great_a zeal_n for_o religion_n shall_v not_o just_o render_v it_o suspect_v to_o unbeliever_n p._n 131._o chap._n 3._o that_o the_o incredulous_a be_v in_o the_o wrong_n for_o reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n because_o interest_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o main_a cause_n of_o many_o people_n devotion_n p._n 143._o chap._n 4._o that_o the_o division_n which_o reign_v among_o christian_n be_v no_o good_a reason_n why_o the_o christian_a religion_n shall_v not_o be_v true_a p._n 165._o chap._n 5._o that_o the_o incredulous_a object_n in_o vain_a that_o christianity_n be_v so_o little_o know_v and_o so_o ill_o observe_v in_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v can_v be_v so_o useful_a to_o mankind_n as_o a_o religion_n reveal_v from_o heaven_n for_o the_o good_a of_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v p._n 180._o chap._n 6._o that_o unbeliever_n can_v conclude_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v false_a because_o the_o divine_n of_o their_o acquaintance_n make_v bad_a answer_n to_o their_o objection_n against_o it_o or_o because_o they_o maintain_v some_o false_a tenet_n as_o true_a and_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n p._n 199._o chap._n 7._o that_o the_o difficulty_n which_o may_v occur_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n ought_v not_o to_o bring_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o into_o doubt_n p._n 234._o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o second_o part._n p._n 277._o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n p._n 282._o letter_n 1._o wherein_o be_v prove_v the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v the_o testimony_n they_o render_v to_o christ_n resurrection_n p._n 283._o letter_n 2._o show_v what_o a_o miracle_n be_v and_o prove_v that_o from_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n we_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o person_n true_o send_v of_o god_n p._n 307._o errata_fw-la page_n 18._o line_n 23._o read_v angusta_fw-la p._n 23._o l._n 8._o deal_n and._n of_o incredulity_n the_o preface_n contain_v the_o design_n of_o the_o author_n in_o this_o work_n i_o can_v determine_v whether_o during_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n more_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o christian_n to_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n than_o there_o may_v have_v be_v for_o these_o two_o hundred_o year_n past_a but_o that_o we_o have_v few_o remain_v of_o the_o precedent_a age_n than_o of_o the_o last_o two_o be_v most_o certain_a the_o teacher_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o their_o follower_n whilst_o paganism_n be_v still_o considerable_a in_o the_o world_n labour_v more_o in_o confute_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o heathen_n than_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n they_o think_v if_o they_o can_v once_o convince_v the_o heathen_n of_o the_o falsity_n of_o their_o own_o opinion_n that_o it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n then_o to_o make_v they_o christian_n and_o this_o i_o can_v most_o easy_o show_v be_v it_o at_o all_o useful_a to_o my_o design_n on_o the_o contrary_a when_o paganism_n be_v abolish_v in_o europe_n and_o christianity_n become_v the_o govern_n religion_n the_o teacher_n of_o it_o then_o left_a paganism_n to_o attack_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o of_o the_o mahometans_n both_o which_o be_v yet_o in_o be_v among_o we_o but_o beside_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o unbeliever_n there_o be_v yet_o a_o three_o who_o acknowledge_v the_o falsity_n of_o the_o mahometan_a and_o rabbinic_n doctrine_n doubt_v notwithstanding_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o peremptory_o judge_v it_o not_o true_a without_o set_v up_o any_o other_o religion_n in_o its_o place_n now_o to_o reduce_v these_o a_o new_a method_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a it_o be_v agree_v therefore_o to_o prove_v direct_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n without_o insist_v upon_o the_o confutation_n of_o other_o persuasion_n and_o it_o may_v true_o be_v say_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o present_a age_n and_o of_o that_o immediate_o precede_v it_o that_o this_o matter_n be_v never_o manage_v with_o better_a success_n the_o heathen_n the_o jew_n and_o the_o mahometans_n be_v not_o ill_o confute_v before_o but_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v far_o from_o be_v ever_o so_o well_o prove_v i_o be_o of_o opinion_n nevertheless_o that_o there_o be_v still_o one_o thing_n behind_o which_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o writer_n upon_o this_o subject_a have_v either_o not_o touch_v at_o all_o or_o but_o very_o slight_o i_o mean_v the_o secret_a motive_n and_o general_a reason_n which_o the_o incredulous_a have_v of_o not_o believe_v christianity_n to_o be_v divine_o reveal_v their_o internal_a disposition_n or_o inclination_n do_v so_o strong_o incline_v they_o to_o reject_v all_o the_o reason_n offer_v they_o though_o they_o be_v not_o aware_a themselves_o of_o the_o motive_n by_o which_o they_o do_v this_o that_o all_o speak_n to_o they_o be_v in_o vain_a before_o the_o vnreasonableness_n of_o this_o disposition_n be_v make_v evident_a just_o as_o if_o any_o shall_v plead_v a_o good_a cause_n before_o prepossess_v judge_n without_o endeavour_v to_o cure_v they_o first_o of_o their_o prejudices_fw-la which_o must_v needs_o make_v they_o look_v upon_o that_o thing_n as_o false_a whereupon_o all_o the_o reason_n allege_v be_v ground_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o pleader_n of_o such_o a_o cause_n though_o never_o so_o just_a will_v expose_v themselves_o to_o be_v cast_v or_o condemn_v this_o have_v be_v notwithstanding_o the_o conduct_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o champion_n of_o christianity_n they_o have_v prove_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o well_o enough_o but_o their_o reason_n appear_v weak_a to_o the_o incredulous_a consider_v the_o disposition_n wherein_o they_o be_v and_o whereof_o they_o know_v nothing_o themselves_o what_o be_v unreasonable_a therefore_o in_o this_o disposition_n must_v be_v discover_v and_o lay_v so_o clear_o before_o they_o that_o they_o may_v perceive_v how_o it_o impose_v upon_o the_o light_n of_o their_o understanding_n this_o be_v what_o the_o author_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v teach_v we_o when_o he_o say_v that_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n 3.20_o joh._n 3.20_o neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v which_o signify_v that_o unbeliever_n can_v look_v upon_o that_o as_o true_a which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o maxim_n by_o which_o they_o have_v long_o govern_v themselves_o and_o to_o the_o habit_n they_o have_v be_v contract_v for_o many_o year_n on_o the_o