erect_v from_o the_o theology_n of_o hesiod_n the_o hymn_n of_o orpheus_n the_o poem_n of_o homer_n the_o ode_n of_o pindar_n or_o from_o virgil_n or_o ovid_n shall_v we_o look_v back_o to_o the_o heathen_a oracle_n for_o this_o revelation_n to_o those_o of_o delphos_n dodona_n jupiter_n hammon_n and_o the_o rest_n who_o can_v be_v so_o marvellous_o vain_a beside_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o general_a uncertainty_n and_o sometime_o falsehood_n that_o visible_o attend_v their_o response_n the_o record_n of_o those_o oracle_n the_o book_n wherein_o their_o response_n and_o divination_n be_v contain_v be_v long_o since_o perish_v and_o lose_v shall_v we_o go_v as_o far_o as_o numa_n pompilius_n and_o his_o goddess_n for_o the_o old_a roman_a theology_n that_o s_o impossible_a to_o be_v retrive_v the_o religion_n of_o numa_n be_v long_o since_o vanish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o book_n wherein_o it_o be_v contain_v be_v open_o burn_v and_o upon_o this_o occasion_n be_v they_o burn_v long_o after_o the_o death_n of_o numa_n in_o the_o consulship_n of_o cornelius_n and_o bebius_n there_o be_v find_v in_o rome_n two_o coffin_n in_o the_o one_o whereof_o be_v the_o body_n of_o numa_n and_o in_o the_o other_o fourteen_o book_n of_o numa_n seven_o of_o they_o in_o latin_a contain_v the_o law_n and_o ceremony_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o the_o other_o seven_o in_o greek_a concern_v the_o study_n of_o wisdom_n and_o in_o these_o latter_a be_v much_o contain_v not_o only_o destructive_a to_o the_o god_n and_o the_o religion_n of_o other_o country_n but_o also_o to_o his_o own_o and_o to_o the_o roman_a profession_n of_o which_o the_o senate_n well_o considerder_v resolve_v it_o as_o best_a that_o the_o whole_a fourteen_o book_n shall_v be_v open_o burn_v together_o which_o be_v according_o do_v of_o which_o we_o have_v a_o account_n at_o large_a in_o valerius_n maximus_n and_o varro_n or_o shall_v we_o at_o last_o come_v to_o that_o arabian_a prophet_n to_o mahomet_n to_o set_v up_o his_o collection_n of_o precept_n his_o koran_n which_o he_o tell_v you_o a_o hundred_o time_n over_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o and_o that_o all_o mankind_n can_v not_o have_v write_v a_o syllable_n of_o it_o to_o confront_v the_o bible_n it_o be_v to_o the_o full_a as_o wife_z a_o project_n to_o light_v a_o rush-candle_n and_o resolve_n to_o outface_v the_o sun_n as_o to_o encounter_v the_o bible_n with_o such_o mean_a and_o ridiculous_a stuff_n what_o a_o absurd_a foppish_a flame_n be_v that_o koran_n evident_o a_o cheat_n in_o every_o page_n of_o it_o a_o confuse_a medley_n of_o wicked_a contemptible_a trash_n heap_v up_o together_o by_o a_o triumvirate_n of_o arrian_n jew_n and_o pagan_n all_o know_a impostor_n in_o the_o age_n wherein_o they_o live_v and_o so_o transfer_v by_o the_o history_n of_o their_o own_o time_n to_o all_o future_a generation_n god_n have_v make_v every_o reasonable_a mind_n not_o some_o way_n or_o other_o debauch_v or_o preingaged_n a_o touchstone_n sufficient_a to_o discover_v such_o counterfeit_a metal_n some_o part_n of_o it_o seem_v rather_o like_o the_o rave_n of_o man_n distract_v then_o any_o product_n of_o common_a reason_n it_o tell_v we_o that_o man_n be_v first_o create_v of_o shadow_n that_o the_o earth_n be_v make_v in_o two_o day_n and_o that_o god_n fasten_v it_o to_o the_o mountain_n by_o anchor_n and_o cable_n that_o mahomet_n cut_v the_o moon_n into_o two_o piece_n and_o cement_v it_o close_o together_o again_o with_o a_o multitude_n of_o such_o rave_v and_o distract_v phantasm_n in_o many_o thing_n it_o be_v evident_o self-contradictious_a and_o what_o be_v say_v in_o one_o place_n be_v direct_o overthrow_v in_o another_o mahomet_n himself_o sometime_o plain_o confess_v he_o know_v not_o whether_o he_o or_o his_o be_v in_o a_o way_n of_o salvation_n for_o which_o very_a say_n i_o wonder_v the_o people_n do_v not_o stone_n he_o the_o whole_a of_o it_o a_o rhapsody_n of_o most_o prodigious_a absurdity_n a_o câ—nlused_v inconsistent_a composure_n principle_n of_o heathenism_n judaisme_n and_o christianity_n all_o general_o corrupt_v and_o so_o wild_o patch_v up_o together_o that_o mahomet_n may_v very_o well_o declare_v what_o he_o do_v that_o he_o think_v no_o body_n will_v ever_o be_v able_a too_o under_v and_o his_o law_n whatever_o we_o sin_v in_o it_o that_o carry_v the_o least_o resemblance_n of_o truth_n be_v apparent_o steal_v out_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n though_o for_o the_o most_o part_n visible_o falsify_v and_o invert_v it_o tell_v we_o that_o jesus_n be_v secret_o convey_v inâ—o_o heaven_n and_o that_o somewhat_o in_o his_o likeness_n which_o be_v not_o himself_o be_v nail_v to_o the_o cross_n that_o he_o be_v not_o real_o crucify_a but_o that_o the_o jew_n be_v abuse_v and_o delude_v it_o tell_v we_o also_o that_o in_o the_o 14_o of_o st._n john_n gospel_n where_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o send_v the_o comforter_n that_o there_o be_v much_o sard_n of_o mahomet_n which_o the_o christian_n have_v since_o raze_v out_o which_o be_v to_o father_n a_o ridiculous_a and_o impossible_a falsehood_n upon_o they_o for_o that_o gospel_n be_v extant_a long_o before_o mahomet_n be_v bear_v or_o think_v of_o for_o he_o be_v not_o bear_v till_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 571_o and_o publish_v most_o part_n of_o the_o world_n over_o not_o only_o in_o the_o greek_a copy_n of_o it_o but_o in_o divers_a translation_n in_o the_o syriac_a arabic_a ethiopick_n and_o latin_a tongue_n and_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o the_o possibility_n of_o any_o universal_a alteration_n that_o can_v be_v make_v by_o the_o christian_n in_o mahomet_n time_n that_o which_o the_o koran_n tell_v we_o in_o general_a of_o the_o bible_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n direct_o overthrow_v itself_o and_o mahomet_n thereby_o have_v utter_o subvert_v his_o whole_a fabric_n for_o he_o say_v that_o moses_n and_o christ_n be_v both_o send_v from_o god_n and_o that_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v divine_a book_n that_o god_n impart_v the_o law_n to_o moses_n the_o psalm_n to_o david_n and_o the_o gospel_n to_o christ_n but_o pretend_v that_o as_o the_o gospel_n succeed_v the_o law_n so_o the_o koran_n do_v the_o gospel_n now_o if_o the_o first_o be_v true_a i_o be_o sure_a the_o latter_a be_v false_a unless_o god_n can_v contradict_v himself_o which_o be_v impossible_a for_o both_o moses_n and_o christ_n have_v deliver_v very_o many_o doctrine_n direct_o contrary_a to_o his._n the_o bible_n and_o the_o koran_n be_v sufficient_o inconsistent_a and_o therefore_o wherever_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v book_n divine_a and_o from_o god_n the_o koran_n ought_v reasonable_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o a_o vile_a and_o wicked_a delusion_n if_o it_o be_v ask_v as_o usual_o it_o be_v how_o that_o religion_n come_v to_o spread_v so_o far_o and_o the_o disciple_n thereof_o to_o be_v so_o numerous_a if_o it_o be_v so_o vile_a and_o also_o so_o absurd_a a_o cozenage_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v such_o a_o question_n will_v be_v easy_o answer_v if_o these_o three_o thing_n be_v consider_v first_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n owe_v its_o original_n to_o the_o sword_n more_o than_o to_o all_o its_o pretence_n beside_o it_o be_v mahomet_n being_n a_o general_n that_o make_v he_o pass_v for_o a_o prophet_n nor_o be_v his_o koran_n at_o first_o receive_v in_o any_o nation_n where_o his_o sword_n do_v not_o make_v way_n for_o it_o it_o be_v a_o religion_n that_o be_v at_o first_o introduce_v and_o have_v be_v since_o propagate_v and_o uphold_v pure_o by_o force_n not_o discourse_v into_o man_n but_o impose_v upon_o they_o mahomet_n himself_o often_o declare_v that_o god_n do_v not_o send_v he_o to_o convert_v the_o world_n by_o miracle_n but_o by_o the_o sword_n and_o by_o instrument_n of_o war._n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v not_o a_o chapter_n in_o his_o koran_n where_o he_o do_v not_o preach_v fire_n and_o sword_n war_n and_o massacre_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o his_o law_n second_o wherever_o that_o religion_n be_v introduce_v all_o inquirie_n into_o it_o be_v absolute_o forbid_v and_o man_n be_v make_v without_o the_o least_o taste_v or_o chew_v to_o swallow_n the_o whole_a body_n of_o mahomet_n divinity_n at_o once_o and_o by_o this_o mean_n ignorance_n be_v grow_v so_o natural_a a_o appertinent_a to_o that_o religion_n that_o wherever_o it_o be_v settle_v it_o do_v not_o only_o silence_v all_o discourse_n of_o divinity_n but_o total_o ruin_v all_o learning_n and_o bring_v man_n into_o perfect_a enmity_n with_o all_o liberal_a science_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o spread_v the_o base_a metal_n as_o well_o as_o the_o pure_a if_o we_o can_v prevent_v its_o trial._n falshood_n and_o truth_n be_v upon_o even_o term_n
