that_o when_o a_o divine_a testimony_n be_v already_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n undoubted_o divine_a that_o new_a miracle_n shall_v be_v wrought_v in_o the_o church_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o so_o chrysostome_n full_o express_v himself_o concern_v miracle_n speak_v of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a eton._n church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d miracle_n be_v very_o useful_a then_o and_o not_o at_o all_o useful_a now_o for_o now_o we_o manifest_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o speak_v from_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o they_o which_o that_o excellent_a author_n there_o full_o manifest_v in_o a_o discourse_n on_o this_o subject_n why_o miracle_n be_v necessary_a in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o be_v not_o now_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n st._n austin_n speak_v where_o he_o discourse_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n accepimus_fw-la majores_fw-la nostros_fw-la visibilia_fw-la miracula_fw-la secutos_fw-la esse_fw-la 25._o per_fw-la quos_fw-la id_fw-la actum_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la necessaria_fw-la non_fw-la essent_fw-la posteris_fw-la because_o the_o world_n believe_v by_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v at_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o miracle_n be_v no_o long_o necessary_a for_o we_o can_v conceive_v how_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v at_o first_o induce_v to_o believe_v without_o manifest_a and_o uncontrolled_a miracle_n for_o as_o chrysostome_n speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v the_o great_a miracle_n of_o all_o if_o the_o world_n shall_v believe_v without_o miracle_n which_o the_o poet_n dante_n be_v have_v well_o express_v in_o the_o twenty_o four_o canto_n of_o paradise_n for_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v there_o bring_v in_o ask_v the_o poet_n upon_o what_o account_n he_o take_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n his_o answer_n 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this_o will_v be_v so_o great_a a_o miracle_n that_o other_o be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v with_o it_o i_o conclude_v this_o then_o with_o that_o know_a saying_n of_o st._n austin_n quisquis_fw-la adhuc_fw-la prodigia_fw-la ut_fw-la credat_fw-la inquirit_fw-la magnum_fw-la est_fw-la ipse_fw-la prodigium_fw-la qui_fw-la mundo_fw-la credente_fw-la 8._o non_fw-la credit_n he_o that_o seek_v for_o miracle_n still_o to_o induce_v he_o to_o faith_n when_o the_o world_n be_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n he_o need_v not_o seek_v for_o prodigy_n abroad_o he_o want_v only_o a_o look_a glass_n to_o discover_v one_o for_o as_o he_o go_v on_o unde_fw-la temporibus_fw-la erudit_fw-la be_v &_o omne_fw-la quod_fw-la fieri_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la respuentibus_fw-la sine_fw-la ullis_fw-la miraculis_fw-la nimium_fw-la mirabiliter_fw-la incredibiliter_fw-la credidit_fw-la mundus_fw-la whence_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o in_o so_o learned_a and_o wary_a a_o age_n as_o that_o be_v which_o the_o apostle_n preach_v in_o the_o world_n without_o miracle_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o believe_v thing_n so_o strange_o incredible_a as_o those_o be_v which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n preach_v so_o that_o by_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o intention_n of_o miracle_n be_v to_o confirm_v a_o divine_a testimony_n to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o make_v that_o appear_v credible_a which_o otherwise_o will_v have_v seem_v incredible_a but_o to_o what_o end_n now_o when_o this_o divine_a testimony_n be_v believe_v in_o the_o world_n shall_v miracle_n be_v continue_v among_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v divine_a the_o miracle_n wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o to_o have_v be_v true_a and_o the_o scripture_n which_o contain_v both_o to_o be_v the_o undoubted_a word_n of_o god_n to_o what_o purpose_n then_o the_o huge_a outery_n of_o miracle_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v unless_o it_o be_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v how_o ambition_n that_o church_n be_v of_o be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o he_o who_o come_n be_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_a wonder_n and_o with_o all_o deceivableness_n 10._o of_o unrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v for_o have_v they_o receive_v the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o will_v have_v believe_v it_o on_o the_o account_n of_o those_o miracle_n and_o sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o be_v wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o not_o have_v go_v about_o by_o their_o juggle_n and_o imposture_n in_o stead_n of_o bring_v man_n to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n to_o make_v they_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o first_o miracle_n when_o they_o see_v so_o many_o counterfeit_n have_v we_o not_o great_a assurance_n the_o apostle_n be_v man_n of_o other_o design_n and_o interest_n then_o popish_a priest_n be_v and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o now_o any_o such_o necessity_n of_o miracle_n as_o there_o be_v then_o when_o a_o divine_a testimony_n reveal_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v confirm_v by_o they_o those_o miracle_n can_v be_v divine_a which_o be_v do_v now_o for_o 2._o the_o confirmation_n of_o any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o that_o divine_a testimony_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o uncontrolled_a divine_a miracle_n the_o case_n be_v not_o the_o same_o now_o which_o be_v before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n for_o than_o though_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n yet_o though_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n do_v null_a the_o obligation_n of_o that_o law_n the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o divine_a because_o god_n do_v not_o intend_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n to_o be_v perpetual_a and_o there_o be_v many_o prophecy_n which_o can_v not_o have_v their_o accomplishment_n but_o 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themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v real_a or_o no_o and_o
be_v in_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o opinion_n there_o must_v be_v immediate_a inspiration_n as_o to_o that_o act_n of_o faith_n whereby_o we_o believe_v any_o one_o to_o have_v be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o consequent_o to_o that_o whereby_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n second_o do_v 2._o not_o this_o make_v the_o fair_a plea_n for_o man_n unbelief_n for_o i_o demand_v be_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o those_o who_o want_v that_o immediate_a illumination_n to_o believe_v or_o no_o if_o it_o be_v not_o their_o duty_n unbelief_n can_v be_v no_o sin_n to_o they_o if_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n it_o must_v be_v make_v know_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o how_o can_v that_o be_v make_v know_v to_o they_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n when_o they_o want_v the_o only_a and_o necessary_a mean_n of_o instruction_n in_o order_n to_o it_o will_v god_n condemn_v they_o for_o that_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v unless_o god_n give_v it_o they_o and_o how_o can_v they_o be_v leave_v inexcusable_a who_o want_v so_o much_o as_o rational_a inducement_n to_o faith_n for_o of_o these_o i_o now_o speak_v and_o not_o of_o efficacious_a persuasion_n of_o the_o mind_n when_o there_o be_v rational_a argument_n for_o faith_n propound_v but_o last_o 3._o i_o suppose_v the_o case_n will_v be_v clear_v when_o we_o take_v notice_n what_o course_n god_n have_v always_o take_v to_o give_v all_o rational_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n concern_v the_o person_n who_o he_o have_v employ_v in_o either_o of_o the_o forementioned_a case_n first_o for_o those_o who_o have_v be_v employ_v upon_o some_o special_a message_n and_o service_n for_o god_n he_o have_v send_v they_o forth_o sufficient_o provide_v with_o manifestation_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n whereby_o they_o act_v as_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o evident_a in_o the_o present_a case_n of_o moses_n exodus_fw-la 4._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o where_o moses_n put_v the_o case_n to_o god_n which_o we_o be_v now_o debate_v of_o suppose_v say_v he_o that_o i_o shall_v go_v to_o the_o israelite_n and_o tell_v they_o god_n have_v appear_v to_o i_o and_o send_v i_o to_o deliver_v they_o and_o they_o shall_v say_v god_n have_v not_o appear_v unto_o i_o how_o shall_v i_o satisfy_v they_o god_n do_v not_o reject_v this_o objection_n of_o moses_n as_o favour_v of_o unbelief_n but_o present_o show_v he_o how_o he_o shall_v satisfy_v they_o by_o cause_v a_o miracle_n before_o his_o face_n turn_v his_o rod_n into_o a_o serpent_n and_o god_n give_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o vers_n 5._o that_o they_o may_v believe_v that_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n the_o god_n of_o abraham_n the_o god_n of_o isaac_n the_o god_n of_o jacob_n have_v appear_v unto_o thou_o it_o seem_v god_n himself_o think_v this_o will_v be_v the_o most_o pregnant_a evidence_n of_o god_n appear_v to_o he_o if_o he_o wrought_v miracle_n before_o their_o face_n nay_o lest_o they_o shall_v think_v one_o single_a miracle_n be_v not_o sufficient_a god_n in_o the_o immediate_a follow_a verse_n adjoin_v two_o more_o which_o he_o shall_v do_v in_o order_n to_o their_o satisfaction_n and_o further_o verse_n 21._o god_n give_v he_o a_o charge_n to_o do_v all_o those_o wonder_n before_o pharaoh_n which_o he_o have_v put_v into_o his_o hand_n and_o according_o we_o find_v pharaoh_n present_o demand_v a_o miracle_n of_o moses_n exodus_fw-la 7._o 9_o which_o according_o moses_n do_v in_o his_o presence_n though_o he_o may_v suppose_v pharoahs_n demand_n not_o to_o proceed_v from_o desire_n of_o satisfaction_n but_o from_o some_o hope_n that_o for_o want_n of_o it_o he_o may_v have_v render_v his_o credit_n suspect_v among_o the_o israelite_n indeed_o after_o god_n have_v deliver_v his_o people_n and_o have_v settle_v they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o serve_v he_o according_a to_o the_o law_n deliver_v 6._o by_o moses_n which_o he_o have_v confirm_v by_o unquestionable_a miracle_n among_o they_o we_o find_v a_o caution_n lay_v in_o by_o moses_n himself_o against_o those_o which_o shall_v pretend_v sign_n and_o wonder_n to_o draw_v they_o off_o from_o the_o religion_n establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o so_o likewise_o under_o the_o gospel_n after_o 3._o that_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o unparalleled_a miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n we_o find_v frequent_a caution_n against_o be_v deceive_v by_o those_o who_o come_v with_o pretence_n of_o do_v great_a miracle_n but_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o infringe_v the_o credibility_n of_o such_o a_o testimony_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n that_o it_o yield_v a_o strong_a confirmation_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o now_o assert_v for_o the_o doctrine_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v already_o establish_v by_o miracle_n according_a to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o such_o pretender_n now_o it_o stand_v to_o the_o great_a reason_n that_o when_o a_o religion_n be_v once_o establish_v by_o uncontrolled_a miracle_n we_o shall_v not_o hearken_v to_o every_o whiffle_a conjurer_n that_o will_v pretend_v to_o do_v great_a feat_n to_o draw_v we_o off_o from_o the_o truth_n establish_v in_o which_o case_n the_o sure_a way_n to_o discover_v the_o imposture_n be_v to_o compare_v his_o pretend_a miracle_n with_o those_o true_a and_o real_a one_o which_o be_v do_v by_o moses_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v because_o every_o person_n be_v no_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o miracle_n for_o the_o devil_n by_o his_o power_n and_o subtlety_n may_v easy_o deceive_v all_o such_o as_o will_v be_v lead_v by_o the_o nose_n by_o he_o in_o expectation_n of_o some_o wonder_n to_o be_v do_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o as_o long_o as_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o question_v the_o oertainty_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o christ_n or_o moses_n i_o be_o bind_v to_o 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the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o certain_o true_a as_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n for_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o same_o miracle_n that_o the_o other_o be_v and_o beside_o that_o the_o very_a come_n of_o such_o miracle_n be_v a_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o it_o fall_v out_o so_o exact_o according_a to_o what_o be_v foretell_v so_o many_o hundred_o year_n since_o now_o if_o this_o doctrine_n be_v true_a then_o be_o i_o certain_a the_o intent_n of_o these_o miracle_n be_v to_o deceive_v and_o that_o those_o be_v deceive_v who_o hearken_v to_o they_o and_o what_o reason_n then_o have_v i_o to_o believe_v they_o 3._o to_o what_o end_n do_v these_o miracle_n serve_v be_v they_o to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n contain_v in_o scripture_n 3._o but_o what_o need_v they_o any_o confirmation_n now_o when_o we_o be_v assure_v by_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o the_o doctrine_n by_o they_o preach_v come_v from_o god_n and_o so_o have_v be_v receive_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o those_o miracle_n ever_o since_o be_v these_o truth_n sufficient_o prove_v to_o be_v from_o god_n before_o or_o no_o if_o not_o than_o all_o former_a age_n have_v believe_v without_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o faith_n if_o they_o be_v than_o what_o ground_n can_v there_o be_v to_o confirm_v we_o in_o they_o now_o certain_o god_n who_o never_o do_v anything_o but_o for_o very_o great_a purpose_n will_v never_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n mere_o for_o satisfaction_n of_o man_n vain_a curiosity_n but_o it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v say_v it_o be_v something_o not_o full_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v thus_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n but_o 7._o where_o have_v the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o anything_o not_o full_o reveal_v
