a therefore_o that_o nothing_o can_v remedy_v this_o corruption_n unless_o it_o be_v more_o constant_a than_o the_o principle_n of_o education_n more_o infallible_a than_o the_o rule_n of_o decency_n and_o civility_n more_o holy_a than_o the_o civil_a law_n which_o require_v only_o a_o
consequence_n only_o divine_a wisdom_n be_v also_o please_v that_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v be_v bear_v in_o obscurity_n and_o humiliation_n that_o those_o mean_v outward_a appearance_n be_v offensive_a to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a mind_a jew_n they_o may_v as_o it_o be_v by_o chance_n give_v occasion_n to_o the_o execution_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o council_n of_o god_n have_v determine_v and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o his_o poverty_n and_o humiliation_n of_o the_o meanness_n of_o his_o birth_n and_o the_o vnworthiness_n of_o his_o first_o profession_n the_o choice_n of_o his_o disciple_n etc._n etc._n the_o justice_n of_o god_n act_v in_o concert_n with_o his_o wisdom_n oblige_v he_o to_o speak_v to_o all_o profane_a contemner_n of_o his_o mystery_n in_o a_o obscure_a language_n and_o so_o as_o it_o be_v to_o conceal_v those_o pearl_n from_o they_o lest_o like_o unclean_a beast_n they_o shall_v trample_v they_o under_o their_o foot_n and_o this_o may_v very_o well_o serve_v for_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o denial_n which_o christ_n former_o make_v to_o the_o unbeliever_n of_o those_o time_n of_o signalize_v his_o power_n among_o they_o and_o of_o the_o great_a care_n he_o often_o take_v to_o conceal_v his_o miracle_n from_o they_o for_o this_o cause_n therefore_o speak_v he_o sometime_o in_o parable_n to_o stranger_n but_o he_o always_o very_o clear_o express_v himself_o to_o his_o disciple_n give_v they_o to_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o parable_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o as_o for_o they_o they_o have_v the_o privilege_n of_o see_v all_o thing_n open_o neither_o do_v his_o majesty_n suffer_v he_o to_o reveal_v himself_o as_o familiar_o to_o the_o sinful_a man_n as_o he_o will_v to_o the_o innocent_a this_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o wonder_v at_o since_o man_n themselves_o be_v wont_n so_o to_o deal_v with_o one_o another_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o common_a than_o for_o great_a man_n to_o banish_v their_o presence_n those_o who_o have_v incur_v their_o displeasure_n to_o think_v it_o then_o strange_a if_o god_n conceal_v himself_o from_o a_o sinner_n will_v be_v to_o entertain_v a_o more_o unworthy_a idea_n of_o his_o majesty_n than_o that_o of_o a_o earthly_a monarch_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o god_n take_v such_o care_n to_o conceal_v himself_o even_o when_o he_o design_v to_o manifest_v his_o glory_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n he_o show_v himself_o only_o in_o vision_n and_o dream_n or_o when_o hide_a in_o the_o cloud_n and_o ark_n or_o cover_v with_o some_o other_o veil_n on_o this_o account_n also_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o banish_v from_o his_o presence_n all_o those_o as_o be_v defile_v in_o their_o body_n and_o order_v the_o priest_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n to_o purify_v themselves_o he_o command_v too_o the_o people_n to_o wash_v their_o garment_n when_o he_o give_v they_o notice_n that_o within_o three_o day_n he_o will_v come_v down_o to_o they_o nothing_o but_o a_o external_a and_o corporeal_a purity_n be_v sufficient_a to_o qualify_v those_o that_o be_v to_o approach_v the_o deity_n manifest_v under_o corporeal_a symbol_n but_o christ_n fulfil_v in_o the_o spirit_n every_o thing_n hide_v in_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n teach_v we_o that_o those_o only_o shall_v see_v god_n who_o shall_v be_v find_v pure_a in_o heart_n so_o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o wonder_v if_o when_o man_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o gild_n hide_v himself_o from_o god_n the_o almighty_a withdraw_v the_o influence_n of_o his_o glorious_a majesty_n from_o man._n last_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n overshadow_v revelation_n with_o some_o sort_n of_o darkness_n to_o exercise_v our_o faith_n and_o keep_v up_o our_o mind_n in_o vigour_n which_o also_o will_v grow_v sluggish_a if_o not_o stir_v up_o by_o such_o difficulty_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o mystery_n as_o also_o to_o humble_v our_o proud_a and_o haughty_a reason_n which_o be_v immediate_o puff_v up_o with_o its_o own_o knowledge_n to_o make_v we_o submit_v our_o understanding_n to_o he_o since_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v any_o truth_n though_o incredible_a if_o he_o reveal_v they_o as_o also_o to_o sway_v our_o heart_n and_o affection_n which_o ought_v ready_o to_o embrace_v any_o sorrowful_a and_o mortify_a object_n that_o he_o be_v please_v to_o offer_v they_o to_o strip_v our_o pride_n of_o all_o its_o pretence_n and_o to_o dispose_v our_o mind_n that_o we_o must_v necessary_o acknowledge_v every_o benefit_n we_o enjoy_v spring_v from_o he_o and_o that_o too_o so_o much_o the_o more_o because_o we_o thereby_o attain_v to_o life_n eternal_a by_o such_o mean_n and_o object_n as_o be_v above_o our_o capacity_n to_o comprehend_v so_o necessary_a be_v it_o that_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o our_o sufficiency_n be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v rom._n 1._o 16._o to_o this_o principle_n we_o owe_v the_o choice_n of_o those_o person_n which_o god_n have_v make_v use_n of_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n the_o nature_n of_o those_o seem_a paradox_n he_o command_v they_o to_o publish_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n the_o silence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o a_o few_o word_n from_o he_o will_v have_v render_v plain_a and_o easy_a to_o our_o understanding_n but_o god_n be_v not_o content_a to_o exercise_v our_o faith_n by_o those_o obscurity_n we_o find_v disperse_v throughout_o the_o divine_a revelation_n he_o further_o permit_v heresy_n schism_n and_o error_n nay_o superstition_n itself_o to_o reign_v among_o we_o that_o those_o who_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a thus_o we_o may_v say_v he_o suffer_v all_o egypt_n to_o be_v cover_v with_o darkness_n the_o more_o eminent_o to_o discover_v his_o wonderful_a protection_n in_o blessing_n at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o land_n of_o goshen_n with_o the_o light_n of_o his_o truth_n that_o be_v by_o give_v we_o a_o religion_n accompany_v with_o so_o bright_a a_o evidence_n as_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a mind_a man_n can_v never_o comprehend_v because_o their_o reason_n be_v eclipse_v by_o sensuality_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o their_o heart_n produce_v those_o thick_a cloud_n that_o hide_v the_o truth_n from_o their_o sight_n god_n it_o be_v true_a enlighten_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o man_n wilful_o blind_v themselves_o he_o permit_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o to_o confound_v their_o ignorance_n and_o demonstrate_v to_o we_o that_o he_o be_v the_o father_n of_o light_n but_o let_v we_o now_o inquire_v into_o the_o principle_n of_o that_o obscurity_n which_o sole_o spring_v from_o men._n and_o i._o so_o gross_a be_v all_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o sense_n that_o there_o be_v no_o body_n so_o void_a of_o shame_n as_o to_o follow_v they_o open_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o be_v very_o prevalent_a in_o the_o heart_n of_o most_o man_n who_o stick_v not_o to_o say_v i_o never_o see_v the_o like_a i_o can_v willing_o believe_v it_o if_o i_o shall_v but_o see_v it_o who_o ever_o see_v dead_a man_n rise_v again_o from_o their_o grave_n and_o who_o ever_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n or_o go_v down_o into_o the_o pit_n all_o which_o reason_v be_v manifest_o absurd_a for_o can_v there_o be_v any_o great_a folly_n in_o a_o man_n than_o to_o refuse_v to_o believe_v that_o which_o he_o do_v not_o see_v when_o these_o object_n of_o his_o faith_n can_v have_v no_o existence_n be_v they_o not_o invisible_a do_v any_o one_o ever_o see_v the_o time_n past_o long_a before_o he_o live_v or_o the_o future_a long_a after_o his_o death_n do_v he_o ever_o see_v his_o own_o soul_n the_o deity_n etc._n etc._n for_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o time_n past_a and_o the_o future_a the_o object_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n together_o with_o the_o benefit_n of_o god_n which_o faith_n offer_v to_o our_o consideration_n ii_o we_o be_v accustom_v by_o education_n not_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n that_o happen_v not_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n we_o confine_v ourselves_o as_o it_o be_v to_o a_o circle_n of_o object_n which_o we_o willing_o admit_v of_o because_o they_o contain_v nothing_o that_o be_v repugnant_a to_o experience_n or_o probability_n so_o that_o the_o custom_n we_o have_v of_o refuse_v to_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o all_o other_o thing_n reach_v even_o unto_o matter_n of_o religion_n inevitable_o cast_v we_o into_o scepticism_n and_o incredulity_n yet_o shall_v we_o but_o thorough_o consider_v those_o object_n which_o fall_v under_o common_a experience_n they_o will_v certain_o appear_v as_o surprise_v and_o incomprehensible_a as_o those_o of_o religion_n if_o you_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o the_o soul_n shall_v outlive_v
in_o imitation_n of_o those_o primitive_a christian_n that_o the_o apostle_n deceive_v polycarp_n and_o clemens_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o disciple_n be_v a_o thing_n much_o less_o to_o be_v suspect_v because_o they_o themselves_o stick_v not_o to_o boast_v of_o their_o be_v able_a to_o work_v miracle_n heal_v all_o kind_n of_o disease_n speak_v all_o sort_n of_o language_n and_o impart_v to_o other_o those_o gift_n they_o call_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o clemens_n polycarp_n etc._n etc._n shall_v have_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v deceive_v in_o this_o respect_n especial_o to_o â—uch_v a_o degree_n as_o to_o suffer_v death_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o religion_n found_v on_o so_o many_o imposture_n but_o whence_o appear_v it_o that_o the_o apostle_n boast_v of_o a_o power_n to_o work_v miracle_n and_o impart_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o appear_v not_o only_o from_o their_o own_o epistle_n which_o can_v be_v forge_v as_o we_o shall_v prove_v by_o and_o by_o but_o also_o from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o in_o fine_a it_o be_v manifest_a of_o itself_o for_o as_o we_o can_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o alexander_n the_o great_a without_o overthrow_v the_o common_a opinion_n that_o he_o subvert_v the_o empire_n of_o darius_n and_o the_o macedonian_n subdue_v all_o asia_n under_o his_o conduct_n because_o one_o matter_n of_o fact_n depend_v upon_o the_o other_o so_o we_o can_v acknowledge_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n without_o believe_v the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o resurrection_n his_o pour_v out_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n impart_v to_o those_o that_o believe_v for_o take_v away_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n wherein_o will_v the_o divinity_n of_o it_o consist_v wherein_o will_v lie_v the_o strength_n promise_n and_o essential_o of_o it_o since_o therefore_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n suffer_v martyrdom_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n it_o follow_v also_o that_o they_o die_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o just_o now_o mention_v so_o that_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v very_o palpable_a and_o it_o be_v very_o easy_a for_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n who_o live_v and_o converse_v with_o the_o apostle_n to_o know_v certain_o whether_o they_o real_o have_v the_o pretend_a gift_n of_o divers_a tongue_n of_o heal_v all_o sort_n of_o disease_n and_o of_o communicate_v these_o extraordinary_a gift_n to_o other_o so_o as_o to_o render_v they_o frequent_v in_o the_o church_n i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o its_o possible_a to_o call_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o in_o question_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n however_o fruitful_a in_o imagination_n can_v hardly_o raise_v here_o a_o doubt_n of_o a_o moment_n continuance_n for_o shall_v i_o fancy_v they_o may_v have_v give_v i_o a_o false_a relation_n of_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o clemens_n of_o polycarp_n and_o the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n this_o thought_n soon_o vanish_v when_o i_o consider_v the_o number_n quality_n and_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o witness_n of_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o can_v we_o think_v that_o the_o sucessour_n of_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n will_v have_v suffer_v a_o real_a martyrdom_n in_o imitation_n of_o one_o that_o be_v but_o imaginary_a will_v they_o so_o courageous_o have_v imitate_v a_o fictitious_a martyrdom_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o shall_v i_o imagine_v clemens_n and_o polycarp_n be_v impose_v on_o by_o the_o apostle_n i_o be_o soon_o convince_v of_o the_o contrary_a since_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o we_o have_v now_o before_o we_o be_v matter_n of_o experience_n so_o evident_a in_o themselves_o that_o we_o can_v be_v mistake_v in_o they_o last_o shall_v i_o doubt_v whether_o the_o apostle_n endeavour_v to_o persuade_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o i_o be_o make_v to_o understand_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o christianity_n without_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n can_v never_o have_v establish_v the_o christian_a religion_n unless_o they_o have_v first_o persuade_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o this_o will_v be_v far_o see_v by_o what_o we_o shall_v offer_v in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n may_v we_o not_o know_v what_o the_o profess_a enemy_n of_o christianity_n say_v of_o they_o for_o it_o seem_v unjust_a to_o hearken_v to_o that_o only_a which_o the_o christian_n allege_v in_o defence_n of_o their_o own_o cause_n this_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n we_o find_v porphirius_fw-la celsus_n and_o julian_n surname_v the_o apostate_n maintain_v that_o jesus_n christ_n do_v no_o miracle_n at_o all_o but_o by_o a_o magic_a power_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o fantom_n which_o appear_v to_o the_o disciple_n instead_o of_o jesus_n christ_n rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a whereupon_o i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o make_v some_o few_o reflection_n it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o