as_o his_o minister_n to_o execute_v so_o many_o dreadful_a judgement_n upon_o the_o jew_n and_o therefore_o will_v establish_v he_o by_o those_o extraordinary_a act_n in_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n which_o with_o great_a difficulty_n and_o against_o much_o probability_n to_o the_o contrary_n he_o obtain_v and_o as_o suetonâ—us_n say_v of_o he_o after_o he_o have_v obtain_v it_o want_v personal_a authority_n and_o majesty_n to_o manage_v such_o a_o dominion_n a_o clear_a instance_n concern_v this_o whole_a matter_n god_n give_v we_o at_o first_o in_o the_o magician_n opposition_n to_o moses_n wherein_o he_o give_v we_o to_o know_v that_o although_o divine_a truth_n may_v by_o miracle_n be_v oppose_v yet_o the_o superior_a luster_n of_o his_o own_o miracle_n shall_v be_v so_o visible_a to_o all_o as_o perfect_o to_o silence_n and_o vanquish_v the_o rest_n and_o both_o in_o number_n continuance_n and_o quality_n as_o then_o it_o be_v the_o difference_n shall_v be_v to_o every_o eye_n obvious_a and_o apparent_a three_o the_o matter_n for_o the_o establishment_n of_o which_o divine_a miracle_n be_v ever_o wrought_v afford_v we_o ground_n sufficient_a to_o distinguish_v in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v always_o a_o doctrine_n lead_v we_o to_o that_o god_n of_o who_o we_o have_v a_o notion_n imprint_v in_o our_o own_o nature_n reveal_v he_o further_o to_o we_o and_o instruct_v we_o in_o all_o those_o holy_a virtue_n and_o excellent_a way_n of_o live_v that_o most_o correspond_v to_o our_o natural_a light_n be_v most_o suitable_a to_o that_o natural_a divinity_n we_o be_v bear_v with_o and_o evident_o tend_v to_o make_v we_o most_o happy_a here_o and_o conduct_v we_o to_o the_o high_a reward_n hereafter_o whatever_o miracle_n we_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n see_v wrought_v to_o justify_v a_o contrary_a doctrine_n my_o own_o reason_n will_v reject_v as_o a_o temptation_n and_o assure_v i_o that_o in_o the_o one_o case_n a_o miracle_n be_v send_v from_o god_n to_o ascertain_v i_o and_o in_o the_o other_o the_o devil_n be_v only_o enable_v in_o the_o high_a manner_n to_o tempt_v and_o to_o try_v i_o and_o these_o three_o way_n in_o the_o case_n of_o miracle_n be_v we_o sufficient_o secure_v against_o all_o the_o attempt_n that_o can_v be_v at_o any_o time_n make_v to_o seduce_v we_o that_o way_n and_o may_v hereby_o rest_v abundant_o satisfy_v in_o the_o testimony_n of_o divine_a miracle_n give_v to_o divine_a truth_n by_o whatever_o way_n the_o devil_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o countenance_n and_o promote_v a_o contrary_a interest_n now_o that_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v attend_v with_o miracle_n in_o their_o conveyance_n be_v not_o as_o before_o be_v prove_v by_o any_o deny_v and_o that_o those_o miracle_n have_v the_o advantage_n of_o all_o the_o forego_n circumstance_n be_v likewise_o very_o evident_a the_o doctrine_n of_o moses_n be_v the_o first_o bâ—rn_n of_o all_o other_o be_v the_o religion_n that_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n god_n in_o the_o first_o place_n settle_v and_o consecrate_v that_o by_o a_o miraculous_a power_n before_o any_o other_o systeme_n of_o religion_n be_v extant_a and_o give_v it_o therein_o the_o precedency_n of_o all_o false_a prophet_n and_o impostor_n and_o whatsoever_o doctrine_n they_o shall_v by_o that_o mean_n oppose_v it_o withal_o and_o so_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o natural_a product_n of_o the_o old_a be_v by_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n at_o the_o first_o and_o those_o of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n after_o upon_o the_o validity_n of_o both_o which_o it_o be_v establish_v secure_v against_o all_o opposition_n that_o can_v that_o way_n be_v make_v against_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n second_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o god_n work_v those_o miracle_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v justify_v to_o we_o to_o be_v his_o word_n have_v eminent_o distinguish_v they_o from_o all_o other_o operation_n of_o that_o kind_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n when_o the_o devil_n by_o the_o magician_n go_v further_a that_o way_n then_o ever_o he_o do_v after_o how_o far_o do_v the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n exceed_v his_o more_o miracle_n great_a miracle_n more_o continue_a miracle_n undeniable_a and_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n of_o god_n infinite_a and_o almighty_a power_n in_o a_o way_n far_o superior_a to_o what_o they_o can_v bring_v about_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o miracle_n have_v be_v such_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o work_n as_o leave_v no_o room_n to_o doubt_v of_o god_n intention_n to_o secure_v we_o from_o heaven_n â—â—ereby_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o â—â—â—â—rine_n if_o we_o consider_v first_o the_o grand_a â—â—â—â—sion_n of_o they_o to_o fullfil_v the_o old_a testament_n and_o establish_v the_o new_a and_o this_o by_o private_a man_n respect_v the_o world_n without_o the_o least_o clothing_n of_o humane_a power_n or_o authority_n who_o can_v imagine_v less_o than_o that_o a_o commission_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v seal_v from_o 〈◊〉_d heaven_n in_o extroardinary_a way_n to_o assure_v the_o world_n of_o their_o authority_n to_o do_v this_o second_o the_o admirable_a nature_n of_o those_o miracle_n raise_v dead_a person_n cure_v all_o sort_n of_o disease_n command_v wind_n and_o sea_n vanish_v in_o a_o moment_n out_o of_o the_o sight_n of_o multitude_n three_o their_o number_n be_v exceed_o many_o do_v in_o all_o place_n and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n where_o they_o come_v four_o their_o visibility_n open_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o present_a by_o multitude_n five_o without_o the_o use_n of_o any_o secondary_a mean_n or_o the_o least_o show_n of_o diabolical_a enchantment_n and_o as_o one_o of_o the_o ancient_n say_v sine_fw-la â—lla_fw-la vi_fw-la carminum_fw-la sine_fw-la herbarum_fw-la aut_fw-la graminum_fw-la sâ—ccis_fw-la sine_fw-la ulla_fw-la aliqua_fw-la observatione_fw-la sollicita_fw-la sacrorum_fw-la libaminum_fw-la temporum_fw-la etc._n etc._n all_o most_o frequent_a in_o heathenish_a sorcery_n and_o enchantment_n six_o the_o long_a and_o last_a continuance_n of_o they_o not_o only_o during_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o one_o of_o they_o the_o apostle_n john_n live_v till_o trajan_n time_n which_o be_v above_o a_o hundred_o year_n from_o christ_n birth_n but_o also_o for_o very_o many_o year_n after_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n what_o miraracle_n do_v the_o world_n pretend_v to_o that_o can_v compare_v themselves_o with_o these_o miracle_n upon_o all_o or_o any_o of_o these_o account_n no_o man_n noâ—_n devil_n ever_o do_v such_o work_n nor_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o these_o be_v what_o lamentable_a and_o pitiful_a thing_n be_v those_o of_o apollonius_n tyanaeus_n esculapius_n or_o any_o other_o compare_v with_o these_o and_o what_o a_o shameful_a and_o indeed_o ridiculous_a partiality_n do_v appear_v in_o hierocles_n and_o porphiry_n who_o design_v thereby_o to_o incense_v the_o emperor_n against_o the_o christian_n who_o much_o justify_v themselves_o upon_o the_o power_n oâ—_n miracle_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o under_o persecution_n have_v endeavour_v to_o draw_v a_o parallel_n between_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o apollonius_n we_o find_v by_o eusebius_n that_o hierocles_n in_o a_o book_n that_o be_v since_o lose_v compare_v apollonius_n and_o christ_n the_o evangelist_n who_o write_v our_o saviour_n story_n and_o philostratus_n the_o writer_n of_o apollonius_n his_o life_n upon_o that_o account_n together_o and_o prefer_v apollonius_n and_o philostâ—atus_n before_o the_o other_o but_o with_o what_o a_o unreasonable_a partiality_n be_v eaâ—y_o to_o be_v see_v by_o any_o that_o wilâ—_n consult_v eusebius_n his_o answer_n to_o he_o one_o chieâ—_n miracle_n philostratus_n tell_v we_o off_o be_v that_o appollonius_n sit_v at_o meat_n be_v serve_v after_o wonderful_a manner_n with_o man_n of_o brass_n and_o another_o be_v that_o a_o elm_n three_fw-mi speak_v to_o he_o and_o salute_v he_o with_o many_o other_o such_o thing_n which_o to_o every_o common_a understanding_n appear_v at_o first_o sight_n very_o capable_a of_o deceit_n and_o delusion_n the_o sun_n be_v not_o in_o lustre_n more_o superior_a to_o the_o dim_a star_n than_o christ_n miracle_n be_v to_o all_o pretension_n of_o that_o kind_n nor_o be_v there_o ever_o any_o operation_n either_o of_o man_n or_o of_o angel_n visible_a in_o this_o world_n that_o with_o any_o colour_n of_o justice_n and_o truth_n can_v all_o circumstance_n consider_v be_v put_v in_o balance_n with_o those_o eminent_o miraculous_a act_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n three_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o the_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v and_o to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o those_o that_o deliver_v they_o to_o we_o be_v most_o evident_o from_o god_n most_o correspond_v to_o our_o natural_a obligation_n to_o he_o and_o
