it_o be_v conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o this_o science_n be_v only_o a_o chimaera_n no_o body_n dare_v maintain_v it_o but_o it_o be_v just_a thus_o with_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o such_o as_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o a_o false_a zeal_n the_o incredulous_a object_n further_o that_o since_o those_o who_o show_v the_o great_a zeal_n observe_v not_o the_o most_o important_a precept_n of_o this_o religion_n it_o be_v at_o lest_o a_o sign_n that_o they_o be_v not_o themselves_o persuade_v of_o its_o truth_n for_o otherwise_o say_v they_o they_o will_v not_o quit_v the_o best_a part_n of_o it_o seeing_z if_o the_o speculative_a doctrine_n be_v true_a what_o concern_v practice_n be_v not_o less_o so_o but_o if_o the_o most_o zealous_a be_v not_o persuade_v of_o their_o religion_n what_o may_v be_v judge_v of_o its_o proof_n this_o be_v certain_o a_o prejudice_n that_o be_v very_o difficult_o conquer_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o have_v more_o regard_n to_o what_o be_v 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be_v always_o conclude_v from_o their_o carriage_n this_o be_v so_o it_o may_v probable_o happen_v that_o certain_a zealot_n may_v act_v very_o disagreeable_o to_o their_o profession_n which_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_n of_o their_o persuasion_n from_o their_o manner_n we_o must_v confess_v however_o that_o if_o in_o those_o zealot_n there_o appear_v a_o continual_a series_n of_o action_n contrary_a to_o the_o clear_a command_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o inveterate_a habit_n of_o walk_a contrary_n to_o what_o must_v be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o christianity_n than_o we_o have_v great_a occasion_n to_o suspect_v they_o of_o hypocrisy_n and_o a_o design_n of_o cover_v their_o infidelity_n with_o a_o show_n of_o zeal_n for_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a but_o that_o a_o strong_a and_o sincere_a belief_n shall_v at_o length_n eradicate_v out_o of_o the_o heart_n all_o habit_n which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o it_o but_o the_o most_o ingenuous_a man_n may_v act_v sometime_o against_o their_o persuasion_n by_o surprise_n or_o the_o sudden_a motion_n of_o a_o violent_a passion_n three_o as_o it_o will_v be_v injustice_n to_o judge_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o law_n of_o any_o government_n from_o the_o way_n how_o they_o be_v observe_v so_o it_o will_v be_v very_o ill_o reason_v to_o condemn_v the_o christian_a religion_n because_o such_o as_o profess_v it_o obey_v it_o not_o there_o may_v be_v most_o excellent_a law_n and_o acknowledge_v too_o for_o such_o yet_o not_o always_o strict_o observe_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o interest_n and_o passion_n of_o those_o who_o break_v they_o as_o it_o may_v be_v remark_v in_o all_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v just_a so_o with_o the_o christian_a religion_n what_o cause_v this_o contradiction_n between_o the_o sentiment_n and_o carriage_n of_o man_n beside_o the_o reason_n already_o allege_v be_v perhaps_o because_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o apply_v the_o general_a law_n to_o the_o particular_a case_n which_o happen_v every_o day_n and_o that_o they_o mistake_v the_o most_o prohibit_v action_n for_o exception_n to_o the_o rule_n 26._o arrian_n upon_o epictetus_n l._n 3._o c._n 26._o a_o famous_a philosopher_n say_v that_o most_o of_o man_n error_n proceed_v from_o their_o not_o know_v how_o to_o apply_v general_a to_o particular_a idea_n if_o we_o consider_v it_o near_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o same_o thing_n occasion_n at_o least_o in_o part_n the_o violation_n of_o many_o law_n which_o be_v all_o the_o while_n think_v just_a and_o wellgrounded_n zeal_n accompany_v with_o very_o great_a ignorance_n and_o the_o great_a as_o the_o ignorance_n be_v grosser_n furnish_v the_o incredulous_a likewise_o with_o another_o pretence_n of_o look_v upon_o religion_n as_o a_o blind_a persuasion_n mere_o build_v upon_o the_o credulity_n of_o the_o people_n and_o indeed_o we_o see_v that_o in_o all_o religion_n such_o as_o have_v least_o examine_v thing_n and_o that_o be_v the_o less_o discern_a appear_v frequent_o the_o hot_a in_o defence_n of_o the_o party_n with_o which_o they_o be_v engage_v the_o furious_a zeal_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o mahometans_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o the_o pagan_a populace_n be_v so_o well_o know_v that_o i_o need_v bring_v no_o example_n of_o it_o in_o those_o sect_n also_o into_o which_o christianity_n be_v at_o present_a divide_v the_o heat_n wherewith_o the_o ignorant_a multitude_n defend_v their_o sentiment_n and_o endeavour_v to_o propagate_v they_o be_v but_o too_o common_a this_o blind_a zeal_n have_v so_o often_o break_v out_o and_o have_v make_v use_n of_o such_o ill_a method_n to_o advance_v each_o party_n that_o there_o be_v no_o sect_n but_o have_v some_o reason_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o but_o if_o this_o false_a zeal_n may_v be_v consider_v as_o a_o consequence_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o heathen_n
the_o mahometans_n the_o jew_n and_o some_o of_o the_o christian_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o true_a christianity_n give_v it_o no_o approbation_n so_o that_o if_o the_o falsity_n of_o these_o religion_n or_o sect_n may_v be_v hence_o conclude_v yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o we_o can_v reason_v against_o christianity_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n i_o have_v already_o show_v in_o the_o precedent_a chapter_n that_o it_o require_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o blind_a obedience_n from_o such_o as_o embrace_v it_o and_o that_o it_o express_o condemn_v the_o furious_a zeal_n which_o flow_v from_o this_o spring_n one_o of_o christ_n apostle_n acknowledge_v that_o the_o jew_n have_v a_o zeal_n for_o god_n 1.14_o rom._n 10.2_o gal._n 1.14_o add_v that_o it_o be_v without_o knowledge_n and_o blame_v it_o exceed_o another_o say_v to_o those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v 3.14_o jam._n 3.14_o if_o you_o have_v bitter_a zeal_n and_o strife_n in_o your_o heart_n glory_v not_o and_o lie_v not_o against_o the_o truth_n this_o wisdom_n descend_v not_o from_o above_o but_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a devilish_a for_o where_o this_o zeal_n and_o strife_n be_v there_o be_v confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n this_o blind_a zeal_n then_o be_v not_o a_o effect_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o can_v be_v reasonable_o attribute_v to_o it_o it_o be_v a_o consequence_n of_o the_o temper_n and_o education_n of_o the_o ignorant_a populace_n who_o instead_o of_o defend_v the_o truth_n by_o its_o proper_a light_n and_o the_o virtue_n it_o do_v produce_v in_o their_o heart_n who_o due_o receive_v it_o defend_v it_o with_o the_o same_o arm_n they_o will_v error_n that_o be_v with_o passion_n and_o fury_n this_o sort_n of_o people_n can_v without_o extreme_a injustice_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o model_n whereby_o to_o judge_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o effect_n of_o christianity_n since_o it_o clear_o condemn_v their_o conduct_n we_o must_v on_o the_o contrary_n cast_v our_o eye_n upon_o the_o understand_a person_n who_o make_v use_v of_o none_o but_o good_a reason_n in_o its_o defence_n and_o that_o to_o procure_v themselves_o love_n and_o respect_n practise_v only_o those_o calm_a and_o peaceable_a virtue_n they_o learn_v from_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o character_n which_o the_o founder_n of_o christianity_n bestow_v upon_o they_o who_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o the_o true_a christian_n the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o say_v the_o same_o apostle_n be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n without_o partiality_n and_o without_o hypocrisy_n chap._n iii_o that_o unbeliever_n be_v in_o the_o wrong_n for_o reject_v the_o christiam_fw-la religion_n because_o interest_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o most_o people_n devotion_n since_o christianity_n have_v flourish_v in_o the_o world_n it_o have_v frequent_o prove_v a_o advantageous_a thing_n to_o show_v great_a zeal_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o although_o this_o make_v no_o change_n in_o the_o thing_n itself_o truth_n not_o depend_v upon_o the_o interest_n one_o have_v or_o have_v not_o to_o defend_v it_o yet_o the_o incredulous_a be_v sure_a to_o take_v a_o occasion_n from_o hence_o of_o doubt_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n there_o be_v endeavour_n make_v sometime_o to_o gain_v they_o over_o by_o represent_v to_o they_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o clergy_n in_o so_o many_o place_n and_o age_n but_o they_o instant_o reply_v that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o those_o man_n do_v make_v a_o profession_n of_o christianity_n since_o they_o will_v be_v great_a getter_n by_o it_o in_o so_o do_v but_o must_v lose_v infinite_o if_o they_o do_v not_o and_o indeed_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o no_o cogent_a conclusion_n can_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o example_n of_o all_o such_o as_o have_v defend_v or_o that_o now_o defend_v the_o christian_a religion_n against_o infidel_n but_o their_o reason_v be_v still_o less_o solid_a as_o i_o shall_v show_v after_o put_v it_o in_o a_o great_a light_n it_o be_v not_o well_o do_v to_o give_v those_o occasion_n of_o say_v that_o the_o defender_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n diminish_v the_o force_n of_o their_o objection_n and_o those_o who_o by_o their_o ill_a carriage_n put_v before_o they_o this_o stone_n of_o offence_n and_o stumble_v deserve_v to_o be_v reproach_v for_o it_o not_o to_o speak_v of_o revenge_v in_o this_o place_n the_o wrong_n they_o do_v to_o christianity_n moreover_o i_o have_v from_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o this_o work_n propose_v to_o myself_o not_o only_o to_o deal_v with_o such_o as_o entire_o reject_v it_o but_o with_o those_o also_o who_o seem_v to_o embrace_v it_o only_o by_o half_n let_v we_o imagine_v then_o a_o cheat_a priest_n people_n