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 relate_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 and_o i_o hope_v enough_o be_v say_v the_o last_o time_n to_o show_v 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_a 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 what_o i_o be_o next_o to_o do_v be_v 2._o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o these_o author_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 and_o i_o hope_v none_o of_o you_o that_o hear_v i_o who_o i_o presume_v to_o be_v all_o christian_n will_v take_v offence_n at_o it_o if_o now_o while_o i_o be_o argue_v this_o point_n i_o sometime_o speak_v of_o the_o holy_a evangelist_n with_o the_o same_o freedom_n that_o may_v be_v use_v in_o speak_v concern_v any_o other_o author_n and_o if_o i_o sometime_o plead_v for_o no_o more_o credit_n to_o be_v give_v to_o they_o in_o their_o relation_n than_o be_v fit_a and_o reasonable_a to_o be_v give_v to_o any_o other_o historian_n that_o be_v natural_o as_o well_o furnish_v and_o qualify_v to_o write_v a_o true_a history_n as_o they_o be_v and_o who_o fidelity_n and_o veracity_n be_v as_o well_o attest_v and_o confirm_v other_o way_n as_o they_o be_v for_o you_o will_v consider_v i_o hope_v that_o my_o business_n be_v now_o with_o infidel_n with_o who_o we_o can_v argue_v only_o upon_o the_o principle_n of_o common_a reason_n and_o though_o we_o who_o be_v christian_n already_o do_v believe_v as_o one_o of_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o these_o sacred_a writer_n be_v divine_o and_o supernatural_o assist_v in_o their_o work_n and_o that_o upon_o that_o account_n they_o deserve_v much_o great_a credit_n in_o what_o they_o have_v write_v than_o other_o historian_n do_v yet_o this_o be_v what_o those_o who_o be_v yet_o infidel_n will_v not_o allow_v and_o in_o disputation_n nothing_o be_v to_o be_v presume_v on_o one_o side_n but_o what_o will_v be_v ready_o allow_v by_o the_o other_o party_n so_o that_o the_o divine_a inspiration_n of_o the_o evangelical_n writer_n and_o the_o supernatural_a assistance_n which_o we_o believe_v they_o have_v in_o their_o write_n can_v as_o yet_o be_v regular_o insist_v upon_o as_o a_o argument_n to_o gain_v they_o credit_n but_o it_o be_v what_o will_v easy_o be_v grant_v afterward_o when_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o history_n shall_v be_v well_o establish_v upon_o other_o ground_n as_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v be_v in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n and_o it_o be_v what_o may_v then_o serve_v to_o procure_v a_o religious_a respect_n and_o reverence_n to_o these_o sacred_a write_n 2.13_o 1_o thess_n 2.13_o and_o to_o engage_v we_o to_o receive_v they_o not_o as_o the_o word_n of_o man_n but_o as_o they_o be_v in_o truth_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o this_o one_o thing_n nevertheless_o i_o suppose_v i_o may_v presume_v viz._n that_o if_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o historical_a part_n of_o it_o in_o particular_a be_v write_v by_o those_o author_n to_o who_o they_o be_v ascribe_v which_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n record_v by_o the_o evangelist_n in_o write_v be_v the_o same_o which_o they_o and_o the_o other_o apostle_n testify_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n in_o their_o preach_a for_o it_o can_v i_o think_v with_o any_o reason_n be_v suspect_v that_o their_o preach_a and_o write_n be_v disagreeable_a to_o each_o other_o because_o such_o disagreement_n will_v most_o certain_o have_v utter_o destroy_v the_o credit_n of_o they_o both_o and_o this_o be_v suppose_v i_o hope_v it_o will_v clear_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o these_o write_n if_o these_o follow_a thing_n be_v consider_v 1._o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n condition_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o matter_n that_o be_v record_v in_o the_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o of_o the_o history_n its_o self_n 2._o if_o we_o consider_v the_o good_a capacity_n that_o the_o author_n thereof_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 if_o we_o consider_v 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 if_o we_o consider_v 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 if_o we_o consider_v 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 1._o i_o say_v the_o evangelical_n history_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v high_o credible_a if_o without_o any_o regard_n as_o yet_o have_v to_o the_o ability_n and_o integrity_n of_o its_o author_n we_o only_o consider_v the_o nature_n condition_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o matter_n therein_o record_v and_o of_o the_o history_n its_o self_n concern_v which_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n especial_o that_o may_v be_v observe_v 1._o that_o the_o matter_n record_v by_o the_o evangelical_n writer_n be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v certain_o know_v and_o 2._o that_o they_o be_v such_o and_o in_o such_o manner_n relate_v by_o the_o evangelist_n that_o if_o their_o history_n of_o they_o have_v be_v false_a it_o can_v never_o have_v gain_v credit_n in_o the_o world_n 1._o first_o i_o say_v the_o matter_n record_v by_o the_o evangelical_n writer_n be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v certain_o know_v i_o mean_v either_o by_o the_o historian_n themselves_o or_o by_o those_o from_o who_o they_o have_v their_o information_n for_o 1._o they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n plain_a matter_n of_o sense_n which_o those_o who_o be_v present_a at_o they_o can_v have_v no_o doubt_n of_o without_o distrust_v their_o own_o faculty_n of_o hear_v or_o see_v and_o which_o those_o who_o testify_v they_o may_v be_v as_o certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o as_o we_o can_v be_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o we_o hear_v with_o our_o own_o ear_n or_o see_v with_o our_o own_o eye_n for_o thus_o whether_o our_o saviour_n give_v out_o himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n whether_o he_o say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o whether_o he_o utter_v those_o other_o speech_n which_o the_o evangelist_n have_v record_v as_o speak_v by_o he_o can_v not_o but_o be_v certain_o know_v by_o the_o people_n who_o often_o hear_v he_o and_o especial_o by_o his_o apostle_n who_o constant_o attend_v he_o and_o so_o likewise_o whether_o he_o do_v those_o many_o wonderful_a work_n which_o the_o evangelist_n have_v record_v of_o he_o can_v not_o but_o be_v know_v by_o those_o that_o be_v present_a with_o he_o they_o may_v be_v certain_a either_o that_o he_o do_v they_o or_o that_o he_o do_v not_o do_v they_o thus_o for_o instance_n it_o may_v be_v certain_o know_v to_o those_o that_o first_o affirm_v that_o he_o give_v sight_n to_o the_o blind_a whether_o those_o person_n have_v be_v once_o blind_a and_o whether_o afterward_o they_o â—aw_v and_o to_o those_o that_o witness_v that_o he_o give_v strength_n â—o_o the_o cripple_n whether_o the_o man_n who_o they_o say_v he_o wrought_v this_o cure_n upon_o have_v be_v lame_a or_o disable_v â—n_o their_o foot_n hand_n or_o body_n before_o and_o whether_o â—fterwards_o they_o walk_v and_o have_v strength_n like_o other_o man_n and_o to_o those_o that_o testify_v that_o he_o raise_v the_o dead_a whether_o the_o person_n say_v to_o have_v be_v raise_v by_o â—im_n have_v be_v true_o dead_a and_o whether_o afterward_o â—hey_n live_v but_o above_o all_o his_o own_o resurrection_n which_o the_o preâ—ent_a season_n as_o well_o as_o the_o wonderfulness_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o thing_n oblige_v we_o to_o have_v a_o special_a â—egard_n to_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v most_o certain_o know_v to_o those_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v witness_n of_o it_o week_n this_o sermon_n be_v preach_v on_o the_o monday_n in_o easter_n week_n â—hey_n may_v be_v certain_a whether_o he_o have_v be_v once_o dead_a â—nd_v whether_o he_o show_v himself_o alive_a after_o his_o passion_n â—y_a many_o infallible_a proof_n and_o be_v see_v of_o they_o forty_o day_n of_o this_o they_o may_v be_v rather_o more_o certain_a than_o â—f_a any_o other_o of_o his_o miracle_n because_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n â—ot_n to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o one_o sense_n only_o as_o some_o of_o the_o â—est_n be_v
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
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