these_o latter_a age_n in_o whole_a stream_n of_o blood_n that_o run_v from_o its_o primitive_a martyr_n god_n please_v to_o introduce_v the_o gospel_n at_o first_o without_o any_o thing_n humane_a to_o befriend_v it_o that_o we_o may_v be_v for_o ever_o ascertain_v of_o its_o author_n who_o but_o god_n himself_o by_o a_o power_n from_o above_o can_v we_o reasonable_o imagine_v can_v have_v enable_v a_o few_o mean_a ignorant_a and_o contemptible_a man_n so_o to_o confront_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o in_o the_o evening_n of_o it_o when_o other_o religion_n have_v so_o long_o last_v and_o be_v so_o fast_o root_v to_o erect_v a_o religion_n destructive_a to_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o to_o break_v through_o all_o the_o opposition_n that_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n the_o philosophy_n and_o learning_n of_o all_o the_o know_a part_n of_o the_o world_n the_o law_n and_o force_n of_o the_o roman-empire_n in_o its_o great_a splendour_n and_o strength_n can_v form_v against_o it_o and_o what_o doctrine_n but_o one_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n diâ—â—â—â—_n and_o attend_v with_o the_o visible_a effect_n 〈◊〉_d almighty_a power_n to_o own_o and_o juâ—â—â—â—â—_n can_v we_o conceive_v can_v have_v 〈◊〉_d the_o world_n so_o to_o bow_v before_o it_o how_o ridiculous_a do_v it_o appear_v to_o suppose_v a_o company_n of_o mean_a impostor_n that_o have_v neither_o god_n nor_o man_n beside_o themselves_o to_o befriend_v they_o nor_o any_o other_o foundadation_n but_o a_o design_n in_o the_o high_a manner_n to_o cheat_v and_o abuse_v the_o world_n can_v have_v effect_v all_o this_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v final_o so_o prevail_v and_o impose_v the_o gross_a delusion_n imaginable_a upon_o mankind_n against_o all_o such_o opposition_n have_v i_o no_o other_o consideration_n to_o induce_v i_o to_o believe_v the_o bible_n but_o what_o arise_v from_o hence_o this_o one_o seem_v single_o sufficient_a to_o i_o to_o justify_v its_o divinity_n against_o all_o 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we_o find_v all_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o heathen_n have_v still_o grow_v up_o under_o the_o shadow_n of_o humane_a power_n and_o authority_n and_o have_v still_o decay_v when_o humane_a prop_n have_v be_v remove_v i_o challenge_v any_o man_n to_o show_v i_o any_o other_o religion_n that_o ever_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n without_o humane_a help_n and_o that_o ever_o stand_v out_o the_o brunt_n of_o persecution_n all_o other_o religion_n but_o what_o have_v be_v found_v upon_o the_o bible_n have_v still_o fall_v before_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n it_o be_v only_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o christian_n found_v at_o first_o upon_o the_o bible_n and_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v to_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o that_o have_v weather_v out_o all_o attempt_n for_o its_o eradication_n it_o be_v a_o marvellous_a evidence_n of_o that_o solemn_a and_o divine_a foundation_n upon_o which_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v at_o first_o establish_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o the_o jew_n have_v suffer_v and_o their_o very_a be_v in_o a_o national_a way_n and_o their_o national_a worship_n in_o which_o their_o religion_n chief_o consist_v be_v utter_o extinguish_v yet_o still_o they_o retain_v their_o profession_n submit_v to_o a_o yoke_n of_o most_o burdensome_a ceremony_n &_o remain_v disperse_v in_o the_o world_n a_o monument_n of_o scripture-verity_n and_o so_o many_o stand_a witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o many_o eminent_a prediction_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o thus_o from_o the_o success_n of_o this_o book_n also_o since_o its_o first_o conveyance_n and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n that_o have_v attend_v the_o progress_n of_o it_o since_o its_o first_o publication_n have_v we_o as_o great_a a_o assurance_n as_o in_o such_o a_o case_n we_o can_v well_o expect_v that_o god_n himself_o and_o no_o other_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o author_n of_o it_o i_o come_v in_o the_o four_o and_o last_o place_n to_o consider_v this_o book_n in_o itself_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o as_o at_o the_o present_a we_o find_v it_o and_o as_o it_o now_o lie_v before_o we_o in_o the_o do_n of_o which_o i_o mean_v not_o to_o insist_v separately_z and_o abstract_o upon_o any_o internal_a evidence_n that_o result_v from_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o but_o to_o take_v it_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o former_a and_o all_o other_o collateral_a proof_n it_o be_v neither_o reasonable_a nor_o warrantable_a to_o disjoin_v the_o proof_n god_n have_v afford_v we_o of_o his_o word_n and_o lay_v the_o weight_n of_o its_o justification_n upon_o any_o one_o single_a evidence_n for_o when_o god_n command_v we_o to_o believe_v and_o obey_v this_o book_n as_o his_o word_n and_o impose_v the_o high_a penalty_n upon_o our_o not_o do_v it_o he_o lay_v not_o the_o stress_n of_o his_o command_n or_o the_o penalty_n nor_o ought_v we_o 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be_v not_o to_o be_v abstract_o insist_v on_o from_o other_o collateral_a proof_n nor_o that_o any_o collateral_a proof_n will_v prevail_v in_o this_o case_n without_o there_o be_v also_o a_o innate_a evidence_n result_v from_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o bible_n itself_o so_o that_o a_o conjunction_n of_o the_o evidence_n in_o both_o kind_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o establish_v a_o general_a proof_n will_v be_v thus_o make_v to_o appear_v the_o bible_n as_o have_v be_v say_v consist_v of_o three_o part_n doctrinal_a prophetical_a and_o historical_a whatever_o evidence_n we_o have_v from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o to_o prove_v its_o own_o divinity_n must_v needs_o chief_o arise_v from_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n because_o the_o prophetical_a and_o historical_a part_n can_v never_o be_v full_o justify_v without_o foreign_a proof_n we_o can_v know_v the_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n to_o be_v certain_o true_a from_o the_o bible_n itself_o nor_o can_v we_o sufficient_o prove_v any_o prophecy_n in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n to_o have_v be_v actual_o fâ—llfilled_v because_o they_o be_v say_v in_o other_o place_n of_o that_o book_n so_o to_o be_v for_o it_o be_v to_o beg_v the_o question_n and_o admit_v the_o book_n to_o be_v true_a when_o we_o be_v debate_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o no_o this_o we_o may_v urge_v in_o proof_n of_o the_o historical_a and_o prophetical_a part_n from_o that_o divine_a evidence_n that_o come_v from_o the_o doctrinal_a that_o we_o find_v such_o history_n and_o such_o prophecy_n in_o a_o admirable_a conjunction_n with_o such_o a_o doctrine_n subservient_fw-fr to_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o establishment_n of_o it_o and_o environ_v with_o all_o probable_a circumstance_n of_o be_v true_a both_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o also_o from_o the_o excellent_a manner_n of_o their_o fulfil_n and_o from_o the_o rare_a method_n of_o the_o history_n in_o
reach_v exercise_v the_o world_n with_o the_o great_a trial_n even_o trial_n from_o a_o appearance_n of_o his_o almighty_a power_n so_o long_o as_o he_o still_o afford_v a_o plain_o superior_a evidence_n to_o truth_n and_o so_o circumstantiate_n thing_n that_o there_o be_v abundant_a ground_n of_o distinction_n to_o make_v this_o appear_v be_v of_o chief_a concern_n in_o discourse_v of_o this_o matter_n how_o god_n miracle_n can_v be_v a_o infallible_a evidence_n if_o the_o devil_n and_o ill_a man_n be_v sometime_o enable_v for_o so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v for_o by_o no_o inherent_a power_n of_o their_o own_o can_v they_o do_v it_o to_o act_v also_o in_o a_o supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a way_n for_o if_o a_o miracle_n by_o whosoever_o wrought_v be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o any_o doctrine_n it_o be_v wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o it_o will_v then_o be_v say_v the_o testimony_n from_o miracle_n seem_v to_o to_o be_v much_o invalidated_n and_o mankind_n to_o be_v leave_v at_o great_a uncertainty_n about_o it_o that_o god_n when_o he_o be_v please_v to_o establish_v divine_a truth_n to_o the_o world_n by_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n do_v make_v that_o testimony_n unquestionable_a and_o clear_o distinguish_v the_o witness_n give_v by_o his_o miracle_n from_o any_o witness_n the_o devil_n or_o his_o instrument_n can_v give_v by_o any_o either_o seem_a or_o real_a operation_n of_o that_o kind_n will_v very_o evident_o appear_v these_o three_o way_n first_o from_o the_o order_n of_o his_o proceed_n second_o from_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o proceed_n and_o three_o from_o the_o maâ—ter_n about_o which_o he_o proceed_v first_o god_n make_v the_o miracle_n he_o work_v