Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n know_v let_v word_n 4,119 5 3.9916 3 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A28280 The sufficiency of a standing revelation in general, and of the Scripture revelation in particular both as to the matter of it and as to the proof of it : and that new revelations cannot reasonably be desired and would probably be unsuccessful in eight sermons preach'd in the Cathedral-Church of St. Paul, London, at the lecture founded by the Honourable Robert Boyle, Esq., in the year MDCC / by Ofspring Blackall ... Blackall, Offspring, 1654-1716. 1700 (1700) Wing B3055; ESTC R6615 150,254 268

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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 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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 ha●_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 no●_n so_o long_o from_o our_o lord_n baptism_n to_o his_o ascension_n and_o the_o early_a thing_n of_o all_o that_o be_v therein_o recorde●_n which_o be_v but_o few_o and_o make_v but_o a_o small_a part_n of_o the_o history_n viz._n the_o birth_n of_o st._n john_n baptist_n and_o o●_n our_o lord_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o happen_v about_o th●●_n time_n be_v thing_n do_v not_o above_o thirty_o five_o year●_n before_o at_o the_o most_o and_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n whic●_n because_o it_o end_v with_o st._n paul_n imprisonment_n at_o rome_n we_o may_v reasonable_o think_v be_v publish_v about_o tha●_n time_n comprehend_v a_o history_n of_o some_o very_a remarkable_a thing_n the_o very_a first_o and_o early_a whereof_o have_v no●_n be_v do_v thirty_o year_n before_o and_o this_o consideration_n afford_v another_o very_a probable_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o evangelical_n history_n because_o by_o this_o it_o still_o further_o appear_v how_o very_a easy_a it_o will_v have_v be_v to_o have_v disprove_v it_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a for_o it_o be_v a_o history_n of_o thing_n do_v so_o very_o late_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o several_a of_o those_o into_o who_o hand_n it_o first_o come_v must_v have_v certain_a knowledge_n whether_o some_o of_o the_o thing_n therein_o relate_v have_v be_v so_o or_o not_o and_o they_o who_o have_v not_o this_o knowledge_n may_v easy_o have_v have_v certain_a information_n from_o other_o i_o mean_v beside_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n whether_o the_o relation_n therein_o contain_v be_v true_a or_o false_a especial_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v further_o in_o the_o four_o place_n 4._o that_o the_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o evangelical_n history_n be_v common_o relate_v with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n that_o be_v needful_a or_o proper_a to_o be_v note_v in_o order_n to_o the_o render_v a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o exceed_v easy_a to_o such_o as_o have_v any_o distrust_n thereof_o for_o in_o the_o account_n which_o the_o evangelist_n give_v we_o of_o our_o saviour_n speech_n they_o common_o tell_v we_o not_o only_o his_o word_n but_o likewise_o when_o where_o to_o who_o ●nd_v upon_o what_o occasion_n they_o be_v speak_v and_o in_o the_o account_n that_o they_o give_v of_o his_o miracle_n they_o usual_o note_v the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v do_v and_o very_o often_o ●he_v name_n or_o character_n at_o least_o of_o the_o person_n they_o be_v wrought_v upon_o and_o sometime_o they_o mention_v also_o who_o be_v by_o and_o witness_n thereof_o and_o what_o discourse_n concern_v he_o be_v thereby_o occasion_v and_o in_o relate_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v or_o happen_v before_o our_o saviour_n baptism_n about_o the_o time_n of_o his_o birth_n they_o careful_o note_v the_o time_n the_o place_n and_o other_o circumstance_n whereby_o their_o reader_n be_v as_o it_o be_v challenge_v to_o make_v enquiry_n and_o desire_v not_o to_o ●ake_v thing_n only_o upon_o their_o credit_n and_o be_v also_o direct_v ready_o whither_o to_o go_v and_o to_o who_o to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o obtain_v the_o full_a satisfaction_n whether_o the_o thing_n they_o report_v be_v so_o or_o not_o apostle_n the_o same_o may_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o if_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o every_o particular_a story_n which_o they_o relate_v be_v not_o always_o so_o punctual_o set_v down_o the_o omission_n thereof_o sometime_o be_v not_o of_o much_o consideration_n because_o it_o be_v so_o very_o easy_a by_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o many_o other_o story_n which_o be_v relate_v with_o all_o circumstance_n for_o any_o person_n to_o be_v satisfy_v whether_o their_o history_n in_o general_n deserve_v credit_n or_o not_o and_o whoever_o have_v find_v any_o one_o story_n false_o report_v by_o they_o will_v hardly_o have_v trouble_v himself_o at_o least_o not_o for_o his_o own_o satisfaction_n to_o have_v examine_v further_o into_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o rest_n 5._o it_o may_v be_v further_o consider_v that_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n record_v by_o the_o evangelist_n be_v relate_v by_o they_o as_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v very_o public_o as_o thing_n that_o be_v well_o know_v to_o a_o great_a many_o for_o very_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o those_o discourse_n of_o our_o lord_n that_o be_v record_v by_o the_o evangelist_n be_v address_v in_o private_a to_o his_o apostle_n only_o but_o most_o of_o they_o be_v speak_v in_o public_a his_o set_a sermon_n common_o to_o great_a multitude_n gather_v together_o on_o a_o mountain_n on_o the_o seashore_n or_o in_o a_o synagogue_n and_o the_o rest_n more_o common_o in_o place_n of_o resort_v in_o populous_a town_n or_o city_n in_o jerusalem_n or_o the_o