contrary_n he_o say_v that_o he_o that_o do_v truth_n come_v to_o the_o light_n 21._o ver._n 21._o that_o his_o deed_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o such_o as_o be_v dispose_v to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o prescription_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v easy_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n he_o say_v elsewhere_o that_o if_o any_o will_v do_v his_o will_n 7.17_o joh._n 7.17_o he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o of_o himself_o beside_o the_o disposition_n wherein_o those_o may_v be_v who_o disbelieve_v the_o gospel_n and_o which_o deceive_v they_o without_o their_o perceive_v of_o it_o there_o be_v likewise_o certain_a general_a reason_n draw_v from_o without_o that_o help_n to_o lead_v they_o into_o error_n these_o reason_n must_v by_o all_o mean_n be_v explode_v because_o they_o be_v to_o they_o so_o many_o prejudices_fw-la whereby_o they_o determine_v the_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n of_o all_o that_o be_v say_v to_o they_o whilst_o they_o think_v they_o good_a all_o the_o proof_n imaginable_a can_v make_v no_o impression_n upon_o they_o because_o they_o never_o fail_v of_o oppose_v to_o they_o these_o reason_n which_o conclude_v to_o be_v solid_a they_o can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n embrace_v christianity_n there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o people_n for_o example_n who_o discover_v several_a of_o those_o doctrine_n that_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v false_a judge_v of_o the_o rest_n by_o these_o and_o reject_v the_o good_a with_o the_o bad_a they_o be_v tell_v of_o a_o thousand_o lie_a miracle_n to_o who_o those_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v join_v but_o find_v the_o modern_a miracle_n to_o be_v imposture_n they_o give_v no_o great_a credit_n to_o those_o upon_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v ground_v as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v of_o the_o mind_n that_o these_o miracle_n be_v not_o more_o certain_a one_o than_o another_o all_o the_o consequence_n draw_v from_o those_o of_o christ_n appear_v to_o they_o as_o build_v upon_o a_o rot_a foundation_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n therefore_o but_o as_o a_o totter_a fabric_n it_o must_v be_v show_v the_o incredulous_a then_o that_o those_o reason_n draw_v from_o without_o which_o
induce_v they_o to_o reject_v the_o gospel_n have_v no_o solidity_n in_o they_o and_o after_o this_o it_o may_v be_v hope_v that_o the_o proof_n of_o its_o truth_n may_v have_v some_o effect_n upon_o their_o mind_n i_o design_v to_o proceed_v according_a to_o this_o method_n in_o the_o present_a discourse_n where_o after_o have_v examine_v the_o inward_a disposition_n of_o unbeliever_n and_o also_o show_v the_o vnreasonableness_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v discover_v the_o weakness_n of_o those_o argument_n draw_v from_o without_o by_o which_o they_o judge_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n before_o i_o begin_v i_o must_v once_o more_o advertise_v my_o reader_n that_o the_o unbeliever_n which_o i_o attack_z be_v neither_o the_o jew_n nor_o the_o mahometans_n but_o those_o who_o make_v a_o outward_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n conceal_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n their_o real_a thought_n from_o the_o world_n but_o when_o they_o think_v to_o do_v it_o without_o danger_n they_o declare_v to_o their_o friend_n in_o private_a that_o they_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o not_o but_o that_o the_o pagan_n jew_n and_o mahometans_n be_v frequent_o guilty_a of_o the_o same_o fault_n with_o those_o unbeliever_n whereof_o i_o treat_v but_o it_o will_v be_v labour_n in_o vain_a to_o trouble_v ourselves_o with_o such_o as_o never_o read_v the_o write_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o who_o because_o of_o their_o prejudices_fw-la be_v in_o a_o manner_n uncapable_a of_o reason_v right_o i_o write_v mere_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o unbeliever_n among_o christian_n into_o who_o hand_n this_o book_n be_v like_a to_o come_v or_o for_o such_o as_o may_v happen_v to_o be_v seduce_v by_o their_o reason_n beside_o this_o sort_n of_o unbeliever_n that_o common_o reject_v whatever_o be_v say_v to_o be_v reveal_v there_o be_v yet_o another_o kind_n of_o man_n infinite_o more_o numerous_a who_o be_v unbeliever_n by_o half_n and_o to_o who_o many_o thing_n in_o this_o work_n may_v be_v proper_o apply_v these_o own_o in_o general_a that_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_a but_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o admit_v of_o no_o particular_a therein_o that_o be_v absolute_o incompatible_a with_o their_o own_o inclination_n or_o habit_n such_o doctrine_n they_o can_v persuade_v themselves_o to_o be_v evangelic_n which_o be_v almost_o the_o same_o thing_n as_o if_o they_o reject_v half_a the_o new_a testament_n or_o rather_o entire_o renounce_v it_o see_v that_o jesus_n christ_n will_v not_o have_v the_o heart_n to_o be_v thus_o divide_v between_o himself_o and_o the_o world_n whilst_o i_o prove_v against_o they_o who_o reject_v all_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o their_o disposition_n or_o inclination_n can_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n i_o show_v to_o those_o half-vnbelievers_a that_o they_o gross_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o in_o receive_v nothing_o of_o the_o gospel_n but_o only_o what_o serve_v their_o turn_n final_o i_o do_v pretend_v to_o have_v exhaust_v the_o subject_a i_o treat_v of_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o case_n or_o question_n may_v be_v raise_v about_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n without_o any_o possibility_n of_o examine_v they_o all_o and_o there_o may_v be_v i_o deny_v not_o even_o some_o general_a maxim_n forget_v by_o i_o which_o can_v be_v commodious_o reduce_v to_o those_o i_o have_v lay_v down_o worthy_a nevertheless_o to_o be_v discuss_v and_o serviceable_a to_o my_o design_n but_o this_o other_o may_v do_v if_o they_o think_v fit_a or_o i_o may_v do_v it_o one_o day_n myself_o if_o i_o shall_v ever_o enlarge_v this_o work_n i_o have_v purposely_o say_v in_o the_o title-page_n that_o i_o examine_v the_o general_a reason_n of_o unbeliever_n that_o the_o answer_n to_o many_o particular_a objection_n they_o be_v wont_v to_o make_v may_v not_o be_v expect_v in_o this_o book_n they_o must_v be_v look_v after_o in_o system_n of_o theology_n or_o in_o the_o commentator_n upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o i_o will_v presume_v to_o say_v that_o these_o particular_a objection_n be_v to_o be_v little_o fear_v when_o once_o all_o general_a difficulty_n be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o understanding_n because_o the_o same_o principle_n that_o answer_v the_o one_o may_v serve_v to_o solve_v