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do_v they_o not_o prevent_v it_o but_o if_o they_o do_v not_o see_v it_o how_o can_v their_o testimony_n be_v valid_a but_o as_o for_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o lord_n they_o testify_v those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o their_o eye_n be_v witness_n to_o that_o which_o we_o have_v see_v say_v they_o with_o our_o eye_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v with_o our_o ear_n and_o our_o hand_n have_v handle_v of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n declare_v we_o unto_o you_o 1_o john_n 1._o 1._o the_o former_a witness_n be_v soldier_n the_o latter_a martyr_n the_o former_a endeavour_v to_o persuade_v man_n by_o force_n the_o latter_a persuade_v they_o maugre_o all_o the_o violence_n offer_v to_o they_o to_o be_v such_o a_o witness_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v there_o be_v need_n of_o constancy_n and_o persuasion_n to_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o those_o suborn_v by_o the_o synagogue_n there_o be_v need_v only_o of_o fury_n and_o violence_n but_o be_v there_o never_o a_o one_o of_o either_o party_n that_o 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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 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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 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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 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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
necessity_n in_o persecution_n in_o distress_n for_o christ_n sake_n for_o when_o i_o be_o weak_a then_o be_o i_o strong_a nay_o he_o pretend_v that_o all_o those_o who_o be_v animate_v with_o the_o same_o spirit_n that_o he_o be_v can_v forbear_v pious_o rejoice_v in_o their_o suffering_n but_o the_o fruit_n say_v he_o of_o the_o spirit_n be_v loâ—â—_n joy_n peace_n long_o suffer_v gentleness_n goodness_n faitâ—_n meekness_n temperance_n gal._n 5._o 22._o that_o be_v the_o trâ—â—_n character_n of_o a_o christian_n and_o the_o apostle_n desigâ—_n in_o preach_v be_v to_o plant_v these_o virtue_n in_o the_o mindâ—_n of_o man_n but_o let_v we_o see_v further_o some_o other_o mark_n of_o the_o joyfulness_n and_o confidence_n of_o st._n paul_n he_o express_v himself_o after_o this_o manner_n in_o some_o of_o his_o epistle_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 8_o 9_o 10._o we_o be_v trouble_v on_o every_o side_n yet_o not_o distress_v we_o be_v perplex_v but_o not_o in_o despair_n persecute_v but_o not_o forsake_v cast_v down_o but_o not_o destroy_v always_o bear_v about_o in_o the_o body_n the_o die_a of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o the_o life_n also_o of_o jesus_n may_v be_v mde_v manifest_a in_o our_o body_n and_o in_o another_o place_n yea_o and_o if_o i_o be_v offer_v upon_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o your_o faith_n i_o rejoice_v with_o you_o â—ll_v for_o the_o same_o cause_n also_o do_v you_o rejoice_v with_o i_o phil._n 2._o â—7_n from_o whence_o can_v proceed_v those_o motion_n of_o joy_n which_o st._n paul_n so_o natural_o express_v which_o no_o art_n can_v imitate_v which_o run_v through_o all_o his_o epistle_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n and_o which_o seem_v to_o spring_v from_o a_o heart_n which_o not_o be_v able_a to_o contain_v its_o inward_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n open_v and_o â—nlarges_v itself_o and_o break_v forth_o into_o these_o lively_a â—xpressions_n of_o joy_n certain_o such_o sentiment_n as_o these_o can_v never_o spring_v from_o nature_n for_o nature_n send_v forth_o sigh_n â—nd_v groan_n under_o her_o suffering_n the_o stoic_n who_o â—ndeavoured_v to_o stifle_v her_o innocent_a complaint_n preâ—ended_v that_o a_o man_n may_v overcome_v himself_o to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o preserve_v his_o mind_n serene_a and_o calm_a in_o â—he_n midst_n of_o torment_n but_o the_o stoic_n never_o go_v â—o_o far_o as_o to_o believe_v that_o joy_n can_v spring_v out_o of_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o bitterness_n of_o affliction_n none_o but_o the_o christian_n can_v ever_o find_v unspeakable_a joy_n and_o comâ—ort_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o sorrow_n who_o be_v that_o â—aul_n then_o that_o have_v thought_n so_o elevate_v only_o a_o impostor_n if_o we_o will_v believe_v the_o incredulous_a by_o â—hat_n strength_n or_o power_n do_v he_o so_o much_o surpass_v the_o virtue_n of_o the_o stoic_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o great_a imposture_n that_o ever_o be_v and_o can_v any_o one_o real_o be_v persuade_v of_o such_o a_o thing_n for_o my_o part_n the_o only_a difficulty_n i_o find_v in_o all_o this_o be_v to_o imagine_v that_o the_o proud_a pretended_a patron_n of_o humane_a reason_n shall_v be_v so_o â—nreasonable_a and_o extravagant_a chap._n xii_o wherein_o we_o further_o examine_v the_o epistle_n of_o st_n paul_n the_o three_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v that_o they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o continual_a repetition_n of_o the_o death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n or_o at_o least_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o essential_o belong_v to_o they_o so_o that_o although_o the_o four_o gospel_n shall_v be_v lose_v still_o the_o substance_n and_o essential_o of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o write_n of_o st._n paul_n now_o this_o appear_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o almost_o every_o one_o of_o his_o epistle_n concern_v his_o son_n say_v he_o in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n chap._n 1._o v._n 4._o which_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n by_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o this_o appear_v yet_o more_o express_o in_o several_a other_o place_n as_o in_o the_o 15._o chap._n of_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n