from_o heaven_n a_o infallible_a testimony_n by_o the_o order_n of_o his_o proceed_n he_o primary_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n before_o false_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n can_v have_v any_o such_o pretence_n by_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n settle_v and_o fix_v his_o own_o truth_n and_o make_v that_o so_o settle_a a_o rule_n to_o we_o to_o try_v all_o other_o doctrine_n by_o god_n have_v be_v ever_o beforehand_o with_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n in_o this_o kind_n nor_o have_v they_o ever_o be_v suffer_v to_o attempt_v the_o world_n this_o way_n till_o truth_n be_v first_o so_o unquestionable_o settle_v that_o there_o be_v abundant_a ground_n to_o secure_a unbiased_a and_o unprejudiced_a man_n from_o any_o seduction_n be_v the_o temptation_n to_o it_o never_o so_o great_a this_o be_v the_o case_n at_o first_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n god_n by_o most_o eminent_a and_o undeniable_a miracle_n from_o heaven_n establish_v the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n publish_v by_o moses_n and_o thereby_o fix_v that_o as_o the_o great_a standard_n and_o rule_n of_o all_o religion_n before_o the_o devil_n have_v ever_o attempt_v to_o impose_v any_o systeme_n of_o his_o own_o upon_o the_o world_n in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o that_o be_v so_o settle_v aâ—ter-propâ—ecie_a be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o single_o by_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n god_fw-we himself_o have_v direct_v the_o contrary_a but_o also_o by_o its_o conformity_n to_o that_o establish_a rule_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o prophet_n arise_v though_o attend_v with_o a_o miraculous_a power_n and_o endeavour_v to_o introduce_v a_o doctrine_n destructive_a to_o whâ—t_n be_v so_o already_o establish_v and_o to_o withdraw_v they_o from_o the_o worship_n of_o that_o god_n to_o who_o by_o moses_n his_o law_n they_o be_v primary_o subject_v they_o be_v oblige_v not_o to_o hearken_v to_o he_o but_o to_o reject_v his_o doctrine_n as_o a_o vile_a and_o wicked_a temptation_n and_o it_o be_v of_o great_a remark_n and_o a_o eminent_a justification_n of_o god_n proceed_n in_o this_o kind_n that_o the_o most_o that_o ever_o the_o devil_n be_v suffer_v to_o do_v be_v at_o first_o in_o opposition_n to_o moses_n when_o he_o by_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n come_v to_o settle_v that_o divine_a law_n for_o never_o any_o false_a prophet_n after_o can_v reach_v to_o do_v what_o the_o magician_n than_o do_v and_o god_n in_o that_o very_a way_n plain_o and_o open_o to_o satisfy_v the_o world_n for_o ever_o after_o in_o this_o matter_n determine_v the_o cause_n against_o he_o and_o moses_n so_o far_o out_o go_v the_o magician_n in_o a_o miraculous_a way_n that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o this_o confession_n this_o be_v the_o singer_n of_o god_n by_o which_o expression_n seem_v not_o to_o be_v mean_v that_o this_o particular_a work_n of_o turn_v dust_n into_o louse_n in_o which_o the_o magician_n faâ—led_v be_v a_o effect_n of_o a_o power_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a and_o all_o that_o be_v do_v before_o both_o by_o moâ—es_n and_o we_o which_o be_v work_v every_o whit_n as_o great_a be_v do_v by_o a_o power_n meeâ—ly_o natural_a but_o this_o be_v the_o singer_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o stop_v we_o that_o now_o we_o have_v try_v to_o do_v the_o like_a we_o find_v we_o can_v that_o we_o shall_v â—e_v able_a to_o go_v no_o â—â—â—ther_n that_o our_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n shall_v fail_v we_o and_o be_v take_v from_o we_o and_o moses_n shall_v be_v still_o able_a to_o proceed_v so_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o gospel_n be_v first_o eminent_o establish_v by_o uncoâ—â—ollable_a miracle_n as_o the_o great_a standard_n and_o rule_n of_o all_o suture_a doctrine_n and_o acquaint_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o further_a revelation_n to_o be_v expect_v before_o the_o wonder_n and_o miracle_n of_o seducer_n be_v extant_a and_o when_o god_n have_v by_o a_o miraculous_a power_n once_o unquestionable_o establish_v his_o own_o truth_n all_o pretence_n to_o miracle_n be_v they_o feign_v or_o real_a they_o come_v too_o late_o truth_n be_v in_o possession_n and_o by_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v try_v and_o whatever_o be_v find_v opposite_a to_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_o to_o be_v reckon_v as_o a_o trial_n and_o a_o temptation_n only_o to_o prove_v we_o the_o broad_a seal_n of_o heaven_n be_v already_o solemn_o and_o open_o set_v and_o let_v the_o devil_n bring_v what_o show_v he_o can_v of_o the_o same_o impression_n they_o be_v still_o to_o be_v reject_v and_o whatever_o the_o devil_n have_v be_v at_o any_o time_n able_a to_o do_v of_o that_o kind_n have_v be_v but_o this_o second_o hand_n work_v and_o to_o seduce_v man_n from_o a_o truth_n beforehand_o unquestionable_o establish_v and_o to_o which_o there_o be_v reason_n sufficient_a whatever_o can_v be_v do_v to_o persuade_v to_o the_o contrary_a for_o all_o man_n to_o adhere_v and_o this_o make_v st._n austin_n when_o the_o donatist_n much_o urge_v upon_o he_o in_o their_o justification_n a_o power_n they_o have_v of_o work_a miracle_n to_o tell_v they_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o way_n full_o settle_v before_o and_o we_o have_v warning_n enough_o not_o to_o be_v seduce_v from_o the_o orthodox_n doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o any_o such_o pretension_n second_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n proceed_v in_o his_o work_n of_o miracle_n to_o ascertain_v the_o world_n do_v sufficient_o secure_v we_o against_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v seduce_v by_o impostor_n that_o way_n and_o any_o miracle_n they_o can_v produce_v if_o we_o consider_v first_o the_o grand_a occasion_n upon_o which_o god_n still_o work_v they_o of_o how_o vast_a concernment_n be_v the_o rear_n up_o of_o both_o testament_n and_o justify_v the_o descent_n of_o christ_n into_o humane_a nature_n second_o the_o number_n of_o they_o how_o far_o have_v divine_a miracle_n outgo_v all_o other_o in_o that_o kind_n three_o the_o eminency_n of_o they_o four_o the_o perspicuity_n of_o they_o to_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n five_o their_o performance_n without_o the_o least_o outward_a mean_n wherein_o there_o may_v possible_o lie_v a_o deceit_n six_o the_o long_a and_o last_a continuance_n of_o they_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n be_v divine_a miracle_n difference_v from_o all_o diabolical_a act_n that_o way_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v be_v fictitious_a and_o discoverable_a so_o to_o be_v and_o when_o real_a comparative_o but_o few_o and_o in_o no_o sort_n bear_v any_o proportion_n to_o any_o of_o these_o circumstance_n wherewith_o divine_a miracle_n have_v be_v open_o accompany_v and_o it_o be_v also_o to_o be_v note_v that_o very_o many_o of_o those_o miracle_n we_o be_v tell_v of_o among_o the_o heathen_n admit_v they_o true_a be_v not_o wrought_v to_o confirm_v or_o justify_v their_o religion_n but_o upon_o other_o occasion_n often_o for_o end_n conceal_v and_o wrap_v up_o in_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n which_o we_o know_v not_o of_o and_o sometime_o for_o other_o end_n then_o to_o establish_v their_o religion_n visible_a as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o vespasian_n who_o god_n have_v design_v
the_o sun_n upon_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o consider_v the_o position_n of_o the_o moon_n at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v the_o time_n of_o the_o jew_n passeover_n must_v needs_o be_v judge_v to_o be_v prodigious_o supernatural_a be_v mention_v in_o many_o heathen_a writer_n which_o eusebius_n say_v he_o himself_o have_v read_v both_o eusebius_n in_o his_o chronology_n and_o origen_n in_o his_o second_o book_n against_o celsus_n tell_v we_o that_o phlegon_n trallianus_n who_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o adrian_n in_o the_o thirteen_o book_n of_o his_o chronicle_n write_v of_o this_o eclipse_n and_o say_v that_o in_o the_o four_o year_n of_o the_o two_o hundred_o and_o ten_o olympiad_n there_o be_v the_o great_a eclipse_n of_o thâ—â—an_n that_o ever_o be_v behold_v and_o withal_o a_o strange_a earthquake_n and_o that_o year_n be_v exact_o the_o eighteen_o year_n of_o tiberius_n in_o which_o our_o saviour_n suffer_v and_o it_o be_v certain_a by_o what_o we_o find_v in_o tertullia_n â—â—â—loâ—y_n and_o other_o of_o the_o christian_a writer_n in_o those_o first_o age_n that_o this_o and_o divers_a other_o passage_n that_o relate_v to_o the_o stoâ—â—_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o those_o time_n reâ—â—red_v among_o the_o roman_n for_o they_o ofâ—en_o appeal_v to_o their_o own_o record_n to_o â—â—ove_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o and_o many_o other_o particular_n justin_n martyr_n in_o his_o apology_n to_o the_o emperor_n antoninus_n which_o â—e_n write_v but_o