witness_v of_o the_o holy-ghost_n which_o i_o now_o chief_o design_n be_v that_o which_o be_v give_v to_o he_o after_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o be_v a_o evident_a token_n that_o all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v then_o commit_v to_o he_o i_o mean_v those_o gift_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n which_o he_o shower_v down_o on_o his_o apostle_n on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n when_o be_v meet_v together_o etc._n act_n 2.1_o etc._n etc._n there_o come_v sudden_o a_o sound_n from_o heaven_n as_o of_o a_o rush_v mighty_a wind_n which_o fill_v all_o the_o house_n where_o they_o be_v sit_v and_o there_o appear_v unto_o they_o cleave_a tongue_n like_v as_o of_o fire_n which_o sit_v upon_o each_o of_o they_o whereupon_o they_o wre_v all_o fill_v with_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o begin_v to_o speak_v with_o other_o tongue_n as_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o utterance_n and_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n our_o saviour_n promise_v before_o shall_v be_v give_v to_o he_o joh._n xv_o 26._o when_o the_o comforter_n be_v come_v who_o i_o will_v send_v unto_o you_o from_o the_o father_n even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o father_n he_o shall_v testify_v of_o i_o and_o the_o testimony_n indeed_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o full_a for_o by_o this_o it_o clear_o appear_v that_o all_o his_o former_a miracle_n have_v be_v true_a and_o have_v be_v wrought_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n when_o even_o after_o he_o have_v leave_v this_o world_n he_o be_v still_o able_a to_o make_v good_a this_o promise_n to_o his_o disciple_n and_o to_o empower_v they_o to_o do_v great_a work_n in_o his_o name_n than_o he_o himself_o have_v do_v while_o he_o be_v live_v upon_o earth_n this_o be_v a_o clear_a demonstration_n that_o he_o be_v the_o belove_a son_n of_o the_o father_n and_o be_v as_o st._n peter_n say_v 2.33_o act._n 2.33_o exalt_v at_o god_n right_a hand_n when_o he_o do_v shed_v forth_o that_o wonderful_a power_n upon_o his_o apostle_n of_o which_o all_o that_o then_o dwell_v in_o jerusalem_n or_o have_v come_v thither_o from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o worship_n be_v eye_n and_o ear-witness_n and_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n be_v give_v to_o our_o saviour_n not_o at_o that_o time_n only_o not_o one_o day_n and_o no_o more_o but_o be_v continue_v to_o be_v give_v to_o he_o all_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n preach_v who_o be_v also_o enable_v to_o communicate_v to_o other_o by_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n 2.38.8.17.10.44.19.6_o act._n 2.38.8.17.10.44.19.6_o the_o same_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n which_o they_o themselves_o have_v receive_v until_o they_o have_v finish_v their_o ministry_n and_o plant_v christian_a church_n in_o all_o the_o country_n of_o the_o then_o know_v world_n thus_o i_o have_v brief_o mention_v the_o great_a evidence_n that_o the_o gospel_n history_n afford_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n testimony_n of_o himself_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n i_o have_v take_v for_o grant_v as_o be_v part_n of_o the_o gospel-history_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o have_v be_v i_o hope_v already_o sufficient_o prove_v and_o the_o evidence_n itself_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o full_a that_o i_o think_v it_o needless_a to_o open_v it_o in_o more_o word_n than_o i_o have_v do_v for_o that_o the_o testimony_n which_o god_n do_v by_o all_o these_o way_n give_v to_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o rational_a inducement_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v concern_v himself_o be_v what_o i_o think_v can_v be_v doubt_v by_o those_o that_o allow_v themselves_o any_o time_n to_o consider_v thing_n this_n i_o be_o sure_a i_o may_v say_v that_o if_o this_o strong_a evidence_n that_o the_o gospel-history_n afford_v of_o our_o saviour_n divine_a mission_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v it_o there_o never_o yet_o have_v be_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o divine_a revelation_n i_o have_v almost_o say_v nor_o ever_o can_v be_v but_o that_o i_o know_v it_o be_v not_o for_o we_o to_o say_v what_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n can_v do_v but_o as_o some_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n say_v 7.31_o joh._n 7.31_o when_o christ_n come_v will_v he_o do_v more_o miracle_n than_o these_o which_o this_o man_n have_v do_v so_o i_o may_v ask_v and_o i_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v very_o difficult_a to_o make_v answer_n to_o it_o when_o christ_n come_v if_o indeed_o he_o be_v not_o already_o come_v if_o indeed_o that_o jesus_n on_o who_o we_o believe_v be_v not_o he_o how_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o know_v he_o what_o great_a assurance_n can_v he_o give_v we_o that_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n than_o jesus_n have_v give_v what_o better_a reason_n can_v we_o ever_o have_v to_o believe_v any_o messenger_n that_o shall_v be_v send_v from_o god_n than_o we_o have_v to_o believe_v our_o saviour_n for_o we_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n suppose_v the_o gospel-history_n to_o be_v true_a to_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v send_v from_o god_n as_o we_o have_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n we_o be_v as_o secure_v that_o we_o be_v not_o deceive_v in_o he_o as_o we_o be_v that_o we_o be_v not_o deceive_v in_o the_o plain_a matter_n of_o sense_n for_o the_o best_a the_o only_a security_n that_o we_o have_v that_o our_o sense_n do_v not_o deceive_v we_o and_o that_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o quite_o otherwise_o than_o it_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o be_v be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o this_o same_o security_n we_o have_v that_o we_o be_v not_o deceive_v in_o our_o saviour_n divine_a mission_n nay_o we_o be_v more_o secure_a of_o this_o than_o we_o be_v of_o that_o because_o it_o be_v more_o plain_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o deceive_v we_o in_o a_o matter_n on_o which_o our_o everlasting_a welfare_n depend_v than_o in_o matter_n only_o of_o this_o life_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a thing_n for_o which_o our_o bodily_a sense_n be_v of_o use_n to_o we_o and_o if_o indeed_o we_o be_v deceive_v in_o our_o saviour_n it_o must_v be_v say_v that_o god_n himself_o have_v deceive_v we_o have_v give_v we_o all_o the_o reason_n imaginable_a to_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v as_o he_o say_v he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o now_o have_v be_v so_o large_a in_o show_v the_o evidence_n that_o there_o be_v from_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o be_v a_o teacher_n send_v from_o god_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o spend_v much_o time_n in_o show_v that_o his_o apostle_n be_v likewise_o commission_v by_o god_n to_o instruct_v the_o world_n and_o consequent_o that_o we_o ought_v also_o to_o receive_v all_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o they_o whether_o in_o their_o epistle_n or_o in_o their_o discourse_n interweave_v by_o st._n luke_n with_o his_o history_n of_o their_o act_n as_o true_a and_o divine_a for_o 1._o there_o be_v plain_o no_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v not_o receive_v they_o as_o such_o because_o they_o be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o our_o saviour_n teach_v and_o no_o other_o some_o point_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v indeed_o more_o large_o explain_v and_o handle_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o epistle_n than_o they_o be_v in_o those_o discourse_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o be_v record_v by_o the_o evangelist_n but_o between_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o our_o lord_n himself_o and_o those_o teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v such_o a_o perfect_a harmony_n and_o agreement_n that_o if_o we_o have_v only_o their_o own_o word_n for_o it_o that_o they_o speak_v and_o write_v by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o may_v secure_o believe_v they_o for_o though_o one_o man_n may_v without_o inspiration_n say_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o another_o before_o he_o have_v speak_v by_o inspiration_n yet_o if_o the_o second_o say_v that_o he_o also_o be_v inspire_v there_o can_v be_v no_o hurt_a though_o there_o may_v be_v a_o mistake_n in_o believe_v he_o see_v whether_o the_o man_n be_v inspire_a or_o no_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o doctrine_n be_v but_o 2._o if_o there_o be_v any_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o we_o do_v not_o see_v be_v teach_v before_o by_o our_o saviour_n i_o say_v there_o be_v however_o from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n evidence_n enough_o of_o their_o divine_a mission_n also_o so_o that_o we_o may_v very_o secure_o take_v upon_o their_o credit_n as_o true_a and_o divine_a any_o doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v instruct_v we_o in_o for_o 1._o that_o they_o be_v send_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v past_o all_o dispute_n if_o the_o gospel-history_n be_v true_a joh._n xx_o 21._o as_o
my_o father_n have_v send_v i_o so_o send_v i_o you_o and_o again_o mat._n xxviii_o 19_o 20._o go_v you_o and_o disciple_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o that_o he_o have_v authority_n to_o grant_v they_o such_o a_o commission_n he_o show_v in_o the_o word_n before_o all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o i_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n etc._n etc._n and_o 2._o that_o they_o be_v teach_v by_o god_n and_o enlighten_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n be_v what_o can_v be_v doubt_v if_o we_o believe_v the_o power_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o before_o our_o lord_n go_v from_o they_o 20.22_o joh_n 20.22_o he_o breathe_v on_o they_o and_o say_v receive_v you_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o what_o purpose_v the_o holy-ghost_n be_v to_o be_v give_v they_o he_o have_v tell_v they_o before_o 14.26_o joh._n 14.26_o the_o comforter_n which_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o the_o father_n will_v send_v in_o my_o name_n he_o shall_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n to_o your_o remembrance_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v say_v unto_o you_o and_o when_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v 16.13_o joh._n 16.13_o he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n be_v thus_o therefore_o teach_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n our_o saviour_n may_v well_o say_v as_o he_o do_v luke_n x._o 16._o he_o that_o hear_v you_o hear_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v i_o despise_v he_o that_o send_v i_o and_o 3._o last_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o receive_v they_o as_o messenger_n from_o god_n and_o to_o believe_v that_o all_o that_o they_o have_v teach_v be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n because_o they_o have_v the_o same_o attestation_n of_o god_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o have_v to_o he_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o god_n do_v bear_v they_o witness_v all_o those_o way_n by_o which_o he_o bare_a witness_n to_o our_o saviour_n for_o that_o can_v not_o be_v but_o he_o bare_a witness_n to_o they_o all_o those_o way_n by_o which_o it_o be_v proper_a for_o he_o to_o do_v it_o and_o by_o which_o he_o have_v bear_v witness_n to_o any_o former_a prophet_n for_o he_o bare_a witness_n to_o they_o that_o they_o be_v send_v by_o he_o 21._o joh._n 13.22.20_o 21._o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o he_o have_v do_v to_o our_o saviour_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o john_n and_o if_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o prophet_n be_v credible_a concern_v our_o saviour_n much_o more_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n high_o credible_a concern_v a_o messenger_n send_v by_o he_o he_o bare_a witness_n to_o they_o also_o by_o indue_a they_o with_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n 