temple_n when_o many_o be_v by_o to_o hear_v what_o he_o say_v and_o his_o miracle_n be_v do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o the_o best_a inhabit_a city_n of_o judea_n and_o galilee_n or_o if_o in_o other_o place_n yet_o in_o the_o open_a daylight_n and_o common_o when_o there_o be_v a_o great_a crowd_n of_o people_n about_o he_o or_o if_o at_o any_o time_n the_o miracle_n its_o self_n be_v do_v private_o in_o a_o house_n or_o a_o chamber_n the_o effect_n of_o the_o miracle_n be_v usual_o very_o visible_a and_o such_o as_o can_v not_o but_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o a_o great_a many_o and_o even_o of_o those_o few_o thing_n which_o be_v speak_v or_o do_v by_o he_o most_o private_o there_o be_v no_o want_n of_o witness_n there_o be_v except_o very_o rare_o no_o few_o than_o twelve_o in_o constant_a attendance_n upon_o he_o and_z several_z other_o beside_o that_o company_v with_o they_o all_o the_o time_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n go_v in_o and_o out_o among_o they_o 1.21_o act_n 1.21_o and_o this_o circumstance_n of_o the_o fact_n record_v by_o the_o evangelist_n as_o it_o make_v they_o capable_a of_o better_a and_o more_o certain_a attestation_n be_v true_a so_o it_o contribute_v no_o less_o towards_o the_o render_n it_o easy_a to_o disprove_v that_o relation_n which_o they_o have_v give_v of_o they_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a for_o when_o a_o man_n witness_v a_o thing_n of_o his_o own_o private_a knowledge_n there_o may_v be_v no_o way_n to_o invalidate_v his_o testimony_n but_o either_o by_o show_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o testify_v be_v not_o possible_a or_o by_o offer_v some_o just_a exception_n to_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o witness_n but_o when_o neither_o of_o these_o can_v be_v do_v and_o they_o can_v always_o be_v do_v although_o the_o thing_n testify_v be_v false_a yet_o in_o case_n the_o matter_n be_v do_v public_o it_o be_v the_o easy_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o convict_v a_o false_a witness_n by_o the_o contrary_a testimony_n of_o several_a other_o that_o be_v present_a and_o as_o capable_a of_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o himself_o or_o by_o the_o clash_v of_o the_o witness_n among_o themselves_o nothing_o therefore_o can_v have_v be_v more_o easy_a than_o to_o have_v disprove_v the_o evangelical_n history_n in_o almost_o every_o particular_a of_o it_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v true_a for_o most_o of_o our_o saviour_n speech_n and_o miracle_n be_v relate_v as_o speak_v and_o do_v in_o the_o presence_n not_o of_o his_o disciple_n only_o but_o of_o a_o great_a many_o other_o that_o happen_v to_o be_v by_o by_o chance_n or_o that_o follow_v he_o not_o for_o any_o like_n that_o they_o have_v to_o his_o person_n or_o doctrine_n but_o only_o out_o of_o curiosity_n or_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o loaf_n and_o very_o often_o they_o be_v do_v before_o such_o as_o come_v on_o purpose_n to_o watch_v what_o he_o say_v and_o do_v with_o a_o design_n to_o lay_v hold_n on_o any_o
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 w●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 apostle_n of_o which_o all_o that_o then_o dwell_v in_o jerusalem_n or_o have_v come_v thither_o from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o worship_n be_v eye_n and_o ear-witness_n and_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n be_v give_v to_o our_o saviour_n not_o at_o that_o time_n only_o not_o one_o day_n and_o no_o more_o but_o be_v continue_v to_o be_v give_v to_o he_o all_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n preach_v who_o be_v also_o enable_v to_o communicate_v to_o other_o by_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n 2.38.8.17.10.44.19.6_o act._n 2.38.8.17.10.44.19.6_o the_o same_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n which_o they_o themselves_o have_v receive_v until_o they_o have_v finish_v their_o ministry_n and_o plant_v christian_a church_n in_o all_o the_o country_n of_o the_o then_o know_v world_n thus_o i_o have_v brief_o mention_v the_o great_a evidence_n that_o the_o gospel_n history_n afford_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n testimony_n of_o himself_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n i_o have_v take_v for_o grant_v as_o be_v part_n of_o the_o gospel-history_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o have_v be_v i_o hope_v already_o sufficient_o prove_v and_o the_o evidence_n itself_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o full_a that_o i_o think_v it_o needless_a to_o open_v it_o in_o more_o word_n than_o i_o have_v do_v for_o that_o the_o testimony_n which_o god_n do_v by_o all_o these_o way_n give_v to_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o rational_a inducement_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v concern_v himself_o be_v what_o i_o think_v can_v be_v doubt_v by_o those_o that_o allow_v themselves_o any_o time_n to_o consider_v thing_n this_n i_o be_o sure_a i_o may_v say_v that_o if_o this_o strong_a evidence_n that_o the_o gospel-history_n afford_v of_o our_o saviour_n divine_a mission_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v it_o there_o never_o yet_o have_v be_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o divine_a revelation_n i_o have_v almost_o say_v nor_o ever_o can_v be_v but_o that_o i_o know_v it_o be_v not_o for_o we_o to_o say_v what_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n can_v do_v but_o as_o some_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n say_v 7.31_o joh._n 7.31_o when_o christ_n come_v will_v he_o do_v more_o miracle_n than_o these_o which_o this_o man_n have_v do_v so_o i_o may_v ask_v and_o i_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v very_o difficult_a to_o make_v answer_n to_o it_o when_o christ_n come_v if_o indeed_o he_o be_v not_o already_o come_v if_o indeed_o that_o jesus_n