again_o in_o question_n so_o that_o the_o reason_n of_o work_a miracle_n be_v then_o cease_v it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n shall_v cease_v too_o at_o least_o till_o such_o time_n as_o god_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o make_v some_o alteration_n in_o or_o addition_n to_o his_o former_a revelation_n which_o we_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o think_v he_o will_v never_o do_v or_o till_o he_o shall_v please_v to_o undertake_v the_o conversion_n of_o those_o nation_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n to_o who_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o former_a miracle_n that_o have_v be_v wrought_v for_o its_o confirmation_n can_v not_o be_v so_o well_o communicate_v by_o credible_a history_n as_o it_o be_v to_o we_o for_o as_o be_v hint_v before_o credible_a history_n be_v all_o the_o proof_n and_o evidence_n that_o we_o ever_o think_v reasonable_a to_o require_v in_o other_o case_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n as_o for_o instance_n when_o a_o new_a law_n be_v make_v concern_v any_o matter_n it_o be_v requisite_a according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o our_o country_n that_o it_o shall_v pass_v both_o house_n of_o parliament_n and_o that_o the_o king_n shall_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v it_o and_o that_o afterward_o it_o shall_v be_v some_o way_n so_o publish_v and_o promulge_v that_o all_o the_o subject_n that_o be_v then_o alive_a shall_v have_v sufficient_a assurance_n give_v they_o that_o such_o a_o law_n be_v make_v but_o after_o this_o law_n have_v be_v once_o so_o pass_v and_o ratify_v and_o promulge_v it_o be_v pass_v and_o ratify_v and_o promulge_v for_o ever_o and_o no_o man_n be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o expect_v that_o every_o parliament_n that_o be_v call_v afterward_o shall_v read_v and_o pass_v over_o again_o all_o the_o law_n that_o have_v be_v make_v before_o their_o time_n or_o that_o every_o king_n that_o succeed_v to_o the_o throne_n shall_v afresh_o ratify_v and_o publish_v all_o the_o law_n that_o be_v make_v by_o all_o his_o predecessor_n but_o all_o the_o proof_n that_o we_o ever_o require_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o ancient_a law_n be_v a_o true_a copy_n of_o it_o and_o a_o good_a history_n or_o record_n of_o its_o be_v make_v at_o such_o a_o time_n by_o such_o a_o king_n confirm_v by_o the_o tradition_n of_o all_o the_o intermediate_v age_n to_o our_o time_n which_o have_v allow_v of_o its_o authority_n by_o cite_v it_o as_o a_o law_n of_o the_o land_n by_o plead_v from_o it_o and_o by_o give_v judgement_n according_a to_o it_o and_o he_o who_o will_v not_o allow_v of_o the_o same_o proof_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o christian_a institution_n so_o many_o hundred_o year_n ago_o establish_v but_o will_v needs_o have_v new_a miracle_n and_o new_a revelation_n to_o confirm_v the_o former_a be_v every_o whit_n as_o unreasonable_a as_o that_o criminal_a will_v be_v who_o be_v indict_v upon_o some_o ancient_a statute_n shall_v refuse_v to_o plead_v to_o his_o indictment_n upon_o pretence_n that_o he_o know_v not_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o law_n or_o not_o it_o be_v make_v if_o ever_o it_o be_v make_v long_o before_o his_o time_n and_o there_o be_v none_o now_o alive_a that_o be_v present_a at_o the_o make_n of_o it_o show_v he_o the_o law_n in_o the_o statute_n book_n why_o how_o do_v he_o know_v he_o will_v say_v but_o that_o the_o printer_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o put_v a_o cheat_n upon_o the_o nation_n by_o print_v a_o law_n of_o their_o own_o make_n as_o a_o law_n make_v by_o some_o of_o our_o ancient_a king_n nay_o show_v he_o the_o original_a record_n still_o he_o will_v say_v there_o have_v be_v abundance_n of_o forgery_n in_o the_o world_n and_o how_o do_v he_o know_v but_o that_o this_o be_v one_o the_o record_n he_o will_v own_v perhaps_o look_v like_o a_o ancient_a deed_n and_o have_v all_o the_o mark_n of_o such_o antiquity_n as_o it_o pretend_v to_o but_o after_o all_o it_o be_v possible_a it_o may_v be_v and_o therefore_o he_o can_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v not_o a_o forgery_n and_o till_o he_o be_v assure_v of_o this_o he_o will_v not_o plead_v to_o a_o indictment_n that_o be_v ground_v upon_o it_o but_o if_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n that_o now_o be_v will_v be_v please_v to_o declare_v that_o this_o be_v a_o good_a law_n and_o if_o he_o himself_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v by_o when_o they_o shall_v declare_v it_o or_o if_o at_o least_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n that_o he_o can_v trust_v shall_v testify_v upon_o oath_n that_o they_o be_v present_a when_o it_o be_v pass_v into_o a_o law_n than_o he_o will_v allow_v it_o to_o be_v a_o good_a law_n and_o after_o that_o will_v be_v content_a to_o suffer_v the_o punishment_n of_o it_o if_o he_o shall_v ever_o again_o be_v a_o transgressor_n now_o what_o man_n be_v there_o that_o will_v think_v this_o a_o reasonable_a demand_n or_o what_o judge_n or_o court_n will_v ever_o allow_v of_o such_o a_o plea_n and_o yet_o as_o unreasonable_a as_o it_o be_v it_o be_v just_a the_o same_o with_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v more_o wise_a and_o cautious_a than_o their_o neighbour_n will_v not_o allow_v of_o the_o same_o sort_n of_o proof_n though_o indeed_o much_o better_a in_o its_o kind_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o though_o we_o have_v as_o authentic_a history_n as_o any_o be_v in_o the_o world_n such_o history_n as_o the_o great_a adversary_n of_o christianity_n have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o say_v any_o thing_n to_o invalidate_v the_o truth_n of_o which_o declare_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v such_o and_o such_o doctrine_n and_o wrought_v such_o and_o such_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n yet_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v true_a and_o divine_a unless_o they_o may_v have_v special_a messenger_n send_v to_o they_o to_o declare_v afresh_o all_o the_o same_o thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n once_o do_v and_o those_o endue_v with_o a_o power_n of_o work_v in_o their_o sight_n and_o presence_n the_o same_o miracle_n over_o again_o that_o be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v former_o do_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o confirm_v the_o testimony_n that_o they_o give_v 2._o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o that_o request_n which_o the_o rich_a man_n here_o make_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o his_o brethren_n viz._n that_o god_n will_v make_v a_o new_a revelation_n for_o their_o particular_a conversion_n or_o in_o general_a the_o unreasonableness_n of_o our_o now_o desire_v fresh_a revelation_n new_a miracle_n or_o apparition_n of_o man_n from_o the_o dead_a to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v already_o sufficient_o prove_v to_o we_o by_o the_o stand_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v further_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o to_o we_o who_o live_v now_o in_o christian_a country_n other_o ground_n of_o faith_n or_o strong_a motive_n to_o repentance_n than_o we_o have_v already_o in_o the_o stand_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o excellency_n of_o faith_n may_v destroy_v the_o virtue_n of_o believe_v and_o may_v be_v too_o great_a a_o force_n and_o constraint_n upon_o we_o such_o as_o will_v in_o a_o manner_n take_v away_o our_o liberty_n of_o choice_n for_o there_o be_v no_o virtue_n at_o all_o in_o believe_v what_o we_o see_v there_o be_v no_o praise_n or_o thanks_o at_o all_o due_a for_o do_v what_o we_o be_v drive_v or_o force_v to_o do_v and_o for_o we_o who_o have_v already_o abundant_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v and_o embrace_v christianity_n to_o have_v fresh_a miracle_n wrought_v every_o day_n before_o our_o own_o eye_n such_o miracle_n as_o we_o can_v not_o possible_o doubt_v the_o truth_n of_o to_o confirm_v those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v already_o sufficient_o confirm_v will_v not_o be_v to_o persuade_v we_o but_o to_o force_v we_o to_o be_v christian_n so_o that_o then_o the_o state_n we_o be_v now_o in_o will_v not_o be_v as_o god_n design_v it_o shall_v be_v a_o state_n of_o trial_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o wisdom_n be_v when_o there_o be_v some_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n and_o he_o be_v the_o wise_a man_n who_o in_o that_o case_n give_v judgement_n on_o that_o side_n on_o which_o the_o reason_n be_v strong_a but_o against_o what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o the_o evidence_n which_o we_o desire_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v no_o more_o than_o we_o be_v tell_v have_v be_v already_o give_v to_o some_o man_n particular_o to_o those_o who_o live_v in_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n time_n and_o we_o can_v see_v why_o it_o will_v be_v more_o inconsistent_a