in_o his_o hand_n the_o â—rint_n of_o the_o nail_n now_o our_o saviour_n condeseend_v so_o far_o as_o to_o satisfy_v the_o incredulity_n of_o thomas_n have_v make_v it_o thereby_o evident_a that_o the_o body_n which_o our_o saviour_n rise_v from_o the_o grave_n with_o be_v the_o same_o individual_a body_n which_o before_o be_v crucify_v and_o bury_v in_o the_o sepulchre_n and_o we_o sin_v all_o the_o apostle_n together_o upon_o our_o saviour_n appearance_n to_o they_o after_o his_o resurrection_n so_o far_o from_o be_v credulous_a in_o embrace_v a_o phantasm_n instead_o of_o christ_n that_o they_o suspect_v that_o it_o be_v either_o a_o mere_a phantasm_n or_o a_o evil_a spirit_n which_o appear_v among_o they_o upon_o which_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v terrify_v 37._o and_o affright_v and_o suppose_v they_o have_v see_v a_o spirit_n which_o our_o saviour_n can_v not_o beat_v they_o off_o from_o but_o by_o appeal_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o sense_n handle_v i_o and_o see_v 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it_o will_v be_v very_o strange_a that_o five_o hundred_o person_n shall_v all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o that_o no_o torment_n or_o death_n can_v bring_v any_o of_o they_o to_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o have_v there_o not_o be_v the_o great_a certainty_n in_o it_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o suspect_v such_o a_o testimony_n which_o be_v give_v by_o eye-witness_n but_o either_o from_o question_v their_o knowledge_n 3._o of_o the_o thing_n they_o speak_v of_o or_o their_o fidelity_n in_o report_v they_o now_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n to_o doubt_n either_o of_o these_o in_o reference_n to_o those_o person_n who_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o world_n concern_v the_o person_n and_o action_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n for_o first_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v intimate_o conversant_a both_o with_o the_o person_n and_o action_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v 1._o choose_v and_o train_v up_o for_o that_o very_a end_n that_o they_o 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second_o be_v there_o any_o reasâ—n_n to_o suspect_v their_o fidelity_n 1_o in_o report_v what_o they_o know_v for_o 1._o the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n wrought_v so_o far_o upon_o they_o that_o they_o part_v with_o all_o their_o worldly_a subsistence_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o although_o their_o riches_n be_v not_o great_a yet_o their_o way_n of_o subsistence_n in_o the_o world_n be_v necessary_a they_o leave_v their_o house_n their_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o all_o for_o christ_n and_o that_o not_o to_o gain_v any_o high_a preferment_n in_o this_o world_n which_o have_v they_o do_v it_o will_v have_v render_v their_o design_n suspicious_a to_o the_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a world_n but_o they_o let_v go_v at_o least_o a_o quiet_a and_o easy_a life_n for_o one_o most_o troublesome_a and_o dangerous_a so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o how_o much_o they_o part_v withal_o but_o how_o free_o they_o do_v it_o and_o with_o what_o cheerfulness_n they_o undergo_v disgrace_n 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be_v unto_o they_o if_o they_o preach_v not_o the_o 16._o gospel_n when_o yet_o they_o see_v so_o many_o woe_n attend_v they_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o have_v there_o not_o be_v some_o more_o powerful_a attractive_a in_o the_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v than_o any_o can_v be_v in_o the_o ease_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o this_o present_a world_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o fidelity_n of_o the_o apostle_n manifest_v in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o no_o other_o witness_n be_v ever_o yet_o willing_a to_o hazard_v they_o and_o therefore_o origen_n deserve_o 127_o condemn_v celsus_n of_o a_o ridiculous_a impertinency_n when_o he_o will_v parallel_v the_o relation_n of_o herodotus_n and_o pindarus_n concern_v aristeus_n proconnesius_n with_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v christ_n for_o faith_n he_o do_v either_o of_o those_o two_o
truth_n but_o contrary_a to_o their_o pre-conception_n or_o interest_n have_v be_v forbid_a entrance_n prejudice_n be_v the_o wrong_a bias_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o effectual_o keep_v it_o from_o come_v near_o the_o mark_n of_o truth_n nay_o set_v it_o at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o it_o there_o be_v few_o in_o the_o world_n that_o look_v after_o truth_n with_o their_o own_o eye_n most_o make_v use_n of_o spectacle_n of_o other_o make_v which_o make_v they_o so_o seldom_o behold_v the_o proper_a lineament_n in_o the_o face_n of_o truth_n which_o the_o several_a tincture_n from_o education_n authority_n custom_n and_o predisposition_n do_v exceed_o hinder_v man_n from_o discern_v of_o another_o reason_n why_o there_o be_v so_o few_o who_o find_v truth_n when_o so_o many_o pretend_v to_o seek_v it_o be_v that_o near_a resemblance_n which_o 7._o error_n often_o bear_v to_o truth_n it_o have_v be_v well_o observe_v that_o error_n seldom_o walk_v abroad_o the_o world_n in_o her_o 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superstition_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n the_o devil_n can_v never_o have_v build_v his_o chapel_n but_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n whereon_o god_n temple_n stand_v which_o make_v i_o far_o less_o wonder_n than_o many_o do_v at_o the_o meeting_n with_o many_o expression_n concern_v these_o two_o grand_a truth_n in_o the_o write_n of_o ancient_a heathen_n know_v how_o willing_a the_o devil_n may_v be_v to_o have_v such_o principle_n still_o own_v in_o the_o world_n which_o by_o his_o deprave_v of_o they_o may_v be_v the_o nourisher_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n for_o the_o general_a knowledge_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n suppose_v man_n ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a god_n do_v only_o lay_v a_o foundation_n to_o erect_v his_o idolatrous_a temple_n upon_o and_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o soul_n survive_v the_o body_n after_o death_n without_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a way_n of_o attain_v happiness_n do_v make_v man_n more_o eager_a of_o embrace_v those_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o canie_n with_o a_o pretence_n of_o show_v the_o way_n to_o a_o bless_a immortality_n which_o may_v be_v a_o most_o probable_a reason_n why_o philosophy_n and_o idolatry_n do_v increase_v so_o much_o together_o as_o they_o do_v for_o 8._o though_o right_a reason_n full_o improve_v will_v have_v overthrow_v all_o those_o curse_a and_o idolatrous_a practice_n among_o the_o heathen_n yet_o reason_n only_o discern_v some_o general_a notion_n without_o their_o particular_a application_n and_o improvement_n do_v only_o dispose_v the_o most_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o people_n to_o a_o more_o ready_a entertainment_n of_o the_o most_o gross_a idolatry_n for_o hereby_o they_o discern_v the_o necessity_n of_o some_o kind_n of_o worship_n but_o can_v not_o find_v out_o the_o right_a way_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o greedy_o follow_v that_o which_o be_v commend_v to_o they_o by_o such_o who_o do_v withal_o agree_v with_o they_o in_o the_o common_a sentiment_n 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advantage_n the_o apostle_n make_v of_o the_o inscription_n on_o the_o altar_n at_o athens_n to_o the_o unknown_a god_n who_o say_v he_o you_o ignorant_o serve_v he_o i_o declare_v 23._o unto_o you_o and_o which_o be_v the_o happy_a use_n the_o primitive_a learned_a christian_n make_v of_o all_o those_o passage_n concern_v the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o they_o find_v in_o the_o heathen_a writer_n thereby_o to_o evidence_n to_o the_o world_n that_o the_o main_a postulata_fw-la or_o supposition_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v grant_v by_o their_o own_o most_o admire_a man_n and_o that_o christianity_n do_v not_o race_n out_o but_o only_o build_v upon_o those_o common_a foundation_n which_o be_v entertain_v by_o all_o who_o have_v any_o name_n for_o reason_n though_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o happy_a effect_n of_o this_o build_a 9_o error_n on_o common_a truth_n to_o all_o that_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o divine_a revelation_n to_o discern_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o yet_o as_o to_o other_o who_o be_v destitute_a of_o it_o they_o be_v liable_a to_o this_o twofold_a great_a inconvenience_n by_o it_o first_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o apparent_a rottenness_n of_o the_o superstructure_n to_o question_v the_o soundness_n of_o the_o foundation_n on_o which_o they_o stand_v and_o this_o i_o doubt_v not_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o considerative_a heathen_n who_o observe_v that_o monstrous_a and_o unreasonable_a way_n of_o worship_n obtain_v among_o the_o heathen_a and_o not_o be_v able_a by_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n through_o the_o want_n of_o divine_a revelation_n to_o deduce_v any_o certain_a institute_v worship_n they_o be_v shrewd_o tempt_v to_o renounce_v those_o principle_n when_o they_o can_v not_o but_o abhor_v the_o conclusion_n draw_v from_o they_o for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o usual_a then_o for_o man_n who_o exceed_o detest_v some_o absurd_a consequence_n they_o see_v may_v be_v draw_v from_o a_o principle_n suppose_v to_o reject_v the_o principle_n its_o self_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o consequence_n which_o it_o may_v be_v do_v not_o necessary_o follow_v from_o it_o but_o through_o the_o shortness_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n do_v appear_v to_o they_o to_o do_v so_o thus_o when_o the_o intelligent_a heathen_a do_v apparent_o see_v that_o from_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o soul_n do_v flow_v all_o those_o unnatural_a and_o inhuman_a sacrifice_n all_o those_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a rite_n all_o those_o execrable_a and_o profane_a mystery_n out_o of_o a_o loathe_n the_o immorality_n and_o impiety_n which_o attend_v these_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o question_v the_o very_a truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o those_o principle_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v thus_o abuse_v and_o therefore_o i_o be_o very_o prone_a to_o suspect_v the_o apology_n usual_o make_v for_o protagoras_n diagoras_n and_o such_o other_o of_o they_o 10._o who_o be_v account_v atheist_n to_o be_v more_o favourable_a than_o true_a viz._n that_o they_o only_o reject_v those_o heathen_a deity_n and_o not_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n i_o shall_v think_v this_o account_n of_o their_o repute_a atheism_n rational_a be_v it_o any_o way_n evident_a that_o they_o do_v build_v their_o belief_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n upon_o any_o other_o ground_n than_o such_o as_o be_v common_a to_o they_o with_o those_o who_o worship_n they_o so_o much_o deride_v and_o therefore_o when_o the_o heathen_n accuse_v the_o christian_n of_o atheism_n i_o have_v full_a and_o clear_a evidence_n that_o no_o more_o can_v be_v mean_v thereby_o then_o the_o rejection_n of_o their_o way_n of_o worship_n because_o i_o have_v sufficient_a assurance_n from_o they_o that_o they_o do_v believe_v in_o a_o divine_a nature_n and_o a_o institute_v religion_n most_o suitable_a to_o the_o most_o common_a receive_v notion_n
in_o the_o age_n he_o live_v in_o he_o make_v that_o unhappy_a use_n of_o his_o skill_n to_o play_v the_o mountebank_n with_o his_o learning_n and_o to_o abuse_v the_o credulity_n of_o those_o who_o have_v better_a stomach_n than_o palate_n and_o can_v soon_o swallow_v down_o the_o composition_n that_o be_v give_v they_o then_o find_v out_o the_o ingredient_n of_o they_o thus_o annius_n put_v a_o good_a face_n on_o his_o new-old_a author_n bid_v they_o be_v bold_a and_o confident_a and_o they_o will_v fare_v the_o better_a and_o the_o truth_n be_v they_o tell_v their_o story_n so_o punctual_o in_o all_o circumstance_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v no_o certain_a conveyance_n to_o posterity_n that_o that_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o any_o intelligent_a person_n to_o question_v their_o authority_n but_o lest_o his_o author_n shall_v at_o any_o time_n want_v a_o interpreter_n to_o make_v out_o their_o full_a meaning_n he_o set_v himself_o a_o large_a commentary_n upon_o they_o and_o certain_o he_o be_v the_o fit_a person_n in_o the_o world_n to_o do_v it_o for_o cujus_fw-la â—st_fw-la condere_fw-la ejus_fw-la â—st_fw-la interpretari_fw-la none_o so_o fit_a to_o explain_v annius_n as_o annius_n himself_o the_o whole_a story_n of_o this_o imposture_n how_o he_o make_v the_o inscription_n himself_o and_o hide_v they_o under_o ground_n how_o they_o be_v dig_v thence_o and_o bring_v to_o annius_n how_o annius_n cause_v they_o to_o be_v send_v to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o after_o publish_v they_o in_o the_o equipage_n they_o be_v in_o be_v at_o large_a relate_v by_o that_o learned_a bishop_n antonius_n augustinus_n from_o latinus_n latinius_n 11._o from_o a_o like_a quarry_n to_o this_o come_v out_o those_o other_o famous_a inscription_n walk_v under_o the_o specious_a title_n of_o antiquitatum_fw-la 6._o ethruscarum_fw-la fragmenta_fw-la whereinis_fw-la beside_o many_o palpable_a incongruity_n to_o the_o custom_n of_o those_o elder_a time_n discover_v partly_o by_o leo_n allatius_n in_o his_o discourse_n concern_v they_o there_o be_v so_o many_o particular_a story_n and_o circumstance_n relate_v concern_v noah_n be_v in_o italy_n and_o other_o thing_n so_o far_o beyond_o any_o probability_n of_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n there_o be_v yet_o any_o person_n pretend_v to_o learning_n who_o shall_v build_v their_o discourse_n upon_o such_o rot_a and_o sandy_a foundation_n as_o these_o inscription_n be_v but_o though_o ixion_n may_v jupiter_n will_v never_o have_v be_v deceive_v with_o a_o cloud_n instead_o of_o juno_n so_o though_o person_n unacquainted_a with_o the_o lineament_n of_o truth_n may_v be_v easy_o impose_v on_o with_o appearance_n instead_o of_o she_o yet_o such_o person_n who_o have_v sagacity_n enough_o to_o discern_v the_o air_n of_o her_o countenance_n from_o the_o paint_n of_o forgery_n will_v never_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v overreach_v by_o such_o vain_a pretender_n but_o these_o impostor_n be_v like_o the_o astrologer_n at_o rome_n ever_o banish_v and_o yet_o ever_o there_o and_o so_o these_o be_v ever_o explode_v by_o all_o lover_n of_o truth_n yet_o always_o find_v some_o to_o applaud_v and_o entertain_v they_o although_o it_o be_v more_o difficult_a to_o do_v so_o now_o in_o the_o present_a light_n of_o knowledge_n and_o all_o advantage_n for_o learning_n than_o it_o be_v in_o those_o elder_a time_n when_o the_o heathen_a priest_n pretend_v to_o the_o monopoly_n of_o learning_n among_o themselves_o and_o make_v it_o one_o of_o their_o great_a design_n to_o keep_v all_o other_o in_o dependence_n on_o themselves_o thereby_o to_o keep_v up_o their_o veneration_n the_o better_a among_o the_o people_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o record_n they_o have_v of_o learning_n or_o history_n be_v careful_o lock_v up_o and_o preserve_v among_o the_o priest_n and_o lest_o at_o any_o time_n other_o may_v get_v a_o view_n of_o they_o they_o be_v sure_a to_o preserve_v they_o in_o a_o peculiar_a character_n distinct_a from_o that_o in_o civil_a and_o common_a