fifty_o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o st._n john_n persuade_v the_o emperor_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n refer_v he_o to_o the_o act_n of_o pontius_n pilate_n then_o register_v at_o rome_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o our_o saviour_n say_v he_o do_v these_o thing_n you_o may_v learn_v from_o the_o register_n of_o the_o act_n do_v under_o pontius_n pilate_n josephus_n who_o be_v bear_v about_o five_o or_o six_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n and_o survive_v the_o reign_n of_o both_o the_o vâ—spatians_n relate_v much_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n story_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n of_o his_o holy_a life_n and_o also_o of_o his_o death_n tell_v we_o of_o herod_n and_o give_v a_o large_a and_o particular_a account_n of_o his_o strange_a and_o remarkable_a death_n of_o pilate_n of_o festus_n foelix_n gamaliel_n and_o other_o indeed_o neither_o jew_n nor_o heathen_n do_v ever_o in_o those_o time_n contradict_v or_o deny_v any_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o relate_v to_o the_o new_a testament_n story_n judge_v it_o certain_a beyond_o all_o denial_n julian_n himself_o admit_v the_o fact_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o miracle_n and_o plain_o acknowledge_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v in_o those_o time_n and_o by_o those_o very_a man_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v that_o we_o have_v no_o full_a and_o exacter_n a_o account_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o judea_n in_o his_o time_n in_o the_o roman_a story_n be_v not_o to_o be_v much_o wonder_v at_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o peaceable_a posture_n that_o country_n be_v then_o in_o news_n which_o best_o please_v the_o roman_n from_o any_o of_o their_o province_n and_o wherein_o they_o be_v most_o concern_v tacitus_n observe_v that_o judea_n be_v most_o quiet_a in_o the_o reign_n of_o tâ—berius_n as_o well_o it_o may_v all_o that_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o follower_n do_v tend_v high_o to_o peace_n and_o subjection_n now_o we_o find_v that_o the_o roman-writer_n chief_o apply_v themselves_o to_o write_v of_o some_o famous_a war_n the_o suppression_n of_o some_o eminent_a mutiny_n or_o some_o such_o accident_n as_o in_o their_o issue_n redound_v much_o to_o the_o roman-glory_n the_o peaceable_a condition_n of_o any_o province_n usual_o shorten_v their_o relation_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o neither_o of_o the_o jew_n not_o of_o the_o christian_n in_o that_o age_n have_v they_o vouchsafe_v to_o say_v much_o nor_o do_v the_o christian_n 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the_o other_o be_v those_o prophetical_a prediction_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n of_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n of_o the_o jew_n utter_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o new_a for_o the_o first_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o flood_n nothing_o i_o have_v show_v have_v have_v a_o more_o universal_a belief_n that_o the_o earth_n according_a to_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n be_v again_o repeopled_n by_o the_o posterity_n of_o noah_n and_o that_o the_o nation_n be_v divide_v in_o the_o earth_n from_o his_o three_o son_n and_o their_o issue_n as_o moses_n tell_v we_o we_o have_v from_o the_o record_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o history_n abundant_a cause_n to_o believe_v and_o that_o upon_o this_o threefold_a account_n first_o we_o find_v that_o in_o those_o eastern_a part_n where_o noah_n and_o his_o family_n be_v say_v first_o to_o land_n and_o settle_v themselves_o after_o the_o deluge_n the_o grandeur_n of_o the_o world_n first_o begin_v of_o which_o the_o greatness_n and_o splendour_n of_o the_o assyrian-empire_n be_v a_o sufficient_a instance_n those_o eastern_a country_n arrive_v to_o much_o state_n and_o pomp_n and_o to_o much_o greatness_n in_o dominion_n and_o government_n long_o before_o either_o in_o greece_n italy_n or_o any_o of_o the_o western_a part_n any_o such_o thing_n be_v attain_v to_o or_o know_v which_o evident_o show_v that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o those_o country_n be_v the_o first-born_a and_o heir_n of_o the_o world_n who_o have_v the_o great_a court_n and_o metropolis_n among_o they_o and_o that_o other_o nation_n be_v of_o the_o young_a house_n and_o colony_n of_o a_o latter_a edition_n second_o the_o earliness_n of_o learning_n of_o art_n science_n and_o invention_n among_o â—he_n assyrian_n chaldaeâ—ns_n and_o egyptian_n before_o they_o so_o much_o as_o bud_v forth_o or_o appeat_v in_o other_o conntry_n do_v argue_v that_o those_o part_n be_v first_o inhabit_v that_o they_o be_v the_o elder_a possessor_n oâ—_n the_o world_n have_v be_v long_a in_o it_o werâ—_n of_o great_a experience_n and_o that_o other_o nation_n &_o people_n be_v gradual_o deriveâ—_n and_o plant_v from_o those_o country_n anâ—_n the_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n three_o we_o find_v that_o those_o in_o honour_n of_o who_o the_o nation_n receive_v their_o first_o name_n be_v the_o posterity_n of_o noah_n that_o moses_n tell_v we_o of_o from_o japhet_n most_o probable_o the_o elder_a son_n of_o noaâ—_n call_v by_o hesiod_n and_o other_o of_o the_o most_o ancient_a writer_n japito_n and_o his_o posterito_fw-la japeâ—â—onides_n come_v the_o gomerian_o or_o â—ymbrians_n from_o his_o son_n gomer_n the_o magogim_n from_o magog_n the_o mede_n or_o madian_o from_o madus_n the_o jones_n after_o call_v graeâ—â—ns_n from_o javan_n in_o greek_a jovan_n and_o so_o from_o the_o posterity_n of_o the_o other_o two_o the_o canaanite_n from_o canaan_n the_o sabaeâ—ns_n from_o seba_n which_o the_o grecian_n write_v saba_n the_o philistines_n from_o palesthim_n the_o thracian_n from_o thyras_n the_o sidonâ—ans_n from_o sidon_n the_o egyptian_n from_o the_o posterity_n of_o cham_n egypt_n be_v call_v mizraim_n from_o mizraim_n one_o of_o his_o son_n mizraim_n in_o hebrew_a be_v the_o name_n of_o egypt_n and_o ancient_o even_o to_o the_o time_n of_o josephus_n the_o egyptian_n he_o say_v be_v call_v chuseans_n from_o cush_n or_o chus_n the_o elder_a son_n of_o cham_n and_o so_o throughout_o all_o the_o chief_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n we_o find_v the_o several_a nation_n by_o their_o ancient_a denomination_n to_o be_v original_o descend_v from_o that_o posterity_n of_o noab_n set_v down_o in_o the_o ten_o of_o genesis_n seem_v posterity_n appear_v to_o have_v be_v the_o planter_n of_o asia_n cham_n of_o africa_n and_o japhet_n of_o most_o part_n of_o europe_n with_o asia_n the_o less_o
themselves_o be_v very_o long_o preserve_v as_o most_o precious_a jewel_n in_o the_o church_n tertullian_n say_v some_o of_o they_o be_v extant_a in_o his_o time_n and_o we_o be_v tell_v by_o some_o author_n of_o credit_n that_o s_o john_n gospel_n write_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n be_v preserve_v by_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n till_o the_o time_n of_o honorius_n the_o emperor_n now_o let_v any_o reasonable_a man_n judge_v what_o a_o vast_a number_n of_o copy_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v take_v before_o the_o original_n perish_v and_o how_o high_o improbable_a if_o not_o moral_o impossible_a it_o be_v to_o impose_v a_o public_a and_o general_a abuse_n upon_o the_o world_n by_o a_o false_a transcription_n of_o such_o write_n while_o the_o original_n themselves_o last_v it_o can_v not_o be_v do_v nor_o can_v we_o conceive_v the_o christian_a church_n so_o intolerable_a sottish_a and_o so_o universal_o negligent_a as_o to_o take_v up_o with_o false_a transcript_n while_o the_o original_n be_v to_o be_v have_v to_o compare_v they_o withal_o and_o correct_v they_o by_o and_o before_o the_o original_n themselves_o perish_v such_o a_o vast_a multitude_n of_o true_a copy_n general_o know_v from_o the_o original_n so_o to_o be_v must_v needs_o be_v extant_a and_o we_o be_v historical_o assure_v actual_o be_v so_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v for_o ever_o thereby_o secure_v against_o any_o attempt_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v make_v that_o way_n second_o if_o we_o consider_v how_o much_o this_o book_n upon_o its_o first_o publication_n fill_v the_o world_n with_o discourse_n what_o various_a dispute_n there_o arise_v relate_v to_o all_o part_n of_o it_o wherein_o a_o appeal_n on_o all_o side_n be_v still_o make_v to_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o text_n and_o the_o book_n it_o self_n how_o thorough_o all_o passage_n in_o it_o be_v discuss_v and_o examine_v both_o by_o jew_n christian_n and_o heathen_n urge_v and_o make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o warm_a controversy_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o which_o by_o man_n of_o different_a persuasion_n the_o misreciting_a or_o corrupt_v a_o text_n will_v soon_o have_v be_v open_o publish_v if_o we_o consider_v by_o how_o many_o author_n in_o those_o time_n it_o be_v quote_v and_o that_o it_o be_v then_o the_o continual_a