v_o 3_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o for_o i_o deliver_v unto_o you_o first_o of_o all_o that_o which_o i_o also_o receive_v how_o that_o christ_n die_v for_o our_o sin_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o he_o be_v bury_v and_o that_o he_o rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o thâ—â—_n he_o be_v see_v of_o cephas_n then_o of_o the_o twelve_o after_o thâ—â—_n he_o be_v see_v of_o above_o five_o hundred_o brethren_n at_o once_o of_o who_o the_o great_a part_n remain_v unto_o this_o present_a but_o soâ—â—_n be_v fall_v a_o sleep_n after_o that_o he_o be_v see_v of_o james_n thâ—â—_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o last_o of_o all_o he_o be_v see_v of_o 〈◊〉_d also_o as_o of_o one_o bear_v out_o of_o due_a time_n so_o bold_o do_v this_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ._n he_o do_v not_o only_o say_v in_o general_a term_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v see_v after_o his_o resurrection_n but_o in_o particular_a that_o he_o be_v see_v of_o cephas_n of_o james_n of_o the_o other_o apostle_n and_o of_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v see_v by_o five_o hundred_o brethren_n at_o once_o of_o who_o the_o great_a part_n be_v then_o live_v who_o he_o appeal_v to_o as_o witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v and_o who_o may_v easy_o have_v contradict_v he_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a but_o if_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o people_n real_o see_v jesus_n christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n that_o matter_n of_o fact_n can_v never_o be_v false_a for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o five_o hundred_o three_o hundred_o nay_o fifty_o person_n shall_v maugre_o all_o punishment_n conspire_v together_o to_o maintain_v a_o fiction_n but_o if_o such_o a_o number_n of_o person_n neither_o see_v nor_o certify_v they_o have_v see_v christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n how_o shall_v st._n paul_n have_v presume_v to_o write_v this_o to_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n who_o see_v and_o converse_v with_o the_o apostle_n must_v have_v know_v the_o certainty_n of_o it_o how_o dare_v he_o name_v those_o who_o he_o pretend_v that_o jesus_n christ_n appear_v to_o after_o his_o resurrection_n how_o great_a be_v his_o boldness_n to_o assign_v so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o witness_n of_o that_o truth_n and_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v still_o live_v how_o come_v he_o to_o speak_v of_o it_o slight_o by_o the_o way_n or_o only_o as_o a_o thing_n universal_o know_v he_o tell_v it_o but_o not_o with_o any_o turn_n of_o wit_n or_o fineness_n of_o expression_n which_o impostor_n use_v to_o varnish_v over_o a_o specious_a lie_n who_o use_v the_o more_o art_n and_o insinuation_n the_o more_o incredible_a the_o thing_n be_v they_o will_v induce_v man_n to_o believe_v but_o why_o shall_v not_o he_o bold_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n since_o as_o he_o pretend_v the_o holy_a ghost_n evident_o bare_a record_n of_o it_o in_o a_o word_n st._n paul_n speak_v in_o his_o epistle_n of_o miraculous_a gift_n as_o of_o a_o thing_n universal_o know_v he_o call_v they_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o sometime_o only_a the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o that_o shall_v attempt_v to_o cut_v off_o from_o his_o epistle_n every_o place_n wherein_o he_o menâ—ions_v they_o will_v certain_o take_v away_o the_o most_o considerable_a part_n of_o they_o to_o one_o say_v he_o be_v give_v â—he_n spirit_n the_o gift_n of_o wisdom_n to_o another_o the_o gift_n of_o knowledge_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n to_o another_o faith_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n to_o another_o the_o gift_n of_o heal_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n to_o another_o the_o work_n of_o miracle_n to_o another_o prophecy_n to_o another_o discern_v of_o spirit_n to_o another_o divers_a kind_n of_o tongue_n but_o all_o these_o work_v that_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o spirit_n divide_v to_o every_o man_n several_o as_o he_o will_v 1_o cor._n 12._o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o you_o see_v how_o st._n paul_n cursory_o mention_n this_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o uncontested_a experience_n mean_a while_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o we_o have_v not_o to_o do_v with_o one_o single_a gift_n but_o several_a miraculous_a gift_n in_o which_o there_o be_v no_o artifice_n or_o illusion_n for_o though_o it_o may_v be_v pretend_v that_o some_o certain_a people_n have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o although_o those_o very_a people_n shall_v
to_o look_v upon_o that_o word_n as_o divine_v which_o those_o tongue_n have_v preach_v we_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o those_o write_n as_o divine_a in_o which_o that_o word_n itself_o be_v contain_v i_o hope_v that_o whosoever_o shall_v serious_o reflect_v on_o the_o connexion_n of_o all_o these_o principle_n will_v full_o be_v persuade_v that_o their_o union_n be_v not_o to_o be_v dissolve_v if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o book_n as_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o day_n of_o clemens_n polycarp_n and_o of_o the_o primitive_a father_n as_o without_o dispute_n there_o be_v that_o book_n can_v never_o have_v be_v forge_v if_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v not_o have_v be_v forge_v it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o certain_a public_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v insert_v in_o that_o book_n as_o be_v public_o know_v by_o all_o the_o christian_n be_v true_a and_o if_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v true_a it_o can_v never_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o apostle_n receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n if_o the_o apostle_n