self_n and_o if_o what_o he_o report_v be_v that_o he_o himself_o have_v receive_v such_o a_o revelation_n from_o god_n with_o order_n to_o publish_v it_o to_o the_o world_n i_o say_v that_o this_o report_n in_o the_o general_n be_v a_o credible_a report_n because_o it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o not_o unlikely_a that_o he_o shall_v impart_v to_o man_n by_o a_o special_a revelation_n such_o thing_n as_o be_v very_o useful_a for_o they_o to_o know_v and_o which_o can_v not_o be_v know_v or_o not_o so_o well_o not_o so_o full_o clear_o and_o certain_o any_o other_o way_n as_o by_o revelation_n and_o it_o be_v certain_o not_o incredible_a that_o he_o that_o have_v give_v we_o a_o tongue_n to_o utter_v word_n and_o skill_n to_o express_v thereby_o our_o thought_n to_o one_o another_o shall_v have_v power_n and_o mean_n to_o reveal_v and_o express_v his_o own_o mind_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o a_o man_n may_v understand_v his_o mean_v and_o it_o be_v likewise_o certain_o not_o incredible_a in_o its_o self_n that_o god_n intend_v to_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n shall_v make_v use_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o a_o man_n for_o this_o purpose_n and_o have_v make_v know_v his_o will_n to_o one_o man_n give_v he_o commission_n to_o communicate_v the_o same_o to_o other_o if_o therefore_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n incredible_a in_o the_o report_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n it_o must_v be_v in_o the_o special_a matter_n of_o it_o but_o although_o the_o particular_a matter_n of_o any_o such_o divine_a revelation_n be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o we_o can_v never_o have_v find_v out_o by_o natural_a reason_n i_o say_v it_o be_v nevertheless_o credible_a as_o a_o matter_n divine_o reveal_v if_o it_o imply_v no_o contradiction_n if_o it_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o natural_a reason_n if_o it_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o a_o former_a divine_a revelation_n that_o be_v well_o attest_v and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n worthy_a of_o god_n that_o be_v if_o in_o its_o true_a consequence_n it_o have_v no_o tendency_n to_o encourage_v sin_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a have_v a_o plain_a tendency_n to_o promote_v the_o practice_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n among_o men._n against_o such_o a_o revelation_n as_o this_o there_o can_v be_v no_o just_a objection_n make_v from_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o there_o be_v no_o improbability_n that_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n or_o if_o what_o he_o report_v be_v that_o he_o himself_o be_v by_o when_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v private_o do_v or_o speak_v by_o another_o in_o this_o case_n the_o matter_n of_o his_o report_n be_v credible_a in_o its_o self_n if_o what_o he_o say_v he_o be_v a_o eye_n or_o earwitness_n of_o be_v a_o proper_a object_n of_o those_o sense_n if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o impossible_a thing_n if_o it_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n and_o in_o this_o case_n the_o difficulty_n the_o strangeness_n the_o uncommonness_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v be_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v never_o know_v to_o be_v do_v or_o say_v before_o or_o which_o no_o account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o by_o reason_n or_o natural_a cause_n be_v no_o just_a exception_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o kind_n absolute_o incredible_a but_o what_o be_v plain_o impossible_a but_o 2._o the_o credibility_n of_o any_o report_n suppose_v the_o matter_n of_o it_o to_o be_v credible_a depend_v in_o good_a measure_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o its_o author_n and_o then_o a_o man_n may_v reasonable_o be_v think_v a_o author_n or_o a_o witness_n of_o good_a credit_n in_o matter_n of_o his_o own_o knowledge_n when_o he_o appear_v and_o by_o all_o his_o other_o word_n and_o action_n show_v himself_o to_o be_v grave_n sober_a considerate_a and_o in_o his_o right_a wit_n when_o he_o be_v a_o person_n of_o unblemished_a reputation_n when_o he_o be_v never_o know_v 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be_v own_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v if_o he_o give_v his_o testimony_n in_o a_o grave_n and_o serious_a manner_n and_o if_o he_o appear_v to_o have_v at_o that_o time_n a_o good_a sense_n of_o religion_n in_o his_o mind_n upon_o which_o account_n a_o solemn_a oath_n by_o which_o god_n be_v call_v upon_o to_o witness_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v say_v be_v reck'n_v the_o great_a assurance_n that_o ordinary_o can_v be_v give_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o humane_a testimony_n and_o therefore_o by_o evidence_n give_v upon_o oath_n all_o question_n of_o the_o great_a consequence_n to_o man_n in_o this_o world_n be_v final_o decide_v 6.16_o heb._n 6.16_o a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v to_o man_n a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n see_v therefore_o that_o the_o great_a credit_n that_o be_v give_v to_o a_o oath_n be_v ground_v upon_o that_o serious_a sense_n of_o religion_n which_o the_o witness_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v in_o his_o mind_n when_o 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undertake_v such_o labour_n and_o endure_v such_o hardship_n as_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v suppose_v any_o man_n of_o another_o persuasion_n will_v undergo_v but_o the_o sure_a token_n that_o any_o man_n can_v give_v of_o his_o veracity_n be_v persist_v in_o the_o evidence_n he_o have_v once_o give_v to_o the_o last_o when_o no_o promise_n of_o wealth_n honour_n or_o promotion_n can_v persuade_v he_o to_o forbear_v speak_v the_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v when_o be_v bring_v before_o king_n and_o ruler_n and_o strait_o threaten_v to_o hold_v his_o peace_n he_o be_v thereby_o rather_o the_o more_o embolden_v to_o speak_v when_o be_v rack_v and_o torture_v to_o retract_v his_o evidence_n he_o continue_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o great_a torment_n to_o witness_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o he_o do_v before_o and_o in_o fine_a when_o have_v a_o certain_a prospect_n before_o he_o of_o lose_v all_o that_o can_v be_v dear_a to_o he_o in_o this_o world_n and_o even_o 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and_o honesty_n do_v concur_v i_o think_v we_o may_v be_v sufficient_o assure_v that_o he_o do_v not_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o his_o reader_n but_o 3._o if_o we_o may_v be_v well_o enough_o assure_v of_o the_o author_n of_o any_o book_n and_o also_o of_o his_o honesty_n yet_o it_o be_v further_o object_v that_o this_o author_n whoever_o he_o be_v can_v not_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o himself_o be_v not_o deceive_v in_o his_o opinion_n of_o his_o own_o inspiration_n or_o of_o a_o revelation_n make_v to_o he_o or_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o he_o have_v relate_v as_o of_o his_o own_o knowledge_n but_o first_o if_o he_o can_v not_o be_v sure_a of_o his_o own_o inspiration_n or_o of_o a_o revelation_n make_v to_o himself_o how_o then_o can_v any_o man_n now_o a_o day_n be_v sure_a of_o the_o same_o if_o god_n shall_v vouchsafe_v to_o speak_v to_o we_o now_o as_o it_o be_v say_v he_o do_v in_o former_a time_n to_o the_o prophet_n and_o other_o inspire_v man_n by_o himself_o or_o a_o angel_n so_o that_o this_o objection_n if_o it_o be_v well_o ground_v cut_v off_o not_o only_o all_o reasonable_a belief_n of_o former_a revelation_n but_o likewise_o all_o reasonable_a belief_n of_o any_o revelation_n that_o can_v now_o be_v make_v to_o ourselves_o or_o other_o and_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o offer_v at_o any_o thing_n to_o convince_v those_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o revelation_n who_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o even_o the_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n can_v make_v such_o a_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o they_o as_o will_v be_v credible_a such_o as_o they_o shall_v reasonable_o judge_v sufficient_a for_o their_o conviction_n this_o therefore_o be_v all_o that_o i_o shall_v say_v to_o this_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n that_o if_o they_o suppose_v as_o they_o seem_v to_o do_v that_o almighty_a god_n can_v any_o way_n so_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o any_o man_n as_o that_o the_o prophet_n himself_o can_v be_v assure_v that_o it_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n they_o suppose_v god_n to_o be_v of_o less_o power_n and_o skill_n than_o a_o man_n be_v who_o can_v utter_v his_o mind_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n to_o another_o that_o the_o other_o shall_v have_v no_o doubt_n who_o it_o be_v that_o speak_v or_o what_o he_o mean_v but_o if_o they_o will_v but_o vouchsafe_v to_o grant_v that_o god_n can_v now_o speak_v or_o otherwise_o reveal_v his_o will_n in_o such_o manner_n to_o we_o as_o that_o we_o can_v not_o possible_o have_v any_o doubt_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n or_o a_o angel_n or_o not_o than_o i_o say_v there_o can_v be_v no_o question_n but_o that_o he_o may_v speak_v in_o as_o plain_a a_o manner_n to_o man_n in_o former_a time_n and_o there_o be_v almost_o as_o little_a question_n but_o that_o he_o have_v do_v so_o but_o many_o it_o may_v be_v say_v have_v pretend_v to_o inspiration_n or_o revelation_n and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v have_v think_v themselves_o inspire_v when_o yet_o the_o matter_n they_o have_v say_v they_o be_v inspire_v with_o or_o which_o they_o have_v say_v have_v be_v reveal_v to_o they_o have_v be_v such_o as_o have_v clear_o evidence_v to_o all_o rational_a man_n the_o falsity_n of_o their_o pretence_n true_a and_o so_o likewise_o many_o man_n have_v think_v themselves_o at_o such_o a_o place_n in_o such_o a_o company_n hear_v see_v speak_v or_o do_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n when_o yet_o as_o it_o prove_v afterward_o they_o have_v be_v all_o the_o while_n only_o in_o a_o dream_n but_o what_o then_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o a_o man_n may_v think_v himself_o awake_a when_o he_o be_v in_o a_o dream_n he_o can_v therefore_o never_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o be_v awake_a and_o as_o little_a do_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o some_o person_n of_o weak_a or_o distemper_a brain_n have_v think_v they_o have_v have_v revelation_n therefore_o no_o sober_a and_o judicious_a man_n in_o his_o right_a wit_n can_v ever_o be_v sure_a of_o a_o revelation_n but_o suppose_v a_o man_n at_o the_o first_o be_v as_o it_o may_v well_o be_v imagine_v he_o must_v be_v in_o a_o great_a surprise_n and_o astonishment_n at_o the_o strangeness_n and_o novelty_n of_o the_o thing_n shall_v not_o be_v very_o certain_a of_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o revelation_n shall_v not_o well_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v awake_a or_o asleep_a yet_o certain_o the_o same_o sign_n which_o be_v sufficient_a afterward_o to_o satisfy_v