and_o general_a study_n of_o the_o christian-part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o constant_a and_o daily_a work_n and_o employment_n of_o many_o among_o they_o to_o preach_v and_o instruct_v the_o people_n out_o of_o it_o all_o this_o consider_v it_o be_v most_o absurd_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o least_o considerable_a alteration_n can_v ever_o be_v make_v in_o such_o a_o book_n without_o some_o notorious_a and_o universal_a discovery_n nor_o can_v it_o ever_o possible_o happen_v unless_o we_o will_v suppose_v that_o all_o man_n in_o some_o one_o age_n of_o all_o opinion_n that_o be_v possess_v of_o the_o bible_n shall_v at_o once_o agree_v together_o to_o deface_v their_o grand_a charter_n their_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la by_o which_o they_o hold_v all_o to_o corrupt_v that_o sacred_a depositum_fw-la on_o which_o they_o whole_o rely_v for_o their_o present_a and_o eternal_a welfare_n to_o no_o other_o end_n but_o their_o own_o utmost_a ruin_n and_o to_o abuse_v all_o succeed_a generation_n second_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o new_a testament_n itself_o as_o we_o now_o find_v it_o first_o '_o it_o be_v in_o the_o bulk_n of_o it_o so_o compose_v as_o do_v much_o secure_v we_o especial_o in_o all_o material_a thing_n against_o all_o danger_n this_o way_n either_o it_o must_v have_v be_v general_o attempt_v or_o in_o some_o particular_n to_o imagine_v any_o general_n attempt_n shall_v that_o way_n be_v make_v be_v ridiculous_a nor_o do_v we_o hear_v one_o word_n that_o there_o be_v ever_o a_o thought_n to_o endeavour_v any_o such_o thing_n and_o to_o effect_v a_o altetation_n about_o any_o one_o particular_a point_n be_v a_o thing_n can_v not_o easy_o be_v do_v because_o no_o little_a alteration_n will_v do_v it_o no_o considerable_a truth_n can_v be_v invert_v without_o many_o alteration_n make_v because_o they_o be_v all_o general_o ground_v upon_o very_a many_o text_n witness_v unto_o from_o several_a place_n and_o indeed_o all_o the_o eminent_a truth_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v so_o interweave_v together_o and_o have_v such_o a_o dependency_n each_o upon_o other_o that_o it_o will_v be_v find_v a_o very_a hard_a task_n to_o deface_v the_o beauty_n of_o any_o one_o without_o give_v a_o considerable_a wound_n to_o the_o whole_n nor_o in_o truth_n do_v we_o find_v any_o one_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o look_v like_o a_o patch_n set_v upon_o the_o rest_n nor_o any_o one_o doctrine_n that_o savour_v in_o the_o least_o of_o any_o such_o sophistication_n this_o book_n do_v not_o appear_v to_o be_v partly_o from_o god_n and_o partly_o from_o man_n but_o there_o be_v one_o divine_a spirit_n breathe_v visible_o through_o the_o whole_a '_o it_o be_v all_o of_o a_o piece_n nor_o can_v any_o wicked_a design_n to_o corrupt_v any_o one_o part_n of_o it_o have_v take_v effect_n but_o in_o all_o probability_n the_o rest_n will_v some_o way_n or_o other_o have_v make_v a_o opon_n discovery_n of_o it_o three_o the_o various_a readins_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o several_a copy_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v in_o themselves_o if_o due_o consider_v a_o great_a evidence_n that_o the_o original_n have_v not_o be_v corrupt_v for_o such_o various_a reading_n of_o any_o place_n can_v be_v reasonable_o think_v to_o arise_v from_o any_o design_n to_o vitiate_v and_o falsify_v the_o text_n because_o such_o various_a readins_n do_v rather_o accidental_o tend_v to_o discover_v anything_o of_o that_o nature_n and_o secure_a against_o any_o total_a and_o general_a alteration_n and_o among_o they_o all_o to_o contain_v and_o preserve_v the_o integrity_n and_o native_a sense_n of_o the_o text_n and_o enable_v a_o diligent_a reader_n by_o a_o through_o search_n and_o examination_n of_o they_o to_o find_v it_o out_o nor_o do_v we_o ever_o suppose_v that_o any_o book_n that_o have_v pass_v through_o many_o hand_n and_o be_v often_o transcribe_v to_o be_v total_o cortrupt_v or_o change_v because_o in_o some_o place_n of_o it_o we_o find_v various_a lection_n but_o be_v thereby_o much_o secure_v that_o such_o book_n have_v not_o be_v design_o alter_v and_o with_o good_a reason_n do_v judge_v that_o such_o various_a lection_n be_v bare_o the_o effect_n of_o casual_a mistake_n and_o that_o the_o original_a sense_n of_o the_o author_n be_v still_o preserve_v and_o may_v by_o a_o careful_a and_o diligent_a inspection_n be_v find_v out_o among_o they_o and_o indeed_o those_o we_o find_v of_o some_o text_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o they_o all_o evident_o appear_v the_o effect_n of_o humane_a frailty_n and_o only_o such_o variation_n as_o might_n consider_v how_o vast_a a_o number_n of_o copy_n be_v at_o first_o take_v escape_v the_o best_a scribe_n and_o the_o great_a diligence_n nor_o be_v there_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o any_o design_n or_o contrivance_n to_o vitiate_v the_o original_a text_n or_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v find_v that_o in_o the_o least_o degree_n look_v that_o way_n in_o all_o those_o various_a readins_n that_o we_o find_v among_o such_o copy_n as_o have_v be_v most_o ancient_o most_o general_o and_o most_o public_o use_v in_o the_o church_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o take_v out_o measure_v in_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n of_o great_a consideration_n that_o no_o particular_a design_n of_o any_o bad_a man_n have_v be_v gratify_v nor_o any_o corrupt_a end_n attain_v nor_o indeed_o any_o distinct_a end_n at_o all_o of_o any_o sort_n by_o any_o such_o diversity_n of_o reading_n which_o sufficient_o show_v they_o come_v not_o original_o from_o contrivement_n nor_o be_v intend_v as_o the_o foundation_n of_o any_o particular_a notion_n but_o be_v the_o bare_a and_o single_a effect_n of_o accident_n that_o the_o new_a testament_n therefore_o have_v be_v in_o any_o part_n of_o it_o whole_o change_v and_o corrupt_v there_o appear_v neither_o certain_a not_o probable_a ground_n to_o believe_v nor_o indeed_o be_v there_o any_o good_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o these_o sacred_a record_n have_v suffer_v the_o least_o violation_n in_o this_o kind_n first_o no_o man_n can_v prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v ever_o corrupt_v nor_o tell_v we_o by_o who_o or_o when_o or_o the_o manner_n how_o which_o yet_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v if_o man_n will_v reasonable_o object_n in_o this_o case_n for_o no_o such_o presumption_n as_o this_o that_o render_v god_n in_o his_o providence_n so_o regardless_o of_o his_o word_n and_o his_o church_n and_o so_o reproach_n the_o christian_a profession_n that_o have_v be_v
can_v be_v admit_v as_o such_o be_v all_o 〈◊〉_d they_o find_v peculiar_o appertinent_a to_o the_o â—iblâ—_n and_o can_v belong_v to_o any_o other_o book_n or_o write_n or_o to_o any_o other_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n whatsoever_o have_v thus_o establish_v these_o two_o general_a point_n first_o that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o reasonable_a and_o fit_a to_o believe_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o revelation_n make_v from_o god_n to_o the_o world_n some_o supernatural_a law_n promulge_v as_o the_o great_a rule_n of_o man_n life_n here_o and_o god_n judgement_n hereafter_o and_o that_o these_o law_n shall_v be_v somewhere_o or_o other_o extant_a upon_o record_n that_o mankind_n may_v be_v full_o assure_v and_o ascertain_v about_o they_o and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v visible_a to_o all_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o such_o book_n as_o the_o bible_n pretend_v to_o be_v and_o that_o it_o be_v great_o unreasonable_a to_o believe_v the_o contrary_n and_o second_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o right_a reason_n there_o be_v many_o general_a qualification_n that_o must_v necessary_o be_v appertinent_a to_o such_o a_o revelation_n wheresoever_o it_o be_v extant_a and_o by_o which_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o mankind_n shall_v make_v a_o judgement_n of_o every_o pretence_n to_o it_o and_o that_o all_o those_o qualification_n be_v find_v punctual_o and_o peculiar_o belong_v to_o the_o bible_n and_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o any_o other_o extant_a pretence_n to_o revelation_n whatsoever_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v which_o be_v a_o more_o distinct_a and_o particular_a proof_n and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o this_o book_n be_v indeed_o send_v we_o from_o heaven_n and_o be_v in_o truth_n that_o revelation_n we_o have_v good_a cause_n to_o expect_v from_o above_o and_o that_o we_o have_v all_o those_o reason_n concur_v to_o make_v we_o acquiesce_v in_o it_o as_o such_o from_o whence_o a_o judgement_n in_o such_o a_o case_n ought_v final_o to_o result_v that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o evidence_n to_o be_v give_v in_o to_o prove_v its_o divinity_n as_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o desire_v nor_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v