16.13_o joh._n 16.13_o for_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v say_v our_o saviour_n he_o will_v show_v you_o thing_n to_o come_v and_o last_o he_o bare_a witness_n to_o they_o by_o that_o which_o be_v the_o most_o plain_a and_o sensible_a proof_n of_o a_o divine_a mission_n 16.20_o mar._n 16.20_o viz._n by_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n and_o manifold_a gift_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o and_o confirm_v their_o word_n with_o sign_n follow_v say_v st._n mark_n and_o with_o great_a power_n say_v st._n luke_n give_v 4.33_o act_n 4.33_o the_o apostle_n witness_v of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v spend_v in_o relate_v the_o wonderful_a work_n that_o they_o do_v by_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n but_o st._n paul_n perhaps_o it_o will_v be_v say_v of_o who_o write_v be_v most_o of_o the_o epistle_n be_v not_o one_o of_o they_o not_o call_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v a_o apostle_n as_o they_o be_v nor_o so_o much_o as_o a_o eye_n and_o earwitness_n of_o our_o lord_n miracle_n and_o doctrine_n what_o reason_n then_o have_v we_o to_o receive_v his_o write_n as_o portion_n of_o holy_a scripture_n i_o answer_v as_o good_a though_o not_o in_o every_o particular_a just_a the_o same_o that_o we_o have_v to_o receive_v the_o write_n of_o the_o other_o apostle_n as_o such_o for_o he_o be_v convert_v and_o ordain_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n in_o a_o more_o wonderful_a manner_n than_o they_o be_v as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o act_n 9_o and_o as_o our_o lord_n himself_o give_v witness_v to_o their_o divine_a mission_n so_o he_o do_v also_o to_o he_o act_v ix_o 15._o he_o be_v say_v our_o lord_n a_o choose_a vessel_n unto_o i_o to_o bear_v my_o name_n before_o the_o gentile_n and_o king_n and_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o he_o also_o as_o well_o as_o to_o they_o etc._n act._n 20.22_o 25.27.10_o 22._o 2_o th._n 2.3_o etc._n etc._n 1_o tim._n 4.1_o etc._n etc._n 2_o tim._n 3.1_o etc._n etc._n the_o spirit_n foreshow_v thing_n to_o come_v several_a proof_n of_o which_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n and_o in_o his_o epistle_n and_o last_o his_o speech_n and_o his_o preach_v be_v 12.12_o 1_o cor._n 2.4_o 2_o cor._n 12.12_o as_o they_o in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n in_o he_o all_o the_o sign_n of_o a_o apostle_n be_v see_v no_o less_o than_o in_o they_o viz._n sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o mighty_a deed_n and_o of_o he_o with_o barnabas_n in_o company_n 14.3_o act_n 14.3_o it_o be_v that_o st._n luke_n speak_v when_o he_o say_v that_o the_o lord_n give_v testimony_n to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o grant_v sign_n and_o wonder_n to_o be_v do_v by_o their_o hand_n and_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n from_o the_o 10_o chapter_n to_o the_o end_n contain_v little_a else_o but_o a_o account_n of_o st._n paul_n preach_v and_o of_o the_o miracle_n that_o be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n so_o that_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o gospel-history_n we_o can_v no_o more_o doubt_n of_o his_o divine_a mission_n and_o inspiration_n than_o we_o can_v of_o they_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o if_o they_o be_v apostle_n so_o be_v he_o that_o if_o they_o be_v minister_n of_o christ_n 12.11_o 2_o cor._n 11.23_o 2_o cor._n 11.5_o 2_o cor._n 12.11_o so_o be_v he_o too_o forasmuch_o as_o in_o nothing_o he_o be_v behind_o the_o very_o chief_a apostle_n so_o that_o consequent_o we_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v his_o write_n to_o be_v inspire_v as_o we_o have_v they_o and_o now_o by_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v i_o hope_v i_o have_v full_o make_v good_a the_o point_n i_o be_v to_o prove_v viz._n that_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v true_a they_o be_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v therein_o teach_v whether_o by_o christ_n himself_o or_o by_o his_o apostle_n for_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o they_o be_v send_v by_o god_n to_o instruct_v the_o world_n and_o to_o declare_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n and_o that_o they_o be_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o their_o credential_n letter_n which_o we_o have_v now_o peruse_v and_o examine_v we_o can_v no_o more_o doubt_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o as_o the_o messenger_n and_o ambassador_n of_o god_n have_v deliver_v to_o we_o in_o his_o name_n than_o if_o we_o have_v hear_v god_n himself_o utter_v the_o same_o by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n so_o that_o i_o can_v but_o persuade_v myself_o that_o the_o proof_n which_o have_v be_v offer_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v any_o rational_a and_o consider_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o doctrine_n the_o falsity_n whereof_o be_v not_o notorious_a and_o self-evident_a and_o therefore_o this_o i_o think_v be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v pretend_v by_o any_o person_n to_o justify_v his_o not_o receive_v the_o gospel_n as_o a_o divine_a revelation_n viz._n that_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o in_o some_o particular_n be_v such_o as_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o any_o proof_n at_o all_o because_o no_o argument_n can_v make_v a_o
of_o book_n as_o write_v by_o such_o and_o such_o author_n without_o sufficient_a assurance_n thereof_o but_o i_o believe_v the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v some_o man_n who_o for_o reason_n best_o know_v to_o themselves_o but_o which_o may_v some_o of_o they_o be_v easy_o enough_o guess_v at_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o to_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n that_o a_o book_n be_v write_v by_o a_o prophet_n or_o a_o apostle_n which_o they_o must_v and_o do_v allow_v to_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n in_o any_o other_o case_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n for_o in_o other_o case_n we_o make_v no_o doubt_n to_o receive_v a_o book_n as_o write_v by_o such_o a_o author_n if_o he_o own_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o or_o if_o it_o be_v show_v write_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n or_o if_o they_o that_o be_v the_o publisher_n of_o it_o declare_v that_o they_o have_v it_o from_o he_o as_o his_o own_o or_o that_o they_o transcribe_v or_o print_v it_o from_o a_o copy_n which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v of_o his_o handwriting_n or_o if_o it_o pass_v current_n in_o common_a fame_n and_o report_n to_o be_v his_o and_o his_o most_o intimate_a friend_n believe_v it_o so_o and_o he_o himself_o do_v not_o disow_v it_o and_o there_o be_v none_o else_o that_o pretend_v any_o claim_n or_o title_n to_o it_o where_o these_o or_o most_o of_o these_o circumstance_n do_v concur_v we_o never_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o person_n say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o such_o a_o book_n be_v so_o indeed_o unless_o there_o be_v some_o very_a clear_a reason_n ground_v upon_o the_o know_a incapacity_n of_o the_o person_n to_o write_v in_o such_o a_o language_n in_o such_o a_o style_n concern_v such_o a_o subject_a or_o the_o like_a whereby_o it_o may_v be_v demonstrate_v that_o whoever_o be_v he_o can_v not_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o the_o truth_n be_v now_o adays_o and_o i_o suppose_v the_o case_n be_v much_o the_o same_o former_o whoever_o be_v the_o true_a author_n of_o any_o book_n find_v very_o little_a difficulty_n to_o make_v man_n believe_v that_o the_o book_n be_v he_o the_o great_a difficulty_n be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o conceal_v himself_o in_o case_n he_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o when_o once_o a_o book_n be_v general_o receive_v as_o write_v by_o such_o a_o person_n when_o i_o say_v it_o be_v thus_o receive_v in_o that_o age_n in_o which_o it_o be_v first_o publish_v and_o by_o those_o that_o be_v in_o the_o best_a capacity_n to_o inquire_v and_o to_o judge_v who_o be_v the_o true_a author_n of_o it_o they_o that_o live_v in_o after_o time_n never_o think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o question_v the_o authority_n thereof_o unless_o there_o be_v evident_o something_o either_o in_o the_o language_n dialect_n or_o style_n or_o else_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o book_n as_o in_o the_o relation_n of_o some_o piece_n of_o history_n the_o reference_n to_o some_o ancient_a custom_n the_o citation_n out_o of_o other_o author_n or_o the_o like_a by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v clear_o make_v out_o that_o the_o book_n can_v be_v of_o such_o antiquity_n as_o it_o pretend_v to_o or_o can_v not_o be_v the_o write_n of_o that_o person_n who_o be_v report_v and_o have_v be_v common_o take_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o upon_o such_o reason_n as_o these_o a_o great_a many_o book_n be_v every_o day_n receive_v as_o write_v by_o such_o and_o such_o author_n and_o though_o we_o can_v be_v so_o sure_a of_o a_o thing_n that_o we_o believe_v upon_o these_o inducement_n as_o we_o be_v of_o what_o we_o see_v with_o our_o own_o eye_n yet_o such_o reason_n as_o these_o be_v by_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o mankind_n judge_v to_o be_v sufficient_a in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o be_v hardly_o capable_a of_o better_a proof_n and_o for_o a_o man_n to_o disallow_v in_o one_o case_n that_o same_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o in_o other_o case_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n he_o allow_v to_o be_v sufficient_a for_o a_o man_n to_o receive_v a_o book_n as_o write_v by_o another_o person_n and_o not_o to_o receive_v a_o book_n as_o write_v by_o a_o prophet_n or_o a_o apostle_n when_o he_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o receive_v one_o as_o the_o other_o and_o no_o more_o reason_n to_o reject_v one_o than_o the_o other_o be_v not_o judgement_n or_o discretion_n or_o reasonable_a caution_n but_o manifest_a prejudice_n and_o partiality_n but_o 2._o it_o be_v further_o say_v that_o though_o we_o may_v be_v well_o enough_o assure_v that_o a_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o person_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v that_o who_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o do_v not_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o his_o reader_n it_o seem_v then_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o be_v sufficient_o satisfy_v that_o any_o man_n be_v a_o honest_a man_n and_o fit_a to_o be_v credit_v that_o he_o do_v not_o lie_v in_o every_o thing_n he_o say_v and_o intend_v a_o cheat_n in_o every_o thing_n he_o do_v for_o if_o a_o man_n may_v be_v believe_v in_o what_o he_o say_v he_o may_v as_o well_o be_v believe_v in_o what_o he_o write_v and_o if_o he_o may_v be_v trust_v in_o one_o concern_v he_o may_v be_v as_o safe_o trust_v in_o another_o unless_o good_a reason_n can_v be_v show_v to_o the_o contrary_n but_o in_o judge_v of_o humane_a nature_n in_o general_a man_n common_o judge_v of_o other_o by_o themselves_o what_o they_o be_v incline_v to_o they_o think_v be_v the_o inclination_n of_o mankind_n what_o they_o allow_v themselves_o in_o they_o think_v other_o whatever_o they_o may_v pretend_v make_v as_o little_a scruple_n of_o as_o they_o do_v what_o they_o free_o practice_n they_o make_v no_o doubt_n other_o man_n will_v practice_v as_o free_o on_o the_o same_o occasion_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o inducement_n so_o that_o when_o any_o man_n be_v so_o very_o suspectful_a of_o the_o honesty_n and_o veracity_n of_o other_o man_n it_o give_v but_o too_o just_a ground_n to_o think_v that_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o aptness_n to_o distrust_v all_o other_o be_v his_o consciousness_n of_o his_o own_o evil_a design_n and_o of_o the_o little_a regard_n that_o he_o himself_o have_v to_o truth_n in_o his_o own_o assertion_n and_o if_o those_o he_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o shall_v refuse_v to_o give_v any_o credit_n to_o any_o thing_n that_o he_o affirm_v because_o according_a to_o his_o own_o declare_a opinion_n very_o little_a credit_n can_v reasonable_o be_v