on_o who_o we_o believe_v be_v not_o he_o how_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o know_v he_o what_o great_a assurance_n can_v he_o give_v we_o that_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n than_o jesus_n have_v give_v what_o better_a reason_n can_v we_o ever_o have_v to_o believe_v any_o messenger_n that_o shall_v be_v send_v from_o god_n than_o we_o have_v to_o believe_v our_o saviour_n for_o we_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n suppose_v the_o gospel-history_n to_o be_v true_a to_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v send_v from_o god_n as_o we_o have_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n we_o be_v as_o secure_v that_o we_o be_v not_o deceive_v in_o he_o as_o we_o be_v that_o we_o be_v not_o deceive_v in_o the_o plain_a matter_n of_o sense_n for_o the_o best_a the_o only_a security_n that_o we_o have_v that_o our_o sense_n do_v not_o deceive_v we_o and_o that_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o quite_o otherwise_o than_o it_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o be_v be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o this_o same_o security_n we_o have_v that_o we_o be_v not_o deceive_v in_o our_o saviour_n divine_a mission_n nay_o we_o be_v more_o secure_a of_o this_o than_o we_o be_v of_o that_o because_o it_o be_v more_o plain_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o deceive_v we_o in_o a_o matter_n on_o which_o our_o everlasting_a welfare_n depend_v than_o in_o matter_n only_o of_o this_o life_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a thing_n for_o which_o our_o bodily_a sense_n be_v of_o use_n to_o we_o and_o if_o indeed_o we_o be_v deceive_v in_o our_o saviour_n it_o must_v be_v say_v that_o god_n himself_o have_v deceive_v we_o have_v give_v we_o all_o the_o reason_n imaginable_a to_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v as_o he_o say_v he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o now_o have_v be_v so_o large_a in_o show_v the_o evidence_n that_o there_o be_v from_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o be_v a_o teacher_n send_v from_o god_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o spend_v much_o time_n in_o show_v that_o his_o apostle_n be_v likewise_o commission_v by_o god_n to_o instruct_v the_o world_n and_o consequent_o that_o we_o ought_v also_o to_o receive_v all_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o they_o whether_o in_o their_o epistle_n or_o in_o their_o discourse_n interweave_v by_o st._n luke_n with_o his_o history_n of_o their_o act_n as_o true_a and_o divine_a for_o 1._o there_o be_v plain_o no_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v not_o receive_v they_o as_o such_o because_o they_o be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o our_o saviour_n teach_v and_o no_o other_o some_o point_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v indeed_o more_o large_o explain_v and_o handle_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o epistle_n than_o they_o be_v in_o those_o discourse_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o be_v record_v by_o the_o evangelist_n but_o between_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o our_o lord_n himself_o and_o those_o teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v such_o a_o perfect_a harmony_n and_o agreement_n that_o if_o we_o have_v only_o their_o own_o word_n for_o it_o that_o they_o speak_v and_o write_v by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o may_v secure_o believe_v they_o for_o though_o one_o man_n may_v without_o inspiration_n say_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o another_o before_o he_o have_v speak_v by_o inspiration_n yet_o if_o the_o second_o say_v that_o he_o also_o be_v inspire_v there_o can_v be_v no_o hurt_a though_o there_o may_v be_v a_o mistake_n in_o believe_v he_o see_v whether_o the_o man_n be_v inspire_a or_o no_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o doctrine_n be_v but_o 2._o if_o there_o be_v any_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o we_o do_v not_o see_v be_v teach_v before_o by_o our_o saviour_n i_o say_v there_o be_v however_o from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n evidence_n enough_o of_o their_o divine_a mission_n also_o so_o that_o we_o may_v very_o secure_o take_v upon_o their_o credit_n as_o true_a and_o divine_a any_o doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v instruct_v we_o in_o for_o 1._o that_o they_o be_v send_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v past_o all_o dispute_n if_o the_o gospel-history_n be_v true_a joh._n xx_o 21._o as_o
gratify_v man_n in_o this_o unreasonable_a desire_n work_v every_o day_n new_a miracle_n before_o their_o eye_n or_o send_v their_o decease_a friend_n to_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a to_o assure_v they_o of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o to_o warn_v they_o to_o prepare_v for_o it_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o very_o few_o or_o none_o of_o those_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o be_v not_o bring_v to_o repentance_n by_o the_o preach_a and_o stand_v revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v persuade_v by_o this_o mean_n if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n nor_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a i._o i_o shall_v 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 christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o i_o think_v that_o if_o the_o stand_a revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v 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 upon_o one_o of_o these_o two_o account_n viz._n 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 stand_a 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 1._o it_o may_v be_v pretend_v that_o no_o stand_a revelation_n can_v be_v sufficient_a for_o this_o purpose_n i_o be_o now_o therefore_o to_o inquire_v with_o what_o reason_n this_o