my_o father_n have_v send_v i_o so_o send_v i_o you_o and_o again_o mat._n xxviii_o 19_o 20._o go_v you_o and_o disciple_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o that_o he_o have_v authority_n to_o grant_v they_o such_o a_o commission_n he_o show_v in_o the_o word_n before_o all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o i_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n etc._n etc._n and_o 2._o that_o they_o be_v teach_v by_o god_n and_o enlighten_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n be_v what_o can_v be_v doubt_v if_o we_o believe_v the_o power_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o before_o our_o lord_n go_v from_o they_o 20.22_o joh_n 20.22_o he_o breathe_v on_o they_o and_o say_v receive_v you_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o what_o purpose_v the_o holy-ghost_n be_v to_o be_v give_v they_o he_o have_v tell_v they_o before_o 14.26_o joh._n 14.26_o the_o comforter_n which_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o the_o father_n will_v send_v in_o my_o name_n he_o shall_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n to_o your_o remembrance_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v say_v unto_o you_o and_o when_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v 16.13_o joh._n 16.13_o he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n be_v thus_o therefore_o teach_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n our_o saviour_n may_v well_o say_v as_o he_o do_v luke_n x._o 16._o he_o that_o hear_v you_o hear_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v i_o despise_v he_o that_o send_v i_o and_o 3._o last_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o receive_v they_o as_o messenger_n from_o god_n and_o to_o believe_v that_o all_o that_o they_o have_v teach_v be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n because_o they_o have_v the_o same_o 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the_o act_n from_o the_o 10_o chapter_n to_o the_o end_n contain_v little_a else_o but_o a_o account_n of_o st._n paul_n preach_v and_o of_o the_o miracle_n that_o be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n so_o that_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o gospel-history_n we_o can_v no_o more_o doubt_n of_o his_o divine_a mission_n and_o inspiration_n than_o we_o can_v of_o they_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o if_o they_o be_v apostle_n so_o be_v he_o that_o if_o they_o be_v minister_n of_o christ_n 12.11_o 2_o cor._n 11.23_o 2_o cor._n 11.5_o 2_o cor._n 12.11_o so_o be_v he_o too_o forasmuch_o as_o in_o nothing_o he_o be_v behind_o the_o very_o chief_a apostle_n so_o that_o consequent_o we_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v his_o write_n to_o be_v inspire_v as_o we_o have_v they_o and_o now_o by_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v i_o hope_v i_o have_v full_o make_v good_a the_o point_n i_o be_v to_o prove_v viz._n that_o if_o the_o matter_n 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be_v unreasonable_a for_o we_o to_o desire_v the_o same_o unless_o we_o be_v to_o be_v put_v to_o the_o same_o trial_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o they_o be_v which_o in_o a_o christian_a country_n can_v hardly_o be_v and_o indeed_o as_o desirous_a as_o we_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o have_v such_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v the_o apostle_n have_v i_o believe_v there_o be_v very_o few_o of_o we_o but_o have_v rather_o be_v content_v with_o less_o evidence_n than_o have_v so_o much_o as_o the_o apostle_n have_v with_o its_o appendant_a burden_n which_o be_v to_o travel_v all_o the_o world_n over_o even_o into_o the_o most_o rude_a and_o barbarous_a country_n to_o plant_v christianity_n expect_v wherever_o they_o come_v bond_n and_o affliction_n meet_v every_o where_n with_o the_o most_o violent_a opposition_n and_o rough_a usage_n encounter_v every_o where_o the_o great_a danger_n and_o sure_a at_o last_o to_o be_v make_v a_o bloody_a sacrifice_n 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bias_n their_o judgement_n be_v what_o we_o can_v but_o daily_o observe_v in_o all_o other_o case_n but_o our_o case_n now_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o our_o prejudices_fw-la and_o our_o interest_n be_v both_o for_o christianity_n for_o we_o suck_v it_o in_o with_o our_o mother_n milk_n and_o we_o find_v it_o the_o establish_a religion_n of_o the_o country_n where_o we_o be_v bear_v for_o which_o reason_n we_o believe_v it_o or_o at_o least_o be_v strong_o incline_v to_o believe_v it_o before_o we_o know_v or_o have_v beard_n of_o any_o other_o reason_n so_o that_o to_o we_o who_o be_v already_o incline_v on_o this_o side_n to_o we_o who_o to_o be_v sure_a be_v not_o prejudice_v against_o it_o to_o we_o who_o interest_n