give_v to_o the_o report_n and_o affirmation_n of_o other_o i_o do_v not_o see_v with_o what_o reason_n he_o can_v blame_v they_o for_o so_o do_v not_o but_o that_o after_o all_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o a_o man_n may_v it_o be_v doubtless_o what_o have_v be_v do_v by_o some_o give_v out_o a_o report_n or_o write_v book_n on_o purpose_n to_o deceive_v mankind_n but_o nevertheless_o i_o say_v that_o it_o ought_v not_o without_o very_o good_a reason_n to_o be_v suspect_v that_o this_o be_v any_o man_n design_n and_o that_o we_o may_v have_v assurance_n enough_o that_o a_o thing_n be_v not_o which_o yet_o we_o must_v grant_v be_v possible_a to_o have_v be_v particular_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o first_o in_o case_n the_o author_n of_o any_o book_n or_o of_o any_o report_n relate_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n of_o which_o there_o be_v not_o nor_o well_o can_v be_v any_o other_o witness_n but_o himself_o as_o if_o he_o say_v that_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n such_o a_o revelation_n with_o order_n to_o publish_v it_o to_o the_o world_n or_o that_o he_o himself_o be_v a_o eye_n or_o earwitness_n that_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v private_o do_v or_o speak_v by_o another_o the_o credibility_n of_o such_o a_o report_n whether_o write_v or_o speak_v depend_v partly_o upon_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o report_n its_o self_n partly_o upon_o the_o credit_n of_o its_o author_n and_o partly_o upon_o the_o proof_n that_o he_o give_v of_o his_o honesty_n and_o veracity_n in_o that_o particular_a and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o full_a concurrence_n of_o all_o these_o that_o be_v when_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o report_n be_v credible_a in_o its_o self_n when_o its_o author_n be_v a_o person_n of_o credit_n and_o when_o he_o give_v the_o best_a proof_n that_o can_v be_v of_o his_o veracity_n in_o that_o particular_a there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o reject_v his_o testimony_n there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v credit_n to_o it_o 1._o if_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o report_n be_v credible_a in_o its_o
record_v can_v be_v wear_v out_o nay_o if_o we_o further_o suppose_v as_o i_o think_v we_o may_v do_v very_o reasonable_o that_o the_o thing_n record_v by_o the_o evangelist_n be_v the_o same_o which_o they_o and_o the_o other_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n testify_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n in_o their_o preach_v we_o may_v true_o enough_o say_v that_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v begin_v to_o be_v publish_v on_o that_o same_o day_n on_o which_o the_o apostle_n begin_v to_o preach_v viz._n on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n ten_o day_n after_o our_o lord_n ascension_n and_o that_o it_o be_v full_o publish_v in_o a_o very_a short_a time_n after_o so_o that_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n record_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v thing_n that_o have_v be_v do_v or_o haâ—_n happen_v in_o the_o compass_n of_o less_o than_o four_o year_n before_o the_o history_n thereof_o be_v first_o publish_v for_o it_o be_v noâ—_n so_o long_o from_o our_o lord_n baptism_n to_o his_o ascension_n and_o the_o early_a thing_n of_o all_o that_o be_v therein_o recordeâ—_n which_o be_v but_o few_o and_o make_v but_o a_o small_a part_n of_o the_o history_n viz._n the_o birth_n of_o st._n john_n baptist_n and_o oâ—_n our_o lord_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o happen_v about_o thâ—â—_n time_n be_v thing_n do_v not_o above_o thirty_o five_o yearâ—_n before_o at_o the_o most_o and_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n whicâ—_n because_o it_o end_v with_o st._n paul_n imprisonment_n at_o rome_n we_o may_v reasonable_o think_v be_v publish_v about_o thaâ—_n time_n comprehend_v a_o history_n of_o some_o very_a remarkable_a thing_n the_o very_a first_o and_o early_a whereof_o have_v noâ—_n be_v do_v thirty_o year_n before_o and_o this_o consideration_n afford_v another_o very_a probable_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o evangelical_n history_n because_o by_o this_o it_o still_o further_o appear_v how_o very_a easy_a it_o will_v have_v be_v to_o have_v disprove_v it_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a for_o it_o be_v a_o history_n of_o thing_n do_v so_o very_o late_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o several_a of_o those_o into_o who_o hand_n it_o first_o come_v must_v have_v certain_a knowledge_n whether_o some_o of_o the_o thing_n therein_o relate_v have_v be_v so_o or_o not_o and_o they_o who_o have_v not_o this_o knowledge_n may_v easy_o have_v have_v certain_a information_n from_o other_o i_o mean_v beside_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n whether_o the_o relation_n therein_o contain_v be_v true_a or_o false_a especial_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v further_o in_o the_o four_o place_n 4._o that_o the_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o evangelical_n history_n be_v common_o relate_v with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n that_o be_v needful_a or_o proper_a to_o be_v note_v in_o order_n to_o the_o render_v a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o exceed_v easy_a to_o such_o as_o have_v any_o distrust_n thereof_o for_o in_o the_o account_n which_o the_o evangelist_n give_v we_o of_o our_o saviour_n speech_n they_o common_o tell_v we_o not_o only_o his_o word_n but_o likewise_o when_o where_o to_o who_o â—nd_v upon_o what_o occasion_n they_o be_v speak_v and_o in_o the_o account_n that_o they_o give_v of_o his_o miracle_n they_o usual_o note_v the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v do_v and_o very_o often_o â—he_v name_n or_o character_n at_o least_o of_o the_o person_n they_o be_v wrought_v upon_o and_o sometime_o they_o mention_v also_o who_o be_v by_o and_o witness_n thereof_o and_o what_o discourse_n concern_v he_o be_v thereby_o occasion_v and_o in_o relate_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v or_o happen_v before_o our_o saviour_n baptism_n about_o the_o time_n of_o his_o birth_n they_o careful_o note_v the_o time_n the_o place_n and_o other_o circumstance_n whereby_o their_o reader_n be_v as_o it_o be_v challenge_v to_o make_v enquiry_n and_o desire_v not_o to_o â—ake_v thing_n only_o upon_o their_o credit_n and_o be_v also_o direct_v ready_o whither_o to_o go_v and_o to_o who_o to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o obtain_v the_o full_a satisfaction_n whether_o the_o thing_n they_o report_v be_v so_o or_o not_o apostle_n the_o same_o may_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o if_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o every_o particular_a story_n which_o they_o relate_v be_v not_o always_o so_o punctual_o set_v down_o the_o omission_n thereof_o sometime_o be_v not_o of_o much_o consideration_n because_o it_o be_v so_o very_o easy_a by_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o many_o other_o story_n which_o be_v relate_v with_o all_o circumstance_n for_o any_o person_n to_o be_v satisfy_v whether_o their_o history_n in_o general_n deserve_v credit_n or_o not_o and_o whoever_o have_v find_v any_o one_o story_n false_o report_v by_o they_o will_v hardly_o have_v trouble_v himself_o at_o least_o not_o for_o his_o own_o satisfaction_n to_o have_v examine_v further_o into_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o rest_n 5._o it_o may_v be_v further_o consider_v that_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n record_v by_o the_o evangelist_n be_v relate_v by_o they_o as_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v very_o public_o as_o thing_n that_o be_v well_o know_v to_o a_o great_a many_o for_o very_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o those_o discourse_n of_o our_o lord_n that_o be_v record_v by_o the_o evangelist_n be_v address_v in_o private_a to_o his_o apostle_n only_o but_o most_o of_o they_o be_v speak_v in_o public_a his_o set_a sermon_n common_o to_o great_a multitude_n gather_v together_o on_o a_o mountain_n on_o the_o seashore_n or_o in_o a_o synagogue_n and_o the_o rest_n more_o common_o in_o place_n of_o resort_v in_o populous_a town_n or_o city_n in_o jerusalem_n or_o the_o temple_n when_o many_o be_v by_o to_o hear_v what_o he_o say_v and_o his_o miracle_n be_v do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o the_o best_a inhabit_a city_n of_o judea_n and_o galilee_n or_o if_o in_o other_o place_n yet_o in_o the_o open_a daylight_n and_o common_o when_o there_o be_v a_o great_a crowd_n of_o people_n about_o he_o or_o if_o at_o any_o time_n the_o miracle_n its_o self_n be_v do_v private_o in_o a_o house_n or_o a_o chamber_n the_o effect_n of_o the_o miracle_n be_v usual_o very_o visible_a and_o such_o as_o can_v not_o but_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o a_o great_a many_o and_o even_o of_o those_o few_o thing_n which_o be_v speak_v or_o do_v by_o he_o most_o private_o there_o be_v no_o want_n of_o witness_n there_o be_v except_o very_o rare_o no_o few_o than_o twelve_o in_o constant_a attendance_n upon_o he_o and_z several_z other_o beside_o that_o company_v with_o they_o all_o the_o time_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n go_v in_o and_o out_o among_o they_o 1.21_o act_n 1.21_o and_o this_o circumstance_n of_o the_o fact_n record_v by_o the_o evangelist_n as_o it_o make_v they_o capable_a of_o better_a and_o more_o certain_a attestation_n be_v true_a so_o it_o contribute_v no_o less_o towards_o the_o render_n it_o easy_a to_o disprove_v that_o relation_n which_o they_o have_v give_v of_o they_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a for_o when_o a_o man_n witness_v a_o thing_n of_o his_o own_o private_a knowledge_n there_o may_v be_v no_o way_n to_o invalidate_v his_o testimony_n but_o either_o by_o show_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o testify_v be_v not_o possible_a or_o by_o offer_v some_o just_a exception_n to_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o witness_n but_o when_o neither_o of_o these_o can_v be_v do_v and_o they_o can_v always_o be_v do_v although_o the_o thing_n testify_v be_v false_a yet_o in_o case_n the_o matter_n be_v do_v public_o it_o be_v the_o easy_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o convict_v a_o false_a witness_n by_o the_o contrary_a testimony_n of_o several_a other_o that_o be_v present_a and_o as_o capable_a of_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o himself_o or_o by_o the_o clash_v of_o the_o witness_n among_o themselves_o nothing_o therefore_o can_v have_v be_v more_o easy_a than_o to_o have_v disprove_v the_o evangelical_n history_n in_o almost_o every_o particular_a of_o it_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v true_a for_o most_o of_o our_o saviour_n speech_n and_o miracle_n be_v relate_v as_o speak_v and_o do_v in_o the_o presence_n not_o of_o his_o disciple_n only_o but_o of_o a_o great_a many_o other_o that_o happen_v to_o be_v by_o by_o chance_n or_o that_o follow_v he_o not_o for_o any_o like_n that_o they_o have_v to_o his_o person_n or_o doctrine_n but_o only_o out_o of_o curiosity_n or_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o loaf_n and_o very_o often_o they_o be_v do_v before_o such_o as_o come_v on_o purpose_n to_o watch_v what_o he_o say_v and_o do_v with_o a_o design_n to_o lay_v hold_n on_o any_o