use_n by_o which_o mean_v the_o heathen_a priest_n have_v all_o imaginable_a opportunity_n and_o convenience_n for_o deceive_v the_o silly_a people_n and_o thereby_o keep_v they_o in_o a_o obsequious_a ignorance_n which_o be_v never_o the_o mother_n of_o any_o true_a devotion_n but_o of_o the_o great_a superstition_n it_o be_v well_o know_v of_o the_o egyptian_a priest_n that_o the_o sacred_a 7._o character_n of_o their_o temple_n be_v seldom_o make_v know_v to_o any_o but_o such_o as_o be_v of_o their_o own_o number_n and_o family_n 3._o the_o priesthood_n be_v there_o hereditary_a or_o such_o other_o as_o by_o long_a converse_n have_v insinuate_v themselves_o into_o their_o society_n as_o some_o of_o the_o greek_a philosopher_n and_o historian_n have_v do_v and_o yet_o we_o have_v some_o reason_n to_o think_v they_o be_v not_o overfree_a and_o communicative_a to_o some_o of_o they_o by_o the_o slender_a account_n they_o give_v of_o several_a thing_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v well_o know_v among_o the_o egyptian_n that_o the_o phoenician_n priest_n have_v their_o peculiar_a and_o sacred_a character_n too_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o word_n of_o philo_n byblius_n concern_v sanchoniathon_n if_o we_o take_v bochartus_fw-la his_o exposition_n of_o they_o 10._o he_o tell_v we_o that_o his_o history_n be_v compare_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o the_o inscription_n in_o the_o temple_n write_v in_o the_o ammunean_a letter_n which_o be_v know_v to_o few_o literae_fw-la ammuneorum_fw-la say_v bochartus_n sunt_fw-la literae_fw-la templorum_fw-la literae_fw-la in_o sacr_n be_v exceptae_fw-la for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o sun_n thence_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o temple_n of_o the_o 17_o sun_n who_o the_o phoenician_n worship_v as_o their_o principal_a deity_n under_o the_o name_n of_o beel-samen_a the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n the_o same_o author_n tell_v we_o out_o of_o diogenes_n laertius_n of_o a_o book_n of_o democritus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o babylonian_a priest_n have_v their_o sacred_a character_n too_o and_o of_o a_o testimony_n of_o theodoret_n 61._o of_o all_o the_o grecian_a temple_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o they_o have_v some_o peculiar_a character_n which_o be_v call_v sacred_a but_o that_o lerane_v author_n think_v there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o understand_v it_o peculiar_o of_o the_o grecian_n because_o the_o greek_a father_n call_v all_o heathen_n by_o the_o name_n of_o greek_n but_o if_o so_o the_o testimony_n be_v the_o large_a and_o amount_n to_o a_o universal_a testimony_n of_o the_o heathen_a temple_n neither_o be_v this_o only_a peculiar_a to_o they_o if_o we_o believe_v 8._o some_o person_n of_o great_a learning_n than_o judgement_n who_o attribute_v this_o distinction_n of_o sacred_a and_o vulgar_a character_n to_o the_o jew_n as_o well_o as_o other_o but_o without_o any_o probability_n of_o reason_n for_o these_o learned_a man_n be_v strong_o possess_v with_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o modern_a jew_n concern_v the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o present_a hebrew_n character_n and_o find_v themselves_o press_v not_o only_o with_o the_o testimony_n of_o some_o ancient_a rabbin_n but_o with_o the_o strong_a evidence_n of_o the_o ancient_a shekel_n about_o solomon_n time_n inscribe_v with_o the_o samaritan_n letter_n have_v at_o last_o find_v this_o evasion_n that_o the_o samaritan_n letter_n be_v in_o vulgar_a use_n but_o the_o present_a character_n be_v then_o sacred_a and_o not_o make_v common_a till_o after_o the_o time_n of_o the_o captivity_n but_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o mere_a shift_n find_v out_o by_o some_o modern_a jew_n and_o greedy_o embrace_v by_o their_o follower_n because_o thereby_o they_o be_v in_o hope_n to_o evade_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o contrary_a argument_n which_o otherwise_o they_o can_v find_v no_o probable_a solution_n of_o and_o a_o mere_a shift_n it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v to_o any_o one_o that_o consider_v on_o how_o little_a ground_n of_o reason_n it_o stand_v for_o none_o of_o those_o reason_n which_o hold_v for_o such_o a_o distinction_n of_o character_n among_o the_o heathen_n can_v have_v any_o place_n among_o the_o jew_n for_o it_o be_v never_o any_o part_n of_o god_n design_n to_o have_v the_o law_n keep_v from_o the_o people_n view_n truth_n be_v never_o so_o fearful_a of_o be_v see_v abroad_o it_o be_v only_a falsehood_n that_o walk_v under_o disguise_n and_o must_v have_v its_o hiding-place_n to_o retreat_n to_o nay_o god_n express_o command_v it_o as_o a_o duty_n of_o all_o the_o jew_n to_o search_v and_o study_v his_o law_n which_o they_o can_v not_o do_v if_o it_o be_v lock_v up_o from_o they_o in_o a_o unknown_a character_n do_v not_o god_n himself_o promulge_v it_o among_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o moses_n do_v he_o not_o command_v it_o
and_o will_n to_o mankind_n than_o he_o have_v do_v by_o the_o dictate_v of_o mere_a natural_a light_n and_o reason_n whatever_o speak_v a_o direct_a repugnancy_n to_o any_o of_o the_o fundamental_a dictate_v of_o nature_n can_v be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n 6._o for_o those_o be_v sound_v not_o upon_o any_o positive_a or_o arbitrary_a will_n but_o upon_o those_o inward_a impression_n which_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o divine_a nature_n its_o self_n it_o can_v in_o reason_n be_v suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v commission_n any_o to_o enervate_v his_o own_o fundamental_a law_n and_o so_o by_o one_o will_n to_o contradict_v another_o placitum_fw-la regis_fw-la must_v never_o stand_v against_o the_o placita_fw-la coronae_fw-la those_o thing_n which_o depend_v upon_o fundamental_a and_o establish_a law_n hold_v good_a against_o any_o positive_a sentence_n or_o declaration_n of_o a_o prince_n will_v because_o he_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v bind_v up_o himself_o by_o the_o establish_a law_n and_o therefore_o any_o thing_n else_o which_o come_v from_o he_o contrary_a to_o they_o be_v suppose_v not_o to_o be_v the_o will_n of_o the_o prince_n but_o of_o the_o person_n persuade_v he_o to_o it_o but_o this_o now_o can_v be_v suppose_v in_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v any_o way_n draw_v to_o cassate_fw-it they_fw-mi obligation_n of_o what_o be_v imprint_v upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n as_o his_o own_o law_n but_o yet_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o null_v the_o general_a obligation_n and_o alter_v the_o particular_a nature_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o depend_v upon_o that_o general_a law_n the_o first_o in_o any_o case_n be_v impossible_a that_o any_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v make_v it_o not_o to_o be_v man_n duty_n to_o obey_v his_o maker_n or_o not_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o commit_v murder_n to_o lie_v or_o to_o steal_v from_o another_o but_o there_o may_v come_v a_o particular_a revelation_n from_o god_n to_o alter_v the_o respect_n and_o nature_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o do_v immediate_o depend_v upon_o his_o own_o dominion_n as_o the_o life_n of_o person_n and_o the_o property_n of_o thing_n be_v and_o thus_o god_n do_v reveal_v to_o abraham_n that_o he_o shall_v go_v and_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n which_o have_v be_v no_o murder_n when_o do_v upon_o god_n immediate_a command_n and_o for_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o himself_o and_o therefore_o will_v have_v be_v acceptable_a as_o a_o testimony_n of_o entire_a obedience_n which_o god_n do_v accept_v without_o the_o act_n and_o so_o the_o israelite_n take_v the_o egyptian_n jewel_n and_o dispossess_v the_o canaanite_n do_v depend_v upon_o god_n immediate_a disposal_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o they_o which_o otherwise_o have_v be_v a_o sin_n in_o they_o and_o no_o doubt_n be_v so_o to_o any_o that_o be_v unsatisfied_a whether_o god_n have_v immediate_o command_v it_o or_o no._n or_o from_o hence_o to_o infer_v any_o general_a rule_n be_v no_o doubt_n a_o breach_n of_o divine_a command_n and_o contrary_a to_o his_o nature_n and_o will_n where_o god_n have_v establish_v a_o positive_a law_n prescribe_v a_o form_n and_o manner_n wherein_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v it_o be_v sufficient_a 7._o evidence_n of_o a_o false_a prophet_n to_o go_v about_o to_o null_a the_o obligation_n of_o that_o law_n unless_o there_o be_v as_o great_a evidence_n give_v that_o god_n do_v intend_v the_o establish_v a_o new_a law_n by_o that_o person_n as_o he_o do_v at_o first_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o old_a by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n this_o latter_a clause_n be_v insert_v to_o show_v that_o the_o succeed_a of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n into_o the_o place_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n do_v not_o bear_v any_o repugnancy_n to_o the_o hypothesis_n lay_v down_o there_o be_v great_a evidence_n of_o god_n intend_v the_o abolish_n the_o ceremonial_a law_n by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n then_o there_o be_v of_o the_o establishment_n of_o it_o by_o moses_n but_o of_o those_o afterward_o i_o now_o only_o speak_v of_o such_o as_o upon_o the_o mere_a pretence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v destroy_v any_o precept_n of_o a_o establish_a positive_a law_n and_o this_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v find_v be_v the_o great_a rule_n the_o jew_n go_v by_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v speak_v by_o any_o prophet_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n or_o tend_v to_o the_o alteration_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n establish_v thereby_o he_o be_v account_v a_o false_a prophet_n the_o modern_a jew_n to_o justify_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o unbelief_n as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n extend_v this_o further_a than_o the_o law_n do_v for_o they_o enlarge_v it_o to_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n whereas_o god_n in_o the_o law_n seem_v to_o limit_v it_o to_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o chief_o insist_o on_o the_o three_o first_o precept_n of_o the_o decalogue_n and_o therefore_o condemn_v such_o a_o one_o as_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o have_v not_o command_v they_o deut._n 18._o 20._o and_o such_o as_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v in_o idolatry_n deut._n 13._o 1_o 2_o 3._o where_o though_o the_o false_a prophet_n shall_v offer_v to_o do_v sign_n and_o wonder_n before_o they_o yet_o if_o his_o intention_n be_v to_o draw_v they_o to_o worship_v false_a god_n they_o be_v not_o to_o hearken_v unto_o he_o and_o therefore_o maimonides_n where_o he_o large_o dispute_v about_o the_o truth_n of_o prophecy_n lay_v this_o down_o as_o a_o certain_a rule_n si_fw-mi propheta_fw-la surrexerit_fw-la 7._o at_o que_fw-la magna_fw-la miracula_fw-la aut_fw-la prodigiafecerit_fw-la &_o ad_fw-la laboraverit_fw-la falsitatis_fw-la convincere_fw-la prophâ—tiam_fw-la mosis_fw-la m._n n._n istum_fw-la non_fw-la audimus_fw-la quia_fw-la certo_fw-la novimus_fw-la prodigium_fw-la praestigiis_fw-la aut_fw-la incant_v ationibus_fw-la productum_fw-la esse_fw-la as_o vorstius_n render_v he_o if_o a_o prophet_n do_v never_o so_o great_a miracle_n and_o seek_v to_o convince_v moses_n of_o falsehood_n we_o be_v not_o to_o hearken_v to_o he_o for_o we_o know_v that_o they_o be_v not_o do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n but_o by_o the_o illusion_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o elsewhere_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o if_o any_o one_o pretend_v 9_o to_o prophesy_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o name_n of_o idol_n they_o must_v not_o so_o much_o as_o dispute_v with_o he_o nor_o answer_v he_o nor_o desire_v any_o sign_n or_o miracle_n from_o he_o and_o if_o of_o himself_o he_o show_v any_o we_o be_v not_o to_o regard_v or_o mind_v they_o for_o say_v he_o whoever_o do_v but_o doubt_n in_o his_o mind_n concern_v they_o he_o break_v that_o command_n and_o thou_o shall_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o word_n of_o that_o prophet_n so_o 3_o that_o the_o doctrine_n once_o establish_v aught_o to_o be_v our_o most_o certain_a rule_n according_a to_o which_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o all_o pretender_n to_o miracle_n if_o their_o design_n be_v to_o draw_v man_n off_o from_o god_n word_n we_o be_v not_o to_o hearken_v to_o what_o they_o either_o say_v or_o do_v the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o prophet_n who_o seek_v not_o to_o introduce_v idolatry_n must_v not_o be_v measure_v by_o a_o strict_a conformity_n to_o the_o word_n 8._o of_o moses_n his_o law_n but_o to_o the_o main_a reason_n and_o intention_n of_o it_o the_o great_a reason_n of_o this_o be_v because_o god_n do_v not_o intend_v the_o jew_n shall_v always_o rest_v in_o the_o pedagogy_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n but_o send_v they_o prophet_n to_o train_v they_o up_o by_o degree_n and_o to_o fit_v they_o for_o a_o state_n of_o great_a perfection_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v very_o unreasonable_a to_o judge_v whether_o they_o be_v true_a prophet_n or_o no_o exact_o by_o that_o which_o they_o come_v gradual_o to_o wean_v they_o from_o which_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o try_v one_o whether_o he_o be_v grow_v a_o man_n or_o no_o by_o the_o swaddle_a clout_n he_o wear_v when_o he_o be_v a_o child_n god_n temper_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n much_o according_a to_o the_o condition_n and_o capacity_n of_o the_o person_n it_o be_v prescribe_v to_o and_o therefore_o the_o sanction_n of_o it_o do_v immediate_o respect_v their_o temporary_a concern_v but_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v the_o end_n of_o that_o dispensation_n be_v to_o be_v mere_o a_o covenant_n for_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n but_o as_o the_o cherubim_n in_o the_o temple_n do_v always_o look_v towards_o the_o mercy-seat_n so_o do_v this_o whole_a oeconomy_n look_v towards_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n but_o it_o be_v with_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o it_o be_v with_o ignorant_a people_n who_o look_v up_o to_o the_o heaven_n can_v fancy_v the_o star_n to_o be_v any_o big_a than_o they_o seem_v to_o