do_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n certain_o their_o write_n must_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o divine_a i_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o these_o principle_n only_o among_o several_a other_o which_o i_o have_v establish_v but_o lest_o any_o one_o shall_v imagine_v that_o they_o subsist_v mere_o by_o their_o connexion_n i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o remember_v that_o i_o have_v prove_v each_o of_o they_o apart_o by_o themselves_o after_o several_a different_a way_n it_o be_v very_o true_a therefore_o that_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o well_o as_o our_o religion_n be_v divine_a for_o these_o two_o truth_n be_v proper_o one_o and_o the_o same_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v be_v divine_a if_o the_o word_n or_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o ruleof_o the_o faith_n of_o its_o professor_n be_v humane_a and_o the_o scripture_n can_v never_o be_v divine_a unless_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v of_o a_o heavenly_a original_a and_o proceed_v from_o god_n but_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o difficulty_n that_o be_v oppose_v against_o this_o grand_a principle_n chap._n fourteen_o wherein_o we_o shall_v examine_v those_o difficulty_n which_o may_v probable_o be_v raise_v against_o the_o forego_n truth_n truth_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o all_o shift_n and_o trick_n let_v we_o therefore_o brief_o consider_v what_o doubt_n we_o may_v possible_o entertain_v in_o the_o forego_n truth_n let_v we_o give_v full_a scope_n to_o our_o imagination_n to_o frame_v what_o suspicion_n we_o can_v as_o to_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n their_o miracle_n the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o the_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v impart_v to_o mankind_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o i._o to_o begin_v with_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v some_o who_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o essene_n and_o that_o he_o borrow_v from_o that_o sect_n the_o purity_n of_o his_o moral_n and_o the_o soundness_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o indeed_o it_o appear_v from_o the_o description_n which_o philo_n and_o josephus_n give_v we_o of_o that_o sect_n that_o the_o essenes_n live_v among_o themselves_o in_o a_o perfect_a union_n that_o they_o possess_v all_o thing_n in_o common_a that_o they_o look_v upon_o one_o another_o as_o so_o many_o brethren_n and_o that_o they_o have_v very_o rational_a and_o sound_a idea_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n all_o this_o pretty_a well_o agree_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o chistianity_n beside_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o jesus_n christ_n ever_o oppose_v their_o doctrine_n when_o he_o pronounce_v so_o many_o woe_n against_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o jesus_n christ_n borrow_v his_o doctrine_n from_o that_o sect_n we_o shall_v have_v less_o reason_n to_o be_v surprise_v at_o his_o extraordinary_a morality_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n but_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o refute_v this_o notion_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o sect_n as_o that_o of_o the_o essenes_n in_o galilee_n which_o be_v the_o native_a country_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o essenes_n avoid_v all_o correspondence_n with_o other_o man_n as_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o impure_a and_o profane_a and_o for_o that_o reason_n dwell_v not_o in_o any_o great_a city_n whereas_o jesus_n christ_n traverse_v town_n and_o village_n teach_v multitude_n preach_v in_o the_o synagogue_n etc._n etc._n beside_o the_o essenes_n abhor_a matrimony_n whereas_o jesus_n christ_n make_v choice_n of_o such_o disciple_n as_o be_v marry_v and_o last_o that_o he_o have_v several_a fisherman_n to_o attend_v he_o but_o none_o of_o they_o be_v essenes_n but_o ii_o may_v we_o not_o think_v that_o jesus_n christ_n owe_v his_o knowledge_n to_o his_o education_n but_o how_o can_v that_o be_v for_o as_o much_o as_o he_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o shop_n of_o a_o carpenter_n as_o his_o enemy_n themselves_o confess_v in_o their_o reproach_n of_o he_o iii_o some_o will_v object_v that_o it_o be_v out_o of_o spite_n to_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o other_o ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o he_o first_o exclaim_v so_o much_o against_o they_o and_o after_o invent_v on_o purpose_n to_o thwart_v they_o a_o religion_n quite_o opposite_a to_o they_o but_o what_o have_v the_o son_n of_o mary_n to_o do_v with_o all_o those_o teacher_n since_o he_o neither_o be_v priest_n nor_o levite_n nor_o pretend_v to_o any_o such_o dignity_n what_o shall_v make_v he_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o they_o beside_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o assert_v that_o jesus_n christ_n seem_v very_o much_o exasperate_v against_o their_o doctrine_n and_o behaviour_n it_o must_v also_o be_v consider_v whether_o he_o have_v not_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v so_o iu._n it_o be_v object_v that_o perhaps_o he_o be_v ambitious_a of_o be_v think_v a_o prophet_n or_o it_o may_v be_v not_o right_o understand_v certain_a oracle_n which_o seem_v to_o determine_v at_o that_o time_n the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n he_o real_o think_v himself_o to_o be_v that_o messiah_n but_o nothing_o of_o this_o be_v true_a for_o jesus_n christ_n can_v not_o have_v think_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n out_o of_o mere_a simplicity_n and_o ignorance_n nor_o have_v endeavour_v to_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v it_o out_o of_o malice_n or_o deceit_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o former_a if_o we_o consider_v his_o morality_n and_o doctrine_n and_o his_o holiness_n of_o life_n