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 i_o add_v 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 and_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o will_n i_o suppose_v sufficient_o appear_v if_o these_o follow_a thing_n be_v consider_v 1._o that_o we_o can_v have_v better_a or_o strong_a motive_n to_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n than_o be_v already_o offer_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o persuade_v we_o 2._o that_o the_o proof_n and_o evidence_n already_o give_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v such_o as_o can_v be_v fair_o except_v against_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o proof_n thereof_o that_o can_v be_v offer_v but_o what_o be_v liable_a to_o cavil_n and_o unreasonable_a exception_n 3._o that_o if_o god_n shall_v gratify_v all_o man_n in_o this_o request_n the_o abundance_n and_o commonness_n of_o the_o miracle_n that_o must_v then_o be_v wrought_v will_v go_v near_o to_o destroy_v the_o efficacy_n and_o persuasiveness_n thereof_o and_o last_o that_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o experience_n that_o new_a miracle_n have_v be_v general_o unsuccessful_a upon_o those_o who_o have_v not_o hearken_v to_o nor_o be_v convince_v by_o a_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will._n 1._o i_o say_v we_o can_v possible_o have_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o strong_a motive_n to_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n than_o those_o which_o be_v already_o offer_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o persuade_v we_o for_o there_o we_o have_v life_n and_o death_n set_v before_o we_o blessing_n and_o curse_v on_o one_o hand_n the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n all_o the_o evil_n that_o we_o can_v just_o dread_a the_o wrath_n of_o he_o who_o be_v a_o consume_a fire_n who_o often_o punish_v transgressor_n with_a 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to_o we_o or_o indeed_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v there_o be_v any_o new_a revelation_n at_o all_o for_o these_o thing_n be_v already_o promise_v and_o threaten_v clear_o enough_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n life_n and_o immortality_n be_v already_o full_o bring_v to_o light_n by_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o the_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o if_o the_o dread_a of_o everlasting_a and_o intolerable_a torment_n will_v not_o persuade_v we_o nothing_o certain_o will_n or_o can_v persuade_v we_o all_o that_o i_o think_v can_v in_o any_o new_a revelation_n be_v add_v to_o that_o encouragement_n that_o be_v already_o give_v we_o in_o scripture_n to_o virtue_n and_o godliness_n or_o to_o that_o discouragement_n that_o be_v therein_o give_v as_o to_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n will_v be_v a_o assurance_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v always_o as_o remarkable_a a_o difference_n make_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n in_o this_o world_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o scripture_n there_o will_v be_v by_o his_o righteous_a judgement_n in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o a_o good_a assurance_n give_v we_o of_o this_o by_o some_o new_a revelation_n confirm_v by_o our_o own_o constant_a observation_n that_o it_o be_v always_o well_o with_o the_o righteous_a and_o ill_a with_o the_o wicked_a in_o this_o world_n we_o may_v think_v perhaps_o will_v do_v much_o more_o towards_o the_o reformation_n of_o mankind_n than_o only_o those_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o future_a happiness_n or_o misery_n that_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o scripture_n have_v do_v or_o be_v ever_o like_a to_o do_v and_o this_o indeed_o may_v be_v but_o then_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o a_o new_a revelation_n to_o this_o effect_n will_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n and_o will_v frustrate_v the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o send_v we_o into_o this_o world_n which_o be_v to_o prove_v and_o try_v we_o to_o see_v whether_o we_o love_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n whether_o we_o can_v believe_v he_o for_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v not_o see_v and_o whether_o we_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o prefer_v a_o great_a future_a good_n before_o a_o less_o that_o be_v present_a a_o bless_a and_o glorious_a immortality_n after_o this_o life_n before_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o season_n for_o if_o the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o vice_n be_v always_o visible_a and_o present_a there_o will_v be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o faith_n in_o god_n which_o be_v a_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o promise_n and_o threaten_n though_o we_o do_v not_o see_v a_o present_a performance_n of_o they_o 11.1_o heb._n 11.1_o faith_n as_o the_o apostle_n define_v it_o be_v the_o substance_n or_o loc._n or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hom._n