but_o too_o much_o know_v in_o all_o christendom_n who_o pretend_v to_o some_o benefice_n if_o he_o have_v none_o already_o or_o aspire_v to_o a_o great_a dignity_n than_o what_o he_o possess_v he_o appear_v humble_a gentle_a moderate_a and_o kind_a he_o speak_v of_o nothing_o but_o disinterestedness_n and_o the_o vanity_n of_o all_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n if_o he_o have_v a_o talon_n for_o the_o pulpit_n he_o there_o principal_o show_v his_o zeal_n against_o the_o corrupt_a manner_n of_o the_o time_n nay_o he_o be_v in_o a_o fury_n against_o scandalous_a clergyman_n and_o the_o abuse_v commit_v in_o ecclesiastical_a matter_n so_o long_o complain_v of_o and_o not_o yet_o reform_v in_o a_o word_n he_o use_v all_o the_o discourse_n that_o shall_v be_v make_v in_o that_o place_n in_o order_n to_o pass_v for_o a_o honest_a man_n and_o to_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o have_v his_o income_n be_v great_a he_o will_v put_v they_o to_o much_o better_a use_v than_o most_o ecclesiastic_n do_v after_o act_v his_o part_n for_o some_o year_n at_o last_o he_o obtain_v his_o end_n that_o be_v a_o dignity_n and_o income_n that_o render_v he_o considerable_a in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o church_n but_o than_o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o he_o quantum_fw-la mutatus_fw-la ab_fw-la illo_fw-la for_o indeed_o he_o be_v not_o long_o to_o be_v know_v he_o be_v forthwith_o haughty_a hard-hearted_a untractable_a and_o passionate_a towards_o all_o such_o as_o he_o think_v his_o inferior_n those_o who_o be_v his_o friend_n before_o and_o upon_o who_o friendship_n too_o he_o value_v himself_o aught_o to_o be_v very_o well_o satisfy_v with_o he_o if_o he_o now_o vouchsafe_v they_o a_o look_v the_o obligation_n they_o lay_v upon_o he_o while_o he_o continue_v a_o private_a person_n and_o when_o they_o expect_v no_o return_v from_o he_o be_v quite_o lose_v he_o think_v they_o be_v all_o due_a to_o his_o merit_n and_o that_o more_o be_v owe_v he_o but_o as_o for_o himself_o he_o owe_v nothing_o to_o any_o body_n and_o do_v they_o too_o much_o honour_n when_o he_o cold_o receive_v the_o incense_n they_o be_v base_a enough_o to_o offer_v he_o if_o he_o prefer_v any_o man_n he_o must_v be_v some_o blockhead_n or_o flatterer_n people_n that_o have_v no_o idea_n almost_o of_o their_o duty_n and_o that_o be_v ready_a to_o admire_v any_o thing_n the_o bad_a as_o well_o as_o the_o good_a so_o be_v you_o make_v they_o live_v at_o their_o ease_n this_o man_n so_o disintere_v heretofore_o become_v oftentimes_o insatiable_a and_o the_o revenue_n of_o the_o best_a benefice_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v his_o avarice_n he_o procure_v therefore_o as_o many_o as_o he_o can_v and_o have_v never_o too_o many_o if_o he_o be_v natural_o covetous_a all_o that_o he_o preach_v before_o of_o liberality_n be_v quite_o vanish_v all_o the_o invective_n he_o make_v against_o avarice_n be_v lay_v in_o perpetual_a oblivion_n he_o do_v good_a to_o no_o body_n and_o think_v of_o nothing_o but_o lay_v up_o treasure_n if_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o be_v a_o voluptuous_a or_o stately_a person_n he_o consume_v his_o great_a income_n in_o keep_v a_o magnificent_a table_n in_o have_v a_o stately_a train_n and_o live_v as_o the_o proud_a man_n or_o the_o most_o addict_v to_o their_o pleasure_n in_o the_o world_n the_o sordid_a avarice_n of_o the_o one_o be_v a_o frugality_n become_v a_o good_a clergyman_n and_o the_o excessive_a luxury_n of_o the_o other_o be_v but_o a_o expense_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o keep_v up_o his_o rank_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o beget_v respect_n in_o the_o laity_n far_o from_o make_v the_o least_o reformation_n in_o the_o clergy_n that_o depend_v upon_o they_o they_o let_v they_o loose_v to_o all_o the_o ill_a custom_n and_o manner_n to_o which_o they_o be_v subject_a on_o condition_n they_o be_v submissive_a to_o they_o and_o meddle_v not_o with_o their_o particular_a method_n of_o live_v when_o unbeliever_n consider_v such_o a_o
the_o gospel_n will_v have_v we_o to_o sacrifice_v all_o our_o pleasure_n to_o what_o it_o ordain_v we_o and_o that_o we_o resolve_v upon_o suffer_v all_o sort_n of_o evil_n rather_o than_o neglect_v one_o of_o its_o command_n these_o be_v the_o principal_a duty_n very_o near_o that_o regard_n ourselves_o for_o i_o design_v not_o to_o make_v here_o a_o complete_a abridgement_n of_o the_o christian_a moral_n for_o my_o subject_n do_v not_o require_v it_o and_o it_o suffice_v that_o i_o bring_v to_o mind_v the_o chief_a head_n of_o they_o the_o justice_n which_o the_o gospel_n recommend_v to_o we_o do_v contain_v two_o thing_n one_o be_v to_o render_v every_o one_o his_o due_a and_o this_o be_v what_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o call_v justice_n the_o other_o be_v to_o do_v for_o our_o neighbour_n all_o that_o we_o will_v wish_v he_o to_o do_v for_o we_o be_v we_o in_o his_o condition_n that_o we_o shall_v pardon_v he_o for_o example_n when_o he_o do_v we_o wrong_n rather_o than_o to_o 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too_o opposite_a to_o the_o moral_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o lodge_v in_o any_o heart_n thorough_o persuade_v of_o its_o truth_n or_o touch_v by_o its_o maxim_n let_v we_o suppose_v a_o man_n very_o desirous_a to_o possess_v a_o considerable_a charge_n without_o have_v fit_a talent_n for_o it_o or_o if_o he_o have_v that_o he_o design_v not_o to_o serve_v his_o country_n by_o his_o place_n but_o only_o to_o live_v splendid_o and_o luxurious_o we_o may_v suppose_v far_o that_o he_o make_v use_v of_o all_o trick_n to_o obtain_v it_o and_o that_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n soon_o than_o miss_v of_o it_o this_o passion_n which_o entire_o take_v he_o up_o and_o fill_v his_o whole_a imagination_n with_o the_o pleasure_n that_o accompany_v all_o his_o desire_n make_v he_o look_v upon_o his_o own_o conduct_n as_o the_o most_o reasonable_a and_o the_o most_o innocent_a in_o the_o world_n if_o a_o man_n in_o this_o disposition_n hear_v of_o the_o gospel_n the_o first_o time_n we_o 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that_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n viz._n to_o love_v our_o enemy_n because_o be_v natural_o revengeful_a and_o have_v be_v ill_o use_v by_o the_o jew_n of_o amsterdam_n he_o can_v never_o find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o forgive_v they_o he_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o command_n be_v impossible_a it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o give_v it_o to_o man_n and_o can_v not_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v reveal_v it_o it_o be_v true_a that_o a_o man_n extreme_o vindicative_a and_o for_o many_o year_n indulge_v himself_o in_o this_o passion_n can_v without_o a_o miracle_n be_v bring_v of_o a_o sudden_a to_o pardon_v or_o patient_o to_o suffer_v injury_n in_o this_o disposition_n he_o be_v always_o sure_a to_o reject_v the_o gospel_n by_o reason_n of_o this_o one_o precept_n or_o at_o least_o to_o refuse_v submission_n to_o this_o article_n suppose_v that_o the_o rest_n be_v not_o too_o repugnant_a to_o his_o inclination_n but_o if_o in_o those_o interval_n wherein_o his_o revenge_n be_v as_o it_o be_v suspend_v a_o while_n he_o come_v to_o consider_v the_o fatal_a effect_n of_o this_o passion_n which_o will_v engage_v man_n if_o they_o always_o obey_v it_o in_o perpetual_a war_n and_o quarrel_n that_o can_v never_o terminate_v but_o in_o the_o death_n of_o one_o or_o both_o the_o person_n he_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o revenge_n be_v a_o most_o dangerous_a passion_n and_o that_o one_o or_o the_o other_o have_v better_o forgive_v his_o enemy_n or_o rather_o to_o pardon_v one_o another_o so_o to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o their_o mutual_a injury_n he_o will_v wish_v it_o may_v be_v that_o his_o enemy_n will_v entertain_v the_o same_o consideration_n and_o cast_v off_o this_o spirit_n of_o vengeance_n be_v ready_a to_o do_v as_o much_o on_o his_o side_n the_o more_o this_o thought_n come_v into_o his_o mind_n the_o more_o reasonable_a
divers_a passage_n in_o the_o gospel_n if_o i_o bear_v witness_n of_o myself_o say_v he_o 5.31_o joh._n 5.31_o my_o witness_n be_v not_o true_a that_o be_v it_o can_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o true_a unless_o there_o be_v some_o other_o proof_n of_o it_o beside_o my_o say_n so_o then_o after_o tell_v that_o john_n baptist_n have_v bear_v he_o witness_v he_o add_v 36._o ver._n 36._o i_o have_v a_o great_a witness_n than_o that_o of_o john_n for_o the_o work_n which_o the_o father_n have_v give_v i_o to_o finish_v the_o same_o work_n that_o i_o do_v bear_v witness_n of_o i_o that_o the_o father_n have_v send_v i_o he_o further_o say_v to_o those_o that_o desire_v he_o to_o declare_v if_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o work_n that_o i_o do_v in_o my_o father_n name_n bear_v witness_n of_o i_o 10.25_o ch._n 10.25_o and_o a_o little_a low_o if_o i_o do_v not_o the_o work_v of_o my_o father_n believe_v i_o not_o 37._o ver._n 37._o but_o if_o i_o do_v though_o you_o believe_v not_o i_o believe_v the_o work_n what_o can_v be_v say_v more_o to_o the_o purpose_n than_o what_o you_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o same_o gospel_n viz._n if_o i_o have_v not_o do_v among_o they_o the_o work_n which_o none_o other_o man_n do_v 15.24_o ch._n 15.24_o they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n by_o this_o it_o appear_v clear_o that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o require_v assent_n to_o his_o bare_a word_n his_o apostle_n have_v act_v just_a after_o the_o same_o manner_n for_o they_o do_v not_o only_o affirm_v that_o they_o have_v see_v the_o miracle_n of_o their_o master_n or_o that_o he_o have_v speak_v to_o they_o from_o heaven_n after_o his_o ascension_n but_o they_o have_v also_o join_v to_o their_o testimony_n all_o the_o mark_n of_o truth_n that_o can_v be_v possible_o defire_v their_o doctrine_n consider_v in_o itself_o do_v not_o afford_v the_o least_o occasion_n to_o suspect_v imposture_n they_o can_v not_o expect_v any_o temporal_a advantage_n by_o publish_v it_o on_o the_o contrary_n they_o meet_v every_o where_n with_o a_o obstinate_a resistance_n from_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n