those_o who_o be_v far_o more_o exasperate_v against_o the_o christian_n than_o the_o incredulous_a of_o these_o ime_n be_v and_o who_o live_v in_o a_o time_n near_o to_o that_o â—f_n the_o apostle_n may_v have_v easy_o know_v the_o truthâ—r_a â—r_z falsehood_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n i_o say_v it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o those_o man_n dare_v not_o in_o the_o least_o call_v â—ny_n of_o they_o in_o question_n but_o be_v force_v to_o have_v â—ecourse_n to_o ghost_n and_o a_o magic_a power_n to_o avoid_v â—eing_v perplex_v with_o they_o it_o be_v also_o worth_a our_o while_n to_o observe_v that_o celsus_n himself_o who_o ever_o before_o question_v magician_n be_v at_o length_n force_v to_o ascribe_v the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o a_o magic_a power_n â—s_a origen_n himself_o upbraid_v he_o in_o some_o part_n of_o his_o work_n thus_o it_o immediate_o appear_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v man_n of_o very_a good_a sense_n and_o very_o honest_a and_o sincere_a principle_n too_o that_o part_n of_o they_o live_v in_o a_o time_n so_o very_o near_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n in_o who_o day_n all_o those_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o must_v necessary_o have_v know_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o suffer_v death_n to_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o religion_n found_v upon_o all_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o last_o that_o their_o enemy_n themselves_o dare_v not_o presume_v entire_o to_o call_v any_o of_o they_o in_o question_n but_o i_o will_v not_o yield_v myself_o conquer_v for_o all_o that_o but_o rather_o raise_v myself_o a_o little_a high_o and_o stop_v for_o a_o while_n at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o first_o century_n which_o be_v the_o time_n wherein_o st._n john_n the_o last_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v yet_o live_v and_o wherein_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n who_o we_o just_a now_o mention_v flourish_v and_o this_o shall_v be_v our_o fix_a point_n in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n chap._n iu._n where_o we_o yet_o further_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o several_a undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n it_o be_v a_o hundred_o year_n since_o there_o be_v no_o christian_n at_o all_o in_o the_o world_n and_o now_o there_o be_v some_o in_o all_o part_n of_o it_o at_o rome_n and_o at_o antioch_n at_o alexandria_n at_o corinth_n at_o ephesus_n in_o spain_n and_o among_o the_o gaul_n etc._n etc._n i_o confess_v i_o be_o some_o what_o surprise_v to_o see_v this_o progress_n yet_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n because_o mahomet_n religion_n be_v establish_v in_o a_o lesser_a time_n we_o must_v then_o go_v yet_o far_o and_o consider_v that_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v not_o only_o destitute_a of_o the_o assistance_n of_o policy_n and_o authority_n but_o receive_v notwithstanding_o the_o continual_a opposition_n of_o both_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o other_o religion_n as_o that_o of_o the_o heathen_n and_o turk_n be_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n by_o some_o singular_a and_o extraordinary_a prosperity_n and_o by_o the_o policy_n of_o person_n raise_v to_o dignity_n and_o grandeur_n but_o christianity_n in_o a_o small_a time_n become_v master_n of_o man_n heart_n and_o understanding_n though_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o nothing_o but_o shame_n and_o misery_n though_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n strive_v to_o stifle_v it_o in_o its_o very_a birth_n and_o for_o that_o purpose_n invent_v such_o torture_n and_o punishment_n as_o no_o other_o interest_n can_v have_v make_v man_n devise_v we_o may_v indeed_o question_v the_o suffering_n of_o the_o christian_n
be_v we_o not_o assure_v of_o they_o from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o have_v we_o not_o a_o clear_a proof_n in_o the_o complaint_n of_o the_o father_n who_o certain_o be_v not_o so_o extravagant_a as_o public_o to_o complain_v of_o a_o imaginary_a persecution_n when_o it_o be_v so_o dangerous_a to_o complain_v of_o one_o that_o be_v real_a and_o therefore_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o this_o christian_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n be_v which_o make_v man_n so_o patient_o suffer_v and_o abandon_v all_o thing_n but_o to_o my_o great_a amazement_n i_o find_v that_o they_o believe_v that_o a_o certain_a crucify_a man_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o a_o man_n hang_v and_o nail_v on_o a_o cross_n be_v the_o sovereign_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o object_n of_o our_o adoration_n i_o confess_v i_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v some_o supernatural_a power_n in_o all_o this_o for_o though_o man_n of_o as_o mean_a appearance_n as_o those_o who_o first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n may_v without_o any_o miracle_n have_v weigh_v down_o the_o authority_n of_o emperor_n and_o prelate_n and_o all_o the_o magnificence_n and_o glory_n of_o paganism_n object_n very_o suitable_a to_o the_o worldly_a and_o ambitious_a heart_n of_o a_o man_n yet_o how_o can_v we_o conceive_v that_o they_o can_v without_o the_o help_n of_o miracle_n persuade_v man_n to_o believe_v a_o paradox_n so_o offensive_a to_o reason_n and_o which_o appear_v at_o first_o view_n so_o horrible_a as_o this_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v nail_v on_o a_o cross_n we_o can_v never_o persuade_v ourselves_o without_o offer_v violence_n to_o our_o reason_n that_o those_o who_o from_o their_o youth_n represent_v their_o deity_n to_o themselves_o as_o the_o great_a and_o most_o glorious_a being_n they_n can_v imagine_v and_o give_v the_o name_n of_o divine_a to_o whatever_o they_o think_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n beautiful_a and_o magnificent_a shall_v yet_o substitute_v to_o all_o these_o great_a idea_n the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n who_o die_v a_o infamous_a death_n upon_o the_o cross_n that_o not_o one_o alone_a but_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n embrace_v a_o opinion_n that_o immediate_o overthrow_v all_o their_o first_o idea_n of_o a_o god_n that_o this_o great_a change_n be_v not_o gradual_o and_o insensible_o bring_v to_o pass_v or_o in_o the_o compass_n of_o several_a age_n but_o in_o a_o very_a few_o year_n and_o with_o a_o incredible_a swiftness_n by_o the_o mystery_n of_o vile_a and_o contemptible_a person_n of_o no_o power_n or_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o passion_n they_o have_v for_o a_o doctrine_n which_o seem_v at_o first_o so_o monstrous_a to_o man_n induce_v they_o to_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o same_o after_o have_v renounce_v their_o fortune_n reputation_n and_o pleasure_n but_o do_v not_o prejudice_n over-rule_v in_o all_o this_o and_o make_v i_o fancy_n i_o see_v that_o distinct_o which_o i_o perceive_v but_o confuse_o in_o truth_n i_o ought_v yet_o further_o to_o distrust_v myself_o and_o though_o i_o honour_v error_n too_o much_o in_o suspect_v it_o may_v be_v so_o coherent_a so_o unite_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o common_a sense_n and_o involve_v in_o so_o many_o appearance_n of_o truth_n yet_o i_o will_v not_o pass_v by_o any_o scruple_n for_o all_o that_o have_v be_v hitherto_o say_v i_o find_v then_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n a_o hundred_o year_n ago_o i_o know_v that_o the_o christian_n believe_v in_o a_o certain_a jesus_n christ_n crucify_v i_o know_v also_o that_o this_o opinion_n of_o they_o be_v not_o innate_a i_o be_o full_o persuade_v that_o neither_o the_o heathenish_a priest_n nor_o their_o ordinary_a guide_n teach_v they_o this_o doctrine_n because_o they_o be_v the_o profess_a enemy_n of_o it_o i_o be_o compel_v therefore_o in_o despite_n of_o myself_o to_o credit_n at_o least_o in_o some_o respect_n the_o relation_n the_o ancient_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n unanimous_o give_v of_o it_o viz_o that_o some_o person_n call_v apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n go_v about_o the_o world_n preach_v that_o this_o same_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o messiah_n who_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o the_o jew_n but_o these_o fundamental_a truth_n require_v a_o more_o particular_a examination_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v show_v more_o distinct_o whether_o there_o be_v ever_o such_o man_n as_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o world_n what_o their_o original_a be_v what_o doctrine_n they_o preach_v and_o how_o they_o be_v qualify_v this_o we_o shall_v present_o see_v by_o lay_v down_o for_o a_o certain_a principle_n that_o the_o christian_n have_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n in_o their_o possession_n at_o that_o very_a time_n we_o have_v choose_v for_o our_o fix_a point_n i_o shall_v not_o at_o present_a inquire_v whether_o those_o book_n be_v forge_v or_o not_o my_o design_n be_v to_o argue_v some_o time_n without_o enter_v upon_o that_o enquiry_n for_o whether_o they_o be_v forge_v or_o not_o at_o least_o we_o learn_v from_o they_o certain_a undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o will_v wonderful_o illustrate_v all_o our_o follow_a inquiry_n chap._n v._n which_o demonstrate_v that_o all_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v never_o be_v forge_v if_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v forge_v it_o may_v well_o be_v presume_v that_o the_o contriver_n of_o that_o forgery_n who_o certain_o can_v have_v no_o other_o design_n but_o to_o make_v it_o pass_v for_o truth_n endeavour_v to_o ground_v it_o upon_o some_o foundation_n either_o good_a or_o bad_a so_o that_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o though_o they_o shall_v have_v invent_v all_o that_o they_o relate_v at_o least_o they_o invent_v not_o the_o name_n country_n and_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n under_o who_o name_n they_o speak_v and_o to_o who_o they_o ascribe_v the_o establishment_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o be_v it_o probable_a they_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o worship_v a_o certain_a jew_n call_v jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n a_o galilean_a too_o who_o be_v crucify_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o have_v several_a disciple_n who_o name_n â—re_n exact_o relate_v if_o the_o jew_n can_v have_v immediate_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o all_o those_o matter_n by_o produce_v the_o testimony_n of_o their_o own_o nation_n who_o will_v have_v throng_v in_o to_o tell_v they_o â—hat_n jesus_n and_o his_o disciple_n be_v only_o fictitious_a â—ames_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o to_o do_v but_o consult_v all_o the_o register_n and_o decree_n wherein_o augustus_n command_v all_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v tax_v in_o the_o day_n of_o cyrenius_n and_o where_o it_o must_v have_v appear_v that_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o person_n be_v also_o tax_v it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v publish_v in_o this_o age_n a_o book_n full_a of_o excellent_a precept_n of_o morality_n intermix_v with_o several_a fictitious_a action_n which_o book_n he_o will_v have_v the_o world_n receive_v as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o some_o divine_a and_o extraordinary_a man_n who_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o age_n raise_v up_o several_a man_n from_o the_o dead_a heal_v all_o sort_n of_o disease_n calm_v the_o wind_n and_o tempest_n of_o the_o sea_n give_v authority_n to_o several_a of_o his_o disciple_n to_o work_v many_o strange_a miracle_n be_v at_o length_n seize_v and_o put_v to_o death_n in_o germany_n and_o who_o disciple_n who_o bear_v such_o and_o such_o name_n and_o be_v bear_v in_o such_o and_o such_o a_o country_n come_v afterward_o into_o france_n disperse_v themselves_o throughout_o the_o other_o part_n of_o europe_n preach_v his_o doctrine_n and_o at_o length_n die_v all_o unanimous_o in_o defence_n of_o it_o what_o think_v you_o of_o this_o tale_n and_o how_o will_v it_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o world_n but_o as_o a_o system_n only_o of_o many_o evident_a and_o palpable_a falsity_n what_o think_v you_o those_o person_n will_v say_v of_o it_o who_o shall_v be_v thus_o accuse_v of_o so_o dreadful_a a_o parricide_n they_o will_v certain_o reply_v that_o that_o fictitious_a book_n be_v purposely_o design_v to_o blast_v their_o reputation_n but_o it_o appear_v the_o jew_n never_o attempt_v to_o clear_v themselves_o after_o that_o manner_n they_o confess_v there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o their_o father_n put_v he_o to_o death_n neither_o do_v they_o deny_v the_o least_o circumstance_n of_o his_o life_n ministry_n or_o death_n except_v those_o which_o may_v probable_o make_v he_o pass_v for_o the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o we_o