no_o reason_n to_o desire_v new_a revelation_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n october_n seven_o 1700._o be_v the_o seven_o for_o the_o year_n 1700_o of_o the_o lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o offspring_n blackall_n d._n d._n rector_n of_o st._n marry_o aldermary_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v by_o j._n leake_n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._o st._n luke_n xvi_o 29_o 30_o 31._o abraham_n say_v unto_o he_o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o he_o say_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a when_o i_o first_o begin_v to_o discourse_n on_o these_o word_n i_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o these_o three_o point_n i._o to_o show_v that_o the_o present_a stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o repentance_n if_o they_o be_v not_o unreasonable_o blind_a and_o obstinate_a they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n i_o add_v they_o have_v also_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o ii_o to_o show_v that_o have_v already_o such_o good_a ground_n of_o faith_n such_o full_a direction_n for_o practice_n and_o such_o strong_a motive_n to_o repentance_n it_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a request_n to_o desire_v more_o nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o iii_o last_o to_o show_v that_o in_o case_n god_n shall_v condescend_v to_o gratify_v man_n in_o this_o unreasonable_a desire_n work_v every_o day_n new_a miracle_n before_o their_o eye_n or_o send_v their_o decease_a friend_n to_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a to_o assure_v they_o of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o to_o warn_v they_o to_o prepare_v for_o it_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o very_o few_o or_o none_o of_o those_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o be_v not_o bring_v to_o repentance_n by_o the_o preach_a and_o stand_v revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v persuade_v by_o this_o mean_n if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n nor_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o first_o of_o these_o have_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o several_a former_a discourse_n the_o second_o i_o design_n to_o speak_v to_o at_o this_o time_n viz._n ii_o to_o show_v that_o have_v already_o such_o good_a ground_n of_o faith_n such_o full_a direction_n for_o practice_n and_o such_o strong_a motive_n to_o repentance_n as_o i_o have_v show_v we_o have_v in_o that_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a request_n to_o desire_v more_o nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o the_o request_n which_o the_o rich_a man_n here_o make_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o his_o brethren_n viz._n that_o god_n will_v be_v please_v to_o send_v one_o from_o the_o dead_a to_o preach_v to_o they_o or_o in_o general_a how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v for_o man_n now_o a-days_o to_o desire_v or_o look_v for_o more_o mean_n of_o conversion_n or_o motive_n to_o repentance_n than_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o afford_v we_o in_o the_o stand_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o follow_a thing_n 1._o that_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o motive_n to_o repentance_n which_o we_o have_v already_o be_v well_o ground_v upon_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o have_v be_v once_o already_o sufficient_o prove_v and_o attest_v it_o be_v altogether_o needless_a that_o any_o fresh_a or_o further_a proof_n shall_v be_v give_v of_o they_o and_o it_o be_v what_o we_o never_o think_v reasonable_a to_o desire_v in_o other_o the_o like_a case_n that_o when_o god_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n and_o send_v a_o special_a messenger_n to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o his_o will_n he_o shall_v grant_v to_o this_o messenger_n such_o testimonial_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v reasonable_a man_n that_o he_o be_v no_o impostor_n but_o a_o teacher_n send_v from_o god_n be_v indeed_o a_o thing_n that_o may_v fair_o be_v expect_v and_o if_o god_n shall_v not_o do_v thus_o we_o shall_v be_v excusable_a in_o not_o harken_v to_o such_o a_o messenger_n because_o we_o can_v not_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v a_o true_a or_o a_o false_a prophet_n and_o god_n do_v not_o require_v neither_o indeed_o be_v it_o reasonable_a that_o we_o shall_v believe_v every_o pretender_n to_o revelation_n and_o the_o clear_a proof_n of_o any_o man_n be_v be_v send_v from_o god_n to_o teach_v we_o any_o thing_n be_v a_o power_n of_o do_v such_o miracle_n and_o mighty_a work_n as_o be_v manifest_o above_o the_o skill_n and_o strength_n of_o a_o man_n to_o do_v it_o be_v therefore_o high_o requisite_a and_o what_o may_v reasonable_o be_v look_v for_o that_o god_n shall_v grant_v such_o a_o power_n as_o this_o to_o all_o those_o who_o he_o have_v ever_o inspire_v with_o new_a light_n and_o commission_v to_o make_v any_o new_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o mankind_n and_o this_o he_o have_v always_o do_v he_o give_v this_o power_n to_o moses_n in_o a_o large_a measure_n because_o the_o matter_n that_o man_n be_v to_o trust_v he_o for_o be_v many_o and_o very_o considerable_a he_o give_v it_o also_o to_o some_o of_o the_o succeed_a prophet_n but_o in_o a_o less_o measure_n because_o their_o business_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v only_o to_o interpret_v or_o to_o press_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o have_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v before_o and_o he_o give_v it_o in_o the_o large_a measure_n of_o all_o to_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n because_o the_o revelation_n make_v by_o they_o be_v of_o truth_n very_o mysterious_a some_o of_o they_o above_o the_o reach_n and_o comprehension_n of_o humane_a reason_n it_o be_v also_o a_o revelation_n in_o a_o manner_n whole_o new_a even_o to_o the_o jew_n themselves_o and_o much_o more_o to_o the_o gentile_n and_o beside_o it_o be_v a_o revelation_n in_o many_o point_n to_o appearance_n contrary_a to_o a_o former_a divine_a revelation_n inasmuch_o as_o it_o order_v the_o abolition_n of_o many_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v before_o enjoin_v by_o divine_a authority_n viz._n all_o the_o ritual_a and_o ceremonial_a law_n of_o moses_n and_o therefore_o to_o gain_v credit_n to_o their_o testimony_n that_o they_o be_v inspire_v and_o send_v by_o god_n to_o teach_v such_o thing_n it_o be_v very_o requisite_a that_o they_o shall_v produce_v more_o and_o more_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a testimonial_n of_o their_o divine_a mission_n than_o moses_n himself_o have_v do_v and_o such_o testimonial_n they_o have_v such_o they_o do_v produce_v work_v more_o miracle_n and_o those_o as_o i_o may_v say_v more_o wonderful_a and_o miraculous_a than_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n together_o have_v wrought_v before_o but_o when_o these_o testimonial_n have_v be_v once_o fair_o produce_v and_o examine_v and_o by_o all_o reasonable_a man_n allow_v to_o be_v true_a and_o sufficient_a and_o when_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v make_v and_o publish_v all_o that_o revelation_n which_o they_o be_v commissioned_n to_o make_v and_o when_o to_o prevent_v all_o misunderstanding_n of_o it_o or_o mistake_v concern_v it_o they_o have_v commit_v it_o all_o to_o write_v and_o the_o man_n that_o live_v in_o those_o time_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o the_o book_n say_v to_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n be_v indeed_o they_o and_o contain_v in_o substance_n all_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o no_o other_o which_o they_o have_v before_o declare_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n after_o this_o i_o say_v when_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v thus_o once_o at_o the_o first_o publish_v of_o it_o so_o full_o confirm_v there_o be_v no_o need_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v prove_v any_o more_o and_o all_o other_o proof_n thereof_o will_v have_v be_v superfluous_a because_o the_o whole_a matter_n both_o doctrine_n and_o proof_n be_v once_o faithful_o record_v and_o those_o record_n well_o attest_v there_o can_v afterward_o be_v no_o reasonable_a cause_n to_o call_v it_o
with_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n now_o than_o it_o be_v then_o or_o how_o it_o will_v more_o destroy_v our_o freedom_n than_o it_o do_v they_o or_o how_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a force_n upon_o our_o choice_n than_o it_o be_v upon_o they_o to_o have_v the_o very_a same_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o they_o have_v but_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v that_o as_o they_o then_o have_v some_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o we_o have_v not_o so_o we_o now_o have_v some_o evidence_n thereof_o which_o they_o have_v not_o they_o indeed_o see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n some_o of_o the_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o christianity_n but_o they_o have_v not_o as_o we_o now_o have_v a_o credible_a history_n or_o record_n of_o a_o very_a great_a number_n of_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v for_o that_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o without_o consider_v at_o present_a which_o of_o these_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n upon_o which_o our_o religion_n be_v ground_v be_v the_o most_o convince_a thus_o much_o be_v plain_a that_o if_o we_o who_o have_v already_o very_o good_a reason_n to_o believe_v they_o upon_o the_o credit_n of_o a_o well_o attest_v history_n be_v also_o admit_v to_o be_v eye_n witness_n of_o some_o fresh_a miracle_n such_o as_o we_o be_v tell_v be_v then_o wrought_v both_o these_o evidence_n together_o will_v be_v strong_a and_o more_o irresistible_a than_o either_o of_o they_o alone_o so_o that_o consequent_o if_o we_o who_o have_v already_o one_o of_o these_o evidence_n be_v allow_v to_o have_v the_o other_o also_o we_o shall_v have_v more_o evidence_n in_o the_o whole_a than_o they_o have_v our_o choice_n consequent_o will_v not_o be_v so_o free_a as_o they_o be_v it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o much_o in_o the_o power_n of_o our_o will_n to_o be_v infidel_n as_o it_o be_v in_o they_o true_o perhaps_o you_o will_v say_v we_o shall_v indeed_o in_o that_o case_n have_v more_o evidence_n than_o they_o have_v but_o that_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n we_o desire_v all_o that_o we_o can_v wish_v for_o be_v the_o very_a same_o evidence_n that_o they_o have_v and_o upon_o that_o condition_n we_o can_v be_v well_o content_v to_o want_v the_o historical_a evidence_n which_o we_o have_v and_o they_o have_v not_o for_o we_o can_v but_o think_v that_o the_o evidence_n that_o they_o have_v be_v much_o strong_a than_o we_o and_o that_o they_o have_v much_o great_a reason_n to_o be_v christian_n than_o we_o have_v for_o 1._o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n who_o as_o it_o be_v say_v both_o see_v his_o miracle_n and_o