the_o advancement_n of_o the_o flourish_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o mere_o by_o outward_a pomp_n and_o grandeur_n and_o that_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o a_o state_n of_o outward_a difficulty_n which_o the_o experience_n oâ—_n the_o primitive_a church_n give_v a_o irrefragable_a demonstration_n of_o thus_o much_o may_v serve_v to_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n conjoin_v with_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o manifest_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o by_o overthrow_v the_o kingdom_n of_o that_o great_a antichrist_n the_o devil_n who_o have_v usurp_v so_o much_o tyranny_n over_o the_o world_n the_o last_o reason_n why_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n be_v so_o necessary_a 9_o for_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v because_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v propagate_v over_o the_o world_n without_o any_o other_o rational_a evidence_n than_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o now_o the_o admirable_a success_n which_o this_o doctrine_n find_v in_o the_o world_n consider_v all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o do_v make_v it_o clear_v what_o certainty_n there_o be_v that_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v be_v true_a and_o they_o be_v certain_a evidence_n that_o the_o doctrine_n attest_v by_o they_o be_v from_o god_n now_o this_o will_v appear_v from_o these_o two_o thing_n that_o no_o rational_a account_n can_v be_v give_v why_o the_o apostle_n shall_v undertake_v to_o publish_v such_o a_o doctrine_n unless_o they_o have_v 1._o be_v undoubted_o certain_a that_o the_o doctrine_n be_v true_a and_o they_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n to_o persuade_v other_o to_o believe_v it_o that_o no_o satisfactory_a account_n can_v be_v give_v consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o propagation_n why_o it_o shall_v meet_v with_o so_o great_a acceptance_n in_o the_o world_n have_v there_o not_o be_v such_o convince_a evidence_n as_o may_v full_o persuade_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o from_o the_o publisher_n of_o this_o doctrine_n 2._o in_o the_o world_n all_o that_o i_o here_o require_v by_o way_n of_o a_o postulatum_fw-la or_o supposition_n be_v onlythese_fw-mi two_o thing_n which_o no_o man_n right_a in_o his_o wit_n i_o suppose_v will_v deny_v 1._o that_o man_n be_v so_o far_o rational_a agent_n that_o they_o will_v not_o set_v upon_o any_o work_n of_o moment_n and_o difficulty_n without_o sufficient_a ground_n induce_v they_o to_o it_o and_o by_o so_o much_o the_o great_a the_o work_n be_v the_o more_o sure_a and_o steadfast_a have_v the_o ground_n need_v to_o be_v which_o they_o proceed_v upon_o 2._o that_o the_o apostle_n or_o first_o publisher_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v not_o man_n distract_v or_o bereave_v of_o their_o wit_n but_o act_v by_o principle_n of_o common_a sense_n reason_n and_o understanding_n as_o other_o man_n in_o the_o world_n do_v which_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o beside_o his_o wit_n as_o to_o question_v if_o he_o have_v but_o patience_n and_o understanding_n enough_o to_o read_v and_o consider_v those_o admirable_a write_n of_o they_o which_o be_v convey_v to_o we_o by_o as_o certain_a uninterrupted_a a_o tradition_n as_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n have_v be_v and_o by_o that_o time_n he_o will_v see_v cause_n to_o alter_v his_o judgement_n and_o to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o mad_a but_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o the_o great_a truth_n and_o soberness_n these_o thing_n suppose_v i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o prove_v of_o the_o thing_n in_o hand_n which_o will_v be_v do_v by_o these_o three_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o but_o know_v how_o hazardous_a a_o employment_n the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v to_o they_o second_o that_o no_o motive_n can_v be_v conceive_v sufficient_a for_o they_o to_o undertake_v such_o a_o employment_n but_o the_o infallible_a truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v three_o that_o the_o great_a assurance_n they_o have_v themselves_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n be_v by_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ._n first_o that_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o but_o understand_v the_o hazard_n of_o their_o employment_n notwithstanding_o which_o they_o cheerful_o undertake_v it_o that_o man_n arm_v with_o no_o external_a power_n nor_o cry_v up_o for_o their_o wit_n and_o learning_n and_o carry_v a_o doctrine_n with_o they_o so_o contraâ—y_o to_o the_o general_a inclination_n of_o the_o world_n have_v nothing_o in_o it_o to_o recommend_v it_o to_o mankind_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o persuade_v the_o world_n to_o part_v with_o the_o religion_n they_o own_v and_o be_v settle_v by_o their_o law_n and_o to_o embrace_v such_o a_o religion_n as_o call_v they_o off_o from_o all_o the_o thing_n they_o love_v in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o prepare_v themselves_o by_o mortification_n &_o self-denial_n for_o another_o world_n be_v a_o thing_n to_o humane_a reason_n incredible_a unless_o we_o suppose_v they_o act_v by_o a_o high_a spirit_n than_o mankind_n be_v ordinary_o act_v by_o for_o what_o be_v there_o so_o desirable_a in_o continual_a reproach_n &_o contumely_n what_o delight_n be_v there_o in_o rack_n and_o prison_n what_o agreeableness_n in_o flame_n and_o martyrdom_n to_o make_v man_n undergo_v some_o nay_o all_o of_o these_o rather_o than_o disow_v that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o come_v to_o publish_v yet_o these_o do_v the_o apostle_n cheerful_o undergo_v in_o order_n to_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o deliver_v to_o it_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o though_o they_o do_v foresee_v they_o they_o be_v not_o discourage_v from_o this_o undertake_n by_o it_o i_o confess_v when_o man_n be_v upon_o hope_n of_o profit_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o world_n engage_v upon_o a_o design_n which_o they_o promise_v themselves_o impunity_n in_o have_v power_n on_o their_o side_n though_o afterward_o thing_n shall_v fall_v out_o contrary_a to_o their_o expectation_n such_o person_n may_v die_v in_o such_o a_o cause_n because_o they_o must_v and_o some_o may_v carry_v it_o out_o with_o more_o resolution_n partly_o through_o a_o innate_a fortitude_n of_o spirit_n heighten_v with_o the_o advantage_n of_o religion_n or_o a_o enthusiastic_a temper_n but_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v that_o such_o person_n will_v have_v undertake_v so_o hazardous_a a_o employment_n if_o beforehand_o they_o have_v foresee_v what_o they_o must_v have_v undergo_v for_o it_o but_o now_o the_o apostle_n do_v foreknow_v that_o bond_n and_o imprisonment_n nay_o death_n its_o self_n must_v be_v undergo_v in_o a_o violent_a manner_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v yet_o not_o withstand_v all_o this_o they_o go_v bold_o and_o with_o resolution_n on_o with_o their_o work_n and_o give_v not_o over_o because_o of_o any_o hardship_n and_o persecution_n they_o meet_v withal_o one_o of_o the_o chies_a of_o they_o s._n peter_n and_o as_o forward_o as_o any_o in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n have_v the_o very_a manner_n of_o his_o death_n foretell_v he_o by_o christ_n himself_o 19_o before_o his_o ascension_n yet_o soon_o after_o we_o find_v he_o preach_v christ_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o those_o who_o have_v crucify_v he_o and_o tell_v they_o to_o their_o face_n the_o greatness_n of_o their_o sin_n in_o it_o and_o appeal_n to_o the_o miracle_n which_o christ_n have_v do_v among_o they_o and_o bid_v they_o repent_v and_o believe_v in_o he_o who_o they_o have_v crucify_v if_o ever_o they_o will_v be_v save_v and_o this_o he_o do_v 5._o not_o only_o among_o the_o people_n who_o give_v their_o consent_n to_o the_o crucify_a of_o christ_n but_o soon_o after_o be_v conventedâ—ogether_o â—ogether_z with_o john_n before_o the_o court_n of_o sanbedrin_n probable_o the_o very_a same_o which_o not_o long_o before_o have_v sentence_v christ_n to_o death_n for_o a_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o they_o with_o what_o incredible_a boldness_n do_v he_o to_o their_o face_n tell_v they_o of_o their_o murder_a 12._o christ_n and_o withal_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o salvation_n but_o by_o he_o who_o they_o have_v crucify_v be_v it_o know_v unto_o you_o all_o say_v peter_n to_o the_o sanhedrin_n and_o to_o all_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n that_o by_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o you_o have_v crucify_v who_o god_n raise_v from_o the_o dead_a even_o by_o he_o do_v this_o man_n stand_v here_o before_o you_o whole_a neither_o be_v there_o salvation_n in_o any_o other_o for_o there_o be_v none_o other_o name_n under_o heaven_n give_v among_o man_n whereby_o we_o must_v be_v save_v what_o
more_o blind_a and_o wilful_a heathen_n deride_v they_o as_o such_o but_o who_o be_v the_o more_o infatuate_v let_v any_o sober_a person_n judge_n they_o who_o slight_v and_o reject_v a_o doctrine_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n which_o come_v attest_v with_o so_o much_o resolution_n and_o courage_n in_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o or_o they_o who_o be_v so_o far_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o that_o they_o will_v rather_o die_v than_o deny_v it_o dicimus_fw-la &_o palam_fw-la dicimus_fw-la et_fw-la vobis_fw-la torquentibus_fw-la lacerati_fw-la et_fw-la cruenti_fw-la 2d_o vociferamur_fw-la deum_fw-la colimus_fw-la per_fw-la christum_fw-la they_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o believe_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n even_o when_o their_o own_o blood_n run_v down_o besore_n their_o eye_n and_o confess_v christ_n with_o their_o mouth_n when_o their_o body_n be_v upon_o the_o rack_n certain_o then_o there_o be_v some_o very_a powerful_a and_o convince_a argument_n which_o buoy_v up_o the_o spirit_n of_o true_a christian_n in_o that_o deluge_n of_o suffering_n which_o they_o be_v to_o swim_v through_o it_o must_v be_v a_o strong_a and_o well_o ground_a faith_n which_o will_v hold_v out_o under_o so_o great_a trial_n and_o they_o can_v not_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o the_o most_o persuasive_a motive_n to_o faith_n who_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o give_v a_o account_n to_o other_o of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o they_o and_o to_o persuade_v all_o other_o person_n to_o the_o embrace_v of_o it_o with_o what_o face_n and_o confidence_n otherwise_o can_v they_o persuade_v man_n to_o embrace_v a_o doctrine_n so_o dangerous_a as_o that_o be_v have_v there_o not_o be_v motive_n sufficient_a to_o bear_v up_o against_o the_o weight_n of_o susfering_n and_o argument_n persuasive_a to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o undoubted_a certainty_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o encourage_v they_o to_o believe_v now_o that_o which_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v the_o main_a ground_n of_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n and_o 13._o certainty_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v this_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v at_o first_o deliver_v to_o the_o world_n by_o those_o person_n who_o be_v themselves_o eye-witness_n of_o all_o the_o miracle_n which_o our_o saviour_n wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o speak_v they_o be_v such_o person_n who_o have_v be_v themselves_o present_a not_o only_o to_o hear_v most_o of_o our_o saviour_n admirable_a discourse_n when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o to_o see_v all_o those_o glorious_a thing_n which_o be_v do_v by_o he_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v immediate_o send_v from_o god_n let_v we_o now_o appeal_v to_o our_o own_o faculty_n and_o examine_v a_o little_a what_o rational_a evidence_n can_v possible_o be_v desire_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_a which_o god_n do_v not_o afford_v to_o the_o world_n what_o can_v the_o person_n who_o be_v the_o auditor_n of_o our_o saviour_n desire_v more_o as_o a_o evidence_n that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n than_o his_o do_v such_o thing_n which_o be_v certain_o above_o any_o create_a power_n either_o humane_a or_o diabolical_a and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v divine_a what_o can_v other_o person_n desire_v more_o who_o be_v not_o present_a at_o the_o do_v of_o these_o miracle_n but_o that_o the_o report_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v convey_v to_o they_o in_o a_o undoubted_a manner_n by_o those_o person_n who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o they_o and_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n they_o be_v far_o from_o any_o intention_n of_o deceive_v it_o now_o this_o make_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o in_o their_o own_o write_n though_o they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v appeal_v to_o the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o that_o they_o be_v deliver_v by_o they_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o they_o there_o st._n peter_n speak_v thus_o to_o the_o disperse_a jew_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 16._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o we_o have_v not_o follow_v cunning_o devise_v fable_n when_o we_o make_v know_v unto_o you_o the_o power_n and_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o majesty_n the_o power_n and_o come_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o be_v not_o as_o some_o improbable_o conceive_v either_o his_o general_a come_n to_o judgement_n upon_o the_o world_n or_o his_o particular_a come_n upon_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o by_o a_o hendyade_n by_o his_o power_n and_o come_n be_v mean_v his_o powerful_a appearance_n in_o the_o world_n whereby_o he_o mighty_o discover_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n now_o this_o say_v the_o apostle_n be_v no_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o like_o the_o heathen_a mythology_n concern_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o their_o god_n among_o they_o which_o be_v so_o frequent_o believe_v among_o they_o that_o dionysin_n 128._o halycarnassaeus_n condemn_v the_o epicurean_o because_o they_o do_v deride_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o appearance_n of_o their_o god_n in_o the_o world_n now_o say_v the_o apostle_n assure_v yourselves_o this_o be_v no_o such_o appearance_n of_o a_o god_n on_o earth_n as_o that_o among_o the_o heathen_n be_v for_o say_v he_o we_o our_o self_n who_o declare_v these_o thing_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o full_o understand_v this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n for_o we_o see_v his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o great_a majesty_n which_o attend_v he_o in_o all_o which_o he_o speak_v or_o do_v we_o see_v all_o those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o great_a 11._o thing_n of_o god_n which_o be_v manifest_a in_o he_o all_o those_o miraculous_a operation_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o he_o therefore_o as_o this_o be_v a_o great_a confirmation_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o that_o they_o see_v all_o these_o thing_n so_o we_o see_v it_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n to_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o their_o belief_n that_o the_o gospel_n be_v no_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n in_o that_o it_o be_v deliver_v by_o such_o who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d eye-witness_n of_o what_o they_o