more_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n and_o so_o much_o that_o where_o man_n corrupt_a interest_n and_o prejudices_fw-la be_v not_o predominant_a will_v appear_v sufficient_a to_o every_o impartial_a enquiry_n and_o this_o shall_v be_v prosecute_v in_o this_o method_n i_o will_v these_o several_a way_n consider_v this_o book_n first_o in_o the_o time_n of_o its_o conveyance_n to_o the_o world_n second_o in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o its_o conveyance_n three_o in_o the_o success_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o since_o its_o conveyance_n and_o last_o in_o itself_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o as_o we_o now_o find_v it_o and_o from_o each_o of_o these_o consideration_n will_v a_o signal_n testimony_n be_v give_v in_o to_o its_o divinity_n and_o when_o we_o have_v take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o whole_a we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o book_n both_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o and_o in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n that_o have_v at_o any_o time_n attend_v it_o do_v eminent_o relate_v itself_o to_o god_n as_o its_o author_n and_o can_v be_v reasonable_o judge_v the_o product_n of_o any_o humane_a contrivement_n whatsoever_o for_o the_o first_o when_o we_o reslâ—ct_v upon_o the_o â—â—me_n of_o this_o book_n conveyance_n we_o shall_v find_v two_o thing_n of_o very_a great_a weight_n offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o consideration_n first_o the_o antiquity_n of_o those_o thing_n it_o relate_v to_o we_o and_o inform_v we_o of_o and_o second_o the_o antiquity_n of_o this_o 〈◊〉_d iâ—â—â—lâ—_n since_o compose_v and_o deliver_v to_o we_o with_o such_o a_o relation_n the_o content_n of_o this_o book_n â—â—ch_a aâ—_n far_o as_o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o heaven_n and_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o god_n revelation_n to_o man_n since_o his_o first_o mâ—â—â—_n and_o original_a and_o of_o a_o oral_a and_o â—erâ—all_a intâ—â—â—â—â—â—se_n between_o god_n and_o the_o world_n for_o two_o thousand_o four_o hundred_o and_o old_a year_n before_o it_o be_v any_o where_o extant_a upon_o râ—â—â—â—d_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o write_v which_o no_o other_o bâ—â—â—_n since_o the_o world_n begin_v so_o much_o as_o make_v 〈◊〉_d â—â—â—â—â—â—ce_n to_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o revelation_n historical_o contain_v in_o this_o book_n it_o be_v wat_fw-mi be_v 〈◊〉_d the_o beginning_n and_o of_o the_o same_o 〈…〉_o the_o world_n itself_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o edition_n of_o it_o in_o this_o book_n and_o the_o time_n 〈◊〉_d this_o book_n aâ—â—ual_a publication_n with_o all_o the_o aâ—â—â—tional_a revelation_n contain_v in_o it_o we_o shall_v find_v this_o book_n to_o be_v the_o first_o bear_v in_o its_o kind_n to_o precede_v all_o other_o write_n whatsoever_o and_o in_o truth_n to_o be_v extant_a while_n thales_n mileâ—â—us_n hamer_n hâ—rmes_n and_o the_o most_o primative_a writer_n the_o world_n have_v be_v unborn_a and_o unthought_a of_o moses_n write_v of_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n long_o before_o any_o of_o the_o heathen_a god_n have_v a_o write_a mention_n make_v of_o they_o god_n please_v so_o to_o order_v it_o that_o although_o the_o revelation_n he_o make_v to_o the_o world_n be_v not_o write_v from_o the_o beginning_n yet_o they_o be_v write_v long_o before_o any_o other_o write_n be_v extant_a and_o his_o own_o law_n be_v first_o record_v and_o all_o other_o write_n be_v of_o a_o subsequent_a date_n to_o this_o holy_a book_n first_o i_o will_v evidence_n this_o in_o point_n of_o fact_n and_o show_v that_o it_o be_v so_o that_o to_o this_o book_n be_v indeed_o due_a the_o right_n of_o primogeniture_n and_o that_o all_o other_o book_n be_v of_o a_o much_o after-edition_n and_o becond_o examine_v what_o reasonable_o result_v from_o thence_o towards_o that_o proof_n of_o the_o bible_n we_o be_v about_o to_o all_o which_o this_o must_v be_v premise_v that_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o bible_n as_o thus_o ancient_n we_o intend_v actual_o no_o more_o of_o it_o then_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n the_o whole_a content_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v above_o four_o thousand_o year_n in_o a_o gradual_a publication_n and_o the_o bible_n itself_o above_o a_o thousand_o and_o six_o hundred_o year_n in_o writing_n for_o so_o long_o it_o be_v from_o the_o time_n that_o moses_n write_v to_o st._n john_n the_o revealer_n nor_o need_v we_o intend_v more_o to_o justify_v the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o whole_a because_o it_o be_v all_o there_o virtual_o contain_v all_o the_o rest_n be_v superstruct_v upon_o that_o as_o its_o â—oâ—ndation_n and_o every_o several_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n after_o moses_n till_o the_o top-stone_n be_v lay_v appear_v evident_o to_o be_v write_v in_o direct_a pursuance_n of_o what_o moses_n at_o first_o deliver_v and_o so_o much_o st._n paul_n affirm_v before_o foelix_n that_o he_o teach_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v long_o before_o extant_a in_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n for_o the_o first_o that_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n be_v in_o fact_n the_o most_o ancient_a i_o find_v both_o jew_n and_o christian_n have_v be_v great_o concern_v to_o make_v it_o manifest_a as_o judge_v it_o a_o point_n that_o do_v great_o credit_v their_o profession_n and_o high_o justify_v that_o religion_n they_o adhere_v to_o josephus_n and_o other_o of_o the_o jewish_a writer_n have_v much_o insist_v upon_o it_o and_o among_o the_o christian_a writer_n justin_n martyr_n tertullian_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n eusebius_n cyrill_n of_o alexandria_n in_o his_o book_n against_o julian_n st._n austin_n and_o other_o but_o most_o especial_o justin_n martyr_n and_o eusebius_n justin_n martyr_n in_o his_o parenaetick_n to_o the_o grecian_n because_o they_o use_v with_o great_a arrogance_n to_o boast_v of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o their_o own_o learning_n and_o religion_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n to_o look_v with_o great_a contempt_n upon_o other_o prove_v against_o they_o out_o of_o pagan_a author_n and_o those_o chief_o their_o own_o beyond_o all_o reasonable_a denial_n that_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n be_v of_o much_o great_a antiquity_n than_o the_o most_o ancient_a writer_n they_o can_v make_v a_o pretence_n to_o and_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o natural_a issue_n of_o those_o write_n found_v upon_o they_o and_o derive_v from_o they_o be_v no_o new_a or_o upstart_a invention_n but_o indeed_o the_o first_o and_o most_o ancient_a write_v and_o unwritten_a truth_n the_o world_n be_v possess_v of_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v afterward_o more_o large_o and_o distinct_o prove_v and_o make_v good_a by_o eusebius_n in_o his_o evangelical_n preparation_n who_o thus_o conclude_v quare_fw-la omnibus_fw-la diis_fw-la ac_fw-la heroibus_fw-la graecorum_n multo_fw-la vetustior_fw-la
of_o the_o first_o people_n of_o america_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v first_o people_v or_o at_o what_o time_n little_a account_n can_v be_v expect_v nor_o can_v any_o objection_n be_v reasonable_o make_v from_o thence_o in_o this_o matter_n because_o of_o the_o perfect_a silence_n in_o all_o ancient_a story_n of_o any_o such_o place_n and_o because_o of_o our_o total_a ignorance_n of_o it_o till_o of_o late_a but_o there_o be_v ground_n sufficient_a to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v of_o a_o much_o late_a plantation_n than_o the_o other_o three_o part_n of_o the_o world_n for_o there_o be_v not_o record_n find_v among_o the_o people_n of_o that_o country_n that_o exceed_v a_o thousand_o year_n and_o as_o most_o tell_v we_o from_o thence_o not_o above_o eight_o hundred_o the_o exact_a and_o punctual_a account_n of_o this_o whole_a matter_n we_o have_v from_o josephus_n and_o eusebâ—us_n heretofore_o and_o from_o many_o learned_a man_n since_o but_o especial_o from_o the_o most_o excellent_a bochart_n who_o have_v herein_o far_o exceed_v they_o all_o and_o who_o most_o successful_a endeavour_n this_o way_n have_v not_o only_o most_o evident_o clear_v the_o truth_n of_o sacred_a history_n in_o this_o particular_a but_o indeed_o the_o whole_a of_o what_o moses_n have_v write_v be_v very_o great_o justify_v thereby_o second_o those_o prophetical_a prediction_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n concern_v the_o misery_n of_o the_o jew_n their_o be_v lead_v captive_a into_o all_o nation_n the_o besiege_v of_o jerusalem_n and_o such_o a_o ruin_n of_o the_o temple_n as_o that_o one_o stone_n shall_v not_o be_v leave_v upon_o another_o with_o many_o other_o prophecy_n relate_v to_o that_o business_n have_v have_v such_o a_o eminent_a and_o notorious_a fulfil_n in_o the_o time_n of_o vespasian_n trajan_n adrian_n and_o since_o as_o great_o justify_v the_o whole_a of_o