the_o false_a evidence_n they_o have_v give_v concern_v it_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a may_v easy_o have_v be_v show_v other_o way_n for_o what_o they_o testify_v be_v that_o that_o same_o jesus_n who_o the_o jew_n have_v crucify_a and_o who_o they_o have_v see_v lay_v into_o the_o sepulchre_n be_v rise_v again_o and_o have_v be_v see_v alive_a three_o day_n after_o his_o passion_n by_o several_a of_o his_o disciple_n have_v this_o therefore_o be_v false_a how_o very_o easy_a will_v it_o have_v be_v for_o the_o jew_n to_o have_v disprove_v their_o evidence_n of_o it_o by_o only_o go_v to_o the_o sepulchre_n and_o take_v out_o thence_o his_o dead_a body_n and_o expose_v it_o for_o some_o time_n to_o public_a view_n and_o thither_o doubtless_o they_o do_v go_v and_o with_o this_o design_n but_o the_o body_n they_o can_v not_o find_v and_o yet_o they_o have_v take_v all_o the_o caution_n that_o be_v possible_a to_o prevent_v its_o be_v convey_v away_o 27.62_o mat._n 27.62_o have_v obtain_v from_o pilate_n a_o guard_n of_o soldier_n on_o purpose_n to_o keep_v watch_n over_o it_o for_o three_o day_n this_o therefore_o be_v a_o strong_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o apostle_n testimony_n concern_v our_o lord_n resurrection_n that_o it_o be_v such_o as_o may_v with_o the_o great_a ease_n in_o the_o world_n have_v be_v disprove_v if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a the_o jew_n have_v nothing_o to_o say_v against_o it_o nothing_o to_o oppose_v to_o it_o but_o only_o that_o very_o ill_o contrive_v that_o self-contradicting_a evidence_n of_o the_o watchman_n 29.13_o mat._n 29.13_o who_o say_v that_o while_n they_o be_v asleep_a that_o be_v when_o all_o their_o sense_n be_v bind_v up_o and_o when_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o capacity_n of_o know_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v the_o disciple_n come_v and_o steal_v the_o body_n away_o but_o if_o they_o see_v the_o body_n remove_v in_o which_o case_n only_o they_o can_v be_v good_a witness_n of_o it_o they_o be_v not_o as_o they_o say_v they_o be_v asleep_z when_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v or_o if_o indeed_o they_o be_v asleep_a when_o it_o be_v remove_v they_o can_v not_o be_v positive_a how_o it_o be_v remove_v they_o can_v not_o say_v he_o be_v not_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a 6._o another_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v consider_v in_o order_n to_o show_v how_o very_a improbable_a or_o rather_o how_o impossible_a it_o be_v that_o the_o gospel_n history_n shall_v ever_o have_v gain_v credit_n in_o the_o world_n if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a be_v this_o that_o as_o it_o be_v a_o history_n of_o such_o matter_n and_o be_v so_o contrive_v that_o it_o may_v with_o the_o great_a ease_n have_v be_v disprove_v so_o the_o matter_n therein_o relate_v be_v in_o themselves_o and_o especial_o in_o their_o consequence_n such_o as_o must_v needs_o have_v engage_v a_o great_a many_o to_o make_v the_o strict_a examination_n that_o be_v possible_a into_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o if_o they_o have_v discover_v any_o thing_n of_o falsehood_n therein_o to_o make_v know_v their_o discovery_n to_o the_o world_n for_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o evangelical_n history_n this_o disprove_v will_v have_v destroy_v that_o and_o this_o be_v admit_v there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o the_o spread_a of_o that_o and_o the_o certain_a consequence_n of_o receive_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o abolish_n of_o all_o the_o other_o form_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v then_o any_o where_o receive_v or_o establish_v even_o of_o that_o which_o have_v be_v introduce_v by_o moses_n among_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n himself_o as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o paganism_n and_o idolatry_n that_o be_v receive_v in_o other_o country_n now_o when_o any_o religion_n be_v it_o true_a or_o false_a be_v the_o establish_a religion_n of_o a_o country_n there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a many_o engage_v by_o the_o strong_a worldly_a interest_n to_o support_v and_o maintain_v it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o at_o ephesus_n that_o a_o great_a number_n of_o craftsman_n get_v their_o wealth_n by_o make_v silver_n shrine_v for_o diana_n etc._n act_n 19.24_o etc._n etc._n but_o in_o every_o other_o country_n the_o live_n of_o a_o considerable_a number_n depend_v upon_o the_o religion_n that_o be_v therein_o receive_v which_o be_v destroy_v and_o their_o trade_n or_o profession_n thereby_o at_o a_o end_n they_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v hard_o put_v to_o it_o to_o get_v bread_n by_o take_v up_o some_o new_a employment_n and_o beside_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o all_o man_n of_o what_o trade_n or_o profession_n soever_o they_o be_v be_v general_o so_o zealous_a and_o concern_v about_o nothing_o that_o they_o be_v so_o afraid_a of_o any_o change_n or_o innovation_n in_o as_o religion_n this_o be_v it_o well_o or_o weak_o ground_v yet_o if_o it_o be_v that_o form_n of_o religion_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o their_o father_n and_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o from_o their_o childhood_n they_o will_v not_o easy_o let_v go_v so_o that_o i_o say_v too_o little_a when_o i_o say_v before_o that_o a_o great_a many_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v engage_v to_o set_v themselves_o to_o discover_v the_o falsity_n of_o the_o evangelical_n history_n for_o this_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o common_a concern_v of_o all_o mankind_n except_o only_o of_o those_o few_o person_n who_o have_v be_v instruct_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o christ_n all_o other_o whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n rich_a or_o poor_a learned_a or_o ignorant_a priest_n or_o people_n be_v engage_v either_o by_o interest_n or_o prejudice_n or_o conscience_n or_o upon_o some_o other_o account_n to_o convict_v the_o apostle_n of_o falsehood_n in_o their_o relation_n of_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o evangelical_n history_n and_o if_o any_o falsehood_n have_v be_v therein_o it_o be_v impossible_a consider_v how_o obvious_a it_o must_v needs_o lie_v to_o discovery_n and_o how_o many_o be_v at_o work_n to_o find_v it_o out_o that_o they_o can_v have_v fail_v of_o their_o aim_n and_o if_o any_o one_o have_v make_v the_o discovery_n it_o can_v be_v imagine_v he_o will_v have_v be_v long_o before_o he_o have_v impart_v to_o other_o a_o piece_n of_o news_n so_o very_o welcome_a as_o that_o will_v have_v be_v to_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n or_o that_o such_o a_o discovery_n of_o the_o falsity_n of_o the_o gospel_n history_n in_o any_o one_o particular_a once_o make_v and_o publish_v shall_v ever_o after_o have_v be_v stifle_v or_o suppress_v because_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o put_v they_o at_o first_o upon_o make_v the_o discovery_n be_v of_o the_o same_o force_n afterward_o to_o engage_v they_o to_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o any_o discovery_n of_o that_o kind_n that_o have_v be_v make_v and_o therefore_o i_o add_v in_o the_o last_o place_n and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o give_v weight_n and_o strength_n to_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v before_o upon_o this_o subject_a and_o full_o complete_v that_o argument_n which_o i_o be_o now_o upon_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n history_n 7._o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o easiness_n of_o the_o disproof_n of_o this_o history_n if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a and_o the_o incessant_a endeavour_n of_o the_o adversary_n of_o christianity_n to_o find_v out_o some_o falsehood_n therein_o to_o do_v which_o â—hey_n be_v not_o only_o prompt_v by_o their_o own_o interest_n â—nd_v inclination_n but_o also_o frequent_o and_o bold_o challenge_v by_o the_o christian_n themselves_o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o â—he_n ancient_a apology_n for_o the_o christian_a faith_n it_o be_v nevertheless_o a_o history_n of_o very_a good_a credit_n now_o cavil_v â—t_a perhaps_o but_o not_o deny_v not_o pretend_v to_o be_v disprove_v either_o by_o jew_n or_o mahometan_n or_o any_o other_o â—ort_n of_o infidel_n and_o that_o it_o have_v be_v of_o the_o like_a good_a credit_n for_o many_o hundred_o year_n past_a even_o ever_o since_o â—he_n first_o publication_n of_o it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o â—s_v contradict_v in_o any_o point_n by_o any_o other_o historianâ—hat_o â—hat_z live_v in_o or_o near_o the_o time_n of_o its_o write_n be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o contradict_v it_o upon_o good_a ground_n viz._n upon_o either_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o his_o own_o or_o very_o credible_a information_n from_o other_o that_o any_o matter_n therein_o have_v be_v false_o relate_v true_o perhaps_o the_o infidel_n will_v say_v there_o be_v indeed_o no_o history_n of_o competent_a antiquity_n now_o extant_a by_o which_o the_o gospel_n history_n can_v be_v
alone_o present_o reject_v either_o of_o they_o but_o we_o inquire_v which_o of_o they_o be_v in_o the_o best_a capacity_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o which_o of_o they_o be_v the_o least_o liable_a to_o the_o suspicion_n of_o falsehood_n and_o which_o story_n be_v the_o most_o probable_o relate_v and_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o that_o we_o incline_v if_o therefore_o there_o be_v any_o man_n that_o think_v there_o be_v any_o truth_n in_o history_n and_o who_o do_v give_v credit_n to_o other_o history_n and_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o do_v so_o and_o yet_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o allow_v that_o the_o gospel_n history_n be_v very_o credible_a which_o contain_v a_o relation_n only_o of_o such_o matter_n of_o sense_n as_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o cheat_n or_o deceit_n in_o and_o in_o which_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o deceit_n or_o mistake_v it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v discover_v and_o disprove_v and_o which_o yet_o neither_o be_v now_o nor_o ever_o be_v contradict_v by_o any_o history_n of_o competent_a antiquity_n and_o good_a credit_n i_o think_v we_o may_v very_o well_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v not_o reason_n or_o judgement_n but_o prejudice_n or_o interest_n or_o the_o love_n of_o some_o vice_n or_o lust_n that_o make_v he_o a_o infidel_n the_o end_n of_o the_o four_o sermon_n the_o five_o sermon_n 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 the_o subject_n i_o be_v upon_o in_o my_o last_o discourse_n on_o these_o word_n and_o which_o i_o leave_v unfinished_a be_v to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o the_o author_n of_o the_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o their_o relation_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o have_v record_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o which_o i_o propose_v these_o follow_a thing_n to_o be_v consider_v 1_o the_o nature_n condition_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o matter_n they_o have_v record_v and_o of_o the_o history_n its_o self_n 2_o the_o good_a capacity_n they_o be_v in_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o have_v relate_v 3_o the_o strong_a obligation_n they_o be_v under_o to_o write_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o knowledge_n or_o information_n 4_o the_o good_a evidence_n that_o we_o have_v of_o their_o honesty_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o 5_o last_o the_o confirmation_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o history_n by_o god_n himself_o the_o last_o discourse_n be_v spend_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o thing_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o viz._n 2._o the_o good_a capacity_n that_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o evangelical_n history_n be_v in_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v relate_v now_o the_o matter_n of_o history_n which_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o epistle_n be_v but_o few_o and_o those_o for_o the_o most_o part_n such_o as_o have_v be_v do_v by_o or_o have_v happen_v to_o either_o the_o person_n that_o write_v they_o or_o the_o church_n or_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v write_v so_o that_o of_o these_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o bulk_n or_o body_n of_o the_o evangelical_n history_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o four_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o author_n of_o these_o book_n there_o be_v no_o controversy_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o if_o they_o be_v write_v by_o the_o repute_a author_n a_o few_o word_n will_v suffice_v to_o show_v that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o very_a good_a capacity_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o have_v record_v much_o better_a than_o most_o other_o ancient_a historian_n who_o relation_n nevertheless_o be_v general_o think_v worthy_a of_o credit_n