in_o loc._n confident_a expectation_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o the_o evidence_n or_o 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d conviction_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v and_o if_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n both_o of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o the_o next_o be_v the_o certain_a portion_n of_o virtue_n and_o all_o the_o evil_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v suffer_v both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o the_o other_o be_v the_o certain_a and_o never-failing_a consequence_n of_o sin_n there_o will_v be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o a_o virtuous_a and_o wise_a choice_n nay_o indeed_o there_o will_v be_v hardly_o matter_n for_o choice_n at_o all_o for_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v that_o a_o creature_n that_o have_v understanding_n and_o a_o power_n of_o choose_v and_o refuse_v shall_v know_o choose_v all_o misery_n rather_o than_o all_o happiness_n such_o a_o revelation_n as_o this_o be_v therefore_o so_o evident_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n and_o with_o the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o send_v we_o into_o this_o world_n can_v be_v expect_v and_o i_o say_v that_o bate_v this_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o add_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o scripture_n revelation_n from_o whence_o therefore_o it_o plain_o follow_v that_o such_o as_o be_v not_o persuade_v by_o the_o gospel_n motive_n to_o repentance_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v persuade_v by_o any_o such_o motive_n as_o consistent_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n and_o virtue_n can_v be_v offer_v to_o they_o and_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o any_o true_a divine_a revelation_n shall_v ever_o offer_v any_o motive_n to_o persuade_v we_o that_o be_v not_o such_o but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v perhaps_o that_o though_o better_a or_o strong_a motive_n to_o repentance_n can_v be_v offer_v by_o any_o new_a revelation_n than_o be_v offer_v already_o in_o holy_a scripture_n yet_o we_o may_v by_o a_o new_a revelation_n have_v better_a assurance_n give_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n motive_n and_o that_o if_o we_o have_v it_o be_v very_o like_a they_o will_v be_v then_o more_o prevail_a than_o they_o now_o be_v and_o this_o likewise_o i_o believe_v must_v be_v grant_v but_o then_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n and_o of_o that_o state_n of_o trial_n which_o we_o be_v now_o in_o require_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o reasonable_a boundary_a set_v to_o the_o clearness_n of_o that_o evidence_n that_o be_v give_v to_o man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o motive_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o be_v persuade_v as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o force_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o motive_n themselves_o because_o as_o i_o note_v in_o my_o last_o discourse_n such_o very_a clear_a and_o strong_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n as_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o a_o possibility_n of_o doubt_v will_v destroy_v
less_o easy_a to_o conceive_v that_o a_o stand_a revelation_n may_v be_v at_o once_o so_o contrive_v as_o to_o be_v for_o ever_o sufficient_a to_o direct_v man_n in_o all_o point_n of_o practice_n because_o although_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o every_o age_n may_v afford_v new_a instance_n of_o wickedness_n yet_o the_o law_n that_o they_o be_v all_o transgression_n of_o may_v be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o rule_n once_o give_v be_v a_o perpetual_a direction_n not_o only_o what_o to_o do_v but_o likewise_o what_o to_o avoid_v and_o this_o as_o well_o in_o those_o instance_n of_o wickedness_n which_o may_v be_v invent_v afterward_o as_o in_o those_o which_o be_v in_o practice_n before_o the_o rule_n be_v make_v for_o he_o that_o give_v direction_n to_o a_o traveller_n in_o his_o way_n bid_v he_o keep_v straight_o forward_o shall_v not_o need_v if_o he_o speak_v to_o a_o man_n of_o reason_n to_o tell_v he_o over_z and_o above_o that_o he_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o avoid_v all_o turn_n to_o the_o right_a hand_n or_o to_o the_o left_a and_o much_o less_o shall_v he_o need_v to_o give_v he_o a_o particular_a account_n of_o every_o turn_v that_o he_o be_v to_o avoid_v and_o though_o in_o time_n to_o come_v there_o will_v be_v many_o more_o byway_n and_o turn_n out_o of_o the_o road_n than_o there_o be_v at_o present_a yet_o the_o same_o one_o direction_n to_o keep_v straight_o forward_o will_v be_v as_o full_a and_o as_o sufficient_a a_o direction_n then_o as_o it_o be_v now_o and_o the_o necessity_n that_o humane_a lawgiver_n find_v themselves_o under_o to_o