give_v we_o no_o occasion_n to_o imagine_v the_o latter_a the_o incredulous_a will_n soon_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o evident_a absurdity_n if_o they_o assert_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o most_o ignorant_a or_o most_o wicked_a of_o man_n the_o most_o ignorant_a if_o he_o think_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n without_o be_v real_o so_o or_o the_o most_o wicked_a if_o he_o endeavour_v to_o make_v other_o man_n believe_v it_o when_o he_o believe_v it_o not_o himself_o because_o one_o must_v be_v wilful_o blind_a not_o to_o perceive_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n proceed_v both_o from_o a_o very_a clear_a principle_n and_o a_o good_a foundation_n too_o v._n but_o may_v we_o not_o say_v the_o same_o of_o mahomet_n the_o incredulous_a compare_v they_o often_o together_o they_o pretend_v that_o jesus_n christ_n and_o mahomet_n may_v have_v be_v animate_v both_o with_o the_o same_o spirit_n but_o of_o all_o the_o shift_n of_o the_o incredulous_a this_o be_v certain_o their_o weak_a and_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o they_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o idea_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o speak_v of_o when_o they_o insist_v upon_o this_o comparison_n for_o we_o can_v here_o produce_v several_a essential_a difference_n betwixt_o jesus_n christ_n and_o mahomet_n mahomet_n never_o pretend_v to_o establish_v his_o religion_n by_o work_a miracle_n although_o several_a have_v be_v impute_v to_o he_o whereas_o jesus_n christ_n desire_v no_o belief_n but_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o extraordinary_a miracle_n be_v willing_a thereby_o to_o convince_v the_o eye_n and_o sense_n of_o his_o disciple_n by_o sensible_a matter_n of_o fact_n and_o such_o miracle_n as_o he_o give_v they_o also_o power_n to_o work_v themselves_o when_o he_o send_v they_o forth_o to_o preach_v abroad_o his_o resurrection_n and_o miracle_n at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o threaten_v they_o with_o death_n and_o eternal_a damnation_n in_o case_n they_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o deceive_v any_o body_n with_o fiction_n or_o even_o disguise_v the_o truth_n itself_o mahomet_n leave_v no_o such_o prophecy_n behind_o he_o as_o have_v be_v accomplish_v whereas_o we_o have_v several_a of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o have_v
christ_n into_o heaven_n and_o how_o can_v any_o man_n reasonable_o imagine_v that_o it_o be_v natural_a and_o according_a to_o the_o regular_a course_n of_o second_o cause_n to_o see_v a_o man_n that_o have_v be_v crucify_v and_o lay_v in_o a_o sepulchre_n where_o a_o watch_n be_v appoint_v to_o guard_v he_o rise_v out_o of_o that_o sepulchre_n again_o appear_v alive_a to_o several_a man_n that_o touch_v and_o handle_v he_o and_o afterward_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n in_o their_o sight_n certain_o that_o very_a ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n can_v but_o convince_v the_o most_o suspicious_a and_o scrupulous_a person_n that_o it_o be_v a_o event_n pure_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a for_o otherwise_o our_o incredulous_a adversary_n may_v imagine_v since_o they_o be_v everlasting_o raise_v doubt_n that_o the_o body_n of_o jesus_n christ_n may_v have_v be_v take_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n before_o the_o breath_n be_v go_v out_o of_o it_o that_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n who_o be_v his_o disciple_n though_o he_o dare_v not_o own_v it_o public_o may_v have_v dress_v his_o body_n and_o recover_v he_o out_o of_o his_o swoon_n by_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o remedy_n he_o give_v he_o that_o he_o may_v have_v lay_v another_o counterfeit_a dead-body_n in_o his_o place_n and_o bury_v it_o and_o that_o afterward_o jes_n christ_n may_v have_v private_o show_v himself_o to_o his_o disciple_n not_o dare_v to_o appear_v in_o public_a for_o fear_v of_o fall_v a_o second_o time_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o suffer_v a_o true_a and_o real_a death_n instead_o of_o that_o imaginary_a one_o he_o have_v suffer_v before_o but_o this_o fiction_n be_v absurd_a and_o incredible_a and_o that_o for_o several_a reason_n first_o because_o the_o evangelist_n relate_v that_o christ_n have_v his_o side_n pierce_v with_o the_o lance_n of_o a_o soldier_n which_o thing_n alone_o be_v enough_o to_o give_v he_o his_o death_n second_o it_o be_v very_o improbable_a to_o think_v that_o the_o jewish_a sanhedrin_n who_o have_v condemn_v he_o to_o die_v nay_o who_o have_v take_v such_o care_n to_o set_v a_o watch_n over_o his_o sepulchre_n shall_v yet_o suffer_v his_o body_n to_o be_v take_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n before_o the_o breath_n be_v go_v out_o of_o it_o last_o because_o it_o can_v never_o be_v suppose_v that_o a_o man_n who_o hang_v several_a hour_n together_o on_o a_o cross_n shall_v yet_o escape_v death_n and_o show_v himself_o not_o long_o after_o safe_a and_o sound_a to_o his_o disciple_n but_o that_o which_o will_v immediate_o remove_v all_o these_o doubt_n be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n not_o only_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a but_o also_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o this_o be_v so_o sensible_a and_o evident_a a_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o they_o can_v never_o have_v be_v impose_v upon_o in_o that_o respect_n so_o that_o it_o may_v very_o well_o be_v affirm_v that_o the_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n chief_o depend_v upon_o that_o important_a inquiry_n whether_o the_o disciple_n design_v to_o impose_v upon_o we_o by_o relate_v to_o we_o a_o false_a event_n which_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v themselves_o now_o if_o we_o can_v clear_o prove_v the_o contrary_a we_o shall_v invincible_o demonstrate_v the_o certain_a truth_n of_o our_o faith_n let_v we_o therefore_o in_o order_n to_o it_o close_o stick_v