for_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n john_n two_o of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o twelve_o who_o be_v in_o constant_a attendance_n upon_o our_o lord_n from_o the_o time_n that_o he_o first_o begin_v to_o preach_v and_o to_o make_v disciple_n until_o he_o be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n so_o that_o they_o be_v themselves_o eye_n or_o ear-witness_n of_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v record_v of_o st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n indeed_o the_o same_o can_v be_v say_v neither_o be_v it_o certain_a that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n though_o that_o be_v affirm_v by_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n but_o this_o i_o think_v be_v agree_v to_o by_o all_o that_o st._n mark_n be_v for_o some_o part_n of_o his_o life_n a_o constant_a companion_n of_o st._n peter_n who_o be_v not_o only_o one_o of_o the_o twelve_o but_o most_o probable_o the_o first_o that_o be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n and_o who_o be_v also_o one_o of_o the_o three_o with_o who_o our_o lord_n be_v most_o intimate_a and_o familiar_a for_o we_o often_o read_v that_o peter_n 5.37_o matt._n 17.4.26_o 37._o mark_v 5.37_o and_o james_n and_o john_n be_v single_v from_o the_o rest_n to_o be_v witness_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o private_a transaction_n of_o his_o life_n and_o it_o be_v general_o believe_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n that_o st._n peter_n be_v more_o true_o the_o author_n of_o the_o gospel_n call_v st._n mark_n be_v then_o st._n mark_v himself_o he_o be_v only_o the_o scribe_n or_o amanuensis_fw-la and_o st._n peter_n the_o person_n that_o dictate_v the_o thing_n write_v by_o he_o whence_o also_o this_o gospel_n be_v by_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n style_v the_o gospel_n of_o st._n peter_n and_o of_o this_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v some_o token_n even_o in_o the_o history_n its_o self_n particular_o in_o that_o relation_n that_o be_v therein_o give_v of_o st._n peter_n denial_n of_o his_o master_n and_o of_o his_o repentance_n for_o it_o for_o his_o denial_n be_v there_o tell_v with_o some_o more_o circumstance_n than_o in_o the_o other_o gospel_n such_o as_o the_o person_n himself_o chief_o concern_v be_v best_o able_a to_o know_v and_o might_n best_o remember_v and_o the_o account_n that_o be_v give_v of_o his_o repentance_n be_v by_o this_o author_n express_v more_o modest_o as_o it_o best_o become_v a_o person_n to_o speak_v who_o speak_v of_o himself_o than_o it_o be_v by_o the_o other_o evangelist_n for_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n luke_n say_v that_o he_o weep_v bitter_o but_o st._n mark_n or_o rather_o st._n peter_n himself_o dictate_v those_o word_n only_o say_v that_o when_o he_o think_v thereon_o he_o weep_v it_o be_v likewise_o agree_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o st._n luke_n if_o not_o one_o of_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n which_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a he_o be_v not_o be_v however_o a_o very_a early_a convert_n to_o christianity_n that_o he_o converse_v frequent_o with_o the_o apostle_n and_o immediate_a disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o be_v a_o constant_a companion_n of_o st._n paul_n for_o a_o good_a while_n in_o his_o preach_a and_o travel_n so_o that_o of_o almost_o all_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o relate_v in_o his_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n he_o may_v be_v and_o of_o much_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a and_o of_o some_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o be_v a_o eye_n or_o earwitness_a so_o then_o there_o be_v three_o of_o the_o five_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o be_v write_v by_o those_o who_o be_v present_a at_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v relate_v viz._n the_o gospel_n of_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n john_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o another_o of_o they_o though_o it_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o st._n mark_v the_o person_n by_o who_o it_o be_v pen_v yet_o if_o it_o be_v as_o have_v be_v general_o believe_v dictate_v by_o st._n peter_n may_v be_v add_v to_o that_o number_n and_o be_v likewise_o reckon_v the_o testimony_n of_o one_o who_o be_v a_o eye_n witness_v of_o the_o thing_n he_o have_v relate_v in_o this_o respect_n therefore_o the_o gospel_n history_n be_v manifest_o as_o credible_a as_o it_o be_v possible_a any_o history_n shall_v be_v for_o no_o historian_n can_v record_v any_o thing_n upon_o better_a assurance_n of_o its_o truth_n than_o the_o
sermon_n iii_o page_n 25._o line_n 1._o for_o once_o read_v now_o for_o those_o read_v these_o advertisement_n the_o three_o remain_a lecture_n for_o this_o year_n be_v to_o be_v at_o st._n paul_n on_o the_o first_o mondays_n in_o september_n october_n and_o november_n but_o the_o first_o monday_n in_o september_n be_v the_o fast-day_n for_o the_o fire_n of_o london_n when_o there_o will_v be_v in_o the_o morning_n a_o sermon_n suitable_a to_o that_o occasion_n preach_v before_o the_o lord_n mayor_n aldermen_z and_o company_n of_o the_o city_n mr._n boyle_n lecture_n on_o that_o day_n be_v order_v to_o be_v preach_v in_o the_o afternoon_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture-revelation_n as_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o part_n iii_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n september_n 2d_o 1700._o be_v the_o six_o for_o the_o year_n 1700_o of_o thâ—_n 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 order_n to_o show_v that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n give_v we_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o new-testament_n and_o of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o it_o i_o have_v former_o propound_v to_o show_v 1._o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n be_v write_v by_o those_o person_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n thereof_o 2._o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o they_o in_o their_o relation_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o have_v record_v and_o 3._o that_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n therein_o record_v be_v true_a they_o be_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v therein_o teach_v and_o the_o two_o first_o of_o these_o point_n i_o have_v i_o hope_v already_o make_v good_a i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o three_o viz._n 3._o to_o show_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v well_o ground_v upon_o the_o history_n of_o it_o that_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o new-testament_n be_v true_a they_o be_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v therein_o teach_v and_o here_o by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o understand_v both_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o it_o propose_v to_o our_o belief_n and_o the_o rule_n which_o it_o prescribe_v to_o our_o practice_n many_o of_o the_o former_a of_o which_o be_v themselves_o part_v of_o the_o gospel_n history_n as_o the_o incarnation_n life_n suffering_n death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o both_o sort_n be_v teach_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n either_o by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o or_o by_o his_o apostle_n and_o i_o suppose_v it_o will_v be_v ready_o grant_v that_o all_o their_o doctrine_n be_v true_a and_o also_o of_o divine_a authority_n if_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o they_o be_v commission_v and_o send_v by_o god_n to_o instruct_v the_o world_n for_o he_o who_o god_n have_v send_v speak_v the_o word_n of_o god_n joh._n iii._o 34._o the_o single_a point_n therefore_o to_o be_v consider_v at_o this_o time_n be_v whether_o there_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n from_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v commission_v and_o send_v by_o god_n to_o instruct_v the_o world_n and_o first_o whether_o there_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n from_o thence_o that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o be_v a_o teacher_n send_v from_o god_n now_o that_o he_o say_v he_o be_v send_v from_o god_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o a_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n history_n joh._n twelve_o 49._o 24._o see_v joh._n 5.37_o 38.8.38.14.10_o 24._o i_o have_v not_o speak_v of_o myself_o but_o the_o father_n which_o send_v i_o he_o give_v i_o a_o commandment_n what_o i_o shall_v say_v and_o what_o i_o shall_v speak_v and_o that_o he_o say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n which_o have_v be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n be_v likewise_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o a_o part_n of_o the_o same_o history_n joh._n four_o 25_o 26._o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n say_v unto_o he_o i_o know_v that_o messiah_n come_v which_o be_v call_v christ_n 9.47_o mat._n 16.16_o 17._o mar._n 9.41_o luke_n 24.46_o joh._n 9.47_o when_o he_o be_v come_v he_o will_v tell_v we_o all_o thing_n jesus_n say_v unto_o he_o i_o that_o speak_v unto_o thou_o am_z he._n the_o question_n therefore_o be_v whether_o from_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v record_v of_o he_o by_o the_o evangelist_n there_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o either_o or_o both_o these_o pretence_n i_o say_v of_o either_o or_o both_o of_o they_o because_o either_o of_o they_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o receive_v his_o doctrine_n as_o true_a and_o divine_a for_o which_o cause_n therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o subject_a distinguish_v between_o the_o evidence_n which_o the_o gospel-history_n afford_v of_o his_o be_v a_o prophet_n and_o those_o which_o it_o afford_v of_o his_o be_v the_o messiah_n but_o shall_v propose_v they_o promiscuous_o as_o they_o come_v to_o mind_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v consider_v first_o the_o credibility_n of_o our_o saviour_n own_o testimony_n concern_v himself_o and_o second_o the_o confirmation_n that_o be_v give_v to_o this_o testimony_n by_o god_n ground_v all_o that_o shall_v be_v say_v on_o both_o these_o head_n upon_o the_o gospel-history_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o i_o now_o take_v for_o grant_v as_o be_v i_o hope_v already_o sufficient_o prove_v first_o then_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o credibility_n of_o our_o saviour_n own_o testimony_n concern_v himself_o when_o he_o say_v that_o he_o be_v send_v by_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o i_o know_v it_o be_v common_o say_v that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v in_o his_o own_o case_n and_o this_o very_a thing_n be_v object_v to_o our_o saviour_n by_o the_o jew_n joh._n viij_o 13._o thou_o bear_v record_n of_o thyself_o thy_o record_n be_v not_o true_a but_o this_o say_v be_v not_o without_o exception_n when_o indeed_o what_o a_o man_n witness_n be_v for_o his_o own_o benefit_n his_o testimony_n if_o it_o be_v single_a may_v reasonable_o be_v reject_v especial_o if_o any_o proof_n be_v make_v that_o at_o other_o time_n he_o have_v tell_v a_o lie_n or_o do_v any_o other_o ill_a thing_n for_o his_o advantage_n but_o otherwise_o a_o man_n testimony_n concern_v himself_n may_v be_v credible_a nay_o in_o some_o case_n it_o may_v be_v more_o credible_a than_o another_o man_n because_o he_o may_v sometime_o be_v sure_a of_o what_o he_o say_v concern_v himself_o than_o another_o man_n can_v be_v and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n who_o in_o joh._n v._n 31._o allow_v of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o that_o say_v if_o i_o bear_v witness_n of_o myself_o my_o witness_n be_v not_o true_a yet_o when_o this_o very_a thing_n be_v afterward_o object_v to_o he_o by_o the_o pharisee_n in_o the_o place_n before-cited_n make_v answer_n in_o the_o follow_a word_n though_o i_o bear_v record_n of_o myself_o 8.14_o joh._n 8.14_o yet_o my_o record_n be_v true_a for_o i_o know_v whence_o i_o come_v etc._n etc._n and_o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n concern_v his_o own_o divine_a mission_n be_v such_o as_o we_o may_v rational_o give_v credit_n to_o though_o we_o have_v no_o other_o evidence_n of_o it_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 his_o whole_a life_n according_a to_o the_o account_n that_o be_v give_v of_o it_o by_o the_o evangelist_n which_o we_o now_o build_v upon_o as_o true_a be_v in_o all_o respect_n spotless_a and_o unblameable_a 1.19_o 1_o pet._n 2.22_o 1_o pet._n 1.19_o he_o do_v no_o sin_n neither_o be_v guile_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n he_o be_v a_o lamb_n without_o blemish_n and_o without_o spot_n