be_v every_o day_n repeal_n former_a law_n and_o add_v new_a one_o be_v not_o cause_v by_o a_o absolute_a impossibility_n of_o make_v at_o once_o such_o a_o body_n of_o law_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a for_o all_o after_o time_n but_o arise_v as_o i_o suppose_v partly_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o humane_a law_n which_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n negative_a and_o prohibitive_a only_a and_o by_o such_o a_o law_n nothing_o be_v render_v unlawful_a but_o what_o be_v name_v and_o to_o name_v at_o once_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v then_o or_o may_v be_v in_o all_o after_o age_n needful_a to_o be_v prohibit_v will_v indeed_o be_v a_o work_n of_o very_o great_a difficulty_n partly_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o obedience_n that_o be_v due_a to_o a_o mere_a humane_a law_n which_o be_v only_o a_o external_a obedience_n and_o to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n and_o that_o indeed_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o law_n or_o a_o body_n of_o law_n of_o a_o prodigious_a bulk_n and_o very_o difficult_a to_o be_v contrive_v at_o once_o which_o in_o the_o letter_n thereof_o shall_v comprehend_v and_o give_v direction_n concern_v every_o action_n and_o every_o mode_n of_o action_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v do_v or_o forbear_v in_o order_n to_o the_o preserve_a justice_n and_o peace_n among_o man_n partly_o from_o the_o little_a regard_n that_o man_n general_o have_v to_o the_o good_a of_o posterity_n which_o make_v they_o only_o careful_a to_o contrive_v such_o order_n and_o constitution_n as_o they_o hope_v will_v suffice_v to_o preserve_v peace_n in_o their_o own_o time_n leave_v it_o to_o those_o that_o come_v after_o to_o take_v the_o like_a care_n for_o themselves_o in_o their_o time_n partly_o from_o the_o weakness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o the_o wise_a of_o man_n who_o not_o understand_v exact_o the_o temper_n of_o all_o their_o subject_n can_v know_v certain_o what_o effect_v their_o law_n will_v have_v till_o after_o they_o have_v be_v for_o some_o time_n experience_v and_o partly_o from_o the_o unexpected_a difficulty_n that_o be_v sometime_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o a_o law_n which_o may_v make_v it_o necessary_a afterward_o to_o enforce_v it_o with_o a_o great_a penalty_n or_o to_o take_v some_o further_a care_n than_o at_o first_o be_v think_v needful_a to_o see_v it_o execute_v but_o none_o of_o these_o reason_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o new_a law_n among_o man_n be_v of_o any_o force_n to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v also_o necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v be_v every_o day_n make_v new_a declaration_n of_o his_o will_n and_o that_o no_o stand_v revelation_n can_v be_v sufficient_a for_o all_o time_n for_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v positive_a and_o command_a enjoin_v the_o true_a and_o hearty_a love_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n and_o every_o natural_a and_o proper_a expression_n thereof_o and_o by_o consequence_n prohibit_v every_o affection_n of_o mind_n and_o every_o outward_a act_n that_o be_v contrary_a thereto_o whether_o it_o be_v express_o name_v or_o not_o and_o the_o obedience_n that_o we_o owe_v to_o a_o divine_a law_n be_v the_o obedience_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a inner_a man_n such_o as_o look_n beyond_o the_o letter_n to_o the_o design_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o law_n and_o avoid_v as_o careful_o whatsoever_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o law_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v forbid_v in_o the_o most_o express_a word_n and_o god_n be_v king_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o have_v the_o same_o relation_n to_o all_o man_n in_o all_o age_n and_o can_v but_o be_v suppose_v to_o design_n the_o good_a government_n of_o his_o subject_n in_o after_o as_o well_o as_o in_o former_a time_n and_o he_o also_o understand_v full_o the_o temper_n of_o all_o his_o subject_n know_v beforehand_o what_o effect_v the_o law_n he_o give_v they_o will_v have_v and_o can_v never_o be_v disappoint_v in_o his_o expectation_n and_o so_o can_v never_o be_v oblige_v to_o repeal_v or_o alter_v any_o of_o his_o law_n by_o a_o unforeseen_a experience_n that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o convenient_a or_o so_o effectual_a as_o he_o think_v they_o will_v be_v and_o last_o he_o have_v all_o power_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o a_o sovereign_a and_o uncontrollable_a dominion_n over_o all_o can_v appoint_v what_o penalty_n he_o please_v to_o the_o transgression_n of_o his_o law_n can_v at_o any_o time_n convict_v transgressor_n by_o his_o own_o unerring_a knowledge_n only_o and_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o guilty_a conscience_n without_o other_o