be_v enable_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o do_v the_o like_v themselves_o have_v plain_o great_a reason_n to_o believe_v than_o even_o those_o have_v who_o hear_v from_o their_o mouth_n the_o testimony_n that_o they_o give_v concern_v our_o lord_n and_o see_v the_o miracle_n that_o be_v do_v by_o their_o hand_n in_o confirmation_n of_o their_o testimony_n and_o 2._o they_o who_o see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n the_o miracle_n that_o the_o apostle_n wrought_v have_v more_o reason_n to_o believe_v than_o those_o have_v to_o who_o they_o be_v only_o report_a by_o eye_n witness_n and_o therefore_o much_o rather_o than_o we_o have_v who_o receive_v this_o report_n only_o by_o a_o history_n that_o be_v write_v many_o hundred_o year_n ago_o now_o this_o be_v all_o that_o we_o desire_v viz._n to_o be_v upon_o the_o same_o level_n with_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o to_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o be_v christian_n as_o they_o have_v and_o we_o can_v see_v why_o this_o request_n shall_v be_v think_v unreasonable_a we_o do_v not_o understand_v why_o there_o will_v not_o be_v then_o as_o much_o freedom_n and_o consequent_o as_o great_a virtue_n in_o our_o believe_v upon_o such_o strong_a evidence_n as_o there_o be_v in_o they_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o therefore_o i_o shall_v consider_v distinct_o the_o two_o case_n beforementioned_a and_o compare_v the_o same_o with_o we_o 1._o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o case_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o both_o see_v our_o lord_n miracle_n and_o be_v enable_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n to_o do_v the_o like_v themselves_o and_o that_o they_o have_v a_o sure_a ground_n of_o faith_n than_o any_o since_o or_o than_o any_o beside_o themselves_o ever_o have_v i_o believe_v must_v be_v grant_v but_o then_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v on_o the_o other_o side_n 1._o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v but_o few_o in_o number_n only_o twelve_o person_n or_o if_o we_o shall_v reckon_v in_o to_o the_o number_n as_o in_o this_o respect_n equal_a to_o the_o apostle_n all_o those_o that_o be_v call_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o to_o be_v his_o disciple_n and_o who_o be_v very_o much_o though_o not_o so_o constant_o in_o his_o company_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v we_o read_v but_o of_o seventy_o of_o they_o or_o if_o we_o add_v to_o these_o all_o those_o that_o be_v convince_v by_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n that_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n 10.1_o luke_n 10.1_o and_o that_o own_a themselves_o his_o disciple_n while_o he_o be_v upon_o earth_n it_o be_v probable_a that_o all_o these_o together_o be_v no_o more_o than_o five_o hundred_o viz._n those_o five_o hundred_o brethren_n 15.6_o 1_o cor._n 15.6_o to_o who_o when_o meet_v together_o in_o galilee_n our_o lord_n show_v himself_o alive_a after_o his_o passion_n 2._o it_o may_v be_v also_o consider_v that_o their_o case_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o peculiar_a and_o that_o this_o advantage_n of_o great_a evidence_n as_o we_o reckon_v it_o which_o they_o have_v above_o all_o other_o be_v not_o more_o than_o be_v necessary_a to_o qualify_v they_o for_o that_o special_a office_n which_o they_o and_o none_o but_o they_o be_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o which_o be_v to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o man_n of_o that_o generation_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o to_o all_o future_a age_n by_o their_o write_a testimony_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o no_o man_n be_v a_o proper_a witness_n of_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o only_o he_o who_o be_v a_o eye_n witness_v thereof_o 3._o it_o may_v be_v further_o consider_v that_o as_o they_o have_v a_o more_o clear_a and_o unexceptionable_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n than_o any_o beside_o ever_o have_v so_o they_o have_v also_o a_o great_a burden_n lay_v upon_o they_o than_o any_o christian_n since_o have_v have_v and_o it_o may_v be_v no_o more_o than_o necessary_a that_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o faith_n shall_v be_v as_o much_o sure_a and_o strong_a than_o those_o on_o which_o other_o man_n faith_n be_v build_v as_o their_o duty_n be_v large_a and_o more_o difficult_a than_o other_o man_n duty_n be_v for_o a_o weak_a foundation_n be_v as_o well_o able_a to_o support_v a_o low_a building_n place_v in_o a_o bottom_n and_o well_o shelter_v from_o storm_n as_o a_o much_o strong_a be_v to_o bear_v a_o high_a build_v tower_n situate_v on_o the_o top_n of_o a_o hill_n or_o by_o the_o sea_n shore_n and_o continual_o expose_v to_o violent_a wind_n and_o tempest_n and_o this_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o comparison_n with_o we_o we_o have_v indeed_o several_a temptation_n to_o resist_v by_o the_o power_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n but_o then_o they_o be_v only_o such_o temptation_n as_o be_v common_a to_o man_n and_o for_o the_o overcome_v whereof_o a_o faith_n ground_v only_o upon_o good_a historical_a evidence_n be_v sufficient_a for_o by_o the_o power_n of_o such_o a_o faith_n a_o great_a many_o in_o all_o age_n have_v happy_o overcome_v they_o but_o the_o apostle_n have_v difficulty_n and_o temptation_n of_o another_o sort_n to_o contend_v with_o they_o wrestle_v not_o only_o against_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o against_o principality_n against_o power_n against_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o darkness_n of_o this_o world_n against_o spiritual_a wickedness_n in_o high_a place_n it_o be_v their_o business_n to_o go_v in_o a_o untrodden_a path_n to_o break_v the_o ice_n and_o to_o make_v plain_a the_o way_n for_o all_o that_o be_v to_o follow_v and_o our_o work_n very_o easy_a in_o comparison_n with_o they_o be_v only_o to_o follow_v in_o that_o way_n which_o they_o have_v make_v plain_a and_o smooth_a to_o that_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n into_o which_o they_o can_v not_o enter_v but_o through_o manifold_a tribulation_n that_o the_o apostle_n therefore_o have_v strong_a and_o more_o convince_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o we_o have_v and_o such_o as_o they_o
already_o incline_v on_o this_o side_n to_o we_o who_o to_o be_v sure_a be_v not_o prejudice_v against_o it_o to_o we_o who_o interest_n lead_v we_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o religion_n we_o be_v first_o breed_v in_o such_o proof_n as_o we_o always_o accept_v and_o allow_v of_o in_o other_o case_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n be_v proof_n strong_a enough_o and_o therefore_o much_o rather_o when_o we_o have_v as_o indeed_o we_o have_v a_o strong_a and_o more_o uncontrolled_a tradition_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel-history_n than_o of_o any_o history_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o we_o shall_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o ourselves_o if_o we_o do_v not_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v sufficient_a so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n consider_v the_o prejudices_fw-la both_o from_o education_n and_o interest_n which_o they_o lie_v under_o who_o live_v in_o those_o time_n when_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o reveal_v and_o preach_v even_o their_o own_o eyesight_n of_o some_o of_o those_o miracle_n that_o be_v then_o wrought_v to_o confirm_v it_o be_v not_o more_o persuasive_a than_o be_v that_o good_a assurance_n that_o we_o now_o have_v by_o credible_a and_o undoubted_a record_n that_o such_o miracle_n be_v then_o wrought_v the_o proof_n they_o have_v consider_v in_o itself_o be_v indeed_o strong_a than_o we_o but_o consider_v our_o disserent_fw-la circumstance_n that_o proof_n be_v not_o more_o apt_a or_o likely_a to_o convince_v they_o than_o that_o which_o we_o have_v give_v we_o be_v to_o convince_v and_o persuade_v we_o and_o if_o we_o have_v now_o the_o very_a same_o proof_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o christian_a religion_n viz._n the_o evidence_n of_o our_o own_o sense_n this_o which_o be_v but_o sufficient_a to_o they_o may_v to_o we_o be_v such_o a_o proof_n as_o will_v be_v in_o a_o manner_n a_o force_n upon_o we_o such_o clear_a demonstration_n meet_v with_o no_o strong_a prejudice_n or_o considerable_a interest_n on_o the_o other_o side_n may_v be_v enough_o to_o overpower_v we_o so_o that_o we_o can_v not_o be_v infidel_n if_o we_o will_v and_o then_o there_o will_v be_v no_o virtue_n in_o believe_v 3._o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o desire_v more_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n than_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o afford_v we_o by_o the_o stand_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o particular_o of_o desire_v that_o god_n will_v be_v please_v to_o work_v new_a miracle_n for_o our_o particular_a satisfaction_n or_o for_o the_o conviction_n of_o some_o of_o our_o friend_n that_o be_v not_o persuade_v by_o the_o gospel-revelation_n will_v further_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o equal_a right_o that_o all_o other_o man_n have_v to_o desire_v the_o same_o and_o the_o many_o inconvenience_n and_o absurdity_n that_o will_v follow_v in_o case_n all_o man_n shall_v be_v gratify_v in_o this_o desire_n for_o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o viz._n the_o equal_a right_n that_o all_o other_o man_n have_v to_o desire_v the_o same_o what_o reason_n can_v i_o pretend_v for_o my_o infidelity_n which_o another_o man_n may_v not_o also_o as_o well_o plead_v for_o he_o have_v not_o i_o as_o good_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n as_o my_o neighbour_n have_v have_v not_o i_o as_o free_a recourse_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o he_o and_o the_o same_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a inspiration_n of_o they_o that_o he_o have_v and_o be_v we_o not_o also_o in_o all_o other_o respect_v