then_o must_v that_o person_n do_v or_o rather_o what_o must_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n do_v who_o utter_o renounce_v all_o thing_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o gospel_n iii_o there_o have_v be_v find_v some_o who_o have_v counterfeit_v book_n of_o humane_a learning_n but_o none_o ever_o know_v that_o be_v willing_a to_o die_v in_o defence_n of_o their_o forgery_n now_o none_o here_o can_v be_v suspect_v to_o have_v forge_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o only_o those_o who_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o consequent_o to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n on_o which_o chistianity_n itself_o be_v found_v iv._o a_o man_n may_v very_o well_o counterfeit_a a_o book_n of_o humane_a learning_n but_o not_o always_o nor_o in_o all_o circumstance_n and_o it_o will_v be_v very_o ridiculous_a in_o a_o man_n to_o forge_v letter_n that_o must_v have_v be_v write_v not_o long_o ago_o to_o whole_a society_n or_o epistle_n that_o must_v have_v be_v deposit_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n and_o in_o very_a many_o different_a place_n now_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v affirm_v of_o all_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o make_v up_o a_o very_a considerable_a part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o how_o can_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v possible_o be_v make_v to_o believe_v that_o st._n paul_n write_v a_o epistle_n to_o she_o or_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n that_o she_o have_v receive_v two_o epistle_n from_o he_o and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n unless_o it_o have_v be_v so_o v._o this_o argument_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o considerable_a since_o he_o that_o grant_v one_o point_n in_o this_o matter_n unavoidable_o grant_v the_o whole_a and_o if_o you_o shall_v agree_v with_o i_o that_o perhaps_o one_o single_a epistle_n among_o all_o those_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o forge_v you_o must_v grant_v the_o same_o thing_n of_o they_o all_o or_o at_o least_o it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o the_o incredulous_a to_o to_o cavil_v thereupon_o for_o what_o if_o i_o shall_v grant_v the_o four_o gospel_n to_o be_v forge_v do_v not_o the_o book_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n contain_v nay_o do_v it_o not_o necessary_o suppose_v the_o same_o essential_a matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n shall_v i_o grant_v the_o same_o of_o the_o book_n of_o act_n be_v not_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n sufficient_a to_o inform_v we_o that_o jesus_n christ_n wrought_v several_a miracle_n rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v upon_o the_o disciple_n on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n and_o that_o be_v as_o much_o as_o i_o desire_v in_o a_o word_n shall_v i_o grant_v all_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o be_v the_o work_n of_o another_o man_n i_o need_v but_o receive_v those_o of_o st._n peter_n or_o those_o of_o st._n john_n to_o prove_v the_o same_o thing_n there_o be_v never_o a_o epistle_n in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o what_o mention_n or_o imply_v those_o essential_a matter_n of_o fact_n without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n let_v we_o now_o see_v whether_o we_o can_v persuade_v ourselves_o that_o all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n without_o except_v one_o fragment_n or_o single_a epistle_n among_o they_o be_v forge_v and_o whether_o we_o can_v entertain_v such_o a_o suspicion_n which_o no_o heretic_n no_o impious_a or_o incredulous_a person_n ever_o entertain_v but_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a all_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v forge_v since_o they_o must_v have_v be_v commit_v to_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n as_o they_o be_v real_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n and_o since_o tertullian_n tell_v we_o that_o in_o his_o time_n they_o careful_o preserve_v in_o several_a church_n the_o original_n of_o those_o epistle_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v write_v to_o they_o again_o in_o what_o time_n and_o on_o what_o occasion_n can_v this_o forgery_n have_v be_v make_v be_v it_o during_o the_o life_n of_o the_o apostle_n no_o for_o can_v the_o world_n consider_v those_o book_n as_o sacred_a and_o divine_a which_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o forge_v be_v it_o then_o immediate_o after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n do_v we_o owe_v it_o to_o clemens_n polycarp_n and_o the_o other_o doctor_n of_o that_o age_n by_o no_o mean_n for_o those_o disciple_n of_o the_o apostle_n separate_v themselves_o as_o soon_o as_o those_o great_a light_n of_o the_o world_n be_v extinguish_v polycarp_n go_v to_o rome_n to_o decide_v a_o controversy_n with_o a_o bishop_n of_o rome_n occasion_v in_o the_o church_n about_o the_o time_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o celebrate_v the_o feast_n of_o the_o christian_a resurrection_n or_o passover_n those_o two_o great_a man_n differ_v much_o in_o that_o point_n but_o yet_o they_o both_o agree_v unanimous_o to_o receive_v the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o true_a standard_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o manner_n moreover_o what_o probability_n be_v there_o that_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o church_n can_v have_v be_v induce_v to_o receive_v so_o many_o false_a epistle_n so_o soon_o after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o person_n yet_o live_v who_o have_v converse_v with_o they_o in_o truth_n this_o be_v so_o extravagant_a a_o notion_n that_o we_o hold_v ourselves_o not_o at_o all_o oblige_a to_o refute_v it_o but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n question_v the_o authority_n of_o some_o epistle_n such_o as_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n who_o author_n be_v never_o certain_o know_v the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n that_o of_o st._n judas_n etc._n etc._n i_o grant_v it_o but_o then_o i_o presume_v that_o this_o consideration_n make_v for_o we_o since_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v that_o the_o ancient_a primitive_a christian_n shall_v dispute_v so_o long_o about_o some_o epistle_n in_o particular_a have_v the_o rest_n altogether_o be_v as_o liable_a to_o suspicion_n but_o may_v we_o not_o reasonable_o imagine_v that_o during_o those_o strange_a disorder_n which_o follow_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n some_o christian_n either_o perfect_a cheat_n or_o but_o partly_o persuade_v of_o that_o faith_n may_v have_v compose_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o so_o after_o have_v insert_v in_o they_o whatever_o story_n they_o please_v ascribe_v they_o to_o the_o apostle_n to_o gain_v the_o great_a veneration_n and_o respect_n for_o their_o fiction_n no_o certain_o because_o the_o devastation_n of_o jerusalem_n hinder_v not_o but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v very_o numerous_a church_n at_o rome_n at_o antioch_n at_o thessalonica_n philippi_n etc._n etc._n who_o it_o will_v have_v be_v impossible_a to_o have_v persuade_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v write_v they_o some_o epistle_n which_o must_v have_v be_v already_o deposit_v in_o their_o hand_n and_o beside_o that_o it_o appear_v plain_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v compose_v before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n because_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o church_n establish_v at_o jerusalem_n be_v often_o mention_v therein_o without_o the_o least_o hint_n that_o jerusalem_n be_v then_o utter_o destroy_v beside_o how_o can_v it_o come_v into_o any_o man_n mind_n to_o forge_v such_o book_n after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n who_o design_n be_v only_o to_o humble_v the_o pride_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o induce_v they_o no_o long_o to_o hate_v the_o heathen_n as_o be_v stranger_n and_o to_o persuade_v they_o that_o though_o god_n as_o yet_o suffer_v the_o carnal_a worship_n of_o their_o law_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o expect_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o that_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o especial_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o seem_v earnest_o to_o desire_v to_o unite_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o two_o nation_n and_o heaven_n have_v sufficient_o declare_v itself_o against_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o destruction_n of_o their_o city_n the_o confusion_n of_o their_o tribe_n and_o family_n and_o that_o general_a dispersion_n which_o make_v they_o tributary_n to_o all_o other_o nation_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o further_a reason_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o the_o only_a nation_n call_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o this_o proof_n be_v evident_o write_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o the_o just_a punishment_n of_o that_o people_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o observe_v
in_o they_o can_v there_o proceed_v from_o the_o malice_n and_o perfidiousness_n of_o a_o man_n who_o have_v so_o late_o accuse_v his_o nation_n of_o a_o crime_n he_o know_v to_o be_v utter_o false_a so_o many_o exhortation_n to_o fear_n god_n so_o strong_a so_o move_v in_o themselves_o and_o so_o often_o repeat_v that_o they_o whole_o take_v up_o the_o write_n of_o this_o apostle_n can_v his_o humility_n proceed_v from_o thence_o whereby_o he_o refer_v every_o thing_n to_o god_n as_o to_o the_o centre_n of_o all_o good_a thing_n so_o sincere_o tell_v we_o what_o have_v thou_o that_o thou_o do_v not_o receive_v and_o if_o thou_o do_v receive_v it_o why_o do_v thou_o glory_n as_o if_o thou_o have_v not_o receive_v it_o 1_o cor._n 4._o 7._o we_o be_v you_o you_o be_v christ_n and_o christ_n be_v god_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 23._o can_v his_o hatred_n too_o for_o vice_n arise_v from_o thence_o which_o upon_o all_o occasion_n he_o testify_v and_o express_v after_o so_o strong_a and_o lively_a a_o manner_n his_o charity_n appear_v no_o less_o in_o his_o passionate_a concern_v for_o the_o sanctification_n of_o his_o brethren_n all_o his_o epistle_n be_v a_o continue_a serious_a of_o tender_a or_o move_a exhortation_n or_o rather_o ardent_a request_n he_o make_v they_o to_o love_v one_o another_o he_o desire_v they_o shall_v live_v sober_o just_o and_o religious_o he_o addresses_z himself_o both_o to_o servant_n and_o master_n to_o poor_a and_o rich_a to_o parent_n and_o child_n to_o young_a man_n and_o old_a man_n have_v no_o prejudice_n nor_o hatred_n for_o any_o one_o he_o pour_v out_o himself_o in_o thanksgiving_n and_o blessing_n for_o all_o man_n he_o speak_v to_o they_o after_o a_o very_a tender_a and_o move_a manner_n he_o call_v they_o his_o little_a child_n his_o belove_a his_o bowel_n his_o glory_n and_o his_o crown_n and_o what_o be_v his_o design_n in_o all_o this_o only_o to_o inspire_v they_o with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o their_o neighbour_n how_o do_v he_o extol_v the_o excellence_n of_o charity_n though_o i_o speak_v say_v he_o with_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o of_o angel_n and_o have_v no_o charity_n i_o be_o become_v as_o sound_a brass_n or_o tinkle_a cymbal_n and_o though_o i_o bestow_v all_o my_o good_n to_o feed_v the_o poor_a and_o though_o i_o give_v my_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v and_o have_v not_o charity_n it_o profit_v i_o nothing_o charity_n suffer_v long_o and_o be_v kind_a charity_n envy_v not_o charity_n vaunt_v not_o itself_o be_v not_o puff_v up_o do_v not_o behave_v itself_o unseemly_a seek_v not_o her_o own_o be_v not_o easy_o provoke_v think_v no_o evil_a rejoice_v not_o in_o iniquity_n but_o rejoice_v in_o the_o truth_n bear_v all_o thing_n believe_v all_o thing_n hope_v all_o thing_n 1_o cor._n 13._o 1_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o such_o be_v the_o idea_n st._n paul_n have_v of_o charity_n in_o which_o appear_v the_o force_n of_o reason_n and_o of_o true_a virtue_n without_o the_o fantastical_a weakness_n of_o superstition_n he_o prefer_v charity_n to_o miraculous_a gift_n and_o therein_o appear_v the_o spirit_n of_o true_a religion_n this_o consideration_n of_o the_o character_n and_o virtue_n of_o this_o apostle_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o considerable_a that_o it_o force_v we_o in_o despite_n of_o ourselves_o to_o assertâ—_n one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n either_o that_o st._n paul_n be_v a_o wicked_a man_n and_o a_o notorious_a impostor_n or_o else_o that_o he_o have_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o jesus_n chrict_a in_o the_o way_n to_o damascus_n that_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v true_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o whosoever_o prove_v that_o st._n paul_n be_v no_o wicked_a person_n do_v even_o thereby_o prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o christian_a religion_n i_o desire_v therefore_o the_o reader_n thorough_o to_o consider_v the_o style_n of_o his_o epistle_n and_o examine_v they_o from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n to_o discover_v the_o true_a genius_n and_o character_n of_o they_o what_o be_v it_o this_o apostle_n desire_v of_o god_n that_o those_o who_o he_o speak_v to_o may_v live_v good_a life_n and_o that_o god_n may_v be_v glorify_v by_o their_o work_n what_o do_v he_o complain_v of_o vice_n what_o be_v it_o he_o chief_o praise_n virtue_n by_o what_o motive_n do_v he_o act_v or_o speak_v as_o he_o do_v by_o quite_o another_o motive_n than_o that_o of_o self_n interest_n st._n luke_n have_v already_o tell_v we_o in_o the_o book_n of_o act_n that_o he_o work_v for_o his_o live_n and_o that_o his_o employment_n be_v to_o make_v tent_n whereupon_o we_o shall_v make_v these_o two_o observation_n i._o that_o st._n paul_n have_v be_v a_o pharisee_n breed_v up_o at_o the_o foot_n of_o gamaliel_n will_v have_v think_v it_o beneath_o he_o to_o follow_v so_o vile_a a_o profession_n have_v he_o be_v worldly_a mind_a or_o ambitious_a second_o that_o this_o apostle_n resolve_v to_o work_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n for_o his_o live_n in_o a_o time_n which_o other_o people_n will_v have_v greedy_o embrace_v to_o acquire_v wealth_n for_o what_o can_v have_v be_v refuse_v to_o those_o man_n who_o open_v to_o mankind_n the_o direct_a way_n way_n to_o heaven_n and_o give_v they_o certain_a hope_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n with_o regard_n to_o the_o apostle_n but_o if_o st._n luke_n shall_v be_v think_v to_o have_v impose_v upon_o we_o in_o the_o relation_n of_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v but_o hear_v what_o st._n paul_n himself_o say_v of_o it_o who_o certain_o will_v not_o have_v undertake_v to_o persuade_v those_o people_n of_o it_o against_o their_o own_o proper_a knowledge_n behold_v say_v he_o to_o the_o corinthian_n the_o three_o time_n i_o be_o ready_a to_o come_v to_o you_o and_o i_o will_v not_o be_v burdensome_a to_o you_o for_o i_o seek_v not_o you_o but_o you_o for_o the_o child_n ought_v not_o to_o lay_v up_o for_o the_o parent_n but_o the_o parent_n for_o the_o child_n 2_o cor._n 12._o 14._o and_o i_o will_v very_o glad_o spend_v and_o be_v spend_v for_o you_o etc._n etc._n and_o then_o have_v i_o catch_v you_o with_o guile_n and_o in_o another_o place_n have_v i_o commit_v a_o offence_n in_o abase_v myself_o that_o you_o may_v be_v exalt_v because_o i_o have_v preach_v to_o you_o the_o gospel_n of_o god_n free_o 2_o cor._n 11._o 7._o st._n paul_n will_v never_o have_v speak_v to_o they_o after_o this_o manner_n have_v he_o preach_v only_o out_o of_o self_n interest_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o those_o who_o carry_v a_o worldly_a mind_n along_o with_o they_o into_o the_o sanctuary_n be_v mere_a huchster_n of_o religion_n and_o make_v a_o trade_n of_o the_o most_o sacred_a and_o sublime_a mystery_n of_o christianity_n but_o suppose_v st._n paul_n act_v not_o by_o a_o principle_n of_o self_n interest_n which_o be_v generaly_a the_o centre_n of_o other_o man_n action_n who_o will_v assure_v we_o that_o he_o owe_v not_o his_o virtue_n to_o pride_n which_o be_v another_o nice_a kind_n of_o interest_n to_o which_o some_o man_n direct_v all_o their_o action_n i_o be_o very_a well_o persuade_v that_o man_n may_v out_o of_o a_o capricious_a fancy_n ascribe_v the_o best_a action_n to_o pride_n and_o give_v the_o name_n of_o hypocrisy_n to_o the_o most_o sincere_a virtue_n for_o what_o can_v put_v a_o stop_n to_o the_o continual_a roving_n of_o a_o soul_n that_o endeavour_n only_o to_o raise_v doubt_n and_o scruple_n but_o then_o i_o also_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v such_o visible_a mark_n in_o the_o conduct_n and_o action_n of_o st._n paul_n as_o manifest_o evince_v in_o spite_n of_o incredulity_n that_o his_o virtue_n be_v solid_a and_o his_o self_n denial_n sincere_a but_o this_o i_o hope_v will_v more_o plain_o appear_v by_o the_o follow_a reflection_n we_o need_v but_o a_o very_a indifferent_a knowledge_n of_o man_n heart_n and_o inclination_n to_o know_v that_o as_o there_o be_v two_o different_a state_n into_o which_o man_n may_v fall_v so_o likewise_o there_o be_v two_o different_a sort_n of_o passion_n which_o then_o arise_v in_o the_o soul_n prosperity_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o pride_n with_o all_o the_o other_o vice_n that_o accompany_v it_o poverty_n and_o misery_n that_o of_o covetousness_n with_o all_o that_o be_v consequent_a upon_o it_o not_o but_o that_o covetousness_n be_v find_v sometime_o even_o in_o prosperity_n as_o well_o as_o pride_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o misery_n but_o that_o be_v not_o my_o meaning_n i_o only_o will_v say_v that_o prosperity_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o pride_n and_o poverty_n the_o kingdom_n of_o avarice_n because_o a_o man_n that_o be_v