they_o be_v ill_o use_v every_o moment_n and_o walk_v in_o perpetual_a danger_n in_o a_o word_n many_o of_o they_o suffer_v death_n for_o constant_o persevere_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o accumulate_v proof_n they_o wrought_v miracle_n like_v to_o those_o of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o promise_v they_o they_o shall_v before_o he_o leave_v they_o the_o incredulous_a will_v object_v perhaps_o that_o i_o beg_v the_o question_n by_o suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v doubt_v of_o but_o my_o design_n be_v not_o now_o to_o infer_v any_o consequence_n from_o these_o fact_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o only_o conclude_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o preach_v a_o blind_a faith_n or_o obedience_n as_o some_o christian_n do_v at_o this_o time_n one_o of_o they_o exhort_v those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v not_o to_o believe_v every_o spirit_n 4.1_o 1_o john_n 4.1_o but_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n because_o may_v false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n another_o advise_v they_o to_o try_v all_o thing_n 5.21_o 1_o thess_n 5.21_o and_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v best_a it_o can_v be_v say_v therefore_o that_o such_o as_o cry_v up_o implicit_a faith_n do_v act_n according_a to_o the_o genius_n of_o christianity_n nor_o can_v the_o ridiculous_a pretence_n of_o those_o who_o require_v assent_v to_o their_o say-so_a be_v just_o attribute_v to_o jesus_n christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n it_o may_v be_v demand_v of_o i_o here_o perhaps_o what_o that_o faith_n be_v which_o be_v so_o much_o commend_v in_o the_o write_n of_o christ_n disciple_n this_o be_v not_o the_o proper_a place_n of_o discuss_v this_o subject_a throughtly_a nor_o will_v i_o meddle_v with_o any_o more_o of_o it_o than_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o 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capable_a of_o make_v this_o examen_fw-la as_o they_o ought_v be_v worthy_a of_o great_a praise_n for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n they_o must_v quit_v all_o their_o prejudices_fw-la and_o consider_v what_o be_v propose_v to_o they_o not_o as_o it_o relate_v to_o themselves_o but_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n second_o they_o must_v have_v a_o great_a love_n for_o the_o truth_n to_o go_v through_o with_o a_o examination_n who_o consequence_n may_v prove_v very_o opposite_a to_o their_o temporal_a interest_n as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o work_n there_o be_v time_n and_o place_n when_o a_o man_n can_v declare_v himself_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o expose_v himself_o to_o most_o cruel_a persecution_n and_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o the_o command_v of_o christ_n can_v be_v exact_o observe_v by_o we_o any_o where_o almost_o without_o draw_v upon_o ourselves_o the_o hatred_n and_o 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can_v not_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o miracle_n be_v oblige_v from_o hence_o to_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o what_o he_o teach_v they_o concern_v the_o general_a resurrection_n of_o all_o men._n i_o be_o of_o opinion_n that_o no_o reasonable_a man_n will_v look_v upon_o the_o last_o as_o impossible_a if_o he_o hold_v the_o first_o to_o be_v true_a for_o there_o be_v no_o great_a difficulty_n in_o raise_v a_o hundred_o than_o one_o again_o and_o it_o can_v not_o without_o folly_n be_v say_v by_o any_o that_o god_n power_n be_v all_o spend_v upon_o those_o first_o effect_n of_o it_o they_o have_v see_v nevertheless_o man_n be_v accustom_a to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o they_o learn_v from_o their_o own_o experience_n can_v scarce_o be_v persuade_v of_o any_o thing_n without_o see_v some_o example_n of_o it_o he_o must_v be_v a_o person_n of_o discernment_n and_o good_a sense_n who_o draw_v such_o a_o consequence_n as_o i_o have_v mention_v and_o he_o must_v also_o 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be_v external_o profess_v and_o that_o a_o man_n let_v no_o opportunity_n slip_v of_o show_v other_o by_o his_o life_n and_o discourse_n that_o he_o be_v firm_o persuade_v of_o it_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n a_o speculative_a science_n to_o continue_v lock_v up_o in_o the_o memory_n without_o bear_v any_o fruit_n out_o of_o it_o and_o without_o appear_v in_o their_o manner_n of_o live_v who_o be_v convince_v of_o its_o truth_n it_o fill_v they_o with_o a_o certain_a ardour_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o what_o it_o command_v that_o the_o true_a christian_n be_v easy_o perceive_v to_o be_v in_o earnest_n it_o be_v this_o disposition_n that_o be_v call_v zeal_n from_o a_o greek_a word_n which_o signify_v jealousy_n to_o show_v that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v less_o ardour_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o christianity_n than_o a_o bridegroom_n shall_v be_v concern_v to_o preserve_v that_o of_o his_o bride_n this_o zeal_n extend_v general_o to_o all_o the_o doctrine_n and_o to_o all_o 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prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n have_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n have_v do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n and_o then_o will_v i_o profess_v unto_o they_o i_o never_o know_v you_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o that_o work_n iniquity_n this_o be_v a_o manifest_a admonition_n which_o the_o author_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n give_v to_o his_o disciple_n to_o prevent_v the_o evil_a example_n of_o pretend_a zealot_n make_v any_o impression_n upon_o they_o st._n paul_n likewise_o express_v himself_o upon_o this_o occasion_n in_o such_o emphatical_a term_n that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o speak_v more_o home_n though_o i_o speak_v say_v he_o 13.1_o 1_o cor._n 13.1_o with_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o have_v not_o charity_n i_o be_o become_v as_o a_o sound_a brass_n or_o a_o tinkle_a cymbal_n and_o though_o i_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o understand_v all_o mystery_n and_o all_o knowledge_n and_o though_o 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inquisition_n who_o cruel_a maxim_n be_v abhor_v by_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o christian_n but_o of_o the_o management_n observe_v in_o many_o country_n where_o it_o be_v not_o establish_v nor_o will_v i_o treat_v express_o here_o of_o this_o question_n which_o will_v require_v a_o volume_n as_o great_a at_o least_o as_o this_o i_o shall_v only_o touch_v as_o much_o of_o it_o as_o make_v for_o my_o purpose_n without_o make_v any_o digression_n how_o be_v a_o clergyman_n treat_v in_o many_o place_n if_o he_o forsake_v the_o common_a opinion_n never_o so_o little_a if_o he_o have_v a_o benefice_n he_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n of_o lose_v it_o or_o at_o least_o expose_v to_o the_o cruel_a slander_n of_o such_o as_o will_v fain_o get_v his_o place_n and_o who_o be_v always_o a_o good_a number_n although_o he_o punctual_o discharge_v all_o his_o duty_n and_o that_o his_o moral_n be_v irreproachable_a but_o if_o he_o be_v not_o yet_o prefer_v a_o opinion_n contrary_a to_o the_o 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disgrace_v and_o no_o reward_n be_v think_v too_o great_a for_o other_o these_o be_v the_o principal_a prejudices_fw-la which_o ecclesiastic_n by_o their_o fault_n occasion_n unbeliever_n to_o entertain_v i_o can_v add_v several_a thing_n much_o more_o home_n upon_o they_o if_o i_o will_v speak_v of_o all_o the_o abuse_v commit_v in_o the_o place_n where_o christianity_n be_v most_o corrupt_a but_o if_o what_o i_o have_v mention_v do_v a_o extraordinary_a injury_n to_o religion_n what_o may_v we_o not_o say_v of_o the_o rest_n and_o beside_o the_o answer_n i_o design_n to_o make_v to_o these_o prejudices_fw-la may_v solve_v the_o difficulty_n which_o may_v proceed_v from_o great_a disorder_n than_o those_o whereof_o i_o have_v speak_v to_o show_v that_o the_o occasion_n of_o scandal_n and_o stumble_v which_o be_v give_v to_o the_o incredulous_a and_o of_o which_o we_o have_v be_v now_o speak_v ought_v not_o to_o injure_v christianity_n in_o general_n and_o that_o consequent_o they_o shall_v not_o hinder_v any_o from_o acknowledge_v its_o truth_n it_o must_v be_v consider_v in_o itself_o and_o in_o its_o first_o original_a if_o there_o have_v be_v addition_n make_v to_o it_o and_o if_o it_o have_v be_v since_o corrupt_v that_o be_v no_o defect_n in_o christianity_n but_o their_o fault_n who_o make_v these_o addition_n or_o alteration_n those_o who_o have_v read_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o other_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n can_v say_v that_o the_o first_o founder_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v engage_v such_o as_o will_v preach_v it_o to_o discharge_v this_o duty_n from_o any_o consideration_n of_o interest_n jesus_n christ_n promise_v nothing_o but_o persecution_n and_o misery_n in_o this_o world_n to_o the_o first_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o send_v you_o forth_o say_v he_o 10.16_o mat._n 10.16_o as_o sheep_n among_o wolf_n they_o will_v bring_v you_o into_o their_o synagogue_n and_o scourge_v you_o you_o shall_v be_v bring_v for_o my_o sake_n before_o governor_n and_o king_n the_o brother_n shall_v deliver_v the_o brother_n to_o death_n and_o the_o father_n the_o child_n and_o the_o child_n shall_v rise_v up_o against_o their_o parent_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v hate_v of_o all_o man_n for_o my_o name_n be_v sake_n he_o also_o say_v unto_o one_o of_o his_o apostle_n who_o he_o call_v after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n 9.16_o act_n 9.16_o i_o will_v show_v he_o how_o great_a thing_n he_o must_v suffer_v for_o my_o name_n be_v sake_n the_o event_n do_v quick_o convince_v the_o apostle_n that_o these_o prediction_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o vain_a the_o jew_n and_o the_o heathen_n for_o the_o most_o part_n give_v they_o a_o very_a ill_a reception_n and_o many_o of_o christ_n first_o disciple_n suffer_v death_n for_o discharge_v the_o function_n wherewith_o their_o master_n honour_v