declare_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n st._n john_n speak_v ad_fw-la conciliandam_fw-la fidem_fw-la to_o make_v it_o appear_v how_o true_a what_o they_o deliver_v be_v in_o the_o entrance_n of_o his_o epistle_n that_o which_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v which_o we_o have_v see_v with_o 3._o our_o eye_n which_o we_o have_v look_v upon_o and_o our_o hand_n have_v handle_v of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n for_o the_o life_n be_v manifest_v and_o we_o have_v see_v it_o and_o bear_v witness_n and_o show_v unto_o you_o that_o eternal_a life_n which_o be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o be_v manifest_v unto_o we_o that_o which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v declare_v we_o unto_o you_o we_o see_v what_o great_a force_n and_o weight_n the_o apostle_n lay_v upon_o this_o that_o they_o deliver_v nothing_o but_o what_o they_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v as_o they_o hear_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n so_o they_o see_v the_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o it_o st._n luke_n likewise_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o gospel_n declare_v that_o he_o intend_v to_o write_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o have_v perfect_a understanding_n of_o from_o such_o person_n who_o have_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d eye-witness_n 3._o and_o instrument_n themselves_o in_o part_n of_o what_o be_v write_v for_o that_o be_v mean_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v he_o say_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thing_n which_o be_v abundant_o prove_v to_o be_v true_a for_o be_v matter_n of_o â—act_n there_o can_v be_v no_o strong_a proof_n of_o they_o then_o by_o such_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o what_o they_o speak_v and_o this_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o very_o cautious_a about_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o new_a apostle_n in_o the_o room_n of_o judas_n wherefore_o of_o these_o 22._o man_n which_o have_v company_v with_o we_o all_o the_o time_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n go_v in_o and_o out_o among_o we_o begin_v from_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n unto_o that_o same_o day_n that_o he_o be_v take_v from_o we_o must_v one_o be_v ordain_v to_o be_v a_o witness_n of_o his_o resurrection_n for_o because_o christ_n be_v mighty_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a as_o that_o which_o
be_v the_o great_a seal_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n therefore_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n so_o frequent_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o themselves_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o it_o this_o jesus_n say_v peter_n have_v god_n raise_v up_o whereof_o we_o all_o be_v witness_n and_o again_o and_o kill_v the_o prince_n of_o life_n who_o 32._o god_n have_v raise_v up_o from_o the_o dead_a whereof_o we_o be_v witness_n and_o both_o peter_n and_o john_n to_o the_o sanhedrin_n for_o we_o can_v 15._o but_o speak_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o the_o 20._o whole_a college_n of_o apostle_n afterward_o and_o we_o be_v his_o witness_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o so_o be_v also_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o god_n 32._o have_v give_v to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o in_o which_o word_n they_o give_v they_o that_o twofold_a rational_a evidence_n which_o do_v manifest_v the_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o what_o they_o speak_v for_o they_o deliver_v nothing_o but_o what_o themselves_o be_v witness_n of_o and_o withal_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v true_a by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o and_o upon_o believer_n afterward_o we_o read_v the_o sum_n oâ—_n the_o apostle_n preach_v and_o the_o manner_n use_v by_o they_o to_o persuade_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o the_o word_n of_o peter_n to_o cernâ—lius_n and_o his_o company_n how_o god_n anoint_v jesus_n of_o nazareth_n with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o power_n who_o go_v about_o do_v good_a and_o heal_v all_o that_o be_v 42._o oppress_v of_o the_o devil_n for_o god_n be_v with_o he_o and_o we_o be_v witness_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v both_o in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o in_o jerusalem_n who_o they_o stew_n and_o hang_v on_o a_o tree_n him_n god_n raise_v up_o the_o three_o day_n and_o show_v he_o open_o not_o to_o all_o the_o people_n but_o unto_o witness_n choose_v before_o of_o god_n even_o to_o we_o who_o do_v eat_v and_o drink_v with_o he_o after_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o he_o command_v we_o to_o â—reach_v unto_o the_o people_n that_o it_o be_v be_v which_o be_v ordain_v of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o quick_a and_o dead_a by_o all_o which_o we_o see_v what_o care_n god_n be_v please_v to_o take_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o world_n in_o point_n of_o rational_a evidence_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n which_o be_v discover_v concern_v our_o saviour_n christ_n because_o he_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o person_n to_o be_v the_o preacher_n and_o writer_n of_o these_o thing_n who_o be_v the_o best_a able_a to_o satisfy_v the_o world_n about_o they_o viz._n such_o as_o have_v be_v eye_n witness_n of_o they_o now_o in_o order_n to_o the_o make_v it_o more_o full_o evident_a what_o 14._o strength_n there_o be_v in_o this_o testimony_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n we_o shall_v more_o full_o manifest_v the_o rational_a evidence_n which_o attend_v it_o in_o these_o follow_a proposition_n where_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o doctrine_n depend_v upon_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v sufficient_o manifest_v if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v evident_o prove_v in_o the_o high_a way_n it_o be_v capable_a 1._o of_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o be_v so_o interweave_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o story_n of_o christ_n that_o if_o the_o relation_n concern_v christ_n be_v true_a his_o doctrine_n must_v needs_o be_v divine_a and_o infallible_a for_o if_o it_o be_v undoubted_o true_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o christ_n bear_v at_o bethlehem_n who_o do_v so_o many_o miracle_n and_o at_o last_o suffer_v the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o after_o he_o have_v lie_v three_o day_n in_o the_o grave_n rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a what_o reason_n imaginable_a can_v i_o have_v to_o question_v but_o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o this_o person_n be_v certain_o divine_a and_o consequent_o what_o ever_o he_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n be_v most_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n so_o that_o if_o we_o have_v clear_a evidence_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o passage_n concern_v our_o saviour_n we_o must_v likewise_o believe_v his_o doctrine_n which_o come_v attest_v with_o such_o pregnant_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a commission_n which_o he_o have_v from_o god_n to_o the_o world_n no_o prince_n can_v think_v he_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o refuse_v audience_n to_o a_o ambassador_n when_o he_o find_v his_o credential_n such_o as_o he_o may_v rely_v upon_o although_o himself_o do_v not_o see_v the_o seal_n of_o they_o much_o less_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o we_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v christ_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o those_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v prove_v the_o great_a evidence_n which_o can_v be_v give_v to_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n 2._o be_v the_o attest_v of_o it_o by_o those_o person_n who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n whereon_o the_o firm_a assent_n be_v build_v as_o to_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o although_o we_o conceive_v we_o have_v reason_n to_o suspect_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o story_n as_o long_o as_o it_o be_v convey_v only_o in_o a_o general_a way_n by_o a_o uncertain_a fame_n and_o tradition_n yet_o when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v attest_v by_o a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o credible_a person_n who_o profess_v themselves_o the_o cye-witness_n of_o it_o it_o be_v account_v a_o unreasonable_a thing_n to_o distrust_v any_o long_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o especial_o in_o these_o two_o case_n 1._o when_o the_o matter_n they_o bear_v witness_v to_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o they_o may_v easy_o and_o clear_o perceive_v 2._o when_o many_o witness_n exact_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o testimony_n 1._o when_o the_o matter_n itself_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o may_v be_v full_o perceive_v by_o those_o who_o see_v it_o i._n e._n if_o it_o be_v a_o common_a object_n of_o sense_n and_o thus_o it_o certain_o be_v as_o to_o the_o person_n and_o action_n of_o jesus_n christ._n for_o he_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o mankind_n and_o they_o have_v as_o great_a evidence_n that_o they_o converse_v with_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n as_o we_o can_v have_v that_o we_o converse_v one_o with_o another_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n be_v real_a and_o visible_a miracle_n they_o can_v be_v no_o illusion_n of_o sense_n nor_o deceit_n of_o their_o eye_n the_o man_n who_o be_v bear_v blind_a and_o cure_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v know_v to_o have_v be_v bear_v blind_a through_o all_o the_o country_n and_o his_o cure_n be_v after_o as_o public_a as_o his_o blindness_n before_o and_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o 26._o christ_n at_o the_o time_n of_o its_o be_v do_v when_o christ_n raise_v up_o the_o dead_a man_n at_o naim_n it_o be_v before_o much_o people_n and_o such_o 12._o person_n in_o probability_n who_o be_v many_o of_o they_o present_a at_o his_o death_n but_o least_o there_o may_v be_v any_o suspicion_n as_o to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v not_o real_o dead_a the_o case_n be_v plain_a and_o beyond_o all_o dispute_n in_o lazarus_n who_o have_v be_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o person_n thereabouts_o dead_a four_o day_n here_o can_v be_v no_o deceit_n at_o all_o 39_o when_o the_o stone_n be_v roll_v away_o and_o lazarus_n come_v forth_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o they_o all_o and_o yet_o further_o the_o death_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o plain_a object_n of_o sense_n do_v in_o presence_n of_o his_o great_a adversary_n the_o soldier_n themselves_o be_v sufficient_a witness_n of_o his_o be_v real_o dead_a when_o they_o come_v to_o break_v his_o bone_n and_o spare_v he_o because_o they_o see_v he_o be_v dead_a already_o at_o his_o resurrection_n the_o stone_n be_v roll_v away_o from_o the_o sepulchre_n and_o no_o body_n find_v therein_o although_o the_o sepulchre_n be_v guard_v by_o soldier_n and_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n all_o so_o fearful_a that_o they_o be_v disperse_v up_o and_o down_o in_o several_a place_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o same_o real_a body_n which_o he_o rise_v withal_o and_o no_o aerial_a vehicle_n appear_v by_o thomas_n his_o serupulosity_n and_o unbelief_n who_o will_v not_o believe_v unless_o â—e_n may_v put_v his_o hand_n into_o the_o hole_n of_o his_o side_n and_o see_v 27._o
conviction_n shall_v stick_v so_o fast_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o will_v fain_o pull_v out_o those_o pierce_a arrow_n but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a power_n in_o they_o then_o they_o be_v mnster_n of_o and_o they_o can_v stand_v against_o the_o force_n whereby_o they_o come_v upon_o they_o nor_o find_v any_o salve_n to_o cure_v the_o wound_n which_o be_v make_v within_o they_o but_o by_o those_o weapon_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o when_o wicked_a person_n under_o conflict_n of_o conscience_n can_v ease_v themselves_o by_o direct_a atheism_n or_o find_v reason_n to_o cast_v off_o such_o conviction_n by_o discern_v any_o invalidity_n in_o the_o testimony_n whereon_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n depend_v it_o be_v a_o certain_a argument_n that_o there_o be_v abundant_a truth_n in_o that_o testimony_n when_o man_n will_v fain_o persuade_v themselves_o to_o believe_v the_o contrary_a and_o yet_o can_v 5._o the_o truth_n of_o this_o consent_n appear_v from_o the_o unanimity_n of_o it_o among_o those_o person_n who_o have_v yet_o strange_o differ_v from_o each_o other_o in_o many_o controversy_n in_o religion_n we_o see_v thereby_o this_o unanimity_n be_v no_o force_a or_o design_v thing_n because_o we_o see_v the_o person_n agree_v in_o this_o do_v very_o much_o disagree_v from_o each_o other_o in_o other_o thing_n and_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o reason_n whereon_o they_o disagree_v as_o to_o other_o thing_n will_v have_v hold_v as_o to_o these_o too_o be_v there_o not_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o these_o thing_n then_o of_o those_o they_o fall_v out_o about_o it_o have_v not_o yet_o become_v a_o question_n among_o those_o who_o differ_v so_o much_o about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n whether_o the_o scripture_n its_o self_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n although_o the_o very_a account_n on_o which_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v so_o have_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o no_o mean_a 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any_o way_n conversant_a in_o the_o history_n of_o former_a age_n can_v have_v any_o ground_n to_o question_v it_o but_o that_o this_o strange_a and_o admirable_a success_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v a_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o it_o will_v appear_v from_o these_o two_o consideration_n 1._o that_o the_o doctrine_n its_o self_n be_v so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o general_a inclination_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o that_o the_o propagation_n of_o it_o be_v so_o much_o oppose_v by_o all_o worldly_a power_n 1._o that_o the_o doctrine_n its_o self_n be_v so_o opposite_a to_o the_o general_a inclination_n of_o the_o world_n the_o doctrine_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o to_o its_o credenda_fw-la or_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o as_o to_o its_o agenda_fw-la or_o matter_n of_o life_n and_o practice_n both_o these_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o world_n the_o former_a seem_v 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apprehension_n of_o its_o self_n to_o the_o mind_n that_o it_o be_v very_o hard_o remove_v it_o afterward_o the_o understanding_n seem_v to_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v communis_fw-la juris_fw-la and_o therefore_o primi_fw-la sunt_fw-la possidentis_fw-la when_o a_o opinion_n have_v once_o get_v possession_n of_o the_o mind_n it_o usual_o keep_v out_o whatever_o come_v to_o disturb_v it_o now_o we_o can_v otherwise_o conceive_v but_o all_o those_o person_n who_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o under_o paganism_n and_o the_o most_o gross_a idolatry_n must_v needs_o have_v a_o very_a potent_a prejudice_n against_o such_o a_o doctrine_n which_o be_v whole_o irreconcilable_a with_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v be_v devote_v to_o now_o the_o strong_a the_o prejudice_n be_v which_o be_v convey_v into_o man_n mind_n by_o the_o force_n of_o education_n the_o great_a strength_n and_o power_n must_v there_o needs_o be_v in_o