he_o when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o so_o well_o have_v prepare_v himself_o for_o death_n as_o to_o have_v institute_v a_o sacrament_n for_o a_o commemoration_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n his_o complain_n that_o his_o heavenly_a father_n have_v forsake_v he_o whilst_o he_o promise_v heaven_n to_o a_o thief_n that_o glorify_v he_o upon_o the_o cross_n a_o hundred_o other_o mysterious_a contrariety_n there_o be_v which_o divine_a providence_n inspire_v the_o evangelist_n to_o write_v against_o their_o profess_a opinion_n against_o the_o bias_n of_o their_o passion_n and_o their_o natural_a idea_n that_o their_o gospel_n may_v have_v a_o more_o extraordinary_a and_o more_o divine_a character_n but_o these_o be_v not_o the_o circumstance_n i_o mean_v when_o i_o speak_v of_o such_o extraordinary_a one_o in_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n as_o the_o disciple_n will_v not_o have_v forge_v if_o they_o can_v by_o they_o i_o mean_v all_o the_o sensible_a and_o extraordinary_a miracle_n which_o christ_n himself_o wrought_v and_o his_o disciple_n have_v relate_v to_o we_o and_o these_o i_o say_v the_o disciple_n will_v not_o invent_v have_v they_o be_v false_a which_o i_o prove_v by_o these_o two_o invincible_a argument_n first_o that_o by_o their_o relate_v they_o and_o above_o all_o their_o mention_v both_o place_n and_o person_n as_o it_o appear_v they_o have_v do_v they_o manifest_o engage_v themselves_o both_o to_o maintain_v and_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o certain_o they_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v call_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o they_o they_o who_o so_o very_o well_o knâ—w_v how_o difficult_a it_o have_v be_v for_o they_o to_o escape_v free_a when_o their_o master_n himself_o be_v put_v to_o death_n they_o know_v they_o shall_v be_v compel_v to_o maintain_v what_o they_o have_v thus_o affirm_v and_o they_o know_v also_o they_o can_v never_o be_v able_a to_o defend_v their_o imposture_n if_o they_o shall_v by_o chance_n be_v confront_v with_o the_o witness_n they_o mention_v and_o all_o this_o be_v no_o very_o hard_a thing_n for_o any_o one_o to_o foresee_v a_o man_n though_o not_o over-wise_a may_v easy_o presage_v these_o thing_n and_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o he_o be_v in_o his_o sense_n to_o make_v he_o cautious_a of_o advance_v such_o matter_n as_o he_o think_v himself_o incapable_a to_o maintain_v the_o falsehood_n of_o which_o will_v be_v present_o discover_v by_o the_o very_a witness_n he_o mention_n by_o the_o place_n he_o set_v down_o and_o the_o other_o circumstance_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n he_o thus_o expose_v to_o public_a view_n 2._o the_o second_o argument_n which_o prove_v that_o the_o evangelist_n will_v never_o have_v forge_v the_o like_a matter_n of_o fact_n suppose_v they_o have_v be_v altogether_o false_a be_v that_o by_o counterfeit_v they_o they_o necessary_o render_v themselves_o liable_a to_o be_v put_v to_o a_o great_a confusion_n when_o they_o shall_v find_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o perform_v the_o very_a same_o miracle_n for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v very_o natural_a for_o any_o one_o to_o say_v to_o they_o thus_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o your_o master_n have_v wrought_v so_o many_o strange_a miracle_n sure_o he_o have_v also_o give_v you_o power_n to_o do_v the_o like_v yourselves_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o first_o thing_n they_o teach_v be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v send_v they_o abroad_o with_o power_n to_o perform_v the_o very_a same_o work_v he_o have_v do_v it_o be_v no_o time_n therefore_o to_o use_v shift_n or_o stand_v doubt_v and_o shuffle_n they_o be_v oblige_v either_o to_o suppress_v what_o they_o know_v concern_v the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n or_o to_o perform_v the_o same_o themselves_o christ_n himself_o when_o he_o send_v they_o to_o preach_v in_o the_o different_a part_n of_o judea_n command_v they_o say_v heal_n the_o sick_a cleanse_v the_o leper_n raise_v the_o dead_a cast_v out_o devil_n free_o you_o have_v receive_v free_o give_v matth._n 10._o 8._o and_o these_o be_v the_o character_n he_o give_v of_o the_o call_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o these_o sign_n shall_v follow_v they_o that_o believe_v in_o my_o name_n shall_v they_o cast_v out_o devil_n they_o shall_v speak_v with_o new_a tongue_n they_o shall_v take_v up_o serpent_n and_o if_o they_o drink_v any_o deadly_a thing_n it_o shall_v not_o hurt_v they_o they_o shall_v lay_v hand_n on_o the_o sick_a and_o they_o shall_v recover_v etc._n etc._n and_o they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_o the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o and_o comfirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n etc._n etc._n mark_v 16._o 17_o 18_o 20._o thus_o it_o appear_v they_o can_v not_o well_o relate_v what_o jesus_n christ_n have_v do_v without_o at_o the_o same_o time_n publish_v what_o they_o themselves_o be_v oblige_v to_o perform_v for_o the_o further_a confirmation_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o they_o do_v not_o relate_v the_o least_o miracle_n without_o at_o the_o same_o time_n affirm_v they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v the_o like_a it_o must_v therefore_o certain_o be_v one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n either_o that_o those_o man_n have_v utter_o lose_v their_o reason_n or_o that_o they_o sincere_o believe_v the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v they_o think_v they_o to_o be_v false_a they_o will_v neither_o have_v engage_v themselves_o to_o maintain_v a_o unwarrantable_a fiction_n by_o set_v down_o so_o many_o circumstance_n more_o than_o sufficient_a to_o discover_v the_o real_a truth_n of_o it_o nor_o have_v render_v themselves_o liable_a to_o shame_n and_o confusion_n by_o relate_v such_o miracle_n they_o be_v not_o able_a so_o much_o as_o to_o imitate_v at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o they_o profess_v themselves_o absolute_o capable_a of_o do_v every_o thing_n their_o master_n himself_o have_v do_v thus_o it_o appear_v to_o we_o that_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v such_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o the_o disciple_n have_v neither_o the_o boldness_n the_o power_n nor_o the_o will_n to_o counterfeit_v suppose_v they_o never_o have_v be_v do_v and_o i_o think_v this_o enough_o to_o convince_v we_o in_o this_o respect_n and_o to_o make_v we_o look_v upon_o those_o miracle_n which_o have_v illustrate_v the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o a_o centre_n of_o truth_n that_o will_v infallible_o persuade_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christanity_n we_o profess_v chap._n iii_o the_o second_o centre_n of_o truth_n a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n have_v speak_v of_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n we_o come_v now_o to_o his_o resurrection_n a_o event_n which_o ought_v chief_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o connexion_n it_o have_v with_o those_o miracle_n for_o if_o this_o resurrection_n be_v true_a without_o dispute_v those_o miracle_n be_v so_o too_o and_o if_o those_o miracle_n be_v true_a one_o can_v easy_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n now_o to_o take_v away_o all_o scruple_n that_o may_v arise_v in_o our_o mind_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v but_o reflect_v a_o while_n upon_o christ_n himself_o upon_o the_o jewish_a doctor_n who_o use_v all_o possible_a care_n and_o precaution_n to_o prevent_v so_o much_o as_o a_o report_n after_o his_o death_n that_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o watch_n appoint_v to_o guard_v his_o sepulchre_n upon_o the_o procedure_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o discourse_n of_o all_o the_o disciple_n in_o general_a and_o last_o upon_o that_o ready_a disposition_n of_o mind_n find_v in_o a_o great_a number_n of_o jew_n to_o embrace_v christianity_n aâ—_n jerusalem_n a_o few_o week_n after_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o at_o a_o time_n when_o nothing_o can_v be_v easy_a than_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n as_o for_o jesus_n christ_n the_o evangelist_n unanimous_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o have_v several_a time_n foretell_v his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n to_o his_o disciple_n nay_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o those_o very_a prediction_n be_v oftentimes_o intermix_v either_o with_o such_o circumstance_n as_o do_v not_o easy_o of_o themselves_o enter_v into_o any_o man_n mind_n or_o with_o those_o which_o seem_v to_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o relation_n one_o with_o another_o which_o prove_v that_o they_o can_v be_v the_o imaginary_a conceit_n of_o a_o pleasant_a fancy_n that_o delight_n in_o the_o invention_n of_o fable_n it_o be_v very_o improbable_a that_o the_o evangelist_n shall_v have_v invent_v the_o discourse_n of_o jesus_n christ_n with_o st._n peter_n concern_v the_o suffering_n that_o shall_v certain_o besall_n he_o at_o his_o go_v
up_o to_o jerusalem_n and_o it_o be_v worth_a take_v notice_n of_o that_o st._n peter_n have_v but_o just_a make_v a_o very_a excellent_a confession_n of_o what_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o presence_n of_o all_o the_o other_o disciple_n tell_v he_o thou_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v crown_v this_o admirable_a confession_n with_o that_o extraordinary_a promise_n of_o he_o bless_v be_v thou_o simon_n barjona_n for_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v it_o unto_o thou_o but_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o i_o say_v also_o unto_o thou_o that_o thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o etc._n etc._n matth._n 16._o 17_o 18._o immediate_o after_o christ_n foretell_v what_o death_n he_o be_v to_o suffer_v from_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o scribe_n but_o add_v withal_o he_o shall_v rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n whereupon_o st._n peter_n rebuke_v he_o and_o say_v be_v it_o far_o from_o thou_o o_o lord_n this_o shall_v not_o be_v unto_o thou_o but_o jesus_n christ_n instead_o of_o approve_v of_o that_o seem_a concern_v and_o affection_n his_o disciple_n have_v for_o he_o severe_o reprove_v his_o indiscretion_n in_o these_o word_n get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n thou_o be_v a_o offence_n unto_o i_o for_o thou_o savory_a not_o etc._n etc._n this_o history_n seem_v to_o be_v very_o natural_a and_o sincere_a and_o that_o mixture_n of_o circumstance_n which_o in_o all_o probability_n have_v no_o manner_n of_o relation_n with_o one_o another_o can_v not_o of_o itself_o easy_o enter_v in_o any_o man_n mind_n st._n peter_n confession_n be_v excellent_a and_o the_o promise_n jesus_n christ_n make_v he_o be_v extraordinary_a nay_o the_o very_a expression_n of_o it_o imply_v somewhat_o strange_a and_o difficult_a but_o above_o all_o it_o seem_v at_o first_o view_n that_o jesus_n christ_n too_o rigorous_o censure_v the_o great_a zeal_n which_o peter_n show_v for_o his_o person_n and_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v very_o natural_a that_o he_o who_o tell_v he_o bless_v be_v thou_o simon_n barjona_n and_o promise_v to_o make_v he_o a_o pillar_n of_o his_o church_n shall_v tell_v he_o present_o after_o get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n it_o be_v plain_a a_o man_n must_v in_o spite_n of_o himself_o perceive_v that_o it_o be_v â—he_n force_n of_o truth_n and_o not_o the_o natural_a agreement_n of_o those_o circumstance_n that_o oblige_v the_o evangelist_n to_o join_v they_o both_o together_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o recital_n and_o that_o which_o necessary_o occasion_n this_o reflection_n of_o we_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v real_o foretell_v his_o death_n and_o his_o resurrection_n before_o ever_o he_o have_v suffer_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v but_o what_o prove_v this_o better_a than_o any_o thing_n else_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n upon_o cool_a thought_n and_o the_o very_a day_n before_o his_o passion_n do_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o have_v never_o be_v do_v before_o and_o which_o doubtless_o never_o will_v be_v do_v again_o and_o that_o be_v he_o institute_v a_o memorial_n of_o that_o death_n he_o be_v just_a upon_o the_o point_n of_o suffer_v he_o foretell_v that_o he_o shall_v suffer_v death_n from_o the_o chief_a priest_n the_o scribes_z and_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o law_n nevertheless_o he_o may_v have_v easy_o avoid_v it_o if_o he_o will_v by_o retire_v into_o another_o place_n but_o he_o chide_v or_o rather_o storm_v at_o the_o indiscretion_n of_o peter_n who_o will_v have_v divert_v he_o from_o that_o death_n therefore_o he_o consider_v it_o as_o a_o event_n that_o be_v to_o be_v attend_v with_o very_o happy_a and_o save_a consequence_n with_o respect_n to_o mankind_n and_o what_o happy_a consequence_n can_v his_o death_n have_v be_v attend_v withal_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o have_v be_v immediate_o follow_v by_o his_o resurrection_n he_o first_o institute_v a_o memorial_n of_o his_o death_n and_o then_o voluntary_o suffer_v it_o he_o command_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v commemorate_a therefore_o he_o regard_v it_o as_o a_o event_n which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n he_o foresee_v that_o it_o will_v be_v commemorate_a he_o foresee_v then_o what_o will_v most_o infallible_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o that_o too_o in_o a_o time_n when_o there_o be_v but_o little_a