can_v be_v pretend_v and_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o point_n it_o do_v not_o lie_v upon_o i_o to_o prove_v that_o god_n can_v not_o reveal_v his_o mind_n afresh_o to_o every_o man_n in_o every_o age_n of_o the_o world_n if_o he_o so_o please_v for_o there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o that_o the_o same_o god_n who_o in_o divers_a manner_n speak_v in_o time_n pass_v to_o our_o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n can_v if_o he_o please_v speak_v to_o every_o one_o of_o we_o their_o child_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o he_o then_o speak_v to_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o so_o that_o we_o may_v be_v all_o immediate_o teach_v of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v but_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v do_v be_v not_o expedient_a to_o be_v do_v and_o whether_o this_o method_n will_v be_v expedient_a or_o not_o will_v be_v hereafter_o inquire_v neither_o do_v it_o now_o lie_v upon_o i_o to_o prove_v that_o this_o way_n which_o god_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o take_v to_o instruct_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n viz._n by_o a_o stand_a revelation_n be_v the_o best_a way_n and_o the_o most_o like_a to_o be_v effectual_a of_o any_o that_o can_v be_v use_v of_o this_o i_o shall_v likewise_o have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v somewhat_o hereafter_o but_o what_o lie_v upon_o i_o at_o present_a to_o make_v good_a be_v only_o this_o 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 persuade_v men._n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o ground_n for_o the_o contrary_a pretence_n i_o think_v it_o must_v be_v either_o 1._o because_o all_o matter_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o do_v by_o man_n at_o all_o time_n can_v at_o once_o be_v commit_v to_o write_v or_o 2._o because_o there_o can_v be_v sufficient_a evidence_n give_v to_o satisfy_v a_o rational_a man_n that_o any_o write_v that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o authority_n be_v indeed_o so_o 1._o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o all_o matter_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o do_v by_o man_n at_o all_o time_n can_v be_v at_o once_o commit_v to_o write_v because_o every_o age_n of_o the_o world_n produce_v new_a opinion_n which_o whether_o they_o be_v erroneous_a or_o not_o can_v be_v judge_v by_o a_o criterion_n that_o be_v give_v many_o age_n before_o these_o opinion_n be_v broach_v and_o as_o the_o world_n grow_v old_a in_o year_n it_o likewise_o improve_v in_o wickedness_n which_o can_v be_v restrain_v and_o suppress_v by_o a_o old_a law_n which_o be_v make_v before_o several_a instance_n of_o those_o wickedness_n that_o be_v now_o practise_v be_v either_o know_v or_o think_v of_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o what_o need_n will_v there_o be_v of_o such_o a_o number_n of_o book_n as_o be_v write_v in_o every_o age_n to_o direct_v man_n how_o to_o distinguish_v between_o truth_n and_o error_n and_o what_o opinion_n to_o fix_v upon_o in_o that_o great_a variety_n of_o opinion_n that_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o or_o what_o need_n will_v there_o be_v of_o so_o many_o new_a law_n as_o be_v daily_o make_v in_o every_o commonwealth_n to_o restrain_v the_o grow_a extravagance_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o within_o due_a bound_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o necessity_n at_o all_o of_o divine_a revelation_n to_o teach_v man_n the_o belief_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o righteousness_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o new_a and_o fresh_a revelation_n make_v at_o least_o as_o often_o as_o any_o new_a error_n be_v broach_v or_o any_o new_a piece_n of_o villainy_n be_v practise_v in_o the_o world_n but_o to_o this_o objection_n against_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o a_o stand_a revelation_n i_o suppose_v a_o full_a answer_n will_v be_v give_v in_o these_o two_o particular_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o argue_n from_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o man_n to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n it_o may_v be_v grant_v to_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o write_v such_o a_o book_n as_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o confute_v all_o the_o error_n that_o can_v possible_o at_o any_o time_n afterward_o spring_v up_o or_o to_o compile_v such_o a_o body_n of_o law_n as_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o prevent_v or_o punish_v all_o future_a crime_n but_o what_o be_v impossible_a with_o man_n may_v be_v possible_a with_o god_n who_o have_v a_o perfect_a foresight_n of_o all_o the_o error_n that_o will_v ever_o be_v broach_v and_o of_o all_o the_o wickedness_n that_o will_v ever_o be_v practise_v by_o man_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o a_o be_v of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n it_o may_v be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o very_o easy_a so_o to_o contrive_v a_o revelation_n design_v by_o he_o for_o the_o direction_n of_o future_a age_n that_o no_o addition_n shall_v ever_o after_o need_n to_o be_v make_v to_o it_o nay_o indeed_o 2._o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o be_v that_o a_o stand_a revelation_n shall_v be_v thus_o perfect_a 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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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other_o beside_o himself_o we_o may_v have_v still_o great_a assurance_n of_o his_o honesty_n and_o veracity_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o report_n its_o self_n and_o we_o have_v so_o we_o have_v i_o think_v the_o the_o great_a that_o can_v be_v if_o after_o the_o report_n be_v publish_v especial_o if_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n to_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o contradict_v by_o any_o of_o those_o that_o be_v present_a and_o much_o rather_o if_o they_o all_o or_o a_o great_a many_o of_o they_o agree_v in_o testify_v the_o same_o thing_n especial_o if_o they_o also_o be_v person_n of_o the_o like_a good_a credit_n and_o if_o they_o also_o give_v the_o same_o proof_n and_o token_n of_o their_o veracity_n that_o he_o do_v such_o evidence_n as_o this_o of_o the_o veracity_n of_o any_o author_n in_o what_o he_o write_v be_v beyond_o all_o reasonable_a exception_n and_o therefore_o when_o many_o and_o especial_o when_o all_o these_o evidence_n of_o truth_n 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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