the_o other_o or_o at_o least_o prevent_v their_o have_v any_o ill_a effect_n if_o they_o can_v be_v answer_v as_o it_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n part_n i._o of_o the_o motive_n of_o incredulity_n which_o spring_n from_o the_o inward_a disposition_n or_o inclination_n of_o unbeliever_n chap._n i._o that_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o unjust_a to_o reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n because_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o disposition_n a_o man_n find_v in_o himself_o have_v man_n be_v pure_a intelligence_n sole_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n dispose_v to_o regulate_v their_o life_n according_a to_o the_o discovery_n they_o shall_v make_v and_o all_o this_o without_o cause_v to_o they_o any_o pain_n or_o trouble_v there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o thing_n needful_a than_o to_o cure_v they_o of_o their_o error_n or_o to_o reform_v their_o conduct_n but_o only_o to_o demonstrate_v those_o truth_n to_o they_o whereof_o they_o be_v ignorant_a before_o and_o to_o show_v that_o they_o live_v not_o according_o but_o the_o judgement_n which_o man_n form_n of_o most_o thing_n depend_v as_o much_o upon_o the_o habit_n they_o have_v contract_v and_o which_o they_o can_v easy_o correct_v as_o upon_o the_o light_n of_o their_o understanding_n and_o ratiocination_n such_o as_o be_v accustom_a for_o example_n to_o live_v idle_o never_o think_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v useful_a and_o that_o can_v thus_o pass_v away_o their_o time_n without_o any_o apprehension_n of_o poverty_n these_o i_o say_v look_v upon_o all_o reason_n offer_v for_o painstaking_a or_o study_n to_o be_v only_o the_o discourse_n of_o morose_a people_n who_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o life_n the_o strong_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o every_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o be_v some_o way_n useful_a to_o the_o society_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n appear_v to_o such_o without_o any_o foundation_n though_o other_o judge_v they_o demonstrative_a but_o how_o come_v this_o to_o pass_v it_o be_v because_o the_o habit_n they_o have_v get_v of_o live_v in_o idleness_n keep_v they_o from_o attentive_o consider_v what_o be_v say_v for_o they_o fix_v their_o thought_n upon_o quite_o contrary_a idea_n the_o remembrance_n whereof_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n very_o grateful_a to_o they_o they_o think_v upon_o that_o soft_a indolency_n and_o that_o please_a laziness_n wherein_o they_o spend_v the_o best_a of_o their_o day_n without_o any_o chagrin_n and_o their_o mind_n be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o these_o contemplation_n that_o there_o be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o any_o thing_n less_o agreeable_a as_o much_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o good_a and_o ill_a habit_n of_o a_o long_a continuance_n as_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v by_o all_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o make_v the_o least_o reflection_n and_o this_o truth_n every_o person_n have_v learn_v a_o thousand_o time_n from_o experience_n or_o may_v do_v it_o when_o he_o will_n some_o body_n perhaps_o that_o have_v not_o sufficient_o study_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o say_v that_o when_o a_o habit_n be_v find_v to_o be_v evil_a it_o ought_v to_o be_v present_o change_v into_o a_o good_a one_o this_o be_v indeed_o most_o easy_o say_v but_o nothing_o more_o difficult_a to_o practice_v when_o a_o man_n be_v use_v to_o a_o certain_a manner_n of_o live_v and_o think_v it_o must_v be_v own_a that_o he_o take_v pleasure_n in_o it_o for_o this_o be_v the_o necessary_a effect_n of_o all_o habit_n now_o when_o once_o a_o thing_n be_v accompany_v with_o pleasure_n we_o can_v forbear_v love_v it_o and_o whilst_o we_o thus_o love_v it_o there_o be_v no_o leave_v of_o it_o without_o great_a struggle_n and_o put_v a_o extreme_a violence_n upon_o our_o inclination_n as_o the_o habit_n we_o already_o have_v be_v contract_v by_o degree_n so_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o time_n be_v requisite_a to_o acquire_v other_o for_o as_o there_o be_v need_n of_o time_n to_o destroy_v a_o old_a habit_n so_o there_o be_v likewise_o to_o form_v a_o new_a one_o for_o if_o to_o be_v undeceive_v in_o any_o thing_n it_o be_v only_o necessary_a to_o listen_v like_o pure_a spirit_n we_o shall_v in_o one_o quarter_n of_o a_o hour_n run_v from_o one_o extreme_a to_o the_o other_o nothing_o make_v time_n necessary_a in_o order_n to_o become_v virtuous_a but_o because_o we_o be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v so_o and_o do_v we_o desire_v it_o we_o shall_v quick_o learn_v to_o live_v honest_o and_o happy_o longam_fw-la facit_fw-la
of_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n he_o will_v make_v no_o more_o account_n of_o they_o for_o this_o than_o if_o they_o have_v be_v in_o a_o quite_o opposite_a persuasion_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o no_o ignorance_n can_v excuse_v they_o as_o we_o can_v easy_o show_v second_o if_o man_n not_o of_o such_o ill_a moral_n at_o least_o not_o in_o so_o scandalous_a a_o manner_n shall_v embrace_v the_o gospel_n out_o of_o pure_a credulity_n as_o they_o will_v receive_v the_o contrary_n be_v they_o teach_v it_o it_o be_v evident_a this_o be_v not_o the_o faith_n so_o much_o extol_v by_o the_o gospel_n a_o proof_n whereof_o be_v that_o those_o people_n ordinary_o change_v from_o black_a to_o white_a according_a as_o they_o alter_v their_o mind_n who_o have_v the_o conduct_v of_o their_o conscience_n nor_o do_v i_o well_o know_v whether_o such_o man_n can_v be_v proper_o say_v to_o be_v of_o any_o opinion_n for_o they_o have_v no_o conception_n of_o what_o be_v never_o so_o little_o abstract_v and_o only_o conform_v themselves_o external_o to_o those_o for_o who_o they_o have_v a_o respect_n but_o among_o those_o that_o may_v be_v term_v gross_a and_o ignorant_a person_n there_o be_v some_o who_o without_o any_o learning_n have_v much_o uprightness_n and_o integrity_n of_o mind_n which_o make_v they_o admire_v and_o receive_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o soon_o as_o propose_v to_o they_o though_o they_o be_v not_o always_o capable_a to_o express_v clear_o all_o that_o they_o think_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o evangelic_n moral_n make_v a_o great_a impression_n upon_o such_o man_n and_o easy_o gain_v their_o soul_n and_o as_o they_o discover_v nothing_o in_o the_o other_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n that_o shock_n their_o notion_n or_o desire_n they_o cordial_o embrace_v they_o and_o constant_o persevere_v to_o believe_v they_o this_o disposition_n and_o carriage_n be_v certain_o very_o commendable_a and_o conformable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n such_o be_v for_o example_n