and_o this_o he_o himself_o urge_v as_o a_o reason_n why_o his_o testimony_n ought_v to_o be_v credit_v joh._n viij_o 46._o which_o of_o you_o convince_v i_o of_o sin_n and_o if_o i_o say_v the_o truth_n why_o do_v you_o not_o believe_v i_o and_o a_o very_a good_a reason_n it_o be_v for_o it_o can_v not_o just_o be_v suspect_v that_o a_o person_n of_o who_o no_o other_o ill_a thing_n can_v be_v say_v be_v yet_o indeed_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n guilty_a of_o a_o crime_n of_o the_o great_a magnitude_n viz._n of_o lie_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n of_o say_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v send_v he_o when_o indeed_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o send_v he_o nor_o speak_v by_o he_o 2._o it_o may_v be_v also_o consider_v that_o this_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n though_o it_o be_v concern_v himself_o yet_o be_v not_o for_o himself_o i_o mean_v it_o be_v not_o for_o his_o own_o worldly_a advantage_n and_o this_o consideration_n he_o himself_o likewise_o offer_v to_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o testimony_n joh._n seven_o 18._o he_o that_o speak_v of_o himself_o seek_v his_o own_o glory_n but_o he_o that_o seek_v his_o glory_n that_o send_v he_o the_o same_o be_v true_a and_o no_o unrighteousness_n be_v in_o he_o have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o he_o pretend_v be_v what_o god_n have_v command_v he_o to_o teach_v be_v contrive_v to_o advance_v the_o worldly_a honour_n and_o greatness_n of_o himself_o or_o his_o follower_n this_o will_v have_v be_v a_o just_a prejudice_n against_o it_o and_o a_o reasonable_a ground_n of_o suspect_v that_o he_o speak_v of_o himself_o but_o when_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o all_o that_o hear_v his_o discourse_n and_o be_v no_o less_o so_o to_o we_o that_o read_v they_o that_o he_o seek_v not_o his_o own_o glory_n in_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o glory_n of_o he_o that_o send_v he_o and_o that_o his_o whole_a doctrine_n tend_v to_o advance_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o promote_v the_o practice_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n in_o the_o world_n this_o render_v his_o testimony_n very_o credible_a when_o he_o say_v he_o be_v send_v by_o god_n to_o teach_v it_o to_o the_o world_n for_o when_o a_o doctrine_n be_v plain_o worthy_a of_o god_n and_o according_a to_o godliness_n 6.3_o 1_o tim._n 6.3_o it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v presume_v that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o 3._o it_o may_v be_v further_o consider_v that_o this_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n concern_v himself_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v to_o his_o own_o benefit_n that_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o any_o thing_n can_v possible_o be_v to_o his_o worldly_a disadvantage_n expose_v he_o to_o the_o envy_n and_o malice_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o the_o jealousy_n of_o the_o roman_n and_o to_o all_o the_o cruel_a suffering_n which_o he_o endure_v from_o both_o of_o they_o and_o certain_o a_o man_n testimony_n concern_v himself_n may_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v credible_a if_o it_o be_v against_o his_o own_o interest_n if_o he_o himself_o be_v a_o great_a loser_n or_o sufferer_n by_o what_o he_o testify_v for_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v what_o else_o but_o only_o the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n and_o a_o obligation_n to_o declare_v it_o shall_v ever_o induce_v a_o man_n to_o say_v such_o thing_n concern_v himself_o as_o will_v procure_v his_o own_o mischief_n and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o can_v be_v say_v to_o avoid_v the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n testimony_n that_o he_o be_v send_v from_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n unless_o it_o be_v that_o he_o be_v disappoint_v in_o his_o expectation_n and_o that_o he_o hope_v to_o make_v himself_o rich_a and_o great_a in_o the_o world_n by_o these_o glorious_a pretence_n though_o in_o the_o event_n it_o prove_v otherwise_o but_o the_o gospel-history_n furnish_v we_o with_o a_o very_a clear_a and_o full_a answer_n to_o this_o objection_n in_o those_o many_o prediction_n of_o our_o lord_n therein_o record_v concern_v his_o own_o suffering_n 16.31.20.17_o mat._n 16.31.20.17_o whereby_o it_o clear_o appear_v that_o the_o suffering_n which_o befall_v he_o for_o give_v this_o testimony_n concern_v himself_o do_v not_o happen_v to_o he_o unexpected_o but_o that_o he_o know_v long_o before_o all_o that_o afterward_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o therefore_o i_o say_v again_o that_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v imagine_v why_o he_o shall_v say_v that_o he_o be_v send_v from_o god_n but_o only_o because_o he_o know_v it_o be_v true_a and_o have_v receive_v a_o command_n from_o his_o father_n to_o declare_v this_o truth_n to_o the_o world_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v further_o 4._o last_o that_o he_o continue_v to_o testify_v the_o same_o at_o his_o death_n which_o he_o have_v do_v before_o in_o his_o life_n give_v thereby_o the_o best_a assurance_n that_o a_o man_n can_v give_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o testimony_n for_o the_o main_a matter_n of_o his_o accusation_n to_o pilate_n be_v that_o he_o have_v give_v out_o himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o the_o messiah_n be_v according_a to_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o be_v a_o great_a temporal_a king_n have_v our_o lord_n therefore_o but_o deny_v this_o charge_n have_v he_o but_o grant_v that_o he_o be_v not_o the_o messiah_n he_o may_v have_v save_v his_o life_n but_o this_o he_o will_v not_o do_v he_o disown_v indeed_o the_o false_a notion_n that_o the_o jew_n have_v of_o the_o messiah_n my_o kingdom_n 62._o john_n 18.26_o mat._n 27.11_o joh._n 18.37_o mat._n 26.63_o 64._o mar._n 14.61_o 62._o say_v he_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n but_o that_o he_o be_v a_o king_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n he_o bold_o own_v as_o well_o when_o the_o question_n be_v put_v to_o he_o by_o the_o roman_a governor_n who_o have_v power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n as_o when_o it_o have_v be_v put_v to_o he_o before_o by_o the_o highpriest_n this_o therefore_o be_v a_o strong_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o be_v alone_o sufficient_a to_o make_v it_o credible_a that_o he_o witness_v the_o same_o good_a confession_n before_o pontius_n pilate_n 6.13_o 1_o tim._n 6.13_o which_o he_o have_v do_v before_o his_o own_o nation_n and_o seal_v his_o witness_n with_o his_o blood_n for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o any_o man_n tell_v a_o know_a lie_n for_o nothing_o and_o it_o be_v plain_o then_o too_o late_o for_o he_o to_o hope_v for_o any_o good_a to_o himself_o in_o this_o world_n by_o persist_v in_o this_o testimony_n his_o only_a hope_n have_v be_v in_o retract_v it_o and_o it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o expect_v to_o better_v himself_o in_o the_o other_o world_n by_o die_v with_o a_o lie_n in_o his_o mouth_n thus_o i_o hope_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n concern_v his_o own_o divine_a mission_n be_v credible_a in_o itself_o so_o that_o we_o may_v rational_o believe_v that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n although_o we_o have_v only_o his_o own_o word_n for_o it_o but_o we_o have_v more_o than_o his_o own_o word_n for_o it_o i_o be_o not_o alone_a say_v he_o joh._n viij_o 16_o etc._n etc._n but_o i_o and_o the_o father_n that_o send_v i_o it_o be_v also_o write_v in_o your_o law_n that_o the_o testimony_n of_o two_o man_n be_v true_a i_o be_o one_o that_o bear_v witness_v of_o myself_o and_o the_o father_n that_o send_v i_o bear_v witness_n of_o i_o and_o this_o be_v the_o other_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v in_o order_n to_o show_v the_o good_a reason_n that_o we_o have_v to_o believe_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v send_v from_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n viz._n second_o the_o confirmation_n that_o be_v give_v to_o this_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n by_o god_n himself_o and_o this_o be_v give_v several_a way_n 1._o god_n bear_v he_o witness_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o ancient_a prophet_n and_o to_o this_o our_o saviour_n frequent_o appeal_v joh._n v._n 39_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o and_o again_o v._o 46._o have_v you_o believe_v moses_n you_o will_v have_v believe_v i_o for_o he_o write_v of_o i_o and_o this_o st._n peter_n compare_v it_o with_o that_o voice_n from_o heaven_n testify_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 19_o 2_o pet._n 1.18_o 19_o of_o which_o he_o himself_o have_v be_v a_o earwitness_n call_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o
prophecy_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a a_o evidence_n of_o his_o divine_a mission_n as_o can_v be_v desire_v for_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a concern_v to_o the_o world_n to_o discern_v the_o promise_a messiah_n that_o so_o they_o may_v know_v in_o who_o to_o believe_v and_o from_o who_o to_o expect_v salvation_n and_o to_o this_o end_n god_n be_v please_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o all_o his_o holy_a prophet_n since_o the_o world_n begin_v to_o give_v several_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o the_o messiah_n by_o which_o he_o may_v be_v certain_o know_v and_o ready_o distinguish_v from_o all_o impostor_n for_o they_o foretell_v exact_o the_o time_n of_o his_o come_v his_o pedigree_n and_o the_o place_n of_o his_o birth_n the_o manner_n of_o his_o life_n the_o thing_n he_o be_v to_o do_v the_o suffering_n he_o be_v to_o undergo_v and_o all_o the_o remarkable_a accident_n that_o be_v to_o befall_v he_o in_o this_o world_n all_o which_o prediction_n be_v punctual_o fulfil_v in_o the_o person_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n as_o must_v be_v grant_v by_o every_o one_o that_o allow_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel-history_n and_o this_o be_v a_o undeniable_a proof_n that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n for_o it_o be_v manifest_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n when_o he_o mean_v to_o give_v mark_n and_o character_n by_o which_o the_o messiah_n may_v be_v certain_o know_v to_o give_v only_o such_o as_o may_v belong_v to_o another_o person_n no_o less_o than_o to_o he_o and_o it_o be_v no_o less_o inconsistent_a with_o his_o goodness_n that_o his_o providence_n shall_v ever_o permit_v that_o all_o the_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o the_o true_a messiah_n shall_v meet_v together_o in_o a_o impostor_n because_o by_o this_o mankind_n must_v have_v lie_v under_o a_o inevitable_a necessity_n of_o be_v cheat_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a consequence_n to_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n but_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n of_o christ_n be_v many_o of_o they_o in_o type_n or_o figurative_a expression_n not_o ready_o to_o be_v understand_v till_o they_o be_v accomplish_v nor_o then_o very_a easy_a to_o be_v apply_v by_o every_o one_o to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o true_a messiah_n without_o the_o help_n of_o a_o teacher_n how_o can_v i_o understand_v what_o i_o read_v say_v the_o eunuch_n 8.31_o act_n 8.31_o even_o when_o he_o be_v read_v one_o of_o the_o plain_a prophecy_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n except_o some_o man_n shall_v guide_v i_o and_o therefore_o god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v a_o yet_o more_o certain_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o he_o to_o the_o man_n of_o that_o generation_n in_o