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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 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 holy_a scripture_n and_o consequent_o of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o it_o and_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o have_v for_o brevity_n sake_n confine_v my_o discourse_n upon_o it_o to_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n only_o the_o rather_o because_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o be_v grant_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n can_v reasonable_o be_v question_v i_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_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 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
the_o false_a evidence_n they_o have_v give_v concern_v it_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a may_v easy_o have_v be_v show_v other_o way_n for_o what_o they_o testify_v be_v that_o that_o same_o jesus_n who_o the_o jew_n have_v crucify_a and_o who_o they_o have_v see_v lay_v into_o the_o sepulchre_n be_v rise_v again_o and_o have_v be_v see_v alive_a three_o day_n after_o his_o passion_n by_o several_a of_o his_o disciple_n have_v this_o therefore_o be_v false_a how_o very_o easy_a will_v it_o have_v be_v for_o the_o jew_n to_o have_v disprove_v their_o evidence_n of_o it_o by_o only_o go_v to_o the_o sepulchre_n and_o take_v out_o thence_o his_o dead_a body_n and_o expose_v it_o for_o some_o time_n to_o public_a view_n and_o thither_o doubtless_o they_o do_v go_v and_o with_o this_o design_n but_o the_o body_n they_o can_v not_o find_v and_o yet_o they_o have_v take_v all_o the_o caution_n that_o be_v possible_a to_o prevent_v its_o be_v convey_v away_o 27.62_o mat._n 27.62_o have_v obtain_v from_o pilate_n a_o guard_n of_o soldier_n on_o purpose_n to_o keep_v watch_n over_o it_o for_o three_o day_n this_o therefore_o be_v a_o strong_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o apostle_n testimony_n concern_v our_o lord_n resurrection_n that_o it_o be_v such_o as_o may_v with_o the_o great_a ease_n in_o the_o world_n have_v be_v disprove_v if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a the_o jew_n have_v nothing_o to_o say_v against_o it_o nothing_o to_o oppose_v to_o it_o but_o only_o that_o very_o ill_o contrive_v that_o self-contradicting_a evidence_n of_o the_o watchman_n 29.13_o mat._n 29.13_o who_o say_v that_o while_n they_o be_v asleep_a that_o be_v when_o all_o their_o sense_n be_v bind_v up_o and_o when_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o capacity_n of_o know_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v the_o disciple_n come_v and_o steal_v the_o body_n away_o but_o if_o they_o see_v the_o body_n remove_v in_o which_o case_n only_o they_o can_v be_v good_a witness_n of_o it_o they_o be_v 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form_n of_o religion_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o their_o father_n and_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o from_o their_o childhood_n they_o will_v not_o easy_o let_v go_v so_o that_o i_o say_v too_o little_a when_o i_o say_v before_o that_o a_o great_a many_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v engage_v to_o set_v themselves_o to_o discover_v the_o falsity_n of_o the_o evangelical_n history_n for_o this_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o common_a concern_v of_o all_o mankind_n except_o only_o of_o those_o few_o person_n who_o have_v be_v instruct_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o christ_n all_o other_o whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n rich_a or_o poor_a learned_a or_o ignorant_a priest_n or_o people_n be_v engage_v either_o by_o interest_n or_o prejudice_n or_o conscience_n or_o upon_o some_o other_o account_n to_o convict_v the_o apostle_n of_o falsehood_n in_o their_o relation_n of_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o evangelical_n history_n and_o if_o any_o falsehood_n have_v be_v therein_o it_o be_v impossible_a consider_v how_o obvious_a it_o must_v needs_o lie_v to_o discovery_n and_o how_o many_o be_v at_o work_n to_o find_v it_o out_o that_o they_o can_v have_v fail_v of_o their_o aim_n and_o if_o any_o one_o have_v make_v the_o discovery_n it_o can_v be_v imagine_v he_o will_v have_v be_v long_o before_o he_o have_v impart_v to_o other_o a_o piece_n of_o news_n so_o very_o welcome_a as_o that_o will_v have_v be_v to_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n or_o that_o such_o a_o discovery_n of_o the_o falsity_n of_o the_o gospel_n history_n in_o any_o one_o particular_a once_o make_v and_o publish_v shall_v ever_o after_o have_v be_v stifle_v or_o suppress_v because_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o put_v they_o at_o first_o upon_o make_v the_o discovery_n be_v of_o the_o same_o force_n afterward_o to_o engage_v they_o to_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o any_o discovery_n of_o that_o kind_n that_o have_v be_v make_v and_o therefore_o i_o add_v in_o the_o last_o place_n and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o give_v weight_n and_o strength_n to_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v before_o upon_o this_o subject_a