the_o apostle_n before_o they_o be_v extraordinary_o illuminate_v the_o miracle_n and_o discourse_n of_o jesus_n christ_n gain_v they_o in_o a_o small_a time_n and_o the_o more_o they_o continue_v with_o he_o the_o more_o they_o admire_v he_o although_o they_o be_v still_o prepossess_v with_o some_o jewish_a error_n we_o may_v place_v also_o in_o this_o rank_a the_o publican_n and_o woman_n of_o ill_a life_n who_o be_v convert_v by_o see_v the_o miracle_n and_o hear_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o people_n of_o this_o sort_n who_o be_v for_o a_o time_n draw_v into_o a_o evil_a and_o shameful_a manner_n of_o life_n by_o seduce_a temptation_n and_o the_o force_n of_o certain_a conjuncture_n but_o all_o the_o while_n the_o love_n of_o truth_n and_o virtue_n be_v not_o quite_o extinguish_v in_o they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o when_o providence_n lay_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o before_o they_o in_o a_o sensible_a and_o touch_a way_n as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o upon_o a_o thousand_o other_o occasion_n they_o forthwith_o renounce_v their_o immorality_n and_o zealous_o take_v up_o the_o opposite_a method_n of_o live_v at_o this_o day_n such_o as_o true_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o that_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o make_v long_a deduction_n have_v not_o indeed_o the_o same_o advantage_n as_o the_o apostle_n have_v and_o the_o other_o disciple_n who_o see_v those_o miracle_n wrought_v which_o convince_v they_o without_o much_o reason_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o mission_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o doctrine_n but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v always_o the_o same_o the_o holiness_n of_o its_o precept_n recommend_v they_o as_o much_o as_o ever_o to_o the_o understanding_n of_o such_o as_o be_v not_o quite_o corrupt_v with_o the_o bad_a custom_n of_o the_o age._n we_o see_v every_o day_n the_o excellency_n and_o usefulness_n of_o they_o whether_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o practise_v by_o other_o or_o remark_n the_o disorder_n which_o accompany_v all_o way_n of_o live_v opposite_a to_o they_o to_o perceive_v this_o there_o be_v need_v only_o of_o a_o little_a virtue_n and_o good_a sense_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o we_o cast_v our_o eye_n upon_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o which_o sole_o tend_v to_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o its_o precept_n to_o procure_v we_o eternal_a happiness_n there_o be_v nothing_o herein_o but_o what_o be_v worthy_a of_o god_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v draw_v out_o of_o those_o fountain_n which_o the_o subtlety_n of_o modern_a divine_n have_v not_o corrupt_v nor_o do_v the_o history_n of_o the_o first_o establishment_n of_o the_o gospel_n contain_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o and_o proper_a to_o persuade_v we_o of_o its_o truth_n this_o history_n write_v in_o so_o plain_a and_o natural_a a_o method_n carry_v in_o itself_o all_o the_o character_n of_o sincerity_n insomuch_o that_o in_o read_v of_o it_o one_o have_v not_o the_o least_o suspicion_n to_o make_v he_o doubt_v whether_o the_o writer_n of_o it_o believe_v it_o or_o not_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n mention_v in_o it_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o few_o can_v be_v deceive_v about_o they_o all_o this_o join_v together_o be_v more_o than_o sufficient_a to_o persuade_v a_o man_n who_o vice_n or_o i_o know_v not_o what_o science_n false_o so_o call_v have_v not_o blind_v and_o the_o difficulty_n which_o the_o incredulous_a find_v in_o they_o proceed_v rather_o from_o their_o disposition_n of_o mind_n than_o from_o the_o thing_n themselves_o it_o be_v indeed_o true_a that_o the_o person_n we_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o capable_a to_o judge_n of_o those_o subtle_a and_o perplex_a question_n which_o divide_v the_o divine_n but_o it_o can_v be_v say_v neither_o that_o the_o distinct_a belief_n of_o doctrine_n above_o the_o reach_n of_o a_o discreet_a and_o sincere_a man_n that_o love_v virtue_n though_o he_o have_v no_o learning_n it_o can_v be_v affirm_v i_o say_v that_o such_o a_o distinct_a belief_n be_v necessary_a to_o his_o salvation_n every_o man_n that_o love_v the_o truth_n that_o according_a to_o his_o best_a understanding_n embrace_v all_o that_o he_o conceive_v in_o the_o gospel_n that_o order_n his_o life_n by_o what_o he_o believe_v and_o that_o endeavour_n as_o much_o as_o possible_a he_o can_v to_o increase_v his_o knowledge_n do_v all_o that_o be_v requisite_a to_o obtain_v salvation_n from_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o idea_n we_o have_v of_o it_o from_o the_o gospel_n for_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o this_o man_n improve_v the_o talent_n he_o receive_v as_o much_o as_o god_n indispensible_o require_v it_o of_o he_o and_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o we_o may_v apply_v to_o he_o what_o jesus_n christ_n say_v in_o the_o parable_n good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n 25.23_o mat._n 25.23_o thou_o have_v be_v faithful_a over_o a_o few_o thing_n i_o will_v make_v thou_o ruler_n over_o many_o thing_n enter_v thou_o into_o the_o joy_n of_o thy_o lord_n if_o it_o be_v object_v to_o i_o further_o that_o there_o be_v some_o who_o be_v not_o by_o any_o mean_v capable_a to_o see_v in_o the_o moral_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o its_o other_o doctrine_n and_o in_o the_o history_n of_o it_o that_o usefulness_n excellence_n and_o sincerity_n which_o i_o say_v may_v be_v remark_v therein_o and_o nevertheless_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a i_o have_v nothing_o to_o reply_v to_o this_o but_o what_o i_o have_v say_v already_o these_o people_n imitate_v other_o but_o they_o have_v not_o that_o faith_n which_o the_o gospel_n demand_v it_o be_v not_o calculate_v indeed_o for_o the_o learned_a alone_o but_o no_o more_o be_v it_o for_o brute_n such_o as_o understand_v not_o or_o be_v suppose_v not_o capable_a to_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o shall_v become_v man_n before_o they_o think_v of_o be_v christian_n for_o there_o be_v no_o great_a difference_n between_o they_o and_o the_o savage_n of_o africa_n or_o america_n so_o i_o may_v conclude_v that_o the_o incredulous_a do_v calumniate_v the_o christian_a religion_n when_o they_o accuse_v it_o of_o require_v from_o man_n a_o blind_a credulity_n and_o to_o condemn_v examination_n it_o have_v be_v show_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o false_a by_o reason_n if_o i_o be_o not_o mistake_v that_o can_v never_o be_v answer_v chap._n ii_o that_o the_o immorality_n or_o ignorance_n of_o those_o who_o sometime_o show_v the_o great_a zeal_n for_o religion_n ought_v not_o to_o render_v it_o suspect_v to_o the_o incredulous_a the_o christian_a religion_n demand_v not_o only_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v think_v true_a but_o also_o that_o this_o belief_n