appearance_n of_o its_o ever_o happen_v he_o do_v not_o say_v that_o they_o shall_v commemorate_v his_o death_n only_o till_o he_o rise_v again_o but_o till_o his_o second_o come_v he_o foresee_v then_o that_o he_o shall_v speedy_o rise_v again_o and_o that_o after_o his_o resurrection_n he_o shall_v depart_v in_o order_n to_o return_v again_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n beside_o no_o reasonable_a man_n can_v imagine_v that_o the_o evangelist_n have_v whole_o invent_v the_o account_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o eucharist_n for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o a_o doctrine_n and_o a_o practice_n a_o doctrine_n can_v hardly_o be_v forge_v especial_o because_o it_o must_v be_v concert_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o several_a person_n but_o a_o sensible_a practice_n a_o thing_n in_o use_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o speak_a doctrine_n can_v much_o less_o be_v palm_a upon_o mankind_n and_o certain_o it_o will_v be_v the_o great_a piece_n of_o folly_n imaginable_a in_o any_o one_o to_o think_v that_o a_o dozen_o poor_a fisherman_n astonish_v and_o cast_v down_o at_o the_o death_n of_o their_o master_n and_o undeceive_v in_o the_o opinion_n they_o have_v entertain_v that_o he_o be_v to_o have_v restore_v the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n person_n who_o know_v not_o what_o thing_n may_v come_v to_o pass_v by_o their_o publish_v the_o doctrine_n of_o that_o crucify_a man_n that_o that_o they_o shall_v go_v and_o invent_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o eucharist_n with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o and_o make_v jesus_n christ_n utter_v these_o word_n this_o be_v my_o body_n which_o be_v break_v for_o you_o this_o be_v the_o new_a testament_n in_o my_o blood_n word_n that_o imply_v something_o new_a and_o very_o surprise_v which_o have_v give_v occasion_n to_o so_o many_o contest_v and_o be_v liable_a to_o such_o different_a interpretation_n word_n which_o s._n paul_n and_o the_o evangelist_n unanimous_o set_v down_o but_o without_o any_o mutual_a compact_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o little_a variety_n there_o occur_v in_o their_o recital_n of_o they_o i_o say_v it_o will_v be_v very_o extravagant_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o disciple_n have_v in_o the_o least_o thought_n of_o invent_v these_o word_n or_o that_o history_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o eucharist_n so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o insist_v long_o on_o any_o far_a proof_n of_o it_o we_o have_v already_o touch_v upon_o it_o in_o another_o place_n and_o upon_o another_o subject_a the_o only_a consequence_n we_o shall_v draw_v from_o it_o here_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n foresee_v his_o death_n prepare_v himself_o for_o it_o and_o suffer_v it_o voluntary_o whereupon_o i_o argue_v thus_o if_o he_o foresee_v that_o he_o shall_v die_v and_o if_o he_o voluntary_o offer_v himself_o up_o to_o death_n he_o then_o either_o foresee_v that_o he_o shall_v rise_v again_o or_o he_o do_v not_o foresee_v it_o if_o he_o do_v not_o foresee_v it_o with_o what_o kind_n of_o hope_n than_o do_v he_o comfort_v his_o disciple_n what_o be_v it_o he_o promise_v they_o or_o what_o propose_v he_o to_o himself_o by_o his_o death_n why_o do_v he_o not_o shun_v it_o as_o he_o may_v yet_o have_v do_v when_o he_o be_v at_o supper_n with_o his_o disciple_n what_o mean_v he_o by_o institute_v a_o memorial_n of_o his_o dead_a body_n if_o that_o dead_a body_n be_v always_o to_o abide_v under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n and_o rot_v away_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o if_o he_o think_v he_o shall_v rise_v again_o as_o we_o may_v very_o reasonable_o imagine_v he_o do_v i_o say_v he_o himself_o can_v not_o have_v believe_v it_o but_o only_o upon_o the_o experience_n he_o have_v already_o make_v of_o that_o power_n which_o have_v restore_v sight_n to_o the_o blind_a health_n to_o the_o sick_a and_o life_n to_o the_o dead_a for_o he_o can_v not_o think_v his_o own_o miracle_n false_a and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n believe_v he_o shall_v rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a if_o he_o think_v he_o shall_v rise_v again_o he_o also_o think_v his_o miracle_n to_o be_v true_a and_o if_o he_o believe_v his_o miracle_n to_o be_v true_a his_o miracle_n must_v of_o necessity_n have_v be_v real_o so_o because_o they_o be_v of_o a_o nature_n
incapable_a of_o illusion_n and_o deceit_n at_o least_o with_o respect_n to_o those_o who_o wrought_v they_o jesus_n christ_n can_v never_o imagine_v that_o he_o have_v fill_v five_o thousand_o man_n at_o one_o time_n three_o thousand_o at_o another_o that_o he_o have_v raise_v to_o life_n the_o widow_n son_n of_o naim_n the_o daughter_n of_o jairus_n and_o lazarus_n of_o bethany_n that_o he_o have_v make_v st._n peter_n walk_v upon_o the_o sea_n etc._n etc._n if_o all_o these_o thing_n have_v not_o real_o be_v true_a no_o one_o sure_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o jesus_n christ_n foretell_v his_o resurrection_n if_o he_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o account_n only_o that_o the_o jewish_a doctor_n appoint_v a_o watch_n to_o guard_v his_o sepulchre_n and_o command_v the_o stone_n of_o it_o to_o be_v seal_v sir_n we_o remember_v say_v they_o to_o pilate_n that_o that_o deceiver_n say_v while_o he_o be_v yet_o alive_a after_o three_o day_n i_o will_v rise_v again_o command_v therefore_o that_o the_o sepulchre_n be_v make_v sure_a until_o the_o three_o day_n lest_o his_o disciple_n come_v by_o night_n and_o steal_v he_o away_o and_o say_v unto_o the_o people_n he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a so_o the_o last_o error_n shall_v be_v worse_o than_o the_o first_o pilate_n say_v unto_o they_o you_o have_v a_o watch_n go_v your_o way_n make_v it_o as_o sure_a as_o you_o can_v so_o they_o go_v and_o make_v the_o sepulchre_n sure_a seal_v the_o stone_n and_o set_v a_o watch_n mat._n 27._o 63_o 64_o 65_o 66._o this_o be_v such_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o the_o disciple_n can_v not_o dare_v not_o invent_v against_o the_o public_a knowledge_n every_o body_n have_v of_o it_o and_o which_o beside_o agree_v very_o well_o with_o the_o other_o circumstance_n of_o that_o event_n for_o how_o come_v that_o report_n to_o be_v spread_v in_o jerusalem_n that_o the_o watch_v sleep_v when_o the_o disciple_n take_v away_o the_o body_n of_o jesus_n have_v they_o not_o real_o set_v a_o watch_n to_o guard_v his_o sepulchre_n and_o what_o necessity_n be_v there_o to_o appoint_v a_o watch_n to_o guard_v it_o have_v it_o not_o be_v to_o hinder_v the_o disciple_n from_o report_v abroad_o that_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o if_o christ_n real_o believe_v that_o he_o shall_v rise_v again_o he_o can_v not_o have_v believe_v it_o but_o upon_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o miracle_n neither_o can_v he_o have_v believe_v his_o miracle_n to_o be_v true_a have_v they_o be_v false_a thus_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o connexion_n of_o all_o those_o circumstance_n if_o narrow_o consider_v form_n as_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o a_o moral_a demonstration_n which_o can_v but_o thorough_o convince_v any_o just_a and_o reasonable_a man._n but_o let_v we_o not_o slight_o pass_v over_o that_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o have_v see_v what_o christ_n think_v concern_v his_o resurrection_n let_v we_o next_o consider_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n concern_v it_o and_o the_o report_n the_o soldier_n make_v that_o be_v appoint_v to_o guard_v this_o sepulchre_n for_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o circumstance_n may_v give_v we_o some_o light_n in_o the_o discovery_n of_o that_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o most_o important_a and_o the_o most_o essential_a that_o ever_o be_v or_o ever_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o scribes_z and_o pharisee_n and_o general_o every_o member_n of_o the_o sanhedrin_n be_v instigate_v by_o the_o very_a same_o spirit_n that_o have_v induce_v they_o to_o put_v jesus_n christ_n to_o death_n be_v in_o a_o great_a apprehension_n lest_o his_o disciple_n shall_v take_v away_o his_o body_n and_o afterward_o report_v abroad_o that_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a we_o may_v judge_v how_o much_o they_o think_v it_o for_o their_o interest_n to_o prevent_v it_o by_o the_o attempt_v they_o have_v already_o make_v to_o put_v he_o to_o death_n and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o since_o the_o sepulchre_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v to_o have_v be_v guard_v but_o three_o day_n they_o take_v all_o care_n imaginable_a before_o hand_n for_o fear_v the_o watch_n through_o negligence_n or_o otherwise_o shall_v have_v suffer_v that_o body_n to_o be_v take_v away_o which_o it_o so_o mighty_o behove_v they_o to_o keep_v in_o their_o custody_n but_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o event_n of_o all_o this_o the_o soldier_n that_o watch_v the_o body_n can_v not_o hinder_v it_o from_o rise_v out_o of_o its_o sepulchre_n how_o so_o be_v it_o because_o they_o be_v afraid_a or_o be_v they_o bribe_v not_o to_o discover_v the_o business_n have_v they_o be_v bribe_v one_o may_v very_o well_o imagine_v it_o be_v not_o in_o behalf_n of_o the_o disciple_n that_o they_o will_v run_v the_o hazard_n of_o lose_v their_o life_n for_o their_o negligence_n or_o treachery_n what_o then_o be_v they_o afraid_a but_o how_o can_v the_o watch_n prove_v so_o fearful_a and_o the_o disciple_n on_o a_o sudden_a so_o courageous_a as_o to_o attempt_v the_o take_v away_o the_o dead_a body_n of_o one_o from_o who_o they_o have_v so_o late_o flee_v while_o he_o be_v yet_o alive_a beside_o how_o can_v those_o soldier_n have_v report_v such_o thing_n as_o they_o do_v without_o manifest_o contradict_v themselves_o for_o if_o they_o be_v asleep_a how_o do_v they_o know_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n have_v take_v away_o his_o body_n but_o why_o do_v not_o the_o sanhedrin_n for_o their_o own_o honour_n and_o the_o respect_n they_o bear_v to_o the_o truth_n put_v all_o those_o soldier_n to_o the_o rack_n and_o if_o that_o thought_n come_v not_o present_o into_o their_o head_n be_v it_o not_o natural_a to_o think_v they_o will_v have_v do_v it_o when_o they_o find_v awhile_o after_o all_o jerusalem_n inclinable_a to_o believe_v in_o that_o crucify_a man_n and_o that_o about_o six_o thousand_o soul_n have_v already_o believe_v in_o he_o in_o one_o day_n and_o that_o too_o but_o fifty_o day_n after_o his_o death_n certain_o the_o soldier_n that_o watch_v his_o body_n be_v still_o at_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o sanhedrin_n have_v still_o the_o same_o power_n and_o authority_n as_o before_o it_o high_o concern_v they_o to_o punish_v the_o negligence_n of_o those_o soldier_n or_o make_v they_o confess_v the_o secret_a of_o their_o perfidy_n and_o who_o it_o be_v that_o suborn_v they_o i_o say_v it_o high_o concern_v they_o to_o make_v that_o strict_a examination_n both_o to_o justify_v their_o own_o procedure_n and_o prevent_v the_o utter_a loss_n of_o almost_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n that_o have_v already_o side_v with_o the_o disciple_n of_o that_o pretend_a impostor_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o when_o on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n that_o be_v fifty_o day_n after_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o apostle_n show_v themselves_o in_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o testify_v there_o that_o they_o have_v see_v he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o after_o he_o have_v several_a time_n appear_v to_o they_o and_o be_v go_v up_o into_o heaven_n he_o have_v pour_v down_o upon_o they_o the_o miraculous_a and_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n why_o do_v not_o the_o sanhedrin_n then_o who_o be_v so_o high_o concern_v in_o discover_v the_o author_n of_o the_o take_v away_o the_o body_n of_o jesus_n christ_n i_o say_v why_o do_v they_o not_o seize_v upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o so_o make_v they_o confess_v how_o all_o thing_n have_v happen_v why_o do_v they_o not_o confront_v they_o with_o the_o watch_n why_o do_v they_o not_o cast_v joseph_n of_o arimathea_n and_o those_o man_n in_o prison_n till_o they_o have_v make_v they_o confess_v what_o be_v become_v of_o that_o body_n as_o also_o every_o other_o circumstance_n of_o their_o imposture_n it_o be_v already_o very_o unlikely_a that_o if_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n have_v come_v by_o night_n and_o have_v steal_v his_o body_n away_o they_o dare_v have_v show_v themselves_o and_o appear_v in_o public_a nay_o immediate_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v his_o disciple_n it_o be_v much_o more_o credible_a they_o will_v have_v hide_v themselves_o after_o such_o a_o action_n and_o that_o if_o they_o preach_v at_o all_o it_o will_v have_v be_v to_o people_n more_o remote_a and_o not_o in_o jerusalem_n the_o very_a place_n where_o those_o thing_n have_v happen_v nor_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o that_o very_a sanhedrin_n they_o be_v so_o much_o afraid_a of_o and_o have_v so_o much_o offend_v why_o then_o do_v not_o the_o sanhedrin_n take_v the_o ordinary_a method_n make_v use_v of_o to_o discover_v criminal_n they_o be_v very_o ready_a by_o threat_n torment_n and_o persecution_n to_o oblige_v the_o apostle_n not_o to_o preach_v up_o the_o name_n of_o