and_o full_o complete_v that_o argument_n which_o i_o be_o now_o upon_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n history_n 7._o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o easiness_n of_o the_o disproof_n of_o this_o history_n if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a and_o the_o incessant_a endeavour_n of_o the_o adversary_n of_o christianity_n to_o find_v out_o some_o falsehood_n therein_o to_o do_v which_o ●hey_n be_v not_o only_o prompt_v by_o their_o own_o interest_n ●nd_v inclination_n but_o also_o frequent_o and_o bold_o challenge_v by_o the_o christian_n themselves_o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o ●he_n ancient_a apology_n for_o the_o christian_a faith_n it_o be_v nevertheless_o a_o history_n of_o very_a good_a credit_n now_o cavil_v ●t_a perhaps_o but_o not_o deny_v not_o pretend_v to_o be_v disprove_v either_o by_o jew_n or_o mahometan_n or_o any_o other_o ●ort_n of_o infidel_n and_o that_o it_o have_v be_v of_o the_o like_a good_a credit_n for_o many_o hundred_o year_n past_a even_o ever_o since_o ●he_n first_o publication_n of_o it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o ●s_v contradict_v in_o any_o point_n by_o any_o other_o historian●hat_o ●hat_z live_v in_o or_o near_o the_o time_n of_o its_o write_n be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o contradict_v it_o upon_o good_a ground_n viz._n upon_o either_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o his_o own_o or_o very_o credible_a information_n from_o other_o that_o any_o matter_n therein_o have_v be_v false_o relate_v true_o perhaps_o the_o infidel_n will_v say_v there_o be_v indeed_o no_o history_n of_o competent_a antiquity_n now_o extant_a by_o which_o the_o gospel_n history_n can_v be_v
alone_o present_o reject_v either_o of_o they_o but_o we_o inquire_v which_o of_o they_o be_v in_o the_o best_a capacity_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o which_o of_o they_o be_v the_o least_o liable_a to_o the_o suspicion_n of_o falsehood_n and_o which_o story_n be_v the_o most_o probable_o relate_v and_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o that_o we_o incline_v if_o therefore_o there_o be_v any_o man_n that_o think_v there_o be_v any_o truth_n in_o history_n and_o who_o do_v give_v credit_n to_o other_o history_n and_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o do_v so_o and_o yet_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o allow_v that_o the_o gospel_n history_n be_v very_o credible_a which_o contain_v a_o relation_n only_o of_o such_o matter_n of_o sense_n as_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o cheat_n or_o deceit_n in_o and_o in_o which_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o deceit_n or_o mistake_v it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v discover_v and_o disprove_v and_o which_o yet_o neither_o be_v now_o nor_o ever_o be_v contradict_v by_o any_o history_n of_o competent_a antiquity_n and_o good_a credit_n i_o think_v we_o may_v very_o well_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v not_o reason_n or_o judgement_n but_o prejudice_n or_o interest_n or_o the_o love_n of_o some_o vice_n or_o lust_n that_o make_v he_o a_o infidel_n the_o end_n of_o the_o four_o sermon_n the_o five_o sermon_n st._n luke_n xvi_o 29_o 30_o 31._o abraham_n say_v unto_o he_o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o he_o say_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o subject_n i_o be_v upon_o in_o my_o last_o discourse_n on_o these_o word_n and_o which_o i_o leave_v unfinished_a be_v to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o the_o author_n of_o the_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o their_o relation_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o have_v record_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o which_o i_o propose_v these_o follow_a thing_n to_o be_v consider_v 1_o the_o nature_n condition_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o matter_n they_o have_v record_v and_o of_o the_o history_n its_o self_n 2_o the_o good_a capacity_n they_o be_v in_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o have_v relate_v 3_o the_o strong_a obligation_n they_o be_v under_o to_o write_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o knowledge_n or_o information_n 4_o the_o good_a evidence_n that_o we_o have_v of_o their_o honesty_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o 5_o last_o the_o confirmation_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o history_n by_o god_n himself_o the_o last_o discourse_n be_v spend_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o thing_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o viz._n 2._o the_o good_a capacity_n that_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o evangelical_n history_n be_v in_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v relate_v now_o the_o matter_n of_o history_n which_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o epistle_n be_v but_o few_o and_o those_o for_o the_o most_o part_n such_o as_o have_v be_v do_v by_o or_o have_v happen_v to_o either_o the_o person_n that_o write_v they_o or_o the_o church_n or_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v write_v so_o that_o of_o these_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o bulk_n or_o body_n of_o the_o evangelical_n history_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o four_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o author_n of_o these_o book_n there_o be_v no_o controversy_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o if_o they_o be_v write_v by_o the_o repute_a author_n a_o few_o word_n will_v suffice_v to_o show_v that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o very_a good_a capacity_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o have_v record_v much_o better_a than_o most_o other_o ancient_a historian_n who_o relation_n nevertheless_o be_v general_o think_v worthy_a of_o credit_n for_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n