to_o the_o examination_n of_o that_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o most_o essential_a and_o the_o most_o important_a that_o ever_o be_v and_o endeavour_v to_o discover_v whether_o it_o be_v possible_a we_o shall_v have_v be_v impose_v upon_o by_o those_o man_n which_o can_v not_o deceive_v themselves_o if_o we_o will_v suppose_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n deceive_v we_o in_o their_o relation_n of_o a_o fictitious_a event_n we_o must_v also_o necessary_o suppose_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o their_o illusion_n or_o imposture_n must_v be_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n 2._o that_o it_o must_v be_v of_o some_o use_n or_o other_o to_o they_o 3._o that_o it_o must_v be_v such_o as_o man_n and_o only_a man_n make_v use_v of_o now_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o their_o pretend_a illusion_n here_o in_o question_n can_v not_o have_v any_o of_o these_o three_o quality_n 1._o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v possible_a because_o it_o must_v have_v be_v agree_v upon_o by_o many_o person_n who_o all_o know_v the_o bare_a truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n itself_o 2._o it_o will_v have_v be_v of_o no_o use_n for_o what_o can_v those_o man_n propose_v to_o themselves_o in_o invent_v such_o a_o fiction_n 3._o it_o can_v not_o be_v such_o as_o man_n usual_o contrive_v because_o from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n till_o now_o we_o never_o hear_v of_o any_o man_n that_o invent_v lie_n on_o purpose_n to_o have_v the_o pleasure_n of_o be_v hang_v scourge_v burn_v or_o execute_v upon_o a_o scaffold_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o first_o i_o will_v grant_v you_o if_o you_o will_v that_o peter_n with_o some_o other_o disciple_n may_v have_v take_v away_o the_o body_n of_o jesus_n christ_n out_o of_o the_o sepulchre_n either_o by_o trick_v the_o watch_n or_o take_v the_o advantage_n of_o their_o sleep_n or_o last_o by_o bribe_v they_o with_o money_n i_o will_v grant_v you_o too_o if_o you_o will_v they_o may_v have_v easy_o persuade_v the_o whole_a company_n of_o disciple_n who_o be_v too_o credulous_a and_o too_o eager_a in_o swallow_v of_o novelty_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v appear_v to_o they_o indeed_o and_o that_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a i_o will_v grant_v you_o likewise_o that_o the_o other_o disciple_n may_v have_v imagine_v thereupon_o they_o have_v see_v some_o vision_n or_o think_v they_o have_v see_v he_o in_o several_a place_n and_o on_o several_a occasion_n but_o then_o i_o ask_v how_o they_o can_v have_v all_o agree_v together_o concern_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o ascension_n by_o what_o charm_n or_o cunning_n can_v peter_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n have_v make_v they_o see_v that_o which_o they_o never_o see_v or_o hear_v a_o man_n speak_v who_o they_o real_o never_o hear_v by_o what_o machine_n can_v they_o have_v cause_v the_o cloud_n to_o descend_v or_o by_o what_o sort_n of_o enchantment_n can_v they_o have_v produce_v two_o man_n in_o white_a raiment_n tell_v they_o you_o man_n of_o galilee_n why_o stand_v you_o gaze_v up_o into_o heaven_n this_o same_o jesus_n which_o be_v take_v up_o from_o you_o into_o heaven_n shall_v so_o come_v in_o like_a manner_n as_o you_o have_v see_v he_o go_v up_o into_o heaven_n act_v 1._o 11._o by_o what_o secret_a power_n can_v they_o have_v so_o deep_o imprint_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o disciple_n the_o word_n which_o jesus_n christ_n speak_v to_o they_o after_o his_o resurrection_n the_o reproach_n he_o make_v they_o of_o their_o infidelity_n his_o promise_n of_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o they_o his_o forbid_v they_o to_o depart_v from_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o command_v he_o give_v they_o to_o baptise_v all_o nation_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n i_o say_v how_o can_v they_o have_v do_v all_o this_o if_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v but_o the_o witty_a conceit_n of_o their_o imagination_n and_o fancy_n certain_o tho_o st._n peter_n or_o some_o other_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v have_v form_v to_o himself_o the_o design_n and_o plan_n of_o so_o signal_n a_o cheat_n and_o though_o he_o shall_v have_v set_v down_o in_o write_v all_o the_o article_n one_o by_o one_o which_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o make_v other_o man_n believe_v against_o the_o plain_a truth_n yet_o he_o can_v never_o have_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o propose_v any_o such_o thing_n to_o those_o man_n who_o be_v prepossess_v with_o the_o opinion_n that_o lie_v be_v a_o great_a sin_n but_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n on_o the_o contrary_a a_o great_a virtue_n nay_o it_o be_v even_o impossible_a it_o shall_v ever_o come_v into_o his_o head_n to_o frame_v so_o signal_n a_o imposture_n upon_o so_o sad_a and_o sorrowful_a a_o event_n as_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n neither_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o his_o mind_n or_o his_o thought_n be_v any_o way_n bend_v upon_o any_o such_o design_n and_o though_o he_o shall_v have_v be_v induce_v out_o of_o a_o spirit_n of_o revenge_n to_o invent_v such_o a_o lie_n to_o discredit_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v he_o shall_v have_v be_v so_o very_o silly_a as_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n will_v consent_v to_o that_o imposture_n or_o be_v willing_a to_o maintain_v it_o