they_o it_o can_v be_v say_v therefore_o that_o it_o be_v interest_n which_o engage_v they_o in_o it_o or_o that_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o first_o undertake_n have_v jesus_n christ_n make_v a_o considerable_a provision_n for_o such_o as_o will_v preach_v his_o gospel_n as_o he_o may_v and_o his_o doctrine_n be_v never_o the_o false_a it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v somewhat_o difficult_a to_o show_v unbeliever_n that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o act_v at_o all_o by_o any_o interest_n and_o we_o shall_v want_v a_o most_o considerable_a proof_n of_o their_o sincerity_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o preach_v herein_o we_o have_v matter_n of_o praise_v divine_a providence_n that_o have_v take_v such_o care_n about_o the_o first_o establish_v of_o the_o gospel_n as_o to_o prevent_v those_o disadvantageous_a suspicion_n which_o people_n may_v nourish_v concern_v any_o establishment_n like_o the_o present_a state_n of_o christianity_n if_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o have_v enjoy_v all_o the_o convenience_n of_o life_n as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v exalt_v for_o example_n upon_o the_o temporal_a throne_n of_o the_o family_n of_o david_n from_o who_o he_o be_v descend_v then_o his_o moral_n as_o fine_a as_o they_o be_v and_o even_o the_o sanctity_n of_o his_o life_n have_v never_o make_v any_o impression_n upon_o man_n mind_n because_o when_o any_o great_a temporal_a advantage_n be_v join_v to_o virtue_n or_o make_v the_o reward_n of_o it_o we_o easy_o suspect_v then_o that_o such_o as_o adhere_v to_o it_o be_v more_o influence_v by_o this_o advantage_n than_o by_o virtue_n itself_o since_o that_o time_n the_o christian_a religion_n be_v well_o establish_v the_o piety_n of_o its_o professor_n have_v not_o only_o provide_v for_o the_o subsistence_n of_o those_o who_o succeed_v in_o the_o apostolic_a function_n but_o also_o consider_v all_o place_n for_o their_o convenience_n and_o a_o considerable_a expense_n in_o which_o they_o be_v engage_v as_o soon_o as_o person_n of_o quality_n become_v christian_n and_o that_o the_o emperor_n themselves_o embrace_v it_o it_o be_v think_v fit_a that_o the_o principal_a guide_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v live_v in_o some_o splendour_n without_o which_o they_o must_v become_v contemptible_a and_o unable_a not_o only_o to_o keep_v up_o their_o respect_n with_o the_o people_n but_o likewise_o with_o king_n and_o man_n of_o the_o first_o order_n to_o consider_v mankind_n such_o as_o it_o be_v now_o and_o ever_o will_v be_v and_o not_o such_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o settlement_n be_v necessary_a after_o christianity_n become_v the_o govern_v religion_n upon_o this_o it_o happen_v that_o many_o of_o those_o who_o aim_v at_o ecclesiastical_a dignity_n do_v look_v upon_o they_o as_o mere_a temporal_a settlement_n whereby_o they_o may_v live_v great_a but_o the_o worldliness_n of_o those_o people_n can_v without_o injustice_n be_v attribute_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n nor_o to_o the_o founder_n of_o it_o as_o i_o have_v show_v nor_o can_v they_o be_v blame_v neither_o who_o have_v augment_v the_o dignity_n and_o revenue_n of_o churchman_n because_o they_o do_v it_o with_o a_o good_a design_n and_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a enough_o for_o such_o as_o enjoy_v those_o dignity_n and_o revenue_n to_o make_v a_o better_a use_n of_o they_o than_o most_o do_v if_o after_o make_v as_o modest_a expense_n as_o can_v be_v for_o the_o external_a part_n they_o spend_v the_o rest_n of_o their_o revenue_n to_o some_o good_a purpose_n where_o be_v the_o harm_n of_o this_o be_v there_o any_o law_n in_o be_v that_o prohibit_v it_o no_o sure_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n that_o hinder_v they_o from_o be_v oblige_v humble_a and_o moderate_a or_o from_o remember_v their_o former_a condition_n before_o they_o come_v to_o these_o dignity_n who_o will_v not_o heap_v commendation_n upon_o they_o if_o they_o do_v so_o manage_v themselves_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v as_o much_o as_o possible_a that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o satisfy_v their_o avarice_n or_o any_o other_o passion_n they_o endeavour_v to_o obtain_v the_o dignity_n aforesaid_a but_o to_o edify_v the_o church_n more_o and_o to_o lead_v the_o people_n to_o piety_n and_o charity_n by_o their_o example_n which_o be_v of_o much_o great_a efficacy_n than_o their_o discourse_n have_v there_o not_o be_v in_o divers_a place_n and_o time_n some_o clergyman_n that_o behave_v themselves_o after_o this_o manner_n and_o who_o draw_v upon_o themselves_o the_o respect_n and_o admiration_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n such_o be_v the_o bishop_n whereof_o ammianus_n marcellinus_n speak_v immediate_o after_o give_v that_o description_n of_o those_o bishop_n of_o rome_n which_o i_o mention_v before_o his_o testimony_n be_v of_o so_o much_o great_a weight_n as_o he_o be_v a_o heathen_a and_o show_v every_o where_o clear_a token_n of_o his_o sincerity_n they_o may_v say_v he_o be_v real_o happy_a if_o despise_v the_o grandeur_n of_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n wherein_o they_o conceal_v their_o vice_n they_o have_v imitate_v the_o way_n of_o live_v of_o some_o prelate_n in_o the_o province_n who_o the_o frugality_n of_o their_o table_n the_o simplicity_n of_o their_o habit_n and_o their_o eye_n always_o fix_v upon_o the_o ground_n do_v render_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o true_a worshipper_n as_o virtuous_a and_o modest_a person_n therefore_o it_o be_v unjust_o do_v of_o unbeliever_n to_o attribute_v to_o the_o old_a or_o modern_a christianity_n the_o fault_n of_o those_o who_o abuse_v the_o ecclesiastical_a dignity_n and_o to_o conclude_v from_o hence_o the_o falsity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o worst_a reason_v that_o can_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v answer_v to_o the_o objection_n of_o unbeliever_n draw_v from_o the_o scandalous_a manner_n after_o which_o several_a clergyman_n have_v be_v prefer_v and_o spend_v the_o revenue_n destine_v by_o their_o founder_n for_o man_n fit_a to_o edify_v the_o church_n if_o they_o make_v a_o mere_a trade_n of_o these_o employment_n and_o look_v upon_o their_o revenue_n as_o pension_n grant_v to_o their_o importunity_n or_o flattery_n be_v this_o either_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o religion_n itself_o or_o of_o the_o founder_n of_o those_o benefice_n do_v we_o not_o see_v many_o virtuous_a clergyman_n who_o have_v be_v advance_v only_o by_o their_o merit_n and_o that_o make_v a_o excellent_a use_n of_o their_o dignity_n and_o revenue_n '_o true_a it_o be_v indeed_o that_o those_o who_o abuse_v they_o be_v not_o proper_a person_n to_o cure_v the_o incredulous_a of_o their_o prejudices_fw-la and_o that_o far_o from_o edify_v such_o as_o know_v they_o they_o can_v fail_v almost_o consider_v man_n disposition_n of_o corrupt_v or_o scandalize_a they_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n therefore_o of_o all_o good_a man_n to_o provide_v a_o remedy_n against_o this_o disgrace_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o unbeliever_n if_o the_o author_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o those_o who_o first_o spread_v it_o throughout_o all_o the_o world_n have_v order_v their_o disciple_n to_o suffer_v no_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n not_o even_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o essential_a and_o to_o persecute_v those_o who_o will_v not_o in_o every_o thing_n follow_v the_o sentiment_n of_o the_o great_a number_n the_o libertine_n may_v then_o questionless_a just_o attribute_v to_o they_o all_o the_o sad_a consequence_n that_o proceed_v from_o that_o intolerate_a principle_n whereof_o some_o divine_n make_v profession_n but_o it_o be_v just_a the_o contrary_a the_o founder_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n recommend_v nothing_o so_o much_o as_o moderation_n and_o charity_n in_o such_o dissension_n the_o jew_n and_o the_o heathen_n that_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n agree_v not_o well_o with_o one_o another_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o jew_n among_o other_o thing_n will_v have_v the_o gentile_n observe_v the_o distinction_n of_o meat_n which_o the_o levitical_a law_n introduce_v and_o condemn_v all_o those_o who_o refuse_v to_o do_v it_o the_o gentile_n who_o know_v that_o god_n require_v this_o observation_n only_o from_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o too_o but_o whilst_o they_o have_v a_o separate_a government_n to_o themselves_o deny_v submission_n to_o this_o yoke_n and_o laugh_v at_o the_o superstition_n of_o the_o jew_n now_o what_o do_v the_o apostle_n in_o this_o affair_n what_o counsel_n do_v st._n paul_n give_v his_o disciple_n do_v they_o say_v that_o the_o one_o must_v follow_v the_o practice_n and_o opinion_n of_o the_o other_o in_o all_o thing_n under_o pain_n of_o excommunication_n do_v they_o order_v the_o christian_a church_n to_o persecute_v as_o soon_o as_o she_o can_v be_v able_a all_o those_o who_o sentiment_n shall_v