who_o contend_v for_o the_o corruption_n creep_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n who_o make_v use_v of_o the_o same_o pretence_n for_o they_o viz._n that_o they_o be_v deliver_v down_o from_o the_o father_n tantaque_fw-la est_fw-la auctoritas_fw-la vetustatis_fw-la ut_fw-la inquirere_fw-la in_o eam_fw-la scelus_fw-la esse_fw-la dicatur_fw-la who_o be_v we_o who_o will_v see_v further_o than_o antiquity_n but_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o antiquity_n be_v accompany_v with_o dimness_n of_o sight_n and_o so_o it_o be_v undoubted_o as_o to_o the_o pagan_a world_n and_o as_o to_o the_o christian_a too_o when_o such_o a_o mixture_n of_o heathenism_n come_v into_o it_o and_o the_o very_a same_o argument_n by_o which_o the_o pleader_n for_o christianity_n do_v justify_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n notwithstanding_o this_o pretend_a antiquity_n will_v with_o equal_a force_n hold_v for_o a_o reformation_n of_o such_o inveterate_a abuse_n which_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o antiquity_n have_v creep_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n nullus_fw-la pudor_fw-la est_fw-la ad_fw-la symmach_n meliora_fw-la transire_fw-la say_v ambrose_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o symmachus_n what_o shame_n be_v it_o to_o grow_v better_o quid_fw-la facies_fw-la say_v lactantius_n majores_fw-la ne_fw-la potius_fw-la a_o rationem_fw-la sequeris_fw-la sirationem_fw-la mavis_fw-la 6._o discedere_fw-la te_fw-la necesse_fw-la est_fw-la ab_fw-la institutis_fw-la &_o auctoritate_fw-la majorum_fw-la quoniam_fw-la id_fw-la solum_fw-la rectum_fw-la est_fw-la quod_fw-la ratio_fw-la praescribit_fw-la sin_n autem_fw-la â—ietas_fw-la majores_fw-la sequi_fw-la suadet_fw-la sateris_fw-la igitur_fw-la &_o stultos_fw-la illos_fw-la esse_fw-la qui_fw-la excogitatis_fw-la contra_fw-la rationem_fw-la religionibus_fw-la servierint_fw-la &_o te_fw-la ineptum_fw-la qui_fw-la id_fw-la colas_fw-la quod_fw-la falsum_fw-la esse_fw-la conviceris_fw-la where_o reason_n and_o mere_a authority_n of_o forefather_n stand_v in_o competition_n he_o be_v more_o a_o child_n then_o a_o man_n that_o know_v not_o on_o which_o side_n to_o give_v his_o suffrage_n but_o with_o the_o great_a strength_n and_o clear_a reason_n arnobius_n speak_v in_o this_o case_n 2._o itaque_fw-la cum_fw-la nobis_fw-la intenditis_fw-la aversionem_fw-la à _fw-la religione_fw-la priorum_fw-la causam_fw-la convenit_fw-la ut_fw-la inspiciat_fw-la be_v non_fw-la sactum_fw-la nec_fw-la quid_fw-la reliquerimus_fw-la opponere_fw-la sed_fw-la secuti_fw-la quid_fw-la simus_fw-la potissimum_fw-la contueri_fw-la when_o you_o charge_v we_o say_v he_o that_o we_o be_v revolt_v from_o the_o religion_n of_o our_o forefather_n you_o ought_v not_o present_o to_o condemn_v the_o fact_n but_o to_o examine_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o neither_o ought_v you_o so_o much_o to_o look_v at_o what_o we_o have_v leave_v as_o what_o it_o be_v we_o have_v embrace_v nam_fw-la simutare_fw-la sententiam_fw-la culpa_fw-la est_fw-la ulla_fw-la vel_fw-la crimen_fw-la &_o i_fw-it veteribus_fw-la institutis_fw-la in_o alius_fw-la res_fw-la novas_fw-la voluntatesque_fw-la migrare_fw-la criminatio_fw-la ista_fw-la &_o vos_fw-la spectat_fw-la qui_fw-la totic_n vitam_fw-la consuetudinem_fw-la que_fw-la mutasti_fw-la qui_fw-la in_o mores_fw-la alios_fw-la atque_fw-la alios_fw-la ritus_fw-la priorum_fw-la condemnatione_fw-la transistis_fw-la if_o mere_a depart_v from_o the_o religion_n of_o our_o ancestor_n be_v the_o great_a salt_n all_o those_o who_o own_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n be_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o it_o when_o they_o revolt_v from_o heathenism_n if_o it_o be_v here_o say_v that_o the_o case_n be_v different_a because_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n for_o it_o which_o there_o be_v not_o as_o to_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n if_o so_o than_o all_o the_o dispute_n be_v take_v off_o from_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o the_o revolt_n to_o the_o cause_n induce_v to_o it_o and_o if_o the_o protestant_a be_v not_o able_a as_o to_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o separation_n from_o rome_n to_o manifest_v that_o they_o be_v sufficient_a let_v he_o then_o be_v triumph_v over_o by_o the_o romanist_n and_o not_o before_o i_o affert_fw-la then_o and_o that_o with_o much_o assurance_n of_o mind_n that_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o reformation_n be_v justifiable_a upon_o the_o same_o ground_n of_o reason_n which_o the_o embrace_a christianity_n be_v when_o man_n of_o heathen_n become_v christian_n and_o that_o the_o argument_n make_v use_v of_o by_o the_o romanist_n against_o our_o separation_n from_o they_o be_v such_o as_o will_v have_v justify_v a_o pagan_a philosopher_n in_o not_o embrace_v christianity_n for_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o any_o party_n of_o man_n to_o divide_v from_o other_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o pretend_v antiquity_n and_o universality_n it_o have_v be_v unlawful_a for_o a_o philosopher_n to_o have_v desert_v paganism_n as_o well_o as_o for_o a_o protestâ—nt_n to_o depart_v from_o rome_n for_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o romanist_n the_o judgement_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o separation_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n lie_v in_o that_o party_n from_o which_o we_o depart_v if_o we_o do_v now_o but_o apply_v this_o to_o the_o old_a roman_a senate_n or_o emperor_n in_o the_o case_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o divide_v from_o heathen_a worship_n we_o shall_v quick_o see_v how_o easy_a a_o matter_n it_o will_v be_v to_o make_v christianity_n its_o self_n a_o schism_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a here_o sie_a but_o as_o strong_a as_o those_o pretence_n be_v then_o or_o have_v be_v since_o the_o power_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o conquer_v they_o and_o thereby_o to_o manifest_v that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n when_o such_o potent_a prejudices_fw-la be_v not_o able_a to_o withstand_v it_o of_o which_o antiquity_n be_v the_o first_o 2._o the_o large_a and_o universal_a spread_v of_o pagan_a religion_n when_o christianity_n come_v into_o the_o world_n there_o be_v never_o so_o great_a catholicism_n as_o in_o heathen_a worship_n when_o the_o apostle_n first_o appear_v in_o the_o gentile_a world_n ind_n adeo_fw-la per_fw-la universa_fw-la imperia_fw-la provincias_fw-la oppida_fw-la videmus_fw-la singulos_fw-la sacrorum_fw-la ritus_fw-la 6._o gentile_n babere_fw-la &_o dcos_fw-la colere_fw-la municipes_fw-la say_v caecilius_n in_o minutius_n fellix_fw-la the_o great_a charge_n against_o the_o christian_n be_v novellism_n that_o they_o bring_v in_o a_o strange_a and_o unheard_a of_o religion_n the_o common_a question_n be_v where_o be_v your_o religion_n before_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n as_o it_o have_v be_v since_o where_o be_v your_o religion_n before_o luther_n and_o the_o same_o answer_n which_o serve_v then_o will_v stand_v unmovable_a now_o there_o where_o no_o other_o religion_n be_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o this_o be_v the_o weapon_n whereby_o the_o primitive_a christian_n defend_v themselves_o against_o the_o assault_n of_o paganism_n and_o the_o evidence_n they_o bring_v that_o the_o doctrine_n preach_v by_o they_o and_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v original_o from_o god_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o overthrow_v paganism_n notwithstanding_o its_o pretend_a universality_n 3._o settlement_n by_o law_n of_o heathen_a worship_n this_o be_v so_o much_o pretend_v and_o plead_v for_o that_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v find_v by_o the_o history_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o pretence_n on_o which_o the_o christian_n suffer_v be_v sedition_n and_o oppose_v the_o establish_a law_n the_o christian_n be_v reckon_v inter_fw-la illicitas_fw-la factiones_fw-la as_o appear_v by_o tertullian_n among_o unlawful_a corporation_n the_o 38._o politician_n and_o statesman_n be_v all_o for_o preserve_v the_o law_n they_o trouble_v not_o themselves_o much_o about_o any_o religion_n but_o only_o that_o which_o be_v settle_v by_o law_n they_o seek_v to_o uphold_v because_o the_o act_n contrary_a to_o it_o may_v bring_v some_o disturbance_n to_o the_o civil_a state_n there_o be_v several_a law_n which_o the_o christian_n be_v then_o bring_v under_o and_o condemn_v for_o the_o breach_n of_o 1._o the_o law_n against_o hetaeriae_fw-la or_o conventicle_n as_o they_o be_v please_v frequent_o to_o style_v the_o meeting_n of_o christian_n together_o thence_o the_o place_n where_o the_o christian_n assemble_v for_o worship_n be_v common_o call_v conventicula_fw-la 4._o it_o a_o appellabant_fw-la loca_fw-la say_v heraldus_n ubi_fw-la congregabantur_fw-la christiani_n oraturi_fw-la &_o verbi_fw-la divini_fw-la interpretationem_fw-la accepturi_fw-la ac_fw-la sacras_fw-la synaxes_n habituri_fw-la but_o elmenhorstius_n more_o short_o conventicula_fw-la loca_fw-la sunt_fw-la ubi_fw-la christiani_n congregati_fw-la orare_fw-la consucverunt_fw-la the_o place_n where_o the_o christian_n do_v meet_v and_o pray_v together_o be_v call_v conventicle_n in_o basiâ—ica_n siciunini_fw-la ubi_fw-la ritus_fw-la christiani_n est_fw-la conventiculum_fw-la say_v 4._o ammianus_n marccllinus_fw-la cur_n immaniter_fw-la conventicula_fw-la dirui_fw-la say_v arnobius_n qui_fw-la universum_fw-la populum_fw-la cum_fw-la ipso_fw-la pariter_fw-la conventiculo_fw-la concremavit_fw-la as_o lactantius_n likewise_o speak_v now_o 11._o the_o reason_n of_o the_o name_n be_v
seek_v for_o satisfaction_n as_o ever_o for_o grant_v that_o a_o divine_a power_n be_v see_v in_o one_o and_o not_o in_o the_o other_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v still_o dissatisfy_v unless_o it_o can_v be_v make_v evident_a to_o he_o that_o such_o thing_n be_v from_o divine_a power_n and_o other_o can_v be_v now_o the_o main_a distinction_n be_v place_v here_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n abstract_o consider_v and_o not_o as_o they_o bear_v any_o evidence_n to_o our_o understanding_n in_o stead_n of_o resolve_v doubt_n it_o increase_v more_o for_o as_o for_o instance_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o magician_n rod_n turn_v into_o scrpent_n as_o well_o as_o moses_n his_o what_o satisfaction_n can_v this_o yield_v to_o any_o spectator_n to_o tell_v he_o that_o in_o the_o one_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a power_n and_o not_o in_o the_o other_o unless_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v by_o some_o evidence_n from_o the_o thing_n that_o the_o one_o be_v a_o mere_a imposture_n and_o the_o other_o a_o real_a alteration_n in_o the_o thing_n itself_o i_o take_v it_o then_o for_o grant_v that_o no_o general_a discourse_n concern_v the_o formal_a difference_n of_o miracle_n and_o wonder_n consider_v in_o themselves_o can_v afford_v any_o rational_a satisfaction_n to_o a_o inquisitive_a mind_n that_o which_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o give_v it_o must_v be_v something_o which_o may_v be_v discern_v by_o any_o judicious_a and_o considerative_a person_n and_o that_o god_n never_o give_v to_o any_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n but_o he_o give_v some_o such_o ground_n of_o satisfaction_n concern_v they_o will_v appear_v upon_o these_o two_o consideration_n 1._o from_o god_n intention_n in_o give_v to_o any_o this_o power_n of_o do_v miracle_n we_o have_v large_o make_v it_o manifest_v that_o the_o end_n of_o true_a miracle_n be_v to_o be_v a_o confirmation_n to_o the_o world_n of_o the_o divine_a commission_n of_o the_o person_n who_o have_v it_o and_o that_o the_o testimony_n be_v divine_a which_o be_v confirm_v by_o it_o now_o if_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o know_v when_o miracle_n be_v true_a or_o false_a this_o power_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n at_o all_o for_o man_n be_v as_o much_o to_o seek_v for_o satisfaction_n as_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n at_o all_o therefore_o if_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v a_o divine_a testimony_n and_o to_o rely_v on_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o person_n bring_v it_o as_o a_o evidence_n of_o it_o they_o must_v have_v some_o assurance_n that_o these_o miracle_n can_v not_o come_v from_o any_o but_o a_o divine_a power_n 2._o from_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n which_o if_o we_o own_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v permit_v the_o devil_n who_o only_a design_n be_v to_o ruin_v mankind_n to_o abuse_v the_o credulity_n of_o the_o world_n so_o far_o as_o to_o have_v his_o lie_a wonder_n pass_v uncontrolled_a which_o they_o must_v do_v if_o nothing_o can_v be_v find_v out_o as_o a_o certain_a difference_n between_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v only_o of_o diabolical_a and_o such_o as_o be_v of_o divine_a power_n if_o then_o it_o may_v be_v discover_v that_o there_o be_v a_o malignant_a spirit_n which_o act_n in_o the_o world_n and_o do_v produce_v strange_a thing_n either_o we_o must_v impute_v all_o strange_a thing_n to_o he_o which_o must_v be_v to_o attribute_v to_o he_o a_o infinite_a power_n or_o else_o that_o there_o be_v a_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a which_o cross_v this_o malignant_a spirit_n in_o his_o design_n and_o if_o so_o we_o can_v imagine_v he_o shall_v suffer_v he_o to_o usurp_v so_o much_o tyranny_n over_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o to_o make_v those_o thing_n pass_v in_o the_o more_o sober_a and_o inquisitive_a part_n of_o the_o world_n for_o divine_a miracle_n which_o be_v only_a counterfeit_n and_o imposture_n if_o then_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v so_o deep_o engage_v in_o the_o discover_v the_o design_n of_o satan_n there_o must_v be_v some_o mean_n of_o this_o discovery_n and_o that_o mean_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v no_o other_o in_o this_o case_n but_o some_o rational_a and_o satisfactory_a evidence_n whereby_o we_o may_v know_v when_o strange_a and_o miraculous_a thing_n be_v do_v by_o satan_n to_o deceive_v man_n and_o when_o by_o a_o divine_a power_n to_o confirm_v a_o divine_a testimony_n but_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a say_v some_o that_o miracle_n shall_v be_v 2._o any_o ground_n on_o which_o to_o believe_v a_o testimony_n divine_a when_o christ_n