which_o he_o appear_v and_o this_o he_o do_v 2._o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n who_o be_v a_o burn_a and_o a_o shine_a light_n and_o do_v not_o as_o the_o former_a prophet_n have_v do_v only_o lie_v down_o mark_v and_o character_n by_o the_o wise_a application_n whereof_o man_n may_v discern_v the_o messiah_n when_o they_o see_v he_o but_o point_v to_o he_o as_o it_o be_v with_o his_o finger_n as_o he_o stand_v before_o their_o eye_n so_o that_o the_o simple_a among_o they_o can_v not_o but_o know_v who_o he_o mean_v behold_v say_v he_o the_o lamb_n of_o god_n 30._o joh._n 1.29_o 30._o which_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v he_o of_o who_o i_o say_v after_o i_o come_v a_o man_n which_o be_v prefer_v before_o i_o and_o to_o this_o testimony_n of_o john_n our_o saviour_n himself_o frequent_o appeal_v as_o to_o a_o testimony_n that_o be_v full_a to_o the_o purpose_n and_o can_v not_o be_v deny_v you_o send_v unto_o john_n say_v he_o and_o he_o bare_a witness_n unto_o the_o truth_n joh._n v._n 32._o &c_n mat._n 21.23_o &c_n &c_n and_o when_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o elder_n question_v he_o about_o his_o authority_n he_o perfect_o confound_v they_o by_o only_o ask_v they_o whether_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n be_v from_o heaven_n or_o of_o man_n for_o that_o john_n be_v a_o prophet_n although_o he_o do_v no_o miracle_n be_v so_o evident_a to_o all_o by_o the_o wonderful_a manner_n of_o his_o birth_n and_o the_o miraculous_a circumstance_n that_o attend_v it_o that_o they_o can_v not_o and_o he_o be_v also_o so_o general_o receive_v and_o accept_v among_o the_o people_n as_o a_o prophet_n that_o they_o dare_v not_o deny_v it_o if_o they_o say_v we_o shall_v say_v of_o man_n all_o the_o people_n will_v stone_n we_o for_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o john_n be_v a_o prophet_n and_o yet_o have_v they_o grant_v this_o which_o they_o can_v not_o deny_v they_o have_v answer_v their_o own_o question_n and_o see_v clear_o by_o what_o authority_n our_o saviour_n act_v and_o teach_v for_o no_o testimony_n of_o his_o divine_a mission_n can_v be_v plain_a and_o clear_a than_o that_o of_o john_n be_v and_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n grant_v by_o the_o jew_n that_o he_o be_v a_o prophet_n without_o all_o doubt_n and_o needs_o no_o far_a trial_n unto_o who_o another_o prophet_n bear_v witness_n 3._o another_o way_n by_o which_o god_n give_v witness_n to_o our_o saviour_n that_o he_o be_v send_v by_o he_o and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n be_v by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n which_o testimony_n be_v give_v he_o three_o time_n 3.22_o mat._n 3.16_o 17._o mar._n 1.10_o 11._o luke_n 3.22_o first_o at_o his_o baptism_n when_o be_v come_v up_o out_o of_o the_o water_n the_o heaven_n open_v and_o the_o spirit_n like_o a_o dove_n descend_v upon_o he_o and_o there_o come_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v thou_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v and_o of_o this_o voice_n it_o be_v high_o probable_a st._n john_n baptist_n be_v a_o earwitness_n for_o it_o be_v say_v express_o that_o he_o see_v the_o spirit_n descend_v like_o a_o dove_n from_o heaven_n and_o abide_v on_o he_o 1.32_o john_n 1.32_o and_o that_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o the_o voice_n be_v utter_v a_o second_o time_n be_v at_o his_o transfiguration_n on_o the_o mount_n when_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n appear_v in_o a_o cloud_n 9.35_o ex._n 24.15_o etc._n etc._n mat._n 17.5_o mar._n 9.7_o luke_n 9.35_o as_o it_o have_v ancient_o use_v to_o do_v there_o come_v a_o voice_n out_o of_o the_o cloud_n which_o say_v this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v hear_v you_o he_o and_o at_o the_o utter_n of_o this_o voice_n three_o of_o his_o apostle_n be_v present_a 5.7_o 2_o pet._n 1.17_o john_n 1_o 14._o 1_o john_n 5.7_o two_o of_o which_o have_v witness_v the_o same_o to_o we_o under_o their_o own_o hand_n a_o three_o time_n be_v after_o the_o raise_n of_o lazarus_n when_o be_v present_v not_o only_o his_o apostle_n who_o constant_o accompany_v he_o 28._o joh._n 12.20_o 28._o but_z several_z other_o both_o jew_n and_o greek_n and_o this_o voice_n be_v so_o loud_o as_o to_o be_v hear_v by_o all_o that_o be_v present_a though_o not_o by_o all_o so_o distinct_o and_o articulate_o as_o it_o be_v by_o some_o who_o as_o it_o be_v probable_a be_v near_o than_o the_o rest_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o that_o difference_n that_o be_v among_o the_o people_n concern_v it_o some_o say_v that_o it_o thunder_v and_o other_o that_o a_o angel_n speak_v to_o he_o 29._o ver._n 29._o to_o doubt_v therefore_o of_o his_o divine_a mission_n who_o god_n thus_o testify_v to_o by_o voice_n from_o heaven_n be_v to_o make_v god_n himself_o a_o liar_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 5.10_o 1_o joh._n 5.10_o because_o we_o receive_v not_o the_o record_n that_o he_o give_v of_o his_o son_n 4._o another_o way_n by_o which_o god_n give_v witness_n to_o the_o divine_a mission_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v by_o indue_a he_o with_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n or_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v 9.31.10.33_o mat._n 16.21.20.17_o etc._n etc._n mar._n 9.31.10.33_o several_a instance_n of_o which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o gospel-history_n for_o he_o foretell_v very_o often_o his_o own_o suffering_n and_o death_n with_o all_o the_o remarkable_a circumstance_n thereof_o he_o say_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v betray_v by_o one_o of_o his_o own_o disciple_n 6.70_o mat._n 26.21_o john_n 6.70_o when_o none_o of_o they_o suspect_v that_o there_o be_v a_o false_a brother_n among_o they_o and_o the_o traitor_n himself_o know_v not_o yet_o the_o falseness_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n 26.34_o mat._n 26.34_o he_o tell_v peter_n but_o a_o few_o hour_n before_o that_o he_o shall_v deny_v he_o thrice_o when_o he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v very_o confident_a of_o his_o own_o strength_n and_o declare_v himself_o resolve_v to_o die_v rather_o than_o deny_v he_o once_o
tit._n 2.12_o who_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o by_o teach_v they_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n now_o the_o devil_n be_v certain_o as_o subtle_a as_o he_o be_v powerful_a and_o therefore_o if_o he_o have_v indeed_o any_o power_n to_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o to_o do_v a_o real_a miracle_n he_o will_v not_o however_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a make_v use_n of_o this_o power_n against_o himself_o he_o will_v not_o thereby_o assist_v another_o to_o destroy_v his_o own_o kingdom_n and_o by_o this_o argument_n our_o saviour_n himself_o clear_o confute_v this_o calumny_n in_o mat._n twelve_o 25._o when_o the_o pharisee_n have_v say_v that_o he_o cast_v out_o devil_n by_o beelzebub_n the_o prince_n of_o the_o devil_n he_o answer_v every_o kingdom_n divide_v against_o itself_o be_v bring_v to_o desolation_n and_o if_o satan_n cast_v out_o satan_n he_o be_v divide_v against_o himself_o how_o then_o shall_v his_o kingdom_n stand_v and_o 3._o last_o as_o it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o the_o devil_n have_v such_o power_n or_o if_o he_o have_v and_o be_v let_v alone_o to_o himself_o that_o he_o will_v make_v use_n of_o this_o power_n to_o destroy_v his_o own_o kingdom_n so_o neither_o be_v it_o credible_a that_o almighty_a god_n who_o have_v all_o power_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o can_v control_v and_o limit_v the_o working_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o all_o create_a being_n as_o he_o please_v will_v ever_o permit_v the_o devil_n to_o outdo_v himself_o in_o such_o wonderful_a operation_n so_o that_o more_o and_o great_a miracle_n shall_v be_v do_v by_o a_o impostor_n than_o ever_o have_v be_v do_v before_o by_o any_o true_a prophet_n which_o yet_o be_v manifest_o the_o case_n if_o indeed_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o impostor_n 3.8_o 2_o tim._n 3.8_o he_o suffer_v indeed_o janne_n and_o jambres_n to_o withstand_v his_o servant_n moses_n and_o aaron_n for_o some_o time_n and_o to_o do_v or_o seem_v to_o do_v some_o wonderful_a work_n like_o to_o they_o 12._o ex._n 7.10_o 12._o for_o aaron_n cast_v his_o rod_n upon_o the_o ground_n and_o it_o become_v a_o serpent_n and_o so_o do_v they_o and_o aaron_n stretch_v out_o his_o hand_n over_o the_o water_n 7._o ex._n 8.6_o 7._o and_o the_o frog_n come_v up_o and_o cover_v the_o land_n and_o the_o magician_n do_v so_o with_o their_o enchantment_n and_o bring_v up_o frog_n upon_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n but_o though_o he_o suffer_v the_o magician_n thus_o to_o contend_v with_o his_o prophet_n the_o victory_n be_v clear_o on_o his_o prophet_n side_n 7.12.8.18_o ex._n 7.12.8.18_o for_o aaron_n rod_n swallow_v up_o their_o rod_n and_o when_o the_o magician_n endeavour_v by_o their_o enchantment_n to_o bring_v forth_o louse_n as_o aaron_n have_v do_v they_o can_v not_o but_o be_v force_v to_o own_o before_o pharaoh_n that_o it_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o from_o that_o time_n forward_o strive_v no_o more_o for_o victory_n and_o thus_o it_o may_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n etc._n deut_n 13.1_o etc._n etc._n at_o any_o time_n in_o order_n prove_v his_o people_n and_o to_o know_v whether_o they_o love_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o their_o heart_n 24.24_o mat._n 24.24_o to_o suffer_v the_o sign_n or_o wonder_v foretell_v by_o a_o enticer_n to_o idolatry_n to_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o to_o distinguish_v his_o elect_n from_o reprobate_n to_o permit_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n 10._o 2_o thes_n 2.8_o 9_o 10._o to_o show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o in_o just_a judgement_n upon_o such_o as_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v to_o let_v they_o alone_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o that_o wicked_a one_o who_o come_v be_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_a wonder_n and_o with_o all_o deceiveableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v but_o it_o can_v i_o think_v be_v reconcile_v to_o these_o attribute_n of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v permit_v great_a wonder_n and_o more_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a miracle_n to_o be_v do_v by_o a_o false_a prophet_n than_o ever_o be_v do_v by_o any_o true_a prophet_n because_o this_o will_v be_v too_o great_a a_o trial_n for_o humane_a nature_n such_o sign_n and_o wonder_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o deceive_v even_o those_o that_o inquire_v after_o truth_n with_o the_o great_a sincerity_n of_o heart_n and_o i_o can_v conceive_v it_o consistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o permit_v that_o such_o as_o be_v of_o honest_a mind_n and_o sincere_a lover_n of_o truth_n shall_v after_o a_o fair_a examination_n of_o the_o proof_n on_o both_o side_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o embrace_v error_n than_o truth_n which_o yet_o they_o plain_o have_v in_o case_n the_o miracle_n do_v by_o false_a prophet_n be_v more_o and_o great_a than_o have_v be_v do_v by_o any_o true_a prophet_n unless_o the_o falseness_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o will_v thereby_o establish_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o miracle_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a i_o think_v we_o may_v well_o conclude_v this_o head_n with_o those_o word_n of_o nicodemus_n to_o our_o saviour_n joh._n iii._o 2._o we_o know_v we_o be_v assure_v of_o it_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o it_o that_o thou_o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v do_v these_o miracle_n that_o thou_o do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o 6._o another_o way_n by_o which_o god_n himself_o bare_a witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n testimony_n be_v by_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a 4._o joh._n 2.19_o mat._n 12.40.16_o 4._o to_o this_o great_a miracle_n he_o himself_o often_o refer_v those_o that_o have_v any_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o other_o miracle_n as_o what_o can_v not_o but_o be_v satisfactory_a