other_o man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o inspiration_n or_o revelation_n must_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v himself_o of_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o therefore_o if_o moses_n for_o instance_n when_o god_n first_o speak_v to_o he_o in_o horeb_n out_o of_o the_o burn_a bush_n 3._o exod._n 3._o be_v in_o some_o doubt_n whether_o he_o be_v in_o a_o trance_n or_o awake_v and_o in_o his_o right_a mind_n whether_o he_o real_o hear_v a_o voice_n or_o only_o dream_v so_o it_o can_v well_o be_v suppose_v that_o he_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o doubt_v afterward_o when_o have_v at_o god_n command_n cast_v his_o rod_n upon_o the_o ground_n 4._o exod._n 4.3_o 4._o it_o become_v a_o serpent_n and_o have_v at_o the_o same_o divine_a command_n take_v it_o up_o by_o the_o tail_n it_o become_v a_o rod_n again_o in_o his_o hand_n and_o when_o after_o that_o 7._o v._o 6_o 7._o by_o his_o first_o put_v his_o hand_n into_o his_o bosom_n it_o become_v leprous_a as_o snow_n and_o after_o his_o put_v it_o in_o the_o second_o time_n it_o come_v out_o like_o his_o other_o flesh_n or_o if_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o he_o may_v possible_o take_v all_o this_o to_o be_v only_o a_o continuation_n of_o his_o dream_n or_o at_o least_o may_v not_o in_o all_o this_o while_n be_v sure_a that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o dream_n it_o be_v not_o conceivable_a however_o that_o in_o all_o the_o time_n that_o he_o be_v travel_v from_o horeb_n into_o egypt_n he_o shall_v not_o ever_o be_v so_o thorough_o awake_a as_o to_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o be_v awake_a and_o if_o he_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o in_o all_o that_o time_n make_v such_o reflection_n upon_o what_o have_v pass_v as_o either_o to_o perceive_v plain_o that_o it_o have_v be_v only_o a_o dream_n or_o else_o to_o be_v very_o certain_a that_o it_o have_v not_o be_v a_o dream_n but_o a_o reality_n or_o if_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v that_o his_o amazement_n and_o concern_v at_o what_o have_v happen_v be_v so_o great_a that_o in_o all_o this_o time_n he_o may_v not_o be_v so_o well_o come_v to_o himself_o as_o to_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o have_v have_v a_o true_a divine_a revelation_n yet_o i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o he_o shall_v remain_v in_o the_o same_o uncertainty_n after_o he_o have_v be_v in_o egypt_n for_o some_o while_n and_o have_v wrought_v not_o only_o those_o two_o miracle_n over_o again_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o israelite_n whereby_o they_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o his_o divine_a mission_n but_o likewise_o all_o the_o other_o great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n mention_v in_o the_o seven_o and_o follow_v chapter_n of_o exodus_fw-la some_o of_o which_o the_o egyptian_n and_o even_o the_o magician_n themselves_o can_v not_o but_o acknowledge_v be_v do_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n but_o this_o it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v say_v be_v prove_v one_o doubtful_a thing_n by_o another_o as_o doubtful_a a_o revelation_n by_o a_o miracle_n for_o it_o be_v further_o urge_v in_o the_o objection_n that_o no_o author_n of_o any_o book_n can_v be_v sure_a that_o he_o be_v not_o deceive_v in_o any_o
other_o matter_n that_o he_o have_v relate_v as_o of_o his_o own_o knowledge_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a there_o may_v be_v mistake_n in_o the_o sign_n and_o proof_n of_o the_o divine_a revelation_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o revelation_n its_o self_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o report_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o prophet_n himself_o or_o any_o other_o man_n who_o have_v report_v the_o miracle_n do_v by_o the_o prophet_n as_o matter_n of_o his_o own_o knowledge_n do_v imagine_v he_o see_v thing_n which_o he_o do_v not_o see_v and_o that_o he_o hear_v thing_n which_o he_o do_v not_o hear_v but_o if_o this_o be_v suppose_v possible_a that_o any_o man_n and_o much_o more_o that_o several_a man_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o report_n the_o organ_n of_o who_o sense_n be_v right_o dispose_v and_o who_o by_o all_o their_o other_o action_n and_o discourse_n appear_v to_o be_v sober_a and_o considerate_a and_o judicious_a shall_v yet_o in_o the_o day_n time_n and_o in_o a_o clear_a light_n and_o when_o they_o be_v sure_o they_o be_v broad_a awake_a be_v mistake_v in_o the_o plain_a matter_n of_o sense_n then_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o certainty_n in_o the_o world_n then_o they_o that_o make_v the_o objection_n can_v be_v no_o more_o sure_a of_o what_o they_o themselves_o see_v and_o hear_v than_o other_o man_n can_v be_v and_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o hold_v a_o argument_n with_o such_o as_o dare_v not_o believe_v their_o own_o eye_n and_o ear_n the_o only_a sense_n whereby_o i_o think_v such_o man_n can_v be_v convince_v must_v be_v feel_v and_o it_o will_v be_v well_o for_o they_o if_o they_o can_v carry_v the_o same_o scepticism_n with_o they_o into_o the_o other_o world_n and_o when_o they_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n can_v be_v able_a to_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o real_a or_o a_o paint_a fire_n whether_o they_o be_v torment_v in_o that_o flame_n or_o not_o leave_v these_o therefore_o to_o be_v convince_v in_o the_o other_o world_n as_o be_v i_o think_v not_o capable_a of_o conviction_n here_o i_o shall_v content_v myself_o with_o have_v say_v what_o i_o suppose_v be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v other_o that_o the_o witness_n of_o a_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n may_v be_v sure_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o witness_n and_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o god_n to_o speak_v so_o plain_o to_o man_n that_o they_o may_v be_v certain_a they_o have_v have_v a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o that_o such_o evidence_n may_v be_v give_v of_o the_o veracity_n of_o a_o author_n and_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o book_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v a_o reasonable_a man._n and_o by_o this_o and_o what_o be_v say_v before_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o a_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n may_v be_v so_o well_o contrive_v and_o so_o well_o attest_v as_o to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o effect_v its_o design_n viz._n to_o bring_v man_n to_o repentance_n whether_o the_o stand_a revelation_n which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v sufficient_a for_o this_o purpose_n will_v be_v matter_n of_o enquiry_n in_o the_o next_o discourse_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v may_v serve_v to_o dispose_v we_o to_o hear_v without_o prejudice_n the_o argument_n that_o may_v be_v offer_v to_o prove_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o 1._o if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o there_o may_v be_v such_o a_o stand_a revelation_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o there_o be_v one_o for_o from_o that_o natural_a notion_n that_o we_o have_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n it_o may_v be_v fair_o argue_v that_o he_o be_v not_o want_v to_o man_n in_o the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v not_o new_a revelation_n make_v every_o day_n it_o may_v be_v reasonable_o conclude_v that_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o there_o be_v already_o some_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n extant_a that_o be_v sufficient_a to_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n and_o 2._o if_o there_o be_v already_o any_o such_o stand_a revelation_n extant_a it_o may_v be_v strong_o presume_v that_o it_o be_v that_o which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o book_n that_o we_o know_v of_o which_o have_v such_o good_a evidence_n of_o divine_a authority_n and_o inspiration_n as_o that_o have_v let_v we_o then_o be_v prepare_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o religion_n with_o unprejudiced_a mind_n with_o a_o sincere_a love_n and_o desire_n of_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o resolution_n to_o hear_v reason_n and_o to_o be_v convince_v by_o it_o and_o above_o all_o which_o indeed_o be_v the_o best_a preparation_n for_o truth_n and_o the_o best_a security_n against_o error_n let_v we_o in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o heart_n apply_v ourselves_o to_o god_n for_o his_o help_n and_o direction_n and_o that_o our_o prayer_n may_v be_v effectual_a let_v we_o be_v careful_a to_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o he_o by_o a_o conscientious_a discharge_n of_o all_o those_o duty_n of_o piety_n justice_n temperance_n and_o charity_n which_o be_v clear_o teach_v even_o by_o natural_a reason_n and_o be_v ready_o dispose_v to_o practice_v whatever_o else_o we_o shall_v learn_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n by_o any_o far_a illumination_n 7.17_o joh._n 7.17_o for_o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la in_o epist_n ded._n l._n 3._o r._n archbishop_n p._n 8._o l._n 31._o r._n forbear_v p._n 13._o l._n 19_o r._n he_o who_o p._n 14._o l._n 16._o r._n a_o book_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture-revelation_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n february_n the_o 5_o the_o 1699_o 700._o be_v the_o second_o for_o the_o year_n 1700_o of_o the_o lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o offspring_n blackall_n 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 the_o first_o thing_n which_o i_o propound_v to_o do_v in_o discourse_v on_o these_o word_n be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o the_o present_a stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o repentance_n if_o they_o be_v not_o unreasonable_o blind_a and_o obstinate_a they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n they_o have_v also_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o if_o that_o stand_a revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o we_o of_o his_o will_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n can_v upon_o any_o account_n be_v think_v insufficient_a to_o effect_v this_o design_n it_o must_v be_v i_o think_v either_o 1._o because_o no_o stand_a revelation_n can_v be_v sufficient_a for_o this_o purpose_n or_o 2._o because_o there_o be_v some_o particular_a defect_n in_o that_o revelation_n which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o render_v it_o not_o so_o sufficient_a for_o this_o purpose_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a a_o stand_a revelation_n may_v be_v i_o have_v therefore_o in_o a_o former_a discourse_n upon_o these_o word_n endeavour_v to_o show_v in_o general_n that_o a_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n may_v be_v so_o well_o contrive_v and_o so_o well_o attest_v as_o to_o be_v sufficient_a for_o this_o purpose_n i_o proceed_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n 2._o to_o consider_v whether_o that_o stand_a revelation_n which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v such_o a_o revelation_n whether_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o repentance_n and_o full_o to_o direct_v they_o in_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n or_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o some_o particular_a defect_n in_o this_o revelation_n which_o render_v it_o not_o so_o sufficient_a for_o this_o purpose_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a a_o stand_a revelation_n may_v be_v and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o defect_n
by_o so_o many_o different_a and_o far_o distant_a nation_n without_o some_o good_a ground_n be_v not_o conceivable_a because_o it_o can_v neither_o be_v imagine_v that_o thâ—_n christian_n of_o the_o present_a age_n disperse_v in_o all_o countriâ—_n shall_v combine_v together_o to_o say_v that_o they_o receiv'â—_n these_o book_n from_o their_o father_n as_o the_o genuine_a writing_n of_o the_o apostle_n if_o they_o have_v not_o so_o receive_v they_o nor_o that_o their_o forefather_n in_o any_o of_o the_o age_n paâ—â—_n shall_v have_v all_o agree_v together_o to_o put_v a_o cheat_n upoâ—_n their_o posterity_n by_o deliver_v down_o to_o they_o theâ—â—_n book_n as_o write_v by_o the_o apostle_n when_o they_o themselves_o have_v no_o good_a reason_n to_o believe_v they_o so_o or_o whâ—â—_n they_o know_v the_o contrary_n it_o be_v a_o further_a satisfaction_n to_o we_o to_o observe_v and_o consider_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o book_n be_v as_o well_o prove_v as_o it_o can_v be_v 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they_o it_o be_v because_o there_o have_v be_v then_o late_o such_o evidence_n and_o attestation_n give_v of_o their_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o other_o inspire_a man_n as_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v of_o before_o such_o as_o they_o can_v not_o then_o with_o any_o reason_n contradict_v or_o gainsay_v for_o ordinary_o a_o less_o reason_n will_v persuade_v a_o man_n to_o take_v up_o a_o opinion_n at_o first_o than_o will_v persuade_v he_o to_o go_v back_o from_o a_o opinion_n how_o weak_o soever_o ground_v which_o he_o have_v before_o embrace_v and_o defend_v so_o that_o this_o objection_n be_v so_o far_o from_o lessen_v that_o it_o rather_o strengthen_v the_o proof_n we_o have_v of_o the_o authority_n even_o of_o these_o once_o controvert_v book_n and_o it_o be_v beside_o a_o very_a good_a corroborate_n evidence_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o the_o other_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o the_o backwardness_n of_o some_o church_n to_o receive_v these_o 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honourable_a the_o house_n of_o commons_o at_o st._n margaret_n westminster_n january_n the_o 30_o 1698_o 9_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o a_o stand_a revelation_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral_n church_n of_o st._n paul_n jan._n one_a 1699_o 700._o be_v the_o first_o for_o the_o year_n 1700._o of_o the_o lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n revelation_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v the_o second_o for_o the_o year_n 1700._o of_o the_o lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n these_o three_o by_o offspring_n blackall_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 a_o persuasive_a to_o prayer_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n at_o st._n james_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o lord_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a in_o parliament_n assemble_v in_o the_o abbey_n church_n at_o westminster_n jan._n 30_o fifteen_o sermon_n preach_v on_o several_a occasion_n the_o last_o of_o which_o be_v never_o before_o print_v these_o three_o by_o the_o most_o reverend_a father_n in_o god_n john_n lord_n archbishop_n of_o york_n primate_n of_o england_n and_o metropolitan_a the_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o a_o church_n of_o england_n man._n a_o false_a faith_n not_o justify_v by_o care_n for_o the_o poor_a prove_v in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o st._n paul_n church_n mystery_n in_o religion_n vindicated_n or_o the_o filiation_n deity_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o saviour_n assert_v against_o socinian_o and_o other_o with_o occasional_a reflection_n on_o several_a late_a pamphlet_n these_o two_o by_o luke_n milbourn_n a_o presbyter_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n two_o sermon_n of_o mr._n young_n about_o nature_n and_o grace_n preach_v at_o whitehall_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 ii_o two_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n april_n 1_o st_o and_o may_v 6_o the_o 1700._o be_v the_o four_o and_o five_o for_o the_o year_n 1700_o of_o the_o lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o offspring_n blackall_n 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 the_o point_n i_o enter_v upon_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o last_o time_n be_v this_o 3._o that_o we_o have_v 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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 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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
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
evidence_n of_o his_o own_o sense_n but_o the_o gospel_n of_o st._n luke_n it_o must_v be_v grant_v be_v not_o of_o this_o sort_n he_o himself_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o the_o matter_n by_o he_o record_v be_v of_o his_o own_o knowledge_n he_o only_o say_v 3._o luke_n 1.2_o 3._o he_o have_v perfect_a understanding_n of_o they_o from_o the_o very_a first_o from_o those_o who_o from_o the_o beginning_n be_v eye-witness_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n and_o of_o some_o few_o matter_n record_v by_o the_o other_o evangelist_n the_o same_o must_v likewise_o be_v grant_v particular_o of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v before_o they_o be_v call_v to_o be_v apostle_n of_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a they_o be_v not_o matter_n of_o their_o own_o knowledge_n that_o they_o record_v they_o only_o upon_o credible_a information_n from_o other_o but_o when_o it_o be_v consider_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o there_o be_v very_o few_o thing_n relate_v by_o st._n luke_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o some_o of_o the_o other_o gospel_n his_o testimony_n that_o he_o have_v perfect_a information_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o have_v record_v from_o several_a eye-witness_n add_v a_o degree_n of_o credibility_n even_o to_o the_o other_o gospel_n and_o be_v a_o good_a corroborate_n evidence_n of_o their_o truth_n and_o all_o the_o matter_n record_v by_o he_o or_o the_o other_o evangelist_n only_o upon_o information_n of_o other_o must_v be_v grant_v to_o be_v more_o credible_a than_o the_o matter_n of_o most_o other_o ancient_a history_n of_o good_a credit_n be_v if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o what_o be_v say_v in_o the_o former_a discourse_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o thing_n record_v particular_o that_o they_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o may_v be_v most_o certain_o know_v and_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o best_a attestation_n and_o that_o they_o be_v thing_n do_v in_o the_o same_o age_n and_o in_o the_o same_o country_n in_o which_o they_o live_v who_o have_v write_v the_o history_n thereof_o and_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v i_o hope_v sufficient_a to_o show_v the_o good_a capacity_n the_o author_n of_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v in_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o have_v record_v most_o of_o they_o be_v such_o as_o it_o be_v probable_a three_o of_o the_o evangelist_n as_o two_o of_o they_o without_o all_o dispute_n be_v eye_n witness_n of_o and_o the_o rest_n such_o as_o they_o may_v have_v certain_a information_n of_o from_o several_a person_n then_o alive_a and_o well_o able_a to_o witness_v the_o same_o of_o the_o ability_n then_o of_o these_o author_n to_o write_v a_o true_a history_n of_o these_o matter_n i_o think_v there_o can_v be_v no_o reasonable_a doubt_n and_o that_o there_o be_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o their_o honesty_n and_o faithfulness_n will_v in_o part_n appear_v if_o we_o consider_v in_o the_o three_o place_n 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 now_o the_o obligation_n that_o man_n be_v under_o to_o speak_v or_o write_v