i_o have_v fight_v with_o beast_n at_o ephesus_n what_o advantage_v it_o i_o if_o the_o dead_a rise_v not_o let_v we_o eat_v and_o drink_v for_o to_o morrow_n we_o die_v since_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n man_n of_o worldly_a mind_n and_o carnal_a appetite_n who_o aim_v only_o at_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n have_v always_o argue_v thus_o and_o indeed_o they_o will_v have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n in_o argue_v thus_o and_o pursue_v their_o reason_n be_v there_o no_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a chap._n xvi_o 21._o the_o salutation_n of_o i_o paul_n with_o my_o own_o hand_n if_o any_o man_n love_v not_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n let_v he_o be_v anathema_n maranatha_n he_o begin_v still_o and_o end_v with_o christ_n which_o evident_o show_v the_o strong_a persuasion_n of_o his_o mind_n second_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n chap._n i._n 8_o 9_o for_o we_o will_v not_o brethren_n have_v you_o ignorant_a of_o our_o trouble_n etc._n etc._n that_o we_o shall_v not_o trust_v in_o ourselves_o but_o in_o god_n which_o raise_v the_o dead_a by_o these_o word_n we_o perceive_v what_o trouble_v they_o undergo_v and_o what_o hope_n they_o have_v to_o sustain_v they_o in_o their_o suffering_n chap._n ii_o 14_o 15_o 16._o now_o thanks_o be_v unto_o god_n which_o always_o cause_v we_o to_o triumph_v in_o christ_n and_o make_v manifest_v the_o savour_n of_o his_o knowledge_n by_o we_o in_o every_o place_n for_o we_o be_v unto_o god_n a_o sweet_a savour_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n to_o the_o one_o we_o be_v the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n and_o to_o the_o other_o the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n and_o who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n and_o who_o be_v sufficient_a to_o express_v all_o the_o force_n and_o energy_n of_o these_o word_n unlike_o the_o false_a charm_n of_o humane_a eloquence_n yet_o such_o as_o be_v easy_o discern_v by_o a_o heart_n right_o dispose_v chap._n iu._n 6._o for_o god_n who_o command_v the_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n have_v shine_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ._n the_o eloquence_n of_o man_n which_o be_v general_o above_o the_o thing_n it_o represent_v have_v usual_o but_o one_o idea_n to_o represent_v one_o single_a object_n but_o if_o that_o idea_n be_v a_o complex_fw-la one_o than_o it_o be_v compose_v of_o several_a other_o proportionable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o it_o there_o cant_v well_o be_v in_o this_o sort_n of_o eloquence_n a_o mixture_n of_o various_a idea_n and_o different_a metaphor_n together_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o period_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o eloquence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v always_o inferior_a to_o those_o object_n it_o lay_v before_o we_o make_v use_n of_o several_a different_a image_n and_o idea_n at_o once_o because_o a_o single_a one_o can_v not_o express_v what_o it_o endeavour_v to_o represent_v as_o for_o instance_n in_o these_o expression_n 78._o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n with_o the_o heal_n of_o his_o wing_n have_v visit_v we_o through_o his_o tender_a mercy_n as_o also_o in_o this_o place_n where_o the_o apostle_n think_v he_o can_v never_o say_v enough_o this_o be_v a_o light_n which_o shine_v which_o shine_v into_o the_o heart_n which_o give_v the_o light_n the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ._n for_o a_o man_n to_o express_v himself_o thus_o he_o must_v real_o be_v very_o strong_o persuade_v of_o what_o he_o can_v say_v the_o orator_n of_o this_o world_n be_v usual_o master_n of_o their_o own_o thought_n but_o this_o writer_n here_o be_v as_o it_o be_v fill_v and_o whole_o take_v up_o with_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o object_n he_o be_v about_o to_o represent_v verse_n 15._o for_o all_o thing_n be_v for_o your_o sake_n that_o the_o abundant_a grace_n may_v through_o the_o thanksgiving_n of_o many_o redound_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n thanksgiving_n gratefulness_n acknowledgement_n glory_n of_o god_n charity_n confession_n of_o their_o frailty_n prayer_n exhortation_n etc._n etc._n be_v the_o only_a subject_n that_o all_o the_o write_n of_o those_o pretend_a impostor_n be_v full_a of_o verse_n 17._o for_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n no_o writer_n ever_o speak_v with_o so_o much_o energy_n because_o no_o writer_n be_v so_o strong_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o deliver_v chap._n v._o 17._o therefore_o if_o any_o man_n be_v in_o christ_n he_o be_v a_o new_a creature_n what_o teacher_n ever_o require_v such_o thing_n of_o their_o disciple_n what_o mean_v these_o word_n and_o this_o strange_a exhortation_n chap._n vi_o 1_o 4_o 5_o 6._o we_o then_o as_o worker_n together_o with_o he_o beseech_v you_o also_o that_o you_o receive_v not_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a etc._n etc._n but_o in_o all_o thing_n approve_v ourselves_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n in_o much_o patience_n in_o affliction_n in_o necessity_n in_o distress_n in_o stripe_n in_o imprisonment_n in_o tumult_n in_o labour_n in_o watch_n in_o fasting_n by_o pureness_n by_o knowledge_n by_o long-suffering_a by_o kindness_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o love_n unfeigned_a do_v such_o exhortation_n usual_o come_v from_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n or_o rather_o do_v they_o not_o proceed_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n himself_o chap._n viii_o 18._o and_o we_o have_v send_v with_o he_o the_o brother_n who_o praise_n be_v in_o the_o gospel_n throughout_o all_o the_o church_n he_o speak_v of_o st._n luke_n in_o this_o place_n and_o what_o he_o say_v of_o he_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o understand_v that_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o st._n luke_n be_v read_v even_o in_o those_o day_n in_o all_o the_o christian_n churchès_fw-fr which_o overthrow_v all_o suspicion_n that_o that_o gospel_n have_v be_v fill_v with_o shame_n story_n of_o certain_a matter_n of_o fact_n in_o a_o time_n when_o every_o body_n have_v yet_o fresh_a in_o their_o remembrance_n all_o that_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o those_o day_n chap._n xii_o 12._o