witness_n and_o have_v it_o in_o his_o own_o single_a power_n without_o any_o help_n of_o other_o to_o execute_v whenever_o he_o will_v whatever_o penalty_n he_o threaten_v thus_o i_o think_v it_o appear_v that_o a_o stand_a revelation_n may_v be_v so_o well_o contrive_v as_o to_o be_v sufficient_a for_o all_o time_n 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 may_v be_v at_o once_o commit_v to_o write_v 2._o but_o second_o though_o this_o be_v grant_v it_o may_v be_v still_o further_o object_v against_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o a_o stand_a revelation_n that_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v sufficient_o attest_v that_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 such_o write_n which_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 and_o that_o 1._o because_o there_o be_v no_o way_n but_o eye-witness_n to_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v that_o any_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o person_n who_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o 2._o because_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v that_o the_o author_n of_o such_o a_o book_n do_v not_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o his_o reader_n and_o 3._o because_o no_o man_n can_v be_v sure_a that_o he_o himself_o be_v not_o deceive_v in_o his_o opinion_n of_o his_o own_o inspiration_n or_o of_o a_o revelation_n make_v to_o he_o or_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o other_o matter_n which_o he_o have_v relate_v as_o of_o his_o own_o knowledge_n 1._o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n but_o eye-witness_n to_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v that_o any_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o person_n that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o but_o that_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o 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well_o be_v account_v a_o martyr_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n no_o less_o than_o the_o other_o apostle_n although_o he_o do_v not_o actual_o expire_v under_o his_o suffering_n as_o they_o do_v now_o if_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o a_o man_n especial_o one_o who_o stand_v much_o upon_o his_o credit_n may_v be_v willing_a after_o he_o have_v tell_v a_o lie_n to_o suffer_v a_o great_a deal_n rather_o than_o own_v himself_o a_o liar_n though_o i_o think_v it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v either_o that_o any_o man_n will_v suffer_v so_o many_o other_o great_a evil_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v only_o upon_o a_o point_n of_o honour_n or_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v stand_v so_o much_o upon_o their_o honour_n yet_o when_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o this_o that_o a_o man_n who_o have_v tell_v a_o lie_n must_v either_o retract_v it_o or_o die_v for_o it_o and_o that_o he_o may_v in_o all_o probability_n save_o his_o life_n by_o retract_v it_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o any_o man_n will_v be_v a_o martyr_n for_o a_o know_a falsehood_n for_o it_o be_v a_o very_a true_a say_v and_o to_o which_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o exception_n though_o it_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n 2.4_o job_n 2.4_o that_o skin_n for_o skin_n yea_o all_o that_o a_o man_n have_v he_o will_v give_v for_o his_o life_n it_o be_v not_o credible_a therefore_o that_o so_o much_o as_o one_o man_n shall_v be_v find_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o sacrifice_v his_o life_n to_o a_o know_a lie_n and_o that_o too_o a_o unprofitable_a lie_n to_o himself_o to_o his_o family_n and_o to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o this_o only_a to_o save_v his_o reputation_n it_o be_v much_o less_o credible_a that_o so_o many_o man_n viz._n all_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n and_o most_o if_o not_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v immediate_a disciple_n shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o such_o prodigious_a and_o unheard_a of_o folly_n and_o it_o be_v least_o of_o all_o credible_a that_o among_o so_o many_o as_o there_o be_v that_o bear_v witness_n of_o the_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o evangelical_n history_n not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o man_n shall_v be_v find_v that_o be_v honest_a and_o wise_a than_o the_o rest_n not_o one_o that_o can_v be_v persuade_v to_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n by_o the_o confession_n of_o his_o fault_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o world_n by_o a_o public_a own_n of_o the_o cheat_n he_o have_v be_v engage_v in_o not_o one_o that_o will_v choose_v to_o undergo_v the_o disgrace_n of_o a_o liar_n rather_o than_o the_o shameful_a death_n of_o a_o malefactor_n these_o be_v in_o short_a the_o evidence_n we_o have_v of_o the_o