truth_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o two_o head_n honour_n and_o conscience_n by_o both_o which_o the_o evangelical_n writer_n be_v more_o strong_o oblige_v to_o truth_n in_o their_o relation_n than_o common_o other_o historian_n be_v 1._o one_o obligation_n that_o lie_v on_o all_o man_n to_o speak_v or_o write_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v true_a be_v honour_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o be_v general_o account_v more_o base_a or_o dishonourable_a than_o to_o tell_v a_o lie_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o by_o those_o who_o stand_v most_o upon_o their_o honour_n be_v think_v more_o reflect_v and_o disparage_v and_o more_o necessary_a to_o be_v resent_v as_o a_o high_a affront_n than_o to_o have_v the_o lie_v give_v they_o what_o therefore_o be_v general_o think_v to_o be_v a_o great_a reproach_n it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v presume_v unless_o the_o contrary_n appear_v a_o man_n will_v be_v careful_a to_o avoid_v by_o not_o give_v any_o just_a occasion_n to_o have_v it_o cast_v upon_o he_o and_o this_o be_v one_o ground_n of_o that_o great_a credit_n that_o be_v general_o give_v to_o ancient_a history_n it_o be_v presume_v unless_o there_o be_v evident_a cause_n to_o think_v otherwise_o that_o the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v man_n of_o so_o much_o honour_n and_o that_o they_o have_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o reproach_n and_o discredit_v that_o it_o will_v be_v to_o they_o to_o be_v find_v out_o in_o a_o lie_n as_o make_v they_o careful_a not_o to_o record_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o certain_a truth_n but_o what_o they_o have_v good_a knowledge_n or_o information_n of_o but_o that_o this_o obligation_n to_o truth_n be_v strong_a on_o the_o author_n of_o the_o evangelical_n history_n than_o on_o most_o other_o historian_n be_v abundant_o evident_a from_o what_o be_v note_v the_o last_o time_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o thing_n by_o they_o relate_v and_o of_o their_o history_n of_o they_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o most_o other_o ancient_a history_n be_v such_o that_o the_o historian_n may_v report_v many_o thing_n untrue_o or_o upon_o slight_a information_n and_o yet_o be_v pretty_a well_o assure_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v repute_v liar_n because_o the_o matter_n record_v by_o they_o be_v thing_n either_o do_v in_o some_o place_n a_o good_a way_n of_o or_o in_o some_o time_n long_o before_o or_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o but_o few_o person_n they_o may_v know_v that_o none_o of_o those_o into_o who_o hand_n their_o history_n will_v fall_v will_v be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o contradict_v they_o though_o they_o be_v false_a or_o they_o may_v reasonable_o suppose_v that_o their_o reader_n will_v rather_o acquiesce_v in_o their_o report_n than_o travel_n so_o far_o or_o take_v so_o much_o pain_n as_o they_o must_v have_v do_v to_o disprove_v it_o especial_o if_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a consequence_n to_o their_o reader_n whether_o their_o report_n be_v true_a or_o false_a but_o in_o the_o gospel_n history_n the_o case_n be_v quite_o otherwise_o and_o the_o historian_n themselves_o can_v not_o but_o know_v that_o it_o be_v so_o for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o concern_v to_o find_v out_o some_o falsity_n in_o it_o and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o that_o will_v have_v take_v any_o pain_n to_o have_v do_v it_o and_o yet_o the_o matter_n relate_v by_o the_o evangelist_n and_o their_o manner_n of_o relate_v they_o be_v such_o that_o their_o history_n if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a in_o any_o particular_a may_v have_v be_v disprove_v with_o the_o great_a ease_n without_o be_v at_o any_o pain_n to_o do_v it_o because_o most_o of_o those_o into_o who_o hand_n it_o first_o come_v will_v either_o have_v know_v it_o to_o be_v false_a or_o will_v ready_o have_v be_v tell_v that_o it_o be_v so_o by_o abundance_n of_o person_n that_o can_v of_o their_o own_o knowledge_n have_v contradict_v it_o so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o evangelist_n have_v any_o regard_n at_o all_o to_o their_o own_o reputation_n it_o can_v be_v imagine_v either_o that_o they_o do_v record_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o their_o knowledge_n or_o that_o in_o matter_n that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o own_o knowledge_n they_o neglect_v to_o get_v the_o best_a information_n and_o intelligence_n that_o can_v be_v have_v because_o if_o they_o have_v do_v either_o of_o these_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v so_o vain_a as_o to_o hope_v to_o escape_v be_v censure_v as_o the_o most_o notorious_a and_o shameless_a liar_n that_o ever_o write_v but_o 2._o the_o strong_a obligation_n that_o lie_v on_o all_o man_n to_o speak_v or_o write_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n be_v conscience_n and_o the_o sense_n that_o all_o man_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v of_o the_o natural_a turpitude_n of_o a_o lie_n be_v the_o chief_a ground_n of_o that_o very_a great_a credit_n that_o we_o give_v to_o humane_a testimony_n in_o case_n of_o the_o great_a concern_v and_o consequence_n but_o this_o obligation_n to_o truth_n be_v likewise_o strong_a on_o the_o author_n of_o the_o evangelical_n history_n than_o on_o most_o other_o historian_n it_o be_v indeed_o so_o very_o strong_a that_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o evident_a proof_n of_o their_o falsity_n can_v justify_v the_o entertain_v so_o much_o as_o a_o suspicion_n of_o it_o for_o to_o speak_v and_o write_v the_o truth_n be_v what_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o not_o only_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o which_o all_o man_n be_v alike_o
subject_a but_o also_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o by_o which_o they_o have_v be_v express_o forbid_v to_o lie_v one_o to_o another_o and_o by_o which_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v that_o a_o false_a witness_n that_o speak_v lie_n be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n 19_o leu._n 19.11_o pro._n 6.16_o 19_o and_o especial_o by_o the_o strict_a command_n of_o he_o who_o they_o have_v late_o take_v for_o their_o master_n and_o who_o law_n and_o religion_n they_o be_v to_o preach_v and_o propagate_v in_o the_o world_n by_o which_o they_o be_v oblige_v and_o under_o the_o severe_a penalty_n no_o less_o than_o eternal_a damnation_n to_o put_v away_o all_o lie_v 21.8_o eph._n 4.25_o rev._n 21.8_o and_o to_o speak_v every_o man_n the_o truth_n to_o his_o neighbour_n the_o subject_a matter_n of_o their_o relation_n do_v also_o lay_v upon_o they_o the_o strong_a obligation_n to_o have_v a_o strict_a regard_n to_o truth_n in_o every_o thing_n that_o they_o write_v for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o speak_v a_o untruth_n in_o any_o common_a matter_n it_o be_v manifest_o a_o great_a sin_n to_o do_v it_o in_o grave_n and_o serious_a thing_n when_o truth_n be_v most_o expect_a and_o especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n wherein_o a_o lie_n be_v most_o unbecoming_a and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o utter_v a_o slander_n or_o to_o tell_v a_o lie_n of_o a_o man_n it_o be_v evident_o a_o sin_n of_o a_o more_o heinous_a nature_n to_o report_v a_o untruth_n concern_v god_n and_o to_o utter_v a_o falsehood_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o if_o to_o lead_v man_n into_o any_o mistake_n by_o a_o false_a relation_n be_v a_o practice_n not_o to_o be_v justify_v although_o the_o mistake_v they_o be_v lead_v into_o be_v of_o no_o hurtful_a consequence_n either_o to_o themselves_o or_o to_o the_o world_n it_o be_v evident_o a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o the_o lie_n if_o man_n be_v thereby_o deceive_v in_o a_o case_n of_o the_o near_a and_o dear_a concern_v to_o they_o if_o they_o be_v lead_v thereby_o into_o a_o error_n that_o may_v prove_v fatal_a to_o they_o to_o all_o eternity_n and_o last_o if_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a sin_n only_o once_o to_o speak_v a_o untruth_n that_o may_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o one_o man_n it_o be_v plain_o the_o great_a and_o the_o most_o unpardonable_a sin_n of_o this_o kind_a to_o record_v a_o untruth_n with_o a_o design_n thereby_o to_o deceive_v to_o their_o everlasting_a destruction_n all_o the_o man_n that_o shall_v ever_o be_v bear_v into_o the_o world_n in_o all_o future_a age_n if_o therefore_o the_o gospel_n history_n be_v false_a there_o be_v manifest_o such_o a_o complication_n of_o most_o horrid_a wickedness_n in_o the_o publisher_n and_o compiler_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v not_o fair_a to_o suppose_v even_o one_o single_a man_n will_v be_v guilty_a of_o and_o much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v reasonable_o suppose_v that_o several_a man_n viz._n not_o only_o the_o four_o evangelist_n but_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n who_o preach_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o they_o write_v do_v consent_n to_o the_o report_n of_o so_o many_o and_o such_o notorious_a and_o hurtful_a untruth_n but_o this_o it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v say_v be_v not_o a_o direct_a proof_n that_o the_o evangelist_n be_v true_a and_o faithful_a in_o their_o relation_n but_o only_o a_o probable_a ground_n of_o presume_v that_o they_o be_v so_o and_o i_o grant_v it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o nevertheless_o i_o think_v if_o nothing_o more_o can_v be_v offer_v this_o alone_a will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o render_v their_o testimony_n high_o credible_a so_o long_o as_o nothing_o be_v allege_v on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o disprove_v it_o and_o