true_o the_o sign_n of_o a_o apostle_n be_v wrought_v among_o you_o in_o all_o patience_n in_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o mighty_a deed_n st._n paul_n write_v these_o thing_n to_o several_a numerous_a church_n and_o to_o whole_a society_n and_o can_v we_o suppose_v he_o can_v persuade_v they_o that_o he_o wrought_v so_o many_o wonder_n and_o sign_n among_o they_o when_o he_o wrought_v none_o chap._n xiii_o 5._o examine_v yourselves_o etc._n etc._n prove_v your_o own_o self_n etc._n etc._n how_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o you_o what_o mean_v these_o expession_n we_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o we_o and_o whence_o come_v they_o who_o first_o establish_v such_o a_o strange_a language_n and_o who_o do_v the_o apostle_n learn_v this_o style_n from_o a_o style_n till_o then_o unknown_a to_o the_o world_n have_v man_n ever_o say_v before_o that_o time_n cesar_n be_v in_o we_o no_o sure_o because_o they_o have_v never_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o cesar_n but_o the_o disciple_n have_v receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n chap._n iii_o 4_o 5._o o_o foolish_a galatian_n etc._n etc._n have_v you_o suffer_v so_o many_o thing_n in_o vain_a if_o it_o be_v yet_o in_o vain_a he_o therefore_o that_o minister_v to_o you_o the_o spirit_n and_o work_v miracle_n among_o you_o do_v he_o it_o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n or_o by_o the_o hear_n of_o faith_n what_o mean_v this_o interrogation_n if_o the_o miracle_n and_o the_o miraculous_a and_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v be_v only_o mere_a fiction_n be_v it_o possible_a we_o shall_v not_o perceive_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o matter_n of_o fact_n by_o the_o ingenuous_a simplicity_n wherewith_o this_o author_n take_v it_o for_o grant_v when_o he_o make_v it_o a_o principle_n of_o his_o argument_n and_o take_v a_o occasion_n from_o thence_o to_o censure_v the_o galatian_n after_o so_o sharp_a and_o severe_a a_o manner_n chap._n vi_o 12_o 14_o 15._o as_o many_o as_o desire_v to_o make_v a_o fair_a show_n in_o the_o flesh_n they_o constrain_v you_o to_o be_v circumcise_a only_a lest_o they_o shall_v suffer_v persecution_n for_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n but_o god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v glory_n save_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o the_o world_n be_v crucify_v unto_o i_o and_o i_o unto_o the_o world_n for_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o
corruption_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v do_v before_o any_o of_o the_o father_n begin_v to_o write_v that_o be_v fifteen_o or_o twenty_o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o we_o need_v only_o recall_v to_o mind_v all_o the_o reason_n that_o persuade_v we_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o forge_v by_o the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o it_o will_v appear_v they_o be_v no_o less_o conclusive_a in_o this_o place_n in_o short_a we_o need_v but_o join_v the_o martyrdom_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o be_v not_o certain_o so_o whimsical_a as_o to_o die_v in_o defence_n of_o their_o fiction_n with_o the_o passion_n the_o people_n have_v for_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o division_n which_o disunited_a the_o church_n immediate_o after_o their_o death_n the_o variety_n of_o translation_n the_o number_n of_o copy_n the_o constant_a and_o perpetual_a tradition_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n the_o connexion_n of_o the_o essential_a matter_n of_o fact_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v such_o that_o he_o that_o admit_v of_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o admit_v of_o the_o other_o too_o as_o he_o that_o believe_v the_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v his_o resurrection_n also_o and_o he_o that_o deny_v those_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v no_o long_o a_o christian_a the_o number_n of_o the_o book_n which_o the_o new_a testament_n consist_v of_o the_o repetition_n of_o the_o same_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o they_o the_o want_n of_o time_n and_o opportunity_n to_o invent_v or_o essential_o corrupt_v they_o the_o impossibility_n of_o it_o unless_o the_o book_n be_v whole_o forge_v the_o prodigious_a multitude_n of_o people_n who_o must_v have_v be_v impose_v upon_o in_o that_o respect_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n they_o must_v have_v be_v make_v to_o believe_v viz._n that_o whole_a society_n have_v receive_v some_o epistle_n from_o the_o apostle_n which_o contain_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v well_o remember_v the_o experience_n of_o time_n past_a which_o evident_o show_v that_o from_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n down_o to_o we_o that_o be_v for_o sixteen_o age_n together_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o essential_o corrupt_v the_o distance_n of_o place_n where_o those_o book_n must_v have_v be_v forge_v or_o corrupt_v together_o with_o the_o impossibility_n of_o make_v many_o fiction_n which_o in_o all_o appearance_n those_o book_n will_v have_v be_v full_a of_o pass_v for_o truth_n and_o that_o so_o soon_o after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n when_o the_o world_n have_v their_o preach_v yet_o fresh_a in_o their_o memory_n the_o silence_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o christian_n on_o that_o account_n who_o never_o mention_v any_o thing_n concern_v that_o pretend_a forgery_n the_o distinction_n the_o primitive_a christian_n make_v at_o first_o between_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n and_o those_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o absolute_a rule_n and_o standard_n of_o their_o faith_n all_o these_o consideration_n i_o say_v put_v together_o plain_o show_v we_o and_o that_o too_o in_o a_o evident_a manner_n that_o it_o will_v argue_v madness_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n