alike_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o same_o country_n and_o have_v have_v the_o same_o education_n and_o consequent_o be_v probable_a to_o have_v the_o same_o inclination_n towards_o or_o the_o same_o prejudices_fw-la against_o or_o aversion_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o if_o so_o what_o reason_n can_v i_o plead_v for_o any_o extraordinary_a or_o peculiar_a favour_n for_o be_v not_o he_o god_n creature_n as_o well_o as_o i_o and_o have_v not_o god_n the_o same_o tenderness_n and_o regard_n for_o he_o that_o he_o have_v for_o i_o and_o consequent_o the_o same_o desire_n of_o his_o welfare_n that_o i_o can_v suppose_v he_o have_v of_o i_o why_o then_o shall_v not_o god_n grant_v he_o this_o same_o request_n whether_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o himself_o or_o his_o friend_n as_o well_o as_o i_o can_v expect_v he_o shall_v grant_v it_o i_o in_o a_o word_n why_o may_v not_o every_o man_n desire_v the_o same_o as_o well_o as_o i_o and_o why_o shall_v not_o god_n grant_v it_o to_o all_o that_o desire_v it_o as_o well_o as_o to_o any_o one_o but_o now_o if_o god_n shall_v do_v this_o see_v what_o inconvenience_n and_o absurdity_n will_v follow_v thereupon_o one_o sort_n of_o man_n will_v not_o believe_v unless_o they_o may_v see_v apparition_n if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o so_o for_o their_o sake_n the_o world_n must_v be_v fill_v with_o ghost_n the_o dead_a must_v never_o be_v at_o rest_n in_o their_o grave_n and_o the_o soul_n in_o bliss_n who_o once_o rejoice_v in_o the_o thought_n of_o be_v for_o ever_o get_v clear_a out_o of_o a_o troublesome_a world_n must_v be_v content_a to_o gratify_v these_o man_n to_o leave_v their_o place_n in_o abraham_n bosom_n and_o to_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o beatifical_a vision_n and_o the_o unspeakable_a joy_n of_o heaven_n as_o long_o and_o as_o often_o as_o any_o of_o these_o unreasonable_a man_n be_v please_v to_o desire_v it_o but_o another_o sort_n of_o man_n it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v that_o will_v not_o like_o this_o kind_n of_o proof_n a_o transient_a apparition_n of_o a_o ghost_n they_o will_v look_v upon_o perhaps_o as_o a_o thing_n too_o liable_a to_o cheat_v and_o imposture_n they_o will_v therefore_o desire_v some_o more_o plain_a and_o sensible_a and_o permanent_a miracle_n than_o this_o some_o such_o miracle_n as_o those_o be_v which_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v and_o if_o they_o can_v but_o see_v such_o they_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o they_o shall_v be_v convince_v and_o so_o for_o their_o sake_n and_o for_o their_o conviction_n half_o the_o man_n that_o be_v bear_v into_o the_o world_n must_v be_v bear_v lame_a or_o blind_a that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v afterward_o cure_a by_o miracle_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o these_o man_n and_o a_o great_a many_o must_v be_v possess_v with_o devil_n and_o be_v grievous_o tear_v and_o torture_v by_o they_o that_o these_o man_n may_v have_v the_o pleasure_n of_o see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n the_o evil_a spirit_n cast_v forth_o and_o of_o observe_v how_o much_o more_o calm_a and_o sober_a the_o man_n be_v after_o the_o devil_n be_v go_v out_o than_o they_o be_v before_o but_o even_o these_o miracle_n it_o be_v like_a will_v not_o satisfy_v all_o but_o some_o it_o may_v be_v will_v be_v apt_a to_o suspect_v that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o trick_n or_o collusion_n in_o they_o and_o that_o what_o they_o see_v be_v do_v only_o by_o a_o confederacy_n between_o the_o physician_n and_o the_o patient_n to_o amuse_v and_o deceive_v the_o beholder_n and_o therefore_o what_o they_o it_o may_v be_v will_v desire_v for_o their_o particular_a satisfaction_n will_v be_v to_o see_v a_o dead_a man_n raise_v to_o life_n again_o after_o he_o have_v be_v dead_a several_a day_n and_o begin_v to_o stink_v and_o such_o a_o miracle_n as_o this_o they_o be_v sure_o will_v convince_v they_o and_o so_o for_o their_o sake_n a_o great_a many_o man_n must_v die_v two_o or_o three_o time_n over_o or_o much_o often_o because_o perhaps_o every_o time_n before_o they_o have_v be_v dead_a a_o week_n some_o other_o person_n that_o be_v not_o present_v before_o may_v have_v a_o desire_n to_o see_v with_o his_o own_o eye_n the_o same_o experiment_n try_v over_o again_o but_o even_o this_o miracle_n also_o will_v perhaps_o be_v except_v against_o by_o some_o and_o nothing_o less_o will_v satisfy_v they_o than_o the_o very_a same_o evidence_n which_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v who_o converse_v with_o our_o saviour_n for_o some_o year_n together_o and_o hear_v all_o his_o wise_a discourse_n and_o see_v all_o his_o miracle_n and_o mighty_a work_n and_o be_v present_a with_o he_o when_o he_o expire_v on_o the_o cross_n and_o assist_v at_o the_o lay_v his_o dead_a body_n into_o the_o sepulchre_n and_o within_o three_o day_n after_o see_v he_o alive_a again_o touch_v and_o handle_v he_o eat_v and_o drink_v with_o he_o and_o after_o they_o have_v thus_o several_a time_n by_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o day_n be_v by_o many_o infallible_a proof_n assure_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o his_o resurrection_n see_v he_o visible_o take_v up_o in_o his_o body_n into_o heaven_n they_o that_o have_v this_o they_o grant_v
no_o less_o glorify_v in_o our_o destruction_n see_v therefore_o whether_o you_o believe_v or_o whether_o you_o do_v not_o believe_v god_n will_v be_v neither_o a_o gainer_n nor_o a_o loser_n but_o the_o profit_n or_o the_o damage_n will_v be_v all_o your_o own_o it_o be_v plain_o your_o interest_n as_o well_o as_o your_o duty_n to_o give_v credit_n to_o such_o evidence_n as_o real_o and_o in_o itself_o be_v credible_a and_o such_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o to_o be_v which_o be_v give_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o not_o to_o set_v yourselves_o to_o cavil_v at_o it_o and_o to_o study_v exception_n to_o it_o not_o to_o take_v upon_o you_o to_o prescribe_v to_o god_n almighty_a and_o bold_o to_o tell_v he_o what_o sort_n of_o evidence_n he_o must_v give_v you_o or_o else_o you_o will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v do_v not_o then_o stand_v in_o your_o own_o light_n do_v not_o bring_v destruction_n upon_o yourselves_o when_o you_o may_v avoid_v it_o but_o give_v ear_n to_o what_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n speak_v to_o you_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o hear_v they_o without_o prejudice_n with_o a_o mind_n ready_a to_o hearken_v to_o reason_n and_o resolve_v to_o be_v persuade_v by_o it_o and_o than_o what_o they_o will_v say_v to_o you_o will_v be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v you_o for_o they_o say_v as_o much_o in_o this_o case_n or_o more_o as_o by_o the_o common_a voice_n and_o reason_n of_o all_o mankind_n be_v judge_v to_o be_v sufficient_a in_o all_o other_o case_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n but_o if_o you_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o be_v persuade_v so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v any_o possibility_n of_o doubt_n or_o scruple_n leave_v if_o you_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o believe_v unless_o you_o may_v have_v just_a that_o very_a evidence_n give_v you_o that_o you_o yourselves_o be_v please_v to_o require_v if_o you_o will_v bold_o and_o arrogant_o take_v upon_o you_o to_o teach_v god_n as_o if_o he_o know_v it_o not_o what_o evidence_n he_o ought_v to_o give_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o be_v resolve_v to_o find_v or_o make_v exception_n against_o any_o other_o look_v you_o to_o it_o for_o if_o god_n have_v do_v enough_o already_o he_o be_v under_o no_o manner_n of_o obligation_n to_o do_v more_o more_o do_v i_o say_v nay_o he_o need_v not_o to_o have_v do_v so_o much_o for_o it_o be_v mere_a grace_n and_o favour_n in_o god_n that_o he_o have_v do_v so_o much_o as_o he_o have_v do_v that_o he_o have_v make_v we_o any_o promise_n at_o all_o and_o give_v we_o any_o assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o for_o what_o he_o have_v do_v we_o ought_v to_o be_v thankful_a and_o not_o to_o find_v fault_n with_o he_o that_o he_o have_v do_v no_o more_o such_o impudence_n and_o sauciness_n as_o this_o for_o i_o can_v call_v it_o by_o no_o better_a a_o name_n from_o a_o man_n to_o his_o maker_n from_o a_o mean_a inconsiderable_a creature_n to_o the_o great_a lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v i_o be_o sure_o no_o proper_a qualification_n to_o merit_v extraordinary_a and_o peculiar_a favour_n for_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o some_o in_o a_o like_a case_n to_o some_o who_o former_o make_v the_o like_a unreasonable_a demand_n that_o you_o now_o do_v 8.12_o matth._n 12.39_o mark_v 8.12_o it_o be_v a_o evil_a and_o adulterous_a generation_n that_o seek_v after_o a_o sign_n and_o therefore_o there_o shall_v no_o sign_n be_v give_v very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o there_o shall_v no_o sign_n be_v give_v to_o this_o generation_n let_v we_o then_o be_v content_a with_o that_o assurance_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n for_o great_a than_o this_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v till_o it_o be_v too_o late_o let_v we_o thankful_o accept_v of_o and_o ready_o comply_v with_o this_o and_o not_o expect_v or_o wait_v for_o more_o for_o god_n will_v not_o gratify_v we_o in_o our_o unreasonable_a desire_n he_o be_v resolve_v to_o deal_v with_o we_o as_o with_o man_n to_o incline_v not_o to_o determine_v our_o choice_n to_o persuade_v not_o to_o force_v we_o to_o be_v happy_a and_o have_v already_o give_v we_o the_o stand_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v sufficient_a both_o to_o instruct_v and_o convince_v we_o and_o have_v prove_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o sufficient_o to_o we_o he_o will_v not_o be_v make_v new_a revelation_n or_o send_v more_o prophet_n divine_o inspire_v or_o work_v fresh_a miracle_n every_o day_n he_o have_v do_v enough_o already_o to_o satisfy_v our_o sober_a