honesty_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o evangelical_n historian_n those_o evidence_n i_o mean_v which_o they_o themselves_o have_v give_v thereof_o and_o they_o be_v plain_o as_o good_a as_o can_v be_v desire_v they_o be_v the_o best_a that_o can_v be_v give_v by_o men._n and_o put_v together_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v on_o this_o and_o the_o forego_n head_n now_o and_o in_o my_o last_o discourse_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o evangelical_n history_n i_o think_v we_o may_v true_o and_o confident_o affirm_v that_o although_o we_o consider_v it_o only_o as_o a_o mere_a humane_a history_n we_o have_v much_o great_a reason_n to_o give_v credit_n to_o it_o than_o to_o any_o history_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o but_o if_o we_o receive_v the_o witness_n of_o man_n and_o who_o be_v there_o that_o do_v not_o 5.9_o 1_o joh._n 5.9_o the_o witness_n of_o god_n be_v great_a and_o therefore_o in_o order_n to_o show_v further_o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o the_o evangelical_n historian_n in_o their_o relation_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o have_v record_v i_o propose_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o five_o and_o last_o place_n 5_o the_o confirmation_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o history_n by_o god_n himself_o for_o what_o st._n paul_n say_v of_o his_o own_o be_v likewise_o true_a of_o the_o speech_n and_o preach_v of_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n 5._o 1_o cor._n 2.4_o 5._o that_o the_o faith_n of_o their_o hearer_n shall_v not_o stand_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o so_o st._n luke_n say_v act_v 4.33_o with_o great_a power_n give_v the_o apostle_n witness_v of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n for_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o witness_v the_o miracle_n of_o their_o master_n they_o give_v assurance_n to_o man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n by_o do_v the_o like_a miracle_n themselves_o heal_v the_o sick_a cast_v out_o devil_n raise_v the_o dead_a etc._n etc._n just_a as_o jesus_n himself_o have_v do_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o pursuant_n to_o their_o commission_n they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o man_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o language_n they_o plain_o demonstrate_v both_o that_o they_o have_v such_o a_o commission_n from_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n which_o they_o preach_v by_o speak_v to_o every_o man_n of_o every_o nation_n in_o his_o own_o tongue_n thus_o as_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n say_v 2.4_o heb._n 2.4_o god_n do_v bear_v they_o witness_n both_o with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will._n and_o he_o may_v well_o say_v that_o god_n do_v hereby_o bear_v they_o witness_n because_o that_o power_n wherewith_o they_o be_v endue_v be_v so_o evident_o from_o on_o high_a that_o none_o that_o see_v their_o work_n 24.49_o luke_n 24.49_o and_o consider_v withal_o the_o purity_n and_o excellence_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n that_o be_v thereby_o establish_v can_v have_v any_o reasonable_a doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n or_o no._n we_o know_v 3.2_o joh._n 3.2_o say_v nicodemus_n to_o our_o saviour_n that_o thou_o be_v a_o teacher_n send_v from_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v do_v the_o miracle_n that_o thou_o do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o 14.12_o joh._n 14.12_o but_o the_o same_o work_n that_o jesus_n do_v do_v his_o disciple_n also_o after_o he_o have_v send_v down_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o father_n upon_o they_o on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n yea_o and_o great_a work_n than_o those_o do_v they_o do_v so_o that_o whoever_o behold_v their_o work_n may_v so_o far_o as_o miracle_n be_v evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n be_v rather_o more_o certain_a that_o god_n be_v with_o they_o than_o nicodemus_n can_v be_v that_o he_o be_v with_o our_o lord_n himself_o for_o though_o their_o other_o miracle_n that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o sort_n with_o those_o which_o our_o saviour_n have_v do_v be_v such_o proof_n of_o divine_a assistance_n as_o can_v not_o with_o any_o reason_n be_v gainsay_v yet_o i_o think_v it_o may_v true_o be_v affirm_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o they_o and_o wherein_o they_o do_v as_o we_o may_v say_v excel_v even_o our_o lord_n himself_o be_v more_o convince_a than_o any_o of_o they_o for_o he_o that_o see_v one_o of_o their_o other_o miracle_n may_v possible_o entertain_v some_o little_a doubt_n whether_o the_o effect_n that_o appear_v to_o he_o to_o be_v miraculous_a may_v not_o yet_o be_v do_v by_o some_o secret_a power_n of_o natural_a cause_n that_o be_v unknown_a to_o he_o but_o we_o all_o know_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n