inquisition_n who_o cruel_a maxim_n be_v abhor_v by_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o christian_n but_o of_o the_o management_n observe_v in_o many_o country_n where_o it_o be_v not_o establish_v nor_o will_v i_o treat_v express_o here_o of_o this_o question_n which_o will_v require_v a_o volume_n as_o great_a at_o least_o as_o this_o i_o shall_v only_o touch_v as_o much_o of_o it_o as_o make_v for_o my_o purpose_n without_o make_v any_o digression_n how_o be_v a_o clergyman_n treat_v in_o many_o place_n if_o he_o forsake_v the_o common_a opinion_n never_o so_o little_a if_o he_o have_v a_o benefice_n he_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o lose_v it_o or_o at_o least_o expose_v to_o the_o cruel_a slander_n of_o such_o as_o will_v fain_o get_v his_o place_n and_o who_o be_v always_o a_o good_a number_n although_o he_o punctual_o discharge_v all_o his_o duty_n and_o that_o his_o moral_n be_v irreproachable_a but_o if_o he_o be_v not_o yet_o prefer_v a_o opinion_n contrary_a to_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n be_v it_o of_o never_o so_o little_a consequence_n be_v sufficient_a to_o exclude_v he_o for_o ever_o from_o all_o sort_n of_o ecclesiastical_a preferment_n and_o so_o zealous_a be_v some_o about_o the_o conformity_n of_o opinion_n that_o the_o least_o suspicion_n be_v enough_o to_o do_v a_o vast_a prejudice_n to_o any_o it_o fall_v upon_o nevertheless_o a_o great_a number_n of_o clergyman_n be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o raise_v many_o suspicion_n against_o such_o as_o they_o do_v not_o love_v there_o be_v not_o a_o consequence_n so_o odious_a but_o they_o bold_o draw_v it_o from_o their_o sentiment_n and_o accuse_v they_o thereof_o to_o those_o whereupon_o they_o depend_v and_o who_o they_o often_o find_v so_o credulous_a about_o the_o ill_a that_o be_v say_v of_o their_o neighbour_n or_o so_o little_a incline_v to_o believe_v the_o good_a that_o those_o clergyman_n in_o many_o conversation_n ruin_v for_o ever_o some_o innocent_a person_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o such_o as_o listen_v to_o their_o calumny_n on_o the_o contrary_a if_o a_o clergyman_n who_o be_v already_o in_o possession_n of_o a_o benefice_n or_o that_o aim_v at_o one_o be_v a_o blockhead_n idle_a spend_v his_o time_n in_o eat_v and_o drink_v smoke_a slander_a or_o do_v some_o very_a scandalous_a thing_n provide_v he_o be_v orthodox_n as_o they_o speak_v he_o quiet_o enjoy_v what_o he_o have_v get_v or_o be_v in_o a_o condition_n of_o be_v prefer_v in_o the_o church_n without_o change_v his_o manner_n good_a man_n censure_n in_o vain_a his_o manner_n of_o live_v without_o object_v any_o thing_n to_o he_o except_o what_o be_v public_a but_o they_o be_v not_o hearken_v to_o and_o towards_o he_o alone_o be_v practise_v the_o duty_n of_o that_o charity_n which_o think_v no_o evil_a 7._o 1_o cor._n 3.5_o 7._o bear_v all_o thing_n hope_v all_o thing_n endure_v all_o thing_n the_o unbeliever_n who_o have_v their_o eye_n principal_o fix_v upon_o the_o carriage_n of_o the_o clergy_n conclude_v from_o hence_o two_o thing_n the_o one_o that_o good_a moral_n that_o be_v the_o principal_a duty_n of_o christianity_n be_v the_o quality_n they_o have_v least_o regard_n to_o and_o the_o other_o that_o the_o body_n of_o ecclesiastic_n be_v only_o a_o mere_a faction_n where_o the_o discovery_n of_o truth_n be_v not_o intend_v but_o to_o support_v by_o all_o way_n what_o can_v procure_v or_o preserve_v their_o temporal_a interest_n the_o incredulous_a add_v further_o that_o the_o candidate_n or_o pretender_n to_o the_o benefice_n look_v upon_o they_o as_o a_o prey_n whereupon_o they_o may_v seize_v whenever_o they_o be_v vacant_a or_o which_o they_o may_v forcible_o snatch_v from_o such_o as_o possess_v they_o by_o whatever_o mean_n they_o can_v they_o conclude_v that_o the_o end_n of_o all_o this_o zeal_n affect_v for_o the_o doctrine_n be_v no_o other_o thing_n but_o a_o good_a income_n and_o that_o they_o will_v not_o vouchsafe_v even_o to_o inform_v themselves_o about_o those_o doctrine_n if_o this_o income_n be_v not_o settle_v only_o upon_o such_o as_o shall_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o the_o clergy_n to_o say_v the_o contrary_a to_o unbeliever_n the_o constant_a practice_n of_o so_o many_o age_n and_o nation_n make_v more_o impression_n upon_o they_o than_o all_o the_o discourse_n that_o can_v be_v make_v to_o they_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o come_v to_o consider_v christianity_n itself_o as_o they_o do_v the_o false_a religion_n and_o so_o die_v in_o a_o incurable_a infidelity_n by_o their_o own_o fault_n it_o be_v true_a but_o also_o by_o a_o specious_a occasion_n of_o judge_v wrong_n which_o several_a clergyman_n give_v '_o they_o they_o be_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o confirm_v in_o their_o infidelity_n as_o they_o see_v the_o zeal_n for_o temporal_n very_o different_a from_o that_o concern_v spiritual_n and_o this_o they_o easy_o discover_v by_o the_o distinction_n that_o be_v make_v of_o those_o who_o defend_v and_o be_v passionate_a for_o the_o temporal_a interest_n of_o their_o party_n and_o of_o they_o who_o defend_v christianity_n by_o the_o strong_a reason_n imaginable_a and_o after_o the_o best_a method_n of_o clear_v people_n understanding_n deny_v not_o but_o that_o there_o be_v some_o disorder_n in_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n which_o need_v reformation_n those_o last_o who_o ought_v to_o be_v esteem_v and_o advance_v by_o such_o who_o profession_n oblige_v to_o favour_v they_o be_v put_v back_o for_o ever_o and_o look_v upon_o as_o very_o dangerous_a person_n whilst_o the_o first_o be_v in_o favour_n all_o the_o while_n and_o be_v sure_a to_o obtain_v what_o they_o desire_v the_o incredulous_a judge_n by_o this_o conduct_n that_o it_o be_v not_o christianity_n in_o general_n they_o mind_n whatever_o they_o say_v but_o the_o temporal_a interest_n of_o the_o party_n since_o those_o who_o consecrate_v themselves_o for_o the_o defence_n and_o propagation_n of_o the_o first_o be_v disgrace_v and_o no_o reward_n be_v think_v too_o great_a for_o other_o these_o be_v the_o principal_a prejudices_fw-la which_o ecclesiastic_n by_o their_o fault_n occasion_n unbeliever_n to_o entertain_v i_o can_v add_v several_a thing_n much_o more_o home_n upon_o they_o if_o i_o will_v speak_v of_o all_o the_o abuse_v commit_v in_o the_o place_n where_o christianity_n be_v most_o corrupt_a but_o if_o what_o i_o have_v mention_v do_v a_o extraordinary_a injury_n to_o religion_n what_o may_v we_o not_o say_v of_o the_o rest_n and_o beside_o the_o answer_n i_o design_n to_o make_v to_o these_o prejudices_fw-la may_v solve_v the_o difficulty_n which_o may_v proceed_v from_o great_a disorder_n than_o those_o whereof_o i_o have_v speak_v to_o show_v that_o the_o