the_o gospel_n and_o much_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o that_o our_o saviour_n have_v speak_v what_o we_o find_v in_o tacitus_n hegysippus_fw-la and_o other_o heathen_a writer_n but_o especial_o the_o story_n of_o josephus_n their_o own_o historian_n have_v write_v of_o that_o which_o happen_v to_o the_o jeus_fw-la their_o city_n and_o temple_n about_o forty_o year_n after_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o exact_o correspond_v to_o what_o he_o himself_o foretell_v and_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o 24_o of_o st._n matthew_n that_o no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v that_o any_o future_a event_n be_v ever_o so_o plain_o and_o full_o foretell_v and_o so_o punctual_o fulfil_v in_o any_o age_n nor_o can_v any_o impartial_a man_n consider_v that_o strange_a agreement_n there_o be_v in_o every_o particular_a between_o what_o then_o happen_v and_o what_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v so_o many_o year_n before_o without_o be_v great_o affect_v with_o it_o and_o how_o full_o competent_a josephus_n be_v to_o write_v that_o story_n may_v be_v judge_v by_o what_o he_o himself_o say_v in_o his_o first_o book_n against_o appion_n i_o myself_o say_v he_o have_v compose_v a_o most_o true_a story_n of_o those_o war_n and_o of_o every_o particular_a thing_n there_o do_v as_o well_o i_o may_v have_v be_v present_a in_o all_o those_o affair_n for_o i_o be_v captain_n of_o the_o galilaeanâ—_n among_o our_o nation_n so_o long_o as_o any_o resistance_n can_v be_v make_v against_o the_o roman_n and_o than_o it_o fall_v out_o that_o i_o be_v take_v by_o the_o roman_n and_o be_v prisoner_n unto_o titus_n and_o vespasian_n they_o cause_v i_o to_o be_v a_o eye-witness_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o pass_v first_o in_o bond_n and_o fetter_n and_o afterward_o free_v from_o they_o i_o be_v bring_v from_o alexandria_n with_o titus_n when_o he_o go_v to_o the_o siege_n of_o jerusalem_n so_o that_o nothing_o can_v then_o pass_v whereof_o i_o have_v not_o notice_n for_o behold_v the_o roman_a army_n i_o commit_v all_o thing_n to_o write_v with_o all_o possible_a diligence_n myself_o do_v only_o manage_v all_o matter_n disclose_v unto_o the_o roman_n by_o such_o as_o yield_v themselves_o for_o that_o i_o only_o do_v perfect_o understand_v they_o last_o be_v at_o rome_n and_o have_v now_o leisure_n all_o business_n be_v past_a i_o use_v the_o help_n of_o some_o for_o the_o greek_a tongue_n and_o so_o i_o publish_v a_o history_n of_o all_o that_o have_v happen_v in_o the_o aforesaid_a war_n which_o history_n of_o i_o be_v so_o true_a that_o i_o fear_v not_o to_o call_v vespasian_n and_o titus_n emperor_n in_o those_o war_n to_o witness_v for_o they_o i_o first_o give_v a_o copy_n of_o that_o book_n to_o they_o after_o to_o many_o noble_a roman_n present_v in_o those_o war_n i_o sell_v also_o many_o of_o they_o to_o our_o own_o nation_n to_o such_o as_o understand_v the_o greek_a language_n among_o who_o be_v julius_n archelaus_n herod_n the_o honest_a and_o the_o most_o worthy_a king_n agrippa_n who_o do_v all_o testify_v that_o my_o history_n contain_v nothing_o but_o truth_n who_o will_v not_o have_v be_v silent_a if_o any_o thing_n either_o out_o of_o ignorance_n or_o flattery_n i_o have_v change_v or_o omit_v in_o any_o particular_a the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o temple_n be_v about_o forty_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n time_n by_o vespation_n and_o titus_n total_o ruin_v and_o demolish_a the_o jew_n after_o that_o three_o time_n endeavour_v to_o rebuild_v their_o temple_n the_o first_o time_n be_v under_o the_o emperor_n adrian_n in_o the_o year_n after_o christ_n 136._o which_o attempt_n have_v no_o other_o effect_n but_o the_o slaughter_n of_o fifty_o thousand_o of_o they_o with_o many_o other_o sad_a desolation_n which_o we_o find_v set_v down_o at_o large_a by_o that_o noble_a historian_n dion_n cassius_n their_o second_o attempt_n be_v under_o constantine_n which_o he_o soon_o quash_v but_o not_o without_o great_a expression_n of_o his_o displeasure_n against_o they_o cut_v off_o their_o ear_n and_o brand_a their_o body_n and_o make_v most_o of_o they_o slave_n and_o vagabond_n their_o last_o attempt_n to_o rebuild_v it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o julian_n when_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o way_n hinder_v that_o they_o be_v high_o encourage_v by_o julian_n himself_o with_o money_n and_o all_o material_n on_o purpose_n as_o sozomon_n tell_v we_o to_o vilify_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o confront_v our_o saviour_n prediction_n the_o story_n of_o it_o we_o have_v from_o one_o that_o we_o be_v sure_o can_v have_v no_o design_n to_o befriend_v the_o christian_n ammianus_n marcellinus_n a_o heathen-historian_n and_o a_o soldier_n at_o that_o time_n in_o julian_n army_n he_o tell_v we_o with_o what_o immoderate_a expense_n and_o indefatigable_a industry_n the_o jew_n by_o the_o help_n of_o julian_n set_v about_o it_o intend_v to_o make_v it_o more_o famous_a than_o ever_o and_o that_o to_o expedite_v the_o work_n julian_n appoint_v one_o alyppius_fw-la a_o person_n of_o great_a quality_n in_o his_o army_n to_o oversee_v it_o and_o assist_v in_o it_o and_o at_o last_o conclude_v his_o whole_a relation_n with_o these_o word_n cum_fw-la itaque_fw-la rei_fw-la idem_fw-la fortiter_fw-la instaret_fw-la alyppius_fw-la juvaretque_fw-la provinciae_fw-la rector_n metuendi_fw-la globi_fw-la flammarum_fw-la prope_fw-la fundamenta_fw-la crebis_fw-la assultibus_fw-la erumpentes_fw-la fecere_fw-la locum_fw-la exustis_fw-la aliquoties_fw-la operantibus_fw-la inaccessum_fw-la hocque_fw-la modo_fw-la elemento_fw-la destinatius_fw-la repellente_fw-la cessavit_fw-la incaeptum_fw-la am._n marcel_n lib._n 23._o when_o therefore_o this_o alyppius_fw-la set_v eager_o on_o the_o work_n be_v assist_v by_o the_o governor_n of_o that_o province_n dreadful_a ball_n of_o fire_n burst_v forth_o with_o often_o assault_n near_o the_o foundation_n make_v the_o place_n the_o workman_n be_v several_a time_n devour_v with_o the_o flame_n inaccessible_a and_o after_o this_o manner_n the_o element_n resist_v as_o with_o some_o kind_n of_o destiny_n the_o design_n be_v give_v over_o this_o be_v that_o final_a stroke_n from_o heaven_n that_o put_v a_o period_n to_o all_o endeavour_n of_o rebuild_v that_o place_n and_o to_o all_o future_a attempt_n of_o restore_v again_o the_o jewish_a church-state_n and_o polity_n and_o how_o great_a a_o evidence_n be_v it_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o whole_a of_o what_o our_o saviour_n have_v speak_v to_o sin_v all_o these_o prediction_n against_o his_o great_a opposer_n and_o crucifier_n so_o strange_o and_o so_o exact_o and_o in_o so_o visible_a and_o notorious_a a_o manner_n fulfil_v and_o in_o truth_n that_o general_a prophetic_a spirit_n we_o find_v throughout_o the_o bible_n those_o manifold_a plain_a and_o direct_a prediction_n it_o be_v every_o where_o fill_v with_o of_o thing_n future_a and_o to_o come_v tell_v we_o much_o of_o its_o divinity_n and_o great_o assure_v we_o it_o can_v not_o be_v a_o effect_n
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that_o in_o a_o very_a singular_a and_o extraordinary_a manner_n to_o be_v the_o great_a accomplishment_n of_o all_o that_o god_n have_v before_o promise_v and_o foretell_v the_o natural_a offspring_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o that_o which_o the_o scripture_n before_o write_v throughout_o travel_v withal_o indeed_o the_o genuine_a issue_n of_o all_o former_a revelation_n and_o so_o be_v incirele_v with_o all_o that_o divine_a justification_n that_o any_o former_a revelation_n have_v be_v at_o any_o time_n accompany_v with_o and_o in_o the_o distinct_a publication_n of_o all_o the_o particular_a part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n man_n have_v these_o two_o ground_n of_o satisfaction_n in_o those_o time_n first_o if_o we_o admit_v that_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n to_o come_v either_o from_o st._n paul_n or_o some_o other_o apostolical_a hand_n of_o the_o latter_a of_o which_o the_o epistle_n itself_o sufficient_o assure_v we_o and_o for_o the_o former_a there_o seem_v to_o 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time_n and_o by_o several_a hand_n write_v appear_v so_o to_o promote_v one_o and_o the_o same_o design_n be_v so_o much_o the_o same_o in_o doctrine_n do_v so_o harmonise_v in_o the_o same_o tendency_n and_o end_n and_o have_v such_o a_o relation_n each_o to_o other_o that_o whatever_o reason_n there_o be_v in_o the_o general_a to_o satisfy_v man_n in_o those_o time_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o religion_n by_o he_o establish_v and_o there_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o heaven_n in_o that_o case_n the_o same_o will_v go_v very_o far_o to_o resolve_v all_o such_o doubt_n as_o can_v be_v make_v about_o any_o particular_a part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n then_o write_v second_o how_o can_v we_o now_o come_v certain_o to_o know_v the_o true_a compass_n and_o extent_n of_o holy_a writ_n how_o can_v we_o know_v