john_n two_o of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o twelve_o who_o be_v in_o constant_a attendance_n upon_o our_o lord_n from_o the_o time_n that_o he_o first_o begin_v to_o preach_v and_o to_o make_v disciple_n until_o he_o be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n so_o that_o they_o be_v themselves_o eye_n or_o ear-witness_n of_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v record_v of_o st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n indeed_o the_o same_o can_v be_v say_v neither_o be_v it_o certain_a that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n though_o that_o be_v affirm_v by_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n but_o this_o i_o think_v be_v agree_v to_o by_o all_o that_o st._n mark_n be_v for_o some_o part_n of_o his_o life_n a_o constant_a companion_n of_o st._n peter_n who_o be_v not_o only_o one_o of_o the_o twelve_o but_o most_o probable_o the_o first_o that_o be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n and_o who_o be_v also_o one_o of_o the_o three_o with_o who_o our_o lord_n be_v most_o intimate_a and_o familiar_a for_o we_o often_o read_v that_o peter_n 5.37_o matt._n 17.4.26_o 37._o mark_v 5.37_o and_o james_n and_o john_n be_v single_v from_o the_o rest_n to_o be_v witness_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o private_a transaction_n of_o his_o life_n and_o it_o be_v general_o believe_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n that_o st._n peter_n be_v more_o true_o the_o author_n of_o the_o gospel_n call_v st._n mark_n be_v then_o st._n mark_v himself_o he_o be_v only_o the_o scribe_n or_o amanuensis_fw-la and_o st._n peter_n the_o person_n that_o dictate_v the_o thing_n write_v by_o he_o whence_o also_o this_o gospel_n 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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 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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 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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 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and_o this_o he_o himself_o urge_v as_o a_o reason_n why_o his_o testimony_n ought_v to_o be_v credit_v joh._n viij_o 46._o which_o of_o you_o convince_v i_o of_o sin_n and_o if_o i_o say_v the_o truth_n why_o do_v you_o not_o believe_v i_o and_o a_o very_a good_a reason_n it_o be_v for_o it_o can_v not_o just_o be_v suspect_v that_o a_o person_n of_o who_o no_o other_o ill_a thing_n can_v be_v say_v be_v yet_o indeed_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n guilty_a of_o a_o crime_n of_o the_o great_a magnitude_n viz._n of_o lie_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n of_o say_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v send_v he_o when_o indeed_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o send_v he_o nor_o speak_v by_o he_o 2._o it_o may_v be_v also_o consider_v that_o this_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n though_o it_o be_v concern_v himself_o yet_o be_v not_o for_o himself_o i_o mean_v it_o be_v not_o for_o his_o own_o worldly_a advantage_n and_o this_o consideration_n he_o himself_o likewise_o offer_v to_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o testimony_n joh._n seven_o 18._o he_o that_o speak_v of_o himself_o seek_v his_o own_o glory_n but_o he_o that_o seek_v his_o glory_n that_o send_v he_o the_o same_o be_v true_a and_o no_o unrighteousness_n be_v in_o he_o have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o he_o pretend_v be_v what_o god_n have_v command_v he_o to_o teach_v be_v contrive_v to_o advance_v the_o worldly_a honour_n and_o greatness_n of_o himself_o or_o his_o follower_n this_o will_v have_v be_v a_o just_a prejudice_n against_o it_o and_o a_o reasonable_a ground_n of_o suspect_v that_o he_o speak_v of_o himself_o but_o when_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o all_o that_o hear_v his_o discourse_n and_o be_v no_o less_o so_o to_o we_o that_o read_v they_o that_o he_o seek_v not_o his_o own_o glory_n in_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o glory_n of_o he_o that_o send_v he_o and_o that_o his_o whole_a doctrine_n tend_v to_o advance_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o 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against_o his_o own_o interest_n if_o he_o himself_o be_v a_o great_a loser_n or_o sufferer_n by_o what_o he_o testify_v for_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v what_o else_o but_o only_o the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n and_o a_o obligation_n to_o declare_v it_o shall_v ever_o induce_v a_o man_n to_o say_v such_o thing_n concern_v himself_o as_o will_v procure_v his_o own_o mischief_n and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o can_v be_v say_v to_o avoid_v the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n testimony_n that_o he_o be_v send_v from_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n unless_o it_o be_v that_o he_o be_v disappoint_v in_o his_o expectation_n and_o that_o he_o hope_v to_o make_v himself_o rich_a and_o great_a in_o the_o world_n by_o these_o glorious_a pretence_n though_o in_o the_o event_n it_o prove_v otherwise_o but_o the_o gospel-history_n furnish_v we_o with_o a_o very_a clear_a and_o full_a answer_n to_o this_o objection_n in_o those_o many_o prediction_n of_o our_o lord_n therein_o record_v concern_v his_o own_o suffering_n 16.31.20.17_o mat._n 16.31.20.17_o whereby_o it_o clear_o appear_v that_o the_o suffering_n which_o befall_v he_o for_o give_v this_o testimony_n concern_v himself_o do_v not_o happen_v to_o he_o unexpected_o but_o that_o he_o know_v long_o before_o all_o that_o afterward_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o therefore_o i_o say_v again_o that_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v imagine_v why_o he_o shall_v say_v that_o he_o be_v send_v from_o god_n but_o only_o because_o he_o know_v it_o be_v true_a and_o have_v