to_o wish_v for_o miracle_n as_o when_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o yet_o establish_v three_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o to_o require_v new_a miracle_n from_o god_n with_o and_o show_v of_o reason_n man_n shall_v have_v make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o the_o mean_v they_o have_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n so_o that_o after_o a_o careful_a and_o impartial_a examination_n they_o can_v not_o be_v satisfy_v about_o the_o thing_n they_o inquire_v after_o but_o must_v doubt_v still_o of_o it_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o not_o upon_o this_o supposition_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o god_n will_v be_v in_o a_o manner_n oblige_v by_o reason_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o help_v man_n incredulity_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o those_o who_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o doubt_v of_o the_o mission_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n not_o out_o of_o obstinacy_n but_o because_o the_o proof_n thereof_o be_v unknown_a to_o they_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o see_v many_o miracle_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n but_o let_v we_o suppose_v some_o man_n of_o a_o quite_o contrary_a disposition_n who_o perform_v not_o the_o duty_n which_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n teach_v we_o who_o have_v no_o love_n for_o the_o truth_n who_o be_v full_a of_o a_o thousand_o ill-grounded_a prejudices_fw-la and_o blind_v with_o unruly_a passion_n who_o have_v examine_v nothing_o but_o doubt_v of_o every_o thing_n out_o of_o a_o voluntary_a perverseness_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o inclination_n can_v such_o man_n complain_v because_o god_n work_v no_o miracle_n in_o their_o behalf_n will_v they_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v worthy_a of_o new_a favour_n for_o have_v despise_v those_o which_o they_o have_v already_o receive_v from_o he_o if_o the_o unbeliever_n of_o our_o time_n will_v but_o examine_v themselves_o by_o this_o picture_n they_o may_v easy_o find_v out_o the_o answer_n we_o can_v return_v to_o they_o four_o i_o affirm_v that_o miracle_n will_v be_v of_o no_o use_n to_o such_o men._n the_o unbelieve_a jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n be_v a_o manifest_a argument_n of_o what_o i_o say_v see_v that_o be_v not_o able_a to_o deny_v his_o miraculous_a work_n they_o ascribe_v they_o to_o the_o devil_n the_o unbeliever_n of_o our_o time_n will_v never_o want_v shift_n to_o bring_v into_o question_n miracle_n wrought_v in_o their_o presence_n see_v they_o have_v find_v out_o several_a to_o hinder_v we_o from_o draw_v any_o consequence_n from_o those_o of_o christ_n suppose_v they_o be_v true_a but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v speak_v in_o my_o second_o letter_n at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o discourse_n therefore_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o god_n have_v more_o reason_n to_o work_v no_o miracle_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o unbeliever_n of_o our_o time_n than_o to_o work_v any_o and_o such_o be_v the_o method_n of_o christ_n when_o he_o see_v some_o obstinate_a man_n who_o require_v from_o he_o some_o miracle_n he_o wrought_v none_o because_o he_o see_v they_o will_v not_o make_v a_o better_a use_n of_o they_o than_o of_o other_o divine_a grace_n and_o will_v but_o thereby_o increase_v their_o gild_n the_o evangelist_n observe_v 6.5_o observe_v mat._n 13.58_o mark_v 6.5_o that_o be_v come_v to_o nazareth_n he_o do_v not_o many_o mighty_a work_n there_o because_o of_o the_o unbelief_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o town_n some_o unbelieve_a teacher_n have_v require_v of_o he_o a_o miracle_n more_o than_o once_o 16.1_o once_o mat._n 12.38_o &_o 16.1_o he_o deny_v they_o and_o refer_v they_o to_o that_o of_o his_o resurrection_n whereof_o notwithstanding_o they_o never_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v eye-witness_n wherefore_o he_o sometime_o ask_v those_o who_o desire_v that_o he_o will_v cure_v their_o disease_n whether_o they_o believe_v etc._n believe_v mat._n 9.29_o etc._n etc._n he_o can_v do_v it_o to_o teach_v they_o that_o none_o deserve_v a_o new_a grace_n but_o he_o that_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o other_o it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o absurd_a thing_n to_o expect_v or_o demand_v a_o cure_n from_o he_o have_v they_o not_o certain_o know_v by_o other_o example_n or_o some_o good_a reason_n that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o those_o who_o suppose_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n shall_v incline_v he_o to_o deal_v otherwise_o with_o unbeliever_n suppose_v at_o once_o two_o thing_n most_o absurd_a and_o altogether_o unworthy_a of_o man_n who_o pretend_v to_o reason_n the_o first_o be_v that_o god_n ought_v to_o have_v no_o respect_n to_o the_o use_v man_n have_v make_v of_o his_o favour_n but_o that_o the_o more_o they_o increase_v their_o unbelief_n whatever_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o may_v be_v the_o more_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o grant_v they_o new_a grace_n so_o change_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v please_v doubt_v of_o revelation_n whereby_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n will_v depend_v upon_o the_o will_n and_o humour_n of_o men._n the_o second_o absurdity_n that_o follow_v from_o thence_o be_v that_o god_n will_v be_v oblige_v out_o of_o his_o goodness_n to_o satisfy_v as_o many_o party_n as_o there_o be_v unbeliever_n in_o the_o world_n and_o every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o own_o humour_n and_o method_n for_o every_o one_o of_o they_o will_v see_v some_o miracle_n and_o as_o it_o be_v put_v the_o divine_a providence_n to_o a_o trial_n without_o mind_v what_o it_o may_v have_v do_v at_o other_o time_n or_o in_o other_o place_n if_o any_o can_v brook_v those_o consequence_n which_o necessary_o follow_v from_o the_o unbeliever_n objection_n there_o be_v no_o need_n we_o shall_v long_o dispute_v with_o he_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o appear_v that_o god_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o work_v miracle_n now_o because_o he_o wrought_v some_o former_o in_o those_o place_n where_o the_o modern_a miracle_n be_v not_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o ill_a custom_n as_o well_o as_o in_o those_o where_o they_o be_v believe_v which_o be_v very_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n with_o regard_n to_o the_o incredulous_a and_o it_o be_v this_o several_a people_n who_o maintain_v some_o doctrine_n of_o no_o great_a moment_n and_o certainty_n with_o too_o great_a a_o heat_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v to_o magnify_v their_o zeal_n that_o if_o the_o opinion_n of_o their_o adversary_n be_v true_a the_o christian_a religion_n will_v be_v lose_v that_o one_o can_v be_v sure_a of_o nothing_o and_o such_o other_o thing_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n their_o adversary_n endeavour_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o opinion_n and_o sometime_o prove_v it_o so_o clear_o that_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n can_v be_v maintain_v without_o obstinacy_n the_o unbeliever_n who_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o three_o party_n and_o perform_v only_o the_o part_n of_o spectator_n of_o those_o quarrel_n conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o 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adversary_n exclaim_v after_o a_o tragical_a manner_n that_o this_o dispute_n be_v about_o no_o less_o a_o thing_n than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a bible_n which_o be_v destroy_v by_o those_o who_o assert_v the_o novelty_n of_o the_o vowel_n but_o ludovicus_n cappellus_n have_v show_v in_o his_o arcanum_n punctationis_fw-la and_o its_o defence_n with_o as_o much_o evidence_n as_o can_v be_v desire_v in_o a_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n that_o the_o masorethe_n be_v the_o author_n of_o those_o vowel_n the_o most_o learned_a critic_n have_v embrace_v his_o opinion_n and_o look_v upon_o those_o who_o maintain_v the_o contrary_a as_o obstinate_a person_n the_o same_o happen_v with_o respect_n to_o another_o dispute_n which_o that_o learned_a man_n have_v concern_v the_o various_a readins_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n he_o prove_v that_o
there_o be_v many_o readins_n which_o may_v be_v prefer_v before_o those_o of_o our_o modern_a copy_n do_v it_o follow_v from_o thence_o as_o his_o adversary_n will_v have_v it_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v destroy_v unbeliever_n will_v undoubted_o have_v reason_n to_o triumph_v and_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o make_v any_o tolerable_a reply_n to_o they_o but_o cappellus_n show_v very_o clear_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o false_a than_o this_o consequence_n as_o well_o as_o that_o which_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o novelty_n of_o the_o vowel_n and_o so_o he_o free_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n from_o those_o insult_v of_o unbeliever_n to_o which_o his_o adversary_n have_v expose_v it_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o more_o effectual_a mean_n to_o confirm_v unbeliever_n in_o their_o obstinacy_n than_o the_o draw_n of_o such_o consequence_n for_o they_o hear_v on_o the_o one_o side_n some_o grave_n and_o much_o esteem_v teacher_n say_v after_o a_o doleful_a manner_n that_o if_o certain_a opinion_n be_v not_o true_a than_o religion_n be_v lose_v and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o see_v man_n of_o great_a learning_n not_o only_o acknowledge_v those_o opinion_n but_o also_o maintain_v they_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n they_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v less_o certain_a than_o religion_n by_o the_o confession_n even_o of_o a_o part_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v it_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o undertake_v to_o prove_v the_o contrary_a to_o they_o by_o reject_v some_o opinion_n ground_v upon_o very_o solid_a argument_n whatever_o the_o defender_n of_o the_o opposite_a opinion_n can_v tell_v they_o will_v only_o serve_v to_o make_v they_o pass_v for_o conceit_a man_n and_o of_o no_o great_a sincerity_n this_o help_v they_o also_o to_o perceive_v in_o many_o divine_v a_o strange_a disposition_n which_o will_v dishonour_v the_o christian_a religion_n if_o it_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o it_o viz._n it_o do_v plain_o appear_v that_o they_o seek_v not_o what_o be_v true_a but_o what_o they_o think_v proper_a to_o maintain_v the_o doctrine_n they_o have_v embrace_v when_o they_o fancy_v that_o if_o a_o certain_a thing_n be_v believe_v some_o of_o their_o doctrine_n may_v be_v doubt_v of_o they_o do_v trouble_v themselves_o with_o inquire_v whether_o their_o fancy_n be_v ill_o ground_v or_o whether_o that_o thing_n can_v be_v prove_v on_o not_o as_o they_o shall_v do_v but_o they_o cry_v out_o in_o a_o woeful_a manner_n that_o such_o a_o opinion_n be_v dangerous_a that_o be_v to_o say_v it_o can_v be_v easy_o reconcile_v with_o religion_n as_o they_o fancy_v this_o be_v