occasion_n of_o scandal_n and_o stumble_v which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o incredulous_a and_o of_o which_o we_o have_v be_v now_o speak_v ought_v not_o to_o injure_v christianity_n in_o general_n and_o that_o consequent_o they_o shall_v not_o hinder_v any_o from_o acknowledge_v its_o truth_n it_o must_v be_v consider_v in_o itself_o and_o in_o its_o first_o original_a if_o there_o have_v be_v addition_n make_v to_o it_o and_o if_o it_o have_v be_v since_o corrupt_v that_o be_v no_o defect_n in_o christianity_n but_o their_o fault_n who_o make_v these_o addition_n or_o alteration_n those_o who_o have_v read_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o other_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n can_v say_v that_o the_o first_o founder_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v engage_v such_o as_o will_v preach_v it_o to_o discharge_v this_o duty_n from_o any_o consideration_n of_o interest_n jesus_n christ_n promise_v nothing_o but_o persecution_n and_o misery_n in_o this_o world_n to_o the_o first_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o send_v you_o forth_o say_v he_o 10.16_o mat._n 10.16_o as_o sheep_n among_o wolf_n they_o will_v bring_v you_o into_o their_o synagogue_n and_o scourge_v you_o you_o shall_v be_v bring_v for_o my_o sake_n before_o governor_n and_o king_n the_o brother_n shall_v deliver_v the_o brother_n to_o death_n and_o the_o father_n the_o child_n and_o the_o child_n shall_v rise_v up_o against_o their_o parent_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v hate_v of_o all_o man_n for_o my_o name_n be_v sake_n he_o also_o say_v unto_o one_o of_o his_o apostle_n who_o he_o call_v after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n 9.16_o act_n 9.16_o i_o will_v show_v he_o how_o great_a thing_n he_o must_v suffer_v for_o my_o name_n be_v sake_n the_o event_n do_v quick_o convince_v the_o apostle_n that_o these_o prediction_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o vain_a the_o jew_n and_o the_o heathen_n for_o the_o most_o part_n give_v they_o a_o very_a ill_a reception_n and_o many_o of_o christ_n first_o disciple_n suffer_v death_n for_o discharge_v the_o function_n wherewith_o their_o master_n honour_v
religion_n which_o be_v see_v in_o the_o world_n it_o can_v be_v doubt_v but_o these_o be_v most_o violent_a prejudices_fw-la against_o some_o christian_a society_n but_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o show_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o involve_v all_o christianity_n in_o general_n first_o unbeliever_n can_v suppose_v without_o examination_n as_o they_o do_v on_o this_o occasion_n that_o the_o notion_n man_n have_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o their_o country_n or_o that_o of_o some_o divine_n who_o they_o have_v read_v be_v real_o the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o its_o founder_n some_o alteration_n may_v have_v by_o degree_n creep_v into_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_n who_o they_o know_v and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v very_o different_a from_o that_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n no_o body_n can_v be_v sure_a of_o the_o contrary_a without_o go_v to_o the_o source_n to_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o stream_n which_o be_v say_v to_o flow_v from_o it_o that_o be_v without_o read_v the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o compare_v their_o doctrine_n with_o that_o which_o be_v now_o pretend_a to_o be_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o founder_n of_o christianity_n this_o unbeliever_n be_v necessary_o oblige_v to_o do_v before_o they_o affirm_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v false_a else_o they_o will_v imitate_v corrupt_a judge_n who_o vouchsafe_v not_o to_o examine_v the_o instrument_n of_o a_o suit_n in_o law_n but_o give_v their_o sentence_n at_o the_o first_o report_n of_o it_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o if_o the_o unbeliever_n of_o the_o abovementioned_a place_n will_v undertake_v that_o examination_n they_o will_v present_o see_v that_o most_o of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o dislike_v be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o consequent_o that_o whatever_o christian_n think_v now_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o they_o the_o same_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v observe_v every_o where_o and_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o judge_n of_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o the_o opinion_n that_o be_v common_o receive_v where_o they_o live_v or_o which_o be_v worse_o to_o condemn_v it_o from_o hear_v a_o silly_a preacher_n who_o represent_v it_o quite_o otherwise_o than_o it_o be_v yet_o there_o be_v many_o people_n who_o entertain_v no_o favourable_a thought_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o explication_n thereof_o which_o they_o hear_v from_o the_o pulpit_n which_o be_v but_o too_o often_o ill_o provide_v a_o great_a many_o thing_n speak_v there_o be_v so_o far_o from_o bear_v a_o severe_a examination_n of_o judicious_a man_n that_o they_o can_v scarce_o be_v allow_v in_o the_o conversation_n of_o any_o person_n not_o altogether_o destitute_a of_o common_a sense_n that_o sort_n of_o discourse_n can_v without_o great_a injustice_n be_v confound_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o there_o be_v some_o who_o affect_v to_o give_v they_o that_o name_n as_o if_o such_o preacher_n be_v inspire_v apostle_n and_o authorise_a with_o miracle_n they_o shall_v have_v a_o great_a respect_n for_o the_o gospel_n than_o to_o call_v such_o meditation_n by_o the_o same_o name_n with_o the_o discourse_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n i_o have_v not_o make_v this_o remark_n be_v it_o not_o that_o such_o expression_n give_v occasion_n to_o unbeliever_n to_o despise_v christianity_n which_o deserve_v as_o much_o to_o be_v admire_v by_o the_o most_o penetrate_a and_o solid_a wit_n as_o many_o sermon_n deserve_v to_o be_v despise_v by_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o illiterate_a person_n as_o no_o body_n can_v bear_v the_o injustice_n of_o that_o man_n who_o shall_v judge_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o a_o author_n by_o the_o discourse_n of_o another_o who_o perhaps_o understand_v they_o not_o and_o who_o interest_n it_o be_v to_o explain_v they_o otherwise_o and_o then_o pretend_v he_o may_v with_o reason_n vent_v his_o explication_n as_o infallible_a so_o unbeliever_n can_v ascribe_v to_o the_o apostle_n the_o opinion_n which_o they_o hear_v preach_v as_o apostolical_a doctrine_n before_o they_o have_v careful_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n unless_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o most_o unjust_a of_o men._n second_o unbeliever_n be_v guilty_a of_o another_o fault_n which_o be_v not_o much_o less_o than_o the_o forego_n