to_o all_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o receive_v satisfaction_n and_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a subject_n of_o the_o apostle_n sermon_n 2.24.32.3.15.4.10.10.40.13.30_o act_n 2.24.32.3.15.4.10.10.40.13.30_o the_o main_a proof_n that_o they_o insist_v upon_o to_o convince_v man_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n and_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v no_o doubt_n upon_o they_o that_o if_o they_o can_v but_o persuade_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n they_o will_v ready_o own_v that_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n and_o without_o further_a scruple_n receive_v every_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v teach_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n as_o a_o divine_a truth_n 17.30_o act_n 17.30_o by_o this_o say_v they_o god_n have_v give_v assurance_n unto_o all_o man_n that_o he_o have_v ordain_v he_o to_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n by_o this_o say_v they_o he_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n because_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n evident_a to_o all_o 1.4_o rom._n 1.4_o that_o no_o power_n less_o than_o god_n can_v raise_v the_o dead_a when_o therefore_o this_o be_v do_v and_o it_o be_v do_v if_o the_o gospel-history_n be_v true_a this_o be_v a_o plain_a seal_n set_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o our_o saviour_n testimony_n a_o seal_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v counterfeit_v and_o wherein_o the_o divine_a power_n be_v so_o clear_o and_o deep_o engrave_v that_o whoever_o look_v attent_o upon_o it_o must_v be_v satisfy_v who_o seal_n it_o be_v so_o that_o to_o grant_v the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o yet_o to_o doubt_v whether_o he_o be_v the_o person_n he_o give_v out_o himself_o to_o be_v be_v to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n himself_o for_o grant_v our_o saviour_n resurrection_n it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o he_o be_v a_o impostor_n without_o suppose_v that_o god_n himself_o do_v consent_n to_o the_o imposture_n and_o work_v the_o most_o evident_a miracle_n that_o ever_o wâ—s_v do_v on_o purpose_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o believe_v a_o lye_n i_o shall_v mention_v at_o present_a but_o one_o way_n more_o whereby_o god_n be_v please_v to_o confirm_v our_o saviour_n testimony_n of_o himself_o and_o that_o be_v 7._o by_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n which_o witness_n be_v give_v to_o he_o at_o his_o baptism_n etc._n joh._n 1.32_o etc._n etc._n when_o the_o holy-ghost_n descend_v in_o a_o visible_a manner_n as_o a_o dove_n and_o rest_v on_o he_o it_o be_v also_o give_v to_o he_o during_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o ministry_n for_o the_o holy-ghost_n not_o only_o descend_v but_o abode_n upon_o he_o and_o therefore_o st._n peter_n speak_v of_o he_o etc._n act._n 10.38_o etc._n etc._n say_v that_o god_n anoint_v he_o with_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o with_o power_n but_o that_o
happy_a number_n they_o be_v sure_o they_o shall_v not_o only_o have_v believe_v but_o also_o willing_o have_v suffer_v as_o much_o as_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o do_v for_o bear_v their_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o what_o now_o must_v be_v do_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o these_o man_n for_o these_o have_v as_o much_o right_n to_o a_o full_a satisfaction_n as_o any_o other_o and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o other_o do_v expect_v to_o be_v gratify_v in_o what_o they_o desire_v these_o may_v do_v so_o too_o and_o therefore_o in_o order_n to_o their_o satisfaction_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o our_o saviour_n shall_v be_v bear_v into_o the_o world_n in_o every_o age_n of_o it_o or_o indeed_o much_o often_o and_o that_o in_o every_o country_n at_o least_o if_o not_o in_o every_o town_n and_o village_n he_o shall_v live_v and_o preach_v and_o do_v miracle_n and_o be_v crucify_a and_o rise_v again_o for_o that_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v once_o do_v they_o can_v they_o say_v believe_v only_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o man_n who_o say_v they_o do_v see_v they_o and_o therefore_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n if_o they_o themselves_o shall_v see_v they_o other_o man_n that_o shall_v come_v after_o or_o live_v in_o other_o country_n will_v have_v as_o little_a cause_n to_o believe_v their_o testimony_n so_o that_o for_o the_o full_a satisfaction_n of_o all_o such_o doubt_v man_n as_o these_o our_o saviour_n must_v have_v suffer_v often_o since_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n and_o must_v continue_v to_o do_v so_o very_o frequent_o as_o long_o as_o the_o world_n shall_v last_v because_o with_o some_o man_n nothing_o but_o see_v be_v believe_v but_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v be_v what_o i_o presume_v none_o beside_o themselves_o can_v think_v it_o reasonable_a either_o for_o man_n to_o ask_v or_o for_o god_n to_o grant_v 4._o last_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o desire_v any_o further_a or_o additional_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n beside_o what_o be_v already_o afford_v we_o in_o the_o stand_a revelation_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n will_v far_o appear_v by_o consider_v our_o own_o interest_n in_o be_v convince_v and_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n by_o such_o argument_n and_o motive_n as_o be_v in_o themselves_o sufficient_a for_o that_o purpose_n although_o they_o be_v not_o so_o very_o strong_a and_o forcible_a as_o we_o can_v wish_v they_o be_v and_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v handle_v in_o the_o way_n of_o reproof_n and_o a_o just_a and_o seasonable_a reproof_n i_o think_v it_o to_o such_o bold_a and_o presume_a person_n as_o i_o have_v be_v now_o speak_v of_o who_o will_v needs_o stand_v upon_o their_o term_n with_o almighty_a god_n and_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o believe_v and_o repent_v but_o just_a by_o such_o reason_n and_o such_o motive_n as_o they_o themselves_o shall_v be_v please_v to_o require_v tell_v not_o we_o say_v they_o of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o of_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v a_o great_a while_n ago_o we_o know_v not_o when_o we_o will_v have_v fresh_a revelation_n and_o new_a miracle_n or_o messenger_n from_o the_o dead_a or_o else_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v and_o repent_v that_o we_o be_v resolve_v on_o very_o well_o then_o i_o say_v you_o may_v if_o you_o will_v continue_v still_o in_o your_o unbelief_n and_o impenitence_n nevertheless_o i_o will_v advise_v you_o before_o you_o full_o determine_v to_o persist_v in_o this_o resolution_n to_o take_v a_o little_a time_n to_o consider_v serious_o who_o interest_n and_o concern_v it_o be_v either_o that_o you_o shall_v believe_v or_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o believe_v consider_v who_o it_o be_v that_o will_v be_v a_o gainer_n or_o a_o sufferer_n either_o by_o the_o one_o or_o by_o the_o other_o for_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o if_o there_o be_v real_o a_o heaven_n and_o a_o hell_n and_o a_o judgement_n and_o a_o life_n to_o come_v it_o be_v not_o your_o not_o believe_v they_o that_o will_v make_v they_o not_o to_o be_v and_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v true_a it_o be_v your_o own_o life_n and_o soul_n that_o be_v at_o stake_n and_o if_o you_o be_v resolve_v to_o lose_v both_o unless_o you_o may_v be_v save_v your_o own_o way_n you_o yourselves_o will_v be_v the_o great_a nay_o you_o your_o â—elves_n will_v be_v the_o only_a sufferer_n and_o this_o be_v a_o consideration_n that_o affect_v the_o case_n very_o much_o and_o make_v it_o very_o unreasonable_a to_o insist_v â—pon_o have_v such_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o case_n as_o in_o some_o other_o case_n may_v not_o so_o very_o unreasonable_o be_v desire_v for_o if_o any_o man_n tell_v i_o a_o story_n which_o it_o be_v for_o his_o interest_n i_o shall_v believe_v it_o be_v he_o concern_v to_o give_v i_o such_o assurance_n of_o it_o as_o i_o shall_v require_v even_o although_o less_o than_o i_o require_v will_v be_v in_o all_o reason_n sufficient_a and_o therefore_o if_o i_o will_v not_o believe_v one_o or_o two_o witness_n though_o it_o may_v be_v unreasonable_a in_o i_o not_o to_o believe_v they_o yet_o it_o be_v his_o business_n and_o what_o it_o behoove_v he_o to_o do_v to_o produce_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a ten_o or_o twenty_o witness_n or_o as_o many_o more_o as_o i_o shall_v ask_v for_o and_o if_o one_o sort_n of_o proof_n though_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v never_o so_o good_a will_v not_o satisfy_v i_o it_o be_v his_o part_n and_o what_o he_o ought_v in_o reason_n to_o do_v if_o he_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v other_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o so_o to_o go_v on_o multiply_v his_o witness_n and_o his_o proof_n till_o such_o time_n as_o i_o shall_v declare_v myself_o full_o satisfy_v and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o loss_n or_o inconvenience_n will_v be_v he_o and_o only_o he_o in_o case_n he_o can_v convince_v i_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o relation_n but_o now_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o the_o story_n which_o he_o tell_v i_o be_v true_a and_o it_o be_v for_o my_o interest_n and_o advantage_n only_o not_o at_o all_o for_o his_o that_o i_o shall_v believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a if_o i_o say_v he_o will_v be_v neither_o a_o gainer_n nor_o a_o loser_n whether_o i_o believe_v his_o report_n or_o whether_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o then_o if_o he_o give_v i_o such_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v a_o man_n of_o reason_n he_o have_v do_v enough_o he_o have_v do_v all_o that_o belong_v to_o he_o as_o a_o friend_n to_o do_v and_o if_o after_o this_o i_o make_v it_o my_o business_n to_o cavil_v at_o and_o to_o except_v against_o his_o evidence_n and_o go_v about_o to_o prescribe_v to_o he_o what_o sort_n of_o proof_n he_o shall_v give_v i_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o relate_v declare_v withal_o that_o less_o or_o other_o proof_n than_o just_a that_o which_o i_o require_v shall_v never_o satisfy_v i_o he_o may_v just_o reject_v my_o suit_n as_o unreasonable_a and_o condemn_v i_o for_o a_o fool_n that_o will_v not_o see_v my_o own_o interest_n nor_o know_v when_o a_o friend_n have_v do_v enough_o and_o this_o be_v exact_o our_o case_n god_n have_v send_v his_o son_n to_o we_o with_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o have_v give_v we_o sufficient_a assurance_n of_o his_o divine_a mission_n and_o thereby_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o revelation_n which_o he_o make_v now_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v this_o well_o and_o good_a the_o profit_n will_v be_v all_o our_o own_o we_o shall_v save_v our_o own_o soul_n alive_a but_o god_n will_v receive_v no_o advantage_n to_o himself_o by_o our_o believe_v his_o perfect_a happiness_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o increase_n but_o if_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v this_o testimony_n that_o god_n have_v give_v of_o his_o son_n if_o we_o except_v against_o his_o witness_n and_o cavil_v at_o his_o evidence_n and_o will_v not_o believe_v but_o just_a upon_o that_o very_a sort_n of_o proof_n which_o we_o ourselves_o be_v please_v to_o pitch_v upon_o why_o then_o we_o may_v even_o take_v our_o own_o course_n we_o may_v be_v unbeliever_n still_o but_o it_o be_v we_o only_o that_o shall_v suffer_v by_o our_o unbelief_n the_o infinite_a and_o essential_a happiness_n of_o god_n be_v as_o little_a capable_a of_o diminution_n as_o of_o advancement_n and_o as_o if_o we_o believe_v and_o repent_v god_n will_v be_v glorify_v in_o our_o salvation_n so_o if_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v and_o repent_v he_o will_v be_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
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_a 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 a_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