the_o true_a character_n of_o a_o pleader_n who_o be_v not_o very_o sure_a of_o be_v in_o the_o right_a he_o suppress_v whatever_o seem_v to_o he_o any_o way_n contrary_a to_o what_o he_o defend_v whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a if_o he_o be_v afraid_a it_o may_v appear_v from_o thence_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n such_o be_v the_o conduct_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o a_o place_n who_o want_v skill_n or_o courage_n shall_v say_v that_o if_o some_o ill-fortified_a and_o inconsiderable_a out-work_n be_v take_v by_o the_o enemy_n he_o must_v unavoidable_o surrender_v the_o fortress_n those_o who_o observe_v the_o conduct_n of_o both_o will_v present_o suspect_v the_o pleader_n to_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o the_o governor_n to_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o place_n and_o that_o neither_o of_o they_o hope_n to_o make_v a_o good_a resistance_n unbeliever_n have_v the_o same_o thought_n concern_v divine_v when_o they_o observe_v that_o they_o greedy_o collect_v and_o catch_v at_o whatever_o can_v in_o any_o manner_n make_v their_o cause_n better_o or_o at_o least_o make_v it_o appear_v so_o but_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v say_v be_v that_o those_o divine_v dont_fw-fr know_v very_o well_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o stick_v to_o it_o only_o by_o a_o spirit_n of_o faction_n or_o interest_n the_o christian_a religion_n be_v ground_v upon_o clear_a and_o undeniable_a argument_n it_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o no_o weak_a reason_n to_o support_v it_o it_o need_v but_o appear_v naked_a and_o such_o as_o it_o come_v from_o heaven_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o difficulty_n if_o any_o one_o who_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o and_o love_v not_o truth_n but_o only_o the_o worldly_a advantage_n that_o attend_v it_o seem_v to_o be_v afraid_a for_o religion_n it_o will_v never_o want_v more_o able_a defender_n who_o will_v be_v devote_v to_o it_o out_o of_o a_o principle_n worthy_a of_o so_o holy_a a_o doctrine_n they_o will_v never_o be_v afraid_a as_o long_o as_o religion_n be_v only_o assault_v with_o reason_n and_o argument_n chap._n vii_o that_o the_o difficulty_n which_o may_v occur_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n ought_v not_o to_o make_v any_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n thereof_o 1._o the_o abovementioned_a difficulty_n rather_o concern_v some_o modern_a divine_n than_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o they_o explain_v or_o defend_v not_o so_o well_o as_o they_o shall_v but_o because_o there_o be_v no_o science_n without_o some_o difficulty_n however_o it_o be_v understand_v it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o there_o be_v some_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n of_o which_o i_o speak_v in_o this_o chapter_n wherewith_o i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o work_n first_o i_o will_v make_v some_o general_a reflection_n upon_o the_o difficulty_n which_o may_v occur_v in_o the_o christian_a theology_n and_o then_o i_o will_v allege_v some_o particular_a example_n thereof_o whereby_o i_o will_v show_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o make_v any_o body_n doubt_v of_o its_o truth_n there_o may_v be_v two_o sort_n of_o difficulty_n in_o a_o science_n some_o of_o which_o do_v it_o shake_v its_o principle_n but_o other_o show_v it_o be_v no_o science_n at_o all_o 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perplex_v those_o who_o be_v fond_a of_o it_o but_o also_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o all_o its_o principle_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o false_a and_o all_o that_o pretend_a science_n as_o a_o heap_n of_o chimerical_a thought_n the_o reason_n of_o that_o difference_n be_v because_o the_o principle_n of_o geometry_n be_v either_o mere_a definition_n or_o maxim_n clear_a of_o themselves_o or_o demonstrate_v proposition_n whereas_o judiciary_n astrology_n be_v only_o ground_v upon_o false_a supposition_n so_o that_o assoon_o as_o the_o truth_n on_o which_o a_o science_n be_v ground_v have_v be_v demonstrate_v and_o there_o be_v no_o fault_n in_o those_o demonstration_n whatever_o difficulty_n there_o may_v be_v in_o any_o proposition_n draw_v from_o they_o we_o do_v look_v upon_o that_o science_n to_o be_v less_o certain_a now_o to_o apply_v that_o observation_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o the_o difficulty_n which_o unbeliever_n find_v in_o it_o the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v when_o any_o objection_n be_v raise_v against_o christianity_n be_v to_o see_v whether_o that_o objection_n direct_o show_v that_o the_o proof_n thereof_o be_v false_a though_o nothing_o can_v be_v answer_v to_o that_o difficulty_n if_o those_o that_o raise_v it_o can_v reply_v to_o the_o direct_a proof_n of_o christianity_n that_o difficulty_n do_v not_o weaken_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o proof_n and_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v be_v that_o the_o objection_n be_v about_o a_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v not_o well_o understand_v or_o that_o the_o christian_a theology_n be_v not_o perfect_o know_v to_o we_o wherefore_o the_o incredulous_a act_n not_o wise_o when_o they_o reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n because_o of_o some_o difficulty_n though_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o confute_v the_o proof_n on_o which_o it_o be_v establish_v now_o i_o maintain_v that_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n can_v destroy_v those_o proof_n
and_o if_o unbeliever_n will_v mind_v it_o they_o may_v observe_v that_o most_o of_o their_o objection_n have_v no_o relation_n to_o they_o that_o observation_n be_v of_o very_o great_a moment_n when_o the_o question_n be_v about_o some_o fact_n which_o happen_v many_o century_n ago_o and_o be_v attest_v by_o some_o historian_n who_o knowledge_n and_o sincerity_n have_v be_v well_o prove_v although_o one_o may_v raise_v some_o difficulty_n with_o respect_n to_o some_o circumstance_n which_o can_v be_v now_o easy_o resolve_v yet_o if_o those_o difficulty_n destroy_v not_o the_o direct_a proof_n we_o have_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o historian_n and_o the_o exact_a knowledge_n they_o have_v of_o what_o they_o relate_v they_o ought_v not_o to_o make_v we_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n to_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v all_o the_o query_n which_o may_v be_v make_v about_o a_o relation_n one_o shall_v have_v be_v a_o eye-witness_n of_o whatever_o it_o contain_v and_o 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be_v impossible_a to_o satisfy_v in_o few_o word_n those_o to_o who_o all_o those_o proposition_n or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v unknown_a because_o they_o ought_v to_o examine_v they_o one_o after_o another_o notwithstanding_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v several_a time_n that_o some_o man_n who_o have_v some_o difficulty_n about_o religion_n will_v have_v their_o objection_n present_o resolve_v without_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o what_o i_o say_v though_o that_o resolution_n necessary_o suppose_v the_o knowledge_n of_o several_a other_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o satisfy_v they_o without_o instruct_v they_o in_o those_o thing_n and_o because_o they_o grow_v present_o weary_a with_o a_o long_a discourse_n it_o be_v a_o difficult_a matter_n to_o make_v they_o sensible_a of_o their_o mistake_n though_o it_o be_v their_o fault_n if_o they_o retire_v without_o be_v well_o please_v with_o those_o to_o who_o they_o propose_v 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find_v fault_n as_o if_o they_o be_v sorry_a to_o be_v convince_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n contain_v nothing_o that_o clash_v with_o right_a reason_n on_o the_o contrary_a they_o shall_v be_v dispose_v as_o those_o who_o search_v a_o truth_n necessary_a to_o they_o and_o think_v rather_o to_o discover_v it_o themselves_o than_o to_o find_v some_o falsity_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o who_o will_v lead_v they_o to_o it_o and_o to_o who_o it_o be_v not_o perhaps_o well_o know_v if_o those_o to_o who_o they_o make_v their_o application_n to_o resolve_v their_o doubt_n do_v not_o satisfy_v they_o they_o ought_v to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o divine_n or_o read_v the_o write_n of_o another_o party_n which_o perhaps_o will_v afford_v they_o great_a satisfaction_n nay_o if_o no_o body_n do_v altogether_o satisfy_v they_o they_o will_v not_o be_v less_o bind_v to_o seek_v the_o truth_n and_o have_v know_v it_o in_o part_n they_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o go_v far_o if_o 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natural_a effect_n of_o the_o remedy_n which_o have_v be_v well_o apply_v but_o if_o we_o shall_v see_v a_o man_n who_o only_o by_o touch_v all_o sort_n of_o sick_a person_n or_o by_o speak_v to_o they_o without_o use_v any_o sensible_a remedy_n cure_v they_o upon_o the_o spot_n that_o effect_n can_v be_v ascribe_v only_o to_o some_o supernatural_a cause_n some_o 6._o some_o spinosa_n in_o tract_n theologico-polit_a cap._n 6._o unbeliever_n have_v endeavour_v to_o make_v that_o character_n of_o miracle_n uncertain_a by_o say_v that_o we_o know_v not_o so_o perfect_o natural_a cause_n and_o their_o effect_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v what_o they_o can_v produce_v from_o what_o be_v above_o their_o strength_n nay_o they_o pretend_v that_o what_o be_v call_v miraculous_a shall_v only_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o extraordinary_a or_o rare_a accident_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o natural_a cause_n which_o be_v not_o well_o know_v but_o though_o it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o 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hear_v as_o a_o proposition_n which_o be_v not_o contradictory_n but_o be_v not_o the_o less_o false_a for_o that_o as_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o mankind_n teach_v we_o indeed_o those_o who_o use_v that_o argument_n to_o make_v miracle_n doubtful_a do_v it_o only_o to_o