when_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o false_a doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v read_v in_o the_o write_n of_o some_o divine_n or_o hear_v they_o preach_v they_o reject_v all_o christianity_n for_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o many_o truth_n may_v be_v mix_v with_o lie_n and_o as_o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o a_o book_n contain_v nothing_o but_o truth_n because_o some_o few_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o it_o so_o it_o can_v be_v affirm_v that_o every_o thing_n in_o it_o be_v false_a because_o some_o lie_n have_v be_v find_v in_o it_o be_v there_o for_o example_n any_o profane_a history_n either_o ancient_a or_o modern_a without_o a_o mixture_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n yet_o no_o body_n say_v that_o history_n contain_v nothing_o that_o be_v true_a and_o certain_a they_o endeavour_v only_o to_o distinguish_v what_o be_v true_a from_o what_o be_v false_a the_o like_a aught_o to_o be_v practise_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o explication_n of_o christian_n doctrine_n which_o we_o read_v or_o hear_v we_o ought_v neither_o whole_o to_o reject_v they_o nor_o embrace_v they_o because_o there_o may_v be_v a_o mixture_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n we_o ought_v as_o i_o say_v before_o to_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o write_n of_o the_o founder_n of_o christianity_n and_o judge_v by_o those_o write_n of_o religion_n itself_o and_o of_o what_o be_v true_a in_o the_o opinion_n of_o modern_a divine_n this_o be_v if_o i_o may_v say_v so_o the_o touchstone_n by_o which_o only_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n can_v be_v know_v three_o unbeliever_n undoubted_o know_v that_o a_o truth_n change_v not_o its_o nature_n for_o be_v ill_o defend_v we_o see_v every_o day_n very_o good_a cause_n ill_o plead_v by_o some_o lawyer_n who_o understand_v not_o their_o profession_n nay_o it_o be_v confess_v among_o all_o christian_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o book_n who_o author_n be_v real_o engage_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o truth_n but_o they_o do_v it_o so_o ill_a that_o it_o will_v certain_o be_v condemn_v if_o it_o have_v no_o better_a support_n many_o people_n for_o example_n who_o have_v not_o study_v well_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o see_v no_o character_n of_o divinity_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o can_v convince_v a_o unbeliever_n of_o it_o but_o nevertheless_o they_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v divine_a with_o as_o great_a a_o certainty_n as_o if_o they_o perceive_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n in_o every_o part_n of_o it_o because_o they_o be_v say_v they_o inward_o persuade_v of_o it_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n without_o know_v why_o that_o be_v the_o cant_n of_o a_o perfect_a fanatic_a who_o equal_v without_o be_v aware_a of_o it_o the_o gospel_n with_o the_o alcoran_n and_o all_o the_o false_a religion_n the_o follower_n whereof_o may_v all_o say_v as_o he_o do_v that_o they_o be_v persuade_v of_o it_o by_o a_o secret_a and_o inward_a operation_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o heart_n but_o the_o apostle_n never_o say_v any_o such_o thing_n all_o their_o preach_a consist_v in_o some_o fact_n and_o in_o good_a reason_n attend_v with_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n they_o have_v and_o it_o be_v by_o such_o mean_v they_o pretend_v to_o prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o their_o doctrine_n so_o that_o we_o shall_v wrong_v they_o very_o much_o shall_v we_o believe_v that_o they_o teach_v their_o doctrine_n can_v not_o be_v embrace_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n but_o by_o a_o mere_a enthusiasm_n other_o to_o do_v the_o christian_a religion_n a_o great_a honour_n ascribe_v to_o the_o apostle_n a_o art_n which_o they_o themselves_o serious_o etc._n serious_o 1_o cor._n 1.17_o &_o 11.4_o 13_o etc._n etc._n say_v they_o have_v not_o they_o set_v forth_o their_o style_n as_o a_o admirable_a pattern_n of_o eloquence_n which_o exceed_v that_o of_o the_o grecian_n and_o roman_n what_o follow_v from_o thence_o unbeliever_n read_v the_o write_n of_o those_o holy_a man_n to_o seek_v what_o they_o be_v tell_v be_v contain_v in_o they_o and_o because_o they_o do_v find_v it_o they_o fancy_v that_o those_o who_o say_v so_o design_v to_o deceive_v they_o and_o thereupon_o be_v exasperate_v against_o they_o who_o ground_v in_o part_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n upon_o their_o wonderful_a style_n they_o whole_o reject_v it_o they_o can_v not_o be_v
mankind_n but_o this_o they_o can_v not_o expect_v if_o they_o be_v never_o so_o little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o state_n wherein_o those_o nation_n subject_a to_o the_o roman_a empire_n then_o be_v the_o jew_n be_v so_o addict_v to_o their_o tradition_n and_o ceremony_n and_o beside_o so_o time_n so_o see_v josephus_n in_o the_o history_n of_o that_o time_n corrupt_a in_o their_o manner_n that_o there_o be_v no_o likelihood_n of_o free_v they_o from_o their_o prejudices_fw-la and_o vice_n the_o roman_n and_o grecian_n be_v either_o atheist_n or_o superstitious_a and_o general_o so_o give_v to_o their_o pleasure_n so_o covetous_a and_o ambitious_a that_o the_o small_a number_n of_o those_o who_o have_v not_o lose_v all_o sense_n etc._n sense_n vid._n sallust_n in_o bel._n catiline_n senecam_fw-la ep._n 7._o quaest_n nat._n lib._n 4._o praefat._n &_o passim_fw-la juvenal_n persium_n etc._n etc._n of_o virtue_n speak_v with_o horror_n and_o detestation_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o time_n the_o history_n of_o both_o represent_v to_o we_o in_o the_o event_n of_o that_o time_n a_o image_n of_o the_o most_o horrible_a corruption_n that_o ever_o be_v if_o we_o judge_v of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o gospel-notion_n after_o what_o have_v be_v say_v can_v any_o man_n fancy_n that_o the_o apostle_n hope_v to_o get_v their_o opinion_n embrace_v by_o most_o of_o those_o who_o live_v in_o their_o time_n how_o can_v they_o expect_v that_o man_n so_o blind_v by_o their_o passion_n and_o harden_v in_o their_o crime_n will_v ever_o embrace_v opinion_n that_o be_v altogether_o contrary_a to_o they_o indeed_o the_o apostle_n open_o say_v after_o their_o master_n that_o they_o expect_v not_o a_o great_a number_n of_o man_n will_v receive_v their_o doctrine_n in_o proportion_n to_o those_o who_o shall_v remain_v in_o their_o unbelief_n but_o suppose_v the_o apostle_n simplicity_n have_v make_v they_o hope_n to_o convert_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n experience_n will_v have_v soon_o undeceive_v they_o see_v after_o have_v preach_v during_o many_o year_n they_o be_v oblige_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v convert_v but_o few_o people_n the_o