himself_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o there_o shall_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o shall_v show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n in_o 24._o so_o much_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect_a and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o come_n of_o antichrist_n will_v be_v with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_a wonder_n how_o then_o can_v 9_o we_o fix_v on_o miracle_n as_o a_o evidence_n of_o divine_a testimony_n when_o we_o see_v they_o be_v common_a to_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n and_o may_v seal_v indifferent_o either_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n to_o this_o i_o reply_v 1._o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o do_v no_o small_a disservice_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n when_o upon_o such_o weak_a and_o frivolous_a pretence_n they_o give_v so_o great_a a_o advantage_n to_o infidelity_n as_o to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o validity_n of_o that_o which_o yield_v so_o ample_a a_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n for_o if_o once_o the_o rational_a ground_n on_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a be_v take_v away_o and_o the_o whole_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v lay_v on_o thing_n not_o only_o deride_v by_o man_n of_o atheistical_a spirit_n but_o in_o themselves_o such_o as_o can_v be_v discern_v or_o judge_v of_o by_o any_o but_o themselves_o upon_o what_o ground_n can_v we_o proceed_v to_o convince_v a_o unbeliever_n that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o believe_v be_v true_a if_o they_o tell_v he_o that_o as_o light_v and_o fire_n manifest_v themselves_o so_o do_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o those_o who_o believe_v it_o it_o will_v be_v soon_o reply_v that_o self-evidence_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o faith_n can_v imply_v nothing_o but_o either_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o mind_n concern_v the_o thing_n propound_v or_o else_o that_o there_o be_v such_o clear_a evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n it_o self_n that_o none_o who_o free_o use_v their_o reason_n can_v deny_v it_o the_o first_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n to_o any_o other_o person_n any_o further_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o person_n who_o declare_v it_o to_o have_v such_o self-evidence_n to_o he_o do_v extend_v its_o self_n over_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o other_o and_o to_o one_o self_n it_o seem_v a_o strange_a way_n of_o argue_v i_o believe_v the_o scripture_n because_o they_o be_v true_a and_o they_o be_v true_a because_o i_o believe_v they_o for_o self-evidence_n imply_v so_o much_o if_o by_o it_o be_v mean_v the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o mind_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v true_a but_o if_o by_o self-evidence_n be_v further_a mean_v such_o clear_a evidence_n in_o the_o matter_n propound_v that_o all_o who_o do_v consider_v it_o must_v believe_v it_o i_o then_o further_o inquire_v whether_o this_o evidence_n do_v lie_v in_o the_o nâ—ked_a proposal_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o the_o understanding_n and_o if_o so_o than_o every_o one_o who_o assent_v to_o this_o proposition_n that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o the_o part_n must_v likewise_o assent_v to_o this_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o whether_o do_v the_o evidence_n lie_v not_o in_o the_o naked_a proposal_n but_o in_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v propound_v then_o 1._o the_o self-evidence_n be_v take_v off_o from_o the_o write_a word_n which_o be_v the_o object_n and_o remove_v to_o a_o quite_o different_a thing_n which_o be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n 2._o whether_o then_o any_o person_n who_o want_v this_o efficacious_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v or_o can_v be_v bind_v to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v god_n word_n if_o they_o be_v bind_v the_o duty_n must_v be_v propound_v in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v they_o that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n but_o if_o all_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n lie_v on_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n than_o such_o as_o want_v this_o can_v have_v none_o at_o all_o but_o if_o â—astly_a by_o this_o self-evidence_n be_v mean_v
of_o rambam_n or_o r._n moses_n maimon_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n desire_v of_o he_o a_o sign_n and_o he_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v cut_v off_o his_o head_n and_o he_o will_v rise_v again_o which_o he_o cunning_o desire_v to_o avoid_v be_v torment_v which_o the_o king_n be_v resolve_v to_o try_v and_o according_o execute_v he_o but_o i_o suppose_v his_o resurrection_n and_o mahomet_n will_v be_v both_o in_o a_o day_n although_o maimonides_n tell_v we_o some_o of_o the_o jew_n be_v yet_o such_o fool_n as_o to_o expect_v his_o resurrection_n several_a other_o impostor_n maimonides_n dau._n mention_n in_o his_o epistle_n de_fw-fr australi_fw-la region_fw-la one_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o messiah_n because_o he_o cure_v himself_o of_o the_o leprosy_n in_o a_o night_n several_a other_o he_o mention_n in_o spain_n france_n and_o other_o part_n and_o the_o issue_n of_o they_o all_o be_v only_o a_o further_a aggravation_n of_o the_o misery_n and_o captivity_n of_o the_o poor_a jew_n who_o be_v so_o credulous_a in_o follow_v impostor_n and_o yet_o such_o strange_a infidel_n where_o there_o be_v plain_a and_o undoubted_a miracle_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o believe_v in_o our_o bless_a saviour_n as_o the_o true_a messiah_n we_o free_o grant_v then_o that_o many_o pretend_a miracle_n may_v be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n to_o deceive_v man_n with_o but_o do_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o either_o there_o be_v no_o true_a miracle_n do_v in_o the_o world_n or_o that_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a rule_n to_o distinguish_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o but_o as_o origen_n yet_o further_o reply_v to_o celsus_n as_o a_o wolf_n do_v very_o much_o resemble_v a_o dog_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n nor_o a_o turtle_n dove_n and_o a_o pigeon_n so_o that_o which_o be_v produce_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o which_o be_v produce_v by_o magic_n but_o as_o he_o argue_v be_v it_o possible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v only_a deceit_n in_o the_o world_n and_o magical_a operation_n and_o can_v there_o be_v no_o true_a miracle_n at_o all_o wrought_v be_v humane_a nature_n only_o capable_a of_o imposture_n or_o can_v none_o work_v miracle_n but_o devil_n where_o there_o be_v a_o worse_o there_o may_v be_v a_o better_a and_o so_o from_o the_o imposture_n &_o counterfeit_n we_o may_v infer_v that_o there_o be_v true_a miracle_n wrought_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n otherwise_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o say_v there_o be_v counterfeit_n but_o no_o jewel_n or_o there_o be_v sophism_n and_o paralogism_n but_o no_o legitimate_a demonstration_n if_o then_o there_o be_v such_o deceit_n there_o be_v true_a miracle_n too_o all_o the_o business_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d strict_o and_o severe_o to_o examine_v the_o pretâ—nders_n to_o do_v they_o and_o that_o from_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o those_o that_o do_v they_o and_o from_o the_o effect_n and_o consequent_n of_o they_o whether_o they_o do_v good_a or_o hurt_n in_o the_o world_n whâ—ther_o thâ—y_v correct_v man_n manner_n or_o bring_v man_n to_o goodness_n holiness_n and_o truth_n and_o on_o this_o account_n we_o be_v neither_o to_o reject_v all_o miracle_n nor_o embrace_v all_o pretence_n but_o careful_o and_o prudent_o examine_v the_o rational_a evidence_n whereby_o those_o which_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a may_v be_v know_v from_o such_o which_o be_v counterfeit_a and_o diabolical_a and_o this_o now_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o main_a subject_n of_o this_o chapter_n 4._o viz._n what_o rule_v we_o have_v to_o procee_v by_o in_o judge_a miracle_n to_o be_v true_a or_o false_a which_o may_v be_v these_o follow_v true_o divine_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o some_o 1._o divine_a testimony_n because_o we_o have_v manifest_v by_o all_o the_o precedent_a discourse_n that_o the_o intention_n of_o miracle_n be_v to_o seal_v some_o divine_a revelation_n therefore_o if_o god_n shall_v work_v miracle_n when_o no_o divine_a testimony_n be_v to_o be_v confirm_v god_n will_v set_v the_o broad_a seal_n of_o heaven_n to_o a_o blank_a if_o it_o be_v say_v no_o because_o it_o will_v witness_v to_o we_o now_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o testimony_n which_o be_v deliver_v so_o many_o age_n since_o i_o answer_v 1._o the_o truth_n of_o that_o testimony_n be_v sufficient_o seal_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o delivery_n of_o it_o and_o be_v convey_v down_o in_o a_o certain_a way_n to_o we_o be_v it_o not_o sufficient_a that_o the_o charter_n of_o a_o corporation_n have_v the_o prince_n broad_a seal_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o give_v of_o it_o but_o that_o every_o succâ—ssion_n of_o man_n in_o that_o corporation_n must_v have_v a_o new_a broad_a seal_n or_o else_o they_o ought_v to_o question_v their_o patent_n what_o ground_n can_v there_o be_v for_o that_o when_o the_o original_a seal_n and_o patent_n be_v preserve_v and_o be_v certain_o convey_v down_o from_o age_n to_o age_n so_o i_o say_v it_o be_v as_o to_o we_o god_n grand_a charter_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o the_o world_n through_o jesus_n christ_n be_v seal_v by_o divine_a miracle_n at_o the_o delivery_n of_o it_o to_o the_o world_n the_o original_a patent_n viz._n the_o scripture_n wherein_o this_o charter_n be_v contain_v be_v convey_v in_o a_o most_o certain_a manner_n to_o we_o to_o this_o patent_n the_o seal_n be_v annex_v and_o in_o it_o be_v contain_v those_o undoubted_a miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o it_o so_o that_o a_o new_a seal_n of_o this_o patent_n be_v whole_o needless_a unless_o we_o have_v some_o cause_n of_o suspicion_n that_o the_o original_a patent_n itself_o be_v lose_v or_o the_o first_o seal_v be_v not_o true_a if_o the_o lat_a than_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o true_a if_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v for_o confirmation_n of_o it_o be_v false_a because_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o depend_v so_o much_o on_o the_o verity_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v then_o wrought_v if_o the_o first_o be_v suspect_v viz._n the_o certain_a conveyance_n of_o the_o patent_n viz._n the_o scripture_n some_o certain_a ground_n of_o such_o a_o suspicion_n must_v be_v discover_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n especial_o when_o the_o great_a and_o many_o society_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n do_v all_o consent_n unanimous_o in_o the_o contrary_n nay_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o rational_a man_n can_v conceive_v that_o the_o patent_n which_o we_o now_o rely_v upon_o be_v supposititious_a or_o corrupt_v in_o any_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o concernment_n to_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o that_o on_o these_o account_n 1._o from_o the_o watchfulness_n of_o divine_a providence_n for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n can_v we_o conceive_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o rule_v and_o take_v care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o who_o to_o manifest_v his_o signal_n love_n to_o mankind_n shall_v not_o only_o grant_v a_o patent_n of_o mercy_n to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o son_n christ_n and_o then_o seal_v it_o by_o divine_a miracle_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o certain_a conveyance_n of_o it_o to_o the_o world_n cause_v it_o by_o person_n employ_v by_o himself_o to_o be_v record_v in_o a_o language_n fit_a for_o its_o disperse_v up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n all_o which_o i_o here_o suppose_v can_v we_o i_o say_v conceive_v that_o this_o god_n shall_v so_o far_o have_v cast_v off_o his_o care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n which_o be_v the_o original_a ground_n of_o the_o grant_v itself_o as_o to_o suffer_v any_o wicked_a man_n or_o malignant_a spirit_n to_o corrupt_v or_o alter_v any_o of_o those_o term_n in_o it_o on_o which_o man_n eternal_a salvation_n depend_v much_o less_o whole_o to_o suppress_v and_o destroy_v it_o and_o to_o send_v forth_o one_o that_o be_v counterfeit_a and_o supposititious_a instead_o of_o it_o and_o which_o shall_v not_o be_v discover_v by_o the_o christian_n of_o that_o age_n wherein_o that_o corrupt_a copy_n be_v set_v forth_o nor_o by_o any_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o inquisitive_a christian_n ever_o since_o they_o who_o can_v give_v any_o the_o least_o entertainment_n to_o so_o wild_a absurd_a and_o irrational_a a_o imagination_n be_v so_o far_o from_o reason_n that_o they_o be_v in_o good_a disposition_n to_o atheism_n and_o next_o to_o the_o suspect_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v corrupt_v they_o may_v rational_o suspect_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o god_n and_o providence_n in_o the_o world_n or_o that_o the_o world_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o spirit_n most_o malignant_a and_o envious_a of_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n which_o be_v a_o suspicion_n only_o become_v those_o heathen_n among_o