perplex_v simple_a man_n who_o hear_v they_o they_o know_v very_o well_o that_o we_o be_v perfect_o sure_a of_o some_o thing_n and_o that_o they_o can_v be_v make_v doubtful_a by_o say_v only_o that_o it_o be_v not_o contradictory_n that_o the_o contrary_n be_v true_a if_o they_o dare_v deny_v the_o miraculous_a effect_n on_o which_o religion_n be_v ground_v they_o will_v roundly_o do_v it_o and_o not_o have_v recourse_n to_o objection_n so_o little_o judicious_a but_o not_o dare_v to_o do_v it_o and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v the_o contrary_a of_o what_o we_o believe_v look_v probable_a they_o confine_v themselves_o to_o some_o such_o objection_n i_o shall_v not_o undertake_v now_o to_o confute_v all_o their_o particular_a objection_n because_o the_o principle_n i_o lay_v down_o destroy_v they_o 5._o it_o be_v therefore_o certain_a that_o we_o may_v know_v some_o thing_n be_v above_o the_o power_n of_o man_n and_o can_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o any_o other_o natural_a or_o corporeal_a cause_n and_o that_o if_o we_o see_v some_o happen_v or_o learn_v from_o faithful_a witness_n that_o there_o happen_v some_o we_o may_v say_v without_o be_v mistake_v that_o they_o be_v miraculous_a thing_n such_o be_v for_o example_n the_o action_n of_o walk_v upon_o the_o water_n and_o cure_v all_o manner_n of_o disease_n without_o remedy_n however_o to_o draw_v any_o consequence_n from_o a_o miraculous_a fact_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o any_o body_n he_o ought_v to_o know_v beforehand_o that_o that_o miracle_n will_v happen_v or_o at_o least_o it_o must_v happen_v just_a when_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v insignificant_a if_o when_o no_o body_n think_v of_o it_o there_o happen_v a_o thing_n wherein_o neither_o man_n nor_o other_o natural_a cause_n have_v a_o hand_n and_o no_o body_n know_v of_o what_o use_v it_o will_v be_v nothing_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o it_o and_o he_o who_o shall_v say_v that_o it_o happen_v in_o his_o behalf_n aught_o to_o be_v suspect_v of_o fraud_n some_o idumaei_n some_o see_v my_o dissertation_n de_fw-fr trajectu_fw-la maris_fw-la idumaei_n historian_n for_o instance_n tell_v we_o that_o alexander_n go_v to_o meet_v darius_n lead_v part_n of_o his_o troop_n to_o pass_v at_o the_o foot_n of_o mount_n climax_n where_o there_o be_v no_o passage_n when_o the_o south_n wind_v blue_a because_o the_o sea_n cover_v that_o way_n and_o that_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o come_v thither_o the_o north_n blow_v so_o that_o they_o go_v through_o it_o not_o to_o say_v the_o change_n of_o wind_n at_o that_o time_n may_v be_v natural_a i_o affirm_v that_o alexander_n have_v not_o know_v it_o before_o and_o be_v able_a to_o go_v another_o way_n it_o can_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o miracle_n which_o providence_n wrought_v in_o his_o behalf_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v conclude_v from_o it_o that_o heaven_n approve_v his_o design_n to_o give_v another_o example_n fetch_v from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o same_o prince_n 10._o prince_n vid._n q._n curt._n lib._n 10._o c._n 10._o it_o be_v say_v that_o his_o corpse_n remain_v seven_o day_n at_o babylon_n before_o it_o be_v embalm_v without_o smell_v ill_o in_o the_o least_o nor_o have_v his_o face_n a_o different_a colour_n than_o what_o it_o have_v whilst_o he_o be_v alive_a though_o it_o be_v extreme_o hot_a in_o that_o climate_n wherein_o babylon_n be_v situate_v let_v we_o suppose_v not_o only_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o fact_n but_o also_o that_o natural_a cause_n have_v no_o hand_n in_o it_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o nothing_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o such_o a_o thing_n either_o for_o or_o against_o alexander_n for_o indeed_o what_o can_v the_o invisible_a power_n mean_v by_o preserve_v the_o body_n of_o alexander_n from_o corruption_n during_o seven_o day_n none_o but_o that_o power_n can_v teach_v it_o and_o if_o any_o one_o have_v undertake_v to_o make_v his_o advantage_n of_o it_o he_o have_v be_v just_o laugh_v at_o that_o character_n of_o a_o true_a miracle_n altogether_o destroy_v the_o objection_n i_o have_v confute_v already_o for_o if_o miraculous_a fact_n be_v extraordinary_a effect_n of_o natural_a but_o unknown_a cause_n it_o be_v manifest_a they_o can_v not_o be_v foresee_v no_o man_n can_v foresee_v a_o thing_n which_o scarce_o ever_o happen_v and_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o some_o cause_n which_o be_v unknown_a to_o he_o unless_o that_o man_n be_v warn_v of_o it_o by_o a_o effect_n of_o the_o same_o cause_n which_o be_v to_o suppose_v without_o reason_n a_o thing_n altogether_o incomprehensible_a 6._o wherefore_o if_o we_o can_v show_v that_o there_o happen_v some_o thing_n that_o neither_o man_n nor_o other_o natural_a cause_n can_v do_v which_o notwithstanding_o be_v foretell_v by_o those_o in_o who_o behalf_n they_o be_v do_v it_o must_v be_v grant_v we_o that_o they_o be_v miraculous_a fact_n which_o happen_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o those_o who_o foretell_v they_o the_o gospel_n be_v full_a of_o the_o like_a miracle_n but_o i_o shall_v only_o pitch_v upon_o one_o to_o apply_v what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o it_o it_o be_v of_o of_o great_a moment_n that_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v true_a the_o rest_n can_v be_v deny_v i_o mean_v the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n wherein_o we_o see_v all_o the_o character_n of_o a_o true_a miracle_n first_o it_o be_v certain_a by_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n that_o no_o man_n or_o any_o other_o natural_a cause_n can_v restore_v a_o dead_a man_n to_o life_n though_o the_o humane_a body_n be_v not_o perfect_o know_v to_o we_o no_o more_o than_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o thing_n yet_o we_o may_v affirm_v without_o rashness_n that_o no_o body_n raise_v himself_o nor_o by_o his_o own_o virtue_n or_o that_o of_o any_o other_o thing_n one_o can_v affirm_v the_o contrary_a without_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o mad_a man_n among_o all_o the_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n second_o jesus_n christ_n 27.63_o christ_n mat._n 16.21_o &_o 17.23_o &_o 26.61_o &_o 27.63_o often_o foretell_v his_o resurrection_n and_o say_v it_o shall_v happen_v on_o the_o three_o day_n he_o conclude_v from_o thence_o beforehand_o that_o man_n will_v be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v send_v by_o god_n his_o resurrection_n be_v the_o great_a sign_n of_o it_o that_o can_v be_v ask_v 40._o ask_v mat._n 12.39_o 40._o a_o evil_a and_o adulterous_a generation_n say_v he_o seek_v after_o a_o sign_n and_o there_o shall_v no_o sign_n be_v give_v to_o it_o but_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o prophet_n ionas_n for_o as_o ionas_n be_v three_o day_n and_o three_o night_n in_o the_o whale_n belly_n so_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v three_o day_n and_o three_o night_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o earth_n if_o the_o apostle_n be_v sincere_a man_n and_o be_v not_o deceive_v that_o fact_n be_v undeniable_a and_o consequent_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o he_o who_o raise_v jesus_n christ_n bear_v he_o a_o testimony_n which_o can_v be_v doubt_v of_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o forego_n letter_n that_o the_o apostle_n be_v sincere_a man_n and_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v on_o that_o occasion_n their_o master_n be_v not_o hide_v in_o a_o chamber_n when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o be_v dead_a it_o be_v upon_o a_o cross_n and_o in_o a_o public_a place_n surround_v with_o roman_a soldier_n he_o have_v be_v bury_v his_o enemy_n seal_v his_o sepulchre_n they_o set_v a_o guard_n of_o soldier_n about_o it_o and_o he_o be_v above_o four_o and_o twenty_o hour_n in_o it_o therefore_o no_o body_n can_v doubt_v of_o his_o be_v true_o dead_a and_o his_o apostle_n do_v not_o question_v it_o afterward_o they_o see_v he_o several_a time_n touch_v he_o speak_v with_o he_o and_z ate_z with_o he_o so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v mistake_v in_o it_o wherefore_o if_o the_o thing_n have_v not_o happen_v it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o vindicate_v their_o sincerity_n and_o if_o they_o be_v sincere_a man_n which_o they_o certain_o be_v as_o have_v be_v show_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n can_v be_v doubt_v of_o 7._o the_o more_o we_o examine_v their_o testimony_n the_o more_o we_o shall_v be_v convince_v of_o it_o and_o without_o insist_v long_o upon_o that_o i_o have_v rather_o observe_v against_o those_o who_o acknowledge_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n that_o what_o may_v be_v say_v of_o feign_a miracle_n can_v be_v object_v against_o that_o miracle_n and_o other_o miracle_n of_o