in_o all_o other_o case_n we_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v so_o for_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o person_n of_o who_o truth_n we_o have_v no_o other_o assurance_n but_o such_o a_o probable_a presumption_n all_o question_n and_o controversy_n of_o the_o great_a concern_v relate_v to_o the_o life_n and_o estate_n of_o man_n be_v in_o this_o world_n final_o decide_v every_o man_n that_o bear_v witness_n in_o any_o such_o case_n be_v by_o the_o common_a judgement_n of_o mankind_n take_v and_o accept_v as_o a_o good_a witness_n unless_o the_o contrary_n appear_v and_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o two_o or_o three_o such_o witness_n we_o all_o consent_n that_o every_o matter_n shall_v be_v establish_v but_o then_o i_o add_v further_o that_o beside_o this_o reasonable_a presumption_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o witness_n of_o the_o gospel_n history_n which_o be_v all_o that_o we_o ordinary_o have_v or_o do_v desire_n in_o other_o case_n there_o be_v as_o good_a positive_a proof_n of_o their_o truth_n as_o can_v be_v require_v and_o this_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n propose_v to_o be_v consider_v viz._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 here_o it_o may_v be_v note_v for_o though_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o we_o lay_v no_o great_a stress_n upon_o in_o this_o case_n yet_o i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v omit_v because_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a evidence_n that_o we_o can_v have_v of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o any_o historian_n who_o personal_a character_n be_v unknown_a to_o we_o that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o evangelical_n history_n seem_v to_o have_v relate_v all_o matter_n with_o the_o great_a impartiality_n that_o they_o seem_v as_o free_v in_o tell_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v or_o may_v be_v account_v disgraceful_a to_o their_o master_n or_o themselves_o as_o in_o tell_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o glorious_a and_o reputable_a for_o thus_o in_o their_o history_n of_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n as_o they_o tell_v we_o the_o wonderfulness_n of_o his_o birth_n the_o many_o miracle_n that_o he_o wrought_v the_o testimony_n that_o be_v give_v he_o by_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o he_o and_o by_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n his_o glorious_a resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n so_o they_o stick_v not_o to_o tell_v we_o also_o the_o meanness_n of_o his_o parentage_n the_o obscurity_n of_o his_o birth_n his_o poor_a and_o low_a condition_n in_o the_o world_n the_o affront_v that_o be_v give_v he_o the_o contempt_n he_o be_v have_v in_o and_o the_o shameful_a death_n he_o be_v put_v to_o and_o of_o themselves_o they_o have_v leave_v it_o upon_o record_n to_o all_o posterity_n that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o mean_a extraction_n and_o breed_v up_o to_o very_o poor_a or_o scandalous_a employment_n that_o they_o be_v fisherman_n tentmakers_n publican_n they_o own_o that_o they_o be_v ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a man_n they_o tell_v their_o own_o childish_a mistake_v about_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n they_o mention_v their_o own_o foolish_a and_o ambitious_a contention_n with_o one_o another_o about_o worldly_a greatness_n they_o confess_v their_o own_o baseness_n and_o cowardice_n in_o forsake_v their_o master_n when_o in_o danger_n after_o the_o most_o solemn_a profession_n of_o friendship_n and_o repeat_v assurance_n of_o steadfastness_n and_o fidelity_n st._n peter_n denial_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o thing_n note_v by_o all_o the_o evangelist_n and_o by_o st._n peter_n himself_o if_o the_o gospel_n of_o st._n mark_v be_v account_v his_o be_v tell_v with_o its_o worst_a circumstance_n and_o st._n paul_n free_o own_v that_o before_o his_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n he_o be_v a_o blasphemer_n a_o persecutor_n and_o injurious_a and_o the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n now_o their_o record_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o concern_v their_o master_n and_o themselves_o as_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o their_o impartiality_n be_v consequent_o a_o good_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o history_n for_o have_v they_o allow_v themselves_o a_o liberty_n of_o vary_v from_o the_o truth_n in_o any_o particular_a it_o can_v be_v imagine_v but_o that_o they_o will_v at_o least_o have_v conceal_v their_o own_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n it_o can_v be_v suppose_v they_o will_v have_v furnish_v their_o adversary_n with_o matter_n wherewith_o to_o reproach_v they_o but_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o a_o historian_n who_o mean_v to_o deceive_v his_o reader_n in_o some_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n may_v purposely_o insert_v some_o few_o such_o passage_n as_o these_o thereby_o to_o gain_v himself_o a_o easy_a belief_n in_o other_o thing_n and_o to_o cover_v his_o wicked_a design_n it_o be_v therefore_o another_o and_o a_o better_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n history_n that_o the_o evangelist_n and_o other_o witness_n of_o the_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v person_n not_o liable_a to_o any_o just_a
well_o be_v account_v a_o martyr_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n no_o less_o than_o the_o other_o apostle_n although_o he_o do_v not_o actual_o expire_v under_o his_o suffering_n as_o they_o do_v now_o if_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o a_o man_n especial_o one_o who_o stand_v much_o upon_o his_o credit_n may_v be_v willing_a after_o he_o have_v tell_v a_o lie_n to_o suffer_v a_o great_a deal_n rather_o than_o own_v himself_o a_o liar_n though_o i_o think_v it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v either_o that_o any_o man_n will_v suffer_v so_o many_o other_o great_a evil_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v only_o upon_o a_o point_n of_o honour_n or_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v stand_v so_o much_o upon_o their_o honour_n yet_o when_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o this_o that_o a_o man_n who_o have_v tell_v a_o lie_n must_v either_o retract_v it_o or_o die_v for_o it_o and_o that_o he_o may_v in_o all_o probability_n save_o his_o life_n by_o retract_v it_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o any_o man_n will_v be_v a_o martyr_n for_o a_o know_a falsehood_n for_o it_o be_v a_o very_a true_a say_v and_o to_o which_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o exception_n though_o it_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n 2.4_o job_n 2.4_o that_o skin_n for_o skin_n yea_o all_o that_o a_o man_n have_v he_o will_v give_v for_o his_o life_n it_o be_v not_o credible_a therefore_o that_o so_o much_o as_o one_o man_n shall_v be_v find_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o sacrifice_v his_o life_n to_o a_o know_a lie_n and_o that_o too_o a_o unprofitable_a lie_n to_o himself_o to_o his_o family_n and_o to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o this_o only_a to_o save_v his_o reputation_n it_o be_v much_o less_o credible_a that_o so_o many_o man_n viz._n all_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n and_o most_o if_o not_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v immediate_a disciple_n shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o such_o prodigious_a and_o unheard_a of_o folly_n and_o it_o be_v least_o of_o all_o credible_a that_o among_o so_o many_o as_o there_o be_v that_o bear_v witness_n of_o the_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o evangelical_n history_n not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o man_n shall_v be_v find_v that_o be_v honest_a and_o wise_a than_o the_o rest_n not_o one_o that_o can_v be_v persuade_v to_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n by_o the_o confession_n of_o his_o fault_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o world_n by_o a_o public_a own_n of_o the_o cheat_n he_o have_v be_v engage_v in_o not_o one_o that_o will_v choose_v to_o undergo_v the_o disgrace_n of_o a_o liar_n rather_o than_o the_o shameful_a death_n of_o a_o malefactor_n these_o be_v in_o short_a the_o evidence_n we_o have_v of_o the_o honesty_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o evangelical_n historian_n those_o evidence_n i_o mean_v which_o they_o themselves_o have_v give_v thereof_o and_o they_o be_v plain_o as_o good_a as_o can_v be_v desire_v they_o be_v the_o best_a that_o can_v be_v give_v by_o men._n and_o put_v together_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v on_o this_o and_o the_o forego_n head_n now_o and_o in_o my_o last_o discourse_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o evangelical_n history_n i_o think_v we_o may_v true_o and_o confident_o affirm_v that_o although_o we_o consider_v it_o only_o as_o a_o mere_a humane_a history_n we_o have_v much_o great_a reason_n to_o give_v credit_n to_o it_o than_o to_o any_o history_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o but_o if_o we_o receive_v the_o witness_n of_o man_n and_o who_o be_v there_o that_o do_v not_o 5.9_o 1_o joh._n 5.9_o the_o witness_n of_o god_n be_v great_a and_o therefore_o in_o order_n to_o show_v further_o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o the_o evangelical_n historian_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 i_o propose_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o five_o and_o last_o place_n 5_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 for_o what_o st._n paul_n say_v of_o his_o own_o be_v likewise_o true_a of_o the_o speech_n and_o preach_v of_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n 5._o 1_o cor._n 