so_o well_o that_o we_o be_v sure_a the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o language_n can_v possible_o be_v attain_v natural_o even_o by_o a_o person_n of_o the_o quick_a part_n and_o faithful_a memory_n but_o in_o so_o much_o time_n at_o the_o least_o as_o it_o will_v necessary_o take_v up_o to_o be_v tell_v by_o tutor_n or_o to_o learn_v from_o lexicon_n what_o every_o particular_a word_n of_o the_o language_n to_o be_v learn_v be_v by_o the_o people_n of_o that_o language_n design_v to_o signify_v because_o word_n have_v not_o a_o natural_a relation_n to_o the_o notion_n or_o thing_n thereby_o express_v but_o be_v mere_a arbitrary_a sign_n thereof_o so_o that_o whoever_o know_v the_o education_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o they_o be_v before_o altogether_o ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a and_o yet_o see_v they_o every_o one_o on_o a_o sudden_a on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n able_a to_o speak_v ready_o in_o all_o the_o language_n of_o all_o the_o nation_n under_o heaven_n from_o whence_o have_v come_v some_o of_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v present_a at_o jerusalem_n at_o that_o
and_o this_o he_o himself_o urge_v as_o a_o reason_n why_o his_o testimony_n ought_v to_o be_v credit_v joh._n viij_o 46._o which_o of_o you_o convince_v i_o of_o sin_n and_o if_o i_o say_v the_o truth_n why_o do_v you_o not_o believe_v i_o and_o a_o very_a good_a reason_n it_o be_v for_o it_o can_v not_o just_o be_v suspect_v that_o a_o person_n of_o who_o no_o other_o ill_a thing_n can_v be_v say_v be_v yet_o indeed_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n guilty_a of_o a_o crime_n of_o the_o great_a magnitude_n viz._n of_o lie_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n of_o say_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v send_v he_o when_o indeed_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o send_v he_o nor_o speak_v by_o he_o 2._o it_o may_v be_v also_o consider_v that_o this_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n though_o it_o be_v concern_v himself_o yet_o be_v not_o for_o himself_o i_o mean_v it_o be_v not_o for_o his_o own_o worldly_a advantage_n and_o this_o consideration_n he_o himself_o likewise_o offer_v to_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o testimony_n joh._n seven_o 18._o he_o that_o speak_v of_o himself_o seek_v his_o own_o glory_n but_o he_o that_o seek_v his_o glory_n that_o send_v he_o the_o same_o be_v true_a and_o no_o unrighteousness_n be_v in_o he_o have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o he_o pretend_v be_v what_o god_n have_v command_v he_o to_o teach_v be_v contrive_v to_o advance_v the_o worldly_a honour_n and_o greatness_n of_o himself_o or_o his_o follower_n this_o will_v have_v be_v a_o just_a prejudice_n against_o it_o and_o a_o reasonable_a ground_n of_o suspect_v that_o he_o speak_v of_o himself_o but_o when_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o all_o that_o hear_v his_o discourse_n and_o be_v no_o less_o so_o to_o we_o that_o read_v they_o that_o he_o seek_v not_o his_o own_o glory_n in_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o glory_n of_o he_o that_o send_v he_o and_o that_o his_o whole_a doctrine_n tend_v to_o advance_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o promote_v the_o practice_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n in_o the_o world_n this_o render_v his_o testimony_n very_o credible_a when_o he_o say_v he_o be_v send_v by_o god_n to_o teach_v it_o to_o the_o world_n for_o when_o a_o doctrine_n be_v plain_o worthy_a of_o god_n and_o according_a to_o godliness_n 6.3_o 1_o tim._n 6.3_o it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v presume_v that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o 3._o it_o may_v be_v further_o consider_v that_o this_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n concern_v himself_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v to_o his_o own_o benefit_n that_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o any_o thing_n can_v possible_o be_v to_o his_o worldly_a disadvantage_n expose_v he_o to_o the_o envy_n and_o malice_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o the_o jealousy_n of_o the_o roman_n and_o to_o all_o the_o cruel_a suffering_n which_o he_o endure_v from_o both_o of_o they_o and_o certain_o a_o man_n testimony_n concern_v himself_n may_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v credible_a if_o it_o be_v against_o his_o own_o interest_n if_o he_o himself_o be_v a_o great_a loser_n or_o sufferer_n by_o what_o he_o testify_v for_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v what_o else_o but_o only_o the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n and_o a_o obligation_n to_o declare_v it_o shall_v ever_o induce_v a_o man_n to_o say_v such_o thing_n concern_v himself_o as_o will_v procure_v his_o own_o mischief_n and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o