judgement_n and_o he_o will_v not_o do_v every_o thing_n that_o we_o can_v think_v of_o to_o gratify_v our_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a fancy_n and_o there_o be_v the_o less_o reason_n that_o he_o shall_v do_v so_o because_o if_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n which_o he_o use_v for_o our_o conversion_n do_v not_o succeed_v the_o fault_n lie_v whole_o in_o we_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a so_o certain_a that_o it_o need_v not_o be_v try_v that_o any_o other_o mean_v proper_a for_o god_n to_o use_v to_o reclaim_v we_o will_v be_v alike_o unsuccessful_a if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a this_o be_v the_o last_o reply_n that_o abraham_n make_v to_o the_o rich_a man_n request_n and_o it_o be_v the_o three_o of_o those_o three_o point_n which_o i_o at_o first_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o but_o which_o i_o must_v reserve_v for_o the_o subject_a of_o my_o next_o discourse_n finis_fw-la new_a revelation_n will_v probable_o be_v unsuccesful_a a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n november_n four_o 1700._o be_v the_o eight_o for_o the_o year_n 1700_o of_o the_o lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o offspring_n blackall_n d._n d._n rector_n of_o st._n marry_o aldermary_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v by_o j._n leake_n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._o st._n luke_n xvi_o 29_o 30_o 31._o abraham_n say_v unto_o he_o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o he_o say_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a in_o discourse_v on_o these_o word_n i_o have_v already_o do_v these_o two_o thing_n i._o i_o have_v show_v that_o the_o present_a stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o repentance_n if_o they_o be_v not_o unreasonable_o blind_a and_o obstinate_a this_o be_v intimate_v in_o the_o first_o verse_n of_o the_o text_n they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o ii_o i_o have_v likewise_o show_v that_o have_v already_o such_o good_a ground_n of_o faith_n such_o full_a direction_n for_o practice_n and_o such_o strong_a motive_n to_o repentance_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o desire_v more_o this_o be_v what_o the_o rich_a man_n have_v do_v at_o the_o 27_o and_o 28_o verse_n and_o which_o he_o still_o continue_v to_o do_v in_o the_o 2d_o verse_n of_o the_o text_n even_o after_o abraham_n have_v tell_v he_o that_o the_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v sufficient_a nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v he_o say_v it_o positive_o they_o will_v repent_v he_o speak_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n that_o no_o doubt_n can_v be_v make_v of_o in_o answer_n to_o which_o therefore_o abraham_n tell_v he_o in_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o text_n that_o that_o which_o he_o think_v so_o very_o certain_a be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o probable_a if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o this_o be_v the_o three_o point_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o in_o discourse_v on_o these_o word_n viz._n iii_o to_o show_v that_o in_o case_n god_n shall_v condescend_v to_o gratify_v man_n in_o this_o unreasonable_a desire_n work_v every_o day_n new_a miracle_n before_o their_o eye_n or_o send_v their_o decease_a friend_n to_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a to_o assure_v they_o of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o to_o warn_v they_o to_o prepare_v for_o it_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o
very_o few_o or_o none_o of_o those_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o be_v not_o bring_v to_o repentance_n by_o the_o preach_a and_o stand_v revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v persuade_v by_o this_o mean_n if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n i_o add_v nor_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o will_n i_o suppose_v sufficient_o appear_v if_o these_o follow_a thing_n be_v consider_v 1._o that_o we_o can_v have_v better_a or_o strong_a motive_n to_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n than_o be_v already_o offer_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o persuade_v we_o 2._o that_o the_o proof_n and_o evidence_n already_o give_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v such_o as_o can_v be_v fair_o except_v against_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o proof_n thereof_o that_o can_v be_v offer_v but_o what_o be_v liable_a to_o cavil_n and_o unreasonable_a exception_n 3._o that_o if_o god_n shall_v gratify_v all_o man_n in_o this_o request_n the_o abundance_n and_o commonness_n of_o the_o miracle_n that_o must_v then_o be_v wrought_v will_v go_v near_o to_o destroy_v the_o efficacy_n and_o persuasiveness_n thereof_o and_o last_o that_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o experience_n that_o new_a miracle_n have_v be_v general_o unsuccessful_a upon_o those_o who_o have_v not_o hearken_v to_o nor_o be_v convince_v by_o a_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will._n 1._o i_o say_v we_o can_v possible_o have_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o strong_a motive_n to_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n than_o those_o which_o be_v already_o offer_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o persuade_v we_o for_o there_o we_o have_v life_n and_o death_n set_v before_o we_o blessing_n and_o curse_v on_o one_o hand_n the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n all_o the_o evil_n that_o we_o can_v just_o dread_a the_o wrath_n of_o he_o who_o be_v a_o consume_a fire_n who_o often_o punish_v transgressor_n with_a remarkable_a judgement_n in_o this_o life_n and_o have_v threaten_v to_o all_o impenitent_a sinner_n eternal_a torment_n in_o the_o next_o now_o if_o a_o new_a revelation_n be_v to_o be_v make_v and_o we_o ourselves_o be_v to_o contrive_v the_o matter_n of_o it_o what_o strong_a motive_n than_o these_o can_v we_o think_v of_o or_o if_o one_o shall_v come_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o preach_v to_o we_o if_o lazarus_n be_v send_v on_o purpose_n to_o persuade_v we_o what_o can_v he_o offer_v more_o towards_o it_o can_v he_o give_v we_o assurance_n of_o any_o thing_n better_o or_o more_o desirable_a than_o of_o god_n readiness_n to_o forgive_v we_o upon_o our_o repentance_n and_o of_o complete_a and_o perfect_a happiness_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n to_o all_o eternity_n if_o we_o do_v repent_v or_o can_v he_o threaten_v any_o thing_n more_o like_a to_o deter_v we_o from_o sin_n than_o intolerable_a and_o everlasting_a misery_n if_o not_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v he_o be_v send_v to_o we_o or_o indeed_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v there_o be_v any_o new_a revelation_n at_o all_o for_o these_o thing_n be_v already_o promise_v and_o threaten_v clear_o enough_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n life_n and_o immortality_n be_v already_o full_o bring_v to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o if_o the_o dread_a of_o everlasting_a and_o intolerable_a torment_n will_v not_o persuade_v we_o nothing_o certain_o will_n or_o can_v persuade_v we_o all_o that_o i_o think_v can_v in_o any_o new_a revelation_n be_v add_v to_o that_o encouragement_n that_o be_v already_o give_v we_o in_o scripture_n to_o virtue_n and_o godliness_n or_o to_o that_o discouragement_n that_o be_v therein_o give_v as_o to_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n will_v be_v a_o assurance_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v always_o as_o remarkable_a a_o difference_n make_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n in_o this_o world_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o scripture_n there_o will_v be_v by_o his_o righteous_a judgement_n in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o a_o good_a assurance_n give_v we_o of_o this_o by_o some_o new_a revelation_n confirm_v by_o our_o own_o constant_a observation_n that_o it_o be_v always_o well_o with_o the_o righteous_a and_o ill_a with_o the_o wicked_a in_o this_o world_n we_o may_v think_v perhaps_o will_v do_v much_o more_o towards_o the_o reformation_n of_o mankind_n than_o only_o those_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o future_a happiness_n or_o misery_n that_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o scripture_n have_v do_v or_o be_v ever_o like_a to_o do_v and_o this_o indeed_o may_v be_v but_o then_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o a_o new_a revelation_n to_o this_o effect_n will_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n and_o will_v frustrate_v the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o send_v we_o into_o this_o world_n which_o be_v to_o prove_v and_o try_v we_o to_o see_v whether_o we_o love_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n whether_o we_o can_v believe_v he_o for_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v not_o see_v and_o whether_o we_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o prefer_v a_o great_a future_a good_n before_o a_o less_o that_o be_v present_a a_o bless_a and_o glorious_a immortality_n after_o this_o life_n before_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o season_n for_o if_o the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o vice_n be_v always_o visible_a and_o present_a there_o will_v be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o faith_n in_o god_n which_o be_v a_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o promise_n and_o threaten_n though_o we_o do_v not_o see_v a_o present_a performance_n of_o they_o 11.1_o heb._n 11.1_o faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n define_v it_o be_v the_o substance_n or_o loc._n or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hom._n in_o loc._n confident_a expectation_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o the_o evidence_n or_o 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d conviction_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v and_o if_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n