2.4_o 5._o that_o the_o faith_n of_o their_o hearer_n shall_v not_o stand_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o so_o st._n luke_n say_v act_v 4.33_o with_o great_a power_n give_v the_o apostle_n witness_v of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o witness_v the_o miracle_n of_o their_o master_n they_o give_v assurance_n to_o man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n by_o do_v the_o like_a miracle_n themselves_o heal_v the_o sick_a cast_v out_o devil_n raise_v the_o dead_a etc._n etc._n just_a as_o jesus_n himself_o have_v do_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o pursuant_n to_o their_o commission_n they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o man_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o language_n they_o plain_o demonstrate_v both_o that_o they_o have_v such_o a_o commission_n from_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o they_o preach_v by_o speak_v to_o every_o man_n of_o every_o nation_n in_o his_o own_o tongue_n thus_o as_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n say_v 2.4_o heb._n 2.4_o god_n do_v bear_v they_o witness_n both_o with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will._n and_o he_o may_v well_o say_v that_o god_n do_v hereby_o bear_v they_o witness_n because_o that_o power_n wherewith_o they_o be_v endue_v be_v so_o evident_o from_o on_o high_a that_o none_o that_o see_v their_o work_n 24.49_o luke_n 24.49_o and_o consider_v withal_o the_o purity_n and_o excellence_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n that_o be_v thereby_o establish_v can_v have_v any_o reasonable_a doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n or_o no._n we_o know_v 3.2_o joh._n 3.2_o say_v nicodemus_n to_o our_o saviour_n that_o thou_o be_v a_o teacher_n send_v from_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v do_v the_o miracle_n that_o thou_o do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o 14.12_o joh._n 14.12_o but_o the_o same_o work_n that_o jesus_n do_v do_v his_o disciple_n also_o after_o he_o have_v send_v down_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o father_n upon_o they_o on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n yea_o and_o great_a work_n than_o those_o do_v they_o do_v so_o that_o whoever_o behold_v their_o work_n may_v so_o far_o as_o miracle_n be_v evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n be_v rather_o more_o certain_a that_o god_n be_v with_o they_o than_o nicodemus_n can_v be_v that_o he_o be_v with_o our_o lord_n himself_o for_o though_o their_o other_o miracle_n that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o sort_n with_o those_o which_o our_o saviour_n have_v do_v be_v such_o proof_n of_o divine_a assistance_n as_o can_v not_o with_o any_o reason_n be_v gainsay_v yet_o i_o think_v it_o may_v true_o be_v affirm_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o they_o and_o wherein_o they_o do_v as_o we_o may_v say_v excel_v even_o our_o lord_n himself_o be_v more_o convince_a than_o any_o of_o they_o for_o he_o that_o see_v one_o of_o their_o other_o miracle_n may_v possible_o entertain_v some_o little_a doubt_n whether_o the_o effect_n that_o appear_v to_o he_o to_o be_v miraculous_a may_v not_o yet_o be_v do_v by_o some_o secret_a power_n of_o natural_a cause_n that_o be_v unknown_a to_o he_o but_o we_o all_o know_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n so_o well_o that_o we_o be_v sure_a the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o language_n can_v possible_o be_v attain_v natural_o even_o by_o a_o person_n of_o the_o quick_a part_n and_o faithful_a memory_n but_o in_o so_o much_o time_n at_o the_o least_o as_o it_o will_v necessary_o take_v up_o to_o be_v tell_v by_o tutor_n or_o to_o learn_v from_o lexicon_n what_o every_o particular_a word_n of_o the_o language_n to_o be_v learn_v be_v by_o the_o people_n of_o that_o language_n design_v to_o signify_v because_o word_n have_v not_o a_o natural_a relation_n to_o the_o notion_n or_o thing_n thereby_o express_v but_o be_v mere_a arbitrary_a sign_n thereof_o so_o that_o whoever_o know_v the_o education_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o they_o be_v before_o altogether_o ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a and_o yet_o see_v they_o every_o one_o on_o a_o sudden_a on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n able_a to_o speak_v ready_o in_o all_o the_o language_n of_o all_o the_o nation_n under_o heaven_n from_o whence_o have_v come_v some_o of_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v present_a at_o jerusalem_n at_o that_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
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 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1700._o be_v the_o seven_o for_o the_o year_n 1700_o of_o the_o lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o offspring_n blackall_n d._n d._n rector_n of_o st._n marry_o aldermary_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v by_o j._n leake_n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._o st._n luke_n xvi_o 29_o 30_o 31._o abraham_n say_v unto_o he_o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o he_o say_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a when_o i_o first_o begin_v to_o discourse_n on_o these_o word_n i_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o these_o three_o point_n i._o to_o show_v that_o the_o present_a stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o repentance_n if_o they_o be_v not_o unreasonable_o blind_a and_o obstinate_a they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n i_o add_v they_o have_v also_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o ii_o to_o show_v that_o have_v already_o such_o good_a ground_n of_o faith_n such_o full_a direction_n for_o practice_n and_o such_o strong_a motive_n to_o repentance_n it_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a request_n to_o desire_v more_o nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o iii_o last_o to_o show_v that_o in_o case_n god_n shall_v condescend_v to_o gratify_v man_n in_o this_o unreasonable_a desire_n work_v every_o day_n new_a miracle_n before_o their_o eye_n or_o send_v their_o decease_a friend_n to_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a to_o assure_v they_o of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o to_o 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thing_n be_v a_o power_n of_o do_v such_o miracle_n and_o mighty_a work_n as_o be_v manifest_o above_o the_o skill_n and_o strength_n of_o a_o man_n to_o do_v it_o be_v therefore_o high_o requisite_a and_o what_o may_v reasonable_o be_v look_v for_o that_o god_n shall_v grant_v such_o a_o power_n as_o this_o to_o all_o those_o who_o he_o have_v ever_o inspire_v with_o new_a light_n and_o commission_v to_o make_v any_o new_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o mankind_n and_o this_o he_o have_v always_o do_v he_o give_v this_o power_n to_o moses_n in_o a_o large_a measure_n because_o the_o matter_n that_o man_n be_v to_o trust_v he_o for_o be_v many_o and_o very_o considerable_a he_o give_v it_o also_o to_o some_o of_o the_o succeed_a prophet_n but_o in_o a_o less_o measure_n because_o their_o business_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v only_o to_o interpret_v or_o to_o press_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o have_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v before_o and_o he_o 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testimonial_n of_o their_o divine_a mission_n than_o moses_n himself_o have_v do_v and_o such_o testimonial_n they_o have_v such_o they_o do_v produce_v work_v more_o miracle_n and_o those_o as_o i_o may_v say_v more_o wonderful_a and_o miraculous_a than_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n together_o have_v wrought_v before_o but_o when_o these_o testimonial_n have_v be_v once_o fair_o produce_v and_o examine_v and_o by_o all_o reasonable_a man_n allow_v to_o be_v true_a and_o sufficient_a and_o when_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v make_v and_o publish_v all_o that_o revelation_n which_o they_o be_v commissioned_n to_o make_v and_o when_o to_o prevent_v all_o misunderstanding_n of_o it_o or_o mistake_v concern_v it_o they_o have_v commit_v it_o all_o to_o write_v and_o the_o man_n that_o live_v in_o those_o time_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o the_o book_n say_v to_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n be_v indeed_o they_o and_o contain_v in_o substance_n all_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o no_o other_o which_o they_o have_v before_o declare_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n after_o this_o i_o say_v when_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o revelation_n be_v thus_o once_o at_o the_o first_o publish_v of_o it_o so_o full_o confirm_v there_o be_v no_o need_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v prove_v any_o more_o and_o all_o other_o proof_n thereof_o will_v have_v be_v superfluous_a because_o the_o whole_a matter_n both_o doctrine_n and_o proof_n be_v once_o faithful_o record_v and_o those_o record_n well_o attest_v there_o can_v afterward_o be_v no_o reasonable_a cause_n to_o call_v it_o again_o in_o question_n so_o that_o the_o reason_n of_o work_a miracle_n be_v then_o cease_v it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o the_o