long_a to_o entertain_v either_o of_o the_o two_o former_a suspicion_n i_o pass_v on_o therefore_o to_o a_o three_o which_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o compose_v fable_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o master_n but_o since_o this_o be_v the_o most_o considerable_a of_o they_o all_o and_o that_o which_o julian_n mahomet_n and_o almost_o every_o incredulous_a person_n of_o these_o time_n chief_o urge_v against_o we_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a i_o shall_v more_o particular_o and_o thorough_o examine_v it_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n for_o true_o upon_o that_o chief_o depend_v the_o solid_a proof_n of_o our_o religion_n chap._n iii_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o write_v what_o be_v false_a to_o comprehend_v distinct_o that_o the_o author_n we_o speak_v of_o do_v not_o impose_v upon_o we_o in_o their_o write_n it_o be_v fit_a to_o consider_v those_o write_n in_o particular_a one_o after_o another_o they_o consist_v of_o three_o principal_a part_n which_o be_v the_o four_o gospel_n the_o book_n of_o act_n and_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n st._n matthew_n write_v the_o first_o and_o his_o gospel_n be_v quote_v by_o clemens_n bishop_n of_o rome_n disciple_n and_o contemporary_a with_o the_o apostle_n barnabas_n quote_v it_o also_o in_o his_o epistle_n and_o ignatius_n and_o polycarp_n who_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o st._n john_n justin_n iraeneus_n who_o live_v a_o little_a after_o athenagoras_n tertullian_n and_o all_o the_o other_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n which_o succeed_v they_o unanimous_o receive_v it_o there_o be_v not_o only_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o st._n matthew_n concern_v which_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n to_o entertain_v any_o reasonable_a suspicion_n but_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o st._n mark_n be_v also_o a_o while_n after_o write_v for_o a_o second_o support_v of_o our_o belief_n the_o same_o father_n who_o testify_v of_o the_o one_o testify_v also_o of_o the_o other_o papias_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n justin_n speak_v of_o it_o and_o st._n iraeneus_n relate_v that_o mark_v the_o disciple_n of_o st._n peter_n compose_v his_o gospel_n of_o those_o matter_n he_o have_v hear_v the_o latter_a speak_v of_o st._n luke_n who_o accompany_v st._n paul_n in_o all_o his_o travel_n write_v a_o three_o gospel_n which_o the_o ancient_a father_n have_v also_o receive_v last_o st._n john_n the_o last_o of_o the_o apostle_n compose_v a_o four_o gospel_n towards_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o his_o day_n as_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n tell_v we_o and_o this_o apostle_n declare_v at_o the_o end_n of_o it_o that_o he_o himself_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o disciple_n say_v he_o which_o testify_v of_o these_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v see_v chap._n 21._o 24._o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v first_o of_o all_o that_o the_o four_o evangelist_n who_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o plainness_n and_o ingenuity_n which_o appear_v in_o their_o relation_n have_v nevertheless_o a_o very_a different_a stile_n from_o one_o another_o thus_o st._n john_n express_v himself_o after_o a_o very_a simple_a manner_n if_o compare_v with_o that_o of_o st._n luke_n who_o be_v a_o physician_n aught_o to_o have_v write_v in_o a_o more_o lofty_a stile_n than_o st._n john_n who_o be_v original_o a_o fisherman_n and_o this_o consideration_n remove_v the_o suspicion_n we_o may_v entertain_v that_o all_o those_o gospel_n be_v compose_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o author_n second_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o although_o these_o writer_n agree_v essential_o in_o the_o matter_n they_o relate_v there_o be_v nevertheless_o some_o small_a difference_n betwixt_o they_o which_o very_o sensible_o show_v we_o that_o they_o compose_v their_o gospel_n separately_z divine_a providence_n have_v so_o order_v it_o the_o better_a to_o confirm_v ouâ—_n faith_n yet_o our_o incredulous_a adversary_n will_v not_o stand_v to_o this_o assertion_n they_o will_v perhaps_o imagine_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n have_v get_v together_o at_o jerusalem_n after_o the_o death_n of_o their_o master_n take_v certain_a measure_n to_o make_v man_n believe_v certain_a suppositition_n matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o very_o exact_o and_o precise_o set_v down_o lest_o they_o shall_v contradict_v themselves_o in_o the_o testimony_n they_o shall_v give_v of_o they_o and_o that_o after_o have_v found_v several_a church_n by_o then_o preach_v some_o of_o they_o take_v special_a care_n to_o digest_v those_o very_a matter_n of_o fact_n in_o write_v which_o they_o have_v preach_v throughout_o the_o world_n after_o have_v invent_v they_o i_o think_v this_o be_v the_o most_o plausible_a objection_n of_o they_o that_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v raise_v against_o this_o subject_n but_o in_o order_n to_o confute_v this_o imagination_n it_o may_v perhaps_o suffice_v to_o call_v to_o mind_n what_o i_o have_v before_o mention_v the_o absurdity_n there_o be_v in_o suppose_v that_o a_o few_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a fisherman_n deject_v by_o the_o death_n of_o their_o master_n undeceive_v of_o the_o opinion_n they_o have_v entertain_v that_o he_o be_v their_o messiah_n and_o so_o fearful_a that_o they_o flee_v when_o he_o be_v seize_v upon_o in_o order_n to_o his_o crucifixion_n shall_v contrive_v among_o themselves_o how_o to_o deceive_v other_o man_n when_o they_o themselves_o be_v so_o miserable_o delude_v that_o they_o shall_v dare_v to_o invent_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o will_v certain_o fix_v a_o eternal_a blot_n and_o scandal_n upon_o their_o nation_n by_o make_v the_o jew_n be_v look_v