both_o of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o the_o next_o be_v the_o certain_a portion_n of_o virtue_n and_o all_o the_o evil_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v suffer_v both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o the_o other_o be_v the_o certain_a and_o never-failing_a consequence_n of_o sin_n there_o will_v be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o a_o virtuous_a and_o wise_a choice_n nay_o indeed_o there_o will_v be_v hardly_o matter_n for_o choice_n at_o all_o for_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v that_o a_o creature_n that_o have_v understanding_n and_o a_o power_n of_o choose_v and_o refuse_v shall_v know_o choose_v all_o misery_n rather_o than_o all_o happiness_n such_o a_o revelation_n as_o this_o be_v therefore_o so_o evident_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n and_o with_o the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o send_v we_o into_o this_o world_n can_v be_v expect_v and_o i_o say_v that_o bate_v this_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o add_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o scripture_n revelation_n from_o whence_o therefore_o it_o plain_o follow_v that_o such_o as_o be_v not_o persuade_v by_o the_o gospel_n motive_n to_o repentance_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v persuade_v by_o any_o such_o motive_n as_o consistent_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n and_o virtue_n can_v be_v offer_v to_o they_o and_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o any_o true_a divine_a revelation_n shall_v ever_o offer_v any_o motive_n to_o persuade_v we_o that_o be_v not_o such_o but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v perhaps_o that_o though_o better_a or_o strong_a motive_n to_o repentance_n can_v be_v offer_v by_o any_o new_a revelation_n than_o be_v offer_v already_o in_o holy_a scripture_n yet_o we_o may_v by_o a_o new_a revelation_n have_v better_a assurance_n give_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n motive_n and_o that_o if_o we_o have_v it_o be_v very_o like_a they_o will_v be_v then_o more_o prevail_a than_o they_o now_o be_v and_o this_o likewise_o i_o believe_v must_v be_v grant_v but_o then_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n and_o of_o that_o state_n of_o trial_n which_o we_o be_v now_o in_o require_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o reasonable_a boundary_a set_v to_o the_o clearness_n of_o that_o evidence_n that_o be_v give_v to_o man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o motive_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o be_v persuade_v as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o force_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o motive_n themselves_o because_o as_o i_o note_v in_o my_o last_o discourse_n such_o very_a clear_a
any_o proposition_n in_o euclid_n or_o as_o the_o shine_a of_o the_o sun_n at_o noon_n for_o that_o can_v be_v and_o i_o have_v already_o give_v reason_n why_o if_o it_o may_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o but_o it_o be_v as_o clear_a as_o such_o a_o matter_n be_v capable_a to_o be_v and_o i_o dare_v be_v bold_a to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o proof_n of_o religion_n fit_a to_o be_v offer_v or_o reasonable_o to_o be_v desire_v to_o which_o a_o sceptic_a may_v not_o make_v as_o just_a and_o plausible_a exception_n as_o he_o can_v to_o the_o stand_a proof_n of_o christianity_n for_o one_o single_a miracle_n do_v in_o his_o own_o presence_n will_v be_v nothing_o near_o so_o convince_a as_o the_o many_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v of_o some_o or_o other_o of_o which_o there_o be_v more_o than_o ten_o thousand_o witness_n and_o if_o he_o can_v suppose_v that_o so_o many_o be_v deceive_v in_o plain_a matter_n of_o sense_n he_o may_v much_o rather_o suppose_v that_o he_o a_o single_a man_n may_v be_v impose_v upon_o and_o a_o apparition_n of_o a_o decease_a friend_n will_v be_v a_o matter_n wherein_o any_o one_o man_n may_v be_v more_o probable_o cheat_v or_o be_v more_o easy_o persuade_v that_o he_o be_v cheat_v than_o the_o apostle_n can_v be_v in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n when_o he_o be_v see_v by_o they_o very_o frequent_o and_o sometime_o by_o a_o great_a company_n of_o they_o meet_v together_o by_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o day_n and_o a_o single_a miracle_n that_o be_v over_o as_o soon_o as_o do_v can_v not_o make_v such_o a_o deep_a and_o last_a impression_n upon_o a_o man_n mind_n as_o that_o constant_a power_n of_o work_a miracle_n and_o especial_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n which_o last_v a_o whole_a life_n must_v needs_o do_v upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o that_o live_v in_o their_o time_n who_o be_v either_o partaker_n of_o these_o gift_n themselves_o or_o constant_a witness_n thereof_o in_o other_o in_o short_a whatever_o miracle_n we_o can_v desire_v may_v be_v wrought_v for_o our_o conviction_n either_o they_o must_v be_v see_v by_o we_o with_o our_o own_o eye_n or_o else_o they_o must_v be_v receive_v by_o testimony_n from_o other_o and_o though_o they_o shall_v be_v see_v by_o we_o with_o our_o own_o eye_n yet_o so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v against_o our_o inclination_n or_o inconsistent_a with_o that_o love_n which_o we_o bear_v to_o the_o world_n or_o to_o our_o sin_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v true_a miracle_n we_o shall_v easy_o be_v apt_a to_o fancy_n that_o they_o be_v only_o melancholy_a delusion_n or_o trick_n put_v upon_o we_o by_o design_v man_n which_o our_o first_o fright_a or_o amazement_n hinder_v we_o from_o discover_v the_o fraud_n of_o and_o so_o they_o will_v probable_o have_v no_o effect_n at_o all_o upon_o we_o long_o than_o till_o our_o fright_a or_o amazement_n be_v well_o wear_v off_o but_o if_o we_o shall_v only_o have_v a_o account_n of_o they_o by_o testimony_n from_o other_o they_o will_v be_v yet_o less_o likely_a to_o persuade_v we_o because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o testimony_n concern_v any_o such_o matter_n of_o fact_n more_o clear_a and_o unexceptionable_a than_o that_o which_o we_o have_v already_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n miracle_n so_o that_o if_o we_o believe_v not_o this_o we_o shall_v hardly_o believe_v any_o other_o testimony_n because_o we_o can_v scarce_o have_v so_o good_a assurance_n of_o any_o man_n truth_n as_o we_o have_v of_o the_o sincerity_n and_o veracity_n of_o all_o those_o who_o be_v the_o present_a witness_n to_o our_o religion_n and_o we_o can_v hardly_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o hear_v any_o man_n who_o we_o know_v speak_v to_o we_o than_o we_o be_v that_o we_o hear_v the_o apostle_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o therefore_o i_o think_v it_o plain_o follow_v as_o i_o far_o note_v that_o the_o same_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n and_o the_o same_o unwillingness_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o now_o dispose_v man_n to_o infidelity_n and_o prompt_v they_o to_o study_v and_o make_v exception_n to_o the_o proof_n already_o give_v we_o of_o the_o christian_a faith_n will_v work_v the_o same_o effect_n if_o other_o proof_n and_o evidence_n be_v give_v of_o it_o and_o that_o man_n will_v then_o quick_o make_v as_o good_a exception_n to_o that_o as_o they_o do_v now_o to_o these_o for_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o think_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o if_o man_n do_v not_o see_v the_o truth_n when_o it_o be_v place_v in_o so_o clear_a a_o light_n as_o it_o be_v in_o already_o the_o reason_n must_v be_v because_o they_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n or_o else_o be_v so_o blind_v by_o a_o love_n of_o this_o world_n or_o of_o their_o sinful_a lust_n that_o if_o the_o light_n be_v ten_o time_n bright_a than_o it_o be_v they_o will_v see_v no_o more_o than_o they_o do_v now_o and_o it_o will_v be_v to_o as_o little_a purpose_n in_o order_n to_o the_o conviction_n of_o such_o perverse_a and_o obstinate_a man_n to_o add_v any_o more_o or_o strong_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n as_o it_o will_v be_v to_o light_v up_o abundance_n of_o torch_n to_o a_o man_n that_o be_v quite_o blind_a for_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o true_a cause_n why_o man_n will_v not_o hear_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n why_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n testify_v the_o certainty_n of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o other_o truth_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v not_o i_o say_v because_o there_o be_v any_o just_a exception_n to_o their_o testimony_n but_o because_o they_o do_v not_o like_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o and_o so_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o believe_v they_o love_v their_o sin_n so_o well_o that_o they_o can_v upon_o no_o account_n be_v persuade_v to_o part_v with_o they_o and_o be_v so_o resolve_v it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o cavil_v at_o any_o motive_n or_o argument_n that_o be_v urge_v to_o persuade_v they_o to_o it_o see_v they_o will_v not_o see_v and_o hear_v they_o will_v not_o hear_v nor_o understand_v and_o to_o man_n so_o obstinate_o resolve_v against_o conviction_n no_o proof_n can_v be_v convince_a enough_o and_o this_o be_v the_o sad_a effect_n of_o love_n to_o sin_n it_o viciate_n the_o judgement_n of_o man_n so_o that_o they_o can_v distinguish_v between_o thing_n that_o differ_v most_o vast_o it_o darken_v their_o understanding_n so_o that_o the_o plain_a proposition_n or_o the_o clear_a consequence_n in_o the_o world_n if_o it_o be_v against_o the_o interest_n of_o sin_n seem_v dark_a and_o obscure_a to_o they_o and_o it_o render_v their_o mind_n so_o averse_a to_o religion_n that_o they_o can_v with_o any_o patience_n so_o much_o as_o hear_v the_o argument_n that_o be_v offer_v to_o prove_v it_o and_o be_v a_o reason_n never_o so_o good_a it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v hope_v it_o shall_v be_v convince_a to_o a_o man_n