man_n will_v conceive_v or_o endeavour_v to_o put_v in_o practice_n it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a to_o find_v any_o man_n so_o much_o a_o enemy_n to_o himself_o as_o willing_o to_o lose_v his_o quiet_a his_o liberty_n friend_n relation_n and_o all_o his_o acquaintance_n only_o to_o assert_v and_o defend_v a_o lie_n that_o must_v unavoidable_o be_v attend_v by_o such_o fatal_a and_o sorrowful_a consequence_n for_o nature_n be_v not_o insensible_a of_o grief_n and_o pain_n as_o she_o be_v expose_v to_o grief_n and_o suffering_n so_o when_o she_o suffer_v it_o be_v with_o reluctance_n complaint_n sigh_n and_o tear_n she_o can_v accustom_v herself_o to_o bear_v slight_o contempt_n or_o infamy_n nothing_o disturb_v and_o exasperate_v she_o more_o nothing_o make_v she_o more_o impatient_a than_o mortification_n and_o disgrace_n how_o then_o be_v it_o possible_a so_o great_a a_o company_n of_o people_n shall_v on_o a_o sudden_a renounce_v all_o those_o inviolable_a sentiment_n of_o nature_n which_o no_o violence_n can_v root_v out_o on_o purpose_n to_o maintain_v that_o they_o have_v see_v a_o thing_n which_o they_o real_o never_o see_v this_o be_v a_o consideration_n that_o can_v be_v too_o often_o repeat_v last_o it_o be_v such_o a_o design_n as_o be_v not_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v for_o to_o maintain_v a_o imposture_n with_o such_o constancy_n as_o the_o disciple_n do_v be_v such_o a_o piece_n of_o extraordinary_a courage_n as_o be_v above_o the_o nature_n or_o power_n of_o man._n a_o impostor_n that_o think_v and_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v one_o who_o mind_n tell_v he_o that_o he_o act_v contrary_a to_o his_o natural_a sentiment_n can_v go_v long_o undiscovered_a he_o be_v seize_v with_o remorse_n and_o his_o conscience_n be_v awaken_v he_o tremble_v and_o unwary_o discover_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n upon_o the_o least_o danger_n he_o meet_v with_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o confess_v the_o whole_a cheat_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v bring_v before_o his_o judge_n and_o be_v fright_v with_o the_o punishment_n of_o a_o secular_a power_n and_o he_o never_o fail_v of_o betray_v himself_o either_o by_o confess_v the_o whole_a business_n or_o maintain_v what_o he_o have_v advance_v after_o so_o weak_a and_o fearful_a a_o manner_n that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v long_o if_o but_o close_o urge_v to_o it_o before_o he_o discover_v the_o whole_a truth_n for_o such_o be_v the_o usual_a temper_n of_o man_n upon_o such_o a_o occasion_n and_o if_o a_o single_a person_n that_o shall_v not_o act_v thus_o in_o this_o respect_n will_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o unheard_a of_o prodigy_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o people_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o such_o who_o can_v imagine_v that_o so_o many_o person_n shall_v either_o on_o a_o sudden_a renounce_v their_o humane_a nature_n or_o be_v of_o a_o different_a make_v from_o all_o other_o man_n since_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n for_o my_o part_n i_o can_v conceive_v how_o it_o shall_v be_v and_o therefore_o look_v upon_o this_o as_o a_o most_o sensible_a and_o evident_a truth_n but_o we_o must_v yet_o carry_v on_o this_o conviction_n further_o by_o follow_v those_o notion_n which_o it_o have_v please_v god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n to_o put_v into_o our_o mind_n upon_o this_o subject_a chap._n v._n the_o four_o centre_n of_o truth_n a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o disciple_n the_o last_o degree_n of_o evidence_n that_o occur_v in_o the_o demonstration_n which_o sensible_o prove_v to_o we_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o four_o matter_n of_o fact_n natural_o prove_v by_o its_o own_o proper_a character_n and_o that_o be_v the_o effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n this_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n have_v three_o different_a degree_n of_o evidence_n which_o also_o consist_v in_o the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v this_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n do_v such_o action_n as_o can_v but_o be_v supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a such_o be_v for_o instance_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a which_o we_o have_v be_v eye-witness_n of_o the_o second_o be_v we_o even_o we_o ourselves_o have_v receive_v the_o power_n to_o work_v sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o such_o as_o be_v equal_a to_o those_o of_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o as_o he_o foretell_v and_o declare_v it_o several_a time_n unto_o we_o the_o three_o be_v we_o have_v not_o only_o the_o power_n to_o do_v those_o miracle_n but_o can_v also_o impart_v it_o to_o other_o and_o those_o we_o shall_v hereafter_o convert_v will_v know_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o true_a disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o that_o they_o shall_v work_v sign_n like_a unto_o we_o and_o to_o those_o which_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o wrought_v the_o first_o degree_n of_o this_o evidence_n must_v necessary_o convince_v we_o for_o it_o be_v a_o very_a convince_a demonstration_n indeed_o to_o have_v present_a to_o one_o eye_n nay_o in_o one_o own_o disposal_n and_o power_n the_o witness_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o such_o eye-witness_n too_o that_o both_o hear_v what_o he_o say_v see_v every_o thing_n he_o do_v familiar_o converse_v with_o he_o and_o often_o question_v he_o concern_v the_o difficulty_n that_o offer_v themselves_o to_o their_o mind_n and_o last_o such_o witness_n who_o all_o unanimous_o depose_v the_o very_a same_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o bold_o maintain_v it_o even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o most_o cruel_a torment_n and_o yet_o such_o witness_n as_o these_o have_v those_o who_o be_v first_o convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n yet_o somewhat_o more_o persuasive_a to_o hear_v those_o man_n affirm_v that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o see_v the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o that_o they_o themselves_o be_v able_a to_o work_v the_o same_o miracle_n certain_o of_o all_o the_o witness_n in_o the_o world_n those_o be_v soon_a to_o be_v receive_v and_o believe_v who_o proffer_n to_o show_v you_o the_o very_a thing_n they_o testify_v but_o what_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v the_o last_o degree_n of_o evidence_n and_o the_o clear_a demonstration_n be_v that_o those_o very_a witness_n undertake_v to_o convince_v man_n of_o those_o matter_n which_o they_o affirm_v to_o be_v true_a not_o only_o by_o relate_v those_o miracle_n which_o they_o see_v jesus_n christ_n do_v not_o only_o by_o proffer_v to_o do_v the_o like_v themselves_o but_o also_o by_o promise_v to_o enable_v those_o people_n who_o shall_v believe_v their_o word_n to_o operate_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n for_o they_o impart_v the_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o their_o proselyte_n as_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o centurion_n cornelius_n and_o those_o gift_n become_v afterward_o so_o frequent_a and_o visible_a that_o simon_n magus_n will_v have_v buy_v they_o for_o money_n they_o be_v so_o very_o remarkable_a that_o they_o make_v great_a and_o public_a impression_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o several_a jew_n who_o be_v already_o convert_v to_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o praise_v god_n for_o his_o have_v also_o visit_v the_o gentile_n last_o the_o gospel_n which_o those_o disciple_n preach_v tell_v we_o that_o such_o shall_v be_v the_o sign_n that_o follow_v the_o true_a disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n namely_o that_o they_o shall_v heal_v the_o sick_a etc._n etc._n certain_o how_o strong_a soever_o the_o obstinacy_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o incredulous_a may_v be_v yet_o they_o can_v any_o long_o hold_v out_o against_o the_o powerful_a conviction_n of_o that_o threefold_a truth_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o disciple_n shall_v bear_v witness_n to_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v true_a neither_o can_v we_o suppose_v they_o will_v have_v have_v the_o boldness_n power_n or_o will_v to_o do_v it_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v contrive_v together_o such_o a_o unparalleled_a imposture_n by_o agree_v among_o themselves_o to_o preach_v the_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n of_o which_o they_o be_v never_o witness_n but_o it_o be_v extravagant_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n boast_v they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v miracle_n mere_o to_o have_v other_o man_n believe_v those_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o it_o argue_v yet_o a_o great_a extravagance_n to_o suppose_v they_o promise_v all_o those_o they_o shall_v convert_v to_o he_o to_o make_v they_o able_a to_o work_v the_o very_a same_o miracle_n they_o attest_v beside_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v two_o thing_n in_o
mankind_n or_o at_o least_o those_o country_n where_o all_o those_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v i_o answer_v first_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o stifle_v or_o conceal_v they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o it_o that_o they_o convert_v a_o infinite_a number_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o that_o too_o in_o a_o very_a short_a time_n second_o there_o be_v several_a external_a cause_n which_o very_o much_o contribute_v towards_o the_o weaken_n the_o impression_n they_o will_v otherwise_o have_v make_v upon_o mankind_n for_o first_o the_o elder_n among_o the_o jew_n endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v to_o persuade_v the_o people_n that_o all_o those_o miracle_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o product_n of_o some_o magic_a power_n or_o a_o kind_n of_o compact_n with_o the_o devil_n second_o those_o that_o be_v in_o power_n be_v so_o much_o exasperate_v against_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n that_o whosoever_o resolve_v to_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n must_v immediate_o prepare_v himself_o to_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o dungeon_n or_o execute_v upon_o a_o scaffold_n nay_o to_o undergo_v if_o possible_a any_o thing_n more_o sorrowful_a and_o fatal_a than_o this_o and_o because_o nothing_o make_v a_o great_a impression_n upon_o man_n than_o to_o see_v punishment_n inflict_v on_o other_o all_o parent_n strict_o charge_v their_o child_n not_o to_o hold_v any_o conversation_n with_o the_o christian_n lest_o they_o shall_v see_v they_o end_v their_o day_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o torment_n nay_o they_o be_v very_o cautious_a and_o strict_a themselves_o in_o avoid_v their_o society_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o keep_v such_o a_o extraordinary_a distance_n from_o the_o christian_n they_o shut_v their_o eye_n and_o stop_v their_o ear_n that_o they_o may_v not_o hear_v their_o word_n nor_o see_v the_o miracle_n which_o they_o perform_v three_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o opinion_n the_o jew_n have_v be_v prepossess_v with_o that_o they_o can_v not_o but_o hate_n and_o avoid_v it_o for_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n become_v a_o scandal_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o be_v treat_v as_o a_o folly_n by_o the_o greek_n last_o the_o christian_a religion_n put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o bondage_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o heathen_n a_o jew_n then_o can_v not_o be_v convert_v to_o christanity_n without_o utter_o renounce_v what_o he_o always_o esteem_v inviolable_a nor_o can_v a_o heathen_a believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n without_o look_v upon_o that_o as_o profane_v which_o he_o think_v before_o most_o sacred_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n speak_v to_o we_o of_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o gospel_n attend_v with_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o new_a heaven_n and_o of_o a_o new_a earth_n if_o we_o add_v to_o this_o the_o extraordinary_a care_n the_o jewish_a and_o heathenish_a priest_n and_o the_o magistrate_n of_o both_o nation_n take_v to_o smother_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o weakness_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n who_o be_v unable_a to_o sustain_v so_o much_o as_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o torment_n that_o be_v invent_v on_o purpose_n to_o hinder_v the_o progress_n of_o christanity_n i_o say_v if_o we_o consider_v this_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v any_o long_o astonish_v at_o that_o which_o at_o first_o view_n so_o much_o surprise_v we_o but_o second_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v why_o the_o historian_n among_o the_o heathen_n never_o mention_v any_o thing_n of_o those_o mighty_a wonder_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o yet_o deserve_v to_o have_v the_o most_o considerable_a place_n among_o the_o many_o other_o event_n they_o have_v so_o careful_o relate_v we_o answer_v that_o this_o consideration_n prove_v nothing_o against_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o have_v so_o firm_o establish_v first_o because_o it_o be_v needless_a and_o extravagant_a to_o draw_v any_o further_a consequence_n from_o a_o principle_n which_o prove_v more_o than_o enough_o already_o it_o be_v true_a the_o heathen_a writer_n say_v little_a or_o nothing_o concern_v jesus_n christ_n for_o they_o hardly_o know_v his_o name_n suetonius_n speak_v of_o he_o after_o this_o manner_n judaei_n tumultuati_fw-la sunt_fw-la cresto_n impulsore_fw-la but_o what_o then_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o suetonius_n hardly_o know_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o person_n as_o christ_n or_o that_o he_o be_v not_o real_o call_v christus_fw-la the_o heathen_a author_n you_o see_v relate_v not_o how_o several_a christian_a church_n be_v in_o a_o small_a time_n settle_v at_o rome_n at_o corinth_n at_o ephesus_n at_o sardis_n at_o smirna_n at_o philippi_n at_o thessalonica_n etc._n etc._n but_o must_v it_o follow_v from_o thence_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n certain_o if_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v true_a this_o be_v undoubted_o true_a i_o grant_v indeed_o that_o the_o miracle_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v all_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o may_v be_v doubt_v of_o yet_o we_o may_v at_o least_o affirm_v that_o the_o establishment_n of_o those_o christian_a church_n compose_v of_o such_o man_n as_o believe_v all_o those_o thing_n be_v a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v doubt_v of_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n very_o important_a and_o remarkable_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o mention_v by_o the_o historian_n of_o that_o age_n therefore_o the_o objection_n go_v too_o far_o it_o prove_v too_o much_o and_o so_o consequent_o prove_v nothing_o second_o i_o say_v that_o the_o historian_n of_o those_o time_n have_v so_o ignorant_o treat_v of_o the_o jewish_a affair_n that_o we_o need_v not_o wonder_v they_o appear_v so_o little_o instruct_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o concern_v the_o christian_n who_o they_o suppose_v to_o have_v be_v a_o sect_n belong_v to_o the_o jew_n for_o if_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o history_n those_o author_n compose_v of_o they_o agree_v not_o very_o well_o with_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v but_o compare_v it_o with_o that_o of_o josephus_n and_o we_o may_v clear_o see_v that_o it_o agree_v no_o better_a with_o one_o than_o with_o the_o other_o last_o the_o heathen_a author_n consider_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o a_o kind_n of_o magic_n and_o a_o detestable_a superstition_n which_o aim_v at_o the_o total_a destruction_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o some_o man_n earnest_o endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o pass_v for_o such_o among_o those_o who_o live_v both_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o long_o after_o they_o and_o it_o be_v very_o dangerous_a to_o give_v it_o any_o other_o name_n the_o world_n be_v divide_v between_o the_o friend_n and_o enemy_n of_o christanity_n those_o who_o be_v the_o friend_n of_o it_o profess_v it_o and_o deliver_v not_o only_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n but_o in_o write_v what_o they_o know_v concern_v the_o wonder_n of_o it_o as_o for_o its_o enemy_n they_o neither_o have_v the_o boldness_n power_n or_o will_v to_o write_v ofit_n as_o the_o former_a have_v do_v they_o will_v not_o do_v it_o lest_o they_o shall_v wrong_v their_o own_o cause_n and_o dishonour_v their_o own_o religion_n and_o they_o can_v not_o do_v it_o because_o they_o themselves_o be_v not_o so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o miracle_n of_o christanity_n have_v always_o be_v afraid_a to_o converse_v with_o the_o christian_n and_o esteem_v the_o belief_n of_o those_o man_n a_o very_a sorrowful_a and_o dangerous_a persuasion_n since_o by_o profess_v their_o religion_n they_o be_v sure_a of_o get_v nothing_o but_o torment_n and_o death_n itself_o last_o they_o dare_v not_o presume_v to_o write_v thing_n as_o they_o real_o be_v though_o they_o have_v be_v never_o so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o they_o because_o their_o own_o write_n will_v accuse_v they_o of_o have_v embrace_v christianity_n a_o crime_n which_o be_v so_o severe_o punish_v in_o those_o day_n that_o it_o will_v unavoidable_o have_v bring_v upon_o they_o certain_a death_n and_o ruin_n or_o at_o least_o after_o their_o death_n shame_n and_o infamy_n upon_o their_o family_n but_o three_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v why_o the_o apostle_n who_o have_v power_n to_o heal_v the_o sick_a and_o raise_v the_o dead_a do_v not_o raise_v all_o the_o dead_a to_o life_n again_o nor_o heal_v all_o the_o sick_a that_o be_v in_o judea_n because_o then_o all_o the_o world_n will_v have_v be_v force_v in_o spite_n of_o themselves_o to_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n we_o answer_v that_o this_o question_n be_v much_o like_o what_o the_o murderer_n of_o jesus_n christ_n say_v to_o he_o upon_o the_o cross_n he_o save_v other_o let_v he_o save_v himself_o let_v he_o come_v