roman_a history_n plain_o teach_v we_o that_o during_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o the_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n the_o number_n of_o christian_n be_v far_o less_o than_o that_o of_o heathen_n in_o the_o roman_a empire_n thus_o the_o apostle_n be_v necessary_o expose_v to_o a_o cruel_a persecution_n during_o their_o whole_a life_n be_v despise_v and_o hate_v by_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n alike_o they_o can_v have_v no_o reward_n that_o may_v be_v compare_v with_o their_o labour_n and_o the_o danger_n they_o be_v in_o every_o minute_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o 15.19_o they_o 1_o cor._n 15.19_o themselves_o say_v they_o expect_v all_o sort_n of_o misery_n in_o this_o life_n they_o be_v not_o mistake_v see_v after_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o suffering_n they_o be_v cruel_o put_v to_o death_n maintain_v still_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o have_v preach_v 5._o preach_v §._o 5._o it_o be_v out_o of_o a_o unjust_a envy_n say_v clemens_n who_o i_o have_v cite_v already_o that_o peter_n suffer_v not_o one_o or_o two_o but_o several_a pain_n and_o have_v undergo_v martyrdom_n be_v go_v into_o the_o place_n of_o glory_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o it_o be_v out_o of_o envy_n that_o paul_n get_v the_o price_n of_o patience_n have_v be_v put_v seven_o time_n in_o iron_n whip_v and_o stone_v be_v the_o herald_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o east_n and_o west_n he_o make_v his_o faith_n famous_a have_v teach_v the_o whole_a world_n justice_n and_o be_v come_v to_o the_o extremity_n of_o the_o west_n when_o he_o have_v suffer_v martyrdom_n before_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o state_n he_o go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n that_o event_n of_o the_o apostle_n preach_v destroy_v altogether_o the_o second_o thing_n on_o which_o the_o suspicion_n of_o their_o want_n of_o sincerity_n may_v have_v be_v ground_v if_o they_o be_v esteem_v by_o a_o small_a number_n of_o man_n 1.26_o man_n see_v 1_o cor._n 1.26_o most_o of_o they_o of_o a_o low_a condition_n they_o be_v despise_v by_o the_o rest_n of_o man_n jew_n and_o heathen_n ill-treated_n and_o persecute_v suffer_v a_o extreme_a poverty_n and_o at_o last_o die_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o public_a executioner_n as_o i_o have_v show_v by_o clemens_n word_n and_o as_o all_o their_o other_o disciple_n affirm_v it_o one_o of_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o the_o same_o thing_n when_o he_o say_v in_o one_o of_o his_o epistle_n 4.11_o epistle_n 1_o cor._n 4.11_o unto_o this_o present_a hour_n we_o both_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n and_o be_v naked_a and_o be_v buffet_v and_o have_v no_o certain_a dwelling-place_n and_o labour_n work_v with_o our_o own_o hand_n 15.19_o hand_n ib._n c._n 15.19_o if_o in_o this_o life_n only_o we_o have_v hope_n we_o be_v of_o all_o man_n most_o miserable_a certain_o no_o man_n of_o sense_n will_v become_v the_o execration_n of_o most_o man_n by_o maintain_v a_o forgery_n to_o be_v esteem_v by_o some_o few_o who_o have_v no_o credit_n or_o reputation_n nor_o will_v he_o be_v 4.9_o be_v ib._n c._n 4.9_o deal_v with_o as_o those_o that_o be_v appoint_v to_o death_n in_o the_o amphitheatre_n to_o be_v a_o spectate_v to_o the_o people_n a_o man_n may_v be_v move_v with_o the_o desire_n of_o glory_n when_o he_o consider_v that_o most_o of_o those_o among_o who_o he_o live_v will_v applaud_v he_o but_o no_o body_n ever_o think_v fit_a to_o expose_v himself_o to_o long-suffering_n and_o at_o last_o to_o a_o cruel_a and_o shameful_a death_n only_o to_o be_v esteem_v by_o very_a few_o man_n and_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o impious_a or_o mad_a man_n by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o among_o who_o he_o live_v 7._o the_o truth_n of_o those_o fact_n can_v be_v deny_v viz._n that_o the_o apostle_n have_v preach_v the_o doctrine_n we_o read_v in_o their_o book_n which_o christian_n profess_v still_o under_o the_o empire_n of_o tiberius_n and_o some_o follow_a emperor_n that_o they_o live_v in_o sorrow_n and_o affliction_n and_o at_o last_o some_o of_o they_o be_v put_v to_o a_o cruel_a death_n maintain_v the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v during_o many_o year_n if_o we_o suspect_v that_o the_o apostle_n live_v after_o a_o voluptuous_a manner_n and_o altogether_o contrary_a to_o the_o moral_n they_o preach_v we_o shall_v doubt_v of_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o first_o disciple_n who_o in_o imitation_n of_o their_o master_n as_o they_o themselves_o say_v have_v courageous_o expose_v themselves_o to_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o suffering_n without_o get_v any_o advantage_n by_o it_o in_o this_o life_n 6._o life_n §._o 6._o to_o those_o man_n say_v clemens_n speak_v of_o st._n peter_n and_o st._n paul_n who_o live_v after_o a_o divine_a manner_n a_o great_a multitude_n of_o the_o elect_a be_v join_v who_o have_v undergo_v several_a torment_n be_v a_o most_o noble_a example_n among_o we_o it_o will_v be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a absurdity_n to_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n preach_v that_o man_n must_v suffer_v for_o religion_n exhort_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o virtue_n and_o yet_o live_v at_o ease_n without_o care_v to_o practice_v the_o precept_n they_o give_v to_o other_o but_o as_o far_o as_o it_o may_v serve_v to_o cheat_v the_o world_n make_v a_o great_a number_n of_o disciple_n not_o only_o sincere_a imitator_n of_o the_o seem_a virtue_n of_o their_o master_n but_o ready_a to_o die_v and_o who_o real_o die_v for_o a_o doctrine_n for_o which_o those_o of_o who_o they_o learn_v it_o will_v suffer_v nothing_o one_o may_v easy_o conceive_v that_o some_o seduce_v person_n may_v be_v as_o strong_o persuade_v of_o a_o lie_n as_o we_o be_v of_o the_o most_o evident_a truth_n and_o do_v consequent_o to_o maintain_v a_o falsehood_n whatever_o the_o most_o resolute_a man_n can_v do_v for_o the_o most_o important_a truth_n but_o one_o can_v apprehend_v that_o man_n who_o have_v imbibe_v from_o their_o childhood_n some_o opinion_n altogether_o contrary_a to_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v seduce_v so_o that_o after_o they_o embrace_v their_o doctrine_n they_o suffer_v the_o most_o cruel_a torment_n for_o it_o though_o they_o never_o see_v their_o master_n suffer_v any_o thing_n for_o it_o but_o it_o appear_v from_o the_o passage_n i_o have_v quote_v out_o of_o tacitus_n that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n a_o great_a many_o people_n declare_v themselves_o christian_n though_o they_o see_v that_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n shall_v expose_v they_o to_o the_o punishment_n inflict_v upon_o incendiary_n it_o appear_v also_o from_o pliny_n that_o some_o