who_o will_v not_o hear_v it_o or_o who_o will_v not_o allow_v himself_o calm_o to_o consider_v it_o from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v therefore_o upon_o this_o head_n it_o plain_o appear_v that_o the_o proper_a cure_n of_o infidelity_n be_v not_o the_o addition_n of_o more_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n but_o a_o right_a prepaartion_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n to_o consider_v well_o the_o proof_n thereof_o that_o be_v offer_v which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v and_o persuade_v all_o those_o that_o have_v a_o love_n of_o truth_n and_o a_o will_n dispose_v to_o virtue_n the_o cause_n of_o infidelity_n must_v be_v first_o remove_v and_o then_o the_o cure_n of_o it_o will_v be_v easy_a by_o those_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v provide_v and_o direct_v we_o to_o use_v and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o his_o work_a miracle_n for_o man_n conviction_n but_o till_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o be_v remove_v it_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v cure_a even_o by_o a_o miracle_n but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v perhaps_o that_o though_o fresh_a revelation_n and_o new_a miracle_n may_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v all_o they_o may_v however_o convince_v some_o because_o there_o be_v several_a degree_n in_o the_o perverseness_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o man_n some_o indeed_o there_o may_v be_v who_o no_o such_o proof_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v give_v we_o in_o this_o state_n of_o trial_n will_v persuade_v who_o case_n therefore_o must_v be_v give_v over_o as_o desperate_a but_o then_o there_o be_v other_o 26.28_o act_n 26.28_o who_o as_o king_n agrippa_n be_v be_v almost_o persuade_v to_o
be_v christian_n and_o when_o the_o scale_n be_v already_o near_o even_o a_o small_a weight_n put_v into_o the_o light_a will_v make_v it_o overbalance_v the_o other_o so_o that_o it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v hope_v that_o some_o small_a addition_n to_o the_o proof_n of_o religion_n no_o more_o than_o may_v be_v make_v to_o it_o without_o destroy_v either_o our_o freedom_n of_o choice_n or_o the_o excellency_n of_o faith_n and_o virtue_n will_v prevail_v with_o these_o half_n christian_n and_o perhaps_o it_o may_v but_o god_n be_v wise_a than_o we_o be_v and_o know_v better_a than_o we_o what_o be_v fit_a for_o he_o to_o do_v towards_o the_o conversion_n of_o men._n we_o ought_v therefore_o to_o conclude_v that_o he_o do_v all_o that_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v though_o we_o do_v not_o see_v but_o that_o he_o may_v do_v more_o but_o this_o it_o may_v be_v will_v not_o be_v take_v for_o a_o answer_n but_o will_v rather_o be_v think_v a_o way_n of_o avoid_v a_o difficulty_n too_o hard_o to_o be_v account_v for_o and_o therefore_o i_o say_v further_o and_o it_o be_v the_o three_o thing_n which_o i_o propose_v to_o be_v consider_v 3._o that_o if_o god_n shall_v gratify_v all_o man_n in_o this_o request_n work_v new_a miracle_n every_o day_n for_o the_o conviction_n of_o particular_a person_n vii_o sermon_n vii_o and_o as_o i_o have_v former_o note_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n why_o any_o one_o man_n shall_v be_v gratify_v in_o this_o request_n rather_o than_o other_o when_o they_o have_v all_o equal_a reason_n and_o equal_v right_o to_o desire_v it_o shall_v god_n i_o say_v gratify_v all_o man_n in_o this_o request_n the_o abundance_n of_o the_o miracle_n that_o must_v then_o be_v wrought_v will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o add_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o christianity_n that_o it_o will_v rather_o lessen_v or_o weaken_v that_o proof_n of_o it_o which_o we_o have_v already_o because_o miracle_n the_o proper_a proof_n of_o a_o public_a divine_a revelation_n will_v not_o be_v then_o so_o convince_a as_o they_o be_v now_o for_o that_o which_o most_o of_o all_o affect_v man_n in_o a_o miracle_n be_v the_o unusualness_n of_o it_o because_o it_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o be_v never_o or_o but_o rare_o before_o ever_o see_v or_o hear_v of_o as_o the_o blind_a man_n that_o have_v be_v cure_a by_o our_o saviour_n well_o observe_v joh._n ix_o 32._o since_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n have_v it_o not_o be_v hear_v that_o any_o man_n have_v open_v the_o eye_n of_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a have_v it_o be_v a_o common_a thing_n it_o will_v have_v be_v no_o miracle_n i_o mean_v it_o will_v not_o have_v appear_v so_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v think_v so_o by_o men._n for_o that_o which_o make_v man_n wonder_v even_o at_o a_o true_a miracle_n be_v not_o so_o much_o because_o it_o be_v such_o a_o operation_n as_o they_o can_v give_v a_o fair_a account_n of_o by_o natural_a cause_n for_o this_o they_o can_v do_v i_o be_o confident_a i_o may_v say_v they_o have_v not_o yet_o do_v it_o of_o many_o of_o the_o work_n and_o production_n of_o nature_n but_o they_o therefore_o conclude_v such_o a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v a_o natural_a operation_n because_o it_o be_v not_o usual_a because_o it_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o be_v never_o before_o know_v to_o be_v do_v and_o if_o the_o same_o thing_n which_o now_o for_o this_o reason_n we_o shall_v account_v a_o miracle_n be_v do_v every_o day_n the_o virtuoso_n will_v present_o set_v themselves_o to_o invent_v and_o will_v quick_o fancy_v they_o have_v find_v out_o some_o natural_a solution_n of_o it_o and_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v not_o many_o miracle_n that_o have_v be_v do_v which_o they_o may_v not_o after_o long_a study_n be_v able_a to_o give_v as_o clear_v and_o probable_a a_o account_n of_o by_o natural_a cause_n as_o they_o have_v do_v of_o gravity_n of_o fire_n of_o the_o loadstone_n of_o vision_n of_o the_o production_n of_o vegetable_n of_o the_o generation_n of_o animal_n and_o of_o many_o other_o thing_n which_o yet_o be_v doubtless_o the_o work_n and_o effect_n of_o natural_a cause_n so_o that_o i_o say_v the_o most_o probable_a consequence_n of_o have_v miracle_n so_o very_o common_a as_o they_o must_v be_v if_o they_o be_v wrought_v for_o the_o conviction_n of_o particular_a man_n will_v be_v this_o that_o they_o will_v cease_v to_o serve_v for_o that_o purpose_n for_o which_o miracle_n be_v design_v because_o be_v common_a they_o will_v be_v disregard_v or_o will_v quick_o be_v look_v upon_o to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o natural_a cause_n only_o there_o will_v not_o be_v want_v those_o that_o will_v offer_v to_o give_v a_o account_n how_o they_o be_v do_v and_o all_o those_o will_v be_v despise_v by_o the_o scorner_n of_o religion_n as_o too_o much_o addict_v to_o superstition_n who_o rather_o than_o attribute_v the_o great_a miracle_n to_o a_o supernatural_a power_n will_v not_o acquiesce_v in_o that_o solution_n how_o silly_a soever_o that_o be_v give_v of_o it_o by_o mere_a matter_n and_o motion_n and_o in_o particular_a i_o question_v not_o but_o that_o if_o it_o be_v a_o common_a thing_n for_o dead_a man_n after_o they_o have_v lie_v in_o their_o grave_n for_o some_o time_n to_o come_v forth_o again_o and_o show_v themselves_o alive_a to_o their_o friend_n this_o wonderful_a effect_n will_v be_v attribute_v by_o a_o great_a many_o to_o some_o vital_a principle_n in_o the_o body_n which_o only_o sleep_v for_o a_o while_n as_o it_o do_v in_o corn_n or_o other_o seed_n while_o they_o be_v keep_v dry_a and_o above_o ground_n but_o afterward_o when_o the_o body_n be_v bury_v a_o while_n be_v excite_v by_o some_o natural_a virtue_n that_o be_v in_o the_o earth_n to_o exert_v itself_o and_o so_o by_o its_o plastic_a power_n form_v the_o body_n into_o the_o same_o shape_n it_o be_v in_o before_o this_o i_o say_v will_v in_o all_o probability_n be_v the_o effect_n that_o the_o great_a miracle_n will_v have_v in_o the_o world_n if_o they_o be_v very_o common_a they_o only_o serve_v to_o set_v the_o philosopher_n wit_n to_o work_v to_o invent_v new_a form_n of_o matter_n and_o new_a law_n of_o motion_n by_o which_o to_o solve_v they_o and_o any_o solution_n of_o they_o though_o never_o so_o improbable_a though_o only_o by_o occult_a quality_n will_v serve_v turn_n and_o be_v think_v better_a than_o to_o recur_v to_o a_o almighty_a power_n the_o consequence_n of_o which_o will_v be_v that_o this_o which_o we_o desire_v as_o a_o additional_a proof_n of_o christianity_n will_v in_o effect_n destroy_v one_o of_o the_o best_a proof_n of_o it_o that_o we_o have_v already_o but_o 4._o last_o if_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o miracle_n will_v still_o be_v think_v miracle_n notwithstanding_o their_o commonness_n yet_o abraham_n may_v well_o deliver_v it_o as_o a_o general_n truth_n to_o which_o there_o be_v none_o or_o very_o few_o exception_n that_o he_o who_o be_v not_o wrought_v upon_o by_o a_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n will_v not_o be_v persuade_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a message_n or_o a_o new_a miracle_n because_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o fast_a and_o experience_n that_o this_o last_o method_n have_v be_v general_o unsuccessful_a upon_o those_o who_o have_v not_o hearken_v to_o nor_o be_v convince_v by_o a_o stand_a revelation_n for_o this_o be_v the_o very_a case_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n the_o parable_n be_v literal_o fulfil_v in_o they_o for_o as_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n testify_v of_o our_o saviour_n so_o neither_o do_v they_o any_o more_o believe_v our_o saviour_n himself_o when_o he_o come_v down_o to_o they_o from_o heaven_n in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o as_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v he_o while_o he_o live_v among_o they_o and_o go_v about_o preach_v and_o do_v miracle_n so_o neither_o do_v they_o believe_v he_o a_o jot_n more_o after_o he_o come_v again_o to_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a never_o be_v there_o such_o sign_n and_o miracle_n wrought_v for_o man_n conviction_n and_o yet_o never_o be_v there_o such_o a_o number_n of_o obstinate_a infidel_n as_o then_o very_o few_o even_n of_o those_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n be_v the_o better_a for_o they_o but_o many_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n worse_o wilful_o blaspheme_v that_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o wrought_v they_o and_o attribute_v those_o operation_n to_o the_o help_n of_o the_o devil_n which_o they_o be_v convince_v in_o their_o own_o judgement_n be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n the_o open_n the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a 12.10_o joh._n 9.39.11.47_o 12.10_o do_v but_o make_v those_o that_o