be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n or_o angel_n one_o may_v easy_o apprehend_v that_o they_o be_v not_o contradictory_n thing_n that_o which_o be_v contradictory_n be_v the_o object_n of_o no_o power_n it_o be_v a_o mere_a nothing_o as_o all_o those_o who_o know_v the_o mean_v of_o that_o word_n will_v grant_v it_o no_o positive_a idea_n can_v be_v form_v of_o it_o and_o every_o contradictory_n proposition_n be_v unintelligible_a in_o itself_o if_o the_o miracle_n mention_v in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v examine_v not_o one_o of_o that_o nature_n will_v be_v find_v among_o they_o there_o be_v none_o but_o what_o may_v be_v express_v in_o intelligible_a proposition_n for_o example_n god_n can_v make_v a_o man_n who_o live_v to_o live_v no_o long_o that_o be_v his_o blood_n shall_v no_o more_o circulate_a and_o all_o his_o member_n shall_v cease_v to_o perform_v their_o function_n on_o the_o contrary_a he_o can_v make_v a_o man_n who_o blood_n be_v settle_v and_o who_o 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as_o we_o do_v now_o but_o their_o business_n be_v not_o only_o to_o show_v that_o they_o say_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n they_o teach_v not_o their_o doctrine_n as_o mere_a philosopher_n or_o divine_n but_o as_o man_n authorise_a by_o heaven_n they_o be_v therefore_o to_o convince_v man_n that_o they_o be_v send_v from_o god_n to_o prove_v it_o undeniable_o there_o be_v no_o better_a way_n than_o to_o do_v some_o thing_n above_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v sensible_a sign_n of_o god_n approve_v their_o doctrine_n and_o whereby_o they_o undeniable_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v his_o messenger_n if_o they_o have_v do_v or_o say_v nothing_o but_o what_o other_o man_n may_v have_v do_v of_o say_v they_o will_v have_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o divine_n or_o philosopher_n who_o vent_v their_o own_o thought_n but_o when_o man_n see_v that_o after_o they_o have_v appeal_v to_o the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o say_v that_o there_o happen_v at_o their_o prayer_n some_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o the_o power_n of_o all_o man_n and_o all_o natural_a cause_n they_o can_v not_o doubt_v but_o god_n declare_v himself_o in_o their_o behalf_n especial_o if_o they_o consider_v that_o the_o doctrine_n they_o preach_v be_v most_o worthy_a of_o he_o so_o that_o the_o fine_a doctrine_n that_o ever_o be_v attend_v with_o unheard-of_a miracle_n aught_o to_o excite_v the_o attention_n of_o all_o those_o who_o be_v not_o altogether_o blind_v by_o their_o vice_n and_o prejudices_fw-la and_o make_v they_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o true_a minister_n of_o that_o god_n who_o create_v the_o world_n this_o be_v sir_n what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v to_o you_o concern_v miracle_n not_o to_o exhaust_v the_o matter_n but_o only_o to_o show_v the_o possibility_n and_o truth_n of_o those_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n i_o hearty_o pray_v god_n that_o it_o may_v contribute_v to_o reclaim_v those_o who_o out_o of_o ignorance_n or_o otherwise_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o be_o etc._n etc._n finis_fw-la book_n late_o print_v for_o awnsham_n and_o john_n churchill_n a_o short_a discourse_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n to_o which_o be_v add_v some_o passage_n in_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n and_o its_o vindication_n with_o some_o animadversion_n on_o mr._n edwards_n reflection_n on_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n and_o on_o his_o book_n entitle_v socinianism_n vnmasque_v by_o samuel_n bold_a rector_n of_o steeple_n dorset_n 8o._o prince_n arthur_n a_o heroic_a poem_n in_o 10_o book_n by_o richard_n blackmore_n m._n d._n and_o fellow_n of_o the_o college_n of_o physician_n in_o london_n several_a paper_n relate_v to_o money_n interest_n and_o trade_n etc._n etc._n write_v upon_o several_a occasion_n and_o publish_v at_o different_a time_n by_o john_n lock_v esq_n 8o._o mr._n talent_n chronological_a table_n or_o a_o view_n of_o universal_a history_n from_o the_o creation_n to_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 1695._o wherein_o the_o most_o memorable_a person_n and_o thing_n in_o the_o know_a kingdom_n and_o country_n of_o the_o world_n be_v set_v down_o in_o several_a column_n by_o way_n of_o synchronism_n according_a to_o their_o proper_a century_n and_o year_n in_o 16_o copper_n plate_n notitia_fw-la monastica_fw-la or_o a_o short_a view_n of_o the_o religious_a house_n in_o england_n and_o wales_n etc._n etc._n by_o thomas_n tanner_n a._n b._n 8o._o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o same_o body_n assert_v etc._n etc._n by_o hump._n hody_n d._n d._n the_o gentleman_n religion_n with_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o 12o._o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n as_o deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n with_o a_o vindication_n against_o mr._n edwards_n exception_n by_o the_o same_o hand_n 8o._o a_o abridgement_n of_o mr._n lock_n be_v essay_n of_o human_a understanding_n by_o mr._n john_n wynne_n of_o jesus_n college_n oxford_n 8o._o
great_a zeal_n for_o religion_n shall_v not_o just_o render_v it_o suspect_v to_o unbeliever_n p._n 131._o chap._n 3._o that_o the_o incredulous_a be_v in_o the_o wrong_n for_o reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n because_o interest_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o main_a cause_n of_o many_o people_n devotion_n p._n 143._o chap._n 4._o that_o the_o division_n which_o reign_v among_o christian_n be_v no_o good_a reason_n why_o the_o christian_a religion_n shall_v not_o be_v true_a p._n 165._o chap._n 5._o that_o the_o incredulous_a object_n in_o vain_a that_o christianity_n be_v so_o little_o know_v and_o so_o ill_o observe_v in_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v can_v be_v so_o useful_a to_o mankind_n as_o a_o religion_n reveal_v from_o heaven_n for_o the_o good_a of_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v p._n 180._o chap._n 6._o that_o unbeliever_n can_v conclude_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v false_a because_o the_o divine_n of_o their_o acquaintance_n make_v bad_a answer_n to_o their_o objection_n against_o it_o or_o because_o they_o maintain_v some_o false_a tenet_n as_o true_a and_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n p._n 199._o chap._n 7._o that_o the_o difficulty_n which_o may_v occur_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n ought_v not_o to_o bring_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o into_o doubt_n p._n 234._o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o second_o part._n p._n 277._o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n p._n 282._o letter_n 1._o wherein_o be_v prove_v the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v the_o testimony_n they_o render_v to_o christ_n resurrection_n p._n 283._o letter_n 2._o show_v what_o a_o miracle_n be_v and_o prove_v that_o from_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n we_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o person_n true_o send_v of_o god_n p._n 307._o errata_fw-la page_n 18._o line_n 23._o read_v angusta_fw-la p._n 23._o l._n 8._o deal_n and._n of_o incredulity_n the_o preface_n contain_v the_o design_n of_o the_o author_n in_o this_o work_n i_o can_v determine_v whether_o during_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n more_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o christian_n to_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n than_o there_o may_v have_v be_v for_o these_o two_o hundred_o year_n past_a but_o that_o we_o have_v few_o remain_v of_o the_o precedent_a age_n than_o of_o the_o last_o two_o be_v most_o certain_a the_o teacher_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o their_o follower_n whilst_o paganism_n be_v still_o considerable_a in_o the_o world_n labour_v more_o in_o confute_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o heathen_n than_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n they_o think_v if_o they_o can_v once_o convince_v the_o heathen_n of_o the_o falsity_n of_o their_o own_o opinion_n that_o it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n then_o to_o make_v they_o christian_n and_o this_o i_o can_v most_o easy_o show_v be_v it_o at_o all_o useful_a to_o my_o design_n on_o the_o contrary_a when_o paganism_n be_v abolish_v in_o europe_n and_o christianity_n become_v the_o govern_n religion_n the_o teacher_n of_o it_o then_o left_a paganism_n to_o attack_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o of_o the_o mahometans_n both_o which_o be_v yet_o in_o be_v among_o we_o but_o beside_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o unbeliever_n there_o be_v yet_o a_o three_o who_o acknowledge_v the_o falsity_n of_o the_o mahometan_a and_o rabbinic_n doctrine_n doubt_v notwithstanding_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o peremptory_o judge_v it_o not_o true_a without_o set_v up_o any_o other_o religion_n in_o its_o place_n now_o to_o reduce_v these_o a_o new_a method_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a it_o be_v agree_v therefore_o to_o prove_v direct_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n without_o insist_v upon_o the_o confutation_n of_o other_o persuasion_n and_o it_o may_v true_o be_v say_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o present_a age_n and_o of_o that_o 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vnreasonableness_n of_o this_o disposition_n be_v make_v evident_a just_o as_o if_o any_o shall_v plead_v a_o good_a cause_n before_o prepossess_v judge_n without_o endeavour_v to_o cure_v they_o first_o of_o their_o prejudices_fw-la which_o must_v needs_o make_v they_o look_v upon_o that_o thing_n as_o false_a whereupon_o all_o the_o reason_n allege_v be_v ground_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o pleader_n of_o such_o a_o cause_n though_o never_o so_o just_a will_v expose_v themselves_o to_o be_v cast_v or_o condemn_v this_o have_v be_v notwithstanding_o the_o conduct_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o champion_n of_o christianity_n they_o have_v prove_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o well_o enough_o but_o their_o reason_n appear_v weak_a to_o the_o incredulous_a consider_v the_o disposition_n wherein_o they_o be_v and_o whereof_o they_o know_v nothing_o themselves_o what_o be_v unreasonable_a therefore_o in_o this_o disposition_n must_v be_v discover_v and_o lay_v so_o clear_o before_o 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elsewhere_o that_o if_o any_o will_v do_v his_o will_n 7.17_o joh._n 7.17_o he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o of_o himself_o beside_o the_o disposition_n wherein_o those_o may_v be_v who_o disbelieve_v the_o gospel_n and_o which_o deceive_v they_o without_o their_o perceive_v of_o it_o there_o be_v likewise_o certain_a general_a reason_n draw_v from_o without_o that_o help_n to_o lead_v they_o into_o error_n these_o reason_n must_v by_o all_o mean_n be_v explode_v because_o they_o be_v to_o they_o so_o many_o prejudices_fw-la whereby_o they_o determine_v the_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n of_o all_o that_o be_v say_v to_o they_o whilst_o they_o think_v they_o good_a all_o the_o proof_n imaginable_a can_v make_v no_o impression_n upon_o they_o because_o they_o never_o fail_v of_o oppose_v to_o they_o these_o reason_n which_o conclude_v to_o be_v solid_a they_o can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n embrace_v christianity_n there_o be_v a_o 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