lead_v we_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o religion_n we_o be_v first_o breed_v in_o such_o proof_n as_o we_o always_o accept_v and_o allow_v of_o in_o other_o case_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n be_v proof_n strong_a enough_o and_o therefore_o much_o rather_o when_o we_o have_v as_o indeed_o we_o have_v a_o strong_a and_o more_o uncontrolled_a tradition_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel-history_n that_o of_o any_o history_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o we_o shall_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o ourselves_o if_o we_o do_v not_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v sufficient_a so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n consider_v the_o prejudices_fw-la both_o from_o education_n and_o interest_n which_o they_o lie_v under_o who_o live_v in_o those_o time_n when_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o reveal_v and_o preach_v even_o their_o own_o eyesight_n of_o some_o of_o those_o miracle_n that_o be_v then_o wrought_v to_o confirm_v it_o be_v not_o more_o persuasive_a than_o be_v that_o good_a assurance_n that_o 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and_o therefore_o what_o they_o it_o may_v be_v will_v desire_v for_o their_o particular_a satisfaction_n will_v be_v to_o see_v a_o dead_a man_n raise_v to_o life_n again_o after_o he_o have_v be_v dead_a several_a day_n and_o begin_v to_o stink_v and_o such_o a_o miracle_n as_o this_o they_o be_v sure_o will_v convince_v they_o and_o so_o for_o their_o sake_n a_o great_a many_o man_n must_v die_v two_o or_o three_o time_n over_o or_o much_o often_o because_o perhaps_o every_o time_n before_o they_o have_v be_v dead_a a_o week_n some_o other_o person_n that_o be_v not_o present_v before_o may_v have_v a_o desire_n to_o see_v with_o his_o own_o eye_n the_o same_o experiment_n try_v over_o again_o but_o even_o this_o miracle_n also_o will_v perhaps_o be_v except_v against_o by_o some_o and_o nothing_o less_o will_v satisfy_v they_o than_o the_o very_a same_o evidence_n which_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v who_o converse_v with_o our_o saviour_n for_o some_o year_n together_o 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our_o freedom_n of_o choice_n and_o with_o it_o the_o virtue_n and_o excellency_n of_o believe_v for_o it_o be_v not_o faith_n to_o believe_v what_o we_o see_v and_o feel_v and_o it_o be_v no_o commendation_n to_o a_o man_n to_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a if_o his_o virtue_n be_v not_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o wise_a judgement_n and_o a_o free_a choice_n which_o it_o will_v not_o be_v if_o his_o judgement_n be_v over_o bear_v by_o irrefragable_a demonstration_n and_o if_o that_o far_a proof_n and_o evidence_n that_o be_v desire_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v no_o other_o than_o such_o as_o will_v leave_v we_o a_o freedom_n of_o choice_n and_o a_o possibility_n of_o doubt_v than_o i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o likely_a it_o shall_v be_v more_o convince_a to_o we_o than_o that_o which_o we_o have_v already_o in_o the_o stand_a revelation_n of_o holy_a scripture_n for_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v further_o in_o the_o second_o place_n 2._o that_o the_o proof_n and_o evidence_n 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that_o they_o be_v man_n of_o no_o principle_n and_o consequent_o not_o fit_a to_o be_v employ_v or_o trust_v that_o it_o be_v not_o good_a manner_n to_o make_v a_o jest_n of_o serious_a and_o sacred_a thing_n and_o to_o affront_v the_o common_a reason_n and_o judgement_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o their_o interest_n to_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v other_o man_n over_o to_o their_o side_n because_o if_o none_o have_v more_o religion_n than_o themselves_o they_o can_v not_o be_v near_o so_o safe_a and_o secure_a in_o their_o right_n and_o possession_n and_o in_o their_o life_n the_o only_a thing_n they_o value_v as_o they_o now_o be_v but_o i_o do_v not_o think_v there_o be_v any_o here_o present_a concern_v in_o this_o
part_n of_o my_o discourse_n and_o therefore_o shall_v lengthen_v it_o no_o further_o 6.9_o heb._n 6.9_o i_o be_o persuade_v better_a thing_n of_o you_o and_o thing_n that_o accompany_v salvation_n for_o your_o presence_n here_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n make_v it_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o you_o be_v already_o convince_v not_o only_o of_o the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n but_o likewise_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 2._o to_o you_o therefore_o who_o be_v christian_n i_o shall_v now_o turn_v my_o discourse_n 13.22_o heb._n 13.22_o and_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n suffer_v the_o word_n of_o exhortation_n it_o be_v only_o this_o since_o you_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v messenger_n to_o you_o from_o god_n to_o instruct_v you_o in_o his_o will_n receive_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o law_n at_o their_o mouth_n mind_n what_o they_o say_v and_o be_v careful_a to_o follow_v their_o direction_n in_o all_o thing_n for_o even_o we_o who_o have_v the_o scripture_n the_o lively_a oracle_n of_o god_n may_v perish_v for_o want_n of_o knowledge_n as_o well_o as_o they_o that_o have_v they_o not_o unless_o we_o make_v that_o use_v of_o they_o which_o they_o be_v give_v for_o unless_o we_o be_v diligent_a in_o read_v they_o and_o careful_a to_o practice_v what_o they_o teach_v for_o the_o rich_a man_n speak_v of_o in_o this_o parable_n have_v the_o scripture_n but_o his_o mere_a have_v they_o do_v not_o keep_v he_o from_o hell_n and_o his_o five_o survive_a brethren_n have_v likewise_o the_o scripture_n and_o yet_o be_v then_o in_o a_o fair_a way_n of_o follow_v their_o brother_n to_o that_o place_n of_o torment_n they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o they_o do_v not_o hear_v they_o and_o this_o also_o may_v be_v our_o case_n who_o have_v not_o only_o these_o but_o also_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n preach_v to_o we_o if_o we_o do_v not_o hear_v they_o for_o what_o advantage_n can_v it_o be_v to_o we_o to_o have_v good_a instructor_n if_o we_o will_v not_o mind_v what_o they_o say_v if_o we_o stop_v our_o ear_n to_o all_o their_o counsel_n and_o reproof_n no_o man_n be_v ever_o make_v a_o scholar_n only_o by_o have_v a_o good_a library_n in_o his_o possession_n no_o man_n ever_o learn_v any_o art_n or_o science_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o well_o teach_v in_o any_o book_n only_o by_o keep_v the_o book_n in_o his_o chamber_n or_o carry_v it_o about_o in_o his_o pocket_n and_o as_o little_o shall_v we_o be_v the_o wise_a only_o by_o have_v the_o holy_a scripture_n though_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n 3.15_o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o if_o we_o do_v not_o read_v and_o study_v they_o with_o a_o honest_a design_n to_o furnish_v ourselves_o from_o thence_o with_o a_o stock_n of_o useful_a knowledge_n and_o with_o a_o firm_a resolution_n to_o lead_v our_o life_n according_a to_o the_o direction_n which_o they_o give_v we_o nay_o so_o far_o shall_v be_v from_o receive_v any_o advantage_n only_o by_o our_o have_v the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v we_o and_o free_a liberty_n allow_v we_o to_o look_v into_o they_o a_o privilege_n we_o of_o this_o nation_n have_v above_o most_o of_o our_o neighbour_n that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o read_v and_o study_v they_o it_o will_v be_v much_o the_o worse_o for_o we_o our_o condemnation_n will_v be_v the_o great_a and_o our_o destruction_n so_o much_o the_o more_o certain_a for_o the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o offend_v through_o ignorance_n when_o their_o ignorance_n be_v unaffected_a be_v very_o pitiable_a and_o though_o we_o can_v certain_o say_v how_o god_n will_v deal_v with_o those_o who_o have_v no_o clear_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n make_v to_o they_o this_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a of_o that_o god_n who_o be_v a_o merciful_a god_n will_v deal_v merciful_o with_o they_o 15.22_o john_n 15.22_o if_o i_o have_v not_o come_v and_o speak_v unto_o they_o say_v our_o saviour_n they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n but_o the_o case_n will_v be_v quite_o otherwise_o with_o those_o 12.47_o luke_n 12.47_o who_o know_v their_o master_n will_n and_o do_v not_o do_v it_o they_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n and_o it_o will_v be_v all_o one_o if_o they_o do_v not_o know_v it_o if_o their_o ignorance_n of_o it_o be_v occasion_v by_o their_o own_o fault_n in_o neglect_v those_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n which_o god_n have_v afford_v they_o and_o much_o rather_o if_o their_o ignorance_n of_o their_o duty_n be_v affect_v and_o choose_v that_o they_o may_v sin_n with_o less_o disturbance_n of_o mind_n for_o our_o saviour_n judgement_n in_o this_o case_n be_v very_o plain_a and_o and_o it_o be_v his_o judgement_n by_o which_o we_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v to_o all_o eternity_n joh._n iii._o 19_o this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil._n have_v therefore_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o also_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n continual_o preach_v to_o we_o in_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n let_v we_o hear_v they_o this_o be_v both_o our_o duty_n and_o our_o interest_n and_o that_o our_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v with_o good_a success_n and_o we_o may_v thereby_o be_v thorough_o furnish_v unto_o all_o good_a work_n let_v we_o pray_v as_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o our_o church_n in_o a_o most_o excellent_a collect_v suit_v to_o the_o subject_a i_o have_v be_v discourse_v of_o advent_n collect_v for_o 2d_o sunday_n in_o advent_n bless_a lord_n who_o have_v cause_v all_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n grant_v that_o we_o may_v in_o such_o wise_a hear_v they_o read_z mark_v learn_v and_o inward_o digest_v they_o that_o by_o patience_n and_o comfort_n of_o thy_o holy_a word_n we_o may_v embrace_v and_o ever_o hold_v 〈◊〉_d â—he_v bless_v hope_n of_o everlasting_a life_n which_o thou_o have_v give_v we_o 〈…〉_o â—ur_n jesus_n christ_n amen_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la page_n 55._o line_n 10._o for_o some_o read_v same_o