see_v the_o miracle_n more_o blind_a than_o they_o be_v before_o and_o when_o once_o a_o dead_a lazarus_n do_v come_v forth_o out_o of_o his_o grave_a and_o appear_v to_o they_o which_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o the_o rich_a man_n here_o desire_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o his_o brethren_n as_o be_v in_o his_o judgement_n the_o most_o powerful_a and_o so_o like_a to_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a method_n to_o reclaim_v they_o when_o i_o say_v this_o be_v do_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o great_a number_n so_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n can_v not_o be_v doubt_v and_o be_v not_o deny_v by_o any_o of_o they_o all_o the_o effect_n that_o it_o have_v upon_o those_o obstinate_a and_o incredulous_a man_n be_v only_o that_o it_o make_v they_o enter_v present_o soon_o perhaps_o then_o otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v do_v into_o a_o close_a consultation_n to_o put_v to_o death_n both_o jesus_n and_o lazarus_n too_o some_o example_n indeed_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v there_o be_v on_o the_o other_o side_n for_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o act_n xi_o 41._o of_o a_o great_a number_n about_o three_o thousand_o that_o believe_v upon_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o st._n peter_n and_o sight_n of_o that_o great_a miracle_n the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n wherewith_o the_o apostle_n be_v endue_v but_o than_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o miracle_n that_o convince_v they_o i_o mean_v not_o that_o alone_o for_o many_o that_o be_v then_o present_a 13._o verse_n 13._o and_o hear_v the_o apostle_n speak_v with_o tongue_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v persuade_v thereby_o that_o they_o most_o false_o blaspheme_v that_o as_o they_o have_v do_v all_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n before_o attribute_v the_o fruit_n of_o that_o most_o evident_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o new_a wine_n and_o it_o may_v be_v further_o note_v that_o those_o who_o be_v persuade_v by_o it_o be_v such_o as_o before_o they_o see_v the_o miracle_n be_v in_o a_o good_a disposition_n to_o embrace_v that_o pure_a religion_n that_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o gospel_n or_o else_o that_o miracle_n will_v not_o have_v persuade_v they_o for_o the_o person_n convince_v thereby_o be_v not_o of_o the_o pharisee_n or_o unbelieving_a jew_n that_o have_v reject_v our_o saviour_n before_o 5._o verse_n 5._o but_o they_o be_v devout_a person_n jew_n or_o proselyte_n who_o have_v come_v at_o that_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n from_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o jerusalem_n to_o worship_n and_o who_o have_v probable_o never_o hear_v of_o our_o saviour_n before_o more_o than_o by_o uncertain_a report_n but_o be_v well_o read_v in_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o give_v good_a heed_n to_o they_o be_v convert_v more_o by_o the_o manifest_a accomplishment_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n in_o the_o person_n of_o our_o saviour_n than_o by_o the_o sight_n of_o that_o great_a miracle_n this_o therefore_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o experience_n what_o have_v be_v do_v and_o come_v to_o pass_v already_o that_o new_a miracle_n have_v be_v general_o unsuccessful_a upon_o such_o as_o have_v not_o regard_v a_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n we_o may_v reasonable_o inser_n that_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a if_o not_o certain_a that_o the_o same_o experiment_n try_v over_o again_o will_v have_v no_o better_a success_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o therefore_o be_v this_o such_o as_o be_v as_o st._n luke_n say_v they_o be_v who_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o preach_a and_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n 13.46_o act_n 13.46_o 〈◊〉_d 13.46_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d predisposed_a or_o fit_v for_o eternal_a life_n that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v modest_a and_o teachable_a who_o hear_v without_o prejudice_n and_o judge_v without_o partiality_n and_o have_v no_o interest_n of_o sin_n or_o the_o world_n that_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o their_o desire_n to_o obtain_v everlasting_a happiness_n such_o as_o inquire_v out_o the_o truth_n with_o the_o same_o indifference_n that_o a_o traveller_n do_v his_o way_n who_o have_v no_o inclination_n to_o one_o way_n more_o than_o to_o another_o but_o only_o desire_v to_o be_v direct_v right_a and_o be_v resolve_v to_o take_v that_o way_n which_o he_o be_v persuade_v be_v the_o right_n though_o it_o shall_v not_o prove_v so_o very_o clean_a and_o smooth_a and_o pleasant_a as_o he_o hope_v it_o will_v such_o i_o say_v as_o be_v of_o this_o honest_a and_o docible_a mind_n will_v be_v persuade_v by_o a_o good_a reason_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v as_o good_a as_o the_o matter_n be_v capable_a of_o though_o it_o fall_v short_a of_o demonstration_n and_o if_o there_o be_v reason_n or_o appearance_n of_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n they_o will_v judge_v on_o that_o side_n on_o which_o the_o reason_n seem_v most_o weighty_a and_o for_o the_o conviction_n of_o such_o as_o these_o the_o stand_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o well_o prove_v as_o it_o be_v be_v abundant_o sufficient_a so_o that_o such_o shall_v not_o need_v new_a miracle_n or_o new_a revelation_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n such_o as_o only_o do_v need_v they_o that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v of_o perverse_a mind_n and_o stubborn_a will_n and_o devote_v to_o sin_n will_v not_o hearken_v to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n nor_o to_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n speak_v in_o the_o scripture_n will_v very_o probable_o receive_v no_o benefit_n from_o new_a miracle_n or_o new_a revelation_n for_o nothing_o will_v serve_v to_o convince_v those_o who_o will_v not_o be_v convince_v at_o all_o no_o argument_n can_v be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v a_o man_n to_o that_o which_o he_o be_v strong_o prejudice_v and_o full_o resolve_v against_o and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o all_o those_o who_o do_v not_o hear_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n preach_v to_o they_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o be_v not_o persuade_v by_o they_o we_o may_v well_o conclude_v with_o abraham_n in_o the_o text_n that_o any_o other_o mean_n that_o may_v be_v use_v to_o reclaim_v they_o will_v most_o probable_o prove_v as_o ineffectual_a as_o this_o have_v be_v and_o that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o now_o have_v show_v that_o the_o present_a stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v and_o persuade_v man_n have_v also_o show_v that_o more_o proof_n and_o evidence_n than_o we_o have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n can_v reasonable_o be_v desire_v and_o have_v likewise_o show_v that_o any_o other_o proof_n or_o evidence_n thereof_o will_v probable_o be_v ineffectual_a upon_o those_o who_o will_v not_o hear_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n preach_v to_o they_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o have_v finish_v all_o that_o i_o propose_v to_o do_v in_o discourse_v on_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v conclude_v all_o with_o a_o useful_a exhortation_n first_o to_o infidel_n who_o will_v not_o by_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v be_v persuade_v to_o admit_v this_o divine_a revelation_n and_o second_o to_o christian_n who_o do_v receive_v it_o 1._o to_o you_o who_o be_v yet_o infidel_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o here_o as_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v not_o or_o if_o these_o discourse_n shall_v happen_v to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o any_o such_o i_o beg_v leave_n to_o address_v myself_o in_o a_o few_o word_n and_o i_o will_v desire_v you_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v your_o mind_n to_o hear_v grave_o and_o without_o prejudice_n the_o reason_n that_o be_v offer_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n by_o consider_v serious_o the_o great_a importance_n of_o religion_n if_o it_o be_v true_a and_o if_o you_o do_v but_o consider_v this_o you_o will_v quick_o see_v that_o it_o be_v well_o worth_a your_o while_n to_o be_v at_o some_o pain_n to_o satisfy_v yourselves_o full_o whether_o religion_n be_v true_a or_o not_o for_o if_o religion_n be_v true_a and_o you_o can_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v not_o till_o you_o have_v well_o examine_v the_o ground_n and_o proof_n of_o it_o you_o have_v a_o great_a concern_v at_o stake_n and_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o moment_n it_o become_v not_o a_o wise_a man_n to_o be_v determine_v by_o a_o jest_n or_o a_o quibble_n and_o if_o you_o serious_o consider_v the_o great_a importance_n of_o religion_n you_o will_v likewise_o ready_o see_v that_o of_o the_o two_o you_o have_v much_o better_o be_v mistake_v in_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n though_o it_o be_v false_a than_o in_o disbelieve_v it_o if_o indeed_o it_o be_v true_a so_o that_o