the_o public_a good_a to_o concur_v with_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o private_a and_o the_o private_a with_o that_o of_o the_o public_a for_o instance_n what_o will_v follow_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o charity_n which_o enjoin_v we_o to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o our_o mind_n and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o the_o result_n of_o it_o will_v be_v that_o every_o man_n interest_n shall_v be_v the_o same_o that_o there_o shall_v reign_v no_o hatred_n or_o animosity_n no_o jealousy_n or_o competition_n among_o they_o that_o every_o man_n will_v thank_v god_n for_o the_o blessing_n that_o other_o have_v receive_v at_o his_o hand_n that_o charity_n will_v make_v every_o thing_n our_o own_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v happy_a in_o other_o man_n advantage_n as_o a_o son_n in_o the_o prosperity_n of_o his_o father_n and_o a_o father_n in_o that_o of_o his_o son_n that_o a_o public_a society_n will_v make_v but_o one_o family_n more_o close_o unite_v since_o charity_n can_v make_v those_o thing_n equal_a that_o humane_a passion_n have_v before_o distinguish_v and_o much_o the_o happy_a since_o the_o happiness_n of_o one_o single_a person_n shall_v be_v enjoy_v by_o all_o and_o the_o happiness_n of_o all_o by_o each_o single_a person_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o foresee_v what_o objection_n our_o incredulous_a adversary_n will_v make_v they_o will_v say_v that_o christian_a morality_n be_v undoubted_o a_o very_a fine_a idea_n of_o true_a perfection_n but_o very_o unprofitable_a since_o it_o be_v so_o far_o raise_v above_o our_o ordinary_a strength_n and_o capacity_n the_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n depend_v upon_o those_o reflection_n we_o shall_v continue_v to_o make_v upon_o the_o character_n of_o this_o morality_n viii_o we_o therefore_o assert_v that_o although_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o continual_a warfare_n betwixt_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n we_o can_v observe_v this_o christian_a morality_n in_o its_o full_a perfection_n and_o consequent_o can_v be_v sensible_a of_o the_o advantage_n which_o accrue_v to_o we_o from_o it_o in_o their_o utmost_a extent_n it_o be_v enough_o if_o by_o observe_v it_o according_a to_o our_o present_a condition_n it_o procure_v we_o a_o thousand_o advantageous_a effect_n which_o clear_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a idea_n and_o this_o be_v such_o a_o undeniable_a truth_n as_o be_v daily_o confirm_v by_o experience_n so_o true_a it_o be_v that_o the_o strict_a observance_n of_o this_o divine_a morality_n tend_v to_o our_o profit_n and_o welfare_n that_o parent_n themselves_o wish_v it_o to_o their_o child_n husband_n to_o their_o wife_n and_o wife_n to_o their_o husband_n servant_n to_o their_o master_n and_o master_n to_o their_o servant_n prince_n to_o their_o subject_n and_o subject_n to_o their_o prince_n creditor_n to_o their_o debtor_n and_o debtor_n to_o their_o creditor_n as_o the_o principle_n of_o fidelity_n love_n union_n virtue_n and_o even_o of_o joy_n and_o satisfaction_n self-love_n indeed_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o mere_a idea_n especial_o when_o it_o command_v it_o to_o shake_v off_o its_o evil_a inclination_n and_o think_v itself_o not_o able_a to_o observe_v it_o strict_o but_o still_o it_o think_v it_o very_o just_a reasonable_a and_o perfect_a when_o there_o be_v occasion_n to_o reform_v other_o man_n imperfection_n and_o vice_n and_o it_o be_v well_o please_v to_o see_v if_o it_o be_v not_o extreme_o degenerate_v into_o the_o worst_a irregularity_n that_o that_o bridle_v sufficient_o curb_v at_o least_o in_o other_o man_n their_o concupiscence_n and_o unruly_a passion_n who_o end_n be_v only_o to_o confound_v ruin_n and_o violate_v all_o thing_n ix_o but_o that_o which_o whole_o secure_v christian_n morality_n from_o the_o reproach_n it_o may_v be_v charge_v with_o in_o this_o respect_n be_v that_o it_o be_v itself_o either_o endow_v with_o such_o strength_n as_o must_v necessary_o exalt_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n or_o contain_v such_o object_n which_o together_o with_o the_o efficacy_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o continual_o attend_v they_o outweigh_v the_o most_o sensible_a object_n and_o that_o passionate_a inclination_n we_o all_o have_v for_o the_o world_n philosopher_n indeed_o may_v be_v very_o just_o charge_v with_o this_o reproach_n namely_o that_o their_o morality_n be_v mere_a speculation_n because_o their_o excellent_a maxim_n have_v no_o motive_n powerful_a enough_o to_o support_v they_o they_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v true_a that_o we_o must_v overcome_v ourselves_o and_o renounce_v our_o evil_a desire_n but_o if_o once_o they_o be_v ask_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o they_o be_v much_o perplex_v how_o to_o solve_v the_o query_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o their_o morality_n be_v very_o excellent_a but_o the_o motive_n that_o induce_v man_n to_o observe_v it_o be_v weak_a and_o a_o little_a renown_n acquire_v in_o practise_v that_o virtue_n they_o so_o strict_o recommend_v as_o also_o the_o title_n of_o wiseman_n and_o that_o abundance_n of_o vanity_n always_o concomitant_a with_o it_o be_v very_o weak_a inducement_n to_o constrain_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o deprive_v itself_o of_o its_o darling_n belove_v passion_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o the_o morality_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v wonderful_o support_v by_o the_o motive_n it_o lay_v before_o we_o every_o thing_n be_v coherent_a in_o it_o and_o all_o the_o part_n proportionable_a it_o require_v our_o observance_n of_o many_o hard_a and_o mortify_a duty_n it_o curb_v the_o affection_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o mortify_v the_o flesh_n but_o since_o that_o can_v be_v do_v without_o great_a difficulty_n and_o more_o than_o ordinary_a endeavour_n it_o promise_v we_o a_o magnificent_a and_o glorious_a reward_n the_o greatness_n of_o the_o promise_n be_v support_v by_o many_o terrible_a threaten_n and_o both_o these_o object_n be_v confirm_v by_o such_o favour_n as_o be_v very_o proper_a to_o gain_v our_o affection_n the_o blessing_n be_v a_o sure_a token_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o make_v we_o believe_v that_o of_o the_o threaten_n i_o grant_v the_o promise_n of_o a_o bless_a life_n and_o immortality_n which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v very_o great_a and_o glorious_a but_o still_o not_o great_a than_o that_o which_o jesus_n make_v to_o two_o of_o his_o disciple_n when_o he_o call_v they_o unto_o he_o say_v come_v after_o i_o and_o i_o will_v make_v you_o fisher_n of_o men._n there_o be_v less_o probability_n that_o a_o few_o poor_a ignorant_a fisherman_n shall_v have_v be_v able_a to_o catch_v in_o their_o net_n the_o doctrine_n authority_n wit_n and_o eloquence_n of_o man_n than_o that_o we_o shall_v see_v god_n after_o death_n the_o truth_n of_o his_o promise_n can_v subsist_v without_o that_o of_o his_o threaten_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a when_o he_o promise_v that_o the_o pure_a in_o heart_n shall_v see_v he_o he_o threaten_v also_o to_o exclude_v those_o that_o be_v not_o so_o from_o the_o beatific_a vision_n let_v not_o man_n therefore_o slatter_v themselves_o let_v they_o shake_v off_o their_o unbelief_n of_o the_o severe_a punishment_n that_o attend_v the_o wicked_a after_o this_o life_n their_o reason_n will_v tell_v they_o that_o god_n can_v do_v no_o less_o than_o banish_v those_o his_o presence_n who_o have_v persist_v in_o a_o wilful_a design_n of_o offend_v he_o by_o their_o sin_n and_o that_o such_o a_o banishment_n be_v attend_v with_o the_o great_a of_o all_o misery_n and_o that_o be_v eternal_a death_n the_o sting_n of_o conscience_n convince_v we_o of_o this_o and_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n inform_v we_o of_o it_o his_o justice_n point_v it_o out_o to_o we_o his_o law_n teach_v it_o and_o the_o gospel_n confirm_v it_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o thing_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o doubt_v it_o since_o god_n can_v direct_v man_n to_o the_o true_a end_n of_o his_o creation_n without_o reveal_v himself_o to_o he_o and_o he_o can_v reveal_v himself_o to_o he_o without_o make_v his_o will_n know_v to_o he_o according_a as_o he_o please_v nor_o can_v he_o make_v his_o will_n know_v to_o he_o without_o give_v he_o a_o law_n nor_o give_v he_o a_o law_n without_o annex_v to_o it_o such_o motive_n as_o must_v be_v either_o promise_n or_o threaten_n deep_o engravened_a in_o the_o conscience_n if_o they_o accompany_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o deliver_v in_o writing_n if_o they_o follow_v the_o write_a law_n nor_o can_v he_o make_v such_o promise_n or_o threaten_n unto_o man_n without_o be_v punctual_a in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o and_o can_v we_o have_v any_o great_a certainty_n than_o that_o which_o be_v so_o visible_o found_v upon_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n themselves_o there_o be_v nothing_o therefore_o capable_a to_o free_a man_n from_o
the_o other_o scale_n to_o overbalance_v it_o but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v and_o we_o must_v rest_v content_a to_o believe_v those_o object_n which_o make_v we_o thus_o renounce_v that_o which_o we_o actual_o see_v and_o shall_v they_o be_v never_o so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o common_a sense_n yet_o faith_n and_o not_o reason_n ought_v chief_o to_o induce_v we_o to_o receive_v they_o now_o the_o same_o principle_n that_o set_v the_o heart_n at_o variance_n with_o the_o law_n that_o impose_v on_o it_o the_o necessity_n of_o act_v after_o that_o manner_n the_o same_o principle_n i_o say_v make_v reason_n oppose_v revelation_n which_o lay_v upon_o it_o a_o invincible_a necessity_n of_o believe_v what_o it_o can_v comprehend_v it_o be_v certain_a however_o that_o this_o command_n of_o god_n be_v very_o conformable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n very_o suitable_a to_o our_o present_a condition_n necessary_a to_o our_o sanctification_n and_o useful_a for_o the_o advancement_n of_o god_n glory_n we_o must_v not_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o the_o dispensation_n of_o faith_n shall_v precede_v that_o of_o sight_n since_o we_o daily_o observe_v darkness_n to_o precede_v light_n by_o a_o natural_a order_n and_o that_o we_o be_v child_n before_o we_o come_v to_o be_v men._n both_o experience_n and_o reason_n tell_v we_o that_o our_o knowledge_n be_v very_o imperfect_a in_o this_o life_n wherein_o the_o soul_n be_v as_o it_o be_v press_v down_o by_o the_o clog_n of_o the_o body_n that_o we_o may_v walk_v more_o secure_a by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o those_o heathen_n who_o attempt_v to_o go_v beyoud_a it_o wander_v blind_o about_o and_o lose_v their_o way_n there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o irregularity_n in_o man_n which_o produce_v all_o his_o other_o disorder_n pride_n and_o voluptuousness_n the_o latter_a of_o which_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o most_o inferior_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o be_v chief_o produce_v by_o the_o sense_n but_o pride_n be_v proper_o a_o defect_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o therefore_o there_o have_v not_o be_v find_v hitherto_o a_o better_a remedy_n against_o voluptuousness_n than_o that_o of_o afflict_v the_o sense_n by_o deny_v they_o those_o pleasure_n they_o so_o earnest_o thirst_v after_o so_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v there_o have_v be_v as_o yet_o a_o better_a mean_n think_v of_o to_o remove_v the_o pride_n of_o the_o mind_n than_o to_o humble_v it_o by_o restrain_v those_o speculation_n of_o knowledge_n which_o puff_v it_o up_o beyond_o measure_n and_o mortify_v it_o by_o require_v it_o to_o sacrifice_v all_o its_o weak_a conjecture_n and_o vain_a reason_n to_o faith_n and_o indeed_o this_o sacrifice_n of_o ourselves_o be_v deserve_o owe_v to_o god_n since_o there_o be_v as_o much_o reason_n for_o submit_v our_o willby_n our_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n as_o there_o be_v for_o subject_v our_o mind_n to_o he_o by_o faith_n for_o by_o the_o former_a of_o these_o act_n we_o own_v he_o for_o our_o lord_n that_o have_v a_o right_a to_o command_v we_o and_o by_o the_o latter_a we_o ready_o confess_v his_o veracity_n and_o that_o we_o need_v not_o fear_v be_v impose_v upon_o when_o we_o receive_v those_o thing_n he_o command_v we_o to_o observe_v thus_o man_n who_o have_v lose_v himself_o in_o his_o desire_n of_o infinite_a knowledge_n be_v bind_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o expiate_v his_o crime_n in_o not_o