sarcastical_o answer_v the_o argument_n from_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o man_n quasi_fw-la verò_fw-la quidquam_fw-la sit_fw-la tam_fw-la valdè_fw-la quam_fw-la nihil_fw-la sapere_fw-la vulgar_a as_o though_o nothing_o man_n do_v more_o general_o agree_v in_o then_o in_o be_v fool_n yet_o as_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o ground_n of_o that_o scoff_n be_v from_o the_o several_a manner_n of_o divination_n then_o in_o use_n so_o it_o can_v be_v think_v to_o be_v a_o general_a impeachment_n of_o humane_a nature_n in_o a_o thing_n so_o consequent_a upon_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n which_o as_o himself_o elsewhere_o prove_v be_v as_o clear_v from_o reason_n as_o from_o that_o testimonium_fw-la gentium_fw-la in_o hac_fw-la una_fw-la re_fw-la non_fw-la dissidentium_fw-la as_o the_o christian_a cicero_n lactantius_n speak_v the_o consent_n of_o nation_n 2._o which_o scarce_o agree_v in_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o which_o we_o now_o infer_v from_o hence_o be_v that_o god_n may_v make_v know_v his_o mind_n in_o a_o way_n infallible_a though_o not_o immediate_a for_o in_o case_n of_o inspiration_n of_o mere_a man_n it_o be_v not_o they_o so_o much_o which_o speak_v as_o god_n by_o they_o and_o in_o case_n that_o god_n himself_o shall_v speak_v through_o the_o vail_n of_o humane_a nature_n the_o testimony_n must_v needs_o be_v infallible_a though_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o divinity_n be_v not_o visible_a those_o evidence_n whereby_o a_o divine_a testimony_n may_v be_v know_v must_v be_v such_o as_o may_v not_o leave_v man_n mind_n in_o suspense_n but_o be_v 4._o of_o their_o own_o nature_n convince_a proof_n of_o it_o for_o although_o as_o to_o the_o event_n some_o may_v doubt_v and_o other_o disbelieve_v the_o testimony_n so_o prove_v yet_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o our_o purpose_n that_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n suppose_v they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o we_o speak_v of_o they_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o eviction_n that_o the_o testimony_n attest_v by_o they_o be_v divine_a and_o infallible_a i_o know_v it_o be_v a_o great_a dispute_n among_o many_o whether_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v usual_o call_v the_o common_a motive_n of_o faith_n do_v of_o their_o own_o nature_n only_o induce_v a_o probable_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n as_o probable_a which_o they_o be_v join_v with_o or_o else_o be_v they_o sufficient_a for_o the_o produce_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n as_o true_a i_o grant_v they_o be_v not_o demonstrative_a so_o as_o to_o enforce_v assent_n for_o we_o see_v the_o contrary_a by_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n but_o that_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a foundation_n for_o a_o unprejudiced_a mind_n to_o establish_v a_o firm_a assent_n upon_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o easy_a to_o be_v grant_v chief_o upon_o this_o account_n that_o a_o obligation_n to_o believe_v do_v lie_v upon_o every_o one_o to_o who_o these_o evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n be_v sufficient_o discover_v and_o otherwise_o of_o all_o sin_n the_o sin_n of_o unbelief_n as_o to_o god_n reveal_v his_o mind_n be_v the_o most_o excusable_a and_o pardonable_a sin_n nay_o it_o will_v be_v little_o less_o than_o a_o part_n of_o prudence_n because_o what_o can_v it_o be_v account_v but_o temerity_n and_o imprudence_n in_o any_o to_o believe_v a_o doctrine_n as_o true_a only_a upon_o probable_a inducement_n and_o what_o can_v it_o be_v but_o wisdom_n to_o withhold_v assent_n upon_o a_o mere_a verisimilitude_n consider_v what_o the_o lyric_a poet_n have_v long_o since_o true_o tell_v we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o a_o falsehood_n may_v frequent_o seem_v true_o to_o common_a understanding_n then_o truth_n its_o self_n and_o as_o menander_n speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o a_o mere_a verisimilitude_n may_v have_v more_o force_n on_o vulgar_a mind_n than_o truth_n have_v if_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n give_v sufficient_a to_o carry_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n beyond_o mere_a probability_n what_o sin_n can_v it_o be_v in_o those_o to_o disbelieve_v who_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v as_o true_a what_o be_v only_o discover_v as_o probable_a i_o can_v therefore_o see_v how_o a_o obligation_n to_o believe_v a_o divine_a testimony_n be_v consistent_a with_o their_o opinion_n who_o make_v the_o utmost_a which_o any_o outward_a evidence_n can_v extend_v to_o to_o be_v only_o the_o bare_a credibility_n of_o the_o doctrine_n attest_v by_o they_o i_o can_v very_o well_o satisfy_v myself_o with_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n why_o the_o more_o subtle_a wit_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v essert_v this_o for_o if_o nothing_o else_o can_v be_v produce_v by_o all_o motive_n of_o faith_n but_o only_o a_o probable_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n than_o here_o come_v in_o the_o fair_a pretence_n for_o the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n for_o otherwise_o they_o tell_v we_o we_o can_v have_v no_o foundation_n for_o a_o divine_a faith_n for_o how_o can_v that_o be_v a_o foundation_n for_o divine_a faith_n which_o can_v reach_v no_o high_o than_o a_o moral_a inducement_n and_o beget_v only_o a_o probable_a persuasion_n of_o the_o credibility_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n but_o on_o what_o account_n those_o who_o disow_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o the_o proposal_n of_o matter_n of_o faith_n shall_v yet_o consent_v with_o those_o of_o it_o in_o a_o hypothesis_n take_v up_o in_o probability_n mere_o out_o of_o subserviency_n to_o that_o most_o advantageous_a piece_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v not_o easy_a to_o resolve_v unless_o the_o overfondness_n of_o some_o upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o school_n more_o than_o of_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o it_o for_o how_o agreeable_a can_v that_o opinion_n be_v to_o the_o gospel_n which_o so_o evident_o put_v the_o most_o defensive_a weapon_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o unbelief_n for_o doubtless_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o rational_a person_n a_o mere_a probable_a persuasion_n of_o the_o credibility_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n where_o a_o assent_n to_o it_o as_o true_a be_v require_v can_v never_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o act_n of_o faith_n for_o if_o my_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v according_a to_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o argument_n induce_v i_o to_o believe_v and_o these_o argument_n do_v only_o prove_v a_o probability_n of_o divine_a testimony_n my_o assent_n can_v be_v no_o strong_a than_o to_o a_o thing_n mere_o probable_a which_o be_v that_o it_o may_v be_v or_o not_o be_v true_a which_o be_v not_o proper_o assent_v but_o a_o suspending_a our_o judgement_n till_o some_o convince_a argument_n be_v produce_v on_o either_o side_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o this_o opinion_n those_o who_o see_v all_o the_o miracle_n which_o christ_n do_v can_v not_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n but_o only_o to_o have_v a_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o his_o person_n and_o doctrine_n as_o a_o thing_n which_o though_o not_o evidence_v to_o be_v true_a by_o what_o he_o do_v yet_o it_o be_v very_o pious_o credible_a but_o they_o must_v have_v a_o care_n withal_o of_o venture_v their_o belief_n too_o far_o only_o on_o such_o moral_a inducement_n as_o miracel_n be_v for_o fear_v they_o shall_v go_v far_o than_o the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n will_v carry_v they_o have_v not_o this_o opinion_n now_o think_v we_o be_v a_o very_a probable_a way_n to_o have_v convert_v the_o world_n upon_o the_o preach_a of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n when_o christ_n say_v though_o you_o believe_v not_o i_o believe_v the_o work_n 38._o that_o you_o may_v know_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o he_o nay_o say_v this_o opinion_n that_o be_v more_o than_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v though_o we_o see_v thy_o work_n we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v thy_o testimony_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o certain_o true_a but_o we_o will_v do_v all_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v we_o will_v entertain_v a_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o thy_o person_n and_o doctrine_n and_o wait_v for_o somewhat_o else_o but_o we_o do_v not_o well_o know_v what_o to_o persuade_v we_o to_o believe_v when_o the_o apostle_n preach_v the_o danger_n of_o unbelief_n because_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v confirm_v by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n 4._o and_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n what_o a_o fair_a answer_n do_v this_o opinion_n put_v into_o the_o mouth_n of_o infidel_n that_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o sign_n and_o wonder_n they_o be_v never_o bind_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n
as_o a_o certain_a truth_n and_o therefore_o they_o hope_v the_o danger_n be_v not_o so_o great_a in_o neglect_v the_o salvation_n promise_v by_o the_o gospel_n i_o can_v conceive_v that_o man_n otherwise_o learned_a and_o sober_a 11._o shall_v with_o so_o much_o confidence_n assert_v that_o the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n be_v insufficient_a to_o prove_v a_o doctrine_n true_a unless_o it_o be_v from_o hence_o that_o they_o find_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o strong_a evidence_n many_o person_n continue_v in_o unbelief_n for_o say_v they_o if_o these_o argument_n be_v scientifical_a and_o demonstrative_a as_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n attest_v by_o they_o than_o all_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v propound_v must_v certain_o believe_v but_o this_o be_v very_o easy_o answer_v for_o we_o speak_v not_o of_o internal_a but_o outward_a evidence_n not_o of_o that_o in_o the_o subject_n but_o of_o the_o object_n or_o more_o full_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o not_o the_o event_n in_o we_o for_o doubtless_o there_o may_v be_v undoubted_a truth_n and_o evidence_n in_o many_o thing_n which_o some_o person_n either_o can_v or_o will_v not_o understand_v if_o epicurus_n shall_v contend_v still_o that_o the_o sun_n and_o star_n be_v no_o big_a than_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v will_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o rational_a demonstration_n of_o the_o contrary_a nay_o if_o the_o way_n of_o demonstration_n be_v offer_v he_o and_o telescope_n put_v into_o his_o hand_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o maintain_v his_o credit_n and_o therefore_o his_o opinion_n and_o will_v not_o use_v the_o telescope_n or_o suspect_v still_o they_o be_v intend_v only_o to_o deceive_v his_o sight_n what_o possible_a way_n will_v there_o be_v of_o convince_a such_o a_o person_n though_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o its_o self_n demonstrable_a now_o if_o the_o strength_n of_o prejudice_n or_o maintain_v of_o credit_n can_v prevail_v so_o much_o in_o matter_n of_o mathematical_a evidence_n to_o withhold_v assent_n what_o power_n may_v we_o think_v a_o corrupt_a interest_n may_v have_v upon_o the_o understanding_n as_o to_o the_o argument_n which_o tend_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v so_o repugnant_a to_o that_o carnal_a interest_n which_o the_o heart_n be_v already_o devote_a to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v himself_o give_v we_o so_o full_a a_o account_n of_o the_o original_n and_o cause_n of_o unbelief_n in_o the_o person_n he_o converse_v with_o that_o that_o may_v yield_v we_o a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o this_o objection_n he_o tell_v we_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v not_o want_v of_o light_n nay_o there_o be_v light_n sufficient_a to_o convince_v any_o but_o that_o those_o to_o who_o the_o light_n come_v love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o it_o because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a that_o they_o can_v 19_o not_o believe_v while_o they_o receive_v honour_v one_o of_o another_o and_o seek_v not_o the_o honour_n which_o be_v of_o god_n only_o i._n e._n that_o they_o 44._o be_v so_o greedy_a of_o applause_n from_o each_o other_o that_o they_o will_v not_o impartial_o search_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o do_v touch_v their_o sore_n so_o to_o the_o quick_a that_o they_o have_v rather_o have_v they_o fester_v upon_o they_o then_o go_v to_o the_o trouble_n of_o so_o sharp_a a_o cure_n that_o the_o reason_n so_o few_o follow_v he_o be_v because_o the_o way_n be_v narrow_a and_o the_o gate_n straight_o which_o man_n must_v go_v in_o at_o and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n so_o few_o of_o the_o rich_a 14._o and_o proud_a pharisee_n can_v get_v in_o at_o it_o they_o be_v partly_o so_o swell_v with_o a_o high_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o and_o partly_o so_o load_v with_o their_o riches_n that_o they_o think_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o they_o to_o think_v of_o go_v in_o at_o so_o straight_o a_o gate_n while_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o part_v with_o neither_o that_o the_o final_a ground_n of_o the_o rejection_n of_o any_o be_v not_o want_v of_o evidence_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o believe_v nor_o want_v of_o readiness_n in_o christ_n to_o receive_v they_o if_o they_o do_v but_o it_o be_v a_o peevish_a wilful_a obstinate_a malicious_a spirit_n that_o they_o will_v not_o come_v 40._o to_o christ_n nor_o believe_v his_o doctrine_n for_o those_o import_n the_o same_o but_o when_o the_o most_o convince_a miracle_n be_v use_v they_o will_v rather_o attribute_v they_o to_o the_o prince_n of_o devil_n 24._o then_o to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o though_o our_o saviour_n present_o by_o rational_a and_o demonstrative_a argument_n do_v prove_v the_o contrary_a to_o their_o face_n yet_o we_o see_v thereby_o it_o be_v a_o resolution_n not_o to_o be_v convince_v or_o yield_v to_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v now_o from_o this_o very_a instance_n of_o our_o saviour_n proceed_n with_o the_o pharisee_n by_o rational_a argument_n i_o demand_v whether_o these_o argument_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v sufficient_a foundation_n for_o a_o divine_a assent_n to_o that_o truth_n that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o his_o miracle_n by_o any_o diabolical_a but_o by_o divine_a power_n or_o no_o if_o they_o be_v than_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o rational_a evidence_n may_v be_v a_o foundation_n for_o divine_a faith_n or_o that_o some_o motive_n to_o believe_v may_v be_v so_o strong_a as_o to_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o doctrine_n if_o these_o argument_n be_v not_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o what_o our_o saviour_n speak_v then_o well_o fare_v the_o pharisee_n it_o seem_v they_o say_v nothing_o but_o what_o may_v be_v thus_o far_o justify_v that_o the_o contrary_a to_o it_o can_v not_o be_v demonstrate_v and_o if_o the_o evidence_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n be_v so_o great_a as_o some_o suppose_v that_o the_o pharisee_n can_v not_o but_o be_v convince_v that_o they_o be_v divine_a but_o out_o of_o their_o malice_n and_o envy_n they_o utter_v this_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o keep_v the_o people_n from_o follow_v christ_n then_o we_o hence_o infer_v two_o thing_n first_o how_o strong_a a_o evidence_n there_o be_v in_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n when_o it_o convince_v his_o most_o resolute_a enemy_n that_o they_o be_v divine_a second_o what_o power_n a_o corrupt_a will_n may_v have_v over_o a_o convince_a understanding_n for_o although_o the_o will_n may_v not_o hinder_v conviction_n yet_o it_o may_v soon_o stifle_v it_o by_o suggest_v those_o thing_n to_o the_o mind_n which_o may_v divert_v it_o from_o those_o conviction_n of_o truth_n and_o seek_v to_o find_v out_o any_o way_n to_o disgrace_v it_o it_o will_v be_v no_o difficult_a task_n to_o discover_v in_o all_o those_o instance_n wherein_o the_o unbelief_n of_o man_n be_v discover_v in_o the_o new_a 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