can_v be_v say_v to_o avoid_v the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n testimony_n that_o he_o be_v send_v from_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n unless_o it_o be_v that_o he_o be_v disappoint_v in_o his_o expectation_n and_o that_o he_o hope_v to_o make_v himself_o rich_a and_o great_a in_o the_o world_n by_o these_o glorious_a pretence_n though_o in_o the_o event_n it_o prove_v otherwise_o but_o the_o gospel-history_n furnish_v we_o with_o a_o very_a clear_a and_o full_a answer_n to_o this_o objection_n in_o those_o many_o prediction_n of_o our_o lord_n therein_o record_v concern_v his_o own_o suffering_n 16.31.20.17_o mat._n 16.31.20.17_o whereby_o it_o clear_o appear_v that_o the_o suffering_n which_o befall_v he_o for_o give_v this_o testimony_n concern_v himself_o do_v not_o happen_v to_o he_o unexpected_o but_o that_o he_o know_v long_o before_o all_o that_o afterward_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o therefore_o i_o say_v again_o that_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v imagine_v why_o he_o shall_v say_v that_o he_o be_v send_v from_o god_n but_o only_o because_o he_o know_v it_o be_v true_a and_o have_v receive_v a_o command_n from_o his_o father_n to_o declare_v this_o truth_n to_o the_o world_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v further_o 4._o last_o that_o he_o continue_v to_o testify_v the_o same_o at_o his_o death_n which_o he_o have_v do_v before_o in_o his_o life_n give_v thereby_o the_o best_a assurance_n that_o a_o man_n can_v give_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o testimony_n for_o the_o main_a matter_n of_o his_o accusation_n to_o pilate_n be_v that_o he_o have_v give_v out_o himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o the_o messiah_n be_v according_a to_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o be_v a_o great_a temporal_a king_n have_v our_o lord_n therefore_o but_o deny_v this_o charge_n have_v he_o but_o grant_v that_o he_o be_v not_o the_o messiah_n he_o may_v have_v save_v his_o life_n but_o this_o he_o will_v not_o do_v he_o disown_v indeed_o the_o false_a notion_n that_o the_o jew_n have_v of_o the_o messiah_n my_o kingdom_n 62._o john_n 18.26_o mat._n 27.11_o joh._n 18.37_o mat._n 26.63_o 64._o mar._n 14.61_o 62._o say_v he_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n but_o that_o he_o be_v a_o king_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n he_o bold_o own_v as_o well_o when_o the_o question_n be_v put_v to_o he_o by_o the_o roman_a governor_n who_o have_v power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n as_o when_o it_o have_v be_v put_v to_o he_o before_o by_o the_o highpriest_n this_o therefore_o 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happy_a number_n they_o be_v sure_o they_o shall_v not_o only_o have_v believe_v but_o also_o willing_o have_v suffer_v as_o much_o as_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o do_v for_o bear_v their_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o what_o now_o must_v be_v do_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o these_o man_n for_o these_o have_v as_o much_o right_n to_o a_o full_a satisfaction_n as_o any_o other_o and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o other_o do_v expect_v to_o be_v gratify_v in_o what_o they_o desire_v these_o may_v do_v so_o too_o and_o therefore_o in_o order_n to_o their_o satisfaction_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o our_o saviour_n shall_v be_v bear_v into_o the_o world_n in_o every_o age_n of_o it_o or_o indeed_o much_o often_o and_o that_o in_o every_o country_n at_o least_o if_o not_o in_o every_o town_n and_o village_n he_o shall_v live_v and_o preach_v and_o do_v miracle_n and_o be_v crucify_a and_o rise_v again_o for_o 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general_o unsuccessful_a upon_o such_o as_o have_v not_o regard_v a_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n we_o may_v reasonable_o infer_v that_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a if_o not_o certain_a that_o the_o same_o experiment_n try_v over_o again_o will_v have_v no_o better_a success_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o therefore_o be_v this_o such_o as_o be_v as_o st._n luke_n say_v they_o be_v who_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o preach_a and_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d predisposed_a or_o fit_v for_o eternal_a life_n 13.46_o act_n 13.46_o that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v modest_a and_o teachable_a who_o hear_v without_o prejudice_n and_o judge_v without_o partiality_n and_o have_v no_o interest_n of_o sin_n or_o the_o world_n that_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o their_o desire_n to_o obtain_v everlasting_a happiness_n such_o as_o inquire_v out_o the_o truth_n with_o the_o same_o indifference_n that_o a_o traveller_n do_v his_o way_n who_o have_v 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