desire_v to_o know_v any_o thing_n by_o himself_o he_o have_v attempt_v to_o get_v as_o clear_v a_o knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n as_o god_n himself_o but_o now_o he_o refuse_v to_o know_v any_o thing_n but_o from_o god_n he_o be_v blind_a whilst_o he_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o now_o he_o must_v see_v clear_a in_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o faith_n for_o after_o that_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o world_n by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v 1_o cor._n 1._o 21._o it_o be_v certain_a shall_v god_n familiar_o and_o frequent_o reveal_v himself_o unto_o man_n by_o sensible_a and_o continue_a miracle_n we_o shall_v then_o walk_v by_o sight_n and_o not_o by_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o if_o the_o object_n of_o revelation_n be_v not_o in_o some_o sort_n obscure_a there_o will_v be_v no_o endeavour_n no_o difficulty_n no_o sacrifice_n of_o reason_n make_v to_o believe_v they_o the_o difficulty_n that_o mystery_n be_v attend_v with_o have_v almost_o the_o same_o influence_n over_o our_o understanding_n as_o affliction_n have_v upon_o our_o heart_n for_o as_o these_o bring_v the_o latter_a in_o subjection_n so_o the_o other_o serve_v to_o try_v the_o constancy_n of_o the_o former_a and_o since_o god_n almighty_n be_v please_v to_o increase_v our_o patience_n by_o two_o different_a sort_n of_o suffering_n the_o one_o which_o he_o himself_o inflict_v immediate_o upon_o we_o and_o the_o other_o he_o permit_v worldly_a mind_v and_o sinful_a man_n to_o inflict_v upon_o we_o so_o in_o like_a manner_n he_o be_v please_v to_o exercise_v our_o faith_n by_o two_o different_a sort_n of_o difficulty_n some_o whereof_o spring_n immediate_o from_o god_n himself_o and_o other_o proceed_v from_o the_o very_a heart_n and_o understanding_n of_o men._n for_o we_o must_v distinguish_v betwixt_o that_o obscurity_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o mystery_n which_o proceed_v from_o god_n and_o that_o which_o proceed_v from_o the_o understanding_n of_o men._n the_o first_o be_v either_o necessary_a as_o all_o those_o difficulty_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o essential_a disproportion_n between_o infinite_a object_n such_o as_o those_o of_o revelation_n and_o a_o finite_a understanding_n like_o we_o or_o else_o voluntary_a and_o so_o enter_v into_o the_o very_a plan_n and_o design_n of_o religion_n itself_o and_o these_o again_o may_v be_v distinguish_v according_a to_o that_o diversity_n which_o in_o our_o manner_n of_o conceive_v thing_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o suppose_v in_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n himself_o there_o be_v some_o which_o proceed_v from_o the_o council_n of_o his_o wisdom_n other_o from_o that_o of_o his_o justice_n other_o from_o that_o of_o his_o majesty_n and_o last_o from_o that_o of_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n thus_o divine_a wisdom_n be_v please_v to_o intermix_v some_o sort_n of_o darkness_n amid_o the_o most_o express_a prophecy_n we_o have_v lest_o that_o too_o clear_a a_o evidence_n of_o they_o shall_v destroy_v their_o event_n to_o this_o principle_n also_o must_v we_o refer_v all_o those_o shadow_n type_n parabolical_a representation_n that_o mixture_n of_o sensible_a object_n with_o spiritual_a benefit_n that_o of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o state_n of_o israel_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o general_o all_o those_o other_o mean_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v use_v of_o partly_o to_o cover_v those_o event_n he_o have_v declare_v to_o man_n many_o age_n before_o their_o completion_n god_n draw_v a_o veil_n over_o the_o most_o essential_a truth_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n such_o as_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o trinity_n the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n etc._n etc._n that_o a_o distinct_a revelation_n from_o all_o these_o object_n may_v be_v a_o undeniable_a character_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o that_o his_o disciple_n may_v bold_o affirm_v that_o life_n be_v manifest_v in_o jesus_n christ_n that_o grace_n have_v appear_v unto_o all_o men._n for_o no_o man_n have_v see_v god_n at_o any_o time_n the_o only_o beget_v son_n which_o be_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o father_n he_o have_v declare_v he_o john_n 1._o 18._o to_o this_o wisdom_n of_o god_n also_o must_v be_v refer_v that_o conduct_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o inspire_v the_o patriarch_n thereby_o to_o reveal_v a_o better_a life_n to_o they_o and_o make_v they_o cry_v out_o upon_o their_o deathbed_n lord_n i_o have_v wait_v for_o thy_o salvation_n but_o withal_o give_v they_o but_o a_o faint_a prospect_n of_o that_o object_n by_o such_o obscure_a thought_n and_o dark_a notion_n as_o they_o be_v not_o able_a of_o themselves_o to_o solve_v defer_v to_o give_v a_o more_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o his_o mystery_n till_o that_o time_n which_o he_o have_v set_v apart_o for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o his_o oracle_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o he_o that_o be_v to_o be_v the_o author_n and_o end_n of_o christian_a religion_n for_o this_o cause_n therefore_o there_o be_v hardly_o mention_v make_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n but_o of_o temporal_a promise_n and_o threaten_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o when_o dispute_v against_o the_o sadducee_n prove_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a but_o by_o
like_a speculation_n who_o end_n be_v to_o dive_v into_o the_o manner_n how_o those_o thing_n be_v do_v which_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o thereby_o give_v rise_v to_o the_o most_o considerable_a difficulty_n of_o our_o incredulous_a adversary_n who_o heap_v up_o all_o those_o humane_a speculation_n together_o the_o better_a to_o impugn_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n itself_o or_o else_o rash_o conclude_v from_o those_o vain_a dispute_n of_o humane_a curiosity_n that_o religion_n have_v nothing_o of_o certainty_n or_o solidity_n in_o it_o but_o we_o shall_v easy_o confute_v both_o the_o error_n and_o injustice_n of_o those_o un_fw-fr believer_n faith_n be_v assault_v by_o two_o sort_n of_o enemy_n 1_o sy_n the_o incredulous_a who_o impugn_v it_o on_o that_o side_n on_o which_o it_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o evident_a and_o 2_o lie_v the_o inconsiderate_a and_o curious_a who_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o its_o sacred_a obscurity_n so_o that_o we_o have_v here_o those_o who_o deny_v all_o thing_n and_o those_o who_o will_v know_v all_o thing_n you_o will_v do_v well_o to_o show_v those_o curious_a inconsiderate_a man_n that_o they_o be_v mistake_v and_o think_v not_o that_o their_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o uselessness_n of_o their_o nice_a distinction_n can_v do_v any_o prejudice_n at_o all_o to_o religion_n because_o a_o unseasonable_a curiosity_n be_v no_o less_o contrary_a to_o the_o genius_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n than_o scepticism_n and_o incredulity_n v._o this_o curiosity_n be_v inseparable_o attend_v with_o rashness_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o express_v into_o what_o strange_a excess_n both_o of_o they_o have_v insensible_o bring_v men._n to_o confirm_v this_o we_o shall_v only_o set_v down_o one_o necessary_a example_n and_o that_o be_v of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n one_o of_o the_o most_o profound_a and_o unsearchable_a mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n in_o this_o curiosity_n have_v induce_v man_n to_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o revelation_n and_o rashness_n have_v oblige_v they_o not_o to_o believe_v it_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n it_o assure_v we_o also_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v god_n that_o he_o think_v it_o no_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n that_o he_o make_v the_o world_n time_n and_o all_o thing_n therein_o it_o ascribe_v to_o he_o all_o the_o attribute_n the_o work_n and_o the_o name_n of_o the_o deity_n his_o power_n his_o wisdom_n his_o eternity_n immensity_n etc._n etc._n it_o further_o assure_v we_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v god_n it_o assert_n that_o those_o three_o be_v one._n it_o command_v baptism_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n it_o speak_v of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n as_o of_o three_o person_n and_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o this_o it_o be_v because_o the_o pride_n of_o man_n think_v fit_v it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o i_o do_v not_o know_v or_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v be_v confession_n so_o terrible_a to_o they_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o they_o will_v invent_v to_o avoid_v they_o they_o be_v desirous_a to_o know_v how_o three_o person_n can_v subsist_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o essence_n they_o tell_v we_o of_o modes_n and_o relation_n of_o modal_n and_o formal_a distinction_n of_o absolute_a and_o relative_a entity_n etc._n etc._n they_o assert_v that_o the_o divine_a intellect_n produce_v the_o word_n and_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o uncreated_a production_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o a_o thousand_o other_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n which_o if_o certain_a at_o least_o be_v not_o reveal_v and_o why_o all_o these_o distinction_n and_o subtlety_n unless_o they_o will_v make_v we_o comprehend_v a_o mystery_n god_n be_v resolve_v shall_v remain_v the_o incomprehensible_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n other_o displease_v with_o those_o scholastic_a speculation_n be_v so_o impious_a as_o to_o attempt_v to_o destroy_v that_o mystery_n which_o they_o can_v conceive_v either_o by_o utter_o reject_v those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o mention_v it_o or_o if_o they_o receive_v they_o by_o put_v such_o a_o force_a interpretation_n upon_o they_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n must_v needs_o have_v have_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v we_o if_o he_o mean_v what_o such_o teacher_n will_v have_v he_o thus_o for_o instance_n this_o place_n of_o scriptnre_n before_o abraham_n be_v i_o be_o signify_v according_a to_o the_o socinian_o before_o the_o prophecy_n contain_v in_o the_o name_n of_o abraham_n be_v fulfil_v and_o before_o he_o become_v the_o father_n of_o all_o nation_n i_o be_o so_o they_o say_v this_o text_n glorify_v i_o with_o the_o glory_n which_o i_o have_v with_o thou_o before_o the_o world_n be_v john_n 17._o 5._o import_v as_o much_o as_o glorify_v i_o with_o the_o glory_n thou_o have_v resolve_v to_o honour_v i_o with_o and_o this_o other_o the_o same_o be_v in_o the_o beginnning_n and_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o that_o be_v as_o they_o interpret_v it_o he_o be_v before_o the_o time_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o by_o he_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n but_o to_o what_o end_n do_v they_o invent_v those_o nicety_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n simplicity_n and_o truth_n it_o be_v doubtless_o on_o purpose_n to_o make_v void_a the_o effect_n of_o those_o sacred_a obscurity_n which_o god_n have_v disperse_v throughout_o his_o mystery_n and_o to_o save_v those_o by_o humane_a wisdom_n who_o god_n design_v to_o bless_v with_o life_n eternal_a through_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v as_o man_n first_o call_v it_o vi_o we_o may_v add_v superstition_n to_o this_o irregular_a curiosity_n and_o rashness_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o arise_v by_o little_a and_o little_a from_o the_o passion_n endeavour_v to_o hide_v themselves_o or_o avoid_v by_o vain_a pretext_n the_o mortification_n of_o repentance_n and_o shift_v off_o the_o severe_a injunction_n of_o christian_a morality_n and_o to_o that_o end_n they_o employ_v man_n in_o some_o unprofitable_a bodily_a exercise_n or_o else_o whole_o fix_v his_o mind_n upon_o some_o carnal_a worship_n superstition_n be_v no_o soon_o thus_o insensible_o form_v but_o it_o thrust_v itself_o into_o credit_n and_o as_o it_o be_v claim_v a_o privilege_n of_o freedom_n in_o religion_n so_o that_o the_o most_o prodigious_a whymsy_n and_o imagination_n of_o the_o former_a be_v confuse_o huddle_v together_o with_o the_o most_o sacred_a mystery_n of_o the_o latter_a and_o then_o there_o be_v no_o absurdity_n so_o extravagant_a that_o human_a passion_n suggest_v but_o what_o the_o incredulous_a immediate_o take_v hold_v on_o as_o instrument_n wherewith_o they_o attack_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v in_o some_o respect_n as_o it_o be_v infect_v with_o they_o and_o such_o be_v the_o folly_n of_o man_n that_o they_o will_v needs_o save_v all_o or_o lose_v all_o for_o if_o you_o go_v about_o to_o destroy_v superstition_n you_o be_v then_o immediate_o condemn_v for_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o christianity_n and_o if_o you_o endeavour_v to_o maintain_v the_o glory_n and_o holiness_n of_o christianity_n man_n expect_v you_o shall_v too_o in_o some_o manner_n defend_v the_o absurd_a extravagance_n of_o superstition_n but_o our_o design_n of_o write_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o general_a suffer_v we_o not_o to_o make_v any_o application_n of_o this_o at_o present_a it_o be_v enough_o if_o the_o position_n we_o advance_v be_v certain_o true_a as_o will_v full_o appear_v by_o the_o example_n as_o may_v be_v seek_v of_o it_o elsewhere_o and_o which_o it_o be_v no_o difficult_a matter_n for_o any_o man_n to_o find_v out_o we_o shall_v therefore_o rest_v content_v to_o assert_v in_o that_o respect_n that_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o sect_n which_o so_o miserable_o divide_v the_o christian_a church_n among_o man_n and_o on_o who_o account_n the_o name_n of_o our_o common_a lord_n and_o master_n be_v so_o frequent_o blaspheme_v among_o infidel_n sole_o spring_v from_o these_o three_o principle_n viz._n a_o irregular_a curiosity_n a_o rashness_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o superstition_n and_o these_o three_o principle_n themselves_o proceed_v from_o a_o more_o ancient_a original_a which_o be_v the_o disorder_n and_o irregularity_n of_o our_o passion_n now_o to_o demand_v why_o god_n permit_v such_o a_o multitude_n of_o sect_n and_o different_a religion_n to_o reign_v among_o man_n be_v just_a as_o if_o one_o shall_v ask_v why_o god_n suffer_v wicked_a man_n to_o live_v in_o the_o world_n for_o he_o that_o permit_v the_o licentiousness_n of_o the_o passion_n necessary_o suffer_v the_o natural_a effect_n and_o infallible_a consequence_n of_o they_o vii_o this_o be_v grant_v we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o philosophy_n itself_o be_v another_o source_n of_o