receive_v a_o command_n from_o his_o father_n to_o declare_v this_o truth_n to_o the_o world_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v further_o 4._o last_o that_o he_o continue_v to_o testify_v the_o same_o at_o his_o death_n which_o he_o have_v do_v before_o in_o his_o life_n give_v thereby_o the_o best_a assurance_n that_o a_o man_n can_v give_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o testimony_n for_o the_o main_a matter_n of_o his_o accusation_n to_o pilate_n be_v that_o he_o have_v give_v out_o himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o the_o messiah_n be_v according_a to_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o be_v a_o great_a temporal_a king_n have_v our_o lord_n therefore_o but_o deny_v this_o charge_n have_v he_o but_o grant_v that_o he_o be_v not_o the_o messiah_n he_o may_v have_v save_v his_o life_n but_o this_o he_o will_v not_o do_v he_o disown_v indeed_o the_o false_a notion_n that_o the_o jew_n have_v of_o the_o messiah_n my_o kingdom_n 62._o john_n 18.26_o mat._n 27.11_o joh._n 18.37_o mat._n 26.63_o 64._o mar._n 14.61_o 62._o say_v he_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n but_o that_o he_o be_v a_o king_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n he_o bold_o own_v as_o well_o when_o the_o question_n be_v put_v to_o he_o by_o the_o roman_a governor_n who_o have_v power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n as_o when_o it_o have_v be_v put_v to_o he_o before_o by_o the_o highpriest_n this_o therefore_o be_v a_o strong_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o be_v alone_o sufficient_a to_o make_v it_o credible_a that_o he_o witness_v the_o same_o good_a confession_n before_o pontius_n pilate_n 6.13_o 1_o tim._n 6.13_o which_o he_o have_v do_v before_o his_o own_o nation_n and_o seal_v his_o witness_n with_o his_o blood_n for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o any_o man_n tell_v a_o know_a lie_n for_o nothing_o and_o it_o be_v plain_o then_o too_o late_o for_o he_o to_o hope_v for_o any_o good_a to_o himself_o in_o this_o world_n by_o persist_v in_o this_o testimony_n his_o only_a hope_n have_v be_v in_o retract_v it_o and_o it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o expect_v to_o better_v himself_o in_o the_o other_o world_n by_o die_v with_o a_o lie_n in_o his_o mouth_n thus_o i_o hope_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n concern_v his_o own_o divine_a mission_n be_v 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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 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deal_n when_o you_o can_v get_v considerable_o by_o fraud_n and_o oppression_n and_o can_v order_v the_o matter_n so_o secret_o as_o to_o safe_a from_o discovery_n and_o consequent_o from_o all_o shame_n and_o punishment_n from_o man_n but_o be_v the_o advantage_n which_o you_o have_v gain_v to_o yourselves_o by_o discover_v the_o cheat_n of_o religion_n never_o so_o great_a yet_o the_o great_a it_o be_v and_o the_o great_a you_o think_v it_o so_o much_o the_o more_o cautious_a you_o ought_v to_o be_v not_o to_o make_v know_v to_o other_o what_o you_o have_v so_o happy_o discover_v for_o when_o once_o other_o shall_v come_v to_o know_v as_o much_o as_o you_o think_v you_o do_v viz._n that_o all_o religion_n be_v a_o cheat_n all_o your_o advantage_n above_o they_o will_v cease_v they_o will_v then_o be_v all_o upon_o the_o same_o term_n with_o you_o they_o will_v then_o be_v all_o as_o much_o at_o liberty_n to_o defraud_v oppress_v or_o otherwise_o injure_v you_o as_o you_o be_v now_o 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why_o then_o shall_v you_o be_v at_o any_o pain_n to_o cure_n that_o mistake_v if_o it_o be_v a_o mistake_n which_o do_v they_o no_o harm_n but_o rather_o good_a and_o which_o be_v likewise_o so_o profitable_a for_o you_o especial_o when_o you_o can_v be_v so_o vain_a as_o to_o expect_v to_o merit_v heaven_n if_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o heaven_n by_o your_o zeal_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o atheism_n but_o if_o indeed_o religion_n be_v true_a and_o you_o can_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v not_o how_o deficient_a soever_o you_o may_v think_v our_o proof_n of_o it_o be_v as_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v that_o it_o will_v be_v better_o for_o they_o that_o believe_v it_o that_o they_o shall_v persist_v in_o their_o belief_n of_o it_o so_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v much_o to_o show_v that_o it_o will_v in_o the_o event_n be_v better_o for_o you_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o endeavour_v to_o pervert_v they_o for_o certain_o if_o there_o be_v a_o hell_n they_o will_v be_v condemn_v to_o the_o hot_a place_n in_o it_o who_o not_o only_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o their_o subjection_n to_o almighty_a god_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o reign_v over_o they_o but_o make_v it_o also_o their_o business_n to_o corrupt_v other_o to_o form_v a_o party_n against_o heaven_n and_o to_o raise_v a_o universal_a rebellion_n against_o god_n these_o thing_n and_o more_o to_o the_o like_a purpose_n i_o will_v say_v to_o the_o atheist_n if_o i_o think_v they_o be_v here_o to_o hear_v i_o and_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v without_o hope_n that_o although_o what_o be_v say_v before_o in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o cure_v their_o infidelity_n what_o have_v be_v now_o say_v may_v serve_v to_o convince_v they_o that_o it_o be_v the_o wise_a course_n to_o keep_v their_o infidelity_n to_o themselves_o that_o how_o little_a soever_o they_o believe_v of_o the_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v not_o prudence_n to_o tell_v the_o world_n 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 ●he_v bless_v hope_n of_o everlasting_a life_n which_o thou_o have_v give_v we_o 〈…〉_o ●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